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 Accuracy of Projected Rents

“I’m looking to buy a duplex, triplex or fourplex. All the foreclosure properties are vacant but several show projected rents. How accurate are they?” Answer: Beware of projected rents, my friend. Some are guesses, some are educated and honest projections, and some are gross exaggerations. Best that you independently verify by asking a property manager,
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Getting Multiple Pest Inspections for Your San Diego Home

“Hi Gary, it’s XXXXX. As you know, I’ll be calling you to list my house this summer. I want to get your advice. I think the whole termite requirement is a racket. Every home has termites. But I’m a realist and I know I’ll need to clear the house to sell it. But I want
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6 Ways to Sell Without Paying Too Much Tax

“I’ve owned apartments in San Diego for 40 years and I’m tired. I’m 71 and want out of being a property manager. My wife and I own a 7-unit complex of Normal Heights apartments. Any ideas on how to sell it without paying a lot of tax?” Answer: Here are six ideas for you: 1.
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Do Agents Get All the Best Deals?

Asked at my “How To Buy A Foreclosure Or Short Sale” seminar, after I mentioned that I buy investment real estate: “If real estate agents buy all the best deals before they hit the market, how can I get one?” Answer: I wouldn’t be concerned. The way the market has been recently, unfortunately many real
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An Intro to HomePath Loans

“I’ve heard of Home Path loans. What are they?” Answer: HomePath loans are only offered on FNMA foreclosures of condos, houses, and 2-4 unit properties. Here are some bullet points: Low down. 3% down for owner-occupied; 10% for investors No appraisal (saving you about $400) No mortgage insurance No condo complex approval needed If you’re
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Is Strategic Defaulting Ethical?

“We owe $550,000 on our house, but it’s worth $425,000. It’s going to be many years before we ever have a cent in equity. We can pay the mortgage, but it’s a huge drain and we’re considering getting out from under this problem and letting the home go. Does this make us bad people?” Answer:
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Buying a San Diego Short Sale

“In the past you’ve said to avoid buying a short sale. Now I see you have several short sales for sale. Do you still advise clients to avoid buying short sales?” Answer: Great question. Given the choice between buying a home that’s a short sale and one that isn’t, I still recommend the latter due
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Loan Mods on Upside-Down Homes

“Hi Gary. My wife and I are way upside down on our home and behind on our payment. Our bank has suggested we apply for a loan modification. Do you think this is a good idea?” Answer: If you love your home and you’re not that far upside down and can make the lower payment,
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Buying When the Bank Forecloses on a Short Sale

“I don’t know what to do. We were supposed to close on a short sale this week, but I just found out the bank foreclosed on the home. We had a contract. How is this possible? I even called the sellers agent and they say they can’t help me. What should I do?” Answer: Many
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Going to a Credit Union For Home Loans

“I’m going to be buying a home soon and I’m a member of the XXXXXX Credit Union. Should I go there to get my home loan or to my bank?” Answer: Credit unions are funny. Because they’re non-profit, you get some curious results… Occasionally, credit unions have slightly more favorable rates than other lenders. And
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