Comments on: If you think a real estate transaction is easy, think again.

By: Philippe Heller

Philippe Heller — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:07:49 +0000

Real Estate Agents should be called Real Estate “Referees” and be assigned a shiny new whistle when they get their license.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:16:38 +0000

please be my guest, maybe it should read “On the internet desert” LOL

By: Kris Berg

Kris Berg — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:35:39 +0000

Patrick,
I think you are right, at least where your price range is concerned. So do a few others: http://tinyurl.com/yjb9c6h

“…an oasis of knowledge and candor in the internet desert” May I use that on my business cards?

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:58:49 +0000

Hi Kris, I just finished “Think Again” and I must say you are an oasis of knowledge and candor in the internet desert. You publish the most direct, honest, informed up to date commentary I’ve yet to find on the web. By contrast, I’ve run into one sales driven; “sign with us” proffering after another in my search for empirical knowledge on the San Diego RE market. I’m hoping to relocate to the Downtown/near Downtown SD area within the next year or two. I’m in the market to buy a condo that will rent until then. I believe this an unprecedented time for buyers in good cash positions to take full advantage of government subsidized tax credits especially when used in combination with FHA insured properties. With a condo market that seems to be valued closer to prices seven years ago, these are compelling tools for leverage in a first or second time home purchase. I would truly value any opinion or advice you may share with me. Thanks for being informative and generous with your knowledge.

By: Kris Berg

Kris Berg — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:13:54 +0000

Christopher,

You must lead a charmed life! Congrats on a smooth transaction.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:03:50 +0000

I feel more and more lucky every time I read these horror stories. I bought my first home 6 months ago and was completely prepared for everything to go wrong.
As it turned out, our very first offer was accepted, and it was probably right at market value. We negotiated for some of the yard tools to be included in the contract, which was accepted without argument. We got the inspection and appraisal done on time, and the appraisal came in right on target. Our lender never even batted an eye at anything in the contract or our paperwork (20% down, 5/1 ARM, 29% PITI housing-to-income ratio). We closed on the 45th day of a 45 day escrow and moved in the next day.
What went wrong? I forgot to call to have the electricity transferred to my name, and it was subsequently shut off. Whoops!

By: Top 10 real estate posts of the day for 3/3/2010

Top 10 real estate posts of the day for 3/3/2010 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:38:31 +0000

[...] If you think a real estate transaction is easy, think again. – Funny how timing works, I was sitting at the Pub N’ Grub last night with another agent [...]

By: Steve Berg

Steve Berg — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:18:01 +0000

Doug – An adventure, indeed. Keeps me challenged. That’s a good thing, though.

By: Doug Francis

Doug Francis — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:39:07 +0000

I look at it this way, “It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!”

Glad that you have a great sense of humor… it keeps us laughing.