Homeownership, Housing Appreciation, Housing Market, Market Statistics

San Diego County Housing Market Report December 2014

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HomeDex housing market reportThe December San Diego County housing market report shows values continuing to increase. Economic factors such as inflation and the job market are not currently putting pressure on housing, but median prices of detached homes in San Diego County are still moving upward. Both San Diego County and North San Diego County detached homes saw a year-over median price increase of between four and five percent in November.

This is a traditionally slower time of year for real estate sales, and countywide there were fewer sales of detached homes compared to October, but the median number of days those homes were on the market also dropped in North County. In addition, fewer homes came on the market. This is keeping inventory at a three month supply, below the five to six months’ we expect to see in a normal market.

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Home Improvement, Homeowners, tax

Raise the Basis and Lower the Gain

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capital improvement registerHomeowners can raise the basis or cost in their home by money spent on capital improvements. The benefit is that it will lower their gain and may save them taxes when they sell their home.

Improvements must add value to your home, prolong its useful life or adapt it to new uses. Repairs are routine in nature to maintain the value and keep the property in an ordinary, operating condition. They do not raise its basis.

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holidays, safety

Holiday Tree Safety

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holiday tree safetyFresh holiday trees are beautiful, smell great and really add to the spirit of the season. Following some proven holiday tree safety tips might help you avoid a disaster and keep the Grinch away.

  • Select a tree with fresh green needles that don’t fall off when touched or when the trunk is tapped on the ground.
  • When trees are cut too early, they have a greater risk of drying out and can become more dangerous especially with electrical lights.

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Events, Fun

San Diego County Events – December

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LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights  Dec 1 – 31
Region: North County Coastal
Come build Holiday memories during the month of December at LEGOLAND California Resort. Play in real snow, build snowmen and throw snowballs at LEGO targets. See the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree and watch the nightly tree lighting ceremony.

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Home Maintenance, Homeownership

The Heat Is On

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the heat is on thermostatAs the weather gets cooler and you get ready to turn on the heat, it’s a good time to check your HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system to make sure it’s operating properly. While it’s wise to have your HVAC inspected by a heating professional every fall and spring, you can increase the efficiency of your system by following these simple maintenance tips from American Home Shield.

Now:

Use a high-efficiency pleated filter with an electrostatic charge that works like a magnet to grab the tiniest particles. Replace the filter every 90 days and check it monthly. If it looks dark and clogged, change it, and if you have pets, you may need to change it more often.

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Homeownership, Housing Appreciation, Housing Market, Market Statistics

Housing Statistics Reports for San Diego County and North San Diego County October 2014

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HomeDex logo housing statisticsAfter 26 straight months of year-over median price increases, North County single family detached homes finally saw a decrease of 0.88 percent in October. That was not the case countywide where prices of detached homes increased 4.20 percent.

The months of double digit appreciation that peaked in mid-2013, the normal market slowdown that comes as we approach the holidays, and fewer investors in the market are all factors in the slowdown.

To read the full housing statistics reports, click on the links below.

North County Summary

• The median price for all North County home sales attached and detached decreased to $508,250 in October 2014 compared to $513,500 in September 2014.

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Housing Appreciation, Housing Market, Interest Rates, Market Statistics

C.A.R. 2015 California Housing Market Forecast

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The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) recently published its California housing market forecast for 2015. They are predicting something we are already seeing happen in San Diego County – moderate price increases and a return to a more traditional market.

Read C.A.R.'s 2015 California Housing Market Forecast

Events, Fun

November Events in San Diego County

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Fallbrook Dia de los Muertos Celebration of Life  Nov 1 – 2
Region: North County Inland
The Fallbrook Dia de los Muertos Celebration of Life will have Altar Exhibits by Families and a Cemetery tour featuring 5 historical personalities buried at the Masonic Cemetery.

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Homeownership, Housing Appreciation, Housing Market, Market Statistics

Housing Statistics Reports for San Diego County and North San Diego County September 2014

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HomeDex logo housing statisticsMedian prices of single family detached homes in San Diego County overall and in North County specifically showed an increase of slightly over five percent compared to the previous year. This puts appreciation very close to historical averages. Investors and foreclosures no longer have a strong influence in our market. It is being driven by more traditional factors such as wages and interest rates.

Inventory is still on the tight side with under four months’ supply, but higher than it was at this time last year as can be seen in the chart below.

To read the full housing statistics reports, click on the links below.

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Home Buyers, Home Sellers, real estate

Common Real Estate Terms

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Real estate terms in dictionaryCommon real estate terms like CC&Rs, a cloud on title, or PITI are frequently used in the real estate industry but often unknown outside of it. The California Land Title Association has put together a list defining many of these terms.

If you’d like to know the meaning behind those strange terms and acronyms, read on.

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