The San Diego Real Estate Insider Blog

In today’s world, buying and selling real estate is a challenge.  Anyone thinking about buying and selling real estate ponders the same question – is it the right time?  For those wanting to be near the Pacific Coast or to live the epitome of the Southern California lifestyle, it is always the time! 

Selling in Encinitas

Sellers must consider several things when determining whether it is a good time to list a home including the sale price of comparable homes, the total number of sales and pending properties in a given month, and how long it takes to sell a home.  Currently, the median sale price of single-family homes in Encinitas sits at about $920K which is up over the past months and past year.  The total number of sales over the past couple of months is flat or down ever so slightly, but the number of pending properties continues to increase which shows there are buyers out there who want or need to move.  The best part is that homes are typically selling within about two months or 65 days.  This is very important for sellers in need of selling due to a move or because they want to buy another home.

For attached homes like condominiums and townhomes, the most recent median sales price is at about $335K.  Over the past few months as well as the past year, the median price has fluctuated but the number of sales has increased substantially over the same time period.  It does take a bit longer to sell a condominium as they stay on the market for an average of about 115 days.

Buying a Home in Encinitas

Home buyers need to act if they want to buy in Encinitas as homes sales are beginning to turn and have shown solid gains over the past year.  While there is still the opportunity to buy at lower prices than several years ago, the tide is turning and will, more than likely, continue to increase.  For those seriously considering buying a home in Encinitas, do not sit on the fence for very long.  The amount of time on them market is not long making it necessary to “pull the trigger” as they say in the sales industry.  There are deals out there for buyers, especially with condominium homes, but it is necessary to make a decision at this point in time before the increases continue.

As for foreclosures and short sales, there is a handful each month.  The total number is on the decline which is great because of the enormous amount of distressed property for the past several years in Southern California. 

Relocating to Encinitas

Encinitas is lucky in that four excellent school districts serve this wonderful place.  This is the kind of information needed for relocating.  Working with our experienced agents who know the area is helpful in that you have the best sources of information at your fingertips.  Not only can we provide you with the most up to date real estate listings, we can also give you our first-hand knowledge of everything involved in relocating to the area.  

Never a Bad Time to Get in the Market

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages in the Encinitas real estate market.  Prices are on the rise but are still not where they used to be.  The biggest advantage in Encinitas is that people have a desire to live the Southern California lifestyle and there is no better place to do that than in Encinitas.

Whether you are buying or selling, our agents know the market and can help craft a plan to list and sell your home or help you find the home that meets and exceeds your needs and desires. Even with distressed property, we know and understand this market, and can give you the latest information should you decide to go that route. 

Encinitas is the ultimate Southern California town.  Living here is the ultimate in an ideal lifestyle.  Be part of it!

Welcome to Encinitas – one of the most popular surf scenes in the country! This coastal beach city features some of the best surfing as well as an active community that is friendly and very involved in all that Encinitas has to offer.    Encinitas is truly a Southern California beach town.  With a population of just over 59,000 and an estimated median household income of about $80,000, Encinitas features some of the best property in the area.

Four school districts serve the Encinitas area and include 13 elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools.  In terms of higher learning the San Elijo Campus of Mira Costa College and Watts Atelier School for the Arts is located in Encinitas.

Neighborhood Highlights of Encinitas

Encinitas was incorporated in 1986 by combining the communities of Old Encinitas, New Encinitas (Village Park), Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia, and Olivenhain.  The city covers about 20 square miles and includes about six miles of coastline. In terms of real estate, there is definitely something for everyone.

There are many neighborhoods located throughout each of the five sections of Encinitas some of which include a mix of attached and detached homes.  Single-family homes start in the mid-$400s in areas like Encinitas Estates, Cambria and communities in Village Park. Somewhat higher list prices can be found in neighborhoods such as Cantebria, Encinitas Ranch and Pacific Ranch where homes start in the low to mid-$700s and climb from there.  The most affluent communities in Encinitas are considered to be Maravu, the Beacons of Leucadia (new enclave of homes near the beach) and Sandalwood where homes start in the mid-$900s and climb to well over $1 million.  Of course, for estate size homes several of the neighborhoods, list prices run well into the millions as with most similar property in Southern California.

Condominium and townhome communities are abundant in Encinitas and provide an opportunity for first time buyers, buyers seeking second or vacation homes, and investors of rental property to be part of the Encinitas community.  Condominium home start as low as the low to upper-$200s in communities well east of I-5 like High Country Villas and Pacific Pines.  For buyers who have a desire to be closer to the coast, Casitas Del Mar Pacifica and Encinitas Village offer condominium homes starting the mid to upper-$400s.  Townhome communities like Village Park townhomes and the Sand Dollar feature homes starting in the upper-$200s.  Other townhome communities like Leucadia Village have homes starting in the mid-$500s and Seabluffe which are priced from the mid-$800s to over $1 million.  For the hip crowd who wants to be in the center of the action, Pacific Station is comprised of gorgeous condominiums which are situated above retailers in downtown Encinitas and start in the mid-$600s.

The Necessary Information

The most recent information shows that median sale prices for single family homes and condominiums are at about $920K and $340K, respectively. The market is beginning to show signs of rebounding especially with single-family homes.  The total number of monthly sales has increased over the past year with attached and detached homes as have the number of pending properties.  As for the number of days on the market, single-family homes sell within about two months while condominiums and townhomes take a bit longer at about 115 days.

What to Think

Encinitas is beginning to turn around.  This market has something for everyone in terms of real estate.  From condominiums and townhomes for first time buyers to larger homes for those wanting to move up in size or location and those seeking a second or vacation home, the right house can be found in Encinitas at an affordable price.  This is definitely a great place to live!

Del Mar is an ideal beach community located in the northern end of San Diego County just north of La Jolla and about 20 miles north of San Diego.  With a population of just over 4,100 people, Del Mar is one of the most desirable spots to live in the US, mainly because of the atmosphere and perfect weather.   This affluent town is home to some of the most beautiful and expensive homes and estates in the metro area as well as country.

Neighborhoods in Del Mar

There are some beautiful neighborhoods in Del Mar each having a unique quality of life.  The homes are, for the most part, impeccably decorated and feature panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and other parts of the area.  Additionally, Del Mar features a nice mix of single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes.  Single-family homes start in the upper-$600s to low-$700s and climb to well over $25 million.  Some of the more affordable neighborhoods like Brisas Del Mar, Pointe Del Mar, and Las Vistas are comprised of contemporary, bungalow and Spanish style homes that start in the low-$800s.  Other neighborhoods like Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Terrace, and Lomas Del Mar feature homes that start at about $900K.  The most expensive homes and estates are located in areas like Beach Colony, Fairbanks Polo Club and Rancho Del Mar where homes start at just over $1 million as well as Sandy Lane where starting prices are at about $4 million.  In the Village and Olde Del Mar, considered to be the downtown area of Del Mar, homes are custom built and priced from just over $1 million to over $7 million depending on the views.

As for condominiums and townhomes, prices are much more reasonably priced starting in the upper $100s like in Del Mar Bluffs and climb to almost $2 million in the Village.  For the most part, condominiums and townhomes are priced from the upper-$400s to $1 million in communities like Del Mar Woods, Spindrift and Del Mar Villas.  These homes are absolutely gorgeous with the most perfect views of the Pacific and other parts of Del Mar. 

The Details of the Del Mar Real Estate Market

Del Mar is a very affluent community and is very much reflected that way with real estate.  Single-family homes have a median price of about $1.2 million.  While prices in Del Mar are slightly slower with their rebounding, the numbers are slowly beginning to turn in a positive direction.  The main areas where this is visible are in terms of the number of sales and pending sales which are showing solid and strong increases over previous months and the last year.  Additionally, the number of days a home stays on the market in Del Mar is about 95 days. 

The numbers for condominium homes are similar in that the prices are slower to rebound than in other areas of San Diego County but the number of sales and pending properties continues to increase each month.  As for the length of time on the market, the average number of days is almost 130 days.  

Del Mar Real Estate Has Much to Offer

For discriminating buyers who have a desire to live in a very upscale area but still want a more laid-back beach lifestyle, Del Mar is THAT place.  It is a close-knit community with many choices for where to live an in what style of home to live.  Nowhere else is quite like this town – an upscale beach town with a “flip flop” attitude.

If you ever dream of living in the perfect beach town, a quaint place with lots of charm situated along the coastline is what comes to mind.  To find that perfect community, you need not look any further than Del Mar, California.  Known for horse racing at the famed Del Mar Racetrack, the city of Del Mar is an affluent coastal community with so much to offer its residents and visitors.  The perfect year round temperatures and picturesque appeal make it an ideal place to live as well as vacation.  In fact, it is one of the most sought after vacation rental destinations in the country. 

The Draw of Del Mar

First and foremost, Del Mar is a “breeding ground” for the thoroughbred industry as the Del Mar Racetrack is an institution in California.  For two months during the summer, horse enthusiasts and spectators from all over come to Del Mar to venture out to the racetrack for one of the most fun and exciting sports – thoroughbred racing.

Outside horse racing, much of the community revolves around the beach.  It is no wonder as this is one of the most beautiful coastal areas on the Pacific coast.  Because of the atmosphere in Del Mar, the beaches are very family friendly.

In addition, Del Mar also caters to its residents and area guests with fun events in the summer and fall.  Events like the Summer Solstice at Powerhouse Park in June, Taste and Art Stroll in October and other events are popular festivals that the residents love.

In terms of shopping, Del Mar has a lot to offer making it hassle free to shop.  From the Del Mar Highlands Town Center located east of I-5, to the Del Mar Plaza along the coast, shoppers can find pretty much anything they need or want at one of the major retailers or specialty shops. 

Del Mar Village is located in the center of Del Mar and oozes charm and grace.  The Del Mar Village Association works tirelessly to enrich the joie de vivre all while maintaining the character of the community.

The People Who Live in Del Mar

Another part of the ambiance of Del Mar is the people who live here.  This is a community of active residents who love their town.  They have a desire to preserve its appeal and keep that small town flavor alive.    It is a relatively small community with only 4,161 affluent residents with a median age of about 48 years and a median income of about $130,000 per year.  The residents are very well educated with over 70 percent having a bachelor’s degree and many working in professional occupations.

Living in Del Mar

Because this is a relatively small community, there are several small neighborhoods that feature mostly single-family homes with some condominium and townhome complexes mixed in them.  Single-family homes are priced on the upper end with most homes priced from the upper-$600s to well over $25 million.  As with any home in any part of the northern coastal section of San Diego County, the price depends partly on the views.  Brisas Del Mar, Las Vistas and Pointe Del Mar feature homes starting in the upper $700s.  As you get closer to the coast, the views get more spectacular and the prices go up in such neighborhoods as Rancho Del Mar and Beach Colony where homes start at about $1 million .  The most exclusive neighborhood is probably Sandy Lane where homes start at $4 million.  In the Village and Olde Del Mar, character reigns supreme with bungalow and contemporary style homes starting at just over $1 million and climbing up over $7 million.

Perfectly Perfect Del Mar

Del Mar stands out with its combination of charm and elegance.  It is such a friendly area but has a subtle hint of affluence that is hard to point out but is there.  The residents love this town and visitors cannot wait to get here.  Once here, it is no wonder that people want to stay!

Del Mar is one of the most sought after areas to live in Southern California.  Situated along the Pacific coast miles of coastline, it is definitely worth a trip to see this picturesque quaint beach town.  Located just about 20 miles north of San Diego and west of the more business populated areas in San Diego County, Del Mar is a top pick among executives and professionals who desire a more affluent and close-knit community.  In addition to full-time residents, investors seek out property for vacation rentals because of the growing popularity of Del Mar as a vacation spot.

Selling a Home in Del Mar

Sellers have a big decision to make in terms of listing their homes for sale.  This market is not as quick to rebound as other parts of the county.  Prices have begun to stabilize and even slowly inch up. 

Single family homes are priced anywhere between the upper-$600s in neighborhoods in the eastern part of Del Mar (still close to the coast) and over $25 million for grand hill top estates overlooking the Pacific Coast.  The most recent median price of a single-family home is about $1.2 million with the average number of days on the market sitting at about 95 days.  Over the past few months, the number of sales and pending properties has continued to increase which indicates that more homeowners are venturing into the market.  Sellers can expect to negotiate some as the sale/list ratio sits at about 93 percent. 

Condominium homes have a median price of about $640K and sit on the market for a little bit longer at about 130 days.  The number of sales and pending properties has increased as well.  While the prices are down a tad from previous months, they are up a good bit from last year which speaks volumes. 

Buying a Home in Del Mar

There are different buyers in Del Mar: those who live here year round; those who live here part time or vacation here; and, investors wanting vacation rental property.  For any of them, the numbers tell the story.   Because homes sit on the market for about three to four months, buyers can take time to look at different properties depending on the location and price.  Additionally, the sale/list ratio sits at about 94 percent on average so there is some room to move in terms of offers. 

Distressed properties are not as prevalent in Del Mar making it harder to find a foreclosure or short sale on the market.  In any given month, there may be one sale, if any, for a distressed property. 

Our agents know the Del Mar area and real estate market.  With everything at their fingertips, they can provide the latest information to buyers and sellers in an effort to help them with their end of the transaction.  For distressed properties, working with our agents gives you the ability to know when a property of this type comes on the market. 

In a Nutshell

Del Mar has so much to offer its residents and investors.  This ideal spot for an easy and relaxed lifestyle is a dream for everyone.  While the market is not rebounding at the rate of some of the other parts of the county, the homes are of a higher caliber and not priced at a point that everyone can afford.  As the rest of the market continues to increase so too will the Del Mar real estate market.  It will just take some time.

If you head north along the Pacific coastline towards Encinitas, you will travel through a picture perfect little coastal town called Cardiff-by-the-Sea.  Referred to as Cardiff by the locals, this is a quintessential beach town that is home to some of the nicest people and best surfers around.  With a population of just under 12,000 people, Cardiff went from being a farming area to a full community in 1911 by a developer, Frank Cullen, who began to build new homes.  Historians say he named the community after his wife’s hometown of Cardiff, Wales.  Another little tidbit that is interesting to note is that Cardiff is part of Encinitas even though it has its own zip code.

Highlights of Cardiff

The beaches around Cardiff are always the first point of conversation.  These are undoubtedly some of the best beaches for families. Residents and visitors love spending time on San Elijo Beach and Cardiff State Beach. 

Like most “beach towns,” life in Cardiff revolves around the ocean, perfect year round weather, and outdoor activities.  This is a very popular surfing spot for the professionals AND “newbies.”  No matter what time of year, two things is certain in Cardiff….there are surfers in the water and sunbathers on the beach.   A favorite surfing spot is out from Cardiff Reef which pops up at extreme low tide and extends out about 50 yards.  From there, the waves are perfect for all surfers.  Another surfing hot spot is Swami where there are perfect waves over and over again.

Another popular area around Cardiff is the San Elijo Lagoon which is one of the few remaining coastal wetlands in the San Diego area.  Here, people can hike through trails, visit the Nature Center and get a firsthand look at various plants, animals and cool birds that are indigenous to the area.

Not only do the residents and visitors in Cardiff enjoy outdoor activities, they enjoy venturing through the downtown area’s quaint shops and cafes.  A very popular area is Restaurant Row which is located on Hwy 101 just above the beach and just south of the San Elijo Lagoon river mouth. 

There are several annual events in Cardiff that are very popular with residents.  Some of the most popular are the Taste of Cardiff which is held in May, The Cardiff School’s Rummage Sale and the Cardiff Ice Cream Social.

The People of Cardiff

Cardiff is home to some of the utterly nicest people in the world.  But if you think about it, when living in such a cool town, why would anyone not be nice!?   The population is about 10,000 with a median age of about 37 years old.  As for income, the average household income is about 63,000.  While many of the residents work in the professional sector, they enjoy the beach lifestyle and when they get home, they are quick to don shorts and flip flops. 

Neighborhoods in Cardiff

While Cardiff by the Sea is technically a community within Encinitas, it still has neighborhoods within it.  There is a good mix of single family homes and condominiums and townhomes which appeal to several types of buyers.  Most of the homes have beautiful, panoramic views of the Pacific coastline or the San Elijo Lagoon.   Park Place Bluffs and Cardiff Cove feature condos that start in the high $200s.  As for single family homes, neighborhoods like the Composer and Walking District have list prices starting in the upper $400s. Oceanfront homes are priced from over $1 million. 

A New Lifestyle

The best thing about living in a beach town is how your whole lifestyle changes…for the better.  That laid back attitude takes over and your whole demeanor changes.  It is like nothing you can explain until you live this life.  We like to call it a flip flop lifestyle because everyone is a little more laid back once they put on flip flops!

Cardiff by the Sea is, without a doubt, a beach lover’s paradise.  Boasting some of the absolute best beaches and surfing in Southern California, people who live here long to live in a true beach town.  Cardiff prides itself on a clean and safe environment with some of the friendliest residents you will ever meet.  With a perfect climate year round, it is no wonder that most people measure the distance of everything by its walkability.  Many of the streets are named after towns in the United Kingdom as the developer of Cardiff was English.

Communities within the Community

Although Cardiff has its own zip code, it is technically part of Encinitas and features quaint, small neighborhoods within this larger community.  There is a nice mix of condominiums and townhomes as well as single family homes to give it a wonderfully laid back feel and flavor.

Much of Cardiff features single family homes that start in the upper $400s and climb to over $5 million depending on location and views.  A very popular area is the Composer District which lies north of Birmingham Avenue.  This area of Cardiff is a hillside neighborhood and features some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.  Another area is the Walking District which is located south of Birmingham Avenue.  Both of these districts are within a 15 minute walk to the beach and are higher priced starting in the low to mid $600s.   Another district of Cardiff is the Poinsettia Heights – Crest Drive Corridor which lies east of Interstate 5.  Most home prices on this end of town start in the upper $400s but if you are fortunate and willing to put in a little work, you can occasionally find one that is priced around $300K. 

As for condominiums and townhomes, there are several communities in and around Cardiff of which some are large and some are small.  He smaller communities like Cardiff Seacliff, Orinda Village and Mozart Creek feature homes starting at around $400K.  The larger communities like Cardiff Cove, Park Place and Cardiff Park have similar list prices but can climb to well over $1 million depending on the views.

Details

Briefly, the most recent information states that the median sale price of a single family home sits around $955K which represents a slight uptick from the previous few months.  For condos, the same number is about $325K.  The biggest factor to note is that property does not sit on the market for very long as single family homes average about 35 to 40 days on the market while condominiums take a tad longer at 60 days.   Sellers are a little willing to negotiate but price their homes at a point where the sale price is not much less than the list price. 

Paradise along the Pacific

Living in Cardiff is pure paradise.  From a quaint low key atmosphere to the friendly people to the fairly affordable beach property, this is a top pick for most Southern Californians in terms of ideal beach towns.  This charming and unpretentious town is a perfect place for anyone. 

Scripps Ranch was developed on 1,200 acres owned by EW Scripps, a very prominent newspaper publisher.  This gorgeous community lost over 300 homes in 2003 from the devastating Cedar Fire that spread through much of the north inland area of San Diego.  With much vigor, determination and a strong sense of community, Scripps Ranch is more beautiful than ever before.  It is situated just north of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and just south of Poway.  Because of its easy access to I-15, it is not uncommon for many residents to work in other parts of the metro area.

Neighborhoods of Scripps Ranch

With a population of over 32,000 people and over 12,000 households, this affluent area is comprised of several large subdivisions.  Within these subdivisions are smaller neighborhoods that have different characteristics that draw residents to them. 

Scripps Ranch Villages feature many of the newer communities and offer a combination of single-family homes, and condominium and townhome communities.  Neighborhoods like Terraza and Lakepoint feature homes priced from the mid to upper-$800s to well over $1 million.  Condominium and townhome communities like Ivy Crest, Cypress and Triana feature homes starting in the upper-$200s and topping $500K.

Stonebridge Estates is a large and popular subdivision where homes, mostly built as early as 2003, are priced anywhere from the mid to upper-$600s in neighborhoods like Montoro to well over $1 million in Scripps Preserve and the Sanctuary.  The interesting thing about Stonebridge is that over 80 percent of the land is preserved as natural green space.  Additionally, there are over 15 miles of trails throughout the subdivision for hiking, walking and biking.  

Older neighborhoods like Wine Country, Canberra Park and Rimcrest consist of the older homes of Scripps Ranch where some were built as far back as 1970.  These neighborhoods are filled with huge, mature eucalyptus trees lining streets.  The homes, in all their character and uniqueness, start in the low-$500s and top $1 million. 

The Highlands is unique in that the homes in neighborhoods here have gorgeous, panoramic views of canyons, sunsets and even some Pacific Ocean views for several of them.  Neighborhoods like the Presidio have homes starting in the low to mid-$600s and climbing up to the mid-$800s in San Angelo.  The Highlands is a very sought after area because of its family feel and the active involvement from community pot luck suppers to summer evenings with concerts in the park. 

There are other areas as well that feature homes and wonderful neighborhoods for people to feel right at home from day one.  Most homes are priced similarly to the above prices with the lowest priced homes starting in the upper-$400s in Deerfield to over $1 million in neighborhoods like Crown Pointe. 

As for condominium and townhome communities, communities such as Monarch and Scripps Mesa start in the mid to upper-$100s and climb to the mid-$500s in the Promontory.    Most are priced between the mid-$200s and upper-$300s in well-liked communities like Affinity Court, Ivy Hill and Windchime. 

The Nuts and Bolts of the Market

Because this is a more affluent area of the San Diego metro, home prices are slightly higher than other areas.  For single-family homes, the average home price sits at about $630K with the average number of days on the market at about 60 days.  In terms of condominiums, the same information shows that the average home price is around $328K with the length of time on the market at only about 45 days. 

A Preferred Community

To bounce back better than before after tragedy is exactly what Scripps Ranch has done over the past 10 years.  It is no wonder that people have a strong desire to live here.  With such a family oriented atmosphere and neighborly feel, Scripps Ranch real estate is an ideal place to settle down and plant roots.

Located in the northeast part of San Diego is Scripps Ranch.  It lies just north of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and just south of Poway.  Known for its beautiful landscaping that includes huge eucalyptus trees, Scripps Ranch was originally a 400 acre ranch owned by newspaper publisher, EW Scripps.  It was eventually turned into a coastal/inland community in San Diego.  In 2003, over 300 homes were destroyed by the Cedar Fire.  Over the past nine years, many have worked hard to bring it back to the lovely area it was before the fire.

It is an ideal community for those who desire to live relatively close to San Diego but still want to be in a quiet, outlying community.  With easy access to I-15, residents have a quick commute into the downtown San Diego area.  For those who enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of such a large metro area, Scripps Ranch offers all of the conveniences including shopping, professional services and more.

Living in Scripps Ranch Has A Lot to Offer

Scripps Ranch is a wonderful community for families and anyone who has the desire to live in more of a suburban atmosphere.  The residents love this area because of all it has to offer.   Most of the activities and attractions revolve around families and children’s activities.  From summer concerts at Hoyt Park on Sunday afternoons to the weekly farmers market held year-round on Saturdays, there is always something going on in Scripps Ranch. 

With some of the top schools in the entire area serving Scripps Ranch, many residents move here for that reason.  Kids’ activities are abundant here with the Scripps Ranch Soccer Club being at the top of the list.  Over 1,500 kids participate in soccer and play for much of the year.

As for shopping and other necessities, Scripps Ranch has several shopping centers.  The most popular and largest are the Scripps Ranch Marketplace and Scripps Plaza Shopping Center.  Both have everything that residents need and want to make life in Scripps Ranch easier and more delightful. 

In terms of recreation and outdoor activities, there are several parks throughout Scripps Ranch including Hoyt Park, Scripps Ranch and Cypress Canyon Park.  Miramar Lake, part of the Miramar Reservoir, also has a huge recreation area that features trails for hiking and biking as well as areas for family picnics and fishing.  Boating on the lake is also a favorite past time.

The Scripps Ranch Community Association is a huge voice for Scripps Ranch.  They work tirelessly helping Scripps Ranch grow and become a stronger, better community than it already is.  In addition to acting as the “town council,” the SRCA also plans community events like the Fourth of July Parade, Holiday Tree Lighting and the Community Clean-Up/Garage Sale. 

The People of Scripps Ranch

Scripps Ranch has a population of over 32,000 people living here.  It is a very family-oriented community with the median age being about 38 years old.  The residents are more professional in terms of their jobs as companies like Hitachi, LG Electronics and Lockheed Martin have corporate offices here.  The median household income is about $100K. 

Neighborhoods in Scripps Ranch

Being such a large community, there are several subdivisions where most residents live.  Each one has a nice combination of single family homes, condominiums and townhomes.  Because there is such a variety, the home prices vary as well providing an excellent opportunity for first time buyers.  Stone Bridge Estates, the Highlands and Scripps Ranch Village are the most sought after communities in Scripps Ranch.  Home prices for single family homes start as low as the high-$400s to low-$500s and climb into the millions.

Life in Scripps Ranch

Scripps Ranch is a great place to settle down and raise a family.  With such an emphasis on community and keeping the area beautiful and flourishing, it is no wonder that this community within San Diego is a first pick for all buyers.

Scripps Ranch is a wonderful community that has rebounded from devastation and come back better than ever.  In 2003, the Cedar Fire ripped through Scripps Ranch and burned over 300 homes and parts of the picture perfect natural area to the ground.  Although only a portion of the city was destroyed, Scripps Ranch still remains a panoramic community known for its beautiful landscaping and, more famously, for its abundance of eucalyptus trees. 

Originally, Scripps Ranch was a 400-acre ranch owned by EW Scripps, a very well-known newspaper publisher.  Over the years he increased his land to over 1,200 acres before selling it all off so that it would become Scripps Ranch.  With a population of over 32,000 people, this family-oriented town puts a lot into keeping their community happy, involved and close-knit.

Selling a Home in Scripps Ranch

The most important thing for sellers to know about Scripps Ranch is that the area is high on the list of places to live for many metro area residents.  People throughout the San Diego area aspire to move here.  As for deciding if it is the right time, there are several factors to consider. 

The most important factor is at what price to list property.  The median sale price for single family homes sits at about $640K which is up from previous months but is still down from last year.  The total number of sales for the most current month is just under 30 for the month which is up substantially from previous months which shows that buyers are out there.  Another positive note is that the number of pending properties continues to increase each month. 

As for condominiums, the median sale price is just under $330K with consistent growth over the past year.   In terms of the number of sales and pending properties, the story is similar with consistent growth each month.

When sellers are considering listing their homes, they always want to know how long it will take to sell.  Currently, in Scripps Ranch, single family homes take about two months to sell and condominiums around 45 days. 

Buying in Scripps Ranch

If you want to buy a home in Scripps Ranch, this is a great time to strike while the iron is hot.  Home prices seem to have begun to rebound so for buyers wanting a “good deal” on a home in this popular community, now is the time.  The most important thing for buyers to understand is that homes sell quickly making it necessary to act when THE home comes on the market. Sellers are smart at setting a list price that is realistic so the sale price sits a smidgeon below the list price but not by more than 2-3 percent.

Distressed Property in Scripps Ranch

While they are still available, there are only a handful of short sales and foreclosures in Scripps Ranch.  For condominiums, the numbers continue to decrease.  In terms of single family homes, there has been a slight uptick but because there is less than a handful, the increase for the past couple of months went from 2 to 3 sales making the percentage a little deceiving.

Relocating to Scripps Ranch

Relocating to a new place is a pain-staking process that requires a ton of patience.  Scripps Ranch is a highly sought after community.   The schools are impeccable as are the community activities.  For those moving from other parts of the country, this is an ideal spot in which to relocate.

Make the Move to Scripps Ranch

Scripps Ranch is such a great place to live that people always want to move here.  Sellers can feel comfortable knowing that their homes will sell in a fairly quick time period.  Buyers can make an offer knowing that while prices are beginning to increase, they will get a wonderful home at a fair price that will only increase in value over the next few years.

Our agents know the area and have a vast amount of experience in buying and selling real estate in Scripps Ranch.  Let us help you with your real estate needs.  We will work diligently to meet and exceed all of your expectations.