• 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
Have you registered yet? Tomorrow, Saturday 10AM-noon, is my latest free seminar, "How To Buy A Foreclosure In San Diego." Register now and bring a friend. If you can’t make it, my next seminar will be 5/30.

…The San Diego real estate under 500K is RED HOT! Homes are getting multiple offers in days, even hours, and often selling sell over full price. Just look at the Hot Properties section below to see all the activity I’ve had the past week. Has the under-500K market hit bottom in San Diego? Who knows, but it’s possible.

…SHORT SALE ANNOUNCEMENT: We are now actively handling short sales for clients again. If you or someone you know is “upside down” and can’t sell due to owing too much on your home or rental, we can probably sell it for you. Just call me at 858-457-KENT or email me at Gary@GaryKent.com..

…I try to keep this newsletter strictly about real estate, but if you like internet radio, check out Pandora.com.

…HELP WANTED: Job opening for someone to work in my REO/foreclosure department. For more info, Click Here.

Scammers Using Fake Bank Letterhead To Con Californians
California Attorney General Jerry Brown is warning that scam artists are using forged bank letterhead to try to con you into paying thousands of dollars for non-existent loan modification services. If your bank sends you a letter asking for money to perform a modification, call them at the phone # on your statement (NOT the letter) to verify. It’s probably bogus.

Alan Greenspan Quotes He’d Like To Take Back, 2 of 5:
"Even though some down payments are borrowed, it would take a large, and historically most unusual, fall in home prices to wipe out a significant part of home equity. Many of those who purchased their residence more than a year ago have equity buffers in their homes adequate to withstand any price decline other than a very deep one."
-- October 2004

Top 10 Best U.S. Metropolitan Areas For Job & Wage Growth
The Milken Institute’s index measures both job creation and salary growth in determining where the hot spots are in the country.

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 me and tell me about your home or other real estate. I’ll research recent sales, compare them to yours, and arrive at an honest, realistic price you can expect to get in today’s changing market. For a more accurate figure, just ask me to come by. To receive your free over-the-phone (or in person) evaluation, just call me at (858)457-KENT. Please tell a friend about this offer. Thank you…

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
Looking for a deal? 25+ 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. We'll 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 $450 Home Appraisal & FREE $300 Home Inspection
For a limited time, you’ll receive $750 in free services when you agree to use us as your Realtor to buy a home or investment in San Diego, get a mortgage from one of our preferred lenders, and use any professional home inspector. For more details or to take advantage of this offer, call us @ (858)457-KENT.

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.

TOMORROW:
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

"I’m considering buying a home. What’s going on with the real estate market right now?"

Answer:
As I mentioned above, homes under 500K in most San Diego County neighborhoods are selling like hot cakes.

The market for homes 500-750K is okay, and 750K+ is soft.

Does this mean if you find a home you like over 750K, you should lowball it or sit and see if they lower the price?

Definitely not if you like the home.

I’m speaking in broad strokes here. Desirable homes priced near market value in all price ranges are still selling fairly quickly.

"I’m scheduled to close escrow in 3 weeks, but my mortgage is due next week. Should I pay it?"

Answer:
Yes.

When you close, your lender may not have processed your last payment and may charge you for it.

But banks have a surprisingly accurate and efficient record of refunding any overpayments. You’d think banks might “forget” to refund the money, causing you to chase them and cut through red tape. But they’re surprisingly dependable at refunding any double payment.

BTW, mortgage payments are made after the fact, so your last payment is for the previous 30 days.

"I saw on the news that to raise revenue they’re raising property taxes 2%. With our economy, this is the wrong time to do that. I thought Proposition 13 prevented that…"

Answer:
Sometimes the media sells newspapers and gets eyeballs to websites and TV is by making things interesting, even controversial.

What you’ve heard is normal, legal, and the way it’s been done for 30+ years.

Proposition 13 specifically authorizes each California tax assessor to raise real estate assessments and values by 2% per year.

If you feel that your home or rental property is worth less than the assessed value, you can appeal your assessment and get it lowered if they agree. And the county is very reasonable and realistic when they review these appeals.

So don’t get all worked up : )

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Well Maintained Clairemont Home Open House This Sun 1-4 BR/BA: 3/2 Sqft: 1,958 Price: $360,000 Address: 3634 Jennifer St 92117
– Clairemont – Clean, well-maintained home on quiet street in great, tranquil family neighborhood. Minutes to Clairemont Square shopping, movies, restaurants, 52 freeway. Offers updated eat-in kitchen, ceiling fans, MBR w/ mirrored closets, shady backyard w/ orange tree & garden area! View Details

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 – Foreclosure! Great starter home or investment on large lot w/ garage. Near 805 & 52 freeways. Contact Me
3BR/1BA, 940 sqft
Recently appraised @ 465K? >>> To be 300K?
– Clairemont – Foreclosure! 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! 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! Stunning 10-year-new townhome w/ 2-car garage near Southwestern College. Contact Me
3BR/2.5BA, 1369 sqft
Last sold @ 356K >>> To be low 200s?
– 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! 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! 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?
– 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?
– 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?
– Mission Valley – Foreclosure! Affordable 1BR condo in west Mission Valley, 5 minutes to Fashion & Mission Valley malls. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 700 sqft
Recently appraised @ 175K? >>> To be low 100s?
– Mission Valley – Foreclosure! Great starter condo or investment in "Mission Heights" near Qualcomm & 24 Hr Fitness. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 667 sqft
Recently appraised @ 174K? >>> To be low 100s?
– Mission Valley – Foreclosure! Cute "Mission Heights" starter condo or investment near Qualcomm & 24 Hr Fitness. Contact Me
1BR/1BA, 667 sqft
Recently appraised @ 174K? >>> To be low 100s?
– 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?
– Pacific Beach – Foreclosure! Updated home w/ detached art studio/office, FPL, spa oversize dbl garage, RV parking. Contact Me
5BR/3BA, 2218 sqft
Last sold @ 1.075M >>> To be 800K?
– 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?
– 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?

NEWLY LISTED (Your Property Here!)

Exquisite 5-yr-new home w/ travertine, granite, huge family room, 3-car garage, on .24 acres.

5 Bed, 4.5 Bath 3,473 Sqft Price: $545,000! Recently appraised @ 900K+

Cared-for home on quiet street in family neighb. Near shops/movies/restaurants. New roof. Open Sun. 1-4 Address: 3634 Jennifer St 92117

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,120 Sqft Price: $260,000

5-year-new condo in hip “Acqua Vista” w/ spectacular views, pool, spa, sauna, more.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 938 sqft Price: $289,900! Last sold @ 604K

Very roomy end-unit "Villa Espanas" condo w/ FPL and quick access to 15 and 78 freeways.

2 Bed, 1.5 Bath 1,152 Sqft Price: $92,900 Last sold @ 325K

Cute condo conversion @ bargain price for first time buyer or investor.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 749sqft Price: $58,300 Last sold @ $260,000

Sharp 6-year-new home w/ open views in quiet neighborhood. Large backyard.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 2,190 Sqft Price: $330,000! Last sold @ 489K

Affordable lower-unit condo in quiet complex w/ pool. Great Poway school district.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 737 sqft Price: $142,500 Last sold @ 310K

Sharp, clean, just-renovated home w/ new kitchen, new paint, new carpet, more.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,103 sqft Price: $204,800! Last sold @ 460K

Stunning 12-year-old home w/ 3-car garage, large yard, 1BR/1BA downstairs.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 2,432 Sqft Price: $629,900! Recently appraised at ???

Split level home w/ pool, mountain & Sweetwater Reservoir views, large living room w/ FPL.

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath 2,272 Sqft Price: $299,900! Last sold @ 600K

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: $349,000 Last Sold @ 456K

Luxurious 4612 sqft "Tuscan Masterpiece" built on 2006 on .42 acres overlooking Tecolote Canyon. Immense bkyd.

5 Bed, 5.5 Bath 4,612 Sqft Price: $997,500!

Sunny & bright "Blossom Walk" condo w/ large balcony, granite, upgrades. Near parking.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 581 Sqft Price: $126,900 Last sold @ 273K

5-year-new home w/ 2-car garage. More info to follow.

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,756 Sqft Price: $320,000 Prev Appraised @ 617K

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

Attractive 80’s built home w/ pool, spa, tri-level patio, granite kitchen, 2-car garage, more.

4 Bed, 3 Bath 1,907 Sqft Price: $240,000 Last sold @ 560K

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

Home1: 4BR/4BA Home2: 2BR/1BA Price: $349,900 Last Sold @ $600,000

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

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1,204 sqft Price: $119,900! Last Sold @ 295K

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

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 1,970 sqft Price: $290,000 appraised @ apx 655K

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

3 Bed, 2 Bath apx 1,500 sqft Price: $169,900 Last sold @ 230K

Beautiful newer condo near UCSD & Sharp Hospital.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 1,102 Sqft Price: $386,900 Last sold @ 583K

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

3 Bed, 1 Bath 1,719 sqft Price: $315,900! Appraised at ???

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: $160,000! Appraised @ 378K+

Enormous house on 9200 sqft lot. Ideal for very large family.

6 Bed, 3 Bath 2,203 Sqft Price: $472,500 Prev appraised @ 504K+

Eclectic "Flamingo House" in Pacifica: bonus room w/ bay view, big private bkyd, pool, spa, 3 FPL, more. Address: 2559 San Anselmo St. 92109

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath 2,290 sqft Price: $900,000!

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

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,544 sqft Price: $199,900 Appraised @ 425K+

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

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,144 sqft Price: $149,900 Appraised @ ???

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

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,112 sqft Price: $127,900 Appraised @ 325K+

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

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,761 sqft Price: $304,000 Last sold @ $595,000

Private ranch home on 20,000 sqft lot w/ panoramic mountain/hill views, fruit trees, eat-in kitchen.

3 Bed, 2 Bath 1,464 Sqft Price: $286,000 Last sold @ 425K

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: $187,300! 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.