April 3rd, 2025

Happy Thursday

I love podcasts because you can tap into the brain of someone you’d otherwise never have "access" to. This week, Naval Ravikant launched a new episode on Modern Wisdom (which is rare) & shared some amazing thoughts. If you don't know Naval, he's a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor with a track record of building, backing, and thinking differently. But what really sticks with me is his philosophy on life.

That quote hit me. Because in real estate—especially here in San Diego—it’s not just about buying or selling homes. It’s about creating the life you want.

Whether that’s building wealth through smart investments, planting roots in a neighborhood you love, or finally upgrading to a space that fits your lifestyle… that’s what it’s all about.

That’s why my wife and I bought our first house in Carlsbad a few years back. It was the start of our vision to build the life we want, set roots for our family, and it’s allowed us access to live in a place that makes me smile every day—whether I’m waking up, meeting with clients and friends, or just heading to the beach by myself for a surf. North County San Diego's the kind of place that makes that possible.

Now—between rising tariffs, surging inventory, and historically high homeowner equity—there’s a lot of noise in the market. But here’s what actually matters right now…

Here’s what’s happening in real estate today:

3 properties to watch, 2 news updates on market trends, and 1 thought-provoking insight from me + a snapshot of current market conditions.

The numbers have held steady for a few weeks now, but there are some clear trends emerging. Inventory is climbing quickly, yet home values haven’t been affected—at least not yet. With demand rising as expected during the spring season, prices are holding firm. However, I anticipate a shift when that seasonal demand tapers off in the summer. The wildcard here is interest rates: if they continue to drop, we could see some unexpected, off-cycle demand. But I wouldn’t bank on that just yet.

Median Prices This Week

3 Properties to check out

2874 Luciernaga St Carlsbad, CA 92009 $1,125,000 Fully remodeled La Costa townhome with ocean peeks, 3 beds, and a layout that lives like a house. Killer kitchen, vaulted ceilings, and outdoor spaces on every level. Walkable, turnkey, and full of charm. View property

2381 Manchester Ave Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 $2,875,000 Modern 2022 build in the heart of Cardiff. Think ocean views, walkability, and rooftop hangs. Accordion sliders, high ceilings, sleek finishes—this place screams SoCal beach life. Oh, and it’s STR (short term rental)-approved. View property

17484 El Vuelo Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 $9,700,000 This RSF estate is next-level. Timeless design meets modern luxury on 2.5 acres. Over 11,000 sf of indoor-outdoor living, 13 fireplaces!!, wine cellar, guest house, pool house—it's a trophy property, no doubt. View property

2 News Articles

• ​Millennials now account for 29% of all home purchases, down from 38% the previous year​

Who's buying all these homes? Surprise—it’s the Baby Boomers. They've officially overtaken Millennials as the largest group of buyers, making up 42% of recent purchases. Thanks to years of rising home values, many are sitting on a ton of equity and using it to downsize or relocate—often buying in cash. High interest rates? Not a factor when you're not financing. While younger buyers are feeling the squeeze, Boomers are making big moves with confidence (and capital)

• ​6 Causes of Buyer's Remorse After Buying a House, According to Homeowners​

Is buyers remorse a thing? I'd like to think NO- but Zillow found that 75% of recent homebuyers had at least one regret.

The biggest culprits? Rushing the process, buying a home that needs more work than expected, compromising on size or location, and not doing enough research.

Whether it’s maintenance overload or noisy neighborhoods, the message is clear: slow down, get clear on your must-haves, and don’t let a pretty kitchen distract you from poor layout or location. My goal is to always help keep your priorities (and expectations) on track before, during & after the purchase.

1 Tip or Thought

8 Reasons Real Estate Shines in Turbulent Times

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The short-term impacts of tariffs have people—and the stock market—freaking out, with the potential for rising costs and uncertainty rattling nerves. Yet, this chaos makes long-term assets like housing even more attractive. Here’s why real estate remains a smart bet:

1. Tangible Value - A physical asset with enduring need, unlike volatile stocks.
2. Inflation Hedge - Property values and rents rise with prices, protecting your wealth.
3. Steady Income [investors] - Rentals deliver cash flow when other investments waver.
4. Diversification - Moves independently of Wall Street’s rollercoaster.
5. Long-Term Growth - Historically appreciates, rewarding patience. Especially here in coastal north county.
6. Leverage Power - Borrow to amplify returns, even in tough times.
7. Tax Perks - Deductions and deferrals boost your bottom line.
8. Stability - A practical haven offering control amid uncertainty in the short term markets.

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In a shaky world, real estate stands firm—and has for a long time. Oh, and for anyone drawing comparisons to 2008, there’s one chart that shuts it down: homeowner equity today is way stronger.

Different world, different foundation.

More than 72% of mortgages have an Loan To Value [LTV] below 60% = 40%+ equity.

Another 11% are between 60-70% LTV. 30%+ equity.

8% more below 80% LTV. 20%+ equity.

91% of mortgages w/ high equity also have a fixed interest rate below 5%.

Josh Meltzer DRE 02098859 REALTOR® M: 858.585.0309​ ​Josh@joshmeltz.com​

P.S. FYI 7 days to pay property taxes before they become delinquent!

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DISCLAIMER: Due to recent changes by California Association of Realtors, and the SDMLS Clear Cooperation Policy (the “Policy”), Brokers are limited in their ability to share off-market properties. It is the intent of this letter to be in compliance with the Policy. For this reason, Talechia & Associates can only share such property information with clients of Talechia & Associates. If you would like more information on our properties that are not publicized in the MLS, and becoming a client of Compass, please contact Josh (858) 585-0309 or Talechia (858) 229-2181

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628, 01527235, 01527365. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.