Business Owners Can Use These Ideas for Maintaining Multiple Homes

woman in black suit

How do you take care of more than one home across different states? The methods vary from homeowner to homeowner, but it starts with getting organized, especially if you’re a busy business owner. Making sure your properties are secure, well-stocked, and as efficient as possible will save you money and give you peace of mind no matter where you’re currently spending your time. As you get organized, create a plan that will allow you to travel confidently across state lines while maintaining your budget, and look for some resources that will help you keep your family safe and on track no matter where you are. Looking for a new home or investment property in San Diego? Or are you selling a home you currently own? Here at the McT Real Estate Group, we can help you start the search or begin the process of selling your home.

Use these tips to formulate a plan for maintaining multiple homes in different states as an entrepreneur:

Get your business in order and hire freelancers

No matter where you are in the world, it’s crucial that you have a solid understanding of what’s going on with your business. As someone who travels a lot, you may want to consider appointing a registered agent who can handle important paperwork on your behalf in the state your business was formed in. This will give you peace of mind when you can’t be there in person.

You might also consider hiring freelancers to help run things more smoothly as you travel. A recruiting agency can help you find talented contractors to take over important tasks in areas like marketing, tech, or design. They have a list of professionals to choose from in just a couple of days. Hiring freelancers is a great way to stick to a budget because you don’t have to spend time on training hours the way you do with employees.

Save money with a realistic budget

When you own multiple homes in different states, it’s also important to find ways to save money with regard to your personal finances. Fortunately, you can shop around for the best deal on things like cars and health insurance in the states where you own property and take your pick. For smaller expenses, you can create a plan that will allow you to stay on budget, such as installing a smart thermostat to keep costs under control when you’re not using a property.

Stay on top of expenses as you travel

It’s also important to make an effort to save money as you travel, especially if you’re planning a move sometime soon. Learning more about the cost of living in San Diego and other cities you’re interested in. Staying on top of resources in different areas will allow you to keep your spending in check; here are a few examples.

  • The average cost of a storage unit in San Diego, California, is $145.25.
  • A home in Phoenix, Arizona, costs about $466,120 on average, while rent will range anywhere between $2,200 and $2700 for a 3 bedroom.
  • In Denver, Colorado, a doctor’s visit typically costs about $121.00.
  • The cost of childcare in West Palm Beach, Florida, is about $15.86 per hour.
  • Phone bills in New York, New York typically run about $192.44 per month.

When it comes to maintaining multiple homes in different states, getting organized is crucial, not just for your peace of mind but also for the sake of keeping things secure and ensuring that your family is safe and comfortable.  Utilizing the right communication tools will help you and your team easily manage projects and stay on top of things no matter where you are.

If you have any Real Estate related questions, contact us today at the McT Real Estate Group.

 

Will Adding a Home Office Increase The Value Of Your Home

 

Will Adding Home Office Increase the Value of your home in San Diego

We’ll take a guess and say that there’s no need to emphasize the fact COVID-19 pandemic shaped the way we imagine the workspace. Even though the pandemic is subsiding, the whole back-to-the-office migration doesn’t seem like the most probable scenario. Both business owners and employees have gotten used to hybrid and remote work models. From what we can see, not one is too eager to return to the office full-time. In other words, it seems as if things have changed for good. Therefore, it’s only natural to think home buyers will pay good attention to spaces dedicated solely to work inside a home they’re thinking of buying. In a way, we’ve already answered the question of will adding a home office increase the value of your home in San Diego. However, let’s elaborate and go into more detail! 

A man staring out the window.

COVID-19 pandemic and its impact

First, it might be good to see just how COVID-19 changed how we imagine the workspace. Even though COVID-19-influenced safety measures are nearing history, we still have about 50% of employees working from the comfort of their homes. Of course, there are differences based on the line of work. However, for many, dining tables became new office desks. There were different reactions to this change in the modus operandi of most working people. Some liked working from home, and some found it anti-social due to the lack of regular face-to-face human contact. Thankfully, more employers are offering to work from the office or from home. 

The COVID-19 pandemic made the world a bit more uncertain than ever. Therefore, one must be less romantic and more practical. In other words, due to the uncertain nature of today’s workspace, one should consider building a home office inside their living quarters. Will that have a good effect on the value of their property? Let’s find out!

 

Will adding a home office increase the value of your home in San Diego?

Here is what we have seen in the last couple of years. An increasing number of homebuyers have included a home office on their list of essentials. A comfy working space became a sine qua non of a contemporary home. Even before the pandemic, home offices were seen as a plus. Therefore, it’s very likely that adding a home office will increase the value of your home in San Diego. Do we have some numbers to back that one up? Experts in our real estate field tell us that a home office will increase your home’s value by as much as a jaw-dropping 10%. Once you consider the national average home price (about $400k), this 10% becomes even more substantial.

Since the numbers we’ve shared above are not to be messed around with, let’s see why home offices appeal to so many folks. We’ll try to focus on the less-obvious home office traits.

A typical home office setting.
Today, there’s a large number of folks working from the comfort of their homes.

 

Why do folks find home offices to be so important?

In other words, let’s consider the benefits of a comfy work-from-home office setting and why it will make your home more appealing. We’ll get close to having a complete picture of why folks find remote work more accessible than ever. Here are the reasons why homebuyers find home offices to be so important:

  • A dedicated working space inside a home is the one-for-all place for everything a modern working person needs (computers, paperwork, various gadgets, etc.). 
  • Working from home can be a little bit deconcentrating at times. A dedicated home office eliminates the fear of losing focus. For most, working without interruptions is a necessity. 
  • Here’s another one we’ve heard from the moving experts from Los Angeles Transfer and Storage: your kids can use the space as their study room (while you’re not working). Also, you can use the room for other projects and hobbies. 
  • You’re able to hold meetings without anyone interrupting you. In other words, the people you live with won’t have to crawl through the room so that they don’t end up in your Skype or Zoom video call. 
  • Sometimes, a home office can be seen as a second bedroom. You can easily adapt a home office to serve a different purpose. An all-purpose room is going to boost your home’s value. 

Besides increasing the value of your property, a home office will also help you sell faster since it has become a popular feature many homebuyers are looking for. Therefore, you should seriously consider adding a home office to increase the value of your home in San Diego. Anyway, let’s see some methods you can use to build a neat little home office. 

A person holding a miniature house model.
Adding a home office to your home will increase its value.

 

Here is how to add a dedicated working space to your home: 

Re-purpose existing areas

Perhaps there is a spare room in your home that you aren’t currently using. If so, that’s excellent because you can make it into a home office. Also, if you have an empty attic or a garage that you can repurpose, you’re in luck. Here’s the thing: repurposing an existing area inside your home is the cheapest way to add significant value to your home, and office space will boost your home’s appeal. Not to mention that you can spruce it up on a budget with cost-effective ideas that are under $150. If you already have a spare desk and a few supplies, it will be easy to set up a home office on a budget.

Here’s a tip from the experts: repurposing an empty attic into office space will add more value to your home than repurposing the garage.

Adding an extension

Extending your home to accommodate a remote-work station is a more expensive way to add value to your San Diego home. However, it represents one of the most desired home extensions. Keep in mind that, depending on certain regional housing regulations, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to get in touch with the local government and submit a request for approval before you can do anything. However, if you’re patient enough, this investment will enable you to reap plenty of benefits in the long run. 

working at home office

 

Final thoughts on the subject

We hope this article has cleared up any uncertainty about whether adding a home office will increase the value of your home in San Diego. Now you’re well aware that by adding a home office, you can boost your beautiful California home’s value up to an astonishing 10%. That’s a very nice return on your investment that will pay off when it’s time to sell your home.

5 Most Popular Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your San Diego Home

 

A presentation of the most popular ways to add curb appeal to your home.

An open house starts the second the buyers lay eyes on your home. That means – even before you get the opportunity to open your house for them. The first impression is always important, and it will heavily depend on how well the exterior of your property looks. If you want it to look pleasant and appealing, let’s take a look at these five most popular ways to add curb appeal to your San Diego home.

1# Upgrade your front door

Make your home more appealing from the street by ensuring that the front door stands out from the crowd rather than blending in. The average cost of painting a front door in San Diego is just approximately $75. It is a very straightforward do-it-yourself renovation project, even for novices. So, choose a daring hue that not only complements but also draws attention to the other colors on the outside of your property rather than competing with them. Also, don’t be afraid to opt for a bold color. However, before you start painting, always check a sample to make sure the finished result will be to your satisfaction.

Use decoration

Besides colors, you can use some other things to upgrade your doors – wreaths being one of them. You may find wreaths at any time of the year, and they will always give a special touch of beauty to the front entrance of your home. Look for wreaths that are crafted using dried or preserved greenery and blooms. If you want to make your life even simpler, you can also get a wreath crafted using artificial plants. However, steer clear of seasonal touches that will only serve to make the wreath seem dated and out of place. Choose something straightforward that may provide elegance throughout a whole season.

Two front doors.
A splash of vibrant color to your front doors can be a smashing success – but only if it goes well with the rest of the house.

2# Green is always ‘in’

Including some new flowers and plants in your front yard is one of the easiest (and most effective) methods to improve the aesthetic appeal of your property. You don’t need to worry if you don’t have the time or money to invest in planting a garden since you can get a similar look by adding some planters and window boxes. Some of the good green picks that will add curb appeal to your home can be:

  • coleus
  • pentas
  • lantana

Make use of plants to draw attention to and frame important places of visual interest, such as windows and entryways. If you don’t have space for a free-standing planter, you can always hang one instead. The visual appeal of the outside of your San Diego house may be substantially improved by adding even just one lovely plant arrangement in the front of the house.

Tiel colored door
Colorful door and a few green plants in the front

3# Lawn maintenance is one of the most popular ways to add curb appeal to your home

Suppose you have a green surface around your house that is great. However,  for those that still have a lawn, when unmaintained, it can do more damage than good to your curb appeal. On the other hand, freshening up your outdoor space might increase the value of your home. So, before the time comes to welcome prospective buyers to your home, make sure to take care of the outgrown grass in your backyard. Also, a few days prior, make sure to give your grass a lot of water, so it can be calmingly green when buyers visit. According to some scientific studies, the green color that the fresh-cut grass reflects has a calming effect on the brain. Also, the smell of it can significantly improve the mood. Another thought is to go the water-wise route. Using drought tolerant landscaping is not only attractive, but with the high cost of water these days, it will also save you money in the long run.

A house with fresh cut grass.
A nice lawn can be a deal-maker

4# Pick the right outdoor furniture

A picture-perfect home in the San Diego suburbs always includes some outdoor furniture. However, you need to be careful with your exterior design. A cute wooden swing on the deck can seem inviting and bring out good memories in a buyer. But, many chairs and tools and unnecessary sofas can seem intimidating and overwhelming. You need to find a golden standard for everything, including this.

Choose what to move from the picture

If you have your outdoors cluttered with furniture, you’ll need to make a tough decision and choose what you’ll keep. The stuff that doesn’t get picked will be best put in some kind of storage. When renting storage for the things you don’t need anymore, it’s crucial to choose the right size for them. It’s essential to make sure you have enough space so the furniture you put in it is well-preserved.

A porch on the house.
Ensure the outdoor furniture is a sophisticated addition to your curb appeal.

5# Clear walkway is a path to success

One of the things that make a house seem more welcoming and put together is a well-defined walkway. You could go all out and construct one out of stone or brick. Or, you could keep things simple and simply utilize visual signals. Lights and plants on the side can make a cute and romantic line and a clear route to your front door. It can be through the grass or around an existing concrete sidewalk. Also, if you already have one, power-washing is always a good decision for enhancing your curb appeal. Consider using a power washer to remove years worth of filth and grime from your home’s siding, porch, walkway, and driveway. Overall it’s one of the most pleasant things you can do. You can rent a power washer from a large box hardware shop if you don’t have access to one of your own.

Final thoughts

The real estate market is quite a competitive one. As a seller, you need to put a lot of effort into impressing potential buyers. Everything needs to be perfect, from the roof to the floor, on the day of the open house. You’ll have no trouble slaying at the first impression part if you incorporate some of these five most popular ways to add curb appeal to your home. Keep in mind that the little details often matter the most, and the bigger picture is often made of many little parts.

If you are thinking of selling your home in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away. Let us help you get your home ready so that you can receive top market price for your property.

 

Living in South Park, San Diego

A Guide to South Park in San Diego

South Park in San Diego has an identity unique to other neighborhoods in America’s finest city. It doesn’t shy away from embracing the hyper-local over the commercial, making it more enticing for San Diego house hunters looking for a sense of community.

Let’s take a look at what makes living in South Park, San Diego, so special and one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Living in South Park, San Diego

Much of South Park’s charm is thanks to its architecture. Many of the single-family homes here are protected under local preservation efforts to retain the aesthetic and historical significance of the neighborhood. You can find Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival homes here dating back to 1905. Back then, streetcars took South Park’s residents from what was then considered a San Diego suburb to the downtown area. It wasn’t until the 1940s that South Park joined the rest of the city in becoming more car-centric.

South Park today is still one of San Diego’s most charming neighborhoods, and many of the best things to do in South Park are about embracing that local spirit.

Things to Do in South Park, San Diego

South Park isn’t about non-stop entertainment but about supporting local businesses, taking advantage of the neighborhood’s green spaces, and enjoying one of San Diego’s most walkable neighborhoods. South Park is best explored on your feet. That’s when you’re more likely to discover your new favorite coffee shop, boutique, or your own personal corner of South Park.

Become a regular at the local coffee shops.

Spending time in coffee shops is a regular pastime in South Park, San Diego. The most challenging part is finding your favorite from the options available. 

Communal Coffee is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The South Park location operates out of a vintage trailer, which is very much on-brand for the neighborhood. Secret Sister is as serious about its bakery and tea offerings as it is about the caffeine. For a taste of specialty blends from a California favorite, visit Seven Seas Roasting Company. 

Window-shop at the boutiques.

South Park is well-known for its unique boutiques. Whether you’re window-shopping or looking for the perfect gift, supporting San Diego’s small businesses doesn’t get more fun than in South Park.

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Vinyl Junkies Record Shack on Fern Street for classic records and vinyl from more niche bands. If you’re unsure where to start, the knowledgeable staff can certainly help you find that diamond in the rough. Bad Madge & Company, a vintage and consignment shop, sells a little bit of everything. If you’re looking for a piece of statement furniture, a new party outfit, or a piece of art for your living room, you’ll find goods there that you won’t anywhere else.

People-watch at the park.

Much of South Park is adjacent to, expectedly, the southeast corner of Balboa Park. You’re far enough from the zoo and museum campus on this end to find sections of the park to yourself. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do on this side of San Diego’s largest green space. 

If you have a pup, the Grape Street Dog Park is one of the city’s most beloved dog parks, with plenty of space for off-leash play. Golfers love the easy access to the Balboa Park Golf Course from here. If you like a good urban hike, explore the Balboa Park trail system from here. Several of the trails on this end of the park take you into the surrounding canyons, including Switzer Canyon.

Best Restaurants in South Park, San Diego

South Park’s best restaurants are focused on fresh ingredients and a loyal customer base. Here are a few of the best eateries in South Park, San Diego:

  • Buona Forchetta: A great neighborhood has to have a great pizza place. South Park ticks off that requirement with Buona Forchetta, the flagship eatery for what’s become one of the top Italian brands in the city. The pasta is wonderful, too, but it’s their Neapolitan pizzas that keep the lines long at this place.
  • Fernside: This eatery and cocktail bar is newer than many of the other South Park businesses, but it’s become a regular hangout for after-work drinks and their elevated bar menu. Share a platter of their battered cauliflower bites or their house-made pickles, and you’ll want to become a regular, too.
  • KINDRED: The menu might be a little surprising when you look around at the heavy metal decor, but KINDRED takes their vegan food very seriously. It’s the kind of food that can make any meat-eater a convert to the dark side if the dark side means pulled BBQ jackfruit and mushrooms served up in ways you haven’t seen. You won’t miss the pork.
  • The Rose Wine Bar: This atmospheric wine bar and bottle shop is the perfect stop after an afternoon of boutiques. The focus here is on natural, sustainable wines that are no less delicious than conventional varieties. If you want to nosh, they have a full menu of shareable bites, including their signature cheese and meat plate. 

South Park & Beyond

South Park is delightful enough all on its own, but its proximity to other vibrant San Diego neighborhoods only makes it more popular in newcomers’ housing searches. Here are a few of the neighborhoods that surround South Park, San Diego:

  • Golden Hill: Just south of South Park, Golden Hill retains that easy access to Balboa Park and downtown San Diego. The vibe here is an eclectic one, and it matches the local food scene. Enjoy New York pizza, Thai food, and tacos all on the same block.
  • Burlingame: This historic district just north of South Park is known for its unique architecture. Much of the blend of Craftsman bungalows, Mission Revival-style homes, and larger Tudors is protected under the neighborhood’s historical designation.
  • North Park: You’ll find North Park at the northeast edge of Balboa Park, a short drive from South Park. This is another very walkable neighborhood in San Diego. When you see the number of craft breweries concentrated here, you’ll be thankful for that!

South Park is well-situated for access to many of San Diego’s best neighborhoods, but most of its residents find that they have everything they need right here in South Park. If you want to take the plunge and explore the South Park neighborhood on a deeper level, the McT Real Estate Group can show you how.

How Frequently Should You Do HVAC Maintenance on a New Property

If you’ve just moved into your new San Diego home, one of the first things on your agenda should be checking your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Regular and proper maintenance of the HVAC system is essential for many reasons. You will extend the system’s life and save money that you would spend on expensive repairs. Also, you’ll make sure that your family lives in a home with good air quality. Does it seem like a daunting task? Well, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are the most critical guidelines on how to maintain your HVAC system. We’ll also tackle the question of how frequently should you do HVAC maintenance on a new property!

Why is it important to have regular services for your HVAC system?

An exterior HVAC unit.
Servicing your HVAC is a very important household task you’ll have to do

Before we get into specific, easy checks and cleanings that you can do yourself, it’s important to note that regular HVAC system servicing is a crucial part of preventing major breakdowns. There are many professional services that you can find on the internet that will perform thorough checks and cleanings. They will go through parts of the system that you cannot check without additional knowledge of the system and the appropriate equipment, for example, safety controls, heating pumps, refrigerant charges, etc.

How frequently should you do HVAC maintenance on a new property?

According to the recommendation of most HVAC system manufacturers, you should do this service at least once a year. Considering that the HVAC system is used the most during the summer and the winter, it is recommended that you do the maintenance of the system in the spring and the fall. That’s what the experts from Affordable Reliable Moving Company told us. Summer’s also the peak season for moving, so… Yeah, one could guess that you’re better off servicing your HVAC either before or after that.

What should you pay attention to when maintaining your HVAC system yourself?

Regardless of whether or not you have information that the previous tenant regularly maintained the HVAC system, you should have a routine maintenance check when you move in. This is one of the home maintenance tasks that will make it both look and feel good. Every HVAC system consists of outdoor and indoor units. To begin with, you should visually inspect the HVAC system.

Eight HVAC outdoor units.
First things first, visually inspect your HVAC system

The most important things you should pay attention to with HVAC outdoor unit 

Contamination of the outdoor unit of the HVAC system

Dust, dirt, and leaves can easily get into the outdoor unit and make it difficult for the mechanism to work. It can result in overworking the system to reach a certain temperature. Therefore, you should make sure that the outdoor unit is clean. You should clean the unit with water if too much dirt has accumulated. It is good to use a hose so that the jet washes the dirt from inaccessible places.

Clogging of the condensation system

The hose on the HVAC system’s outdoor unit may be blocked or kinked by something, which leads to the accumulation of water that should drain smoothly. Make sure the hose is clean and straight.

The most important things you should pay attention to with HVAC indoor unit

Filter

The filter on the air conditioner is important because it retains much of the dust, smog, dirt, bacteria, and viruses found in the air. Suppose you don’t clean your filter regularly. In that case, the flow of air can be difficult, but also the cleanliness of the air in the house is impaired, making it easier for allergies and respiratory diseases to occur. It would be best if you first referred to the air conditioner manufacturer’s manual located in your home. However, you can also find many useful tips on the internet on how to properly clean the air conditioner filter. There are also several filter cleaning fluids that you can purchase at all home improvement stores. Using these products will kill microorganisms more effectively than when you clean the filter solely with water.

The battery on the thermostat

Sometimes the most obvious things are the easiest to miss. Check the battery on the thermostat and change it regularly because if the battery is empty, it may seem that the system has a more serious malfunction.

What else can you do to save energy and extend the life of your HVAC system?

A HVAC thermostat.
Always check if your thermostat battery’s alright before jumping to any conclusions

The rational setting of the thermostat

If you take care that the thermostat is always properly adjusted, you will save electricity that would be wasted on the excessive operation of the HVAC system. When you leave the house for a longer period, adjust the thermostat. Also, adjust the thermostat to the time of day. While this seems like a small thing, it’s important because, in addition to saving money and energy, you’ll also save your HVAC system from overworking.

Switch to a smart air condition controller

The new controllers have energy-saving options and more efficient fault detection, so you can save time and money and energy trying to figure out what’s wrong with your HVAC. Although this may not seem like the most economical option, it pays off in the long run.

Keep track of electricity bills

Given that you have recently changed the property you are living in, you should pay attention to your electricity bills in the next few months. Estimate how much your home spends on the air conditioning or heating and monitor whether the bill is in line with consumption. If there are large variations in the price, you should consider whether you have done everything you can to save energy and whether the thermostat is working properly. The thing is: many beginners miss this when renting a house for the first time. If you’re one of them, please pay attention to the monthly differences in your bills.

The bottom line

Maintaining your HVAC system should not be a problem for you and is not a huge expense. However, the most important thing when reflecting this system in full capacity is preventive maintenance, which implies minor cleanings and checks. Once you establish that routine in your new San Diego home, you’ll soon become an expert in air conditioning and heating cleaning and maintenance. At least know you’re well aware of how frequently should you do HVAC maintenance on your new San Diego property.

If necessary, you should write a reminder on how frequently should you do HVAC maintenance on a new property because sometimes it is forgotten during the year when we do not use it often. You should avoid reacting too late, that is, servicing and checking the HVAC system when the heat (especially the California heat) or cold weather has already started.

 

San Diego Suburbs – Which Do Families Prefer?

A family move to America’s Finest City sounds like an exciting and thrilling adventure. However, before the time comes to pack your bags and host a farewell party, you first need to find your perfect San Diego home. We won’t lie – it won’t be easy, but only because San Diego has so much to offer in terms of real estate and family-friendly places to live. To make your job easier for you, we put this together so that you can get an answer to your question. San Diego suburbs- which do families prefer? We’re sure you’ll find a neighborhood that will make you instantly want to schedule your move!

Which San Diego suburbs do families prefer? – our top five picks

Since you’ll be relocating to San Diego with your loved ones, there are some things you should have in mind before choosing where to settle. You’ll probably want to look for affordable areas to live in with safe streets, good schools, lots of playgrounds, parks, and family-friendly attractions nearby.

San Diego skyline across a body of water
San Diego is a large and exciting city. Which San Diego suburb is your family attracted to?

Lucky for you, San Diego has plenty of suburbs to choose from that are great for raising a family, and for this article, we’ve selected the top five. They’ll inspire you to instantly start reading a thorough moving to California guide and researching everything that will help you have a stress-free journey.

#1 Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley is located roughly 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. It’s one of the greatest and safest neighborhoods in this city. In fact, it’s safer than 92% of California cities. However, safety isn’t the only reason why families prefer this neighborhood. This area is home to excellent schools such as Carmel Del Mar School and Torrey Pines High School.

Also, there are numerous parks nearby. On top of that, the beaches of Torrey Pines, Del Mar, and La Jolla are all within 20 minutes of Carmel Valley, making fun in the sun easy to get by after school or on weekends!

#2 Del Mar Heights

If you and your family are beach bums, then Del Mar Heights could be an ideal location for you to call your new home. This San Diego neighborhood is right on the beach and is perfect for families who can’t get enough of the great outdoors.

On top of that, this neighborhood offers good schools like Del Mar Heights School and Del Mar Hills Academy. It’s also a welcoming and safe place with plenty of outdoor entertainment throughout the area. If you enjoy hiking or running, you’ll fall in love with Crest Canyon Park. On those rare, rainy days, you can always have a lovely meal at one of the fantastic local restaurants. Be honest – are you already searching for your home there?

people walking on the beach at sun set

#3 Loma Portal

If you’re looking for easy and quick access to downtown San Diego, Loma Portal is the neighborhood for you. It’s also very close to San Diego Bay and the San Diego International Airport.

Because of its affordability, prime position near family-friendly activities like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, and access to top-rated schools like Loma Portal Elementary and Point Loma High School, this highly sought-after area is an excellent destination for families. If you choose Loma Portal for your new home, celebrate your move at The Venetian. This is an old-world Italian restaurant that serves award-winning pizzas, and that’s a favorite among locals!

#4 Rancho Bernardo

Rancho Bernardo is one of the San Diego suburbs families prefer because of its affordability and sense of community that comes with living there. On top of that, it’s safer than 93% of California cities, which makes it perfect for raising your kids. This neighborhood is part of the Poway Unified School District and has good schools like Turtleback Elementary School and Rancho Bernardo High School.

The neighborhood’s local parks and outdoor leisure spots and its roomy single-family homes appeal most to families, so you’re guaranteed to fit in and find friends quickly. Plus, there’s always something to do – from watching summer movies in the park to fishing at reservoir Lake Hodges. Perhaps this San Diego neighborhood will be the one where you’ll be looking for your perfect family home!

#5 Rancho Penasquitos

Rancho Penasquitos is located between Carmel Valley and Rancho Bernardo. It’s only half an hour away from downtown San Diego, depending on the traffic, and offers a small-town neighborhood atmosphere ideal for families. It’s also very safe and affordable. On top of that, Rancho Penasquitos is home to some great schools, such as Deer Canyon Elementary School and Westview High School.

One of the best things about this neighborhood is that there’s always something to do. If you like spending time outdoors, have a picnic at Views West Neighborhood Park. Or, take your kids to play basketball or play on one of many local playgrounds. For experienced hikers, we highly recommend Black Mountain Open Space Park, as you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the city. And when you’re up for a slow evening, have dinner at one of the great local restaurants that are also quite affordable.

Which one of the San Diego suburbs for families do you prefer?

We hope you enjoyed reading and that our list of San Diego suburbs for families helped you find the perfect one or, at least, narrow the list of neighborhoods you prefer. Even if you don’t feel any of them is suitable for your family, don’t worry. There are plenty more family-friendly areas to choose from. Simply reach out to San Diego real estate professionals with extensive experience in the area, and we’ll help you find a place that perfectly first your family’s wants and needs! Now you know which San Diego suburbs many families prefer, and you can take that as your starting point.

 

Check Out These 6 Best Places to Live In San Diego

Things to Do in San Diego for a Budget- Friendly Trip

San Diego is known for quite a few things, like its beautiful weather and spectacular beaches. It’s typically not known for being a budget-friendly destination.  Below are the top free things to do in San Diego for a Budget-Friendly Trip to this gorgeous City.

If you know where to look, though, the city is home to all kinds of low-cost alternatives to the main budget-busting attractions. Let’s take a look at some of the best free things to do in San Diego to keep those entertainment costs low.

Go to the beach.

San Diego boasts some of the best beaches across California and there is no admission to get your toes in the sand. If you’re visiting with family, visit Coronado or La Jolla Shores. For the quintessential Southern California beach vibes, head to Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach. Both offer lots of options for beach bars and casual eateries when you’re done with the water. 

The city even has options for beachgoers with pets. The Original Dog Beach in Ocean Beach is one of the most popular hangouts for San Diegans and their furry friends, with a large off-leash play area for well-behaved pups.

Explore San Diego’s best trails.

Active San Diegans love taking advantage of the near-perfect weather to hit the city’s best trails as one of the fun-free things to do in San Diego. If you don’t want to leave the city, explore some of San Diego’s best bridges, including the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. Despite its gentle sway, it’s a popular spot for engagement photos thanks to the scenic canyon below. 

If you’re willing to take a drive, you’ll have access to waterfalls and panoramic views within short distances of the city. For waterfalls, choose between Cedar Creek Falls, Three Sisters Falls, and Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. Those first two are for more experienced hikers, while the canyon trail is perfect for beginners. For impressive views and easy loops, head to Torrey Pines State Reserve. Day-trippers will love access to Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s numerous oases.  

Find your favorite nook at Balboa Park.

You can spend quite a bit of money in Balboa Park exploring the San Diego Zoo and some of the city’s best museums. For visitors on a budget, there are all kinds of things to do in the park that won’t cost you a thing, making Balboa Park one of the top free attractions in San Diego. 

Admire the architecture and strike your best Instagram pose at one of San Diego’s most famous photo spots, the iconic Botanical Building. Go for an urban hike that feels like you’ve left the city just the same on one of the many trails that weave in and around the park. Find a shady spot and take in some of the best people-watching in San Diego. Balboa Park is the city’s shared backyard and a hub of activity. 

Note: If you time your visit right, most San Diego museums have free days for residents on certain days of the month.

Attend a free concert.

San Diego has an impressive music scene, even if you’re not looking for a ticketed event. Summertime is a particularly popular time for free concert series in some of the city’s best neighborhoods. 

That includes the Coronado Promenade Concerts in Spreckels Park, the Mission Hills Concerts in the Park, and the Point Loma Summer Concerts. If you’re in Balboa Park on a Sunday, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion hosts free organ concerts in the summer months. 

Go wildlife-spotting.

San Diego boasts some impressive paid wildlife experiences, but it’s also home to a number of opportunities to see animals in their natural habitats. Visit La Jolla Cove and the nearby Children’s Pool for the best views of the city’s sea lions and seals. La Jolla is also home to a healthy population of leopard sharks. Swim with the harmless sharks in the late summer months. 

For a chance to go whale watching for free, visit Cabrillo National Monument in the winter. Birders won’t want to miss the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center and Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to spot one of the hundreds of bird species that call San Diego home.

Plan a walking tour.

San Diego is a city of neighborhoods, and once you find one that suits your fancy, those neighborhoods are very walkable. Plan a walking tour of your own making to uncover hidden gems of your own. 

Look for historical evidence of the fishing industry and the city’s first Italian immigrants in Little Italy. Stroll the Gaslamp Quarter and its iconic lamps and some of the oldest buildings in the city. Seek out the hidden ostriches of University Heights, a neighborhood that was once home to an ostrich farm. Find your favorite mural in North Park.

That’s not all.

Looking for more free stuff to do in San Diego? Here are a few more ideas:

  • Wander Old Town’s Heritage County Park for its Victorian architecture.
  • Get the friends and family together for a bonfire at your favorite beach.
  • Go window shopping in Seaport Village.
  • Marvel at the murals of Chicano Park.
  • Drive the 59-mile scenic loop to see the best of the city from the road.
  • Take in a sunset at Sunset Cliffs.
  • Marvel at the murals of Chicano Park.

The cost of living in San Diego can be high but there are ways to stretch your dollar, especially when it comes to free attractions in San Diego. Are you in the market for a home in America’s Finest City? Contact us today to take advantage of not only these free attractions but one of the highest qualities of life in the country.

Thinking of buying a house in San Diego? Contact the McT Real Estate Group right away and let us help you with your real estate journey.

Top Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

Buying Your First Investment Property in San Diego and Managing it

Buying your first investment property in San Diego is an exciting moment. However, since it’s usually an expensive venture, you want to make sure you get it right. Often, the process of finding, buying an investment property, and managing it is more complex than people initially expect, opening them up to mistakes. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, you can avoid missteps.

If you’re getting ready to make a purchase, here are some tips for buying and managing your first investment property in gorgeous San Diego.

Financial Considerations for Purchasing an Investment Property

Buying an investment property is a multi-faceted process. While launching a property search is likely the fun way to begin, it isn’t where you should start. Instead, you need to take a close look at your budget. The median house price in San Diego is around $975,000. While that may work for some investors, it’ll be far above what others may want to spend.

Along with inspecting the property and examining the City permit records for potential red flags, make sure you are working with an experienced Real Estate agent that knows what to look for to ensure everything is in good shape and in order. Working with a Real Estate agent that actually has bought and sold investment properties of their own can be beneficial to you as the investor. They will know all of the intricacies involved in making this kind of purchase and will be able to better assist you through the process.

You will also need to decide how you will buy the investment property. Buying an investment property in your name is a lot easier than buying it in a company name, which is why many newer investors choose this route.  If you are planning on buying an investment property under a company name, you will need to register as a business before you move forward with the purchase. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each option to ensure you’re making the best move, as each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks

In any case, you’ll want to determine what you can afford to spend. Usually, you’ll want to compare the price to its potential long-term value. For example, you will need to compare the cost of the property – including insurance, interest on loans, maintenance, and other expenses – to the potential rent price. That way, you can see if you’d earn enough to make the investment worthwhile.

Lastly, set aside money to market your property. Fortunately, there are many free and low-cost ways to spread the word. For example, set up social media accounts that feature your property, and provide visitors with videos and pictures to get them interested. You can even utilize free tools to streamline the process; look online for apps that allow you to customize and edit Instagram posts using pre-made templates. This way, you can effectively market your property — and save time and money.

Choosing the Right Investment Property

When selecting investment properties, you need to look beyond what you’d like to see if you were going to use it. You make it a more attractive option by factoring in what renters want to see in a property. In turn, charging a higher price or finding a renter faster may both be options.

Now, approximately 44.1 million people in the US are renters, so you likely can’t please them all. However, you can appeal to the widest number possible by focusing on popular features.

First, you want to make sure the property is in a great location. The more desirable the neighborhood, the easier it is to set a higher rent price and find a qualified tenant. After that, you need to look at the basics. Room for parking and access to public transit are must-haves for many renters, as well as a reliable heating and cooling system. Having outdoor space makes a property more appealing to families with children, gardeners, or dog owners, while storage is universally appreciated. Maybe buying a Duplex property for the first purchase is the way to go.

Managing Your New Investment Property

Once you move forward with an investment property, you’ll have to decide how to manage it. Usually, that means choosing between functioning as a landlord or hiring a property manager. With the former, you’ll keep your costs down. However, you’ll spend far more time and energy than if you go the other route. Along with advertising your property, you’ll need to screen tenants, manage contracts, collect payments, schedule maintenance, and handle any issues that arise.

If you hire a property manager, you can be less involved. The property manager will handle all tenant and property issues on your behalf. However, you’ll have to pay for the service, making your investment less profitable. Which option is ideal depends on your lifestyle, available time, and overall interest. Both approaches are viable, so choose the one that works best for you.

Buying and managing your first investment property can seem scary, overwhelming, and stressful — and, on occasion, it is. However, don’t let that scare you away from what can be a rewarding experience. Take your time, do plenty of research, and ask for help when and where you need it. Before long, you’ll have this all down pat — and you can start looking for your next investment.

The McT Real Estate Group can help you find the right house for your first investment property in San Diego. Get in touch with us today by calling 619-736-7003.

 

Reasons For Buying A Duplex Property for the First Time

Get the Most Bang for Your Buck with these Townhouse Renovations

Hamilton Row Townhouses in North Park

Just because you share a wall doesn’t mean you have to share a style. Make the most of townhouse living with these DIY remodeling projects that won’t put you in the hole, presented to you below by the MCT Real Estate Group.

But first…

Before beginning any weekend warrior project, keep in mind that some things are best left to the pros. For instance, electrical and plumbing projects. According to the Spruce, the average cost to install electrical outlets, fixtures, or switches is between $141 and $419. Small electrical projects can take anywhere from a few minutes to four hours or more and require an in-depth knowledge of your home’s wiring system. Keep in mind that even a small electrical jolt is potentially lethal, so unless you have an electrician’s license, don’t try and save money here.

Many experts warn against putting on your own roof because you may injure yourself, insurance may not cover DIY repairs, and the costs can be astronomical. Instead, search for local roofing services online and read some reviews before getting a few quotes to find a qualified contractor to take care of your repairs.

Likewise, your home’s plumbing system is more intricate (and dangerous) than you might imagine. Even something as deceptively simple as draining your hot water heater can cause serious burns and extensive property damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Lastly, make sure you pay close attention to your expenses during this time. If you haven’t done so already, purchase bookkeeping software that can help you track every penny you spend. When you’re doing renovations on a budget, this type of software can be a lifesaver.

And now for the fun

As This Old House notes, there are many simple and inexpensive projects that will set your space apart from the rest, and the Joneses will have to try to keep up with you. This list will walk you through some of these suggestions in more detail.

Crown molding. There’s something inviting about walking into a room lined with decorative molding. And, contrary to popular belief, it’s neither a difficult project nor does it require an arsenal of special tools. With a hand saw and nail gun, you can install crown molding in a 10’ x 10’ room in just a few hours of your time, and the supplies are inexpensive, too.

Stair runner. If you want to add a pop of color and depth, consider installing a carpet runner on the stairs. With very little skill and a few basic tools, including a utility knife and floor kicker, you can upgrade your vertical hallways in a single afternoon.

Tint the tile. Replacing tile floors is expensive, not to mention messy. Thankfully, durable floor paint is available. Bob Vila explains that almost all ceramic tiles can be painted, and, if applied correctly, the upgrade will look great for years to come. Vila suggests sticking with oil-based paints, which are less prone to chipping. Your design options are limited only by your imagination, and you can finish this project for a few hundred dollars over a long weekend.

Coat the cabinets. Chances are that your townhouse isn’t equipped with a large professional-grade kitchen. If replacement is out of your budget, you can paint the cabinets and countertops and swap out the hardware to completely transform even the grimmest galley. Amazingly, you can make the entire room feel many square feet larger by simply changing the color.

 Clear the air. While there are many benefits to living in an attached home, there are also a few drawbacks. Poor ventilation is one of them. Since your home is only open on two sides, the air quality may be lacking. Get the air moving by periodically opening both the top and bottom sashes of double-hung windows and making use of room-sized air purifiers. Also, replace your air-conditioning system’s filter regularly.

Open up floor space. A small living room doesn’t mean you have to suffer from a lack of storage space. You’ll have to get creative depending on the configuration of your home, but floating and hanging wall shelves will draw the eye away from the floor and create the illusion of openness. You can buy kits online, at the hardware store, or get creative with your design. HGTV recommends putting storage shelves in the nooks and crannies of your home to maximize space.

While there are limits on what you can do to change the exterior of your attached housing, you can make the interior your own little piece of heaven by getting creative with renovation projects. But remember, when in doubt, let a professional check it out. Otherwise, you may pay dearly for your mistakes.

7 Tips for Decorating Your Home

6 Best Places to Live in San Diego

Below are the 6 best places to live in San Diego, a city of neighborhoods. Finding the best places to live in San Diego really depends on what you’re after, whether that’s walkability, access to amenities, or more space. Let’s take a look at the best neighborhoods in San Diego. We’ll include a few that are outside the city to cover the bases on all of the big things most residents look for in a new home.

North Park

North Park
North Park Neon Sign

It doesn’t get much better than North Park if you’re looking for walkability. Boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and a variety of craft breweries are all within reach in this vibrant San Diego neighborhood. A quick note on those breweries: the craft beer corridor here is home to more breweries and tasting rooms within walking distance of one another than anywhere else in the city. North Park’s craft beer scene has helped make San Diego as a whole a destination for beer aficionados. 

If you want to be in the thick of it all, the corner of 30th Street and University Avenue is North Park’s main commercial area. Expect a mix of Craftsman-style homes and bungalows on the side streets that feed the main thoroughfares. 

Nearby University Heights and Normal Heights are also great options if you want slightly less busy versions of North Park. Both offer options for great bars and restaurants with more of a neighborhood vibe. Burlingame in between North Park and South Park is a historic district with larger homes big on character.

South Park

gold leaf in south park
Gold Leaf in South Park

South Park is an idyllic San Diego neighborhood adjacent to all of the amenities of the eastern edge of Balboa Park. Its proximity to San Diego’s best urban park makes it very dog-friendly, with easy access to the expansive Grape Street Dog Park. 

The focus in South Park is on hyper-local businesses, so even the lone Target store tries to blend in with that aesthetic. It’s easy to become a regular at any of the art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops that have made a home and created a loyal customer base in this San Diego neighborhood. 

If you’re seeking historical homes, look no further than the single-family homes of the South Park Historic District. These Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival-style homes are a great example of the efforts of local historic preservationists, and many of the homes have intriguing local histories that date back to the early 1900s. South Park’s unique charm, neighborhood feel, and easy walkability have made it one of San Diego’s most desirable and best areas to live in San Diego.

Golden Hill

Golden Hill Colorful homes

Golden Hill, just south of Balboa Park, is a convenient neighborhood for anyone seeking easy access to downtown on foot or on the nearby freeways. The architecture here is a little more eclectic than in South Park, it’s neighbor to the north. The housing diversity here makes this a great place to explore if you’re just not sure about the right style of home for you.

After some time in decline, the neighborhood today has a growing identity and community spirit that has meant a rise in local businesses. The people who live here are fiercely loyal to Golden Hill but also welcoming to newcomers interested in its colorful history.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest San Diego

If you like to keep busy, San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood is one of San Diego’s most bustling areas. It’s close to the north side of Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo and is the center of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene. That’s what makes this San Diego neighborhood one of the city’s most welcoming spaces. Hillcrest is also home to some of San Diego’s best restaurants and a brunch scene that can’t be matched. 

This neighborhood is best-explored on your feet, as parking can be a challenge for visitors. For those seeking a move into Hillcrest, expect multi-level condos and townhomes closer to the main streets and single-family homes in the more residential sections. Those single-family homes do come at a premium, as the inventory is low.

Living in Hillcrest, you’ll be within a short drive of downtown neighborhoods like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego’s beach communities like Pacific Beach and Mission Beach on Mission Bay.

Del Cerro

Del Cerro is a residential neighborhood of San Diego that feels more suburban than neighborhoods closer to downtown. This area has become popular with families and anyone with connections to San Diego State University, as you’ll find the campus and all of its amenities in this neighborhood. 

While the architecture here is diverse, many of the homes in Del Cerro are hillside homes. That means a side of scenery and good views with a more quiet way of life, the perfect blend for many professionals and families. Outdoor pursuits include Navajo Canyon and Lake Murray.

The neighborhood is adjacent to the city of La Mesa and San Carlos. Much like Del Cerro, both offer easy access to downtown San Diego and less congestion. 

La Mesa

La Mesa is a short drive or trolley ride from the city and is perfect for those seeking a little more space, less congestion, and a somewhat lower cost of living. All of those factors make La Mesa one of the best places to live near San Diego. This city in San Diego County is great for families who want something a little more suburban while retaining an easy commute into San Diego. Central San Diego is just a 15-minute drive from here.

Despite its suburban sensibilities, La Mesa is still spoiled with amenities and community events for its residents. Nearby Lake Murray and Mission Trails Regional Park offer opportunities for outdoor adventuring and taking advantage of the year-round sunshine. The housing here is eclectic, with everything from historic homes to more modern styles. Higher-density buildings are available closer to the city’s downtown area. 

If you’re in the market for a new home and interested in exploring some of the best neighborhoods to live in in San Diego, the McT Real Estate Group can help. We can be reached at 619-736-7003.

How To Increase The Value of Your San Diego House Before Listing It For Sale In The Summer

A man holding a small mockup of a house while using a calculator on the desk

As a homeowner, you will decide which projects and tasks are worth doing. However, some of these decisions will become particularly vital when you decide to sell your home. So, if you’re planning to sell your San Diego house this summer, you might want to prioritize the tasks you complete to boost its worth. When it comes to home improvements that help you sell a hose, there is almost no assurance that you will make a profit unless you invest your money effectively. To correctly increase the value of your San Diego house, you’ll need a combination of meticulous care and wise renovation choices. You will be able to assess which projects are worthwhile and suit your budget and needs with our helpful list.

Freshen up your outdoor space

A neat outdoor space demonstrates to potential buyers that the homeowners have consistently taken care of their home.

The project of freshening up your outdoor space and enhancing curb appeal can be tailored to match your budget. You don’t have to throw everything away and start over. Repair and paint your fences, mow the grass, remove weeds, and add a few new flowers. Be aware of which plants thrive in San Diego’s climate, which is humid and arid for the bigger part of the year.

You can start fresh if you have the funds by changing the turf or replacing it with colored pebbles. On the other hand, you can expand your outdoor space by building a deck or replacing the front door and garage door. These improvements will undoubtedly boost the value and overall appeal of your San Diego house.

A beautiful front lawn of a home in San Diego with fresh green grass and red flowers
Curb appeal can be improved in a variety of ways.

Give the rooms a brand new look

After you’ve finished creating a lovely outdoor space, it’s time to turn your attention to the inside areas of your San Diego home.

According to any real estate professional, your kitchen and bathroom will provide some of the highest returns on your investment. After all, bathrooms and kitchens are high-traffic, high-use spaces, so there is a lot of interest in these types of projects. Appraisers are also believed to look for renovations in these areas first, before any other part of the house, because of its attraction to potential purchasers. If you have any other areas of your home needing a facelift, you may also renovate them. However, if you are tight on a budget, do not focus on areas that are not as important such as your basement.

Depending on your budget, you may change up these rooms entirely, giving them a new look and extending their lifespan. And if you’re having a long-distance move, you may want to get your items out of the way for these significant renovations. In such a case, you should find the right experts in the form of professional movers that will do the job for you. On the other hand, even a simple, fresh coat of paint or a couple of new fixtures can increase the value of your home.

Determine the state of your roof

Take a closer look at your roof since potential buyers will do the same. If you notice clear signs your roof is deteriorating, so can they. So make sure to tackle the state of your roof if you want to increase the value of your San Diego home. There are various kinds of roof designs and materials to choose from, including asphalt and tile roofing. Asphalt roofing is popular because it is affordable, lightweight, and may last for 15 to 20 years. A new asphalt shingle roof in the San Diego area costs on average $15,000 – $30,000, depending on the size of the house. At an average resale value, such a fix will yield an 81% return.

A man fixing up a roof of a home while standing on top of it.
Fixing up your roof is a costly but effective way to increase the value of your San Diego home.

Add new storage spaces

Who doesn’t appreciate having more storage options? With most of us having an increasing number of goods that we don’t have a place for, storage spaces have become increasingly sought after. A pantry or laundry room is more than a desire for many buyers; it’s a necessity. People require several types of storage areas that they can use on a regular basis. Be imaginative with your storage solutions, such as open shelves, built-in garage storage, or simple hooks strategically placed throughout your home.

Finish off unfinished tasks

A sure way to increase the value of your San Diego home is to finish off any unfinished task you may have started. What’s more, because these jobs have already been done to a certain extent, they won’t take you a long time or cost you a lot of money. If there are several such projects, develop a list and prioritize them accordingly. For instance, with summer approaching, now is the time to finish the landscape in the backyard. If you need help, you may enlist the help of professionals and loved ones, so you finish them before listing the house in summer.

Make your home energy-efficient and smart

A home that is more energy-efficient and loaded with smart gadgets that they can utilize appeals to many potential buyers. Different projects may be more costly than others, such as installing solar panels or replacing all of your windows with Energy Star certified ones. This being said, expensive projects will save the potential buyer some money while making it easier for you to negotiate a higher price.

There are several low-cost improvements you can do to help increase the value of your San Diego house, such as replacing incandescent lighting with LED lighting, which not only uses 75 percent less energy but also lasts a long time. Add a couple of smart gadgets to the mix, such as a smart security system or an improved thermostat, to seal the deal.

A camera perched on top of a home facing the front lawn.
A camera that detects movement is something potential buyers might appreciate

Clean and declutter your home

Even if you’ve done everything we’ve outlined (and more), leaving your house in a state of chaos will result in a significantly lower value than you might imagine. Fortunately, the solution is as simple as cleaning and decluttering your home. In San Diego, a clean property sells far faster than you may imagine. Furthermore, these tasks can increase its market worth by more than thousands of dollars. Cleaning and decluttering are relatively inexpensive, but they still require a significant amount of time. If you want to increase the value of your San Diego home, grab a friend or hire professionals and get to work. If you would like a referral to a great professional de-clutterer, let us know.

 

5 Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home In San Diego

 

What To Do if Your Homeowners Insurance Claim is Denied

Whether you live in San Diego or any area in California, dealing with your homeowners insurance company is never fun. It means you recently experienced some sort of issue with your house, such as damage from weather or loss from a break-in. The last thing you need during a stressful time like this is for your insurance company to give you the runaround.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, around 5% of insured homeowners make a claim each year – that’s 1 in 20. With the earthquakes and wildfires present in California, it’s important to homeowners that their properties are protected.

While there are plenty of legitimate reasons why a homeowners insurance claim might not be approved, there are also instances of insurance companies acting in bad faith. Denying a valid insurance claim is illegal, and extremely disheartening when you are trying to recoup losses from a disaster.

Is The Claim Legitimate?

Before getting all up in arms at your insurance company, make sure there isn’t a valid reason that your homeowners claim was denied. Every type of insurance differs, so you will need to look at your individual policy to see if all rules were followed. Some of the legitimate reasons an insurance claim may be denied include:

  • The claim was filed too late. With any home insurance policy, there will be a time limit on how long after the incident you can file a claim.
  • Monthly payments weren’t made. There is a grace period to pay your bill, but when that runs out, you will no longer be covered by your policy. Grace periods usually range from 24 hours to 30 days.
  • Material misrepresentation. This means that you failed to disclose pertinent information about your coverage and have therefore invalidated the policy. For example, if you own a pet and withheld this information from the insurance company, you may have your claim denied.
  • The situation is not covered. Your policy will be very specific about the situations that it covers. Anything else slightly outside of those parameters is not the insurance company’s responsibility.
  • Lack of evidence. You will need to submit proof of your claim, for example, copies of home damage repair bills. If sufficient evidence can’t be provided, there’s not much that can be done.

If one of these reasons applies, there may be nothing you can do about your denied claim. If your claim is valid, however, it is your right to make sure the insurance company holds up its end of the bargain. You make insurance premiums every month so that your home is covered in emergency situations, and you deserve what you were promised.

Duty of Good Faith

Insurance companies are held to a “duty of good faith”, meaning that they are expected to do the right thing. It is a principle used for insurance contracts that legally binds both parties to act honestly. One key point is that both parties are held responsible, so if a person withholds pertinent information from their insurance company, they have failed to act in good faith.

The main components of the good faith principle include:

  • Conduct a Reasonable Investigation. It is the responsibility of the insurance company to promptly and thoroughly investigate every claim.
  • Equitable Consideration. Every person and situation must be considered equally important to the company’s financial interests.
  • Fair Application of Policy Terms. The policy terms must be upheld according to the contract.
  • Pay Valid Claims (Promptly). Any valid claims must be paid the full amount promised and in a timely fashion.

If your home insurance company fails to uphold these good faith principles, they will be considered to be acting in bad faith. Check with an attorney; this may be illegal and punishable in court.

Bad Faith Insurance

When an insurance company does not follow through on their end of the policy, it is called “acting in bad faith.” There are many ways in which an insurance company might act in bad faith. Some examples of bad faith include:

  • Denying a valid claim without explanation
  • Delaying payment on a valid claim without explanation
  • Ceasing communication
  • Failing to pay you the full amount of compensation
  • Changing or terminating your policy
  • Trying to convince you to accept a smaller payout

These are just some of the ways in which an insurance company may prioritize its own profits over what’s best for the customer. You may feel like the insurance company is too big of an enemy to fight, but don’t give up just yet.

Holding Them Accountable

It can seem daunting to try and hold your insurance company liable, but there are lawyers to help. Attorneys who specialize in insurance disputes can help determine whether or not the situation qualifies as bad faith. Perhaps there was simply a miscommunication with the insurance company. If it does qualify as bad faith, your lawyer will take you through the process of filing a claim against your insurance company. If all goes well, the home insurance company will be held responsible for damages and be forced to pay up.

The main damage to be recovered in a case of bad faith is the amount of compensation originally guaranteed in the relevant insurance policy. In addition to getting what you deserve, the insurance company may be held further liable and be required to pay for your attorney’s fees or lost wages. If their bad faith acts are deemed particularly harmful, they could even receive punitive damages, depending on the state. This usually involves charging the insurance company additional fines to deter them from conducting future bad faith acts.

Actionable Items

If you are in the middle of a homeowners claim or about to file one, here are some tips for making the process as smooth as possible:

  • Document Everything. From the moment the incident occurs, start documenting. The more photos, recordings, and notes you have, the better. This includes documenting every instance of communication with the insurance company. Get everything in writing.
  • Request Documentation from the Adjuster. If the insurance adjuster contacts you, ask them to send you an explanation of their decision, in writing.
  • File a Complaint with the State. In most cases, you can file a complaint directly with your state. In California, you can file a consumer complaint online with the Department of Insurance.
  • Contact an Attorney. Bad faith is a complex area of law. For example, you will need to determine whether the case is a breach of contract or a tort because this affects the statute of limitations. An experienced bad faith attorney will be key in making the process smooth and easy.

Is It Worth the Cost?

It is normal to feel overwhelmed when considering any sort of legal action. Most people assume that lawyers are ridiculously expensive and only worth hiring for extreme circumstances. What many fail to realize is that most attorneys work on a contingent fee basis. This means that you don’t pay the lawyer unless they win your case. If they do win, they get paid a percentage of your recovered compensation. Again, many people balk at the large percentage, but it has been shown that claims filed by an attorney usually recover more lost damages than claims made without one.

Not only will the contingency fee model help with any money concerns, but seeking justice for the wrongdoing of your insurance company is extremely satisfying in its own right. No person should be taken advantage of by a corporation without being able to fight fairly for what they deserve, especially when it comes to your property.

Lastly, if you are thinking of buying or selling a house in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We are happy to have a conversation and put a plan of action together that fit your real estate needs.

A Guide to the Cost to Live in San Diego

The quality of life you get from living in San Diego, California, is second to none. All of that sunny weather does come at a price, though, as this Southern California city is one of the more expensive places to live around the country.

bay in San Diego

There are a few things to note before writing off the average cost of living in San Diego. While prices may be higher for things like housing, you may be making a higher salary while living here, too. The minimum wage is double that of the federal wage, and the median household income is higher than the national average.

San Diego is also not as expensive as California’s other larger cities when looking at the cost of living index. Some areas of the county are comparable to Los Angeles neighborhoods in price, but San Francisco’s housing prices are much more expensive. Property taxes are also lower in San Diego than in many of the mid-sized to larger cities around the country.

Now, let’s get into a breakdown of the cost to live in San Diego, America’s finest city.

Housing Costs

2525_Myrtle-Avenue
front of house

The median home price in San Diego for 2021 topped $740,000, with those prices only continuing to rise into 2022. Despite those housing costs, San Diego remains a highly desirable place to live, a factor that drives San Diego costs and real estate prices higher and maintains a hot market.

Housing costs also vary quite a bit by location. The most expensive housing is along the coast, including La Jolla and Del Mar. Prices come down as you travel south and east into San Diego County. Townhomes and condos are also predictably more reasonably-priced than single-family homes or San Diego homes on a plot of land. More space comes at a premium.

Apartment rent costs have also come up over the previous year. The average 1-bedroom in San Diego could run you around $2,700 per month. Again, it depends on the area of the city you’re targeting as your adopted neighborhood. Live further inland and you’ll save money. Look beyond downtown San Diego and your San Diego living expenses won’t be as high.

Utility Costs

Utility costs are around the national average in San Diego, and much of that is thanks to the city’s temperate climate. While you will get some hot days, many San Diego residents see little need for air conditioning or heating for the majority of the year. 

From there, costs for utilities vary based on need. Internet costs will depend on the area you’re in, especially if you’re part of an HOA that already has a relationship with a provider. High-speed internet is plentiful across the city, though, making San Diego a great city for remote workers.

Transportation Costs

Gas Station in North Park San Diego

Southern California isn’t alone when it comes to rising gas prices over the last few years, and California typically has the highest gas prices across the United States on a good day. Thankfully, traffic in San Diego is much better than the gridlock of Los Angeles.

While many San Diegans drive to get from place to place, you can also reduce the average cost of living in San Diego by using public transportation. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System offers both bus and trolley rides across the county. 

Once you’re in San Diego, many of the city’s best neighborhoods are both walkable and bikeable, with dedicated bike lanes. Some of the favorite metro neighborhoods are North Park, South Park, University Heights, and Hillcrest, just to name a few. Getting around on a bike or on your feet can go far when it comes to bringing down the average cost to live in San Diego.

Food & Entertainment Costs

Amazing Vegan Burger at Village SD

Food and entertainment costs are quite variable depending on what you’re used to in your day-to-day life. Neighborhood markets may be a less expensive shopping trip than bigger grocery stores, and you’re often supporting local growers that way while picking up fresh fruits and vegetables. Going out to eat also doesn’t have to be a big event. San Diego is spoiled with choices when it comes to cheap eats, including the best fish tacos in the country and some of the best Vegan restaurants on the West Coast. 

Should I Move to San Diego?

A couple carrying boxes
When packing for the move, don’t rush it – take time and make smart choices.

Only you can make an important decision like making a big move to a new city. San Diego remains a hot market for a reason, though. The weather is nearly perfect year-round, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego for young people and families, and it retains a more laid-back vibe than other large cities in the state.

Should you move to San Diego? If you do, you certainly won’t be disappointed. If you are thinking of buying a house in San Diego, feel free to contact us right away. We would love to help you find the perfect place to live.

How To Experience The Best Winter In San Diego

Renting vs. Owning in San Diego – What’s Smarter in 2022

In today’s real estate market, people looking for a new home frequently wonder whether to rent or buy. It’s a difficult question to answer. Real estate prices in San Diego are relatively high, whereas rents are lower in comparison when it comes to a monthly payment. However, just because the cost of something is lower doesn’t mean it has more value. Today we will be looking into renting vs. owning in San Diego and deciding what’s smarter in 2022.

If you haven’t decided whether you want to buy or just rent, look around and see what’s available in San Diego. If you’re going to make the best decision possible, you must first understand what is available.

Before We Begin

Before deciding whether to rent or own in San Diego, you should always learn everything you can about the location you’re moving to. People are easily swayed by the idea of moving to a new location without looking deeper than the surface level. Before you relocate, consider the following:

  • The cost of living
  • The economic growth potential
  •  What the weather and climate are like
  • What the traffic is like
  • How the public transportation works

These are just some things you should know about San Diego prior to making it your home permanently. Of course, bear in mind that these are only the key aspects to look into before moving to this area, as life in an area is much more than just the traffic and the cost of living.

The Benefits of Renting in San Diego

Renting may not seem like progress, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the best option for you right now. The truth is that there are several significant advantages to renting, including the fact that you are not tied down to a house or how your local real estate market performs.

Flexibility

Flexibility mostly comes down to the type of person you are. For people who like to travel and discover new areas and places, renting is the best option. If you don’t want to be tied down to just one place, renting is the way to go. Renting is also a better option if you change careers or jobs often. Purchasing a property in San Diego may restrict your ability to pack up and relocate in the near future.

woman walking in a terminal
You are not tied to anything if you rent, which is a very important pro for those considering renting vs. owning in San Diego

Avoiding the Costs of Homeownership

Every homeowner is well aware of the possibility of unexpected bills on top of the monthly mortgage payment. According to HOA estimates in San Diego, monthly HOA dues could range between $400 and $800. Approximately $6,000 per year is spent on average on property taxes in San Diego. Take into consideration the costs of furnishing and decorating your home as well as the costs of fixing problems with the property, plumbing, landscaping, and general upkeep. The benefits of owning a home are available to you as a renter, but you are not responsible for the financial obligations of home maintenance.

Liquidity

In general, you can’t transform a property into cash instantly. Many individuals place their entire life savings into a property, placing the majority of their net worth into an illiquid asset. There is a danger in investing a significant amount of your capital in such an asset. Renting provides you with freedom as well as other investing opportunities.

Increasing Your Credit Score by Renting vs. Owning in San Diego

Everyone needs a good credit score for almost everything we do. No matter if you want to get a big 4K TV or you need a new car. While renting may not improve your credit as much as buying a house, building a history of on-time rental payments can help you qualify for a mortgage in the future. However, you need to have your landlord send your payment information to a credit bureau to make this work. There are also third-party services that may assist you in reporting this information on your behalf.

The Benefits of Buying a Home in San Diego

Renting may have its benefits, but there are also a lot of benefits to owning a house in San Diego in 2022. The obvious advantage is that you can have something of your own. When you own a home, you are not at the mercy of a landlord who can change the terms of your lease or, worse, sell the property without warning. The flexibility that renting offers comes with a lot of risk and uncertainty.

Less Fluctuating Costs

Your landlord decides how much the rent will cost. They don’t have to warn you or justify themselves when they increase the rent. However, if you take out a mortgage, you can be sure that it will not increase over time if you are making the payments on time. This is in stark contrast with rent, which increases following the property’s market value plus inflation.

A minimalist living room with a couch, a television, and a fireplace.
You don’t have to worry about fluctuating rent costs if you own your own home.

Benefits from Taxation

In your capacity as a homeowner, you may be able to deduct a variety of associated expenses from your taxable income. Aside from that, all interest paid on a mortgage is tax-deductible up to $750,000. Additionally, deducting expenses such as mortgage interest may help you avoid IRMAA surcharges while also lowering your overall tax liability.

Diversification

In the same way that you can invest in stocks and other similar assets through brokerage and retirement accounts, you can also use real estate as another asset class to diversify your portfolio. Apart from that, because it is a physical asset, real estate appeals to many other people willing to invest or buy the property.

You Can Sell or Rent Your House In The Future

It is possible to build equity in your home by paying down your mortgage over time. If you own the house, you can invest in it, remodel it, and increase its value. After that, you can sell it for more than you paid for it. You can do whatever you want with it when you own the house outright. So, if you ever decide to relocate, you can make money from it. And when deciding whether renting vs. owning in San Diego is the better choice, one ought to think about the future.

Conclusion

So, renting vs. owning in San Diego – what’s smarter in 2022? As you can see, the answer is not so simple. Depending on the type of person you are, your goals, and your preferred lifestyle, you may need different things. However, in our opinion, it is always a better idea to buy if you have the means. If you don’t have that option, you should try to save so that you can make it happen in the future.

If you are thinking that buying or selling your home in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We are here to help with the process.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Home This Summer

Nobody likes pests. If you live in San Diego and own a home, I am sure you see these pesky guys more than you would like. They can be creepy and they can make your home feel like it’s not really your home anymore. Summer is the time of year when pests are the most active, so it’s important to take some steps to keep them out of your home. Here are some expert tips and tricks for keeping pests out of your home this summer.

Tips and Trick To Keep Your Home Pest-Free

As a homeowner, it is a good idea to protect your house from any type of pest or insects. Not only is it important when you live in the home; it is also important when selling your home in San Diego. We typically have a termite inspection prior to putting a home on the market and will share the report with a potential homebuyer. When it comes to keeping pests out of your home, there are a few key things you can do to keep them away. Check out these tips and tricks from your local pest control experts:

Tip #1: Seal up any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior.

One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home is to seal up all of the cracks and openings in your walls, windows, and doors. Pests get creative when it comes to finding the smallest entryway to get into your home. Be sure to seal up any openings that are bigger than a quarter inch. Sealing up these holes will make it harder for them to find a way in. 

Tip #2: Install door sweeps and window screens.

Another way to keep pests out of your home is to install door sweeps and window screens. Door sweeps will help keep bugs from entering your home through the bottom of your doors, and window screens will keep bugs and other pests from getting in through your windows. You can find these at your local home improvement store. 

Tip #3: Keep your yard clean and free of debris.

Pests like to take refuge in piles of leaves, wood, or trash. If you keep your yard clean and free of debris, you’ll make it less attractive to pests and they’ll be less likely to make themselves at home. 

Tip #4: Clean up any food or trash lying around your home.

Another way to keep pests out of your home is to make sure that there’s no food or trash sitting out. Make sure to clean up after yourself and put away any food that you don’t plan on eating right away. If there is no food for pests to eat, they will be forced to go outside where they can find food.  

Contact Your Local Pest Control Experts

There are many other ways to keep pests out of your home, but these are some of the most effective methods. If you have any questions or need more help, contact your local pest control experts at WedoCreepy.com. WedoCreepy.com gets rid of pests in San Diego with three simple steps! And if you have any questions regarding the buying or selling of a home in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group.

Tips To Increase Your Homes Value

Tips for Selling a House with Pets at Home

A woman kissing a small dog on the head while a man behind her is holding it.

We can all agree that pets are a wonderful addition to any family with enough time, patience, and love to give. However, regardless of how beneficial your pets are to you, they will make certain activities more complex than they would otherwise be. Selling your home is one such activity. And it’s considerably more difficult if you’re trying to buy and sell a house at the same time! Although you may have grown accustomed to everything that comes with owning a pet, such as their odor and strewn toys, potential buyers will notice these signals right away and be less willing to buy your San Diego home. Use our well-researched list of the best tips for selling a house with pets at home so you may increase these chances and your home value.

Consider their well-being every step of the way

It’s crucial to remember that, even though your pets may be a nuisance during this process, their well-being should always come first. More often than not, such an endeavor will prove to not only be taxing to you but also your pet. Even the most well-behaved and laid-back pet may react negatively to new people visiting their home. Additionally, your pets will be able to detect and replicate your emotions, such as stress. This is especially true on the day of your feared (but eagerly anticipated) moving day. Focus on their well-being and keep your pets safe by preemptively visiting a veterinarian. Inform them of the upcoming relocation and get advice about what you may do to reduce the stress your pet experiences.

A brown and white kitten in a small cardboard box looking straight at the camera.
If you are selling a house with pets you must keep their well-being in mind.

 

Repair damage done by pets

It’s easy to miss the damage your pet has made over time because you’ve gone through your house so many times. On the other hand, potential buyers evaluate properties with a critical eye. Even a little flaw can make people feel your home isn’t in as good of a shape as they’d like. To avoid this, fix the damage to increase the market value of your home. Depending on your pet, you may need to make some changes to various sections of your home. So go for a stroll around your house, paying close attention to any problems you see and noting them down.

Pets, such as cats and dogs, are most likely to cause damage to your carpets. On the other hand, having them professionally cleaned may solve the majority of your problems. However, if your rugs still show signs of wear, consider replacing them entirely. Cover any torn furniture, polish wood floors, and patch up your walls, among other things. These repairs may be costly, but the overall property resale value improvement will more than offset the costs.

Deep clean to remove any traces of your pets

When it comes to concerns like fur-covered furniture, odors that won’t go away, and unsightly stains, deep cleaning your home is the best remedy. Of course, even if you aren’t selling a house with pets, this is a crucial step to boost your chances of getting a higher price for your home.

To get rid of fur, vacuum everything from carpets to furniture thoroughly. While you’re at it, wash any removable cushion covers to get rid of anything that can attract a potential buyer’s attention. As for the dreaded pet odor, many items on the market may help, such as air purifiers and sprays. Try them on and see which one works best for you. Finally, professionals should clean stains, but you may do it yourself with the right cleaning solutions and equipment.

A clean and spacious white and black kitchen
If your home is spotless you will have a much higher chance of attracting a high number of interested buyers

Declutter your home from pet-related items

When selling your home, consider the many types of people who might visit. According to moving specialists mod-movers.com, it is your responsibility to declutter and depersonalize your home as much as possible before taking pictures or staging your home. And that includes any pet-related objects such as their cage, food dishes, toys, and blankets. 

Your pets play such an essential role in your life. So, you’ll probably have mementos such as photographs of them everywhere around your home. Be careful, this may put some people off. After all, you want potential buyers to envision themselves in your property rather than you.

A black, brown, and white dog playing with toys.
Although your pet may like their toys, prospective buyers will not like them scattered on the floor

 

Don’t market your home as pet-friendly

Your primary focus when selling a house is to reach a broader audience. And you won’t be doing so if you explicitly list your home as “pet-friendly”. Of course, if you have permanent additions to your home, be honest and inform prospective buyers. It’s always best if they know what they can expect. Building trust is vital when selling a house with pets. Buyers with pets will be able to determine just how pet-friendly your home (and the surrounding) neighborhood is without you specifically listing it as pet-friendly. On the other hand, pet-free buyers will not be put off by a label such as “pet-friendly” when looking for their dream home.

Make sure your pets are out of the picture as much as possible

There are many ways to keep your pets out of the way when selling a house with pets. And, while other family members are present during the staging of your home, you can spend some quality time with your beloved pets. You may even try some new activities out, such as the various dog-friendly ones in San Diego. On the other hand, you could hire a local pet-sitter. They will keep your pets occupied and happy while attending to other essential responsibilities. 

 

Tips for Selling a Home in San Diego

 

San Diego in the Summer: 10 Unique Spots You Need to Visit

San Diego weather is pretty perfect year-round, but longer days when summer rolls around makes it the perfect time to tick things off of your San Diego bucket list. Check out 10 unique sports to visit in San Diego in the summer as you take advantage of warmer days, including a few you may not have heard of before.

 

1. San Diego Museum of Us

The Museum of Us in Balboa Park is one of the most interesting museums in San Diego. Learn about everything from the history of beer to popular monsters in folklore as you have some summer fun in San Diego. If you have more time, book a tour up the California Tower for panoramic views of the park and beyond. You can only visit on guided tours.

museum of us

2. The Cave Store

The only way to tour the Sunny Jim sea cave is through The Cave Store, a La Jolla shop that regulates traffic through a narrow tunnel down to the cave. You’ll need to climb up and down 145 steps to get to and from the cave, but the views of La Jolla Cove are well worth it. Once you’re down there, see if you can notice the face shape in the opening of the cave.

3. The Whaley House

The Whaley House in Old Town is a popular Halloween stop, thanks to its haunted past. That doesn’t make it any less intriguing when it comes to San Diego summer activities. Visit the Whaley House for a self-guided tour of the museum. Costumed docents will give you a rundown of why it’s one of the most haunted places in the United States, let alone San Diego County.

Whaley House Museum

4. Harper’s Topiary Garden

Harper’s Topiary Garden in Mission Hills is the work of a local couple who wanted to turn their front yard into the ultimate example of curb appeal. Today, you can see about 50 unique trees and shrubs shaped into surfers, pyramids, and all kinds of animals. While the couple welcomes photos, the garden is on private property. Be respectful!

5. Chicano Park

Colorful murals dedicated to San Diego’s Mexican community decorate this park in the Barrio Logan neighborhood. If you look closer, some of the murals are calls to action, with many of them a work in progress based on the news of the day. Stop by on your way to sample the neighborhood’s underrated eateries and breweries, including nearby Mujeres Brew House.

Chicano Park

6. Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle

Speaking of San Diego’s craft beer scene, head to Shelter Island for this local spot on the pier that always has something unique flowing on tap. Limited tables outside allow you to sip with views of the waterfront. It’s a great place to spot sea lions looking for scraps from nearby boats. Fathom serves homemade sausages and snacks, too, if you’re hungry.

7. Lucy Evans Lauren Memorial Garden

If you’ve already been to Cabrillo National Monument, impressive views await nearby at the Lucy Evans Lauren Memorial Garden. This public tribute garden is dedicated to the wife of George Lauren, a philanthropist who was very active in the Point Loma neighborhood you’ll find this one in. George has since also passed away, but their memory lives on.

8. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is exactly what it sounds like: a magical maze that leads you to a series of colorful sculptures from French artist Niki de Saint Phalle. You’ll need to head up to Kit Carson Park in Escondido for this one, but it’s worth the trip. Once you’re done with the art, spend time in the park. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego this summer.

Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden

9. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

San Diego’s popular 7 Bridges Hike takes you to — and over — the city’s most historic urban bridges, but it’s 5.5 miles long. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is the most popular one with locals if you’re short on time. The gently swaying bridge over Kate Sessions Canyon is a popular photo stop for engagement shoots, hidden enough that you can’t see the main street.

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

10. Secret Swings & Troll Bridges

La Jolla is known for its fancy side, but it’s also pretty whimsical. Hidden “troll” bridges, or stone bridges, add a fairytale feel to streets around Mount Soledad. The “secret” swings are well-known on social media, but they keep visitors guessing because they’re cut down from time to time. For a guaranteed view, the swing at the top of a hill near the Birch Aquarium seems to be there for the long term.

Explore the hidden spots of San Diego.

San Diego is full of adventure. Take advantage of everything that makes the city so unique with these hidden spots around San Diego, or find your own secret spots and make your own memories!

Other Things To Do In San Diego

Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time | San Diego

Realtor handing keys over

Buying and selling a house in San Diego at the same time can be a difficult process to pull off but not impossible. The dreaded property chain may wreak havoc and catch you off guard at any moment. However, buying and selling a home simultaneously isn’t a rare occurrence. Plenty of people do it! Of course, in an ideal world, you’d sell your house, release any built-up equity to utilize for a down payment, and then find your new dream home. In real life, things rarely go in that order. If you attempt to pull this off, there will undoubtedly be some overlap. That’s why, in this article, we will help you navigate buying and selling your home at the same time. So, stick around to find out some of our best tips for dealing with this situation.

Get A Home Valuation

The first step you need to take if you’re considering buying and selling your home at the same time is to have your property valued. Before you begin making arrangements to purchase a new house in San Diego, you must first determine the value of your current residence. To get a good understanding of your property value, you should call the local Realtor in your neighborhood and ask them to give you a home valuation.

Evaluate The Local Housing Market

Moreover, you should also evaluate the local housing market before you start. You’ll need to adjust your timing if you’re selling in one market and purchasing in another. Depending on the local real estate market, the time it takes to buy and sell might vary substantially. For example, according to local some real estate experts, the best time to sell your home in San Diego is in early April. This holds true in some parts of the County. Not as much in the metro neighborhoods of San Diego. On the other hand, the lowest mortgage rates for those looking to buy a house in San Diego are usually in December. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t buy or sell a home in San Diego during other months of the year if you feel like you’re ready to make that change.

Person holding a paint roller on a wall.
Before putting your home on the market, consider making a few cosmetic changes.

Prepare Your Current Home

If you’ve lived in your current home for a long time, you probably have no idea how much excess stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. So, take this opportunity to declutter and toss away everything you don’t want to take with you. Even if you’re weeks or months away from listing your home, it pays off to start getting ready in advance. For example, some people take this preparation phase to the next level by renovating parts of their house before listing it. While it’s debatable whether you should renovate your home before you sell, it’s always a good idea to make at least some minor adjustments.

Make a thorough inspection of the house for any significant flaws. Fix that hole in the wall. Repaint a room that has been painted in a bright hue with a neutral tone. This is part of the staging process and is a very important part of making your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Hire A Real Estate Agent

While you may think you can handle both buying and selling your home at the same time all by yourself, it may not be a good decision to do so. Sure, you may be able to, but you are most likely going to leave a lot of money on the table, you may not make it to closing and your stress level will be through the roof by the end of the transactions. That’s why it’s best to contact a professional who can help you sell your current home AND find your dream home. A real estate agent familiar with the neighborhood and market will price the house correctly so that it does not go unsold for weeks on end. They will also let you know if the home you’re looking at is overpriced based on current and past data. Generally speaking, hiring a real estate agent can help you save a lot of time and effort.

A real estate agent touring buyers around the house.
Hire a real estate agent who will help you sell your current home and buy your dream home at the same time.

Start House Hunting

Think of all the attributes you want your new home to have and write them down. Make a list, and don’t forget to include the things you want to have in the neighborhood. For example, if you have kids, you probably want to have a good school nearby, along with parks and playgrounds where they can play. Or, if you’re a young professional, you might be looking for a neighborhood with a great nightlife that’s also close to your office. In that case, be sure to have your real estate agent schedule viewings in all the best neighborhoods for millennials in San Diego.

Think Of Temporary Living Solutions

If you end up selling your home before you buy a new house in San Diego, you need to figure out a temporary housing situation. Your best option is probably to rent an apartment where you can live until you sign the papers for your new home. The biggest problem with this is that you’ll have to move twice. You will either live out of boxes for some time, or you’ll have to go through the trouble of packing and unpacking and then packing everything again. However, many would still prefer that over picking a home that’s not right for you simply to speed up the process.

When it comes to moving and packing, there are a few ways you can make moving two times in a row more simple. You should start by decluttering before you pack. That means you should get rid of absolutely everything you don’t need. Throw it away, donate it, or sell it; just don’t keep it if you don’t use it. The fewer belongings you own, the less stuff you need to pack and move. Then, you should approach packing strategically. For example, if you plan to move in the summer, you can pack all your winter clothes together so that you don’t have to unpack them until you move to your new home. Finally, by picking out sturdy boxes and labeling all your stuff, you can prevent any potential mishaps or mixups.

A couple carrying boxes
When packing for the move, don’t rush it – take time and make smart choices.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking of buying and selling a home in San Diego at the same time, you will first need a lot of patience. You will also need a great real estate agent to help you navigate this process. If you’re staying in the same city, work with one real estate agent. They will help you list your home and price it correctly while also helping you find your dream home.

Contact us at 619-736-7003 and let us help you with the buying and or selling of your home in San Diego.

 

 

Relocating for Work | Your 6-Step Relocation Checklist

It’s not uncommon to relocate for a new job. In fact, people frequently move across the ocean to pursue a dream career. Regardless of how far you’re going, relocating for work can be stressful, especially if you have children and pets to think about. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to prepare for your move in advance. We’re here to help you plan a smooth and stress-free transition in or out of San Diego so you can arrive in your new home ready to jump into your new job!

Consider Your Housing Options

Selling your current home and buying a new one is the first step in your moving process. Get in touch with a local San Diego realtor like the McT Real Estate Group for help selling your home. If you’re moving somewhere new for the first time, consider renting a place in the city for a while before committing to a home purchase. You can scout out potential rentals and find pricing information online. For example, 2-bedroom apartments in San Diego rent for an average of $3,700 per month. Some rental websites even provide 3D tours so you can view apartments without visiting in person.

Find a Home in the Right Neighborhood

Once you’ve decided whether you’re going to rent or buy a home, your next step is to determine the perfect location. Research different neighborhoods in your new city and find one that meets the needs of your family. Remember to consider important location criteria like the quality of nearby schools, your proximity to your new job, and neighborhood crime rates.

Hire a Moving Service

Regardless of how far you’re moving, consider hiring professionals to help your move go smoothly. Hiring professional movers means you won’t have to lift heavy furniture or drive an oversized moving truck down the highway. By handing off your move to professionals, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on all of those other little moving details, like updating your address and registering for a new license.

Pack Smart

Packing up all of your possessions doesn’t have to be as time-consuming as it seems. Start by getting rid of anything you don’t need anymore. Once you’ve pared down your possessions, The Spruce suggests creating a coded packing system so you can easily keep track of your things once they disappear into boxes. And remember to pack a box of essentials—you will need this during the first day in your new home!

Make Your Travel Arrangements

Making travel arrangements in advance is crucial for ensuring your move goes smoothly, especially if you have pets and/or kids. If you’re driving to your new home, get your car tuned up for the big drive and map out your route. Remember to schedule stops and book hotels if your move will take more than a day. If you’re flying, now’s the time to get tickets and book your seats so your family can sit together on the flight.

Prepare for Things to Go Wrong

When it comes to moving, all kinds of things can go wrong. Perhaps all your stuff doesn’t fit on the moving truck or maybe the weather is bad on your moving day. The best way to avoid these hiccups is to prepare for them. Make a contingency plan for issues like traffic congestion, packing problems, or moving company mess-ups. When you’re prepared for anything, you’ll be able to sail through obstacles with little stress.

Moving to a new city is always exciting, especially if you’re starting a great new job. Of course, the moving process is bound to be tiring as well. Get all the stressful stuff out of the way as soon as possible so you can start daydreaming about all the fun things you and your family are going to do in your new city!

Are you looking to buy or sell a home in San Diego? The  McT Real Estate Group can help! Contact us today so we can discuss your real estate needs. Call 619-736-7003.

 

4 Things to Do Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Best Hiking Trails in San Diego

San Diego is spoiled with excellent hiking weather year-round. From easy hikes in San Diego to more challenging options outside the city, there is a hike for any skill level, too. Check out where to go for the best hiking trails in San Diego.

young make hiker
Cropped image of a young male hiker

Balboa Park Trails

If you’re lucky enough to live near Balboa Park (or you wish you did!), you don’t need to drive outside of the city for some of the best San Diego hikes. Balboa Park has 65 miles of trails into the surrounding canyons and along its urban paths that will make you feel like you’re much farther out into San Diego County.

If you’re looking for a moderate trail, start with the 3.7-mile hike into Florida Canyon. Begin at the Park Boulevard Trails Gateway to get to this one. The best part is, you’ll be close to the best of Balboa Park from here, too.

Mission Trails Regional Park

From the popular hike up Cowles Mountain to the easy Oak Canyon Trail, Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the most convenient parks to get to in the San Diego area. If you want to escape the crowds, try climbing one of the peaks in the park. The Kwaay Paay Peak Trail is only 2.3 miles, but you’ll still feel a sense of accomplishment once you’re at the top of those scenic views on this mountain trail.

Potato Chip Rock

The endpoint of Potato Chip Rock is one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. The thin rock you’ll hike to resembles a potato chip, and it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike to pose on. The trek to get there isn’t easy, though. 

The traditional route is about 8 miles roundtrip, but there is a back route along a gravel road that cuts the hike distance in half. No matter how you choose to get there, you’re still ascending over 2,000 feet, so this is a challenging hike regardless of the route you choose. If it’s the classic photos you’re after, start your hike early. By mid-morning, lines begin to form for that photo opp!

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Head to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve if you want a variety of San Diego trails the whole family will enjoy. The most popular trail here is the Beach Trail, a descent of 300 feet down to the shore and excellent tide pooling possibilities. Just save some energy for the climb back up. The Guy Fleming Trail back at the top is an easy ⅔-mile loop trail to some of the reserve’s best viewpoints.

Black Mountain Open Space Park

Black Mountain Open Space Park in North County features a number of trails at all skill levels. The highlight is the summit of Black Mountain. Access the summit on the Nighthawk Trail, nearly 4 miles of moderate climbing to beautiful views. The easy Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail is another option if you’re traveling with the family. Watch for wildlife on this one, as the park is a favorite for all kinds of desert birds, even bobcats.

Three Sisters Falls

Three Sisters Falls is a fairly challenging 4.5-mile hike to one of San Diego’s best waterfalls. Many hikers take a swim at the end to reward themselves for getting there, especially on hot days. If you’re looking for more San Diego waterfall hikes, try Cedar Creek Falls or the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. Cedar Creek is more impressive, but Los Penasquitos is much more accessible at all skill levels.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Interested in a day trip? Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a less than two-hour drive from the city to some of the best hikes in Southern California. The 2.9-mile Borrego Palm Canyon trail is a fairly easy hike by San Diego hiking standards to a palm oasis. Adventurous hikers may prefer The Slot, a 2.3-mile trek to one of the most accessible slot canyons in the state. If you visit in the springtime, expect colorful wildflowers and blooming cacti along the way.

Ready to Hit the Best Hikes in San Diego?

Whether you’re ready for San Diego’s peaks or prefer a gentler desert walk, San Diego has it all when it comes to hiking trails. If you’re on the market for the best places to be for year-round outdoor activities, it doesn’t get any better than San Diego.

Contact us today at 619-736-7003 about buying your new home in this hiker’s paradise.

 

8 Free Things to do in San Diego this Fall

Dog Friendly Activities in San Diego

Dog-friendly activities in San Diego
Photo by Blue Bird from Pexels

San Diego is one of the most eclectic cities in California, with so much to offer. With its near-perfect weather all year round, America’s Finest City bursts with all kinds of activities and events 356 days a year. Beautiful parks, scenic beaches, a fantastic promenade, world-class shopping, restaurants, and bars are just some of the things to enjoy. The best part? You can bring your furry friend along wherever you go! San Diego is famous for its dog-friendly attitude. So, if you’re looking for new things to experience with your pup, here are some dog-friendly activities you should try in San Diego.

Take a Swim at a Dog Beach

Besides being absolutely breathtaking and perfect relaxation spots, beaches in San Diego are also famous for being dog-friendly. That’s why both locals and visitors have the best time with their four-legged friends in this city. Both on and off-leash beaches are available. 

If you want your pup to play off-leash all day long, then don’t miss some quality time on the original Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. This is the beach for dogs. Del Mar and Coronado Beach are also great options. Here, you can swim, play fetch, hike, and run around with your pup with no limits. In addition, your dog will make new friends for sure! 

Oh, and if you happen to see a bunch of dogs on surfboards riding the waves in cute little life jackets, don’t hesitate to join them! San Diego hosts a couple of dog surfing contests every year. This is definitely one of the most exciting dog-friendly activities you should try in San Diego.

Dog on a beach
Photo by gdtography from Pexels

Visit Fiesta Island 

Fiesta Island, situated in Mission Bay, offers calm waters for pups that prefer a relaxing walk over catching strong waves. In addition, your dog can enjoy running around sandy dunes off-leash all day long!

Besides another amazing dog beach, at Fiesta Island, you’ll also find a huge dog park and a dog-friendly picnic area. This is also an off-leash zone, so you’re dog can be as free as a bird. You can play fetch, cuddle, and picnic all day and then some! You can have as active or as relaxing a day as you want.

Take your doggo on a boat ride

Spending a quality day at Fiesta Island isn’t the only thing you can do in Mission Bay. If you’re looking for something different, you should take your pup on a fun boat ride. Seaforth Boat Rentals will provide you with both a ride and a cute little life vest for your doggo. You can have the boat for the whole day and feel that San Diego breeze on your face. It doesn’t get more relaxing than that!

If you and your pup are more adventurous types, then visit Aqua Adventures to rent a kayak, powerboat, fishing boat, paddleboard, or sailboat for you and your furry friend. Oh, and if you’re worried about your small dog enjoying this type of activity – don’t be. Many dog owners go on these adventures with their tiny dogs.

Spend a quality day in Balboa Park 

San Diego is full of dog-friendly parks. However, Balboa Park is a special treat for everyone. On its 1000 acres, you can find many dog-friendly areas and activities you can do with your pooch. Nate’s Point Dog Park is certainly one of the favorite places for pet owners. There, your dogs can run off-leash in an open and green space designed just for them. 

Additionally, there are many more open areas, hiking trails, and gardens you and your dog can enjoy. Balboa Park definitely offers some of the best dog-friendly activities you should try in San Diego. 

For lunch break, visit Panama 66 and The Prado – dog-friendly restaurants with delicious food and a cozy ambiance. A relaxing stroll down Balboa Park is a perfect afternoon activity for you and your furry friend. However, don’t forget to put on a leash when you’re not in the off-leash areas.

Alcazar Gardens Balboa Park
Balboa Park, San Diego.

Go on a relaxing hike

One of the dog-friendly activities you should try in San Diego is exploring the city by going on a relaxing hike with your pooch. Fortunately, there are plenty of great trails in this amazing city. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and clear your mind while spending some quality time with your dog. Here are our two favorite trails you cannot miss:

  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Located by Ocean Beach, this unique park offers plenty of trails you and your doggo can explore. This place is famous for its scenic sunset view you cannot miss. Oh, and don’t forget to bring the leash! 
  • Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. This trail is for everyone who enjoys long relaxing walks. Your furry friend will love it as well since there are a ton of new things to explore and smell. There is also a creek where your dog can play. And don’t worry about melting in the warm San Diego weather. You’ll have plenty of rest stops under the shade! 
Dog in a spa
Dog boutiques are a huge hit right now, so make sure to find the perfect one for your pup.

Get pampered at the groomer’s 

If you want to surprise your furry friend with a relaxing spa day, pay a visit to one of many dog boutiques all around San Diego. Treat your dog with a new outfit, nice shampoo, wash station, and a fresh trim. Additionally, you’ll find delicious dog bakeries along with a fantastic selection of toys and gifts and a friendly service. This is something every pup deserves! So, choose your favorite dog boutique and shower your dog with love!

Relax in La Jolla 

La Jolla offers a great variety of things you can enjoy with your pup. From dog-friendly beaches and restaurants to retail therapy and beautiful parks, La Jolla will keep you occupied all day. You can organize your day or simply go with the flow. There are just so many excellent stops you’ll find either way.

Don’t miss an opportunity to visit Muttropolis, one of the best dog shops in the country. Your furry friend will undoubtedly enjoy the store along with all the extra attention and lovely gifts.

Do you find San Diego Charming?

Many people who visit San Diego decide to move to this beautiful city. Besides having everything a person could wish for, it’s also a perfect place for your furry friend. You won’t have to worry about hiring a dog nanny or leaving your pup at home whenever you need to go somewhere. It’s a paradise for both you and your doggo! So, no one would blame you if you decided to make San Diego your permanent home. The friendly crew from bestlongdistancemovers.com suggests prioritizing finding the right moving company above anything else. It’s important that you and your dog can have a smooth relocation!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many dog-friendly activities you should try in San Diego. From swimming at famous dog beaches and playing fetch in the parks to taking a boat ride, pampering in a dog spa, and exploring the beauties of the city. One thing is certain – San Diego loves dogs, and your dog will love San Diego as well! So, don’t miss a chance to visit this amazing city and have the time of your life with your furry friend!

If you would like to speak to us about buying a home or a condo in San Diego, contact us right away at 619-736-7003. We are happy to help you with the process.

  

 Other Things to Do In San Diego

Top Ten Best Beaches in San Diego

San Diego has the most beautiful beaches in the world. San Diegans are lucky enough to live right next to San Diego Bay, which features some of the best white-sand beaches anywhere. What makes San Diego so special is that it’s not just one beach – there are many! Here are ten of San Diego’s top beaches for you and your family to enjoy this summer: San Diego is a beach lover’s paradise and offers plenty of amazing beaches for visitors and locals to enjoy. With so many options, it can be tough to choose just one – but that’s what makes San Diego so special! If you’re looking for a new beach to explore this summer, be sure to check out some of these amazing spots. *Parking fees may apply. For more information on San Diego’s beaches, please visit sandiego.gov/beaches/.

 

 Pacific Beach

– Pacific Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego and for good reason – its wide stretch of white sand and stunning views make it a perfect place to relax or play. The waves here are great for boogie boarders and surfers alike. Pacific Beach is great for young people who want to party – you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants in Pacific Beach.

Pizzaria at Pacific beach

Coronado Beach

–Coronado Beach is one of my favorites. It’s located in the heart of San Diego and is known for its soft sand, gentle waves, and stunning views of downtown San Diego and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Take a trip to Coronado Island and visit the world-famous Hotel del Coronado while you’re there.

Dog at the Coronado Beaches
Angel at Coronado Beach

La Jolla Shores

-La Jolla Shores is another great option – it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling thanks to its calm waters and abundance of sea life.

Windansea Beach

-Windansea Beach is a beautiful spot that’s popular with locals – if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this is the place to go. It can be a little rough so it might not be ideal for young kids or beginners.

three friends on the bay holding dogs
Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay Park

-Mission Bay Park is San Diego’s largest park and offers plenty of room to run around (and play in the amusement park), or jump right into the water. If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach experience, check out La Jolla Shores or Mission Bay Park.

Ocean Beach

-Ocean Beach is one not to forget about. It’s San Diego’s longest beach and is a great place for surfing, sunbathing, and people-watching.

The Cove

-The Cove at La Jolla is known as one of the best spots to snorkel in San Diego – you can often see dolphins and sea lions here.

Crown Point Park

-Crown Point Park offers stunning views of downtown San Diego and Coronado Island – it’s definitely worth a visit if you have time.

Torrey Pines State Reserve  (with parking fee) Del Mar City Beach*

-Torrey Pines State Reserve is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in San Diego – make sure to go on a hike while you’re there.

Blacks Beach

-Blacks beach was formerly known as San Diego’s “nude beach”, but it’s now a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

San Diego has no shortage of beautiful beaches – so what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen and towel and get ready to enjoy some fun.

Top Things to do in San Diego with Kids

 

 

 

 

How to Experience the Best of Winter in San Diego

San Diego weather doesn’t vary too much year-round, which means winter in San Diego is more pleasant than in most places around the country. Those mild temperatures also mean you’ll have plenty of things to do in San Diego during winter, even after all of the holiday activities are done for the year.

 

Winter in San Diego Weather

Winter weather in San Diego doesn’t require the level of preparation many states need due to snowstorms, icy conditions, and dropping temperatures that are common in most places.

How cold do San Diego winters get? San Diego winters never get too cold. The average temperatures in the winter months of December through February typically fall around 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit in the California city.

While it won’t be too cold in San Diego during the winter, you may see more rain. January-March is San Diego’s wetter season, with an average of about 2 inches of rain per month during that time. That said, the amount of rain San Diego gets during those months is still markedly less than states with true rainy seasons.

Things to Do in San Diego in Winter

giraffe at the san diego zoo

There’s no limit on things to do in San Diego in winter. Rainy days may limit some outdoor plans, but those are still few and far between. You’ll likely find smaller crowds in Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, and fewer people by the water.

Do people go to the beach in San Diego during the winter? The water won’t be at its warmest, but many locals and visitors alike still go to the beach in San Diego during the winter.

Let’s take a look at more things to do on not only a San Diego winter vacation but for those who live in San Diego year-round.

Whale Watching

two whales in the water
Winter is the start of peak whale watching season in San Diego. From mid-December into April, 20,000 gray whales begin their migration from colder seas down into Baja California, and San Diego is an important stop along the way.

Book a whale watching tour or choose from any of San Diego’s best whale watching spots to catch a glimpse of the action. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Cabrillo National Monument, or Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve are good places to start.

Desert Day Trips

San Diego winter is the best time to hike all of those trails that get too hot in the summer months, especially if they’re in the desert. Temperatures are cooler and much more comfortable for exploring on your feet. Head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for hiking trails and desert wildlife. For more adventure, take the Hellhole Canyon Trail out to Maidenhair Falls. The falls are modest but striking, as they’re in the middle of what you’d expect to be a bone-dry desert.

San Diego Winter Activities

people skating in Coronado

Just because the sun is shining throughout Southern California doesn’t mean you can’t embrace traditional winter activities. If you want to pull those skates out of storage, head out to the San Diego Ice Arena during one of their public ice skating sessions. The UTC Ice Sports Center in La Jolla also offers public ice skating, with the option to book skate times in advance online.

For real snow, you’ll need to drive into the mountains. Julian, Mount Laguna, and Palomar Mountain all get snow accumulation in the winter months. Keep in mind that places like Mount Laguna are a popular excursion after even minor snowfalls, so you may experience traffic as you travel up to the more popular spots. Big Bear is the closest ski weekend to take from San Diego.

Whatever You Want!

Winter in San Diego is the perfect time to continue doing what you love during the rest of the year. Cooler temperatures make for more comfortable hiking conditions and smaller crowds in the city’s most popular attractions. If all you want is to enjoy your neighborhood with continued patio dining, you can still do that, too. Winter in San Diego is just that nice.

Check Out Other Things to Do in San Diego

6 Negotiation Tips for San Diego Sellers

Truth be told, selling a house in San Diego can be stressful and overwhelming. From finding ways to market your home to negotiating the price, there are plenty of things you need to prepare for. To help you with that, we’ve devised a list of 6 negotiation tips for San Diego sellers. As this is one of the most critical steps of the selling process, you need to know how to handle it to ensure you get the best possible return for your investment.

A bird's eye view of San Diego

Negotiation tips for San Diego sellers

Negotiations are a fundamental part of all real estate deals. If you handle it in the right way, you’ll sell your house at a higher price. Further in this article, you’ll learn to improve your negotiation skills with our 6 simple tips.

Two men sitting on a sofa in an office with large windows
Since negotiation is a crucial part of the home-selling process, the best approach is to hire a real estate agent to help you.

1-Work with a real estate agent

Whether you’re buying or selling, hiring a San Diego real estate agent is probably the best negotiation tactic to choose. By letting an experienced professional with solid negotiation skills lead the process, you’ll get the best deal for your home.

No matter how much time you’ve spent in your home, it’s impossible to be objective and not get at least a little bit emotional during the process. On the other hand, as your real estate agent has no attachment to your home, they’ll be able to think and act entirely rationally.

A couple talking to their real estate agent about negotiation tips for San Diego sellers
By letting your real estate agent negotiate on your behalf, you’ll get a better deal.

Even if you decide to use an innovative way of home presentation in the form of virtual tours, a good real estate agent will still be indispensable. The negotiation process can be slightly different when you’re trying to close a sale online. Still, you won’t have anything to worry about if you let your agent run the process.

2-Set a realistic asking price

Setting a realistic asking price is one of the best ways to accelerate your home sale. Here are the four most important factors to take into account when setting a price for your home:

  • Your home’s location – is your home in a safe area, and is it close to public transport?
  • Comparative market analysis (CMA) – if you hire a real estate agent, they will analyze recently closed sales in the San Diego market and compares them to your home. That way, they’ll determine a suitable price.
  • Your property’s condition – check if any major repairs are needed and determine if you want to renovate or sell as-is.
  • One of the best ways to find out the value of your home is to get familiar with the San Diego market. This way, you’ll be able to decide which selling strategy to use to your advantage. 

If you price your San Diego home properly, you’ll attract more buyers. This can potentially lead to a bidding war, which means spending less time negotiating and getting a great price. 

3-Encourage competition

One of the best ways to get the best price for your property is to create healthy competition. For instance, you can market your home through several different channels to attract as many potential buyers as possible. Keep in mind that buyers will tend to compete with each other if you price your property at market price. This will, in turn, raise the final price.

4-Don’t be afraid to reject an offer

Although it might seem counterintuitive, rejection can be an excellent negotiation strategy. As you want the potential buyer to stay in the game, you should ask them to make another offer. If they’re seriously interested in your property, they will. Although this is a bit risky, it can give great results. 

This move shows buyers that you know how much your property is worth and that you won’t settle for a lower price. If the buyer decides to make a new offer, it will have to be higher than the previous one. The best part about this tactic is that you’re not legally locked into negotiation with the buyer. Although, I would not recommend this type of strategy if you are not in a seller’s market. You could potentially lose a great buyer.

Again, remember that pricing your home at the current market price will most likely get you more than one offer. The buyers will then compete, which will bring you, the seller, a higher selling price.

5-Serve your counteroffer with an expiration date

During the home-selling process, a buyer can submit an offer that you can counter. With this move, you’ll become involved in a legally binding negotiation which means you won’t be able to accept any better offers that might come your way after you counter that buyer. 

In many cases, this turns into an endless back and forth with the buyer, which is the last thing you want. This is especially true if you’re in a hurry to sell or are selling and buying a home at the same time. A great way to prevent this from happening is to put an expiration date on your counteroffer. This way, the buyer will need to make a quick decision.

6-Offer to cover closing costs

Lastly, it’s essential not to let your emotions get the best of you during the process. No matter how attached you are to your San Diego home, you need to do your best to keep your feelings under control.

If you start feeling emotional or even overwhelmed, remember why you decided to sell in the first place. By letting your emotions take over, you’re risking ruining the sale. That’s the last thing you want!

 

A woman replacing a sale sign with a sold sign

Final thoughts

We hope our negotiation tips for San Diego sellers help you get the best possible price and terms for your home. As negotiation can be a tricky process, we strongly recommend contacting an experienced San Diego real estate agent to assist you. They have the necessary knowledge and information about the San Diego market and strong negotiation skills, which is a perfect combination for ensuring the best possible price for your home.

 

Best San Diego Neighborhoods for Millennials

 

San Diego skyline across a body of water

If you’re a millennial looking for a change of scenery, you should consider San Diego. This city might be just what you need due to its superb weather year-round, beautiful beaches, parks, and fantastic nightlife. However, there are significant differences between some of the popular San Diego neighborhoods. So, if you’re considering moving to San Diego, find out which neighborhood best suits your lifestyle. To help you out, we compiled a list of the best San Diego neighborhoods for millennials and young professionals.

North Park

The first neighborhood we have to mention as possibly the best San Diego neighborhood for millennials is North Park. First, there are so many fun things to do in North Park. This neighborhood hosts a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, clubs, live-stage performances, shopping malls, and other fun and exciting activities. The area is very safe, and there are walking pathways that are great for young professionals who might have to commute to work. For those older millennials looking to settle down, it’s important to note North Park’s low crime rate, which makes it an ideal spot to raise a family.

People walking in the streets of San Diego
San Diego is a great, fast-paced city with plenty of foot traffic

Gaslamp Quarter

The dynamic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is ideal for individuals who wish to live right in the heart of all the action. The Gaslamp Quarter is well-known for its various popular eating and entertainment options and over hundreds of restaurants, nightclubs, galleries, and stores to choose from. On the other hand, this San Diego neighborhood is also great for millennials and young professionals just starting out because it provides inexpensive living options. If you want to buy a house in San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter might just be the place for you.

Solana Beach

Just like most of the neighborhoods on this list, Solana Beach is a quite walkable area. It’s also very popular with millennials. This is primarily due to Cedros Design District, which is home to various fascinating art galleries, furniture boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. You can spend a whole wonderful day there, and not get bored. Moreover, Solana Beach is conveniently positioned near both Downtown San Diego (which means an easy commute) and other beach areas. However, it’s one of the most costly neighborhoods in San Diego, but it’s definitely worth it.

If you decide to move to Solana Beach from another part of California, you may have to start planning early. A great way to get over the moving process as quickly as possible is to hire reputable long-distance movers to help you with the transfer. You will most likely have a long list of moving companies to choose from, so make sure you choose wisely. When in doubt, always check testimonials to find out which movers offer the best service!

Little Italy

Little Italy is easily one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego for millennials looking for fast-paced surroundings. This little neighborhood is great for those who want to ditch their cars and go on foot as much as possible. Moreover, Little Italy is home to many locally-owned pubs and restaurants and plenty of wonderful cafes to start your day. It’s just as bustling in the mornings with its cafés as it is in the nights with its vibrant nightlife. The majority of residences in Little Italy are condominiums, with more structures being constructed every year.

Scenic photo of the ocean during sunrise
The great thing about San Diego is its proximity to the ocean

Hillcrest

Another neighborhood that’s popular with millennials is Hillcrest. The two main reasons why this neighborhood is so popular are its affordability and the fact that it’s one of the most LBGT+ friendly communities in the city. If you’re new to San Diego, it’s a great spot to catch evening drag shows, meet people or enjoy sitting in beautiful, eccentric coffee shops. Hillcrest got its reputation because it hosts an annual Pride Parade, which brings in hundreds of people to celebrate the LGBT+ community each year.

La Jolla

La Jolla is a mountainous beachfront location ideal for millennials who wish to experience high-end beach life. So, if you’re on a budget, you might not be able to find accommodation in your price range here. Alternatively, if you’re serious about making La Jolla your home, you might be able to locate a smaller apartment, loft, or studio for rent with several roommates. However, even that might be worth it just to live in this fantastic, lively area. If you are moving from a bigger home to a smaller one, make sure to browse Verified Movers and find a reputable moving company to make your relocation easier. 

As the name and reputation suggest, there are many expensive and exclusive restaurants and stores in La Jolla. Moreover, there are plenty of hiking routes overlooking beautiful vistas, making this a perfect spot for fitness and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts.

Aerial photography of a San Diego neighborhood by the ocean
If you want to live in a luxurious beachfront house, LaJolla is the place for you

La Mesa

La Mesa is an up-and-coming neighborhood located in East County, San Diego. While the location isn’t as far east as you may think from reading this, it’s important to note that many of San Diego’s top sites will need an extra 10-20 minute trip. While La Mesa is a little further from downtown San Diego, it is significantly cheaper, which is a great bonus. La Mesa has a beautiful main street with a pleasant atmosphere. The main street is lined with wonderful restaurants and stores, ideal for millennials wishing to socialize with their peers. La Mesa is a particularly community-oriented neighborhood, with many seasonal events such as Oktoberfest and a Christmas fair held each year.

In Conclusion: What Is The Best San Diego Neighborhood For Millennials?

San Diego is an incredible city full of vibrant and fast-paced neighborhoods and areas perfect for young people. It’s a great city for both nightlife and outdoor activities, and it’s also very popular with young professionals. It’s got everything you want and need, and more. So, whether you go with Little Italy or decide that La Jolla better suits your needs – that’s up to you. You have to decide for yourself which one of these best San Diego neighborhoods for millennials is the best for you. However, whichever San Diego area you choose, you’ll be able to find something you love!

 

Things to do in San Diego

Historic Homes in San Diego

Explore Historic Homes in San Diego

 

If you’re in the market for a historic home, you probably know all about the unique architectural styles that make historic homes in San Diego so special. From Spanish Colonial Revival resembling the best of Balboa Park to American Craftsman bungalows, the city has a little bit of everything when it comes to its most impressive historic properties. 

If you’re just interested in historic sites in San Diego, the city has plenty of that, too, and many of these historic homes are open to visitors wanting to learn more.

The Davis-Horton House

 

The Davis-Horton House may not be the oldest house in San Diego — that title usually goes to Casa de Carrillo, an adobe structure in Old Town — but it is the oldest house in downtown San Diego. The building has been here since 1850, and it serves as The Gaslamp Museum today. On your visit, move from room to room to experience each period of time in the days since the home was built. It’s one of the city’s best historic landmarks.

image of gas lamp museum

Heritage County Park

You can’t get more bang for your buck than a visit to Heritage County Park, a historic district in Old Town dedicated to the preservation of San Diego’s most impressive Victorian homes. The San Diego historic properties you’ll see here all came from elsewhere in the city, placed here in this park as part of the city’s preservation efforts.

Visit The Temple Beth Israel, the city’s first synagogue on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Bushyhead House, built in an Italianate-style. The Bushyhead House was built by Edward Wilkerson Bushyhead, a Cherokee man who marched in the Trail of Tears in the 1830s before working as both a newspaper owner and San Diego police chief. 

San_Diego_Old_Town_-_Heritage_Park_-_Temple_Beth_Israel_(1889)_San_Diego’s_first synagogue

If you have more time, visit the McConaughy House. It’s home to the Coral Tree Tea House, a cafe that hosts traditional afternoon teas.

Long-Waterman House

This Queen Anne-style Victorian in Bankers Hill was built in 1889 for John Long, then head of the Coronado Fruit Package Company. It later became the home of former California Governor Robert Whitney Waterman, the 17th governor of the state. The mansion is a remarkable example of preserved Victorian architecture in the city, although you can’t go see it for yourself. This San Diego historical home has been a private residence under the same ownership since 1981 when it sold for just $200,000.

image of Long-Waterman House

 

Dryden Historic District

The North Park homes within the Dryden Historic District are a mix of American Craftsman bungalows, an offshoot of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and Spanish Colonial Revival-style homes. 

The area runs along 28th Street and Pershing Avenue, bordered by Landis and Upas streets on either end. It gets its name from architect and property builder David Owen Dryden, who designed many of the homes in the neighborhood. His influence there is a reason the historic district even came to be, with the designation coming from the San Diego Historical Resources Board back in 2011.

With 136 homes within that district, you will see some real estate movement within the neighborhood from time to time. With varied architectural styles across its six blocks, expect variety with the interiors, as well. Some will have open floor plans that predate the historic designation, while others will have preserved more historical details.

 

image of historic home in north park

Interested in San Diego Historic Properties?

If you’re in the market for the best historic homes San Diego County has to offer, the McT Real Estate Group can walk you through the process. Historic San Diego homes aren’t just lovely to look at, they come with some additional things to navigate. Some may already be under the Mills Act program, for example. It’s a California law that regulates the private ownership of historic places in San Diego, including the kinds of improvements you can make on the exterior portion of the home. These homes tend to sell for a bit more than the average home. However, the tax benefits that come with owning a historic home in San Diego are incredible and definitely worth considering.

If you are considering buying or selling a historic home in San Diego, contact us right away. We would love the opportunity to help you with this process.

 

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How to Prepare for a Major Mountain Biking Trip or Bike Marathon

If you’re going mountain biking, taking a camping trip to hit the trails, or you’ve signed up for a bike marathon, there are certain steps you should take to prepare. You need to get your mind and body in shape. And you need to be sure you’ve got all the proper gear to make the big trip a success. With proper training and some foresight, your next big outing can be a success. Consider these pointers from the McT Real Estate Group.

Man on bike at a bike race

Get fit

No matter the terrain – a dirt path or a paved road – any long-distance cycling requires different types of training. Functional training is a key component. The goal is to train the muscles and respiratory systems to be ready when called upon. It’s important to put practice time in on the bike and to include repeated hill climbs. You can also train off the bike. For example, kettlebell training works the whole body while also focusing on the large muscle groups that are vital for biking.

Of course, it’s important to train at a safe, gradual, and tapered pace. Don’t start with 15 miles if you’ve only been biking two or three.

“The best way to monitor your training increments is by totaling the mileage ridden each week, but training is not just about miles,” says Total Women’s Cycling.

Not all biking is downhill or on flat surfaces, so ride the hills and push your limits to ensure you can more easily handle the ascents on the big day. There are many bike trails in and around San Diego that you can enjoy, several of which are ranked as “easy” or “moderate” by Calfornia.com. Find one that speaks to you and get to know it!

Restful training is equally as important in order to give your muscles a break. During rest days, don’t go full veg but consider moderate activities such as climbing stairs to get to your office, or brisk walking around the neighborhood.

Get race-ready

For a marathon, being race-prepared is crucial, and that means getting in the right mindset. Think of a strategy that will help you complete the race. You want to be able to properly pace yourself to have the energy for the final push. Doing a smaller event before the marathon gives you a test run and a chance to resolve any hitches before the big race, so you’ll go into the main event with more confidence.

Get a tune-up

Having your bike in tip-top shape is also crucial. REI.com notes that a professional bike fitting can adjust your bike so that you have more efficient riding, less muscle aches and pains, and more general comfort while you ride. You should also get your bike serviced and properly cleaned. As far as equipment, all you really need during a marathon is one bottle cage, a few energy gels, and a spares pack. Mountain biking requires more gear, such as a multi-tool, zip ties, and a first aid kit.

Wrap Up Work-Related Tasks

You’ll also want to tie up loose ends at work before you leave. If you run a business, simple actions like designating a registered agent can make things run smoothly while you’re gone. When you establish a registered agent (in California it’s an Agent for Service of Process), you outline major decision-making and processes. This way you’re covered if anything serious pops up, like a lawsuit or tax notification.

Eat right

During training, and especially in the days leading up to the race, it’s important to follow a balanced diet, watch nutritional intake, and stay well hydrated. Be careful not to over hydrate. During a race, this can be as dangerous as dehydration. Getting adequate rest during training and the days leading up to the race is also imperative.

Whether you’ll hit the trails for a mountain bike excursion or race down the road for a bike marathon, you should be adequately prepared. Take the time to prepare your mind and body for the trip. Plan ahead to be ready with the right equipment and gear. A big race or a long outing is exciting and a real accomplishment. Set a goal for yourself and go out and do it.

The McT Real Estate Group has been in the San Diego real estate industry since 2004 and have quickly become some of the Top Real Estate Agents in the North Park, South Park, and metro neighborhoods of San Diego. If you are thinking of buying a house near the mountain trails in San Diego, reach out to us today! 619-736-7003.

 

Other Things to do in San Diego

The Pros and Cons of Renovating Before You Sell

If you are considering selling your San Diego home, you are probably interested in knowing whether you should renovate it to boost its resale value. Naturally, it is in every seller’s interest to earn as much as possible when they sell their property. However, before you go into elaborate renovation projects, it is worth considering the pros and cons of renovating before you sell your home.

The advantages of renovating before you sell

You will maximize your bargaining power.

A potential buyer might focus on the faults of your home during negotiations. So, if your bathroom is not renovated, for example, they may attempt to reduce the asking price as a result. In addition, they might ask for a price reduction by contending that the property will be expensive to maintain after the purchase. 

However, a renovated home will allow you to go into negotiations with the homebuyer confidently. Your bargaining power will increase remarkably. You will be able to argue that the buyer does not need to invest additional money into costly renovations. So, renovating before you sell allows you to market your home as a “ready to move in” property. 

A renovated home allows the buyer to move right after the purchase.

Therefore, if you decide to remodel your home before putting it up for sale, consider the most frequent criticisms:

  • Cracked or dirty walls
  • Outdated or personalized home decoration
  • Doors and windows that cannot close
  • Inefficient insulation
  • Messy garden area

Renovations increase the value of your home

Of course, if you aim to sweep the homebuyers off their feet, you should consider renovating. For instance, kitchen and bathroom renovations are surefire ways to boost the value of your home. This means you can merely repaint the rest of the property and claim you have renovated the house. 

However, if you want to sell and move out of your San Diego home as soon as possible, then you may argue that you did not want to impose your remodeling vision on the buyer. In this case, you may even move your belongings out of your San Diego home so that the buyer can assess which renovations they want to implement. As the consultants at familyaffairmoving.com say, their clients often hire their services to remove a part of their belongings from their homes. Then, when they are ready to relocate, they move all of the other, bulkier items.

Renovate to rekindle interest in your home

If you have already ventured into listing your home for sale, but you are not provoking the expected interest, a few renovations could help you overcome this hurdle. Your real estate agent should be able to assess the situation and suggest a suitable renovation strategy. 

The cons of renovating before you sell

  • Renovations can be time-consuming

As we have mentioned before, renovations may not align with your plans if you want to move out as soon as possible. So, construction work taking place on your property while you are in the midst of planning your relocation can stall your plans considerably. Handling substantial renovations remotely also requires a lot of effort and sacrificing of your precious time. So, if you do not have plenty of time on your hands, decide against renovating your San Diego property. 

a renovated living room with sofas and tv
Remodel your home only if you have enough time

The costs of renovations can be debilitating

A valuable piece of advice for home sellers is to mind their budget before deciding to renovate. So, you must set down your budget and consult the contractors. Also, add up the pricing of the materials and construction work and compare it to your budget. Be sure not to agree to a remodeling project until you know for sure you can afford it.

a blueprint of renovations drill and nails

The renovations might not pay off

In some markets, the renovations might not be enough to increase the value of your home noticeably. Furthermore, it is vital to prioritize what needs improvement and consider what the buyer might not appreciate. Introducing too many unnecessary improvements might even put off potential homebuyers. 

That is why it makes sense to take into account an expert’s analysis of what benefits your home in the given real estate market. So, be sure to compare your home to similar properties and plan your moves accordingly.  

Appealing to homebuyers is your number one priority

First impressions in showings certainly make a huge difference. In that sense, even minor, aesthetic changes can significantly improve your chances of appealing to homebuyers. Hence, a thorough declutter and a proper cleanse before listing your home for sale are indispensable. So, it would be best if you stored away your personal belongings to make your property more presentable. Even if you are a small apartment owner, many innovative in-home storage solutions will allow your apartment to shine.

Consult a real estate expert

When it comes to financially rewarding renovations, making an informed decision is extremely important. If you have your doubts, consider arranging a professional San Diego home valuation to be on the safe side. “Why,” you may ask. Depending on your San Diego neighborhood, your potential renovation budget, and the characteristics of your property, different renovations might have a different return on investment. Hence, a real estate agency operating in San Diego will be able to acquaint you with the current trends in the local market. 

Remember – your San Diego home stands against other properties. Taking into account the pros and cons of renovating before you sell will allow you to plan your steps and renovate with the aim of appealing to homebuyers effectively.

 

How to Sell A House And Buy Another

7 Best Dog Parks in San Diego

San Diego loves its dogs. That means the California city is perfect for dog owners looking for opportunities to let their pups socialize with other dogs and get some exercise. Explore some of the best dog parks in San Diego no matter where you live in the city.

The 3 Balboa Park Dog Parks

Balboa Park isn’t just a great place for families. It’s a great place for dogs, too, with three different options for off-leash play. Head to Grape Street Dog Park if you’re closer to South Park. The 5-acre park offers large expanses of grass for dogs of all sizes. While fencing surrounds the park, there are several openings facing the neighborhood and surrounding road that keep it from being completely fenced-in. Dogs should then be under strict voice control of their owners at this one.dog in the park

Nate’s Point Dog Park located on the park’s west mesa is completely fenced in, offering safe off-leash play for large dogs and small pups. That often makes it the most popular Balboa dog park San Diego has to offer. Amenities include drinking fountains for dogs and picnic areas for dog owners who want to spend a bit more time there.

Morley Field Dog Park near the Morley Field Sports Complex boasts less grass, but its location near the surrounding canyon makes for great hiking if your dog is of the adventurous sort.

Fiesta Island Dog Park

From beach spaces to grassy areas, the Fiesta Island Dog Park San Diego in Mission Bay is over 150 acres of off-leash fun for dogs and one of the best dog parks San Diego has to offer. If your beach dog loves the water, there are plenty of places for them to splash around, including quieter spots around the bay. 

For dogs that prefer to stay dry, fenced-in meadow areas are perfect for socializing in spaces that may be less overwhelming. Fiesta Island also offers bonfire pits for dog owners who want to stick around well into the night with their pups and make an evening of their time on the bay.

Cadman Park Leash-Free Area

The Cadman Park Leash-Free Area is a community park in Clairemont open to pet owners mornings and evenings. Families love the children’s playground next to the dog park, making this one a very family-friendly option for parents seeking some outside time for kids and pets. If you’re planning a trip out, make sure to double check hours at this park to make sure dogs are allowed when you’re headed there.

Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park

Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park in Encinitas is popular with dog owners looking for amenities like doggie drills and obstacles, show circles and separate off-leash areas for dogs by size. The park is part of the larger Encinitas Community Park, which offers additional amenities and picnic areas for dog owners and their families.Maggie-Houlihan-Dog-Park

Dusty Rhodes Off-Leash Dog Park

This large, sandy dog park in Ocean Beach is popular with dog owners who want a completely fenced-in space with plenty of room to run around. It’s also popular with La Jolla dog park seekers. It’s not too far from La Jolla, which lacks large designated off-leash spaces. This park is open to dogs of all sizes, with plentiful water fountains available when pups get thirsty. 

On top of parks, San Diego has a wealth of dog beaches available, too, with the Original Dog Beach in Ocean Beach near Dusty Rhodes topping the list for dog owners whose pups love to swim. 

These parks only scratch the surfaces of options for off-leash dog play. Finding the best dog park San Diego has to offer for you may depend on proximity to where you live, the size of your dog, even the amenities each park offers San Diego’s furry friends. Take a drive to any of these options and your pup will likely have a fantastic — and tiring! — time.

Things To Do In San Diego With Kids

4 Things to Do Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

A skilled real estate agent like Mary McTernan from McT Real Estate Group can make or break your buying and selling experience, but it’s up to you to do your due diligence before hiring a pro, let alone making a formal agreement. Keep reading for tips for first-time homebuyers and sellers about the process and outcomes.

two people shaking hands

Buyers should speak with a lender first to determine their budget, while sellers should get their house clean and clutter-free. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s everything you need to put on your to-do list so you can make the buying process as stress-free as possible.

Nail Down Financing

While the topic is somewhat debatable, most real estate professionals won’t even begin to work with you unless you already have a pre-approval letter for a mortgage. Along with determining how much you can afford, this will also indicate your interest rate. Not to mention, sellers will take you more seriously.

Getting a Mortgage
Mortgage application

You’re going to want to speak to several lenders before making a decision. Ask key questions such as:

● What type of loan is best? A good lender will gather enough information on each and explain the pros and cons.
● What are the interest and annual percentage rates?
● What are current Federal Reserve mortgage interest rates?
● What are the discount points and origination fees?
● What is the estimated loan cost and can the rate be locked?
● Is there a repayment penalty?
● How much time is needed to acquire funding?
● Are on-time closings guaranteed?
● What are all of the costs?

Assess the Competition

Not only does visiting other open houses in the area help you determine what you can afford in the area, but it’s also a great way to see other agents in action — you may even decide that one of them is right for you. It’s also a good way to get a feel for the neighborhood.

Know What You Want

You’re going to want to have a solid idea of what type of home you’re looking for before speaking with an agent so there aren’t any crossed signals. Some factors to consider are what type of floor plan will fit your needs (i.e., number of rooms, flow, views, etc.); type of neighborhood, amenities, and conveniences that are of importance to you; the type of home; whether or not you plan on staying for the long-term; and, of course, budget.

Interview Potential Candidates

Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions as their responses will only help you select the right agent for you. For example:

● How will you market my home?
● What’s your ratio of buyers to sellers?
● How many homes are you currently handling?
● What’s the average number of days your listings are on the market?
● How long have you been in business?
● Are you full-time or part-time?
● May I see your references and business license?
● How do your fees work?
● Will I be working with you or a team?
● What do you believe will sell this home?

As a buyer, completing tasks like getting your finances in order, visiting open houses, and brainstorming what you want in your home before interviewing real estate agents will make the process go so much smoother. If you’re a seller, opt to make your home presentable before interviewing agents. Completing these tasks as either a buyer or seller helps you and your realtor hit the ground running and will get you into a new home or sell your current home in no time! And for the best possible buying and selling results in the San Diego area, work with skilled and experienced real estate professionals from the McT Real Estate Group 619-736-7003.

 

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8 Free Things to do in San Diego this Fall

things to do in San Diego, California

San Diego, CA is a beautiful city known for its amusement parks, scenic white-sand beaches, and multi-million dollar mansions. While San Diego’s lifestyle is pretty luxurious, there are plenty of things you can do here that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And since America’s Finest City has gorgeous weather all year round, you’ll have fun whenever you decide to visit. Yes, summers in San Diego are unforgettable. However, when the summer beach crowds thin out, visitors (and locals) can start enjoying all the fun fall activities this city has to offer! So, if you’re planning a budget-friendly trip, here are 8 free things to do in San Diego this fall!

Take a Stroll Down The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

If you want to uncover what life was like in the 1800s in early America and Mexico, then you should take a stroll down the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This is where the city of San Diego was founded. Archeologists have uncovered ancient artifacts there throughout the years. This fantastic historic site includes several ancient adobes, a blacksmith shop, a museum packed with antiques, a schoolhouse, and a carriage collection.

Since you’re visiting in the fall, you cannot miss the annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This celebration is completely free, and it includes a traditional candlelight procession. Additionally, many Old Town restaurants will provide unique Dia de Los Muertos meals and live music, as well as activities for the whole family, such as traditional face painting and mask crafting. Therefore, if you’re on the lookout for free things to do in San Diego this fall, this one should be on top of your list!

Experience Fall Foliage

Even though San Diego has near-perfect weather all year round and almost endless summer, you can get a taste of fall right here in Southern California. All you need to do is take a short trip and know where to look! Fortunately, we’re here to point you in the right direction.

To see a plethora of reds, oranges, and yellows, visit Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain, or Mount Laguna. Oak and conifer forests flourish at these higher elevations, producing stunning scenery that you won’t see in the city. These places are great for experiencing the leaves change colors because of the thick vegetation, high elevation, and isolation!

While San Diego is known for its warm weather, it’s possible to experience some fall foliage as well!

Yellow, orange, and red leaves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out Balboa Park

If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego this fall, visiting Balboa Park is something you simply must do. This is definitely among the best places to visit in San Diego, no matter the season. This 1,200-acre urban park is brimming with free activities, including the Automotive and Air and Space Museums, as well as historical buildings, theaters, cafés, and breathtaking landscapes.

The Balboa Park Botanical Building and Park, one of California’s most magnificent botanical gardens, are not to be missed. The botanical gardens and lily pond, as well as the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Museum of Man, are all worth seeing. You can also enjoy shows at one of a few theaters. With its amazing array, Balboa Park is really San Diego’s cultural hub.

Pay a visit to San Diego’s Embarcadero

Embarcadero is a Spanish word for “landing place”, and a Sand Diego’s home for many historic ships and cruises. Taking a stroll through the Embarcadero is a beautiful treat and a soothing experience, with panoramic ocean views and broad pathways. Here, you can see many amazing monuments. The best one has to be the ‘Unconditional Surrender Statue’. Additionally, Embarcadero is full of beautiful spray fountains in the new Waterfront Park. If you’re coming with kids, they can play on this huge playground they’ll love! Your children will also enjoy a fun seal tour. Also, if you like museums, you can pay a visit to the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum! Amazing, right?

Take a Walk Through Mission Bay Park

Another famous attraction that is free in San Diego is Mission Bay Park. More than 15 million people enjoy this Park every year. It’s located north of downtown San Diego, and it spans 27 miles.

Mission Bay Park provides a plethora of activities for the whole family. Since you’re visiting in the fall, you should definitely go biking, hiking, or kite flying. If you’re a picnic lover – it’s your lucky day! This Park has excellent picnic areas, which include fun playgrounds for your little ones. If you decide to go biking, you’re in for a real treat! The pathway is very long, and it features some incredibly scenic views along the route. You can bring your own bike or rent one for a very reasonable price.

Arial view of Mission Bay Park, San Diego.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spending your day in Mission Bay Park with your loved one(s) is a perfect way to spend your San Diego visit.

Explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

If you’re a nature lover, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve should definitely be on your list of free things to do in San Diego this fall. This place offers 8 miles of trails through the breathtaking landscape of San Diego. These scenic paths wind their way over sandy hills, providing spectacular views of the azure shoreline and rugged sea cliffs. However, the real treat is the twisted Torrey Pine tree, the rarest pine tree in the world. It’s only found in two places on earth, and this is one of them. Since fall is not the perfect swimming season, you can claim down to the beach and watch a fantastic sunset with your loved one(s).

Go on a Hike!

In San Diego, there are many beautiful hiking routes to choose from. There is a path for everyone in San Diego, from the picturesque Torrey Pines beach walk to the plummeting slopes of Three Sisters Falls. One of the most popular hiking treks of Southern California is Cowles Mountain. This challenging hike (3 miles is nothing to laugh at) provides amazing views of San Diego County from the peak point at 1593 feet. Other great hiking trails are Los Penasquitos Canyon, Iron Mountain route, and Cuyamaca Peak Loop trail. The good news is they are all suited for all hiking levels.

Enjoy a Scenic Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

End your day in San Diego by watching the perfect sunset at Sunset Cliffs. The ambiance is rather lovely. If you wish to isolate yourself from the crowd, you may climb down to the beach, or you can join everyone on the arch. Nothing will ever compare to standing on the cliffs and looking down at the water crashing into and over the boulders. Watch a spectacular sunset with a swirl of pinks and oranges illuminating the sky. Just a perfect way to end a perfect day!

Sunset on the beach.

If you’re looking for free things to do in San Diego this fall, sunsets are always there for you!

Want to move to San Diego?

If you’re visiting San Diego for the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with it and decide to relocate here. Even if you’re coming from Los Angeles, which is not so far away, you might be dazzled by San Diego’s charms. Many people can’t handle the rush of the Hollywood lifestyle, so they decide on moving here to experience life in America’s Finest City. So, if you’re one of those people who want to leave LA and make a new home here, you’re making the right choice!

While these two cities have a lot in common, San Diego has a more welcoming and relaxing vibe. It’s a more family-friendly city surrounded by beautiful nature and packed with many fun activities, as we mentioned earlier. You’ll still be living that California lifestyle but on a more chill and mellow note.

Final thoughts

As you can see, visiting San Diego doesn’t have to break your bank. You can have the most fantastic time in this beautiful city without hurting your wallet. San Diego offers an incredible array of fun-filled activities for all ages. These 8 free things to do in San Diego this fall should be on everybody’s list. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready, set, San Diego!

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Top Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

San Diego is one of the most family-friendly cities in the country, with a whole range of activities available for kids of all ages. Things to do in San Diego with kids include finding ways to both educate and entertain everyone in your San Diego family.

Let’s take a look at the best San Diego activities for kids, and how to make the most of this fantastic city.

Find Your Favorite San Diego Beach

This city is spoiled when it comes to San Diego beaches.

Sunset at Pacific Beach
Sunset at Pacific Beach

Try Mission Bay if you want to bring a picnic or La Jolla Shores beach if you’re traveling with water babies interested in boogie-boarding. If you want to extend your day, Mission Beach offers proximity to Belmont Park, San Diego’s historic amusement park.

For an added dose of scenery, make the trip to Coronado. The amenities around the Hotel del Coronado could come in handy when everyone is done building sandcastles. Older San Diego kids may prefer the hiking options at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Meet the Local Wildlife

The San Diego Zoo is likely already on your radar if you’re in San Diego with kids. Frequent visitors may want to consider a membership pass to save money in the long run, or combination tickets if you want to visit other San Diego parks.

The Go San Diego Pass, for example, includes admission to the zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, LEGOLAND California, and SeaWorld San Diego. It’s an impressive array of San Diego attractions perfect for a special occasion.

For children who want to see animals in their natural habitat, La Jolla Cove is home to a population of sea lions year-round. Harbor seals frequent the Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Both are free to visit! 

Cabrillo National Monument is another place families shouldn’t miss during whale watching season, as it’s the best way to spot spouts without going on a boat cruise. Learn more about San Diego’s aquatic animals at the Birch Aquarium.

Explore Balboa Park Museums

San Diego for kids should always include Balboa Park, the perfect place for curious kids. The park includes a museum for anything your children are interested in. 

The San Diego Natural History Museum is one of the ideal San Diego kids activities for families who love dinosaurs. The Fleet Science Center is a hands-on adventure through space and virtual reality. On a nice day, just walking the surrounding paths around Balboa Park can be enough to entertain active kids.

If museums are what you’re after, the USS Midway Museum tops many San Diego travel itineraries for visitors to San Diego. It’s also a place many San Diego families return to for its sizable collection of aircraft on the top deck. It’s also on the San Diego harbor, a part of town full of things to do for families, including shopping and eateries.

Get to Know San Diego

Families new to the city seeking fun things to do with kids in San Diego may want to consider sightseeing tours that offer quite a bit of bang for your buck and a good time to boot. 

The Old Town Trolley Tours give riders an overview of the best of the city in a family-friendly way, including the spooky Whaley House in Old Town San Diego. 

It’s also fun to just explore the city and San Diego County-based on your own family’s interests. No one says San Diego kid attractions have to mean one thing over another. Finding your personal favorite spots is part of the fun of living in a vibrant place like San Diego.

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4 Things for Seniors to Consider When Choosing a Living Option

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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, health care 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!

 

6 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in San Diego

Summertime in San Diego means long days of fun in the sun. But on weeks when the sun gets too intense, you will need to find ways to beat the heat. There are plenty of things to do besides just lazing in front of the air conditioner, so don’t let the summertime heat keep you from having a good time.

Whether you are looking for kid-friendly activities or solo adventures, there are plenty of ways to stay cool this summer in San Diego. Let’s take a look at our top six activities to do when the summer sun is just too a bit too much.

1. Head to the Cinema

The sun might make you feel like you are melting outside, but as soon as you enter the cinema a frosty blast cools you down right away. Movie theaters are notorious for keeping the A/C on blast, so if you are burnt out from sunburn and all you crave is spending a few hours in a dark, cold room watching the hottest summer flicks, then head to the nearest movie theater.

Check out Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, Hillcrest Cinemas, or ArcLight Cinemas. Or for a slightly more unusual movie event, check out the South Bay Drive-in, which shows nostalgic favorites and the latest releases from the comfort of your car, old-fashioned style.

Or for an extra cozy, customizable option, set up your own home cinema. Turn up the A/C and watch your favorite movie on cable or Pay Per View, or stream it from your internet-synced TV. If you have surround sound and a big-screen TV, all the better. Get your candies and ice cream sandwiches, pop some popcorn in the microwave (or do it old-fashioned style in a pot), and settle in for a unique cinematic experience.

2. Glide On the Ice

Ice cream is everyone’s favorite frozen treat during the hot summer months. But ice is not just for eating this summer- you can also take a break from the heat by gliding on the ice. Put on some skates, tie up your laces, and spend the afternoon spinning and zooming across the ice in an indoor ice rink.

The San Diego Ice Arena is a great choice for an afternoon on the ice, or try UTC Ice Sports Center. The Kroc Center’s ice rink is another great choice for both amateur skaters and advanced ice skaters alike. For a sportier choice, check out the local hockey league. An ice hockey game is another way to stay active, have fun, and keep your temperature comfortable.

3. Swim, Swim, Swim

There is nothing like a splash and a swim to cool you down when the sun shines high in the sky. And in San Diego, there are plenty of options, from spacious indoor swimming pools, elegant outdoor pools, or even water parks.

San Diego has no shortage of water parks on offer: check out the fun at Aquatica San Diego, Splish Splash, Inflatable World, or The Wave Waterpark. From water slides to wave pools and beyond, friends and family can cool off while you float down the lazy river, swing on a zip line, or zoom down a thrilling slide.

4. Hit the Mall and Local Shops

If retail is your favorite thing, shopping in San Diego is always fun. Discovering the local indie and trendy boutique-style shops in North Park, South Park, and many other neighborhoods is always fun. Or, head over to a mall. This is a safe bet for a cool indoor activity- and by cool, yes, we do mean cold. Whether you are searching for the latest summer styles, spending pennies at the shopping mall arcade, or getting an early head start on your back-to-school shopping, the mall is a great place to cool down.

Fashion Valley is a great option with plenty of shops and an extensive dining court, or try Point Loma Plaza, close to the ocean.

5. Stop By A Museum

San Diego is known worldwide for its huge variety of museums. Whether you are interested in exploring and learning about science, natural history, human culture, or art, there is a great institution to welcome you into its air-conditioned atmosphere. The San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as “The Nat”, offers endless interesting exhibits, including the Living Lab and Hidden Gems exhibitions.

San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Museum of Art

Plus you can learn about the local flora, fauna, culture, transportation, and history of San Diego at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the USS Midway Museum, and the Junipero Serra Museum. Or for a truly unique museum experience, you can check out the Museum of Us, which explores the entirety of the human experience from many different angles. It’s a great way to start a conversation that can last well into the night, once the sun has set.

6. Catch the Waves

No list of things to do during summer in San Diego can be complete without mentioning, of course, the beach. In fact, no list of things to do in San Diego at any time of year can be complete without mentioning the beach.

Things to do in San Diego
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Although the beach is not out of the sun, once you slather on the sunscreen you will be ready to dive under the waves. And those Pacific Ocean waves provide an instant cool down, and one of the most beautiful ways to beat the heat. Spend the day diving under the swell, boogie boarding, or surfing and enjoy the best sunsets San Diego has to offer.

A Cool California Summer in San Diego

From movies to museums, from outdoor to indoor activities, there are tons of ways to stay entertained while staying cool this summer in San Diego. Don’t let the heat prevent you from enjoying all that San Diego has to offer.

Whether you are going out as a family, a single, or a group of friends, there is no end to the things you can do and enjoy here this year. Grab your sunscreen, wear a big floppy hat or baseball cap, and take advantage of the many options available for enjoying the summer season, even in spite of the heat.

9 Other Things To Do In San Diego

 

 

 

 

The Best Tips for Boosting Your Home’s Resale Value With DIY Projects

Are you ready to sell your home in San Diego? Before listing your property, take a hard look at making some home improvements. Sometimes, a little elbow grease can improve your home’s value and set you up for a successful sale. Check out these tips from the McT Real Estate Group to give your home the boosts it needs.

Set your price

Before making your improvements, you’ll want to establish a goal selling price. Speak with your real estate agent and come up with a price together. Check out this expert advice for more information on pricing.

This should be based on a number of things, like what similar homes are selling for. Knowing your market and how much you can get for your home will help you decide how much to invest in your improvements.

You can do a lot of research on your own but, your local Realtor, one who is very active in the Real Estate market will have a lot of information that you cannot find on these websites. Some of these things include the number of offers received; what are the buyer’s hot buttons?  Why one home received higher offers than another home right next door?  Why did a house fall out of escrow? Why did a smaller home sell for more than a larger home? These are just some of the things you cannot find if you are solely looking at data found online.

 

Make major repairs

Most home buyers are looking for properties that are move-in ready, meaning they prefer a home that doesn’t need any significant repairs. To give your home the appeal it needs, go through every nook and cranny and tend to the little issues that you typically overlook, like dings in your drywall, marks on the floor molding, and sticky door frames. Then once you’ve covered the smaller concerns, have your home’s major elements and systems checked out and make repairs as needed.

How do I know if my roof needs to be repaired or replaced?

Signs of foundation problems in my home

 

Curb appeal

We tend to turn a blind eye to things we look at on a daily basis, but your home’s exterior will make an all-important first impression to home shoppers. View your home with fresh eyes and think in terms of what someone seeing it for the first time will notice. Take note of any issues like hanging branches, dead plants, damaged gutters, worn paint, or clutter in your yard. Take on any little fixes that you see, then make sure your curb appeal looks stellar with these DIY projects.

Which plants to consider for instant curb appeal

How to make the front porch look nice for better curb appeal

 

Kitchen

It’s time to take down the refrigerator art, scrub the oven and wipe down your countertops! The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and potential buyers will be looking at it closely. Giving it a good tidying and cleaning is a great start to ensuring they will like what they see. However, even minor renovations can boost your resale value. Consider some DIY-friendly upgrades that won’t blow your budget, take minimal skill, and still leave you plenty of time to do a little house hunting of your own.

Does your kitchen lack workspace or storage? Boost both with a DIY kitchen island

How to redo my kitchen cabinets with a practical and beautiful DIY refresh

 

Bathroom

Like the kitchen, bathrooms get a lot of attention from potential home buyers. Clean and organize yours completely, both in the seen and unseen spaces — like inside your linen closet and vanity. Then replace your shower curtain and add new towels and a fresh bath mat. With the basics refreshed, consider making some upgrades, keeping in mind that even relatively small enhancements can also go a long way in the bathroom. These great projects are fodder for your inspiration:

How to add a bathroom vanity for an attractive and effective update

Is your faucet old, worn, or out of style? Here’s how to replace a bathroom faucet

 

Paint

Painting is a low-cost, efficient and effective way to give every room in your home a facelift. And the best part is, it’s beginner-friendly. Even if you never held a paint roller before, you can achieve attractive results with a little planning and good prep work. Keep in mind, though, that there are a few strategies for adding new paint when you’re trying to sell your home. These tips will help you choose the right colors and lay coat after coat like a pro.

Your front door will greet house hunters, so make sure it’s gorgeous

Wallpaper isn’t messy and boring anymore; explore trendy temporary wallpaper designs by artists that are easy to install

Making simple upgrades can greatly improve your home’s resale value. Before deciding on your projects, set a price and know your market. Make necessary repairs and upgrades, and get ready to move—your home will be sold before you know it.

 

5 Tips To Increase Your Home Value in San Diego

5 Reasons Why San Diego is Perfect For Remote Workers

The past year has seen thousands of businesses transition from in-person office and retail jobs to remote work formats. Plenty of new work-from-home employees have taken advantage of the lifestyle shift to try out life in a new locale.

working remotely
Photo by Steve Halama on Unsplash

Why stay in a cluttered urban center or a specific neighborhood in a rural part of the country when you now have the freedom to pack up and go, taking your remote office with you? With so many options suddenly available, remote workers are free to consider their preferences.

For lovers of beach, sun, and fun, San Diego is a clear winner. But remote workers drawn to “America’s Finest City” may find that there are still more than a few surprising attractions to discover here. Let’s take a look at 5 reasons why San Diego is the perfect new home base for remote workers.

1. Laptop-Friendly Cafes and Tons of Co-working Spaces

San Diego is particularly well-primed for welcoming remote workers. During the pandemic, almost 50% of businesses in San Diego County were able to offer their employees remote work options. Among the lasting effects of this jump in WFH and telecommuting employees is the vast number of alternative workspace available throughout the city.

Top choices among the official co-working spaces available include Downtown Works, Cross Campus San Diego, WeWork, and Novel Co-Working Gaslamp. Each of these options features thoughtful touches that any remote worker will appreciate, from the essentials, like super fast reliable Wi-fi connectivity, to the creative, like whiteboards, game rooms, and private phone booths for long business calls.

With nearly 190 laptop-friendly cafes and co-working spaces available in San Diego county, remote workers ready to take the remote office outside of the house have their fair share to choose from.

2. Sunshine By The Sea

It would be nearly impossible to talk about why someone might like to move to San Diego without mentioning the sun and the sea… or rather, the Pacific Ocean. Famous throughout the world for its miles of sandy white beaches and killer surf, San Diego is a beach lover’s paradise.

Things to do in San Diego
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Whether you are interested in trying kite surfing, sailing, boogie boarding, or catching the waves on your surfboard, San Diego’s beaches offer a plenitude of options. Moving to a new location as a remote worker is all about taking advantage of the after-work benefits as well. And what could be better than shutting down the computer for the day and hitting the beach for a stunning sunset swim?

Plus, there is no better background for your Zoom meetings, and video chats than the serene beach vistas San Diego residents witness every day.

3. Culinary Scene

Most people may first think of Los Angeles or San Francisco as California’s culinary capital. But San Diego is a major player on the foodie scene. In fact, San Diego has got a competitive edge, thanks in part to its flourishing local craft beer scene.

Remote workers will love finishing off the day at the relaxing beer gardens of Stone Brewing Company or mingle with other locals at the breweries for those in the know, like Stumblefoot Brewing Company and Lost Abbey. Get a taster of San Diego’s famously hoppy locally brewed IPA’s and come back for more.

San Diego’s culinary offerings, meanwhile, skew more towards relaxed dining establishments with an emphasis on high quality over pretension. The combination of freshly caught fish and seafood with San Diego’s proximity to Mexico means that here you can find some of the best fish tacos in the world. Expand your palate by sampling the cuisine at a new restaurant each week, and be sure to stop by local favorites like Alexander’s on 30th , The Patio, and the world-famous Italian eatery, The Red Door. From street food to fine dining, you will never get tired of the mouthwatering options.

4. Museums and Attractions

There is never a shortage of things to do in San Diego. The city’s millions of museums, amusement parks, outdoor activities, events, and attractions make it a perfect destination for remote workers moving with their families. Spend the day at Legoland, Sea World, or the famous San Diego Zoo, or visit one of the many museums for an educational outing.

San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Museum of Art

For your pirate-obsessed child (or to satisfy your own inner pirate), visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego or the USS Midway Museum. Burgeoning astronauts will enjoy the San Diego Air and Space Museum, while the Fleet Science Center has something new to teach any visitor. One of the 17 museums in Balboa Park is the Museum of Us. Formerly known as the San Diego Museum of Man, this anthropological institution has been sharing new aspects of the story of humankind with visitors for over one hundred years.

5. Laidback Lifestyle

Perhaps you worked in an office for years, braving the lengthy commute each day in your starchy collar and dry cleaned suit. If you were one of those office workers who longed for “casual Fridays,” then San Diego is the perfect place for you to live and work.

Flip flops, boat shoes, and T-shirts can be considered the uniform around town, and no one will be the least bit surprised to see you wearing your casual Friday apparel every day of the week. Aside from a few of the most high-end clubs and restaurants, you can dress casual and show up relaxed at any joint in town. The laidback lifestyle is the name of the game in San Diego; it is the ideal town for you to slow down, focus on work, and enjoy your off-hours when you are no longer “on the clock.”

Living It Up in San Diego

Perhaps it is the year-round sunshine and breezy ocean climate that keeps people in San Diego so happy all the time. Or perhaps it is the friendly, relaxed nature of this city’s residents.

Whatever the reason, San Diego offers remote workers the perfect blend of tranquil landscapes, cozy familiarity, and quintessential California good vibes. Combined with access to plenty of co-working spaces, job opportunities, and weekend recreational activities, there is nothing not to like about life in America’s Finest City. And everything to love!

 

9-Things To Do In San Diego

Help Save Our Neighborhoods from SB-9 and SB-10

Have you heard of the two new bills (SB-9 and SB-10) trying to be passed through the assembly in California?

These two bills will change the footprint currently known as “single-family lots” in California.
What this means is If you own a single-family home currently zoned for a single-family residence, not only can someone build two ADU’s  (Accessory Dwelling Units) on the lot, SB9 and SB10 allow a single-family lot to be split into two equal sizes and someone can build up to 10 units on those lots. This bill has been proposed to the public as it “incorporates the option of creating intergenerational wealth for families”.

Construction costs are approximately $300 per square foot. Four units 800 s.f each typically cost about $960,000.This is not a simple or an affordable process for the typical homeowner. In reality, the only people creating wealth are “Developers”. These are the people who can afford to do this type of building in communities throughout California.

This type of building can easily take place on our commercial corridors where there is still plenty of land to build on.  But, SB-9 and SB-10 WAIVES DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES (DIFS) FOR DEVELOPERS. Those infrastructure fees can add up to more than $12,000 PER UNIT along main transit boulevards.

Why would an investor want to go that route? Instead, they are incentivized to skip all of the infrastructure fees that go with building in those areas, and destroy our single-family communities as we have known them to be. Infrastructure upgrades will be necessary to accommodate the influx of new density in our residential neighborhoods and guess who will be paying that bill? Yep, you, the tax-payer.

A similar bill must have passed during the 60″s and ’70s that created the demolition of beautiful single-family homes in San Diego. In their places, ugly “Huffman Style” buildings were built. Not only were they ugly back then, but they are also ugly today.  Besides not being very attractive they also bring down the value of the single-family homes that are located right next to them.

Hauffman Style building

Another thing to note, if you still have a mortgage balance on your home loan the bank holding that loan will require you to pay it off before you subdivide that lot and put up other units. You face the possibility of foreclosure from that lender if you don’t follow this protocol.

If SB-9 and SB-10 pass, this is a drawing of what a single-family residence will end up looking like.

drawings of multifamily houses in a neighborhood

THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO NOW ALLOWS:

  • Green urban canopy to be replaced with concrete
  • Up-to 3 story backyard apartment buildings.
  • No limit on Bonus ADUs per lot
  • No parking required
  • Front yards can be replaced with parking lots
  • Zero setbacks on the rear and side yards

SB-9 and SB-10

WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

OPPOSE these destructive changes and demand the city place a moratorium on this policy.

CALL OR WRITE the city government and demand the preservation of residential zoning:

MayorToddGloria@sandiego.gov  619-236-6330

Council District 1:  JoeLaCava@sandiego.gov  619-236-6611

Council District 2:  JenniferCampbell@sandiego.gov  619-236-6622

Council District 3:  StephenWhitburn@sandiego.gov  619-236-6633

Council District 4:  CD4News@sandiego.gov  619-236-6644

Council District 5:  MarnivonWilpert@sandiego.gov  619-236-6655

Council District 6:  ChrisCate@sandiego.gov  619-236-6616

Council District 7:  RaulCampillo@sandiego.gov  619-236-6677

Council District 8:  VivianMoreno@sandiego.gov  619-236-6688

Council District 9:  SeanEloRivera@sandiego.gov  619-236-6699

For more information on how these two bills work, and how they will affect our “single-family” communities, watch this short video produced by the United Neighbors, a California coalition to protect, single-family neighborhoods. https://www.unitedneighbors.net

Please sign the petition for a moratorium on these bills.

Tips for San Diego Homeowners on Enhancing Curb Appeal When Selling a House

When you are selling your home, you want to make it as attractive as possible. Enhancing the property’s curb appeal — the view visitors have of it from the street — is an essential first step to a successful sale.

Improving a property’s curb appeal means different things in different geographical locations. In cold climates, you have to take care of winter weather issues, such as shoveling snow and removing potentially dangerous ice patches from your front walk. In sunny spots like San Diego, however, you won’t have such worries.

Local experts McT Real Estate Group offer the following tips on what it takes to create an attractive property.

Get Your Lawn Lush and Green

Greet potential buyers to your property with a lush green carpet of lawn. If your grass is showing dead and brown patches, refresh your lawn by raking, watering, and reseeding it. Add fertilizer after seeding and once again a month later to nourish strong root growth. Choosing the right seed can help build a beautiful lawn. For example, Bermuda and fescue grasses are ideal for the San Diego region. If you want to add some color to your garden, it’s also important to choose flowers that do well when it heats up, like alyssum and sunflowers.

Use Landscaping to Enhance Privacy and Hide Unsightly Aspects

Landscaping isn’t just about aesthetic beauty; it also has functional purposes. While San Diego is fairly temperate, air-conditioning is still a must in the summer. Of course, a bulky AC unit is not attractive, but you can use strategically placed shrubbery to hide such unsightly items. Plant fast-growing and dense hedges like Chinese privet to get started.

Landscaping can also be used to enhance your privacy, for example, by creating a barrier between yourself and curious neighbors. Popular options include a privacy screen, a trellis with vines, or a DIY wooden slat wall that you hang flower pots on. You can even create sound barriers by installing tinkling fountains, which are perfect if you have an outdoor patio that people want to enjoy without disturbing neighbors. Homebuyers value privacy so taking these steps is a valuable part of enhancing curb appeal.

 Freshen Up Exterior Siding, Porch Railings, and Walkways

Curb appeal isn’t just about your garden. So, spruce up the exterior of the house by giving it a thorough deep clean. In warm and sunny areas, dust and pollen can create a grimy coating on the property’s exterior while sunshine can fade the paint. Use a power washer to make your siding sparkle. You can also clean windows yourself using a DIY vinegar-based solution (which allows for a streak-free finish) and a clean rag. If you have railings along a front step, porch, or walkway, check for peeling paint and apply a fresh coat if needed. The same goes for your mailbox. Also, make for a more welcoming exterior by adding some pops of color: You can coordinate the paint trim on the front door with the paint job on your mailbox, for example, or add a vibrant door decoration.

Lastly, do not forget to give your gutters some TLC. Nothing can turn off prospective buyers quicker than clogged, filthy gutters, as it could suggest there are problems with either your roof or foundation — or maybe both. Although you can clean the gutters yourself, hiring professionals will ensure that all debris is removed carefully and safely. Plus, these experts can also determine whether your gutters need repair or replacement. When budgeting, plan to set aside between $106 and $197 to hire professionals to handle the job, but definitely read reviews and get a few quotes first.

When preparing to sell a home in picturesque San Diego, you have to compete with other houses on the real estate market. Taking the above steps will improve your property’s curb appeal and help you get ahead of the competition. The effort will be worth your while when you finally sell your house.

When it comes to selling and buying, the McT Real Estate Group is prepared to help you get the best price or find the perfect home. Reach and connect with us today!

 

5 Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home

How Tech-Oriented Home Improvements Weigh into the Buying and Selling Process

smart house
Image courtesy of Pixabay

Are you considering adding smart home technology to your life but aren’t sure what your best choices are? There are many options available these days, and making the right selections can be overwhelming. If selling your property is on the horizon, not knowing how that weighs into the process can be part of the conundrum. Here is important advice from McT Real Estate Group so you can make informed decisions about automating your home.

Budgeting and ROI

When it comes to selecting automated home gadgets, ensuring your investment pays off is one piece of the puzzle. As Kim Komando points out, many smart home upgrades are available, but some are more apt to help with selling a house than others:

  • Smart thermostats are particularly attractive to buyers, offering the convenience of altering your home’s temperature when you’re away, as well as learning your habits and making adjustments to keep you comfortable. In this way, they cut energy use and, in turn, lower utility bills. Some integrate with other devices, such as household appliances, which can provide added energy savings.
  • Smart locks are another good choice for homeowners, especially if they want a good return on their investment. They provide peace of mind, as well as convenience and security. In order to keep costs down, one recommendation is to install a single smart lock at your main point of entry and stick with traditional locks on the other doors.
  • Smart doorbells are another appealing option, and as Digital Trends notes, they can make your property stand out from others on the housing market. Smart doorbells are a boon to home security and range in features somewhat with video and/or audio capability, alerts when someone is at your door, and real-time and recorded feed.

Keeping things simple

When researching tech choices for your home, keep in mind the complexity of the systems you’re considering. If you’re preparing a home for the housing market, it’s important to select options that are reasonably intuitive or you can scare off potential home buyers. There is also a great deal of fragmentation in the market, meaning the variety of options is so broad some of the best details can be lost in the shuffle.

If several devices are used in a single home, a hub within the home might not be able to mesh the various options effectively if they come from different manufacturers. In this way, sticking with major manufacturers and ensuring the gadgets can be integrated can make the most of your purchases. You might want to check recent reviews on various smart home equipment to see which products fared well in lab tests and which ones integrated well together. When it comes time to buy or sell a property, a checklist can help you prepare for the transition and organize your thoughts.

 Hitting the market

 When buying or selling a home with smart technology in place, there are a few things to keep in mind. USA Today explains if you don’t make the ownership transition properly, there can be inconveniences, or even security concerns, for both buyers and sellers. Resetting devices to their factory settings is vital. Otherwise, all sorts of issues can occur, from someone else controlling your home’s heating and cooling system to strangers being able to see you through your security cameras. It’s important to get the ownership transferred at each manufacturer’s support level along with any existing warranties. Also, ensure remote access, privacy, permissions, and data sharing are updated.

In addition, it’s important to become familiar with the market when deciding which improvements are best for you. Research trends and what is selling locally to help make informed choices. Furthermore, make sure to adapt your home-buying and/or selling efforts to accommodate pandemic restrictions and concerns.

Investing in smart home technology can feel pretty complicated. Select products which offer a good ROI and work together well and ensure you make your transition carefully. With these simple strategies, you can make informed decisions about buying or selling an automated home. Let the McT Real Estate Group help you navigate the process. Contact Mary at 619-736-7003 today.

11 Tips Selling A House In San Diego For Top Dollar

How To Sell A House And Buy Another

San Diego Market Activity - January 2021You keep hearing that the San Diego market is super hot right now. You would love to sell your house in North Park and buy another. We have sold houses with these types of contingencies many times, but we must warn you; going through the process of simultaneously selling your house and buying another is not for the light-hearted. You will need to have lined up many things properly and have a great team working on your behalf to make this process as streamlined as possible and happen on time. If you don’t have everything in place as it should be, things can get very hectic, and this is not a situation you would want to experience. This can be very stressful for you and your family, but it can definitely be accomplished.

Choosing A Realtor

Which Realtor you choose to work with is essential. If your Realtor is not experienced, this can turn out to a huge

Working with a Realtor
Working with a Realtor

financial mess for you. Many contingencies will occur during this type of sale, and knowing what to look for and what to avoid is crucial. As a Realtor, we typically suggest selling your house first, then buy your next house. Of course, this is the cleanest way to purchase a house, but this is not how it works for most people who currently own a house in the real world. There are many things to consider if you decide to buy another house, and you have to sell the one you are currently living in.

Writing A Contingent Offer

If you decide to sell your home and buy another house simultaneously, there are a few things your Realtor should suggest that will help you achieve your final goal. First, before you put your house on the market, ask your Realtor to add you to an MLS home search in your desired area. See how many homes are coming on the market for sale every day and ask yourself if you can see yourself living in any of them. Track how long it takes for those houses to go “pending” (under contract). Just because we are in a hot market in San Diego does not mean that every single house is selling quickly. Sellers who have overpriced their homes will be the ones that stay on the market for a longer than usual time. This will not work out well for them but can benefit you in the long run.

The House Is Overpriced

If you see a house you like and know that it is overpriced because it has been sitting on the market, ask your Realtor to find out a little more about it. Your Realtor can find out if the sellers have received any offers previously and if they would consider a contingent offer. You may want to go ahead and submit an offer on the house.  These are the homes you will have a better chance with the seller accepting your contingent offer. Remember, they priced their home way over what other houses are selling for. Potential buyers currently searching for homes know the house is overpriced. They are waiting on the sidelines to see when the seller drops their price.

Search for homes that have been on the market for over 30-45 days or longer. In San Diego, believe it or not, that is a long time in this market place. Remember, the sellers have been showing this house over and over. They have been keeping the house super tidy, making sure the kids keep their rooms clean and pick up after the dogs, cats, and any other pets they may have. When an appointment is made, they have to clean up and take the kids and dogs out for a walk every single time. Surely they are getting tired of the feedback saying, “we love the home, but it is overpriced.” They are exhausted right about now.

Time To Submit An Offer

If you like any of these houses, NOW is the time to put an offer in. Hurry, get that home before your competition does. The seller will be tired of the feedback, and your contingent offer will not look bad to them at this point. But, If you wait until the seller drops the price, all of the other interested buyers standing on the sidelines will come out of the woodwork, and your contingent offer will not look as desirable any longer. You are back to searching for other homes for sale.

How To Sell A House 

At this point, you will have to put your house on the market for sale.  Before a seller entertains your contingent offer, they want to see

best time to sell a house
Selling A Home in San Diego

that your home is on the market for sale. Their Realtor will check to see if your home is priced properly, where you will receive an offer quickly. If you already have an offer on your house, they will want to know how far along has the buyer on your house gotten with their inspections? Has the buyer already removed their inspection contingency? They will also want to check the purchase contract of the buyer who has an offer on your house. Do they have a house to sell as well, or is it a straightforward purchase?

If you’re Realtor is confident that your current home will receive offers and sell quickly, you can write an offer on your desired house with a longer closing date. Typically we see 30 days, but in your case, maybe you can ask to close in 45-50 days. If you offer the seller a higher dollar amount with the purchase price, they will typically accept the longer closing time, in our experience. At least this will give you a little extra time to sell your house and buy your new house with the equity proceeds that you have built-up from your current home.

My Offer Has Been Accepted

It is super exciting to get your offer accepted. Especially if you were able to put an offer in before the seller decided to lower the price. Not having to compete is always so much nicer than having to be involved in a bidding war. Bidding wars are always exciting when you are the seller, not necessarily when you are the buyer. Hopefully, you and your Realtor priced your home just right and were able to create multiple offers.

Now that your contingent offer has been accepted, you will have to move quickly and efficiently. Your lender should order the appraisal immediately; your inspections should be scheduled and completed right away. Hopefully, your negotiations after inspections go nicely; you are reasonable with the “request for repairs” that your Realtor submitted to the selling side. If so, the sellers will be ok if you have to come back and ask them for an extension. This, of course, may happen if the buyer on your side needs a little more time to remove all of their contingencies.

If you would like to learn more about selling your home and buying another one simultaneously, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003

Learn More About Contingent Home

 

See Homes for Sale in North Park

 

Welcome to San Diego

Best Place To Visit In San Diego

There are so many things to do in San Diego you will not be bored for even one day of your stay. Whether you are into water sports, hiking, window shopping, or a foodie. There is simply something to do for you and everyone in your family. Below are a few places you might find of interest while exploring the different places to visit in San Diego.

Old Town

~The birthplace of California is known to b Old Town. In the early-1800s, this was the site where the first Spanish settlement occurred. The historic architecture and charm remain the same from that era. A few places to visit while in Old Town is the most haunted house in America, rumored by many, the Whaley House Museum. The Junipero Serra Museum is one of the first permanent European settlement sites and one to visit while visiting Old Town. After spending some time here, you are going to have an appetite. Lucky for you, there are many places to eat in the area. Many restaurants such as  Casa Guadalajara, Fiesta de Reyes and others offer amazing Mexican food, including vegetarian options and gluten-free dishes.

San Diego Zoo

~The award-winning and world-famous San Diego Zoo is of interest to people from all walks of life. Whether you are a young child or up in age, your interest will peek when visiting the more than 700 species of animals that live at the zoo. The animals are not kept in cages like in many other zoos. There is plenty of room for them to enjoy their environment and live well for the rest of their lives. The San Diego zoo is quite large, so you may enjoy hopping on the tour bus if you get tired of walking.  You can also ride the Skyfari and take a look at the animals from a safe distance up above.

Sea Port Village

~The Seaport Village is a popular place to visit and has many things to do while visiting. Enjoy watching street performers throughout the day in different areas of the complex. The village is located Downtown, designed with Spanish Style and Victorian architecture with spectacular views of the San Diego Harbor, Coronado Island and the Coronado Bridge.  There are several nice restaurants and coffee shops with various types of cuisine that you will enjoy. After finishing up with your meal, sit out and enjoy the sound of different musicians that come out to perform for free.

Little Italy

~Italian were the original residents of this community that started as a fishing village. Now, the restaurants, art galleries, architecture and shops reflect the Italian heritage of its yesteryear. Little Italy is vibrant and lively, with many events and festivals that take place throughout the year. There is so much to see and do, including enjoying several hours of people watching and window shopping. The restaurants are amazing, so get ready to eat delicious authentic Italian dishes such as pasta, and pizza, to name a few.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

~Torrey Pines is located in one of the most ruff and rugged stretches of the coastal waters, located in La Jolla. The  Natural Landmark is on the hilly cliffs that look or the beach. The lagoon attracts Pleistocene vegetation, “the flora of southern California,” the fauna, and many migrating ocean birds. If you are an eager hiker, you will enjoy the eight trails that run through the reserve, appreciating the views and wildlife such as skunks, foxes, rabbits, coyotes, and several others. If you’re lucky, and it is migrating season, you’ll get to see whales in the water while standing at the top of the cliffs.

San Diego Museum of Man

~The Museum of Man is one of the most captivating and informational things to do in San Diego. If you are somewhat interested in anthropology or anything related to human beings, this is one place you don’t want to miss. There is complete and comprehensive information regarding a large selection of artifacts and photographs. The California Tower is extraordinary, and the architecture of the buildings dating back to the early 1900s is striking with attention to detail.

Of course, there are many other wonderful and interesting places to visit in San Diego. These are simply a few of our favorite places in San Diego.

San Diego Metro Neighborhoods

~San Diego Urban Neighborboods, also known as Metro Neigbhorhoods of San Diego, each have their own vibe, making them special in their own way. The one thing they all seem to have in common is the diversity and cultural attractions they offer. Some of the best metro neighborhoods in San Diego include North Park, South Park, University Heights, Mission Hills, Kensington, Normal Heights, Golden Hill, and  Sherman Heights, to name a few. There are many great restaurants, micro-breweries, wineries, bakeries and awesome shops in all of these different communities. The homes in these urban neigborhoods are mostly Spanish Style, Craftsman Houses and California Bungalows, with a few condos and apartments in between certain pockets. If you are considering moving to San Diego and would like help with finding the best home in your favorite neighborhood, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We are happy to help you with your journey and transition.

 

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Move, Launch, Learn: How to Simultaneously Tackle Big Life Events

Starting a business is an exciting venture, but many people find that when they launch an entrepreneurial endeavor — particularly one that’s based from home — there’s often no adequate space to effectively combine work and family life.

If you think your current home isn’t going to be large enough to accommodate your operations, working with a reputable realtor and timing a move to a larger house while simultaneously starting a business can be beneficial in many ways.

Assess Your Space Needs

All home-based businesses require different accommodations. For example, consultants or computer programmers may only need a dedicated office space for a computer and file storage. On the other hand, if you’re making, storing, and selling handmade soaps (for instance), you’re going to need a lot more room for inventory, taking photos for your website, and maybe even packing products for shipping.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, it’s wise to make a detailed assessment of how much space you’ll need to successfully operate your company while keeping it separate from “home.” Keep in mind that home-based business owners can deduct costs associated with home office space and business operations. This can help offset the cost of a new and larger home purchase if that’s what you ultimately decide you need.

Working With A Real Estate Professional

While you can certainly start or even conduct your entire house-hunting journey online, a seasoned real estate agent can be a good resource for helping you find properties that meet your very specific home-based business needs, as well as the needs of your family. This person should be an advocate with knowledge and experience in helping people who need to combine work and home. For example, they’ll know to look for properties with a casita or a separate private entrance or a home with a master bedroom or office space located in a secluded area of a home away from household traffic. If you decide to work with an agent, be very specific about your needs so they can help you find the perfect property.

Coordinating Your Business Launch And Move

If you ultimately end up moving to a new home and launching your business at the same time, you can reduce stress by carefully coordinating your logistics. Getting your office and workspace set up and operational should be a top priority. Keep all of your business-related materials in one place, and consider transporting them yourself, rather than handing them over to movers. This way, you’ll know where everything is and have easy access to it.
If possible, go with a soft launch rather than a grand opening, so you can successfully get settled into your new home. Ask for help as necessary during this period to ensure you can focus on your business.

Successful Business Operations

As you settle into your new home and get your business up and running, you’ll likely be focused on understanding your target demographic and learning how best to market and promote your product or services. You may find at some point that pursuing an advanced degree is beneficial to helping you grow, diversify, and expand your operations. This is particularly true if your business is related to internet technology, an industry where it’s critical to be well-versed in the most up-to-date technologies.

Consultants also benefit from advanced education, either in their field of focus or in business and marketing. Look into online programs that allow you to learn at your own pace in your own space. You’re also likely to find that you’re able to start incorporating what you’re learning into your everyday work right away.

Simultaneously starting a business, making the move, and staying educated on best practices in your industry can sound like a tall order. However, it’s also an ambitious and exciting undertaking that can pay big dividends. Plan accordingly and map out all of your needs before making any decisions, and don’t shy away from asking for outside help. For real estate advice and more, reach out to McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003.

 

Stage A House That Is Vacant

Deciding on whether to stage a house that is vacant or leaving it empty for selling can depend on several factors. In our Real Estate Experience of over 17 years, we have found that staging a home is better than not. Selling a house that is staged sells faster and for a higher dollar amount than a home that is vacant and has not been staged. The reason a staged house sells for a higher dollar amount is more buyers are attracted to it, and the home simply shows better. This ultimately creates competition amongst the buyers looking at the house.

Showing A Staged Home

Home staging has become extremely popular in the last several years. Approximately 79% of buyer’s agents say when showing a staged home to their clients, it makes it a lot easier for the potential buyer to see themselves living there. They tend to stay a little longer during the showing which is a definite plus. They also have an easier time visualizing their own furniture in the space and tend not to focus on the negative aspects of the property.

Virtual Staging

Oftentimes a seller may think of selling their vacant house without having to stage it. There are other sellers that have heard about virtual staging. Virtual staging may be more affordable and does look good in photos. But most times a buyer that sees a property online that shows beautifully staged, will be disappointed when they walk through the home in person. Every defect the property has will be on display. The buyers walking through will notice every scratch, stain and wear and tear the home has endured throughout the years

Lightly Staging A House

Even if sellers don’t want to stage a house, they should consider lightly staging their vacant property. It will make the home appear larger than it really is. It will feel inviting and people can then visualize living in the house. This especially holds true for smaller rooms. If you add furniture to a smaller room, it will magically make the room feel larger.

Staging A House Is Not Necessary

There is a time when we believe that staging a vacant home not necessary. This of course is when a property is a fixer. In other words, if your home has a lot of deferred maintenance, such as cracks in the walls, original electrical, foundation issues, plumbing issues, etc. we would recommend not staging the property. In these circumstances, these types of sales are better suited for savvy investor type buyers. They do not care about furniture. Instead, they are strictly looking at numbers. We have found if you stage these types of homes, a traditional buyer may fall in love with it because it looks cute. But, when you accept an offer and they do their inspections, 9 times out of 10 they get scared because of all of the repairs needed, and they eventually cancel the escrow. This is never fun for a seller.

Not Staging A Home

If you are still not convinced that you should stage a home before selling? No worries, nothing is set in stone. We are only letting you know what we have learned throughout our years of selling homes in North Park, South Park, and surrounding areas of San Diego. The one thing that we recommend you should always do; having the house deep cleaned before putting the house for sale on the market. A dirty house will turn many potential buyers away. They will automatically think the home has not been kept properly. It will show in their offer if they decide to make one.

Staging A House Before Selling

If you are thinking of selling your home, contact your local Realtor. Go on their website first and check out the photos of the homes they are selling and have sold in the past. There should be an area on their website that shows their “Featured Listings.” This will give you an idea of what they provide. Do you see a lot of photos of vacant properties? Or are most of the featured homes staged? Another important factor to look at is the quality of the photos. All photos should be professional. This is the first thing a prospective buyer sees online. If the photos do not showcase the property well, they will move on to the next property.

Below are a few photos of before and after staging photos of a home we just sold in San Diego. The owners of this house initially thought of not having it staged. But, after some discussion, they took our advice. We ended up with 14 offers and $35,000 over list price. The buyer loved how the furniture looked they wanted to buy it too. This of course belonged to our stager and was not part of the sale. My point is, the furniture simply creates an illusion of warmth and coziness.

Other Ways To Increase The Value Of Your Home Before Selling

 

 

How Much Value A Roof Adds To A House

Adding a new roof to a house in North Park or any area of San Diego can be costly. Many times home sellers like to add the complete cost to the buyer. Many sellers believe because they just did this upgrade the buyer will reimburse them for it. However, value does not always equal cost. Value is what something is worth and cost is what one pays for something. We may want to think they are the same thing but they are very different.

Needs vs Wants

A roof is one of those things that falls under home maintenance and not something like a newly remodeled kitchen, featuring top of the line appliances. It is one of those things that you need to do eventually for the maintenance of the home but you don’t necessarily want to do. When a buyer walks through a home they are not looking at the roof or the pipes under the house to determine the value. Instead, they are looking at the open floor plan, or the gorgeous wood floors, updated kitchen and top of the line accessories. These are the things they want in their next house.

Buyers Expectation of Value

When a buyer walks through a home, they expect the electrical to be up to current code and they expect the sewer line to be working properly. They don’t expect to have to pay extra for these items to be up to today’s standards. That is of course if you are trying to sell your house for the highest possible dollar amount with a traditional sale to a retail buyer. If your home is in original condition or has deferred maintenance, then this is a different type of sale. In this case, doing less is more. There is a buyer for houses in all types of condition. The home simply has to be priced accordingly.

Higher End vs Lower End Value

A buyer in a higher-end market is typically more demanding than in a lower-end market. I don’t mean demanding in a bad way. What I mean is they are much pickier. They expect the home to have more bells and whistles, depending on the price point. The lower end market may not be concerned about central air, or an energy-efficient green home. They are not looking for top of the line appliances.

What Is The Value Of My Home

Let’s say you add a new kitchen that cost $50,000 in a home where homes in that area are selling for $500,000. Imagine you add that same kitchen to a home where homes are selling for $1,500,000. The value of the remodeled kitchen would be a lot less in the $500,000 home because homebuyers in that area do not expect such a high-end kitchen. You would have over-built for the neighborhood. You could remodel a kitchen in that area for $25,000 and the home would still sell for the same selling price.

If you are thinking about remodeling your home but have concerns about the resale value, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We are happy to have a phone conversation and answer whatever questions you may have.

Have You Outgrown Your Home Office?

Working from home can be a dream come true for many small business owners — flexible schedule, no commute, casual dress code — but the McT Real Estate Group knows it has its drawbacks as well. Sometimes your home office is merely a designated nook, a space in your kitchen, or an extra bedroom that is just too small.

Here are a few indications that you may have outgrown your current home office:

  • You’re constantly having to move things in order to get work done.
  • Business supplies or equipment are in other areas of the house.
  • Noise is a problem.
  • In-person meetings need to be held in the kitchen or living room.
  • You find it difficult to concentrate.
woman sitting at her desk working on the computer from home
working from home

Remove the Barriers to Productivity

For an optimal work environment, it’s not necessary to have a large home office, but it should be as self-contained as possible, with plenty of room for storage. Ideally, there is room for at least one additional chair, so you can meet with clients or vendors privately, or just to step away from your standard workspace to brainstorm or meditate. In addition, it’s preferable to have your office in a quiet part of the house with a solid door to muffle sounds.

Your desk or work surface should be conducive to your specific job, with the right amount of space and storage. A comfortable, supportive chair makes a huge difference if you spend hours at your desk. You may even want to have a mini-fridge and coffee maker in your office, so you don’t need to make trips to the kitchen throughout the day.

Consider whether your desktop computer or laptop is in need of an upgrade. As more services move to the Cloud and applications grow more powerful and demanding, older models can struggle to keep up. That doesn’t mean you have to shell out a ton of money, however. Discounts and online sales can net you good deals on many models and styles of electronic equipment.

Make the Move

If your office isn’t set up for the success of your business, it may be time to remodel your home or search for a new house that has the kind of office space you need. San Diego real estate is always in demand, so if you’re looking to make the move, it’s best to start the process early and give yourself time to find the best options available.

  • Use a mortgage calculator to factor in your household income, debt-to-income ratio, credit score and approximate down payment, so you can determine how much you can afford.
  • Apply for mortgage pre-approval before actively searching for a home, so you can jump quickly on the right house when it comes on the market.
  • Find a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about your desired area, price point and requirements as a home-based business owner.

Form an LLC

If you haven’t done so already, consider forming an LLC, or limited liability company. As SmartAsset notes, it provides legal protection for your personal assets and avoids double taxation, because your business income isn’t taxed before you draw personal income from it. An LLC has more flexibility and requires less paperwork than a corporation. Best of all, you don’t need a lawyer to facilitate the process. Skip an attorney’s fees by completing the process yourself online through a formation service. Rules for forming an LLC vary by state, so make sure you know the local regulations before proceeding.

Your home office is “command central” for your livelihood, so it should work as hard for you as you do for your business. If your current space is hampering your productivity or frustrating your efforts, it might be the right time to explore new options. Connect with McT Real Estate Group for help in finding the right space to help take your personal and professional life to the next level!

Ways to Increase Your Home Value in San Diego Before Listing It For Sale

When it comes time to sell your home in San Diego, you can take several steps before listing it with a Realtor to increase your property’s value. And, to also leave you with more money in the bank. Below, we’ll discuss a few of our favorite options.

Address its Curb Appeal

We all know that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to new home buyers, it’s hard not to! The exteriors should encourage prospective buyers to enter the home, so it’s a great idea to address the landscaping, paint coat, and ensure that the front door isn’t chipped. The driveway is also important, as a poorly maintained driveway won’t leave perspectives with a good first impression of the upkeep of the property. 

image of North Park Craftsman House located at 3051 Redwood Street
front of North Park Home for sale

 

Maintain the Roof and Siding

Replacing a roof can cost a pretty penny, but a roof that’s falling apart is going to turn homebuyers off. Thus, before you place your home on the market for sale, it’s important to repair the roof as necessary. Roof maintenance right before you sell your home will not only improve the resale value but will also prevent home inspection issues and avoid a point of negotiation with potential buyers. For the siding, ensure that stucco or rustic siding is also properly maintained to prevent the buyer from seeing it as a future cost.

Remodel the Kitchen or Bathroom

Kitchens and bathrooms can greatly increase the value of the home and are also essential spaces in a buyer’s first impression. You will want to weigh costs, but in most cases, minor renovations will pay off immediately. Especially if you have outdated appliances or old countertops, quick renovations will instantly upgrade the feel of the space and make your home more attractive to prospective buyers. You will also want to address the countertops, as they’re the focal point of the area. Consider quartz countertop colors that’ll complement your wall color nicely. 

Make your Home Low Maintenance

Buyers consider maintenance costs when looking at properties. If you have a roof, furnace, or HVAC unit that is nearing the end of its life, repairing or replacing it before selling can help soothe buyer’s fears about looming repairs. You can also invest in making your home more energy-efficient, as energy conservation features can make a home much more valuable. This investment could look like anything from solar panels to LED lighting or more efficient heating and cooling units. 

Aging in Place Renovations

Aging in place renovations are something to consider if you live in a neighborhood that is conducive to families and older living such as North Park and South Park. Additions such as a lowes handrail, or a shower with a seat can add great value.

Repair the Siding

If your siding is very damaged or is showing signs of wear, you’ll benefit from repairing it before you sell. Since the siding is what protects your home against the outdoors, buyers are likely to be put off from siding that’s clearly seen better days, as it’ll lead to costly repairs down the road. When it comes time to repair, a fiber siding, such as rustic siding, will add to the curb appeal as well as the functionality of your property. 

Whether you’re looking to sell your home in North Park, South Park or surrounding areas in the near future or further down the line, these renovations will absolutely help you increase your home’s value before it even hits the market!  But, before you do anything else, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003, the local Real Estate Experts. Together, they will come up with a plan of action that will help you receive the highest return on your investment.

Homes for Sale in North Park

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

Living In California

A man riding a bike at the beach in california
Riding a bike at the beach

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Many people dream of living in California. This is especially true when the rest of the world is experiencing cold winters or sweltering summers. Yes, the cost of living in California is much higher than in most parts of the country. The beautiful sunshine and gorgeous weather in California come with a price. The cost of living is 43% higher here than the national average. The median sales price of a two-bedroom house in San Fransisco is approximately $1,440,000, while the median sales price in San Diego is approximately $621,000. If you are not ready to buy a house and instead decide you will rent, the average two-bedroom rental in San Diego is approximately $2,400. In San Fransisco, you will be looking at a studio for that price or more. But there is a reason why people continue to pack up their belongings and move to this sunny and temperate state loved by so many.

You may be thinking you will find a cheap place to rent and live on a budget when you first move to California, but this all depends. When people think of moving to California, they are looking to live in San Diego, LA or San Francisco. Although the West Coast is lovely, I am particularly biased toward San Diego. In 1998, I was living in NYC and getting tired of the sticky summers and freezing winters. I started searching for the perfect place and traveled along the West Coast.  That is when I fell in love with San Diego, specifically North Park, a metro neighborhood located 10 minutes from the beach. I made my move here and never looked back.

image of boats at the San Diego Harbor
San Diego Harbor

California is known to be laid back, has beautiful beaches, lots of things to do. There are great places for hiking and other wonderful outdoor activities. You will also find few bustling cities if that is what you are searching for. While known for its agriculture and tech economies, it is also a place of paradise for many that enjoy the sunshine year-round. The Southern California coastline enjoys 70-75’s, while inland can reach over 100 degrees. It will depend on how far away from the coast you live. In contrast, the Northern California Coastline hovers over the high 50’s.

Visit the beach and surf in the morning, then enjoy a hike in the desert or mountains in the afternoon, where you’ll occasionally experience a bit of snow now and then in the winter. There is so much to see and enjoy that most people that move to California never want to leave.

While Northern California and Southern California have completely different vibes, both are beautiful and have so much to offer. Northern California is known for the different varieties of foods. At the same time, Southern California has some of the best authentic Mexican food around. The craft beer industry has become very popular in the last several years, and the West Coast is on the top of the list, with Santa Rosa coming in as the US’s microbrew capital.

Whether you are a younger Millennium, a Baby Boomer, or anything in-between, you will love living in California. If you think of buying a house in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away at 619-736-7003. We would love to help you find your perfect home in San Diego County.

 

Things To Do In San Diego

 

 

What Seniors Should Look for in a Home in San Diego When Aging in Place

Looking for a home in San Diego as a senior 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, 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

 

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. If you know what to expect, you won’t be faced with many hard decisions or 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

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. Get to know the neighborhood you’re interested in and talk to the neighbors before the 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 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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Living In North Park -Buying a House in North Park

Are you having a hard time choosing the best neighborhood in San Diego to move to? The McT Real Estate Group is ready to help you with your home search. We will find out what things you like best when considering a neighborhood to live in. Our favorite neighborhood happens to be North Park. Why? We initially bought our first house in North Park because it was an up-and-coming neighborhood at the time. Since then, it has become one of the most hipster Urban neighborhoods in San Diego with so many things to do. Living in North Park is fun and never boring. There are many neighborhoods in San Diego to choose from, but these are a few reasons to consider buying a house in North Park.

 

North Park Has Beautiful Real Estate To Live In And Invest In

2904 kalmia

Established in the early 1900s, North Park is considered one of San Diego’s older metro neighborhoods. Many of the historic Craftsman Style, Spanish Style, and Victorian Style Tudor homes can be seen throughout the different neighborhoods. People have restored them to maintain their true Craftsmanship, and this is beautiful to see. There are also Bungalows and  Modern Style homes that have been remodeled and newly rebuilt as well. With all of the Historic Homes in North Park, the neighborhood’s character and style attract people from all over the Country. 

 

North Park Best Restaurants

the modern vegan

Whether you are a foodie or a fussy eater, North Park living is full of excitement with fun exploring the best restaurants that North Park has to offer. Sit down at Tamarindo Latin Kitchen & Bar for some Latin Flavor, or head over to  Dunedin New Zealand Eats for some delicious New Zealand food. If you are Vegan, no worries, there is a newcomer in town, and it is a big hit. The Modern Vegan.  This place is on the cusp of North Park and University Heights and is fantastic for those who love comfort food. If you prefer to go out for snacks and a few beers or wine, there are plenty of hot spots for this as well. Thorn Street Brewery is a local favorite of craft beer where you can bring your dog and family to. They typically have different food trucks on the weekends, so you can grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the local beer. Check out URBN. They have coal-fired flat and New Haven-Style pizzas that are a favorite to many in the neighborhood, along with draught beer and craft cocktails. This loft-style restaurant is loud, so it is a great place if you have a group you are hanging out with. For a more intimate style environment, there is  Alexander’s for some great Italian food. There are so many different places to choose from. If you decide to live in North Park,  you will never have to leave the neighborhood to experience different types of cuisines. If you would like to skip the restaurants altogether, you can head out for some coffee and snacks at  Communal Coffee. There are different flavored coffee, drinks, books, and several trinkets you can pick up during your visit. Then there is the coffee-infused cocktail during happy hour at Caffe Calambra, along with pizza, desserts, and paninis.

North Park Breweries

Mike Hess Brewery

Whether you are a beer aficionado or you enjoy a nice beer occasionally, North Park is the place for you. It has become a hotspot for local craft breweries to flock to. Some of North Park’s local breweries include Mike Hess Brewing Company, Thorn Street Brewery, The North Park Beer Company, Belching  Beaver Brewery, and Pariah Brewing Company, to name a few. There are so many choices that you will never be bored with the same ole beer again.

North Park Local Shopping

Simply Local

North Park has many locally-owned shops for people to buy their gifts, knickknacks, bookstores, and all types of home decorations. Some local favorites include Simply Local. Here you will find homemade gifts, jewelry, souvenirs such as shirts, soaps, pictures, honey, oils created by amazing local artists. Pigment is another favorite for home decorations and gifts and, it is just a few blocks away. Nearby is Mimi & Red Boutique, a lovely gem in North Park where you can find designer clothing pieces, jewelry, and other great accessories.

Balboa Park Nearby

Alcazar Gardens Balboa Park

The acclaimed Balboa Park is located West of North Park, where visitors get to hike through miles of trails, visit 17 museums, walk through the beautiful gardens and sit by the gorgeous fountain to people watch. Feel like playing a game of golf? Sure, why not. Balboa Park Golf is the oldest public golf course in San Diego and one of the favorites. There are so many different types of events taking place year-round at Balboa Park. By living in North Park, you will always have something new to see every single day if you choose to. 

 

North Park Is San Diego’s Most Dog-Friendly Neighborhood

Dog Friendly

You will notice in North Park that there are lots of people out and about with their dogs. North Park is one of San Diego’s most dog-friendly neighborhoods.  Many of the restaurants and coffee shops are set up so you can bring your dog with you while you have a bite to eat. Many even provide treats for them.  There are several pet stores in the neighborhood, but one of my favorites is The Original Paw Pleasers. You can spoil your babies by ordering homemade doggie ice cream,fresh-baked Grain-Free cakes, and more for your pet. The dog park at Morley Field is one of our favorites. Here you get to meet many of your neighbors, and their pups get to make lots of friends.

 

North Park Is Perfect For All Age Groups

North Park is perfect for all age groups because of its walkability. Its ample amount of shopping, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and things to do around town make it desirable for people of all ages. Younger and older aged people like not having to drive for everyday conveniences. Younger people such as Millennials love  North Park because there are so many things to do and a great place to meet new people.

Move To North Park

If you are thinking of moving to North Park or already living here but are currently renting and want to buy a house or condo, reach out to the McT Real Estate Group today at 619-736-7003. We moved to North Park in 2001 from N.Y.C and have never looked back. Our office is located in the hub of North Park. We will sit down and have a conversation with you and find out your wants and needs. Together, we will figure out the best strategy for you to buy a home in the North Park area.

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The Decisions Seniors Make When Downsizing Their Home in San Diego

 

3364-66 A Street

The decision to downsize is the ultimate decision. As you go through the process you’ll realize that decisions await you at every corner. Will you move into a house or an independent living community? What items come with you and what must go? Another important decision is what you’ll do with your current home. Below you’ll find helpful tips to help you navigate these decisions.

Deciding Where to Move

San Diego is home to a variety of unique home styles including one-story ranch properties, Spanish styles, townhomes, split levels, and post-modern homes. However, if you’re looking to live close to other seniors, independent living communities are a good option. They come with a variety of services like housekeeping and meal plans, so there’s no need to constantly manage household duties on your own. You’ll also maintain an independent lifestyle and will have access to in-home care on an as-needed basis. It’s worth taking a tour of nearby facilities to see what you think, but pay attention to the price tag. Costs of independent living facilities in San Diego range widely from $1,655 to $16,500 per month.

Deciding Whether to Sell Your House

One of the most common choices regarding your current home is to sell it and use that money to purchase your new home. To make things easy, hire a real estate agent. Agents have access to loads of information, including market trends, competing listings, and comps. Plus, if you’re wanting to sell your home quickly, you’ll need them to help you be aggressive about marketing. While your agent works their magic, get a head start on packing and decluttering. Your new home will have less square footage and storage space, so downsizing your items is a must. Start with the stuff that’s easy to get rid of first such as duplicate, broken, forgotten, and expired items, then go room by room. Decluttering is one of the important steps in staging your home as well so that buyers can focus on the home’s potential rather than your stuff.

Deciding Whether to Rent

If it looks like your home might be on the market for a while, you won’t be able to get the price you want, or you want to keep your home, renting is an option. However, this requires some investment on your end, including a renter’s insurance policy, permits, and repairs/updates. You must also decide if you want to be your own landlord or hire a property management company to help you find/screen tenants, collect rent, handle repairs, and communicate with tenants. You’ll be happy to learn that renting does have some tax benefits, including the ability to deduct rental-related expenses like mortgage interest, taxes, repairs/maintenance, cleaning, insurance, and even depreciation.

Deciding Whether to Keep the Home

For many seniors, the thought of selling the family home is difficult. Perhaps you want to pass the home on to children, or at least keep it in the family a little while longer. You may have this stipulated in your will, but how can you pass your home to children while you are still living? You may have heard about homes being sold for $1, which is a large gift. Nothing is stopping you from doing it, but if the home is worth $250,000, then you just gave a gift of $249,000. You get a $15,000 gift tax exclusion per person per year. You must then decide whether to pay the gift tax now or apply it to your lifetime exemption of $11.4 million. There are other ways to transfer the property including re-titling or deeding.

Downsizing is a decision that requires much thought, and the same can be said as to what you’ll do with your current home. You can go the traditional route and sell your house, or choose a completely different path and rent or keep it altogether. Other decisions like where to move and what to do with your belongings will also have to be made. Think them through and talk them over with family and friends (and professionals) to arrive at the decisions you’re happiest with.

If you do decide to sell your home in San Diego, The McT Real Estate Group can help you with the process of selling your house. Contact us at 619-736-7003 so we can set up a time to have a conversation.

 

 

 

 

How Bedroom Paint Colors Affect Your Mood

One-quarter of Americans will suffer from insomnia each year. If you’re one of them, you know how frustrating it can be to try to fall asleep, especially if you’ve taken several measures to help you relax and lull you into drowsiness.One thing you may want to consider is the color of your bedroom paint. Although it may sound like an insignificant detail, the color of your walls may be to blame for your lack of quality sleep. Red light, for example, has been found to make cattle more aroused than blue or green light.

The Psychology Of Color

The psychology of color shows us that color has the ability to influence our mood, appetite, and feelings more than we realize.

There are several colors that may prove soothing for your sleeping space, and there are many you may wish to avoid. Here’s a look at the best and worst paint colors for your bedroom.

Colors to Avoid

These are the hues that can increase energy or distract you from obtaining a full night’s sleep.

Anything Bright

Vibrant colors such as hot pink, Kelly green, and royal blue are definitely fun, but unfortunately, these paint shades won’t do much to help you get a good night’s rest. Anything bright tends to be overstimulating. Save these for the family entertainment area or home office where alertness is encouraged.

Red

As already mentioned, red is a very energizing color. While you may think the color of romance and passion is a match made in heaven for your bedroom, the truth is it may subconsciously keep you awake. Even dark brick reds and burgundy should be avoided. Red works well in the living room area or kitchen.

Very Dark Colors

Brown, black, dark gray, and deep purple can also come across as very intense and even intimidating in your bedroom space.

Colors That Encourage Relaxation

Instead of choosing the paint shades listed above, go for colors that soothe and encourage relaxation. Think of the colors you’ve seen in the waiting areas of spas, hair salons, and doctors’ offices—they probably were not of the intense variety. The following colors work very well in the bedroom.

Green

It’s the color of nature, and generally, lighter and more natural-looking greens such as sage and spearmint may help induce sleep. Green also improves concentration, so if you enjoy reading as part of your bedtime routine, being surrounded by green-colored walls may help you absorb information better. Avoid Kelly green and others on the brighter end of the green spectrum.

Blue

What do China, Great Britain, the U.S., and Indonesia all have in common? People in these countries—as well as several others—say blue is their favorite color. Maybe it’s because it’s a soothing and naturally occurring color on our planet—the sky and bodies of water are blue, and Earth itself is blue when viewed in space. One study found that blue light brought down stress levels three times faster than white light did. This is important to know, as stress can hinder sleep.

And it doesn’t have to be a light blue to help you relax. Try a navy or nautical blue in your bedroom.

Lilac and Lighter Purples

If you’re looking for something a little different, try a pastel-to-medium purple in your bedroom.

Neutrals

You can’t go wrong with any natural paint color or neutrals in the bedroom, particularly grey (as long as it’s a light grey) tan, and cream. A bonus of choosing these paint colors is that they also make it easy to find complementary bedding and furnishings.

Paint Your Way to Restful Sleep

If you’re having a hard time getting quality sleep, trying one of the suggested colors above and see if it makes a difference. The best part about using paint to help you fall asleep better? You can always paint over it and try another shade if one isn’t working out for you.

If you’re searching for your dream home in the North Park, South Park or other neighborhoods of San Diego, the McT Real Estate Group can help! Start your search by browsing what has just been listed in San Diego.

Does a Clean Home Sell Fast in San Diego? (The Answer is Yes!)

If it’s time to list your home for sale in San Diego, you should know there are many things you can do to get the best price without waiting months on end for the “perfect buyer.” First, you’ll want to partner with a realtor that knows the local market in your area. After that, the next most important thing you can do is to clean, repair things if needed and stage your home so that it looks it’s sparkling best.

But I have kids and pets! That’s impossible!

It’s true that having kids and/or pets does mean lots of extra work whether your home is on the market or not. However, your entire family will benefit by putting a routine into place that will keep your home clean now.

If it’s not realistic for your family to be able to keep your home in a constant state of clean, you could be the perfect candidate for a housekeeper. While it’s one thing to have someone come in and deep clean your home, a housekeeper can help you manage the clean and keep it that way. Plus, a lot of housekeepers provide additional help around the house, like changing bed linens, light yard work, and even minor food prep. If you can schedule your housekeeper for early in the day, even better.

Another professional service to consider is having the windows cleaned. Whether you realize it or not, house windows play a crucial role in its overall feel and appeal. Keep in mind that buyers are interested in turnkey properties that are move-in ready. Dirty windows, according to Philly.com, can make a home look uncared for. It’s not enough to simply wipe them down: a professional service can get into the nooks and crannies, especially on high windows that can’t easily be reached.  They will be able to eliminate cobwebs, dirt, and grime on both the interior and exterior of the glass. A window service might even be able to offer tips on how to prevent fingerprints, too!

Containment is the key

Once everything is deep cleaned, you’ll need to take some time to stage your home so that it looks open and inviting. This will necessitate getting rid of needless furniture and personal belongings. Unfortunately, kids might see this as a threat, and they will likely beg and plead to keep all of their stuff, which they will swear they love more than anything else and can’t possibly part with. If you want to avoid making the move a negative experience, you’re going to have to compromise, which is much easier if you learn how to contain the clutter – and messes – in the first place.

Start by evaluating your storage space. Look at your local hardware store for sturdy storage containers that will fit under the bed. Give your children a few each and let them know that their stuffed animals have their own special “secret hideaway,” and that they must be there at the end of each day. Avoid the urge to simply shove things in the closet. Instead, clear out half of your clothing and put items in storage containers under your own bed. Other ways to contain kid-created chaos is to eat outside as much as possible, forgo messy arts and crafts, and designate the main areas of your home as no-toy zones.

Regulate your routine

No matter how many times a housekeeper visits your home, you still have to live there, and that means that messes are going to happen. Home Storage Solutions asserts that creating a schedule is the most effective way to keep things neat and tidy. Make sure to give everyone a specific responsibility. Older children might, for instance, be in charge of folding blankets in the living room or sweeping the stairs at the end of each day.

If everything goes well, there is a good chance your home will only be on the market for about 30 days. Make this month count by keeping it as clean as possible.

If you are thinking of selling your house in North Park, South Park, University Heights, Normal Heights, and surrounding metro neighborhoods, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away. Learn about our Hassle-Free Listing Agreement.

 

Other Must Do’s To Get Home Ready for Sale

 

Modeling Your Home for Better Accessibility

 

modeling your home

If you have parents who are getting up there in age or a loved one with mobility issues, you need to remodel your home for better accessibility. After all, you won’t be there to help them 24/7. A few simple adjustments can go a long way; from preventing falls, accidents, or even to help them regain their dignity and ensure they don’t feel like a burden to the rest of the family. There are numerous ways to design a home for people with mobility challenges, and you needn’t break the bank or move. See below for a few simple ways to model a home for better accessibility. 

Expand doors and entryways 

Expanding the doorways and hallways will make it easier for your loved ones who are bound to a wheelchair or a permanent crutch. It’s a simple fix to a big problem for many, and this ensures they don’t always have to maneuver the tight squeeze as they move from one room to the next.

Go for ramps rather than stairs 

There are many ramp solutions out there that will help people with mobility issues, particularly those in a wheelchair. You might consider opting for ramps instead of stairs, for example, to help ensure that all areas of the home are safely accessible.

Grab bars in the bathroom 

Metal grab bars will be handy for the elderly with mobility issues or the disabled. And this way, you don’t have to accompany your loved one every time they have to go to the toilet, which can help avoid a lot of embarrassment on their part. It’s probably one of the few areas where their privacy can remain sacred. 

Lower beds 

There are adjustable beds to make it easier for the disabled to move the height up and down. This makes it easier for them to transfer from their wheelchair to the bed as they don’t use too much energy. Of course, there are other ways to make the bedroom accessible, as well (See home accessibility guide, here). 

Non-slip flooring 

Slip-proof flooring is a good investment, particularly in the bathroom or the kitchen. However, it will depend on the inhabitant because some material might not be too friendly for people in the wheelchair. A cork-based floor is good for the elderly who can still walk on their own two feet. 

It is also a good idea to keep houses tidy and clutter-free when modeling for accessibility. Make sure cords are stowed away, there are clear walkways, and items are put in a specific place. This can help lower the risk of falls or tripping on loose items. 

Install smart technology to help perform daily functions 

New AI-based innovations are a godsend to the disabled. They can help them perform daily functions and chores without a family member always waiting on them. The good news is that it’s now more affordable to install smart assistants in your home at a wide array of price points. Smart technology can include tools to change the lights or central temperature within your home from your bed, lock or open doors, make phone calls without dialing, feed any pets,  and even ways to easily monitor health. 

While remodeling, keep in mind the limited mobility of your loved ones, as its purpose is to make their lives easier.  With a few simple renovations, your loved ones can grow old in their homes, stay safe and maintain their independence. 

If you decide that you prefer to sell the home instead of remodeling, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003 for help with making this an easy transaction for your loved ones.

What Time Is It In San Diego?

Lots of people that travel to San Diego are very curious about the time zone in the Southern California area. Here you will find out about that question “What Time Is It In San Diego” and we will provide other information about things to do in San Diego.

WHAT TIME IS IT IN SAN DIEGO?

12clocks

What Time is it in San Diego anyway?

San Diego is in the Pacific Time Zone, it is 3 hours behind the East Coast and 2 hours behind Central Time. San Diego participates in daylight savings time

During the winter, it gets dark around 4:30, and during the summer the skies are light until 8:00 pm.

Things To Do In San Diego

 

Search Homes for Sale Below

I Over Improved My House With Home Renovations

We all want to improve our home with home renovations, so that it looks like some of the homes you see on house- flipping shows on TV, right? While they make home renovations look amazing on television, we are all living in real life. Some things to consider before making any big remodeling decisions are:

1- How much will a home that has been renovated sell for in your neighborhood?
2- Are you planning on living in the house for more than just a few years?
3- Is it a buyers market or a seller’s market?

If you take on a massive renovation project with the plans of selling your house in a year or two, you should pay attention to what is going on in the marketplace. Contact your Realtor and ask them what they see happening in the marketplace in your neighborhood. If most of the homes in the community are selling for $650,000 for houses that are less renovated; and $850,000 for homes that are fully renovated, you’ll want to make sure that you fall into this bracket after renovations. However, this is always not set in stone. What I am trying to convey is that you would not want to do such renovations where if you were to put the home on the market you would have to ask for $1,500,000-$2,000,000 in order to come out ahead. The buyer in that price range is not going to be looking in your neighborhood. Instead, they will be looking in an area where other homes are selling in that price range.

The rule of thumb is to never buy the nicest house on the block. Instead, it is better to buy one on the block that is not as overly improved and has a better price tag on it. This way there is room to improve without over-improving.

Home Remodeling Tips and Ideas to Consider

If your goal is to simply make the home as nice as you can so that you can enjoy it while you live it, then do it. Just know that you should always think about resale. I know, I know, you are going to live there for the rest of your life right? Well, things happen, and the rest of your life sometimes changes. So, make smart choices. Here are some of the best remodeling tips to take into consideration. Consider renovating the kitchen and bathrooms. These are always a big hit for buyers. Also, your remodeling project may benefit from creating a spacious master bedroom. Buyers love seeing this. Instead of sinking a ton of money in the backyard that is bare right now, look at the inside and plan on doing these three rooms.

What Colors Should I Use

If you are into bright, loud colors, this is fine with walls. But, shy away from adding counters, tile, or floors that have bright personal colors such as pink, purple, orange, red, etc. You get the point. Walls can be painted on a shoestring budget. But, redoing the bathroom tile, or kitchen counter can be costly redo. If you like dark colors, go for it but know if at some point you decide that you would want to sell your home, plan on painting it lighter. Our homes in North Park, South Park, and the metro neighborhoods of San Diego tend to be smaller than other parts of the Country. If you paint the rooms dark, they tend to look smaller. Homebuyers would then feel the home is too small for them. There are many different shades of light colors that we typically recommend when selling a house. Wall colors range from various shades of whites, greys, and very light pastels for accent walls. Exterior accent colors for front doors and garage doors range from oranges, reds, yellows, mints, and several others. Even though we like to keep the home light, we also want to create a pop of color. Remember, you want to attract a large pool of buyers if and when you decide to sell your house.

How To Renovate Your House

There are lots of places to get ideas before starting a remodeling project. The best way to save money before taking on a renovation project is to do your research. Create a dream board of things you would like. Once completed, figure out what you absolutely must have and what you can do down the line in the future. Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. Your realtor should be an excellent resource for finding great handymen/women, painters, and other tradespeople. After talking to several of these referrals and getting proposals, talk to some of their past clients. See what they have to say about their work. Once your decision has been made, go for it.

The job has been completed. Now enjoy your remodeled home. If several years down the line you decide that you would like to sell your home, call the McT Real Estate Group for tips getting the highest dollar amount for your investment.

How To Sell A House In San Diego

The cost to sell a house in San Diego varies. There are the typical fees such as Title and Escrow Fees. Then “the Property County Tax.” Yes, you have to pay for that portion of the year if you have not already paid this along with your mortgage payments. There is also a sell a housecounty transfer tax (1.10 per $1,000 of value (exclusive of liens existing at the time of transfer), and a fee from your bank for paying off the loan. The natural disclosure fee is paid to a 3rd resource company.  This disclosure lets the buyer know if the property is in a hazard zone. A report is then completed and issued to the buyer once an offer is accepted. These fees are included in the cost to sell a house and add up to approximately 1% of the selling price.

What Are The Realtor Fees?

Now we come to the Realtor fees. This fee varies and is negotiable. Some people may think that if they hire a discount broker, they may save 1,2,3,4 percent or more. I can see how some people may think of this. For example, if you have an item in a store and you price it at a certain dollar amount, the consumer comes in and says, I would like to purchase that item. Great, they go to the cashier and pay the price that was on the price tag, and they are good to go. This is not how it works with Real Estate; there are many different fees involved.

When selling a house, it is not so cut and dry. This is especially so when selling homes in neighbourhoods such as North Park, South Park and metro neighborhoods in San Diego. Many of the houses in these communities are built in the early 1900s. Although many of them have been remodelled throughout the years and look very pretty, they are still older and have their quirks. Once a potential buyer has completed their inspection and receives the written report, the road gets a little bumpy from here on in.

We have found when a Realtor is not experienced ( whether new in the business or in for 20 years) with selling older homes, they have a tough time navigating and negotiating through this contingency period, and fallouts occur. Ultimately, the buyer walks, and they fall out of a contract. Many days or months of the valuable market time were lost, and now the home looks stale. Not only does it look stale, but now the seller has to provide all of the inspections the previous buyers did on your property to the new potential buyer. Whether the inspector was a good inspector or a bad one, this does not matter. The seller must provide these inspections (aka material facts) to a potential buyer.

In our experience throughout the years, we have found that buyers get scared when they see lots of inspection reports. They are handed these scary reports without receiving the verbal context in person from the inspector. With all this being said, that 1,2,3,4 or more percent that the seller thought they were saving costs them thousands of dollars in lost revenue when it is all said and done.

Do I Have to Pay for Repairs Before Selling My House?

Repairs before you sell a house

 

If there have been small things around the home that you have meant to take care of, this is the time to do. Things such as dead grass, hedges, trees can be cleaned up very inexpensively. If dirt or debris is lying around, now is the time to get rid of excess stuff lying around. 

Unsavoury odours in the house caused by pets should be taken care of. Cracks and chipped paint should be taken care of.  Painting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive things you can do before listing your home that will increase your return on investment exponentially. The McT Real Estate Group has people in place to step in and help you with this process. With all of this being said, if you want to sell your home as-is, we can definitely do this as well. We have several programs and plans in place for all types of sellers.

Do I Need to Stage My Home?

Suppose you live in your home while it will be on the market, yes, although we stage your home with your own furniture. There are staging when you sell a housesecrets to staging that we share with our home sellers that make all the difference. Home Staging is like magic; we are creating an illusion with the placement of furniture. For example, the conception of pushing all furniture to the walls so the rooms look larger, is not true. Instead, we suggest removing just a few excess pieces of furniture and then moving pieces away from the wall, so there is a little space. Create groups with your chairs and sofas. They will be more of a conversational area, and the rooms will appear larger by doing this small exercise.

If the home is vacant, we suggest staging most of the time. In fact, we work with a stager that customizes pieces around the flow of the rooms. Staging can cost anywhere from $1,000-$$5,000, depending on the home’s size and rooms that need staging. When the home is in original condition and/or has deferred maintenance, we do not suggest staging. The buyer looking at these types of homes are more of an investor buyer and are simply looking at the numbers of what it cost to buy, renovate, holding costs and return of investment.

If you have any questions regarding selling your home or would like to find out the current value of what a buyer would pay for it in today’s market, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003. Until the next time.

 

Who Pays The Closing Costs

 

Should I Accept A Contingent Offer On My House For Sale?

What Is A Contingent Offer?

There are different kinds of contingent offers when it comes to buying and/or selling a house.

  • One type of contingent offer is when a buyer puts an offer on a seller’s home but can only buy that house if the home that they currently own sells.
  • Another type of contingent offer is when a seller is making an offer on a house contingent on selling yours.

Both of these scenarios can be accomplished effectively. However, if this is the type of sale that you are getting ready to be part of, hold on to your hats because it can be a bumpy ride. There are many moving parts to a contingent offer. Hopefully, you are working with an experienced Realtor that has sold many homes and has been involved with contingent sales before. With this being said, even if your Realtor is experienced and on top of their game, they have to rely on other people to do their job properly for things to move along the way they should.

Choosing The Right Offer

Let’s say you own a home in San Diego. You just happened to receive 3 offers on your house. Two of them are about the same and are traditional buyers. The third one comes in $25,000 more than the other two. The only caveat is that they have to sell a house in Long Beach, California, first, to close on your house. Also, they are a week away from putting it on the market. Which offer is the best? Which offer would you pick?

This can be tricky. Twenty-five thousand over the other two offers sure sounds good. The only challenge is that you have no control over what is going on with that buyer’s house in Long Beach. Although your Realtor here in San Diego is amazing and has done great things to achieve receiving multiple offers, the Realtor in Long Beach is a mystery. You have no idea of what they are doing to sell that person’s home. Also, once they receive an offer, is it a traditional buyer or is it a buyer who has to sell their house to buy the one in Long Beach? This can then become a contingent 3-way offer, and this is not for the weak.

There are great risks, and there can also be great rewards. You will have to discuss the pros and cons with your Realtor, but ultimately, you will have to decide if you have the stomach for this. Is it worth the extra $25,000 that you may receive if everything works out? Maybe yes, maybe no. You will have to make that call. Sometimes the best offer is not always the highest offer.

How Often Do Contingent Offer Fall Through?

This is hard to know because it depends on many factors. Studies have shown that 3.9% percent of all sales fall through, but this is not necessarily because they are contingent. Yes, some have been contingent, but others have been because of the condition of the property—other times, low appraisals, buyers remorse, financing issues or simply because of bad representation. The McT Real Estate Group has closed all of the homes that were contingent. However, I wish I could say that they were all smooth sailing. They have not been, but they have all been successfully closed!

Contingent On Finding A Replacement Property

Then, there is the contingent offer when a seller wants to put their home on the market and only sell if they can find another home to buy. We have also sold many homes this way. However, we have found that many buyers don’t like to put offers on these types of homes. They feel that it may take too long for that seller to find a home. Depending on how picky that seller is, it can take several months. Buyers may lose out on other opportunities. This is not to say that it is not possible. It certainly is. What we suggest is, if you are a homeowner who is thinking of making an offer on a house contingent on selling yours, first contact your Realtor. Let them know what you would like to do. Together, go out and look at a few homes and neighbourhoods that you are thinking about. See if there are any homes that you would be interested in. It is best to look at homes that have been on the market for a long time. In San Diego, this would be more than 30 days.

This means that they are overpriced, and the longer they are on the market, the more motivated they would be to accept an offer from you that would be contingent upon your home selling. By looking at properties, we will then know if it is going to be easy to find a home or whether it is going to be a challenge. You will have a better idea of whether you will want to have this contingency on selling your home or whether you would sell it first, move into temporary rental and then buy.

If you are thinking of moving to a bigger home and have a house to sell in North Park, South Park or any of the surrounding areas in San Diego, call the McT Real Estate Group right now at 619-736-7003. Feel free to check our reviews of what people are saying about the McT Real Estate Group.

When Technology Is Too Much, Even for the Tech Savvy

Let’s face it; whether you like it or not, we are now living in an advanced technology environment. If you call a company, be it large or small, chances are you will be prompted to “press 1 to speak to _____, or press 2 to speak to ____, and then you will hopefully get directed to the correct department. Here you will hopefully have your questions answered. At least, this is what is supposed to happen.

There may be times when you are on a company’s website. Be it a Real Estate Website or any other website. You may have a question or need help on how to do a specific task that has to do with that product or service provided on the website. You will most likely see a chatbox on the bottom right-hand corner of the site. You know the one. It is a bit annoying at times. So you post your question in the box, and magically, someone on the other side will pop up and try to answer your question. Sometimes, this is great, but other times, it is just a nightmare. I am pretty tech-savvy and can follow directions. But, when I have to spend half an hour to forty-five minutes going back and forth with this person on the other side, and they still have not been able to answer or show me how to get where I need to be, it is not only frustrating, it is just a HUGE waste of everyone’s time. Sometimes, speaking to someone on the phone is a lot more efficient and better use of time for all involved. In the long run, I also believe that it will help us all maintain our people skills by not hiding behind walls and typing or texting a full-on conversation.

This type of technology can be great. It is meant to cut down on time and make things a bit more efficient. However, sometimes, well, maybe a lot of times, it is definitely more efficient to speak to someone on the side. With all that being said, the McT Real Estate Group, although very tech-savvy and have a website with the annoying chatbox on the lower right end of the page, are also very hands-on and love to interact with the person on the other side of the website and phone. So, if you are thinking of buying or selling a home, contact the Realtors that have great people skills with superb knowledge of the San Diego Real Estate market. The McT Real Estate Group also has the best and current technology.  You can reach out to us via text, instant message, email, or the good old fashion way; by phone. We are here to help!

Selling a House With Solar Panels In San Diego

Having Solar Panels on your home is very popular these days in San Diego. I often see more and more homeowners in North Park , South Park, and other neighborhoods in San Diego with  Solar Panels in their homes. Before you think about having this done, ask yourself one question. Do you see yourself living in that house for more than ten years? If so then, maybe it makes sense to add solar to your house. But, if you don’t think you will be staying in that home for at least that long, this may not be the route to go. There are several things to consider with selling a house with solar panels.

selling a house with solar panels
Photo by Vivint Solar from Pexels

Do Solar Panels Add Value

When making improvements to your home, you should always think of resale. Will having Solar Panels add value to your house when it comes time to sell your home? This depends; if you were to buy the Solar System, how many years will it take you to break even? If you were to sell your home, the buyer would see value in having a $10.00 electric bill or, sometimes, none at all. However, even if you buy the system but you turn around and decide to sell in a few years, would you see a return on your investment? Also, what happens if you were to lease it? Someone buying your home would not only have to qualify for a mortgage. They would also have to be eligible for the assignment of the lease. With the high home prices in San Diego, this can sometimes be tricky. If the homebuyer is at their absolute top of qualifying for a loan, they don’t always like that they now have to qualify and take over the Solar’s lease.

Financing Solar Panels

There are options for selling a home with solar if you own the system. This depends on how you financed the Solar Panels when you purchased them. If you took out an equity line on your house to pay for the system, the total balance would have to be paid to close on the sale of your house. The Escrow company facilitating the sale would take the money directly out of your proceeds, and a check would be sent to the Solar company. This will need to happen to sell the house with a clear title.

Depending on where you live, selling a house with solar panels can have its own challenges. It all depends on what company you used to install and whether you bought the solar system or leased. If you are fortunate enough to have been someone who bought their system outright, we have seen buyers are more likely to pay more for a system that is owned versus one that is leased. With this being said, when the system has already been paid for when you decide to sell your house, the selling process will be a whole lot smoother than it would be if your system were leased.

Realtor Experience With Selling Homes With Solar Systems

Let’s say you have solar panels on your home and have decided to sell your house. Ensure the Realtor you are working with knows how to get everything aligned, so the sale goes through without a glitch. The first thing you should do is contact the Solar Company right away. Let them know you will be selling your home and need to have the necessary paperwork sent to you. This would include your original agreement, the transfer agreement, PUCC (Request for Temporary removal of the document from Title) and the document that requests to remove the UCC ( UCC Finance Termination). Once an offer is accepted, all of this paperwork must be filled out immediately and properly. It must be made part of your purchase agreement. If this is not done correctly, things could be delayed and/your transaction could fall apart. This would be a bummer.

Determining if having  Solar Panels installed in your house would be a good investment is the next step. I know that it is very popular these days and many people are doing so. Overall, I think it is because it can potentially increase the value of your house. But, this really all depends on your situation. Are you thinking of doing this because it will save on energy costs in the long run? Or, you may think having a Solar System in your house is good for the environment. This is a topic that some may argue.

Are Solar Panels A Waste?

Back in the early 2000s, Solar was becoming very popular, and they were installed in many homes. Now, in 2021 most of those Solar Panels are coming to the of their lifecycles. This creates a big problem for this industry because disposing of these panels is not friendly to the environment. Many claim the waste created by the production of these panels is more of an issue than the current fossil fuel they are looking to replace. Since it is much cheaper to discard the toxic metals inside the solar cells, the landfill is full of them. Those toxic metals leech out and possibly pose a health threat to the community if they get into the groundwater supply.

Solar Company Warranties

If you are thinking of having a Solar System installed in your house, do your homework first. How much money will you really be saving throughout the years? Does it make sense in your household.? Search for different companies and ask about their warranties. Panels typically and should come with a warranty. Ensure that the workmanship is warrantied as well should the installation cause a problem with solar power production. Ask your friends, neighbours and go online and check the better business bureau and yelp for reviews on different companies.

Lastly, if you are looking to sell your home in San Diego’s metro area, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We are local experts in the area and well versed with homes that have Solar Sytems.

View Homes For Sale With Solar Systems In Place

The Impact The Lack of Inventory Has On The Real Estate Market In San Diego

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

4 Home Renovations That Will Max Your ROI

Home renovations do not have to break the bank. Here are some ideas that will help whether you are planning on staying in your house for a while or whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future. Knowing what type of home projects will net you the highest dollar amount and max your ROI is always a good thing. Potential homebuyers will deduct a lot of money for a bathroom that needs updating. Doing small bathroom remodels counts a lot when potential buyers see it. It will also make you feel great while you live in the home. Enjoy a nice bathroom!
home renovations
 Freshening up the landscape will get more buyers to walk into the house. It is the first thing that potential buyers see before they step inside. As part of your home renovations, you should consider adding new sod or, better yet, in San Diego, drought-tolerant is much better for conserving our water. Don’t forget about the front door. If it looks dingy, freshen it up with a new stain or painting it a beautiful bright color. If the exterior of the house looks drab, give it a lovely fresh coat.  You will receive a good return on your investment by doing a few of these items. You will also enjoy living in a renovated home.
If you have any questions regarding your best return on investment when selling your home, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003. We are happy to go over things you should consider if you are planning on selling in the near future.

More on Selling a House in San Diego

 

Are Mortgage Lending Standards Too Loose…or Too Tight These Days?

mortgage lending application

With home values in North Park and other neighborhoods in San Diego appreciating at record rates, some people think we may be heading for an additional housing bubble; just like the one, we went through about 10 years ago. Some of the blame for that housing boom and bust was the loosening of standards of lending for mortgage credit.

At the University of North Carolina, there was a study done after the crisis that revealed the following:

“Lenders began originating massive numbers of high-risk mortgages from around 2004 to 2007, and loans from those vintage years exhibited higher default rates than loans created either before or after.”

A study completed by John V Duca, John Muellbauer, and Anthony Murphy revealed those risky mortgages caused the housing crisis.

“Our findings indicate that swings in credit standards played a major, if not the major, role in driving the recent boom and bust in US house prices.”

How does mortgage lending from 2004 to 2007 compare to today’s lending for mortgages?

The Mortgage Bankers’ Association tracks mortgage Standards through appreciating at record rates(MCAI) The lending standards are tightening as shown in the decline indicated in the MCAI, although loosening of credit is also seen in the increases in the index. The chart below shows that we are nowhere near the standards that aided the housing bubble, although, you can see the index going back to the time between 2004 and 2007 when the loose standards caused the housing bubble.

Conclusion:

Mortgage standards today have become very tight in some areas. There are many qualified home buyers out there having a hard time getting a mortgage. If you have been thinking of buying a home but are not sure how this all works, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away. We will be able to sit down and go over a comprehensive plan of action with you that is in line with your goals. 

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, then 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, the average list price on a fixer-upper home is approximately $729,000. 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 backwards 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 of cosmetics 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 that will help you determine whether remodelling 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 it less stressful during the process.

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, and jigsaw, along with a 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 for a profit.

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

Photo credit: renovate

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

5 Strategies For Pricing a Home For Sale In San Diego

Many home sellers think pricing their house to sell is based on the home across the street that sold last year for a high amount. Or, they figure they “need’ a certain Pricing Homeamount after the sale. Some sellers will pick a number that sounds like they would be pleased with instead of doing the proper research of similar properties and what they are selling for. They should then evaluate the difference of their property before coming up with a marketing price. Listening to a neighbour saying that their home is worth “x” amount is not a good idea for pricing your home. Neighbours are not actively selling homes, so don’t know the real value.  Selling a house in San Diego and knowing the foundation of pricing a house will go a very long way. Your realtor will be able to discuss the basics and strategy behind the numbers. Together they will come up with a price point that will make sense and work for everyone.

1- Appeal to the Vast Majority

Pricing a home to the vast majority is precisely what it sounds like. Not only must you price it for the potential buyer; the appraiser is one that will put a price on it as well as the lender/bank offering the buyer a loan on it.

2.- Avoiding Strange Pricing Figures

When a buyer is searching for homes for sale, we have all seen the different range of pricing. Some are $625,000, or $699,999, etc. Then there is the occasional $625,754. You wonder how someone comes up with this number. There is no rhyme or reason. Some sellers like the combination of these numbers. These scattered numbers will not help your home stand out or look better in the searches than any other home on the market. If anything, it may even hurt you.

3-Pricing To Stay Within The Range

One strategy to go over with your Realtor is pricing your home at the cutoff price. For example, instead of pricing your home at $655,000, or $660,000, it would be better priced at $650,000.  Buyers searching for properties are typically searching in 25-50 thousand increments. Any buyers searching up to $650,000 will not find your house if it is at $655 or $660. There are different strategies to consider, and they are not set in stone, but your Realtors should go over all of the ones to think of with a fine-tooth comb with you before putting your home on the market.

4- Different Pricing Strategy

Another strategy that does well is pricing right under the rounded number of where the market is. Many studies have shown that pricing a home just below a rounded number works on emotions. For example, let’s say that your home shows a value of $600,000. It would be advised to price it at $599,000. It is only $1,000.00, right? However, it looks and feels like such a better deal than a home that has a 6 in front of it. It is the same as going to a store such as Target or Staples. You never find something priced at $20.00 or 30.00 dollars. It will always be $19.99 or $29.99. The same holds for selling a house.

5- Price Your Home According To The Market

The market does not care how much you need or want. The market is and will be what the market is at that given time when you decide to sell your house. With this being said, markets change very quickly. You may be in a seller’s market today, but depending on what may happen in your city or town, this can quickly evolve into a Pricing Stategybuyers market. So, make sure that you and your Realtor stay on top of current events and price your home accordingly. Remember, not only do you have to sell it to a buyer, but you are also having to justify the price with the appraiser and the bank that the buyer is getting their mortgage from.

So this is a small look at how pricing a home works. It is more complicated than just picking a number out of the sky and throwing a “For Sale Sign” in front of your house. Our Listing Team does this every single day. Together we will be able to help you determine the right strategy to pricing your home so that it will appeal to buyers, appraisers, and banks. So you can get the absolute best amount in today’s market, call us anytime at 619-736-7003. We will sit down and go over the pricing strategy that will work for your home and current situation.

Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for Sale

4 Must Dos When Getting Your Home Ready For Sale

Is it time to sell your home in North Park or South Park? Here are the top 4 things your Realtor should speak with you about doing to make sure your home is ready to go on the market for sale.

1. Make the Minor Repairs Needed

Daily living in your home looks completely different than getting ready to sell a home. Many times people get used to normal wear and tear things. But, when you decide that you are going to sell your house, a homebuyer will look through a different set of lenses. They are getting ready to pay top dollar to buy a house so they want it to be in the very best condition as possible.

Getting Your Home Ready For Sale
Ready to paint

Determine what minor repairs are needed first. Start from the entrance of the home and work your way through the whole house. Take notes of things that are not working properly and things that look dingy. What does the landscape look like? Do you need to clean up the weeds and plant a few colorful flowers out front? If there is a fence, is it broken? If so, this is something that will need repairing. How does the front door look? Does it look faded and banged up? If so, a nice fresh coat of paint does wonders. Step inside and look at the light switches, doorknobs, leaky faucets, dirty grout, scuff marks on the floor and walls. If any of these things are broken or need to be repaired, this is something you should definitely do if you want to receive top dollar for the sale of your house.

Another idea is to have a pre-inspection completed on your house by a professional home inspector. They will look at your home with a fine-tooth comb and let you know what needs work. If you wish to you can repair the items that come up in the inspection that need the most attention prior to showing your house to a potential buyer. Your Realtor should have referrals for a few great inspectors that you can call.

2. Minor Renovations to Consider

Painting a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home an immediate facelift. In order to appeal to the broadest selection of buyers, you should pick a neutral color and nothing too personal. If your house has old wallpaper, you may consider removing it and painting it. Anything with patterns or different colors that have not been brought up to date may deter a potential buyer. They may not be able to see themselves living in the home.

These are other minor repairs and small renovations that bring in a good return on investment:

  • Adding fresh sod, colorful flowering plants, fresh mulch, or drought-tolerant landscape here in San Diego is always a good idea
  • Adding pavers or a wood deck in the backyard-Creating an Indoor-Outdoor Space by adding furniture, showing an area for entertainment
  • Painting Kitchen Cabinets, changing out hardware fixtures and kitchen and bathroom fixtures, Changing out old light fixtures

 3. Remove All Clutter Before Putting Your House On the Market

  • Clear out closets. Get rid of clothes that you have not used in the last 3 yearsclutter
  • Remove excess chochkies from tables, fireplace mantel, or any other counters
  • Minimize children’s toys and keep them in one room.
  • Minimize pets toys and keep them in one area of the home
  • Keep litter box spotless (if you have kitties)

4. Don’t Forget to Disclose All!

Gathering all of the records and documents for your home can be a big job, depending on how organized you are. However, this one is extremely important. There are many required disclosure forms that California has you fill out. Together with your Realtor, you will go through them to make sure that you do not forget to fill them out properly

Things You Will Need:

  • Receipts of repairs or recent remodeling that was done
  • Past Reports of the home that you may still have
  • Any leases (if rental), guarantees on previous work completed
  • Any transferable service agreements
  • Mortgage Loan payoff information
  • Permits applied for or finalized permits
  • Information on pool systems, Solar Panels, Water softeners
  • Any existing surveys

By following these 4 steps, this will help you with the upfront preparation of getting your home ready to sell in North Park, South Park, and any neighborhood in San Diego. If you have any questions, contact our knowledgeable Real Estate Team. We are here to help you through the process and to make it as stress-free as possible for you.

If after reading all of these ideas you think your home would need way too much work and you would prefer to sell it “as-is”,  don’t. worry; we can do this as well. Our team has sold many houses in North Park, South Park, and many other parts of San Diego in “as-is” condition.  We will go through the process with you of how this works. We want to make sure that you feel comfortable with what you decide on how to sell your house.

 

 

San Diego Things To Do in May

“Frozen” Presented by Disney on Ice

Ice skating has never been more fun to watch in San Diego with unbelievable special effects and fantastic music. Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse are the hosts, and there are special appearances by the stars of Finding Dory, The Lion King, and Toy Story. This is a special treat that you won’t want to miss. For showtimes visit website. Valley Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego CA ( Tickets Here)

The City Ballet presents “Carmina Burana” and “Mozart’s Concerto.”

Come and be part of The City Ballet with the last two programs of the season. Choreographed by Geoff Gonzalez. This takes place during the financial crisis at the end of the 1920s. The amazing 100 voice choir is providing the foundation along with the City Ballet orchestra. Inspired by Mozart’s score is the performance with Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp. For showtimes visit website Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, downtown, 858.272.8663. (Tickets Here)

Cinco de Mayo in Balboa Park

May 5th.is a day not to forget. Filled with fun Mexican dance performances and music that the whole family will enjoy. There will be Booth filled with craft vendors, food trucks,

kids activity, and so much more. At 5 pm the SDSU School of Music Percussion Ensemble will accompany the crowd favorite, Jarabe Mexicano at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion. Free. Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego (Tickets Here)

Festival of the Arts North Park

On May 12tth take a stroll and view the paintings, pottery, photography, handmade jewelry and artwork of over 100 artists. There will also be a variety of genres of music on four performance stages as well as a craft beer block for the guests who attend that are 21+.  Free 30th St. and University Ave., North Park.   (Tickets Here)

Old House Fair

On May 19th South Park will open up five historic homes for its infamous tour. Each home features docent-led education and history, and you can visit them in any order you wish. Begin the tour at the Rose Wine Bar where there will be mimosa for those who would like to wet their whistle. Also, meet several historic home preservation specialists. Also included is a bike tour of modern and historic homes built by notable architects. (10 am- 4 pm- The Rose Wine Bar, 2219 30th Street, South Park  Tickets Here

Other Things to Do in San Diego

If you are thinking of buying a home in the North Park, South Park neighborhood, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away at 619-736-7003.

 

Selling a Home in North Park

Expect that selling a home in North Park these days can happen quickly if properly executed. We keep hearing about how low the inventory is and what a great seller’s market we are in. Yes, we are in a seller’s market. However, because of this, we sometimes run across homeowners that believe they can get much more than what their home is worth, even though there are no comps that would support that amount.

Selling a Home in North Park
Home for Sale in North Park

For a homeowner that is thinking of selling their home, there are lots of things to consider.  Choosing which Realtor to work with to help you with this process is one of those things. Although, there is the occasional home seller that may even think that in today’s market it doesn’t matter who you pick.

Which Realtor Should I Choose?

When selling a home, a homeowner may choose a Realtor because they charge a lower commission or work in what is called a discount brokerage. They may even pick a Realtor because the Realtor said they can get that seller a  $50,000- $100,000 more than what the current comps say; even though there are not any comps to support that price. Some Realtors will say anything to get a homeowner to sign a listing agreement. Unfortunately, the home will sit on the market for months with no offers in-sight. In the meantime, the Realtor will try to get the seller to reduce the price and continue to do so until they get to a price where they eventually get an offer. Expectations were not set upfront and you now have an aggravated and unhappy seller. 

With so much online information at our disposal, I can see where a homeowner may even think they can try to sell their home themselves or pick any Realtor whatsoever. You may think that this will save you lots of money. In reality, what it will end up doing is costing the seller thousands of dollars more in the long run.

Falling Out Of Escrow

What you are not able to find online is the track record of fallouts from many of these discount brokerages or individuals that will discount their commission for almost zero. What I mean by this is the number of times a buyer falls out of contract and the listing has to go on the market again. However, now you have a ton of scary inspections left behind from the previous buyer. You will now have to disclose all of this to the new potential buyer. If a possible seller knew how many times this Realtor/Real Estate company has fallen out of a contract because they were not able to negotiate through and complete a SOLD transaction, they may put more thought into who they hire to represent them with the sale of their home.

Selling a Home 

There is more to selling a home than just putting a sign in front of the house, taking photos and uploading your home into the MLS.(multiple listing services). Besides pricing the home right, picking the right buyers that are financially qualified to get a fully approved loan; there is also what happens after an offer is accepted and the buyer does their home inspection. This is where real negotiating skills come into play.

In North Park, South Park and the metro area in San Diego, our homes are over 100 years old. If a Realtor is not experienced with selling older homes things could get a little hectic, to say the least. An experienced Realtor working with their homebuyer is able to walk them through the process of what to expect to see when a home inspection is done on these types of older homes. Even the prettiest homes that have been remodeled will scare the faint of heart when the inspector takes pictures under the house and completes his/her inspection. Foundations are old, roofs are old, windows are old. These are not cookie-cutter tract homes. Knowing this upfront will save all parties front lots of headaches. New home construction is not the type of house that you are going to find in San Diego’s Metro communities.

If you live in North Park you probably have one of these older homes.  If you happen to accept an offer from what seems to be a motivated buyer working with a  Realtor who is not experienced with these types of homes, it is time to hold on to your hat because the ride is about to get bumpy right about now.

All kidding aside, I have seen it many times and just heard of another case this morning. A colleague of mine accepted an offer from the “motivated buyer/Realtor” mentioned above. The home happens to be a 1930’s Craftsman Bungalow in South Park right by the park. After the buyer did their home inspection they were shocked to find out the foundation was old, the plumbing was old and some of the electrical was old. They went back and asked the seller of the home to reduce the price by $100,000 because they said the house needed a new roof, new foundation, new electrical, etc.  I think they may have thought they were buying a new house that only had the charm of an older home.

The listing agent received this notice of the $100,000 request, she then had her preferred vendors go to the house and give a proposal on the higher ticket items that came up in the buyer’s inspection. The proposal came back at $35,000. The seller was then willing to credit the buyer as a reduction in price and was willing to negotiate. However, at that point, the buyer’s agent without further notice sent in a cancellation. There was no communication, no negotiations, just a cancellation. The realtor working with these buyers was not familiar with homes in South Park, North Park or any of the metro areas. They had only worked in North County where most of the homes in their neighborhood were track homes that were newly built.  Folks, it really is important to work with a Realtor who is experienced and will negotiate properly on your behalf. 

When To Negotiate

Buying and Selling Real Estate is about negotiations and properly executing contingency periods. When I hear that someone just sends in cancellation papers without a conversation it makes me shake my head in disbelief. The buyer’s agent had no clue about older homes or negotiating through a transaction. Nor were they able to speak on the phone. This is simply a disservice, in my humble opinion to everyone involved in that transaction.

Unfortunately, when you fall out of escrow, the buyer’s agent will typically send all inspection reports that have been completed by a buyer’s inspector. When this happens, the seller will now have to show all of these reports to a new potential buyer. This is what is known as “material facts”. However, this taints your property and now shows on the MLS that your home has fallen out of escrow. Whether these inspections were completed by a competent inspector or not, the new potential buyer will look at these inspections and decide that the place is falling apart; when in fact, this is not the case. It is just an older home.

If this home was priced right from the very beginning, and certain inspections were completed right up front, in today’s market it would have most likely received multiple offers. The buyer would not have been able to say that they did not know the condition of the home. Also, with multiple offers, the sellers would have then had other choices and would have a “JUST SOLD” sign in front of their house today.

Thinking of Selling A House in North Park?

If you are thinking of selling a home in North Park, South Park, or any area of San Diego and would like to speak to a local Real Estate Expert in the neighborhood, please call the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003 right now. We would be happy to speak with you about the process of selling and how we go about preparing your home to enter the marketplace. Feel free to search our online reviews and see what people are saying.

More Info About Selling A Home 

What Are Some Homebuyers Mistakes Made?

Mistakes Homebuyers Make

Buying a home is a big deal and requires a lot of thought and preparation. I have seen homebuyers mistakes many times so decided to share them with you so you can learn from them. Preparing your finances upfront is something that you should do before going out and searching for houses. In today’s competitive Real Estate Market homes are sold quickly. Being prepared will help you get the home you want without missing out on a great opportunity because you did not have your financials in order. I have seen buyers going around searching for homes, and they have not talked to a lender yet. Without speaking to a lender and going over your finances, you are not sure what your affordability is. You may be looking at houses that are way under or over your price range. Once speaking to a lender you will be able to find out exactly what you should be looking at.

Already Found A Realtor

If you already found a Realtor that you would like to work with but you have not found a lender, no worries. An experienced Realtor will have a few great lenders that they can refer you to. A lender will be able to pinpoint what price range to look at based on your budget, qualifications and your comfortability of a certain monthly payment. As a Realtor, we encourage you, the homebuyer, to do this so that we can understand what target price of homes to search for and focus on finding you and your family the best home in that price range.

Cleaning Up Your Credit

Another reason to speak to a lender before searching for a home is that there may be a few dings on your credit that you did not know about. This will increase the interest rate you will have to pay on a mortgage loan. By speaking with a lender before searching for a home, we may be able to take care of these things so that they come off your credit pretty quickly. This will increase your credit score which will make your payment lower on that possible dream home that you would like to buy.

Having a lower credit score could be ½-1or point more from someone with a higher credit score. What does this mean? It means that the person with a lower credit score will pay $200-$400.00 for the same house. So preparing yourself before you go out and look at houses is extremely important. Falling in love with a house to then find out at that very moment that you just can not afford the monthly payment with break your heart.

Getting New Credit Cards 

When buying a home, it is extremely important that you stop shopping. Seriously, Homebuyers mistakehomebuyers mistakes include shopping for things they really don’t need at that time. Do you need another pair of slacks or one more pair of shoes? Well, if you do, this is ok but when you get to the cash register and they ask you if you would like to save 10% on today’s purchase, “JUST SAY NO”! BTW, this also includes furniture that you may want for your new home or even a car. This is one of the worst things you can do if you have gotten your offer accepted and you are “In Escrow”. You will most likely get a call from your lender because now, your credit score would have dropped and you may not qualify for the loan that you were trying to get. This is a big deal, so DON’T DO IT!!

Hate Your Job?

You may not like your job anymore and may have been offered a new one. Another search workone of those homebuyers mistakes is quitting that job before you close escrow on your new home. Here is another bit of advice; DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB!!. No matter how much you hate it, stick it out. Once your loan has been approved and you are moved into your new home, you can then decide if changing jobs is what you want to do. Hopefully, you will have your next one in line because you now the proud owner of a new house and have a mortgage payment at the end of the month:-)

If you have not spoken to a lender yet or would like a referral to one, just email us or call us at 619-818-8122. We have several high-level professional lenders that we have been working with for years. They would be able to help you figure out what target market you should be looking at based on the information that you give them. Once that is done, we can get you on the road to homeownership.

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

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

Buying A Home In San Diego?

 

Homes For Sale In San Diego

Should I Buy a Home Now Or Wait Until Next Year?

Buying a home in San Diego can be very exciting but can feel scary at the same time. If you think about it too long and listen to too many people who don’t own a home or even some that do, you may become paralyzed with fear and never jump in. It is ok to be careful and do your homework. But, over analyzing for too long can hurt you in the long run. Constantly asking yourself, “Should I buy a home now or wait until next year”? I can remember meeting people that came in through our Open Houses during 2012- 2016. Some of these people wanted to buy a home but kept saying that they would wait for the bubble to burst. It is 2018 as I am writing these words. I still see a few of these people around that still haven’t bought. They are kicking themselves for not buying back then. We also helped many people buy homes during that time period, and then they decided to move out of San Diego. We then sold their homes, and they left with a lot more money than they had when they initially bought their house. They were sure happy!  With this being said, yes, you do have to put much thought into it. It is a big financial decision. But no matter what time it is, it always seems like mortgages are high, and one wonders how they will pay their mortgage.

How Will I Pay The Mortgage?

So, you’re either going to pay your mortgage, or you are going to help your landlord pay theirs. Either way, you are paying a mortgage. Why not it be your own.

My parents bought houses back in the 1970s and 1980s. There were times when interest rates were way up at 18%. Sure, the purchase prices were lower. However, with interest rates as high as they were, so was their mortgage. They, too, asked themselves, “how are we going to pay this mortgage.” Today, they are sure happy they took those risks. This allowed them to have a large safety net to retire with and not have to work in their golden years.  should I buy now or wait until next year?

Should I Buy a Home Now?

So, are you asking yourself, “should I buy now or wait until next year”?

Buying a home today at $700,000 with interest rates at 4.3%, your mortgage will be approximately $3223.00. With projected interest rates for next year at 5.10% and the price going up to $735,000, your mortgage payment will be approximately $3,629.00. That is a difference of $406.00 a month.

If you are thinking of buying a home and would like to sit down and go over a plan of action, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003. Together we will look at your long-term goals and see if buying a house is the best thing for you today.

San Diego Homes for Sale Coming Soon

Homes for sale in San Diego are hard to find these days. With a limited inventory, finding a home and getting your offer accepted before someone else is getting more difficult these days.If you have been searching for “coming soon“ real estate listings but have not been successful at it, here is a good place to start. The McT Real Estate Group are real estate experts in the San Diego area. We always have a list of homes for sale in San Diego County that on other Real Estate Websites. Before we put homes on these other sites, we spend time with the seller preparing the home for sale, so they are the nicest homes in the area for their price range.

What Do I Mean By Preparing the Home For Sale?

How one lives in a place and how one sells a home is quite different. When we live in our home, we tend to fill it up with stuff we love and make us feel good. When we are getting ready to sell a home, there are certain things that one should do that a home buyer will look at before entering your house. It starts right when they drive up to your house. If the front is not tidy and cared for, they may not even want to step inside.

With this being said, when the McT Real Estate Group gets a listing, we work with our sellers and help them with this process of getting their home to look nicer than the competition.  Do make sure to check in with us to see what we have in the pipeline, what we will be putting on the market soon and how to be the first to see it. Call us at 619-818-8122 right away!

See Our Current List Of Homes Coming Soon for Sale

 

 

Myrtle Ave- San Diego-Coming Soon

Introducing Urban Sophistication with this North Park Contemporary home featuring magnificent views, day or night. Attention to detail was used when designing the fresh look this house offers. Enjoy Morley Field park, just one block away, where you can hike, spend time on the tennis courts, take the dog to the doggie park or just have a quiet stroll with nature.

Walk up a few steps and onto a small pad. Open the handsome modern front door and step into a spacious living room that is part of open concept living. The beautiful wide plank wood floors, recess lighting, and light colored walls add to the overall contemporary feel.

With multi-panel bifold windows in the living and large windows in the kitchen area, you will have fun entertaining friends and family while enjoying the sunset views afar. The gorgeous kitchen is adorned with attractive Silestone counters, custom cabinets, and modern black stainless steel appliances.

All rooms are spacious and airy with great closet space and solid wood interior doors throughout. Both bathrooms are beautifully designed with exquisite taste that you will enjoy for many years.

Take a walking tour here:

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For more information about this beauty on  Myrtle Avenue, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-818-8122 for accurate information of this home right away.

 

Which Realtor Should I Choose?

When getting ready to buy or sell a house there are a lot of Realtors and/or Real Estate Agents to choose from. You are probably asking yourself, “which Realtor should I choose? Many have had their license for a long time but don’t necessarily sell many homes. Then, there are others who just received their license and although are motivated, they have not sold many homes. They simply don’t have that much experience yet. There is nothing wrong with this as we all have to start somewhere. However, teaming up with an experienced Realtor would probably be a good idea for them.

Which Realtor Should You Choose

When you hire the McT Real Estate Group, you are hiring an experienced real estate team to work for you. Although, if you are searching for a Realtor to sell your house you would only be speaking to myself and my partner Z. Together we have 25 years of experience and have been through a bad market and a few good markets. We have experienced all types of different situations and know how to keep a transaction from falling out.

Hiring An Experience Realtor    Hiring a Realtor

The benefits of hiring an established team like the McT Real Estate Group is we have been there when an awful inspection takes place. We have sold many homes where terrible foundations have been discovered, both before and after getting into contract. We have also been around long enough to see lots of lender problems occur. With experiencing these things throughout the years, we know what to do when things go sideways. We have overcome a lot of these different situations and are well versed in all kinds of things that take place when selling a home. There is not much that we have not seen and we are able to work through them. This comes with years of day in and day out of working with people with the sale of their most prized possession, their homes.

Selling A Home

These days with all of the online data at our fingertips one may think that buying and selling a home is very easy. However, selling a home is more than just putting a sign in front of the house and accepting someone’s offer. There are a lot of moving parts that take place with lots of people behind the scenes and lots of on-going negotiations. Things will which realtor should I choose?always come up when a seller accepts a buyer’s offer. After the buyer does their inspection, trust me, things come up and this is when an experience is extremely important. Which Realtor you choose becomes apparent if you don’t choose the right one. Recently, I have seen far too many newer agents that have just gotten their license not able to negotiate repairs after their inspection has taken place. They simply throw their hands in the air and cancel the contract. Without realizing it, they are not working in their clients best interest. We just experienced this on a home we sold a few months ago in North Park. Right after the first buyer’s agent canceled, we were able to immediately get another buyer and simply negotiate a very small credit. The first buyer’s agent did not understand older homes or negotiating through small hiccups that come up. Most everything is negotiable in Real Estate. Because of this, their client lost a beautiful home in a great neighborhood for what was negotiated off the price with the second buyer at $3,300.00. With the current low inventory in San Diego, I do wonder if that buyer ever found a home in the neighborhood or any other one.

The Benefits Of Hiring an Experienced Real Estate Team

The benefit of working with the McT Real Estate Group is that we have a small team of people working on your behalf. Z and I are your listing agents. You will be in constant communication with us throughout the process. We are the ones that are out marketing your home to the public and negotiating contracts. Our job is finding out ways to sell your home for the most amount of money in your pocket and negotiating contracts. We then have 2 Buyer Specialists and 1 showing agent. They work strictly with the buyers and are answering sign calls and advertisement calls all day long. We also have a Transaction Manager who takes care of all of the paperwork, crossing the “T’s and dotting the “I’s so we can do what we do best which is marketing your home and negotiating on your behalf.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home in the near or distant future and wondering which Realtor you should work with, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-818-8122  right away. We are here to answer your questions and hopefully, have a chance of working together.

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.

Credit Score

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.

More on Buying a Home in San Diego

Affordable Homes for Sale in North Park

North Park, like other neighborhoods in the San Diego Metro Communities, has gotten expensive throughout the years. However, with today’s low-interest rates and the cost of renting a house, it may be better to search for an affordable home for sale in North Park in the long run.

Check out the most affordable homes in North Park today!

3382Redwood
North Park Bungalow

 

7 Tips for Decorating Your Home

Have you have been thinking of decorating your home for quite a while, but you don’t have a large budget and don’t know where to start? There are many things that you can do that won’t break the bank. First, one of the least expensive things that can completely transform your home is paint. Paint is your friend:-).

1-Decorate Your Home by Painting the Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen cabinets are in good shape, but the maple color looks dated. Before you go tearing these cabinets out, take a look at a few color swatches. You can either paint them yourself or hire someone to do them for you. Done properly, they will look like completely new cabinets and cos7 Tips for Decorating Your Homet a fraction of what new cabinets would cost. Have fun with the color. Who says they have to be brown, grey or white? Just remember, always think of resale when doing this kind of project.

 

 

 

 

2-Paint the Front Door

The first thing that you see when you or someone goes to your house is the front door. Replacing the front door can be pricey, depending on the door you buy. Remember, you’re not only paying for the door. You have to pay for the installation, which sometimes can be the same price as the door. Before doing this, consider painting the door that you already have in another color. When the exterior of your house is a plain subdued color, go bold with the front door. Have fun with it.

7468 ohio place
front door

3-Paint the Walls

Painting can brighten up a room and create an illusion of space in rooms that seem small, dark and dingy. Move away from darker walls this year. Bring in the new year with lighter and brighter. There are hundreds of different white, grey and pale colors to use on walls to brighten up space.

4-Fun Wallpaper

I am not talking about old grandmas wallpaper from the ’70s that takes an army to remove when they tire of it. I am talking about fun and new textured wallpaper that adds dimension and charm to a space. You can add bold colors if you wish or subtle design texture. Best of all, when you are tired of the look, it can easily be removed, and the walls remain unharmed.

mdernwallpaper

5- Paint the Furniture

You may have pieces of furniture that you are tired of and would love to replace. However, doing so will take a large portion of your budget. Forget that; bring some new life to the old furniture by painting it. You will have immediate new furniture at minimal cost and add a whole new look to your space.

6-Slip Covers

You love your sofa but are tired of the color, and if you paint the walls, the tables and console, your sofa will look out of place. No worries, you can ask your local upholsterer and price out what it would cost to upholster your sofa. They can also make slipcovers that look as if though the sofa was upholstered. This is a great way to go because you can often switch them out if you like, depending on your mood.

7-Paint Garage Doors

Don’t forget about the garage doors. They may be worn and beat up but replacing garage doors is definitely not cheap. If they still work, add a little color and viola’, brand new again with a whole different look that can be fun and add character to that part of the house.

paint garage doors

If you live in San Diego and are thinking of selling your home but wondering what you have to do to get it ready for sale, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We know exactly what to do with minimal investment that will help you receive maximum results. If you think of buying a home but don’t where to start, contact us right away. We will walk you through the home buying process, step by step, ensuring that you understand the whole process and feel happy and comfortable with the final result.

Thinking Of Buying A House In San Diego?

6 Home Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Home Looking Good

Below are several home maintenance tips and tricks you can follow that will help you keep your house looking great for many years to come. These ideas will help maintain your home for years to come and save you money in the long run.

1-Hose Down Your Home hose down the deck

While living in San Diego, one does enjoy the perfect year-round weather that most people from other parts of the Country only dream of. However, homes become very dusty and accumulate a layer of soot. If you don’t get rid of this, your home will look dull and dirty before its time. A home maintenance tip that will help combat this is to either use a blower to blow the dust off or hose it down with the garden hose. You will be surprised at how this will brighten up the home’s exterior. In most cases, it will look like you just gave the home a fresh coat of paint.

2-Replace AC/Heating Filters

If you have central ac, a good way of making sure that your HVAC system lasts a long time without experiencing a glitch is to make sure the filters are replaced every couple of months. Again, San Diego is dusty and if you use your AC or even the heat occasionally,  then make sure to put an alert on your calendar that will remind you to do this. This will ensure the longevity of the heating and air system.

3-Touchup Paint

If the exterior of your home is stucco, you will notice deterioration or cracks after several years. This is typical of our homes in San Diego. In the North Park, South Park, and other parts of the urban neighborhoods, our homes are 100+years old.  Even though many of the houses have been remodeled, there is still settling that occurs. If you keep on top of making sure to patch up the stucco chips( as soon as you see it), this will ensure your home’s exterior maintains a fresh look for years to come.

home renovations
Woman ready to paint

Yes, the weather in San Diego is amazing, but with this being said, the exterior of your home will take a beating sometimes. Whether you have a stuccoed house or wood slats, you must touch up paint as soon as you see it deteriorating. Otherwise, the exterior of your home will need a full exterior paint job sooner than had you stayed on top of it by an occasional touch-up.

4-Caulking Skylights and Bathrooms

Skylights will add lots of charm and light to a home. However, roofs can be very costly when leaks occur. Even a new roof can have leaks when skylights are present. To prevent leaks from happening, it is wise to caulk around the skylights every two years. Another area where caulking is a must in the bathroom. The caulking around the tub gets mucky after several months of daily usage. This carries bacteria and overall looks gross. Recaulking at least once a year will keep your bathroom looking its absolute best without having to worry about what lives in your tub.

5-Keep the Drains Clean

The bathroom is a heavily used room, and you should make it a point to maintain the drains every couple of months. Whether you use something such as Drano or use something more holistic such as Vinegar and Baking Soda, your drains will thank you in the long run, and it will keep things running smoothly.

clean home

6-Regrouting

Having a nice clean kitchen to cook in makes all the difference when preparing meals. The one area that most people forget to keep up with is the grout between where the counter meets the wall right behind the faucet. Many times the grout in this area will crack and start to look old quickly. The last home maintenance tip is touching this up with a little regrouting is easy and effective. This will give your kitchen a little facelift with minimal effort.

For information on homes for sale in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003. If you are thinking of selling your home in the distant future, we would love to speak with you and help you with the process of not only selling your home; helping you prepare it for sale so that you receive the highest dollar amount for one of your biggest investments.

Ideas On How To Make A Room Look Bigger

How to Make a Small Room Look Bigger

Below are a few simple ideas you can use to make rooms in your house appear larger than they actually are without having to break the bank. These are some of the things we do when selling houses in the North Park, South Park and other urban neighborhoods of San Diego. Many of our houses in these neighborhoods are very small. To show potential buyers they can live in these homes; we use many of these techniques.

Colors To Use To Make a Room Look Bigger?

smallroomlookbigger

Lighter colors are always best when trying to make a small room look larger than it is. There are nice soft creamy whites and very light greys that do this well. Painting the walls and ceiling the same color also adds volumes. It will create an illusion and make small places look much bigger than they are.

How Do You Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger?

headboard
Placing a large bed in a small bedroom will make a room look much larger than putting in it. However, one with a low headboard or no headboard at all works best. Adding translucent furniture will also add dimension to a room and give a nice modern touch. Hanging a large piece of artwork above the bed works as a headboard and creates the illusion of more space. Less is more, so having one night table instead of two works great.
Floors

How To Make a Room Look Bigger With Curtains?

Ceiling to floor Sheer Curtains will make a room will overall make a room look taller. However, don’t let the curtains touch the floor as this will defeat the purpose and make the room look short. Read up on the “Curtain Do’s and Don’ts” found in an article from Apartment Therapy. Because a room is small, you may tend to push the furniture up against a wall. Do not do this!  By pulling the furniture away from the wall just a tad, it creates the illusion of more space.

If you are planning on hanging shelves, make sure to do so near the ceiling.

Mirrorsmakeaspacebigger

Mirrors Make a Room Look Bigger

Floor-length mirrors are always a great addition to make a small room feel taller. The eyes are automatically drawn up and create a lighter and brightness around the room. If you don’t have a floor-length mirror, a smaller size will do, as shown in this photograph. Creating a focal point and tilting the mirror up will create depth and reflect natural and artificial light, which bounces off, making the room appear lighter and larger than its actual size.

 

How to Make a Room Look Bigger With Wallpaper

mdernwallpaperWallpaper is back with a big bang. We are not talking about grandma’s wallpaper from back in the ’60s that is difficult to remove. Nowadays, wallpaper is clean, modern and super easy to remove when you get tired of it. With many designs that make a small space appear much bigger than it is.

 

 

What Kind of Accessories Will Make A Room Look Bigger?

Always use the “Cantaloupe Rule” when adding accent pieces in a small room. What this means is that you should use items that are larger than a cantaloupe when adding accessories. Decorating accents that are smaller than a cantaloupe is known to cramp a room and collect dust. So remember, nothing smaller than a cantaloupe when bringing in accent pieces. The effects are amazing.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away at 619-736-7003. We help homeowners prepare their homes to look; it’s very best before going on the market so that they can receive the highest dollar amount.

If you are searching for a home to buy, we can help you through all of the steps it takes to navigate through the home buying process and make sure that every “I” is dotted and every “T” is crossed. Our Buyer Specialists will make sure you understand exactly what you are buying and what to expect so there are no surprises and make sure that you are protected.

Below Are Homes For Sale Just Listed

Halloween in San Diego 2017

Halloween in San Diego in 2017 is full of Haunted Tales and Spooky Zombies. If you love Halloween and happen to live in San Diego or be on vacation, you will be in for some Tricks along with some Treats.

Scary Places to Visit During Halloween in San Diego:

• The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
From Sept. 29th- October 31, 2017, you can buy tickets that will allow you to walk the scary trail that you will not forget. Get ready to have the hairs on your neck to rise as you hear the sounds and see the sights that are around you.

• The Scream Zone
From Sept. 29th- October 31, 2017, the Haunted Hayride, the House of Horror and KarnEvil will be open and is one of the largest and scariest attractions around. Buy tickets on their website and be ready to have the “bejeezus” scared out of you.

• The Haunted Hotel
From Sept. 22nd – Oct. 31, 2017
Not for the faint of heart. Buy tickets and plan on being spooked with the scariest of all screaming that will take place and have you thinking that this is too real for comfort.

• The Savage House
From Sept. 28-Oct. 31, 2017
This Halloween Event may be too scary for some. This is a real Sanitarium that was originally built for some of the most dangerous and violent offenders. The horror storyline will have you shaking in your boots. It is located the at the Westfield Mission Valley Mall in the Target Parking lot.

Not So Scary but Lots of Fun Places to Visit in San Diego during Halloween

• Nightmare on Normal Street
Oct. 28th, 2017
Enjoy the dance party celebration along with costume competition and late night entertainment.

• San Diego Monster Bash
Oct. 28th, 2017
You will have access to 4 themed parties located in the Gaslamp District and the East Village. Buy Tickets Here and be prepared to experience scary souls having fun on Halloween.

Halloween for Kids in San Diego

Let’s not forget about the little kids on Halloween. Here are a few places where you can take the family for some not so scary but great fun.

• Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Oct.27th, 2017
Bring the kids to Little Italy and enjoy trick-or-treating along the historic India Street as most all the businesses participate in handing out Halloween treats to the kids

• Boomont Park Fall Festival and Haunt
Celebrate all of October with riding the spooky roller coaster, pumpkin patch painting, and costume contest. Free trick or treating from 6:30-7:30 pm at Belmont Park at 3190 Mission Blvd.

• Legoland Brick-or-Treat Party Nights
Sept.30th-Oct.28th 2017
Halloween excitement is going on with the extended Park open hours. Buy your tickets here and plan to have some fun.

Halloween is a great time of the year. It is fun simply walking around the different neighborhoods of San Diego and seeing all of the Halloween decorations. Lots of people get into creating haunted mansions out of their homes so it is always fun to drive through different neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods to explore are North Park, South Park, University Heights, and several surrounding.

Here is a link to other things to do in San Diego

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Selling Your House in San Diego the Fall

 

Selling Your House Fall
Selling Your House in the Fall

The McT Real Estate Group would like to share our Fall Guide to Selling your House in San Diego in the Fall. It is full of great information about the current San Diego Real Estate market that we are in right now. We have all heard about the Real Estate Inventory Nationally being at an all-time low. This news has been everywhere, but here you can get into the nitty-gritty.

In this Sellers Book, we talk about why buyer demand continues to outpace the inventory and what you, the seller, can do with this. We go over “Supply and Demand” and what this means for a seller. We also talk about the benefits of prices still rising.

Typically when inventory is low, interest rates tend to go up, but this is not the case as of today. With this being said, this benefits both the buyer and the seller. It means that the buyers’ purchasing power is still relatively high. Download your “Free Sellers Book” here. Once you read it and have any questions, feel free to email us or call us right away at 619-736-7003..

Download Book Here!

Top Reasons for Buying a Duplex as a First Home

buying a duplex
3 units in North Park

You have decided to buy your first home in San Diego. This is great news! The first thing that comes to mind is, should you buy a Single Family Home, a Condo, or a Townhouse? These are all great options but let’s not forget about another great option. What about buying a Duplex or a Triplex? These are great investment strategies to think of.

There are a lot of advantages in homeownership with buying a Duplex for Sale in San Diego. Having someone else help pay for your mortgage is one of these advantages that owning a Single-Family Home does not have.

Below are some of the reasons and advantages and why you should consider buying a Duplex instead of a Condo, Townhouse or even a Single-Family Home:

Mortgage Relief

When you apply for a mortgage, banks will have lower interest rates if you will be occupying the home as opposed to someone who is buying a home to rent out. Also known as a non-occupied loan. When you apply for a loan to buy a Duplex or a Triplex, they still consider this an owner-occupied loan since you will live in one of the units. You will also qualify for a larger loan because the other units will be helping you pay the mortgage loan.

Tax Write-Off

One of the beauties of homeownership is writing off the mortgage interest when having an owner-occupied property. However, if you own a Duplex or a Triplex, you cannot write that off on the units that you don’t live in. Still, you can write off other things such as the cost of any repair done to the other units, the cost of managing the other units and the costs that it takes to get those units rented out. Other costs would include if you share the electric, cable/internet, and water.

Short Term Rental Vacation Rental

vacation
Back view of happy young friends standing with raised hands near the car

You may not want to be a long-term lease landlord. Being a landlord is not for everyone. You may not want to live in such close quarters with a tenant. Another option is to use the other unit/units as Vacation Rentals. This side business can bring in a lot more money than a regular long lease tenant would. It would also give you the flexibility of not having the same tenant for such a long period. You can even open it up to family and friends who would like to visit town and visit on occasions. You may also want to keep it as a  home office. This, of course, takes you back to tax savings and something to discuss with your accountant.

Duplex Investment Strategy

Ok, so you’ve lived in your home for 2 years, and you feel good about being a landlord. You can now go out and buy another duplex or triplex home and use the rental income from the other units to qualify for the loan. As long as you will move into the new property, you can get another owner-occupied loan and benefit from the lower interest rates. This is a great way of creating and building wealth for your future with residual income.

Buying a Duplex with 3.5% Down Payment

You can buy a Duplex Home with as little as a 3.5% down payment. As long as you are going to live in the home, you can apply for an FHA loan, which is a great way of getting into the market. Yes, they have MI (mortgage insurance)that you have to pay, but this is the cost of doing business. Once you can prove that you have 80% equity in the property, you can speak to your lender and re-fi out of the FHA and eliminate the MI insurance.

For more information on how to get started with buying your first Duplex or Triplex home in North Park, South Park or any other neighborhood in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group right now.

Search For Duplex Homes In San Diego

Selling a home in San Diego while Leasing Solar Panels

Many companies offer their Solar Panels for Homes and show you how much money you will save in “x” amount of years with renewable energy. Saving money on your electric bill is great. However, do you have plans on staying in your home for 10-20 years? Do you think you may have a job opportunity somewhere else or want to move somewhere else? Do you think of selling your house in the near future? If so, you have to decide whether Solar is the right way to go.

With so many Solar Power Companies to choose from these days, including companies with Solar Roof Shingles. Do your homework and ask lots of questions.

Are Residential Solar Panels Worth It?

  •  Will you be buying them? If so, again, I ask; how long do you plan on living in your house? If you plan on selling your home in a few years, it may not pay to get them. A buyer may not see the value if they only plan to live in the home for a few years.
  • Will you lease the Solar Panels? If so, you should take your time and read the fine print. One thing to consider is you will decide to sell the home in a few years. Typically, would-be buyers are not always too excited to pay extra for these solar panels. Many potential buyers are unwilling to take over your lease and be on the hook for another 16-18 years. They not only have to qualify for a mortgage to buy your home, but they will also now have to qualify to lease these panels, which can affect how much how they can now afford.  They were not budgeting for this extra cost. Because of this, you may lose a great, qualified buyer unless you offer to pay for the rest of the lease.  This can be $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the number of panels and years left on the lease.

Home Appraisal Value

Is this starting to make sense? This is currently going on in San Diego and other parts of the country, where home sales are affected. You may also think an appraiser will add value to a home because of the home’s solar power system. This may be true. We see appraisers in San Diego adding 10-15% value to homes when the Panels are owned. This is not the case when they are leased, as stated by Fannie Mae.

With all of this being said, if you do decide to lease Solar Panels, do your homework. Ask them to go over the part of the contract that talks about transferring the lease if you were to sell your home. Make sure that you know what your obligations are before signing on the dotted line.

If you have any Real Estate related questions about selling a house in North Park, South Park, or any other neighborhood in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We would love to help you with your real estate needs.

See More Info On How to sell a house in San Diego.

 

Homes Just Listed for Sale In San Diego Seen Here

Renting Your House in North Park vs Selling

Renting your house in North Park can be easy if you are the owner of the home. However, are you ready to be a landlord? There are certain things to consider if you are planning to turn your home into a rental. Here are a few tips that will help you decide whether this is the best thing to do.

North Park Rental
North Park Rental

Hiring a Property Manager?

Will you be the one responsible for finding the tenant, running the credit check, checking their references, etc.? Will you be the one they call when something goes wrong with the plumbing, electric, roof, etc.? Do you have a handyman, electrician, roofer, plumber and these types of tradesman ready to tend to you if you get one of these distressed calls from your tenant. Having a relationship with these people is very important, especially when you need them in a hurry.

Will You Have Enough Cash Reserves for Maintenance and Repairs?

If you own a house in North Park, South Park, or any of the Metro neighborhoods in San Diego, you will most likely have a one-hundred-year-old house or close to it. Even if it has been upgraded, it most likely has older plumbing and some older electric, to name a few things. You will need to have a rainy day bucket for this. It is not “if things break” but more like “when things break.” It would be best if you planned on having an account with at least $3,000-5,000 dollars in it for emergencies.

Create Home Rules for the Renter

Rules are essential to have. This should be in writing and signed by the tenants at the time they are signing the lease. This brings me to the lease part. Make sure you have a written lease. There are many places you can pick one up. If you are in San Diego, you should have one that is specifically for Southern California. You can pick them up at any Staples or take a look at wiki downloads. Everything should be in writing. If you want something to happen or not happen, you better put it in black and white. Otherwise, a year later, it will be like it was never agreed upon.

Will You Live Local Or Out Of State?

If you are going to live locally while renting your home, this may be a little easier to do yourself. If you are out of state, this may be a bit more challenging to do since you won’t be around to check on how your investment is doing with a simple driveby. Remember, this is no longer your home sweet home. This is a true investment, and you will want to make sure that it is being maintained, so your investment continues to grow.

What Are the Benefits Of Selling A House While You Have Lived In The House 2 out of 5 Years?

Everything has gone well with your rental, but you realize that the Real Estate Market is doing well. You heard about this thing called “Capital Gains.” Is it getting close to when you will have to pay capital gains if you don’t sell now? Take a look at the rules on the IRS website. It will give you an idea of where you stand. The best thing to do is to speak to your certified public accountant about this. Find out the taxes and capital gains on the house if you make money on the sale. Not knowing what this is about can cost you thousands of dollars.

Selling A Home While a Tenant Is Living In It

So you decided that you are done with being a landlord and you would like to sell the home while the tenant is still living there and paying rent. You may think that you will save money this way. In reality, it will cost you a lot more by doing this. Think about it; the tenant is not happy that you are not renewing the lease. They now have to look for another place to move to. They are not motivated to keep the home tidy and in mint condition for showings. Nor are they happy to let strangers into their space while they are not home. They also do not want to have to leave if they are home while showing.  Nor do they like to permit us to do an open house. You, the seller, will ultimately receive a lot less in proceeds if you choose to keep the tenant in the house while you put it on the market for sale. This, of course, stands true if it is a single-family house. If it is a multi-family house, different rules apply. The buyer of a multi-unit house may want to have the tenants in place if the rents are good and the tenants are all paying their rent on time.

Work With A Local Experienced Realtor

Stay tuned with the local realtor in the area. Are you receiving marketing pieces from a local realtor showing their sales in the area? Are they keeping you informed? If you have been using a property manager to manage your rental, this is not always the best choice for selling. These are two completely different aspects of the Real Estate Business. Do your homework first. Google “North Park San Diego Real Estate.” Find out who is selling most of the homes in the area. Go on their website, yelp and google reviews to see what people are saying about the experience of working with them are. Have a conversation with them, and you will immediately know if you make a good fit to sell your house in North Park.

If you have any questions about buying a home or selling a home in North Park, South Park or any other metro area of San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group at (619) 736-7003. We are happy to speak with you.

 

More Information About Selling A House in San Diego

 

 

3020 Bancroft Street, San Diego, CA

This Spanish Style Home is located at 3020 Bancroft Street in North Park, close to restaurants, cafes, and nearby Balboa Park. We will have a pre-sneak preview before it goes on the public market next week.

The barrel ceilings in the living room, along with beautiful arched picture window and dark wood floors throughout give a nice warm feeling of yesteryear. The open concept kitchen featuring custom designed cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and Morocco tiled backsplash adds a nice modern touch.

The master bedroom is spacious featuring a wall-to-wall closet, a master ensuite with stand up glass shower. The French Door from the master leads out to a nice private deck that looks out to the mature landscaping in the nice size backyard.

Off to the back of the lot is a detached office/granny flat that makes a great place to put the family and friends on their visits to San Diego.

For more information about this beautiful home located at 3020 Bancroft in North Park, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away. This North Park home will be going on the public market next week so now is your chance to beat the crowd.

4681 Pomona Avenue, La Mesa CA

We are getting ready to put this lovely two bedroom bungalow on the market in the next couple of days. It is located in La Mesa close to restaurants, shopping and easy access to the freeways. Drive up to the front house and you will be delighted with the curb appeal that the home offers.

The open concept kitchen has been designed meticulously for the savvy cook who likes to entertain. The wood floors and the tray inset ceilings add lots of charm to this San Diego bungalow. The French Door off of the kitchen leads to the gorgeous back yard featuring a large pergola for shade, custom seating, a bocci court with plenty of open space.

The detached bonus structure makes a great home office, art studio, play room, etc…. The detached one car garage is spacious and where the washer and dryer hook ups are located.

We will have it open during open houses this weekend. For more information on this home, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away at 619-818-8122.
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If you see any other home below that you would like more information on, let us know and we will get that to you as well.

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Buying a House in San Diego

You have reached a point in your life where you know that now  is the right time to buy a house but are not sure exactly where to start. There is so much information out there you would think making a decision would be easy. But in fact, it sometimes is more confusing. This holds even if you have bought a home in San Diego in the past.
The first thing you should consider is how much money you can afford to put out every month to pay for this house. This means that just because you spoke to a Bank/Mortgage Broker/Lender and they told you that you could afford” X” amount does not mean that you will feel comfortable doing so once it is said and done. You are the only one that knows what you will feel comfortable with.
A good rule of thumb to determine how much of a mortgage you can afford determines what 30 percent or less of your income is. This is what should go into paying your mortgage. I know it is not easy based on the purchase price of what San Diego homes sell for, but this is a general guideline. This is not to say that Banks will not lend you their money if you go over this number.

 

You can start to figure this out by finding out what your new utility bills will look like based on the house square footage and the home area. Contacting the utility departments in that area and asking them would be a good idea. Other new bills would include new home insurance and property taxes. You can contact the San Diego accessors office and speak to someone in the Realty Division. As for home insurance quotes, ask your Realtor for a few referrals. They should have a few people who can recommend who would help you figure out the numbers.

What Kind Of Down Payment Do You Need?

You have most of the numbers for buying a house in place. Now you must determine how much of a down payment you can afford to put down or are willing to put down. Remember to keep in mind that you have to set aside money for closing costs, appraisals, and home inspections. In some cases, it behooves you to do several specific inspections, and they do come with a price. You are better safe than sorry, so listen to your Realtor when they recommend such inspections. Another cost to consider is the cost of moving and the cost of gas to go to and from work (if further away), we must not forget this one.
Having 20% down to buy a house in San Diego is great and more attractive to lenders lending you the rest of the money. However, there are other loan programs that you can use with 0% down (VA loan), 3.5% (FHA), 5% Conventional and several others.
These other loan options come at a higher price, but it is the cost of doing business with the banks willing to loan their money to you. You will have to pay private mortgage insurance with loans below 20% down.

What Is Private Mortgage Insurance?

PMI, aka private mortgage insurance, is the fee that the bank charges you for the risk they take to lend their money to you. If someone puts down less than 20% to buy a home, they should know all about PMI. With FHA loans, you will have this payment for the life of the loan. With other loan programs, you will cancel the PMI once you have 20% equity in the home.  Speak to your lender about this. Make sure that you understand this thoroughly before choosing a loan option.

How Much Difference Does Interest Rates Make?

With the prices of homes for sale in San Diego, this can be the difference in costing thousands of dollars more over the loan period. Even a slightly higher increase in interest rate can cause the lender not to lend you the funds because it will increase your monthly payment to the point that your debt to income ratio is out of balance.

Tips for Buying Your First House

First, figure out what neighborhood you would like to live in. Then, have all of the numbers in front of you; this is the time to have a serious conversation with your Realtor. Based on the numbers that you and your lender have come up with, your lender should be able to provide you with a DU approval instead of just a pre-qualification. Once you are confirmed with the price of the home that you can buy, you will then start touring homes with your Realtor.

What is a DU approval?

Having a DU approval from your lender will make you a stronger buyer, especially if you are in a multiple offer situation. If a typical buyer provides a pre-qualification letter with their offer, they still have not filled out a loan application, and the lender does not know if they truly qualify for the loan. If you have a DU approval, this means that you have already provided the lender with your employment history, assets and income and debts and they become “Approve Eligible.” You will most likely receive final approval unless something with the title or appraisal comes back with something negative.

Continue reading…

Drought Tolerant Landscaping Ideas In San Diego

Living in San Diego is amazing. We have the best weather in the world. For those of you who like putzing around in the garden, you will be able to do so year-round. If you own your home, there are many drought-tolerant landscaping ideas that you can find by either searching online or simply walking around different neighborhoods in San Diego. More and more people are turning to maintenance-free yards because of the water shortage that has been going on in Southern California for several years.
 drought tolerant landscaping

Backyard Grass Alternatives

“Fake grass,” aka synthetic grass, is an alternative. Although, it can be costly to install, depending on the size of your backyard. It is marketed as kid-friendly and pet-friendly. Although, I would not recommend it if you have dogs. I tried it once and eventually had to remove it because the odor of the urine became unbearable. Even though we hosed it down after our dogs relieved themselves on it, the smell always lingered. Another low water landscape idea would be to add river rocks throughout, DG, and pavers. This would help create the indoor-outdoor living that Southern California is known for. You can then add some outdoor furniture and create your little oasis.

What To Plant Instead Of Grass

Once you’ve decided whether to do DG, river rocks, or pavers, it is time to plant a few things to add greenery. It is always nice to have a few organic fruit trees around. Here are a few of my favorite trees planted in my backyard that are easy to grow and go with your maintenance-free yard. Although they are not drought tolerant in the beginning stages of their lives, if planted correctly, they will develop quickly, and you won’t have to water as much once they mature. Remember that all of these trees can be dwarfed, so they don’t take up all of your front or backyard.organic fruit trees

  • Lemon Tree
  • Orange Tree
  • Peach Tree
  • Avocado Tree- not drought by a must-have for me:-)

Hydroponics

hydropicsFor those of you with smaller spaces, there is another excellent alternative. Having a hydroponic garden in a small yard area is always a great thing to have. With minimum effort, you can harvest kale, chard, basil, peppers, tomatoes, and so many more vegetables that will be right at your fingertips.
This is a good place to start for more information on Hydroponic Gardening. They are located in Leucadia, CA, and they are great guys.
The initial idea of tearing out the grass in your back or front yard may make you tired, but don’t let it stop you from the endeavor. There are different approaches you can take for doing this task. Of course, you can always do it yourself, but why not get help. Maybe you can get the family involved. It is an excellent way to spend quality time. Or, how about inviting friends over and having several shovels ready to start digging. You can have a catering service come by a few hours later and feed everyone. Or, you can ultimately hire it out. However you decide to do it, do it. You will be happy when you receive your water bill every two months; You will also be doing your part by using less water.
If you need help finding a home in North Park, South Park, or any other neighborhood in San Diego so that you can put your drought-tolerant ideas to work, the McT Real Estate Group is here to help you find that very home. Contact us right away.

How to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

 

7145 Belden Street, San Diego, CA Open House

Come Visit our New Listing in Clairemont. We will be open today and tomorrow.

OPEN HOUSE
July 22, Saturday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
July 23, Sunday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

$ Click for current price
3 BEDROOMS | 2 (2 full ) BATHROOMS | 1434 SQUARE FEET

Welcome to this Lovely Clairemont Home in a quiet neighborhood and nice curb appeal. Walk in the front door and immediately notice the sparkling hardwood floors throughout. Walk into the living room and you are greeted with beautiful French Doors that lead out to the private backyard that you can set up for indoor outdoor living and also have a place to grow your organic vegetable garden.
 
The master bedroom is spacious and features a master ensuite bathroom. The attached two car garage is spacious with room for storage and there is also a large driveway.
There is easy access to the freeway, close to Mesa College and nearby parks.
Offered at $575,000-$600,000