Have you been renting for a while, and have been thinking about whether it's the right time for you to take that leap and buy for the first time?  You are not alone!  Every first time home buyer goes through the process of figuring out whether they are ready to buy a home.  

This is a big decision, and there are a great deal of "signs" that can let you know that you may be ready to purchase.  If a handful of the below signs apply to you, I invite you to reach out and see whether now is the right time for you to purchase a home in San Diego.  








Have you found a city that you love?  Many young renters decide to rent not only for financial reasons, but also because they do not want to be tied to a single city (or state,…

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Realtors have a Fiduciary Duty to their clients. This means that Realtors must always protect the best interests of the client. More specifically, it means the Realtor must provide full disclosure, proper accounting, confidentiality, obedience, loyalty, due diligence, and honesty to the principal (buyer or seller).  


Realtors spend a great deal of time writing contracts and negotiating deals for their clients. They can explain every term on a contract in detail, and make sure the client understands what they are being asked to sign. Realtors also negotiate on behalf of buyers and sellers often. They understand how to write compelling listing descriptions, handle counter offers, draw up disclosures, and select which items to…

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When we host open houses in condo complexes, potential home buyers usually have a lot of questions about condo living.  We want to share a few of our thoughts with you on the ups and downs of buying a condo rather than a single family detached home.

Pros:

Exterior Maintenance: Someone else handles the work on the exterior of your unit

Perks: Condos often provide amenities such as pools, parks, gyms, and community events

Price: Condos often have a lower sales price than single family detached homes Location: You may be able to purchase a condo in a central, popular part of town where there are few single family detached homes Security: The HOA may provide a security guard or security measures to make sure you and your property are…

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You only get one chance to make a first impression! Whether you are selling your home or just want to spruce up its curb appeal, here are some easy and budget friendly tips to help your house look great from the outside:

Dress up your front door

Give your door some TLC with a new coat of paint and a new door handle.  I personally love brightly colored front doors.  Your fabulous new door is sure to be noticed by everyone who walks into your home.  

 

Improve outdoor lighting

Beautiful lights on the sides of the door or path lights leading up to your home can make a huge impact.  It looks great, AND helps guests see the path in front of them.  

 

Boost your garden

Plant easy-to-maintain bushes, trees and flowers.…

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SELLER Closing Costs in San Diego

There are costs associated with the sale of a home. For most sellers, these costs are simply deducted out of your net proceeds by your Escrow company, and the check you receive already has these amounts deducted. Your Realtor can provide you a very accurate "net sheet" to show how much you would net at various sales prices.

1. Realtor Commissions

In California, it is standard for the seller to pay the Realtor commissions for their own agent as well as the buyer's agent. Commission is one of the largest expenses associated with the sale of a home. 

2. HOA Fees

If you live in an HOA community, sellers normally pay the HOA transfer fee and the HOA document fee. These fees vary, but I'd budget $1,000-$1,500…

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Let's get real for a minute.  Student debt can be rough.  Education is so important and having a degree can be invaluable, but it can also lead to many, many years of debt.   With that debt, regular monthly costs, and rent payments, how are folks supposed to build equity?  Luckily, purchasing a home doesn't have to be merely just a dream, and we're here to show you how you can do it. 

First and foremost, you'll need to know the standard steps of purchasing a home.  In many ways, purchasing a home when you have student debt is no different!  For instance, your credit score will be checked either way.  There are many online tools you can use to check your credit score, or you can get a credit analysis done by your banker.  You'll still have to apply…

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BUYER Closing Costs in San Diego

There are costs associated with purchasing a house or condo in San Diego, beyond the actual purchase price of the home.  Closing costs vary from city to city, but this will be a breakdown of what to expect in America's Finest City.  Your lender will be able to give you a very accurate estimate of your closing costs, so ask them for a loan proposal for a property you are considering writing an offer on.  

1.  Home Inspection 

In San Diego, you should expect to pay between $250-$500 for your home inspection, depending on the size of the home.  This is money WELL SPENT, as the home inspection gives you great insight into the condition of the home and also lets you know what you may want to put on your Request for…

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Hi everyone!  Today's post is about the importance of really getting a feel for a house.  In this techie era, it's easy to look at homes online and hate one or get your heart set on one without ever seeing it in person.  However, people sometimes go into a home thinking that they know everything about it and realize the home is very different in person.  For example, perhaps the photographer used a wide-angle lens and the living room is actually quite cramped.  Or, there's not a lot of light and it feels dark and creepy.  Or, perhaps you thought the ceilings would feel too low but they're actually soaring and gorgeous.  Maybe there are electrical cables in the backyard that are distracting, or the street is overly packed and gives off a feeling of…

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Congratulations for preparing to purchase a property!  There are three main steps in the home buying process, and I will break each one down for you below.  

Buying a house is a very large financial transaction.  Before doing anything else, you should figure out how you will be paying for your new home.  The two main ways are cash or a mortgage (loan).  If you'll be paying cash,  your Realtor will need to get a copy of your proof of funds (can be a bank statement with sufficient funds, with account number and personal info blurred out).  If you will be obtaining a mortgage, see the information below. 


 

First, you'll want to call a mortgage lender.  You'll want a mortgage lender who has plenty of experience, great…

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Updated as of April 29, 2020! 

 

We are constantly acquiring new properties to renovate, and The Honest Agent Team buyers agents are able to show these properties pre-MLS and even submit offers on them to the seller!  If you are interested in seeing one of these homes or getting more information, text your Honest Agent Realtor!

3844-3846 49th St, San Diego 92105, Price $729,000  

834 E 2nd Ave, Escondido 92025, 3BD/2BA, 1008 SF, Price $469,000

1298 Agapanthus Dr, San Diego 92114, Price $539,000

650 Avocado Ave, El Cajon 92020, Price $425,000

3367 B St, San Diego 92102, Price TBD

329 Cardiff St, San Diego 92114, Price TBD

2323 Caringa Way Unit 9, Carlsbad 92009, Price TBD

26 Catspaw Cape, Coronado 92118, Price $315,000

…

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