Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  In case you haven’t heard — changes are here! As of August 17th a realtor can no longer show you a property without a signed written agreement. It can be exclusive or non-exclusive but it MUST be signed. This means they can’t even unlock the door without it. Doing so as an agent can result in thousands of dollars in fines.  A buyer's agency agreement legally binds you to that particular agent for an agreed-upon timeframe, spells out their compensation, and details their duties to you.  There is no such thing as a "free service" for using a buyer's agent. Hiring an agent that has many years of experience and continually stays up to date to benefit you, the client, matters more than ever before. Sellers always interview agents, and now so will buyers. Not all buyer’s agents will be offering the same value. Yes, sellers can still pay a buyer’s agent’s compensation (and I expect that will still happen often) but it’s no longer listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service

  July 2024 San Diego Market Report We are seeing price drops everywhere. Interest rates in the 6%-7% range are lowering the cost of some homes. But, not all homes. And, overall, the value of homes is still increasing. There's some push and pull in this market - not just push.    Below you'll find the housing report for the current month along with data from the preceding months. San Diego County continues to have with an inventory shortage, even with lots of new construction. The average cost of a home has risen, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some affordable properties out there. Especially if one is open to a denser option than a single-family home.    Whether you're contemplating a purchase or sale, I invite you to reach out. Let's discuss your options within the dynamics of our distinctive housing market, ensuring your decisions align with the current trends and realities.   If you know anyone who might be interested in receiving this market updat

    Welcome to a curated selection of the latest real estate insights—handpicked just for you. As your dedicated agent for life, I believe in empowering you with the knowledge you need to navigate the world of homeownership with confidence. Sit back and absorb the compelling narratives that await in this issue.   Whenever you find yourself pondering the next steps in your real estate journey, remember that I am only a conversation away. My commitment to you, your family, and friends is unwavering, and I'm ready to assist with tailored, strategic advice whenever you need it.     Your Forever Agent,    Hope  Leitner, CRS,  CalDRE #01874321   Hope  Opens Doors   Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, California Properties Christie D. Horn and Associates 3790 Via de la Valle, Suite 201, Del Mar, CA 92014 Cell: (858) 382-3763 Website: HopeLeitner.com Email  Hope   Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the t

  You may have heard that there are more  brand-new homes  available right now than the norm. Today, about  one in three  homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your  own move , here’s what you need to know. Why This Isn’t Like 2008 People remember what happened to the housing market back in  2008 . And one of the factors that contributed to that crash was that there were too many  homes for sale . While only part of the oversupply back then came from builders, the lasting impact is that some people still feel uneasy when they hear new home construction has ramped up. Even though the supply of new homes has grown this year, the data shows there’s no need to worry. Builders aren’t overbuilding, they’re just catching up.  The graph below uses data from the  Census  to  show  the number of new houses built over the last 52 years. Following the crash in 2008, there was a long period of underbuilding ( shown in red ). And