• 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
Seats are still available for tomorrow’s seminar: “How To Buy a Foreclosure or Short Sale in San Diego.” If you, a friend, or family member plan to buy a home this year, you/they need to attend. To sign up, please call me at 858-457-5368 or click here.

• TOMORROW Saturday, February 6th, 10am-noon
  “How to Buy a Foreclosure or Short Sale in San Diego”



• Saturday, February 13th, 10am-noon NEW SEMINAR!
  “How to Sell Your Home For Top Dollar in 2010”



• Saturday, March 27th, 10am-noon
  “How to Short Sale Your Home or Rental”

…My wife showed me this funny video spoof about a scary movie about $1,000,000 and a button.

…This Week’s Crazy Building: “Guggenheim Museum” in Bilbao Spain. Bizarre.

…Follow me on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan.

New Home Trends: What’s In & What’s Out For 2010
Builders, responding to consumer preferences while keeping prices in check, told the National Association of Home Builders that they are most likely to include these features as standard in their houses this year:

Master bedroom walk-in closets
Laundry rooms
Insulated front doors.
“Great rooms”.
Energy-efficient windows.
Linen closets.
Programmable thermostats.
Energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
Separate shower and tub in master bathrooms.
9-foot ceilings on the first floor.

Some things builders say they’re least likely to add in 2010:
Outdoor kitchens.
Outdoor fireplaces.
Sunrooms.
Desks in kitchens.
Two-story foyers.
8-foot ceilings on the first floor.
Multiple shower heads in the master bath.
Smaller kitchens.

Quick Real Estate Tip #27
Follow my “50/20/10 homebuyer rule”. Before you buy, see minimum 50 homes on the web, 20 via driveby, and 10 on the inside.

Top 10 Metros With Lowest % Of REOs/Foreclosures
The U.S. average is 3.5/1000 homes are REOs. Here are the areas with the lowest REOs as measured by the number of REOs per 1,000 “mortgageable homes”:

Rank------Rate-------City
1.--------- 0.65 ------Syracuse, NY
2.--------- 0.75 ------Albany-Schenectady- Troy, NY
3.--------- 0.75 ------Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
4.--------- 0.95 ------Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA
5.--------- 1.01 ------Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
6.--------- 1.08 ------Madison, WI
7.--------- 1.18 ------Pittsburgh, PA
8.--------- 1.21 ------Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, ME
9.--------- 1.22 -------El Paso, TX
10.-------- 1.22 -------Baton Rouge, LA

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!
Want to buy a foreclosure, but can’t find a website to search for them? Finally…check out our 100% BRAND-NEW website: www.Foreclosure-Hotlist.com. It’s 2.5 years in the making (OK, so we were a little slow), but it’s well worth it. Let me know what you think.

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 Guide: “How To Buy A Home In San Diego”
Discover how to get the best price, beat competing bidders, & make a homeseller happy to sell you their home for thousands less! Plus insider info on buying foreclosures, 12 home loan traps, and 5 questions you MUST ask your lender before you sign anything. These little-known tips may surprise...even shock you.

Call (800)748-1340 to have this sent to you FREE via mail. Call 24 hours / 7 days a week; free recorded message. It should arrive at your home within 72 hours.

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.

Four different free seminars for you, family, &/or a friend to attend:

“How to Buy a Foreclosure or Short Sale in San Diego”

“How to Sell Your Home For Top Dollar in 2010”

“How to Short Sale Your Home or Rental”

“How to Invest in Real Estate with Your IRA or 401K”

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FREE Seminar Tomorrow
"HOW TO BUY A FORECLOSURE OR SHORT SALE IN SAN DIEGO"
UTC Mall – Saturday, February 6th, 10AM-Noon
Click for Seminar Flyer / Click to Reserve Your Free Seat

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

• - With 12% of U.S. mortgages are behind, is there a new wave of Alt-A, Option ARM, & Prime foreclosures coming?
• - Bailouts, loan “mods”, shadow inventory...what’s really going on?
• - How to beat multiple offers & get the bank to accept YOUR offer
• - When homebuyers can put 3% down and investors 10% down
• - Top San Diego neighborhoods with the best REO deals today
• - How to get banks to pay EVERY PENNY of your closing costs
• - Should you buy before home prices climb out of your reach?
• - Auction tricks, traps, and pitfalls that I swear will shock you
• - How to cut in half the time it takes to close your short sale
• - Seller doesn’t have THIS? Don’t even offer on a short sale
• - Free email access to undervalued & foreclosed properties
• - Short sales...5 things to know before you make an offer
• - The #1 mistake people make when offering on an REO
• - Traps in the small-print that banks make you sign
• - New website where you can find foreclosures
• - The truth about a home that’s a “short sale”
• - How much banks negotiate off their price
• - What to watch out for in an REO
• - Much more

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FREE Seminar
"HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR TOP DOLLAR IN 2010"
UTC Mall – Saturday, February 13th, 10am-Noon
Click for Seminar Flyer / Click to Reserve Your Free Seat

When you attend, you'll discover:

• - Market forecast: What’s you can expect in 2010
• - “Value Range Pricing” explained...can it get you a higher price?
• - How to tell if a broker is honest…or B.S.ing you to sign a listing
• - Find out how much higher your buyer will pay—this only works half the time, but when it does…!
• - This one document can protect you & make your sale smoother …and why 99% of agents don’t use it
• - Price your home to get more offers & more money in less time (it’s the opposite of what people think)
• - The oldest real estate agent trick in the book—don’t be fooled
• - How some agents sabotage their clients & cost them $1,000's
• - Avoid the common trap of paying 3 times for the same repair!
• - 3 likely reasons your sale may fall thru & how to avoid them
• - The truth: why it’s 100% irrelevant which company you hire
• - Creatively turn your home’s biggest drawback into a benefit
• - Sell your home tax-free after 2 years using IRS Code 121
• - 10 Interview questions so you choose the best Realtor
• - How to handle multiple offers so you get the most $$
• - Spend peanuts & boost your home value by $1,000s
• - Should you—and CAN you—sell your home “as is”?
• - How to REALLY know if your buyer is qualified
• - 5 dumb avoidable mistakes sellers make
• - When is the best time to list your home?
• - How to stay out of court & not get sued

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FREE Seminar
“How To Short Sale Your Home Or Rental”
UTC Mall – Saturday: March 27th 2010, 10am-Noon
Click for Seminar Flyer

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

• Short sales, clearly & simply explained!
• Are YOU likely to qualify for a short sale?
• Can you really do short sale with -0- out of YOUR pocket?
• How long short sales take...& how to cut the time in HALF**
• Tax impacts of short sale vs. foreclosure (verify w/ your CPA!)
• The document your attorney must read closely to avoid problems
• Your 7 options if you owe too much. Most agents only tell you 3.
• Which “hardships” qualify you for a short sale? Which don’t?
• The specific clause you need in your contract with the buyer
• Do you need to be CURRENT on HOA dues? Property taxes?
• Do you need to be BEHIND on your mortgage payments?
• If an agent does THIS, they likely don’t know short sales
• 5 reasons a short sale is usually better than foreclosure
• THE most important thing to have to do a short sale
• Impact & how long is a short sale be on your credit?
• How soon can you buy a home after a short sale?
• Will a short sale delay or prevent foreclosure?
• Can your lender go after you for their loss?
• Should you spend $ to fix up your home?

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Seminar
"How To Buy Investment Real Estate With Your IRA or 401K"
UTC Mall – Date/Time TO BE ANNOUNCED

When you attend, you'll discover:

• Invest as little as $50,000...or up to tens of millions of dollars
• 5 simple easy-to-follow steps to get started buying real estate
• Tired of low returns or ugly losses in your retirement account?
• If your IRA buys a rental house, are you allowed to manage it?
• How to make money tax-free/deferred in your retirement plan
• How fast & easy it is to buy real estate in your IRA, 401K, etc.
• You may be surprised at what kind of real estate you can buy
• My experiences buying and selling real estate in my own IRA
• Can you buy from or sell real estate to your own IRA/401K?
• Why hasn’t your stockbroker told you about this before?
• “Partnering” with your own IRA...a little-used technique
• Real estate as a major hedge against coming inflation
• How your retirement account can borrow to buy more
• Do THIS & your retirement plan will UNRAVEL (bad!)
• Simple rule-of thumb to analyze cash flow & return
• Take advantage of historic low real estate values
• You’ll laugh when you hear what I told my CPA
• How to write your offer-to-purchase correctly
• How to partner with your family and friends
• Why you need to know “disqualified person”
• Buy your future retirement home NOW
• Buy for “fix & flip” or rental income.
• Bring your questions!

"In the past you’ve said to avoid buying a short sale. Now I see you have several short sales for sale. Do you still advise clients to avoid buying short sales?"

Answer:
Great question.

Given the choice between buying a home that’s a short sale and one that isn’t, I still recommend the latter due to the time and uncertainty involved.

However, some factors might cause you to consider making an offer on a short sale:

Most or all homes available are short sales, leaving you few other options.

It’s your “dream” home and you’re willing to wait months for the seller’s lender’s answer.

The short sale lender has fully approved (or at least made significant progress with) the sale to another buyer who cancelled, and at a price you’re willing to pay.

Your agent determines the seller’s agent has expertise in short sales and has prequalified the seller for approval. (Most agents have insufficient short sale experience or knowledge.)

If you see that we have a short sale listed, rest assured we at least will meet factor #4.

"We owe $550,000 on our house, but it’s worth $425,000. It’s going to be many years before we ever have a cent in equity. We can pay the mortgage, but it’s a huge drain and we’re considering getting out from under this problem and letting the home go. Does this make us bad people?"

Answer:
What you’re talking about is called “strategic default”…defaulting on a loan by choice.

Does that make you bad people? No. Is it “wrong” to do? Here are arguments on both sides:

--“Wrong To Do”--
You made an agreement with your bank to pay the mortgage. It’s wrong to voluntarily break that agreement and not pay. Shame on you.

--“OK To Do”--
You and the bank made a mutual agreement that you would pay the mortgage or, if you did not, the bank could foreclose. A contract is a contract and it’s all in the contract. Besides, the bank pays 1% on savings but charges 5% on a mortgage, the difference being necessary profit plus a risk premium in case you default.

"I’ve heard of Home Path loans. What are they?"

Answer:
HomePath loans are only offered on FNMA foreclosures of condos, houses, and 2-4 unit properties. Here are some bullet points:

Low down. 3% down for owner-occupied; 10% for investors
No appraisal (saving you about $400)
No mortgage insurance
No condo complex approval needed

If you’re interested, give me a call and I’ll put you in touch with my preferred lender for more info.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Craftsman Home In East San Diego BR/BA: 4/2 Sqft: 2,006 Price: $220,900
– East San Diego – Foreclosure! Craftsman home w/ upgraded kitchen! Offers hardwood floors in living room, ceiling fans, fireplace, large family room & 1-car detached garage! Needs TLC! View Details

Coming Soon
(Be first to know when these come available!)

– Bankers Hill / Uptown – Foreclosure! Dramatic 1-level condo w/ great views in prestigious “Brittany Towers” on Laurel. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1866 sqft
Loaned to 820K >>> To be hi 600s?
– Carmel Valley – Foreclosure! Gorgeous townhome in gated “Trilogy”. 2-car garage, FPL, granite, travertine, more. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1628 sqft
Recently appraised @ ??? >>> To be 400s?
– Carmel Valley – Foreclosure! Upper end “East Bluff” condo overlooking greenbelt. 2-car garage, interior laundry, FPL. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 942 sqft
Loaned to 390K >>> To be 200s?
– Chula Vista – Foreclosure! Upgraded condo w/ 1BR downstairs. Ideal first home or cashflow rental. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1296 sqft
Last sold @ 354K >>> To be mid-100s?
– 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! 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 / Eastlake – Foreclosure! Affordable “Eastlake Shores” house w/ 2-car garage, nice yard. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1012 sqft
Last sold @ 470K >>> To be mid-200s?
– Clairemont – Short Sale! West Clairemont next to Bay Ho. Handsome mid-century home w/ big yard and 2-car garage. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1144sqft
Loans to 535K >>> To be 400K?
– Downtown – Foreclosure! 2005-built 1BR condo in Metrome. One block from Petco and two blocks from the Gaslamp. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 703sqft
Last sold @ 411K >>> To be 200K?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Great townhome on culdesac in Meadow Run. Offers 2-car garage, bright kitchen, nice backyard. Contact Me
4BR/2.5BA, 1771 sqft
Recently loaned to 465K >>> To be low 200s?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! 1984-built 1-story home w/ 2-car garage. Oversize 7578 sqft lot. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1341 sqft
Recently loaned to 459K >>> To be low 200s?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Spacious 2-story 1984-built home on quiet street. 2-car garage, nice yard. Contact Me
4BR/3BA, 2088 sqft
Recently loaned to 510K >>> To be high 200s?
– Lakeside – Foreclosure! Spacious 2BR view home on 1.14 acres. Needs some fixup. Built 1974. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1351 sqft
Loaned to 360K >>>To be 200s?
– 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?
– Logan Heights – Foreclosure! Affordable 1-story home in urban area, 5 minutes to Petco Park. Great rental or 1st home. Contact Me
2BR/1BA, 1011 sqft
Foreclosed at 398K >>> To be high 100s?
– Logan Heights – Foreclosure! Two units on a 7000 sqft lot w/ alley access, just east of downtown. Contact Me
3/1 + 2/1 duplex
Last sold @ 635K >>> To be mid 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! 2004-built Summit Village condo. Minutes to beach, pier, & village. Gated + security garage. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1416 sqft
Last sold @ 515K >>> To be high 300s?
– Oceanside – Foreclosure! Luxury end unit townhome w/ attached 2-car garage, vaulted ceilings, many extras. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1837 sqft
Loaned to 427,5K >>> To be very high 200s?
–Poway – Foreclosure! 1975-built 1-level home on .326 acres near Espola Road. Some updating, large yard. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1785 sqft
Loaned to 565K >>> To be 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 Carlos – Foreclosure! Affordable “Carefree” condo w/ only one common wall. Walk to Mission Trails Park! Contact Me
2BR/1BA, 880 sqft
Last sold @ 253,500 >>> To be 100s?
– 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?
– Tierrasanta – Foreclosure! Sharp 1989-built 2-story house next to Villa Norte Park. BR & full BA downstairs. Contact Me
4BR/3BA, 1858 sqft
Loaned to 689K >>> To be hi 500s?
– University City – Foreclosure! Very affordable 1-level home in prime UC area w/ great schools. Quick 805 & 52 access. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1476 sqft
Loans to 547K >>> Around 500K?
– Vista – Foreclosure! Attractive 1-story 1970s home on quiet street near Vista High. 2-car garage, nice yard. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1400 sqft
Loaned to $337,500 >>> To be high 200s?
– 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!)

Stunning recent-remodel bay view home w/ travertine, granite, MBR suite w/ huge walkin closet & Jacuzzi tub.

4 Bed, 3.5 Bath 2587 sqft Price: $775,000 to $825,000

Handsome “Palisades” home w/ large yard, remodeled kitchen, RV parking, large rooms, granite, more.

5 Bed, 3 Bath 2100 sqft Price: $550,000 to $599,000

Parkwest home across from park w/ tennis, basketball, playground. Offers family room, large living room, FPL.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1490 sqft Price: $469,000

Handsome 1975-built 2-story “Mount Street” home on .26 acres, culdesac, sunroom, nice yard.

5 Bed, 2.5 Bath 2259 Sqft Price: $449,900 Last sold @ $639,500

Remodeled condo perfect for 1st time buyer, investor, or anyone wanting tiny monthly payment.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 614 sqft Price: $60,000 Last sold @ $100,000

View condo w/ 2-car garage, walk to beach/bay, quaint 4-unit complex.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 955 Sqft Price: $599,900

MORE GREAT HOMES & INVESTMENTS (Your Home Here!)

Light/bright, well-maintained townhome in quiet complex. Walk to shopping. Quick 805, 163 access.

2 Bed, 1.5 Bath 960 Sqft Price: $244,000

Spectacular 5-year-new home w/ mahogany flooring, granite, slate, family room.

5 Bed, 3.5 Bath 2382 Sqft Price: $414,900 Last sold @ 524K

Penthouse unit w/ sweeping city & bay views. Offers extensive patio, stainless steel appliances, more.

1 Bed, 2 Bath 1199 Sqft Price: $675,000 Sold @ $1,550,000

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

Craftsman home w/ upgraded kitchen, family room, hardwood, garage. Needs TLC.

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath 2006 Sqft Price: $220,900 Loaned to 537K

Well-maintained “Olive Hills” home on quiet street. Offers mountain views, sharp kitchen, FPL, big family room.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1,904 Sqft Price: $335,000-$365,000

Fantastic custom home w/ front courtyard, private & secluded area, pool + covered patio, views!

3 Bed, 3.5 Bath 2317 Sqft Price: $444,900 Last sold @ 663K

1-level ocean view home w/ many upgrades, remodeled kitchen, large lot.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 2,107Sqft Price: $1.09M Previously appraised @ 1.4M

High-end remodeled luxury home w/ spectacular ocean and coastline views! Granite, marble, hardwood bamboo, etc

3 Bed, 2 Bath 2188 Sqft Price: $1.75M

5-year-new “Scala” in Mission Valley. Near Qualcomm, shopping, dining, movies.

3 Bed, 3 Bath 1589 Sqft Price: $475K

Unique, secluded, woodsy custom home. Fully redone w/ gourmet kitchen, hardwood, more.

7 Bed, 3 Bath 3056 Sqft Price: $649,000

Fully remodeled Crown Point 1-level upper corner condo. Granite, stainless steel appliances, new carpet/paint.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1400 Sqft Price: $554,900 Last sold @ 700K

Under-priced beach house w/ private backyard, California room, 2-car garage.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1400 Sqft Price: $554,900 Last sold @ 700K

Brand new 2009 construction, re-built virtually from the ground up. Extreme high quality: granite, etc.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1680 Sqft Price: $368,000

Two detached 3BR houses w/ 2 car garage, yard, both inside laundry. Live in one + rent other.

House1: 3BR/2BA House2: 3BR/1BA Price: $269,000 Last sold 642K

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 2010 Gary Kent, All Rights Reserved.