April 2018 North County and San Diego Real Estate Market Report

April 2018 North County and San Diego Real Estate Market Report

The April 2018 North County and San Diego Real Estate Market Report continues to show strong price growth, tight inventory and fewer sales compared to 2017. Those price increases along with rising mortgage rates are making it tough for home buyers. The San Diego economy is strong based on a recent study by University of San Diego, but experts don’t see the real estate boom lasting forever.

Continue reading April 2018 North County and San Diego Real Estate Market Report

Three Simple Steps for Getting Mortgage Ready

Three Simple Steps for Getting Mortgage Ready

Don’t wait until you’re ready to move to start preparing financially to buy a home.

If you’re like the vast majority of home buyers, you will choose to finance your purchase with a mortgage loan. By preparing in advance, you can avoid the common delays and roadblocks many buyers face when applying for a mortgage.

The requirements to secure a mortgage may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. But I’ve outlined three simple steps for getting mortgage ready.

Even if you’re a current homeowner, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance so you don’t encounter any surprises along the way. Lending requirements have become more rigorous in recent years. Changes to your credit history, debt levels, job type and other factors could impact your chances of approval.

It’s never too early to start preparing to buy a home. Follow these three steps to begin laying the foundation for your future home purchase today!

Continue reading Three Simple Steps for Getting Mortgage Ready

March 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report

March 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report

The March 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report shows February picking up steam. Job growth in San Diego County is strong, and incomes are expected to grow. This along with a lack of homes available for purchase, both new and resale, continues to fuel price increases. Interest rates are rising though, and this limits buyers’ ability to qualify. This is expected to slow down home appreciation in 2018.

Continue reading March 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report

February 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report

February 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report

The February 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report shows January as a fairly quiet month. This is expected after the holidays. That being said, we still saw continued price increases and tight inventory in San Diego and North County. In fact, San Diego ranked sixth on the hottest U.S. markets list from realtor.com®.

Change may be coming though. Interest rates are increasing. These higher rates will decrease buyer’s purchasing power. Tax law changes now limit property tax deductions. With these changes, experts expect price increases to continue, but at a slower pace. They also see more inventory coming on the market by the end of the year.

Continue reading February 2018 San Diego Housing Market Report

What to Expect: Real Estate in 2018

Real Estate in 2018

As we head into a new year, the most common question I receive is, “What’s the outlook for real estate in 2018?”

It’s not just potential buyers and sellers who are curious; homeowners also want reassurance their home’s value is going up. The good news is that a strong U.S. economy, coupled with low unemployment rates, is expected to drive continued real estate growth in 2018. However, changes on the horizon could significantly impact you if you plan to buy, sell or refinance this year.

Continue reading What to Expect: Real Estate in 2018

20 Home Gadget Gift Ideas to Fit Any Budget

home gadget gift ideas

Looking for those last minute presents for loved ones this holiday season? I’ve rounded up 20 of my favorite home gadget gift ideas. And since I work in real estate, I focused on items that add enjoyment, comfort and, in some cases, extra value to your home.

From music lovers to home chefs, I’ve got something for everyone. And I’ve included a range of price points to suit any budget, from under $50 to major splurge, in case you’re feeling extra generous this year. I hope you find this list useful in identifying gifts your friends and family will love. And maybe some of these items will make your wish list this year, too!

Continue reading 20 Home Gadget Gift Ideas to Fit Any Budget

Kill the Clutter

Kill the Clutter

There’s a reason REALTORS® always advise home sellers to remove all clutter when selling their homes: The difference is remarkable. The clutter-free home often looks like a new one entirely, and homeowners even wonder how their home could look that good.

You don’t have to wait to sell your home to make it look better. Plus, clutter can physically and mentally stress us out. By breaking your decluttering down into five-minute sessions, you can slowly conquer your clutter. Leo Babauta of Zen Habits offers some ways to start:

Continue reading Kill the Clutter

San Diego’s Most Expensive Homes

San Diego's most expensive homes
Pacific Sotheby’s Int’l Realty

San Diego County has some pretty pricey real estate. Our great climate and beautiful coastline make this an incredible place to live. What are San Diego’s most expensive homes? Here are the top eight currently up for sale. What makes these eight homes such high-ticket items? How about ocean front locations, hundreds of acres, garages that hold 30 cars, and enough square footage for all of the horses in the Breeder’s Cup plus their riders and grooms.

Continue reading San Diego’s Most Expensive Homes

Why Real Estate Investing Makes (Dollars and) Sense

Why Real Estate Investing Makes (Dollars and) Sense

Turn on the television or scroll through Facebook, and chances are you’ll see at least one advertisement that promises to teach you how to “get rich quick” through real estate investing. The truth is, much of what they’re selling are high-risk tactics that aren’t a good fit for the average investor. However, there is a way to make steady, predictable, low-risk income through real estate investing. In this blog post, I’ll examine the tried-and-true tactics you can use to increase your income, pay off debt, even fund your retirement!

Continue reading Why Real Estate Investing Makes (Dollars and) Sense

October 2017 San Diego Housing Market Report

October 2017 San Diego Housing Market Report

The October 2017 San Diego Housing Market Report is showing strong year-over price increases, and a continued drop in the number of new listings and sales compared to 2016. Despite our lack of inventory, the San Diego County market moved up to number five on the hottest U.S. markets list from realtor.com® for September.

Continue reading October 2017 San Diego Housing Market Report