Obviously the virus is on everyone’s mind. I went to Costco recently (like most of you) and there were long lines and some empty shelves. 

Some of my buyers have postponed their buying process until more certainty comes back into the market. I was ready to list a local property next week but that seller wants to wait until summer. I expect the housing market to slow for a few months until everyone feels more confident.

I would expect (and hope) this virus to be a temporary disruption only and when the virus starts fading out (hopefully in the next few months), we’ll start to get back to normal in the housing market and the economy in general. Demand for housing in beautiful San Diego is expected to remain strong over the coming years. This is probably just a temporary dip I would think.

92115 housing stats 

College Area had an amazing 8% increase in the median home price for single-family property year over year for February with a slim days-on-market of only 23 days!

Inventory of homes for sale plummeted to only 24 properties from 66 a year ago. College Area was one of the hottest selling areas in San Diego. Of course for March, I am expecting some slight changes to the data and we will see what happens when the dust settles on this month.

High-rises coming to Sports Arena? 

So Sacramento continues to legislate increased density plans for the state. California politicians are focused on finding a solution for our housing affordability and housing supply.

One plan that I have talked about in my recent columns is the reduced requirements to build second units on an R1-zoned property. Another plan is increased density along trolley routes. This is highly likely to occur over the next few years.

Currently, the City Council is considering increasing the height limit surrounding the Sports Arena (known currently as the Pechanga Arena). The ownership group has petitioned for the ability to build high rises on that 48 acres of property.

I think the council is leaning toward approving it because Sacramento is pushing for more housing and density throughout the state. Obviously, we have a major trolley station here in College Area. It is really just a matter of time until the height limit and density increases occur within a half-mile or so of that station. I will keep an eye on it and report changes to you over the coming months.

—Sarah Ward is a Realtor with College Area Realty. Reach her at [email protected], or at 858-431-6043.