Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring the San Diego market, this is your go-to resource for strategic real estate guidance, tax-smart planning tips, and a curated look at the best homes across the county. As longtime local experts with decades of experience, we share real-world strategies we use with our clients every day, plus honest opinions on property values, neighborhood insights from true locals, and smart advice for those looking to invest in coastal San Diego.
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Two Offers, Two Very Different Outcomes
Published 4 days ago • 6 min read
It has been a busy week in real estate, and summer is coming to an end. By next week, most schools will be back in session for the new school year. We love the flexibility and looser schedules of summer when it begins, but we are equally ready to get back to our schedule and routine when it ends!
I'm sure most parents know exactly what we mean.
We have been writing and negotiating several offers this week, managing our active escrows and listings, and working on a couple of great new listings that we know will be hot properties.
MARKET DYNAMICS
The higher-end coastal areas present a fascinating dynamic when it comes to real estate. In two separate negotiations this week, we had very different outcomes.
In one, our clients secured an amazing property at a very good value with no other offers. We asked a lot of questions to gain an understanding of the situation and used that information to our advantage when determining value and negotiating the offer.
The other negotiation involved multiple offers. Our offer was strong, all cash, short timelines, first in, and over list price...and we were still outbid by a large margin even though our offer was well over the listing price and very reasonable based on comps.
We have been on both sides of multiple-offer situations. Homes in these coastal areas are all different, unique, and rare, and they appeal to buyers differently.
Many times, if you have four or five offers, you will have one low offer, two or three bunched closely in the middle, and then sometimes you get that one buyer who will pay whatever it takes and clears the board with "an offer you can't refuse."
In this case, we were up against one of those buyers. But that now sets expectations in buyers' and sellers' minds, and there are three or four more buyers actively searching and probably a little more motivated.
PICKS OF THE WEEK
We only picked six homes to feature this week, but they are definitely great options.
2309–11 Oxford | Cardiff: A prime, walkable location with amazing views in Cardiff. This is a two bedroom home with a small ADU. This property offers a lot of flexibility for buyers; as a second home, vacation rental, housing for live-in help, extended family use, or a good long-term hold with a 5,000 square-foot lot that has a view.
367 Pine Needles Drive | Del Mar: Tracie showed this home to clients, and it is in a great neighborhood that is wooded, quiet, right by the beach, and minutes from the Village of Del Mar. This is a classic, comfortable home all around.
1411 Via Alta | Del Mar: This is the trophy home. Amazing style, design, and finishes with indoor/outdoor living and a 13,586-square-foot lot. It has enough space for five bedrooms but is still a comfortable size. Located just up from the Plaza, this home allows for a short walk to all the amenities of Del Mar.
304 La Veta Ave | Encinitas: This is a rare opportunity for a very large 7,840 square-foot lot with a classic four bedroom home in the heart of the beach community. You are able to walk the beach, shops, and restaurants. This type of property is often split to build two 3,000 square-foot homes. The value is in the land and potential, but you can keep the current home or rebuild a much larger home and keep the full lot. There are just a lot of options and value in this one.
5860 Cactus Way | La Jolla: This is just a great value for a mid-century home on a canyon-view lot in La Jolla. This single-story home has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and is 2,800 square feet, putting it right in the sweet spot for what many buyers need. A great family home or downsizing option.
6645 Avenida De Las Pescas | La Jolla: This is a great-size home in the Muirlands Village neighborhood. It combines location with views, size, and proximity to the schools and Village. This recently updated property is an excellent family home with space to grow, a nice yard, and a pool.
Walking District
2309-11 OXFORD
2 BD | 3 BA | 1,802 SF
$3,000,000
Absolutely stunning panoramic 180-degree ocean and white water views define this exceptional Cardiff-by-the-Sea home. Perched on an elevated parcel in the highly sought-after Walking District, this remarkable home captures breathtaking coastal views stretching from La Jolla to Oceanside.
Olde Del Mar
367 Pine Needles Dr
3 BD | 3 BA | 2,680 SF
$5,900,000
Coveted south end of Olde Del Mar. Originally designed by famed architect Hanis Therkelsen, this striking mid-century modern home is nestled among the pines with spectacular ocean views! Exceptionally private and serene....your own sanctuary.
Olde Del Mar
1411 Via alta
5 BD | 7 BA | 4,725 SF
$15,385,000
Casa Alta is a testament to patience, precision, and an unwavering commitment to architectural excellence. In a landscape as protected and storied as Olde Del Mar, a residence of this caliber-conceived by the definitive local duo of architect Brian Church and construction by Joshua Herbst, is a rare achievement that transcends the typical luxury build.
Encinitas
304 La veta Ave
4 BD | 2 BA | 2,756 SF
$4,500,000
Steps from the beach in one of Encinitas’ most coveted coastal neighborhoods, this rare double-lot corner property west of Highway 101 offers an exceptional combination of location, lifestyle, and opportunity.
Soledad South
5860 cactus way
4 BD | 3 BA | 2,854 SF
$3,275,000
Enter through double doors into a gracious foyer of this mid-century modern retreat, opening to an inviting living room with walls of windows overlooking the open canyon and expansive backyard. A designated bar and atrium adjoins the living room, creating an ideal space for entertaining.
Muirlands Village
6645 Avenida de la pescas
5 BD | 6 BA | 4,382 SF
$5,980,000
Exceptional West Muirlands residence, with upper level sweeping ocean views, is designed for family living and effortless entertaining. Beautiful curb appeal introduces a home with recent thoughtful updates, including two new, versatile bonus rooms ideal as playrooms, home offices, or sunrooms.
The properties featured in our "Picks of the Week" may be listed by brokerages other than ours. All listing information, photographs, and property descriptions are provided courtesy of the respective listing brokers and agents and remain their property.
15823 The River Trail
The River Estates | Rancho Santa Fe
5 BED | 4 BATH | 4,087 SF | 1.89 ACRES
Last Ask $4,875,000
An exceptional opportunity to own one of the most amenity-rich estates in the exclusive River Estates community of Rancho Santa Fe.
Welcome to an 800-acre vineyard-inspired sanctuary featuring12 single-level estates. This never lived in home is tucked away and offers a lifestyle of quiet sophistication.
Located in the desirable Bernardo Villas community, this inviting upper-level condo combines some modern updates with spectacular panoramic golf course views.
An immersive San Diego dining experience featuring a five-course menu from a top local chef, with the secret location revealed shortly before the evening. Each dinner brings together new chefs, collaborators, and creative direction, blending seasonal cuisine, cocktail pairings, music, and design into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Forget Blue and White – Shop the 'Refined Mediterranean' Decor Trend Designers Are Embracing Instead
Via Homes & Gardens
Some decorating styles are defined by a color palette, while others are shaped by the feeling they create. 'Refined Mediterranean' falls firmly into the latter camp, pairing natural materials, earthy tones, and artisanal decor to create spaces that feel warm, relaxed, and effortlessly elegant.
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring the San Diego market, this is your go-to resource for strategic real estate guidance, tax-smart planning tips, and a curated look at the best homes across the county. As longtime local experts with decades of experience, we share real-world strategies we use with our clients every day, plus honest opinions on property values, neighborhood insights from true locals, and smart advice for those looking to invest in coastal San Diego.
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