Author: Raana Jamshide, REALTOR® | DRE#01255312 | Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty
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What Should I Do as a First-Time Home Buyer in San Diego?
If you are buying your first home in San Diego, start with your finances, not open houses. Get clear on your monthly budget, speak with a lender, check first-time buyer assistance, and understand the full cost of ownership. Then choose locations and properties that fit both your lifestyle and your numbers. 1. How much can…
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Carmel Valley Schools: A Homebuyer’s Guide to Elementary, Middle & High Schools
If you’re considering buying a home in Carmel Valley, schools may be one of the things you’re researching before deciding which neighborhood or property is right for you. One thing that can be confusing for buyers relocating to Carmel Valley is that 92130 is not served by just one school district. Depending on the address,…
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Think You Need 20% Down? Think Again!
A California household earning the median income now needs ~15 yr to save a ~20% down payment, one of the longest timelines nationwide. Typical California homes now cost ~$776K, while median household income is ~$106K, showing why many buyers need far more time to build savings. At California's minimum wage, saving alone for a down…
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San Diego Buyers Get Timing Guidance
A San Diego REALTOR® said timing the market rarely works for first-time buyers weighing current borrowing costs against the risk of stronger competition later. If a home fits your budget today, the San Diego guidance was simple: buy when ready and consider refinancing later if rates ease. Waiting for lower rates could backfire, the San…
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Can I Get a Home Equity Loan on a Paid-Off House?
Homeowners with paid-off houses can take out home equity loans by meeting lender requirements like credit score, income, and loan-to-value ratio, typically up to 85% of home value. Pros include lower interest rates, fixed payments, and tax-deductible interest if used for home improvements. Cons involve foreclosure risk, closing costs, less flexible terms, and potential higher…
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The 21st Century ROAD To Housing Act Officially Became Law—Here’s How It Can Affect Future Home Buyers
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to improve home affordability by cutting regulatory barriers, limiting large investors from buying new single-family homes if they own 350 or more, expanding local lending, and modernizing HUD programs. While it could help increase homeownership over time, experts caution that benefits will be gradual and more legislation…
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How to Get a Construction Loan in 2026: A Guide for San Diego Homebuyers
Building a home gives you the opportunity to create a property around your lifestyle, but financing new construction is different from purchasing an existing home. Instead of receiving the full loan amount at closing, the money is generally released in stages as construction progresses. If you are considering buying land or building a custom home…
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How to Get a Construction Loan in 2026
Home construction loans are harder to qualify for than traditional mortgages, often requiring a 20% down payment, strong credit, and higher interest rates. These short-term loans fund building stages incrementally, covering land purchase, foundation work, fees, permits, materials, labor, major appliances, and manufactured housing installation. Lenders also vet the builder before approval. Continue to full…
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US Sellers Need 2026 Pricing Reset
Profit margins have fallen below 45%, so pandemic-era pricing assumptions need a reset before listing in today’s more balanced US market conditions. Buyers now have more choices and more time, making rushed offers less common and careful comparison a bigger part of negotiations today. Strategic pricing matters from day one because overpricing can extend market…
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San Diego Buyers Shop Homes Before They List
A new website lets San Diego buyers search public-record homes by address and join a waitlist before any listing, opening access in a tight market. Homeowners receive notice when buyers show interest, then can chat directly or through agents, helping them explore a sale gradually instead of deciding overnight. For young parents and median-income shoppers,…