san diego neighborhoods – Purchase, refinance, renovation, reverse, Downpayment assistance, VA, FHA

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#1 – Which San Diego Neighborhood is Right for You?

From Hipster communities, to Business Districts, San Diego has so many unique neighborhoods to choose from. You should carefully consider these communities based on affordability, availability, and just what fits with your lifestyle. Ocean Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, North Park each have their own unique personality. Check out our last blog: Neighborhoods in San Diego for help with making your decision.

#2 – Have You Considered Cost of Living?

Right now, San Diego is the 13th most expensive city in America, according to USA Today. In the world, we’re 40th most expensive city. Not to be a Killjoy, but when it comes to money, too many of us consider salary without considering the cost of living. A high cost of living can drastically reduce the effectiveness of your income, and reduce your long-term wealth. Before purchasing a home in San Diego, make sure that your foreseeable day-to-day expenses are manageable.

#3- Do You Have a Mortgage Approval?

Required by the California Purchase Agreement, buyers need to obtain a mortgage approval. Before you go shopping for that great property, get a preapproval letter from a reputable mortgage company or brank. Contact me if you need help with this. It’s important to verify exactly what you can afford rather than waste your time searching for a home that is over your budget.

#4- Higher Loan Limits in 2019

As you’ve probably heard, borrowers in San Diego will enjoy higher loan limits this year. Federal housing officials have increased the loan limits for FHA, VA, and conventional mortgage loans. This means San Diego home buyers could have more properties to choose from without venturing into jumbo mortgage territory. As of January 1st, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits have increased to $453,100 to $485,350 for a single-family home purchase.

#5 – Transportation

If you don’t own a car, or if you just like to take public transportation to sporting events and giant beach festivals, you might want to consider whether there are bus stops or a trolley station nearby. The San Diego Trolley is a great option for getting around the city quickly and avoiding traffic. You’ll also want to consider traffic near your area, especially during rush hours, and whether an Uber or Lyft driver can get to your area without trouble.

#6 – The San Diego Real Estate Market is Competitive

Although sellers have an advantage, San Diego real estate market is competitive for buyers. In a San Diego seller’s market, it’s important that as a buyer, you are realistic about how assertive and responsive you need to be in order to get the house you want. Sleeping on an offer overnight might not be an option this year.

#7 – Have You Chosen a Buyer’s Agent?

In such a heated seller’s environment, an experienced buyer’s agent, who knows this city, can give you that competitive edge. Hire a BA who’s an expert negotiator. It can make all the difference between getting your offer accepted, or losing out to another buyer and having to start again.

#8 – Demand is Higher at the lower end of the spectrum

In San Diego, the local real estate market is particular active at the lower end of the spectrum. By comparison, pricier properties are taking much longer to sell. If you’re buying a comparatively low-priced home in San Diego in 2019, you should be prepared for competition. This is because there is more demand in the “starter home” price range.

In fact, the fastest homes to sell fall between the $250-$500,000 range. If you’re looking for a property in this price range, jump quickly, and save yourself the frustration of losing out to other buyers.

#9 – Increasing Your Low Credit Rating

When it comes to improving your credit, there really is no time to waste. A low credit score may not seem like a big deal until it’s time to leverage your credit for a mortgage. Increasing your low credit rating will help you qualify for a higher-priced home, at a lower interest rate, making it more likely to purchase your dream home.

#10 – Setting Your Expectations and Formulating Your Plan

To recap, homebuyers interested in the San Diego market, are buying into one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Therefore, it is important that you become informed prior to your search. Hiring help is always a great idea. Contact me so that I can help you set your expectations, formulate a plan, and ace this process, to make the most of your efforts.

Although San Diego is known for its sun, surf, and beachfront vibes, the city has so much more to offer. San Diego is one of the most diverse counties in the United States, and each neighborhood gives off it’s own vibe. Some hoods cater to artists, some to foodies, some to nightlife enthusiasts, and some still to those who love their boardwalks and board shorts. If you’re looking to buy a residence, there are so many places to choose from. Whatever your preference, here are seven of the most exciting neighborhoods for those looking to reside in San Diego.

#1 – Encinitas

Encinitas, a city of over 61, 000 residents with a small town feel is a great neighborhood if you detest plastic, and drive a Prius. Streets are wide, the residents are extremely passionate about green living, and there are no power lines visible anywhere. It’s a best of both worlds situation here. Encinitas is a laid back beach community, however, the further east you go, the quirkier the neighborhood. The closer you get to the ocean, the higher the price. Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Leucadia are both very popular beach communities within Encinitas, and each have their own personal flair and feel. Cardiff houses the infamous Cardiff Kook statue and Leucadia’s motto is “Keep Leucadia Funky.”

#2 – North Park

Southeast of downtown and bordering Balboa Park, you’ll find the diverse and eclectic uptown neighborhood of North Park. The lively streets here are stocked with locals, and lined with coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, amazing restaurants, and craft beer pubs. The epicenter of the neighborhood is the intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street, which holds claim to being “the best beer neighborhood in the nation. The hipsters in this neighborhood know their food and drinks, and consequently, the neighborhood homes some of the best restaurants and bars in San Diego. The homes in this area are cute but surprising large, and don’t be surprised if your neighbors actually want to get to know you!

#3 – South Park

What South Park may lack in size, it makes up for with a tight-knit community of small indie businesses and events, like the South Park Walkabout, where local shops and restaurants open late and offer special deals and bites. This neighborhood, very close to North Park, pulses with shops, entertainment, and art blocks. The petite neighborhood manages to keep its cool factor high with eclectic shops and restaurants. Craft beer is also celebrated here at bars like Hamilton’s Tavern, consistently rated “best beer bar” on the West Coast, and the family friendly Station Tavern where burgers and beer are served in an old trolley station. The petite homes are some of the most adorable in the county and have a sort of old-fashioned comfy feel to them.

#4 – Carlsbad

Located in scenic North County, and known as “The Village by the Sea,” Carlsbad was named after a famous spa in Karlsbad, Bohemia. This quaint city has beautiful beaches, three unique lagoons, lots of shopping areas, and gorgeous golf courses. It also boasts the LEGOLAND® theme park, and the Flower Fields of Carlsbad Ranch that sports 50 acres of spectacular blooming flowers every spring. With new, widened, buffered bike lanes, more roundabouts, and community walkabouts and bikeabaouts around the village, Barrio, and beach areas; the idea being, to convince people to leave the car at home for errands and recreation.

#5 – Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach, often referred to as OB, is called the city where lifestyle is frozen in time, in fact, you’re more likely to see a co-op then a large chain here, and is definitely a place for the free spirited. This funky seaside town is one of San Diego’s best beach communities. It is laid back and less rowdy than it’s south neighboring neighborhoods of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Still, it is a great place to surf or sunbathe. OB sits on prime waterfront real estate, but the neighborhood exudes a small-town atmosphere. Where other beach communities have embraced commercialism, this town remains fiercely independent and skeptical of corporate change. The residents of OB call themselves “OBceans,” and are an extremely tight-knit community.

#6 – San Marcos

Home to award-winning San Elijo Hills and breathtaking lake, San Marcos is the leader in providing housing with a wide range of prices and designs, while being a community that takes environmental awareness to heart. The residents work hard to preserve the San Marcos Creek, ridgelines and sensitive habitat. It actively participates in state, federal and regional conservation programs as well as progressive local air and water quality programs. San Marcos is an excellent urban-rural setting with small town informality, plus easy access to San Diego city, southern Riverside and even Orange County.

#7 – Little Italy

Little Italy is a place where past meets present and is one of the more vibrant neighborhoods in the city. Once home to San Diego’s flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood filled with patio cafés, fantastic restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, sophisticated shops, boutique hotels and the beautiful Amici Park. It’s not unusual to stroll through this walker-friendly neighborhood and be greeted with a smile and a “saluto” or “ciao bella” by a stranger. The residents here seem to believe that they are in Italy, instead of just a few minutes away from downtown San Diego, and trust us, when you’re here, you will too.

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10 Things to Consider When Buying a San Diego Home in 2019