• 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
You and a friend are invited to my free seminar TOMORROW, March 27th, 10-noon,
“How to Short Sale Your Home or Rental”. Click to reserve your seats.

…Two more upcoming free seminars:

• 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”

…Turns out the “Obama” loan modification plan will knock your credit score without notice just for applying. Read more

…JOB OPENING for part-time internet wiz kid (or adult). Are you familiar with html, seo, sem, social marketing? Do you know DreamWeaver, Photoshop, Facebook, Twitter? We need you for varied internet marketing projects to promote our websites, produce this weekly Q&A, and other tasks. More info

…This Week’s Crazy Building: “Solar Furnace” in Odeillo, France. With the savings on their heating bill, they should be able to pay off the extra building costs in about 1,000 years.

…Follow me on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan.

…In case you’re wondering whether this is one of those slick ghost-written newsletters or the real thing, look no further than last week’s incomplete paragraph:

• True Story: A Case of Split Personality or Self-Loathing?
  We were working on a short sale where the banks on the 1st and 2nd loans just wouldn't cooperate with each other. Both sides said they were willing Turns out same investor. Luckily proactive person found out same investor & they have a "liaison" dept.

…Here’s what it was supposed to say:

True Story: A Case of Split Personality or Self-Loathing?
(Quick background: many banks don’t own the loan w/ their name on it, they “service” it for an “investor” who owns the loan.) The story…

We were working on a short sale for a client. The banks on the 1st and 2nd loans just wouldn't cooperate with each other. Both refused to give us an answer until the other bank answered first. This went on for days, both refusing to budge. Luckily a rare proactive person at one bank discovered that both loans were actually ultimately owned by the same “investor.” So the investor had been fighting with himself. After that discovery, the banks became more cooperative.

Quick Real Estate Tip #35
Selling a home? Since you plan to move, why not pack your clutter and store extra furniture NOW. It makes your home look more spacious.

4 Common Credit Score Myths Revealed
---Myth #1: You have one credit score---
You have three, one from each of the three major credit bureaus. And they can vary 50 points or more. Most banks look at the middle score.
---Myth #2: Your income or wealth impacts your score---
Your credit score is about your CREDIT, not your wealth or income.
---Myth #3: Checking your own credit hurts your score---
NOT if you check it through one of the 3 bureaus or a legitimate score seller like MyFico.com.
---Myth #4: Shopping for a mortgage lowers your score---
Yes AND No. Having your credit run shows an "inquiry" to your credit, and too many do lower your score. But the same kind of inquiries in a short period count as one inquiry.

Top 10 Cities: ANNUAL Price Change- Biggest Drop / Smallest Increase (Dec 08-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 drop from Dec. 2008 to Dec. 2009.

% change----- City
-20.6% ----------Las Vegas
-11.0%----------Tampa
-10.3% ----------Detroit
-9.9% -----------Miami
-9.2% -----------Phoenix
-7.9% -----------Seattle
-7.2% -----------Chicago
-6.3% -----------New York
-5.4% -----------Portland
-4.0% -----------Atlanta

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:
Receive Instant Emails Of The Hottest New Listings When They Hit The Market
Get our FREE daily "MARKETWATCH" email of the best homes in your area & price as soon as they’re listed, reduced, or back on the market. Tired of calling ads, signs, and websites just to find out the home is already sold? This "unfair advantage" gives you the jump on the best San Diego homes before most other homebuyers hear of them. And it’s free! To get your free subscription, call (858)457-KENT.

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.

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

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

"Hi Gary, We're starting to look for a house. We saw one that just came up for sale down our street and we're waiting for the open house so we can see it. If we like it, can you help us buy it?"

Answer:
Yes, we can definitely help you purchase that (or any) home. And the first help I'll give you is this advice:

Don't wait for the open house!

Contrary to popular belief, the average home is held open ONE time. That means the home you're interested in may be held open this weekend, several weeks down the line, or NEVER.

If you see a home you like, don't wait for an open house, because you might be waiting a long time.

"I really need to sell my home in Clairemont and move on, I only owe $152,000 so I still have a lot of equity, but I won’t sell if it means losing money from what I paid…"

Answer:
I understand how you feel. Obviously no one likes to lose money. Here's my blunt but honest advice:

What you paid for your home is no longer relevant.*

It’s really pretty simple…

Given today's value, how much you’d get from the sale, and your personal situation, if it’s better for you to sell the home—even if that means losing money—sell it.

If it doesn't make sense, don't sell.

Though this is your home, you should make the BUSINESS decision that's best for you, not an emotional decision based on not wanting to lose money.

*NOTE: Unlike real estate held for investment, loss on a principal residence isn't deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.

"My husband and I are trying to get a loan modification and I heard that doing one can hurt your credit. If that’s true, then we may just do a short sale or let the house go since we’re going to have our credit damaged anyway. Do you know anything about it?"

Answer:
I just heard about this after reading an article in the San Diego Union. And here’s an article from Yahoo.

I’ll have comments in next week’s newsletter from local credit repair/improvement expert Derrick Evens (858.571.0271, Derrick@PerfectCredentials.com, www.MrCreditEducation.com)

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Spectacular Home In Bay Park Open House: Sun 1-4 BR/BA: 4/3.5 Sqft: 2,587 Value Range: $765,000 - $795,000 Address: 2935 Lloyd St, San Diego, CA 92117
– Bay Park – Spectacular & immaculate recent remodel bay view home! Offers private MBR suite w/ bay view, vaulted ceilings, huge walk-in closet, wall a/c, gorgeous MBA w/ jacuzzi tub, dual sinks & travertine. Spacious kitch w/ granite, walk-in pantry, oversize liv rm offers bay vu, FPL w/ oak mantle.Private "outdoor living" cov'd patio w/ skylights, BBQ, & fountain. Plus: 2nd MBR suite, engineered hardwood & tile floors, 12x9 laundry rm, new 09 roof, extra storage under house, vinyl dual-pane windows & more! Find Out More

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

– Bay Park – Foreclosure! Nicely upgraded & private home w/ brick FPL, spacious living room. Great location near Mission Bay. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1275 sqft
Last sold @ 575K >>> To be 400s?
New – Carmel Valley – Foreclosure! 90’s built former “Stone Canyon” model w/ 2-car garage. Contact Me
4BR/2.5BA, 2080 sqft
Loaned to 678K >>> To be 600K?
New – Carmel Valley – Foreclosure! Sharp “Cambria” townhome w/ 2-car garage, community pool. Contact Me
2BR/2.5BA, 1203 sqft
Last sold @ 528K >>> To be low 400s?
New – Chula Vista – Foreclosure! Upgraded house in “Windsor View” w/ large enclosed sunroom, 2-car garage, redone kitchen. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1372 sqft
Last sold @ 469K >>> 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! Great starter home w/ garage. Walk to shopping. Contact Me
3BR/1BA, 1018 sqft
Last sold @ 460K >>> To be 300s?
New – Downtown – Foreclosure! 2004-built condo in Little Italy’s “Palermo” complex. Quiet end unit w/ granite, balcony. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 721 sqft
Last sold @ 365K >>> To be low 200s?
– 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?
New – Encanto – Foreclosure! Gorgeous 2007-built townhome in beautiful “Montage” with 2-car garage, community pool, more.t Contact Me
2BR/2.5BA, 1452 sqf
Last sold @ 400K >>> 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?
– La Jolla – Foreclosure! Via Tuscana condo w/ granite, cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, laundry in unit. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 506 sqft
Last sold @ $305,000 >>> To be high 100s?
– 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?
New – Linda Vista – Foreclosure! Attractive home on quiet culdesac offers FPL, RV parking, newer double-pane windows, great backyard. Contact Me
5BR/3BA, 1539 sqft
Value range $360,000 to $400,000
– 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
– 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– Paradise Hills – Foreclosure! 1971-built 1-level home on large 7000 sqft lot w/ 2-car garage. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1174 sqft
Loaned to 328K >>> To be low 200s?
– 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
New – Santa Luz – Foreclosure! Premier corner vacant lot w/ SW views adjacent to 13th hole. In the heart of Santa Luz. Contact Me
.67 acres / 29185 sqft
Last sold @ 756K >>> To be 300s/400s?
– 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!)

West Clairemont near Bay Ho. Mid-century home w/ big yard, brand new roof, 2-car garage.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1144 Sqft Price: $436,800 Loans to 535K

MORE GREAT HOMES & INVESTMENTS (Your Home Here!)

Dramatic 1-level condo w/ great views in prestigious Brittany Towers. Priced below market!

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1866 sqft Price: $599,900 Loaned to 820K

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: $765,000 to $795,000

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

2 Bed, 2 Bath 942 sqft Price: $389,900

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

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

1 Bed, 1 Bath 459 Sqft Price: $259,000! 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

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

3 Bed, 3.5 Bath 2317 Sqft Price: $369,900 Last sold @ 663K

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

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

Gorgeous 2-story “Ocean Hills” home w/ views, 3-car garage, vaulted ceilings.

5 Bed, 2.5 Bath 2353 sqft Price: $369,000 Last sold @ 585K

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

7 Bed, 3 Bath 3056 Sqft Price: $569,000

Bargain price for north P.B. home. Remod kitchen w/ granite & walnut. Some views, 2-car garage, FPL.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1717 sqft Price: $500,000 to $550,000

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

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1400 Sqft Price: Now 300K 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

1975-built 1-level home on .326 acres near Espola Road. Some updating, large yard.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1785 sqft Price: $452,900 Loaned to 565K

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

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

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

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1016 sqft Price: $179,900 Loaned to 390K

Affordable “Carefree” condo w/ only one common wall. Walk to Mission Trails Park!

2 Bed, 1 Bath 880 sqft Price: To be 100s? Last sold @ 253,500

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: $350,000!

Santa Fe Hills home backing to San Elijo Lagoon w/ sweeping nature & water views. 3-car garage, more

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1876 sqft Price: $790,000 to $840,000 Previously appraised @ 644K

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

Turn-key home w/ no Mello-Roos offers sharp kitchen, vaulted ceilings, family room, FPL, nice grassy yard.

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1663 sqft Price: $315,000

Remodeled townhome w/ new kitchen, new flooring, FPL, garage. Near UCSD and UTC. Dead-end street.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1245 sqft Price: $380,000

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.