While you can’t always count on a hot housing market, you can count on the certainty of a cash offer from Opendoor. | Photo provided by Opendoor
Location, location, location — that’s been the name of the real estate game for decades. These days, though, you may be hearing more: recession, economy, inflation… terms that definitely have less appeal.
The real estate market is cyclical, and today’s market is currently trying to find out where it will land (albeit a bit dramatically). The difference? Unlike big market turns of the past, this time we’ve swayed quickly from one extreme to the other.
In just two short years, we’ve seen outsized home price appreciation in most US markets (like right here in SD), followed by a swift decline in housing demand. The whiplash of these fluctuations (and the uncertainty about what happens next) can be hard to wrap your head around.
The good news is, even though none of us can predict what will happen next, that’s okay. If you’re a seller or a buyer (or both) currently stuck in the loop of dreaming, hoping, anticipating + dreading, the experts at Opendoor have three tips to help ride the wave.
Tip No. 1: Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” time to sell or buy.
Hint: It doesn’t exist. The perfect time is what works best for you and your life. Some factors, like a growing family or a new job in another state, are an easy call. But other reasons require you to dig deep. Think:
Will a move improve your day-to-day life?
Will you gain more time, be closer to friends and family, or be nearer to activities that bring you joy?
Tip No. 2: Research your financing options.
The good news: You’ve got options. Whether you’re getting a new loan, refinancing, or looking to lower your payment, a mortgage calculator can help you figure out how much you can afford in minutes. There are also rate buydowns, which can help you lower your rate. Pro tip: A lender can help you figure out what your options are.*
Jewels of the Season - Ornament Making Workshop | Monday, Dec. 5 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, San Diego | $85-$95 | Craft your own holiday treasure — materials + refreshments included.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Troy Trojans | Monday, Dec. 5 | 11 a.m. | San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego | $10-$130 | The men’s basketball team faces their Alabama rivals.
Lightscape | Through Sunday, Jan. 1 | 5-8:30 p.m. | San Diego Botanical Gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas | $18-$29 | The San Diego Botanic Garden transforms into a winter wonderland featuring more than 1 million twinkling, festive lights.
Secret Shame | Monday, Dec. 5 | 8 p.m. | Whistle Stop, 2236 Fern St., San Diego | Free | A night of live music, plus DJ Xayn Naz.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Gaslamp Comedy Open Mic + Happy Hour Show | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 8 p.m. | The American Comedy Co., 818 B 6th Ave., San Diego | Free | Stand up with jokes, or sit down and enjoy $5 happy hour drinks.
Allison Adams Tucker | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. | Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave., Encinitas | Free | A night of free, festive tunes and stories.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The City of San Diego has begun contacting vendors in the Gaslamp Quarter who are operating without permits to issue citations. Violations may come with fines ranging from $200-$1,000 and may result in carts + goods being impounded.
There will be no lottery for short-term residential occupancy (STRO) rental licenses in San Diego. The city planned to cap the number of STRO rentals at 1% of its housing units, but applications fell short of expectations. There is one exception: A lottery will be held for tier 4 applications, which are entire home rentals in Mission Beach. 🏠 (KPBS)
Arts
La Jolla Playhouse announced its 2023-2024 season lineup will consist of six world premieres — including one title that has not yet been released. Among the new shows is “Babbitt,” based on Sinclair Lewis’ 1922 novel, which will feature theater + screen star Matthew Broderick. 🎭
Open
You donut want to miss a trip to Devil & Angel Desserts next time you visit Fashion Valley Mall. The sweet shop is now open near the California Pizza Kitchen, and serves treats like boba soft serve, novelty donuts, and Taiyaki (a Japanese waffle-like pastry pressed in the shape of a fish). 🍩
Concert
“Sand in My Boots” singer Morgan Wallen will bring his “One Night At A Time World Tour,” to San Diego on Saturday, July 15, 2023. The country star will perform at Petco Park with guests Hardy, Ernest, and Bailey Zimmerman. Ticket presales start today, and will be available to the general public on Friday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. 🎸
Cause
To the bloodmobile. The San Diego Blood Bank added two new collection vehicles to its fleet — bringing the total to 10 — so it will be able to offer additional blood drives around town when donors sign up to give blood. 🩸 (NBC 7)
Announced
Being a San Diegan can be magical. Locals heading to Disneyland in 2023 qualify for the SoCal resident discount allowing entry for as low as $73 per day — compared to standard single-day admission prices of $104-$179. The offer is valid on 3-day entry packages for weekday visits in early 2023. ✨
A clean look for a clean vehicle. | Photo via @CityofSanDiego
Well, that was a sweeping success. The City of San Diego asked you to name its first fully-electric mini street sweeper, and with 1,000+ votes, the results are in: meet SWEEP-E.
The vehicle also got a new paint job that really seals the deal. When you see SWEEP-E cruising down the street, you’ll see its blue, ocean-themed exterior with a sea lion on the back.
While most people would call the zero-emission street sweeper a green vehicle, the effort (and appearance) aligns with the Think Blue San Diego initiative to keep our water clean. By removing litter and debris from the streets, SWEEP-E will prevent pollution from entering storm drains or ending up in the ocean. Plus, its small size makesit possible for it to clean bike lanes, improving the city’s bikeability.
Editor’s pick:Good morning,San Diego. It’s Monday, so I feel it’s my duty to remind you to get energized as you head into a new week. Recently, I went to Java Earth Coffee in Pacific Beach and fell in love with the “Honey Vanilla Latte.” The shop in PB is super cute, but there’s also a location in La Jolla that I’m excited to visit.
Missed Friday’s newsletter? We showed you where to drink and be merry by exploring four holiday pop-up bars in San Diego.
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