• 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
Hello again. If you’re interested in taking advantage of the homebuyer tax credit, beware that it expires soon. You must have a signed offer by April 30, 2010 and close escrow by June 30, 2010. See http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com for more info.

…Send this free e-newsletter to a friend. Just subscribe them with a quick email to TellAFriend@GaryKent.com with their email address in the subject line.

…Interested in buying a home? You can search the MLS for a San Diego home by clicking here: Free MLS Homesearch

…Upcoming seminars:

• 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”



• Saturday, April 24th, 10am-noon
  “How to Sell Your Home For Top Dollar in 2010”

…This Week’s Crazy Building: “Erwin Wurm: House Attack” in Vienna, Austria.

…Follow me on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan.

True Story: This Explains It
People complain that when they make an offer on a foreclosure it may take days or even 1-2 weeks for an answer. It’s usually because the bank “asset manager” has too many files. Case in point: A woman who works for me used to be an asset manager, and for a short time she peaked at a whopping 1000 files.

Quick Real Estate Tip #31
Are you selling your San Diego home via short sale? You’re probably exempt from federal and state tax on the “cancelled debt.” But see a CPA.

Top 10 Cities: MONTHLY Price Change- Biggest Increase / Smallest Drop (Nov-Dec 09)
The S&P Case-Schiller Home Price Index Levels look at 20 U.S. cities to determine the change in value of residential housing. Here are the 10 cities with the largest price increase (or smallest price drop) from November to December 2009.

% change----- City
1.0% ----------- Los Angeles
0.0% ----------- Detroit
-0.1% ---------- Boston
-0.1% ---------- San Diego***
-0.2% ---------- Las Vegas
-0.2% ---------- San Francisco
-0.2% ---------- Washington
-0.3% ---------- Miami
-0.3% ---------- Portland
-0.5% ---------- Minneapolis
***See annual price change below.

Top 10 Cities: ANNUAL Price Change- Biggest Increase / Smallest Drop (Dec 08-Dec 09)

% change ---- City
4.8% ----------- San Francisco
3.0% ----------- Dallas
2.7% ----------- San Diego***
1.9% ----------- Washington
1.2% ----------- Denver
0.5% ----------- Boston
0.0% ----------- Los Angeles
-1.2% ---------- Cleveland
-2.3% ---------- Minneapolis
-3.8% ---------- Charlotte

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…

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.

This Week’s Free Offer:
FREE 30-Day Test Drive For Homesellers
Don't get locked in a long-term listing contract with a "dud" agent. A real estate license, a suit, and a leased Mercedes mean nothing. Did you know many agents studied just 12 hours to get their license!?

To avoid this risk and feel comfortable choosing an agent, when you or someone you refer lists a property by May 1, I'll be happy to include my "30-Day Test Drive Guarantee." Try me 30 days. If your home's not sold, you can end the agreement at no cost.

In 21 years, I've had TWO clients cancel to hire another agent... of 4,000 homes I've sold! To take advantage of this offer, call me today at (858)457-KENT...that's 858-457-5368.

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 Short Sale Your Home or Rental”

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

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

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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 / Click to Reserve Your Free Seat

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
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, April 27th, 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

"Do I need insurance on a condo?"

Answer:
Virtually all condos have fire insurance on the structure, but you still need insurance for the interior components (flooring, cabinets, etc.) for your possessions, and for liability. Most banks are requiring this to fund a loan.

Please verify the above with your favorite insurance agent.

"…Do open houses work?"

Answer:
After For Sale signs, open houses are the most visible way homes are marketed.

As a result, many homesellers expect their agent to hold several. But are they effective?

No.

Stats show some 1% of open houses result in the home selling. So while open houses never hurt, they’re but one very small tool in a Realtor’s toolbox to sell your home.

"I know rates are lower if you get a conforming loan. What is that exactly?"

Answer:
Usually when people mention conforming loans, they’re talking about loans that “conform” to the FNMA (Fannie Mae) guidelines and loan limits.

Here are the FNMA loan limits for San Diego for 1-4 units:

1 Unit = $417,000 (single family, e.g. house, condo)
2 Unit = $533,850 (duplex, 2 units) 3 Unit = $645,300 (triplex, 3 units)
4 Unit = $801,950 (fourplex, 4 units)

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Beautiful Home In Carmel Valley BR/BA: 3/2.5 Sqft: 1,628 Price: $309,900
– Carmel Valley – Foreclosure! TOP 10 REASON YOU'LL LOVE THIS HOME: #1- Beautiful gated community. #2- Carmel Valley neighborhood, close to Del Mar. #3- 2-car attached garage. #4- Detached "condo" home. #5- Gorgeous kitchen w/ granite, newer cabinets. #6-Tile flooring. #7- Sunny living room w/ tile FPL. #8- Large stamped concrete patio. #9- MBA w/ dual sinks, travertine, separate tub & shower. #10-A/C. Plus MBR w/ private balcony, sparkling community pool. Contact Me

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?
– 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?
New– Clairemont – Foreclosure! Great starter home w/ garage. Walk to shopping. Contact Me
3BR/1BA, 1018 sqft
Last sold @ 460K >>> To be 300s?
– 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?
– 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?
New–Poway – Foreclosure! Just redone culdesac home w/ new kitchen, new baths, new carpet, new paint, new flooring, new landscaping, more Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1846 sqft
Loaned to 565K >>> To be 400s?
–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! 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!)

Upgraded bright & sunny corner unit 1-level condo in established complex. Pool & garden view.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 713 sqft Price: $309,900 Loaned to 420K

Spacious 2BR view home on 1.14 acres. Needs some fixup. Built 1974.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1351 sqft Price: Now $220,000 Loaned to 360K

Upgraded condo w/ granite, plantation shutters. 60’ to toddler playground.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1218 sqft Price: $274,000 Last sold @ 438K

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

Upper end “East Bluff” condo overlooking greenbelt. 2-car garage, interior laundry, FPL.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 942 sqft Price: $399,900

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

2 Bed, 1.5 Bath 960 Sqft Price: $239,000

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

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

Spacious 2-story 1984-built home on quiet street. 2-car garage, nice yard.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 2088 sqft Price: $285,000 Recently loaned to 510K

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

3 Bed, 3.5 Bath 2317 Sqft Price: $399,900 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

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

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: Now 325-350K Last sold @ 439K

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

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

Over-55 community 1-level condo in security building. Garage, patio.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1016 sqft Price: $199,900 Loaned to 390K

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

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

Lovely home on quiet street w/ pool, FPL, vaulted ceilings, 2-car garage, big backyard, & more.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1483 sqft Price: $385,000!

Newly renovated home w/ granite, new paint/carpet/appliances, large rooms, walk-in closet, big backyard.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1280 sqft Price: $285,000-$305,000

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

Attractive 1-story 1970s home on quiet street near Vista High. 2-car garage, nice yard.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1400 sqft Price: $225,000 Loaned to $337,500

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.