How often should an agent hold open houses?

Question: “I have my home for sale in University City and my agent is hardly holding any open houses, maybe every other week. How often do you think an agent should be holding open houses?” Answer: Great question! There’s a big myth about open houses: so many people believe open houses are THE way homes
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Can anyone afford a home in San Diego?

Question: “Prices in San Diego are much too high. We’ve got to do something since it’s gotten to the point where no one can afford a home here.” Answer: I appreciate your frustration. San Diego home prices are amongst the highest in the nation. So while I don’t disagree with you, I feel compelled to
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Clairemont Real Estate Update

    Here’s the latest on your Clairemont Market.     Spring has sprung, which means it’s time for another update on our North Clairemont real estate market.Currently, there are 11 homes for sale here in our North Clairemont market, with just 10 more in escrow. And in the past two months, 24 have closed. 
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Does the amount of a buyer’s down payment matter?

Question: “Why should I care what a buyer puts down. I still get the same amount at closing, right?” Answer: Great question! Indeed, the buyer’s down payment doesn’t impact the amount of your check at closing. (Unless you act as bank and “carry” a first or second loan against the house, but that’s another story.)
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What is the cost to sell a San Diego home?

Question: “Hi Gary, besides the Realtor fee, what is the cost to sell a home here? What’s deducted at closing, etc.?” Answer: There are several categories of items that you should be aware of: 1. Standard Seller CLOSING COSTSa) These are title insurance, escrow fee, county transfer tax, and other fees. They typically total .75%
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Can I ask for new carpet from my home inspection?

Question: “Can I ask for new carpet from my home inspection?” Answer: You can, but that’s not what home inspections are for. Home inspections are for you to find significant defects that you weren’t aware of when you made your offer. Based on what you find, you can decide if you still want the home
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North P.B. Real Estate Update

North P.B. market update Gary Kent San Diego Realtor January 2020
    Here’s the latest on your North P.B. Market.     What’s been going on in the North Pacific Beach real estate market? I’m here to tell you today. Right now, we have about 14 homes for sale, which is right around the average. At the same time, we have five homes currently in
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Smile! You’re On Hidden Camera

If you’re a buyer, you need to be careful what you say out loud the next time you walk through a home that’s for sale—here’s why. Did you know that some home sellers out there are installing video surveillance devices around their homes to gauge buyers’ feedback during showings? We Realtors are advised to instruct
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What are the most expensive repairs from a buyer’s home inspection?

Question: “What type of expensive repairs may come up from a buyer’s home inspection?” Answer: Great question, that I hear a lot. In my experience, the most expensive costs that come up, in roughly declining order are: Settlement/structural problems Sewer line that’s broken or corroded Mold remediation Unpermitted room additions Roof replacement Major plumbing (other
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Can I do a 1031 exchange when I co-own?

Question: “I co-own a rental property with my brother. Can I sell another rental I own and use the money to do a 1031 exchange to buy him out?” Answer: My 1031 rep said you cannot do an exchange on a property where you already own a partial interest: “Unfortunately, because of the vesting and
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