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

Bay Park 92117

San Diego's Bay Park & 92117 Neighborhoods

February 26, 20264 min read

Bay Park (North) and it's Neighboring
92117 San Diego Neighborhoods

Bay Park, Bay Ho, North Clairemont , Clairemont Mesa West & Clairemont Mesa East

Zip code 92117 sits in one of San Diego’s most convenient “launch point” locations... close to the coast, close to major job centers, and minutes from Mission Bay. It’s best understood as a collection of distinct neighborhoods, with Bay Park as the standout for buyers who want a coastal-adjacent lifestyle without being in the tourist lanes. Beyond Bay Park, 92117 is mostly Bay Ho, North Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa West.

The Bay Park and Bay Ho hillside neighborhoods closest to Mission Bay and I-5. In plain English: it’s the zip where you can go from “mid-century suburban grid” to “breezy coastal hillside with bay and ocean views” in about 7 minutes. Below is a practical overview of the main 92117 neighborhoods and what tends to make each one appealing.

home prices in 92117 San Diego, CA and don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon. If you are interested in how much current inventory is on the market in San Diego, CA you can find that information by clicking on the link.


Real estate market data for San Diego, CA
provided by Thomas J . Nelson of Big Block LPT Realty San Diego

Mission Bay


Bay Park (North)

Bay Park (North) refers to the neighborhood north of Clairemont Drive which is all 92117 is the lifestyle anchor of 92117. It’s known for its hillside streets, coastal breezes, and close-to-Mission Bay location, with pockets that capture views and sunsets that remind you why people love San Diego.

What it feels like

Bay Park has a relaxed, neighborhood-forward vibe. It’s not flashy... it’s confident. People who move here often want proximity to the bay, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a true “locals live here” feel.

Housing and streets

You’ll find a strong mix of mid-century single-family homes, from well-maintained originals to thoughtfully expanded remodels. Because Bay Park includes hillsides and varied elevations, value can be very street-specific... especially where views, lot orientation, and privacy come into play.

Why buyers love Bay Park

  • Quick access to Mission Bay and the coast

  • A “close to everything” location without feeling like you’re on top of everything

  • Potential for views and indoor-outdoor living in the right pockets

  • Strong neighborhood identity and pride of ownership

In short: Bay Park often delivers the most “coastal lifestyle per dollar” inside 92117.


Bay Ho

Bay Ho sits close to Bay Park and shares a similar “near the bay” advantage, but with a more tucked-away residential feel. It’s a great fit for buyers who want a central home base with efficient access toward the coast, UTC, and Downtown.

What you’ll notice

  • Quiet residential streets and a classic San Diego home mix

  • Many properties offer strong upside through updates and improvements

  • A location that feels connected in multiple directions


Clairemont Mesa

Clairemont Mesa makes up much of 92117 and is popular for one simple reason... it’s practical San Diego. It’s centrally located, established, and filled with classic neighborhoods where buyers often get more house and yard compared to the coastal zips.

Housing and lifestyle

Clairemont is known for mid-century homes and a wide range of remodel levels, from original-condition opportunities to fully updated properties. Different pockets feel different, and the “right fit” often comes down to a buyer’s priorities: lot size, layout, commute routes, and how close they want to be to the bay.

Why buyers choose Clairemont

  • Central location with easy access around San Diego

  • Classic neighborhood streets and everyday convenience

  • Strong potential for value-add through remodeling


Bay Park

How to think about 92117

If you want the simplest mental map:


bay park real estate

Want help narrowing the search?

Within 92117, two homes can look similar online but feel completely different in person based on street placement, elevation, and layout. If you tell me what matters most to you (views, single-story, yard, walkability, commute routes, or renovation tolerance), I can help you quickly identify the best pockets to focus on.

Reach out anytime... I’m your local REALTOR® resource for Bay Park, Bay Ho,
North Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa West.

home prices in 92117 San Diego, CA and don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon. If you are interested in how much current inventory is on the market in San Diego, CA you can find that information by clicking on the link.

mission baybay parkclairemontreal estatehomes for salesan diegoThomas J Nelson
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
Bay Park 92117

San Diego's Bay Park & 92117 Neighborhoods

February 26, 20264 min read

Bay Park (North) and it's Neighboring
92117 San Diego Neighborhoods

Bay Park, Bay Ho, North Clairemont , Clairemont Mesa West & Clairemont Mesa East

Zip code 92117 sits in one of San Diego’s most convenient “launch point” locations... close to the coast, close to major job centers, and minutes from Mission Bay. It’s best understood as a collection of distinct neighborhoods, with Bay Park as the standout for buyers who want a coastal-adjacent lifestyle without being in the tourist lanes. Beyond Bay Park, 92117 is mostly Bay Ho, North Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa West.

The Bay Park and Bay Ho hillside neighborhoods closest to Mission Bay and I-5. In plain English: it’s the zip where you can go from “mid-century suburban grid” to “breezy coastal hillside with bay and ocean views” in about 7 minutes. Below is a practical overview of the main 92117 neighborhoods and what tends to make each one appealing.

home prices in 92117 San Diego, CA and don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon. If you are interested in how much current inventory is on the market in San Diego, CA you can find that information by clicking on the link.


Real estate market data for San Diego, CA
provided by Thomas J . Nelson of Big Block LPT Realty San Diego

Mission Bay


Bay Park (North)

Bay Park (North) refers to the neighborhood north of Clairemont Drive which is all 92117 is the lifestyle anchor of 92117. It’s known for its hillside streets, coastal breezes, and close-to-Mission Bay location, with pockets that capture views and sunsets that remind you why people love San Diego.

What it feels like

Bay Park has a relaxed, neighborhood-forward vibe. It’s not flashy... it’s confident. People who move here often want proximity to the bay, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a true “locals live here” feel.

Housing and streets

You’ll find a strong mix of mid-century single-family homes, from well-maintained originals to thoughtfully expanded remodels. Because Bay Park includes hillsides and varied elevations, value can be very street-specific... especially where views, lot orientation, and privacy come into play.

Why buyers love Bay Park

  • Quick access to Mission Bay and the coast

  • A “close to everything” location without feeling like you’re on top of everything

  • Potential for views and indoor-outdoor living in the right pockets

  • Strong neighborhood identity and pride of ownership

In short: Bay Park often delivers the most “coastal lifestyle per dollar” inside 92117.


Bay Ho

Bay Ho sits close to Bay Park and shares a similar “near the bay” advantage, but with a more tucked-away residential feel. It’s a great fit for buyers who want a central home base with efficient access toward the coast, UTC, and Downtown.

What you’ll notice

  • Quiet residential streets and a classic San Diego home mix

  • Many properties offer strong upside through updates and improvements

  • A location that feels connected in multiple directions


Clairemont Mesa

Clairemont Mesa makes up much of 92117 and is popular for one simple reason... it’s practical San Diego. It’s centrally located, established, and filled with classic neighborhoods where buyers often get more house and yard compared to the coastal zips.

Housing and lifestyle

Clairemont is known for mid-century homes and a wide range of remodel levels, from original-condition opportunities to fully updated properties. Different pockets feel different, and the “right fit” often comes down to a buyer’s priorities: lot size, layout, commute routes, and how close they want to be to the bay.

Why buyers choose Clairemont

  • Central location with easy access around San Diego

  • Classic neighborhood streets and everyday convenience

  • Strong potential for value-add through remodeling


Bay Park

How to think about 92117

If you want the simplest mental map:


bay park real estate

Want help narrowing the search?

Within 92117, two homes can look similar online but feel completely different in person based on street placement, elevation, and layout. If you tell me what matters most to you (views, single-story, yard, walkability, commute routes, or renovation tolerance), I can help you quickly identify the best pockets to focus on.

Reach out anytime... I’m your local REALTOR® resource for Bay Park, Bay Ho,
North Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa Clairemont, Clairemont Mesa West.

home prices in 92117 San Diego, CA and don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon. If you are interested in how much current inventory is on the market in San Diego, CA you can find that information by clicking on the link.

mission baybay parkclairemontreal estatehomes for salesan diegoThomas J Nelson
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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