Blog

Author: Jennifer Bergman

  • Housing Density Bill Could Bring More High-Rises to 7 California Cities

    Housing Density Bill Could Bring More High-Rises to 7 California Cities

    As someone who’s watched San Diego’s skyline evolve over three decades, I find the proposed bill allowing residential buildings up to 450 feet in seven major California cities—each with transit access and over 400,000 residents—particularly significant. The aim is ambitious: creating the density needed to support 2.5 million new homes by 2030. For those of us who’ve built our lives and careers helping people navigate change, it’s a pivotal moment. Higher-density living near transit can offer new opportunities, but also brings questions about neighborhood character, affordability, and what home means in a rapidly growing city. Having started in real estate in 1991, I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions shape local communities—and how important it is to approach these transitions with both business acumen and a sense of advocacy. As San Diego and its sister cities consider the future, my focus remains on helping clients understand what these changes could mean for their real estate journey.

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  • Reliable Standard ADU Builders Explains How Much ADU Building Cost in San Diego, CA

    Reliable Standard ADU Builders Explains How Much ADU Building Cost in San Diego, CA

    Curious about the cost of building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in San Diego? As someone who’s spent decades immersed in our local real estate landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how ADU expenses can vary widely. Factors like size, design, site conditions, materials, permits, and overall complexity all play a role. Planning, design, permitting, and utility work are key parts of the process, with smaller units typically being less expensive than larger, more intricate builds. Having helped clients navigate these decisions throughout San Diego County, I understand how important it is to have clear, local insights when considering an ADU as part of your property strategy.

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  • San Diego HOA Costs Reach Tens of Thousands

    San Diego’s urban condo market is seeing HOA costs climb to new heights—some downtown high-rises have faced special assessments running into the tens of thousands. For buyers, these HOA dues are more than just a monthly line item; they directly impact what you can afford, as lenders factor them into debt-to-income ratios. That reality often shapes your search, narrowing the pool of available homes and sometimes leading buyers to consider smaller spaces, fewer amenities, or different neighborhoods to stay within their financial comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve seen how critical it is for clients to review HOA budgets and reserves closely—underfunded associations can mean deferred maintenance or unexpected assessments down the road. My goal is always to help you navigate these complexities with confidence and clarity, so you can make informed decisions in San Diego’s evolving real estate landscape.

  • San Diego – Most Expensive Homes of September 2026

    Each month, I like to take a closer look at San Diego’s most exclusive properties—and September 2026 delivered quite the showcase. Here are the top 15 highest-priced homes currently on the market, with listing prices ranging from $2,999,995 all the way to $9,995,000.

    Representing clients in San Diego since 2002 has given me a front-row seat to the nuances of our luxury market. The diversity of these listings—from oceanfront estates to architecturally significant residences—reflects both the vibrancy and the investment potential that our region offers. For buyers and sellers navigating price points at this level, nuanced local insight and strategic guidance are critical.

    As always, I’m committed to providing informed advocacy and personalized service, whether you’re considering an investment or simply curious about market trends. If you’d like a deeper look into any of these listings, or want to understand how your property fits into San Diego’s high-end landscape, I’m happy to share my perspective.

  • California Rent Hikes Capped Under AB 1482

    California’s statewide rent cap under AB 1482 officially took effect on August 1 and will be in place through July 31, 2027. This legislation places annual limits on rent increases for many tenants, allowing landlords to raise rent by about 5% plus inflation, with a maximum of roughly 10% in any rolling 12-month period. Most counties, including many here in Southern California, are seeing caps in the mid-8% range, while several major metro areas fall between the low-8% and high-8% range. There are exemptions for newer construction, select owner-occupied duplexes, and certain single-family homes or condos. Some cities also continue to enforce stricter local rent rules.

    After decades working with buyers, sellers, and investors across San Diego County, I’ve seen firsthand how policy changes like this shape our housing landscape. One expert noted that easier homebuilding can help relieve upward rent pressure—something we can observe in Southern California, where supply influences local caps. For anyone navigating our dynamic rental or investment market, understanding these nuances is key to making confident decisions and building long-term stability.

  • More high-rises could be coming to several California cities under housing density bill

    More high-rises could be coming to several California cities under housing density bill

    There’s a new bill on the table that could reshape the skylines of several California cities, including here in San Diego. The proposal would permit residential buildings to rise between 150 and 450 feet near major transit hubs in cities with populations over 400,000 and multiple transit stops. For those of us who have seen San Diego’s growth patterns evolve since the early ’90s, it’s fascinating to watch how local and state policies continue to push for higher-density housing solutions. As someone who’s guided clients through the shifting real estate landscape for decades, I know how these changes can open up new possibilities—and new questions—for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Navigating the impacts of such developments takes local knowledge and a strategic approach, especially as our region balances growth with quality of life.

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  • Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day

    Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
    We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
    We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

  • The Cost of Living in San Diego

    The Cost of Living in San Diego

    San Diego remains a city of both remarkable opportunities and unique financial considerations for those who choose to call it home. The median home price here is currently around $840,000, and average rent for an 875 sq ft apartment is $2,916. Utilities typically run between $130 and $138 per month. Groceries tend to be about 13% higher than the national average, and with gas at $4.70 per gallon, it’s important to factor in daily transportation costs. Sales tax stands at 7.75%, while property taxes average 0.76%.

    Having navigated San Diego’s real estate landscape for decades, I’ve seen how these numbers shape decisions for first-time buyers, long-time residents, and those relocating to our vibrant community. It’s not just about the price tag—understanding the full scope of local living expenses helps my clients plan their next move with confidence and clarity. My role is to provide insight and advocacy through every step of your real estate journey, ensuring you have a clear picture of what it means to invest in San Diego living.

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  • Top Cities Where Renting Offers Exceptional Savings

    Top Cities Where Renting Offers Exceptional Savings

    With so much discussion around whether to rent or buy in today’s market, it’s worth noting that in all major U.S. metro areas, renting currently offers significant monthly savings—averaging $1,066 less than owning, with rents at $1,948 and homeowner costs at $3,014. The numbers are clear: for those who anticipate staying in one place for five years or less, renting can make solid financial sense, especially given the higher income requirements for buying. After decades serving clients across San Diego, I’ve seen how weighing these decisions isn’t just about numbers, but about finding the right fit for your unique season of life. Whether you’re exploring your options or planning a transition, my goal is always to offer experienced guidance grounded in both market data and what matters most to you.

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  • San Diego High-Rises Could Follow Density Bill

    There’s significant change on San Diego’s horizon as a new density bill—recently passed by the legislature and now awaiting the governor’s signature—could reshape our city’s landscape. If enacted, this measure would require taller buildings near transit hubs, with heights up to 150 feet for sites close to at least one transit stop, and up to 450 feet in at least a quarter of all regional transit hub districts. This is all part of California’s broader effort to add 2.5 million new homes by 2030. Of course, it also brings new, yet-to-be-determined costs for our city. The bill would also launch a study on housing construction loans and financing, and it’s worth noting that San Diego’s mayor voiced early support for the policy. As someone who’s guided clients through our region’s shifts for decades, I’m always tracking how these legislative changes might impact both homeowners and investors—especially when it comes to opportunities and challenges around urban living and long-term value.