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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What’s hotter right now… the market or the weather? San Diego just ranked #1 in the Country.
Published 14 days ago • 6 min read
We’re not sure what’s hotter right now… the market or the weather. It feels like summer on all fronts and it’s only mid-March. We’ve closed on some great properties below, have several others moving through escrow, and a few strong ones coming soon. We also highlighted some excellent new listings this week.
We’ve been saying it for a while now -- this market has been incredibly resilient, and well-priced homes are selling. The latest numbers from the National Association of Realtors had San Diego ranked #1 in the country, with pending sales up 13.5% year over year. That lines up with exactly what we’re seeing day to day.
We were out showing homes yesterday and the question came up… why aren’t there more homes for sale? It really comes down to the math. It’s not just about home prices, it’s all the other financial dominoes that get tipped. Many potential sellers have a low cost basis, locked-in low mortgage rates, and significant capital gains that exceed the $250K / $500K exemption. When you factor in selling costs, capital gains taxes, and resetting property taxes and mortgage rates, it’s a tough equation to justify. It makes lateral moves difficult and keeps long-term owners in place.
Cash buyers and sellers have more flexibility. Sellers over 55 can transfer part of their tax basis, which helps, but large capital gains still keep many people from making a move, or they just convert the property into a rental. In a lot of cases, even a modest 4% return on equity looks better than writing a check for 25–33% in taxes.
This is a dynamic market with a lot of moving parts. It’s not just interest rates, inventory, or price -- it’s the combination of all of it. Every situation is different, but overall it’s created a steady, grinding market. And we don’t see that changing dramatically with any one shift. Even if rates come down, prices could move up, inventory could tighten further, and capital gains become even more of a hurdle.
Navigating a market like this takes more than a brochure, a bus bench, and a sexy headshot. We can help with the deeper, more strategic aspects of buying & selling this market.
Encinitas
526 Saxony
5 BD | 5 BA | 4,226 SF
$3,295,000
Welcome to the ultimate North County Coastal retreat, a property that refuses to be defined by a single category. Situated on a rare, nearly 15,000 sq. ft. lot, this 4,200+ sq. ft. residence has been meticulously reimagined with a fresh, modern composition.
La Jolla Shores
8121 CAMINO DEL SOL
2 BD | 2 BA | 1,481 SF
$2,199,000
Prime Coastal Living! This unit is in the best location in La Jolla Shores,Quaint and Charming ! It's just steps to the beach and all that the Shores has to offer. Ground-level, single-level unit with an open floor plan, lots of light, and wrap-around outdoor areas, 3 patios to enjoy.
Muirlands La Jolla
6672 Avenida Andorra
4 BD | 5 BA | 3,437 SF
$5,450,000
Welcome to one of La Jollas premier contemporary villas, a private architectural retreat where modern European design meets the effortless indoor-outdoor lifestyle of coastal Southern California. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the coveted Muirlands neighborhood.
Muirlands La Jolla
6989 Paseo Laredo
5 BD | 5 BA | 4,274 SF
$6,495,000
Exceptional design and thoughtful floor plan define this stunning residence, featuring grand, voluminous living spaces and elegant coffered ceilings that create a timeless sense of sophistication.
Muirlands La Jolla
6819 Paseo Laredo
5 BD | 8 BA | 6,134 SF
$8,288,000
Ocean views and modern coastal design define this exceptional residence, offering effortless indoor-outdoor living in one of La Jollas most desirable neighborhoods.
La Jolla Shores
7970 Roseland Drive
5 BD | 6 BA | 4,954 SF
$11,950,000
A refined architectural residence in La Jolla Shores just moments from beach access and capturing breathtaking panoramic ocean views. Featured in San Diego Home & Garden and built by Hill Construction, the home pairs strong design with thoughtful, highly functional living.
Pacific Beach
5111 WINDSOR DRive
5 BD | 4 BA | 3,481 SF
$2,885,000
Prime location in North Pacific Beach with awesome ocean, bay, and city views. This home has a reverse floor plan with a spacious main bedroom suite, kitchen, and family room upstairs.
6424 El Camino Del Teatro
$4,260,000 | Represented Seller
Congrats to both our seller and the buyer on this incredible single-story panoramic view home in La Jolla.
This was one of those dream transactions. Seller, buyer, agents on both sides — everyone aligned.
Every sale has its own flow and energy. This one was smooth from start to finish. The buyer was the perfect fit for the home. The seller achieved strong price and terms. We worked through every detail together.
Real estate doesn’t always feel like a true “win-win.” Sometimes that phrase gets thrown around. This time, it genuinely was.
This is a dream come true story. Our buyers decided to move from the snowy, cold East Coast to sunny San Diego where they can take advantage of the year-round sun and all the benefit it offers for outdoor adventures.
They had been watching this property for months before they visited. Of course, we always go look at a handful of others in the neighborhoods they think might be a fit.
As the saying goes “You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your handsome prince”, this is what they had to do. We saw many beautiful homes (not really frogs) but Vianda was their handsome prince (or Mediterranean Spanish resort style Princess).
The March 2026 National Market Report highlights a continued shift in the housing market, with the median sales price remaining essentially flat (+0.2% YoY) while the supply of listings increased by nearly 5% year-over-year. Buyer competition eased as the median time on market rose to 47 days and the percentage of sales over list price dropped, though cash buyers still made up an estimated 31% of transactions.
San Diego’s Best Coffee Roasters and Cafes
Via EATER San Diego
There’s no shortage of coffee roasters and hip cafes in San Diego, though the java landscape wasn’t the same more than a decade ago. Many of the city’s top coffee shops also roast their beans on-site or nearby, ensuring that drinks are always fresh and aromatic.
Mixing Old and New: The Secrets to Creating a Home That Feels Curated, Balanced, and Effortlessly Lived-In
Via Homes & Gardens
The 10 Best Brunch Spots in San Diego
Via Modern Luxury San Diego
Start your day at one of San Diego’s 10 best brunch spots, where breakfast-inspired dishes and splashy cocktails are on the menu.
This report features an in-depth market analysis from Compass Chief Economist, Mike Simonsen, paired with national ultra-luxury sales data and firsthand insights from Compass real estate professionals nationwide. Together, these perspectives offer a clear picture of the ultra-luxury market in 2025, predictions for 2026, and market-specific insights shaping luxury real estate nationwide.
The article speaks to our careers before we met (at the office in 2004), how we got started in the business together, to challenges & lessons we've learned along the way, and finally what sets us apart from others in the industry.
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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