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.

Should the tenants leave?

“We’re going to be selling our rental condo in La Jolla. Should we sell it with the tenants in or should we sell it vacant?” ***ANSWER: The answer depends on 3 things: are the tenants cooperative, are they reasonably neat, and does the home need a cosmetic overhaul? If the tenants will be flexible with
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What to deposit

“How much money is required for a deposit to buy a home? My friend says not to give a deposit over $1,000.” ***ANSWER: The initial deposit is also called an “earnest money deposit.” $500 doesn’t sound terribly earnest and makes your offer look weak, hurting your chances of getting the home you want. Not what
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Select a broker

“Hello… I’m going to sell my late mother’s home in September. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I plan sell it without a broker to save the 6%. One of my neighbors did, and he didn’t know anything about real estate, so it can’t be too tough. I’ll just get the escrow
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Find the right agent…

“I just don’t understand how some real estate agents survive. They spend good money placing ads in the paper, but when you call them they never call you back. I’m looking for a home and can’t even get agents to call me back.” ***ANSWER: I feel your pain! In 2003, I started to invest in
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Private Mortgage Insurance

“Hi Gary. I bought a home 3 years ago with 10% down and I’ve been paying PMI [private mortgage insurance]. I know PMI insures lenders against loss on low down payment loans. But my home value is way up, so I think they no longer have any risk. Can I cancel my PMI?” ***ANSWER: Lenders
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Does Your Agent Care?

“I’m going to be interviewing agents to sell my home in North County. What should I be looking for in a marketing plan?” ***ANSWER: Question… If you need an attorney, would you ask him how he files motions and litigates cases? If you need a surgeon, would you ask her how what types of scalpels
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Investment Help

“I own apartments and I’d like to learn more about Limited Liability Companies. I’ve heard they could help protect me in case I get sued if one of my tenants slips and falls or has some other accident. What can you tell me about LLCs?” ***ANSWER: Since this is California where everybody sues first and
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Don’t always believe what you hear

“I’ve seen an agent in my neighborhood advertise that they’ll buy my house if they don’t sell it. But I’d rather use you. Will you give me the same guarantee?” ***ANSWER: Sure. But you won’t like the price. And you won’t like the price the agent you mentioned offers you either. The reality is no
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Is it over priced?

“There’s a house my wife and I have fallen in love with. But the owner wants $40,000 more than any house of similar size in the area has ever sold for. How do I talk her down to a realistic price? Thanks.” ***ANSWER: There’s more to value than square footage. There’s location, condition, view, amenities
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Tax advice

“Hi Gary. I just turned 55 and I was wondering if that means I can sell my rental house tax-free?” ***ANSWER: Where do I start… Prior to 1997, tax law allowed homesellers 55 or older a once-in-a-lifetime option to exclude $125,000 of gain on their principal residence. This did NOT a investment property. And that
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