So you are considering a relocation to San Diego? Perhaps for work or maybe to retire closer to family. And who wouldn’t want to move to Americas finest city? San Diego has plenty of employment opportunities, the best beaches, amazing cuisine and year round sunshine.
So where do you start? You no doubt have a ton of unanswered questions. We are here to help and have successfully helped many families move to San Diego, find the right neighborhood for their families and find the perfect school.
Our top tips can help you understand the process so you can make a smooth and confident transition. So where to start?
Finances
First and foremost you will need to check your financial situation.
Are you selling your home to finance the move to San Diego? Ask your listing agent for an Estimated Settlement Sheet so you can work out the price range you can afford. This will help determine which neighborhoods to look at when you plan your first visit. Home prices will vary depending on the proximity to the ocean, neighborhood, school district and the age, size and condition of the property. Do you want to buy a new build, a fixer upper or a move-in ready home? Again this will impact the price. We are experts in this and will be happy to share our knowledge with you.
Reach out to a lender to get pre-approved, contingent upon the sale of your home. This will help to determine your down payment. You can ask the lender what your purchase price ceiling is for a home with no HOA, a home with an HOA etc. Check out our blog on how HOA fees impact purchase price.
Factor in cost of living into your affordability calculations. This free tool can help you find out how the value of a dollar will change by location.
Work out your time frame
Determine when you will be selling your home with your realtor. Options include:
(a) Selling your current home, moving to San Diego and renting while you look for a home.
(b) Selling your current home, negotiating a rent back with your buyers, buying in San Diego while you are in escrow to facilitate just one move.
(c) Trying to make a contingent offer in San Diego: We don't recommend this as you will be competing with other buyers who have non-contingent offers. Every so often a lender will find a workaround to allow you to qualify as non-contingent even though you need to sell your home.
Please get in touch. We would love to chat out your options with you. All have pros and cons and will depend on your personal situation.
Plan a visit
Now comes the fun part. The best way to understand a new city or neighborhood is to visit it for yourself. And San Diego is a great place to visit and explore. Just by walking a place, you can get an idea of how an area is and if it's the right place for you and your family.
We will be happy to show you around some of the best neighborhoods to suit your budget and individual family circumstances. Be sure to check out our area guides for families, 55+ neighborhoods, coastal living and for single people and young professionals.
No doubt you have a ton of questions. Please reach out. We would LOVE to help.
