San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and laid-back lifestyle, but did you know that it's also a leader in sustainable living? From eco-friendly homes to green transportation options, there are plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint and live sustainably in this beautiful city.

One of the most popular sustainable options for homeowners in San Diego is to invest in a green home. This can include features such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. Not only do these features help to reduce your energy bills, but they also have a positive impact on the environment.

Another way to live sustainably in San Diego is by choosing a home in a walkable or bike-friendly neighborhood. This reduces the need for cars and helps to decrease air pollution. Many neighborhoods in San Diego are designed with this in mind, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike.

When it comes to transportation, San Diego offers a variety of eco-friendly options. The city has a robust public transportation system, including buses and trolleys, and is also home to the world-renowned Coaster commuter train. For those who prefer to drive, there are also several electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city.

Finally, San Diego is home to a variety of community gardens and farmers' markets, which make it easy to access fresh, locally-grown produce. These markets also support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce long distances.

Overall, San Diego offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to live sustainably. As mentioned before, from eco-friendly homes to green transportation options, there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a long-time resident, consider all the ways you can live sustainably in San Diego and make a positive impact on the planet.

Strong credit matters. Here are my tips for maintaining an excellent credit score.

When it comes to your financial health in general, your credit score matters. Maintaining a good credit score will make it easier for you to qualify for financing for a home loan, too. Here are my best practices for keeping a good credit score so that your financial ducks are in a row for your next purchase:

1. Pay on time. At 35%, your payment history is the largest part of your FICO score, so pay your bills on time to keep your score high.

2. Keep your balances low. Aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit. Pay attention to your score. Monitor your credit report regularly so you know where you stand. If you think your score is lower than it should be, consider running a credit report to see if there are any errors.

3. Be patient. While negative credit information is frustrating, it typically ages off your credit report after a few years, depending on your situation.

4. Shop smart. Do your research before you apply for any loans or credit cards to avoid unnecessary hard impacts on your loan that may lower your credit score.

"Be sure to pay off your cards each month and keep a low balance."

Now that you have some tips under your belt, here are a few common misconceptions about credit scores to avoid falling prey to:

1. Closing your unused credit card account will help your credit score. That’s not true; keeping your old credit cards will boost your credit history and potentially help your credit score.

2. Checking your credit score will lower it. When you check your credit score, it’s a soft impact that shouldn’t affect your credit at all.

3. Any debt will hurt your credit score. Not all debt is bad. For example, if you have a mortgage and you’re paying it on time every month, that will help your credit score. If you have excessive credit card debt, that will hurt your score. Be sure to pay off your cards each month and keep a low balance.

Hopefully, these tips will help improve your credit. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

Here are the hidden perks of great credit.

Your credit score is your track record of financial responsibility, and maintaining great credit comes with several perks, including a few that might surprise you:

1. It’s easier to buy a home. You’re more likely to get approved for a mortgage when you have stronger credit. Good credit grants you a lower interest rate for most loans.

2. You get discounts on car insurance. Car insurance companies won’t turn you down for having bad credit, but they may raise your rates. Maintaining good credit could lower your monthly premium. 

"Maintaining great credit comes with several perks."

3. You can get a better phone plan. Having excellent credit will determine whether or not your phone carrier will grant you a contract with potential discounts or a costly monthly plan (which often requires a security deposit). 

4. You can secure the best credit cards. If your credit is in a good place, you can qualify for excellent credit cards with amazing incentives and benefits. You can also qualify for a higher credit limit if you've been proven to pay your bills on time. 

5. More options for renters. Good credit shows landlords that you’re responsible, which could potentially lower your security deposit and other upfront fees. Get your credit score for free at creditkarma.com, creditsesame.com, mint.intuit.com, or credit.com. Also, everyone gets one free credit report per year, so if you’re interested in that, visit annualcreditreport.com. 

If you have questions about this or any real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Remember, life is better on the Coastal Edge!

Here are five reasons why now is the time to sell in our market.

The spring buying season is back! Although summer is right around the corner, here are five reasons it’s better to put your home on the market sooner rather than later:

1. Pent-up demand. The pandemic put a delay on the 2020 spring buying season, so many people who waited are ready to get back in the game and get top dollar for their properties. 

2. Faster process. Homes are selling quickly right now, with the average days on market being just 21 days. This means you won’t have to wait months and months to sell—your home will sell within the first couple of days it’s on the market, if not within the first week. 

"I’m seeing homes sell for over their asking prices and with multiple offers."

3. Supply may increase. With new home construction rising in 2021, prices may stabilize. Put your home on the market now if you want the best chance at making the most money possible. 

4. Sold home prices. With low inventory and high demand, home sellers are getting top dollar right now. Don’t miss this window of opportunity. I’m seeing homes sell for over their asking prices and with multiple offers. It’s definitely a seller’s market out there. 

5. Low interest rates. It’s affordable and attainable to get a new loan. If you want to buy a new home after selling your current one, take advantage of these rates now because they’ll eventually increase. This is another window of opportunity you don’t want to miss out on. 

If you’re ready to take advantage of this market, I’d love to give your home a free valuation or answer any questions you have, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Here are my top tips for writing the best offer possible.

When you’re trying to purchase a property in a competitive market and there are tons of other buyers interested in the same home, here are a few tips that will help you write the strongest offer possible:

1. Write an offer that’s over the asking price

2. Waive the appraisal contingency (if you have the cash to do so)

3. Do a 10-day inspection period or waive the inspection period altogether

4. Buy the property as is

5. Wave the one-year home warranty

6. Don’t ask the seller for seller credits or closing costs 

7. Try to do a 21-day escrow instead of the normal 30-day escrow

8. Write the homeowner a personal letter detailing how much you love the property—tell them a little about yourself as well

I know a lot of buyers won’t be able to do all of these suggestions, but that’s okay. Do the best you can, stay positive, and don’t give up. The right home will eventually come along. If you have any questions about this topic, don’t hesitate to call or email me. I’d love to help you. Remember, life’s better on the coastal edge.

Here’s the process I recommend for buying and selling simultaneously.

Here are three things you must do when you’re in the process of selling your current home and buying a new one:

1. Speak to a lender. Get pre-approved and find out how much you can afford on your new home. The lender will let you know how much you’ll need for your down payment, closing costs, and the type of loan options you can get.

"Don’t start your search until your current home is at least on the market."

2. Speak to a Realtor. They will let you know how much your home is worth based on current conditions, go over the listing process from start to finish, and break down their fees.

3. Get your home on the market. With your agent’s help, get your home on the market. I would suggest not starting the search for your new home until your home is at least on the market. I actually recommend selling first, renting your home back from the buyer for a few months, then finding a replacement property. When you go to write an offer on your new home, you won’t be contingent on selling your current home first and will be a stronger buyer in the eyes of sellers.

If you have any questions about buying a home, selling a home, or real estate in general, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

How is it that buyers can even begin to compete in this 2021 San Diego Real Estate market?

Multiple offers over asking price, super low inventory, historically low interest rates, housing prices shooting through the roof... BEER BUG! What's going on in the San Diego County Real Estate market and how can I get into a home?

It's no secret that the housing market in San Diego is notoriously competitive. In a recent survey by Zillow, they found that 55% of homebuyers are settling for homes with less square footage than what they prefer- and this trend has been consistent since 2011. Smart buyers use sources other than just Zillow such as Redfin and Trulia for a surprise listing to pop up that few others saw. Many find that are willing to give up other features about their future home, such as an open floor plan or proximity to good schools in order to find something more affordable. People who were once looking to live in Point Loma, La Jolla, or Del Mar are now heading to Clairemont, Bay Park, or Bay-Ho!

Sellers have taken note of these trends and it's led them to price their homes higher than most buyers can afford- leading some people to take on mortgages without regard for how much debt they're taking on or whether there will be enough room left over after the initial down

With the housing market in San Diego booming, it has become difficult for buyers to compete with other buyers and get a good deal. But there are ways that you can still make a home purchase. If you already have money saved up for an eventual down payment, then you should find the best investment opportunity while prices are at their high point. This could mean getting creative with finance options or being open-minded about locations outside of your desired area. In order to maintain some type of control over this situation, research is key so you can be sure you don’t overpay in end!

It's hard to compete in this San Diego Real Estate market. The prices have been rising for the last two years and now even more homes are going up on the market. There's no way to keep up with all of them, but there are a few things that buyers can do in order to increase their chances - like get pre-approved before they start looking at homes.

1. Find a Realtor that is knowledgeable and has experience and is connected in the San Diego, CA area

2. Have your agent do research on other homes for sale in the area to see what price points are popular

3. Buyers should be prepared to make a competitive offer- you don't want to be lowballing in a Sellers Market

4. Negotiate with the seller, especially if they have a lot of wiggle room in their asking price

5. Make sure you know ALL of your financial options before making an offer

6. Make sure all your paperwork is in order before submitting an offer so there are no delays or surprises

7. If you have a unique or compelling story as to why you want the specific property in question, consider writing a personal letter to the seller! I’ve personally seen this come to fruition on both sides of the transaction on separate occasions

Of course, it’s always nice having a Real Estate Broker on your side! If you’re looking for someone flexible on the fly that can navigate through this fast-paced San Diego Real Estate environment then you’ve come to the right place!  As a San Diego Real Estate Broker I can get more creative with the options you have without having to seek approval from anyone higher up like Real Estate Agents typically have to. With how fast homes sell, you’ll want someone who can make decisions on the spot.

If you’re looking to purchase a home in San Diego reach out today! I’d love to help you make San Diego your home!

Life’s Better on the Coastal Edge!

Broker Kristen

San Diego is one of the top destinations in California for homeowners or people looking to relocate and for good reason. With a mild climate, beautiful beaches, mountains, and desert landscape all within close proximity to each other it's no wonder that San Diego is such a popular place for people to want to live in.

What do the residents do to justify the price they paid for their beautiful home? Here are 17 of the top things you can do as a resident of San Diego!

1. Go to the beach 

2. Visit Balboa Park 

3. Eat a fish taco at La Puerta Verde 

4. Take a tour of the USS Midway Museum 

5. Hike Torrey Pines State Reserve and see the world's rarest pine tree, the Pinus torreyana (Torrey Pine) 

6. Get your picture taken with an elephant seal at Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla Cove or on Seals Plaza in front of Scripps Pier in La Jolla Village Square Mall

7. Walk through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and learn about California history from 1821-1872 and visit one of San Diego’s oldest buildings, Casa de Estudillo (Estudillo House) built around 1820 by Juan Bautista Alvarado, Governor of Alta California from 1830-1832

8. Tour The New Children's Museum

9. Explore Point Loma and eat at the Bali Hai for the best San Diego Skyline view!

10. Check out some local art galleries

11. Spend time at SeaWorld

12. Visit Legoland in Vista

13. Play golf at Mission Bay Golf Course

14. Watch surfers ride waves near Mission Beach

15. Ride horses in Fiesta Island

16. Attend Comic-Con

17. See a concert outside at Coronado Island

You're in the right place if you want to learn about our local community and how it is changing. I write regularly on topics such as market statistics, home values, and neighborhood happenings because learning these things will help you make a decision about where to live in San Diego. I also provide tips for making this transition easier. My goal is to help you find your place in our vibrant community! 

If you're making a move in San Diego let's discuss how I can put my expertise to work for you!

Life's Better on the Coastal Edge!

Broker Kristen

Looking for a luxury home or just curious about the most expensive homes for sale in San Diego that are over $50,000,000?

While there are a wide variety of homes for sale, from condos to mansions, from the shores of La Jolla to the beaches of Coronado Island or the cliffs of Del Mar, here are a few of the most expensive homes that are sure to make anyone's dreams come true!

Could it be yours? Please contact me if so!

You deserve the best "Coastal Edge Life" possible and that’s why I offer you only the finest properties on the market. So if you want to live in luxury, then this is where you need to be! 

Here are those current San Diego Luxury Home Listings that are over $50,000,000:

HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN SAN DIEGO THAT ARE OVER $50,000,000

If these homes happen to be just a "little" out of your price range, contact me today so I can show you San Diego's amazing selection of homes that meet or exceed your needs and affordability!