Real Estate Question and Answer
Competing with multiple offers
Dear Phyllis, We have looked at homes for a few months and made an offer. There are six offers on this home, and our Realtor® told us we have to increase our offered price. The seller's Realtor® also said he couldn't disclose how much ...
How to calculate capital gains on a primary residence
Dear Phyllis, I look forward to your weekly column. My husband and I are thinking of selling our home and moving to Nevada. He has a civil service pension and we could have a much higher standard of living there. Can you explain how to c...
Seniors, learn how to transfer your low property taxes when downsizing
Seniors, learn how to transfer your low property taxes when downsizing Dear Phyllis, My husband and I are planning on downsizing. But we are undecided if we should rent our present home and then perhaps rent something in San Diego whe...
What are the pros and cons of a long escrow?
What are the pros and cons of a long escrow? Dear Phyllis, I read your real estate column and understand that many homes are selling quickly. But I have a higher valued home which has been on and off the market for nearly a year. My a...
How to create curb appeal on a budget
How to create curb appeal on a budget Dear Phyllis, My aunt passed away and I am therefore, the executor of her estate. I live in Northern California and don’t have time to do much before it gets on the market. I don’t mind doing ...
How much access is the buyer allowed for inspections?
How much access is the buyer allowed for inspections? Dear Phyllis, I have been following your column for years and don’t recall seeing this question asked and or answered. Earlier this year, my fiancé and I bought our first home. ...
What does highest and best price mean?
Dear Phyllis, For several months my husband and I have been house hunting; we made two offers which weren’t accepted. The last home had five offers and we were told to come back with our “highest and best price”. It was so confusin...
Can a home seller change their mind?
Can a home seller change their mind? Dear Phyllis, A month ago, I put my home on the market. Even though we are experiencing a hot summer, I had lots of people coming to look. Packed open houses with several buyers returning for a sec...
