Why should I choose Adam Kelley as my San Diego real estate agent?
Adam ranks in the top 1% nationwide with $200M+ in sales and deep local expertise. Clients value his personalized service, skilled negotiation, transparent communication, and community commitment.
Do you offer cash offers or quick sale options?
Yes. Adam provides competitive cash offers for speed and convenience, plus innovative programs like the 5-day blitz for rapid traditional sales.
What salary do you need to afford a house in San Diego?
It depends.In San Diego, current affordability implies a six-figure salary. C.A.R.’s Q1-2025 data shows a minimum annual income of about $266,800 to buy a roughly $1.03M median single-family home with 20% down. Your figure varies with down payment, debt, and rate. According to C.A.R., only ~15% of county households qualify.
What are the disadvantages of a condo?
Yes, condos have trade-offs. Key disadvantages of a condo include recurring HOA fees, potential special assessments, stricter rules/restrictions, and shared-wall privacy limits. Financing can be harder if a building fails lender project-eligibility standards. According to NAR, HOA costs and rule enforcement can materially affect affordability and flexibility, so review governing documents, reserves, and insurance before buying.
How long does it really take to buy a house?
About 30–60 days after you go under contract. The full home-buying timeline can be longer. Most transactions close in 30–60 days to complete inspection/appraisal, underwriting, title, and escrow steps. Shopping and pre-approval may add weeks earlier. According to Freddie Mac, closing alone typically takes 30–60 days, depending on contingencies and loan type.
What is the first step of the home buying process?
Get a lender pre-approval. That’s the first step in the home-buying process. Pre-approval verifies your income, debts, and credit, sets a realistic price range, and strengthens offers with sellers. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, sellers often require a pre-approval letter before accepting an offer.
How much money do I need for a down payment?
It depends on your loan and profile. Typical down payment amounts are far below 20%. According to NAR (2024 Profile), the median down payment was 9% for first-time buyers, 23% for repeat buyers (18% overall). Some programs allow 3–5% down (conventional), 3.5% (FHA), or 0% (VA/USDA). Balance cash needs, PMI, and reserves.
Is a bigger down payment better?
Usually yes, but it depends. A larger down payment lowers monthly payment, interest costs, and LTV, and at 20% typically avoids PMI on conventional loans.
However, don’t drain emergency funds; liquidity matters. According to the CFPB, conventional mortgages generally don’t require PMI at 20% down, reducing total borrowing cost.
Should I get pre-approved for a home?
Yes, get pre-approved before you shop. It clarifies budget and strengthens offers. A lender pre-approval verifies your credit, DTI, and income, producing a conditional amount and letter sellers trust. The CFPB notes many sellers expect a pre-approval letter before accepting an offer.
What is the minimum credit score for a pre-approval home loan?
It depends on the loan type. For conventional pre-approval, lenders typically require a 620 credit score. Government-backed programs (e.g., FHA) may allow lower scores with larger down payments and compensating factors. According to Fannie Mae’s Selling Guide, 620 is the general minimum representative score for conventional loans (lender overlays may be higher).
Do you help with relocation or investment properties?
Absolutely. Adam supports out-of-area buyers, relocations, and investors with tailored guidance on opportunities and returns.