East County Real Estate Advice
I'm John Lieber, Broker/Owner of New Leaf Realty. I've been helping buyers, sellers and homeowners make better real estate decisions since 2008
These short videos answer many of the questions I hear from clients every week
My home didn't sell in the 1st week. What should I do?
Has your home been on the market for a week or two without an offer? Don't panic.
What Types of San Diego Homes Hold Their Value Best?
When buying a home, I think it's worth considering not only whether you like the property today, but what might make another buyer want it years from now. Coastal San Diego real estate benefits from limited supply, but location is about more than a ZIP code. Within the same neighborhood—or even on the same street—one home may have a better view, a more desirable lot, a better location or another feature that makes it difficult to duplicate. Having bought and sold investment properties myself, I've always looked for that distinguishing characteristic. When two otherwise similar homes are for sale, what makes someone choose this one? You can't predict exactly what any property will be worth in the future, but buying something with characteristics that are difficult to reproduce can be an important part of a long-term real estate strategy.
Are ADU's still worth it in San Diego?
Thinking about building an ADU in San Diego? Before you start, there are several hidden costs that many homeowners don't expect.
Should I Rent or Buy a Home in San Diego Right Now?
With today's higher home prices and interest rates, renting can make more financial sense for some people—especially if they expect to move within a few years. If you're planning to stay in San Diego for five years or more, buying often becomes the stronger long-term investment.
Is It Finally a Buyer's Market In San Diego?
The San Diego market is beginning to shift. Buyers have more inventory, more negotiating power, and more opportunities than they've had in years. While desirable homes still sell quickly, many sellers now need a thoughtful pricing and marketing strategy to succeed.
How Will AI Change Real Estate? Will It Replace Real Estate Agents?
I think AI will make many parts of a real estate transaction faster and more efficient. But properties, neighborhoods and negotiations have nuances that data alone doesn't always capture. In this video, I discuss where I think AI will have the biggest impact and why experienced local agents will continue to matter.
Why Are So Many Home Sales Falling Out of Escrow?
Getting an offer is only the first step toward selling your home. I'm seeing more buyers willing to walk away during escrow if inspections, repairs, negotiations or the overall property don't meet their expectations. With today's high home prices and mortgage payments, buyers can afford to be more selective. For sellers, that means flexibility during escrow can sometimes be just as important as getting the initial offer.
How to Handle the Stress of Buying or Selling a Home
Real estate transactions can be surprisingly emotional. There's a lot of money involved, deadlines to meet, negotiations to work through and sometimes unexpected problems along the way. After nearly 400 transactions, I've learned that part of my job is to be the calm voice in the room. Sometimes that means fighting hard for a client. Other times it means recognizing when a reasonable compromise will produce a better result. Experience isn't just about knowing contracts and property values. It's also about knowing which problems matter, which ones can be solved, and how to keep a transaction moving when emotions start running high.
About John Lieber
I've been helping buyers, sellers, and investors throughout East County San Diego since 2008.As Broker/Owner of New Leaf Realty, I work directly with my clients from start to finish. My goal is simple: help people make informed real estate decisions with honest advice and local experience.
Have a real estate question? I'd be happy to help!
Call me at 619 922-1000 - Email me at [email protected] - visit johnlieber.com
John Lieber- New Leaf Realty- 619 922-1000
8033 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
CA DRE#01825624