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.

What Makes a FICO Score

“How are FICO scores determined?” Answer: The formula itself is complicated and the FICO company (Fair Isaac Corp) keeps it secret. But here are the basic components: A. 35% Past Delinquencies Your payment history B. 30% Debt Ratio Your revolving account balances divided by their limits, as a percentage C. 15% Average Age of File
Read more
No Comments

Getting on an “A-List” of Buyers

“I’m so frustrated. My wife and I are looking for a good deal on a home. We’ve talked to a lot of agents but none of them have found us anything. What should we be doing?” Answer: The opposite of what you’re doing. Dozens of people contact me and my team every month looking for
Read more
No Comments

What Type of Rental Should You Buy?

“What type of rental real estate investment do you recommend buying?” Answer: It depends. If this is your first investment, you might want to buy a little condo or house near you, especially if you’re going to manage it yourself. If you’re a bit more experienced, consider a 2-4 unit property in a blue-collar area
Read more
No Comments

Pricing Your San Diego Home Right

“I listed my P.B. home with an agent at $1.3 million. When it didn’t sell, I listed with my current agent for $1.15 million. Now she wants me to reduce my price again, but I’ve already come down 150K. I don’t think she’s doing a good job. What should I do?” Answer: You didn’t tell
Read more
No Comments

What is a Starker Exchange?

“I’m planning to exchange my San Diego rental house for an apartment building in Texas. I know there’s different kinds of exchanges. I heard I should do a Starker Exchange. What exactly is that?” Answer: Yes. Wow, I haven’t heard someone mention “Starker” for a good 10 years. The name is from a 1979 court
Read more
No Comments

The Dangers of Using a Part-Time Agent

“We’re planning to buy a home and my wife wants to use her friend’s sister who has a full-time job and sells real estate on the side. I think we’re headed for problems. Do you agree?” Answer: Using a part-time agent is dangerous. Any agent can put you in his car and show you homes.
Read more
No Comments

Using Comps for San Diego Homes

“Hi Gary… We’re planning to sell our home and would like to have you list it, so please call us at (858)XXX-XXXX. Quick question: Our model in our housing tract in Carmel Valley has been selling for $1,000,000 to $1,100,000. Now one just like ours sold for $950,000. Do you think our property values have
Read more
No Comments

What Exactly is the Mello-Roos Fee?

“We’ve been looking at homes in North County and sometimes we see an extra fee called Mello Roos for a few hundred bucks a month. I wouldn’t want to buy a property with an extra fee. What is that?” Answer: In California’s “taxpayer revolt” of 1978, voters passed Proposition 13 that: 1. Limited property taxes
Read more
No Comments

Downsides of the Auction Trustee Sale

“What do you think of buying at a sheriff’s auction trustee sale?” Answer: It’s only for the faint of heart. While there are some deals to be had, here are the downsides: 1. Generally can’t see the home before bidding It would be more than awkward to casually knock on the owner’s door and say,
Read more
No Comments

Determining Your Principal Residence

“Hi Gary. I inherited a house 4 years ago and haven’t lived in it for awhile. I want to sell it but am concerned about paying taxes. I’m not sure if it’s still my principal residence for tax reasons. I’m not sure how to proceed…” Answer: I’ll share my thoughts, but you should talk to
Read more
No Comments