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.

“Hi Gary. I went to your Homebuyer Faire last week and thought you and the lender who spoke were great. I got a lot of good info. But I wasn’t able to ask you my question… Where is the best part of San Diego to buy in right now for future appreciation?” ***ANSWER: I get
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Joint Credit Scores

“Is it true that since credit scores are pulled by social security number and not by name, credit cards/accounts that are just in my husband’s name (I’m not even listed as an authorized user) will never impact my personal score?” ***ANSWER: Our preferred lender tells us that credit is run based on name, social security
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The Truth About Property Appraisals.

“Hi Gary. My neighbor’s home next door was appraised at $825,000. My home is in better condition, so I know mine is worth over $850,000. How can I find out a realistic value without paying for an appraisal?” ***ANSWER: Before you go any further, let’s look at three questionable assumptions you’ve made to arrive at
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20% Down Before I Buy?

Do I have to have 20% down before I buy a home in San Diego? “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: Yes! You’re not alone with the
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Pre-Qualified Before Looking for a Home?

Why should I get Pre-Qualified before I start looking for a home? “I’ve been looking for a home in Mission Valley for 2 months and agents keep pushing me to talk to a lender. I’m looking for a good deal and if I don’t find one I won’t buy. So I don’t want to waste
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“Gary, please give me a call. My husband is being transferred to Florida and we’ll be putting our home on the market next week. We’ve heard a lot about you and want to find out about your marketing plan…” ***ANSWER: I’d love to meet with you…and I’d like to give you some advice. There’s SO
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What about making 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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Is Mello-Roos Deductible?

Is Mello Roos deductible? “We’d like a newer home and we’ve been looking in north county and Carmel Valley. Many of them have those Mello-Roos payments. Is Mello-Roos tax deductible?” ***ANSWER: If you’re not familiar, Mello-Roos is a fee LIKE an extra property tax. You’ll find it on a lot of local homes built after
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Negative Cash Flow

What about Negative Cash Flow? “Hi Gary, I receive your informative emails and I truly enjoy them. Thanks. My question is this: I have investment properties but some have negative cash flow. In reading real estate books, negative cash flow is discouraged but I strongly believe that a real estate investment is just like a
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Seller Paid Closing Costs

What about Seller Paid Closing Costs? “I know sometimes people buying a home ask the seller to pay their closing costs. Why would a homeseller ever agree to do that?” ***ANSWER: Great question. Many of my seller-clients have objected LOUDLY when asked to pay a buyer’s closing costs. My advice is it doesn’t matter if
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