Licensed since 1984, San Diego real estate broker Gary Kent is a recognized authority on real estate. In addition to selling over 5,500 homes for clients, he has been an expert court witness, trainer of other agents, and he does seminars on home buying, home selling, and investing. Gary has sold homes for The Salvation Army, dozens of major banks, and Fannie Mae, amongst others. You can find Gary on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The 1031 Exchange Time Limit

“Hello Gary… We’re interested in selling our investment properties. We like the 1031 exchange concept. However, we are scared off by the 45 day identification process and feel it’s not enough time to find a property to buy.” Answer: A couple of ideas… First, you could list your properties contingent on buying a property. In
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Using Good Scents (and Sense) to Sell Your San Diego Home

“When I was a kid in the 60’s, my dad was in the navy and we moved a lot. When we sold a home, my mom baked bread when people were coming to look. The whole house smelled great and my folks said it helped with the sale. Now I’ll be selling soon, but I
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Why It’s Better to Stick With One Agent

“Hi Gary, my wife and I really enjoy your newsletter. We own a condo right now that I inherited, so I’ve never bought a home. But my wife and I want to buy a house. Do you think it’s a good idea to stick with one agent or work with several agents to find the
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The Cost of Buying in Nicer Areas

“I’d like to buy a 2-4 unit property in Pacific Beach, but the prices are so high relative to the rents. I know this is typically the case, but why? Why are gross rent multipliers higher in better neighborhoods?” Answer: Great question. Here are the reasons, as I see them: 1. Many buyers of 2-4
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The Biggest Mistake When Choosing a Realtor

“My wife wants to use her friend’s sister who is a realtor to sell our home. But I don’t know that person and from what I’ve heard it sounds like she’s not that successful. This sounds like a bad move, isn’t it?” Answer: The biggest mistake people make when selling their home is choosing a
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The Oscillating History of Down Payments

“Hi Gary. My wife and I are working to save the 20% down before we buy our first home, but it’s slow going. Is it possible to buy with less than 20% down?” Answer: You’re not alone in your crazy belief that you actually need MONEY to buy a home. Financing rules have moved like
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Seven Scary Facts About FSBOs

“I know it’s a good idea to use a broker to sell a home, but I need to get every penny out of it and I’m thinking of trying to sell on my own. Can you give me any tips?” Answer: I understand where you’re coming from. Most of my clients need every penny then
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The Dangers of Contingent Offers

“We have a new pair of twins and need a bigger home. We’re very picky and won’t list our current home until we find one to buy. We need the money from that to buy, so we’ll have to make a contingent offer and then sell our place. Do you think this is a good
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“Carrying a Note” When Selling Your San Diego Home

“We own a duplex in North Park free and clear. We’ve had it 17 years and we’re tired of managing and thinking about selling it. Do you recommend we carry a note so we don’t have to pay taxes?” Answer: (“Carrying a note” means that when you sell, the buyer gives you a down payment
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Does Value Range Pricing Work?

“I’m not sure if I want to do value range pricing. Won’t most people just offer the bottom of the range? It doesn’t seem like a good idea.” Answer: I completely understand your hesitation. Even though value range pricing has been used for almost 20 years in San Diego County, it’s almost unheard of in
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