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flyer
ParticipantI understand how you feel with regard to your comments concerning the fate of your age group, AN. Many younger people I’ve talked to feel the same.
When we’re born, and how that effects the outcome of our lives is definitely one of those “wild cards” in life–since none of us consciously makes that choice.
As I mentioned before, sometimes it’s just a “being at the right place at the right time” sort of thing–and much of that is out of our control.
With the way things are in the world at this point in time, all you can do is exactly what you’re doing, and hope for the best, as well as enjoying all of the many blessings you do have.
ParticipantFor those who are still looking for a home, sdlookup.com, is a great resource to check homes for sale, and they list most of the specs.
From your comments, you might want to check out Rancho Santa Fe (92067), Carmel Valley (92130), Del Mar (92014), or just Google any other area of interest to get the zip code.
ParticipantA few other thoughts for you, AN, with regard to choosing your “dream home.”
Like you, our first consideration was space, space, and more space, but we still wanted to be close to family, the coast, and easily acessible to freeways, airports, shopping, restaurants, medical care, golf, tennis, etc.
My wife wanted a home in which she could raise the kids and entertain, as well as room to paint, write, and a space for her beloved grand piano. On top of that, our kids wanted horses, so, our “Nirvana” was clearly RSF–hands down. Bear in mind, housing prices at that time were still very “reasonable,” so it was “doable.”
My point is, whenever you make this decision, think about how you want to live your daily life in your “dream home,” and factor all of those elements into the equation. Like us, it may, in many ways, help you clarify your options.
ParticipantGood plan, AN.
We just happened to find our “dream home” in our early 30’s, and were in a position to act. We’ve now been in RSF for over 20 years, and have done a complete remodel and expansion–in essence, almost a complete “tear-down”–over that time period. Same story for many of our family and friends.
Just a mere 20+ years ago in San Diego, as some of the other “elders” on the board can verify, it was really pretty easy to find and buy your “dream home” here.
Going back a little further, other examples are family members who bought ocean view properties in Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma in the 70’s and ’80s for between $70K-$100K or less, that are now worth $3M+++, and all were passed on to their kids.
I could tell you story after story along those same lines, because that type of pricing was the “norm,” for upscale housing until San Diego became an employment hub, and then all bets were off. Much like Palo Alto, and other areas that grew exponetially due to business growth, San Diego has followed suit.
I’m not sure we’ll see the same astronomical property value growth those of us who are older saw in past decades in the near future, (I’m sure kids who want to live here hope that’s true) and, although I know you want to take your time, I’d still say, if you do find your “dream home,” sooner rather than later might prove wiser.
ParticipantI agree, finding just the right place may take some time, so it’s good you’re in no rush.
For example, I know that just about everyone in our large family plans to keep their homes in the family and pass them along to their kids, and we plan to do the same. Since we’ve enjoyed many wonderful years in our homes, we want our kids to have the same priviledge.
Relatively speaking, when you consider how little we all paid for our homes on large lots with great views, compared to what they are worth today, it just makes sense, and most of our friends are doing the same.
Since none of us know when we’re going to “croak,” I think many people in San Diego and other expensive cities may also be on board with this plan, and that may be one reason prime real estate is somewhat difficult, but not impossible, to find. It’s a kind of being at the right place at the right time sort of thing.
ParticipantHave a relative who built on Norman Lane in Del Cerro, but has since moved. As I remember, they had views to Mexico–neat area.
Other areas where we have family, and the lots are definitely larger are in Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma, as well as Mission Hills, to name a
few–also with great views.Over time, I’m sure you’ll be able to find exactly what you want.
ParticipantAlso wanted to add that San Diego has topped our list even after living many places in the world, and I think many people feel that way.
We even looked at Malibu a few years ago, since we have quite a few friends in the entertainment biz, and our kids have career positions in the industry, but, all things considered, we decided it was better to just visit them and stay here.
ParticipantSorry to hear of your very involved family issues, UCGal. It has to be a drain on all family members, and I hope it can be resolved soon.
It’s nice to hope your kids will be there for you when you need them, and we hope ours are, but, going forward, I think many young people are going to have a challenge taking care of themselves, let alone their parents or grandparents, so it’s still no guarantee. Even if they end up staying at home forever, the money still has to come from somewhere.
We’ve been extreme about saving for retirement, and I tell friends and family that you really want to have a seven-figure retirement plan, (and very careful estate planning) because, as the OP illustrates, health care costs alone will be astronomical. It’s just better to be safe than sorry.
ParticipantIt’s interesting to read the comments of those who waited out the “bubble period.”
Even as one who has owned in San Diego (20 years + in RSF) for a very long time, I can also honestly say, that, even with all of the new communities and other options that have become available here over the past 20 years or so, we have never seen anything we’d move for, so I know exactly how all of you feel about finding that one special place.
ParticipantNot surprised. . .CV is a very “hot” market!
ParticipantCongrats!
We’ve lived in RSF for over 20 years, and own several rentals in CV. There have been quite a few great deals in the area over the past few years–glad to hear you found one of them.
Enjoy!
ParticipantA friend found this article when checking out college info for his kids. Some of you might also find it interesting. . .
http://money.cnn.com/2012/09/27/pf/college/college-salary/index.html?iid=F_Jump
ParticipantIn the case of my children, we learned through the grapevine that the competition for their positions was so stiff that they didn’t even grant interviews to anyone who didn’t have an MBA from an Ivy (of course, this was never overtly mentioned)–and we knew that before they attended college–so we planned accordingly.
As long as your children achieve their dreams in life–whatever path they take–that’s what really matters.
ParticipantAs usual, you’re absolutely right, flu.
I guess I was just trying to make the point that it seems many believe that the “ultimate education” will immediately transport their children to their desired destination, but it’s really much more complicated than that–because, as you have mentioned before–the competitiion is fierce–especially in CA.
For example, two of my kids acquired executive positions in the entertainment industry, just out of college (definitely their “dream jobs.”)
The competition was incredible–Ivy MBA’s like them at every interview–but, some friends in the industry came through, and it made all the difference.
So, I’m really just saying, that, from my experience, whatever your kid’s dream job turns out to be, it just might take more than a diploma to get them there.
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