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.

This Week’s Crazy Building: Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

The undulating walls and movement of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health are a vast departure from other health physicalities. Designed by renowned architect, Frank Gehry, he feels the center represents hope. The Center treats patients with Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Started in 2009 the Center came about as a partnership
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How to make an offer on a home with value range pricing

Question: “We made an offer on a home listed for 725-800K with value range pricing. We offered 730K and the seller wouldn’t go below 770K, so we didn’t get the house. Isn’t it illegal and misleading to say 725K was their lowest price, but not accept an offer over 725K?” Answer: First of all, contrary
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Do you charge a fee for your home or property estimates?

Question: “When someone is considering selling and if they want to speak with you regarding how much their property is worth, do you charge a fee for this or only give them a guesstimate? I want to make sure I understand…They have to get a separate appraisal since the value you provide isn’t considered THE appraisal, right? 
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Why do so few condos offer VA financing?

Question: “I’ve been trying to buy a condo using VA financing, but so many are not offered VA. Why do you think that is?” Answer: Great question. There are a few reasons… Many condo complexes are not VA approved. It requires lots of paperwork to get approved. And there’s not always a motivated party to
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What is the cost to sell a home?

Question: “Hi Gary, besides the Realtor fee, what is the cost to sell a home?” Answer: There are several categories of items that you should be aware of: Standard Seller Closing CostsThese include your portion of the title and escrow fees, the county transfer tax, and other fees. These tend to total .5% to 1%
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Why wasn’t my offer accepted?

Question: “My dad and I are looking for a house in Escondido. We found the perfect one after a couple of weeks. The list price was $515,000, and we told the Realtor to offer $450,000. She said we had nothing to lose and made the offer. But the seller rejected it and now their agent
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What home price can I afford?

Question: “My husband and I own a P.B. condo and we really want a house with a yard for the kids and a double garage.  Our condo is worth about $700,000, so we should net $300,000 after expenses and paying off the loan. How much house can we afford to buy?” Answer: Down payment is
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Milwaukee Art Museum

“Milwaukee Art Museum” by JohnPickenPhoto is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Three accomplished architects have contributed to the Milwaukee Art Museum: Eero Saarinen, David Kahler, and Santiago Calatrava. Of the three, Calatrava’s Quadracci Pavilion is the most flamboyant. He drew inspiration from the existing museum design, the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the City of Milwaukee, and Lake Michigan. The Pavilion itself is reminiscent of a
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Falkirk Wheel

“Falkirk Wheel” by Mike McBey is licensed under CC BY 2.0
How do you connect two waterways when one is over 100 feet below the other? If you’re Scotland, you build an aqueduct with a rotating arm! Called “a form of contemporary sculpture” by the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland, the unique Falkirk Wheel blends design with functionality and is the first, and so far
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Evolution Tower

“Evolution Tower” by Ninaras is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Also known as Wedding Palace, this tower is the 9th tallest building in Russia, coming in a little over 800 feet. Designed by architect Tony Kettle in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art Professor Karen Forbes it draws inspiration from Rodin’s Kiss, St Basil’s Cathedral, and Tatlin’s Tower. The design symbolizes DNA and is based
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