Ask Phyllis! Family Drama Dear Phyllis, I have four siblings and am the executor for my parent’s home. After my mom passed, my brother wanted me to list the home with one of his high school friends. I interviewed his friend but hired an agent who has a lot more listings and […]
Ask Phyllis! Pros And Cons Of Seller Carry Backs Dear Phyllis, I own an old Craftsman that needs a lot of work. Like many of these Craftsman homes, mine is partially on a brick foundation. The home has gone through numerous earthquakes without incident. Over the years, my electrician has asked that when […]
Ask Phyllis! Lines Of Communication Dear Phyllis, Over the years, I have bought several homes with the same real estate agent. Recently, my agent went out of town for several weeks, and I didn’t want to bother him while he was on vacation. I had a very simple question and contacted the seller’s agent. […]
Ask Phyllis! Switching Realtors® Dear Phyllis, As trustee, I will be listing my uncle’s home for sale. The probate attorney recommended a Realtor® that they often work with. We met at the home and he provided me with a pricing recommendation. He emailed me the listing contract but I thought the asking price was […]
Ask Phyllis! Uncooperative Sellers Dear Phyllis, We made an offer for $25,000 over asking price which the seller accepted. We initially met the sellers when our agent had an appointment to show us the home. They were extremely rude; even though we were on time, they made us wait while they cleared out for […]
Ask Phyllis! Is Earthquake Insurance Worth The Expense? Dear Phyllis, Because earthquake insurance is so costly, my wife and I have always opted to not purchase the additional coverage. But after recent quakes, I am wondering whether this is a wise decision. What are your thoughts? Penny Pincher Dear […]
Ask Phyllis! Home Selling Guarantee, Fact or Fiction Dear Phyllis, I have a rental property that is extremely run-down and because of the condition, I am afraid it will be tough to sell. I have seen Realtors® advertise that they will buy my house if they can’t sell it. I am wondering […]
Ask Phyllis! Home Selling Made Easy Dear Phyllis, It’s my job to sell my mom’s home and relocate her to a retirement home. My dad left her in good financial shape and while I want to get the most money for her house, my focus is on her comfortable relocation […]
Ask Phyllis! Quietly Selling Your Home Dear Phyllis, I thought I was relocating to San Diego and met with two Realtors® to find out how much my home would sell for. I didn’t end up accepting the job so I didn’t sell. One of the Realtors® I met with suggested that we “quietly market” […]
Ask Phyllis! Winning The Bidding Wars Dear Phyllis, Last year, we made offers on three homes and were outbid on each one. We would like to try again. What advice can you offer? ~ Laura Dear Laura, Home buying 101 – first things first: The seller and their agent (the listing agent) want […]