On the Road: San Diego

Recently, we took a road trip to San Diego to visit some sister Compass offices and get a feel for the diverse neighborhoods that make up this exciting city. There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches, walkable villages, and vibrant nightlife. Here’s a quick look at a few of our favorites.

Del Mar

Just 20 miles up the coast from San Diego proper, Del Mar is a cute seaside village with a small-town vibe, boutique shopping, fabulous food, and inviting beaches! And for the kids, it’s also home to the San Diego County Fair! This used to be where movie stars would come to take a break from Hollywood. It could be the perfect fit for you and your family.

Mission Valley

A few minutes’ drive from Downtown, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld, Mission Valley and Old Town are home to restaurants, cantinas, galleries, and theaters that showcase the rich and diverse history of the city. There are also plenty of shopping options, and the schools are among the top-rated in the nation. Enjoy a margarita while listening to street music in the summer sun.

La Jolla

La Jolla (pronounced la HOY-uh) is 20 minutes north of Downtown and an absolute jewel of the Southern California coastline. Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, with white sand beaches and cliffs, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean! This sophisticated enclave is only becoming more popular, so get in while you can!

Downtown

Downtown is the heart of the city, and the pulse is getting louder every day. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to Petco Park to fine dining and walkable commutes, this is the place to be for anyone who wants an urban living experience. You are literally 20 minutes from anywhere via foot, bike, bus, or train. Cars are entirely optional, and family outings are encouraged. Want to see more?

Happy (Pet) Father's Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there — especially pet dads!

Order up an AI Pizza for Dad!

What comes with sauce, cheese, pepperoni, sliced sausage links, bacon, Memphis barbecue sauce, red onions, and cilantro? A Father’s Day pizza courtesy of local favorites Tony & Alba’s and ChatGPT. Get the story on AI food from the Mercury News.

Upgrade siding to improve your ROI

We’re taught not to judge a book by its cover. But oftentimes, a buyer will decide in less than a few seconds if they want to make an offer on your home based solely on the exterior appearance. Because curb appeal plays such a significant role in a successful sale, it’s important to see your home from a buyer’s perspective. Even simple cosmetic touches could have a substantial impact on getting the price you want.

Whose side are you on?

When it comes to first impressions, siding is one of the most important elements of your home. And these days, you have plenty of options to choose from, so don’t get stuck on just brick and wood. Try something fun — and functional — to freshen up your frontage.

CHIC (Pearl)

We recently saw a home with a new face of fiber cement. This material has the log-lasting durability you need in the Bay Area, where we get all kinds of weather — even sleet and snow. When you add a sleek aesthetic and resistance to persistent wildfires, this is one investment that will pay you back whether you’re staying or selling.

GEEK (Kevin)

Taking things down to the studs? Use this opportunity to install steel siding. It won’t melt in the sun or crack in the cold, and it’s resistant to moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot. And unlike traditional siding, it doesn’t need recaulking or repainting down the road. All this will save you big bucks on maintenance!