San Diego Mortgage and Real Estate Advice
If you need tips and advice on San Diego home loans and home buying then you've come to the right place!
San Diego Dental Veneers - FAQs
Dental veneers have exploded in popularity over the last few years, in San Diego and elsewhere across the country. Once you’ve read this article, you’ll understand why they are so popular. Dental veneers can be an effective way to improve your teeth, your smile, and your overall appearance.
But how does the process work? Are there any risks associated with it? How much does it cost? We will answer these questions and more as we examine San Diego dental veneers in more detail.
What Are Dental Veneers Anyway?
Before we get specific about your San Diego cosmetic dentistry options, let’s talk about what these products are and how they work. The word “veneer” typically suggests a covering of some kind, and that is the case with dental veneers as well. Basically, they are tooth coverings or shells that are designed specifically for your teeth. They are very thin and made of a tooth-like material that looks and feels natural.
How and Why Are They Used?
Dental veneers are used primarily for cosmetic purposes, to repair (or technically to cover) teeth that are chipped, discolored, uneven or worn down. Of course, this process usually improves the patient’s bite as well, but the primary focus is cosmetic improvement.
The process usually requires three visits to the cosmetic dentist. Here’s an overview of what takes place during these visits:
- Visit #1 - During the initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth, explain the process to you, and explain the different types of dental veneers (such as porcelain and resin composite). If you decide to pursue the procedure, he or she will then schedule your second visit.
- Visit #2 - You will eventually return to your San Diego dentist to have a mold created of the teeth that will be covered. This is basically an impression or model of your teeth that will be used to create your dental veneers. The dentist will send the mold to a dental lab that specializes in creating veneers for patients.
- Visit #3 - When your dentist gets the veneers back from the lab, he or she will schedule your third visit. This is where you actually have them applied to your teeth. Veneers are bonded to the problematic tooth (or teeth) with a strong, cement-like material. Your San Diego dentist will then use a special light that activates a certain ingredient in the cement, causing it to dry and set.
In San Diego you can find dental veneers in several varieties. The two most common types are porcelain and composite resin, with porcelain being the most popular option. Porcelain veneers tend to last longer than the composite version, thus they are more expensive as well. The porcelain type are also more stain resistant. For these reasons and more, porcelain veneers are more popular among patients than the composite resin variety.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers
As with any other cosmetic dentistry procedure, porcelain veneers have their pros and cons. Here’s an overview of each:
- Pros - They look very natural and are hard to distinguish from real teeth. Typically not as expensive as having crowns, but are stronger and more attractive than bonding alone. A good “middle ground” approach to cosmetic dentistry. The porcelain variety have the added benefit of being stain resistant.
- Cons - The process is irreversible. Once you have your teeth prepared for veneers, you will always need them. They must be replaced every few years. They cannot be repaired if they get cracked or chipped. Porcelain veneers may not match the color of your natural teeth as much as you would like. Not recommended for people with periodontal disease or other tooth problems. Not recommended for people who clench or grind their teeth.
How Much Do They Cost?
The cost of veneers will vary based on a number of factors, including the level of demand, the dentist’s skill and experience, etc. In the San Diego area, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers. These are the most expensive kind because they last the longest. The composite resin type are less expensive, $250 - $350 per tooth.
Choosing a San Diego Dentist
You need to do some research before choosing a San Diego cosmetic dentist to perform your procedure. For starters, try to find somebody who has been accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). When you start with this criteria, you’ll know that your dentist has undergone specialized training in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Find out how long he or she has been working with dental veneers (the longer the better), and ask about patient results. A qualified dentist should also be able to show you before-and-after pictures of their patients.
San Diego Cosmetic Surgery - Most Common Procedures
What types of cosmetic surgery are most popular in the San Diego area? How do they work and what do they cost? These are the things we will explore in this edition of Real San Diego…
Cosmetic surgery has become increasingly popular in the United States. It is even more popular in San Diego and other areas of Southern California, where the demand is typically higher.
There are several reasons for this growth. But the point of this article is not to pass judgment for or against San Diego cosmetic surgery procedures. Instead, I will list the three most popular cosmetic procedures, explain how they work, and offer some approximation of the cost.
So here they are in no particular order, the most common cosmetic surgery options in San Diego and across the U.S.
Breast Augmentation
The Process — Most people know it as the “boob job.” This type of San Diego cosmetic surgery uses synthetic (man-made) implants to enlarge a woman’s breast size. There are currently two kinds of implants available in San Diego — silicon and saline. Silicon implants are said to feel more natural, like the real thing. Saline implants have the benefit of being the safer options. As with most things in cosmetic surgery, there are pros and cons of each option.
The Popularity — According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), approximately 212,000 breast augment surgeries were performed in 2000. These are nationwide across the U.S., not just in San Diego. In 2007, there were more than 347,000 of these surgeries performed. So the “boob job” is not only one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, but is also one of the fastest growing procedures.
The Cost – As with most plastic surgery procedures, the cost of a breast augmentation will vary based on several factors. The geographical location, the level of consumer demand, and the surgeon’s experience all play a role. After doing some price sampling from a dozen or so websites, I found that the cost ranges from $4,000 to $10,000. That includes all fees associated with the procedure, such as the cost of the implants, anesthesia, surgeon’s fee, etc. You can expect to pay more than the national average in the San Diego area, just because the demand is higher.
Rhinoplasty
The Process – Commonly known as the nose job, this procedure involves a reshaping of the nose for cosmetic purposes. First, the surgeon makes a small incision below the nose that also extends into the nostrils. The surgeon uses this as an entry point through which he or she will insert tools used to reshape certain areas of cartilage within the nose. I know … it makes my nose hurt just thinking about it too.
The Popularity — Rhinoplasty is another popular form of cosmetic surgery in San Diego and across the United States. According to data provided by the ASPS, nearly 285,000 nose jobs were performed in 2007 (nationwide).
The Cost – Here again, the cost of this procedure will vary based on different factors. Based on my research, the average cost of rhinoplasty was around $6,000, but could run as high as $12,000 in places with higher demand (think Beverly Hills and Los Angeles).
For a related article, see this blog post on face lift procedures.
Liposuction
The Process – Most people are more familiar with this type of cosmetic surgery than any other, because you often see this one performed on TLC and other educational TV channels. To perform liposuction, the surgeon uses a long and thin suction device to remove unwanted fat from the hips, thighs and abdomen area. After the initial incision, the doctor will use a stainless steel tube to break up and remove fatty tissue. This is the “push and pull” technique you may have seen on television.
The Popularity — This surgery technique is actually unique in that the numbers have dropped over the years. Even so, it’s still one of the most common types of cosmetic surgery in San Diego and elsewhere in the U.S. In 2007, more than 301,000 liposuction surgeries were performed in this country.
The Cost – There are several different types of liposuction available (and probably even more by the time I finish this article). It can also be performed on various parts of the body. For these reasons, the cost varies quite a bit. Lipo on the abdominal area, for example, can range from $4,000 upward to $8,000.
Cosmetic Surgery Disclaimer
You new this was coming! The purpose of this article is not meant to trivialize or glamorize San Diego cosmetic surgery procedures, but only to explain the most popular procedures currently in use. All of the procedures listed above have potential risks and complications associated with them. So you need to do plenty of research before making any final decisions about them. Always seek the advice of a medical professional.
* Source used for statistical data: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, data compiled between 2000 and 2007.
Brandon Cornett is the publisher of My Outer Self, a website offering unbiased information on all types of plastic surgery. Learn more by visiting the author’s informative blog at http://www.myouterself.com/blog
Your San Diego Beach Vacation
So, you’re planning a beach vacation to great city of San Diego, California, and you need some advice about the city. You’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, I’ll offer some tips for your San Diego beach vacation — covering such topics as hotels, beaches, attractions and more.
Of course, all of this comes from my own experiences living in the city. But I’ll try to keep things as objective as possible.
The Beaches in San Diego
Okay, first things first. This is a beach vacation you are planning, so let’s start off with an overview of San Diego’s beaches…
This article provides a good overview and is therefore a good place to start. Travel writer Rick Chapo explains the overall beach scene in the San Diego area — a “must read” for anyone planning a vacation to the city.
This article entitled All About San Diego also provides a good overview of beaches and other aspects of the city.
Things to Do on Vacation
So, what kinds of activities can you do while having a San Diego beach vacation experience? This question is actually difficult to answer, but for good reasons! There is so much to do in the city while on vacation that the list goes on and on. So let’s tackle it head on…
We have already talked about the beaches in San Diego (see the links provided above), which are obviously a key part of any beach vacation to this area. But you can’t stay out on the sand the whole time, so let’s talk about some of the other attractions San Diego has to offer.
The zoo is obviously a popular destination for people taking vacations to San Diego. Actually, it’s a popular destination for longtime residents as well. I’ve been to the zoo more than a dozen times, and I never get tired of it. It’s a world-class zoo with a vast array of animals, so it’s certainly worth a visit during your beach vacation to the San Diego area. Learn more
And if you like the zoo, you’ll probably enjoy the Wild Animal Park as well. Here you can see exotic animals in the closest thing to their natural habitat, as the animals are allowed to roam over vast areas like the do in the wild. You’ll see plenty of animals at this park, but you won’t see many cages … and that’s a good thing! Learn more
For more ideas of things to do on your San Diego beach vacation see this list of ideas and also this one. Enjoy your trip!
A New Home Staging Website
I just wanted to post a quick update about a home staging website I stumbled across yesterday. It’s called the Staging Bug (www.StagingBug.com).
If you’re not familiar with staging, it is the act of improving your home’s layout and design prior to listing it for sale. The idea is that by showing the home in its best possible presentation, you’ll be able to sell the home faster and for the best selling price possible.
What I like about the Staging Bug is that it offers room-by-room tips on how to stage your home. Instead of offering the same general advice you’ve seen a dozen times before, it gets into the nitty-gritty details of staging a house one room at a time.
Here’s an excerpt from the section on living rooms:
Why bother with living room design and staging? Because it can help you sell your home faster, and is thus a crucial part of home staging in general. Remember, home buyers want to see a living room area that is open and inviting … a space that is conducive to conversation and interaction. Stage and design your living room with this in mind.
They also publish a blog with design tips and ideas for home sellers.
Buying San Diego Foreclosure Homes
Over at our parent website, we’ve just launched a new resource called Foreclosure City. As the name implies, it offers tools and resources for buying foreclosure homes in San Diego and elsewhere across the country.
Here’s the San Diego page.
If you’ve been watching the local news lately, you’ll know that the number of foreclosure homes in San Diego has increased signficantly over the last year or two. This is a direct result of what is now being called the “subprime mortgage crisis” of 2007 and 2008 (hopefully not 2009).
View foreclosures in San Diego
This rise in foreclosures certainly represents financial hardship for some (notably the homeowners themselves). But is also represents investment opportunity for anyone looking to buy a foreclosed home in San Diego … and possibly pay less than market value for that home. In a financial sense, one person’s loss is often another person’s gain. That’s just the way of the world.
You can learn more about buying San Diego foreclosures over here.
San Diego Home Loan Article
There’s a nice overview of San Diego Home Loans over at the Home Buying Institute. It’s a pretty in-depth article on the types of home loans avaiable, the pros and cons of each type of loan, etc.
In my opinion, this is one of the most important thing for home buyers to understand before choosing a San Diego home loan. If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve no doubt heard about the wave of mortgage foreclosures that has swept across San Diego (and the nation at large).
Many of these foreclosures are the result of subprime mortgage loans that were also adjustable-rate (ARM) loans. I’m willing to bet that if all of these people understood the concept of an ARM loan, they would have either avoided it to begin with, or refinanced the loan prior to the adjustment period.
That’s why it’s critical for consumers to educate themselves on such topics, and this tutorial is a good place to start. You have to educate yourself and be a smart shopper when choosing a San Diego home loan.
Let’s Go San Diego Chargers!
We would like to take a break from posting San Diego real estate and mortgage advice for a moment to wish our Chargers luck! Go Charger, go! It’s time to show the world what you’re made of … starting with the New England Patriots.
C’mon Philip, LaDanian, Antonio, Lorenzo, Marlon, Darren and the rest of you boys! Let’s get this thing going. Play like you know how to play, and you have every chance of beating the Pats. I hope the NFL’s finest defense puts Brady on his back over and over again.
And for gosh sake, somebody cover Randy Moss!!
San Diego Home Auctions
Tips for buying a home at a San Diego real estate auction
View foreclosures in San Diego
Buying a home at auction can be a smart investment strategy for San Diego home buyers. If you know what you are doing, you can often buy a home at auction for less than it would go for on the regular market. Here are some helpful tips for buying real estate at a San Diego home auction.
The Purpose of Home Auctions
San Diego Mortgage lenders are good at selling mortgage loans — they are not, however, in the business of managing and selling San Diego homes. So when lenders foreclose on a San Diego home they want to sell that home as quickly as possible. Sure, they want to recoup the full amount owed to them. But they’re not usually in it for making a profit. That’s why they auction homes off in a public fashion … to sell them quickly.
View foreclosures in San Diego
Home Buying Tips for Public Auctions
In nearly all cases, the price for a home at a San Diego auction will be based on the amount owed to the lender (along with any other expenses the lender has incurred during the home foreclosure process). This is the appeal of San Diego home auctions in the first place — you can often buy homes for less than market value. Your task is to understand that market you’re in, so you can spot a good deal with it comes to an home auction.
So you’ve done your homework on the San Diego real estate scene, you’re attending a home auction and you’re eager to bid on a particular property. What about financing? How long do you have to come up with the money after bidding? This will vary from one auction to the next. So before attending a home auction in San Diego you should do your research on the financing process associated with that auction.
As with many other types of auctions, the most common financing “rule” for home auctions is that you have the money in hand so you can provide the funds upon successfully bidding. When you think of it from the lender’s perspective, this only makes sense. The last thing the lender wants is to put a San Diego home up for auction only to have the top bidder fall through with the financing. They would have to do the process all over again, or else contact other bidders.
Here’s what you need to take away from this lesson. Check with the auction people ahead of time to find out about the financing rules. And if you cannot meet those financing requirements … don’t bid on a home. Auction bids that cannot be supported with the proper financing create problems for all parties involved, including the bidder!
In most home auction scenarios, it’s also wise to avoid bidding wars. This only drives up the price of the San Diego home being auctioned. Many bidding wars are based on a combination of inexperience and ego in the person bidding on the home. The more bids that go back and forth, the higher the price of the home. So wait until the bidding has slowed down before making your own bid.
Lastly, it’s important to realize that most homes sold at public auctions are sold as-is with no guarantees or warranties. If you have the opportunity to look a home over before the auction, take it! Otherwise, just remember that you get the home you bid on, and nothing else in the way of warranty.
This is obviously an overview of the San Diego home auction process. It’s not my intention with this article to make you an expert in real estate auctions, but only to help you understand the basic process (and how you might use it to your advantage).
Good luck with your San Diego real estate purchase and home auction adventures!
San Diego Area Homes - Tips for Buyers
A guide to finding a home in the San Diego area.
San Diego is one of the most popular cities from a home buying standpoint. There’s the weather, the beach, the lifestyle, the culture and history, and plenty of things to do in San Diego — such as the beaches and the zoo.
How to Buy a Home in the San Diego Area
With everything the city has to offer, it’s no wonder that San Diego area homes are such hot commodities. But before you buy a home in “Sandy,” it’s wise to brush up on your home buying knowledge. To support you in this goal, we have put together a guide to buying San Diego area homes … by the numbers.
Step 1. Review your credit and finances.
San Diego mortgage lenders will put your credit and finances under the microscope. So before you start shopping for San Diego area homes you should review these things for yourself.
Start by requesting a copy of your credit report from the big three credit agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Review your credit report closely for errors. If you find an error, work to correct it right away, as the process takes time. For instructions on correcting your credit report, refer to the websites of the three agencies.
You should also review your finances to determine how much of a San Diego home you can comfortably afford. Use an online mortgage calculator to determine monthly payments based on total price. This will give you a rough idea of where your comfort zone lies.
Step 2. Learn about San Diego mortgages.
Once you’ve reviewed your finances, credit and purchasing power, you should start researching the different types of mortgages. Each type of mortgage has its pros and cons. Finding the one that’s right for you will depend on many factors, such as how long you plan to own the home, how much you can afford to pay up front, etc.
When reading about the different types of mortgages, pay close attention to any sentence that starts with “This mortgage might be a good option for you if…”
Step 3. Visit HomeBuyingInstitute.com.
At HBI, you can learn about the home buying process in depth. HBI is the Internet’s largest library of home buying tips and advice, and best of all it’s free!
Step 4. Make a wish list.
Now that you have a better understanding of the financial side of things, you can begin to create a home “wish list.” Write down all the things you want from a home. Include the size, features, location, etc. What area of San Diego do you prefer? How many square feet do you need? One story or two? Categorize each item on the list as a “need” or a “want.” This list will save you time, narrow down your search, and help you stay focused.
Step 5. Find a real estate agent.
Even with all of the home buying information available online, it’s a good idea to hire a San Diego real estate agent. When you consider how much money you’ll pay for a San Diego area home the agent’s fee will seem miniscule by comparison. Combine that with the peace of mind you get from having professional guidance, and it’s even more apparent why you should use an agent.
To find an agent, start by asking family or friends if they can refer a local agent they were happy with. If that doesn’t produce any leads, try using search engines or the websites of well-known companies.
Step 6. Get pre-approved for a home loan.
Pre-approval from a mortgage lender will help you in several ways: (1) It will reveal how much you can realistically afford. (2) It will help you identify credit problems early on in the home buying process. (3) It will show sellers you’re serious about buying (which can be helpful when there are multiple buyers / offers).
Step 7. Get a home inspection.
Whether you’re buying a new home in the San Diego area or an older one, a home inspection is always a good idea. Inspections cost around $500, which is a small price to pay for peace of mind. A home inspector will examine the home’s roof, foundation, heating / cooling system and other important areas.
San Diego Mortgage Lenders vs. Brokers
Summary: An explanation of the differences between a San Diego mortgage lender and a mortgage broker, and how to choose the right one for your home buying needs.
Buying a home in San Diego can be an exciting and even nervewracking process — especially if you are new to the home buying process. The mortgage process, however, tends to overwhelm a lot of first-time San Diego home buyers.
A common point of confusion among home buyers is whether to use a primary lender or a mortgage broker when obtaining a loan. But simply by understanding the differences between the two types of San Diego mortgage professionals, you’ll be better able to choose the right one.
Difference Between Primary Lenders and Mortgage Brokers
When you sit down with a mortgage professional to discuss lending options, it’s important to know whether he or she represents the lending institution directly (a primary lender) or represents multiple lending institutions (a mortgage broker).
So there we have the key difference between a San Diego mortgage lender and mortgage broker:
- The primary lender represents a single lending institution
- The mortgage broker, on the other hand, can represent several lending institutions at the same time.
A primary mortgage lender can place you in any of the mortgage programs offered by that particular bank, as long as you qualify for the program. Mortgage brokers can do the same thing, but because they represent multiple lenders you may have more options for loan packages.
San Diego mortgage brokers charge fees for their services. So the first thing home buyers will ask is, “What are the broker’s fees, and who pays them?” It’s important to answer these questions up front, especially when you consider that broker fees are typically expressed as points — and each point equals one percent of the loan amount. That can be a sizable chunk of money for a home buyer to pay.
So, before making a decision on whether or not to use a San Diego mortgage broker you should find out who pays the brokers fees. In many cases the fees are paid directly by the San Diego lending institution that the broker “hands” the deal to. In this case, the home buyer would not have to pay any broker fees. In other cases, however, the home buyer will have to pay the mortgage broker’s fees.
Here’s another point to consider. If you have bad credit, or if it’s difficult to prove your full income, you might consider working with a mortgage broker (as opposed to going straight to a San Diego mortgage lender for a loan). Because brokers work with multiple lending institutions, they will normally have more options at their disposal.
Choosing Your San Diego Mortgage Professional
Regardless of whether you choose to work with a San Diego mortgage lender or a broker, be sure you feel comfortable with them and confident in their abilities to help you. You should also feel free to ask questions about your mortgage loan options.
After all, buying a home will likely be one of the largest financial moves of your entire life. So you need to be comfortable with all of the players.
Related article on broker leads and related mortgage topics.