This is the second half of the ‘luz tour, covering the western side.
At the end of the video there is mention of a flipper who just paid $1,430,500 at the trustee sale on January 13th, and then closed escrow with the new buyer on February 26th for $2,175,000 cash. If you’d like to see photos of it, click here:
Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A+ thank youTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 MaryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. 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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! ---Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. 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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!Load more
JTR – I agree with much of your ‘gully side’ testimony with a couple tweaks.
Yes, for the bulk of buyers it is is the less desirable side of Santaluz (like an E Class is less desirable than an S Class)
1) there are 2 sides of the gully….the main area with 90% of the lots (NW of Camino Del Su and San Dieguito RD) and 10% across SD Rd.
The main area gets a little traffic noise from SD rd but not major…the smaller are is just a fishbowl and has no privacy from those roads and has a constant double road noise issue.
Most of the larger are is very quiet.
2) The gully has some larger flat pads (3/4ac flat +) so you can be a bit more spread out with larger yards than more of the internal lots.
3) Privacy – some like privacy and here you get it.
4) views – while set lower there are no ocean views, however, there are some nice vista views over the canyons…i suggest getting a south facing lot with a nice distant view.
5) WORST LOTS/BEST HOOD – This is the area to get a good sized lot CHEAPLY today…remember that they sold for apx $1mm+/- at the peak and in the future they will be priced evenly with the other lots in the neighborhood so buy low and they will be in demand again.
Jim… did the flipper of 7631 Iluminado add any value to the property (ie. fix it up) or just buy and resell? Nice profit margin for minimal risk.
“nice profit margin for minimal risk”
I am not sure about you, but I don’t consider $1.4mm++ cash in a glutted market to be ‘minimal risk’.
Risk always looks ‘minimal’ when A) after the fact when it worked out in the end, and B) its not your money.
I say it was a good calculated risk, but I guarantee 99% of people on this blog would not have asked the wife if they can invest their savings into this flip opportunity on the courhouse steps back in Jan/Feb.
I enjoy seeing and learning about the high end and midrange market, but just curious if you’re planning to look at houses under half million at some point again?
I’m with you, osidebuyer.
I’ve been looking in the 550K range in Encinitas and some parts of Carlsbad for almost two years now. I’ve had several deals fall through. The prices seem to have come back up in these areas and now I can’t find anything that makes sense.
I believe we’re in the extend and pretend phase of the economy. I am curious if any property in SD county pencils anymore (ex flipping)
Anon – I’ve come around to thinking that it always pencils: either A) pay up and enjoy a 20 yr home, B) long term rental, C) Move
At lease one of these pencils for everyone…
It’s like happy hour at a swimsuit model convention and then bitching that none of them will date you…same 3 choices you can pay for one long term, rent one, or you just need to move to a darker/cheaper bar and your needs will be met.
Coastal SD seems to be more of a model convention which is out of our leage for most of us.
Clearfund,
People really aren’t that mobile in this economy so option C is out. If it floats, flies or &*(^, rent it is what I was told.
Anon