Selling Your House

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? 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 understand the annual bills. I believe the opposite: Your property tax bill is

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. Like-kind property is defined as any real property used

Section 121 Exclusion – Capital Gains Exemption for Home Sellers

If you sell your home for more than you paid for it, you might have to pay taxes on your profit. Luckily, the IRS allows an exemption for homeowners selling their primary residence. Usually, it’s $500,000 for married couples, and $250,000 for individuals. This article covers the basis of that exemption, which the IRS calls the Section 121 Exclusion: Section 121 Exclusion Basics The current 121 exclusion was established by the Taxpayer Relief Act of

2658 Worden Street #223 in Point Loma Tennis Club is FOR SALE

Welcome to resort-style living, only 2 miles from Ocean Beach! Point Loma Tennis Club offers the best of San Diego – ocean breezes, easy beach access, low maintenance, and a central location close to everything. Check out Zillow 3D tour HERE This two-bedroom residence features no neighbors above or below, providing the privacy and feel of a single-family home. Inside, you’ll find in-unit laundry, triple-pane windows, central HVAC, and a comfortable, light-filled layout designed for

521 Orange Avenue, Space 99 in Orange Tree Mobile Home Park in Chula Vista is SOLD

UPDATE: This property closed escrow on 9/4/26 for $350,000. Welcome to Orange Tree Mobile Home Park, a private gated 55+ community where you own both home and land—an incredible opportunity for low-maintenance living at a great value! This lovingly cared-for home has been in the same family since it was purchased new, and reflects true pride of ownership throughout. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan featuring a spacious living room, dining area, and

6687 Corte Eduardo in Meadowood, Carlsbad – SOLD

UPDATE: 6687 Corte Eduardo SOLD in August 2026 for $1,490,000. Congratulations to the lucky Buyers who beat out competing offers! Welcome to Meadowood! This beautifully maintained cul-de-sac home offers exceptional space, comfort, and energy efficiency. The highly functional floor plan features five bedrooms and three full baths, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath. The kitchen and baths have been updated with quartz and marble. Powered by a 10.9 kW solar system and two

1973 Felicita Road in Escondido – SOLD

UPDATE – SOLD on 7-1-26 for $1,420,000. Finally on the market—the rare property that truly checks every box! Tucked away on a peaceful private road, this exceptional .6-acre estate offers not one, but two single-story residences. This creates the perfect setup for multi-generational living, rental income, or a private guest retreat. The main home is a beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom residence designed for both comfort and efficiency. The remodeled kitchen and bathrooms blend modern style with

San Diego Property Tax Increase for Trash Service – update for 2027

UPDATE: As of May 20, 2026, the fees for the 2027-2028 tax year have changed. See below for more details. Homeowners who live within City of San Diego limits have a trash pickup charge on their property tax bill, which started July 2025. Beginning that tax year, which runs from July 2025 through June 2026, City residents are charged for trash pickup. This charge is a line item on the property tax bills. 2027 Update

What are Home Seller Closing Costs in California?

How much does it cost to sell a house, besides agent commissions? Ever wonder how they calculate title fees, escrow fees, and other home seller closing costs? The cost to sell a house depends on a number of factors, including the final sales price, the type of property, and the terms of the purchase agreement. It’s impossible to know exactly how much you will need to pay ahead of time. The final closing costs aren’t calculated

AB 628 – Stove and Refrigerator – NEW Landlord Law for 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, California landlords need to provide a stove and refrigerator for their tenants.(Link to the text of the Assembly Bill here.) Here’s everything you need to know about this new California law, AB 628: Who Has to Follow AB 628? Any landlord who amends or extends a residential lease after January 1, 2026, is subject to AB 628. If you currently have a tenant on a month-to-month lease, and you haven’t amended

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 – SOLD!

SOLD in 16 Days – $945,000 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. Upstairs, enjoy brand-new carpet and plank flooring, and a well-appointed primary suite

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,

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

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