How do I know if I should change my carpets?

Question: “Should I change my carpets before we sell our house?” Answer: Good question. It depends on what I call the “Eww, Oh, Ooo Test.” “Eww!” If your carpets are so torn, worn, stained, smelly, or of such an ugly color that a homebuyer would say “EWW!”, it could make your home hard to sell
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Should I get a loan or pay cash?

Question: “I want to buy a home and can afford to pay cash. Do you recommend getting a loan or paying cash?” Answer: Congratulations on being able to pay cash for your home! The answer to your question depends on your circumstances and priorities. Reasons to pay cash include: Your offer will be much stronger
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How much should I list my home for relative to its value?

Question: “How much should a person list their home for relative to the value?” Answer: Great question. To get the most activity and leave a bit of negotiating room, the optimal amount is about 2% over value, except for higher price ranges. If your home is valued over $1,500,000, I recommend you list about 3%
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What’s a capitalization rate?

Question: “What’s a cap rate?” Answer: Cap rate is short for “capitalization rate.” Cap rate is the rate an investment property earns money, as a percentage of the value of the property. It’s similar to an interest rate on a CD. And it’s also your % return if you buy the property for cash. You
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What’s the best website to search for a home?

Question: “Hi Gary, I’m starting my home search what’s the best website to use?” Answer: Great question! I’m going to suggest you use my website, www.SearchSDHomes.com, and here’s why… It’s very user-friendly and simple. Many major sites you’ve heard of have inaccurate or out-of-date information. Mine does not. All the major sites are basically looking
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Downsizing Made Easy: An Essential Guide for Seniors

My team and I have helped many seniors downsize, and we’d love to help you through the process. Click Here for Gary Kent’s Senior Downsizing Guide   If you’re a senior citizen or you know a senior citizen who’s planning on selling a home, you know that the process can be overwhelming.   That’s why
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This Week’s Crazy Building: Ragnarock Museum

Dive into rock and roll music at the Ragnarock Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. Beyond the music, visitors explore how it has influenced culture. Designed by architects MVRDV and COBE, visitors walk the “red carpet” as they approach this gold-studded building. The interior also features the same studded shapes but in a red velvet shade, referencing
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How can I find an agent to accurately price my home?

Question: “I know my home is worth at least 1.1 million, but the first two agents I talked to said it’s in the 900s. Where can I find an agent who knows how to accurately price a home?” Answer: Let me first say that you could be right. Your home may well be worth 1.1
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How much does solar add to the value of your home?

Question: “I was looking at a home and the owner was there and said because he had solar panels his home value went up over $70,000. That can’t be true, can it?” Answer: Not a chance. He was referring to a 1998 Appraisal Journal study, often attributed to Wells Fargo. It says that for every
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Do you pay taxes on a 1031 exchange?

Question: “I’m going to be selling my rental and buying another using a 1031 exchange. A realtor told me that because it’s not my home, the state of California will withhold money from the sale for taxes. Is that correct?” Answer: That agent gave you some incorrect advice. The state will require a 3 1/3%
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