Grrr! Get Rid of San Diego Junk Mail
January 11th, 2010 Categories: San Diego Real Estate
by Roberta Murphy
Perhaps I’d be a bald San Diego Realtor if I pulled hair out each time I have to toss junk mail–or one without a voice if I growled each time this intrusive mail gets mixed in with important envelopes. More than a few times we have inadvertently tossed important mail (and even a check or two) thinking it, too, was junk.
Here’s a little pointer that might save a few trees and the good nature of more than a few San Diego home owners.
I don’t know about you, but there is nothing more aggravating than to have solicitors intruding into your life by telephone. Millions celebrated when Do Not Call lists were instituted and we all reclaimed precious time in our lives by signing up.
(Now if we could just find a way to stop those ill-timed telephone surveys.)
Some think junk mail is not quite so intrusive as spammy phone calls, but think about all the junk mail that clogs our mailboxes, trash cans and landfills. I would be so happy to never receive another offer to refinance my home, buy more insurance, open a Capitol One credit card (few of those these days:-), or save money on San Diego property insurance.
I think most of us are also more than a little annoyed that credit bureaus are allowed to sell our information, FICO scores and other data to these soliciting firms. Were you aware of this practice? We weren’t.
Want to opt out?
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to opt out from these offers and prevent the credit reporting companies from selling or providing your credit and contact information to these solicitors. Sounds like a winning solution to me.
To do so, just go to OptOutPreScreen and complete a simple form.
By doing so, Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion will be prohibited from sharing your information for at least five years. If you wish to permanently do so, instructions are provided for doing so by snail mail.
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Rancho Santa Fe in San Marcos?
December 8th, 2009 Categories: San Marcos Real Estate Uncategorized
–Rancho Santa Fe privacy and land area, that is, but less a $Million or so in pricing.
Coronado Hills Equestrian Home
This property is a true standout in the San Diego real estate market–especially for the home buyer seeking land, views and privacy.
For starters, imagine a lovely and improved 3000 square foot custom home on 3+ horse-friendly acres with stunning hilltop mountain views. The floor plan is open and easily adaptable to a new owner’s use of space.
One of our agents, Christine Wade, recently accepted a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 3-car garage listing in the prime and very private Coronado Hills area of San Marcos. It is rural, yet so close to Cal State San Marcos, shopping–as well as the Sprinter Rail Line that leads to the beach, Palomar College and downtown Oceanside. But the location of this home at 563 Seeforever Drive tells only part of the story.
Its setting is near-perfect and offers:
- New driveway and parking area will accommodate large gatherings. RV parking and waste outlet also on site.
- Large front office or den with fireplace and warm lighting.
- Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances.
- Laundry and craft room: Perfect for projects!
- Large master suite upstairs with cozy library and spa bath with views. All other bedrooms are downstairs.
- Outdoor covered patio with fireplace perfect for al fresco entertaining.
- Raised organic garden perfect for health-conscious or green-thumbed owner.
- Large workshop near entry driveway offers enormous potential.
The price for this choice and newly-listed San Marcos real estate is just $739,000. For additional information or to arrange for a viewing, call Christine Wade at 760.390.1641
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2009 San Diego Christmas Light Displays
December 6th, 2009 Categories: San Diego Activities
Christmas lights at Hotel Del Coronado
Carlsbad, CA–Christmas in San Diego may not be snowy or white, but the twinkling light displays bring cameras, adults and kids to many San Diego neighborhoods. They also bring sparkles of light to what many are seeing as a dreary economy this year.
Here is the short (and very incomplete) list of fabulous Christmas light displays in homes and communities throughout San Diego County:
Carlsbad:
900 block of North Main Street in downtown Carlsbad. Lights and Christmas music.
La Costa in South Carlsbad: Drive residential streets to see some spectacular lights after sunset.12/01-31.
Chula Vista:
Whitney Street/Mankato, between First and Second Ave, of H Street and 1st Ave. December 12-26.
EastLake Greens Community off Otay Lakes Road and EastLake Parkway. December 16-31.
Clairmont:
Lana Drive and Jamar off Mt. Abernathy Drive. December 13-27.
4760 Norwalk Avenue off Clairemont Mesa Blvd/Morago Avenue. December 1-January 1.
Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue: Check out both the exterior display along with Christmas tree in the lobby. Drive through Coronado Village and enjoy the creative Christmas lighting and decor.
Del Mar:
Del Mar Fairgrounds Holiday of Lights: Call 858-755-1161 for fees which generally range from $14 to $19 per vehicle depending on number of passengers.. Off Jimmy Durante Blvd and Via De La Valle. 11/26-01/03.
Downtown San Diego
Gaslamp for the Holidays. Park and walk San Diego’s illuminated streets in the Gaslamp area 11/27-01/01.
San Diego Bay Boat Parade of Lights 12/13 and 12/20 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Starts with fireworks. Decorated boats depart Shelter Island, parade through the San Diego Harbor, and end up at the ferry landing in Coronado.
Downtown San Diego Tour of Lights. Offices, hotel lobbies and store fronts are decked out and decorated for the holidays. 11/27 – 01/01.
San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells in Balboa Park. 12/11-12 to 01/02 (closed 12/24 and 12/25) Snow at San Diego Zoo’s entrance, handbell performances, ice carvers and nightly tree-lighting ceremony.
Victoria Mansion/The Forward House, 108 Ivy Street, at corner of First and Ivy. 11/26 – 12/31
East San Diego:
1523 48th Street off Federal Blvd and 48th Street. December 5-27.
4641 Craigie Street off Hwy 94 and 47th Street. December 1-31.
El Cajon:
Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Drive Light Show) Solomon Avenue/Pageen Place. December 4-26.
1838 El Pico Drive off Hacienda Drive. December 1-31.
Encinitas
San Diego Botanic Garden “Garden of Lights.” 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Beautiful light display 12/10 – 12/20 (closed 12/2/4 and 12/25). Adults $12 and children 3-12 $4. Varied activities each night.
Lakeside:
Anderson Farms and Victoria’s Gardens, 12150 Woodside Avenue. 11/27-12/24.
La Jolla
La Jolla has some of the most expensive real estate in San Diego, but downtown La Jolla is also home to competitive Christmas decorating among storefronts. Enjoy the creative decor and vote for your favorites!
La Mesa:
Bobs Christmas Wonderland, 7171 Cornell Avenue, La Mesa. Viewers and visitors are asked to bring one canned food item (or more) to be donated to the Salvation Army. December 18-31.
5475 Heidi Street, off Lake Murray Blvd and Marengo.
67761 Jackson Drive, off Cowles Mountain Blvd.
Lemon Grove:
680 Meadowbrook Drive, off Jamacha Road, south of Lemon Grove. December 15-23.
Oceanside
On December 12, head over to Oceanside Harbor and enjoy the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. Boats decked with lights circle Oceanside Harbor. A great tradition sponsored by the Oceanside Yacht Club.
Poway:
12631 Stoutwood Street, off Twin Peaks Road and Deerwood Street. December 1-January 4.
Hickory Court, Hickory Street, off Twin Peaks Road and Silverset Street. December 11 to January 1.
Rancho Penasquitos:
Ovieda Street, off Black Mountain Road. Also known as Christmas Card Lane. December 13-31.
San Carlos:
Block of 7900 and 8000 Hillandale Drive, off Mission Gorge and Deerfield. December 1-31.
8500 block of Harwell Drive--near Cowles Mountain and Grossmont College. December 24: Sunset to midnight.
San Marcos:
1639 Knob Hill, off Nordahl Road between Tam O Shanter and Augusta Drive. December 11-23.
660 Elm Tree Lane, off Borden and Mulberry Rose Ranch Road. 11/23-01/01.
Santee:
Wethersfield Road, near Sunwoodie Road
Lake Country Drive, off Mast Blvd.
Starlight Circle (Sunbrust Santee area), Tomel Court, all off Magnolia. 12/20-26.
Tierrasanta
5306 Belardo Drive off Via Valarta and Via Playo de Cortes. Dial 89.7 FM on radio to hear synchronized music. 11/28-12/27.
11626 Papagallo Court off Colina Dorado and Calle De Vida. 12.6-01/02.
10927 Baroque Lane. 12/04- 28
Vista:
Bonita Drive off Olive Avenue
Via Vastago off Olive, Bonita Drive and North Melrose Drive.
1505 Romo Drive, corner of Lupine Hills and Roma Drive in Shadowridge. 11/28-12/31
Drive slowly, carefully and bring a camera! –Roberta Murphy
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San Diego Real Estate Buyers Win Again
November 5th, 2009 Categories: Aviara Real Estate Carlsbad Real Estate Encinitas Real Estate San Diego Real Estate la costa real estate
It’s official:
The $8000 first time homebuyers income tax credit has been extended by Congress — and (hallelujah!) buyers who have owned their homes for at least five years may be eligible for a $6500 tax credit for move-up purchases. President Obama is expected to sign it into law in the next day or so.
Both buying groups must have signed a purchase agreement April 30, 2010 and closed escrow by June 30.
It appears the credits will be good on primary home purchases up to $800,000, while vacation homes don’t count. Qualifying income limits are $125,000 per year for individuals and $225,000 for joint filers. Military members serving outside the United States for at least 90 days are expected to have these credits extended an additional year–until June 30, 2011.
As an added bonus, taxpayers may be able to retroactively claim the credit on home purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. At the same time, buyers must remain in their newly-purchased homes (as primary residence) for 36 months after purchase or face repayment of the credit. This latter requirement is waived for active military personnel who are transferred due to military orders.
The passage of this legislation will help relieve much of the pressure for San Diego first time home buyers.
Through August, 2009 1.2 million first time home buyers have qualified for this income tax credit and the National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of these purchases are directly attributable to the first time home buyer credit. –Roberta Murphy Carlsbad, CA
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San Diego Real Estate Hunt: Trick or Treat?
October 31st, 2009 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate San Diego Foreclosures San Diego Real Estate San Diego Relocation la costa real estate
Carlsbad, CA–This past year has been tough for both San Diego real estate sellers–and buyers–and both sides of the fence have had to wonder if they are being tricked or treated by market conditions.
On one hand, home sellers hear that we are in the toughest market for San Diego home sales in years. Prices have dropped off the cliff and these home sellers have heard of neighbors who finally took their home off the market after trying to sell for a year or more.
On the other hand, we have buyers who have made multiple offers on multiple properties (usually San Diego’s fabled short sales and foreclosures), and have given up hopes of ever being able to buy a home in San Diego County. Their exhausted real estate agents are also about to throw in the collective towel.
So what is really selling in San Diego–and who are the succesful home buyers?
The successful home sellers are those whose homes are not only well-priced, but are also squeaky clean and show better than their neighbors. They fortunately are also able to advertise their homes as having equity–and can brag that they are neither a fabled San Diego short sale or foreclosure. They allow lockboxes, and make showings simple for both agents and their buyers.
Successful San Diego home buyers are realistic. They acknowledge those fabled short sales and foreclosures–but more frequently, they are requesting to see realistically-priced foreclosures and homes that are NOT in the foreclosure or short sale process. These buyers have money for down payments, have good credit histories and are realistic in home buying expectations.
In our practice, these buyers are experiencing great success–and those who qualify as first time home buyers are also reaping the $8000 tax credit–an additional treat.
Our successful home sellers have homes priced to the market and work hard to make them as attractive as possibleto picky buyers. They know these two elements will do more than anything to bring themselves and qualified buyers to the closing table.
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The Siberian Dilemma: Foreclosure or Short Sale?
October 27th, 2009 Categories: Aviara Real Estate Carlsbad Real Estate Encinitas Real Estate San Diego Foreclosures San Diego Real Estate la costa real estate
Carlsbad, CA–When considering the hard choices faced by distressed San Diego real estate owners, it’s not too difficult to recall what is called the Siberian Dilemma:
If you are stranded on a frozen lake in Siberia and fall through the ice, you have four minutes to live. If you crawl out of the hole into the frozen air, you have two minutes to live. Neither are good choices.
The frozen dilemma may seem out of place in sunny San Diego, but some make the mistake of assuming that the long term consequences of short sales and foreclosures are essentially the same. That assumption could be disastrous.
If you are faced with the dilemma of pursuing a short sale or allowing your distressed property to go to foreclosure, there are some important factors to consider:
Credit Issues
If you lose your San Diego home to foreclosure, your credit or FICO score may be dinged 250 to over 300 points and will typically harm your score for at least 3 years. A short sale, on the other hand, may only reflect late payments–and after sale, the mortgage will be reported as paid or negotiated. If all other credit payments are being made on time, the credit score hit could be as little as 50 points.
It’s also important to note that a foreclosure will remain as a public record reflecting one’s credit history for 10 years or more, while short sales are currently NOT reported as such on credit histories.
Future Mortgages
A foreclosure may wreak havoc with your attempt to obtain a mortgage in the next 5 to 7 years. The standard 1003 mortgage application currently asks, “Have you had property foreclosed upon or given title or deed in lieu thereof in the last 7 years?” One whose primary home has gone to foreclosure is not eligible to receive a Fannie Mae-backed mortgage for 5 years. And it’s even worse for the investor, who cannot receive a Fannie-backed investment mortgage for 7 years.
Short sales are treated quite differently. A homeowner or investor who has sold via short sale will be unable to obtain a Fannie-Mae back home or investment mortgage for just 2 years. Quite a difference!
Employment
This will hopefully change in the future, but currently a foreclosure in one’s background can create real challenges with federal, state and local security clearances. This could be a real problem for both prospective and active military, police, FBI and other positions requiring security clearance. Additionally, many employers require credit checks for all job applicants as well as periodic checks on employees in sensitive positions. A foreclosure could result in loss of employment—or none altogether.
Meanwhile, a short sale is currently NOT reported on credit reports and therefore presents NO challenge to current or future employment.
San Diego County homeowners who are under huge distress with escalated mortgages, homes that are worth less than what was originally paid, and/or loss of income may feel that all is lost–including their homes and future possibilities.
Dismiss those defeating thoughts.
After much research and personal experience, we have determined that a leap out of freezing water (pre-foreclosure) might offer hope of salvation if immediate action (short sale) is taken to settle old mortgages so that distressed homeowners can eventually reclaim their lives.
We are now aggressively seeking San Diego area home sellers who wish to avoid foreclosure. On a selfish level, we believe that a successful short sale might result in a lifelong client.
On a realistic level, we know that each home saved from foreclosure saves not only a future homeowner, but potentially our entire economy.
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San Diego REO Buyers: Rejoice or Growl?
October 18th, 2009 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate San Diego Foreclosures San Diego Real Estate
Carlsbad, CA–I’m not sure whether San Diego REO buyers should be rejoicing or rolling their eyes about Assembly Bill 957.
This new California law went into effect October 11, 2009 and prohibits an REO lender from requiring buyers to purchase escrow or title services from any particular company. And an REO lender who violates this law that applies only to residental property (up to four units) can be whacked for 3X the charges incurred by the buyer.
And if the seller’s real estate agent tries the same thing, he or she could be subject to license disciplinary action.
It sounds like a consumer-friendly action, and it’s about time that buyers of San Diego bank-owned or REO real estate get a break–especially when it comes to excessive fees that are slid their way at the closing table. Sellers and servicers have been in total control of the transaction, and almost always demand that escrow be handled by their escrow company of choice. That escrow company may be in another county, may have overloaded staff (dedicated to REO’s) who are unable to answer phone calls, and may very well be pushing excessive fees onto home buyers.
On the other hand, most of the San Diego REO’s we deal with are subject to multiple bids from other buyers, and just one of the ways we try to get our buyer’s offer accepted over others is to allow escrow and title to be of “seller’s choice.”
Why? Because if we stipulate our own responsible, reasonable and local escrow service provider in the offer–it could cost our buyer the home. The successful bid will be the one closest to what the lender wants.
And unless the REO is languishing and has no other offer, we will likely continue suggest to our buyers that they allow servicers and lenders to select escrow and title companies–and warn our clients about the possible overcharges that could amount to a few hundred dollars. What we may be trading is small change for savings in the thousands.
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The Latest San Diego Remodel: Staircases
October 15th, 2009 Categories: Aviara Real Estate Carlsbad Real Estate San Diego News la costa real estate
Carlsbad, CA–Over the past decade, there has been a flurry of home remodeling in San Diego County–particularly in coastal areas, where building activity first blossomed. During the last ten years, tile and formica surfaces in kitchens and baths have been replaced with natural stone products, while stainless steel appliances dominate kitchens. Popcorn has been scraped from ceilings and energy efficient dual-paned windows are replacing their single-paned predecessors.
Now, the staircases in 1970’s and 1980’s homes are being replaced.Being torn down are enclosed staircases, along with those stem walls with
wrought iron toppers and 2×6 handrails (see photo at right). Some are being replaced because of safety issues that could result in a child’s head could get stuck between the stair rails–or a disastrous fall .
We had the opportunity to interview San Diego’s original staircase replacement expert, Gregg Kuzara, who happened to spend a few days in our home performing his wood and metal magic. He explains that because of the advancement in tools, technology and trade that what might have cost $30,000 (or much, much more) just 15 years ago can now be had for perhaps $10,000.
Where once wrought iron staircase pickets had to be handcrafted, they can now be largely manufactured offshore. Cordless tools, computer drafting and other construction advances have made staircase replacement far more efficient–and far more affordable, than we had imagined. Count on teardown and reconstruction taking at least a week–and probably longer.
The results, though, might add an entirely different dimension to your home. As we show homes throughout North San Diego County, it is easy to see the difference newer wrought iron, railings and woods can make to older barriers. And finally, this article has nothing to do with what we are paying for our staircase replacement. Consider this a heartfelt and unpaid endorsement.
Would we recommend Gregg Kuzara and his San Diego staircase replacement services? We would–in a heartbeat!
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San Diego Named a Top City for Cyclists
October 4th, 2009 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate San Diego Activities la costa real estate
by Roberta Murphy
Carlsbad, CA–As San Diego Realtors, we are noting an increased number of bike racks hanging or sitting in area garages. They are also commonplace at business venues. If not, bicycle enthusiasts might do as my hairdresser in Solana Beach does: Just roll the bicycle indoors and park it near the stationary hair dryer–and hang the helmet from the handlebars.
And why shouldn’t Forbes Traveler name San Diego as one of America’s most bicycle-friendly cities?
San Diego has a population of 1.2 million and is blessed with 850 miles of biking trails that take riders from beaches to canyons to mountains. Moreover, our balmy and sunny weather with constant temperatures between 50-80 degrees make not only San Diego real estate a dream–but one come true for riders seeking dry weather and spectacular terrain.
In fact, says the Forbes article:
The Bayshore Bikeway, which conveys peddlers along a 24-mile oceanfront corridor, may be North America’s most sublime trail, though escaping to mountain trails is also a snap. Try to visit during August’s Midnight Madness ride (the party starts at 8 p.m.), and also make sure to visit the downtown velodrome and Olympic Cycling Training Center.
Kudos to San Diego for this recent recognition by Forbes–but cyclists from around the world come here to enjoy our cycle-friendly terrain, scenery and incomparable weather. It’s a great group activity, and we see clusters of cyclists ride by the streets of Carlsbad, Encinitas and La Costa almost every weekend.
They are a colorful and welcome sight!
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Carlsbad Beach Area Townhome Bargain
October 3rd, 2009 Categories: Aviara Real Estate Carlsbad Real Estate la costa real estate
Carlsbad, CA–Sometimes people live in homes so gently that years barely wear on the surfaces.
Cabinets still gleam with their original finishes, tiling sparkles, and nothing has soiled the walls. Even paintings are hung on steel straight pins in order to avoid nail holes.
We just listed such a home in South Carlsbad’s highly-desired Las Playas. The owner bought her 1292 square-foot townhome in 1986–and has tenderly cared for it ever since.
Her initial attraction to this Carlsbad condo development was its wonderful location so close to beautiful beaches and other North San Diego County attractions. The location of this 1292 square-foot Mediterranean-styled residence within Las Playas was also very appealing. The broad front lawn, the quiet tree-lined street and nearby pool all made the setting an irresistable one.
Inside is an open living area with fireplace, a sunny kitchen with view, two bedrooms with baths, downstairs guest bath and mirrored closet doors. A detached 2-car rear garage is adjoined to the home via a spacious private patio–and is entered through an alley. The exterior has been freshly painted and montly HOA fees are only $202 per month.
The price? A true bargain at $389,000. The owner is packing, so the home is not in the MLS yet–nor is it a short sale, Carlsbad foreclosure or bank-owned home.
For a private preview, call Mike Murphy at 760-402-9102 or Scott Murphy at 760-402-9102 and to see more photos of this Carlsbad Condo:
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