House hunting in San Diego can be competitive. After all, who wouldn’t want to work and play in America’s Finest City? With an estimated population of 1.3 million, San Diego is constantly expanding with new developments and housing options bought, sold, and built every day.
When it comes to buying a home, doing your leg work is essential. Researching different areas and exploring all possible options will solidify the chance of you finding the one house that will make you feel at home. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, a list of needs and wants, then you can turn to the people who have it made it their career to find people the home of their dreams.
Whether you are basing a decision on a specific school district, office commute, or proximity to the beach, it’s best to turn to a professional for help. They can work with in terms of budget, financing, desired amenities and finding that special place to call your own.
I pulled this list together with the help of some friends in the industry, along with reading reviews and other online information sources. I hope it will be helpful.
The Lund Team
A family-owned business for over 30 years, The Lund Team focuses primarily on the luxurious, North County communities that boast oceanside views and amenities such as tennis court, golf course, and swimming pool options.
Their properties are located near top-rated schools and they offer housing availabilities within newly built developments. Each real estate agent’s familiarity with the area over the past few decades help make them experts in the market and a benefit to their clients.
Automated Housing Referral Network
San Diego is known for its strong military presence. Housing requirements and allowances may differ than the standard buying option, which makes AHRN a helpful resource for members of the military and their families searching for off-base housing that meets the necessary criteria.
The built-in community provides useful information for those who may be experiencing similar challenges or who may be able to provide firsthand guidance for finding the perfect home.
Mike and Jessica Wolf
Wolf Real Estate Team
Mike and Jessica Wolf were voted San Diego’s Best Real Estate Team in the Union-Tribune’s 2013 Readers Poll and have built their business by referral.
With numerous awards and accolades to their name, this husband-and-wife team pride themselves on helping guide first-time buyers through the purchase of their new home. Client reviews serve as a testament to their business and dedication to their clients.
McT Real Estate Group
If you’ve ever visited the Uptown neighborhoods of North Park, South Park, or University Heights, you may have noticed the eye-catching signs for Mary McT Real Estate. This area of the city is known for its expanding communities and appreciation for local businesses that make up the area.
New restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques are popping up every few months and McT Real Estate constantly has viewings and open houses available in all the above-mentioned neighborhoods.
Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson has been an independent real estate agent since 1999, and in real estate since 1987 as an investor and property manager. He builds his business model off of relations rather than transactions. Although located in La Jolla, he has listings throughout the city.
Gabriel Filkey
Gabriel Filkey
Gabriel Filkey strives to “set a higher standard” for his clients and has done so by building a team committed to helping their clients find their dream home or help sell their old one. After more than a decade within the real estate community, Gabriel knows what it takes both as a buyer and a seller.
On the buyer side, his experience negotiating and perseverance have gained valuable results for his clients. While his steadfast team of painters, contractors, stagers, and landscapers can help turn a house for sale into a model home.
Jesse Ibanez, co-founder of The GreenHouse Group
The GreenHouse Group
The GreenHouse Group believes in “moving people with purpose.” They value teamwork to help educate potential clients learn more about the housing market. They create a customized solution for each client and testimonials confirm that they are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do.
Their niche is first-time home buyers, first-time sellers and short sales.
Kimberly Schmidt & Associates
Well-informed with market trends and in-tune with the city, Kimberly’s goal is to make the house hunting process smooth and efficient. She helps guide home buyers to areas and houses that fit their specific criteria.
Clients have described her approach to business as “responsive” and “trustworthy,” as well as helpful throughout the entire process.
Jamie Pullman
Looking to live downtown? Jamie Pullman a.k.a. the Downtown Condo Guy can help you find the perfect urban space among downtown dwellers.
With a fast response time and dedication to his clients, Jamie has helped people who are transitioning to the city from other areas of the country, as well as San Diegans simply looking for a change of pace find their own home sweet home in the East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, and Banker’s Hill.
Kara Watkins
Kara Watkins
Anyone moving to San Diego dreams of living by the beach along the beautiful, California coastline and real estate agent Kara Watkins helps make that happen. She has over a decade of experience and her business philosophy includes hard work, high expectations, and loyalty.
A mother of 3 young boys and avid surfer, Kara spends much of her time in the ocean or on the sand.
