The sellers paid $875,000 in 2012, and put in another $700,000 before selling last week for full price ($1,400,000). I thought they might get a little more.
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Jesse O'HaraJune 12, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A+ thank you Lisa TuomiJune 11, 2025Trustindex 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. 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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 QuejadaMarch 27, 2025Trustindex 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. 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 FMarch 27, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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! --- William SamsMarch 25, 2025Trustindex 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. Emily HernandezDecember 29, 2024Trustindex 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. Jesus Adrian SahagunNovember 11, 2024Trustindex 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. 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 PASHAJuly 23, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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! Anu KobergJuly 13, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We first found Jim through his blog at bubbleinfo.com, which really showcased his knowledge of SoCal real estate. Since then we've done three transactions with Jim and Donna, and they are an incredible full service agency, with Jim's deep market insight and Donna's deft contract and project management. We trust them implicitly in their analysis and strategy, which is based on years of experience. They're always available and on top of things, and we strongly recommend them to anyone.Load more
They lost money even thought they bought in 2012? How is that possible?
$700k remodel? One tub? Square toilet? Did daddy “pay” his kid $80k/yr to “supervise” the reno while attending design school?
As a golf adjacent homeowner I can also add that near the tee boxes is not only no protection but is a disruptive issue as loud foursomes might as well be on your yard. We hear conversations from the tee box of the prior hole but are spared the chatter from the nearest down in the baranca.
In summary $800k in 2012 to $1.4m is 120% appreciation and -20% modification.
How is that possible?
Be careful when you over-improve.
If you never sell, it doesn’t matter. But if for some reason you do, well then…..
This was filmed at the end of June when things were still a bit frothy.
They found the buyer during the first week on the market.
Do we have our flag planted at the edge of the plateau with this one?
It has many trigger attributes. High price. Over improved. Maxed out for lot and footprint. Then there are the general economic cycle aspects.
“$700k remodel? One tub? Square toilet? Did daddy “pay” his kid $80k/yr to “supervise” the reno while attending design school?”
Awesome post.
The pics from the $875,000 sale:
https://wp.me/a6BN9G-kkq
Do we have our flag planted at the edge of the plateau with this one?
Yeah, pretty much.
These are the types that will keep selling for a premium just because they have the appearance of not needing any work. The single-story-no-fixes product will have an audience with the senior buyers (55+) for a long time to come.
But the end of June was the last chance to get out without a hassle. Though this one is unusual that they wouldn’t at least try to cover their costs – agent sold it to them in 2012 so the trust must have been there. Very smart to price to sell – doubt they could get $1.4 again today.
> But the end of June was the last chance to get out without a hassle.
I sure wish there were a savvy blog someplace where the host and or comments could have earned everyone. 😉
Honestly thought the pics from original listing was almost as nice. Would’ve done ok just sitting on it. Probably would’ve got $1.2
Agree – this had to be planned as a forever residence, and something unexpected happened.
The Pool was already there.. paint, flooring, bathrom&kitchen remodel still don’t equate to $700k.
$232 sq/ft to remodel? You can build for that much.
I am glad I was not the only one wondering where $700k went when watching that video. I think I need to start getting into home remodeling as a side gig lol
Maybe they used quality grade materials vs contractor grade material from Home Depot/Lowes? Still, you don’t want to become the most expensive house in a neighborhood that doesn’t support that level of extravagance. Penny wise, pound foolish.