Archive for April, 2006

Who to Pick

Friday, April 7th, 2006

“I’ve been interviewing agents to sell my mother’s home. After talking with five, I’ve come to the conclusion I really have no idea how to tell who I should hire. Help!”
***ANSWER:
I’m going to tell you something you already know, but perhaps in all the confusion have forgotten.
The best predictor of future performance is…
…Past […]

Too good to be true?

Wednesday, April 5th, 2006

“My friend is looking at a house that’s listed for $550,000, but was appraised for $575,000. He thinks it must be underpriced, but I’ve heard that appraisals aren’t always accurate. Do you agree?”
***ANSWER:
Yup. The appraisers I know are hard-working, smart professionals and usually the figures they come up with are right on […]

1031 Exchange

Monday, April 3rd, 2006

“I’m planning to exchange my San Diego rental house for an apartment building in Texas. I know there’s different kinds of exchanges. I heard I should do a Starker Exchange. What exactly is that?”
***ANSWER:
The name is from a 1979 court case: T.J. Starker vs. US. A Starker exchange is one name […]