San Diego Real Estate Homes

If you’re thinking of selling your home, your mind may be swirling with questions about the process. While it may be tempting to try selling your home on your own, there are many reasons why you may want to consider working with a professional real estate agent. To gain insight, it’s helpful to understand what a real estate agent does and why you might want to hire one. You also may want to consider hiring a Realtor^®, which is a professional designation for real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR). NAR members subscribe to a strict code of ethics for real estate professionals.

Why You May Need a Real Estate Agent

Just as you’d likely hire a licensed professional to make repairs to your home, hiring a real estate agent can help give you peace of mind and confidence throughout the selling process. Below are 10 reasons why you may want to hire a real estate agent to sell your home.

1. Real estate agents can help price your home to sell.
Generally, as the seller, your primary goal is to sell your home as quickly as possible at the best price, so you can move on to your next place. However, a significant factor in making a quick sale is ensuring your house is appropriately priced for the market. As the homeowner, it’s easy to think you know what your home is worth, but there’s likely a bit of subjectivity that goes into your estimate. A real estate agent has a more fact-based process that involves pulling comparable recent home sales within a specified radius and reviewing your home against these to determine a fair asking price. If he or she is a professional with no emotional attachment to or biases against your home, your real estate agent can guide you in setting a competitive price that makes sense for the real estate market in your area.

2. They have home selling expertise.
Whether you’ve sold a home in the past or this is your first time, working with a real estate agent can help you gain home selling knowledge that only an expert can provide. That’s not to say tackling the process on your own is impossible. However, since a real estate transaction is likely one of the largest financial transactions you’ll ever make,¹ it makes sense to leave the ins and outs to a professional to help ensure all goes smoothly.

3. Real estate agents offer valuable professional service.
As a seller, you can expect to pay a commission to your real estate agent at the closing. That factor alone is the reason behind many “For Sale by Owner” situations. However, it’s worth noting that many real estate agents offer their sellers certain perks at no additional cost, such as a professional photographer to take beautiful photos of your home, a deep-cleaning session, staging advice and more. All of these extras can make a big difference when it comes to how quickly your home sells and may not cost you anything out of pocket.

4. Real estate agents recommend ways to sell your home faster.
One thing most sellers wrestle with is whether they should tackle certain home improvement projects before listing their home for sale. A real estate agent can offer advice that will help you make an educated decision before you invest in a big home project that may or may not pay off during the selling process.

5. Only real estate agents can get your home on the multiple listing service (MLS).
One of the biggest challenges of selling a home without a real estate agent is finding the best way to distribute your home listing to potential buyers. Advertising is a pay-for-play process, so selling your home on your own will require you to spend money up front in order to get your listing in front of as many eyes as possible. Working with a real estate agent provides your home access to the MLS, which is generally considered to be the primary system all real estate agents use to search for the most up-to-date home listings. MLS listings are what most buyers look at when searching for a home.

6. Real estate agents have important connections.
Another benefit of working with a real estate agent is his or her access to valuable connections in the industry. Whether it’s putting you in touch with pros who can help with home repairs or simply sharing your listing with other real estate agents in their office who may have interested clients, your real estate agent can offer resources that may be superior to tackling the process alone.

7. They market your home professionally.
Marketing your home doesn’t begin and end with the listing. There’s much more that goes into it. Real estate agents are constantly marketing your home via their own websites, social media, videos, flyers and through events like open houses or broker luncheons. That alone may be a great reason to work with a real estate agent to sell your home. Not only is marketing your home on your own time-consuming, but you may not necessarily have access to all of the tools that a real estate agent has at his or her disposal.

8. Real estate agents take the time, so you don’t have to.
Speaking of time, selling a home requires a significant time commitment that most people simply don’t have. If you have a job or a family, it will be challenging to manage the entire selling process, from marketing your listing to scheduling showings and handling negotiations. Working with a real estate agent takes all those responsibilities out of your hands and allows you to focus on other things like keeping your home show-ready and finding a new home to move into once your current home sells.

9. Real estate agents handle the negotiation process professionally.
One of the trickiest, yet most important, aspects of the selling process is handling negotiations with potential buyers. A good real estate agent will tackle negotiations professionally and work hard to sell your home for the maximum price so you don’t have to give up any additional sale proceeds aside from agent commissions. Real estate agents handle negotiations day in and day out, so you can feel confident in their ability to look out for your best interests.

10. Real estate agents can offer objective support.
Let’s face it: selling a home is an emotional process. Your house is more than just four walls and a roof; it’s the place you called home and where you created memories that are special to you. Hearing feedback from potential buyers could be a tough pill to swallow – whether it’s something about the house or yard they don’t like, or maybe they do like the house but offered a lower price – having a real estate agent with an objective mindset can help to keep your emotions and stress at bay.

Once you’re on your way to selling your current home, be sure to keep homeowners insurance in mind when purchasing your next home. Learn more about San Diego Real Estate homes for helping to keep your biggest investment safe and sound, and when you’re ready to get started, get a home insurance quote or contact your local independent agent.

Selling a home or investment property is a big decision. There are a lot of things to consider and questions to answer. A good real estate agent can really make a world of difference.

But how do you know which one is the right one?

There are so many options to choose from, which can make it seem a bit overwhelming! From the big, well-known agencies to the smaller, local specialists – here are some tips to help you find the best agent for selling your property:

Finding the right Real Estate Agent for you

1. Ask around: the opinions and experiences of people who have “been-there-done-that” are incredibly valuable. If anyone you know has recently bought or sold the property, ask them who they dealt with and how it went for them. Ask friends and family- the more information you have the better decision you can make.

2. Check online: just like most subjects, the internet is the place to go for any information about particular agents or agencies, whether good or bad.

A legitimate agency will have an official website with testimonials from previous clients. Most will also have Facebook pages that contain reviews and recommendations. Individual agents, especially from larger companies, will often have their own social media pages so you can see feedback related directly to them.

You can be fairly sure that if anyone has had a bad experience with a real estate agent – it will most certainly be on the Internet!

3. Pay attention to professionalism: if you have found great feedback about an agent online or someone has recommended them to you personally, you have a good base to work from. But, you should also consider the little things.

• Are they professional and polite?
• Do they respond to calls and emails promptly?
• Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you?

Some of the “best” agents are the ones with the busiest portfolios, so they are also the ones who forget to reply to your queries, miss appointments, or maybe can’t remember who you are when you call. Finding someone who clearly has respect for you and wants to offer you great service is important.

4. Consider your target buyers: what kind of agent does your property require? Selling family homes, investment properties, or “fixer-upper” properties all have very different target markets and you will want an agent with proven success in the area you need.

5. Check commission and other hidden fees: ah yes – the big question! How much money are they going to be taking off of your selling price? And what other hidden fees might pop up? These will most likely include marketing and admin fees, but you might find others. Ask about this upfront so there are no surprises further down the line.

6. Ask Questions and research: like we said, this is a big decision and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure you are getting the best person for the job. Ask prospective agents for sales histories, their strategies for getting you the best deal, and what they believe sets them apart from the rest.

It is also a good idea to get familiar with the Real Estate Authority (REA) Code of Conduct so you know what your rights are.

Choosing the right real estate agent can be the difference between selling your home for what it is worth and not getting the sale or the price you are after. So do your homework first!

Looking to buy a new site?

If you’re buying a new property don’t forget to do your due diligence in full! This should include reviewing the building consents and resource consents on the property- make sure you know what’s been legally established and what resource consent conditions you need to meet. Don’t forget that part of the service we provide is due diligence; contact us if you have any questions.

Hiring a professional real estate agent when buying or selling a home can help you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

But not just any agent will fit the bill. Here’s how to choose the right real estate agent for you.

Real estate agent basics

Before you start looking, it’s helpful to know what to expect from an agent and some of the terminologies you’ll encounter.

What does a real estate agent do?

Real estate agents help people buy and sell homes. Agents educate their clients about current market conditions, guide them through each step of the process and make referrals to other professionals, such as home inspectors and real estate attorneys. Their particular titles depend on who they’re representing in a real estate transaction.

• A buyer’s agent helps buyers find and shop listed homes, make competitive offers and negotiate with sellers.
• A listing agent helps sellers price, list and market their homes, and negotiate with buyers.

In some cases, an agent can represent both sides in a single transaction, but it’s best to have someone who’s solely in your corner.

Realtor vs. real estate agent

Not every real estate agent is a Realtor. Realtors have licensed agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors. Members pledge to abide by the association’s standards and code of ethics.

All real estate agents must be licensed in the states where they work and abide by national and state laws. Licensure requires agents to complete a certain amount of coursework and pass an exam. Check with your state’s real estate commission website to find out if a particular agent is licensed.

» MORE: Tips for first-time homebuyers

Difference between a real estate agent and a broker

A real estate broker has gone a step beyond the agent level with additional training to get a real estate broker license. Like agents, brokers must complete state-required coursework and pass an exam to get licensed. A broker can oversee other real estate agents, work under a managing broker or operate independently.

How to find and interview real estate agents

Ask friends and colleagues for referrals to find several prospective agents. Look up the agents’ websites and online profiles, read about their specialties and experience, and check out customer reviews.

Choose at least three agents to interview and dig into specifics about how they would work with you.

What buyers and sellers should ask real estate agents

Here are the key things to find out, whether you’re buying or selling a home.

Will the agent represent my interests?

You might assume any real estate agent you choose will represent only your interests. But in some cases, real estate agents aren’t legally required to represent solely the buyer or the seller in a transaction. For example, a “dual agent” represents both the buyer and the seller in the same deal, and a “transactional agent” works with both sides, but has no fiduciary responsibility to either.

Understanding the nature of the agent’s role when working with you is critical. Ask prospective agents if they will represent only your interests through the entire process, and request a written form that discloses the relationship, advises the Consumer Federation of America.

What experience and training does the agent have?

How long has the agent been working with clients, and what training or recognition does the agent have? Look for an agent with a good track record of serving clients like you.

Will the agent or assistants work with me?

Agents sometimes have assistants working for them on a team. Will you work more with the agent or with the assistants? An efficient team can serve your needs well, but make sure you’ll have enough direct access to the agent.

How much will the agent be paid?

Usually, the seller pays the real estate commission, which the listing agent splits with the buyer’s agent. A typical real estate commission is 5% to 6% of the sales price.

As the seller, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate, particularly for a high-priced property, according to the Consumer Federation of America. As the buyer, you can ask for a rebate of a portion of the buyer agent’s commission.

Agents may not be willing to budge on the commission, but it’s worth asking.

» MORE: How much does it cost to sell a house?

Were recent clients satisfied?

Request references and talk to clients who worked with the agent in the last year. Were they satisfied with the agent’s work? What went smoothly, and what didn’t go well? How did the agent deal with challenges? Conversations with recent clients will give clues as to whether the agent is a good fit for you.

Finding a real estate agent: Tips for buyers

Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you buy a home.

• What challenges will I face as a buyer in today’s market? A good agent will set realistic expectations by explaining the availability of listed homes and the level of competition you’ll face with other buyers.
• How will you help me find listed homes in my price range? Ask for examples of how the agent has recently helped other buyers similar to you. This will give a sense of how well the agent will serve your needs.
• How will you help me make competitive offers and negotiate with sellers? Look for an agent who will help you stay grounded within your budget and goals.

» MORE: How to find a buyer’s agent

Finding a real estate agent: Tips for sellers

Here are some things to think about when choosing an agent to help you sell a home.

• What are the comparable listings in my area? An agent should provide a comparative market analysis, showing homes similar to yours that were sold in the last six months.
• What do you think my home is worth and why? An agent who recommends the highest price isn’t always the best choice. Choose an agent who backs up the recommendation with market knowledge.
• What should I do to improve my home? You may need to fix things up to sell your home, depending on the local real estate market. Listen for solid reasoning about what your home needs and the return on investment for making those improvements.
• How will you market my home? Agents will likely suggest putting your home on the Multiple Listing Service and real estate websites, such as Zillow. Get details about other promotional tools the agent will use, such as photos, video tours and advertising. The level of marketing required to sell a home depends on the market. Less marketing may be required when there are more buyers than homes for sale.

» MORE: How to find a listing agent

How to choose a real estate agent

Compare agents’ experience and approaches, as well as their ability to establish rapport. Is this someone you’ll feel comfortable working with? Choose a competent agent with a working style that clicks with yours.

Investing in real estate properties can grant you several opportunities to build your equity over time. However, that is not the only reason why so many people consider these investments a wise choice. 

Despite the rising prices of mortgages and housing, the real estate market continues to experience a steady rise. According to investment analysis, the Philippines is expected to see a favorable growth of 7.8% within 2021.

The demand for real estate properties has also significantly increased beyond the supply in the current market, which makes it the perfect time to start your investments. However, before you even begin to take part, you must first understand the types of real estate investment available. 

Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. These different property types can benefit various kinds of investors depending on their needs and goals. 

1. Residential real estate

Residential real estate refers to any property used for housing. These include family homes, cooperatives, duplexes, and condos where the investor or a party renting the property lives in. This type is ideal if you are looking to start building your dream home or begin a family. 

Properties such as condos continue to remain in high demand due to their primary location. These properties are popular because of their convenience and access to nearby essential services such as malls, hospitals, and stores. 

Residential real estate is a good investment because of the returns you can get. For example, a real estate company in the Philippines typically has a pre-selling period when you can buy properties at a lower price. Investors take this opportunity to purchase and sell them later on when their value in the market increases. 

2. Commercial real estate

Commercial real estate refers to any property where the main purpose is to host business operations and services. These properties typically include apartment complexes, stores, gas stations, hotels, hospitals, parking facilities, etc. 

Investors in this category are typically business owners who want to establish their brand in a particular location or create a working space for their employees. While sales and transactions do play an important role in creating cash flow, most of its returns come from the rental profit of the property. 

3. Industrial real estate

Industrial real estate refers to all lands, buildings, and other properties that accommodate industrial-sized activities. These activities include production, assembly, warehousing, manufacturing, research, and distribution of goods and products. 

Zoning laws will typically specify which areas in a city these real estate properties can be designated so they won’t disrupt residential and other nearby places during its operations. The return on this investment is influenced by multiple factors, including the type of property you choose.

4. Raw land

Raw land typically refers to undeveloped or agricultural land such as farms, ranches, and timberlands. Many investors look at these properties as a good investment because they are tangible and finite resources. Additionally, these properties save you from the trouble of running renovations and worrying over stolen or damaged goods. 

Compared to buying a residential property or warehouse, raw land can be a significantly cheaper investment that requires no property insurance. However, a major downside to this is that it cannot generate income on its own. 

5. REITs

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) manages or owns commercial properties that produce an income. Investments with these companies can be made through an exchange-traded fund or a mutual fund. 

REITs are one of the assets that perform exceptionally in the real estate market, meaning better returns for your investment. There are also different types of REITs to choose from to better leverage your portfolio, such as retail, office, healthcare, residential, and mortgage. 

Investing for the future

As the world population continues to grow, the demand for housing and other real estate properties continues to rise. This makes it ideal to begin your real estate investments as early as possible to get the best deals for your preferred properties. They can help grow your income, benefitting you financially.

While several real estate properties are available in the market, residential continues to be one of the most popular choices. This is because many prime spots in the Philippines have established residential properties, such as condos, for convenient living. Email invest@federalland.ph today to find the best properties located in these key areas. 

When it comes to making a house feel like a home there’s more than meets the eye. Pulling a room together and transforming the features to make it functional and stylish yet homely is not often an easy task.

From working out what paint works best in different rooms and lighting options to where to place furniture – there are so many elements to consider. That’s where an  interior designer’s help and expertise becomes invaluable.

Whether you’re renovating an entire house, sprucing up the kitchen or adding a splash of colour to freshen up a living room – these helpful DIY and decorating pointers are not to be missed. Leading interior designer Vanessa Arbuthnott shares her designer tips and secrets to gain insider knowledge for transforming homes like a professional.

12 of the best interior design tips

1. Find the Right Real Estate Agent

If you want to sell your home fast, then the first step is to hire a real estate agent. The ideal person will know the local market and have a sales record that proves they know how to sell.

Keep in mind that a real estate agent will help with the entire process, from hiring a professional photographer who will take top-notch photos of your home to negotiating for the best price. They also will write up a real estate listing that sells, schedule and host showings, and market your property to get it seen.

2. Price It to Sell

One of the most effective ways to sell your home fast is to price it competitively. If you price it too high, then your home will spend more time on the market. Also, if your home is overpriced, then you may end up selling it for less eventually—it will just take a lot longer.

Your real estate agent (or Realtor) will research comparable homes (aka “comps”) in your area to set a realistic price. If you really need to sell fast, then consider pricing your home a little lower to attract interest (and maybe even spark a bidding war). If you haven’t received any offers by a certain date, knock the price down.

It’s also helpful to think about the price points that buyers search for in your area. If you list your home for $302,000, for example, then you’ll miss all the potential buyers who are looking for homes under $300,000. It’s probably not worth asking for the extra $2,000 if it means fewer buyers will see the home.

3. Clean, Declutter, and Depersonalize

Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the space, but they won’t be able to if your house is a mess. Give your home a thorough cleaning from top to bottom, get rid of clutter, and hide the family photos and other personal items.

While you’re at it, rearrange the furniture so your home looks inviting and so buyers can move through your home without bumping into anything. If necessary, put bulky items in storage. A crowded room looks like a small room.

Consider hiring a stager to help you showcase your home’s best assets, impress potential buyers, and sell it quickly for the best possible price. Staging isn’t cheap, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that, on average, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than non-staged homes.¹

4. Boost Your Curb Appeal

If you want to sell quickly, then it’s essential to make a good first impression. And the first thing a buyer sees is a home’s exterior and how it fits into the surrounding neighborhood. To boost your home’s curb appeal:

• Paint the front door
• Plant flowers
• Sweep away any spiderwebs and debris from windows, eaves, and porches
• Wash the windows
• Fix broken light fixtures and mailboxes
• Make sure the trees, shrubs, and lawn are nicely manicured

Keep in mind that a tidy exterior not only looks nice but also signals to potential buyers that you’ve taken good care of the place.

5. Take Care of Quick Repairs

You won’t have time for any major renovations, so focus on quick repairs to address things that could deter potential buyers. Survey the house and take care of the easy fixes:

• Fix loose tiles
• Tighten leaky faucets
• Touch up paint
• Tighten door knobs and handles
• Remove carpet stains

Depending on how much time and money you want to spend getting the home ready, you might also want to update fixtures, buy new appliances, install new hardware on the cabinets, and give the interior a fresh coat of (neutral) paint.

6. Sweeten the Deal

Another way to make the home and deal more attractive is to offer something to sweeten the pot. You could offer, for example, to pay some or all of the closing costs. Buyers are looking for a deal, particularly in a down market, so do your best to make them feel that they get one.

Another tip is to offer a transferable home warranty, which provides discounted repair and replacement services for household appliances and systems. A potential buyer may feel more at ease knowing that the home is protected, which could make your home more attractive than a competing home.

The Bottom Line

Selling a home can be stressful—even more so if you’re on a tight deadline. Fortunately, whether you need to sell fast because of a new job, a life event (e.g., a divorce), or financial reasons, there are ways to speed up the process.

If you don’t have a big budget to get your home sell-ready, then focus on that first impression. Buyers can make a decision within seconds—a few from the curb, and a few when they step inside the front door. Make those seconds count with a tidy yard, a sparkling home, and if you can swing it, a fresh coat of paint.

The road to San Diego has become more traveled since the pandemic began. It is one of the hottest real estate markets in the nation and offers future residents an unrivaled outdoor lifestyle. The list to describe San Diego’s allure is long, and it’s no secret why it is considered one of the best cities in Southern California. 

San Diego stands out from other cities in California precisely because of its climate and unique neighborhoods that surround the enormous Balboa Park. Yet, it also shares in the beauty of modern architecture and vibrant home styles seen throughout the city. So, once you’ve decided to move to San Diego and have everything set to purchase your first home, the fun begins in choosing the perfect style for you. 

Below we compiled a list of the most popular home styles in San Diego to help buyers kick off their search.

Home styles in San Diego

• Victorian
• Spanish Revival
• Craftsman Bungalow
• Mid-Century Modern
• Ranch
• Modern Farmhouse
• Mission

Victorian

When San Diego began developing into an immense hub, Victorian-style homes were the most common. The architectural style was born during Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901 and flourished under the Industrial Revolution. 

A classical Victorian has all the makings of a fairytale home. The iconic turrets, asymmetrical facades, and colorful decorations have always placed Victorian homes as a popular architectural style in San Diego. The famous Gaslamp District alone in Downtown San Diego features 94 Victorian buildings, most of which are historic landmarks.  

Victorian homes are rare in today’s housing stock, but there are potential savings involved if purchasing one, thanks to the Mills Act. Because most Victorian homes are registered historic landmarks, the state mandates the owners to maintain the property up to standard. The Mills Act can cut property taxes on such homes by up to 70% as an incentive.

With luck, you can find Victorian homes for sale in Hillcrest, Mission Hills, or Coronado, among others.

Spanish Revival 

The stark white walls and red tile roofs of a Spanish Revival home make it one of the most popular types of architecture in San Diego.

In 1915, the Panama-California Exposition took place in Balboa Park, cementing San Diego as a commercial hub. The buildings that adorned the park were designed by the architect Bertram Goodhue, and they were the prime example of the beauty of Spanish style.

Low-pitched roofs covered in red tile, white-washed walls reminiscent of old Mexico, and open-air courtyards blend to create a perfect home style under the San Diego sky.

Homebuyers searching for this style should look in Point Loma or North Park, but Mission Hills will also feature some of the most stunning Spanish Revival homes on the San Diego market. 

Craftsman Bungalow

This American style of architecture was born in Pasadena, California, making it a common sight throughout the Golden State and one of the most popular home styles in San Diego.

Britain’s Industrial Revolution pushed aside the value of the craftsman’s art, which evoked a response in the Arts & Crafts movement. The Craftsman-style home was the result, utilizing manual labor and attention to detail that only the wealthy could afford.

California experienced an Arts & Crafts movement of its own, but the Craftsman architecture gave way to a smaller, “Bungalow” style. The cheaper materials helped make it available to the middle class, and by the early 1900s, it became a standard home type in San Diego. 

The Craftsman style stands out by its appealing symmetrical design. Most will feature a low-pitched roof with a wide eave overhang and usually stand at one or one and a half stories. The wooden exterior might complement a stone porch supported by two columns.

North Park will be the neighborhood of choice for homebuyers who want to call this American classical style their new home, but there are plentiful options in Mission Hills and Hillcrest as well.

Mid-Century Modern

The gleaming modern homes overlooking the pristine beaches of the San Diego Coast are unparalleled in their luxurious appeal. Although the classical home styles of San Diego always enjoyed popularity, the Mid-Century Modern style swept San Diego by storm.

Few home styles adhere so well to the San Diego lifestyle as the Mid-Century Modern. The flat roofs and sprawling open-floor plans allow the outdoors to blend in with the inside, creating an illusion of wide-open space with stunning panoramic views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early-to-mid 1900s, the modern style sought to harmonize architecture with nature. Thus, many Mid-Century Modern homes are built on hills to take advantage of the views and skyline. 

La Jolla and Point Loma are prime areas to find a Mid-Century Modern. Bankers Hill and Middletown are also significant areas for homebuyers looking to be closer to downtown.

Ranch

The sprawling, one-story Ranch is a homestyle born in the United States. The Ranch style became one of the top home styles in San Diego as the automobile became readily available. It allowed homeowners to spread out from the city center and is the reason why so many pre-war Ranch homes are situated away from downtown.

Most Ranch homes feature an attached garage, another byproduct of the automobile becoming an essential part of people’s lives. The facade is usually asymmetrical with an off-center entryway, and the roof is low-pitched. Its charming features include an exterior wooden pattern side-by-side with brick or stone. 

Any homebuyers who want a piece of uniquely American architecture should search for pre-war Ranches since the quality of the post-war version could be inferior. The style’s popularity led to large-scale construction, but the quality suffered from cutting on construction costs. 

Homebuyers should look for pre-war Ranches in La Jolla or Mission Hills.

Modern Farmhouse

Homeowners who want a blend of rustic and contemporary should search for the Modern Farmhouse style. Although the charm of wooden interiors and classic farmhouse decor has been in vogue for some time, the Modern Farmhouse has garnered attention only recently.

The Modern Farmhouse is primarily an interior style and features vintage furniture on a modern canvas of neutral color and straight lines. Minimalist rooms that echo a contemporary feel might have charming wooden ceiling beams and wooden tables and chairs that blend into a cozy yet sleek feel.

The exterior of Modern Farmhouse homes can vary, but most feature two stories and an attached garage, with large windows and wooden patterns on the facade. 

Mission

Many of San Diego’s neighborhoods, such as Mission Hills and Mission Valley, derive their name from the same source as this iconic home style. 

The unmistakable red-tile roofs and white walls closely resemble the Spanish Revival style, but the Mission style dates back to the arrival of Spanish missionaries in San Diego.

Junipero Serra founded the first mission in California in present-day San Diego back in 1769. The original missions featured the iconic roof curvature and church bells, but the highlights that transferred to today’s homes are the open courtyards and exterior stucco.

It is rare to find a traditional Mission style home on the market since many available now more closely resemble the Spanish Revival style. Yet, the few that might be available will feature the classic red-tile roofs and invoke the old-Spanish feel that established it as a popular home style in San Diego.   

A professional San Diego property management company can have a positive impact on your investment experience. Not only will you have less work to do when it comes to leasing, managing, and maintaining your rental properties; you’ll also earn more and spend less on those investments. 

We’re here to help you maximize what you earn while providing an outstanding rental experience for your tenants. A good management company will be the experienced, resourceful partner you need when it comes to protecting and caring for your most valuable assets. 

If you’re not sure what to expect from a San Diego property management company, we have a few things you should be looking for when you start working with us or any other property managers. 

Evaluating Your Rental Property for the San Diego Market

First, your management company should evaluate your property and talk to you about its potential rental value. This will depend on the location and condition of your property as well as the strength of the current market. You might receive some recommendations on what you can do to prepare it for the rental market. This might be something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or the installation of new floors. Maybe you’ll need better landscaping or upgraded appliances. 

These things matter. The impact the amount of rent you can earn and the types of tenants you attract. 

Pricing your rental home is a big part of property management. A good management company can conduct a comparative market analysis based on what other homes similar to yours are renting for. Your property manager will also consider your home’s unique features and amenities, settling on a rental rate that’s both profitable and competitive.

San Diego Leasing Process

Your property management team strives to attract, place, and retain well-qualified renters. This will require a strong marketing strategy that includes online advertising, high-quality photos, and immediate follow-up when prospective tenants make inquiries.   

You’ll have access to a thorough application and screening process that follows all fair housing laws. Expect your property managers to screen tenants, collect move-in funds, sign the lease agreement, and take care of the move-in inspection, which will document the condition of your property when the tenant takes possession.   

Maintaining Your San Diego Rental Property

One of the most important things a property manager will do for you is maintain your investment. 

Your rental property will require routine and emergency maintenance, and a good management company will have a plan in place to provide that. Property managers should also keep an eye on preventative maintenance. Replacing systems such as air conditioning units and water heaters every few years will become expensive and hurt your return on investment (ROI). You should be able to count on your property manager to respond promptly to issues and utilize a team of experienced service providers. 

Vendor relationships are an important part of San Diego property management. Your management team should partner with preferred vendors who offer competitive pricing and provide outstanding workmanship. 

Lease Enforcement and Rent Collection 

Enforcing the lease is an important part of property management, and you should expect that rent will be paid on time. Most property managers will offer tenants an online payment system, which ensures that payments are made securely, conveniently, and on time. This means you can expect your payments to be processed in a timely manner. 

Another important expectation is that your property manager will enforce your lease. This means holding tenants accountable if rent is paid late, an unauthorized pet is discovered, or the home isn’t being maintained.

This is a brief overview of what your San Diego property manager can do for you. You’ll also benefit from their experience, their knowledge, and their ability to stay up to date on laws, best practices, and technology. That’s hard to quantify, but provides an invaluable service

Working as a real estate agent means working closely with your clients. You talk to them, discuss with them, consult with them, give them advice — everything. But simply doing these things is not enough. When you work in an industry where your goal is to help your client find their dream home, your relationship must go beyond business, beyond real estate: There must be genuine friendship.

It’s my mission to build a good rapport with every client my team comes across. We have to get to know them, and they need to get to know us as their chosen agents. And if we achieve good rapport, both my client and my team can definitely benefit from it. Here’s how.

1. It establishes trust.

Rapport establishes trust between you and your client. The more you get to know your client, and the more they get to know you, the easier the process. They can trust that you will find the best home for them or that you will find their house the best buyer, and you can trust them to listen to your ideas and advice. With trust bridging you and your client, you can expect a smoother process and certain success in their real estate endeavor.

2. It earns you respect.

Building rapport means you truly care for your clients. You care about their wants, their needs, their priorities, and their preferences. These things matter when it comes to something crucial as real estate, and when your client sees that you are not neglecting their opinions and thoughts, they will know they made the right choice by choosing you. By doing this, you can earn not only their trust but also their respect.

3. It allows you to practice your skills.

Building rapport with clients also gives you the chance to further practice and enhance your skills. You can practice your communication and social skills, marketing strategies and abilities, logic and reasoning, critical thinking, and more. It also helps that not all of your current and future clients are the same. By spending time getting to know them, you will have time to adjust and cater to their different personalities and preferences as you help them in their real estate endeavors.

4. It can increase sales.

Of course, building rapport with your clients can have an impact on your sales. When a customer ends up happy and satisfied with your real estate services, they can pass that along to someone else, and word-of-mouth advertising can begin to take effect, whether it be through personal communication or social media interaction. People who have heard of you and your great services can come to you for help regarding their real estate endeavors, therefore expanding your clientele, increasing your sales, and widening your connections.

5. It boosts your and your client’s confidence.

This can also boost your confidence as a real estate agent. As you continue to build rapport among current and future clients, you continue to use and improve your skills and help them towards a successful real estate transaction. Every piece of satisfactory feedback, every successful real estate process, and every grateful client is an achievement and undoubtedly brings more inspiration and confidence to your work.

Additionally, in my years of experience, I have noticed that a good rapport between you and your client gives them confidence that you will never let them down — a sense of security that every home seeker must feel toward their real estate agent.

Building rapport is about more than just sealing a deal with a client. If we do it and practice it right as real estate agents, then this can be our ticket to success — and our ticket to amazing relationships.

Building a solid relationship with your real estate clients is key to a successful sale. But the benefits of good client connections don’t end there. Gaining your clients’ trust increases the likelihood of word-of-mouth referrals, which can account for a huge proportion of your business.

Here are some tips for building those all-important client relationships:

Communicate Often

Communication is the most fundamental part of a relationship with your clients. You are there to explain the more technical aspects of the sale and to keep them up to date with developments. Even if things have slowed down and there isn’t much progress to report, get in touch with your clients and let them know. Find out what their preferred method of communication is and use it to give regular updates. Selling or buying a house is one of the most stressful life experiences we go through. Good communication can help to alleviate that stress for your clients, reassuring them that you have everything in hand.

Meet Face to Face

Technological advances mean there are more ways than ever to stay in touch with your clients. Sending property alert messages, videos of house walk-throughs, and social media platforms all offer new ways to connect with your clients. However, face-to-face interaction is still paramount when it comes to building a trusting relationship. Make use of the technology available to you but don’t neglect old-fashioned communication in the process.

Honesty is the Best Policy

Don’t take your clients for fools. With access to the internet, they have lots of information at their fingertips and can easily expose you to a little white lie. Dishonesty or even just stretching the truth can jeopardize your relationship. Always be completely honest with your clients. You’ll gain their respect and their trust.

Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Keep

Establishing realistic expectations for your clients follows on from this point. While you may want to be optimistic on their behalf, don’t promise the world if you know it won’t be possible. It’s better that clients think things are moving to the timetable discussed, rather than falling behind. You’ll save yourself lots of worried phone calls and emails if you set genuine targets from the offset.

Demonstrate Your Knowledge

Keeping up to date with the latest trends and developments in real estate is a good idea. Find out if there are any courses available in your area or online. Maintaining a blog or social media presence that demonstrates your expertise in real estate is another way to show clients that you know what you’re talking about. It’s a good idea to create a mailing list of current, old and prospective clients who consent to receive emails from you. You can then touch base every month or so with useful real estate information and, in the process, remind clients of you and your services.

Saying Thank You

Don’t cut ties with your clients once the house sale has gone through. Remember that if they trust you, they may well call on you for your services in the future. Offer them a discounted rate should they choose to use you again, send a housewarming gift or just make a phone call to thank them. Ending on a positive, friendly note may mean more business in the future and more recommendations.

Communicating openly and honestly with clients and treating them as individuals rather than your next pay packet should be the cornerstones of your business. Repeat business and lots of referrals will come your way when you build good working relationships with your real estate clients.