Buying a House in San Diego Archives

4 Things for Seniors to Consider When Choosing a Living Option

For many seniors, retirement is a time of new beginnings. They are free to explore their interests and hobbies without the constraints of work. But as we age, it becomes more challenging to live independently, which can lead to feelings of isolation and risk of injury.

Choosing an appropriate senior living option can help alleviate some stress and ensure they remain happy and healthy during these years. There are many factors to consider when looking at possible homes. These include affordability, proximity to family and friends, healthcare amenities, social interaction with other residents, and safety and security measures in place at the facility or home.

In this article, we’ll look at the different senior living options and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Living in the comfort of home

. For many seniors, staying in their homes is a top priority. If they need minimal assistance, remaining in their homes offers them an environment they know and love, as well as giving them more privacy.

However, some modifications may need to be made to ensure they stay safe and secure at home for years to come. If you’re thinking about making changes to your home to make it more senior-friendly, it’s essential to do thorough research before beginning any work and to think ahead about what your future needs might be.

Buy a senior-accessible home

If you’re struggling with mobility issues and your current home isn’t accessible and can’t easily be modified, another option is to buy a more accessible home. You can find a home that caters to all your needs, such as having one floor, a wheelchair ramp, and proximity to medical facilities. And this option lets you still stay in your neighborhood or close to family as needed.
Assisted living facility

If you need a little more care than you can easily get at home, this may be the best option. And a lot of seniors turn to assisted living facilities as an opportunity to socialize with others on a daily basis.

These accommodations still give you access to private rooms, an array of amenities, and pleasant outdoor areas where residents can get fresh air, socialize with other residents, and keep fit by walking, running errands, or working out in a fitness center.

Nursing facility

If you require round-the-clock professional care for a medical issue, a skilled nursing facility might be the best option. These facilities can handle all medical necessities and offer 24-hour care for those who need it.

Sites such as SeniorCare offer detailed facility reports, pricing information, and payment options for the different nursing care facilities in San Diego. This will ensure that you find a facility that offers the best quality of life and care possible for you or your loved one.

Once you decide what living arrangements best suit your needs, make sure you research online to find the best choice for you. With the right senior living option, you can live comfortably and safely.

Need to sell your San Diego home to fund a stay in senior living? Call 619-736-7003 to schedule a consultation with your dedicated realtors at the McT Real Estate Group!

Ideal Home Features for Older People in San Diego

Looking for a home in San Diego as an older person comes with a lot to consider, and when you’ve decided to age in place, it can be challenging to find a house that meets all your needs. You might already have a checklist in your mind, starting with price, the number of modifications you’ll need to make, and how many updates have been made to costly maintenance items like the roof or flooring. However, when it comes to buying a home post-retirement and aging in place, it’s essential to make sure you add safety features to that list to avoid any issues down the road.

Knowing what to look for in a new home will not only help you figure out your budget it will allow you to plan for the next several years. For instance, the right home for you may need to include sufficient lighting, handrails for stairs, or non-slip flooring so that accessibility and fall prevention are a priority.

Below Are Some Ideas On What to Look For When Buying a Home as an Older Person

Get to know the San Diego Market.

Before you make any decisions, it’s crucial to get to know the market in San Diego. Contact the McT Real Estate Group right away; we can help you with this. The size of your budget has many determining factors, and it’s not easy to bump up the amount you can spend if you’re unable to find a house in San Diego in your price range. Knowing what to expect helps you avoid tough decisions and unexpected surprises. Keep in mind this week, the median list price for a single-family house in San Diego, CA, is $650,000.

Look For A Home Without Needs is Perfect for Aging in Place

Unless you can afford to build a brand-new home from scratch, chances are you’ll probably be faced with some difficult decisions when you’re searching for a house in San Diego. There may be many homes that come close to meeting your needs but don’t have everything you want, or homes within your budget that need more work than you’re willing to put in.

Keep in mind that the point of finding a home in which to age in place is to make things easier on yourself, so if it needs a new water heater or some roof repairs, have your Realtor negotiate this during the buying process or keep looking for a home that best suits you. If it’s in good shape but doesn’t have all the things you want, you can always make some small modifications yourself. For example, if doorknobs are too difficult to turn, you can replace them with handles or levers (which Home Depot sells for under $20).

San Diego’s Friendly Communities Can Make a Difference

You may not realize it, but the neighborhood you choose can make a big difference in your health and well-being. This is because part of aging in place is retaining a sense of community and socializing, which can prevent isolation, a major source of depression in older adults. San Diego has lots of friendly communities and is a great place to retire. Explore the neighborhood you’re interested in and chat with the neighbors before you move. This will help you feel more at home and may even facilitate new friendships, and it will allow you to find the nearest parks and fitness opportunities. Consider searching for a home in San Diego’s metro neighborhoods. North Park, South Park, University Heights, and several others have great walkability. Being close to food shopping, pharmacies, restaurants, and coffee shops makes it super convenient for people of all ages to call home.

Consider Keeping Up With Maintenance of a Home

Post-retirement and aging in place should be a time of relaxing and doing the things you enjoy, not maintaining a house. Consider the upkeep factor when looking for a new place; the lawn should be small and have easy-to-care-for landscaping, and there should be no hard-to-clean areas inside (such as a fan high up on a vaulted ceiling). Your new home should work for you, not the other way around.

Make a checklist when you’re ready to start searching for a home for your golden years. If you’re moving in with someone, keep communication open with them so you’ll both be on the same page. Remember to keep your comfort and safety in mind when making decisions, and make sure your home is within your budget before committing.

If you would like help searching for a home in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003. We would love the opportunity of assisting you with this next step in your life.

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How Low Inventory Affects San Diego’s Real Estate Market

Real Estate Market Recovery

As our real estate market moves slowly to a thorough recovery, we can see the housing crisis is indeed behind us. The values of homes are up in San Diego.Sales of homes are up, and foreclosures and short sales are at the lowest point in the past years. In 2018 we saw the market continuing to strengthen. One thing that will slow the market up, though—is the shortage of inventory. During the summer, we typically see a buyer demand. However, the demand is stronger than the supply with the low inventory.

Industry Experts Express Their Thoughts On The Subject

Here are the thoughts of a few industry experts on the Real Estate Market:

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at National Association of Realtors:

“The worsening inventory crunch through the first three months of the year inflicted even more upward pressure on home prices in a majority of markets. Following the same trend over the last couple of years, a strengthening job market and income gains are not being met by meaningful sales gains because of unrelenting supply and affordability headwinds.”

Sam Khater, Chief Economist for Freddie Mac

“As we head into late spring, the demand for purchase credit remains rock solid, which should set us up for another robust summer home sales season. While this year’s high rates – up 50 basic points from a year ago – have put pressure on the budgets of some home shoppers, weak inventory levels are what’s keeping the housing market from a stronger sales pace.”

Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research for Realtor.com

“The dynamics of increased competition and buyer frustration are unlikely to change…In fact, the direction of the trend is pointing to a growing mismatch between the pool of prospective buyers and existing inventory.”

With our Real Estate markets inventory as low as it is, creating more inventory is crucial. For example, you may be a homeowner that has your home on the market or considering selling your home. Let’s say that you receive an offer from a buyer that asks the seller to pay their closing cost. Don’t shut down this request.

For starters, if a buyer is asking for closing cost, it is because buying a home in San Diego is not cheap. The potential home buyer has to have a big chunk of savings for a down payment. Although they may have a great income to pay the mortgage, having to pay another $8,000-$10,000 in closing costs could prevent them from buying a home. If this was the only offer that you received, by not accepting this offer, you are now not able to move on to your new house.

On the other hand, if a potential buyer puts in a contingent offer on your house and you accept it, you are creating more inventory. You are not only adding your home to the market, but that buyer has their home on the market for another buyer to buy, and you will be able to move into another home that is on the market. This will create more inventory in San Diego and other areas as well.

For more information on San Diego’s current Real Estate market, contact the McT Real Estate Group right now at 619-736-7003. We specialize in the North Park, South Park, University Heights, and the surrounding metro neighborhoods of San Diego.

6 Tips on How To Write An Offer To Buy a Home in A Sellers Market

A Fixer-Upper For A First Time Home Buyer- What To Expect

Things to Expect When Buying a Fixer-Upper for Your First Home

If you are faint of heart, buying a fixer-upper may not be for you. However, for many first-time homebuyers, it’s a great way to get into the market today. Make sure you are familiar with what it will take to renovate a house and what the buying process will be before jumping in with both feet. Here are some tips that will help you understand the process of what it takes when you buy a fixer-upper.

What to Expect When Buying a Fixer-Upper

In San Diego, at the time I am writing this post, the average list price of a fixer-upper home is approximately $800,000. If you search for a home in North Park or South Park, it is anywhere from $700,000- $850,00. Keep these things in mind when you start searching for a fixer-upper in your area.

Basics on Budgeting: Always think of resale when the home is all fixed up. Work backward and factor in the cost of repairs that it will take for this project. When making an offer on a house, take into consideration how much it will cost to remodel the home and will you recoup your money and some. Renovation loans are something to look into. A single mortgage would cover the remodelling costs making it easier to fund the project.

Pick Your Projects Wisely: When finding a potential fixer-upper in need of home renovations, make sure that you are searching for projects that are more cosmetic than structural. As a first-time home buyer, dealing with structural projects can be overwhelming, and the costs of repairing will add up. Never waive a home inspection. It is essential to have a good home inspector on your side who will help you determine whether remodeling this home will pay off in the long run.

Tackling the Project

Getting in over your head is no fun. Make a list of things that must be done right away and things that you would like to do. Prioritizing will make the process less stressful.

Using the Right Tools: The most cost-effective way to tackle a fixer-upper is to do the work yourself, that is, of course, if you are handy and know how to do some of the work. If you’re starting from scratch, it will be well worth investing in the right power tools. Consult a list of essential tools for DIY, such as this one from Fine Homebuilding. A few essentials include a drill, sander, jigsaw, basic toolbox, and ladder.
Start With Structural Changes: If you need to make any structural changes or the exterior needs work, prioritize those projects first. Otherwise, you may end up undoing some of the cosmetic work you’ve already done inside.
What Makes the Most Sense? Even if you have projects that you want to put on the top of your list, focus on what makes the most sense to do first. You may be tempted to rip down the ugly wallpaper that is on the walls, but it may make more sense to install the floors first since you will be moving furniture in; that is of course if you are planning on moving in. Then you can tackle the wallpaper.

Is Your Space Livable? If you are a person that likes to cook your meals, then, you may want to put the kitchen renovation on the top of the list. Then put the next most important project on the list that will make your home livable and less chaotic.

Stay or Sell?

After putting all your love, sweat, and tears into this renovation, you may consider keeping this house instead of selling it for a profit. I have seen this happen on many occasions. But if you decide that you prefer to sell, by doing a lot of the work yourself, you have a better chance of making a profit.

Think about your end goal when buying a house to flip. You must appeal to a large pool of buyers, so keep this in mind when you renovate the home. Even though it is challenging to figure it all out beforehand, make your list before you start. Work with an experienced Realtor who can help you with this process. Buying a fixer-upper can be exciting if you are up to the task.

If you would like more information on fixer-upper homes for sale in North Park, South Park or any other neighbourhood in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away.

See Homes For Sale In North Park San Diego

How To Get Ready For a Mortgage Before You Need One

Getting Ready for a Mortgage?

Are you waiting until you are ready to move out of your current home to begin the process of getting financially prepared to buy a home? Most people don’t have a pile of cash lying around to buy a home outright. They depend on financing the loan through a bank and having a mortgage. Applying for a loan is not always very easy to do if your finances are not in order.

There are certain requirements that one must pass to secure a mortgage. Don’t wait until the last minute to get everything in order as it will be a bit frustrating if you do.

What Is The First Step To Prepare Your Credit To Buy A Home?

It is always a good thing to know what your credit score is before you start searching for a home. Checking your credit score is so easy these days. Download the “Credit Karma” app to your smartphone, and you will have instant access without taking a hit for pulling credit the traditional way. If your credit score comes back low, you will then have time to start working on raising it. You can also see if there are fraudulent activities showing up and work on getting them off immediately. This will take some time to remove so getting a head start is always a smart move on your end.

One way of raising your score is to set up payment reminders. You can set this up either on your google calendar or directly with your bank. Setting these up with text or emails is probably the easiest way and quickest to start seeing that score rise quickly.

Lowest Interest Rates Available

Everyone is always searching for who has the lowest interest rates available when buying a home. You’ll find that you will need a Fico Score of 760 or higher to take advantage of the lowest interest available. If your loan is less than this, don’t worry, most lenders require that your Fico is at least 620 or more for a conventional mortgage. The interest won’t be as low as if you had a 760 but it is still not bad because of how low our interest rates are these days.

Applying for A New Credit Card That You Don’t Need Is a NO NO

Every time that you apply for a new credit card your credit score decreases a little bit. So, if you don’t need one, just don’t do it. The only time I would recommend applying for a credit card is if you are one of those people that have paid everything in cash. Kudos to you but in the credit world, unfortunately, this is a bad thing. If you don’t already have credit, lenders do not want to lend you money. Go figure.

Get Those Credit Cards Paid Down

I know that it is easier said than done but paying your credit cards down is one of the best ways to get ready to buy a home. If you find yourself with several credit cards, try paying the one with the smallest amount on them. Once that is paid off, you take that payment that would have gone into paying that card and roll it over to the next one with the smaller amount on it, and so on….

Your Report Shows Errors

When fraudulent activity has taken place behind the scenes, this can hurt your credit score in a big way. It is recommended that you check your credit score once a year. Go line by line and if something is not right, contact the Federal Trade Commission for tips on disputing and getting these things removed from your credit.

Old Accounts Are Old But Closing Them Could Harm Your Score

You may not have used a specific credit card for a long time. Now is not the time to close it. It would then show that you have less available credit and decrease the average length of time that you have had credit.

Save Money For Down Payment And Closing Costs

Alas, saving for the downpayment. When buying a house, you will have the down payment, and then the rest is what you will take out on a mortgage loan. Most people think that they can’t afford to save 20%, but they will be able to afford the monthly mortgage payment. This is when you have to go over the numbers with your Mortgage Broker/Lender. These days you don’t have to come in with 20% down. There are many loan options including a 3.5% down payment (FHA). If you have a military background, you don’t even have to have a down payment.

Know that this comes with a price with an FHA loan. You will have to pay MI (mortgage insurance) until the equity in the house builds up to 20%. At that time you can have it removed with a little bit of back and forth with the bank that owns the loan. Know that the higher the down payment and credit score, the lower the interest rate that you will have.

5 Questions To Ask Your Lender

Do you offer loan rate locks?
What are your closing costs?
What are the Origination Fees and Discount Points?
What is the interest rate?
Is the mortgage rate fixed or an ARM rate?
What is the monthly mortgage payment?
Does the monthly payment include PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance)?
What is the minimum payment necessary for that monthly payment?

Buying A Home In San Diego?

How To Check Your Credit Score

You may be thinking of buying a house in San Diego but are not sure what your credit score is. There are several sites such as www.creditkarma.com or www.freecreditreport.com that you can go to that will run your credit score yearly and for free. The great thing is that you won’t take a hit to your score by using these sites and you can keep an eye on it to make sure that everything that is on it is legit.

Although, if you are buying a house, the lender that you decide to work with will require running their own credit report. This will be good for up to 90 days for the purchase. Once you are sure that you would like to start the process of buying a home, have a conversation with your lender. Provide him/her with the necessary documents they ask for so you can have your pre-approval ready to go.

Typically, the better your credit score is the better interest rate you will receive for your loan when buying a house.

How Credit Scores Affect Interest Rates

The lower your credit score the higher the interest rate you will receive on a loan program. Lenders will see you as a higher risk borrower. However, they are still willing to risk it by giving you a loan. It will just cost you a little more than someone with stellar credit.

How To Increase Your Credit Score

Paying bills on time
Keep balances as low as possible
Pay off a credit card instead of transferring to another credit card
Don’t open new credit cards and don’t close any unused credit cards for now

Depending on what the score is, there are different loan programs for you. Although your interest rate may be a little higher, you will still be able to get a loan if your income is good and can show that you can afford the monthly payments.

Can Credit Score of 580 Get a Mortgage?

You can still get a loan with as little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580. Even if your credit score is poor or fair, it’s not as hard as you may think in some cases to increase your score. We can set you up with an experienced lender that can help you raise your score very quickly so that buying a house is in your near future.

The McT Real Estate Group would love to help you with your next home purchase when the time comes. Please know that we have incredible lender recommendations for you when you are ready. It’s important that you get prequalified prior to viewing homes so we know what your budget is and so that you will be ready to write an offer when we find the home you wish to buy.

If you like we can have one of our lenders contact you and go over different options for you. Just let us know! If you have any questions and please do not hesitate to reach out to us right away.

3675 Meade Ave, San Diego, CA

Step into 3675 Meade Avenue, a beautifully crafted California-style bungalow nestled in the heart of Normal Heights, San Diego. This charming home seamlessly combines classic appeal with modern amenities, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. From the moment you cross the threshold, you’ll be greeted by a harmonious blend of timeless design and thoughtful upgrades, making this space as stylish as it is comfortable. Located in a vibrant urban neighborhood, this bungalow offers not only a home but a dynamic lifestyle that’s hard to resist.

Indoor Features of 3675 Meade Ave

As you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the living room, which is beautifully adorned with cove ceilings and stunning hardwood floors. Together, these details create a warm and inviting space where you can truly unwind. From there, the flow transitions effortlessly into the open kitchen, where you’ll discover a true haven for culinary enthusiasts, perfectly designed for both cooking and gathering. Here, stainless steel appliances, elegant wooden cabinets, and sleek granite countertops seamlessly come together, creating an ideal setting for cooking, hosting, and effortlessly entertaining guests. Additionally, the thoughtful design makes it easy to transition from preparing meals to enjoying time with family and friends.

Outdoor Oasis

As you move outdoors, you’ll discover a backyard that serves as a serene retreat, providing a low-maintenance space where you can relax and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by nature. Additionally, the detached garage not only offers secure parking for one vehicle but also enhances your daily routine with an added layer of convenience and functionality.

Community Delights

Located in the heart of Normal Heights, this home places you right in the center of a neighborhood known for its vibrant and eclectic charm. Whether you’re craving a delicious meal at one of the many diverse eateries, sipping coffee at a cozy café, or browsing through unique boutique stores, there’s always something new to discover. Furthermore, with an impressive walk score of 83, you’ll find it easy to enjoy effortless access to the area’s many amenities. Every outing becomes an enjoyable adventure, adding to the appeal of living in this dynamic community.

Why Choose 3675 Meade Ave?

This California-style bungalow masterfully blends traditional architectural elements with modern conveniences, creating a perfect balance for those who want to embrace the vibrant San Diego lifestyle. Moreover, its prime location in the thriving Normal Heights neighborhood ensures easy access to city life, while also providing a peaceful and meticulously maintained space to call your own. Whether you’re seeking a lively community or a serene retreat, this home effortlessly delivers both.

Get in Touch

Are you ready to see 3675 Meade Avenue for yourself? If so, don’t hesitate to contact the McT Real Estate Group today for more details or to schedule a private tour. We’re here to guide you through every step and help you explore all that this charming home and its vibrant neighborhood have to offer!

Why San Diego Sellers Choose Hiring Real Estate Agents

2505 Boundary Street Home for Sale

North Park Home Just Listed

This Mid-Century stunning Modern home is located in the heart of North Park, one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods that you could ever imagine. This home is situated on a spacious 7,000 sq. ft lot, with a beautifully landscaped backyard, It is definitely a perfect place for entertaining your guests, having a short party, doing some gardening work, eating outside, or just simply relaxing and enjoying the view of your backyard.

Mid-Century Modern Home in the Heart of North Park

The home itself is a work of art in our eyes, with its clean lines and the natural light that shines through the windows. What more can you ask for in a home, right?
The design has been well thought off and they have created an open-concept floor plan that flows seamlessly with one another, from the living room to the dining room to the kitchen, This created a sense of spaciousness and that airy feeling that most home buyers are looking for. The kitchen is already fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space to work with.

If you’re ever wondering, the master bedroom is also located on the main level floor and it also features its own private bathroom with a walk-in shower if you and your partner would want a separate prepping station from the kids.
The other bedrooms are also quite spacious and well-appointed, so there’s no need to worry.

The vast and spacious backyard is the perfect place to bask and enjoy the warm San Diego sunshine from the North Park neighborhood and is one of the key highlights of this home.
The large deck is perfect for grilling, dining al fresco, or simply relaxing and enjoying the views. There is also a pergola that provides shade on hot days.

This home is located in a quiet yet walkable neighborhood that is close to everything you need.
There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance, and you are just a short drive from Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and some beaches that San Diego has to offer.

If you are looking for a unique and stylish home in a vibrant neighborhood, then this Mid-Century Modern home in North Park is the perfect place for you.

Here are some additional details about the home:

3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
Open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area
Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops
Master bedroom with private bathroom
Large backyard with deck and pergola
Alley access with double gates
Plenty of room for a boat or RV

This home is perfect for:

Families
Couples
Professionals
Anyone who loves Mid-Century Modern style
Anyone who wants to live in a vibrant and walkable neighborhood

Love this home, why wait any longer?

Get in touch with the McT Real Estate Group for more information and a first-hand showing of this home.
You may have just stumbled upon the very home you’ve been looking for. Don’t miss the opportunity!

Living in the comfort of home

Buy a senior-accessible home

Assisted living facility

Nursing facility