[Scarlett]

Thanks SDR, that was very informative. Your explanations make a lot of sense – the time of the year, the short sales and the unmotivated sellers. I think, looking at another well established community numbers – UC (92122)- that where there are a significant number of retirees that bought LONG time ago, the majority will not be very motivated, or willing to lower their prices. Hence, the increase in time on the market.

We plan to first see some open houses there, see if we are ok with the neighborhood and with old houses (haven’t been in many old houses), then we will ask our agent to do some legwork.

[Scarlett]

[quote=SD Realtor]A market time of 164 days speaks volumes. As Russ said lob a 350k offer and be prepared to put cash into the home assuming you can get it financed.
(…)the TIME from Scripps or PQ to La Jolla may not appreciably differ because those commutes suck as well. I am very familar with them.[/quote]

SD R, about the time on the market – I’d agree with you… But…I have looked on SDLookup at a dozen or so properties in San Carlos (92119) and MANY have been on the market for MANY months. Why is this so common in San Carlos? Not all of them seem to be looking too bad – at least on paper.

E.g. I am taking some that were somewhat interesting for us at a quick glance
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100005777-7347_Golfcrest_Dr_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100041547-6396_Lake_Alturas_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100047943-7772_Cedar_Lake_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100056994-6275_Lake_Apopka_Pl_San_Diego_CA_92119

These are bit more than I want to pay, but they are in the ball park, annd being so long on the market, a lowball offer may stick.

These are jusrt a few examples.

If owners bought long time ago, they may not need to lower their prices. Still it seems to me odd that those would be staying so long on the market. Are they way too overpriced? Is it something wrong with them? Why are they sitting? Anybody knows?

[Scarlett]

[quote=SD Realtor]A market time of 164 days speaks volumes. As Russ said lob a 350k offer and be prepared to put cash into the home assuming you can get it financed.
(…)the TIME from Scripps or PQ to La Jolla may not appreciably differ because those commutes suck as well. I am very familar with them.[/quote]

SD R, about the time on the market – I’d agree with you… But…I have looked on SDLookup at a dozen or so properties in San Carlos (92119) and MANY have been on the market for MANY months. Why is this so common in San Carlos? Not all of them seem to be looking too bad – at least on paper.

E.g. I am taking some that were somewhat interesting for us at a quick glance
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100005777-7347_Golfcrest_Dr_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100041547-6396_Lake_Alturas_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100047943-7772_Cedar_Lake_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100056994-6275_Lake_Apopka_Pl_San_Diego_CA_92119

These are bit more than I want to pay, but they are in the ball park, annd being so long on the market, a lowball offer may stick.

These are jusrt a few examples.

If owners bought long time ago, they may not need to lower their prices. Still it seems to me odd that those would be staying so long on the market. Are they way too overpriced? Is it something wrong with them? Why are they sitting? Anybody knows?

[Scarlett]

[quote=SD Realtor]A market time of 164 days speaks volumes. As Russ said lob a 350k offer and be prepared to put cash into the home assuming you can get it financed.
(…)the TIME from Scripps or PQ to La Jolla may not appreciably differ because those commutes suck as well. I am very familar with them.[/quote]

SD R, about the time on the market – I’d agree with you… But…I have looked on SDLookup at a dozen or so properties in San Carlos (92119) and MANY have been on the market for MANY months. Why is this so common in San Carlos? Not all of them seem to be looking too bad – at least on paper.

E.g. I am taking some that were somewhat interesting for us at a quick glance
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100005777-7347_Golfcrest_Dr_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100041547-6396_Lake_Alturas_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100047943-7772_Cedar_Lake_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100056994-6275_Lake_Apopka_Pl_San_Diego_CA_92119

These are bit more than I want to pay, but they are in the ball park, annd being so long on the market, a lowball offer may stick.

These are jusrt a few examples.

If owners bought long time ago, they may not need to lower their prices. Still it seems to me odd that those would be staying so long on the market. Are they way too overpriced? Is it something wrong with them? Why are they sitting? Anybody knows?

[Scarlett]

[quote=SD Realtor]A market time of 164 days speaks volumes. As Russ said lob a 350k offer and be prepared to put cash into the home assuming you can get it financed.
(…)the TIME from Scripps or PQ to La Jolla may not appreciably differ because those commutes suck as well. I am very familar with them.[/quote]

SD R, about the time on the market – I’d agree with you… But…I have looked on SDLookup at a dozen or so properties in San Carlos (92119) and MANY have been on the market for MANY months. Why is this so common in San Carlos? Not all of them seem to be looking too bad – at least on paper.

E.g. I am taking some that were somewhat interesting for us at a quick glance
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100005777-7347_Golfcrest_Dr_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100041547-6396_Lake_Alturas_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100047943-7772_Cedar_Lake_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100056994-6275_Lake_Apopka_Pl_San_Diego_CA_92119

These are bit more than I want to pay, but they are in the ball park, annd being so long on the market, a lowball offer may stick.

These are jusrt a few examples.

If owners bought long time ago, they may not need to lower their prices. Still it seems to me odd that those would be staying so long on the market. Are they way too overpriced? Is it something wrong with them? Why are they sitting? Anybody knows?

[Scarlett]

[quote=SD Realtor]A market time of 164 days speaks volumes. As Russ said lob a 350k offer and be prepared to put cash into the home assuming you can get it financed.
(…)the TIME from Scripps or PQ to La Jolla may not appreciably differ because those commutes suck as well. I am very familar with them.[/quote]

SD R, about the time on the market – I’d agree with you… But…I have looked on SDLookup at a dozen or so properties in San Carlos (92119) and MANY have been on the market for MANY months. Why is this so common in San Carlos? Not all of them seem to be looking too bad – at least on paper.

E.g. I am taking some that were somewhat interesting for us at a quick glance
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100005777-7347_Golfcrest_Dr_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100041547-6396_Lake_Alturas_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100047943-7772_Cedar_Lake_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92119

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100056994-6275_Lake_Apopka_Pl_San_Diego_CA_92119

These are bit more than I want to pay, but they are in the ball park, annd being so long on the market, a lowball offer may stick.

These are jusrt a few examples.

If owners bought long time ago, they may not need to lower their prices. Still it seems to me odd that those would be staying so long on the market. Are they way too overpriced? Is it something wrong with them? Why are they sitting? Anybody knows?

[Scarlett]

We are planning for both work F/T in our current work places, but if sh!t happens and one loses job it would be nice to be able to afford the house on one salary for a long time, even if barely. Besides we could use the leftover cash to put in the retirement and college accounts. Schools are comparable to UC ones no question, I already checked their APIs. UC scores have slipped recently though, which is worrying – if I recall UCGal was thinking of choicing into Mira Mesa schools. The scores are ok I think.

EDIT: Where are the demarcations between Allied Gardens, Princess Cerro, Old Del Cerro?

[Scarlett]

We are planning for both work F/T in our current work places, but if sh!t happens and one loses job it would be nice to be able to afford the house on one salary for a long time, even if barely. Besides we could use the leftover cash to put in the retirement and college accounts. Schools are comparable to UC ones no question, I already checked their APIs. UC scores have slipped recently though, which is worrying – if I recall UCGal was thinking of choicing into Mira Mesa schools. The scores are ok I think.

EDIT: Where are the demarcations between Allied Gardens, Princess Cerro, Old Del Cerro?

[Scarlett]

We are planning for both work F/T in our current work places, but if sh!t happens and one loses job it would be nice to be able to afford the house on one salary for a long time, even if barely. Besides we could use the leftover cash to put in the retirement and college accounts. Schools are comparable to UC ones no question, I already checked their APIs. UC scores have slipped recently though, which is worrying – if I recall UCGal was thinking of choicing into Mira Mesa schools. The scores are ok I think.

EDIT: Where are the demarcations between Allied Gardens, Princess Cerro, Old Del Cerro?

[Scarlett]

We are planning for both work F/T in our current work places, but if sh!t happens and one loses job it would be nice to be able to afford the house on one salary for a long time, even if barely. Besides we could use the leftover cash to put in the retirement and college accounts. Schools are comparable to UC ones no question, I already checked their APIs. UC scores have slipped recently though, which is worrying – if I recall UCGal was thinking of choicing into Mira Mesa schools. The scores are ok I think.

EDIT: Where are the demarcations between Allied Gardens, Princess Cerro, Old Del Cerro?

[Scarlett]

We are planning for both work F/T in our current work places, but if sh!t happens and one loses job it would be nice to be able to afford the house on one salary for a long time, even if barely. Besides we could use the leftover cash to put in the retirement and college accounts. Schools are comparable to UC ones no question, I already checked their APIs. UC scores have slipped recently though, which is worrying – if I recall UCGal was thinking of choicing into Mira Mesa schools. The scores are ok I think.

EDIT: Where are the demarcations between Allied Gardens, Princess Cerro, Old Del Cerro?

[Scarlett]

[quote=sdrealtor][quote=bearishgurl][quote=Scarlett][quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]I would have gone for something more like this before considering a project like that. The $/sq ft is lower and there is no comparison between the houses.

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100045560-6254_Oakridge_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92120

Bigger, great view, quiet culdesac, new windows, new stucco, new roof, new heater, new garage door, new hardscape, new bamboo floors, new a/c, new fences, new landscaping, large bedrooms and Photovoltaic solar so you have ZERO electric bill.[/quote]

That IS a nice find, sdr, AND a better house, except that it’s already taken. It appears to have sold for $499K, the seller’s purported asking price. I maintain that Scarlett can eventually find a property in UC for $499K, so WHY BOTHER to shop to San Carlos in the SAME price range?? SC would only be worth it for these buyers if a similar suitable property could be found there for =>$125K LESS in purchase price than one in UC, IMO.[/quote]

That kind of house and size I would like and it will suit us so much better than the ones I’ve seen in UC so far for 500K. We are buying to enjoy living in there comfortably with kids and parents not as investment/rental, not simply to get the lowest price for a 4 bdr in a zip.[/quote]

Except for it is SOLD, Scarlett, and you just stated you don’t want to consider San Carlos. I don’t think you can get all those bells and whistles in UC for $499K.

[quote=Scarlett]San Carlos is about 20 miles from work, and Google puts the drive time just around 30′. That is at non-rush hour. 52 backs up horribly at rush hour, I have experience with that. So it’s double that.

Another minus – it’s probably much hotter than UC and PQ.[/quote]

I beg to differ on your last assumption here. San Carlos is hotter than UC but NOT hotter than PQ.

Why don’t you look at the current listings in San Carlos and just give one or both of the commutes (that SDR suggested) from there a try some morning . . . just for sh!ts and giggles. Start out at either Green, Gage or Dailard Elem School.

Most of the SFR listings around Cowles Mtn may be out of your price range, though.

This area is worth looking into for you, IMO. You may be able to find a decent home far below $500K there in the coming months.[/quote]

I know its sold. Wanna guess who sold it? The buyer also got a $10,000 credit at closing. It was a great house with a stunning view and you wont find something like that in UC anywhere close to that price. Seller paid $669K and put about $100K into quality infrastructure upgrades on it before deciding they needed to get out.[/quote]

True, true. I will look into San Carlos too, the commute isn’t as bad as I thought. Especially with various options for the commute – 52, 8,etc. My only concern would be schools somewhat – seem ok right now, not great but ok/decent (middle school is a 7, high school API is below 800), don’t know how the middle and high will be in the future. Didn’t hear about how great the schools are there, though I heard plenty about Scripps Ranch, Penasquitos. It’s probably good bang for the buck.

[Scarlett]

[quote=sdrealtor][quote=bearishgurl][quote=Scarlett][quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]I would have gone for something more like this before considering a project like that. The $/sq ft is lower and there is no comparison between the houses.

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100045560-6254_Oakridge_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92120

Bigger, great view, quiet culdesac, new windows, new stucco, new roof, new heater, new garage door, new hardscape, new bamboo floors, new a/c, new fences, new landscaping, large bedrooms and Photovoltaic solar so you have ZERO electric bill.[/quote]

That IS a nice find, sdr, AND a better house, except that it’s already taken. It appears to have sold for $499K, the seller’s purported asking price. I maintain that Scarlett can eventually find a property in UC for $499K, so WHY BOTHER to shop to San Carlos in the SAME price range?? SC would only be worth it for these buyers if a similar suitable property could be found there for =>$125K LESS in purchase price than one in UC, IMO.[/quote]

That kind of house and size I would like and it will suit us so much better than the ones I’ve seen in UC so far for 500K. We are buying to enjoy living in there comfortably with kids and parents not as investment/rental, not simply to get the lowest price for a 4 bdr in a zip.[/quote]

Except for it is SOLD, Scarlett, and you just stated you don’t want to consider San Carlos. I don’t think you can get all those bells and whistles in UC for $499K.

[quote=Scarlett]San Carlos is about 20 miles from work, and Google puts the drive time just around 30′. That is at non-rush hour. 52 backs up horribly at rush hour, I have experience with that. So it’s double that.

Another minus – it’s probably much hotter than UC and PQ.[/quote]

I beg to differ on your last assumption here. San Carlos is hotter than UC but NOT hotter than PQ.

Why don’t you look at the current listings in San Carlos and just give one or both of the commutes (that SDR suggested) from there a try some morning . . . just for sh!ts and giggles. Start out at either Green, Gage or Dailard Elem School.

Most of the SFR listings around Cowles Mtn may be out of your price range, though.

This area is worth looking into for you, IMO. You may be able to find a decent home far below $500K there in the coming months.[/quote]

I know its sold. Wanna guess who sold it? The buyer also got a $10,000 credit at closing. It was a great house with a stunning view and you wont find something like that in UC anywhere close to that price. Seller paid $669K and put about $100K into quality infrastructure upgrades on it before deciding they needed to get out.[/quote]

True, true. I will look into San Carlos too, the commute isn’t as bad as I thought. Especially with various options for the commute – 52, 8,etc. My only concern would be schools somewhat – seem ok right now, not great but ok/decent (middle school is a 7, high school API is below 800), don’t know how the middle and high will be in the future. Didn’t hear about how great the schools are there, though I heard plenty about Scripps Ranch, Penasquitos. It’s probably good bang for the buck.

[Scarlett]

[quote=sdrealtor][quote=bearishgurl][quote=Scarlett][quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]I would have gone for something more like this before considering a project like that. The $/sq ft is lower and there is no comparison between the houses.

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100045560-6254_Oakridge_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92120

Bigger, great view, quiet culdesac, new windows, new stucco, new roof, new heater, new garage door, new hardscape, new bamboo floors, new a/c, new fences, new landscaping, large bedrooms and Photovoltaic solar so you have ZERO electric bill.[/quote]

That IS a nice find, sdr, AND a better house, except that it’s already taken. It appears to have sold for $499K, the seller’s purported asking price. I maintain that Scarlett can eventually find a property in UC for $499K, so WHY BOTHER to shop to San Carlos in the SAME price range?? SC would only be worth it for these buyers if a similar suitable property could be found there for =>$125K LESS in purchase price than one in UC, IMO.[/quote]

That kind of house and size I would like and it will suit us so much better than the ones I’ve seen in UC so far for 500K. We are buying to enjoy living in there comfortably with kids and parents not as investment/rental, not simply to get the lowest price for a 4 bdr in a zip.[/quote]

Except for it is SOLD, Scarlett, and you just stated you don’t want to consider San Carlos. I don’t think you can get all those bells and whistles in UC for $499K.

[quote=Scarlett]San Carlos is about 20 miles from work, and Google puts the drive time just around 30′. That is at non-rush hour. 52 backs up horribly at rush hour, I have experience with that. So it’s double that.

Another minus – it’s probably much hotter than UC and PQ.[/quote]

I beg to differ on your last assumption here. San Carlos is hotter than UC but NOT hotter than PQ.

Why don’t you look at the current listings in San Carlos and just give one or both of the commutes (that SDR suggested) from there a try some morning . . . just for sh!ts and giggles. Start out at either Green, Gage or Dailard Elem School.

Most of the SFR listings around Cowles Mtn may be out of your price range, though.

This area is worth looking into for you, IMO. You may be able to find a decent home far below $500K there in the coming months.[/quote]

I know its sold. Wanna guess who sold it? The buyer also got a $10,000 credit at closing. It was a great house with a stunning view and you wont find something like that in UC anywhere close to that price. Seller paid $669K and put about $100K into quality infrastructure upgrades on it before deciding they needed to get out.[/quote]

True, true. I will look into San Carlos too, the commute isn’t as bad as I thought. Especially with various options for the commute – 52, 8,etc. My only concern would be schools somewhat – seem ok right now, not great but ok/decent (middle school is a 7, high school API is below 800), don’t know how the middle and high will be in the future. Didn’t hear about how great the schools are there, though I heard plenty about Scripps Ranch, Penasquitos. It’s probably good bang for the buck.

[Scarlett]

[quote=sdrealtor][quote=bearishgurl][quote=Scarlett][quote=bearishgurl][quote=sdrealtor]I would have gone for something more like this before considering a project like that. The $/sq ft is lower and there is no comparison between the houses.

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100045560-6254_Oakridge_Rd_San_Diego_CA_92120

Bigger, great view, quiet culdesac, new windows, new stucco, new roof, new heater, new garage door, new hardscape, new bamboo floors, new a/c, new fences, new landscaping, large bedrooms and Photovoltaic solar so you have ZERO electric bill.[/quote]

That IS a nice find, sdr, AND a better house, except that it’s already taken. It appears to have sold for $499K, the seller’s purported asking price. I maintain that Scarlett can eventually find a property in UC for $499K, so WHY BOTHER to shop to San Carlos in the SAME price range?? SC would only be worth it for these buyers if a similar suitable property could be found there for =>$125K LESS in purchase price than one in UC, IMO.[/quote]

That kind of house and size I would like and it will suit us so much better than the ones I’ve seen in UC so far for 500K. We are buying to enjoy living in there comfortably with kids and parents not as investment/rental, not simply to get the lowest price for a 4 bdr in a zip.[/quote]

Except for it is SOLD, Scarlett, and you just stated you don’t want to consider San Carlos. I don’t think you can get all those bells and whistles in UC for $499K.

[quote=Scarlett]San Carlos is about 20 miles from work, and Google puts the drive time just around 30′. That is at non-rush hour. 52 backs up horribly at rush hour, I have experience with that. So it’s double that.

Another minus – it’s probably much hotter than UC and PQ.[/quote]

I beg to differ on your last assumption here. San Carlos is hotter than UC but NOT hotter than PQ.

Why don’t you look at the current listings in San Carlos and just give one or both of the commutes (that SDR suggested) from there a try some morning . . . just for sh!ts and giggles. Start out at either Green, Gage or Dailard Elem School.

Most of the SFR listings around Cowles Mtn may be out of your price range, though.

This area is worth looking into for you, IMO. You may be able to find a decent home far below $500K there in the coming months.[/quote]

I know its sold. Wanna guess who sold it? The buyer also got a $10,000 credit at closing. It was a great house with a stunning view and you wont find something like that in UC anywhere close to that price. Seller paid $669K and put about $100K into quality infrastructure upgrades on it before deciding they needed to get out.[/quote]

True, true. I will look into San Carlos too, the commute isn’t as bad as I thought. Especially with various options for the commute – 52, 8,etc. My only concern would be schools somewhat – seem ok right now, not great but ok/decent (middle school is a 7, high school API is below 800), don’t know how the middle and high will be in the future. Didn’t hear about how great the schools are there, though I heard plenty about Scripps Ranch, Penasquitos. It’s probably good bang for the buck.

[Author]

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