The loss of a loved one is devastating. For the one tasked with the responsibility of handling the real estate and other assets it is often overwhelming. There are so many decisions to be made when dealing with death, taxes and real estate. In ...
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...
How to sell a cluttered home
Dear Phyllis,
My mother wants to sell her home and move to senior housing in Orange County to be near my brother and his children. She has been in her home for more than 30 years. The amount of clutter she...
One thing I have learned about the business of real estate is that it is constantly changing. Timing is key to getting a home on the market. Typically there is some prep work involved, sometimes simply decluttering. In other instances, mi...
How long must our home stay in show condition?
Dear Phyllis,
Last year we tried for five months to sell our home and it never happened. In March, we relisted with a different agent, who suggested a couple of repairs to tweak the home....
When can you stop disclosing?
Dear Phyllis,
We have been in escrow for a bit more than a month. We completed all of the paperwork about what’s wrong with the house and the couple buying our home signed everything. The buyer had thei...
Selling a cosmetic fixer
Dear Phyllis,
Last year my mother passed away. I have four siblings and am the executor of her estate. Two of my siblings have financial difficulties and want to sell the home immediately, but I and the other ...
Should I allow the buyer to do a pre-inspection before making a formal offer?
Dear Phyllis,
I inherited a home from my aunt and am planning on getting it listed for sale. In the meantime, a neighbor is interested in purchasing it for ...
How long should an open house last?
Dear Phyllis,
My home has been on the market for four months, and my real estate agent only has one open house monthly. Each open house is just two hours. I think my home should be open from 10-5....
Dear Phyllis,
I have interviewed three real estate agents regarding the sale of my mother’s home. Last October an appraiser valued the home at $1,400,000. The real estate agents I interviewed have suggested listing the home a...