Get a jump start on house hunting

Has laying low at home during Covid-19 motivated you to consider an upgrade or downgrade? Let's get a jump start on the process!

Most families across the world have been spending tons of quality time at home these days. If you love your current space, that’s fabulous, and maybe you’ve come to appreciate its features but if you are desiring a backyard pool, home office, or thinking of downsizing by the beach, you may have considered making a move. Perhaps that while you know in your heart it's time, you're weighing the idea of holding off until post Covid-19 times (note, none of us have a crystal ball as to when that will be). I'm a huge proponent that the best time to buy is as soon as you are financially able. Why? Because owning a home in Southern California always supersedes the benefits of paying someone else's mortgage and building their equity. Dig deep and write down what you desire, get pre-approved by a lender, call me!:) and maybe you'll get to your dream home faster than you think. 

Familiarize yourself with your local real estate market

If you currently reside in San Diego county, you're already aware it's one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States — it’s no surprise that many across the USA desire moving here. Per ZIllow; 

"The median home value in San Diego is $679,568. San Diego home values have gone up 6.0% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will fall -0.8% within the next year. The median list price per square foot in San Diego is $487, which is higher than the San Diego-Carlsbad Metro average of $390. The median price of homes currently listed in San Diego is $699,900 while the median price of homes that sold is $619,200. The median rent price in San Diego is $2,750, which is higher than the San Diego-Carlsbad Metro median of $2,700." 

To summarize, we are currently in a hot sellers market due to low inventory and multiple bidding wars, however, the dip may turn out to be beneficial to buyers, not to mention the historically low interest rates. Being knowledgeable about the market place and finding a real estate broker to assist you with your goals, will prepare you to make the best decisions possible.

Visualize your sanctuary

Maybe quarantining has shed light on what will turn your happiness up a notch. Perhaps you walk your dog five times a day like we all do and are thinking a more suburban area would be fitting or maybe you can't stay 6 feet away from the refrigerator (I can't) and are realizing your kitchen doesn't cater to sufficient cutting board spaces. Or, maybe you and your significant other are sharing a bathroom, which seemed like a good idea at one time but yeah, that's not going to work. Or, maybe you've found your green thumb and would love the space to plant rose bushes. Whatever the case may be, make that list of must-haves. Now is your opportunity to manifest your dreams. 

Get your finances in order

In the specific case of an upgrade, you may be looking at a significant investment for your new home. One of the silver linings of Covid-19  are studies show we are all saving a ton of money by eating at home (restaurants really add up monthly), riding bikes instead of a day at Sea World and no vacations or airfare for the majority of us. Next steps, obtain a pre-approval letter from a lender, create a budget, avoid any large purchases and if you aren't where you desire to be write up a plan for your savings goals. When you have reached your goals, send your pre-approval letter to your broker and start the glorious process of home shopping.  

Buyer Tip: It costs you nothing, zero, zilch, nada to have an agent represent you in the largest investment of your life. 

Go shopping, virtually or in person (with precautions)

We've all gone virtual these days, including touring homes. Also, if you're not ready to pull the trigger, start touring and looking at properties from the comfort of your couch. You can do so on my website via  iHomefinder. 

Bottom line, if sheltering in place has sparked the desire to make your real estate goals a reality, now is the time to work with an agent who will assist you in making your dreams come true.  

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