My mother was born on the Fourth of July – so this will be our first without her. It was a particularly tough month – not only did my mother pass away in early June, but Richard also lost his mom this past Monday.
We had my mom’s funeral service at St. Leo’s Church in Oakland, the same church where my parents were married and where my dad and grandparents also had their final mass. It’s the church we attended whenever we were in town, and after mass, the kids would always drag our parents over to Fenton’s Creamery for an ice cream. After my mom’s funeral service, we re-lived our past and went over for an ice cream again.
In her honor, I’m going to get an ice cream today too. I love you Mom!
This agent is expressing the same thoughts being told to sellers all across the country today. The vast majority of realtors have only known a raging seller’s market over the last 15 years, and they don’t know any different.
But what if the buyers don’t come?
It’s why I’m certain that sales will start suffering long before anyone thinks about lowering their price. Hope the sellers don’t mind the wait and inconvenience.
Sellers deserve to know that it’s possible we’re at the all-time peak. As boomers age out, home pricing could start a slow, gradual decline – especially if we’re out of buyers willing to pay $2 million for a 30-yr old tract home in Carlsbad.
Because buyers are on their own now, they will probably just buck up eventually and pay the seller’s price – unless they wait long enough for more sellers to get antsy and one of them undercuts the existing unsolds to get out.
These graphs are updated on the first of the month so these are the latest numbers and they are interactive so you can scroll over to see the individual data.
These are tracking the Coastal North region of SD County. You can see the average and median cost-per-sf is dropping significantly for it being in the prime April-June period.
It’s why I think we are going to muddle through the rest of the year.
Instead, the adjustment will be in the number of sales, as sellers continue hold out on price but fewer homes being worthy of purchase in the eyes of the buyers.
If you think the inventory surge in 2025 was significant, wait ’til next year!
Some homeowners in Southern California are taking a unique step to deter break-ins: blurring their homes on Google Maps. The move is simple but strategic.
By obscuring their home from Street View, they aim to make it harder for would-be burglars to digitally scout things like entry points, security cameras, or signs of high-value items.
According to police and crime experts, criminals frequently use tools like Google Maps to case homes before deciding which ones to hit.
Here is how to blur your own home:
Go to Google Maps on a desktop (not the mobile app).
Enter your address and drag the little yellow figure to the street for Street View.
In the top-left corner, click “Report a problem.”
Fill out the form, positioning the blur box over your home and explaining why you want it blurred.
Google will review the request, and once it’s approved, the blur is permanent.
While experts agree it can boost privacy and reduce risk, one criminologist noted it could backfire by signaling that something valuable is being hidden.
It’s a simple action that could give homeowners peace of mind.
I asked a few local real estate professionals what they thought about the current market conditions, and where the market might be going.
The two big title companies, First American and Fidelity (which insures 13-15 other title companies) said that the year-over-year numbers are steady/flat and they expect a slight increase over the rest of the year.
Alonzo said that the inventory is 28% above long-term norms. Price cuts are 18% above long-term norms, indicating increased pressure on sellers to reduce prices. Interest rates are hovering around 6.7% putting downward pressure on buyer demand. Don’t anticipate interest rates to drop till 2026. In short homes prices will slightly drop this second half of the year, with more buyer selection.
Anna, who runs the local transaction-coordinating company, said 2023, 2024, and 2025 have all felt very similar to her (me too). Her volume is steady.
Local realtor Tanya said she hopes the rest of 2025 is less uncertain than the first chaotic half! Her main thoughts are that there’s always a market, hot or soft, there’s always buyers and sellers. This year does feel different though – with the political chaos and slack consumer confidence and non-budging rates – so a less-motivated buyer pool could be a very hard pill to swallow for some sellers after years of being in the drivers seat.
Laker Joe said he’s experiencing longer market times, but if it’s single family, priced right and in great shape in a good location, then you could have multiple offers. If not, it’s gonna take a bit. Definitely more of a traditional market. And with the number of cancellations; listing agents definitely want to work with other reputable agents that will get across the finish line with their Buyers.
I thought the last two comments were very pertinent.
Even though sales have been holding up nicely, I think it’s going to get tougher, Specifically, the third quarter of 2025 is likely to be very different than usual.
I think we are due for a 25% plunge in 3Q sales.
Here’s why:
Too many listings.
Too many picked-over listings.
Rates aren’t changing enough.
The best 2025 buyers have bought a house by now.
The remaining buyers want a deal.
Sellers are slow to adjust on price. Because the remaining inventory is down to the picked-over and somewhat-inferior homes (judging by them being unsold), their prices need more correction than before. They need a strong correction – like 10% in July, which just about every seller will resist.
It’s why I think there will only be around 400 sales in 3Q25.
Today, there are 162 pendings, so 400 sales over the next 3 months is possible. Any plunge in sales will be a reflection of how much sellers resist lowering their price, how willing buyers are to making lowball offers, and the agents’ ability to create deals that eventually close escrow.
You can probably understand why I have my doubts!
It won’t change the likelihood that January and February will be red hot again, and even the 4Q25 sales will be decent as the new reality gets collaborated into play. With a 25% plunge in 3Q sales, the annual count will only be -4% under the total sales in 2024.
But the 3Q is where the price discovery will be occurring.
Because sales are the precursor, they need to dip before the pricing gets fully affected. But pricing is already softer, so it will be in the 3Q that the final impact/correction on values takes place to get pricing where it needs to be for the 2026 January-February Selling Season.
More on the market conditions being observed around the country:
JtR: I don’t see many buyer-agents showing properties at all. Open-house traffic is spotty at best and mostly lookers with casual interest. Homes are still selling but sales will likely slow the rest of the year, starting now. The NSDCC sales for June will be 10% to 15% fewer than last June.
There was a 17% increase in pendings this week, which is in line with last year when the last week of June was the high point for pendings in 2024. This week should be fruitful too.
Here are new pendings this week to help demonstrate the price-reductions-to-days-on-market relationship:
The NSDCC pricing is at its lowest point of the year with the median list price under $3,600,000 for the first time in 2025. With improving rates over the last week, it was just enough to spark some additional activity:
The somewhat-stagnant marketplace should get interesting in the second half of the year. Buyers will sense an opportunity to make aggressive offers, and they might waive all contingencies to help offset their lower price.
Can they still cancel the deal later?
Q. If a buyer removes all contingencies at the onset of a transaction, of course frowned upon, and we ask them to sign the acting against the advice of broker letter; does the buyer still have five days to cancel if they don’t like the disclosures?
A. The answer would depend on whether or not the statutory disclosures were provided to the buyer in advance of the contract being formed. Contingencies and disclosures are two different things. One does not necessarily relate to the other.
If a buyer elects to take the risk of entering into a transaction “contingent free” and against our advice, but has not yet received the statutory disclosures, the 5-day right of rescission (if delivered by mail or email – 3 days if delivered in person) would apply.
In that case, the buyer would indeed have time after receipt to terminate the agreement, even if the offer was contingent free.
Think of it this way: (i) contingencies are contractual rights and/or obligations (ii) statutory disclosures are those that allow for an unfettered right to rescind (meaning unwind) the agreement within the requisite time period.
On the other hand, if the listing agent provided the statutorily prescribed disclosure documents in advance of the offer being formed; the right of rescission would not apply because the buyer would have already received the completed documents. If the statutory disclosures are amended after the contract is formed, the right to rescind is reinstated.
Whenever a buyer is contemplating submitting a non-contingent offer; provide and review the C.A.R. Non-Contingent Offer Advisory (“NCOA”) with the Buyer no later than the time the offer is signed.
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Jim & Donna Klinge helped us sell our home of 30 years in Ocean Hills. We were very happy with their service and would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for an Honest, Knowledgeable, Skilled, Informed Efficient realty team. Both Jim & Donna were so helpful in different ways and complemented each others skills. Please refer to a more detailed review that we wrote on YELP. Thank You Both for all your help!!!
Jesse O'Hara
June 12, 2025
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A+ thank you
Lisa Tuomi
June 11, 2025
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Many years ago, we purchased a home in Carlsbad, using a realtor that was recommended to us - Jim Klinge. Fast forward to 2025, we recently had the privilege of selling 2 homes in Carlsbad, CA and didn't hesitate to reach out to Jim and Donna Klinge of Klinge Realty Group to guide us through the sales. The transactions were very different, each with its own unique situation, opportunities and challenges. From start to finish, Donna and Jim helped navigate the pre-sale preparation, the listing, showing of the house, buyer negotiations, the final close and all of the paperwork and decisions in between. What stands out with both transactions is the professionalism of Jim and Donna (and their team), wonderful communication (timely, relevant, concise), their deep understanding of market dynamics (setting realistic expectations), their access to top-notch contractors, and last, their ability to guide us across the finish line successfully. We wouldn't hesitate to use Jim and Donna in the future and highly recommend them for anyone looking to buy or sell a property in North San Diego County.
Jerry Meyer
March 28, 2025
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We sold a home with Jim and Donna and from beginning to end they were consummate professionals. Their initial walk through the property resulted in a list of items to be repaired or updated. They supplied a list of vendors and job quotes to do the repairs and updates. We originally wanted to sell ‘as is’ and just get it over with. They gave us a selling price for ‘as is’ and options for doing a few updates/repairs to doing it all with the selling price for each option. We agreed to do all they suggested and we sold for the exact price they predicted. For every dollar spent we got back more than $2 back in the selling price. And they got that price in a rising interest rate environment! Donna and Jim are extremely detailed and guide you through ever aspect of the sale. There were no surprises thanks to their guidance. We couldn’t be more pleased with their representation.
Thank you Donna and Jim,
Jerry and Mary
Heather Quejada
March 27, 2025
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We have known Jim & Donna Klinge for over a dozen years, having met them in Carlsbad where our children went to the same school. As long time North County residents, it was a no- brainer for us to have the Klinges be our eyes and ears for San Diego real estate in general and North County in particular. As my military career caused our family to move all over the country and overseas to Asia, Europe and the Pacific, we trusted Jim and Donna to help keep our house in Carlsbad rented with reliable and respectful tenants for over 10 years.
Naturally, when the time came to sell our beloved Carlsbad home to pursue a rural lifestyle in retirement out of California, we could think of no better team to represent us than Jim and Donna. They immediately went to work to update our house built in 2004 to current-day standards and trends — in 2 short months they transformed it into a literal modern-day masterpiece. We trusted their judgement implicitly and followed 100% of their recommended changes. When our house finally came on the market, there was a blizzard of serious interest, we had multiple offers by the third day and it sold in just 5 days after a frenzied bidding war for 20% above our asking price! The investment we made in upgrades recommended by Jim and Donna yielded a 4-fold return, in the process setting a new high water mark for a house sold in our community.
In our view, there are no better real estate professionals in all of San Diego than Jim and Donna Klinge. Buying or selling, you must run and beg Jim and Donna Klinge to represent you! Our family will never forget Jim, Donna, and their whole team at Compass — we are forever grateful to them.
Lou F
March 27, 2025
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WeI had the pleasure of working with Klinge Realty Group to sell our home in Carmel Valley, and I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Jim and Donna demonstrated exceptional professionalism, offering expert guidance on market conditions and pricing strategy, which resulted in a quick and successful sale.
Communication was prompt and we were well-informed throughout the entire process.
For anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate team, look no further!
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William Sams
March 25, 2025
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Donna and Jim Klinge of Klinge Realty Group have our highest possible recommendation. From Donna and Jim’s first visit to our house through closing their advice and counsel was candid and honest in all dealings. They kept us fully informed throughout the process. The house sold less than three days after listing with a two-week closing. My wife and I have sold several houses during our lives. This was by far the best experience. Klinge Reality is a premium service realtor. You can’t make a better choice for someone to sell your home fast and for top dollar.
Emily Hernandez
December 29, 2024
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Donna and Jim provided exceptional support and professionalism throughout the entire process. We couldn't have been happier with their efforts. They made our house shine, and thanks to their expertise, it sold above the listing price in the very first weekend! Truly a fantastic experience from start to finish.
Jesus Adrian Sahagun
November 11, 2024
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This year has been difficult on our family, mainly due to having to sell our home. Thankfully we knew God had a plan for us and working with the Klinge team was a key part of it. It was an obvious decision to work with them again after such an amazing experience when purchasing the same home we needed to sell. The challenge was, how will we do this in so little time with so much going on? Jim and Donna held our hand every step of the way. Whenever an unexpected issue arose they found and provided a solution. Never once did we feel pressured to make a decision and the Klinges were always reassuring after providing the information that the decision was ours to make. Despite the curve balls, they never panicked and exemplified the “can do” attitude, making us feel optimistic and taken care of. Their expertise and professionalism was superb. But of all the reasons to work with the Klinges, the most impactful and valuable is their compassion and genuine care for their clients. We pray that we can one day purchase our forever home and you better believe that Jim and Donna will be representing us - as long as they will have us of course. Thank you again Klinge team! Your execution, experience, and care are unmatched.
SABIHA PASHA
July 23, 2024
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Jim and Donna were fantastic! Jim understanding my needs, recommending potential places, pointing out the pros and cons of each property was invaluable. Then when the offer was accepted Donna’s organized guidance through the inspections, paperwork etc made the whole process seem effortless.
So grateful that I had them on my side!