Real estate information is readily available online now, as evidenced by the fact that you are reading this article.  That doesn't mean that it is any easier to buy a home without the help of an experienced real estate agent, it is not by any means.  It does make it easier to gain some familiarity with different areas and prices and that is an important benefit.

Today's real estate transaction involves a myriad of moving parts and detailed disclosures that are usually not available to the layman attempting to "go it alone".  Any of these steps or documents to lead to costly mistakes or litigation that could have been avoided in many cases.

I've heard a number of reasons for why buyers might try to buy without the help of a licensed agent:

• Commissions add to the purchase cost.  This is normally not the case as commissions are usually paid by the seller and are included in the buyer's purchase cost.
• Think they'll save money:  Buyers sometimes tell me that if they don't use an agent the seller will sell the house to them for the selling price less the commission.  I've never seen this to be true as sellers would rather keep the money themselves.
• They think buying a home is easy:  Buying a home is a very complicated process in today's world.  Countless disclosures, inspections, escrow paperwork, loan paperwork, closing paperwork, etc., etc, etc.  One missed step could lead to an expensive mistake and even litigation.  Why trust a heart operation to a foot doctor, or even worse to a med student doing his first procedure?

Buying a home in San Diego should be an exciting and stress-free experience leading to many happy years in your dream home.  The chances of that happening increase dramatically if it is done properly and managed by an experienced professional.

We'd love to help you find your next home anywhere in San Diego county from Chula Vista to Mission
Beach to Kensington to Poway to Encinitas to East Del Mar and La Jolla and all points in between.

Welcome to our first-ever blog!  We hope to share helpful information and receive valuable input from our readers as well.

First, a little background on Ricki (my wife) and I.  We were married in 1977 and are fast-approaching anniversary #30.  We have 2 great sons, Cam (age 27) and Brad (age 25).  Cam and his 10-year sweetheart Lauren married last August.  We have 2 great dogs, both from the shelter.  Kaylin is an Australian Shepherd/Husky mix and Zoey is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever that is absolutely obsessive about playing with a tennis ball!

I obtained my first real estate license in 1970 in Ohio, moved to Arizona in 1973 where I got another license and built several hundred homes and moved to San Diego in 1989 and got my current license.  That's a lot of years in real estate, but I really do enjoy helping people accomplish major financial goals through their properties.

Ricki and I formed Casa Bella Realty & Mortgage in late 2003 when we decided it was time to leave Coldwell Banker and my Assistant Manager's position to "do our own thing".  The move was prompted largely by our desire to deliver a higher level of service than we could previously and without the corporate interference that was on an upswing.

I have helped real estate clients buy or sell property in almost every part of San Diego county, including Carmel Valley, Encinitas, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Poway, Rancho Penasquitos, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, Coronado and many more.

We are proud of the fact that many of our clients become friends and repeat buyers or sellers because of the relationship we create by being totally honest and unselfish in our advice and counsel.  Nothing is ever done for our benefit--always for the customer only!  Our clients always hear the exact and unvarnished truth, whether it supports their notions or not, because we feel it is our job to support them like their doctor or lawyer would, and that includes complete confidentiality.

Please feel free to offer suggestions for topics you would like discussed because we'd be happy to help in any way possible.  We do look forward to hearing from you.