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Buying or Selling a Home/Questions Answered by Expert Sue Bernstein

Subject	Date Asked
Addition	2/9/2012
Q: I purchased my first home about one year ago. It is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath single family home in a Los ... A: If you only bought your home about a year ago it is unlikely that you can sell it now and, taking ...
costs for a new home	2/8/2012
Q: I just had a question about the costs of upgrading to a new house when you outgrow your current one. ... A: First of all, you do not pay the broker's fee when you purchase. That is paid by the seller and ...
Home Additions	1/4/2012
Q: I just purchased a 900 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 1 bath home back in April near Los Angeles. I am ... A: Michael, I am very familiar with Winnetka. I believe you have to look at this as a long term ...
Home Additions	1/4/2012
Q: I just purchased a 900 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 1 bath home back in April near Los Angeles. I am ... A: Congratulations on your new home. Adding an extra bath and a master suite will definitely add value ...
Short Sale	1/2/2012
Q: I'm currently looking at properties that are on short sale. I understand the process of purchasing a ... A: Unfortunately short sales are a difficult and lengthy process. There is a separate department that ...
foreclosing on deceased's property	1/12/2010
Q: if there are no funds in an estate, do the heirs who inherit the property, also inherit the debt ... A: I don't know what you are referring to when you talk about debt liability. If you mean the ...
Selling Fire Damaged Property???	1/5/2010
Q: I am 21 years old and feel way over my head!! I was given a house to me by inheritance 4 years ago. ... A: Get yourself an experienced real estate agent to represent you. That person will tell you up front ...
appraisal under offer amount	12/31/2009
Q: We entered into a contract for a single family dwelling in central California on a bank owned ... A: Adam, Unfortunately, you cannot be re-imbursed for expenses incurred if you should cancel the ...
Home unlivable	8/20/2009
Q: I had a home inspection done and when it was being done I asked the inspector what the washed out ... A: Stephanie, You really need to contact an attorney to see what rights you may have. If the ...
Quick Question	8/16/2009
Q: Unfortunately, I am in the process of losing my home to forclosure. I was a care giver for my father ... A: Skyler, The first thing I would do is contact the lender and explain the situation and see what ...
buyer deposit	8/4/2009
Q: i was the seller in a real estate transaction that failed to close. after 8 long weeks in escrow ... A: While buyer's have unremoved contingencies their deposit is protected. Normally, we as agents keep ...
Mold	7/29/2009
Q: If I am selling a home that had mold in it at one point but the situation has been fixed do I have ... A: Usually the best answer is that if you have to ask if you should disclose then you should disclose. ...
buyer deposit	7/28/2009
Q: i was the seller in a real estate transaction that failed to close. after 8 long weeks in escrow ... A: Did the buyer remove his loan contingency? If he did not then you have to return his deposit. If he ...
Selling a home - moving overseas	5/14/2009
Q: My home is on the market through a realtor, however, I will be leaving the country very soon, so I ... A: As long as you have access to fax or email and can receive Fedex (or other carrier) you should be ...
Any Suggestions?	4/25/2009
Q: "Hello, I have lived in a home in Las Vegas, NV for 20 years, we refinanced a couple times. ... A: It seems that you have 3 options. 1. Take in a room mate who can pay rent thereby assisting with the ...
Remodel inherited home before selling?	4/21/2009
Q: I have inherited a home in the SF Bay Area (I live on the East Coast). The house is in a fairly ... A: My experience is that houses sell faster AS IS and if priced aggressively (low) will bring a higher ...
Real Estate	4/3/2009
Q: Do you think web sites such as mlalistings.com or craigslist.org have in some ways made realtors ... A: I don't think these sites make agents obsolete and therefore the economy didn't play a part. Real ...
question	3/31/2009
Q: We put on offer to buy a home along with earnest money check. Our extended family member also ... A: There is nothing wrong with the seller disclosing another offer price. He has the right to try and ...
Low appraisal	3/26/2009
Q: We are purchasing a new construction condo in Murrieta, CA. We have been informed that the ... A: Tony, The appraiser is not finding comps to justify the price you are paying therefor the bank will ...
Grant Deed	2/27/2009
Q: My husband and I recently purchased a second home as our primary residence. The first home became ... A: Lori, You can have the deed changed from joint tenancy to tenants in common or whatever you all ...
Changing the name on a title deed	2/25/2009
Q: My wife has a house in Southern California that she’s been renting out for the past 10 years. Her ... A: Jeff, All tax questions have to be referred to an accountant or attorney as a real estate agent is ...
home buying/selling	1/25/2009
Q: My fiancé and I currently live in her condo and are getting married in May. We have started to look ... A: My suggestion to you is that you go out and make sure there are properties in your price range that ...
earnest deposit	1/21/2009
Q: I have always been under the impression that if a seller executes a contract with a buyer and the ... A: In a word the answer is NO. Checking the FHA financing box only states that you will be getting FHA ...
PRIVACY	12/31/2008
Q: HOW CAN I BY A HOUSE THROUGH MY LAWYER, KEEPING MY NAME PRIVATE. NOT ILLEGAL BUT PRIVATE. I DONT ... A: I'm sorry but I don't know the answer of how it is done but I believe it can be done. I would check ...
Buyer's Default	12/26/2008
Q: The buyer for our house in northern California just canceled his purchase contract and asked for ... A: By adding to the signed addendum after the buyer's signature you altered the agreement. The buyer's ...
Disclosure on listing agreement and HOA	12/5/2008
Q: If I put my house up for sale do I have to disclose a Nasty Neighbor who fights with other ... A: This is a very difficult one to answer. I don't believe the fact that someone is nasty is a ...
helping buyer purchase home	12/3/2008
Q: I'm a Realtor and met a possible buyer who lives in a home owned by his girlfriend's mom. He's ... A: You need to have your clients meet with a lender to determine their qualification to purchase. I ...
landlord access	11/13/2008
Q: The landlord has died, and my husband who is trustee of the estate has three rental properties that ... A: If the tenants turn out to be uncooperative it may be necessary to terminate the occupancy. If ...
Bought a home with a boyfriend	10/11/2008
Q: I made a tragic mistake last year and bought a home with a boyfriend(of 10 years). We have now split ... A: Rachel, In order to sell a property all persons on title have to agree. You can try selling the ...
Buying A short Sale	9/24/2008
Q: I make about 130,000 a year but I do have a NY state tax lien. My credit is not good but the income ... A: First thing you need to do is contact a lender and get pre-approved for a loan. The lender can tell ...
Real estate general question	9/6/2008
Q: We have been trying to sell our home in rural northern michigan for over a year now. My sister, who ... A: Anyone who reads a paper should be aware that the housing market is depressed and foreclosures are ...
selling a home	9/2/2008
Q: 1.I am thinking of selling my home that is under prop 13, what are the rules around rolling my prop ... A: Since its passage, Proposition 13 prohibits property tax increases until property ownership is ...
Inherited home	8/30/2008
Q: In my Mother's trust she has given me her home and it's contents. Will my property tax base change ... A: Mary, Under proposition 13 properties are reassessed upon change of ownership. If the house stays ...
title search/ HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!	8/29/2008
Q: Twelve years ago I purchase a home from a church. A lawyer handled the transaction (whom I paid as ... A: Get an attorney immediately. This agreement should have come up in the title search when you ...
Breach of contract	8/22/2008
Q: We sold our house under a contract that kept the mortgage in our names for 25 months to allow the ... A: You need to seek local advice perhaps from an attorney to see what your options are. There should ...
Notifying Renter of Appraisal	8/15/2008
Q: In trying to settle a Trust Estate, I need to get an appraisal on a home occupied by renters. When I ... A: Margaret, This really isn't a question for a real estate agent but my suggestion is that you need ...
Selling a house on an easement	8/4/2008
Q: I am an agent with a listing on an easement. It is the 3rd among 5 houses on a common driveway. I ... A: Robert. I would really need to know more about the easement. It always comes down to price. You ...
Breach of contract	7/25/2008
Q: Do I have the right to cancel a sale of my home if escrow does not close within the 45 days ... A: Elena, You have the right to cancel if the buyer does not perform. However, it is difficult to ...
Buying a Corner Lot House	7/6/2008
Q: I'm considering buying a four-year-old former model home that's located on a corner lot at the ... A: There is differing opinions on whether corner homes are preferable or a negative. Many people like ...
buying a for sale by owner	7/1/2008
Q: my new wife and I are going to be buying our first home here very soon. Just so you dont waste your ... A: You definitely should be represented by an agent. How that agent is compensated is whatever you ...
lien on home I purchased	6/20/2008
Q: I purchased a foreclosure about 6 months ago. I just learned that their was a lien placed on the ... A: You have to look at your original contract. Most will say that the property will be delivered free ...
Firing your realtor	6/19/2008
Q: I am in the process of buying a home. I came to my realtor having seen the home on my own already. ... A: You have to read and see exactly what the contract says. That will spell out your obligation. Most ...
Firing your realtor	6/19/2008
Q: I am in the process of buying a home. I came to my realtor having seen the home on my own already. ... A: Since you never signed a contract hiring the realtor you are under no obligation to work with him. ...
Sale Agreement	6/18/2008
Q: we just signed a contract with an agent to sell our house, then we have second thought about it. if ... A: So you didn't have second thoughts about selling. That is a little different. You signed a ...
Sale Agreement	6/18/2008
Q: we just signed a contract with an agent to sell our house, then we have second thought about it. if ... A: Your agent will have the form. You have signed a contract and you must have your agent's agreement ...
agent problem	5/28/2008
Q: I had to end up cancelling a contract with my agent/broker due to many problems, but she is refusing ... A: Zack, I am a little confused. You say that you cancelled the listing but your old agent has ...
Buyer Commission	5/18/2008
Q: I am a newly licensed real estate agent in California. I am also licensed in Texas. My broker ... A: Yes, as an agent you can collect commission when purchasing property. There are instances such as ...
Earnst Money-Loan denied	5/11/2008
Q: Am I entitled to my Earnst money if the loan is denied. Real estate agent was informed verbally and ... A: It all depends on whether you have removed all your contingencies. If all your contingencies have ...
Rights for tenants when the property is being sold	5/11/2008
Q: We are moving out of our townhouse that we rent. The owner has decided he will be selling and not ... A: I would have to see your lease to see what it says to advise you what your rights are. With that ...
seller railroaded by real estate agent	4/10/2008
Q: A friend inherited real estate in Los Angeles and asked me if I would be interested in purchasing ... A: Your friend may be in a very difficult situation. I would suggest he consult an attorney ...
Allowing a lease-option for current home so we can buy a new home?	4/6/2008
Q: We bought a condo two years ago with the hope of buying a bigger one after we got married. Now we ... A: Talk with a lender and see if you qualify for a new home if you rent out yours. I would not do a ...
buying a loft	3/23/2008
Q: Is it possible to purchase a completely empty loft? I mean devoid of kitchen, bathroom, etc. I want ... A: Lofts are becoming popular in many cities so where you live in California will determine whether ...
Shortsale	3/19/2008
Q: My husband and I own a home in California which we lived in for 2 years, now, for the last 6 months ... A: I would call your mortgagor yourself and ask this question. I believe you are correct in assuming ...
Need to sell house in another state	3/12/2008
Q: I was wondering how I can find a realtor to sell my house in Texas long-distance. I have moved ... A: If you have a local realtor contact him/her and have them refer you. Most companies participate in ...
tenant rights - owners selling	3/12/2008
Q: We were recently informed that the house we have a 12 month lease on is being sold. Fortunately for ... A: You are required to follow exactly what is in the lease. It is customary to put your phone number ...
first home	2/8/2008
Q: I moved in recently to a home, as a rental. Across the street there is an elderly woman who recently ... A: Again, I can only tell you how it is in California. The state's primary concern is the best ...
first home	2/8/2008
Q: I moved in recently to a home, as a rental. Across the street there is an elderly woman who recently ... A: Kim, I can only tell you how it works in California. When a person is declared incapable of caring ...
first time home buyer	2/6/2008
Q: we found a house we would like to purchase. our real estate broker asked us for the good faith ... A: You absolutely need to be represented by an agent in making the offer. If you go in alone you will ...
FSBO and attorney	2/6/2008
Q: My husband and I are considering trying either simple FSBO or Rent-to-own. In what stage will we ... A: Rent to owns don't work, at least not in Southern CA and not in all the years I have practiced real ...
Due Diligence from the Seller's Agent	2/5/2008
Q: I just closed on a single family house on the 28th of Jan. in Ventura County California. And found ... A: I am sorry moving into your new house has not proved to be the enjoyable experience you should have ...
Getting earnest deposit back	12/18/2007
Q: Back in June of 2007 my husband and I signed a sales agreement to purchase a condo, which was in the ... A: Julia, I had previously answered this question but it may have fallen into some black hole. I ...
Don't know what to do	12/7/2007
Q: I'm Joyce and am at a complete loss. My mother dies this June and the deed to her house was POD to ... A: I really can't comment on how soft the market is in Wisconsin as I am a California agent. The first ...
Need ask about earnest money!	12/2/2007
Q: My wife and I went to shop the new house and chose the Plantation Homes Builder just one week ago. ... A: You have to look at your contract in regards to the deposit. There are usually contingencies that ...
Need ask about earnest money!	12/2/2007
Q: My wife and I went to shop the new house and chose the Plantation Homes Builder just one week ago. ... A: Nothing will happen to you if you cancel your deal. Most likely you have contingencies that give ...
estate home sale	11/5/2007
Q: My sister and I inherited a house a few years ago. My sister wants me to buy her out; recently the ... A: I thought you were buying your sister out. That would include taking over the loan and turning ...
What to do when I want to relocate?	10/26/2007
Q: I am thinking of relocating out of CA in late 2008 to early 2009. What are my options for the ... A: I'm really not sure what you are asking. If you want to opt of your ownership you can sell your ...
Unhappy future home Buyer	10/22/2007
Q: My husband and I rently signed a contract to build a new home. We have deposited 8000,00 so far on ... A: Look at your contract. Were your selections in writing? If so you should be able to refuse the ...
Faulty plumbing in home purchase	10/19/2007
Q: My sister bought a house, moved in Monday and Tuesday, On Wednesday she put a load of laundry in, ... A: I am guessing that your sister had an ispection done during the escrow process. Did the inspector ...
real estate verbal agreement	10/18/2007
Q: Berstein I Recently made a verbal agreement with a friend that, if he purchased a home for me ... A: Dee, There are several things you should have done when you entered into this agreement with your ...
real estate verbal agreement	10/18/2007
Q: Berstein I Recently made a verbal agreement with a friend that, if he purchased a home for me ... A: You may want to consult an attorney but I don't believe you can do anything to stop your friend from ...
house sale	10/11/2007
Q: I am co-trustee with two others who are selling a house from my father who left it in a trust to ... A: Jon, You have to check the trust paperwork. If all of you are named as trustees then you all have ...
Canceling Listing Agreement	10/7/2007
Q: We signed a Residential Listing Agreement in mid-August. Our Agreement is for five months, but our ... A: If your agent is going to honor his word he will just cancel the listing with no cost to you. In ...
Quitclaim question	10/1/2007
Q: When my mother-in-law bought the house 11 years ago, her niece gave her 20k to add to her down ... A: Before I can answer this question I need a few clarifications. From what I understand your ...
Illegal Extension	9/24/2007
Q: We just found out today that the house we are trying to buy (no offer has been submitted yet) has an ... A: There is no contract between you and your agent unless you signed an exclusive buyers agreement(not ...
Changing buyer's agent (no contract)	9/20/2007
Q: I've looked through your past answers and didn't see this precise question, so I hope I'm not being ... A: Get a new agent. You definitely need representation but not bad representation. You should not ...
Illegal Extension	9/18/2007
Q: We just found out today that the house we are trying to buy (no offer has been submitted yet) has an ... A: Since you have not written an offer you have no contractual obligation. Usually when a city finds ...
Mobile Home buying rights	9/11/2007
Q: The woman there is something though and we are worried as she says the only way I can be there is if ... A: Sorry, I don't think I can be of much help with this question. You must comply with the rules. I ...
possible scam... need advice please	9/8/2007
Q: .. i had my Ohio home listed with a realty service for many months without any success. i decided to ... A: I think this is more a common sense problem than a real estate problem. I have not heard of this ...
sale of my home	9/2/2007
Q: We sold our house on a contract and gave the buyers 4 monthes to sell thier home. We were moving to ... A: First all all I have to apologize if this response is getting to you late as I was out of town for a ...
disclosure	8/30/2007
Q: We are about to close on a home tomorrow. In the disclosure form, the sellers had indicated that ... A: What does your contract read? It may be that you did not ask for the washer, dryer and ...
Validity of contract	8/30/2007
Q: I recently relocated from FL to California (Rancho Cucamonga) and was in the process of selling my ... A: I am really sorry to hear about what you are going through. Start off by calling that lender who ...
Selling a property that is currently being rented	8/21/2007
Q: My husband and I own an apartment condo that we have rented out. However we are in the process of ... A: The most important issue is what kind of rental agreement you have with your tenant. Check with ...
time alllowed to exercise first right of refusal	7/27/2007
Q: I co-own a piece of property in CA as a member of an LLC. The LLC gives first right of refusal - ... A: The problem is that you have no time period built into the first right of refusal. You can accept ...
Obtaining Title Insurance	7/12/2007
Q: I am purchasing a 32 year-old condominium. In Pennsylvania the fees for title insurance are fixed ... A: I can make this short and sweet. Do not even think about purchasing any real estate without ...
home buying	6/26/2007
Q: I am buying a home but I cant let it be known that I legally own it, nor can my name be anywhere in ... A: Ren'e, As far a I am aware, if you are the legal owner it is going to show up in public records. ...
Offer for our house	6/25/2007
Q: Well, we finally have people looking at our home - a lot too. We priced it at $269,000 which I ... A: First of all, good news that you are now getting activity on your home. Keep in mind with lots of ...
firing my agent - short sale did not go thru - lost my loan	6/12/2007
Q: I'll try to make this long story short... I recently got married and wanted to have our house ready ... A: I'm sorry to hear that you are having such problems. Short sales are difficult at best and many ...
Need To Back Out of Escrow	6/10/2007
Q: A friend of mine's life partner passed away unexpectedly last week and they were in the process of ... A: If your friend and his partner owned the home as joint tenants then there would be no probate and ...
selling a home	6/2/2007
Q: We listed our house in Temecula, CA in April with a real estate agency and we have yet to have ... A: There is definitely something wrong if your house is listed and you aren't getting any showings. ...
Condominium Closing Day Notice	5/28/2007
Q: I was given ONLY a 4 day written notice on the closing date of my condominum. I was sent an email ... A: I am a little confused by the February 1, 2007 date since that is long past. Questions: Did you ...
closing costs	5/17/2007
Q: We are thinking of selling our home and buying another. Moving up a little. Anyhow we would like to ... A: I can't break down all the costs because they vary depending on the area. A good rule of thumb is ...
Adding children on the grand deed title	5/11/2007
Q: After the escrow closed, I want to add my two son to the house's grand deed title, my questions is: ... A: You can add your sons to title via a quit claim deed. An escrow company can usually assist you with ...
selecting realtor	5/7/2007
Q: We are looking for our first home to buy. We have been looking without a realtor so far. We like a ... A: It is my opinion that you are always better off having your own agent represent you. The most the ...
Selling home while still in trust	4/30/2007
Q: Can you tell me if I can/should sell a home while it is still in the trust. What are the ... A: Yes, you can sell a house that is in a trust. As far as whether you should and what the tax ...
SCAM?	4/24/2007
Q: My wife and I put our LA home up for sale.Had several offers, but one investment company came in and ... A: Everything depends on what your contract says. Based on what you told me it sounds like you are ...
what is a window covering?	4/23/2007
Q: I recently purchased a home. In the contract my agent hand-wrote that "all window coverings" were ... A: I agree with you. In California, window coverings are included in the boiler plate California Assn ...
REPOST: CA real state	4/16/2007
Q: Sorry, i forgot to say that the house is in california: I got divorced last year and pocketed 90k ... A: Option 1- the banks have no say what your parents sell their house for. You really need to talk to ...
Responsibilities as a seller	3/29/2007
Q: My mom passed away and I am trying to sell her home. It has not had a lot of upgrades and they had ... A: There are certain retrofit requirements(smoke detectors, sliding doors, shower heads, low flow ...
Breaking a Lease with Option to Purchase	3/18/2007
Q: I live in Michigan and signed a Lease with Option to Purchase with a couple. The lease was 1 yr but ... A: Right now it sounds like your tenants are in default on their rent. Check your state's laws but you ...
changed property line	2/28/2007
Q: I bought a newly built home about 16 months ago. I looked at the property before they built on it ... A: I would meet with a real estate attorney and let him/her review your contracts. It sounds like the ...
Buying a home with a bank loan	2/9/2007
Q: My name is Reuben Raya, i'm 19 and I recently been looking for a home to live in. My question is, ... A: There are loans being offered by the banks that will finance the entire purchase. You need to ...
advice	1/22/2007
Q: I am 30 years old single male from Detroit, MI. I live with my 2 siblings and our mother. I make ... A: Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. The questions you are asking really pertain to your ...
buying	1/17/2007
Q: if i purchase a home on a six mounth land contract and I dicide after 2 mounths that i dont want it ... A: Are you sure you purchased it as a land contract and not a lease purchase? If you purchased the ...
earnest funds	11/8/2006
Q: A buyer put a deposit of $2000 down when making an offer on our home. He had until November 8th to ... A: It really depends on what the contract reads. In California buyers can pretty much back out for any ...
Working with my realtor	11/5/2006
Q: I would like to pass out flyers of my house to get it to sell quickly. I asked my realtor if I ... A: You hired your realtor at an agreed upon amount for her expertise as a real estate agent. Besides ...
years	11/1/2006
Q: I have a Q reg buying a home with some consideration of build date. I.e.; abstetos was banned in ... A: Much of what you are asking should really be requested of a contractor or builder. I don't even ...
withdraw from listing my home	10/22/2006
Q: I entered into a contract to list my property with an agency beause an offer I made to purchase a ... A: I have never seen that in a listing contract and this may make a difference. What state are you in ...
withdraw from listing my home	10/22/2006
Q: I entered into a contract to list my property with an agency beause an offer I made to purchase a ... A: You are absolutely right. In your contract you agree to pay her commission when you receive an offer ...
real estate	10/15/2006
Q: My brothers and I are interested in Buyng homes, renovating them and then selling them. (flipping) ... A: Leslie, Before you get into this kind of business you have to make sure you are capitalized enough ...
Retaining current tax after age 55	9/27/2006
Q: My husband and I purchased our home in 1980 (in Fillmore, CA). We used the VA Plan. We have ... A: Sharron, Yes, it is true that you can probably transfer your existing tax rate. The only thing ...
homes for sale	9/26/2006
Q: As we all know that real estate has really slowly down throughout Florida. I'm a property ... A: Leo, Because you are so far away from your properties you must rely on the advice given to you by ...
Seller backing out of PA/bad realtor	9/25/2006
Q: I live in the state of Ohio. We viewed a home listed by agent A and was shown to us by Agent B. We ... A: I am going to answer this question based on how it would play out if it was in California. If the ...
lease with option to purchase	9/15/2006
Q: Sue, I live in Northern CA. I own a parcel with 3 homes on it. Even though the market was changing ... A: Jodie, In over 30 years of real estate I have only seen one lease option ever work. You are ...
fiduciary duties	9/12/2006
Q: -----Dear sue, thanks for the reply. I'll answer your questions first. We are in escrow with ... A: The way I see it is the problem that you can't close the escrow with the existing buyer according to ...
fiduciary duties	9/12/2006
Q: we suspect our listing agent has breached more then one of her fiduciary duties by informing the ... A: If I understand your question, you are in escrow and are still showing your house. I am not sure if ...
duplex	8/28/2006
Q: My best friend and I bought a duplex for $400,000. She occupied one unit(A) while I lived in the ... A: This is less a real estate question than an agreement of whatever you and your friend decide. If you ...
discounts?	8/25/2006
Q: how do i find real estate at deep discounts? how do i know when the listing is deeply discounted ... A: When you find out where to get properties 75% lower than fair market value please let me know. I ...
investing in fixer uppers	8/25/2006
Q: what are the crucial things to look for when choosing a fixer upper to buy? A: I am starting with the assumption that you are buyer the fixer to fix and flip. Start with your ...
Refinance	8/23/2006
Q: In 2000 we purchased a 1974 manufactured home. We were led to believe at that time we would be able ... A: I am guessing that when you purchased the home in 2000 you paid all cash. Who told you that you ...
backing out of escrow	8/15/2006
Q: My father in law has been notified a few months ago by the state that they are imposing emeniet ... A: You have to look at the contract that your father signed. If he still has some contingencies that ...
purchasing a house with good friends	8/15/2006
Q: Is it a good or bad idea to pool income and buy a property (Duplex - quadplex) with 4-5 friends in ... A: If this is the only choice you have it could turn out alright. I have heard too many horror stories ...
How To Terminate A Real Estate agent under Contract	8/6/2006
Q: I am a Federal Agent Stationed in Los Angeles with a house in Riverside. In April I received ... A: If there is a provision that will allow you out of your contract I am unaware of it. This is exactly ...
What can I do ?	8/3/2006
Q: Last year I purchased an old Victorian Home in Alameda. My friend was my agent and we were both ... A: I am really sorry that all of this has happened to you. This might be a situation where you should ...
People persons?	7/27/2006
Q: I've been told that you really need to be a people person and able to present ideas to work in the ... A: I can only answer this question based on my personal observations. You don't necessarily have to be ...
Custom Home	7/17/2006
Q: Ms. Bernestein, I recently moved to a small city from a lot larger city and it is my opinion that ... A: Much of your situation is outside of my expertise but I really don't see why you would need a real ...
Selling	7/6/2006
Q: I am trying to sell my home in Ca. and buy in Ok. I found a home in Ok. that I made an offer on. The ... A: I don't blame you for being upset with your agent. I would confront him and ask him to explain why ...
breaking the buyers contract	7/5/2006
Q: i was told when i signed the contract of the person buying my home they prequalified for a bridge ... A: You are under no obligation to grant your buyers an extension to their contingency. If you are in ...
Agent on Vacation?!	7/4/2006
Q: While discussing the timing of my signing with an agent and scheduling an open house, she ... A: If it were me I would call the agent and ask to see her in a few hours to go over the listing and ...
windows	6/30/2006
Q: We are getting ready to sell our home in the next year. It is about 20 years old and are going to ... A: If you are doing it only for the sale of your house I would put in attractive windows (vinyl might ...
bought a home but the 3rd bedroom may have been converted or done without permits	6/30/2006
Q: I bought a home and the appraiser's report indicated that the home on 3825 E. Lyell,Fresno, CA ... A: The only thing you need to investigate is whether there were permits pulled when the 2 bedroom home ...
CA Real estate legal question	6/19/2006
Q: We are first time home buyers and bought a townhouse in LA which closed this past Tuesday. Closing ... A: It is unfortunate that you are having these kinds of problems on your first transaction. I once had ...
Home affordability	6/19/2006
Q: I am currently renting in south Orange Cnty. at $2475.00 per month. I want to buy a home with at ... A: Pay a visit to your accountant and have him figure out your true cost of home ownership compared to ...
Unethical, Dishonest Broker Coerces Us into a No Win Situation	6/13/2006
Q: Unethical, Dishonest Broker Coerces Us into a No Win Situation The real estate problem that I’ve ... A: If you believe this agent has acted unethically and unscrupulously you need to report him to the ...
Buyer's Agent	6/8/2006
Q: Buyer's Agent Broke Agreement I recently signed an agreement with a real estate broker to act as my ... A: In order for a contract to be binding there has to be agreement and an exchange of services. In ...
Cancellation of contract	5/31/2006
Q: My husband and i were currently in the process of purchasing a home in california, unfortunately the ... A: Ivonne, I can only answer this as it pertains to California. If you signed a removal of all ...
Owner financing	5/25/2006
Q: I am selling my home. I have a buyer and am willing to do owner finance. I don t know where to ... A: I am not sure if you will like my answer but I don't understand why you don't have someone represent ...
1st right of refusal	5/22/2006
Q: I am negotiating to buy a residential lot in S. California. The current owner wants a first rt of ... A: You can certainly do any of the above. I wouldn't recommend that you agree to a price anything ...
shared equity purchase program	5/8/2006
Q: have you heard about such a program and can you tell me how effective it is and am i protected ... A: Elliot, I have had no experience with a shared equity purchase program. My understanding was that ...
First time home buyer	5/6/2006
Q: Someday my wife and i want to buy our first home. I wanted more info on the first time buyer home ... A: This question should be directed to a lender on this site. that person can tell you about the ...
Cash outside of closing	4/24/2006
Q: I 'am currently working on a real estate deal. The seller is willing to pay money (from closing ... A: It may not be illegal but it may not be acceptable to your lender. The real question is 'why is it ...
home warranties	4/24/2006
Q: I live in the Long Beach area and currently have a home warranty with American Home Shield. My ... A: There are quite a few companies that offer home warrantee programs. My impression is that they ...
surprised by road expansion	4/14/2006
Q: we move into a new condo community (each unit is a single house) in 11/2004. our backyard is fenced ... A: It all depends on whether the builder knew about the expansion. If the builder knew and did not ...
Homes	4/13/2006
Q: I, a Japanese living in Tokyo, am reading MDC Holdings' anuual report (2005) and it says: Active ... A: This really isn't something within my expertise but I would guess that that is the number of ...
Selling Inherited Property	3/31/2006
Q: My mother recently passed away, leaving her 'mortgage free' property to my sister and I through her ... A: You certainly can offer to carry the $350,000 or any amount agreed to between buyer and seller but I ...
inherited property	3/12/2006
Q: My sister, brother and I inherited a home in the San Fernando Valley when our parents passed away. I ... A: Quit claiming the property means that you are transferring the property to her for no value. I am ...
sellers lender refusing for the contract	2/23/2006
Q: I am a first time buyer.I wrote a purchase agreement with a owner.Here the owner herself is a real ... A: I think your first problem was not seeing that there might be a conflict of interest having the ...
Part time work in real estate: possible? desireable?	2/7/2006
Q: I am satisfied with my day job doing policy research, but it doesn't pay very well and I'd like to ... A: In order to sell real estate you must have a real estate license. The only type of work that you ...
offers w/ contingencies	2/6/2006
Q: I am in the process of selling my home through FSBO. I have some interested parties, one in ... A: Matt, You can accept it with a 48 hr first right of refusal and the understanding that you will ...
Buying a Home in CA from Father	1/15/2006
Q: Sue, We are a young couple which is planning to purchase our first home from my father, who bought ... A: I cannot answer any tax questions as I am not an accountant so I would recommend you submit those ...
Property dispute...	11/14/2005
Q: .. THANK YOU! In July 2004, my wife and her brother's wife both qualified to purchase a duplex in ... A: A lot depends on how you took title and if any of the agreements were in writing. If the property ...
Help! Question on a Contigency	11/12/2005
Q: Today we had an open house and accepted a contigency with a realator. Being the first time we sell ... A: Patti, I really can't answer that without seeing the contract. Were you selling the house by ...
dropping real estate agent	10/2/2005
Q: I have a real estate agent, but I'm thinking of dropping her because I am considering selling my ... A: You have to look at the contract signed and how long the listing is for. If you signed an exclusive ...
Developers	9/11/2005
Q: Im currently selling timeshare for Westgate Resorts in Orlando and expect to be liscenced in a month ... A: I am sorry but I have only sold residential resales in my career working solely on commission and ...
BOUGHT HOME	9/5/2005
Q: I just bought an investment home last week using conventional lending. Where on the settlement ... A: Your payment of of insurance should be stated with the amount on your closing statement. If you ...
Creating a 1031 Exchange	8/30/2005
Q: I own 2 homes which I bought as primary residences in the Virginia area, and the second home in ... A: In order for a property to be considered an income property rather than your personal residence you ...
real estate	7/29/2005
Q: My husband and I have been dealing with a local realtor for sometime he assisted in the sale of our ... A: Debbie, This is a question you probably should refer to an attorney on this site. In California, ...
Training in Real Estate	7/25/2005
Q: I am a licensed acupuncturist residing in Nashville, TN., interested in learning how to buy/sell ... A: Mike, The first thing you need to do if you want to sell real estate is take the necessary courses ...
Buying a home in Sacramento	7/24/2005
Q: I am in the process of negotiations with a seller of a 2 bed, 1 bath, 752 sq. ft home in Carmichael, ... A: The only thing I can tell you for sure is that no one knows the future. Markets fluctuate so we ...
disclosure	6/30/2005
Q: CA 1 1/2 yrs. ago. It has recently been converted to "condo". I was informed at the time of ... A: The question is...who knew about the assessment at the time you purchased the unit. If the seller ...
PITI-seller rent back set up by seller/buyer agent	6/15/2005
Q: We bought a home in San Diego through a local agent. He end up showed us a house not on market yet, ... A: You agreed to a rent back for a little under 3 months. For this amount of time there should have ...
Investing in Real Estate Now	6/8/2005
Q: I live in California in the Los Angeles area. Do you think it is a good time to invest in real ... A: Absolutely no one can predict when the market will turn. As long as you buy property that you can ...
contigency clauses	5/9/2005
Q: How can I sell my home first, then close escrow on another home, without having to put my belongings ... A: It is always tricky timing the sale of your home and the purchase of a new home but it is done all ...
Hello Sue, Right now I'm...	3/30/2005
Q: Right now I'm living in the San Francisco Bay area and am planning on moving out to an apartment ... A: Anyone who purports to know what will happen with the market doesn't know what they are talking ...
Preparing to Sell	3/29/2005
Q: My wife and I are preparing to sell our 1576 sqft home. We have some work that we believe needs to ... A: Good luck in the sale of your home. It is impossible for me to give you opinions on decor as I ...
Success as an Agent	3/5/2005
Q: -All I can say about those that are doing well is that they have been doing it for at least 4 years ... A: Chris, It is true that business creates more business but after a year something should have ...
Discounted sale	3/2/2005
Q: I recently inherited my mother's home in the SF Bay Area. I am interested in selling the home to my ... A: I am sorry but this is a tax question and is outside the expertise of a real estate agent. I would ...
selling a restored property	3/2/2005
Q: I am not looking at selling a property in the USA but in Menorca, Spain My husband and I are ... A: Unfortunately, time and space does not allow me to tell you all I know but in a nutshell my advice ...
Selling and renting the home from the buyer	1/25/2005
Q: My mother-in-law is selling her home to move into a condo, which is not yet complete. The people who ... A: Rent backs are a common practice when it is acceptable to both sides. The rent back amount is ...
buying and selling	1/6/2005
Q: I have heard about these techniques where you can buy a home without a downpayment. Is this real if ... A: Yes, there are programs available where a buyer can get 100% financing. However, you do need money ...
Becoming a realtor	12/29/2004
Q: I'm thinking of getting my real estate license in Boise, Idaho. I read were only 20% of realtors do ... A: It is true that only about 1 in 4 who enter the real estate business are around a year later. I ...
trojan horse condo	11/7/2004
Q: I'm also an expert on this site in boxing, so feel free to ask me a question anytime! My problem is ... A: From what you have described it seems as though the issues can be broken down into 3 areas. You had ...
Title of a home	10/13/2004
Q: I live in california, And thought maybe you would have some info for me on this subject anyway. My ... A: I think this is the most interesting question yet. I think you can just call a local escrow company ...
open house	8/18/2004
Q: My friends have recently gotten back into home construcion after a lull of a few years. They have ... A: It sounds like you have a good handle on how buyers want to be treated during an open house. If you ...
Buying a house with another couple.	8/4/2004
Q: My wife and I are planning to buy a 2 unit house with another couple in San Francisco. If the house ... A: Once the property is converted to 2 separate condos the other couple can encumber their unit without ...
real stateprice cut	8/1/2004
Q: I am a first time buyer, I wana buy a condo in Southern California (Orange County). I can see that ... A: No one is able to foretell how the market will go in advance. I am shocked to hear that prices have ...
pre-foreclosures?	7/19/2004
Q: I have never own a home (and nobody from my immediate family has either). Based on my great credit ... A: Until a home is foreclosed it is still owned by the party facing foreclosure. An REO means "real ...
mls	6/26/2004
Q: I have friends who want to attempt "for sale by owner". They are looking for a legitimate way to get ... A: No, non-realtors cannot list their homes in the mls. Realtors pay many hundreds of dollars a year ...
schooling	6/8/2004
Q: How do I become qualified to sell reality in nevada, or in any case where does any newbie start in ... A: Find out the requirements for a real estate license in the state you are interested in then find a ...
Rights of new homeowner	5/31/2004
Q: This is all actually for my mother, who is 65 years of age and I think she didn't know exactly what ... A: I'm not sure what your last question is. If your mother agreed to close escrow and not take ...
Rights of new homeowner	5/30/2004
Q: The purchase agreement does not mention having tenants occupying the property. It lists that the ... A: Based on the above information I would definitely talk to an attorney as you certainly seem to have ...
Rights of new homeowner	5/30/2004
Q: I have recently bought a condominium in San Francisco, but am unable to occupy the space as the ... A: A lot depends on your purchase agreement. There is a part in it that discusses rental property and ...
PROFIT	5/17/2004
Q: I HAVE A VERY BASIC QUESTION. EVERYONE WILL SAY HOW REAL ESTATE IS SUCH A GREAT INVESTMENT, TAX ... A: An accountant is the best person to answer tax related questions. With that said, consider the ...
verbal agreement	4/19/2004
Q: My daughter's boyfriend(now an ex) loaned me $4200 to buy a house. I said 50% of the home is his ... A: You are really asking me an ethical question and not a real estate one. It really comes down to ...
FSBO	4/12/2004
Q: I would like to attempt to sell my home on my own. I've never done it before but I'm game. I'm aware ... A: Good luck in the sale of your home. The exact question you are asking is exactly what a ...
real estate contract	4/9/2004
Q: We are in So. CA. We are having a new house built, which will be ready in August. We signed a ... A: You most likely signed a binding contract until the end date. Many times you can get a cancellation ...
carrear	4/7/2004
Q: I am a junior in college and am currently taking a real estate class. I am interested in obtaining ... A: Having a real estate license will allow you to represent others in the purchase and sale of real ...
First time buyer	4/6/2004
Q: I'm tired with living in a small apartment and I want to buy a house. According to friends (and ... A: Yes, it is a sellers market right now but who knows when anything will change and there are more ...
Bringing Homes Up to Code	2/11/2004
Q: I am looking for a source where I can learn what the State of California requires in order to bring ... A: Your mother does not have to bring her house up to code to sell. I would suggest you have a good ...
Real Estate Agent Info	12/1/2003
Q: I was wondering if I could get some info from an expert on what I would be doing on a daily basis if ... A: If you decide to get licensed and you want to be successful prepare to work harder than you have ...

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Sue Bernstein

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

My expertise in in residential real estate., I have been selling residential real estate for over 2 decades in the Los Angeles area. I can answer most questions regarding real estate in the state of California and most generic questions for the rest of the country relating to buying and selling homes, selecting a real estate agent, and more!

Experience

Residential Real Estate, Probates, Conservatorship and Trust Sales

Education/Credentials
Brokers License E-Pro Certified

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