Brad & Karen Mattonen Blog

Insights for Homeowners

Real estate tips, market updates, and local insights for California homeowners and buyers.

San Diego Real Estate

San Diego County, CA Affordability Steady

Oct 5, 2026 · Brad & Karen Mattonen
All Posts San Diego Real EstateAffordable HousingFLIPPINGBuying a Home55+ senior San DiegoADUcalifornia housing lawsFSBOReal Estate agentcaliforniaReal Estate Newsabout san diego
San Diego Homeowners Insurance: Positive Shifts in the California Market
Affordable Housing Sep 9, 2026

San Diego Homeowners Insurance: Positive Shifts in the California Market

Navigating San Diego homeowners insurance is shifting as new carrier rules and regulatory updates ta...

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California Home Prices Hit Record High
Affordable Housing Jul 3, 2026

California Home Prices Hit Record High

An in-depth market breakdown examining California’s record-shattering median home prices, the underl...

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The 280k Hidden Wave of Buyers Waiting to Strike Could Lift Housing
Affordable Housing May 28, 2026

The 280k Hidden Wave of Buyers Waiting to Strike Could Lift Housing

A massive wave of pent-up real estate demand is building on the sidelines. Discover how a projected ...

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California’s shifting residential vacancy rates tell a story
Affordable Housing May 19, 2026

California’s shifting residential vacancy rates tell a story

Shifting residential vacancy rates tell a major story about California’s tight housing supply. Disco...

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Stop Letting the Math Bully You: Why Buying a San Diego Home Takes Strategy, Not Just a Calculator
Affordable Housing May 15, 2026

Stop Letting the Math Bully You: Why Buying a San Diego Home Takes Strategy, Not Just a Calculator

Staring at interest rates and down payment requirements can make any home buyer freeze. But successf...

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Senate Passes the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: What San Diego Buyers Need to Know
Affordable Housing May 14, 2026

Senate Passes the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: What San Diego Buyers Need to Know

The U.S. Senate has passed the landmark 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a sweeping bill designed t...

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Stop Waiting to Save 20%: Your 2026 Guide to San Diego Down Payment Assistance”
Affordable Housing May 14, 2026

Stop Waiting to Save 20%: Your 2026 Guide to San Diego Down Payment Assistance”

As affordability challenges continue across the housing market, many buyers are turning to down paym...

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Affordable Housing Apr 9, 2026

Move in 90 Days” — A San Diego Reality Check

What would you do if you had to move in 90 days?Most people think they have the luxury of time, but ...

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San Diego Home Buying Strategy: Don’t Get the Keys Before the Numbers: Why Pre-Approval is Your First Move
Affordable Housing Mar 31, 2026

San Diego Home Buying Strategy: Don’t Get the Keys Before the Numbers: Why Pre-Approval is Your First Move

Most people start their home search in the wrong place—scrolling through listings. That is backwards...

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California Offers $150K Down Payment Aid
Affordable Housing Mar 27, 2026

California Offers $150K Down Payment Aid

Is the California Dream For All program actually a good deal? 🤔 In 2026, the rules have shifted for...

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5 Tips for Successful First Time Home Ownership
Affordable Housing Mar 14, 2026

5 Tips for Successful First Time Home Ownership

Thinking about buying your first home in 2026? From credit readiness to navigating the SoCal homes d...

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Factory-Built Housing to Growth in California This Year
Affordable Housing Mar 12, 2026

Factory-Built Housing to Growth in California This Year

California is leaning into factory-built housing to solve the inventory crisis. But is it right for ...

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Downsizing? Why Modern Manufactured Homes Are a Smart Choice
Affordable Housing Feb 26, 2026

Downsizing? Why Modern Manufactured Homes Are a Smart Choice

Think downsizing in California means a cramped condo or high “space rent”? Think again. Explore the ...

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Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates: Understanding the 2026 Market
Affordable Housing Feb 25, 2026

Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates: Understanding the 2026 Market

Mortgage rates are influenced by more than just the Fed. Discover how inflation, economic growth, an...

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Affordable living, 4-1/2 miles from the CA coast.
Affordable Housing Jan 28, 2026

Affordable living, 4-1/2 miles from the CA coast.

Rare opportunity! Own your land 4.5 miles from the coast in a resident-owned 55+ community. This upg...

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Real Estate Revitalization Opportunities: How Abandoned Cities Are Becoming Prime Markets for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Affordable Housing Jan 20, 2026

Real Estate Revitalization Opportunities: How Abandoned Cities Are Becoming Prime Markets for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Across the U.S., abandoned and overlooked cities are entering a new phase of revitalization—creating...

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Mortgage Rates Drop: Homes Still Climbing?
Affordable Housing Jan 19, 2026

Mortgage Rates Drop: Homes Still Climbing?

Uncover the paradox of dropping mortgage rates amid climbing home prices in San Diego: Insights from...

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When to Refinance Your Mortgage
Affordable Housing Dec 28, 2025

When to Refinance Your Mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can save you money — if you do it at the right time. Learn when it makes s...

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10 Ways to Help Create a Smooth Mortgage Closing
Affordable Housing Nov 26, 2025

10 Ways to Help Create a Smooth Mortgage Closing

Closing on a mortgage doesn’t have to be chaotic — follow these 10 practical strategies to help make...

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The True Cost of Buying a Home: What Buyers Forget to Budget For
Affordable Housing Nov 21, 2025

The True Cost of Buying a Home: What Buyers Forget to Budget For

Discover the hidden expenses of homeownership beyond the down payment. Learn about closing costs, ma...

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How To Get the Best Mortgage Rate
Affordable Housing Nov 16, 2025

How To Get the Best Mortgage Rate

How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate Getting a great mortgage rate isn’t just luck — it’s a strategy. H...

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How to Obtain and Understanding Your Mortgage
Affordable Housing Oct 11, 2025

How to Obtain and Understanding Your Mortgage

Buying a home? Then understanding your mortgage isn’t optional — it’s essential. 🏡 In this video, w...

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Affordable Housing Oct 2, 2025

First-Time Homebuyer Guide: What Costs Most People Overlook

Think you’ve budgeted enough to buy your first home? Think again. From inspection surprises to closi...

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Smart Money Moves: Down Payment Strategies That Build Long-Term Wealth
Affordable Housing Jul 14, 2025

Smart Money Moves: Down Payment Strategies That Build Long-Term Wealth

The conventional wisdom of putting 20% down on a home purchase has become outdated in today’s dynami...

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Affordable Housing Jun 18, 2025

What California Can Learn From Texas to Solve Housing Crisis

California’s housing crisis isn’t new—but it is avoidable. Texas has taken a radically different app...

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Op-Ed: Rules and red tape won’t fix the housing crisis
Affordable Housing May 13, 2025

Op-Ed: Rules and red tape won’t fix the housing crisis

Zoning laws, endless permits, and outdated regulations are strangling America’s housing supply. It’s...

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Affordable Housing Apr 25, 2025

What Is a HUD Home and Who Can Buy One?

What Is a HUD Home and Who Can Buy One? 🏠Thinking about buying a home in California or simply curio...

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Tips for Successful Rental Investing | ⏳ The market’s not waiting. Neither should you.
Affordable Housing Apr 14, 2025

Tips for Successful Rental Investing | ⏳ The market’s not waiting. Neither should you.

Thinking about becoming a rental property investor? Whether you’re just getting started or looking t...

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Foreclosure Filing: Meaning, How It Works, And Different Types
Affordable Housing Apr 6, 2025

Foreclosure Filing: Meaning, How It Works, And Different Types

A foreclosure filing isn’t an immediate eviction—it’s a legal process with specific windows of oppor...

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Affordable Housing Feb 28, 2025

Breaking News: You’re Paying a Mortgage… Just Not Yours!

Here’s a wild thought —in the next 5 years, you could spend between $63,000 and $220,000 on rent… an...

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SoCal developer addressing housing supply shortage – releases floor plans priced in the mid $400Ks
Affordable Housing Dec 31, 2024

SoCal developer addressing housing supply shortage – releases floor plans priced in the mid $400Ks

Southern California is taking bold steps to tackle its housing supply shortage with the release of n...

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Affordable Housing Nov 27, 2024

Smart Strategies for Buying a Home on a Tight Budget in a High-Cost Market

Maximizing Your Purchasing Power and Navigating High Prices with Confidence Buying a home in an expe...

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Homekey: Building a Brighter Future for California’s Most Vulnerable Residents
Affordable Housing Oct 14, 2024

Homekey: Building a Brighter Future for California’s Most Vulnerable Residents

Homekey+: A Place to Live — and Thrive In today’s world, housing stability is crucial for maintainin...

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🏡🌸 Spring House Hunting: A Guide for Savvy Buyers 🌸🏡
Affordable Housing May 6, 2024

🏡🌸 Spring House Hunting: A Guide for Savvy Buyers 🌸🏡

“🌷 Spring House Hunting: A Guide for Savvy Buyers 🏡 Are you ready to find your dream home this spr...

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Homes Prices Rise In San Diego County
Affordable Housing Apr 29, 2024

Homes Prices Rise In San Diego County

In San Diego, the real estate market is sizzling! 🏡🔥 According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price ...

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Affordable Housing Apr 7, 2024

Orange County Market Snapshot Feb 2024 Q1

Unlocking Insights: Orange County Market Snapshot Get a comprehensive view of Orange County’s real e...

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Dave Ramsey’s Expert Advice: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a House Despite Rising Interest Rates
Affordable Housing Dec 5, 2023

Dave Ramsey’s Expert Advice: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a House Despite Rising Interest Rates

Many potential homebuyers are cautiously observing market trends and interest rates, waiting for the...

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Buying a Home: It’s Always the Right Time if You Can Afford It
Affordable Housing Oct 19, 2023

Buying a Home: It’s Always the Right Time if You Can Afford It

Navigating the Housing Market: The Best Time to Buy and Sell The housing market is a dynamic landsca...

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Affordable Housing Oct 5, 2023

Buying a house with bad credit: Is it possible?

Mastering Home Loan Qualification: Navigating the Credit Score Maze The one thing that many of our f...

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Affordable Housing Sep 28, 2023

What is a 1031 Exchange?

A 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange, is a tax-deferred real estate transaction autho...

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Home Affordability: How to Calculate Your Budget Before Buying
Affordable Housing Sep 18, 2023

Home Affordability: How to Calculate Your Budget Before Buying

Unlocking Your Path to Homeownership Success Are you one of those individuals who has been daydreami...

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buying a home after 60
Affordable Housing Aug 30, 2023

buying a home after 60

🏠 Discover Your Dream Home After 60: A Guide to Late-Life Homebuying Thinking about buying a home a...

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Debunking the Myth: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Do Not Punish Good Credit to Assist Bad Credit
Affordable Housing Apr 28, 2023

Debunking the Myth: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Do Not Punish Good Credit to Assist Bad Credit

Setting the Record Straight on Mortgage Pricing: A Statement from FHFA Director Sandra L. Thompson “...

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Affordable Housing Apr 28, 2023

How to Buy a Home After Bankruptcy: Essential Steps for a Fresh Start

Recovering from bankruptcy doesn’t mean you can’t own a home. Discover the strategies that can help ...

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The FHFA Announces New FICO Score Models for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loans: What Does It Mean for Borrowers?
Affordable Housing Apr 27, 2023

The FHFA Announces New FICO Score Models for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loans: What Does It Mean for Borrowers?

What you need to know about the FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0 models and their potential Positive im...

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Affordable Housing Apr 5, 2023

How to Avoid Making Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage

Getting a mortgage is a big decision, and it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything right....

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Retiring in Oceanside: Your Guide to Coastal California Retirement Bliss
Affordable Housing Mar 30, 2023

Retiring in Oceanside: Your Guide to Coastal California Retirement Bliss

Retiring in Oceanside: Why This Coastal California City Should be at the Top of Your Retirement List...

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Dream Home in San Diego
Affordable Housing Feb 21, 2023

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Dream Home in San Diego

Do you want to build a custom home? Between drafting up your construction plans to managing a team o...

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How to choose the best real estate agent for 2023
Affordable Housing Jan 5, 2023

How to choose the best real estate agent for 2023

Buying a home in 2023? Getting a Really good agent is necessary to help you save money, make sure YO...

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Tips to Stay Safe, Save Money and Stay Warm this winter – Financial Assistance availability
Affordable Housing Dec 24, 2022

Tips to Stay Safe, Save Money and Stay Warm this winter – Financial Assistance availability

Winter temperatures and heavy snowfall are just around the corner for many parts of the country and ...

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Affordable Housing Dec 14, 2022

Is Money tight? Are you Potentially Struggling to make your mortgage payment?

With an economy that is variously described as “teetering,” “worrisome” and “fragile,” many American...

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Growing Number of Homeownership Programs for First Responders and Our Local Community Heroes
Affordable Housing Nov 29, 2022

Growing Number of Homeownership Programs for First Responders and Our Local Community Heroes

The 4th Quarter in 2021 Homeownership Program Index Showed continual growing availability of homebuy...

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When buying and owning a home will—and won’t—help you build financial equity
Affordable Housing Nov 7, 2022

When buying and owning a home will—and won’t—help you build financial equity

Understand when you will—and won’t—build home equity At some point, someone has probably told you th...

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There Really Are reasons to be Grateful for the Current Housing Market!
Affordable Housing Nov 2, 2022

There Really Are reasons to be Grateful for the Current Housing Market!

Thanksgiving is around the Corner and for most of us, it is a time for family, food and turkey-induc...

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REALTOR vs Agent should I care? What’s the difference? Video
Affordable Housing Oct 28, 2022

REALTOR vs Agent should I care? What’s the difference? Video

Well let’s start with What is a REALTOR®? All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real esta...

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Another successful year finding Dream Homes using CALHFA Forgivable Down Payment Financial Assistance Programs
Affordable Housing Oct 27, 2022

Another successful year finding Dream Homes using CALHFA Forgivable Down Payment Financial Assistance Programs

We at HomesinSDCounty.com are grateful to be instrumental in helping several of our Clients to Purch...

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Inflation is Scary, is now the right time to buy a house?
Affordable Housing Oct 26, 2022

Inflation is Scary, is now the right time to buy a house?

While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflati...

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CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® CAR issues an apology for Racism in their Role of discriminatory Housing policies – video
Affordable Housing Oct 22, 2022

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® CAR issues an apology for Racism in their Role of discriminatory Housing policies – video

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) formally apologizes for its past discriminatory pol...

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House Prices and Rents are High because of Working from Home? So says Study by the Feds!
Affordable Housing Oct 4, 2022

House Prices and Rents are High because of Working from Home? So says Study by the Feds!

Remote Work and Housing Demand The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way households work. Nearly a thir...

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CA Mortgage Relief & Foreclosure Prevention
Affordable Housing Sep 26, 2022

CA Mortgage Relief & Foreclosure Prevention

CALIFORNIA MORTGAGE RELIEF PROGRAM EXPANDS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE PA...

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Some of the Top Home Selling Myths Uncovered
Affordable Housing Sep 19, 2022

Some of the Top Home Selling Myths Uncovered

The process of buying and selling homes remains quite mysterious to many Americans – especially for ...

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finding your that perfect home how i can help you find the perfect home video
Affordable Housing May 5, 2022

finding your that perfect home how i can help you find the perfect home video

Finding your perfect home is a big decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, from the size a...

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how to invest in real estate with no money video
Affordable Housing Dec 21, 2021

how to invest in real estate with no money video

Here we provide various strategies and valuable insights for investing in real estate with little or...

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