| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Owners not renewing lease, short sale | 11/6/2009 |
Q: We've been leasing this house for 3 years, lease ended Oct 31. Around the beginning of October, we ...
A: I'm sorry to hear that you have to move. I'm not familiar with the laws in Colorado, but I will ...
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| HOA CERTIFICATION | 11/3/2009 |
Q: I am in a process of closing escrow. I purchased an REO condo owned by fannie mae in South ...
A: This is a very new scenario for me, so this is my opinion having not been in this situation before. ...
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| House | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Can you tell me everything about buying a house? How does it all works?
A: You get prequalified for a loan with a reputable bank or mortgage broker. You hire a Realtor. Look ...
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| HOA Not Disclosed | 9/3/2009 |
Q: We recently purchase a house in Orange, CA. In speaking with a neighbor it surfaced that there is a ...
A: That is a very big "oops" on the Seller's part, because there can be huge complications associated ...
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| So. Calif. appraisal | 9/1/2009 |
Q: I am trying to sell a duplex in Southern Calif. for $460,000. I just received the appraisal and it ...
A: The California Department of Real Estate regulates appraisers. I would start by calling them and ...
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| Sell home to our Son | 9/1/2009 |
Q: Our Son has been trying to buy his first home for months and was not having any luck even being ...
A: I'm not aware of any 3-month holding rule before selling, however, how is he going to pay you for ...
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| So. Calif. appraisal | 8/27/2009 |
Q: I am trying to sell a duplex in Southern Calif. for $460,000. I just received the appraisal and it ...
A: Rafael, was this the appraisal ordered by the lender? If so, it should have adjusted for the fact ...
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| Selling a home | 7/17/2009 |
Q: Is it typical for a seller to pay half the closing costs for the buyer. I know everything is ...
A: It's not typical for the seller to pay the buyer's closing costs. Typically each pays their own. You ...
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| can I ask one more? | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I offered to buy a home from a mutual friend, contingent on the close of escrow of mine. After ...
A: Why was there only 500 in escrow? It should have been 3%, and you would be keeping a portion of that ...
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| can I ask one more? | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I offered to buy a home from a mutual friend, contingent on the close of escrow of mine. After ...
A: I'm assuming they had not released their loan contingency, therefore no liquidated damages? If that ...
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| Buying a Home | 7/1/2009 |
Q: how do you check if somebody has died in a home. Also, how do you determine if it is possible to ...
A: If someone has passed away in a home within the last 3 years the agent is required to disclose this ...
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| First time home buyer tax incentives | 6/18/2009 |
Q: Do you know exactly how the 2009 federal and state government tax incentives work for first time ...
A: The tax credit from the state of California is only applicable to new construction, to my knowledge. ...
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| Buying a REO | 6/7/2009 |
Q: Last week I have made an offer on a condo in the Cerritos Villa in City of Cerritos. The bank made ...
A: First, I was told by my agent that they already have a few offers and are still accepting offers. ...
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| Buying a REO | 6/7/2009 |
Q: Last week I have made an offer on a condo in the Cerritos Villa in City of Cerritos. The bank made ...
A: The bank will probably make an exception to its 5-day inspection, otherwise they'd have to go ...
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| 3/26- follow up --adverse possession | 6/3/2009 |
Q: follow up ? asked on adverse possession/ on 3/36. does the owner have to evict,or just call the ...
A: I don't understand who you're saying the risk is for. You can be arrested for being a squatter, I ...
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| 3/26- follow up --adverse possession | 6/3/2009 |
Q: follow up ? asked on adverse possession/ on 3/36. does the owner have to evict,or just call the ...
A: Technically he's supposed to give you a 3-day eviction notice, but most police are not adhering to ...
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| Tenants in a Short Sale trying to buy the unit | 6/3/2009 |
Q: We are the Tenants of a unit that is up for a Short Sale. We put an all cash bid down. We need help ...
A: ARE YOU SURE IT IS A SHORT SALE AND NOT A FORECLOSURE? THEY ARE VERY DIFFERENT. IN ONE INSTANCE ...
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| Buying and Renting Out A House | 6/2/2009 |
Q: I am interested in buying a house (without selling my own), renovating it, and renting it out. How ...
A: It's going to be hard to get a mortgage on a second home unless you make a lot of money. I can't ...
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| HOME CLEANOUT AND CLEANUP IN LAS VEGAS | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I HAVE A VACANT PROPERTY CLEANOUT AND CLEANUP BUSINESS IN LAS VEGAS AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW AS A REAL ...
A: First I will tell you the worst way, which is telephone call. We get calls all the time (at least ...
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| Disclosure | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I just purchased a home in Lakewood California and was not told about a very bad gopher problem. ...
A: Yes, pest problems are supposed to be disclosed in your paperwork. The only way the Seller could ...
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| Canadian buying property in California | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I am a Canadian who is interested in buying a property in California (Hemet/sanJacinto). I would ...
A: The best way to find a good Realtor in that area is to search the website rebac.net for agents in ...
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| finding info regarding sold property in CA | 5/8/2009 |
Q: If a person 89 yrs old, sold property in 2005, and doesn't have any document regarding the sale. ...
A: First call the escrow company that handled the sale. Most likely that's how the IRS found out about ...
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| Canadian buying in California | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I am a Canadian thinking of buying in California. We have been told it is best to set up a trust ...
A: Technically it is supposed to be a total of 2 years out of the past 5 years, so if you only lived in ...
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| Short sale processing fee | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I am submitting an offer for my sister to buy a short sale listing. The listing is requesting a $995 ...
A: No, I have never heard of paying a fee to submit an offer for a short sale. I wouldn't pay it ...
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| Canadian buying in California | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I am a Canadian thinking of buying in California. We have been told it is best to set up a trust ...
A: I can't advise you on opening a trust, you'll need to contact a Real Estate Attorney for the best ...
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| Adverse Possession | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I have found a house that was abandoned. From my research I found out that the previous owner was ...
A: A quit claim deed is signed by a current owner of a home and relinquishes their rights to the home. ...
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| Adverse Possession | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I have found a house that was abandoned. From my research I found out that the previous owner was ...
A: It is my understanding that you are technically squatting. You aren't renting because you're not ...
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| Seller's side holding up closing | 3/14/2009 |
Q: Let's start off with the fact that my agent has been less than perfect and the mortgage broker has ...
A: Questions: 1. Isn't the seller ultimately responsible to produce a title even if they have a 3rd ...
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| Home Loan Refinance | 3/6/2009 |
Q: I just received our closing cost estimate and HUD statement on our refinance home loan mortgage. I ...
A: Don't feel pressured, unless you agreed to pay fees for appraisal, etc then you can't be held ...
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| Buying a house with parents | 3/1/2009 |
Q: My parents are planning on buying a house in southern California. Their intention to buy a house is ...
A: You can purchase the home WITH your parents, so your name is on the title AND the mortgage. If you ...
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| Capital Gains Tax | 2/25/2009 |
Q: This is a follow up to my “Changing the name on a title deed” question and it’s regarding capital ...
A: For the answer to the first question you will need to consult a real estate attorney or escrow agent ...
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| Refinance Document Changes | 2/2/2009 |
Q: The loan I got had approx .5 points buy down, and this was on the good faith estimate. When they ...
A: If the .5 buy down was on the good faith estimate and you signed it, I believe it was a legitimate ...
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| Contingency Removal | 1/20/2009 |
Q: Lori, If I sign the contingency removal form with the exception of removing our loan contingency, ...
A: As long as on the form you select "except loan contingency" box then you're safe. If your contract ...
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| Should my fiance and I upgrade or stay put? | 12/22/2008 |
Q: My fiance and I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am a newish attorney and in June of 2007 I ...
A: Obviously I'm not familiar with your market area because I'm in California, but this is my opinion. ...
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| Getting our money back out of escrow | 12/18/2008 |
Q: We are in Southern California and are trying to buy a home. We found a house we thought would work ...
A: First let me say I am so sorry you have gone through all of this. It's experiences like this that ...
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| selling a ranch house quickly in the OC | 12/15/2008 |
Q: How can we sell our OC home as quickly as possible? Our family needs to move within 4-6 months ...
A: My advice to you would be not to sell. The only benefit to selling is to get your equity out, but ...
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| forclosure | 11/18/2008 |
Q: if im in process of a divorce and my husband goes into forclosure for back taxes can the house still ...
A: It depends on how far along the process of foreclosure is. If it's being foreclosed by the IRS you ...
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| non permitted work | 11/1/2008 |
Q: should non permitted work in a home that is sold be disclosed?
A: Absolutely yes. I would say, though, within reason. If you have a handyman come install a toilet ...
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| What qualifies as Primary Residence Orange County Calf? | 9/3/2008 |
Q: I have a law suit which could make the people sell thier Lake Forest Home. Zillow property search ...
A: It definitely does qualify as their primary residence, regardless of the boarder. They just have to ...
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| Buying an apartment converted to Condo | 7/30/2008 |
Q: Back in May, my soon to be wife and i found a place to start our life together. We couldn't come up ...
A: The real question is whether or not you had a loan contingency, and whether or not you REMOVED that ...
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| contingency aggrement | 7/25/2008 |
Q: In march I signed a CA based on a CMA and $5000 with Pulte Homes;If I sell my condo in S FL i'll buy ...
A: You should have hired a Realtor to represent you... the builders use their own contract that is not ...
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| Home Improvements | 7/23/2008 |
Q: Flooring Improvements: Love the Deep Rich Red Hue of Asian Rosewood for it's elegant look. ...
A: What is the style of your home? I would stay away from anything too dark, and stay away from ...
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| Buying a Home with Code Enforcement violations | 7/16/2008 |
Q: We are buying our first home in CA. The home is bank owned REO. When researching to make an offer ...
A: The bank isn't going to be able to sell the home without a clean title... your agent needs to ...
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| agent commissions | 7/4/2008 |
Q: Is it legal or ethical for an agent who's listed a property for 6% to keep 3.5% and offer 2.5 or ...
A: It is legal and ethical as long as 1) The Seller agreed, and 2) it's in the listing paperwork. The ...
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| Addition of Owner to House Deed | 6/30/2008 |
Q: I am currently living with my parents in Los Angeles, CA and my parents would like to officially add ...
A: The easiest and most efficient way to implement the change is to contact an escrow company to handle ...
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| Home Improvement Values | 6/27/2008 |
Q: Upland, California: Two Questions Lori: 1. What moves a house faster, new kitchen or new ...
A: These answers are my opinion only, based on my experience: 1) Kitchen. Don't do granite, it's ...
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| REO home for sale through a realtor | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I guess I am confused, actually, no guessing about it! If a home is posted as for sale by a ...
A: After a home becomes REO the bank hires a Realtor to sell it. The price is set at "market value" ...
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| Selling our inherited home via private party | 3/2/2008 |
Q: Our neighbor has offered to buy our house for a fair price. We are inclined to sell. What do we ...
A: How do you know the amount is a fair price? That would be my biggest concern. If you're positive ...
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| Buying house from parents in CA | 2/25/2008 |
Q: I'm interested in purchasing my parents home from them below FMV. What are tax ramifications for me ...
A: You will need to contact an escrow company or tax accountant for specific answers, taxes are not my ...
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| First time buyer lookin for a bank | 1/14/2008 |
Q: I am in Northern CA, I'm just looking for information, hoping you can help me with deciding which ...
A: You should check out Countrywide first, and tell the person you are working with that you want ...
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| Real Estate HELOC | 1/2/2008 |
Q: Does it make sence to take a second on a home that is paid off infull in order to buy a house? When ...
A: You could definitely do that, but keep in mind that the market may not go up in the short term, it ...
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| Real Estate HELOC | 12/31/2007 |
Q: Does it make sence to take a second on a home that is paid off infull in order to buy a house? When ...
A: It makes sense if you're trying to move to Missouri, but I don't know the situation with the ...
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| Simultaneous offers to purchase a house | 12/9/2007 |
Q: Can I (thru my agent) make simultaneous offers to let's say 3 different properties and if all 3 ...
A: Yes, you can do that, however your agent will probably not want to. It's bad for an agent's ...
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| Earnest Depost | 11/30/2007 |
Q: I have a question regarding the "earnest deposit". In July 07, we agreed to purchase a new home ...
A: Do you have copies of the documents you signed? I'm very familiar with the purchase agreement, ...
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| 2nd Party grant deed | 11/14/2007 |
Q: I tok out a private party loan for a larger down payment on my house i purchased in January of this ...
A: That is so unbelievable - I can't believe there are crooks like this out there, I'm so sorry this is ...
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| Selling my Condo below Market Value | 11/8/2007 |
Q: I purchased a condo almost two years ago (Feb '06) in the San Diego college area and want to sell ...
A: In the past I had great luck finding tenants on Craig's List. I rented a house out in 7 days with ...
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| Selling my Condo below Market Value | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I purchased a condo almost two years ago (Feb '06) in the San Diego college area and want to sell ...
A: Are you in dire straits to sell this condo? In order to sell your condo for less than what you owe ...
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| Earnest money when buyer pulls out of contract | 11/3/2007 |
Q: We have a purchase agreement on our home in SoCal, contract close date 30 Oct 07. Currently, we ...
A: The contingency removal form would have been generated by your agent for the Buyers to sign. If you ...
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| Earnest money when buyer pulls out of contract | 11/2/2007 |
Q: We have a purchase agreement on our home in SoCal, contract close date 30 Oct 07. Currently, we ...
A: Your agent should defintely be helping you with this, if you have one. Because your contract was ...
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| Verbal agreement | 10/18/2007 |
Q: I Recently made a verbal agreement with a friend that, if he purchased a home for me because my ...
A: That's a very sticky situation, and most likely you will need to contact a real estate attorney for ...
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| unhappy with agency | 10/4/2007 |
Q: 2 weeks ago we all met and signed contract for the house to go on the market Oct 1st. It is now Oct ...
A: Sorry to hear your listing is off to a bad start. Have you asked your agent about these issues? ...
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| Quitclaim issue | 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: A Real Estate Attorney is really the best resource. I find it odd that the other lawyer couldn't ...
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