• 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
Welcome to the new look for your weekly Q&A ezine, designed by Grayden, my computer graphics whiz. Hope you like it.

…Great news if you’re a first-time homebuyer (aka haven’t owned a home the past 3 years). See the HomeBUYING Question later in this newsletter.

…Great news if you’re a real estate investor: Fannie Mae is now allowing people to obtain up to 10 Fannie Mae loans on various properties. This is up from the recent four-loan limit. This is key because non Fannie loans tend to be adjustable and have much higher rates. You must have a 720+ credit score and put 25-30% down.

…More great news if you’re getting a home loan: Fannie has just raised their conforming loan limit back to $729,750, up from $625,500. The “true” conforming loan limit is still $417,000. This increase raises the in-between “conforming jumbo” limit.

…Why Arizona electricians are so expensive: Photo.

True Story: What Are The Odds?
One glorious sunny day in 1986, I was in Pacific Beach standing by my car. Back then, I had magnetic real estate signs on my car. A young guy in an old VW bug spotted the signs and pulled over. He proudly told me he was ready to buy his first home. When I asked about finances, he looked me straight in the eye and said, "I've got my down payment figured out. I've been playing the lottery a lot, and I'm due to win very soon." He gave me his number and asked me to call him with some homes to see. Oops…call me disorganized, but I lost his phone number.

Top 10 U.S. Cities With Highest Projected 2009 Job Losses
From Time Magazine featuring a new report from the Conference of Mayors:

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 Id 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? 50+ 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. Well 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.

This Week’s Free Offer:
FREE Guide: "How To Buy A Home In San Diego"
Knowledge + Action = Power. So expand your knowledge, take some action, & order this free guide. Updated for 2009. You'll discover:

• - Step-by-step, how to find the right home & best loan
• - Determining how much home you can afford
• - Why you may NOT be pre-approved even if you think you are
• - Key tips on buying foreclosures
• - If a real estate agent does this, RUN!
• - An easy strategy to persuade owners to sell you their home for $1,000s less
• - 5 things you MUST ask your lender before you sign anything
• - 6 smart house-hunting tips
• - 7 questions to ask BEFORE you make your offer
• - Other homebuying secrets that may surprise 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.

FREE Seminar @ UTC Mall – March 28th, 2009:
"How To Buy A Foreclosure In San Diego"
Fantasy vs. Reality: Discover the truth about foreclosures/REOs
-- Saturday, March 28th, 10AM-Noon --
Click for Seminar Flyer / Click to Reserve Your Free Seat

Dreamers Need Not Apply.
Sorry This isn't a phony get-rich-quick seminar on buying foreclosures (also called REOs) 50 on the dollar or buying zero down with bad credit and no job. That's NOT reality.

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

• NEW: 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 salesand it IS ugly
• What to watch out for in an REO
• Much more

"Whatever happened to that $7500 first time homebuyer credit?"

Answer:
The just-passed stimulus bill made some changes to the credit that are great news if you’re a first-time homebuyer.

(FYI, their definition of “first time homebuyer” is that you haven’t owned a home the past 3 years.)

The provision gives you a slightly increased tax credit of $8,000 if you buy a home between 1/1/09 and 12/1/09.

Also, if you own the home 3 years or more, you don’t have to pay any of the $$ back. A big improvement from the previous bill.

Note that you’re only eligible for the full credit if you earn 75K/year or less (150K for joint filers).

For more info, call my office at (858)457-KENT.

"I just suffered through six months of having my home for sale, and it didn’t sell. I’m sure it’s because my agent over-priced my home. Why would an agent do that?"

Answer:
Could be one of many reasons:

--- 1. Honest Mistake ---
Agents are human. I’ve over-priced a few homes in my 25 years as an agent. But I monitor feedback from agents and prospective buyers and suggest a reduction if I discover we’re priced too high.

--- 2. Lack Of Experience/Skill ---
Just because someone has a real estate license doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing!

--- 3. Unique Home ---
I’ve priced homes with spectacular views, unique décor and upgrades, on busy streets, with converted garages, etc. It can be tough to attach a price tag to these features. After all, can you tell me if a sweeping ocean view is worth 100K, 200K, or 500K?

--- 4. Fluctuating Market ---
When market values are rising or falling quickly, it can be tough price a home accurately.

--- 5. Misguided Desire To Please ---
Believe it or not, many agents will tell an owner a higher figure to please them. Totally illogical, but it happens a lot.

--- 6. Bait & Switch ---
This one really ticks me off. Over my career, hundreds of times I’ve advised a potential client what the value of their home is. Then another agent waltzes in and tells them an inflated figure just to induce them to list with him/her. I watch the listing in the MLS and see that either it doesn’t sell, or after several price reductions it finally sells at or below the price it should have. Years ago, an agent I know even told me, “I come in a high to get the listing, then hammer the price down later.” Not ethical.

"My credit score is 900…"

Answer:
Credit scoring models vary for different categories: real estate, cars, credit cards. (Why this is the case is beyond me.)

So while you may have a credit score of 900, I’m guessing you recently tried to buy a car and had your credit run.

Credits scores for real estate run from 500 to 850.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Spectacular Bay Views Pacific Beach Home Open House this Sun From 1-4 BR/BA: 3/2.5 Sqft: 2,462 Price: $739,000 Address: 4903 Quincy St
– Pacific Beach – Price BELOW market! Spacious home w/ spectacular bay views, huge living room w/ FPL, family room w/ wetbar, 2-car garage w/ attached workshop. Ready for you to update w/ your design ideas. Live in North P.B. on Mt. Soledad's sunny southern slope. Quick freeway access. Contact Me

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

– 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 – Features 2-car garage, quiet neighborhood. Walk to Clairemont Square shops, dining, movies. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1258 sqft
Last sold @ 520K >>> To be in the 300s?
– Clairemont – Foreclosure! Affordable N. Clairemont home w/ 2-car garage. Quick access to 52 freeway. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1176 sqft
Previously appraised @ 441K+ >>> Now $209,900!
– 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?
– Downtown – Foreclosure! 5-year-new condo in hip “Acqua Vista” w/ spectacular views, pool, spa, sauna, more. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 938 sqft
Last sold @ 604K >>> To be low/mid 300s?
– Downtown – Foreclosure! Corner 3-year-new “Park Blvd East” condo near Petco Park w/ no common walls, views, granite. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 980 sqft
Recently appraised @ 486K+ >>> 300s?
– Eastlake Area – Foreclosure! 7-year-new attached home w/ garage, patio, sunset views, and backs to open space. Contact Me
3BR/2.5BA, 1525 sqft
Recently appraised @ 617K >>> To be 200K?
– Eastlake Area – Foreclosure! 5-year-new home w/ 2-car garage. More info to follow. Contact Me
3BR/2.5BA, 1756 sqft
Recently appraised @ 617K >>> Price TBD
– Eastlake Area – Foreclosure! Sharp 3-year-new townhome w/ 2-car garage, many extras. Contact Me
3BR/2.5BA, 1586 sqft
Last sold @ ? >>> To be low/mid-200s?
– El Cajon – Foreclosure! Handsome 1990-built 1-level detached condo w/ 2-car garage. Feels just like a house. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1298sqft
Last sold @ 387K >>> To be high 100s?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Attractive 80’s built home w/ pool, spa, tri-level patio, granite kitchen, 2-car garage, more. Contact Me
4BR/3BA, 1907sqft
Last sold @ 560K >>> To be 200s?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Remodeled home w/ city views, 2-car garage, more. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1247sqft
Last sold @ 358K >>> To be 200s?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Four units w/ lots of parking. Near trolley, shopping, schools. Contact Me
Last sold @ 510K >>> Now low 300s?
– Encanto – Foreclosure! Handsome, 70’s built 4BR/2BA, 1582 sqft house on huge 9500 sqft lot. Nice street. Contact Me
Last sold @ $467,500 >>> Now 300s?
– Escondido – Foreclosure! Very roomy end-unit “Villa Espanas” condo w/ FPL and quick access to 15 and 78 freeways. Contact Me
2BR/1.5BA, 1152sqft
Last sold @ 325K >>> To be 100s?
– La Jolla – Foreclosure! 9-year-new condo near I-5, UCSD, and Sharp Hospital. More info to follow. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1102 sqft
Last sold @ $528,500 >>> To be 300s?
– La Jolla – Foreclosure! Newer condo near UCSD & Sharp Hopsital.
Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 1102 sqft
Last sold @ 583K >>> To be 300s?
– Lakeside – Foreclosure! Cute condo conversion @ bargain price for first time buyer or investor. Contact Me
2BR/1BA, 749sqft
Last sold @ $260,000 >>> To be 60K?
– 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?
– Linda Vista – Foreclosure! Affordable home on quiet culdesac w/ 2-car garage. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1258 sqft
Last sold @ 450K >>> To be in the 200s
– Logan Heights – Foreclosure! Cute little house w/ 2-car garage, nice yard, newer windows, large patio. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1050 sqft
Last sold @ 369K >>> To be in the high 100s?
– National City – Foreclosure! 2-year-new townhome w/ 2-car garage, greenbelt view. Borders Bonita, near Plaza Bonita. Contact Me
3BR/2.5BA, 1734 sqft
Last sold @ $609,000 >>> Now high 300s?
– Nestor – Foreclosure! Sharp 6-year-new home w/ open views in quiet neighborhood. Large backyard. Contact Me
4BR/3BA, 2190 sqft
Last sold @ 489K >>> To be low 300s?
– Oceanside – Foreclosure! Affordable 4BR home, ideal for 1st time buyer or investor. 2-car garage, large yard. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1180 sqft
Last sold @ $280,000 >>> To be high 100s?
– Oceanside – Foreclosure! Enormous 6-7BR/3BA, 2203 sqft house on 9200 sqft lot. Ideal for very large family. Contact Me
Recently appraised @ 504K+ >>> Now 400s?
– Poway – Foreclosure! Affordable lower-unit condo in quiet complex w/ pool. Great Poway school district. Contact Me
2BR/2BA, 737 sqft
Last sold @ 310K >>> Now mid 100s?
– Paradise Hills – Foreclosure! Affordable large 3BR townhome. Perfect for first-time buyer or investor. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1373 sqft
Last sold @ $390,000 >>> To be high 100s?
– Rancho Bernardo – Foreclosure! "Provencal" townhome in Carmel Mountain Ranch. 2-car garage, hardwood, granite, more. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1322 sqft
Last sold @ $450,000 >>> To be low 300s?
– Rancho Bernardo – Foreclosure! 1989-built single family house w/ dbl garage. South of Camino Del Norte & West of I-15. Contact Me
4BR/2BA, 1760 sqft
Recently appraised @ $602K+ >>> Now 300s?
– San Marcos – Foreclosure! Newer luxury home on .59 acres. Has granite counters, plantation shutters, 3-car garage. Contact Me
4BR/3.5BA, 3310
Last sold @ ??? >>> Now high 400s?
– San Marcos – Foreclosure! Upgraded “Santa Fe Hills” home, kitchen w/ breakfast bar, fireplace, community pool/spa! Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1315sqft
Last sold @ 384K >>> Price to be determined.
– Sorrento Mesa – Foreclosure! Stunning 12-year-old home w/ 3-car garage, large yard, 1BR/1BA downstairs. Contact Me
4BR/3BA, 2432 sqft
Recently appraised at ??? >>> To be low $600s?
– Tierrasanta – Foreclosure! Sharp townhome in great neighborhood. Offers 2-car garage, balcony. Walk to canyons. Contact Me
2BR/2.5BA, 1068 sqft
Last sold @ 430K >>> To be mid $200s?
– University City – Foreclosure! Cute condo, fully renovated 5 years ago. Quiet complex near UTC mall. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 597 sqft
Recently appraised @ 334K >>> To be high 100s?
– University City – Foreclosure! Cute condo in “Verano” in the La Jolla Colony area. Quick access to I-5, La Jolla, UCSD, etc. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 704 sqft
Recently appraised @ 310K >>> To be very low 200s?
– Valley Center – Foreclosure! Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1464 sqft
Last sold @ 425K >>> To be high 200s?

NEWLY LISTED (Your Property Here!)

Large cosmetic fixer house w/ huge yard, lots of potential.

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,987 Sqft Price: $349,900 Prev Appraised @ 612k+

MORE GREAT HOMES & INVESTMENTS (Your Home Here!)

Huge home on 1.31 acres w/ barn, + 2 additional buildings. 2 kitchens, ideal for 2 families.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 3,601 Sqft Price: $377,000 Last Sold @ 456K

Upstairs 1BR condo in gated complex. Quick access to 94 freeway. Great investment.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 680 Sqft Price: $39,900 Last Sold @ 178K

Handsome home on quiet dead-end street in great neighbrhd. Rooftop views, cozy family room w/ FPL, more.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,965 Sqft Price: $457,000 - $525,000

Cute condo in Little Italy w/ high ceilings, upgraded finishes, oversize 267 sqft balcony.

1 Bed, 1.5 Bath 898 Sqft Price: $247,000 Last Sold @ 541K

Newer model-like house w/ designer décor, granite, rich dark wood cabinets, more. Short sale.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,651 Sqft Price: $275,000 to $285,000 Last Sold @ $408,500

Great 4-year-nu townhome w/ 2-car garage, some ocean view, balcony, in-unit laundry.

3 Bed, 3 Bath 1,336 Sqft Price: $187,900 Last Sold @ 395K

Recently renovated home on overize 7200 sqft lot. Pleasant city views.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1,339 Sqft Price: $129,500 Last Sold @ 450K

2 Detached homes on .58 acres w/ 2 double garages. Ideal for extended family or ???

Home1: 4BR/4BA Home2: 2BR/1BA Price: $359,900 Last Sold @ $600,000

Nice house on over a quarter acre w/ 2-car garage. Large yard.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1,242 sqft Price: $229,000 Last Sold @ $430,000

Spacious, upgraded condo in “Vermont Villas” w/ basketball & tennis. Quick freeway access.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1,204 sqft Price: $129,500! Last Sold @ 295K

Lovely house w/ 2-car garage. 6100 sqft lot.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,144 Sqft Price: $195,500! Appraised @ 561K+

Well-priced house on almost 1/2-acre w/ 2-car garage.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,620 sqft Price: $239,000! Last Sold @ $350,000

Remodeled 3BR/2BA house w/ hardwood floors, pool, 2-car garage, more.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,593 sqft Price: $189,900 Last Sold @ 400K

Spacious house on large 6800 sqft lot. Quick freeway access.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 1,749 sqft Price: $219,900 Last Sold @ 468K

Upgraded home on 5.9 acres in gated, private, peaceful De Luz community.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,970 sqft Price: $308,000 appraised @ apx 655K

Lovely 3BR home on 5.51 acres w/ back country views & 2-car garage! Possible lot split.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 2,046 Sqft Price: $439,900! Last sold @ 604K

Charming older house on .24 acre lot. Needs some TLC.

3 Bed, 2 Bath apx 1,500 sqft Price: $189,900 Last sold @ 230K

Mid-century home w/ hdwd floors 8000 sqft lot. Needs new kitchen, baths, windows.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,272 sqft Price: $184,900 Last sold @ 427K

Vintage 1930-built house on .27 acres. 2-car garage & many extras.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,338 Sqft Price: $259,900 Last sold @ 450K

End unit condo w/ mountain views, open floorplan, only 1 common wall. Needs some TLC.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1,200 sqft Price: $144,900 Last sold @ 315K

Spacious single family home on .28 acre lot with 2-car garage.

3 Bed, 1 Bath 1,719 sqft Price: $327,600! Appraised at ???

Upgr home w/ master suite, large yard, + new cabinets, countertops, stove.

3 Bed, 1 Bath 1,117 Sqft Price: $169,900 Last sold @ 394K

Cozy 4BR house ideal as starter or investment. Offers brick FPL, large lot, spacious yard.

4 Bed, 1 Bath 968 sqft Price: $148,900 Last sold for 352K

Three bedroom house on huge 17,100 sqft lot. East of 805, south of E. Plaza.

3 Bed, 1 Bath 1,170sqft Price: $166,400! Appraised @ 378K+

Affordable upper 1-level unit. Ideal for investor or first-time homebuyer.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 800 sqft Price: $70,000! Appraised @ 265K+

Huge heavy fixer-upper home on full lot w/ 2-car garage. Quick access to 5 and 805 freeways.

3 Bed, 3 Bath 2,080 Sqft Price: $244,900 Prev Appraised @ 372K

Private, light, bright townhome w/ large rooms, spacious yard, interior laundry, more.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,222 Sqft Price: $114,900 Last sold @ 365K

Elegant Spanish 1936-built home: archways, hdwd flrs, FPL, crown molding, coved ceilings.

3 Bed, 1 Bath 1,071 sqft Price: $279,900 Last sold @ 550K

Tremendous curb appeal! Upgraded home on corner lot with mountain views.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,290 Sqft Price: $234,900 Appraised @ 465K+

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: $900,000!

PRICED BELOW MARKET north P.B. home w/ stunning bay & city views. Ready for your decorating ideas.

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,651 sqft Price: $739,000

Great central location. Units are 4 3BR, 4 2BR, and 4 1BR. For More Info: Call Terry Kass @ (602) 703-5277

Price: $550,000

All 2BR units w/ pool, very large parcel, great rental history. For More Info: Call Terry Kass @ (602) 703-5277

Price: $2,000,000

Cute condo just off Main Street in downtown Ramona.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 884 sqft Price: $84,900 Appraised @ 231K+

Cozy house in over-55 Lake San Marcos community, near tennis, golf, restaurants.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 1,115 Sqft Price: $195,000 Last sold @ 382K

Vintage 3BR/2BA house on large 6969 sqft lot. More info to follow.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,544 sqft Price: $249,900 Appraised @ 425K+

Affordable, updated “Riderwood Gardens” condo w/ garage.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,144 sqft Price: $159,900 Appraised @ ???

Convenient bottom-floor unit near I-8 and La Mesa. Granite countertops.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,112 sqft Price: $134,900 Appraised @ 325K+

Remodeled townhome w/ garage, many upgrades, vaulted ceilings.

2 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,068 Sqft Price: $259,900 Appraised @ 309K+

3.3 acres! Gorgeous house w/ 2-car garage & panoramic views.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,761 sqft Price: $359,900 Last sold @ $595,000

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: $529,000!

Giant .7 acre lot w/ cute house built in 1940. Incredible potential. Needs lots of TLC.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 898 sqft Price: $219,900! Last sold @ $472,500

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 2009 Gary Kent, All Rights Reserved.