Homebuyers Knowledge Page

Buying a house in San Diego is an exhilarating adventure, and your new life kicks off the moment you step through the door. I absolutely love San Diego, and I hope you’ll come to cherish it as much as I do. To make your transition as smooth as possible, I’ve provided a link to sign up for “Title Alert” offered by the County of San Diego. Plus, I’ve included some helpful tips for understanding your utility bills and planning for upcoming costs, so you can budget effectively.

Recommend: DO THIS ASAP.... "Owner Alert"

San Diego Assessors Recorder County Clerk offers the “Owner Alert” for Free. This service sends an immediate email notification to subscribed property owners anytime a document is recorded with the office transferring title to your property. Protect your investment! Know if somebody is fishing or trying to access your Title paperwork. (It’s free and a good idea) Call me if you need the APN# number. (I can get it in San Diego, it’s easy)

Sign up here for Free (https://arccprn.sandiegocounty.gov/Subscribe) Super easy, to do. They just need your email and APN#, that’s it.

Additional information i on the County of San Diego Website. (Click Here)

This is the link above: https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/recording/owner-alert.html

Planning for Property Taxes

Property Taxes: San Diego property taxes can vary, but they typically range around 1.23% of the home’s assessed value. Be sure to account for this in your annual budget.
1. - Some properties will have the 1915 Bond assessment. ($30.00)
  - Some will have Mello Roos. Click here to see if your property is subject to Mello Roos.
Supplemental Property Tax. You will receive it within the first 12 months of living in San Diego. (Only once)
- The videos below will explain what it is, and how to pay it.

Utility bills

Make sure to check your water meter. The city makes mistakes from time to time. You can double-check by reading your water meter. Here is more information about how to read the bill.

How to Read Your Electric Bill in San Diego

SDGE San Diego Gas and Electric.

Do you need Solar? I do recommend Solar if your bill is below $300. Be careful, Solar is a Big business, the salespeople may not tell you the true cost.

Non-nettable charges (not eligible to be offset from your Solar Generation)
Delivery Import Charges. Includes, billing and Customer Care costs from SDGE
Generation Import Charges. What you used.
Electricity Export. How much do you send to the grid.
Delivery Credits (They don’t pay much)
Generation Credits. (They don’t pay much)
Total Electric Service is what you pay.
Learn about Forecasted True Up to figure out if Solar is worth the cost.

If you want solar, I recommend contacting Costco. They vet the contractors and offer an additional rebate as being a Costco member.

Fire Safety Councel

Useful Homeowner Fire Info.

Many Fire Safe Councils have successfully implemented such projects as hazardous-fuel-reduction projects, Community Wildfire Protection Planning, and homeowner training. Click Here

Check to see if a Natural Gas Pipeline is close by?

You can check this website and explore. What Petro chemicals are underground nearby?

Remember Disclosures are in your Natural Hazards and Disclosure.

If you have a HOA (Home Owners Association)

This is NOT Legal advice, I am not a lawyer. I always recommend talking to a professional. I am posting these videos, because I liked them, and it may get you started looking for answers.

Bad HOA? Here is a YouTube/webinar from Adams Sterling Professional Law (800) 464-2817. (I have no affiliation, just thought they had a good webinar, enjoy)
The Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, also known as the Davis-Stirling Act, is a body of law that governs California condominium, cooperative, and planned development communities, known as common interest developments, regardless of when they were developed. Act does not apply to commercial and industrial common interest development.

Replacement Trash cans, Broken Lids.

Call the San Diego Environmental Services Department. Some Trash cans are still under a 10-year warranty so that you can get broken trash can lids replaced for free. (It’s simple) Drive to the location on Miramar Place with the serial # of the Can needing replacement. They will hand you a Lid, which you can install yourself. Otherwise, you can drop off your old cans and buy new ones here.

8353 Miramar Place. SD. CA 92126
Customer Service
858-694-7000
Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can just check out the website.

Furniture and Patio Vendors

Furnishings and Appliances: Moving into a new home often means buying new furniture and appliances. Plan a budget based on your needs and preferences.

Places to check out:

Subzero-wolf Appliances 655 Anton Blvd Costa Mesa. CA 92626 Call 657-269-5874

Pacific Sales, (Now owned by Best Buy) San Diego, 7069 Consolidated Way, SD. 92121 858-684-3660 Map

Aztec Appliances Discounted appliances (Budget Friendly)

Don’t forget Costco. The pricing is worth the membership fee. And you can get a $1.50 hotdog and drink. My personal favorite. 😊

Outdoor Furniture

Patio Productions. Very Friendly place. They may offer you a beer for free while you shop. 2161 Hancock St. San Diego 92110 (888) 947-4449

Again Costco, they have everything at a great price.

By anticipating these costs, you can better prepare for your new life in San Diego and enjoy your beautiful new home without any surprises. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Additional Costs to Consider

Homeowners Insurance: Protecting your new investment is crucial. Homeowners insurance in San Diego usually costs between $2,000 and $5,500 per year, depending on the coverage you choose. Check out my Home Insurance page for some contacts.

Utilities: Water, gas, electricity, and trash collection are essential services. On average, you might spend about $200 to $500 per month, depending on your usage and the size of your home. The cost of water continues to rise in San Diego, here is an explanation of how to read your bill.

HOA Fees: If your new home is in a community with a Homeowners Association, be prepared for monthly or annual fees. These can range from $100 to $1200 per month, depending on the amenities and services provided.

Maintenance and Repairs: Regular maintenance is key to keeping your home in good shape. Setting aside about 1% of your home’s value annually for repairs and upkeep is a good rule of thumb.

Landscaping: If you have a yard, you might want to invest in landscaping. Monthly maintenance can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the size of your property and the services you require. Or, you can do it yourself. It is a great way to get the family involved with the Pride of Ownership of the Family House. (Get everybody involved and go to the local nursery like Armstrong Garden Center. Have the kids pick out the flowers they like. You may see some kids have a natural “Green Thumb”

Pest Control: San Diego’s warm climate can attract pests. Routine pest control services typically cost around $75 to $100 per quarter. OR you can take care of this yourself. Just stop by Home Depot or Ace Hardware, they will tell you how to prevent pest problems. (Simple stuff, there is no Magic to it.)

Alarm Company: You may want to purchase an alarm monitoring contract. I like ADT, but Costco has SimpliSafe, it’s cheaper and looks good. Something to check out. At a minimum, you should have a “Critter Cam” set up near your car or backyard. Sure, you may not catch a criminal in the act. But you may get a Racoon taking a Selfie. Always Fun.

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