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.
I’m NEVER giving up my 2% mortgage.
I know you just like messing with me but for the other readers, don’t be so sure about keeping your low mortgage rate forever.
What’s better than 2%? Zero!
As prices stay here or keep rising, the big equity positions make it tempting to downsize. Those whose homes are $4 million and higher in value and who can find a nice little bungalow for $2-ish will pay cash and really be in their forever home.
Especially if they can transfer their $400k tax basis!
Gonna take realtor commissions being cut by 50% and the abolishment of capital gains tax on home sale to get me out of my no mortgage coastal house. Pretty sure I’m not alone.
Im sorry I am not messing with you. I respect you greatly. I really do not want to give up my 2% mortgage. Even though I have large amounts of equity. Take care.
Yeah well except I have your IP address too. You change it, and your name, occasionally but the tone is the same.
Remember this gem? From “Jenny”?
‘I don’t want to pay a buyer commissions as a seller. Tired of seeing real estate agents driving around in G Wagons and S Classes.’
Gonna take realtor commissions being cut by 50% and the abolishment of capital gains tax on home sale to get me out of my no mortgage coastal house. Pretty sure I’m not alone.
Everybody likes to pile on realtors/commissions but you can list your home for sale for $100 today. Plenty of realtor choices – don’t let that stop you.
Point is, between 6% closing costs and capital gains tax of approximately 33% on gains, most people aren’t going to sell in order to downsize out of a 3% mortgage. Especially when you are talking about gains in the 7 figures.
> ‘Tired of seeing real estate agents driving around in G Wagons and S Classes.’
For the record I have divested of the R Class Wagon. What a pig. Among my worst vehicle purchases.
At least it spent all its time on dry land. 😉
Point is, between 6% closing costs and capital gains tax of approximately 33% on gains, most people aren’t going to sell in order to downsize out of a 3% mortgage. Especially when you are talking about gains in the 7 figures.
The crazy part of our analysis is that the people who aren’t playing don’t matter. Most people aren’t going to move every year – maybe 10% wil take the money and run like the good old days but it is more like 5% or less which is the flashpoint.
This year the active inventory is 20% more than last year. The same 12% increase correspond to more houses on the market in absolute number (although we are still at very low levels)