Answers by Debbie Sagorin

A lot of my serious buyers actually like to wander through open houses alone, so they\'re not a waste of time. They tell the hosting agent they’re already working with me. Most of my buyers still prefer to tour homes together with me, but both ways help them get a better feel for what’s out there. I’ve hosted many open houses across Irvine and Orange County, and they work best when there’s strong marketing, good signage, and follow-up. Handled strategically, open houses create buzz, attract buyers, and help sellers get real feedback.

You don’t need to walk around with the appraiser. Their job is to come up with an independent value for your home, so it’s best to give them space. Just make sure your home looks its best and that your Realtor gives them a list of updates and recent sales, (in case the appraiser missed one or two), to help support the value. Usually, the listing agent meets them and answers any questions.

A right of first refusal means if the owner ever decides to sell the house, you’d get the first shot at buying it. It doesn’t mean you can just buy the home whenever you want, only if the owner puts it up for sale. If that right is written into your lease, and the owner passes away, the kids would still inherit the house. But if they ever decide to sell, they’d have to give you the same chance their parent would have. If they keep it and don’t sell, your right of first refusal doesn’t come into play. So in a nutshell, the right of first refusal gives you first dibs to buy if the house is sold. It doesn’t change who owns the house or who inherits it.

I doubt very much that it’s legal for regular homeowners to raffle off their houses in California, Jeremiah. I\'m guessing that people will think it sounds like gambling and I think a lot of people would probably suspect it\'s a scam. That said, I\'ve seen some legit charities do it. For example, Special Olympics Southern California runs a house raffle every year, and they’re clear that it’s to support their cause. If you’re thinking about selling, I’d suggest talking to a local Realtor with solid reviews. He/she can walk you through your options and help you get the most out of your home, the right way.

In August last year, a major lawsuit transformed the USA real estate business. Agents must now have a signed agreement from a buyer before they can show that buyer any homes. And as of January 2025, this has also become the law in California. (This doesn\'t apply if you\'re just wandering into an open house.) You know what? The law protects you. The contract can\'t be for more than 90 days, and you don\'t pay a cent until escrow closes. The only time the agent sees any money is when they help you land a deal that you\'re happy with and that results in you actually buying the home. An even better option is to have your agent request that the seller cover the cost of your agent\'s commission. If the seller refuses, you have the right to back out of the deal. However most sellers are willing to negotiate this point, especially in today\'s market. You can ask for a short agreement if you\'re not sure. Maybe a week, to test things out and to see if you like what the agent does. If you feel it\'s a good fit, extend it for up to 90 days.

Lesandra, a seller can ask you to get checked again with their lender, but they can’t make you use that lender to get the loan. It’s just to give them peace of mind that you can close. If it’s only a soft credit check, your score won’t be hurt.... JUST MAKE SURE they confirm that in writing. You can always stick with your own lender when it’s time to buy.

Yes, you can buy a property in your name alone, even if you\'re married. But note that the title company will require your spouse to sign a document disclaiming any right, title, or interest in the property. This is to make sure that the property is recognized as your separate property, and nobody else\'s. Filing taxes jointly doesn’t change this requirement.

You’ve still got options, Thad! You may stop foreclosure by catching up on missed payments, refinancing, or working out a repayment plan with your bank / mortgage company. If that’s not possible, selling the home before the foreclosure date can protect your credit and let you keep any equity you’ve built. Once a foreclosure is complete, it will take 7 years to qualify for another mortgage, (sometimes less, depending on your situation). The key is to act fast - talk with a San Diego real estate agent experienced in distressed sales, (look for \"SFR certified\" among his/her credentials). Of course speaking to a foreclosure attorney about your best next move is a good idea too..

Carlos, you have to be 18 in order to purchase a property since it involves a contract.

Carlos, the main documents/information needed for a buyer are: Two years residence and employment history. Current paystubs, current W2s Two years tax returns if self employed or show other types of income (rental income, interest/dividends, etc.). Personal and corporate if applicable. Two months asset statements for all accounts where funds for closing and reserves are coming from Credit will also be run Some lenders, (like the one that helps many of my buyer clients), have alternative documentation programs where tax returns may not be required, e.g., bank statement programs for self employed if income from returns don’t substantiate qualifying income.

In Irvine real estate, kitchen updates do add value, but bigger is not always better. A light kitchen refresh in Southern California usually runs $35,000 to $50,000 and often returns 70% to 85% of the cost at resale. Full remodels can cost $90,000 to $150,000+ and typically return closer to 40% to 60%. In most cases, clean, updated, and functional kitchens sell better than high-end overhauls that buyers end up paying for twice.

As a cash buyer, you’re not required to get an appraisal since there’s no lender involved. That said, many smart cash buyers still choose to get one. An appraisal gives you an independent opinion on value and helps make sure you’re not overpaying, especially in a competitive market. Some experienced buyers skip it if they’re very comfortable with the comps, but in most cases it’s a small cost that can provide extra peace of mind.

Yes Juan, you can submit an offer on a home that’s pending, and that\'s called a backup offer. Pending means the seller has already accepted an offer and is moving toward closing. That said, deals do fall apart, especially in today\'s market. If a buyer really loves the home, it’s worth having their agent check with the listing agent to see where things stand and whether a backup offer makes sense.

Yes, you should get a professional home inspection. It helps uncover issues with the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC before you are fully committed. When buyers call me or message me through www.homesforsaleinirvine.com asking if they should save a few hundred dollars by skipping the inspection, I strongly recommend that they do not. Even in competitive Irvine and Orange County markets, waiving an inspection increases your risk and can lead to some expensive surprises later.