San Diego County Real Estate Market Forecast 2023

Nestled in the beautiful Golden State of California, San Diego County is known as one of the most desirable regions in which to live. With miles of gorgeous beaches, a bustling entertainment scene, plenty of delicious places to eat, and top-notch schools throughout its neighborhood, many people relocate to this idyllic destination each year.

Its laid-back atmosphere offers California living at its finest, perfectly balancing coastal bliss and urban convenience. The reasonable cost of living in San Diego County is another key factor drawing in residents, with affordable homes and activities given the luxurious amenities they feature. Many incredible properties exist throughout its peaceful residential streets, ranging from high-end condominiums to extravagant estates and granting locals a relaxing refuge to escape.

To help you decide the right time to enter the San Diego County real estate market, here’s everything buyers and sellers can expect in 2023.

Property values across San Diego County have steadily risen in recent years, and this increase is expected to continue throughout 2023. Homes tend to appreciate over time and sell for substantially more than what homeowners originally paid, resulting in favorable profit margins once a home is listed on the market. Due to this rise, homes in San Diego County are often considered smart long-term investment options for prospective buyers, especially those who plan to hold onto the property for several years.

While property values will continue rising, there are ample opportunities in the housing market for both sides of the spectrum. Rather than tipping the scales in either side's favor, a healthy balance exists between a buyer’s and seller’s market, with a good ratio of available homes to interested buyers. As a buyer, 2023 could be an excellent year for you to lock in property and establish a position in the housing market. Its value will likely continue to rise as years go by and yield you a high return once you sell.

As a seller, 2023 is a great time to secure your gains from owning the property over the past years. You’ll have a strong shot at earning a premium price on your listing as the influx of prospective buyers continues flowing in the region.

Many consider San Diego County one of the best areas to live in California, resulting in a high level of interest from prospective buyers hoping to call the community their new home. There is a strong demand for the properties on the market, with many receiving multiple offers upon being listed. With this in mind, here are a few strategies buyers and sellers can use to give themselves the best chance at a successful experience in the housing market.

From a buyer’s standpoint, you’ll want to keep in mind that you likely won’t be the only person with a serious interest in purchasing the properties you go to view. Your best chance at securing a high-quality home is by crafting your offer in a way that appeals most to sellers. Instead of filling your offer with excessive terms and conditions, limit the contingencies you include to only those you deem necessary.

From a seller’s standpoint, although there may be a large pool of interested buyers, it’s still essential for you to distinguish your property from other available homes in the neighborhood and make it stand out as the most desirable if you want to earn top dollar. Be sure to undergo a home staging process to present your property in the most stylish, functional, and welcoming way possible for buyers to see.

The competition throughout San Diego County’s housing market can be fierce for both buyers and sellers alike. Buyers need to be aware of how many other people are likely to jump at the opportunity to purchase a quality home, and sellers need to remember how many beautiful properties appear throughout the market. For those looking to buy, it can be fairly common for the hottest listings to erupt into a bidding war as eager prospects try to secure a home. Have your financial plan in order early and know your budget so you can determine how high you can go without putting a strain on your wallet. If you do get outbid, don’t let this setback discourage you, as there will still be many outstanding options available.

For those looking to sell, you must price your home competitively to attract the most offers. You’ll want to price it high enough to yield a reasonable profit but not too high to the point where it turns away buyers who may have been interested. The best approach you can take is pricing your home based on a comparative market analysis, which is performed using relevant neighborhood data from the Multiple Listing Service. When working with a qualified agent, they will conduct this analysis for you to arrive at an ideal price point.

When homes for sale in San Diego County get listed on the market, they don’t stay there long. Properties typically sell in just one month, which is a significantly speedier rate than most regions throughout America. Buyers and sellers need to be ready to close a deal as soon as they start their property search or list their home, so advance preparation is required on both ends.

For buyers, you won’t want to lose your chance at purchasing your dream home due to not being ready. Get your finances in order early and obtain a mortgage pre-approval prior to beginning your home search, so you’re prepared to make an offer once a fantastic opportunity presents itself. For sellers, start thinking about your next steps while you prepare your home for listing. You may want to begin searching for a home at the same time you’re selling your current one so that you’ll have a place to move into right away and won’t get stuck having to rent for a long period of time or keep your possessions in storage units.

If 2023 sounds like the right time for you to buy or sell a home in San Diego County, Minnie Rzeslawski is happy to help. She has assisted countless buyers and sellers with transactions across the San Diego County housing market and has the insight and resources you need to succeed in this competitive market.