Answers by Chad Basinger REALTOR, CPA, CFP,

Kristy has a lot of good insight, so no need to repeat those.. One of the best sources of information is the neighbors/neighborhood. Walk the neighborhood and let them know you have an interest in the property and see if they say anything. Of course, you have to weed out fact from fiction, but if multiple parties are telling you the same story, there is probably something to it. Also, if you knock on a door and there is a clear red flag, that may be your answer. You will want to check Megan's Law database (for sexual offenders in the area). I'd be sure to check out permit history on the property. Also, you may want to check in the the local police department to see if they have any insight on that particular property and/or any of the surrounding ones. I can go on for a while, but will leave it at this. Hope this helps!

Hi Linda, Please email me at [email protected] and I will reply with a very insightful, one page consumer guide to buyer broker agreements put out by the National Association of REALTORS. Of course, I am always happy to chat with you on the phone so I can answer any of your questions. I can be reached at 858-997-3704.

Hello Danielle, It is great to see you being proactive and considering tax ramifications. I am a REALTOR, who also has an active CPA license and CFP certificate. When it comes to capital gains taxes and real estate, as long as you have lived there for 2 of the last 5 years, you will be able to take advantage of the $250,000 capital gains exemption amount. In this case, your gains are well below the 250K amount, so would not have any capital gains taxes at this stage. To answer your question regardless of this, the 2 out of 5 year requirement would be met as long as you close on that property in 2027 (specific date depends on when you moved out of it). Good luck!