Category: San Diego Real Estate
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California Rules Discourage Condo Construction
California's median single-family home price hovered near $800K, leaving condominiums as a more realistic ownership path for many younger, working, and middle-class households. The main barrier described was legal risk: condo projects faced defect disputes that could reach court before builders had a chance to repair problems. After a homeowners association formed, attorneys could pursue…
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San Diego: Tight Supply Meets Uneven Demand
San Diego entered 2026 with structural undersupply intact, while local household formation was expected to outpace the broader region and state, supporting housing demand. Near-term demand faced pressure from elevated mortgage rates, weak consumer confidence, and buyer hesitation, even as the underlying buyer pool remained present. Attached housing kept transaction volume moving by offering a…
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San Diego Housing Market Update: July 2026
San Diego’s housing market is moving at a more measured pace this summer, but it remains active—and conditions vary considerably by property type, price range and neighborhood. According to the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® report released August 5, the median sales price across all residential properties reached $905,000, up 0.7% from the previous…
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Del Mar Market Update
Here’s a quick update on the Del Mar, CA housing market. Homes are spending a similar amount of time on the market as before. The number of homes for sale and being purchased remains steady.
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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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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
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…