Mark Levenson

Is HGTV an accurate home buying model?  Sometimes yes and sometimes no.  I have to admit that I really enjoy watching HGTV and have learned about what properties cost in various parts of our country as well as in other countries around the world.  But let’s face it.  There is plenty of acting going on in many of the episodes and very little realistic dialogue between the REALTOR® and clients.  In real life, it is important for me, as a San Diego area real estate professional, and my clients to have a clear understanding about what is realistic for them as well as bouncing ideas about specific cities within communities and the pluses and minuses of each.  That way, I can focus on showing you only the properties that fit your particular wants and needs instead of overwhelming you with homes that may not work.

Have you ever noticed the only thing that is usually discussed in regards to areas are whether they are within close proximity to the couple's work or another family member's home?  This is not realistic enough for me.  I have found that my clients tend to base their San Diego home buying decision on the location of a home in regards to their areas of interest, shopping, caliber of schools, future resale and appreciation potential, etc. instead of where they work or which relative lives nearby.

If you would like to know more about your options for owning a great San Diego home, please contact me today.  Take charge now!  Do it while the rates are still at 60 year historic low rates.  There is no better time than now.  I help military with marginal credit and give FREE counseling advice.  Call Mark Levenson today for a FREE 1 hour consultation so we can get you and your family started on the road to your new home.  You’ll be glad you did.

Mark Levenson, Helping You Buy and Sell Homes, Condos & Investment Property
“Building Dreams One Client At A Time”
Over 1,000 Clients Served Since 1981

We're only a few days into the new year and there's already great news to report.  According to a recent report  employment is up, unemployment is down and home prices have gotten even more affordable.  While rent has gone up approximately 4%, home prices in the San Diego area have actually gone down around the same amount.  It seems that homeownership is still the way to go!

While San Diego is experiencing a slightly higher job growth rate than the rest of the state (we are at 3% while the rest of the state is around 2.2%), the entire state is continuing to try to recover from previous unemployment numbers.  More than 50% of October 2011's home sales were from distressed homes.  Currently, however, sales of foreclosures are on the decline.  Currently, they make up about 34.1% of the market, down from the previous year's 36.7%.  Indications are that banks are now more willing to work with homeowners by switching their focus from foreclosures to short sales (short sales make up about 19.5% of the resale home market, up from 18.2% the year before).

The median price for a San Diego area home has decreased as well.  This helped boost home sales by 8.5%.  Inventory of single-family detached homes available for sale has gone down, too.  There is currently a 5.3 months supply on hand, down from the previous 6.2 months of inventory.

If you are interested in buying a San Diego area home, you had better start looking now.  Many local communities have found that excess inventory is quickly being absorbed back into the market and prices have either stabilized or are even beginning to increase.  Mortgage companies have begun to ease their lending restrictions.  Coupled with the continuing low interest rates available, it's a fantastic time to get your piece of the pie.

Sellers are experiencing success in the Coronado marketplace as well.  Remember to work with your real estate agent to price your home competitively so it sells in a timely manner.  Make sure they run comps in the area to help you decide on the right sales price for your home.  Getting a home inspection can help you fix your home's trouble areas before you place it on the market.  This can help keep your sales price up as well.

If you need help buying or selling a San Diego/Coronado home, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I've helped more than 1,000 individuals and military families find their perfect home for almost three decades now.  Let me help you today.

Mark Levenson, Helping You Buy and Sell Homes, Condos and Investment Property
“Building Dreams One Client At  A Time”
Over 1,000 Clients Served Since 1981

When it comes to the spirit of Christmas and gift giving, the Christmas Spirit Foundation corners the market.  They provide free Christmas trees for military families across the nation.  This helps to ensure every military family has a wonderful Christmas holiday.  Deliveries begin November 29 and will continue through December 9. 

Since 2005, the Christmas Spirit Foundation, in conjunction with FedEx has delivered over 84,000 Christmas trees to military families.  So, if you’re a military family and would like a donated tree, visit the Christmas Spirit Foundation site for their delivery list.

About the Christmas Spirit Foundation

The Christmas Spirit Foundation is a non-profit branch of the National Christmas Tree Association.  The foundation was incorporated in Missouri, but has branches all across the nation.  They have even received the IRS 501 charitable organization status.   However, to continue great programs like this one, they depend on your charitable giving’s throughout the year.

The focus of the Christmas Spirit foundation is to stay committed to keep the Christmas spirit alive and growing for generations of children and families for years to come.  So, if you’d like to help, you can do so in many ways.  You can donate online at christmasspiritfoundation.org, you can donate offline by visiting their site and printing the donation form to mail in your donation, or you can volunteer to help deliver the trees. 

In the spirit of Christmas and free trees…Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Mark Levenson - Helping You Buy and Sell Homes, Condos & Investment Property

“Building Dreams One Client At A Time”
Over 1,000 Clients Served Since 1981