Category Archives: Homeownership

San Diego County Housing Market Report January 2015

HomeDex housing market reportThis month’s San Diego County housing market report looks positive. The December numbers show healthy appreciation. These aren’t the twenty to twenty-five percent annual appreciation numbers we saw for many months straight, but a continuation of the sustainable growth we saw throughout most of 2014.

Take a look at the North County and San Diego County summaries below, or click on the links for a detailed look at December’s statistics. You may also want to go to The San Diego Union-Tribune’s recently published article reviewing San Diego County’s housing market for 2014. It’s full of good information.

Continue reading San Diego County Housing Market Report January 2015

Should You Downsize Your Home?

downsizingWith roughly 12.5% of the population over 65 years of age, it is understandable that some people are thinking of downsizing because they may not need the amount of space they did in the past. There is something to be said for the freedom acquired by divesting yourself of things that have been accumulated over the years but are no longer needed. Should you downsize your home? It does have its benefits.

Continue reading Should You Downsize Your Home?

San Diego County Housing Market Report December 2014

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.

Continue reading San Diego County Housing Market Report December 2014

The Heat Is On

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.

Continue reading The Heat Is On

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Severe Drought

water dropAs the infographic below shows, we can lower our water use during this time of severe drought by installing low-flow toilets, shower heads and fixtures in our homes. This is something we will have to do by January 1, 2017 if our homes were built before 1994. These changes will help save water, but our landscaping accounts for over 50% of our homes’ total water usage.

For ways to cut back the water use in your home and landscape, take a look at the San Diego County Water Authority’s website. They have great tips, classes and even incentives to help lower your water usage. Here are some ideas for creating a beautiful yard and saving water with a little help from the San Diego County Water Authority.

Continue reading Severe Drought

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

HomeDex logo housing statisticsA quick look at CoreLogic DataQuick’s statistics for August show the pace of the San Diego market increasing with the countywide median home price up 8.1 percent compared to August 2013 and slightly higher than it was in July 2014.

A closer look at those numbers gives a slightly different picture though. The HomeDex housing statistics reports indicate price increases are not across the board and appreciation is continuing to move toward a more sustainable rate. North County median prices have decreased slightly compared to July, and the year-over appreciation rate for North County detached homes is approximately three and one-half percent verses July’s year-over rate of almost seven percent. This slow down in the appreciation rate will hopefully allow wages to keep up with home prices.

Countywide the numbers are slightly higher with a year-over increase in the median price of single family detached homes at 5.15 percent. Inventory in both North County and in San Diego County as a whole remained unchanged in August.

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

Continue reading Housing Statistics Reports for San Diego County and North San Diego County August 2014

Home Maintenance

Home MaintenanceA common expectation of homeowners is that the components and systems in their homes work when they need them. Periodic home maintenance is just as important in making this happen as is having a trusted service provider to make repairs when those systems fail.

Victims of Murphy’s Law can attest that their air conditioner goes out on the hottest day of the year or the water heater fails when they have out of town visitors.

Continue reading Home Maintenance

Reverse Mortgage

reverse mortgageWith all of the encouragement from celebrity spokespersons like Fred Thompson, Robert Wagner and Henry Winkler, there is a growing awareness of reverse mortgages. The fact is that our population is getting older and more than 25 million homeowners meet the age requirement.

A reverse mortgage will allow homeowners age 62 or older currently living in their home to tap into their equity. The amount available is determined by the borrower’s age, the home’s current value and current interest rates. The loan proceeds can be received in a single, lump-sum or periodic payments. The closing costs can be paid in cash or rolled into the loan amount.

Continue reading Reverse Mortgage