Thomas J. Nelson

Your Local Guide For San Diego

Meet The Team

Your Local Guide For San Diego

Christine Frushon

Real Estate Professional Consultant at Keys with Christine Brokered by EXP Realty

Thomas J. Nelson

DRE# 01261476

Big Block-LPT Realty

Well, let me tell you, real estate runs deep in my veins. It's like the very foundation of who I am. You see, it's a family affair—my folks, my grandparents, they were all in the game, making deals, managing properties. It was like breathing for us, you know?

Now, my grandma Frances, she was the one who got me started on this journey. She'd take me along to her deals, teaching me the ropes from a young age. And then there was grandpa Al, a real property guru. He showed me the ropes of real estate investing and even got me hands-on with some light construction work. Painting, electrical, plumbing—you name it, I was there, learning the ropes.

But life's a funny old thing, isn't it? While I was knee-deep in property management, another passion came calling: music. Now, I may not be the next Elvis, but I sure can hold my own with a guitar or drums. But it was when I discovered the magic of mixing music that things really took off. Parties turned into gigs, gigs turned into paid gigs, and before I knew it, I was running my own music business at the ripe old age of nineteen.

For three decades, I was the heart and soul behind Nelson-Entertainment, a Mobile DJ & Wedding Event planning company. What began as a simple hobby blossomed into a thriving business, and I had the privilege of orchestrating over 2000 weddings and countless other events. From humble beginnings, I learned invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship and the art of service.

But life had more in store for me. Ten years into my DJ career, I joined forces with my mother in the real estate business. Watching her navigate the industry, from land acquisition to home construction, was an education in itself. She didn't just sell homes; she cultivated genuine connections with her clients, becoming more than just their REALTOR®—she was their trusted confidante.

Inspired by her example and the arrival of my son, Wyatt, I embarked on my own real estate journey. Balancing my DJ gigs and property management duties, I laid the foundation for my fledgling real estate business. In 2003, my wife Ailina and I made the leap to San Diego, drawn by its inviting climate and vibrant community. La Jolla stole our hearts, offering the perfect backdrop for our new chapter.

Joining forces with Big Block Realty was a game-changer. Surrounded by like-minded professionals, I found a home where my values and vision aligned seamlessly. With access to top-notch training and support, I'm constantly honing my skills to better serve my clients.

I don't take your trust for granted. Each transaction is an opportunity to exceed your expectations and earn your satisfaction. Whether you're buying or selling, I'm here to guide you through every step of the process. And if you know someone in need of real estate expertise, don't hesitate to send them my way—I'll ensure they receive the same level of care and attention.

In the world of real estate, results matter. With me by your side, you can rest assured that your goals are my top priority. Let's embark on this journey together and turn your real estate dreams into reality.

It's A Good Life!

Thomas

Service Areas

San Diego

Service Areas

San Diego

  • San Diego

  • EXP Relocation Certification

  • EXP REO Certification

  • AHRN Certified Military Real Estate Agent

Recent Activity

Landlord Tenant REALTOR

How To Sell Your Tenant Occupied Property

June 23, 20254 min read

How To Smoothly Sell Your Tenant Occupied Property

Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this process. I personally prefer to vacate tenants and sell a vacant, staged house that’s ready for any new owner—not just investors. However, this approach may not always be the best option. If you’re selling in the middle of your tenant’s lease, or if the house is in good condition with a reliable, paying tenant, it might make more sense to keep the tenant in place. Additionally, if investors tend to be the primary buyers in that part of town...well, "When In Rome."

REALTOR

First, before doing anything, consider your options when selling a tenant-occupied home:

  • Can the tenant afford and are they interested in purchasing the property?
    Even if they do not buy, offering them the first opportunity can foster goodwill and cooperation later. According to recent market data, tenants who are offered the chance to buy are more likely to cooperate during the sale process, reducing delays and complications.

  • Are they on a month-to-month lease?
    If so, you may be able to exercise your 30 or 60-day notice option, but consult your state laws (especially in California, where notice requirements vary). In many areas, tenants must receive specific notice periods, and there may be costs involved, such as paying for the notice period or relocation assistance.
    It may also cost you less to sell a home the "new owners" are already 100% familiar with...especially if they are the reason for it's current condition.

  • Wait out the lease or the required notice period, then list the property cleaned and staged. Check your state laws for the required Notice To Vacate time periods, typically it's 30-60 days depending on how long the tenant has lived in the home. Vacant, clean and staged homes tend to sell faster and often at a higher price—studies show staged homes sell 73% faster and for more money on average.

  • Offer cash for keys.
    This can be an effective strategy—such as offering reduced rent for an early move-out or a lump-sum bonus if they vacate by a certain date. For example, some landlords offer 50% off the last month’s rent plus e.g. a $5,000 moving bonus for tenants who vacate by a specified deadline. The incentive loses value with each day of delay, motivating quick action.

  • Check for an early termination clause in your lease.
    Does your lease contain one? This could streamline the process and eliminate the need for other solutions, saving time and resources.

By carefully weighing these options, you can choose the most efficient approach tailored to your situation and local laws.

Let's tackle the tenant in place scenario. First we need to assume the tenants are being cooperative with your process of showings and inspections and ultimately the sale. If they are not cooperative, refer to options 1-5 above, it's not worth trying to sell with uncooperative tenants - it's a nightmare I can share from experience.

Real Estate

Step One: Showings - give them notice of the sale and ask them to agree to a minimum of two weekdays and one weekend day for showings. The weekdays ideally are afternoons to accommodate after work showings and the Sat or Sun showing day would be ideally 12-4 or something similar to typical open house schedule in your market. Also, and this is very important, do they have a new born with as feeding and napping schedule to consider or pets to contain or coordinate showings around?

Step Two: Presentation - Advise in the form of a polite request that they to limit clutter especially in the kitchen and bedrooms, no laundry piles, dirty dishes, etc. Also, remind them to hide any prescriptions, small electronics and jewelry.

Establish whether or not agents may show the home unescorted or do you need to be present for all showings? Remind the tenants the more often you can show the home in the first 3 weeks, the shorter the disruption will be long term, since the easy access gets you in escrow faster.

Step Three: Good Communication - demonstrate empathy for the inconvenience of this disruption - there's nothing in it for them after all and checking in with the tenant maintains a cooperative interaction and a better experience for everyone.
I like to offer little rewards along the way to keep the tenants happy and cooperative: thank you notes with a Starbucks card in it, offering to have their home professionally cleaned, dropping off a nice house plant or fresh flowers (staging trick) to brighten up their day and the house.

Treat tenants like clients, not "just tenants". Show them the same respect you’d give your best clients and friends, and you’ll foster a much more positive interaction than those who don’t.
Always answer their questions, offer assistance with relocation if needed, and share your plans with them so they feel included. Keep them informed about “what’s next,” and you’ll often receive appreciation and cooperation in return.
They feel displaced and without control, this respect gives them back some of that sense of control over what's transpiring.

For more information about selling your tenant-occupied property in any state, please contact Thomas J. Nelson. He will put The Nelson Network to work for you!

real estaterealtorlandlordtenantleaserental propertyinvestment propertycash for keysclosing escrowsold
Thomas J. Nelson is a published author, professional keynote speaker and residential REALTOR® in San Diego, CA.

Thomas J. Nelson

Thomas J. Nelson is a published author, professional keynote speaker and residential REALTOR® in San Diego, CA.

Back to Blog
Landlord Tenant REALTOR

How To Sell Your Tenant Occupied Property

June 23, 20254 min read

How To Smoothly Sell Your Tenant Occupied Property

Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this process. I personally prefer to vacate tenants and sell a vacant, staged house that’s ready for any new owner—not just investors. However, this approach may not always be the best option. If you’re selling in the middle of your tenant’s lease, or if the house is in good condition with a reliable, paying tenant, it might make more sense to keep the tenant in place. Additionally, if investors tend to be the primary buyers in that part of town...well, "When In Rome."

REALTOR

First, before doing anything, consider your options when selling a tenant-occupied home:

  • Can the tenant afford and are they interested in purchasing the property?
    Even if they do not buy, offering them the first opportunity can foster goodwill and cooperation later. According to recent market data, tenants who are offered the chance to buy are more likely to cooperate during the sale process, reducing delays and complications.

  • Are they on a month-to-month lease?
    If so, you may be able to exercise your 30 or 60-day notice option, but consult your state laws (especially in California, where notice requirements vary). In many areas, tenants must receive specific notice periods, and there may be costs involved, such as paying for the notice period or relocation assistance.
    It may also cost you less to sell a home the "new owners" are already 100% familiar with...especially if they are the reason for it's current condition.

  • Wait out the lease or the required notice period, then list the property cleaned and staged. Check your state laws for the required Notice To Vacate time periods, typically it's 30-60 days depending on how long the tenant has lived in the home. Vacant, clean and staged homes tend to sell faster and often at a higher price—studies show staged homes sell 73% faster and for more money on average.

  • Offer cash for keys.
    This can be an effective strategy—such as offering reduced rent for an early move-out or a lump-sum bonus if they vacate by a certain date. For example, some landlords offer 50% off the last month’s rent plus e.g. a $5,000 moving bonus for tenants who vacate by a specified deadline. The incentive loses value with each day of delay, motivating quick action.

  • Check for an early termination clause in your lease.
    Does your lease contain one? This could streamline the process and eliminate the need for other solutions, saving time and resources.

By carefully weighing these options, you can choose the most efficient approach tailored to your situation and local laws.

Let's tackle the tenant in place scenario. First we need to assume the tenants are being cooperative with your process of showings and inspections and ultimately the sale. If they are not cooperative, refer to options 1-5 above, it's not worth trying to sell with uncooperative tenants - it's a nightmare I can share from experience.

Real Estate

Step One: Showings - give them notice of the sale and ask them to agree to a minimum of two weekdays and one weekend day for showings. The weekdays ideally are afternoons to accommodate after work showings and the Sat or Sun showing day would be ideally 12-4 or something similar to typical open house schedule in your market. Also, and this is very important, do they have a new born with as feeding and napping schedule to consider or pets to contain or coordinate showings around?

Step Two: Presentation - Advise in the form of a polite request that they to limit clutter especially in the kitchen and bedrooms, no laundry piles, dirty dishes, etc. Also, remind them to hide any prescriptions, small electronics and jewelry.

Establish whether or not agents may show the home unescorted or do you need to be present for all showings? Remind the tenants the more often you can show the home in the first 3 weeks, the shorter the disruption will be long term, since the easy access gets you in escrow faster.

Step Three: Good Communication - demonstrate empathy for the inconvenience of this disruption - there's nothing in it for them after all and checking in with the tenant maintains a cooperative interaction and a better experience for everyone.
I like to offer little rewards along the way to keep the tenants happy and cooperative: thank you notes with a Starbucks card in it, offering to have their home professionally cleaned, dropping off a nice house plant or fresh flowers (staging trick) to brighten up their day and the house.

Treat tenants like clients, not "just tenants". Show them the same respect you’d give your best clients and friends, and you’ll foster a much more positive interaction than those who don’t.
Always answer their questions, offer assistance with relocation if needed, and share your plans with them so they feel included. Keep them informed about “what’s next,” and you’ll often receive appreciation and cooperation in return.
They feel displaced and without control, this respect gives them back some of that sense of control over what's transpiring.

For more information about selling your tenant-occupied property in any state, please contact Thomas J. Nelson. He will put The Nelson Network to work for you!

real estaterealtorlandlordtenantleaserental propertyinvestment propertycash for keysclosing escrowsold
blog author image

Thomas J. Nelson

Thomas J. Nelson is a published author, professional keynote speaker and residential REALTOR® in San Diego, CA.

Back to Blog

Testimonials

Wow! negotiated a $400K price reduction on a listing that had already been reduced by $300K!! If you want a skilled negotiator on your side, she’s your girl.

- Carl

is an amazing person and fantastic Real Estate professional. Her marketing skills are second to none, if you are in need of selling or buying a home, she is your choice!

– Duane

and her team are amazing to work with! They go above and beyond with help and communication, and so much fun as well.

– Kristen

was amazing to work with! She made the whole process look so easy. Thank you for all of your hard work.

- Celene

It was my pleasure working with . She is very professional and knowledgeable in the real estate field.

– Natalia

is a phenomenal agent. She made the home buying process simple and I highly recommend her!

– Shronda

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San Diego

Contact Info

Address

8895 Towne Centre Dr. Ste 105 PMB 436, San Diego, CA 92122-5542

Phone

+18582328722

Email

Location

Redondo Beach, CA, USA

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