Client Success Story • Ocean Hills Country Club • Corinth Floorplan
We received a referral from another Realtor® who had a client looking to purchase a home in Ocean Hills Country Club. This client was planning for retirement and looking to move from the LA area to this wonderful, gated, and extremely active 55+ community. She still had approximately two years remaining in her working career but did not want to miss an opportunity at a great home. We began looking at numerous homes in Ocean Hills Country Club in hopes of finding one that would work perfectly for her.
The Two-Year Search: Staying the Course
We met our client on nearly a monthly basis, looking at potential homes as they came newly onto the market. During this time period, the market was beginning to shift from a very strong seller’s market to one that was more favorable to buyers. However, listing agents and home sellers were reluctant to let go of their grasp of the seller’s market, suddenly causing listing prices to be at a higher level than what buyers were willing to pay.
Offers, Insights, and Market Reality
After numerous visits to the community to view available homes, we found one that worked well for our client. Unfortunately, the home was overpriced for the market conditions. We wrote an offer for $75,000 less than asking price, and the seller countered, but still well above fair market value. We declined and resumed the search.
Not long after, a golf course view home became available that was of interest to our client. It, too, was priced too high for the current market conditions at the time. Although she liked the home, she decided that there were too many upgrades needed to justify the price. Because of the disconnect between the high listing price and the older condition of the home, it lingered on the market and went through price reductions. Finally, the property’s price reductions and improvements made by the sellers put the property more in line with market value. We offered at listing price for the home and, unfortunately, so did another buyer. We lost out on this property simply due to our offer being financed, while the competing offer was all-cash.
Many escrows get canceled while home inspections happen. So, we presented a Backup Offer Addendum to put us in first position to be chosen should the current escrow get canceled. Ultimately, this escrow did not get canceled, but it was delayed a few times, and since we still wanted the property, we waited just in case something happened to cause a cancellation. Finally, the property closed and we resumed the search for another home.
Not long after, a home became available with nice views near the Ocean Hills Country Club clubhouse. It was also overpriced for the property condition and market values. However, after talking to the listing agent, it seemed that the seller was open to a fair offer. We wrote our offer, and the seller sent a counteroffer, but their counter was still more than our buyer was willing to pay. We were off to find another property.
The Win: A Great Corinth Home at the Right Price
A few weeks later, a detached home (Corinth floorplan with dual master suites) came newly onto the market. It was a probate sale and listed to be sold in As-Is condition. Because probate sales can sometimes drag on due to needing court approval—and the fact that it was an As-Is sale—it was less desirable to some buyers and priced lower than the previous homes we offered on. The home was in great shape and had a nice layout and lot. We wrote an offer to lock the property up, got it accepted, and immediately ordered home and sewer inspections to ensure that there were no deal-breakers hidden within the property. These inspections revealed several items that warranted attention, but none that were deal-breakers, and our client felt comfortable moving forward to complete the sale. Our long journey was over!
Looking back at the homes that we offered fair market value on, one eventually sold at an even lower price than what we offered—and had the seller accepted our offer, even though it was lower than their asking price, in the end they would have made nearly $50,000 more from the sale of their home. As of this writing, the other home remains on the market and is still suffering through price reductions.
This journey with our client ended with a great deal and a satisfied buyer and is a testament to keeping the goal front and foremost. By staying true to our client’s objective, she really did get the best property and saved over $200,000 in the process.
What Our Client Said (Google Review)
“Ken is an outstanding realtor – knowledgeable, patient and experienced. He navigated my almost two year search for the perfect retirement home – never faltering in his commitment to finding me a home that I would love. And, as promised, he found an ideal home for me at a fair price, navigated a quick and efficient purchase and continues to assist in the many aspects of moving in. He is responsive, accessible and has unique insights into the 55+ market for housing in San Diego. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my family and friends – in fact, I have.”
— A.J., 5-Star Google Review
Ken’s response: Helping you for these two years has been so gratifying, not to mention, fun! What makes it so satisfying is knowing how long you planned for and looked forward to this, and I’m fortunate to have been able to help you achieve your long-held goal of living in one of Southern California’s best and most active 55+ communities. I am also very appreciative of you connecting me with your friends, who I pledge to help in the same purposeful manner that I did while working towards your goal. Moving forward, you will not need my help as frequently as you did during the purchasing process—nonetheless, I will always be here and available to be of service to you. You have worked hard for your entire life. Now it is time to have some fun! Thank you so much for the enjoyable ride! ~ Ken
Read more reviews on Zillow.
Explore Ocean Hills Country Club Resources
- See Ocean Hills Country Club Homes for Sale
- Explore All 17 Ocean Hills Country Club Floorplans
- Market Overview & Trends + Monthly Updates
- Amenities & HOA Guide
- More Buyer Success Stories
Ready to find your Ocean Hills Country Club home?
Work directly with Ken Tritle, Realtor® & SRES®—your local Ocean Hills Country Club specialist since 2010.
Quick Answers for Buyers
- Can I tour the community? Yes—Ocean Hills Country Club is gated/guarded, so tours are by appointment with a licensed Realtor®. Schedule a tour with Ken.
- Which floorplans fit “aging in place” best? Many single-level options exist. Compare the 17 OHCC floorplans and ask us for modified examples.
- Where can I see monthly stats? Visit the OHCC monthly market update archive.
