Dan Dennison
Master Realtor
Buying a home in San Diego means low inventory, fast-moving listings, and offers that have to be right the first time. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) and Realtor with 40+ years of experience, I help you find the right home, price it correctly, and negotiate terms that protect you — from the first showing to the keys.
Negotiating for Buyers
Buyer & VA Loan Specialist
A home buyer agent represents only your interests in a purchase: defining your budget and must-haves, finding homes that fit (including ones that are coming soon), analyzing what a property is really worth, writing and negotiating your offer, and managing inspections, disclosures, appraisal, and escrow until closing.
In a market as competitive as San Diego, the difference is judgment. I have been practicing real estate since the 1970s, have practiced real estate in five states, and bring an MBA and a former Naval Officer’s discipline to every negotiation. You work directly with me — never a junior associate — and you get plain-English advice at every step, including when the right move is to walk away.
Every purchase has different pressures. I tailor the search, financing plan, and offer strategy to where you are coming from — and where you want to be in five or ten years.
I explain every step in plain English — pre-approval, offers, contingencies, inspections, and closing costs — so you can buy with confidence instead of guesswork, and avoid the costly surprises first-time buyers often face.
As a Navy veteran and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) who has used VA loans personally, I help active-duty families and veterans make the most of VA benefits and buy on a PCS timeline — even remotely.
Buying and selling at the same time, or moving to San Diego from out of state? I coordinate timing, contingencies, and neighborhood research so you land in the right community without paying for two homes longer than necessary.
Most San Diego purchases move from first conversation to closing in 60 to 90 days. Here is exactly what happens, and what I handle for you, at each stage.
We define budget, timeline, must-haves, and the neighborhoods that fit your life.
I connect you with trusted lenders, including VA and first-time buyer programs.
Curated listings and coming-soon homes, with honest pros and cons on each.
Pricing backed by comparable sales and terms that make your offer stand out.
I manage inspections, repairs, appraisal, and escrow through to your keys.
A buyer's agent represents only you. They help set your budget and search criteria, find homes (including coming-soon listings), analyze comparable sales to determine fair value, write and negotiate your offer, and manage inspections, disclosures, appraisal, and escrow until closing.
Since 2024, California buyers sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring homes. It states how much the agent is paid and how. Compensation is negotiable, and it may be paid by you, requested from the seller as part of your offer, or offered by the listing side. I review every option with you up front.
Once your offer is accepted, escrow in San Diego typically closes in about 30 to 45 days. Adding time for pre-approval and your home search, most buyers move from first consultation to closing in roughly two to three months, depending on inventory and financing.
Yes. Eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses can use a VA loan to buy a primary residence in San Diego, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. I am a Military Relocation Professional and have used VA loans myself.
Start with full pre-approval, price your offer from real comparable sales rather than list price, and strengthen terms sellers care about, such as a clean timeline, reasonable contingency periods, and a flexible close. I also call the listing agent before writing to learn what the seller values most.
Yes. In San Diego, most sellers expect a pre-approval letter with every offer, and knowing your true budget keeps your search focused. Pre-approval takes a few days with the right lender, and I can connect you with lenders experienced in conventional, FHA, and VA loans.
"Buying a home should feel clear, not chaotic. I handle the complexities so you can focus on the move."
Buying often connects to selling, relocating, or settling an estate. Explore my other services, or see how I help buyers in specific San Diego neighborhoods: Allied Gardens · City Heights · College Area · Del Cerro · Grantville · Kensington · Normal Heights · Ocean Beach · Paradise Hills · Point Loma · Rolando · Serra Mesa.
Pricing, marketing, and negotiation to maximize your sale.
VA loans and PCS moves from a Navy veteran and MRP.
SRES® guidance for downsizing and life transitions.
Steady guidance for inherited and court-supervised sales.
Preparing and selling estate homes with care.
Whether you are ready to make a move immediately or simply exploring your options, I am here to provide direct, professional guidance.
San Diego & Southern California
Call Dan Now