Homeowner's Guide

San Diego Homeowner Resources

Practical guidance for maintaining, improving, and settling into your San Diego County home — from HVAC upkeep to renovation safety and moving-day logistics.

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General

Clairemont Is Named After a Real Woman — and Almost Nobody in the Neighborhood Knows Her Name

One of San Diego's largest communities carries a private first name hiding in plain sight. Here's the story of Claire Tavares and why the mesa still feels like five neighborhoods instead of one.

General

The Quiet Building in San Pasqual Valley Holding 12,000 Years of San Diego County

A mile off a rural Escondido road, the San Diego Archaeological Center in San Pasqual Valley quietly preserves artifacts from development sites across the county — a physical record of human life here stretching back 10,000 to 12,000 years that most residents never know exists.

General

The Hotel del Coronado: 137 Years of History on San Diego's Most Famous Shoreline

From a wildcatter's fever dream in 1888 to a $550 million restoration still unfolding today, the Hotel del Coronado has shaped Coronado — and San Diego — in ways most visitors never see. Hedda Parashos traces the full story.

General

5 San Diego Housing Development Fights to Watch in 2026 — and Why They Affect Your Neighborhood

From the Golden Hall demolition to a 23-story tower in Pacific Beach, San Diego's biggest development battles this year will shape housing supply, property values, and neighborhood character across the city. Here's what homeowners and investors need to know.

General

A Romance Novel Saved Old Town San Diego After an Earthquake Nearly Erased It

Alonzo Horton bought 900 acres near the harbor for $265 in 1867 — and that bargain almost killed Old Town entirely. The story of how a bestselling novel kept San Diego's birthplace from disappearing.

General

Ocean Beach Had a Seaside Amusement Park — and Almost Nobody Remembers Where It Stood

Before OB became San Diego's laid-back beach town, an oceanfront amusement park called Wonderland stood right at the surf's edge. Here's what happened to it — and what it tells us about the neighborhood today.

General

The Mid-City Communities Plan Update: What's Changing for North Park, City Heights, and Surrounding Neighborhoods

San Diego is updating the Mid-City Communities Plan for the first time in 25 years — here's what homeowners, buyers, and investors in North Park, City Heights, and Kensington need to know before these changes are finalized.

Homeowner

The Surprising Ways San Diego Homeownership Is More Affordable Than You Think

Despite sky-high sticker prices, San Diego homeowners are sitting on some of the strongest equity positions in the country — and several hidden cost advantages that rarely make the headlines. Here's what the numbers actually show.

General

The Giant Dipper Belmont Park History: How Volunteers Saved San Diego's Landmark Coaster

The Giant Dipper at Belmont Park in Mission Beach sat silent and deteriorating before a volunteer group called the Save the Coaster Committee fought to bring it back — and even then, the story nearly ended badly.

Homeowner

San Diego Housing Market Mid-2026: More Inventory, More Options — Here's What It Means for You

San Diego's housing market is shifting in 2026 — inventory is up year-over-year, buyers are active, and homes are still selling near asking price. Here's what the data actually means if you're buying, selling, or staying put.

Homeowner

A Simple Guide To Choosing The Ideal Paint Color For Your Space

One of the easiest ways to refresh a room is with a coat of paint. Deciding to do a new paint job may sound simple until reality hits - choosing the ide...

Homeowner

5 Ways Your Neighbors Can Affect Your Home's Value

No matter how much you invest in your own property, many external factors can affect your home value, including the neighbors around you. Understanding ...

Homeowner

7 Simple But Effective Habits For A Cleaner and Tidier Home All Year

Aiming to have a cleaner and calmer home this year? Small, consistent habits make a much bigger difference than marathon cleaning sessions. Before life ...

General

A 7-Step Practical Guide to Unpacking Efficiently After A Move

It is exciting knowing that you are starting a fresh life in your new home. But that exhilarating feeling can quickly be replaced with stress once you r...

Homeowner

5 Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Projects Perfect to Tackle This Fall

Fall is an ideal time to tackle home improvement projects before the holiday season arrives. These five affordable updates add real value to your home w...

Homeowner

What You Should Know About A Home's HVAC System

Your home's HVAC system is one of its most important and expensive components. Understanding how it works, how to maintain it properly, and when it need...

Homeowner

Safety Tips to Keep Your House Safe During A Renovation

Home renovations create excitement about the transformation ahead, but they also introduce real hazards for your household and your contractors. Keeping...

Homeowner

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

Accessory dwelling units - also known as ADUs, granny flats, or in-law suites - are becoming one of the most popular housing solutions in San Diego and ...

Homeowner

5 Expert Decluttering Methods To Try For A Tidier Home

If you feel like decluttering is such a chore, it might be because you have not found a method that works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solutio...

General

What You Should Know About Buying or Selling A Home in Winter

The winter months provide a different set of challenges and opportunities compared to the peak spring and summer selling seasons. Sellers can take advan...

Homeowner

Think Your House Is Haunted? Here's What's Really Going On

Strange noises from the attic, flickering lights, doors that seem to close on their own - these things do not mean your home is haunted. They often sign...

Homeowner

Here's Your Fall Cleanup Checklist To Prep Your Yard For Winter

For homeowners, fall is the time to do crucial lawn and yard maintenance that protects your landscaping investment and sets your property up for a stron...

Homeowner

Can A Generator Add Value To Your Home?

As severe weather events increase in frequency and power outages become a more regular concern, whole-home generators are gaining appeal among buyers. T...

Homeowner

7 Little Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom Without Draining Your Savings

A full bathroom remodel is not always necessary to make a meaningful impact. These seven targeted improvements deliver a fresh, updated look at a fracti...

Homeowner

Does A Swimming Pool Boost or Hurt Your Home's Value?

Having a pool has long been seen as an upscale home feature, but the reality is more nuanced. People either love the idea of a pool or view it as a main...

Homeowner

Homeowners, Here's Your Maintenance and Safety Checklist for May

May is one of the best months to take care of home maintenance tasks before the heat of summer arrives. With the ideal conditions for tackling outdoor p...

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Hedda Parashos and the Palisade Realty team bring deep San Diego County expertise to every transaction.