5 Things to Know Before Selling Your San Diego Home from an appraiser

Selling a home in San Diego is a little like surfing at Tourmaline—you need timing, skill, and a good sense of humor when the unexpected wave (or lowball offer) comes your way. As a local residential appraiser who spends way too much time thinking about square footage, I’ve seen what makes homes sell high… and what makes buyers run for the hills (looking at you, avocado-green bathrooms). Here are five things you should know before you list your San Diego home

1. Your Zestimate Is Not the Gospel (Sorry, Zillow)

Let’s get this out of the way—Zillow has never set foot in your living room, admired your ocean view, or noticed that you turned the garage into a yoga studio. Online estimates can be off by 5–15% in San Diego, especially in unique neighborhoods. An appraiser compares your home to actual recent sales and adjusts for things algorithms can’t—like that priceless view of the sunset over the pier. Think of it this way: a Zestimate is like a dating profile—it might look promising online, but you should probably meet in person before making any big decisions.

2. Location Is Still King—But in San Diego, It’s Royalty With a Surfboard

Yes, the cliché is true: location is everything. But here, location can mean the difference between a $1.2M home and a $2M home—sometimes just a few blocks apart. Being west of the 5 freeway can add serious value, and ocean views? That’s a whole other price bracket. Even proximity to certain schools, coffee shops, or the beach bike path can impact your sale price. Buyers will pay more to walk to Better Buzz in Encinitas or grab tacos in Carlsbad Village without hunting for parking.

3. Upgrades: Some Pay, Some Don’t (Looking at You, Gold Toilets)

Not all renovations are created equal. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to give you the highest return on investment in San Diego, averaging 60–75% recouped at resale. But adding a home theater or a built-in aquarium for your exotic fish? That’s what we call a “lifestyle choice.” When in doubt, go neutral, modern, and functional. Also, fresh paint works wonders—bonus points if it’s not “landlord beige.”

4. The Appraiser Is Not Your Enemy—We’re Just Here for the Truth

Yes, I know some sellers feel like appraisers are the bad guys standing between them and an offer. But our job is to give the lender (and buyer) an unbiased, fact-based opinion of value.

5. Timing and Season Matter—Even in “Perfect Weather” San Diego

San Diego doesn’t have the dramatic seasonal swings of the Midwest, but timing still matters. Spring and early summer generally see the most buyer activity—families want to move before the school year starts, and everyone looks better when the bougainvillea is in bloom. Also, interest rates and inventory levels can make or break your price.

Final Word

With the right strategy, the right timing, and a realistic understanding of value, you will get top dollar. If you’re thinking about selling and want an unbiased, fact-based valuation from a local appraiser who knows the San Diego market inside and out (and can spot a gold toilet from a mile away), let’s talk.

Blog Post Title Two

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Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.