Kelsi Kitchen San Diego Realtor

Kelsi Kitchen San Diego Realtor Kelsi is a dedicated Real Estate Agent with two decades of Interior Design and Entrepreneurship exper

My clients use this monthly prep plan to get ready for the spring market. 👇JANUARY: Declutter & Sort 📦- Focus on one roo...
12/30/2024

My clients use this monthly prep plan to get ready for the spring market. 👇

JANUARY: Declutter & Sort 📦
- Focus on one room at a time
- Make "Keep/Donate/Trash" piles
- Start packing non-essentials
- Go through closets & cabinets

FEBRUARY: Assess your interiors 🎨
- Add fresh paint where needed
- Fix minor repairs
- Update fixtures & hardware
- Deep clean or replace carpets

MARCH: Curb appeal 🌿
- Clear yard debris & plan landscaping
- Pressure wash exterior areas
- Touch up exterior paint
- Clean windows & sweep porch

APRIL: Final polish (your agent will help here!) ✨
- Hire a deep-cleaning company
- Stage each room
- Prep for professional photos
- Run through a pre-listing inspection

MAY: Showtime!

Share this checklist with someone planning to make a move in 2025.

I'm – a San Diego local, Mama, and real estate advisor.

Kelsi Kitchen
DRE 02170248

When you're in the thick of house hunting, there are a few things you gotta do to keep every house from blurring togethe...
12/30/2024

When you're in the thick of house hunting, there are a few things you gotta do to keep every house from blurring together. 🏠 😵‍💫

Ready?

1️⃣ SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

- Start each tour with a photo of the house numbers/address
- Create a folder in your photos app for each address
- Pack water, snacks, easy shoes, hand sanitizer & phone charger

2️⃣ AT EACH HOUSE

- Note the home's natural light
- Open closets, cabinets, and drawers to check storage
- Listen for road noise in bedrooms
- Check outlet placement in each room
- Take photos of any concerning areas
- Take 5 minutes in your car to jot down impressions while fresh

3️⃣ ASK THE LISTING AGENT

- "What's the seller's timeline?" (Negotiation intel)
- "Any previous offers?" (Competition insight)
- "How old is the roof/ HVAC/ electrical?" (Future expenses)
- "Any special assessment coming up?" (HOA insight)
- "How long has the seller lived here?" (Neighborhood stability)

4️⃣ NEIGHBORHOOD INTEL

- Drive the route to work during rush hour
- Check school drop-off traffic
- Visit at different times (weekend/evening)
- Map the distance to your frequent destinations
- Check the street parking situation

5️⃣ 🚩🚩🚩 FLAGS

- Fresh paint in random spots
- Musty smells or air freshener overload
- Doors that don't close properly
- Cracked foundation or walls
- Standing water in the yard
- New caulk around windows/tubs

👉 Ready to tour like a pro? Comment "tour" for instant access to my buyer guide for a comprehensive house tour checklist.

Kelsi Kitchen
DRE 02170248

There's a long list of tactical things we'll do to get your home ready for market BUT before we start there's something ...
12/28/2024

There's a long list of tactical things we'll do to get your home ready for market BUT before we start there's something I'm going to ask you...

I need you to tell me everything you've loved about your home.

Trust me, there's a strategic reason for this request!

Knowing all the little ways you loved this home will help me tell its story and foster an emotional connection with potential buyers.

Plus it makes it feel like a welcoming and comfortable place to continue their own story.

If selling is on your 2025 to-do list, I'd love to walk you through the rest of my strategy. Schedule a 1:1 consult at the link in my bio.

I'm – a San Diego local, Mama, and real estate advisor.

Kelsi Kitchen
DRE 01270248

I don't know who needs to hear this but...You don't have to wait until you're ready to buy or sell to reach out to an ag...
12/27/2024

I don't know who needs to hear this but...

You don't have to wait until you're ready to buy or sell to reach out to an agent

These are the questions you can ask me any time 👉

Drop me a DM if you've got a question - I'm here to be a resource to you!

Kelsi Kitchen
DRE 02170248

Hopeful buyers: Your estimated monthly payment might be WAY off. (🔖Save this post - it could actually save you thousands...
12/26/2024

Hopeful buyers: Your estimated monthly payment might be WAY off.

(🔖Save this post - it could actually save you thousands!)

Here's something many first-time buyers don't realize: The property tax amount you see on current listings? It's probably NOT what you'll actually pay.👇

When you buy a home, the property gets reassessed at your purchase price. But that new tax bill won't hit until next year!

Let's look at the numbers:

- If the current owner bought at $400k years ago
- And the current annual tax: $4,800
- But you buy at $1,000,000
- The new estimated tax: $12,000
- That's about $600 more per month!

(Disclaimer: this amount will vary by location, and it can increase by hundreds each month)

Why This Matters:

- Your initial mortgage estimate might show the CURRENT tax amount
- Your payment could jump significantly when taxes adjust
- This catches so many buyers off guard in their housing budget

Calculate the number for yourself:

Find a more accurate property tax estimate by searching for the listing's address on your county's property appraiser website. Then, head to bankrate.com to customize the property tax section to arrive at a more accurate monthly mortgage payment.

Send this post to someone purchasing soon or DM me to help you crunch the numbers.

Kelsi Kitchen
DRE: 02170248

The satisfaction of giving a great gift ✨Spending most of my days with homeowners I think I have a good grasp on the thi...
12/24/2024

The satisfaction of giving a great gift ✨

Spending most of my days with homeowners I think I have a good grasp on the things they really want when they move into their new space.

So, compiled here for you is my Holiday Homeowner Gift Guide 🎁✨

(Save this list for great housewarming gifts too!)

💰 Budget-Friendly ($25-50)
- Personalized address stamp
- Customized house portrait
- Wooden or ceramic salt cellar
- High-quality cotton dish towels (Williams Sonoma has great ones!)
- Chef's knife or steak knives set (Victorinox is nice quality for a good price!)

💰💰 Mid-Range ($50-150)
- Philips Hue Smart Lightbulbs
- Cordless handheld vacuum
- Boos block cutting board
- Temperature controlled electric kettle

💰💰💰 All-Out ($150+)
- Portable smokeless fire pit
- Dyson cordless vacuum
- Outdoor portable pizza oven
- Ring Smart Security System Starter Kit
- Staub Cast Iron Dutch Oven

👉 DM me for the links and in the comments share the best housewarming gift you've ever received/given!

When my family comes to San Diego for the holidays, this is where I'm taking them.⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Place for a seasonal coc...
12/24/2024

When my family comes to San Diego for the holidays, this is where I'm taking them.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Place for a seasonal cocktail: The Lafayette

Destination for out-of-towners: Balboa Park

Place to walk off a big meal: Cabrillo National Monument

Last-minute shopping: UTC Mall

Drinks by the sea: The Whaling Bar

Live music: The Belly Up

Must try restaurant: Mabel's Gone Fishing

Best seafood: Ironside & Water Grill

San Diego locals, what else would you add?

I'm – a San Diego local, Mama, and real estate advisor.

Price reduction on this beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome in Carlsbad ✶This move-in ready home has stunning upgrades...
10/05/2024

Price reduction on this beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome in Carlsbad ✶

This move-in ready home has stunning upgrades. The kitchen features custom ceiling-height cabinets, exquisite backspash tile, and new hardware. The open concept kitchen with an oversized island is perfect for family meals, while the cozy living area with a fireplace is great for relaxing.

Upstairs offers three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a walk-in closet in the primary suite, and ample cabinet space. Additional perks include custom ceiling beams, built-in speakers, a tankless water heater, included washer/dryer and refrigerator, and an attached two-car garage. A short walk to Aviara Park and minutes from Poinsettia Park, award-winning Aviara Oaks Elementary, shopping, dining, and less than 3 miles to the beach. This Carlsbad home is a dream come true!

Offered at $999,000

Contact me to schedule a showing today ✶

Kelsi Kitchen
Compass | DRE 02170248

Ever wonder why some people seem to stumble upon great home deals while others don't? It's not just luck. Here are four ...
08/28/2024

Ever wonder why some people seem to stumble upon great home deals while others don't? It's not just luck.

Here are four insider tips for getting a steal of a deal on your next home.

1) Cancellations - Not every sale crosses the finish line, and when they don't, it's your opportunity to swoop in. These homes are like items left in the shopping cart—someone didn’t complete the purchase, and now it's up for grabs, often with an attractive price tag.

2) Homes with Higher Days on Market - You know those houses that seem like they've been on the market forever? Maybe they're slightly overpriced, or the listing photos didn't showcase their potential. A keen eye and a bit of patience can unveil their true value. Plus, the longer a house stays on the market, the more likely the seller is to negotiate on the price.

3) Homes that Have Fallen Out of Contract - When one deal falls through, it might pave the way for a better one. Owners of these homes are typically eager to sell, giving you the upper hand in negotiations.

4) Quick Move-in-Ready New Construction Homes - Builders are in the business of selling homes, not owning them. If a new construction home is move-in ready, chances are the builder is eager to sell. This means you might snag it for a better deal than you'd think.

Keep these tips in your back pocket, and the next time you're in the market, remember the best buys may be a blink away from the spotlight.

Feel free to message me if you want to know more about these strategies or have a specific question about home buying.

Kelsi Kitchen
Compass | DRE 02170248

Banana: a commodity Your house: anything butSelling isn't one-size-fits-all. Sure, every transaction follows certain ste...
08/27/2024

Banana: a commodity
Your house: anything but

Selling isn't one-size-fits-all.

Sure, every transaction follows certain steps, but when I work with clients, the experience is anything but cookie-cutter. Every seller gets:

• A recent comparative market analysis
• Personalized home preparation and staging recommendations
• Tailored advice on pricing based on recent sales and market trends
• Professional listing photos & videos that highlight the unique features of their home
• A listing description that captures their home's story

If you want a little more context on the sales process, send me a DM or grab my selling guide.

Kelsi Kitchen
Compass | DRE 02170248

POV: You're a home buyer that gets pre-approved for the magic number from your mortgage lender. Don't come for me on thi...
08/26/2024

POV: You're a home buyer that gets pre-approved for the magic number from your mortgage lender.

Don't come for me on this one but... Just because the lender gives you the green light on a certain dollar amount doesn't mean you should stretch your housing budget to the max.

Before you sign, think about your life BEYOND the loan. Things like lifestyle preferences, discretionary habits, vacation expenses, childcare needs, etc.

Let's make sure your next home fits comfortably within your current lifestyle.

DM me to grab my simple Home Budget Tracker that factors in current spending with a recommended housing budget.

Kelsi Kitchen
Compass | DRE 02170248

Picture this: It's 2021, people are waiving home inspections left and right to fingers crossed 🤞🏻 have their ticket call...
08/25/2024

Picture this: It's 2021, people are waiving home inspections left and right to fingers crossed 🤞🏻 have their ticket called from the pile of offers.

Luckily, we've moved past that period of chaos and I'm seeing buyers re-embrace inspections.

To me, it's a no-brainer form of insurance on your largest investment.

Let's look at some real numbers:

Imagine you're a buyer who invests $750 in an inspection that reveals damage to the windows of the home that will cost $15,000 to repair and replace.

With that knowledge, we head back to the seller to negotiate repair costs or walk from the deal.

In most cases, the sellers will work with us to make it right.

I've seen seller credits range between $250 and $25,000
depending on the type of repair.

Your long-term peace of mind is worth the fee. Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments.

Kelsi Kitchen
Compass | DRE 02170248

Address

655 W Broadway #1650
San Diego, CA
92101

Telephone

+18585040666

Website

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