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• 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
Join me for tomorrow’s seminar: “How To Sell Your Home For Top Dollar in 2010.” If you or someone you know plan to sell this year, you/they need this info. To reserve seats, call now at 858-457-5368 or click here.

• TOMORROW:
  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”



• Saturday, April 10th, 10am-noon
  “How to Buy A Foreclosure Or Short Sale In San Diego”

…Took an informal poll before/after the Super Bowl as to who people were rooting for. The results: Colts-1, Saints-23.

…This Week’s Crazy Building: “Bahá’í House of Worship” in Delhi India. Looks like an upside down bunch of bananas.

…People were surveyed and asked if they felt it was immoral to default on a mortgage by choice (meaning they were able to keep paying) to get out of a too-high mortgage. Those who said it was immoral were asked if they’d default by choice if they were “$X” upside down on their home. Their responses:

$$$ upside down ------- % who would “strategically default”
$ 50,000 ------------------- 7%
$100,000 ----------------- 22%
$200,000 ----------------- 37%
$300,000 ----------------- 38%

…Follow me on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan.

True Story: I’m From The Government And I’m Here To Help You
Last year the feds rolled out a huge foreclosure-prevention program for people behind on their (1st) mortgage. One problem…it didn’t cross their minds that many people also have 2nd mortgages. The program was a dud and had to be entirely reworked to allow for 2nd mortgages. Oops.

Obama Budget Proposal Limits Mortgage Interest Deduction
Unveiled last week, President Obama’s proposed 2011 budget reduces the mortgage interest deduction for people earning over $250,000. If this proposal became law it would put downward pressure on home values in affluent neighborhoods such as La Jolla, Coronado, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, and other coastal areas.

Quick Real Estate Tip #28
Selling? Even if you're selling "as is", expect your buyer to ask for some repairs. Be open if the request is reasonable.

Top 10 States With Highest & Lowest Unemployment
Stats are as of October 2009, from REOInsider magazine. U.S. average was 10.9%.

Highest Unemployment
15.1%--- Michigan
13.0%--- Nevada
12.9%--- Rhode Island
12.5% --- CALIFORNIA
12.1% --- South Carolina
11.3% --- Oregon
11.2%--- (TIE) Florida
11.2%--- (TIE) Kentucky
11.0%--- (TIE) Illinois
11.0%--- (TIE) North Carolina

Lowest Unemployment
4.2%--- North Dakota
4.9%--- Nebraska
5.0%--- South Dakota
6.4%--- Montana
6.5%--- (TIE) Utah
6.5%--- (TIE) Vermont
6.6%--- Virginia
6.7%--- Iowa
6.8%--- Kansas
6.9%--- Colorado

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 Sell Your Home For Top Dollar Fast
Get your FREE, easy-to-read guide to selling your home called "How To Sell Your Home For Top Dollar, Fast!" It's full of vital things and clever ideas you need to know before you sell your home, so you can get the most money in the least time. Who doesn't want that?

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.

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

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

“How to Short Sale Your Home or Rental”

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

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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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FREE Seminar
"HOW TO BUY A FORECLOSURE OR SHORT SALE IN SAN DIEGO"
UTC Mall – Saturday, April 10th, 10am-Noon

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

Asked at my How To Buy A Foreclosure Or Short Sale seminar last Saturday, after I mentioned that I buy investment real estate: "If real estate agents buy all the best deals before they hit the market, how can I get one?"

Answer:
I wouldn’t be concerned. The way the market has been recently, unfortunately many real estate agents are broke or at least can’t afford to buy.

There’s a vast misconception that real estate agents make a bundle. Perhaps it’s due to the fancy cars many drive.

The latest figures from the National Association of Realtors says the average Realtor (including part-time) makes $36,700 per year. I would guess the average agent in San Diego makes around $50,000.

"Hi Gary, it's XXXXX. As you know, I'll be calling you to list my house this summer. I want to get your advice. I think the whole termite requirement is a racket. Every home has termites. But I'm a realist and I know I'll need to clear the house to sell it. But I want the lowest bid, so I plan to get several pest inspections and go with the lowest. How much of the work can I do myself?"

Answer:
You raise a number of great points. Let me address them:

1. Regarding the termite "requirement", it's not a legal requirement, but getting a clearance on current problems (called "Section 1") is the standard expected by homebuyers.

2. It is a "fixed game", kind of. Most pest control inspectors work on commission, so there IS the incentive to find problems. But... As it's a VISUAL inspection, if you have any doubts, call the inspector and have him show the area to you. If you can't see it, neither can he, and he shouldn't put anything on the report he can't see.

3. I'm not sure if every home has termites or not, but there are no termites found in about 1/3 of the homes I sell.

4. You want to be careful about getting multiple inspections. Here's why... If the first report recommends repairs A+B and the second says B+C, you'll likely have to do A+B+C. That's because you must disclose all recent inspections, and most buyers will insist on all recommended work being done.

5. You can do any pest control work for a clearance except use termicides. However, give yourself ample time to have the pest control company re-inspect. If you did anything incorrect or missed an area, you'll need to do it right before they'll sign off.

"I’m looking to buy a duplex, triplex or fourplex. All the foreclosure properties are vacant but several show ‘projected rents’. How accurate are they?"

Answer:
Beware of projected rents my friend.

Some are guesses, some are educated and honest projections, and some are gross exaggerations.

Best that you independently verify by asking a property manager, checking Zilpy.com (thanks again Bill), trying Craigslist.com, or any other objective source.

Good luck.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Spectacular & immaculate Bay Park Home BR/BA: 4/3.5 Sqft: 2,587 Price: $775,000 - $825,000
– Bay Park – Stunning recent-remodel bay view home w/ travertine, granite, MBR suite w/ huge walkin closet & Jacuzzi tub. 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?
– Clairemont – Foreclosure! 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?
– 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!)

Affordable “Eastlake Shores” house w/ 2-car garage, nice yard.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1012 Sqft Price: $229,900 Last sold @ 470K

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

Affordable “Lake Park Villas” townhome. Near Restaurant Row & multiplex.

2 Bed, 1.5 Bath 957 sqft Price: $129,900 Last sold @ $221,500

Sharp 1989-built 2-story house next to Villa Norte Park. BR & full BA downstairs.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 1858 sqft Price: Now $554,900 Loaned to 689K

MORE GREAT HOMES & INVESTMENTS (Your Home 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

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

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

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: $419,900 Last sold @ 663K

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

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

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

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

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

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.