Hello Ginny,

The community of Rancho Santa Fe is amazing. I would definetly purchase a home already done , versus a lot. I belive it would cost more to build right now. Their are many great properties in your price range that are new construction, that haven't even been lived in. Right now is a great time to secure a property in the areas your interested in. If I can be of futher assistance feel free to search properties on my site http://www.breeestape.com or you can email me at bree@prusd.com.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Bree Estape
Prudential California
Rancho Santa Fe Village office

Ginny, thank you for your question and it is a very good one. There are some incredible buys in your price range in the Rancho Santa Fe/Cielo area and now is the best time to purchase a completed home as with the great discounted prices that we still have at this time. I do not believe you can build a home today for the cost that you can actually purchase a home. For example there was a home on auction a couple of weeks ago similiar to what you described where it was sold for about 50% of what it would cost to buy a lot and build the same home. We can send you properties to review and hopefully can show you the perfect dream house when you are able to come out here. In the meantime with the latest technology we can share beautiful properties with you electronically. Please feel free to call me anytime, Judy Land 858.756.7700 or my email address Judy@JudyLand.com. The company is Prudential California Realty in the Courtyard office where I work. I look forward to working with you, my joy is in matching the perfect home for each of my client's wishes... I look forward to hearing from you, Judy

If you like building homes, then buy a lot. But before you do, take a look at some of the homes in the area...there are some nice ones that would be hard to build for their asking price.

Good luck, and let me know if I can help,
Joan Wilson –Realtor, Ecobroker, SRES, Reo & Short Sale Specialist
Prudential
760-757-3468
http://joanwilson.prudentialcal.com

Ginny: You should be able to find a home in the Cielo or Crosby areas within that price range, but the views will be variable. You might also consider SantaLuz as a possibility. Cielo does, however, have the advantage of being in the Rancho Santa Fe school district.

Lot prices have settled down somewhat in Cielo. Much of this may be due to the squeeze on lot and construction financing.

Hello Ginny, Rim Rock or Hidden Meadows is also a nice place with rolling hills and views.
We might have a home in that range. 3 bd 31/2 bath with another outside pool bath. gorgeous pool with groto and waterfalls. A natural waterfall in the view. views of Palomar mt. and San Jacinto Mountain range.
4 car garage Travertine flours open floor plan and granite counters throughout. 2 Fireplaces. 600 sq. ft. covered patio by the pool. interested? CindyFitz1@yahoo.com

Have you considered Fallbrook or Bonsall? Depending on what hospital you are associated with, it is not a bad commute. It is gorgeous area with incredible views, lots of space and a wonderful sense of community. You can find 2-4 acre building lots from as low as $300,000 and gorgeous custom built homes in your price range. We have rolling hills, ocean and mountain views, avocado and citrus groves--a must see area if you are thinking about San Diego County. My website has some additional information on the area if you are interested.

I've researched that area and you would have some great choices in your price range.
It really depends on what kind of a view you prefer(mtns,ocean,golfcourse!