Oceanside Real Estate & Smart Summer Savings: From Utility Hacks to Million-Dollar Views
Summer heat doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. If you’re living in Southern California, there are smart strategies you can use to cut your utility bills and keep your home cool without sacrificing comfort. I always tell my clients: timing and tech matter. Run your dishwasher, laundry machines, and other heavy-use appliances after 9 p.m.—that’s when usage rates drop, saving you money instantly.
Want even more savings? Check with SDG&E before buying any new appliances. Many of their rebate programs require pre-approval or certificates before purchase, so don’t skip that step. They’re currently offering subsidized energy-efficient LED bulbs and light fixtures that can reduce your electricity use right away. And if you’re in a lower income bracket, their “Welcome to Home Electric Electrification Affordability Rebate” program could help you qualify for reduced rates and even larger rebates. It’s one of the most underused money-saving programs in the area.
Now let’s talk about mortgage rates. While rates are still high compared to a couple years ago, they’ve come down a bit. FHA and VA loans are hovering around 6.25% for 30-year terms, 15-year notes are just under 6%, and conventional 30-year fixed loans are sitting at about 6.75%. Here’s the good news: Sellers are a lot more flexible today than they were two years ago. Many are open to rate buydown credits or other concessions—giving buyers a stronger negotiating position.
If you’re looking in the Oceanside area, I’ve got two amazing properties that show just how wide the market range really is. First up, we have a beautifully remodeled two-bedroom, two-bath home just seven miles from the coast. It features new flooring, a new furnace, fresh paint, a private patio, in-unit laundry—it’s turnkey and ready for a new owner. Priced at $425,000, it’s a great opportunity for first-time buyers or anyone looking for a move-in ready deal.
On the flip side, let me introduce you to one of the most unique listings on the coast: a luxurious, oceanfront estate with seven bedrooms, six baths, and nearly 7,000 square feet of space spread across three levels. Each floor has its own kitchen, and the panoramic 180-degree ocean views are nothing short of stunning. It sits on a double lot and is listed at $8,999,999. For perspective, a similar property in Malibu would cost nearly double.
But what really sets this property apart is its history. It was once owned by Tom and Joan Braden—yes, that Tom Braden, who wrote Eight is Enough, the memoir that inspired the iconic TV series. The Bradens were friends with Ethel and Robert Kennedy, and there are rumors that Bobby Kennedy even spent a night at this home before his assassination. The home’s legacy is interwoven with stories of California culture, politics, and entertainment. Previous owners also had ties to classic local establishments like Quails Inn in San Marcos and King Albert’s in Solana Beach, cementing the property’s place in Oceanside’s rich history.
So whether you’re trying to save on your electric bill or looking to invest in a beachfront property with a story, there are plenty of smart moves to make this summer. The market may be shifting, but the opportunities are there—you just have to know where to look.
