The San Diego Real Estate Insider Blog

San Diego real estate market trends, valuable news about short sales, including foreclosure information in the San Diego county plus much more.

Feb. 21, 2012

Add Your Jewel to the Crown - Buying or Selling in Coronado

Although real estate in Coronado is more expensive than other parts of the San Diego metro area, residents know that location is an important part of the equation to live in this paradise.  Most single-family homes and condominium homes sell within four to five months of being listed.  For sellers, this is an excellent element in making the decision to sell; for buyers, this simply means that there needs to be very little hesitation in making the move or upgrading to a larger home in this cozy community.  Because of the popularity of Coronado, investors are also very interested in property for vacation homes and rentals.

Selling Your Home in Coronado

Selling a home in Coronado is typically not a long and arduous process.  This popular community has a median sale price of single family homes of $1.4 million with the average number of days on the market being just 119 days.  For properties in condominiums, the median sale price is about $755K and the average number of days on the market is 156 days. 

In Coronado, it is recommended to work with a real estate agent because of the high caliber of buyers looking at homes here.  Our agents are very familiar and knowledgeable about Coronado and will craft a plan to list and sell your property to get the most out of your most prized investment.

Buying Real Estate in Coronado

For buyers, there are a lot of opportunities to buy in Coronado.  No matter your needs, there is something for you in this ideal spot.  Median sale prices are still fluctuating from month to month but the biggest positive indicator of the market is the fact that the average number of days a home is on the market is on the decline.   Because our agents have all the latest information about homes for sale here, we can provide insight and help you get the most home out of your investment.

As for foreclosures and short sales, opportunities to buy distressed properties at lower prices pop up every now and then.   Any of our agents have the most current updates on distressed properties and can help you find the perfect home for a great deal.

Relocating to Coronado

Coronado is an ideal place to settle down if you are relocating to the San Diego area and want to live a beach lifestyle in an affluent area.  In terms of real estate, there are many areas to accommodate the most discriminating buyers.  From family oriented neighborhoods in gated communities with outstanding amenities to quaint, older homes with tons of character in the center of Coronado, our agents can provide you with all of the information you need to make your move to Coronado virtually pain-free. 

Moving to Coronado is a great decision for most anyone.  This town is one of the most talked about towns in the country and is always listed on “Top 10” lists in most every news magazine.  It is definitely worth looking into when making a move to the San Diego area.

Feb. 21, 2012

Loving Life in Coronado

Coronado is a very affluent area to live in the United States.  Located across the bay from San Diego, it is a quaint community of tree-line streets and reflects a true island lifestyle.  Additionally, Coronado provides a climate that is as close to perfect as anyone can get and a very healthy economy making it an ideal place to live.

There are several smaller communities in Coronado that are ideal for people in different stages of their lives.  From condominium homes along the beach to waterfront homes in prestigious gated communities, the home values range from several hundred thousand to lots of multi-million dollars.

Coronado Homes for Sale

Coronado homes come in all shapes and sizes.  Depending on your stage in life, you will find your ideal home on the “crowned island.” 

Single Family Homes:  Single family homes are abundant in Coronado.  There are quaint “beachy” cottages, elegant Spanish style bungalows and Tudor-style homes in the Village as well as beautiful stately mansions and estates in Coronado Cay.

Homes in the Village vary greatly in their architecture.  There are many options here including tiny beach cottages, beautiful mansions, and townhouse and condominium homes.  The main draw of this area of Coronado is its close proximity to downtown.  Many people look at a town’s “walkability” when house hunting and the Village is a very pedestrian friendly community.  Pricing of homes vary from condominium homes starting as low as the mid to upper $300s to mansions as high as almost $16 million.

For a more exclusive community, Coronado Cay is the ideal community.  From the entrance gate to the private neighborhood security to neighborhood parks, Coronado Cay offers everything to a very discriminating home owner.  All of the homes here are waterfront homes with bay views and private docks.  From just under $1 million to over $5 million, Coronado Cays is the ultimate in luxury living.

Condominiums:  If you are interested in luxury living in a condominium, Coronado is where you want to be.  Coronado Shores is a 10-building community that offers one bedroom units starting in the mid $600s to over $3 million for three-bedroom homes.  In the village, The Landings and Coronado Point feature oceanfront condos priced from over $1 million.

Real Estate Statistics

The overall median sale price (last 90 days) for a single-family home in Coronado is about $1.4 million and $755K for condominiums.  Add to that the fact that the average number of days on the market is 119 days for single family homes and 156 days for condominiums.  It is important to note that in the Village, there are usually over 100 condos and homes for sale in Coronado

Consider Coronado

Coronado is a beautiful place to live.  There are several options as to the type of community you desire in this beach town.  From the cozy heart of town in the Village to the exclusivity of Coronado Cays, consider looking at Coronado.  Downtown San Diego is just a ferry ride or short drive away and provides the conveniences major metro areas offer.   With such a strong community around you, we are sure Coronado should be on your short list.

Feb. 19, 2012

Chula Vista The City with a Beautiful View

When you think of a city with a beautiful view, think of Chula Vista (Spanish for beautiful view).  This city, located in the South Bay region of San Diego, is the second largest city in the metro area with a population of about 245,000 people. Chula Vista is situated halfway between San Diego and the Mexican border and is named for its scenic location between the Bay and the coastal mountain foothills.

Attractions

As a rapidly growing community, Chula Vista is becoming a tourist destination in the San Diego area.  There are several outdoor venues for family fun such as Knott’s Soak City USA, a huge water park; Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, the only one in the area; several ecological preserves including the Sweetwater marsh and other wildlife refuges; area golf courses; and, a number of annual downtown events.   Additionally, the ARCO Chula Vista Olympic Training Center is a huge tourist draw with its daily tours to view the facilities that focus on Olympic training in track and field, soccer, archery, cycling and other outdoor, warm weather sports. 

Aside from the tourist attractions, Chula Vista features excellent shopping at area centers like Otay Ranch Town Center, EastLake Village, and others.  Here you can find popular stores and other local businesses that are popular with area residents.

Locals enjoy gathering at the Third Avenue Village to shop and eat at some of the town’s favorite places.  Additionally, every Thursday afternoon, residents and tourists enjoy the local produce and other products at the Third Avenue Farmer’s Market. Another area farmer’s market is held every Tuesday afternoon on Main Street in Otay Ranch.

As for higher education, Chula Vista is home to the California location of the Pima Medical Institute, a school providing a top quality education in medical careers.  Another area college is Southwestern College, an excellent community college with over 300 associate degree possibilities for students. 

Residents

With the population just under 245,000 people, Chula Vista is the second largest city in the San Diego metro area and the 14th largest in the state of California. An interesting fact about the population worth noting is that there was a 40 percent increase in the population between 2006 and 2010.  Although it has a strong Hispanic presence, it is a well-known culturally diverse area in the country with a strong mix of different races and nationalities. The median household income is about $70,000 with about 60 percent of the households being owner-occupied. The residents in Chula Vista love where they live and want to see this community thrive.

Neighborhoods

The great thing about Chula Vista is that there are homes in every price point.  Divided into east and west Chula Vista, most of the newer, desirable neighborhoods and those that are master planned communities are located in the eastern half of Chula Vista.  Popular neighborhoods are located in the communities of Otay Ranch, Eastlake, San Miguel Ranch, Rolling Hills and the Woods, and feature condominium homes and single family homes as low as $200K and topping $4 million. The western part of Chula Vista features older homes built in the 1950s and 1960s.  Most are priced between the mid-$100s and low-$500s. 

A Great Place to Call Home

If you are interested in a very family oriented community within a short driving distance of San Diego, Chula Vista is a wonderful place to live.  With the attractions and broad spectrum of homes in different price ranges, there is something for everyone.  Spend some time here and you will see what everyone loves about this area.

Feb. 18, 2012

The American Dream is Affordable in Chula Vista

Residential property in Chula Vista comes in all shapes and sizes.  This large city located just outside San Diego is home to some of the most ideal neighborhoods as well as elegant estates in the area.   It is a town ripe with real estate options for every budget and every style of home. 

Divided in half, Chula Vista has two main areas general referred to as west Chula Vista and east Chula Vista.  Depending on what you desire, each side of town has something to offer its residents.   From older fixer upper homes on the west side of town to the newer, planned development communities in eastern Chula Vista, there are a ton of homes on the market from which to choose.

Western Chula Vista

The western part of Chula Vista (west of I-805) is considered to be the older section of town as it was the original part of the city upon its incorporated in 1911.  Most of the homes in this part of town are considered the older homes.  While they are, for the most part, not situated in planned communities, they are located in neighborhoods throughout the area.  While there are just a handful of homes for sale under $150K, the most popular starting point for list prices in West Chula Vista is about $200K.  On the other end of the spectrum, there are a couple of multi-million dollar homes.  With that in mind, it is important to note that most of the homes in this part of town are priced between $200K and $500K.  Third Avenue, Chula Vista’s main “drag,” runs right through the western section and is within walking distance from many of the homes and neighborhoods.

Eastern Chula Vista

Newer planned developments are located in the east end of Chula Vista.  Many of the popular communities like Eastlake (and its smaller neighborhoods) Otay Ranch, Bella Lago, Rancho Del Rey, Eastlake, San Miguel, and Rolling Hills are ideal for families and feature amenities like community pools, playgrounds, walking trails and beautifully landscaped common areas.  Homes in this part of town start at about $200K (condominium homes) and climb into the multi-million dollar range in a small enclave of Ranch Del Rey.  Additionally, several of the communities are more affluent and gated offering privacy and security.  Popular shopping centers out east include Eastlake Village and Otay Ranch Town Center. 

Real Estate Statistics

The overall median sale price for a home in the eastern part of Chula Vista is about $357K with the average number of days for single family and condominium properties at about 60 days (three-month average).  It is important to note that condominium properties take a bit longer to sell averaging about 84 days.   

In the western part of Chula Vista, the median sale price is about $260K and averages about 46 days on the market.  The stand out statistic for this end of town is that the homes in zip code 91911 have seen solid increases in the median sale price over the past month and year at 8.7 percent and 12.4 percent, respectively. 

Consider Chula Vista

If San Diego is an ideal place for you, consider looking at Real estate in Chula Vista.  It is a short distance outside San Diego and has much to offer.  There are so many options for homeownership from condominium properties to luxury estates in gated communities and older homes with lots of character to new construction homes that have all the latest upgrades. With such a strong community around you, Chula Vista should be a top pick!! 

Feb. 18, 2012

The Big Decision – Buying or Selling in Chula Vista

Chula Vista real estate is seems to be a hot commodity.  Homes sell quickly which means that home buyers in Chula Vista do not hesitate or “think about it” too long when they are in the market for a home in this charming, suburban city outside San Diego.  Because of the rise in popularity of Chula Vista as a tourist destination and place to live, it is easy to see why real estate is on the move here.

Selling Your Home in Chula Vista

If you are interested in selling your Chula Vista home, you are a smart home owner.  The latest statistics show the overall median sale price in west Chula Vista is $260K (January 2012) and is up from the previous month and year.  The biggest gains were in the 91911 zip code with an increase of almost 9 percent from the previous month and over 12 percent from last year.  The three-month average for the number days on the market is about 48 days.  It is interesting to note that condominium homes sell more quickly than single family homes in this end of town and average about 42 days.   

In East Chula Vista, single family homes sell much more quickly than condominium properties and are on the market at 56 days for single family homes and 80 days for condominiums.  The overall median sale price in January was about $357K.   The area showing the most growth is the 91914 area encompassing parts of Eastlake, San Miguel Ranch, Otay Ranch, Rolling Hills and other communities.

Because the market is fairly competitive now, it is a good idea to work with a qualified real estate agent who can provide the latest information about the Chula Vista market.  Our agents are very familiar and experienced in helping you come up with a plan to list and sell your property to get the most out of your most prized investment.

Buying Real Estate in Chula Vista

For buyers, this is a great time to buy in the Chula Vista area.  Although, home prices are beginning to rebound, it is still possible to get a good deal on a newer home in the eastern section or an even better one on a “fixer upper” in the older, and growing, western area of town.  The key is to act as homes in Chula Vista do not stay on the market  for much more than two or three months depending on the type of home and its location.   Our agents have all the latest information about homes for sale throughout the entire city.  Let us provide insight and help you get the most home out of your investment.

As for foreclosures and short sales, there are many opportunities to buy distressed properties at incredible prices.   Many need some TLC but can be easily restored to beautiful homes.  Patience, attention to detail and being at the right place at the right time are the key elements to buying distressed property.  Any of our agents have the most current updates on distressed properties and can help you find the perfect home for a great deal.

Relocating to Chula Vista

Chula Vista is an ideal place to settle down if you are moving to the San Diego area.  In terms of real estate, there are many areas to accommodate each and every desire for buyers.  From family oriented neighborhoods in gated communities with outstanding amenities to quaint, older homes with tons of character and charm in up and coming areas, our agents know the ins and outs of the area and can provide you with all of the information you need to make your move to Chula Vista almost a breeze.

In a nutshell, real estate in Chula Vista provides opportunity and promise to sellers and buyers.  The relatively short turn-around time from listing to buying is a huge benefit for buyers and sellers alike.  Chula Vista is an excellent choice in the San Diego metro area.

April 11, 2011

April La Mesa Real Estate Market Update

The La Mesa housing market, a primarily residential portion of the larger San Diego County real estate market, saw decreasing levels of foreclosure and stagnant housing prices during the first two months of 2011. According to the S&P/Case Shiller Index, San Diego is one of the only two metropolitan areas in the United States to show year over year increases in median home price. However, compared to Washington D.C. (at 3.6%), the other city which saw a yearly increase, San Diego’s increase (0.1%) was considerably less impressive. Additionally, San Diego actually saw a drop in median price in month over month terms, falling by 1.2% from January 2011. This was the fifth time in six months that San Diego saw a monthly decrease in median price, including a 0.7% drop from December 2010 to January 2011. Compared to some markets, such as Detroit and Atlanta, San Diego was relatively healthy, but the continued preponderance of foreclosures overshadowed any nascent strength. Despite an eleven percent decrease in mortgage default notices between January and February, there were nearly 1,400 new defaults over the course of the month. In addition, the number of actual foreclosures showed a much less impressive decline compared to default notices, suggesting that short sales may be gaining popularity as a method of dealing with distressed properties.

In another sector of the San Diego housing market, residents of San Diego County paid slightly more for rent than in previous months. The average rent in March 2011 was $1,335, compared to $1,315 in March 2010, leading to the question of what exactly spurred an increase in rents at the same time as a month over month drop in median price. Additionally, there were actually more vacant rental properties (5% of the total) in March 2011 than in 2010 (4.8%), which is partially attributable to some unsuccessful new condominiums. The overall health of the economy may be one factor, considering that the University of San Diego’s economic index registered an emerging recovery, led by strength in the construction and employment sectors. All told, the index showed a substantial increase of 1.9%.

Posted in Market Update
April 11, 2011

April San Diego Real Estate Market Update

The San Diego real estate market, which showed considerable strength and resilience throughout the economic recession, exhibited minimal movement and general lethargy in the first few months of 2011. In the S&P Case Shiller Index, which San Diego had remained at the top of for almost a year, showed San Diego median prices increasing just 0.1% year over year. On one hand, San Diego was one of only two metropolitan areas (the other was Washington D.C.) to show an increase in median price year over year. On the other hand, San Diego’s median home price actually dropped by more than one percent on a monthly level, falling 1.2% in January 2011 compared to December 2010 (the most recent figure for which comprehensive statistics are available from S&P Case Shiller). Home prices nationwide seem to indicate that median prices have either bottomed out or that the housing market may be moving towards a double dip recession. The month over month decline for San Diego properties also strengthened a larger trend in the region, since San Diego also saw a monthly decline in December of 2010 compared to November 2010. San Diego does continue to be one of the healthiest markets compared to the national average, but it also is much weaker than it was at its peak.

Foreclosures seemed to show positive trends in San Diego in February 2011, but upon closer inspection of the data a fall in default notices may in fact indicate that lenders are overwhelmed with distressed properties. On the surface, there were 1,373 notices of default (the first step of the foreclosure process) sent out to San Diego homeowners in February, representing a decrease of about eleven percent from January 2011 and a fall of more than one third from year ago levels. Actual foreclosures changed less in February 2011, decreasing by about six and a half percent from January and dropping by a little less than eight percent from last year. However, it is unclear to what extent these figures have been affected by the robo signing scandal, the residual influence of government stimulus programs, and the increased popularity of short sales for distressed properties. On a positive note, this month did mark a fifth straight year over year decline in the number of foreclosures.

Posted in Market Update
Jan. 5, 2011

Oceanside Real Estate Market Outlook

The Oceanside real estate market, part of the generally stable San Diego County housing market, saw a decrease in new home sales as well as a dip in median sales price. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the nation as a whole saw a slightly higher number of new home sales while the San Diego region saw a slight decline. The Commerce Department reported that there were a total of 290,000 new home sales throughout the United States, an increase of about 15,000 from year-ago levels. Figures provided by MDA DataQuick, a real estate information service, indicated that there were a total of 259 new home sales in San Diego County, a decrease of about ten properties from October 2010 and a decline of more than one hundred properties from November 2009. New home sales have been struggling partially because of the easy availability of low cost “San Diego short sales,” which are often available for substantially less than market value. Hopefully, the improving economy will result in higher rates of home sales moving into the New Year. Specifically, the creation of new jobs in the upcoming months may result in the construction of additional properties near places of employment. However, some experts have suggested that the shortage of residential lots in the San Diego area will preclude the construction of additional homes. 
In addition to a decrease in sales volume, Oceanside homes were purchased for a lower median price along with the rest of San Diego County properties. According to the nationwide Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Index, the month of October brought a decline for San Diego home prices for the first time in more than a year. Although the national dip in median sales prices has led to fears of a nationwide double dip in the real estate market, local experts generally agree that the local market will not face a similar problem. While the month-to-month figures declined for the area, year-over-year numbers performed relatively well for San Diego, with the median price increasing by approximately three percent year-over-year. The median price, however, remains well below the peak achieved before the nationwide recession began.
Posted in Real Estate Market
Jan. 5, 2011

Whats Happening with La Jolla real estate

 

The La Jolla real estate market, part of the larger San Diego County housing market, saw some negative signs in the most recent tracking period. According to statistics released by the Case-Shiller index and reported by San Diego Union Tribune, October 2010 marked the first time in more than a year when the average sales price of a single family home in the region declined. The agency reported that the median price fell by one and a half percent between September 2010 and October 2010. Although the figure may seem negligible, it actually represents one of the most significant variations in the local market over the last year. For the last fifteen months, all of the monthly variations have been less than one and a half percent in either direction. The composition of the market remained relatively consistent, with the lower, middle, and high tiers of the market all losing about one and a half percent in average price. Measured relative to the bottom of the market, the San Diego market has rallied considerably, although it remains substantially lower than the pre-recession peak of the market. It is important to note that the Case-Shiller index measures median price with about a month of lag compared to other measurements, although it does provide much more detailed information.
November’s statistics, which were recently released and compiled by the National Association of Realtors, indicated a substantially larger decrease in sales volume. On the bright side, the decline reported in San Diego County was the lowest downturn of all the twenty communities surveyed by organization. The number of San Diego County MLS homes which were purchased, including La Jolla properties, declined by just under eleven and a half percent. Some experts have suggested that the lower sales pace may be the result of many property owners purchasing homes earlier in the year in order to utilize the federal government’s home tax credit. Compared to year ago levels, the report also suggested that the year-over-year median price index rallied by slightly over four percent, one of the largest increases reported by the organization.
Posted in Real Estate Market
Jan. 5, 2011

Hows Scripps Ranch real estate market

 

The Scripps Ranch real estate market, a residential sector of the larger San Diego County housing market, saw a slowing rate of foreclosures as well as lower home values in the most recent tracking periods. According to statistics provided by real estate information service MDA DataQuick, the number of foreclosures in San Diego and mortgage defaults throughout San Diego County real estate properties declined compared to both year-ago and month-ago levels. The organization reported that there were a total of 1,660 mortgage defaults in November 2010, marking a decrease of more than four percent from October and a fall of about twenty-two percent compared to November 2009.  Similarly, there were only 723 completed foreclosures in November, a decrease of more than twenty-seven percent compared to October 2010 and a decline of more than thirty-two percent relative to November 2009. Although the exact reasons remain unclear, some experts have suggested that the improvement can be attributed to a generally improving economy. Other possible explanations or contributing factors include a seasonal drop off in foreclosures, and difficulties in processing foreclosure paperwork. However, it is possible that the decline is also a product of banks preparing a discharge of foreclosures in the upcoming year, which would mean that they may peak in the upcoming months.
The nationwide real estate market is facing the threat of a double dip decline, according to a recently released report. The report by Standard&Poor’s/Case-Shiller, indicated that all twenty metropolitan areas measured by the group saw a decline in home prices from September 2010 to October 2010. For San Diego County in particular, the average price of a single family home declined by approximately one and a half percent between September and October, which was even more dramatic than the one percent fall seen a month earlier. On the other hand, the San Diego metropolitan area was one of only four regions in the twenty areas surveyed that saw a year-over-year increase in median price. Over that period, the San Diego metro region saw a rise of three percent. Compared to the peak of the market, property values in San Diego, including Scripps Ranch homes, have declined by more than thirty-six percent.
Posted in Real Estate Market