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.

How much are Real Estate Taxes in San Diego?

California’s Proposition 13 limits your property taxes to 1% of the assessed value + voter approved local bonds, all totaling just under 1.2%. This makes your monthly property taxes easy to calculate: approximately 1/10 of 1% per month. For example, a home purchased for $600,000 has approximate taxes of $600/month. Note #1: The assessment can
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How does the VIP service work?

To search for San Diego Real Estate go to www.garykentteam.com/gkent.htm Create a VIP user account with your email address and create a password. You will be sent a link by email for confirmation. After that you can search independently and even create and store specific searches. What if I’m not finding what I want? Contact
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Part Time Agents: Good or Bad?

Is using a Part-time San Diego Real EstateAgent a good Idea? “My husband and I will be buying a house in Scripps Ranch or University City area He wants his fishing buddy who does real estate on the side to represent us. I know that’s a bad idea, but can YOU tell him?” ***ANSWER: USING
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How to choose a real estate agent

“I’ve been interviewing agents to sell my mother’s home in Del Mar. After talking with five, I’ve come to the conclusion I really have no idea how to tell who I should hire. Help!” ***ANSWER: I’m going to tell you something you already know, but perhaps in all the confusion have forgotten. The best predictor
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Grading Apartment Investments

Grading Apartment Investments A,B,C, & D I’m looking into buying apartments and I’ve heard brokers talk about A, B, C, & D areas. I think I understand, but can you explain?” ***ANSWER: A, B, C, & D are subjective grades used to describe both location and property quality. San Diego Investor For location, here’s how
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Appraisals

Appraisal Question: “Hey Gary. Question. What if when you’re buying a house the appraisal comes in low? Does the seller have to sell for that price?” ***ANSWER: Great question. It’s important to remember that a residential appraisal is really the appraiser’s opinion and may or may not be “correct.” If the appraisal comes in low,
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Credit Score Myths

What are some Credit Score Myths? 4 Common Credit Score Myths Revealed —Myth #1: You have one credit score— You have three, one from each of the three major credit bureaus. And they can vary 50 points or more. —Myth #2: Your income or wealth impacts your score— They don’t. Your credit score is about
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Should I use a family member as agent to help me buy a house?

Should I use a family member as agent to help me buy a house? “Hi Gary. I’m going to be buying a home in Clairemont or Pacific Beach. My wife’s uncle is retired, but he has a license and she wants to use him. But I want to use a good full-time agent like you
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Proposition 60 and 90

Proposition 60 and 90 “Hello and thanks for your newsletter :o) I’m trying to keep track of real estate, with an eye to moving from a house to a condo. What’s all this about being able to keep your Prop 13 taxes if you’ve passed your 55th birthday? Are there any catches? Keep up the
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Selling For Sale By Owner

“I know it’s a good idea to use a broker to sell a home in Hillcrest, but I need to get every penny out of it and I’m thinking of trying to sell on my own. Can you give me any tips?” ***ANSWER: I understand where you’re coming from. Most of my clients need every
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