Real Estate Reality

REAL ESTATE REALITY: BEING A BUYER IN A SELLERS MARKET-- WHY HAVING YOUR OWN AGENT CAN PAY

By Maryanne Jackson, Real Estate Broker, CNE, CPRES

Photo:  Creative Commons, Free Stock

August 25, 2020  (El Cajon) -- Dear Maryanne,

My mother and I are interested in purchasing a home. We have concerns with the inventory being at an all-time low. Will this have an impact on our ability to get an offer accepted if we sign on with a buyer’s agent?

Are there any advantages for us to consider hiring an agent or are we better off just winging it on our own? -- M.M. El Cajon, CA


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: BUYERS' MARKET OR SELLERS' MARKET?

By Maryanne Jackson

Photo via CC Free Stock

July 8, 2020 (Spring Valley) – Dear Maryanne,

We are wondering what type of housing market we are currently experiencing.

Is this a good time for buyers or best for sellers?

M.M., Spring Valley, CA


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: THE NEW NORM: VIRTUAL HOME SALES

By Maryanne Jackson

Photo via Maryanne Jackson

May 14, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -

Dear Maryanne,

I was wondering what the status is with home sales now.

Are Realtors still listing properties and conducting business as usual?

--Mureen S., Casa De Oro, Spring Valley


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: PROTECTING THE NEST FROM UNCOOPERATIVE NEIGHBOR

By Maryanne Jackson real estate Broker CNE, CPRES.

Photo: Cooper's hawk, Freestock creative commons

March 6, 2020 (San Diego's East County)

 Dear Maryanne,

I woke up to a commotion in my driveway. I looked out and noticed tree trimmers trimming a large tree on our property with branches that grow over to the neighboring side. This tree is providing privacy and shade to me! Most important of all the tree is home for a hawk; she has a nest and babies currently in the tree.

I ran out and yelled for the tree trimmers to stop as they were climbing the tree on our side. My concern is we had not discussed this with our neighbors. Shouldn’t we have a voice in the company selected and the time of the service? We want to protect the hawks and we also want to make sure the company is licensed and bonded. What can we do now?

 R.M.

La Mesa, Ca.


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: INSPECTION WOES--IT’S GOOD TO KNOW

By Maryanne Jackson Real Estate Broker

January 9, 2020 (San Diego’s East County)  

Dear Maryanne,

My wife and I are considering selling our home in Spring Valley and purchasing 

a larger home in the same area. We will need to use the proceeds from the sale to UPSIZE.

Is it recommended to hire a home inspector prior to putting our home up for sale? 

If so, what is the advantage of us putting the 450.00 out to do this. Will the buyer still need to get their own home inspection during the escrow investigation process?

Eric J. Spring Valley, CA


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: HOME SHOWING TIPS, MAKING A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

By Maryanne Jackson, Real estate broker, CNE, CPRES.

November 3, 2019 (San Diego's East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My mother is selling her home soon. Are there any important steps she should know about when people come to look at her property?

Is it acceptable for her and her cats to be there?

Lorie B., Spring Valley


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: STAYING PUT; EXPERIENCING CONTENTMENT

By Maryanne Jackson 

Photo: Creative Commons

October 14, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My husband and I own a home in La Mesa. We really do not plan on selling or moving any time soon.

However, we are planning on fixing up the place just for us.

I am curious what type of improvements tend to induce homeowners to stay put?

Lesley M.


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: THE DISHWASHER REPAIR NIGHTMARE

By Maryanne Jackson, real estate broker, CRE, CPRES

September 21, 2019 (Mt. Helix) - Dear Maryanne,

My son purchased a home in Mt. Helix recently.  I have been staying at the house and have noticed a strange noise coming from the dishwasher when I open the door.  The appliance company came out and said they cannot remove the dishwasher to do the necessary repair, as the tile floor was placed too high and is now preventing the dishwasher from being removed at all.  The dishwasher repair is a relatively inexpensive fix, but the floor will need to be torn up and replaced.  Do we have any recourse to get this fixed?

Any suggestions appreciated,

CVS, Mt. Helix


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: COOLING PLANTS, AVOIDING A BRUSH FIRE AT HOME

By Maryanne Jackson

Real estate broker CNE, CPRES. DRE# 01784021

August 7, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -

Dear Maryanne,

My fiancé and I purchased a home recently in Lakeside. The home sits on a large lot with a lot of vegetation. Were a little nervous with all the fires that have been flaring up around east county.

Are there steps we could take to help fireproof our yard? Any ideas appreciated.

Joannie B.

Lakeside, CA


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: SHOULD I ADD MY SPOUSE TO THE TITLE OF MY HOME?

By Maryanna Jackson

June 28, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) –  Dear Maryanne,

Two years ago, I purchased a condominium in San Carlos. I was single. I have since married and never did add my spouse to the title.

If I should sell my home will I need to add my spouse to the title of my property in order to sell?

--D.S., San Carlos, S.D.


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: WHERE, OH WHERE, DID OUR SEPTIC TANK GO? HOW TO AVOID A PORTA POTTY PROBLEM.

By Maryanne Jackson, real estate broker, CNE. CPRES. DRE#01784021

Photo: Creative Commons image via Free Stock

June 4, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Dear Maryanne,

My fiancé and I purchased our first home in December. We were told there was a septic tank on the property. We had asked our agent on numerous occasions to find out the exact location of the septic tank, but he never followed through with our request; he only told us, “The septic tank had recently been pumped therefore we really had no need to worry about it right now, we just needed to focus on closing the deal.”

Upon moving in we attempted to use the showers and toilets and noticed the water started to back up. We called numerous plumbers and the prior owner- who informed us that the septic had been renovated when the investor bought the property from her and did the flip.

We now are paying $200 a month for a porta potty rental; it is our only way to have a bathroom on our property until this gets resolved.

How could this situation have been avoided? Was there something we should have done while in escrow?

K. W. Blossom Valley


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: A ROOTY SITUATION - FINDING A PEACEFUL COMPROMISE

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson, real estate broker, CNE, CPRES

May 13, 2019 (San Diego's East County) - 

Dear Maryanne,

My wife and I have been having some issues with our neighbors’ large tree. The tree has encroached over the shared fence, causing damage to our deck.

 

The damage has since been repaired by our neighbor’s insurance company.

 

However, the deck repair company made note that the tree roots were growing under the fence and into our yard. Eventually this may cause damage to the deck again unless the tree is removed.

 

The insurance company will not cover the cost to remove the tree and our neighbors are not in a financial position to cover the cost.

 

Any ideas? We really don’t want to take legal action against our neighbors and are seeking peaceful solutions.

 

Jay N. Horizon Hills, Mount Helix



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REAL ESTATE REALITY: INTENTIONAL TRANQUILITY: DESIGNING WITH A PEACEFUL PURPOSE

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson, Real Estate Broker, CNE. CPRES.

April 20, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -

Dear Maryanne,

My mother and I purchased a home in Lemon Grove last year and it has been very quiet until recently. There is a lot of construction going on lately and the cars are being diverted past our home. We are now interested in finding solutions to creating a quiet and peaceful environment without moving.

Thelma S. & Joy L.

Lemon Grove, CA


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME--ADDING A GRANNY FLAT

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson, real estate broker

April 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My mother is living in another state now, but we need to start to explore the possibility of having her come live with us soon. We have a large lot and would like to find out  how to get a permit to build a smaller unit on our residential property.

Is this an easy process?

--JD. La Mesa


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT—LANDSCAPING WITH A PURPOSE

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson Real Estate Broker CNE. CPRES

March 21, 2019 (La Mesa) -

Dear Maryanne,

I own a property on Fuerte Drive in Mount Helix. With all the rain we have been getting recently, there’s an area in my front yard that has become a stream when it rains. Can I divert this water away from my house? What are some of the most common ways to deal with this?

--Ms. S. T.


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: THE SOLAR REVOLUTION—INVESTING IN SUNSHINE

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson. Real Estate Broker CNE, CPRES.

March 13, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -

Dear Maryanne,

My spouse and I will be getting a substantial refund this year from our income taxes.

We both agree that the refund should go into improving our home. We really want to install a solar system. Is this an improvement that would get us a good return on our investment?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

--Jannine S. Crest, CA.


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: HOME DÉCOR TRENDS 2019—STAGING WITH INTENT

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson, Real Estate Broker CNE. CPRES.

March 6, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -

Dear Maryanne,

My partner and I need to jazz up our home. Although we have no plans to move any time soon.

We need ideas. What are the latest home staging trends that would not cost us a fortune and require a building permit?

Marella K. in Grossmont


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REAL ESTATE REALTY: GROWING CANNABIS WHILE HOLDING AN ACTIVE DUTY STATUS

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson Real Estate Broker CNE, CPRES.

 

February 28, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

 

Dear Maryanne,

 

My husband and I purchased a home last year in East County. My husband is currently Active Duty Military and we used his VA benefits to purchase the home. We have a large area in our fenced in rear yard that has been perfect for growing vegetables.

 

I have an honorable discharge from the military due to an injury, because of this injury I am subject to constant pain. I have been managing the inflammation and pain flare ups with my medical marijuana license that enables me to purchase the amount of vapor inserts that I need. The cost has become staggering to buy the medical marijuana that I need as it is not covered under my TRI CARE health insurance.

 

Last spring, I decided to take matters into my own hands and planted several marijuana plants. I have a green thumb to say the least. The plants are getting huge and I am planning on using the dried leaves to offset my cost. Upon my husband’s last visit home from sea he was mowing the grass and noticed the plants. He is concerned that he could get arrested or kicked out of the military for the plants growing on our private property.

 

Do you know where we stand on this? After all, marijuana has been legalized now in California and I do have a medical marijuana license.

 

A.J. Lakeside, CA.

 


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: TAKING THE FIRST STEP TOWARD A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson

 

Image credit: Pixabay

 

February 18, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

 

Dear Maryanne,

 

My wife and I are starting to consider options for retirement communities as we are getting on in age. The simple things have become more challenging for us to perform and despite our love for our home we feel it is time to start our search. We are looking for any suggestions you can offer for us as we start our investigating.

 

--J. Mount Helix


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: HOME INSPECTION BEFORE THE SALE

 

 

By Maryanne Jackson

February 10, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My wife and I are considering selling our home in Spring Valley and purchasing a larger home in the same area. We will need to use the proceeds from the sale to upsize.

Is it recommended to hire a home inspector prior to putting our home up for sale?

If so, what is the advantage of us putting the $450 out to do this? Will the buyer still need to get their own home inspection during the escrow investigation process?

--Eric J., Spring Valley, CA


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REAL ESTATE REALITY: SHOULD I RENT OR BUY A HOME?

By Maryanne Jackson

January 25, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) 

Dear Maryanne, 

My fiancé and I have been renting our apartment in La Mesa for two years. Our lease is coming up for renewal and, once again our landlord is raising our rent.

Should we renew our lease and pay the increase in rent? Or, should we start to look at purchasing our own place to avoid this constant increase in rent year after year? 

-- Melissa M., La Mesa, CA


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