Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

April 15, 2025

Housing market wavers amid uncertainty

San Diego home buyersHomebuyer Demand Improved Last Week, But Tariff Turmoil, Rising Rates and Economic Jitters Likely to Slow Sales

The housing market is under pressure as prospective homebuyers and sellers navigate a rapidly shifting economic landscape, with President Trump’s tariff policy, a volatile stock market and increased chances of a recession exacerbating widespread financial uncertainty. 

Homebuying demand improved at the start of April. Mortgage-purchase applications rose 9% during the week ending April 4 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Pending home sales posted their smallest decline since the start of 2025, falling just 1.1% year over year (that’s partly due to a holiday effect, with Easter falling into the comparable period in 2024).  But those numbers reflect what happened before and in the immediate aftermath of last week’s initial tariff announcement, when mortgage rates dipped to a six-month low and gave homebuyers a brief reprieve

The improvement in demand is unlikely to last. Mortgage rates have since soared, jumping on April 9 to 6.95%, their highest level in six weeks. The bounce is due to economic turmoil and the Fed making it clear it’s not cutting interest rates more than previously expected. Even before mortgage rates bounced back up, the median monthly mortgage payment was at an all-time high of $2,813. Payments are likely to rise even more in the coming weeks, and that, along with economic instability, may scare off more prospective buyers. 

“Tariffs are coming up for the first time. I hosted an open house over the weekend, and some of the younger buyers were concerned about how they’re going to impact the housing market,” said Hennin Foreman, a DHC agent in San Diego. “They’re hearing the words ‘tariffs’ and ‘recession,’ and it’s making them nervous that if they buy now, the value of their home will decline, and they don’t know whether mortgage rates will go up or down. There’s a lot of uncertainty out there, with buyers trying to understand how their purchase would fit into their personal finances and the broader economic puzzle.”

New listings are rising. Pending sales are falling despite more homes being listed for sale. New listings are up 10.3% annually, one of the biggest increases in a year. Supply is up partly because many homeowners who have been considering selling are listing now, in hopes that they’re able to pocket their equity before a potential economic downturn. Also note that there’s a holiday effect: Easter fell into the comparable period in 2024, while the holiday hasn’t yet happened this year. 

“The only thing that’s certain about mortgage rates and the housing market right now is extreme uncertainty.” says Economic Research. “With the White House going back and forth on tariffs, sending markets and rates reeling, Americans are feeling uneasy about their money. Nobody knows what will happen next. It’s likely that financial anxiety, rapidly changing economic news and the rising chance of a recession freeze the housing market. But it’s also possible that economic turmoil pushes down mortgage rates and/or people decide to bite the bullet now instead of waiting for conditions to perhaps worsen, encouraging homebuyers and sellers to jump into the market.”

With the cost of homeownership so high in Southern California, making the right decision about buying or selling a home can feel like a real challenge. Whether you're downsizing, upsizing, investing or cashing out all together...if you’re open to having the right team put in the work for you, we can get it done.

Hennin Foreman and The DHC Group can help you explore what’s possible and present pain free options that can work for you.

Let us know how we can help...comment “market” and we'll be in touch

Posted in Market News
April 1, 2025

What could a Recession Mean for the San Diego Housing Market

san diego home prices, homes for sale in san diegoRecession talk is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. And that leaves people wondering what would happen to the housing market if we do go into a recession.

Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in housing for each recession going all the way back to the 1980s.

A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will Fall

Many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time we saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since.

In fact, according to data from CoreLogic, in four of the last six recessions, home prices actually went up (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing the price of falling pricesSo, if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, don’t assume a recession will lead to a crash in home prices. The data simply doesn’t support that idea. Instead, home prices usually follow whatever trajectory they’re already on. And right now, nationally, home prices are still rising at a more normal pace.

Mortgage Rates Typically Decline During Recessions

While home prices tend to stay on their current path, mortgage rates usually drop during economic slowdowns. Again, looking at data from the last six recessions, mortgage rates fell each time (see graph below):

a graph of a graph showing the rise of mortgage ratesSo, a recession means mortgage rates could decline based on the data. While that would help with affordability, don’t expect the return of a 3% rate.

Bottom Line

The answer to the recession question is still unknown, but the odds have gone up. But that doesn’t mean you have to wonder about the impact on the housing market – historical data tells us what usually happens.

When you hear talk about a possible recession, what concerns or questions come to mind about buying or selling a home?

Let me know if we can help...comment below and I'll be in touch

Posted in Market News
March 26, 2025

What Is a Living Trust and Do You Need One?

Living Trust information San DiegoA living trust is a financial instrument used to make sure your money goes to the right people when you die. No one likes to think about dying, but when it comes to managing your finances, you have to be prepared for the inevitable. Having a solid estate plan in place can ensure that your family is taken care of after you’re gone. A last will and testament and a living trust are two useful tools you can use to form your estate plan. If you don’t have a lot of assets or you plan to leave everything to your spouse or children, a will may be enough. A financial advisor can help you with all manner of estate planning issues.

How a Living Trust Works

A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer control of certain assets to a trustee. You can act as your own trustee or you can appoint someone else to do so. The trustee is responsible for managing assets in the trust on behalf of you and your beneficiaries. The living trust takes effect while you’re still alive and it continues after your death, unless you include a provision to terminate the trust on a specific date.

Depending on your preference, you can set up a living trust to be revocable or irrevocable. A revocable living trust is a more flexible option since you can change it at any time. This means you can move assets in and out of the trust whenever you want, or revoke the trust at any time. An irrevocable trust is permanent. This means once the assets are put in the trust, you can’t take them out again.

While you can set up a living trust for yourself, it may actually make more sense to get help from a professional. There are a number of details you’ll need to make sure you get correct. The specific rules for setting up a living trust may vary based on the state you are in. The rules in California or Texas, for example, may be different from New York or Illinois.

What Assets Can You Put in a Trust?

Some of the different assets you can transfer to a living trust include:

real estate, cars, boats, bank accounts, antiques

jewelry, artwork, family heirlooms, stamp or coin collections

stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities

Depending on the type of asset you’re transferring, you may have to get a new deed or title issued in the trust’s name.

Certain types of assets can’t be owned by a trust. However, you can still name the trust itself as the beneficiary. For example, you can name the trust as a beneficiary for a retirement account, such as a 401(k), IRA, or for your life insurance policy. When you die, your benefits are automatically paid into the trust.

Living Trust vs. Will

There are several situations where having a living trust benefits you more than if you only have a will. For example, having a living trust in place can help you avoid conservatorship if you become incapacitated and can’t manage your finances. Instead of the court appointing someone to oversee your estate, your trustee can continue to take care of things on your behalf.

A living trust offers a significant advantage, allowing your beneficiaries to bypass the probate process after your death. Probate is the legal procedure where a probate court oversees the administration of your estate. This includes validating your will, ensuring debts are paid and distributing assets to your heirs.

However, probate can be a lengthy and costly process, especially if your estate is substantial or the validity of your will is contested. By transferring assets into a living trust, they become exempt from probate, saving time and expenses for your loved ones.

A living trust is also a practical option for leaving assets to minor children. If you leave assets to a minor through a will, a court-appointed adult is typically required to manage the inheritance on their behalf. Once the child reaches the age of majority — either 18 or 21, depending on state laws — they gain full control of the assets.

With a living trust, you can establish more specific guidelines for how and when the assets are distributed. This offers greater flexibility and protection for your children’s financial future. For example, you can include a provision that says they have to graduate college or reach a certain age before they can access their trust fund.

Who Needs a Living Trust?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for determining who does or doesn’t need a living trust. Generally, you should weigh the size of your assets and whether or not you have dependents against the cost of setting up and maintaining the trust. If you don’t own a lot of property or you’re not married, a will by itself may be enough. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some additional protection for your assets, setting up a trust may give you the financial peace of mind you’re looking for.

Bottom Line

A living trust is a useful tool for estate planning. It allows you to have greater control over what happens to your assets after you die. Remember, a living trust does not replace a will. But it can be used alongside a will as part of your estate plan. While you can create a living trust by yourself, getting help from a professional is probably the way to go.

If you need a referral to a trusted estate planner, leave a note or comment “TRUST INFO” below. No commitment necessary. I just want to make sure you have the information if you need it.

Posted in Market News
March 16, 2025

The keys to your first home

Buying your first San Diego home is a mega milestone. Real-life stuff. But that one big financial decision is actually made up of many small choices.

Before you start shopping for furniture, you’ve gotta prepare for everything the house San Diego hunt may have in store, including the home financing process. Don’t worry—we can help.

We teamed up with Movement Mortgage to chat about all things homebuying and came up with six surefire ways to simplify the process so you can find your San Diego dream home ASAP. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Find a trusted home loan expert.

You can’t be too informed when you’re starting the homebuying process. Whether you’re just starting to shop or you’ve been perusing the real estate apps for years, you need to know your financial options.

With Movement Mortgage, you can connect with an independent mortgage broker in San Diego to learn more about different home loan options, current rates, and what you need to do to get preapproved. Your home loan expert will help you get a clearer picture of your finances and what you can afford.

Step 2: Build your budget.

Now it’s time to build your budget.

Obvious alert: Know your budget before you start house hunting. We know it’s exciting to tour homes and check out potential San Diego neighborhoods, but you don’t want to waste your time—or get attached to a property that’s miles outside your price range.

Your budget may be the most important part of your homebuying journey (other than finding your dream home, of course). Once you know what you can afford, things start to get real. When you work with an independent mortgage broker, they can help you outline your budget if you’re unsure — plus, you can save an average of $10,662.*

Step 3: Explore first-tome homebuyer loan programs.

As a San Diego homeowner newbie, you may be in luck: First-time homebuyers have access to a variety of home financing programs designed to make homeownership more attainable. These home loan programs often include down payment assistance, which helps reduce the up-front costs associated with purchasing a home. Score.

Recently, some lenders have rolled out 0%-down-payment programs. Zero-down-payment programs are often reserved for buyers who meet specific qualifications, like not exceeding a certain income level. That means qualified homebuyers could purchase a home with no down payment required.

And government-backed loans offer first-time homebuyers even more home loan options. For example, if you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to buy in a rural area, you may qualify for a USDA loan, allowing you to put as little as 0% down on your home purchase. Additionally, FHA loans could let you bring as little as 3.5% down to closing, depending on your credit score.

Step 4: Get preapproved.

This is your final step toward actually being able to make an offer. Think of a preapproval as your announcement to the world that you’re serious about buying a home—and you’ve got the $$$ to prove it.

You typically need a preapproval from your lender before you can move forward and start making offers on potential homes. It formally defines your purchasing power and shows sellers and real estate agents that you’re committed to buying a house.

Here’s how the preapproval process works: Your mortgage broker will order a credit report and help you do a complete analysis of your financial situation. Your credit history + score, assets, past employment, income, debt-to-income ratio, and liabilities all play a part in determining the loan amount you qualify for. Once you’ve reviewed everything with your mortgage broker, you’ll get your preapproval letter in hand.

Step 5: Determine your wants vs. your needs.

Now that you’ve got the initial paperwork done, it’s time to start laying out exactly what you need in a San Diego home—as well as what you’d like.

Divide this list into three categories: non-negotiables, nice-to-haves, and no-thank-yous.

Your non-negotiables are the things your home absolutely must include. Maybe it’s a backyard for your fur babies, a nursery for your human babies, some extra closet space, or a kitchen island. These must-haves will help you shop more efficiently.

Nice-to-haves, as the name suggests, are the features you’d like but don’t necessarily need. Having a basement might be nonnegotiable, but having a finished basement? That’d be great. Nice-to-haves don’t make or break a listing, but they can help you make your final decision.

Lastly, you’ll need to know your no-thank-yous. These are the dealbreakers—the features you do not, under any circumstances, want in your first home. Hate highway noise? Want the freedom to decorate without HOA restrictions? Make sure you know your dealbreakers up front.

Knowing what’s important to you will help narrow down the search and save you from a disappointing in-person tour.

Step 6: Know the mistakes to avoid.

Now that we’ve covered your homebuying to-dos, let’s talk about what not to do. Buying a home may be the biggest financial decision of your life. Don’t put it in jeopardy by making other big purchases at the same time.

It’s all about stability. Now is probably not the best time to quit your job or open a new line of credit. Big purchases, like furniture or cars, should wait until after the paperwork is done and you’ve picked up the keys to your new castle.

Ready to get started? Find a local home loan expert in your area with Movement Mortgage. Happy house hunting, future homeowners.

Bottom Line

With the cost of homeownership so high in Southern California, making the right decision about buying or selling a home can feel like a real challenge. Whether you're downsizing, upsizing, investing or cashing out all together...if you’re open to having the right team put in the work for you, we can get it done.

Hennin Foreman and The DHC Group can help you explore what’s possible and present pain free options that can work for you.

Let us know how we can help...comment below and we'll be in touch

Posted in Market News
March 4, 2025

Home-Price Growth Slows As Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in Over 2 Months

San Diego Home Price Growth Slows

We are advising prospective buyers to get serious now as mortgage rates decline and the housing market tilts a little in buyers’ favor. 

The median U.S. home-sale price rose just 3.5% year over year during the four weeks ending February 23, the smallest increase since September. And mortgage rates have declined to their lowest level in more than two months, dropping from 7.13% to 6.78% in the last two weeks and upping buyers’ purchasing power by thousands of dollarsMortgage rates are coming down due to signals that the U.S. economy is slowing, and heightened recession fears. 

In addition to a bit of cost relief, another factor is working in buyers’ favor. House hunters have a bit more power to negotiate on sale price and terms as supply piles up in some parts of the country. There are 4.6 months of supply on the market, up from 4 months at this time last year, and the typical home is selling for roughly 2% less than its asking price. 

There are signs that slowing price growth, declining rates and more favorable conditions are bringing some house hunters back to the market. Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index–a seasonally adjusted measure of tours and other buying services from The DHC Group agents–has jumped to its highest level since the start of the year, and Google searches of “homes for sale in San Diego” has hit their highest level since September. 

But home sales have yet to improve.  Pending home sales are down 6.2% from a year earlier, in line with decreases we’ve seen since the start of the year. Even though mortgage rates have declined a bit, the typical monthly housing payment is just $32 shy of its all-time high. Sales could pick up in the coming weeks if the increase in home tours turns into more offers and/or mortgage rates continue coming down slightly.

Dream Homes agents in some parts of San Diego are advising prospective buyers to jump in while they can because with today’s economic and political uncertainty, mortgage rates could rise above 7% again soon. And the pileup of supply could soon be depleted: New listings of homes for sale are up just 2.4% year over year this week, the smallest gain in a month.  

“My advice to buyers: If you’re thinking of purchasing a home in the next six months, don’t wait until the flowers start blooming,” said Hennin Foreman, The DHC Group lead in San Diego, CA. “The market will heat up as we get closer to spring. Now is the time to potentially negotiate down the price of a home, save money on closing costs or get the sellers to cover issues uncovered in the inspection. There are bidding wars for relatively affordable homes, under $850,000 or so, and for upscale, fully renovated homes in popular neighborhoods. But for everything in between, buyers are looking online and touring, but not jumping on them. The buyers who are jumping are getting deals.”

Bottom Line

With the cost of homeownership so high in Southern California, making the right decision about buying or selling a home can feel like a real challenge. Whether you're downsizing, upsizing, investing or cashing out all together...if you’re open to having the right team put in the work for you, we can get it done.

Hennin Foreman and The DHC Group can help you explore what’s possible and present pain free options that can work for you.

Let us know how we can help...comment below and we'll be in touch

Posted in Market News
Feb. 25, 2025

Good News For Homebuyers: Slower Price Growth, More Supply, More Bargaining Power

san diego homes for sale, san diego home prices, san diego real estateThe median monthly housing payment remains near record highs, but slowing price growth, declining mortgage rates and a pileup of supply is giving homebuyers in certain parts of the country room to negotiate.

The median U.S. home-sale price rose 3.7% year over year during the four weeks ending February 16, the smallest increase since September. Additionally, the weekly average mortgage rate dipped to 6.87%, its lowest level of the year. 

While typical monthly housing costs remain near record highs, decelerating price growth and gradually declining rates are among several small pieces of good news for house hunters this week. Here are the others:

    • Homebuyers have more total inventory to choose from. There are five months of supply on the market, up from 4.1 months a year earlier and the most since early 2019 (except the 4 weeks ending January 26, when there were 5.1 months). Supply is piling up because listings are rising while pending home sales are falling. 
    • Buyers have more new inventory to choose from, too. New listings are up 4.2% year over year to their highest level for any comparable time period in three years. 
    • Buyers have more negotiating power. The typical home is selling for 2% less than its asking price, the biggest discount in two years. Additionally, the typical home that sells is taking 57 days to go under contract, the longest span in five years. A slow market in which the typical home is selling under list price means buyers in many markets have the opportunity to negotiate on prices and terms. 

Some markets are more buyer friendly than others. For example, the coastal Florida market is tilting in buyers’ favor, while sellers are generally in the driver’s seat in some West Coast and Northeast markets. Additionally, these conditions may be short-lived as more buyers come off the sidelines. Home-touring activity is rising, according to both ShowingTime data and Google data, and DHC agents in certain areas report that house hunters are gearing up for spring homebuying season. 

“If a home needs work or it’s priced too high, it’s sitting on the market,” said Hennin Foreman, DHC Group agent in San Diego. “That’s when a buyer has bargaining power. But updated homes that are priced right–especially those located in desirable neighborhoods with highly rated schools–are selling quickly, sometimes for tens of thousands of dollars over the asking price. It seems like every buyer is looking for the same type of house.”

active home inventory

pending home inventory

Bottom Line

With the cost of homeownership so high in Southern California, making the right decision about buying or selling a home can feel like a real challenge. Whether you're downsizing, upsizing, investing or cashing out all together...if you’re open to having the right team put in the work for you, we can get it done.

Hennin Foreman and The DHC Group can help you explore what’s possible and present pain free options that can work for you.

 

Let us know how we can help...comment below and we'll be in touch

Posted in Market Updates
Feb. 11, 2025

US Housing Market Is Doing Something 'Very Unusual'

san diego homes reduced prices

One in three single-family homes listed for sale in the U.S. housing market had taken a price  cut in January, in what real estate analyst Mike Simonsen described on X, formerly Twitter, as a "very unusual "phenomenon for the first month of the year.

"About 33.1 percent of the homes on the market have taken a price cut from the Original list price. That's up from 33 percent last week," Simonsen, founder and president of real estate analytics firm Altos, wrote in a piece for Housing Wire published on Monday. "It's a pretty small move, but it's in the wrong direction."

 

Why It Matters

The U.S. housing market is undergoing an affordability crunch triggered by historically low inventory, skyrocketing home prices, and stubbornly high mortgage rates, which are still hovering around the 7 percent mark, despite recent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

As aspiring homebuyers remain cautious about getting on the property ladder, sellers across the country are increasingly trying to meet them where they are at, slashing listed prices for their properties. Despite growing inventory and widespread price cuts, home prices are still rising at the national level, giving little respite to buyers.

 

What To Know

Sellers slashed prices during what is normally considered a busy time of the year for the housing market because of weak demand, Simonsen said. Crushed by high mortgage rates and still-rising prices, buyers are waiting on the sidelines of the market for better times to come, forcing sellers to try to attract them with price reductions.

"Almost always this early in the year, price cuts are declining," Simonsen wrote. "Normally, fewer folks need to cut their prices in the spring. At this time of year, there's new inventory, and new buyers are shopping. In recent weeks, we can see that those buyers are waiting," he added.

"Sellers who don't get an offer may choose to cut their price. So, normally, there would be fewer price reductions at this time of year. But, this week, price reductions ticked up."

Notably, according to Simonsen, this is "the first instance of an uptick in price reductions in January in over 10 years."

Recent data from Realtor.com confirms that an increasing number of homes for sale in the U.S. had their listed price slashed in January. According to the platform, 15.6 percent of listings had price cuts last month, up 14.7 percent compared to January 2024.

The share of price cuts was higher than any January in Realtor.com's records other than in 2023, "when rising rates began to slow the market, and in 2019, when the market was also softer due to relatively higher rates at the time," Realtor.com wrote.

Despite widespread cuts, the median price of the newly pending single-family home sales in the U.S. in January was $389,700, according to Altos data, up 2.5 percent compared to a year earlier. The median price of the active market was $424,900, unchanged from last year, Simonsen reported.

Even though prices are still rising, the pace of their growth has slowed down significantly, Simonsen said. "Any way you slice it, home prices are basically flat from a year ago," he wrote on X.

 

What Happens Next

According to Realtor.com, the high share of price cuts in the U.S. housing market "could signal further price softening in the coming months." Simonsen expects this trend to continue "until mortgage prices come back down."

 

Bottom Line

With the cost of homeownership so high in Southern California, making the right decision about selling a home can feel like a real challenge. Whether you're downsizing, upsizing, investing or cashing out all together...if you’re open to having the right team put in the work for you, we can get it done.

Hennin Foreman and The DHC Group can help you explore what’s possible and present pain free options that can work for you.

Let us know how we can help...comment below and we'll be in touch

Posted in Market News
Feb. 4, 2025

Homebuyer demand rises but sales continue to lag

san diego home search, homes for sale in san diego, realtor, real estate agent

More house hunters are hitting the pavement as the new year starts, but pending home sales are down as daily average mortgage rates hit a seven-month high. 

More house hunters are starting their home search as the new year kicks off. Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index–a seasonally adjusted measure of tours and other buying services from Redfin agents–posted a small 2% increase from a month earlier during the week ending January 5, and it’s also up 2% year over year. 

There are several reasons a few more buyers are out there: Some have accepted high mortgage rates; daily average mortgage rates hit a seven-month high this week and they’re unlikely to decline significantly soon. Some are jumping into the market now that the holidays have passed and a new year has begun, and some are taking advantage of the fact that there are more homes on the market than there have been over the last few years. 

“Three of the four offers my clients have made in the last week have competed against other offers with competitive terms, like waiving all contingencies and releasing earnest money early. Some homes are getting multiple offers within 24 hours of hitting the market,” said Emily Lam, a Redfin Premier agent in the Seattle area. “Some buyers are getting serious about their search because they’ve come to terms with 7% rates and they’re worried that if they wait longer, home prices will just keep rising. Others are starting their search in hopes that rates will decline soon. Either way, I’m advising buyers to get serious now because desirable listings will get more competitive as the year goes on.”

Nationwide, the small increase in tours hasn’t yet translated to an uptick in sales. Pending home sales fell 3.1% from a year earlier during the four weeks ending January 5, though that decline may be artificially large because we’re comparing to a period last year when mortgage rates posted a big drop, bringing a surge in demand.

On the selling side, new listings are down 2.5%, the biggest decline in over a year. But for the reason noted above, that drop may appear larger than it actually is. We’ll keep a close eye on pending sales and new listings over the next few weeks to determine whether more home tours eventually turn into more home sales, and whether more sellers start listing their homes as we get settled into 2025.

Remember, the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it. By starting with an entry level home, move up or down, you have the opportunity to customize a home to your liking. With careful planning, budgeting, and a little bit of vision, you can turn a house that needs some love into your perfect home. 

The DHC Group in San Diego is great at finding homes in every condition. They know the local market and can guide you to homes where smart upgrades can add value. With their help, you’re more likely to find a house that fits your total budget and has room for worthwhile improvements.

Bottom Line

In today’s market, where the cost of homeownership can be intimidating, finding the right home that fits your budget can feel like a real challenge. But if you’re open to putting in a little work and time, we can get you into your ideal home. Hennin Foreman and The DHC Group can help you explore what’s possible and find a place that’ll work for you.

 

Let us know how we can help...comment below and we'll be in touch

Posted in Market News
Jan. 21, 2025

Hot New San Diego Restaurant Openings Coming in 2025

Here’s a rundown of the most exciting new spots you won’t want to miss!

san diego restaurants, san diego homes for sale

The 2025 culinary scene in San Diego is gearing up to be unforgettable, with a diverse lineup of new and buzzworthy restaurants opening from late 2024 through the new year.

Late 2024 Openings

Flora (North Park)

Recently opened, Flora offers modern twists on classic dishes in a lively bistro setting. Menu highlights include Matcha Waffles, Shakshuka Eggs, and specialty cocktails like the Lychee Spritz.

Located at 3021 University Ave, Flora is perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.

Wildland (Carlsbad)

Wildland in Carlsbad Village has opened its doors, bringing rustic cuisine and coastal-inspired dining to North County.

This all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery from Michelin-starred duo Chef Eric Bost and John Resnick celebrates California’s vibrant flavors with a menu rooted in seasonal ingredients and bold, wood-fired techniques.

Wildland in Carlsbad Village

Tajima (Crown Point)

Beloved ramen spot Tajima expands to Crown Point with its signature Tonkotsu Ramen and Spicy Sesame Ramen. Now open at 3782 Ingraham St., this location also houses a commissary kitchen crafting fresh broths daily.

2025 culinary scene

Wildflour (Liberty Station)

Chef Phillip Esteban brings Wildflour Delicatessen to Liberty Station this December. Expect Scandinavian-inspired bakery vibes with local ingredients, sandwiches, cured meats, and a curated wine list at 2690 Historic Decatur Rd.

San Diego Restaurant Openings

2025 Highlights

Odie’s Pizza Co. (Oceanside)

Opening in early 2025, Odie’s serves New York and Sicilian-style pizzas with sourdough crust, salads, and desserts. Located at 121 N. Cleveland Street, it’s a family-friendly spot for pizza lovers.

Madi (Pacific Beach)

Set to open in summer 2025, Madi will bring its California-Mediterranean brunch and diner-style favorites to 910 Grand Ave. Expect dishes like White Bean Shakshuka and Chilaquiles Verdes.

Cherryfish (Pacific Beach)

Arriving in winter 2025, Cherryfish brings elevated Asian fusion to Pacific Beach.

This chic, Japanese-inspired spot blends lush greenery, modern artwork, and VIP private dining options. Just steps from the beach, it’s set to offer top-notch seafood in a stylish, luxurious setting.

The Crack Shack (Pacific Beach)

Known for its crispy chicken and laid-back vibe, The Crack Shack’s newest location at 4525 Mission Blvd. will open in early 2025 with lawn games and signature milkshakes.

San Diego Restaurant Openings

Sonny’s (University Heights)

Opening in March 2025, Sonny’s brings NY-style pizza and amaro to University Heights. This wood-fired pizza spot combines nostalgic charm with modern flair, featuring a custom Italian oven, vintage touches, and a cozy backyard dining area.

It’s a neighborhood haunt perfect for enjoying authentic flavors and relaxed vibes.

Le Horse (North Park)

Opening in summer 2025 at The Lafayette, Le Horse brings luxurious European-inspired dining to the hotel, complete with prime rib and martinis.

2025 culinary scene

Stella Jean’s + Pop Pie Co. (South Park)

In February 2025, South Park welcomes the Sweet & Savory Collective’s dynamic duo: Stella Jean’s Ice Cream and Pop Pie Co.

Indulge in globally inspired pies with buttery crusts and small-batch ice cream featuring creative, locally sourced flavors. It’s the perfect pairing of sweet and savory in one charming location!

2025 culinary scene

Yet-to-Be-Named Diner (Hillcrest)

Slated for summer 2025, this diner concept from the team behind Madison on Park will bring nostalgic, classic diner elements to Hillcrest. Expect dishes inspired by a 100-year-old family breakfast tradition with a modern twist at 1270 Cleveland Ave.

Roseacre (La Jolla)

The highly-anticipated dining destination Roseacre is set to open in Spring 2025 at 7766 Girard Avenue. Created by legendary design visionaries Paul Basile and Jules Wilson, this multi-concept space aims to bring a fresh, elevated, yet approachable experience to La Jolla.

Roseacre

With its roots in strong hospitality and innovative design, Roseacre is poised to become a cornerstone of La Jolla’s dining scene.

Far Corner (Gaslamp Quarter)

Far Corner opens in winter 2025 at 410 Tenth Ave., offering housemade pizzas, cocktails, and a stylish lounge perfect for pregame drinks or family dinners.

Baby Grand Hotel Restaurants (Coronado)

Set to open in winter 2025, Baby Grand will feature three exciting concepts, including a champagne and oyster bar, at 1315 Orange Ave.

Baby Grand Hotel Restaurants

See you there!

San Diego Restaurant Openings in 2025 promise to bring fresh flavors and innovative concepts to our culinary scene. It’s going to be a great year!

See you there, San Diego!

Posted in Market News
Jan. 8, 2025

Assumable Mortgages Surge in Popularity

Homebuyers are reviving a forgotten strategy to secure much lower rates

With mortgage rates holding steady around 6%, prospective homebuyers are turning to an often-overlooked financing option: assumable mortgages.

Google searches for "assumable mortgage" spiked earlier this year as buyers looked for alternatives that could allow them to take over a seller’s existing mortgage at a lower rate, sometimes as low as 3%.

These loans, once a more common option decades ago, allow buyers to take over an existing mortgage, preserving the original interest rate. However, they became less common after the Garn St.-Germain Act of 1982, which gave private lenders the ability to demand full payment if a property changed hands.

Today, assumable mortgages are primarily limited to government-backed loans, including Veterans Affairs (VA), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and Department of Agriculture (USDA) mortgages.

“Twenty per cent (20%) to 25% of the homes on the market will be fully assumable at one time,” Raunaq Singh, CEO of assumable mortgage platform Roam, told CNBC. “[But] the number of assumption transactions that are happening is far fewer than the number of mortgages which can be assumed.”

Though assumable mortgages remain a niche option, they’re gaining traction. In 2023, FHA-backed mortgage assumptions rose by 59% compared to 2021, with 4,052 assumptions completed. The VA has seen an even more dramatic increase, with 713% more assumptions in 2023 compared to 2021.

Both the VA and FHA are on track to surpass last year’s totals, with each having completed over 5,000 assumptions in 2024 so far.

Despite this growth, assumable mortgages remain a niche option. FHA loans made up 15.9% of total mortgage applications last week, down slightly from 16.2% the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). VA loans accounted for 16.2% of applications, down from 16.9%.

“Demand is holding up to an extent for prospective first-time buyers,” explained MBA deputy chief economist Joel Kan. “FHA purchase applications were little changed despite the increase in rates, as some first-time homebuyers remain in the market because of improving housing inventory conditions.”

As interest rates continue to rise, mortgage activity has slowed overall. The MBA reported a 17% drop in applications for the week ending October 11, reflecting the challenges buyers face in affording homes at today’s rates.

Posted in Market Updates