In This Issue:
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Hidden Costs Of Buying A Home What Most Buyers Miss — Discover the fees, repairs, and ongoing expenses that catch many buyers off guard.
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Multiple Offers How To Pick The Right One Not Just The Highest — Learn how to evaluate price, financing, timelines, and contingencies before choosing the strongest offer.
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How To Make Your Home Stand Out Online — Improve your digital first impression with stronger photos, better presentation, and listing copy that attracts serious buyers.
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Hidden Costs Of Buying A Home What Most Buyers Miss
Summary
Many buyers focus on the down payment and monthly mortgage, but the true cost of buying a home goes much further. This report explains the hidden expenses that often appear before, during, and after closing, including legal fees, inspections, moving costs, maintenance, and utility changes. Understanding these costs in advance helps buyers build a more accurate budget and avoid unnecessary financial stress. A well-informed buyer is far less likely to feel surprised after getting the keys.
Buying a home is exciting, but many of the most important costs are not obvious at first glance. A smart buyer plans for more than the sticker price.
Use this guide to understand the expenses that often catch buyers off guard.
1. Closing Costs Add Up Quickly
Appraisal fees, legal fees, title-related services, lender charges, and land transfer or recording costs can significantly increase the cash needed to close. Buyers should ask for a realistic estimate early in the process.
2. Repairs Do Not WaitEven a well-maintained home may need small fixes right away. New locks, paint, appliance repairs, or plumbing adjustments are common first-month costs.
3. Monthly Ownership Costs Go Beyond The Mortgage- Property taxes
- Insurance
- Utilities
- Maintenance and seasonal upkeep
- Condo or HOA fees, where applicable
Moving trucks, storage, furniture, window coverings, and service setup fees can affect your budget more than expected if you do not plan for them in advance.
Conclusion:
The purchase price is only one part of the financial picture. Buyers who prepare for the full cost of ownership make stronger decisions and transition into homeownership with much more confidence.
Multiple Offers How To Pick The Right One Not Just The Highest
Summary
Receiving multiple offers can feel like the ideal selling scenario, but the highest price is not always the best result. This report explains how sellers can compare financing strength, contingencies, closing timelines, deposits, and overall deal quality before making a decision. The goal is not only to maximize price, but also to reduce risk and improve the likelihood of a smooth closing. A smart evaluation process helps sellers protect both their profit and their peace of mind.
When several offers arrive at once, it is easy to focus on the biggest number. However, a strong sale depends on more than price alone.
Here are the key factors sellers should review before choosing an offer.
1. Review The Financing Carefully
Cash offers often reduce uncertainty. Financed offers should be backed by a solid pre-approval and a buyer with strong qualifications.
2. Compare The ContingenciesInspection, financing, appraisal, and home sale contingencies all affect risk. A slightly lower offer with fewer conditions may be stronger than a higher offer with multiple escape routes.
3. Consider The Closing Timeline- Can the buyer close when you need them to?
- Do you need extra time after closing?
- Does the offer match your moving plans?
Seller credits, repair requests, and financing conditions can change what you actually walk away with. A side-by-side net sheet is often the best way to compare competing offers.
Conclusion:
The best offer is the one that balances strong price with strong terms. Sellers who look at the full picture are more likely to choose the offer that closes cleanly and profitably.
How To Make Your Home Stand Out Online
Summary
Most buyers begin their search online, which means your listing needs to create instant interest before a showing is ever booked. This report explains how sellers can improve their photos, staging, listing copy, and digital presentation so their property stands out in a crowded market. The strongest listings make buyers stop scrolling, click for more details, and book a visit quickly. A better online presentation often leads to more traffic, stronger interest, and faster offers.
The online listing is often your first showing. If the digital presentation is weak, buyers may move on before they ever step inside.
1. Lead With Professional Photography
Clean, bright, properly framed images create an immediate impression of quality and care. The first photo especially should be compelling enough to earn the click.
2. Stage For The CameraDecluttering, balancing furniture, and maximizing light help rooms feel larger and more inviting in photos and video.
3. Write Listing Copy That Highlights Benefits- What makes the layout practical?
- Which features improve lifestyle?
- What nearby amenities add value?
Floor plans, video tours, social promotion, and clear captions all help buyers understand the property faster and remember it longer.
Conclusion:
A home that stands out online earns more attention from the right buyers. Strong visuals and clear messaging help create momentum long before offer day.
San Diego Sellers: Why Listing in May Could Net You More
The San Diego market is still active, but more homes are coming on the market, buyers have more choices, and sellers may face more competition as we move deeper into summer. Here is the key point many homeowners miss: the best time to close is not the same as the best time to list. Most homes take about 30 days to find a buyer and about 30 days to close escrow. That means if you want to sell during peak buyer season, you often need to put your home on the market in April or May, not wait until later summer. San Diego inventory has been rising while buyer demand has flattened. Homes are still selling, but the market is becoming more competitive for sellers each week. Want to know how your home fits into today’s market? Call or text George at 619-846-1244. If more homes hit the market in late spring and summer, that means more choices for buyers and more competition for sellers. Listing in April or May may position you to accept an offer in May or June and close in June or July, before the market gets even more crowded. Timing matters. Call or text George at 619-846-1244 for a custom timing plan. 1. Beat rising competition. Inventory usually builds into summer, so listing earlier can help your home stand out. 2. Serious buyers are still active. Well-priced homes in good condition can still attract strong attention and strong offers. 3. Take advantage of your equity. Many San Diego owners have built substantial equity and can use it to move, downsize, invest, or reduce monthly expense. Get your value and net sheet. Call or text George at 619-846-1244. For many homeowners, this is not just a market decision. It is a life decision. Thinking about a move? Let’s talk through your best options at 619-846-1244. Waiting does not always mean a better result. As more homes hit the market, buyers can become pickier, homes can take longer to sell, and sellers may need to negotiate more aggressively. The market is still solid, but the edge can shift away from sellers when inventory builds faster than demand. Before you wait, get the facts. Call or text George at 619-846-1244. List in April-May That is often the best way to sell into strong demand before seller competition rises further. If you want to know your likely selling price, your net proceeds, a cash offer option, or whether now is the right time to move, I would be happy to help. Let’s look at your timing, your home value, and the best strategy to help you sell with less competition and more control. Free consultation. No pressure. No obligation.
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How San Diego Homeowners, Buyers & Investors Are Solving Today’s Biggest Housing Challenges
Real situations. Real solutions. Real results for people making important moves in San Diego County. Every week I speak with people across San Diego County who are trying to figure out their next move. Some want to move but do not want to sell first. Some need to buy fast. Some are tired of dealing with rentals. Others want to know whether a cash offer or a traditional sale will put more money in their pocket. No two situations are exactly alike. That is why strategy matters. Here are a few real examples of how the right plan changed the outcome. One retired homeowner had lived in their home for over 20 years and wanted to move, but did not want to sell first and then scramble to find the next home. We helped them buy their next home first through our Buy Before You Sell Program, giving them more control, less pressure, and a smoother move overall. Thinking of moving but worried about selling first? Call or text George at 619-846-1244. A young couple wanted to move out of their parents’ home before the end of the month. We found the right home in just 7 days, wrote 2 offers, got 1 accepted, and closed escrow in only 10 days with a 5.95% fixed-rate mortgage. Need to buy quickly and smartly? Call or text George at 619-846-1244. Another client owned several rental condos and was sick of the management, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. We helped consolidate five condos into one larger building with better cash flow and less hassle using a reverse 1031 tax deferred exchange. Own rental property and wondering if there is a smarter move? Call or text George at 619-846-1244. One rental property owner was considering selling a condo directly to an investor. Instead, we coordinated the painting, carpet, preparation, and sale strategy. Even after commission, we helped put $74,000 more in their pocket than the investor option. Thinking about a cash offer? Compare all options first. Call or text George at 619-846-1244. Not really. Many agents use the same MLS, but knowledge, negotiation skill, experience, resources, and client results can vary dramatically. It is like golf. I can use Rory McIlroy’s clubs, but I will not get his results. The tools may be similar. The outcome often is not. Whether you want to move, buy, sell, invest, get a cash offer, see your home value, or search for the right home, I would be happy to help. The bottom line is this: I have the experience, resources, and a plan to help you get the outcome you want. Free consultation. No pressure. No obligation.
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Maximize Your Home Sales Price With These Upgrades- No Upfront Cost
We have a pay-at-closing option. I provide the workers, manage the process, and you decide what to fix — it is your house after all ?? The goal is simple: focus on what buyers actually notice so your home sells faster and for more money. The kitchen is the #1 decision point. Clean, bright, simple kitchens consistently sell for more. White cabinets, quartz counters, and modern hardware appeal to the widest range of buyers. Add backsplash, improve lighting, and keep finishes consistent to elevate the space. Buyers remember how a home feels. Warm flooring and open spaces create connection. Consistent flooring makes the home feel bigger and more expensive. Bright, open spaces with warm lighting feel more inviting and sell faster. Simple, clean bathrooms outperform over-designed ones. Neutral finishes and clean lines feel newer and more valuable. Too many tile styles or features can actually reduce perceived value. Buyers notice the small things immediately. Matching finishes create a polished, high-end feel. Clean installation and alignment make a huge difference in perception. I’ll help you decide what to fix, manage the process, and position your home to sell for more. No upfront cost. Pay at closing. George Lorimer • ProWest Properties • DRE# 01146839
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Why You Dont See All the Available Homes in San Diego Anymore
More listings are being kept exclusive, sold quietly, or shown only on certain platforms. If you are relying on Zillow or Redfin alone, you may be missing homes, better deals, assumable loans, and off-market opportunities. It is getting harder for buyers to see the full picture of what is really available in San Diego. Some homes are being marketed as private exclusives. Some are being kept off the big portals. Others are sold through quiet networks before the public ever gets a fair shot at them. That is a problem if you are trying to buy the right home for the best terms. You need to know about listed homes, off-market homes, assumable loan opportunities, distress sales, price reductions, and sellers willing to negotiate credits or rate buydowns. If you want an edge today, you cannot depend on one website. The buyers getting the best deals are the ones seeing more inventory, acting quickly, and finding homes other people overlook. Sellers are being told that private launches and exclusive exposure create buzz. In a few rare cases, that may make sense for a highly unique luxury property. But for most sellers, less exposure means fewer buyers seeing your home. Fewer buyers usually means less competition. And the longer a home sits on the market, the more buyers expect a discount. If you are planning to buy or sell in the next few months, strategy matters. I will help you sort through what is really available, find the right opportunities, and put together a plan that gets results. With 25+ years of experience and over 1,000 San Diego homes sold, I know how to help buyers and sellers move without wasting time.
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Is Your San Diego Rental Really Building Wealth
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How Smart Buyers Are Getting Better Deals in San Diego Right Now
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San Diego Buyers Just Got More Power (Here’s Why)
Inventory is rising. Buyers have leverage. Sellers still win—but only if priced right. Homes are still selling quickly, but competition is increasing. If you miss your price, you will chase the market down and lose leverage. More listings + longer condo market times = negotiation power. This is where credits, rate buydowns, and deals happen.
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Price It Right or Overprice? What San Diego Sellers Need to Know
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Cash Offer or Sell for More? What San Diego Sellers Need to Know First
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Should You Keep Renting… or Buy Before Prices and Payments Move Again in San Diego?
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Over 1,000 San Diego Homes Just Hit the Market — Here’s Where the Deals Are
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Will Iran War Lower San Diego Home Prices
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San Diego Market Just Shifted: Search Homes, Get Your Value, and See Hard-to-Find Deals
More homes are coming on the market, buyer demand is up, and spring activity is building. That gives buyers more choices right now and gives sellers a chance to sell before more competition shows up. Thinking about buying, selling, or just exploring your options? Use these links first. These are the fastest ways to see what is happening in today’s market and make a smart move. A lot of people are waiting for the “perfect” time. That usually backfires. Buyers may get more competition if rates dip and more people jump in. Sellers may face more competition as more listings hit the market over the next few months. Right now is one of those in-between windows where buyers still have choices and sellers still have leverage. That overlap does not usually last long. You have more choices now than earlier this year, but financing costs already moved up. Waiting could mean a higher monthly payment or more buyer competition later. Buyer demand is stronger than last year, and homes are still selling at about full asking price overall. But more listings are coming, so pricing correctly matters more than ever. Want the deeper numbers, graphs, and local price trends? Download the full market report and review the data for yourself. Do not guess. Get the numbers first. Search homes, get your home value, or look at hard-to-find homes and assumable loan opportunities.
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San Diego Spring Housing Market Here Early
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1,009 New San Diego Homes Just Hit the Market — 559 Under $1M
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san-diego-homes-not-selling-3-reasons
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San Diego homes hidden inventory
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San Diego Housing: Buyers Gain $100,000 in Buying Power as Inventory Rises
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San Diego Market Shift 2026: Buyers Gain Leverage Before Spring Inventory Spikes
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Are You Living in Your Ideal Home… or Just the Familiar One?
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San Diego Market Shift: Hot vs Cold Neighborhoods + Your ZIP Code Report
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San Diego more homes, better deals, see this weekend?
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What San Diego Housing Slowdown?
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What Would Have to Happen for San Diego Prices to Crash?
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Is Your San Diego Neighborhood Hot or Cold in 2026?
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1,400 Homes Are Selling Every Month in San Diego — Is Yours One of Them?
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San Diego Homes Are Moving Faster in 2026 (And Here’s Where Demand Is Hottest)
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Spring Has Already Started in San Diego (Most People Miss This)
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How do people afford San Diego homes
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In 2026, Smart San Diegans Don’t Just Look at Prices — They Look at Timing & Options
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San Diego Real Estate Opportunities Happening Now (Open House + 2–4 Unit Deals)
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Why 1 in 3 San Diego homes do not sell and what to do about it. Expired listing.
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San Diego Winter Market Is Here: Prepare for Launch (What Buyers & Sellers Should Do Now)
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San Diego Housing Market Heating Up This January: Why Smart Buyers and Sellers Are Moving Now
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Open House Downtown San Diego
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San Diego Housing Market: Which Neighborhoods Are Hot — and Which Are Cooling in 2026
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What 6% Rates Mean for Buyers & Sellers
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2026 San Diego Housing What Buyers and Sellers are Doing
If buying or selling a home in San Diego is even on your radar in 2026, here’s the honest update I’m seeing every day — not the headlines. Buyers want lower mortgage rates, fewer bidding wars, and homes that actually feel like good deals. Sellers want to know if now is the window to sell before more inventory shows up. Here’s the truth: there is no perfect rate and no perfect year. The people who win are the ones who move with a plan — not hope. Online estimates miss what actually drives value in San Diego — condition, layout, upgrades, views, and micro-location. Homes on the same street can vary by hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you want real numbers — or a clear buy or sell plan for 2026 — call or text me directly at 619-846-1244. Helpful resources: P.S. The biggest mistake I’m seeing in 2026 is people waiting for “better conditions” that may never line up. If you want to see what’s actually available right now — including homes not on Zillow — start here before competition picks up.
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Houses vs. Condos in San Diego: Which Has Been the Better Investment (Last 5 Years)?
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2026-san-diego-home-buyers-sellers-frustratedBuyers want prices to come down. Sellers want prices to go up. Everyone wants mortgage rates under 6%. Sound familiar? Here’s the part that actually matters: mortgage rates are about 1% lower than last year, and that’s already changing what’s possible—especially for buyers under $1 million. Start here (most popular right now): See what’s available under $1M in San Diego This isn’t headlines or predictions—I’m seeing this daily in real contracts. Some buyers are getting options and leverage again, but only if they know where to look. If selling is even a possibility, the smartest first step is real numbers—not guesses from Zillow. You can see your true value and cash-offer options here: Value and Cash Offers. Waiting for “perfect” usually costs more than moving forward with a plan. If you want help sorting this out quickly, call or text me at 619-846-1244. I’ll give you straight answers and real options. George Lorimer Your Home Sold Guaranteed, or I’ll Buy It* *Conditions apply, ProWest Properties, DRE #01146839?
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Surprising San Diego Home Trends I See in Person, Not on Zillow
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2026 San Diego Housing Outlook — What Buyers and Sellers Should Know Now
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Rancho Peñasquitos & Torrey Highlands Homes 92129 Homes
Fast market snapshot (last 6 months as of Dec 19, 2025). If you want the full spreadsheet (every address + list/sold history), text “92129 DATA” to 619-846-1244. Most Torrey Highlands & newer RP sellers focus here (last 6 months). Want model-by-model detail? Text “92129 DATA” to 619-846-1244. Rancho Peñasquitos overall — sold last 6 months. Thinking of selling? Text your address & timeline to 619-846-1244. Source: SDMLS / ShowingTime ProWest Properties • DRE #01146839 • Your Home Sold Guaranteed or I’ll Buy It* • *Conditions apply I’ve lived and worked in San Diego for over 20 years, helping homeowners make smart decisions about when to sell, when to wait, and how to maximize value without pressure. Real estate is personal — that’s how I treat it. George Lorimer • ProWest Properties • DRE #01146839
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San Diego home and short sales
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San Diego’s Best “Quiet Window” to Plan a 2026 Move (Free 10-Minute Strategy Call)
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How Long Does It Take to Sell a San Diego Home?
If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, here’s the truth: you don’t have to rush out after you sell. You can sell now and move later with a rent-back, or sell very fast if timing matters. Timeline example used below starts January 10, 2026. Your exact timing depends on pricing, condition, neighborhood, and strategy. You get paid first and move later — ideal if you’re finishing the school year or planning a summer move. Single-family homes typically sell faster than condos. Downtown and HOA-heavy condos often take longer, while well-priced houses in strong school districts move quicker. Want a clear plan for your timeline? George Lorimer • ProWest Properties • DRE #01146839
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Buy a San Diego Home With an Under-6% Mortgage — Guaranteed
The Fed cut rates by 0.25% on December 10, 2025. Good news — but mortgage rates don’t drop automatically. They’re driven by the bond market. The smart move is learning how to secure the lowest rate available right now through negotiation. Call or text 619-846-1244 for a 10-minute strategy call. Want a free, customized report based on your price range and off-market homes? Call or text George at 619-846-1244. 30-year fixed rates are hovering in the low-6% range. FHA and VA can be lower. Sub-6% is achievable when offers are structured correctly. How do you guarantee an under-6% mortgage? I negotiate it with the seller as part of your offer. If they don’t accept it, my lender and I pay the loan discount so you still get the lower rate. Simple — just work with us on your purchase. George Lorimer • 619-846-1244 George Lorimer • ProWest Properties • DRE #01146839
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San Diego 4-Step Plan to Buy or Sell a Home Without Stress
Most people don’t need more “advice.” They need a simple plan that reduces risk, prevents surprises, and gets them to the finish line. Here’s the exact 4-step process my team uses to help buyers and sellers move fast, stay protected, and avoid drama. Prefer a quick call? Call/Text George Lorimer at 619-846-1244 for a 10-minute strategy session. If the video doesn’t load, view it here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AuwjkgTXOxw?feature=share Buyers worry about overpaying or missing out. Sellers worry about pricing wrong, getting lowballed, dealing with repairs and showings, or buying the next home before the current one sells. The solution isn’t hope — it’s a clear process that removes risk. We start with clarity: updated home value, realistic net, buying power, neighborhoods, and what homes are actually available (including unlisted opportunities). This is where you stop spinning and start making smart moves. Most people only see one path: list it and hope, or buy and compete. We lay out multiple paths so you can choose what fits you: cash offer options, multiple investor offers competing, buy-before-you-sell solutions, and the right timing strategy for your goals. Once you choose the best path, my team handles the details: pricing, prep guidance, marketing, negotiation, inspections, and timelines — with one goal: get you the result you want with the least stress and the least wasted time. This is where most agents disappear — and where we do the opposite. We troubleshoot, protect your deal, and keep you informed. If plans change or something comes up, you’ve got an experienced team and real safeguards behind you. Bottom line: I have your back. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the next 30–90 days, don’t wing it. Get the numbers and your best options first. George Lorimer • ProWest Properties • DRE #01146839
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Meet George Lorimer San Diego broker and realtor
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How to avoid the first mistake that San Diego home sellers makeIf you’ve been wondering what's going on in the San Diego housing market, here’s a quick reality check: The reason I tell you this is that there's an opportunity to buy at a good deal in this market. And if you're thinking of selling, don't price your home speculatively. For example, these speculative sellers say things like, "If I could get this price, I'd sell." (usually "their price" is higher than today's market value). For buyers, it becomes clear that the price may or may not have been based on today's statistics. For sellers, it's evident that unless you price it right, you may not sell. Here's my simple 3-step strategy that's helped over 1,000 sellers. 1) Determine that you are committed to selling. 2) Then price your home against competing listings, the homes buyers are comparing yours to. 3) Listen to feedback from the market and buyers and implement changes. Do this right, and you create urgency, competition, and the best chance of selling for top dollar. Call or text me, George, at 619-846-1244 to get your Complimentary Home Seller Report. All the best, George Lorimer Secret selling options that other agents don't offer.
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San Diego County Housing Report: Go for Gold, No Waiting
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