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sdduuuude
ParticipantIf I were very busy and did not have a house in mind, or if I were new to an area, I would hire a top-notch buyers’ agent – someone who represents only buyers and not sellers. They are hard to find, but worth it when you do.
If I had some time to spare, or were on a budget, or if my wife could spend time previewing houses, and I were looking in San Deigo, I would represent myself in the transaction, and make lower offers, indicating there is no buyers’ agent commission. Or I would try to find a For Sale By Owner property to try and cut all realtors out of the deal.
People don’t appreciate how much time it takes to first find, then buy a house.
ParticipantI have purchased a home without a realtor.
The key is to have a good escrow agent who will tell you how to best schedule things. Use your mortgage broker, Title Agent, and escrow agent properly and they will pretty much keep things on track for you. I didn’t miss having a realtor at all. In fact, it simplified some things. Many of the items in the offer form deal with minimizing the agents’ liability and specifying commission. We didn’t have to pay attention to any of these matters.
Regarding my comment to ask the seller’s agent about how they would like to see certain items in the offer. I don’t think you necessarily do exactly what they say, but you can learn alot just by asking how they want it done. Again – if you have confidence in your ability to read a contract and simply touch base with the sellers’ agent on matters which are unclear, you can accomplish alot towards putting together a deal that will work, especially if you have a good escrow agent.
ParticipantPowayseller said “I believe oil is in dwindling supply, and the only big source is the oil shale.”
When the “real” oil shortage (the one where the global supply is truly dwindling and the cost of extraction pushes prices up) happens, you will see the price of oil go up with respect to gold, the supply of which is relatively constant.
This link suggests that political situations and a devaluating dollare are the cause of todays high oil prices, not a shortage in oil.
ParticipantConsider calling Suze Orman. She seems to understand this type of problem really well.
Participant“friends don’t let friends buy California RE”
HAHAHAHAHAHA. I LOVE IT !
Participant-2%
ParticipantI’m not 100% confident about this, but I think we have a post somewhere back there that demonstrated vacant listings often hover around the 25% and 30% range. So, yes it seems like a lot, but is it alot compared to “normal” Also, did this number shoot up in prior bubbles? I dunno.
Participant“I don’t believe in efficient markets theory.”
This explains alot.
Participant“If you choose to believe what I say or not that is your right.”
You have no right to any personal account statements at all
unless you are a prospective client …”Well said, Chris.
ParticipantWow. Just after I posted that, I noticed this from this morning.
ParticipantI think I’ve heard Rich say the Fed doesn’t really care about limiting inflation. It only strives to limit the public’s perception of or expectation of inflation. Someone else may have to explain that in full, or link to one of Rich’s articles.
Participantb33 said “I know, I know it doesn’t sound romantic, but it really is.”
Uh, huh. And so are the NHRA Drag races at Pomona.
ParticipantI like going down to TJ just for lunch on a weekday.
In the 90s, I did telecom work in the city on and off and drove all over with local engineers. They showed me the city and I ate where they ate. It is a different experience from revolution, which isn’t really normal.
TJ is a bustling city and there are lots of great restaurants. I love driving in big crowded cities where the only rule is “don’t run into anyone” and the lane lines don’t really mean all that much.
Every few months, I go down to get body work or upholstery done, have lunch, and buy a cheap bottle of rum. Just going into the supermarket is interesting. I discovered “Herdez” salsa years ago, before the sold it here.
I went to a bullfight once. I didn’t realize they actually killed the bull. Then I realized “matador” does mean “killer” in spanish and I’m like “duh.” I’m glad I saw it, but I’ll never do it again. I’d recommend it to anyone who really wants to experience Mexico, but it is a bit unsettling.
Restaurants I know of include El Taurino, Los Arcos, Las Carnes. There is a Guadalajara – something. Find an online dining guide to TJ and pick a place. Just take a cab in.
Things aren’t as much of a deal in Mexico as they used to be. It is usually a hassle and you don’t save all that much, but I love it. I suspect when retail has trouble here, the deals in Mex. will be better. Speaking Spanish means lower prices.
If you are looking for something in the US, just for fun try to find it in TJ – but don’t go to Revolucion. Go to a normal store where Mexicans would shop. That’s where you find deals. Need tile? Go to a tile store in TJ. Need furniture – go to a furniture store, not a Revolucion shop. Costco in TJ is pretty cool, too.
For the best fish tacos (and I really, really mean the absolute best), head 600 miles south and find Donny’s Tacos in Mulege. Then snorkel for clams in Bahia Concepcion.
ParticipantWe ditched the kids on my parents for a weekend and went to Knotts Berry Farm. It was really fun. KBF had a few serious rides, some fun & cheezy shopping, and wasn’t gang-ridden like Magic Mountain. We had half-price tix, so it was only $20/person. Go in right at opening time. Head to the rear of the park. Highly recommended. Xcellerator is quite awesome – 0 to 85 in 2.5 seconds.
In SD, there is the Knotts Soak City. I always wanted to go there.
Buy an annual “couple” Zoo pass and go to the zoo or Animal Park. She’ll think it’s like a long-term commitment.
OK – this is kind of nerdy. There is a model train museum in Balboa Park. It costs $5 to get in and is pretty amazing. Basically a bunch of old guys have been building train-scapes since 1986. It is huge. I’ll admit, many find it boring, but my 4-year old and I love it.
The Natural History Museum has great IMAX movies.
Lunch in TJ. I love going to TJ. Most don’t. I eat off the beaten track. Try Taurino on 6th, a few blocks west of Revolicion.
Take the train from Campo to Tecate and back.
Go camping – Dos Picos near Ramona, and Potrero up near campo are nice.
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