Where would you like to live?

Uncertain of what you really want? Fortunately, San Diego offers quite a bit of diversity with regards to the types of communities to choose from. City-living Downtown or Little Italy in a spectacular condo close to the action. Metro communities centrally located like Mission Valley or Clairemont. The more historic, walkable neighborhood like North Park, Hillcrest or Old Town. Or perhaps one of the idyllic beach communities of La Jolla, Carlsbad or Encinitas. Lastly if your budget is unlimited San Diego of has many luxurious mansion-sized homes both on the coast and inland. We’re always at your service, happy to assist you with making one of the biggest decisions in your life. 

Your preferred lifestyle 

When choosing a new place to live, don’t forget to take into consideration not only the housing but also the surroundings. Thinking about a bigger picture is rather an exception than a rule in case of the first-time encounter with real estate which is the primary mistake clients make entering this unfamiliar business. It’s quite possible that your lifestyle means you should think beyond the typical single-family home when the time comes to buy your first place.

For example, if you’re a first-time buyer who’s thinking about renting out part of your new home to help pay the mortgage, then you should look at duplexes or other multi-family units. If you plan to live in the unit yourself, you can finance it as your own property, get the same homeowners’ insurance rates as owner-occupiers receive, and maintain a separate space to rent.

If you need help figuring out what’s available and what’s a good fit, let's talk.  I can walk you through the common opportunities in your areas and help you pick one or two that fit your lifestyle best.

Your priorities 

It’s time to start wondering about the foreground in your life and what you truly need in closest proximity to your new place. Do you hate cooking? Find a place with restaurants near you. Are you a fan of physical activity? Search for a house with multiple gyms close. This kind of thinking will enable you to discover a veritably ideal area for you.        

If you started this process six months ago and haven’t really looked at the listings in the interim, then do yourself a favor and ask your real estate agent to set you up with a personalized feed from your local multiple listing service, and then have your agent walk you through the market realities today. You’ll want to know that most buyers are paying 5 percent above asking price (or 5 percent below it) if that’s what’s happening so that you can make an educated and intelligent offer when the time comes.

Your plans 

Where do you see yourself in five years? This question sounds like a job interview but it’s useful in case of house hunting. Do you want to start a family, develop your top-notch office career, or maybe work remotely? The answer will affect your choice so give it some thought. 

A neighborhood that’s perfect for you today might be not-so-perfect in five or ten years as people move in and out and the landscape changes. So it’s smart to get an idea of what the neighborhood is like today -- and to spend some time trying to predict where it might go in the future.