Selling Your House

1031 Exchange – How Real Estate Investors Defer Capital Gains Tax

Do you want to sell investment property, and then defer capital gains tax through a 1031 Exchange? Thanks to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031, you are allowed to postpone capital gains taxes, if you reinvest the proceeds in investment property. Here’s what you need to know about 1031 Exchanges: Qualifying Property The replacement property must be like-kind: if you sell investment real estate, you will need to acquire investment real estate. However, the properties don’t need to be similar use. For

Probate Sales – How to Sell a House in Probate

In a perfect world, every house is held in a trust. This is because inheritance through a trust is a simpler process. In many cases, when you inherit property that is held in a trust, the courts don’t need to be involved. (Click here to read my article about how to sell an inherited property that is held in a trust.) So what happens if there is no trust in place? What happens if there

Trust Inheritance – Inheriting and Selling Real Estate from a Trust

Are you thinking about setting up a trust, or how to sell a trust inheritance? This article covers how to set up and how to sell real estate as a trust inheritance: How to Set Up a Trust Inheritance A property owner can set up a plan to leave their real estate as a trust inheritance. Here’s how it works: Named Successor Trustee vs. Beneficiary The distinction between a beneficiary and a successor trustee is

1347 Avenida Pantera in Santa Fe Hills, San Marcos is IN ESCROW

UPDATE: After receiving multiple offers, we have an accepted contract, and are scheduled to close escrow in February! Welcome to Santa Fe Hills!Proudly offered by its original owner, this beautifully maintained home is ready for you to make it your own. The inviting floor plan features an open-concept main level and three spacious bedrooms upstairs. The kitchen shines with upgraded cabinetry and granite countertops. A separate laundry room, with washer and dryer included, adds convenience.

Proposition 19 – Property Tax Reassessment Exemption

Proposition 19 – Property Tax Reassessment Exemption UPDATE: This article now includes SB 539 information. SB 539, signed into law on September 29, 2021, helps to clarify the implementation of Proposition 19. Proposition 19 changes tax basis portability for certain California homeowners. These changes were made effective April 1, 2021. Certain homeowners may transfer the taxable value of their primary residence to a replacement primary residence. This can happen anywhere in California (no County restrictions),

15027 Caminito Ladera in Las Vistas, Del Mar – SOLD!

UPDATE: After only 6 days on the market and multiple offers, 15027 Caminito Ladera SOLD with an all-cash offer! Congratulations to the Buyers and Sellers! Welcome to 15027 Caminito Ladera! This single story detached home is located within the gated community of Las Vistas in Del Mar, near Solana Beach. Here is a rare single-story opportunity in one of Del Mar’s most desirable gated communities. This turnkey Plan 1 has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths,

San Diego Property Tax Increase for 2025 – Trash Service

Homeowners who live within City of San Diego limits may be surprised by a new charge on their 2025-2026 tax bill. Beginning this tax year, which runs from July 2025 through June 2026, City residents will be charged for trash pickup. This charge will be a line item on their property tax bills. Breaking a 100+ year tradition For over 100 years, the City of San Diego has offered free trash pickup service to residents

Property Tax Calculation for San Diego Real Estate – Tips for Homeowners

Property Tax is Boring. Read This Anyway. Why am I writing about property tax calculation? Because I’m not just your real estate broker, I’m your real estate advisor. I want you to have the freedom to make informed choices throughout your entire real estate experience: when you buy a home, while you live in it, and when you sell it. Almost everyone thinks that since real estate property tax is inevitable, there’s no good reason to

760 Avenida Leon in Santa Fe Hills – SOLD

UPDATE: We closed escrow on September 5 with a final sales price of $1,320,000. Congratulations to the happy Sellers and Buyer! 760 Avenida Leon in Santa Fe Hills is for sale! Come see the largest floor plan in all of Santa Fe Hills! Welcome to Santa Fe Hills! Here is your opportunity to secure the largest floor plan on a 9229 sf lot: 3555 square feet, five bedrooms and three full baths plus a bonus

2199 Woodland Heights Glen in Emerald Heights, Escondido – SOLD

Welcome to the one-of-a-kind hilltop gem community that is Emerald Heights! This gorgeous house is uniquely positioned as the last home on the main drive that drops into a huge cul-de-sac, offering an unparalleled sense of seclusion. With only one neighboring property and no homes behind or across the street, you’ll be able to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic valley views, refreshing sea breezes, and spectacular sunsets, as these original owners have for many years. You can

San Diego Rent Cap Law – Rent Increase Limits – 2025 Edition

Fox News interviewed me about the rent cap law – see it here. The rent increase limit, or rent cap, became effective on January 1, 2020. And, even though this happened over FIVE YEARS ago, I have trouble finding accurate information, or even a decent guide explaining what IS the rent cap maximum for San Diego County. So, here we are. If you have experienced the same frustration, I hope this article helps. If you

AB 2016 – Probate and Real Estate Inheritance – New 2025 Law

Here’s some good news for those who inherit property not in a trust. Effective April 1, 2025 – there is a new law in California that affects probate and real estate inheritance. If you are either a named beneficiary in a will, or the heir of someone who died without a will, this may benefit you. This article covers: AB 2016 – New Limit for Avoiding Full Probate is $750,000 California Assembly Bill 2016 (AB

4025 Florida Street Unit 14 in North Park – SOLD in 2 Days!

UPDATE: After only 2 days on the market and 1 open house, this North Park condo closed escrow! Listed on June 12, closed escrow on June 27 – at $6,000 above asking price! Welcome to Florida Park! Here’s your opportunity to live in the sought-after gated community of only 14 units, where comfort, style, and location come together. Rarely on the market, this updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers single-level living on the second floor, and

917 Gretna Green Way in Escondido is FOR SALE

Welcome to your own private retreat nestled in the scenic hills of South Escondido! This single-story home sits on a .79-acre fully fenced lot near the end of a private road in the tranquil San Pasqual Valley. Offering stunning sunset views, you can enjoy peaceful seclusion with the convenience of nearby amenities. Check out Zillow 3D tour HERE Step inside to find fresh interior paint, new carpeting, recessed lighting, and large windows that flood the

4910 1/2 Old Cliffs Road in Allied Gardens – SOLD

Welcome to the best of Allied Gardens! This immaculate Cavco West manufactured home offers three bedrooms and two full baths, in an open 1307 square foot floor plan. It was built in 2020, and first occupied in 2022. 4910 1/2 Old Cliffs Road is in a quiet location within the park. There are upgrades throughout, including ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and upgraded kitchen and baths. The kitchen features a large island, wood cabinetry, subway tile

California Landlord Laws – What’s New in 2025

California Residential Landlords: here are some new laws for 2025. AB 2493 – Tenant Screening Fees & Credit Reports AB 2493 applies to all residential tenancies of more than 30 days. Tenant Screening Fees Landlords can only charge an application fee when a unit either is available, or will be available within a reasonable period of time. Waiting list fees are no longer allowed. When it comes to charging fees for rental applications, landlords now

San Diego Property Tax – e-Billing now available!

San Diego County homeowners – here’s a new way to keep track of your property tax bills. The San Diego County Assessor’s Office has set up an e-billing notification system. Homeowners can sign up to receive electronic bills, with a link to pay online. I have paid my property tax online before – so what’s new? In the past, we have been able to pay our property tax bills online, but until now, we have

How Home Staging Works – Before and After Photos

Is home staging really worth it? Why do so many people recommend staging when selling your home? Does it really make that big of a difference? Here are some examples of before and after photos, so you can decide for yourself. Is Home Staging Really Worth It? Staging isn’t cheap. Many home sellers pay between $2,500 – $10,000 to professionally stage their home. Why are they willing to front that considerable expense? Is it really

What to Expect When Selling Your Home – Seller Escrow Timeline

Seller Escrow Timeline Congratulations! You have accepted an offer for the sale of your home, and opened escrow. So what’s next? How long should everything take? Is there a general escrow timeline to follow? It usually takes between 30 to 60 days for an escrow to close. Sometimes the escrow timeline is shorter. Sometimes it’s longer. You and the Buyers agree to a timeline during the contract negotiation. Here’s a general escrow timeline for home

Pre Listing Checklist -Steps to Selling Your Home

6 Steps to Preparing Your Home for Listing in the MLS

Congratulations! You have signed a Residential Listing Agreement to list your home for sale. What’s next? Here’s my Listing Checklist for preparing your home for listing in the MLS. 6 Steps to Preparing Your Home for Listing in the MLS Property Details Seller Disclosures Cleaning & Staging Photography Appointment Schedule Open Houses For Sale Sign Property Details My first step in preparing your home for listing is gathering Property Details. As your listing agent, I want the

4806 1/2 Old Cliffs Road in Allied Gardens – SOLD!

Welcome to The Cliffs Mobile Home Park in Allied Gardens! UPDATE: We closed escrow in March, for $312,000! Built in 2017, this newer Golden West home offers three bedrooms and two full baths in a double-wide, 1325 square foot floor plan. 4806 1/2 Old Cliffs Road is located in a quiet area of the park. There are no neighbors directly behind. You can just enjoy the shade of lovely oak trees for your backyard. The

Home Seller Disclosures – What to Report When Selling Your Home

When it comes to home seller disclosures, what do you need to provide? When you sell your home, you are required by law to disclose to the Buyers all material facts about your property, and about the surrounding area. A material fact is any condition that can affect the value of the property. Here’s a list of some home seller disclosures that we use when selling property in San Diego County. Property-Specific Home Seller Disclosures Your

Selling with Solar – Selling Your Home with a Solar Lease or Loan

Selling with Solar – What You Should Know More and more homes in California have solar systems. If you have solar panels on a house you’re selling, what should you know? Will the solar panels help you sell the house, or will they make the house harder to sell? This article answers some common questions about selling with solar: How will a solar system affect the sale? Can a Buyer assume a solar lease or

2956 Canyon Road in South Escondido – SOLD in 1 Day!

2956 Canyon Road in South Escondido – SOLD UPDATE: After only ONE DAY on the market, the Seller accepted an excellent offer at asking price! Congratulations to the Buyers! Welcome to South Escondido! Here’s your opportunity to own a five bedroom home on a half acre property, with NO HOA or Mello-Roos fees. This newer construction home features a massive 882 square foot, 4 car garage with 12 foot ceilings, 8 foot garage doors, and