On Saturdays, I try to suggest suitable places to move, in case readers are wondering where to retire. But for those who want to work and get into the AI craze, Phoenix is a relative boom town.
The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) took another major step in expanding its north Phoenix campus on Tuesday. The company broke ground on its third semiconductor manufacturing fab, or factory, near 43rd Avenue and Dove Valley Road.
TSMC said the third facility will create roughly 6,000 jobs and will manufacture chips using 2 nanometer or even more advanced process technology, with production starting by the end of the decade.
The milestone coincided with a visit from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, who praised the groundbreaking and expansion of TSMC’s facilities. He said it was part of the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to strengthening the “golden age of American manufacturing.” “We are at TSMC Arizona to celebrate the return of American manufacturing. President Trump’s bold leadership and clear direction are driving companies and jobs back to this country at a record pace,” Lutnick said.
TSMC is the world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturer and produces chips for companies including Apple, Intel and Nvidia. “AI is revolutionizing every aspect of the technology stack, and Nvidia AI supercomputers are at the foundation. We’re proud to produce our technology in Arizona, bringing AI infrastructure manufacturing back to America. The administration’s support for U.S. manufacturing makes this possible—and vital—for the next industrial revolution,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia.
Home buyers have been getting the worst of it lately.
During the covid frenzy, they had to pay unimaginable amounts OVER the list price just to buy a house. Then mortgage rates doubled, but they still had to pay the same prices! Then last year they had to start paying for their own realtor representation, and now this.
One of the first questions from those who attend an open house is,
“Does this house have solar?”
The strong preference is for there to be a newer solar system with battery that is pumping out at least as much electricity as needed – and it’s owned by the seller and easily transferred to the buyer.
It seems like about half of the systems are leased, which presents problems to the homebuyers. How much? How much longer? What are the pitfalls? Can I assume? Do I want to assume?!?
Whether the system is owned or leased, homebuyers will want to know about the net energy metering, or NEM. It’s because the original NEM1 was tweaked by NEM2. Here is SDG&E’s page:
The bill AB 942, authored by Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon, proposes to slash energy credits for rooftop solar panels, limit the current program’s benefits to ten years instead of twenty, and cancel solar contracts if a home is sold.
Calderon said her legislation aims to address the financial imbalance faced by non-solar customers. “Last year alone, non-solar customers paid 8.5 billion dollars to subsidize the rooftop solar customers,” she said.
“That’s roughly one-fourth of non-solar customers’ electricity bill. It’s making electricity unaffordable for millions of Californians. Those who cannot afford solar are paying the most.”
However, opponents argue that AB 942 would undermine existing agreements with solar users.
The AB 942 was approved in committee on Wednesday. If it becomes law, homebuyers get one more stinger – no solar credits!
Let’s compare the year-to-date action to last year!
The sub-markets in green are holding up nicely. The additional listings coming to market are being absorbed, and the current number of active listings are around 4 months’ worth or less.
Rancho Santa Fe is a good example of the opposite.
There were 23% more listings in the 92067 this year, and the sales count went up by one. Yikes! There are more and more unsolds being ignored there – and they have about eight months’ worth of supply now!
Overall, the number of listings increased by 11%, and the number of sales increased by 4%. We’ve been looking for the point of equilibrium, and it appears that 2025 could set the limit. If we get an inventory surge in 2026 that surpasses this year’s action, then the demand will really be tested.
A reporter from the New York Times accuses realtors of doing work-arounds to the NAR Settlement and steering buyers away from for-sale-by-owners.
The 30-minute podcast tells stories about a realtor who started her own website to display the commission rates she was paying on her listings, and a home seller who confessed the usual frustration with realtors not wanting to negotiate their commission. When he went for-sale-by-owner, one agent showed him a couple of texts from other agents suggesting they boycott the guy. Of course, now the seller is creating his own real estate start-up to do it better, so the reporter is, in effect, giving him a national infomercial.
That’s all you got?
You’re doing a national podcast that is suggesting the whole realtor community is guilty of breaking the new rules. Please tell me you have more evidence than that!
Like most reporters, she takes a couple of isolated events and blows them way out of proportion just to make her story more sensational.
If she would have had me on the podcast, I’d explain that commissions aren’t negotiable – each agent charges what they think their service is worth. If you don’t agree, go find another realtor.
If a consumer is adamant about paying less and figures that the quality of service they receive is probably about the same with all agents, there are plenty of choices. Just use google to start your search – in fact, there are companies that will assist you in finding the right discount agent – for a fee (usually paid by the agent):
The market today is tough as nails, and you want/need to hire a great agent with a track record. Use the Find An Agent on Zillow to review an agent’s recent sales and reviews to get a good feel for what they can do for you.
Looking for a full-blown party pad in the middle of all the action? Check out our new listing at 1200 N. Harbor in Oceanside! An ideal vacation home!
I hate to report that the Nautical Bean Coffee Joint has discontinued their offering of the Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. A crushing blow to the north county coffee scene but somehow we will survive.
Derek and the Dominos consisted initially of mainly former members of Bonnie & Delaney and Friends, including Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock (vocals keyboards), Carl Radle (bass), Jim Gordon (drums), and guitarist Dave Mason (guitarist for the great 60s band Traffic). In late 1970, the great slide guitarist Duane Allman was also on stage and in the band.
Derek and the Dominos gave their debut live performance on June 14, 1970 in London.
The group was billed as “Eric Clapton and Friends,” but a discussion about a name for the band ensued backstage just before their appearance. George Harrison was with them, as well as Tony Ashton who was part of the opening act. Harrison pressed the point that, in his opinion, the band should have a ‘proper name’.
Ashton suggested “Del and the Dominos,” since he had been calling Clapton “Derek” or “Del” (based on Delaney & Bonnie).
Bobby Whitlock maintains that “the Dynamics” was the name that was chosen, but that Ashton, following his opening set with his band, mispronounced it when introducing the band.
Clapton says “Derek and the Dominos” was decided on before they went on stage.
Clapton immediately liked and accepted the name, but Whitlock, Radle and Gordon – all Americans – were concerned they might be mistaken for a doo-wop act.
Here’s the band (with Clapton as the only guitarist) on the Johnny Cash Show in 1971.
From the internet:
Derek and the Dominos emerged from Eric Clapton’s desire to escape the spotlight. Frustrated by the fame associated with Cream and Blind Faith, Clapton sought to create a band that prioritized music over celebrity. Even the name “Derek and the Dominos” was chosen to avoid his name overshadowing the group.
Today, let’s judge our market purely by the number of sales.
Sales are the precursor of where the market is going.
NSDCC Monthly Sales, Jan 1 – Apr 30
2024: 570
2025: 578
There have been 166 closings this month so far, and with one day to go plus the late-reporters, the April sales should equal last year’s 189 sales (reflected in the graph). It will boost the 2025 sales to around 600, which will be a +5% increase above 2024.
Given all the turbulence, that’s pretty good!
Let’s take it a step further and note that there are 155 pendings currently.
The closed sales in the next month or two might be a little light, but still healthy.
If the monthly sales dropped off to 130 or less in the coming 3-4 months, then I’ll be looking for the panic button. Until then, it is hand-to-hand combat every day on the streets bringing buyers and sellers together!
Recession Proof Home Items that Won’t Break the Bank
With all the discussion about a recession, both the economy, the real estate market, and my emotions have been on a rollercoaster! Sometimes, a quick pick-me-up is just what you need for a little serotonin boost. For me, I like to buy myself a gift. But what does one buy that brings joy without breaking the bank? We might need to put aside the idea of splurging on jewelry and designer handbags.
House Beautiful discussed with designers what home decor items would be defined as “recession-proof.” In the article, you’ll find 12 items that designers say bring life into the home without hurting your bank account. Below are my favorite 5 items from their list:
1. Art – Some art can be VERY expensive, but you can also find beautiful pieces in vintage shops too! Art is personal, affordable, and it can instantly elevate the vibe of any room. Anything that catches your eye can be a meaningful piece of art!
2. Candles – The best part about candles is you can find them in any price range at almost any store. For something that can be so small and inexpensive, candles add so much to a home’s ambiance. Designer Kimberley Harrison says, “a candle illuminates not just a room, but also the spirit; it sparks joy and soothes the soul in times of uncertainty.”
3. Wallpaper – Wallpaper is definitely more daring than art, but it’s a great way to play with pattern, texture, and color! A lot of folks in New York City opt for the peel-and-stick option, since it’s more affordable and usually the building/landlord are OK with it.
4. Small bowls – Whether filled with candy, jewelry, or simply left to enhance a coffee table or shelf, these bowls serve as an invitation to pause and appreciate the little things that bring comfort and charm to our daily lives. On our coffee table, there’s a small bowl that holds my boyfriend’s collection of ball markers from each golf course he’s visited.
5. Houseplants – I just bought this fiddle leaf fig plant from Home Depot and it’s my whole personality! Plants do provide a sense of serenity and connection to nature that is very valuable during stressful times.
I’m reluctant because these can be taken as bragging, plus there are the trolls – one of which left the first comment on YouTube (since deleted) that “testimonials = desperation”.
But this video should help viewers get a feel for what it’s like to work with us.
I’m the dream killer who talks people out of buying the wrong house, and Donna is the committed partner during and after escrow.
Can we find some positivity in today’s market? Are we about to turn the corner?
There is enough doom out there that even our head cheerleader is grumpy.
But there are reasons to be hopeful.
The tariff talk seems to be settling down, and Trump should start making deals.
The 10-year yield is settling down too, which should help mortgage rates:
The stock market has bounced back a bit, and appears stable for now.
Home sellers should be getting the message by now, and will adjust pricing.
Yesterday we received offers on two of our listings, after blanking for the month!
If we can just get a run going for 30-60 days before the tariff deadline gets here in July, it would establish some price discovery and motivate buyers to make offers.
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!!!
Jesse O'Hara
June 12, 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A+ thank you
Lisa Tuomi
June 11, 2025
Trustindex 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.
Jerry Meyer
March 28, 2025
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 Mary
Heather Quejada
March 27, 2025
Trustindex 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 F
March 27, 2025
Trustindex 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 Sams
March 25, 2025
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.
Emily Hernandez
December 29, 2024
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.
Jesus Adrian Sahagun
November 11, 2024
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. 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
Trustindex 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!
