• Welcome / This Week's Special Offer
• Gary's Real Estate Seminars
• Homebuying Question
• Homeselling Question
• Investing or Financing Question
• Hot Properties: New Listings BEFORE They Hit The Market
• Thank You For Your Referrals

Welcome To The Latest Issue
We still have seats available for tomorrow’s free seminar, “How To Buy A Foreclosure In San Diego.” It’s Saturday 10AM to noon at UTC. Click for flyer. Please feel free invite a friend or tell a friend. See you there.

…Surprise: San Diego home prices actually went UP in May! The Case-Shiller Price Index rose 0.4% for San Diego County in May, part of a national uptrend and a possibly signaling the start of our market improving after 3 1/2 years of falling prices. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about buying a home, perhaps it’s time to jump. Read the UT story.

…41 Offers? Putting a home into escrow right now. We’re at 41 offers and counting. Who knows where we’ll end up.

…A new law took effect yesterday requiring A) lenders to provide new loan disclosures if there are any APR changes over 1/8% and B) a 3-day waiting period to close the loan after delivery of the disclosures. The law is meant to protect consumers against deceptive lending practices. However, even if your rate goes DOWN, you’ll likely have a 3-day delay in closing your loan.

…The (in)famous Watergate hotel has just been foreclosed on. The Watergate is one of many hotels falling to foreclosure, including our own W hotel.

…YOU CAN SELL YOUR HOME NOW! Recently, it seemed you could only sell your home if you gave it away. But 2009’s market has vastly improved. Prices have even ticked up in some price ranges. If you’re considering selling, call or email me asap: (858)457-KENT, Gary@GaryKent.com. You may be pleasantly surprised.

…Is that a house or a shed? You’ll be shocked when you see these micro-homes.

…Follow me on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.
TWITTER’s DIRTY SECRET: Ever notice people on Twitter with 1000’s of followers and are also following 1000’s? They can’t be reading all those Tweet updates, right? They’re not. They’re “gaming” Twitter by en masse agreeing to follow thousands of people if they follow them. All to fool you into thinking they MUST be important if all those people follow what they’re saying. Reminds me of a woman I knew long ago who sent herself flowers to appear popular. Sad. BTW, I do NOT game Twitter.

This Week’s Free Offer:
Find Out Your Property Value FREE, Right Over The Phone
If you're planning to sell, knowing your property value is vital. Now you can quickly, easily find out the value of your San Diego home (or other property) free, right over the phone.

True Story: Think Short Sales Are Slow Now?...
When I did 200 short sales in the 1990’s, more than once we called the negotiator (the person at the bank we deal with) and heard a voicemail message that said in so many words, “I will be on vacation for two weeks and no one will be handling the files while I’m gone.”

Fraud Warning About Loan Modification Scams
The California DRE (Department of Real Estate) recently issued a fraud warning alerting consumers about loan modification scams and informing consumers of what they can do to protect themselves. Last July, the DRE had less than 10 complaints involving loan modification companies. Today the department has 750 pending investigations. In addition, since last October, the DRE has filed more than 200 desist and refrain orders. A list of the companies and persons the DRE has filed an action against can be viewed at http://www.dre.ca.gov/cons_drs.asp.

Top 10 U.S. Cities With Best Quality Of Life
Forbes.com measured quality of life in U.S. metropolitan statistical areas with 500,000+ people. They assigned points based on: five-year household income growth, cost of living, crime, leisure, and unemployment. Here’s their list:

1. Portland, ME
2. Bethesda, MD
3. Des Moines, IA
4. Stamford, CN
5. Tulsa, OK
6. Oklahoma City, OK
7. Cambridge, MA
8. Worcestor, MA
9. Baltimore, MD
10. Pittsburgh, PA

Find Out The Value Of Your Home Or Rental Property FREE — Right Over The Phone
Considering selling? Now you can quickly, easily find out today's value of your home or other San Diego County real estate, right over the phone. Call and tell me about your property. I’ll research the market and arrive at an honest, realistic price you can expect to get in today’s market. Need a more accurate figure? Ask me to come by. For your free over-the-phone or in person evaluation, just call me at (858)457-KENT. Please tell a friend…

Join Our "Preferred Client Group" For The Best Values
I find great real estate deals every week. But too often we cant match a client in time and someone else scoops it up. (My bank-clients wont let me buy their properties, or I'd be my best client!)

So I developed my Private Client Group, a select group of people serious, qualified, and ready to grab a great deal on a home or investment when -- or before -- it hits the market.

If you'd like to be in the Preferred Client Group, you need to:

1. Pre-approve with our approved lender
2. Come in for a short sit-down counseling session
3. Commit to work with us

To join and get the jump on the best real estate values in town, call us at (858)457-KENT or email us at PCG@GaryKent.com.

Check Out Our Foreclosure Hot-List
Looking for a deal? 25+ of my REO (foreclosure) properties have discounts of 10% to a whopping 49% from their previous values. Click on www.Foreclosure-Hotlist.com to check  out my brand-new Foreclosure Hot-List website. We'll update the site regularly, so be sure to bookmark it and return frequently. And forward this link to a friend!

FREE MLS Online Search For A San Diego or Riverside Home
To search for a home right now, click here: Free MLS Homesearch.

Send This Free Newsletter To A Friend
Subscribe them with a quick email to TellAFriend@GaryKent.com with their email address in the subject line.

Remember to email your questions, comments, compliments, corrections, critiques, &
rebuttals to Questions@GaryKent.com.

FREE Seminar @ UTC Mall – August 1, 2009:
"How To Buy A Foreclosure In San Diego"
Fantasy vs. Reality: Discover the truth about foreclosures/REOs
-- Saturday, August 1st, 10AM-Noon --
Click for Seminar Flyer / Click to Reserve Your Free Seat

When you attend, you'll discover the truth about:

• NEW: I’ll be just back from the two biggest industry foreclosure conferences w/ the latest insider info!
• NEW: Bailouts, loan “mods”, foreclosure moratoriums...what’s REALLY going on right now w/ REOs?
• How homebuyers can put just 3% down & investors put 10% down on some REOs w/ no PMI or appraisal costs
• Top 10 San Diego neighborhoods with the best REO deals today
• How much banks negotiate off their price
• 5-step plan to getting a great value on a foreclosure in 90 days
• Wise, timely words millionaire Baron Rothschild said in the 1800s
• Traps in the small-print that banks make you sign
• The #1 mistake people make when offering on an REO
• How to get banks to pay EVERY PENNY of your closing costs
• Auction tricks, traps, and pitfalls that I swear will shock you
• Free email access to undervalued & foreclosure properties
• The ugly truth about short sales and it IS ugly
• What to watch out for in an REO
• Much more

"I’ve been looking for a home and have been outbid four times. Do you recommend offering over list price?"

Answer:
By your question, I’m sure you’re trying to buy a home under $400,000 in San Diego County.

Should you offer over list? Definitely, if you feel the value is there or close. We’re probably approaching the bottom of the market or have already hit it and bounced up.

In my opinion, homes under $400,000 in San Diego County over-corrected due to the subprime meltdown. So we’re seeing people scrambling to pick up these excellent values before they go up too much.

Good luck!

"Gary, My wife has been following your informational emails for months and believes you are an excellent source of information on today's market. We own a home in the desert near L.A. that I currently rent to a friend for much less than the mortgage. I want to consider a short sale and need to better understand what I need to do. I tried a loan mod, and they said since I am not owner occupied they can’t help. Can you help me?"

Answer:
Thank you for your kind and generous words. I’d love to help you, but I only serve clients with real estate in San Diego County.

I suggest you find an agent in that area who specializes in short sales. Be careful as many agents SAY they are specialists because they've been to a seminar and have done one short sale. Ask them for a list of short sale listings they've sold and go with one who's done at least 10.

I'd recommend an agent to you, but I don't know one there. I hope things work out for you...

"I heard that 5% down conventional loans are available again. If that’s true, do you know a lender making them?"

Answer:
Here and gone, then here for a short time and gone again.

5% down conventional loans came back for a short time, but the one mortgage insurer who was insuring these loans just raised their down payment requirement to 10%.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Lovely Clairemont Condo BR/BA: 2/1 Sqft: 909 Price: $139,900
– Clairemont – Lovely 2BR/1BA 1-level condo: ideal for senior, 1st-time buyer, or investor! FHA approved! Offers nice breezes, patio, gated community w/ pool/spa, close to shopping, dining and easy freeway access! Contact Me

Coming Soon
(Click Contact Me to be contacted BEFORE these properties hit the market!)

– Chula Vista – Foreclosure! Cute house w/ hardwood floors, 2-car garage, nice yard, in great Hilltop neighborhood. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1444 sqft
Last sold @ 516K >>> To be low/mid 200s?
– Chula Vista – Foreclosure! Cute single-level home with pool. Great starter home. Contact Me
3BR/1BA, 1536 sqft
Recently appraised @ 510K >>> Price TBD
– Chula Vista – Foreclosure! Gorgeous Otay Ranch home with mountain views. Entertainer’s backyard, stunning kitchen. Contact Me
4BR/3BA, 2462 sqft
Last sold @ 593K >>> Price TBD
– Chula Vista – Foreclosure! Enjoy southerly views, designer pool/spa, & more from this spacious 2-story home. Contact Me
4BR/2.5BA, 2394 sqft
Last sold @ 665K >>> To be 400s?
– Chula Vista – Foreclosure! Spacious home on large 9300sqft lot, 4BR/2BA, 1600 sqft, plus detached room/granny flat! Contact Me
Last sold @ 507K >>> Now 300s?
– Clairemont – Friendly home on quiet street offers family room, gas/wood FPL, newer carpet and exterior paint, more. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1566 sqft
Value range $360,000 to $400,000!
– Clairemont – Foreclosure! Fixer-upper 4BR/2BA house needs lots of help. No garage, large lot. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1635 sqft
Last appraised @ 489K+ >>> Now low 300s?
New– Downtown – Foreclosure! Beautiful & spacious 1BR “Treo” condo built in 2003. Gas FPL, washer/dryer in unit, more. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 707 sqft
Recently appraised apx 423K+ >>> To be low 200s.
– Downtown – Foreclosure! Enjoy downtown living at “Symphony Terrace”. Complex has pool/spa, fitness, sauna. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 673 sqft
Last sold @ 292K >>> Price TBD 8th St.
– Downtown – Foreclosure! "Palermo" studio/1BR loft w/ private patio. Complex has pool/spa, fitness, business ctr. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 860 sqft
Last sold @ 354K >>> Very low 200s?
– East San Diego– Foreclosure! Charming craftsman home w/ addition, huge master suite, updated kitchen, private backyard. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1568 sqft
Last sold @ 500K >>> Price TBD
– Eastlake Area – Foreclosure! Spacious newer home w/ panoramic Otay Lake & mtn view, granite, hardwood, 3-car garage. Contact Me
5BR/3BA, 2578 sqft
Last sold @ 725K >>> To be 400s?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Light & bright 1-story w/ FPL, bay window, 2-car garage, large 1/4-acre lot. Built 1980. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1438 sqft
Recently appraised @ 325K? >>> To be 200K?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Remodeled home w/ city views, 2-car garage, more. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1247sqft
Last sold @ 358K >>> To be 200s?
– Escondido – Foreclosure! Fantastic custom home w/ front courtyard, private & secluded area, pool + covered patio, views! Contact Me
3BR/3.5BA, 2317 sqft
Last sold @ 663K >>> To be 400s?
– La Jolla – Foreclosure! Breathtaking ocean views from this one-level oceanfront condo @ 333 Coast Bl. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1342 sqft
Last sold @ 915K >>> To be 700s/800s?
– La Jolla – Foreclosure! Delightful single-level home, sweeping ocean views from most rooms, large lot. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 2107 sqft
Previously appraised @ 1.44M >>> Price TBD
– Lakeside – Foreclosure! Dirt-cheap condo ideal for investor or first-time homeowner. Contact Me
2BR/1BA, 728 sqft
Appraised @ 131K+ >>> To be in the 80s?
– Lemon Grove – Foreclosure! 2-story family home in “Miller Ranch” community, 2-car garage. Contact Me
3BR/2.5BA, 1615 sqft
Previously appraised @ 467,500 >>> Price TBD
– Mission Valley – Foreclosure! Upgraded condo in desirable “River Colony” in the heart of Mission Valley. Community pool/spa, fitness center, patio balcony, cozy fireplace. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 977 sqft
Last sold @ 395K >>> To be in 200s?
– Nestor – Foreclosure! Ranch-style home w/ 2-car garage, fireplace, good-size backyard. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1152 sqft
Last sold @ 395K >>> Price TBD
– Nestor – Foreclosure! Gorgeous 2-story “Ocean Hills” home w/ views, 3-car garage, vaulted ceilings. Contact Me
5BR/2.5BA, 2353 sqft
Last sold @ 585K >>> Price TBD
– Oceanside – Foreclosure! Single-level family home w/ 2-car garage, open floorplan, remodeled kitchen, A/C. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1460 sqft
Previously appraised @ 285K >>> To be low 200s?
– Pacific Beach – Foreclosure! Mission Beach view condo w/ 2-car garage, walk to beach/bay, quaint 4-unit complex. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 955 sqft
Last sold @ 420,862 >>> Price TBD
– Pacific Beach – Foreclosure! Beach house w/ private backyard, California room, 2-car garage. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1400 sqft
Last sold @ 700K >>> To be high 500s?
– Paradise Hills – Foreclosure! Cute townhome in “Bay Terraces”. Open floorplan, 1-car garage, laundry. Contact Me
2BR/1BA, 840 sqft
Previously valued @ 281K >>> To be high 100s?
– Rancho Bernardo – Foreclosure! Sharp house on culdesac w/ red tile roof, 8494 sqft lot, big yard, views, a/c. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1727 sqft
Last sold @ $575,000>>> To be low 400s?
– Rancho Bernardo – Foreclosure! Handsome 2-story home in Chateau Bernardo. Breathtaking panoramic views, 3-car garage. Contact Me
5BR/3BA, 3179 sqft
Last sold @ $789,000 >>> Price TBD
– San Marcos – Foreclosure! Affordable "Lake Park Villas" townhome. Near Restaurant Row & multiplex. Contact Me
2BR/1.5BA, 957 sqft
Last sold @ $221,500 >>> To be very low 100s?
– San Marcos – Foreclosure! 6-year-new home near Cal State San Marcos. More info to follow. Contact Me
4BR/3BA, 2358 sqft
Last sold @ 615K >>> To be low 400s?
– Santee – Foreclosure! Single-level home on .5 acre lot! 1000sqft detached workshop, huge covered patio. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1644 sqft
Last sold @ $502,500 >>> Price TBD
New– Spring Valley – Foreclosure! Large home on private culdesac w/ open view, oversize backyard, 2-car garage. Contact Me
5BR/3BA, 2115 sqft
Recently appraised apx 650K >>> To be 300s.
– Spring Valley – Foreclosure! Upstairs condo w/ shared garage, patio balcony, end-unit, great starter home. Contact Me
2BR/1BA, 882 sqft
Last sold @ $140,000 >>> To be in the 70s
– Vista – Foreclosure! 2-story mountain view home on large lot. pool. Sparkling pool, 2-car garage. Contact Me
3BR/1.5BA, 2424 sqft
Last sold @ $600,000 >>> Price TBD

NEWLY LISTED (Your Property Here!)

Great starter home on generous lot. Walk to schools.

3 Bed, 1.5 Bath 1,042 Sqft Price: $179,900 Recently appraised @ 370K

Extremely affordable one-level condo in centrally located complex. FHA/VA financing OK.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 909 Sqft Price: $139,900!

2-story “Williams Ranch” family home w/ 2-car garage, quiet community.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,436 Sqft Price: $260,000! Previously appraised @ 398,400

Gorgeous home w/ great bkyd, distant ocean vu, FPL, .35 acres, 2-car garage, more.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 2,315 Sqft Price: $524,900-$549,000

MORE GREAT HOMES & INVESTMENTS (Your Home Here!)

Enjoy desert peace and quiet from this cute house. Ideal home or weekend retreat

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,380 Sqft Price: $110,000! Last sold @ 269K

Enjoy panoramic views from this cared-for 1-story home. Upscale neighborhood of high end custom homes.

2 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,983 Sqft Price: $999,000 to $1,299,000

Gorgeous “Hard Rock” condo-hotel suite in the Gaslamp Quarter. “Rock Royalty” service & full hotel amenities.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 459 Sqft Price: $489,000! Last sold @ 589K

Affordable 1BR condo in west Mission Valley, 5 minutes to Fashion & Mission Valley malls.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 700 Sqft Price: $132,500 Recently appraised: 175K

Cute end unit condo in “Mission Plaza” near 24-hour Fitness, Qualcomm, trolley.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 931 Sqft Price: $188,100 Recently appraised: 333K

Eclectic "Flamingo House" in Pacifica: bonus room w/ bay view, big private bkyd, pool, spa, 3 FPL, more.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 2,290 sqft Price: $850,000 to $900,000!

Great starter home w/ 2-car garage on spacious 9000 sqft lot. 2-car garage, big yard.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,099 Sqft Price: $319,900 Last sold @ $430,000

Mid-century 1-level home w/ back-country views, 10 minutes to I-5, 3 acres, great street.

5 Bed, 4.5 Bath 3,375 Sqft Price: 1.55M-1.75M

Spacious newer Santa Fe Hills home. 3-car garage, nice backyard! Needs kitchen & bath.

3 Bed, 3 Bath 2,006 Sqft Price: $319,000 Last sold @ $515,000

Newer high-quality view home on 2.09 acres. Offers pool, 3-car garage, huge yard, orange groves.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 2,602 Sqft Price: $499,000!

Large condo, feel more like a house. Small 6-unit complex, huge master bedroom, 2-car garage!

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,824 Sqft Price: $238,000 Last sold @ $440,000

Spacious manufactured home in Warner Springs Estates.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 2,037 Sqft Price: $98,900 Last sold @ 430K

Due to production and shipping expense, free items are available only to residents, owners, and people planning to purchase real estate in San Diego.

This free e-newsletter tells you how to be more successful with your real estate transactions. You receive it because you subscribed, entered your email address at my site(s), or were referred. By reading it, you agree you: 1) understand this is opinion & not advice; 2) will seek professional tax, legal, and real estate advice; 3) are solely responsible for use of content, 4) hold Gary Kent, Gary Kent Homes & Estates, Kent & Associates Inc., and RE/MAX Associates harmless. Questions may be paraphrased for clarity/brevity. Disregard this email if you have a listing or buyer-broker agreement.

Copyright 2009 Gary Kent, All Rights Reserved.