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.
Your story proves one thing, JtR. You’re simply the best! You have extraordinary phone and negotiating skills and always put your client’s best interest first.
Thank you Susie!
The sellers got what they wanted (quick sale, over listing), the buyers got what they wanted (a house they loved and not having to go into a bidding war). Win-win!
No nonsense. Honesty. Integrity.
Jim, Kayla and Donna are simply the best!
Why list with the rest? List with the best!
If people are making offers $50,000 to $60,000 over list price why aren’t agents listing the properties $30,000 to $50,000 higher?
If people are making offers $50,000 to $60,000 over list price why aren’t agents listing the properties $30,000 to $50,000…
It is literally easier to go up than down on price….but you have to know how to do it. To start with, the list price has to be attractive enough that buyers get excited right away.
Important facts we considered:
1. If we would have sold at list price ($1,199,000), it would have been the highest ever in the history of the complex.
2. The last model-match comp was $1,135,000 and it sold nine days before we hit the MLS.
3. This house appeared to help but at the time it was still a relatively-new listing with only 14 days on market when we listed. He has a flashy $200,000 in upgrades but 615sf smaller and darker:
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-170023935-6999_Sweetwater_Carlsbad_CA_92011
It is still for sale, so there appears to be some resistance – not everything is selling.
4. We bet on the staging to make the difference. See video.
5. My recommended list price had been $1,099,000 as recently as March 29.
Sellers have enjoyed a brilliant 2017 spring selling season!
We could have listed for $1,250,000 and could have easily still been sitting around. It is the art of the deal.
I have been following your blog for a long time and own/live in Waters End. (Wish I would have known about you when I bought.) Happy that you sold fast and over listing although disappointed there was no open house as I planned on stopping by to introduce myself. I closely watch the houses for sale in my neighborhood (and in SW Carlsbad) and the services you provided for this seller (and your other clients) is amazing. Even though I do not plan on selling for a long time, I plan on using your services when I do.
By the way, your vendor recommendations are great. I have used them for flooring, screens, etc. Thank you.
Thanks AMM, I’m looking forward to the day!