What to Know Before Buying a Home in San Diego

Buying a home in San Diego is exciting—but it’s also very different from buying a home in many other markets across the country. From competitive pricing and fast-moving listings to choosing the right neighborhood for your lifestyle, there’s a lot to consider before you ever step foot into a showing.

If you’re thinking about buying in San Diego—whether you’re a first-time buyer or making a move within the city—understanding what to expect upfront can make the entire process feel far more manageable. Here are the key things every buyer should know before jumping into the San Diego real estate market.

Understanding San Diego Home Prices

What impacts pricing

Home prices in San Diego are influenced by more than just square footage and bedroom count. Factors like neighborhood, proximity to the coast, school zones, lot size, condition, and even street location can significantly impact value.

Some of the biggest drivers of pricing include:

Location and neighborhood demand
Limited inventory in many areas
Property condition and layout
Lot size and potential for future use
Market timing and interest rates

Because these factors vary so much from one area to another, pricing needs to be evaluated through a local lens—not just online estimates.

Market competition

San Diego continues to be a highly competitive market, especially in desirable neighborhoods. Well-priced homes often receive multiple offers, and buyers who aren’t prepared can quickly fall behind.

Understanding how competition plays out—and how to position yourself strategically—is one of the biggest advantages of working with an experienced San Diego buyer’s agent.

Getting Pre-Approved

Why this matters in San Diego

Getting pre-approved is one of the first things you’ll want to do in San Diego so that you get clarity on your purchasing power.

Before touring homes or writing offers, buyers should have:

A lender-reviewed pre-approval letter
A clear understanding of monthly payments and closing costs
Confidence around down payment options and loan structure

I always recommend talking through lender options and loan strategy early, so you’re prepared before the right home comes along—not scrambling once it does.

In competitive situations, sellers want certainty. A strong pre-approval can make your offer stand out just as much as price.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Lifestyle vs. budget considerations

One of the biggest decisions buyers make in San Diego isn’t just which home to buy—but where to buy.

Before starting the search, I encourage buyers to think through:

Commute and daily routines
Access to beaches, schools, or work hubs
Neighborhood vibe and long-term plans
Budget comfort versus “stretch” scenarios

A helpful exercise is creating a needs vs. wants list. Needs are non-negotiables (location, bedrooms, price range). Wants are features you may be able to adjust over time like paint color. This clarity helps buyers stay focused—and avoid emotional decisions that don’t align long-term.

For a deeper breakdown of San Diego neighborhoods and how to evaluate them, you can read my full guide here:
👉 San Diego Neighborhood Guide for Homebuyers

Making a Competitive Offer

In a competitive San Diego market, writing a strong offer is about more than just price.

Here are a few strategy considerations:

Terms matter: Contingencies, timelines, and flexibility can be just as important as dollars.
Know when to be aggressive—and when not to: Every home and situation is different.
Be strategic without giving up protection: The goal is to stay competitive while still protecting your interests.

My role is to walk you through all your options, explain the tradeoffs, and help you choose a strategy that aligns with your comfort level and goals—not just what’s most aggressive.

What to Expect During Escrow

Once your offer is accepted, the process moves into escrow—and this is where having clear expectations makes a big difference.

A high-level escrow timeline

While every transaction is unique, escrow generally includes:

Submitting earnest money deposit
Scheduling inspections within the agreed timeline
Reviewing inspection reports and negotiating repairs or credits
Appraisal ordered by the lender
Final loan approval (“clear to close”)
Final walkthrough and closing

Inspections often happen within the first week, and while reports can feel overwhelming, they’re meant to inform—not alarm. If issues arise, buyers typically have options: negotiating repairs, requesting credits, or reassessing the deal.

Throughout escrow, my focus is on guiding you through each step, explaining what matters most, and keeping the process moving smoothly—so there are no surprises along the way.