PendingListed at $799,900 – $849,900
3 bd · 2 ba · 1,110 sqft
1191 Nolan Ave
Chula Vista 91911
San Diego County
Buying Your First Home in San Diego? Let's Make It Simple.
From your first pre-approval conversation to closing day, Rudy Flores, alongside Jeff McKelvey, walks first-time buyers through every step — no jargon, no pressure.
(619) 392-6714
What First-Time Buyers Should Know
The basics, without the overwhelm
Every buyer's path looks a little different — here's where most people start.
Get Pre-Approved First
Knowing your budget before you start touring homes makes everything else easier.
20% Down Isn't Required
Many first-time buyers qualify for loan programs with a much smaller down payment.
Down Payment Help May Exist
There are assistance programs for qualifying first-time buyers — Rudy can help you find out what you might qualify for.
Inspections Matter
A good inspection protects you — Rudy makes sure you understand exactly what you're buying.
Talk to a lender. Rates, loan programs and approvals come from lenders, not from websites or real estate agents. Talk to your own mortgage broker, or use our preferred lender, Point Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #231073), at (619) 475-4095. You are always free to choose any lender you like, and you can verify any lender’s license at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Patti & Jeff McKelvey Team
Rudy Flores
Real Estate Strategist, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker West
Former Real Estate Developer for Google, AT&T, T-Mobile, FirstNet (911) and the U.S. Navy (DoD) for 12 years
Watch Rudy's interviewRudy Flores enjoys helping first-time buyers get their footing in the San Diego market — explaining each step clearly, connecting you with trusted lenders, and drawing on the Patti & Jeff McKelvey Team's 40 years of local experience to make sure you feel confident (not overwhelmed) by the time you get the keys.
Read Patti’s book. Real Estate Magic: How a Real Estate Rock Star Helped 6,000 Families Attain the American Dream is available free through Amazon Kindle and in paperback. Get Patti McKelvey’s book on Amazon
Track Record
Recent Results from the McKelvey Team
Homes now pending and homes the team recently helped buyers purchase, from their October 2026 Open House Showcase.
Pending
Pending
PendingListed at $699,900 – $749,900
3 bd · 2 ba · 1,075 sqft
741 Elm Ave
Chula Vista 91910
PendingListed at $599,900 – $624,900
3 bd · 3 ba · 1,500 sqft
1550 Apache Dr, Unit D
Chula Vista 91910
Recently sold
Sold$2,046,500
4 bd · 3 ba · 3,838 sqft
29155 Buckshot Canyon Rd
Escondido 92026
Sold$775,000
4 bd · 2 ba · 1,710 sqft
13035 Laurel St
Lakeside 92040
Sold$855,000
4 bd · 3 ba · 1,993 sqft
2233 Capistrano Way
Chula Vista 91915
Sold$1,199,999
4 bd · 3 ba · 2,259 sqft
2574 Saddleback St
Chula Vista 91914
Sold$779,000
6 bd · 3 ba · 2,824 sqft
609 Mariposa Cir
Chula Vista 91911
Sold$1,155,000
3 bd · 2 ba · 2,015 sqft
3637 Filly Ln
Bonita 91902
Status and prices are as printed on the team’s October 2026 flyer: 16 homes the team helped buyers purchase, and current pending listings. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Patti & Jeff McKelvey Team, Coldwell Banker West.
Best Spots
Best Spots in San Diego
Weekend favorites to explore once you have the keys.
Balboa Park
A 1,200-acre park of gardens and museums in the middle of the city.
See itCoronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado
Morning walks and sunset strolls on a wide beach in front of the Victorian Hotel del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark since 1977.
See itOld Town San Diego State Historic Park
A walkable historic park of restored buildings and museums, with living-history programs about Rancho-period California.
See it
Home Tools
Know Your Numbers in Minutes
Free calculators for buyers and sellers, starting with today’s rates.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
See your real monthly payment: principal, interest, taxes, insurance and HOA in one number.
Try itHow Much Home Can I Afford?
A quick, friendly estimate of the price range that fits your income, debts and savings.
Try itRent vs. Buy Calculator
Compare the long-run cost of owning with renting the same kind of home, with your own assumptions.
Try it
Explore
Your First-Time Buyer Toolkit
A roadmap in order, answers to the questions first-time buyers ask, and two practical reads on offers and inspections.
The First-Time Buyer Roadmap
Buying your first home is far less overwhelming when you know the order of events. Here are the ten steps, from the first budget conversation to the day you get the keys.
Read the guideFirst-Time Buyer Questions
Clear answers to the questions first-time buyers ask most, without the jargon.
See the answersPre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: Why the Difference Matters When You Make an Offer
The two terms sound alike, but sellers treat them very differently. Here is what each means and why pre-approval belongs at the start of your search.
Read the article
Get In Touch
Let's Talk About Your First Home
Fill this out and Rudy will reach out directly — no bots, no spam.
Prefer to talk? Book a 15-minute call with Rudy.
General information only, not financial advice. Loan programs and down payment assistance vary by lender and change over time — Rudy can connect you with a lender to confirm what you currently qualify for.