Pittsburgh at least has a couple of pro sports teams. The Steelers are looking good, and the Pirates have that pitcher who came in second for rookie-of-the-year!
Top 10 Best Locations for Gen Z Homebuyers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was the top city for young homebuyers among the 50 metros analyzed, where nearly half (48%) of its new mortgages went to people under 35.
Pittsburgh is followed by:
Cincinnati, Ohio (46.5%)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (46.3%)
Detroit, Michigan (46.1%)
Warren, Michigan (46.0%)
Minneapolis, Minnesota (45.7%)
Cleveland, Ohio (44.1%)
Denver, Colorado (43.7%)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (43.7%)
St. Louis, Missouri (43.3%)
10 Worst Locations for Gen Z Homebuyers
West Palm Beach, Florida, was the least popular city for young homebuyers among the 50 metros analyzed, where only 27.8% of its new mortgages went to people under 35.
This year, we’ve taken more time off than ever before.
All for a great reason – to see Natalie performing around the world in an experience of a lifetime for her.
It was a sampling of what retirement could be. Did I enjoy being out of the game? No – and I hated that part.
I want to compete every day, and it’s what I love about selling homes. It is very competitive, and that includes the competition between me and me. Can I do better? Can I help more people?
This blog helps to keep me going. I want to deliver the most pertinent bubbleinfo every day.
Stick around – I’m just getting started!
P.S. Tonight the blog is upgrading to its own dedicated server. Let me know if you feel anything different!
Here’s a video tour I did for an out-of-town buyer.
This 3 bed/2 bath, 2,160sf custom home was built in 2001 in the ‘vibrant urban core’ of central Hillcrest and listed for $1,775,000. It sold for full price within six days on the market. “Exceptional Custom-Built Residence with Secluded Serenity and Urban Convenience”
The NAR Clear Cooperation Policy states that every listing must be inputted into the MLS within one business day after it is advertised publicly. The idea is to ensure that every agent has a chance to sell it.
Our boss is leading the effort to end the CCP (see above).
Anywhere (Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s, etc.) also agrees that the CCP has its flaws, and that it needs to be revised or ended.
Asked Thursday about Anywhere’s proposal to modify Clear Cooperation, Reffkin said that “although I would prefer a policy that replaces the one-day listing requirement with 60 days as the DOJ has publicly asked NAR to do, I support Anywhere’s recommendation to move it to ‘at least a few weeks.’”
Reffkin’s mention of the DOJ refers to a July 29, 2020, letter from a U.S. Department of Justice attorney to a lawyer representing NAR. In the letter, the DOJ attorney proposes two modifications to the Clear Cooperation rule: extending “from one business day to sixty days the time by which listing brokers must submit listings to the MLS”; and eliminating “the exception to the Clear Cooperation Policy for ‘office exclusives.’”
Reffkin said that he applauds “Anywhere for advocating for homeowner rights.”
A survey was sent to agents on the topic. My response:
I think the CCP should end. No matter what the rules are, agents will game the system. For example, agents input their listings onto the MLS to reach the waiting buyers but then don’t allow other realtors to show. Then a few days later, they are marked pending. It has always been like this – no matter what the rules are, agents will game the system in their favor to maximize their own profits.
The San Diego region has always had agents who cheat the system – it’s been like this since I started. Let’s just be honest with consumers and with each other – it is the WILD, WILD WEST!
There isn’t a real threat of physical harm, but the environment will rough you up mentally and emotionally. Hire an agent who recognizes the pitfalls, and can help manage the experience as best they can.
Kelly Howard’s new listing is 2 br/2.5 ba, 2,652sf built in1991 and priced at $3,495,000!
Welcome to 1593 San Elijo Avenue – an exceptional residence that epitomizes sophisticated coastal living. This high-end, meticulously designed home offers an expansive 2,652 square feet of luxurious living space, featuring 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 & 1/2 half elegantly appointed bathrooms.
As you step inside, you are immediately swept away by the unobstructed panoramic white water ocean view. This open-concept layout is adorned with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, creating an inviting and airy ambiance. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, boasting top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and a large island with seating – perfect for entertaining or casual dining.
The primary suite is a private retreat, complete with a spacious walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom that exudes spa-like serenity. The additional bedroom is generously sized, offering comfort and style. Each bathroom is thoughtfully designed with premium fixtures and finishes, ensuring a blend of functionality and luxury. The living area seamlessly extends to an outdoor patio, ideal for al fresco dining and enjoying the coastal breeze. Added conveniences are the dedicated laundry room, which includes ample storage to keep your home organized and efficient, and the additional storage room, which is perfect for your surfboards, bikes, and other adventure toys.
Located in the heart of Cardiff, this exquisite home provides convenient access to local amenities; such as the coastal rail-trail, coveted beaches, renowned surf breaks, dining, cafes, and shopping. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of coastal elegance.
Remember a few months ago when both Biden and the Padres were flailing and I said that the last half of the year would be so full of distractions that we’d be lucky to see 100 sales per month?
How ya feeling now?
Last month was spectacular and it looks like this month’s sales will beat the 154 from last September! There were 46 sales closed in the last week of September, 2023, and currently there are 60 pendings that went into escrow prior to 9/1/2024 so another 46 sales this month looks very doable.
The 123 sales above are today’s count.
Add 46 to it and we could reach 169 sales – and the pricing metrics are strong too!
The highest sale in Encinitas was the Crescent House for $16,250,000. But that was in May, 2023. Will anyone be surprised if they get close to the $24,850,000 here? Not me. I think I said $28 million in the video but it was the previous agent who had it for $27,500,000 last year.
Introducing a rare gem in coastal luxury, 1230 Neptune Ave in Encinitas, CA, represents the pinnacle of new construction and the last opportunity of its kind for an oceanfront residence on the California coast. This magnificent 7,089-square-foot home is a showcase of architectural mastery and exclusive living, uniquely permitted on a coastal bluff where such development will no longer be allowed. Just 12 minutes from Carlsbad Airport, your unparalleled oceanfront escape awaits. Step inside to discover an entryway that ushers you into a realm where luxury meets breathtaking ocean views. The home is equipped with a commercial-grade elevator, ensuring effortless navigation throughout. Each room is designed to frame the Pacific Ocean through expansive glass windows, seamlessly integrating the horizon into your daily life. This home boasts unparalleled amenities, including four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a state-of-the-art theater, a sophisticated bar and lounge, and a refined wine cellar, each space meticulously crafted for luxury and entertainment. The private bluffside terrace offers a serene retreat, surrounded by complete privacy and spectacular ocean views. For relaxation and rejuvenation, the in-home spa and sauna provide a sanctuary of wellness. Exclusive beach access invites you to enjoy the enchanting coastal ambiance of Encinitas directly from your doorstep. The first and last of its kind.
The Pritzker estate, a roughly 50,000-square-foot estate on a promontory in the hills above Los Angeles, is one of the largest private homes in the country. At times run by a staff of more than 25 people, it has a bowling alley, a hairdressing area, a gym with changing rooms and an infinity swimming pool overlooking the city skyline.
The longtime home of billionaire Hyatt hotel heir Tony Pritzker and philanthropist Jeanne Pritzker, the mammoth estate has been at the center of the couple’s bitter divorce fight since they separated in 2022. Now, with the divorce settled for an undisclosed sum, the estate is slated to go on the market, likely asking somewhere between $150 million and $200 million, according to local real-estate agents. If the home fetches its price, it would be one of the most expensive homes ever to sell in L.A.
The listing caps a saga that has engulfed the wealthy and prominent Pritzker family, shining a light on their lavish lifestyle as well as the complex machinations the superrich use to shield their wealth from taxes, the prying eyes of the public, and sometimes each other.
Tony is the son of Hyatt hotel chain co-founder Donald Pritzker and brother of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. He and Jeanne, both in their 60s, were married for more than 30 years and have six children. The couple spent years building their gated estate on Angelo Drive in the exclusive Beverly Hills Post Office area—one of multiple homes they shared—using it to host parties attended by the likes of Al Gore, Jane Fonda, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen.
When Tony left Jeanne in the fall of 2022, the L.A. estate quickly became a focal point of their rancorous divorce. Jeanne wanted to continue living in the mammoth house and using it for the philanthropic events she said it was built for. Tony wanted to sell; he has since paid $19.5 million for a four-bedroom penthouse spanning about 8,000 square feet at Westwood’s Beverly West condominium, where the R&B star the Weeknd once owned a home, according to property records.
After the couple split, Jeanne stayed in the Angelo Drive house and Tony moved out, according to court documents. But she was shocked when Tony’s lawyers informed her that the house and its contents—down to the forks, knives and spoons—were technically owned not by the couple, but by a complex web of trusts and limited liability companies. Moreover, Tony’s lawyers said Jeanne wasn’t entitled to live in the house because she wasn’t a beneficiary of the trust that owns it. The properties she thought the couple owned personally weren’t part of the marital estate, which is normally divided 50/50 between divorcing couples.
Jeanne is one of a growing number of estranged spouses—usually wives—to find themselves in a similar position. The wealthy frequently put their assets into trusts and limited liability companies, which can be useful for estate planning, reducing taxes and maintaining privacy. High-end homes across the country are often purchased through LLCs or trusts rather than in the names of their owners. When it comes to divorce, however, these entities are increasingly being used to shield assets from being split between the warring parties, according to attorney Jeff Diamant, an expert in divorce fraud who is not involved in the Pritzker case.
“There is very definitely a rise in using various techniques to try to shield assets from spouses in the event of a divorce,” he said. “We’re seeing significantly increasing numbers of, let’s just say husbands, trying to hide money from their spouses.”
Somehow I got on email list of this Bay Area appraiser – and he has good tips:
Debunking the Bedroom Closet Myth
There’s a widespread belief that a room must have a closet to be called a bedroom. Let me clear that up: in 99% of cases, that’s simply not true. So, let’s break down what really qualifies a room as a bedroom according to the International Residential Code (IRC).
What Makes a Room a Bedroom?
Under the IRC, a room needs to meet these key criteria:
Two exits for emergencies (e.g., a door and a window)
At least 70 square feet of floor space, with no wall shorter than 7 feet
Heating or ventilation (HVAC or another system)
Two or more electrical outlets
Access from a hallway or common area, not through another bedroom
Ceiling height: At least 50% of the room must be 7 feet tall, with no section lower than 5 feet
Do Bedrooms Need Closets?
Nope! The IRC doesn’t mention closets at all. While some places, like San Bruno, CA, might have local rules requiring a closet, most areas don’t. It’s a common myth, but not the reality.
Common Exceptions to Keep in Mind
Rural Areas – Some places with septic systems may impose additional requirements for bedrooms.
Special City Rules – Always check with your local building department, as certain cities may have unique criteria like closet inclusion.
Neighborhood Trends – In 55+ communities, if most homes are two-bedrooms with a den, your “third bedroom” might just be playing dress-up. Even if you’re calling it a bedroom, the rest of the neighborhood is sticking to the two-bedroom theme. So, congratulations! You’re part of the “den club,” whether you like it or not!
With the July index being a 3-month weighted average, this should be the last of the stronger readings of 2024 and the momentum should taper off for the rest of the year. I like using the non-seasonally adjusted index because we can handle the truth. The San Diego seasonally-adjusted index dropped 0.58% month-over-month.
Mid-Day Edit: The index is released on the last Tuesday of the month but I think it caught the S&P staff off guard because their dissemination of the data is still lagging. But finally on their webite they noted that the non-seasonally adjusted index DROPPED the 0.58%, not the seasonally-adjusted (which rose 0.12%).
From cnbc:
New York saw the highest annual gain among the 20 cities, with prices climbing 9% in June, followed by San Diego and Las Vegas with annual increases of 8.7% and 8.5%, respectively. Portland, Oregon, saw just a 0.8% annual rise in June, the smallest gain of the top cities.
Since housing affordability has been a major talking point in this election cycle, this month’s report also broke out home values by price tier, dividing each city’s market into three tiers. Looking just at large markets over the past five years, it found that 75% of the markets covered show low-price tiers rising faster than the overall market.
“For example, the lower tier of the Atlanta market has risen 18% faster than the middle- and higher-tiered homes,” Luke wrote in the release.
“New York’s low tier has the largest five-year outperformance, rising nearly 20% above the overall New York region,” he continued. “New York also has the largest divergence between low- and high-tier prices. Conversely, San Diego has seen the largest appreciation in higher-tier homes over the past five years.”
Prices in the overall San Diego market are up 72% in the past five years, but the high tier is up 79% versus 63% for the lower tier.
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!
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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!
Anu Koberg
July 13, 2024
Trustindex 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.
Bjorn Isachsen
July 10, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The Good
The Klinge Realty Group operates like a finely tuned machine, with a very personal touch. We contacted them on a Sunday and they were talking to us about our family and our needs on our living room couch the following day. They carefully listened to us and worked with us to identify the best and quickest path to listing within 2 weeks to take advantage of the low inventory conditions in our South Carlsbad neighborhood. They knew our tract specifically and had many previous sales there over the years - they came prepared with a thorough analysis of comparative sales and recommended a pricing strategy that they felt confident would yield offers the first weekend on the market.
The Great
Over the next two weeks Donna coordinated a range of vendors who she knew from experience could get the preparation to list work we needed done on time and with high quality. Our light tune-up involved excellent experiences with their stagers, landscapers, contractors, electricians, and plumbers. Throughout this period Donna's daily communication was clear, concise, and responsive. Any time we had questions Donna picked up the phone or texted immediately - but almost always, she answered our questions before we even knew we had them.
The Outstanding
We had a tricky situation with a shared fence that could have delayed our escrow. Donna used superb mediation skills to negotiate the terms of replacement and was personally on site with the fence contractor to make sure everything went smoothly. The fence looks great and escrow closed on time.
The Truly Exceptional
Our house came on the market on a Wednesday and between then and Monday morning Jim was personally at all three open houses. He was in constant communication explaining potential buyer reaction and strength. As he predicted offers began to come in on Saturday and each one was incrementally higher than the last. At the end we had 5 offers, 4 of which were over list, and the final accepted offer was $100,000 over list. In addition to being over list it included rent back terms that met our needs.
The Recommendation
For all of these reasons we would strongly recommend The Klinge Team to anyone wanting to sell in North County Coastal San Diego. I had been reading Jim's bubbleinfo.com blog for 15 years and knew when the time came to sell that he would be our first call. Jim Klinge is not your standard realtor. He is keenly aware of market conditions and sales strategies. And, works his tail off - though not as hard as Donna . At this point he's gone from realtor to friend and I plan to have him over to grill and chill at our new place to talk real estate, but also just about life and raising kids in San Diego. He's more interested in relationships than his sales numbers - and that's why his sales numbers are so high. We have already recommended the Klinge's to some close friends and another successful sale is on deck right around the corner...
Chris Shea
June 21, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently had the pleasure of working with Jim and Donna from Klinge Realty Group to sell our house, and we couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. From the initial meeting, they listened attentively to our needs and provided invaluable guidance on specific improvements to get our home market ready.
Their responsiveness throughout the entire process was truly impressive. Anytime we had questions or concerns, they were quick to address them, ensuring we felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. What stood out the most was their team and extensive network of tradespeople, which made addressing any necessary repairs or updates seamless and stress-free.
Thanks to their expertise and dedication, our house sold quickly and at a great price. We highly recommend Jim and Donna to anyone looking to buy or sell a home. They are a fantastic team who truly care about their clients and deliver exceptional results.
