Ask Rudy: San Diego County Real Estate Questions, Answered

Is this the same as an online estimate?

No. Automated estimates are computer-generated from public data and can be off by a meaningful amount on any single home. This is a comparison Rudy builds by hand, using the sales closest to your address and a look at your home’s own condition.

From Request a Personal Home Value for Your San Diego County Home

Do I have to be selling to ask?

No. People request a home value to plan a move, check on a refinance, settle an estate, or just stay informed. There is no obligation.

From Request a Personal Home Value for Your San Diego County Home

How long does it take?

Usually a business day or two. If you need it sooner, call or text (619) 392-6714.

From Request a Personal Home Value for Your San Diego County Home

Is my information shared?

No. It goes only to Rudy, to reply to you. See the Privacy Policy.

From Request a Personal Home Value for Your San Diego County Home

Is a quiet sale faster?

Sometimes, but not always. The steps after acceptance are the same, and fewer buyers see the home.

From Relocating to San Diego: Timing a Quiet Sale or Purchase

Do the disclosures still apply?

Yes. California’s disclosure rules apply to a quiet sale as to any other.

From Relocating to San Diego: Timing a Quiet Sale or Purchase

What about a relocation on a fixed date?

Build the timeline backward from your start date, and add a back-up plan such as a short rental.

From Relocating to San Diego: Timing a Quiet Sale or Purchase

Why does the team run separate sites?

Each area has its own neighborhoods, rules and numbers. A site for one area lets the guides and the weekly market data be specific instead of general.

From Local Guides by Area: More From the Same Team

Can I contact the team from any of the sites?

Yes. Every site carries the same contact details for Rudy and the team, and each has its own privacy policy.

From Local Guides by Area: More From the Same Team

Which site should I start with?

The one for the area you are most interested in. If you are comparing areas, start there and follow the links here to the others.

From Local Guides by Area: More From the Same Team

Does an off-market sale avoid reassessment?

No. A change in ownership triggers a reassessment whether or not the home was marketed publicly.

From Off-Market Sales and Property Tax: How the Assessor Knows

Who files the change-of-ownership report?

It is filed with the deed when it is recorded, and your escrow or title company handles it.

From Off-Market Sales and Property Tax: How the Assessor Knows

Is the price public?

The deed and the reported details go to the county. What the public can see depends on county records rules.

From Off-Market Sales and Property Tax: How the Assessor Knows

Can I estimate the buyer’s tax before we agree?

Yes. The property tax estimator gives a first pass.

From Off-Market Sales and Property Tax: How the Assessor Knows

Can I add a contingency for zoning verification?

Yes, and in a private deal it is worth negotiating time for it.

From Off-Market Deals: Zoning and Entitlement Due Diligence

Does the seller’s word count?

Verify with the jurisdiction. Seller statements are not a substitute for permit records.

From Off-Market Deals: Zoning and Entitlement Due Diligence

How long do city answers take?

It varies. Ask early, put your question in writing and follow up.

From Off-Market Deals: Zoning and Entitlement Due Diligence

Is a cash offer always lower than listing on the open market?

Usually, yes. Cash buyers are paying for speed and certainty, and that typically shows up as a lower price than what a well-marketed open-market listing would bring. The comparison is what tells you how much lower, in actual dollars.

From Get a Cash Offer for Your San Diego County Home

Am I obligated to accept anything?

No. Requesting offers to compare doesn't commit you to selling at all, let alone to a cash buyer specifically.

From Get a Cash Offer for Your San Diego County Home

How fast can a cash sale actually close?

It varies by buyer, but 1 to 3 weeks is common when there's no financing contingency. Ask for the specific buyer's timeline before assuming.

From Get a Cash Offer for Your San Diego County Home

Does requesting this cost anything?

No. There's no cost or obligation to ask for a comparison.

From Get a Cash Offer for Your San Diego County Home