May 2023 Newsletter

"Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth"
- Bryant M. McGill

San Diego Real Estate

Illustrated in the chart below is a quick snapshot of what's happening in San Diego County as of May 4. 

Last year at this time, the inventory of available homes for sale was 2,335 units, 13.8% higher than it is today. The 3-year average before COVID (2017 through 2019) is 6,190 units, more than triple where it stands today. Based on the first four months of 2023, it is projected that there will be 26,000 missing sellers in San Diego County when we close out the year. Many homeowners would like to move for various reasons yet are staying put and enjoying their low fixed monthly payments. Their home may not be exactly what they desire, but they love their current loan and interest rate.

Many ask: what will it take to have more sellers place their homes on the market? This will occur when mortgage rates drop to 5.5% or lower – when the gap narrows between the prevailing fixed-rate mortgage and that of the locked-in rates current homeowners enjoy. This is when those who have waited to purchase a larger home for a growing family, for empty nesters to downsize, or for family to move closer together will be incentivized to make the change. Until then, the 2023 inventory will continue to be constrained.

Where do the opportunities exist for buyers today?
Current members of the armed services and veterans have a unique opportunity to lock in lower interest rates with as little as 0% down payment. The VA loan program has removed many hurdles that previously made using this program a disadvantage: the borrower can now pay for a Section 1 (termite) clearance, loan limits have been removed (for veterans with full VA entitlements), and cash-out refinances up to 90% of the home value are available.

With conventional mortgage rates exceeding 7% in some scenarios, qualified VA borrowers can currently secure a 30-yr fixed rate of 6%, paying 0 points. with no mortgage insurance. If you are active-duty personnel or veteran and have any questions concerning your VA qualifications, please contact our preferred lender, Kip Davis, with First California Funding at (619) 405-8510 to discuss the process and review your personal options.

If you or someone you know is thinking about making a move in 2023, in San Diego or across the country, reach out to us today and let’s strategize a plan for the next chapter of your life!

Featured Listing

Olivenhain

602 Sereno View Road

3 BD   4 BA   2881 SF   $1,799,000

Discover the magic of this enchanting, mountain-like, A-frame cabin, tucked away on a spacious ½ acre lot in the rural and peaceful atmosphere in Olivenhain, just minutes away from coastal Encinitas. The living room with its floor-to-ceiling windows opens up to a wrap-around deck, seamlessly blending indoor/outdoor living and extends to a loft where the beautiful greenery views continue. This thoughtfully expanded home includes a primary ensuite with upper balcony access with 2 walk-in closets and a main floor features an additional ensuite opening up to the deck. The large lot with fruit trees and raised garden beds offers endless possibilities. This Olivenhain Colony gem offers the perfect blend of rural living and urban conveniences, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful and serene lifestyle.

Recent Activity

Congratulations to our clients who solidified their next real estate adventure with accepted contracts and who closed last month! Thank you for trusting us with your business and your referrals. We are filled with gratitude to be working with people like you! 

PENDING
University Heights

1085 Meade Avenue

4 BD   3 BA   2016 SF   $1,699,000
Representing Seller

PENDING
Midtown San Diego

3154 Spruce Lane

2 BD   3 BA   1032 SF   $759,000
Representing Buyer

PENDING
Marina

500 West Harbor Drive, Unit 912

2 BD   2 BA   1273 SF   $1,076,000
Representing Buyer

SOLD
Fallbrook

234 Sky Country Court

4 BD   3 BA   2748 SF   $1,050,000
Represented Buyer

Local Happenings

may 5th

Cinco De Mayo

If you're not celebrating Cinco de Mayo in San Diego, then what are you doing?! Celebrate in style with cultural festivals, folklorico dancing, authentic food, live mariachi music, and more. Click the button for a list of events.

Click Here For More Info

may 6th, 2pm-5pm

Reader Tacotopia

Presented by San Diego Reader, Tacotopia takes advantage of our SoCal surroundings by gathering the very best taco vendors all in one place for an all-you-can-eat gastronomic experience. See those who are 21+ at the beautiful Golden Hill Park!

Click Here To Buy Tickets

may 14th

Mother's Day

It's no secret that moms run the world! Show her your love by taking her to one of these unique activities around San Diego! From dining, to crafts and experiences, there will be tons of things to "wow" someone special in your life.

Click Here For More Info

may 21st, 1pm-4pm

SDCVA Wine & Food Festival

Spend the day discovering and sipping the array of varietals produced in San Diego County. Unlimited wine tasting, charcuterie, music, and plenty of sunshine at the charming Bernardo Winery.

Click Here For More Info

may 28th, 8am-6pm

Vista Strawberry Festival

This is a perfect unique family-fun day! Enjoy the ‘Celebration of the Berry’ as hundreds of vendors, great food, a 5k & kids' run, fun activities, and more come to visit Historic Downtown Vista.

Click Here For More Info

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

Ready to Remodel? Here Are The Home Projects That Will Get You The Best Return On Your Investment

Even when they don’t buy a fixer-upper, most people will end up doing some amount of repairs on a new home. About 95% of homeowners said they plan to take on a major home improvement project in the next five years, according to a recent report by Real Estate Witch. However, only 50% said they can afford it at the moment.

Courtesy of CNBC

Backyards Are The Must-Have Home Feature for 2023

A new report from Zillow names the backyard as a must-have feature of home-buyers.

Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

25 Top Interior Design Trends for 2023

If you've been searching for the right opportunity to add more style, vigor, and comfort to your space, you'll appreciate this list. 

Courtesy of Good Housekeeping

Click to view past news and more

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.