san-diego-real-estate-blog

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The fastest way to lose the place you really want.

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 17:38:53 +0100

Something buyers may not think about is the relationship a good real estate agent will build with the seller's agent for the buyer's benefit. For instance, a buyer I was working with this year really wanted a beautiful condo downtown with an amazing view. When we first toured the place she kept the sales office busy for hours, until closing, with questions about upgrades and negotiations. This already alerted the sellers that my clients were somewhat difficult to work with.

I was willing to negotiate hard on behalf of my clients knowing the kind of deal they wanted. Dressed to impress I went into the sales office myself to allow them to get to know me and in turn be willing to not only accept my clients offer, but to get them to comply with my clients requests. It was our lucky day because the woman that makes all the decisions was in the office. After laughing with her and building rapport she finally did agree to my buyers requests. After eagerly sharing this information with my clients the only thing they could think about was if the seller agreed to this, maybe they would agree to more. Even though I knew the sellers would not agree to anything more, I approached the sales office yet again and, not to my surprise, was denied.

My client kept mentioning how she thinks they are bluffing and feels she would be a good agent herself. In a conference call between the buyer, seller, and myself about a loan question, my buyer jumped in the conversation with questions, questions, and more questions. At this point the sales office was very rude to my client, my client was in tears, and the deal was cancelled. The sales office made a point to tell me they were hanging in there for me because of the relationship I had established, but they did not want to do business with these buyers. The office was wrong for treating my client this way and I voiced that, however had my client trusted me and allowed me to do my job they would own that beautiful condo now.

With all this being said, I will share another example of clients thinking they can do my job better. After finding a place fitting their very specific requirements, we put in an offer, got it accepted, completed the inspection, and were well on our way to escrow. Taking my advice, they spoke to the neighbors in the area and impulsively called me wanting to cancel based on information they received. After stating they wouldn't want the property if it was "free", I promptly sent over the signed cancellation paperwork to the other agent out of respect for the sellers.

Needless to say, a week later they changed their minds. Knowing this was a delicate matter I wanted to approach the other agent with a strong offer to close this time. The sellers now wanted a 5 day inspection period stating that the buyers were "flighty". My clients wanted a 12 day and felt the "agents were just in the way" and wanted to contact the sellers directly via a letter putting down their agent and questioning the sellers integrity as well. Based on my experience, I let them know the letter could hurt their chances of getting another accepted offer. Without going into further detail, they did not get the house and we are no longer working together.

Let your agent work for you! They do have your best interest in mind if your goal is to really get the house you want. An experienced, good agent has been in the field and knows what will work and what will kill a deal.

Best areas, neighborhoods, and complexes in San Diego for home buyers looking for an ocean view

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 21:38:04 +0100

Many people looking to buy in San Diego are looking for some type of ocean view. Here is a list of areas, neighborhoods, and complexes that have some of the best ocean views in San Diego County. Of course, the view can be a big factor when it comes to sales price.

1. Cardiff By The Sea - The best ocean view listings range from $4,000,000 - $6,000,000 in the Walking District and Composer District

2. Carlsbad - The best ocean view listings range from $700,000 - $6,000,000 in the Terramar neighborhood, Ocean Front in Carlsbad West, Aviara Point, La Costa, Spinnaker Hill in Carlsbad South

3. Coronado - The best ocean view listings range from $600,000 - $10,000,000 in Beach Side Coronado Village, Beach Village at the Del, Cabrillo Coronado Shores, El Encanto Coronado Shores, La Playa Coronado Shores, Mardi Gras Village Coronado Cays

4. Del Mar (My personal favorite) - The best ocean view listings range from $600,000 - $34,000,000 in Beach Colony, Olde Del Mar, Torrey Point, Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Terrace, Sea Village in Torrey Pines Terrace, Sea Point, Del Mar Woods, Spindrift

5. Encinitas - The best ocean view listings range from $400,000 - $7,000,000 in Encinitas Oceanfront, Beach in Leucadia, The Gallery, Sea Bluff in Leucadia, Moonlight Beach area, Encintas Bluffs, Sandpiper Point Oceanfront, Skyloft, Pacific Panorama, West Hampton Cove

6. La Jolla - The best ocean view listings range from $350,000 - $28,000,000 in La Jolla Farms, Beach-Barber Tract, La Jolla Shores, Bird Rock, Lower Hermosa, Upper Hermosa, La Jolla Hills, Muirlands, Montoro, Prospect La Jolla Village, 939 Coast, Country Club, Seville, Bonair Street Ocean Villas at WindanSea Beach, Hidden Valley, Seahaus, Ventana

7. Oceanside - The best ocean view listings range from $250,000 - $5,000,000 in The Strand, Oceanside Beach area, Montego Condominiums, Marina Towers, Oceanside Terraces, Harbor, Coastal Townlofts

8. Pacific Beach - The best ocean view listings range from $500,000 - $6,000,000 in North Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Beach, Mission Beach, Capri By the Sea, North Mission Beach, Ocean Point

9. Solana Beach - The best ocean view listings range from $550,000 - $4,000,000 in Marview Heights, Beach area, Del Mar Shores Terrace Ocean Front, Seascape Sur, Surfsong, Seaturf or Sea Turf, Saratoga West in Solana Beach/Del Mar, Park Del Mar Solana Circle

Please feel free to browse the ocean views page on our site. If you would like to be set up on a custom search to receive up-to-date listings for home in these areas with a spectacular ocean view, simply contact me.

Spanish style homes play a big part in San Diego real estate

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:20:11 +0100

There are many different cities and towns in San Diego with Spanish style homes. Some of the more popular areas are Hillcrest, North Park, Kensington, Carlsbad, and Chula Vista. Spanish architecture is distinguished by a blend of detail from several eras, the style is marked by the enormous use of stucco wall and chimney finishes, clay tile, or flat roofs, and cast concrete ornaments. Some may notice with this style of home beautiful iron trim, wood casement or tall, double–hung windows, and small balconies.

North Park and Kensington are two of my favorite areas in San Diego with a great collection of Spanish style homes. Both have close proximity to favorite restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks, bars, book stores and more. Ray Street Arts District is located in downtown North Park, zip code 92104. In addition, home buyers will find they have many choices available in the area of Kensington, zip code 92116, which is known for Spanish Revival style homes. Many residents qualify for the The Mills Act, which is a state law letting cities enter into contracts with the owners of historic structures. These contracts require a reduction of property taxes in exchange for the continued maintenance and protection of the property.

Spanish, Tuscan or Mediterranean style houses can be found in many areas of San Diego County. We have broken down Spanish style homes by price range, ocean views, areas, and REOs. Our website offers an easy way to search Spanish style homes in San Diego with very detailed information and easy to view, large scrolling images.

Bay Park, San Diego is near the beach, bay, airport, and downtown

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:20:59 +0100

Bay Park, San Diego is in the Northern part of the County near Pacific Beach, Mission Bay, San Diego International Airport, La Jolla, and has easy freeway access to Interstate 5 off of Clairemont Drive. My son has enjoyed going to school at Bay Park Elementary which has been honored with a California Distinguished School Award. It's very easy to find something to do in this part of town as the beach is just minutes away with terrific shopping, a variety of restaurants, and fun events. Some residents can even walk to Mission Bay to enjoy a morning jog or evening stroll. There are a number of boat launch ramps (one within 1/2 mile of Bay Park) at Mission Bay for people interested in water sports, such as Ski Beach Vacation Isle, South Shore ramp, Dana Launch ramp, De Anza Cove, Glorietta Bay Park ramp. For more information and directions to these San Diego boat launch ramps visit http://www.sdboating.com/ramps.htm.

This area has so much to offer including free community events held at parks, local schools, and churches. Not to mention pet owners love to take their animals to Fiesta Island where they can run free near the water any time of day. Visitors and locals can enjoy a day of fun at Sea World San Diego to see the animals, shows, and Bay of Play which is included with admission.

Bay Park is in zip code 92110 and 92117. It is made up of both single-family homes and condos. Many home owners enjoy bay, canyon, and downtown views. There are a number of hotels and resorts catering to tourists such as the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. The University of San Diego and Mesa College reside in this area. Search homes in Bay Park San Diego by price range.

Some buyers are paying over appraised value for San Diego homes in the lower price ranges

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 21:37:05 +0100

Investors are paying cash for San Diego properties under $400,000 leaving little inventory for buyers looking to purchase homes in this price range. Multiple offers on listings are forcing serious buyers to pay over asking and even over appraised value at times. A recent client just paid $147,000 for a condo that appraised at $137,000 and only plan to use it as a second home for a few months out of the year. Buyers are having to face the reality that appraisers are conservative, sellers are holding firm to their asking price, and if they don't buy it someone else will. With that being said my clients are very happy to finally get into something after a year of looking. Not everyone has the extra cash to cover the difference if getting financing, making the process more difficult, but do not give up as the right one will come along. In addition, this information reinforces the importance of having a pre-approval letter in hand and ready to go as the good deals are on and off the San Diego real estate market quickly.

On another note, those looking to invest in a condo for rental property are running into the issue of owner occupancy, HOA delinquency, or pending lawsuits against the HOA, all of which can effect your financing options. Why go over these points you ask? Simply to prepare you for what you are up against in this price range and in this market. Rates are lower than ever and many are trying to take advantage of it. Believe it or not there is still competition in the higher price ranges as well, again due to the low rates. We have no doubt we can help you find what you are looking for but it will take quick action, patience, and dedication from all parties involved. We will make sure you are receiving up-to-date listings meeting your specific criteria and set a time to view it as soon as possible to consider whether it is right for you. Take advantage of all SanDiegoBuyersMarket.com has to offer including custom links for oceans views, craftsman style homes, REOs, and so on.

If you are looking to buy a home in San Diego we recommend talking to the neighbors before you buy

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:21:18 +0100

Something we tell all of our buyers, and many times will accompany them, is to speak with the neighbors about the area, community, and any information they may have about the house they are considering putting an offer on. We suggest our clients do this before even making the next step as you don't want to waste time and money on inspections if something comes up that is not for you. San Diego County is a beautiful place to live and is made of many cities and towns such as Pacific Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, and so on. The neighbors, especially those who have lived in the neighborhood you are considering for a long time, have a wealth of information that you may find helpful in making a decision. Infact, we had clients just cancel escrow because a neighbor said that this specific community had a bad eye gnat problem. These specific clients love to entertain and this would have been a huge problem if they completed the transaction. The sellers agent had no idea this was a problem and more than likely had my clients not reached out to the neighbors they would have closed escrow and found out later. These gnats are attracted to the eyes and feed on secretions of animals and humans.

My clients, although some hesitant to just go knock on the door, were always glad they took the time to talk to the neighbors and the majority of the time are met with open arms. Most of the time people speak highly of their community and encourage people to make the move. Buying a home is a big deal and it is our goal to make sure you are happy with your purchase. We believe the best information you can receive about a specific neightborhood is from people who live there, and it does make sense doesn't it. Thank you for reading and please bookmark us and visit again.

Looking to get out. Check here for some of the best happy-hours and dinner specials in San Diego.

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 03:34:39 +0100

Looking for good restaurant deals with happy-hour specials. Check out the list below:

If you a visiting San Diego for vacation, business, or will be relocating to San Diego, here is a list of great food specials in San Diego.

1. The Boat House in San Diego has beautiful views and great tasting food.
2040 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
619-291-8011
***Specials: Crab Night Every Monday Night at 5pm
Lobster Night Every Wednesday at 5pm
Prime Rib Night Every Friday at 5pm
Happy Hour is Every day including weekends 2:20pm-5:00pm (Except Holidays)

2. World Famous is a popular restaurant in San Diego right on the beach and has great food.
711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
858-272-3100
***Specials: The specials change weekly Monday thru Thursday 4:00pm-11:00pm.
Examples of Happy hour specials at World Famous are:
Monday 1/2 off appetizers
Wednesday $1.50 Lobster tacos
Thursday $1.50 Chicken tacos with $2 Margaritas

3. Sushi on the Rock is located in downtown La Jolla with terrific views of the ocen.
1025 Prospect #250, La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-3208
***Specials: Happy Hour is 7 days a week from 5:00pm-6:30pm.
The menu has specials on drinks, starters, sushi, and hand rolls. I love this place.

4. Benihana is known for being able to watch your personal chef perform the art of Teppanyaki.
477 Camino Del Rio So.
San Diego, CA 92108
619-298-4666
***Specials: Available Monday through Thursday, 4pm-7pm in the Lounge only. Hours vary by location.
The menu has specials on sake, beer, premium well drinks, wine, specialty cocktails, hand rolls, specialty rolls, and appetizers.