The questions agents usually dodge.

Plainly: commissions are negotiable by law, and always have been. Since the industry’s 2024 settlement, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent that states compensation up front, and whether the seller contributes is negotiated deal by deal. My compensation goes in writing before we work together, and I’ll walk you through exactly who pays what in your specific situation. If you want to negotiate it, say so — I’d rather have that conversation openly.

It depends on your situation more than on the market. For buyers planning to stay five or more years, with steady finances and a home they can comfortably afford, it often is. For those with uncertain plans or stretched budgets, waiting can be the smarter move — and I’ll tell you if that’s you. I wrote a full honest breakdown in the Insights section.

You’ll see my compensation in writing before you commit to anything, and in many transactions the seller agrees to cover some or all of it — that’s part of the offer negotiation, and I’ll show you how it usually plays out in your price range. The first conversation, the honest read on any listing, and everything on this site cost nothing and obligate you to nothing.

I avoid it. Dual agency is legal in California with disclosure, but I think the conflict of interest is real and disclosure doesn’t cure it — you can’t fully negotiate against yourself. If the situation ever comes up, I’ll say so plainly and help arrange separate representation.

Less often than agent folklore claims — and mostly when the buyer’s agent doesn’t know how to present a VA offer. VA loans close reliably, San Diego is a military town, and experienced listing agents know it. Your zero-down benefit is one of the most powerful financing tools in this market. The right answer isn’t apologizing for your loan; it’s preparation, and that’s a solvable problem.

As a starting point, something. As a decision tool, not much. Automated estimates can’t see your remodel, your deferred maintenance, or the difference between your block and the one behind it — and in neighborhoods with varied housing stock they miss by wide margins in both directions. If you want a number you can act on, ask me — I’ll build it from real comparable sales and show you the work.

No. No drip campaigns, no automated check-ins, no handing your number to a call center. You’ll hear from me, personally, in response to what you asked — and then only when you want to hear from me.

Yes. That’s most of what I do all week. Ask about a listing, a neighborhood, or a clause in a contract you signed with someone else. If I can answer in an email, you’ll get an email, not a pitch.