• 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
The San Diego market continues to be red hot in the under-$500,000 price range. Homes are flying off the shelves. At the same time, the $750,000+ market plods along, relatively slow with lots of inventory.

…If you or a friend missed my seminar last Saturday, "How To Buy A Foreclosure In San Diego", don’t despair. There’s another Saturday May 30th, 10AM to noon. Click here to register.

…If you’ve ever gotten a mortgage, you know all the forms and paperwork involved. Compare that to the simple 2-page form banks filled out to apply for TARP money last year. No, this is not a hoax. It’s real!

…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.

Alan Greenspan Quotes He’d Like To Take Back, 3 of 5:
"The use of a growing array of derivatives and the related application of more-sophisticated approaches to measuring and managing risk are key factors underpinning the greater resilience of our largest financial institutions .... Derivatives have permitted the unbundling of financial risks."
-- May 2005

Top 10 U.S. Zip Codes With Increased Home Sales
There’s an increasingly detectable pulse in America’s real estate market. In various ZIPs across the U.S., as once-inflated prices hit bottom, housing sales are increasing dramatically. Here are the zips with the greatest % sales increase from the same month one year earlier, with 8 out of the top 10 in the Golden State:

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 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:
- What you need to know about buying an REO or short sale
- 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.

TOMORROW:
FREE Seminar @ UTC Mall – May 30th, 2009:
"How To Buy A Foreclosure In San Diego"
Fantasy vs. Reality: Discover the truth about foreclosures/REOs
-- Saturday, May 30th, 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: I’ll be just back from the two biggest industry foreclosure conferences w/ the latest insider info!
• NEW: Bailouts, loan “mods”, foreclosure moratoriums...what’s REALLY going on right now w/ REOs?
• 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 just made an offer on a condo. There were several offers and the bank accepted one without even sending me a counter-offer. I offered almost full price but would have paid more. Why didn’t they even send me a counter-offer?"

Answer:
Different bank asset managers (who handle the sale of foreclosures) handle multiple offers differently.

Some will send a multiple counter offer to every buyer, usually asking for their “highest and best” final offer.

Others will counter just one or two of the best offers.

Still others may just accept the best offer.

If a foreclosure has multiple offers, to have the best chance of getting the home you should make your best offer up front or you’ll probably lose out to another buyer who does.

"I’m interested in selling my condo in La Jolla. I’ve already spoken with an agent who promised she’d accompany other agents for all the showings. Are you willing to do that?"

Answer:
No. I’d never do you such a disservice.

Your home should be shown via “call first/lockbox”. Meaning agents call you and arrange a showing or leave a message, then use the lockbox if you’re not home.

Your agent or his staff should accompany showings only if you:

- are famous
- are being stalked
- are selling a high-end luxury estate
- want your home sit on the market longer and sell for less

Why do I say this?

In upscale areas, many agents promise they’ll provide upscale service by being at all showings.

Sounds great, right?

Well, here’s a hypothetical but all too real behind-the-scenes look at what often happens...

- Buyer Bill takes a long lunch to see homes Thursday with Buyer-Agent Barb.
- Barb calls Seller-Agent Sal to arrange Thursday.
- Sal calls a day later, "I’m busy then. How’s Friday?"
- Bill can’t do Friday, so they see other homes.
- Sal tells Seller Sylvia, "If they really wanted your home, they’d change their schedule."
- Bill buys one of those other homes.
- Two weeks later, Sal tells Sylvia, "Your home isn’t selling. We need to drop the price."

Similar problems impact homes that are shown “by appointment only” with the seller or where showings can only be arranged by calling the agent.

I wanted to see a condo Monday and called the agent Saturday to arrange it. She finally called Monday(!) and was having trouble reaching the owner. She actually said, "If you want a view, this unit doesn’t have much. Are you sure you want to see it?"

So remember:

"Call first/lockbox" allows for the most showings, which means more interest, more offers, and on average a faster sale at a higher price.

"Hi Gary. I read your newsletter every week. My girlfriend and I want to get our ducks in a row before we buy a home. Is there anything we should or shouldn't be doing?"

Answer:
Great question. Until you actually get the call that your escrow has CLOSED on your new home, here's a few things not to do without clearing with your lender first:

1. No Major Purchases
Don't decrease your savings or take on new debt by buying a car, furniture, appliances, jewelry, vacations, etc.

2. Don't Move Your Money Around
Your lender needs to know where your down payment and closing costs funds came from. Moving money makes it harder for your lender to document where your money actually came from.

3. Don't Cancel Credit Cards
Oddly, canceling credit cards or doing other things that you might guess will improve your credit score may actually hurt it. Talk with your lender first.

4. Don’t Cosign On A Loan
Though you think you're just "helping" friend or family to get a loan, cosigning actually increases the debt that shows on your credit. And if that person doesn’t pay, you’re on the hook.

5. Don't Change Jobs To A Different Field
In many cases, lenders want to see you on your job for two years. Changing employers, especially for more money, is fine.

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED PROPERTY!
	Spacious Sorrento Valley Home BR/BA: 5/3 Sqft: 2,432 Price: $629,900
– Sorrento Valley – Foreclosure! Beautiful family home on corner lot in desirable "Pacific Ridge" community. MBR suite with vaulted ceilings and large bath with dual sinks, family room with fireplace and 3-car garage. 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?
– 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?
New– El Cajon – Foreclosure! Nice home w/ garage, quick freeway access, more info to follow. Contact Me
4BR/2.5BA, 1632sqft
Appraised @ 595K+ >>> To be high 100s?
– 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?
– 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?
New – Nestor – Foreclosure! CHEAP 3BR/2BA, 2-story condo. Ideal for first-time buyer or investor. Only $150/mo HOA fee. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1222 sqft
Last sold @ $220,000 >>> To be very 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?
New – Santee – Foreclosure! Nice home on quiet street w/ pool, 2-car garage. No neighbor behind. Walk to Mission Trails Park. Contact Me
3BR/2BA, 1196 sqft
Recently appraised @ 493K+ >>> Now low 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 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!)

Corner 3-year-new “Park Blvd East” condo near Petco Park w/ no common walls, views, granite.

2 Bed, 2 Bath 980 Sqft Price: $340,000 Recently appraised @ 486K+

Handsome, 70’s built house on huge 9500 sqft lot. Nice street.

4 Bed, 2 Bath 1,582 Sqft Price: $239,800! Last sold @ $467,500

Cute condo, fully renovated 5 years ago. Quiet complex near UTC mall.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 597 Sqft Price: $179,900 Recently appraised @ 334K

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

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+

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

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

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

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

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+

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

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.

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 @ ???

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

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.