Real Estate Question and Answer
Planning ahead
Planning ahead Dear Phyllis, We have lived in our La Crescenta home for thirty years. Over the last several years, we have invested almost $15,000 on the exterior. Specifically, we now have a new driveway, fresh paint, and beautiful dro...
Counter Offers not Required
Counter Offers not Required Dear Phyllis, I have been looking at homes for nine months. During that time we have written several offers which for various reasons weren’t accepted. The most recent offer my agent submitted was on a ho...
Pricing to sell
Pricing to sell Dear Phyllis, Before listing my La Crescenta home, I met with two Realtors. The first told me to price my home at $1,295,000 and expect to sell over the asking price. But he really couldn’t pinpoint how much higher, ...
Keeping up with Termites
Keeping up with Termites Dear Phyllis, I am a widow and have owned my Glendale home for more than twenty years. Last year, my gardener cut down a couple of trees, and we stacked the firewood in my driveway. My son-in-law was recently ...
Competing in a Seller’s Market
Competing in a seller's market Dear Phyllis: My husband and I are beginning our search for a new home, and I have a question/concern. I understand that many homes are selling over asking price. What happens if the appraisal doesn't ma...
Keeping an open house secure
Keeping an open house secure In several months, I am going to sell my La Crescenta home. The Realtor I hired wants to have an open house. I know this is common, but I am concerned about security. What kind of people should I expect to co...
Home Selling Action Plan
Home Selling Action Plan Dear Phyllis, I look forward to your real estate advice and now find myself seeking your counsel. My mother had a stroke and is slowly recovering. She has lived in her home for forty years, and there is a lot ...
How much of a discount do cash buyers expect?
How much of a discount do cash buyers expect? Dear Phyllis, I am the trustee for my grandmother, who recently passed away. I will be listing her home in San Diego. We had an estate sale, and the home is now vacant. With her illness an...
