Chula Vista, San Diego, Real Estate Market Trends and Community Information, August 2006
Posted on 09. Jan, 2010 by kingreal in general
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Chula Vista is situated in the southern region of San Diego County within the state of California. There are approximately 194,939 residents in this community and 62,394 households. The median age of residents is 32.89 years.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature in Chula Vista is relatively moderate. The warmest time of year occurs in August during which temperatures reach an average high of 72°F. The coldest time of year occurs in December with average temperatures falling to 57°F.
HOME AND REAL ESTATE PRICES
The housing options in Chula Vista include single-family homes and properties, condominiums, townhouses, and apartments. The price of housing is as follows:
·One bedroom townhouse/condominium start in the high $100,000s.
·Two bedroom townhouse/condominium start in the high $200,000s.
·Three bedroom townhouse/condominium start in the mid $300,000s.
·Two bedroom single-family homes start in the high $300,000s.
·Three bedroom single-family homes start in the low $400,000s.
·Four bedroom single-family homes start in the high$400,000s.
REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS
As with most products and services in the United States, price shifts in the real estate industry are subject to the forces of supply and demand. Whether it’s a buyers market or a seller’s market, it is useful to evaluate home sales data for the most recent month available (June 2006), compared against the same period in the previous year (June 2005).
The median price of single-family homes dropped from $610,000 in June 2005 to $595,000 in June 2006, which represents a 2.5% decline. Fewer more homes sold in June 2006 (127 homes) than in June 2005 (171 homes). The average time to sell a home increased from 47 days in June 2005 to 66 days in June 2006.
The median price of condominiums and townhomes decreased slightly from $382,250 in June 2005 to $382,000 in June 2006, which represents a .1% decline. Fewer units sold in June 2006 (46 units) than in June 2005 (80 units). The average time to sell a unit increased from 52 days in June 2005 to 85 days in June 2006.
Homebuyers and home sellers should keep in mind that the data above is simply a snapshot in time. Therefore, the data must be evaluated over a longer duration to understand enduring market trends.
Protect Your Deposit When Buying Real Estate
Posted on 02. Jan, 2010 by kingreal in general
When you start the process of buying a home or any type of real estate, you’ll no doubt hear the term “earnest money deposit” (EMD). So what exactly is an EMD?
An EMD becomes relevant when you are ready to make an offer on a property. In most states, your Real Estate Agent prepares the offer on your behalf. The offer usually takes the form of a written contract that is submitted to the seller by way of their agent.
In addition to the offer document, sellers typically expect an EMD. An EMD is a monetary deposit submitted via check to demonstrate to the seller that you are a serious buyer. In some regions of the country, only a photocopy of the check is submitted with the offer, and the original check is delivered to the appropriate entity if the offer is accepted. Ask your Real Estate Agent to clarify how deposits are handled in your region of the country.
The check is usually made out to an independent third- party such as a Title Company, Escrow Company, Real Estate Attorney or your Real Estate Broker. Ask your Real Estate Agent to clarify who will hold the EMD.
The amount of the EMD sellers expect varies by region. The EMD amount is based on the customs and practices for a region, but is generally from 1% to 2% of the purchase price. In a competitive market place where demand exceeds the supply of homes, some buyers may offer a higher EMD than expected to impress the seller of their intent. In determining the amount of your EMD, consult your Real Estate Agent and balance the need to demonstrate your serious intent, against the good business practice of minimizing the deposit amount.
The amount of the EMD is usually applied to reduce the purchase price of the property or to cover closing costs, as you dictate. For example, if you are purchasing a $300,000 property and you give an EMD of $3000, then the remaining balance owned at closing is $297,000 (plus closing costs). Alternatively, you may direct that the EMD be applied toward the closing costs.
Once a valid contract for purchase is created, an independent third-party usually holds the EMD until the purchase is either completed or cancelled. At this point, the money belongs jointly to both the seller and the buyer.
In cases where you make an offer that is accepted but later decide to cancel the offer, the terms specified in the contract (or state law) will dictate if, and under what circumstances, the EMD is returned to you. Be aware that you could loose your deposit if you do not not comply with the terms of your contract. Your Real Estate Agent can provide you information about how EMDs are dealt with if a contract is cancelled.
Since state law varies by region and practices can differ even within the same state, be sure to consult your Real Estate agent about the rules that apply to EMDs in your region of the country. You should also be aware that the EMD is not related to any down payment that you make toward your home loan.
Key Shifts In San Diego County Demographic Patterns – Real Estate Implications
Posted on 02. Jan, 2010 by kingreal in general
On August 15, 2006, the US Census Bureau released its annual statistics for various communities. The data for San Diego County revealed some significant shifts from 2000 to 2005 in terms of the total population in San Diego, the percentage of males to females, percentage of people at various ages, and the racial composition of the County.
POPULATION SHIFTS
Total Population = 2,813,833 (CY 2000) vs. 2,824,259 (CY 2005) = 0.4% increase
Of the total population, there were shifts in the percentage of males to females.
Males = 1,415,097 (CY 2000) vs. 1,400,199 (CY 2005) = 1.1% decline.
Females = 1,398,736 (CY 2000) vs. 1,424,060 (CY 2005) = 1.8% increase.
AGE CHANGES
The percentage of people at various age also changed during this time period.
Median Age = 33.2 years (CY 2000) vs. 34.4 years (CY 2005) = 3.6% increase.
Population Under 5 Years of Age = 198,621 (CY 2000) vs. 221,575 (CY 2005) = 11.6% increase.
Population Under 18 Years of Age = 2,090,172 (CY 2000) vs. 2,067,282 (CY 2005) = 1.1% decline.
Population 65 or Older = 313,750 (CY 2000) vs. 310,836 (CY 2005) = 0.9% decline.
RACIAL COMPOSITION
Of individuals who defined themselves as belonging to one-race, the following statistics were provided:
Total Number of “One-Race” Individuals = 2,681,866 (CY 2000) vs. 2,730,721 (CY 2005) = 1.8% increase.
Individuals who defined themselves as belonging to one-race, were further categorized as follows:
White = 1,871,839 (CY 2000) vs. 1,927,166 (CY 2005) = 3% increase.
Black or African American = 161,480 (CY 2000) vs. 140,181 (CY 2005) = 13.2% decrease.
American Indian and Alaska Native = 24,337 (CY 2000) vs. 19,902 (CY 2005) = 18.2% decrease
Asian = 249,802 (CY 2000) vs. 295,926 (CY 2005) = 18.5% increase
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander = 13,561 (CY 2000) vs. 12,704 (CY 2005) = 6.3% decline.
Other Race = 360,847 (CY 2000) vs. 334,842 (CY 2005) = 7.2% decline.
Of those individuals who defined themselves as belonging to “two-races”, the following statistics were provided:
Total, Two -Race Individuals = 131,967 (CY 2000) vs. 93,538 (CY 2005) = 29.1% decline.
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) = 750,965 (CY 2000) vs. 843,901 (CY 2005) = 12.4% increase.
SHIFTS IN HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
Total Household Population = 2,716,820 (CY 2000) vs. 2,824,259 (CY 2005) = 4% increase.
Average Household Size = 2.73 (CY 2000) vs. 2.71 (CY 2005) = 0.7% decrease.
Average family size = 3.29 (CY 2000) vs. 3.33 (CY 2005) = 1.2% increase.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE
If you are interested in buying San Diego real estate, homes, condos or townhouses for sale, then the above information may be useful to you. The information above can help you understand demographic and population shifts that impact supply, demand, and price of real estate and homes for sale in San Diego.
San Diego is one of the most popular areas in the Country because of its moderate climate. In fact, the year-around average weather in San Diego is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
San Diego real estate is also popular because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, mountains and the US-Mexico border. Bordered by Orange County and Riverside County to the north, and the Mexico to the south, San Diego real estate has hundreds of beachfront properties for sale.
San Diego is the sixth most populated County in the Nation. With this many people, buying real estate in San Diego can be a competitive process depending on the supply and demand of real estate and homes for sale at a particular time.
While interest rates are still relatively low and supply relatively high, buyers at this time may find San Diego real estate a good value.
Those who purchase San Diego real estate enjoy year-around perfect weather, easy access to the Mexico border, a thriving job market, and the pleasures of living close to an ocean.
Whether you are interested in boating, fishing, golfing, tennis or other hobbies, residents and visitors who own San Diego real estate have access to all these activities and more.
Please visit the Census Bureau’s web site for detailed demographic information about San Diego County. The Census Bureau provides key statistics for various communities in its annual American Community Survey (ACS) report.
Strategies For Buying Real Estate In A Slow Market
Posted on 01. Jan, 2010 by kingreal in general
The real estate market tends to be cyclical with some periods favoring buyers and other periods favoring sellers. As with other free markets, the pricing and availability of real estate is directly related to the forces of supply and demand. While many real estate markets in the United States are experiencing a substantial slowdown, other markets remain robust, and some even continue to grow. What makes the situation even more complicated is that even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are cold.
In regions of the country in which the real estate market is slowing, there are some things homebuyers can do to increase their chance of getting the property that they want on terms that are favorable. Below are some strategies to consider:
1. Clarify What You Want. Be sure to understand what kind of property you want (e.g. bedrooms, bathrooms, size, yard, location, etc.). Identify items that you “must have” and items that you would be willing to forego if your other priorities were met.
2. Consult Experts. You’ve no doubt heard the saying that “all real estate is local,” so arm yourself with the best information available. Consult a local real estate expert who can guide you about what communities are hot and which ones are not. Obviously, you are more likely to find deals in communities that have excess supply and limited demand than vice versa.
3. Understand Market Data. Obtaining and evaluating data can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Identify communities that you find desirable and ask your real estate agent to provide you relevant sales statistics. For example, your agent can provide you:
a. A summary of how many properties are available in communities that you deem desirable.
b. How long properties are taking to sell this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
c. How many properties have sold this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
d. Changes in the median and average price of properties for a community this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.
e. Data on the sales price to list price ratio (SP: LP). This ratio provides information about how much, on average, sellers are reducing their price.
f. Detailed data on properties that are similar to the type of property you desire (often known as “comparables” or “comps”).
4. High Inventory Communities. Identify, or ask your agent to identify, communities that appear to be particularly slow, and that have an unusually large inventory of homes. You will have a broader variety of options in these communities, and you may increase the likelihood of finding a better deal.
5. Loan Pre-Approval. Be sure to consult with your bank or mortgage broker and obtain a loan pre-approval document. This not only let’s you know how much you can afford, but it also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer and that your offer is worthy of serious consideration.
6. Seller’s Motivation. While information about why a seller is selling is usually confidential, there are situations in which the seller will allow their agent to disclose important factors regarding their personal situation. Be sure to ask your agent to inquire about any information that the seller has disclosed to his/her agent that can be conveyed to your agent. This information may help you decide on making an offer on a property and the price you wish to offer.
7. Home Inspection. A home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector can provide you valuable information about the condition of a property. Moreover, if there are items that need repair or replacement, you can use this information to modify your offer price or terms.
8. Expand Search Scope. As mentioned above, even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are not. Be sure to provided detailed information about what you want to your agent, so that he/she can provide you a variety of community options.
9. Be Patient. Time is on your side when there is excess supply and insufficient demand. Try not to “fall in love” with a house so much that you cannot be objective. It may be that multiple offers and counter-offers occur before you either get the property you want or decide to walk way from a deal. You may also want to look at more properties than you normally would, so that you are exposed to a variety of options.
While the above is not an exhaustive list of strategies, it is a good starting point of issues to consider when buying real estate, particularly in a market that favors buyers. Obtain the services of a knowledgeable Real Estate agent who can provide you with additional strategies to help you reach your real estate objectives.