Issue #258
In This Issue
Welcome / This Week's Special Offer
Welcome To The Latest Issue
Tomorrow is our free seminar:
How To Buy A Home In
San Diego...
I’ve added a key topic you
won’t want to miss: “Fascinating Facts On Foreclosures & Short Sales –
Ignore Them At Your Peril!”
Not reserved your seat yet? Come anyway as we have 19 seats still available.
True Story: OOPS!
My main practice is helping people like you and me buy and sell homes. But
lately, most major banks you know have asked me to sell their foreclosures. So I
hired a motivated, bright young guy to do fieldwork. On his rounds the other
day, he was at one of the properties, trying to convince a used-car lot manager
that his lot had been lost to foreclosure. Only problem was that we had the
address wrong. Oops. That’s a little embarrassing, plus I felt bad for scaring
the man. Fortunately, he was so impressed with my guy’s persistence that he said
he’d like to hire him!
You Know You’re In San Diego When…
…You know what "The Merge" is, and will plan your entire day around not being on
it during rush hour~
(Got one of your own?
Email it to me.)
Areas Ranked: 7 Most
Popular International 2nd-Home Markets
Here are the top international markets for second-home buyers
1. The bay islands of Honduras
2. Belize
3. Panama
4. South coast of Mexico
5. Croatia
6. Languedoc, France
7. Turkey
(Source: Tom Kelly, "Cashing in on a Second Home in Mexico: How to Buy, Rent And
Profit from Real Estate South of the Border.")
For more info, go to:
CNN
Next Week: Top 10 U.S. Foreclosure Markets
But At Least The
Chihuahuas Are Selling Like Hotcakes!
Effective marketing is key to selling my clients’ homes and other properties.
That’s why I’m an avid student of marketing. Recently I heard an analysis of
Taco Bell’s marketing…
Remember their ads with the cute Chihuahua saying “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” (I want some Taco Bell)? While the campaign was winning advertising awards, it wasn’t winning sales. In fact, it caused Taco Bell sales to drop. On the bright side, the ads actually vastly increased sales of Chihuahuas! True story.
Get On Our San Diego
“Foreclosure Hot-List”
Five major lenders have asked me to handle their foreclosures, and I’m
looking for a short list of investors or people wanting to buy a home or
investment up to 5-10% below market. If you’d like to be the first to find out
about them,
click here.
FREE MLS Online Search For A San Diego or Riverside Home
To search for a home right now, click here: Free MLS Homesearch
This Week’s Free Offer:
Free $450 Home Appraisal & $300 Home Inspection!
For a limited time, you’ll receive $750 in free services when using us as your
Realtor to buy a home or investment property and our preferred Countrywide
lender for your home loan. For more details or to take advantage of this offer,
call us @ (858)457-KENT.
Another Real Estate Myth
Debunked:
Myth: “Well, they’re asking $500,000 for the home on the corner...since
ours is nicer, we should get $550,000.”
Reality: The homeowner is taking someone’s ASKING price and using it to
determine their own SELLING price. But asking price tells you nothing about what
buyers will pay, just what the seller wants. If that neighbor asked
$1,500,000, would that make the other home worth $1,550,000? I think not...
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FREE SEMINAR March 31 / Saturday 10AM-Noon
At "Forum Hall" at the UTC Mall in University City
How To Buy A Home In San Diego – 2007!
…Never bought a home, or just a little rusty?
…Curious to learn so you can confidently make your own choices and look out for
yourself?
…Excited about all the opportunity and great values in today’s buyer’s market?
Then come hear three experts share the inside scoop to buying a home today.
You’ll learn from yours truly plus our home loan expert and a home professional
home inspector.
You'll Discover:
- San Diego real estate forecast 2007 & Beyond:
"Soft Landing" or "Bursting Bubble"?
- What home inspectors Do & don’t inspect. You may be surprised!
- Get pre-qualified FREE, on the spot + get your credit report free
- Why media reports about real estate are so often DEAD WRONG
- Step-by-step plan to buy your dream home in the next 90 days
- Find out your price range, payments, & needed down payment
- How our software got my computer guy a home under market
- 9 ways to make your offer more attractive & beat other offers
- How to avoid buying a home that's a MONEY PIT of problems
- The 3 best loan programs + dangerous mortgages to avoid
- Free email access to under-valued & foreclosure properties
- 7 smart insider tips, whether this is your 1st or 10th home
- Exactly what I would do if I was buying a home today
- Get sellers to pay EVERY PENNY of your closing costs
- 6 ways to profit and plunder in today’s market
- Avoid these 5 homebuying blunders!
- The 80/20 rule for buying a home
To RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW for this free presentation, click here or call (858)457-KENT!
"Hi Gary. We see your signs and
your face everywhere. My wife and I have never bought a home before. I heard
that legally the home has to be of a certain condition to sell. Specifically
that the plumbing, heating, electrical, and appliances must work, and that the
roof is watertight. Is this correct?"
***ANSWER:
No. There is no such law. The old California purchase contract required all
systems of a home to be in working order and roof to be free of known leaks. But
that contract changed years ago.
All the law or the standard California contract require today is that the water
heater is strapped and working smoke detectors are up in the "sleeping areas."
Of course, you should have a qualified home inspector inspect the home. If the
inspector finds some of the items you mentioned (or other items), you can ask
the seller to repair them or credit you funds through escrow instead.
Depending on the market and the seller's motivation, the seller may agree to
all, some, or none of your requests. If you don't reach agreement and you're
within the contract's time frames, you may cancel the sale.
But remember: it's a used home, so don't expect perfection.
“Hi
Gary. I need every dollar I can get when I sell my condo next month. I
interviewed a discount broker and he says he does just what a regular broker
does. But I didn’t get a good feeling talking with him. Something made me uneasy
and I don’t totally believe him. Do you think he’s being truthful about what he
does?”
***ANSWER:
No.
In MY experience, discount brokers don’t do what a good, experienced,
full-service broker does. Of course, I’m sure there are exceptions. I just
haven’t seen any.
Running a real estate business is just way too expensive when done right and
doesn't allow for proper service at cut rates. Heck, just my advertising bill is
over $10,000 per MONTH! You can’t lose money selling each home and make it up on
volume.
(By the way, in my opinion, calling them "discount brokers" is like calling Yugo
a "discount carmaker". Yugo was just a "cheap" carmaker.)
For years, while telling the public they do all the seller's important work,
behind the scenes such brokers often dumped much of it on the buyer's broker.
This was a major disincentive for full-service brokers to sell their homes.
(Would you do 50% more work w/o extra pay?)
So starting 2004, the MLS requires listings by many discount brokers to be
flagged as "Limited Service".
In summary, let's do the math.
"Save" 1%. But if due to less marketing, less service, less skill, less
negotiation, and less interest from other brokers, you get 3% less on your
price, who’s saving money?
Are you better off with a Limited Service or discount broker?
Draw your own conclusions...
Investing or Financing Question
"I just talked to
a lender about refinancing my condo and he told me my FICO scores. They’re 719,
729, and 744. How come there’s 3 different scores?"
***ANSWER:
There are three nationwide credit bureaus, each with their very own FICO score
name:
- Experian has “”Experian, Fair Isaac Risk Model”
- TransUnion has “FICO Risk Score, Classic”
- Equifax has “Beacon”
And, as you noticed, each comes up with their own score, different from the
others. As I understand it, your scores will vary for four reasons:
1. Not all lenders and businesses report your credit activity to all three
bureaus
2. Different ways lenders and businesses report to credit agencies.
3. Different ways agencies record the same information.
4. Different FICO models used by each credit reporting agency.
I know, you’ve got to be an actuary to be excited by that answer. But you asked
the question…
(By the way, I advise you to talk with my preferred lender at Countrywide. She
is outstanding. Call me at 858-457-KENT and I’ll put you in touch with her.)
Hot Properties: Call Now On These Hot New
Listings & Not-Yet-On-The-Market Properties
|
THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY! | |
 |
Bay Park
Home BR/BA:
3/2 Sqft:1485 Price:$800,000-840,000 |
|
For more information on this Delightful Home Click Here | |
"COMING SOON"
(Click
Contact Me to be contacted BEFORE these properties hit the market!)
- Bay Park – Gorgeously fully remodeled 5BR/3BA view home on quiet street in great neighborhood. Dbl garage. $800s. Contact Me
New - Chula Vista –
Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 3BR/2BA house in Pepper
Tree area on huge .7 acre lot!
Contact Me
- Chula Vista – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Cute
remodeled 3BR house w/ white picket fence. $300s?
Contact Me
- Chula Vista – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Newer 3BR, 2.5BA, 1452sqft townhome w/ garage. $300s? Contact Me
- Clairemont – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 4BR/3BA 1614 sqft home in quiet neighborhood. Lo $400s? Contact Me
- Clairemont – Bank Owned
Foreclosure! 3BR house w/ garage. Quiet street. More info to follow.
Lo $400s.
Contact Me
- Downtown –
Bank Owned Foreclosure! 1BR/1.5BA ground-floor condo with direct street entrance.Price
TBD
Contact Me
- El Cajon – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 4BR/2BA house on large 11,300sqft lot w/ pool & garage. Price TBD. Contact Me
– Escondido – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Remodeled 3BR/2BA end-unit condo w/ gas FPL. Price TBD. Contact Me
- La Jolla – Stunning remodeled home w/ spectacular canyon views, family room, pool, more. Price TBD. Contact Me
- La Jolla – Highly upgraded ocean vu home w/ granite, hardwood, marble, new roof, new windows, new MBA. 2M+? Contact Me
- La Mesa – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Remodeled 5BR/3BA 2537sqft view home on .41 acres. $500s? Contact Me
- Mira Mesa – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 4BR/2.5BA 1804sqft house w/ spa. Should be low $500’s. Contact Me
New - National City – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Triplex / 3-unit building: two 2BR + one 1BR. Updated. Hi500s? Contact Me
- National City – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Vintage Victorian home built 1864! 4BR/3BA, 1852sqft: $400s? Contact Me
- North Park – Upgraded 2BR/2BA townhome w/ garage, hardwood floors, large bedrooms. Very high $300’s? Contact Me
- Oak Park – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Cute, upgraded 2BR cottage w/ garage & large yard $300’s? Contact Me
- Oceanside –
Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 3-yr-new, 3BR/2BA,
2069sqft house on culdesac. Price TBD.
Contact Me
- Oceanside – Bank Owned Foreclosure!
Stunning 9-yr-new 4BR home w/ sweeping views. Low $500’s?
Contact Me
- Oceanside – Bank Owned Foreclosure!
Handsome 3BR/2.5BA detached home w/ dbl garage. Low $400’s?
Contact Me
- Oceanside – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Stunning 2-yr-new 3210sqft home w/ spectacular views! Price TBD. Contact Me
New – Paradise Hills – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 3BR/2BA on spacious 9,000 sqft lot. Large BRs & kitchen. Price TBD Contact Me
- Paradise Hills – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 3BR/2BA 1373sqft condo w/ 2-car garage. Price TBD Contact Me
- Pt Loma – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Cute 2BR, 1227sqft house w/ garage, 6500sqft lot. High $600’s? Contact Me
– Poway – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Spectacular Green Valley home on huge lot & tree-lined street. Price TBD. Contact Me
- Ramona – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 2181sqft 3BR house on 6 full acres of horse property. $700s? Contact Me
– Rancho Bernardo – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Newer beautiful 3BR/2BA manufactured home. Hi $300s?. Contact Me
– San Carlos –
Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 5BR/3.5BA, 2300sqft
home w/ fam room, solar pool. Hi $500s?
Contact Me
- Scripps Ranch – Bank Owned Foreclosure!
Stunning newer 4BR 2536sf home, many upgrades. $700?
Contact Me
– University
City – Nicely updated 3BR/2.5BA 1380sqft condo w/ large stamped concrete
patio, more! 430-465K
Contact Me
- University City – Fully redone luxury
3BR home w/ large private backyard. Great neighborhood. Lo/mid-$600s?
Contact Me
- Vista – Bank-Owned Foreclosure!
4BR culdesac home w/ gleaming hardwood flrs + oversize backyard. Mid-400s
Contact Me
NEWLY LISTED (Your Property Here!)
 |
- Rancho Penasquitos – Bank Owned
Foreclosure! 3BR/2.5BA house on corner lot in desirable
neighborhood. 595K See For Yourself
|
MORE GREAT HOMES & INVESTMENTS (Your Home Here!)
|
|
New - Bay Park – Enjoy heart-stopping, unobstructable ocean, bay, & city lights views! 3BR/2BA house, great area. 800-840K Check Out The View |
 |
- Chula Vista – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 8yr-new Rancho Del Rey townhome w/ dbl garage, gated community. $416,900! See For Your Self |
 |
New - Clairemont – Stunning luxury remodel 3BR/2BA w/ 600sqft MBR suite w/ side office, new maple/granite kitchen, 585-620K! Pictures |
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- Downtown – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 2BR 2nd-floor condo in historical & famous CORTEZ HILL. Reduced to $495,000 Check It Out |
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- Downtown – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 2-year-new 2BR/1BA high-rise condo w/ views in the hip “Acqua Vista”. $549,900. See The View |
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- Encanto – Upgraded 3BR/1.5BA home with oversize grassy backyard & double garage. Priced for quick sale at 369-400K View Details |
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- La Costa – Just-remodeled luxury Mediterranean-style 4,800 sqft estate on huge lot, right on La Costa Golf Course. 1.695-1.795M Look For Yourself |
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- La Jolla – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Upgraded, spacious 3BR/2BA 1-story house on culdesac in “Windemere.” $959,900! Contact Me |
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SOLD- La Mesa – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 3BR house on quiet street with big yard. $2500 closing cost credit. $376,900. Search The MLS |
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- Lakeside – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! VERY affordable 1BR condo. Starter home or great investment! Just $142,900! Take A Look |
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- Logan Heights – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! 2800sqft HEAVY fixer-upper house w/ garage, curb appeal, big lot. $510,000 View Pictures and Features |
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- Mission Valley – Short Sale! Oversize 2BR/2BA condo near USD, YMCA. Security parking for 2 cars. $333,550. Find Out More |
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- Mission Valley – CHEAP 1BR end-unit condo w/ golf course vu in gated community! Ideal starter investment or 1st home. 185K! See For Yourself |
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- Nestor – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 3BR/2BA house: family room, dbl garage, tile throughout. Just $454,900. Take A Look For Your Self |
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- Nestor – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 3BR/2BA, 1224 sqft condo w/ large patio, near pool & playground. Reduced 295K! More Info |
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- North Park – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Charming 2BR Spanish house, hardwood floors, garage. $445,000. This Could Be Your Home |
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- Oceanside – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Cheap 1BR condo in “Arbor Hill”. Recent conversion w/ granite, etc. $184,900! Property Information |
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- Oceanside – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Affordable 2BR/1.5BA 1280 sqft condo w/ garage (rare @ this price!). Reduced $237,900 Property Information |
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- Oceanside – Newer 3BR/2BA home in Williams Ranch w/ private yard. Near new middle school and community park. 420-450K! Find Out More |
 |
- Pacific Beach / Crown Pt– Bank Owned Foreclosure! Remodeled 2BR/2BA w/ bay/city views. Walk to bay! $434,900. Find Others Like It |
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- Paradise Hills – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 3BR/2BA 1183sqft condo w/ large covered patio. $314,900. Check It Out |
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- Pt Loma- Bank Owned Foreclosure! Very affordable 2BR house on quiet cul-de-sac street. Loads of potential. $507,900! Access More Information |
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SOLD - Rancho Bernardo – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 4BR/2BA 1913 sqft house on culdesac. New paint/carpet/granite. Now $564,900! See What Its Like |
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- San Marcos / San Elijo Hills – Stunning, sunny & open 4/2.5 home w/ bonus room. Built 2004 w/ all the upgrades. 612K. Search The MLS |
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- San Marcos – Bank Owned Foreclosure! Stunning near-new 3BR/3BA, 2259sqft view house, gated community. Reduced to $564,900. Find Out More |
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- Scripps Ranch – Bank-Owned Foreclosure! Sharp 4-yr-new 3BR/2.5BA condo w/ nice yard, patio, dbl garage. $454,900! More Info |
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- Tierrasanta – Bank Owned Foreclosure! 4BR/2.5BA 2592 sqft fixer house on quiet street. Reduced to $614,900! Free Info About the Home |
Call me at (858)457-KENT to find out more or for a private showing. To find other homes, go to Free MLS Homesearch.
Clicked on a property, but there’s no info? It may be sold. Call me to double-check or discover other similar properties we have for you.
Thank you Jeff W. for referring someone to sell their home…
Thank you Jeff W. AGAIN for referring someone else to sell a home…
Have a great week...
"The Agent You See EVERYWHERE"
All-Time #1 Agent/Team In San Diego County for RE/MAX
22 Years Experience -- 3,100+ Homes Sold
Gary Kent Team --- RE/MAX Associates
(858)457-KENT --- (858)457-5368
GaryK@GaryKent.com -- http://www.garykent.com/
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