If you are aiming to purchase a Coronado home, there are some simple steps to help you proceed down the buying path.

1. Determine whether you prefer Coronado Village, Coronado Shores or Coronado Cays.  To make this determination, consider the following: Cays are best if you have a boat and want easy water access; Shores are best if you want a luxury condo with ocean views and are willing to be in a tall tower; village is best if you want that community feeling that comes with an easy walk to restaurants, parks and schools.  Most people choose the Village.
2. Determine what you can afford.  If this is a primary residence, then your down requirement might be as little as 20%.  If this is a vacation home, then you will likely need to put down 35% or more.
3. Determine whether you would be comfortable in a condo or whether you need a house.  If you are like most vacation buyers of Coronado homes, you can spend roughly $1M which means either a luxury condo or a tear-down home…which would you prefer?
4. Is this primarily an investment vehicle or just a place to enjoy fresh ocean breezes and walks in the sand?  If it’s the former, consider purchasing a tear down.  If you can buy it now, later you can build and generate value.  If this is primarily a place to enjoy, then consider buying something turn-key that comes without headaches…some of the condos on Coronado are really nice.
5. Do you prefer a quick walk to the beach or a quick boat ride to downtown San Diego.  These options are at opposite sides of the island, so a choice needs to be made.  Prices are lower closer to the Bay than closer to the Beach (in general).  Homes on 1st Street (on the Bay) are the most expensive in Coronado, which is an exception to the general pricing rule just noted.
6. Contact a good local agent.  There are so many agents; find one who knows the market and is an excellent negotiator.  My recommendation is to choose someone who does their own development as that agent probably studies the market carefully and will know how to mathematically push to get you the best deal.
7. Enjoy…Coronado homes are beautiful and offer a wonderful quality of life.