October 2023

David Alvarez, while on the San Diego City Council, realized the need for state-level reform for housing reform. This year he authored two bills signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to incentivize developers to reserve homes for middle-income residents and exempt all housing projects with 100% of their units reserved for low-income housing from review under the California Environmental Quality Act....

California’s diverse architecture and fluctuating weather make home inspections crucial for revealing hidden issues like structural flaws and water damage. Older homes, common in California, may require updates like plumbing and electrical system repairs, affecting future needs and maintenance. Specialized inspections, beyond standard ones, are often...

The U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates has caused a decrease in real estate transactions in San Diego, as higher interest rates make it more expensive to borrow money and many people are priced out of the housing market. University of San Diego Economics Professor Alan Gin noted that this decrease in demand affects other parts of the economy. However, Realtor Destiny Roxas sees...

Hiring professional contractors to perform home remodeling in San Diego can be a wise investment as they are experienced and can help you avoid any pitfalls, and ensure the job is done efficiently and within your budget. They can also help keep noise and dust to a minimum. On average, homeowners paid between $12,135.00 and $97,086.00 for house remodel in San Diego in 2023, including all project costs,...

San Diego is not one of the cities with the most vacant homes - only 6% of homes in the metro area are vacant, compared to 13.9% in New Orleans and 12.7% in Miami. The main reason for vacant homes in San Diego is seasonal, recreational, or occasional use, followed by foreclosures, legal proceedings, repair work, or homes waiting to be rented or sold. Continue to full article...

California Housing Finance Agency helped 13.8K California households with housing stability and wealth-building in Fiscal Year 2022-23. CalHFA offers affordable housing and homeownership programs catering to various needs. These programs include down payment assistance, specialized programs for teachers, nurses, single mothers, and low-income homebuyers....

The Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 (ACA 1) aims to ease funding for affordable housing and public infrastructure. The proposal introduces annual and independent audits to monitor fund utilization. It also establishes citizens' oversight committees for spending tracking....

San Diego has been named the most expensive place to live in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. The city has a high cost of living due to expensive housing, fees such as homeowners association dues, and the region's desirable qualities, such as its year-round temperate climate. Prices in the region have increased by about 4.7% over the past year, exceeding the national...

Many middle-income tenants in California's subsidized housing programs may face unexpected tax bills due to an obscure taxation rule....

In 2023, Southern California's residential real estate market is transitioning to a more moderate market, with buyers having more options and bargaining power. Factors influencing housing include rising mortgage rates, inflation, remote work flexibility and affordability challenges. Prices have decreased by 5.3%, creating an opportunity for prospective buyers. Remote work has also influenced...