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  • Bill Could Add More San Diego Condos | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    Bill Could Add More San Diego Condos | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    San Diego's housing market has limited homes for sale, high prices, low sales, and low turnover, so supporters say more for-sale condos could help.
    Supporters say the defect law lets buyers sue before builders can fix issues, and lawsuit risk has slowed San Diego condo and townhome building.
    The housing plan backs cottages, duplexes, and townhomes, yet supporters say legal changes alone would not solve San Diego affordability because land costs remain high.
    Opponents warn the bill could make valid defect claims harder by raising proof requirements and leaving homeowners less willing to hire experts.
    If enacted, homeowners could still sue after showing problems while builders would get a chance to repair first as the bill moved through the Senate.

  • Can San Diego Housing Improve in 2027? | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    Can San Diego Housing Improve in 2027? | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    When people ask if San Diego’s housing market could see meaningful improvement by 2027, I always point to one thing: affordability. Even as price growth evens out, costs remain high enough that buyers still need substantial incomes to participate. Zillow’s latest numbers back this up, showing only limited annual changes—a sign of a market finding its footing, not gearing up for another big spike. In California, even a small drop in mortgage rates can have a noticeable impact, since every little bit helps in a high-priced area like ours. Looking ahead, whether San Diego becomes more accessible by 2027 will hinge on increases in affordability, a strong jobs market, and—crucially—if we can finally get enough inventory to satisfy ongoing demand. Remember, if you think expertise is expensive, consider what inexperience can really cost.

  • Tax Help in San Diego: Understanding California’s Aggressive Tax Collection

    Tax Help in San Diego: Understanding California’s Aggressive Tax Collection

    Navigating taxes in San Diego can be a real challenge, especially for those of us running our own businesses or working independently. California’s tax board is well-known for its strict collection efforts, with serious consequences and a collection timeline that stretches up to 20 years. The key to protecting yourself? Don’t wait—taking action early and responding quickly can make all the difference. As I always say, if you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur!

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  • San Diego: Empty Homes Tax Fails | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    San Diego: Empty Homes Tax Fails | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    On June 2, 2026, San Diego voters rejected an annual Empty Homes Tax on non-primary residences left vacant for >182 days in a calendar year.
    Had it passed, qualifying residences would have faced an $8K charge in the first year and a $10K charge in later years.
    The proposal also targeted empty residences owned by corporate entities, adding annual surcharges ranging from $4K to $5K on those homes if approved.
    Even though it failed, the measure stood out for proposing a non-primary-home tax with a simplified implementation structure in San Diego locally.
    The failed San Diego proposal may still be watched as a blueprint for similar empty-home tax measures elsewhere, despite voters declining it recently.

  • San Diego, CA Tax Risks Explained | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    San Diego, CA Tax Risks Explained | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    San Diego's mix of biotech, defense, tourism, military households, and self-employment often creates complex tax situations, leaving residents owing both federal and California income taxes.
    Common trouble spots include underestimated quarterly payments, equity compensation that exceeds withholding, payroll taxes at small businesses, and residency or multi-state filing issues.
    For San Diego taxpayers, the federal tax agency and California's state tax agency can both pursue balances, so coordinated responses matter when liabilities overlap.
    California's state system can place liens, levy bank accounts without court judgment, garnish ~25% of disposable wages, and keep collecting far longer than federal rules.
    Both systems offer relief pathways, including payment plans, hardship status, and compromise options, making early, informed handling the best way to keep problems manageable.

  • Top Cities Where Homebuyers Find Lower Prices Now

    Top Cities Where Homebuyers Find Lower Prices Now

    Home sellers nationwide are lowering asking prices as the housing market cools, with median listing prices per square foot falling 1.8% year-over-year in August, marking the 10th consecutive month of decline. Prices dropped most in pandemic boomtowns like Austin (-8.1%) and Tampa (-5.6%), while some markets like Providence saw increases. Elevated mortgage rates and increased inventory are driving sellers to reduce prices to attract cautious buyers.

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  • San Diego Housing Market: Steady Climb Ahead | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    San Diego Housing Market: Steady Climb Ahead | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    San Diego’s housing market is set for a steady climb over the next couple of years, with prices expected to keep rising through late 2026—just at a pace that feels a bit more balanced than the rapid spikes we’ve seen before. Buyer interest remains strong, fueled by San Diego’s unbeatable lifestyle and some relief in mortgage rates, so we can expect a healthy level of sales activity to continue. With limited inventory, homes that are priced right are still moving fast and selling close to their asking price in most neighborhoods. High-end and move-up buyers will continue to shape the market, especially in the mid-to-upper segments as we head into 2026. As always, having the right guidance is key—remember, if you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur.

  • Rancho Cucamonga – Most Affordable Homes of August 2026 | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    Rancho Cucamonga – Most Affordable Homes of August 2026 | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    Curious about the most budget-friendly homes available in Rancho Cucamonga for August 2026? Here’s a quick look at the top 15 listings, all organized by price. Whether you’re starting your search or looking to make a smart move, these properties range from $299,995 up to $454,900. I always say, 'If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur!' When navigating options like Listing CV26146461 at $299,995 or CV26166781 at $429,900, it pays to have the right guidance. Let’s make sure your next step in Rancho Cucamonga is both affordable and informed.

  • San Diego – Most Expensive Homes of August 2026 | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    San Diego – Most Expensive Homes of August 2026 | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    A glimpse into San Diego’s luxury real estate: here are the city’s most expensive homes listed in August 2026. From the top-tier $12,500,000 property (Listing SDM250029683) to impressive offerings like SDM260006443 at $9,995,000 and SDM260009922 at $5,250,000, this lineup showcases what true exclusivity looks like. Each property on this list represents not just a home, but a statement—whether it’s NDP2606551 at $4,500,000 or SDM260007304 at $3,250,000. Navigating the upper echelon of San Diego’s market takes experience and a keen eye for value. Remember: if you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur!

  • Rancho Cucamonga – Most Expensive Homes of August 2026 | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    Rancho Cucamonga – Most Expensive Homes of August 2026 | If You Think It’s Expensive To Hire A Professional; Wait Till You Hire An Amateur!

    Curious about Rancho Cucamonga’s luxury real estate market? Here’s a look at the most expensive homes listed for August 2026, with prices reaching as high as $3,995,000. These properties represent the pinnacle of what the city has to offer, and each listing showcases the kind of premium investment opportunities that serious buyers are searching for. As someone who knows how important it is to have a true professional guide you through top-tier transactions—remember, "If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur!"—I keep my eye on every notable listing. Whether you’re comparing options or just staying informed, these homes set the standard for luxury in Rancho Cucamonga.