Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

As a homeowner, you invest time and money into creating a comfortable and secure living space for you and your loved ones. However, unforeseen events such as natural disasters or burglaries can occur, resulting in the loss of your personal belongings. To protect your investment, it's crucial to create a home inventory of your personal belongings. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of having a home inventory and how to construct one. Benefits of a Home Inventory Insurance Claims: In case of a natural disaster or burglary, a home inventory can be used to file an insurance claim for lost or stolen items. Having a detailed inventory will help expedite the claim process and ensure you receive the full value of your lost belongings. Estate Planning: A home inventory can also be used for estate planning purposes. It can help identify and distribute personal belongings to heirs or beneficiaries in the event of your passing. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a de...

  August Calendar of Events: San Diego       The heat is on! Just as the temperature is rising - so is the real estate market. Despite rising interest rates the demand to buy is there.    Even with the heat San Diego is outside having fun! Because, this is paradise! Don't miss the Julian StarFest, TwaineFst in Old Town and Bike the Bay 2023!   If you know anyone who might be interested in receiving this event calendar every month, please have them sign up at this  link.   August - Ponder this  - “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ― John Steinbeck,  Travels with Charley: In Search of America . We can’t appreciate the sun without knowing the clouds. Even though it’s hot the sun is shining and life is thriving in this summer heat.    Remember, I am always here for my clients and their friends and family.   Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS     Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS,...

Aspiring homeowners can overcome the challenge of saving for a down payment by taking advantage of various sources of assistance.   Discover a variety of down payment sources available to first-time homebuyers, from family gifts and retirement account withdrawals to tax refunds and down payment assistance programs, empowering them to achieve their dream of homeownership.   Implementing effective savings strategies is paramount for first-time homebuyers. Setting a budget, reducing unnecessary expenses, and establishing an automated savings plan can accelerate down payment savings. Additionally, consistently monitoring spending habits and adjusting can help maximize savings potential.   Saving for a down payment takes time and there may be some other alternatives available to you. One possible source of down payment funds is a generous gift from family members. Through the annual gift tax exclusion, individuals can receive up to $17,000 per year from each family...

This month's eNewsletter is full of good advice. Please enjoy it!    If you're thinking of buying or selling, please call! There's a lot to consider in today's market!    July - Ponder this -  “A moment of gratitude makes a difference in attitude.” - Unknown - Whoever said this little rhyme is a genius! July is a great time to practice Gratitude. Starting with, I am grateful to live in San Diego! … This list can go on - build your own!     As always, I am here for you, your family, and friends.   Hope Leitner, CRS, CalDRE #01874321 Hope Opens Doors         HOMEBUYERS, FINANCE   Grants for First-time and Low-income Homebuyers   Wouldn’t it be nice to receive some free money so you can buy a home? Federal, state, and local governments, plus housing foundations and charitable organizations are all great resources that provide grants to homebuyers in need of help.   Why help first-timers? As they tend to be young and still bui...

Property taxes are an essential part of homeownership, but understanding how they are calculated can feel like unraveling a complex puzzle. However, by unlocking the secrets of property tax calculation, homeowners can gain valuable insights into their tax obligations and make more informed financial decisions. In this article, we will demystify the property tax calculation process, providing homeowners with a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved. Understanding Assessed Value - The first piece of the property tax puzzle is the assessed value of your home. Assessed value refers to the value assigned to your property by the local taxing authority for tax purposes. It is typically determined by professional assessors who consider various factors such as property size, location, improvements, and recent sales of comparable properties. Understanding how assessed value is determined is crucial, as it forms the foundation for calculating your property tax. Individ...

Planning for a comfortable and secure retirement is a priority for many individuals. While traditional investment options like stocks and bonds play a crucial role, there's another avenue that holds great potential, rental real estate. Let's explore the 12 key benefits of investing in rental real estate for retirement, shedding light on why it is a smart strategy to consider. Steady Passive Income - Rental real estate offers a consistent stream of passive income, providing a reliable source of cash flow during your retirement years. This income can serve as a supplement to other retirement funds, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind. Inflation Hedge - Rental income has the unique advantage of increasing with inflation. As living costs rise, rental prices can be adjusted accordingly, safeguarding your purchasing power, and allowing you to maintain your desired lifestyle. Potential for Appreciation - Investing in rental properties allows you to benefit ...

SUMMER Is HERE! Sunshine and home buying! Get out here and enjoy both with me! If you're ready to sell, just let me know. I have lots of buyers!  Lots of fun things are happening! There are always all activities related to Comic-Con! If you didn't brave the crowds for the San Diego County Fair this year - it looks like Ramona does their own mini fair! Cool!  If you know anyone who might be interested in receiving this event calendar every month, please have them sign up at this link. July - Ponder this - “A moment of gratitude makes a difference in attitude.” - Unknown - Whoever said this little rhyme is a genius! July is a great time to practice Gratitude. Starting with a I grateful to live in San Diego! …. This list can go on - build your own!   Remember, I am always here for my clients and their friends and family. Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS,  CA DRE #01874321 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Level 2022  – Top 1/2 of 1% BHHS Agents Nationwide  

  July 6, 2023 For Sellers Housing Market Updates Selling Myths One of the biggest challenges in the housing market right now is how  few homes  there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy them. To help emphasize just how limited housing inventory still is, let’s take a look at the latest information on active listings, or homes for sale in a given month, as it compares to more normal levels. According to a recent report from  Realtor.com :   “On average, active inventory in June was  50.6% below pre-pandemic 2017–2019 levels .” The  graph  below helps illustrate this point. It uses historical data to provide a more concrete look at how much the numbers are still lagging behind the level of inventory typical of a more normal market ( see graph below ): It’s worth noting that 2020-2022 are not included in this graph. That’s because they were truly  abnormal years  for the housing market. To make the comparison...