“San Diego we still have a problem”

[bearishgurl]

[quote=Navydoc]BG, you clearly don’t know my wife do you?

Seriously though, you are certainly correct when you say any property can be made exactly the way you want it, but the hassle involved with that approach can be extraordinary. It’s ok if you don’t mind, but if one of the spouses doesn’t want to live in a partially renovated house with the dust, the constant debris, the noise and the smells, we could be talking divorce at some point. I renovated my basement myself here in Maryland, and it IS exactly the way I wanted it (going to miss my ultimate man cave), but the only way I could pull it off was that my wife never went down there to see the mess. She would just get to see her husband covered with drywall dust and would say “I’ll see it when your done.” Now, maybe you think my wife is a spoiled princess, but I assure you she’s not, and that the hassles of renovation are clearly not for everyone. Add to the fact that you may not recoup half of your renovation expenses when it comes time to sell, so how is that different from depreciation on a new house? And why do you say that all the best locations are already built? I happen to love the wide open feel of the Stonebridge community, and especially love the sizes of the yards. I can’t think of any community within a 30 minute commute to Balboa that looks/feels this way, regardless of age. 4S is similar, and that is a consideration, but there are few areas even in 4S that can boast a 3/4 acre yard. Ivy Gate is one, but the HOA’s and Mello Roos are just as bad as Stonebridge. If a yard that large is something your not interested in, then don’t disdain my choice for wanting one. I’m currently living on 1.25 acres and squeezing onto an 8000 sq ft lot in Carmel Valley or some of the 4S communities is not that appealing to me. Oh, you mentioned warmth. Right now as I type this it’s 103 degrees outside with 94% humidity. do you really think the heat ANYWHERE in San Diego is going to compare to the D/C area? And I don’t have to bring my snowblower either.

Folks on this board know I’ve been here for quite a while, and I’ve researched the San Diego real estate market as much or more than some professional realtors. Hell, I moved here 2 years ago and still read this board every day. I’ve simply come to the conclusion that a new home fits our wants and needs the best. I told you my psychology for wanting a new home was stupid, but since I have the means why can’t I have one?[/quote]

Lol, Navydoc, you can have any home you can afford! I don’t “disdain” anyone’s choice. I am merely of the opinion that new construction is overpriced and over-encumbered (MR/HOA), especially for a growing family whose income may go down in the future.

I DID state that the prospective “fixer” property’s location had to bear the purchase price PLUS costs of remodeling and/or needed repairs. The decision to undergo a partial or complete remodel is all contingent upon the property location, the sales price agreed upon at the time of offer acceptance and the potential value (that will hold) AFTER the remodel is completed. Many desirable established areas have a track record of holding their values in all economic climates. Not so with unproven far-flung newer exurbs.

Yes, the drywall dust can be a lot of live with while the mud/texturing is going on, but totally WORTH it for the end result and VERY rewarding! The trick is to not move in a bunch of “stuff” while still rehabbing the property. Just the essentials of life. Most new buyers no doubt want to immediately move into every room and begin “decorating.” You can’t do that right away with a fixer slated for a remodel.

Navydoc, just for fun, take a look at active SFR resales in 92019, 91941, 92107, 92103, 91902 and even 92102 and 92106. ALL of these zips have properties on larger lots (14K to 1 AC) in your price range and ALL are closer to Naval Hospital than Stonebridge (two are VERY close). These are among the city and county’s most coveted areas with which to live.

For the record, I’m an “ex-navy wife” myself. I understand you will likely be “on-call.” I was a “Balboa widow” as far back as when shower curtains lined the patient “cubicles” in the maternity ward (no walls or partitions) and the “pharmacy” was on a bus stop outside (sans rain shelter)! How far away do you want to be when you need to get to the hospital ASAP? How much aggravation do you want to put up with on a daily basis with commuting? You may have already asked yourself those questions. If so, factor in the extra gas to go to/from work in the middle of the night or on a day off, say 4x per week and all your extra time away from your family duking it out with rush-hour commuters before making your decision on area to buy in.

I’ll bet if you ask some of the docs already stationed there, you will find that MANY live within a 10 minute drive to the hospital.

[sdrealtor]

pem
Sounds like you described Encinitas Ranch which is not typical of Encinitas or newer home communities. It skews older, less young children (because of elementary school) and richer than more typical tracts. Personally i have never been an ER fan and am not surprised by your experience.

[sdrealtor]

pem
Sounds like you described Encinitas Ranch which is not typical of Encinitas or newer home communities. It skews older, less young children (because of elementary school) and richer than more typical tracts. Personally i have never been an ER fan and am not surprised by your experience.

[sdrealtor]

pem
Sounds like you described Encinitas Ranch which is not typical of Encinitas or newer home communities. It skews older, less young children (because of elementary school) and richer than more typical tracts. Personally i have never been an ER fan and am not surprised by your experience.

[sdrealtor]

pem
Sounds like you described Encinitas Ranch which is not typical of Encinitas or newer home communities. It skews older, less young children (because of elementary school) and richer than more typical tracts. Personally i have never been an ER fan and am not surprised by your experience.

[sdrealtor]

pem
Sounds like you described Encinitas Ranch which is not typical of Encinitas or newer home communities. It skews older, less young children (because of elementary school) and richer than more typical tracts. Personally i have never been an ER fan and am not surprised by your experience.

[pemeliza]

sdr, you are close on location (we were north of Leucadia Blvd) but your point is well taken.

Places like LCV and the Ranch are certainly more family friendly but at the time we just had to have the big view! (didn’t have kids yet lol)

[pemeliza]

sdr, you are close on location (we were north of Leucadia Blvd) but your point is well taken.

Places like LCV and the Ranch are certainly more family friendly but at the time we just had to have the big view! (didn’t have kids yet lol)

[pemeliza]

sdr, you are close on location (we were north of Leucadia Blvd) but your point is well taken.

Places like LCV and the Ranch are certainly more family friendly but at the time we just had to have the big view! (didn’t have kids yet lol)

[pemeliza]

sdr, you are close on location (we were north of Leucadia Blvd) but your point is well taken.

Places like LCV and the Ranch are certainly more family friendly but at the time we just had to have the big view! (didn’t have kids yet lol)

[pemeliza]

sdr, you are close on location (we were north of Leucadia Blvd) but your point is well taken.

Places like LCV and the Ranch are certainly more family friendly but at the time we just had to have the big view! (didn’t have kids yet lol)

[bearishgurl]

[quote=familyguy][quote=bearishgurl]This “desire” of first time buyers could be compared to a newly-minted military wife of all of 18-22 years old waltzing into town and demanding a unit in Pacific Beach, Coronado or Pt Loma from the Navy Family Housing Office (yes, this happens every day). Never mind they grew up in a double-wide in Kentucky. They have decided they will NOT accept a unit unless it is located in one of those three areas. Hence, they end up taking the housing allowance and paying rent somewhere (likely NOT in one of their desired areas, lol) while they waitlist, often for years. When they can’t manage their rent and utility bills, they give up and move back “home,” wherever that is, to await the arrival of their deployed spouses and also usually their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th child.

It seems there may be a pervasive mentality among first-time RE buyers that it’s all or nothing … exactly what they desire now or no purchase at all. What’s wrong with a “good enough for the next 5-10 yrs” property? How about a sweat-equity fixer in a GREAT location?? How ELSE are you going to buy in that GREAT location??
[/quote]

God forbid a new young wife wants to stay in a desirable housing area. WOW…BG sounds like you have some real anger issues. Since you know this happens “every day” I am assuming you may work in the Navy Housing office? Given how bitter you are, maybe it’s time to find new employment.

Regarding buying a house thats “good enough” thats a whole other discussion.[/quote]

I’ve never worked for Navy Family Housing, familyguy, but know someone who does. In addition, I was a longtime Navy Relief Society volunteer and owned housing unit(s) very close to NAVSTA 32nd St which I rented for years to enlisted families who were often waitlisting for military quarters. Except for Strand (Coronado) and Gateway (Loma Portal) multifamily complexes, the most desirable military housing unit locations are doled out by rank. Many of these new, very young Navy spouses have unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits they are qualified for thru their (vast-majority junior enlisted) sponsors. Granted, the generous active-duty family housing allowance for San Diego has nearly quadrupled since 1995 for ALL ranks.

I understand the risks the military sponsor takes with their deployments but in what other job in the country can a 20-21 year old sponsor with only a high school education or GED support a spouse and child(ren) comfortably, receive free spacious quarters with free utilities (even in high cost areas), free medical care, hospitalization and pharmacy for the entire family, get paid premiums on a $300K or more term life insurance, have 30 days leave per yr (plus stand-down time) and receive educational funds-matching at this initial “station” in life??

If they don’t choose the “free housing,” an enlisted member receives an approx $2000-$3000 month tax-free “stipend” to help them rent suitable quarters. This is over and above their base pay.

I don’t have any “anger issues” over this, familyguy, but we ALL should be concerned. We’re all paying for this exorbitant allowance which encourages 18-23 year old military members to get married ASAP (to anybody) in order to avail themselves of this benefit. I believe the nearly quadrupling of the housing allowance in just 16 years is unjust enrichment to 1st term military members who have (1) not usually begun their higher educations, much less completed any; and (2) have not yet reenlisted at least once or committed to a career with the military. Similarly, their spouses tend to be HS graduates, GED holders and even HS dropouts. Many are still teenagers.

Has any Pigg who graduated from college and begun their first job been offered $2-$3K month by their employer for housing rental/mtg payment assistance?? What about it you had to “relocate” here to work from another state/county? Just wondering.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=familyguy][quote=bearishgurl]This “desire” of first time buyers could be compared to a newly-minted military wife of all of 18-22 years old waltzing into town and demanding a unit in Pacific Beach, Coronado or Pt Loma from the Navy Family Housing Office (yes, this happens every day). Never mind they grew up in a double-wide in Kentucky. They have decided they will NOT accept a unit unless it is located in one of those three areas. Hence, they end up taking the housing allowance and paying rent somewhere (likely NOT in one of their desired areas, lol) while they waitlist, often for years. When they can’t manage their rent and utility bills, they give up and move back “home,” wherever that is, to await the arrival of their deployed spouses and also usually their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th child.

It seems there may be a pervasive mentality among first-time RE buyers that it’s all or nothing … exactly what they desire now or no purchase at all. What’s wrong with a “good enough for the next 5-10 yrs” property? How about a sweat-equity fixer in a GREAT location?? How ELSE are you going to buy in that GREAT location??
[/quote]

God forbid a new young wife wants to stay in a desirable housing area. WOW…BG sounds like you have some real anger issues. Since you know this happens “every day” I am assuming you may work in the Navy Housing office? Given how bitter you are, maybe it’s time to find new employment.

Regarding buying a house thats “good enough” thats a whole other discussion.[/quote]

I’ve never worked for Navy Family Housing, familyguy, but know someone who does. In addition, I was a longtime Navy Relief Society volunteer and owned housing unit(s) very close to NAVSTA 32nd St which I rented for years to enlisted families who were often waitlisting for military quarters. Except for Strand (Coronado) and Gateway (Loma Portal) multifamily complexes, the most desirable military housing unit locations are doled out by rank. Many of these new, very young Navy spouses have unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits they are qualified for thru their (vast-majority junior enlisted) sponsors. Granted, the generous active-duty family housing allowance for San Diego has nearly quadrupled since 1995 for ALL ranks.

I understand the risks the military sponsor takes with their deployments but in what other job in the country can a 20-21 year old sponsor with only a high school education or GED support a spouse and child(ren) comfortably, receive free spacious quarters with free utilities (even in high cost areas), free medical care, hospitalization and pharmacy for the entire family, get paid premiums on a $300K or more term life insurance, have 30 days leave per yr (plus stand-down time) and receive educational funds-matching at this initial “station” in life??

If they don’t choose the “free housing,” an enlisted member receives an approx $2000-$3000 month tax-free “stipend” to help them rent suitable quarters. This is over and above their base pay.

I don’t have any “anger issues” over this, familyguy, but we ALL should be concerned. We’re all paying for this exorbitant allowance which encourages 18-23 year old military members to get married ASAP (to anybody) in order to avail themselves of this benefit. I believe the nearly quadrupling of the housing allowance in just 16 years is unjust enrichment to 1st term military members who have (1) not usually begun their higher educations, much less completed any; and (2) have not yet reenlisted at least once or committed to a career with the military. Similarly, their spouses tend to be HS graduates, GED holders and even HS dropouts. Many are still teenagers.

Has any Pigg who graduated from college and begun their first job been offered $2-$3K month by their employer for housing rental/mtg payment assistance?? What about it you had to “relocate” here to work from another state/county? Just wondering.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=familyguy][quote=bearishgurl]This “desire” of first time buyers could be compared to a newly-minted military wife of all of 18-22 years old waltzing into town and demanding a unit in Pacific Beach, Coronado or Pt Loma from the Navy Family Housing Office (yes, this happens every day). Never mind they grew up in a double-wide in Kentucky. They have decided they will NOT accept a unit unless it is located in one of those three areas. Hence, they end up taking the housing allowance and paying rent somewhere (likely NOT in one of their desired areas, lol) while they waitlist, often for years. When they can’t manage their rent and utility bills, they give up and move back “home,” wherever that is, to await the arrival of their deployed spouses and also usually their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th child.

It seems there may be a pervasive mentality among first-time RE buyers that it’s all or nothing … exactly what they desire now or no purchase at all. What’s wrong with a “good enough for the next 5-10 yrs” property? How about a sweat-equity fixer in a GREAT location?? How ELSE are you going to buy in that GREAT location??
[/quote]

God forbid a new young wife wants to stay in a desirable housing area. WOW…BG sounds like you have some real anger issues. Since you know this happens “every day” I am assuming you may work in the Navy Housing office? Given how bitter you are, maybe it’s time to find new employment.

Regarding buying a house thats “good enough” thats a whole other discussion.[/quote]

I’ve never worked for Navy Family Housing, familyguy, but know someone who does. In addition, I was a longtime Navy Relief Society volunteer and owned housing unit(s) very close to NAVSTA 32nd St which I rented for years to enlisted families who were often waitlisting for military quarters. Except for Strand (Coronado) and Gateway (Loma Portal) multifamily complexes, the most desirable military housing unit locations are doled out by rank. Many of these new, very young Navy spouses have unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits they are qualified for thru their (vast-majority junior enlisted) sponsors. Granted, the generous active-duty family housing allowance for San Diego has nearly quadrupled since 1995 for ALL ranks.

I understand the risks the military sponsor takes with their deployments but in what other job in the country can a 20-21 year old sponsor with only a high school education or GED support a spouse and child(ren) comfortably, receive free spacious quarters with free utilities (even in high cost areas), free medical care, hospitalization and pharmacy for the entire family, get paid premiums on a $300K or more term life insurance, have 30 days leave per yr (plus stand-down time) and receive educational funds-matching at this initial “station” in life??

If they don’t choose the “free housing,” an enlisted member receives an approx $2000-$3000 month tax-free “stipend” to help them rent suitable quarters. This is over and above their base pay.

I don’t have any “anger issues” over this, familyguy, but we ALL should be concerned. We’re all paying for this exorbitant allowance which encourages 18-23 year old military members to get married ASAP (to anybody) in order to avail themselves of this benefit. I believe the nearly quadrupling of the housing allowance in just 16 years is unjust enrichment to 1st term military members who have (1) not usually begun their higher educations, much less completed any; and (2) have not yet reenlisted at least once or committed to a career with the military. Similarly, their spouses tend to be HS graduates, GED holders and even HS dropouts. Many are still teenagers.

Has any Pigg who graduated from college and begun their first job been offered $2-$3K month by their employer for housing rental/mtg payment assistance?? What about it you had to “relocate” here to work from another state/county? Just wondering.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=familyguy][quote=bearishgurl]This “desire” of first time buyers could be compared to a newly-minted military wife of all of 18-22 years old waltzing into town and demanding a unit in Pacific Beach, Coronado or Pt Loma from the Navy Family Housing Office (yes, this happens every day). Never mind they grew up in a double-wide in Kentucky. They have decided they will NOT accept a unit unless it is located in one of those three areas. Hence, they end up taking the housing allowance and paying rent somewhere (likely NOT in one of their desired areas, lol) while they waitlist, often for years. When they can’t manage their rent and utility bills, they give up and move back “home,” wherever that is, to await the arrival of their deployed spouses and also usually their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th child.

It seems there may be a pervasive mentality among first-time RE buyers that it’s all or nothing … exactly what they desire now or no purchase at all. What’s wrong with a “good enough for the next 5-10 yrs” property? How about a sweat-equity fixer in a GREAT location?? How ELSE are you going to buy in that GREAT location??
[/quote]

God forbid a new young wife wants to stay in a desirable housing area. WOW…BG sounds like you have some real anger issues. Since you know this happens “every day” I am assuming you may work in the Navy Housing office? Given how bitter you are, maybe it’s time to find new employment.

Regarding buying a house thats “good enough” thats a whole other discussion.[/quote]

I’ve never worked for Navy Family Housing, familyguy, but know someone who does. In addition, I was a longtime Navy Relief Society volunteer and owned housing unit(s) very close to NAVSTA 32nd St which I rented for years to enlisted families who were often waitlisting for military quarters. Except for Strand (Coronado) and Gateway (Loma Portal) multifamily complexes, the most desirable military housing unit locations are doled out by rank. Many of these new, very young Navy spouses have unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits they are qualified for thru their (vast-majority junior enlisted) sponsors. Granted, the generous active-duty family housing allowance for San Diego has nearly quadrupled since 1995 for ALL ranks.

I understand the risks the military sponsor takes with their deployments but in what other job in the country can a 20-21 year old sponsor with only a high school education or GED support a spouse and child(ren) comfortably, receive free spacious quarters with free utilities (even in high cost areas), free medical care, hospitalization and pharmacy for the entire family, get paid premiums on a $300K or more term life insurance, have 30 days leave per yr (plus stand-down time) and receive educational funds-matching at this initial “station” in life??

If they don’t choose the “free housing,” an enlisted member receives an approx $2000-$3000 month tax-free “stipend” to help them rent suitable quarters. This is over and above their base pay.

I don’t have any “anger issues” over this, familyguy, but we ALL should be concerned. We’re all paying for this exorbitant allowance which encourages 18-23 year old military members to get married ASAP (to anybody) in order to avail themselves of this benefit. I believe the nearly quadrupling of the housing allowance in just 16 years is unjust enrichment to 1st term military members who have (1) not usually begun their higher educations, much less completed any; and (2) have not yet reenlisted at least once or committed to a career with the military. Similarly, their spouses tend to be HS graduates, GED holders and even HS dropouts. Many are still teenagers.

Has any Pigg who graduated from college and begun their first job been offered $2-$3K month by their employer for housing rental/mtg payment assistance?? What about it you had to “relocate” here to work from another state/county? Just wondering.

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