Rattlers in the Ranch
September 2nd, 2010 Categories: Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate, San Marcos Real Estate, Uncategorized
Rattlers in the Ranch, photo by RaShelle Garton-Wright
Our son Eric has an adventurous girlfriend living in Rancho Santa Fe who has few fears of any creature. Not long ago, her younger brother came into the home screaming about a rattlesnake on the grounds.
RaShelle Garton-Wright jumped into her Ugg boots, grabbed her camera, a piece of plastic pipe and ran down the path. There, in all its colored glory, was a three-plus-foot rattlesnake slithering through the iceplant.
RaShelle and Eric
She and her brother tried to follow it with the pipe, hoping to hold it in place until San Diego Animal Control could ensnare the snake and move it to a more remote habitat–as they had done before when a large rattler was found near their home last summer.
Though beautiful, this appears to be a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, a venomous and potentially dangerous reptile that is more properly known as Crotalus Oreganus Helleri. It is not an endangered species and is likely far more dangerous to children and pets who might unwittingly frighten the snake and precipitate an attack.
The California Dept of Fish and Game offers the following advice when in snake country, which includes–but is not limited to– homes and land in Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, Escondido and other inland areas:
The dos and don’ts in snake country:
First, know that rattlesnakes are not confined to rural areas. They have been found near urban areas, in river or lakeside parks, and at golf courses. Be aware that startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively. There are several safety measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of startling a rattlesnake.
• Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through wild areas. Wear hiking boots. (Would RaShelle’s Uggs work?)
• When hiking, stick to well-used trails and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
• Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step ON logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. Check out stumps or logs before sitting down, and shake out sleeping bags before use.
• Never grab “sticks” or “branches” while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim.
• Be careful when stepping over the doorstep as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side.
• Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
• Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it can still inject venom.
• Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone. Children are naturally curious and will pick up snakes.
San Diego real estate and homes are generally safe from dangerous wild creatures, but better to be safe than sorry!
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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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San Diego Fireworks for 4th of July 2009
June 22nd, 2009 Categories: Coronado Real Estate, La Jolla Real Estate, San Diego Activities, San Diego Beaches, San Marcos Real Estate, la costa real estate
San Diego Fireworks
Carlsbad, CA–The economy may be in the tank, but that won’t stop San Diego from celebrating the 4th of July, 2009 in grand fashion. Chula Vista has again put fireworks on hold because of city budget constraints, but the rest of San Diego (thanks in great part to civic fund raising) has found a way to light up the skies with brilliant displays this Independence Day.
What is the schedule for San Diego fireworks this year? Here’s our annual and updated list:
SAN DIEGO
Coronado: Glorietta Bay and Silver Strand
July 4, 9 p.m. Day-long festivities with a parade at 10 a.m. Also watch half-marathon and rough water swim!
(619) 437-8788.
La Jolla Cove
July 4, 9 p.m. Watch the fireworks from Scripps Park, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Shores Beach.
(858) 454-1444
Mira Mesa Recreation Center
July 4, 9 p.m. Food, rides, games and entertainment in Mira Mesa Community Park during the day.
(858) 538-8122.
Mission Bay Yacht Club
July 4, 9 p.m. 1251 Carmel Place, West Mission Bay. Watch boat parade, too!
(858) 488-0501.
Ocean Beach Pier
July 4, 9 p.m. Ocean Blvd and Newport Avenue.
(619) 226-8613.
Mission Bay: Paradise Point Resort
July 3 at 9 p.m. with all-you-can-eat Kansas style BBQ at 6 pm
(858) 274-4630.
USS Midway: July 4: Watch Big Bay Boom fireworks from the deck of the USS Midway. $12 Adults, $7 children. Deck opens at 6 p.m.
San Diego Big Bay
July 4, 9 p.m.
(858) 751-5755.
Mission Bay: Sea World
July 3 and 4, 9:30 p.m.
(800) 25-SHAMU.
EAST COUNTY
Julian:
July 4. SR 78 and SR 79: The party starts at 10:00 am, with parade at noon. No fireworks, though, because of East County fire hazards.
Lake Murray
July 4. Music Fest all afternoon, with fireworks starting at 9:15
Ramona
July 4. Olive Pierce Middle School on Hanson Lane, Celebratins start at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 9.
Spring Valley Park
July 4, 9 p.m.
(619) 479-1832
NORTH COUNTY
Aviara Four Seasons: After dark fireworks. Sit on La Costa or Aviara hillsides and enjoy the show from both resorts
San Marcos: Bradley Park
July 4, 9 p.m. Enjoy food and music all day long.
(760) 744-9000.
Vista: Brengle Terrace Park
July 4, 9 p.m. Festivities all day long. Bring picnic basket!
(760) 726-1340, ext. 1574.
Camp Pendleton: Del Mar Beach
July 4, 9 p.m. All day activities including music, food and games.
(760) 725-2313.
Escondido: Grape Day Park
July 4, 9 p.m. Afternoon festivities, including game and food booths, music, and more.
(760) 745-1159.
Carlsbad: Legoland
July 4, 8:30 p.m. included with admission
(760) 918-LEGO.
La Costa Resort and Spa
July 4, after dark with member food and entertainment prior. Watch for free from La Costa hillsides!
760-438-911
Oceanside Pier
July 4, 9 p.m. Part of the O’Fest All-Day Carnival. Park early and party/picnic all day!
(760) 967-2005.
Poway
July 4, 9 p.m. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Free music and entertainment 10 to 4 p.m. Face painting, arts & crafts and patriotic displays at Heritage Museum. Carnival-type food, too. Cotton candy, anyone?
Ramona: Olive Pierce Middle School
July 4, 9 p.m. Grounds open at 5 p.m. for community picnic including food booths and games.
(760) 789-1311.
Rancho Bernardo
July 4, 9 p.m. in Webb Park, 11000 Avena Place. Pancake breakfast with parade that follows at 3:30.
(619) 889-8505.
Del Mar Fairgrounds
July 4, 9 p.m. included with admission. Navy Bank Southwest will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Heinekin Grandstand Stage and Smokey Robinson at 9:30 p.m.
(858) 755-1161.
Valley Center Community Center
Returns this year! Bring picnic or buy food from Lions Club. Live music and fireworks at 9. Open at 6 p.m. off Lilac Road. Free.
(760) 670-7062.
SOUTH BAY
Chula Vista: Bayside Park: Canceled again because of budget constraints.
National City: Kimball Park
July 4, 9 p.m. Carnival rides, games and yummy food booths.
(619) 336-4290.
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Huge Benefit for California First Time Home Buyers
March 31st, 2009 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, Oceanside real estate, San Diego Real Estate, San Diego Relocation, San Marcos Real Estate
Gift for San Diego FIrst Time Home Buyers
The timing for California first time home buyers couldn’t be better!
Not only do they have the benefit of the $8000 federal tax credit–and up to $10,000 in California state tax credits if buying a new home–but they now have additional unemployment insurance if they purchase a home a home though a licensed California Realtor.
This letter just arrived from the California Association of Realtors. San Diego first time home buyers should rejoice:
I am very pleased to announce that this Thursday, April 2, C.A.R. will launch a new program designed to provide peace of mind to first-time buyers who are hesitant to enter the housing market due to concerns about potential job loss, and subsequently being unable to meet their monthly mortgage obligations.
Through the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program (C.A.R.H.A.F. MPP), first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month for up to six months to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, for a reduced monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months in the event of a job loss. Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit. C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $1 million to the program this year, and estimates that as many as 3,000 families will benefit from the program throughout 2009.
To qualify for the Mortgage Protection Program, applicants must:
. Be a first-time home buyer – someone who has not owned a home in the last three years
. Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before Dec. 31, 2009
. Use a California REALTOR® in the transaction
. Purchase the property in California
. Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed or military personnel)
First-time home buyers must request an application for the H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program from their REALTOR®. For applications and other information on this exciting new program, go to www.car.org/aboutus/hafmainpage/ or contact Monica Rodriguez at (213) 739-8380 or monicar@car.org.
The Mortgage Protection Program is a proactive approach by C.A.R. to address consumers’ concerns about the real estate market and their ability to make their mortgage payments should they loose their jobs. I encourage you to take full advantage of this new program by sharing information about the C.A.R.H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program with your clients. There is no cost to either you or your clients to participate.
Sincerely,
James Liptak
2009 C.A.R. President
For additional information, call 877-818-8197–and start your San Diego home search today!
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New Homes in San Diego Come with a Bonus
February 22nd, 2009 Categories: Aviara Real Estate, Carlsbad Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate, San Marcos Real Estate, la costa real estate
by Roberta Murphy
Yesterday afternoon, I was introducing various La Costa and Carlsbad area neighborhoods to a young relocating physician with a four year old son. The move won’t occur until this summer, but it’s not to early to become familiar with schools–and the homes available around them.
We drove through Aviara, all of La Costa, Rancho Carrillo–and San Elijo Hills, where builders are still building. The prices there were very competitive at just over $200 per square foot with landscaping and air conditioning included.
What may help tip the scale for this first-time home buyer is the $8000 tax credit being offered until August, 2009 by our federal government–as well as the newly-enacted SB15XX which as of March 1, 2009 allows for a California state income tax credit of up to $10,000, or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less–for a newly-copnstructed and previously unoccupied home.
Additionally: Read the rest of this entry »
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A San Diego Wine Tasting Event
January 4th, 2009 Categories: San Marcos Real Estate
Wine Tasting at North County Wine Company
I am a San Diego real estate agent by trade, a wine follower by passion, and can’t resist sharing new wine finds on either San Diego Previews or, more commonly on our sister site Luxury Home Digest. I also love travel, and what could make a better trip than one involving California vineyards?
Last November, we went to Sonoma for their annual Russian River Wine Road (thanks to a tip from Twitter wine buddy Thea Dwelle aka @winebrat), where we visited a long list of must-stop wineries. One of those trips included Truett Hurst Winery located in Dry Creek Valley. We all really loved their wines–especially the Zinfandels, and I even purchased some of their futures.
Several weeks ago I bumped into Jim Morris, general manager for Truett Hurst, on that social media site Twitter. I immediately followed his upodates and complimented him on his winery and wines. He mentioned that he would be down in the San Diego area after Christmas visiting relatives, and would love to set up a wine tasting event for me and my grateful friends at the North County Wine Company in San Marcos.
Jim brought down five Truett Hurst wines for our group of 35-40 to taste:
2006 Red Rooster Zinfandel (a favorite with many)
2006 Rattler Rock Zinfandel (my personal favorite; jammy, fruity nose, lush, great finish!)
2006 Three Vineyards Zinfandel (complex, rich, with lovely finish–beautiful with roasted meats)
2006 Burning Man Petite Sirah (think Red Velvet; deep scarlet color, peppery fruit, rich, intense, a WOW!)
2005 Dessert Wine had a huge cheering section. Perfect with goat cheese dessert. One to savor….
Truet Hurst Vineyard is biodynamic and is working to become a self-sufficient biosystem. Chickens, goats, cows, insect and vegetable gardens work together for a near-total organic experience. Each of the vines in this earth-friendly vineyard even have a name!
Eve’s Wine Tip: After opening any bottle of wine (red, white, Champagne) be sure to recork it and store in the refrigerator to slow down the aging process.
dia zdrowia!
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Mortgage Trouble in San Diego? Beware the Scammers
May 24th, 2008 Categories: San Diego, San Diego Real Estate, San Marcos Real Estate
I am just now cooling down after spending a good part of this afternoon trying to help a San Diego area homeowner saddled with the unpleasant results of churned mortgages.
This particular property in rural San Marcos has been refinanced by the same lender with a total of nine loans over a couple of years. In one instance, only 28 days elapsed between refinancings. With total debt now approaching $2 million, this distraught owner is seeking a way to keep her home and not be forced to sell it.
Sometimes, keeping people in their San Diego homes is just part of our job–and one of the most rewarding ones.
But the ordeal got me thinking of all the scams surrounding (and invading) San Diego real estate. Mortgage scams certainly contributed to the rise in San Diego foreclosures and short sales, but it is the buzzards circling over and divebombing distressed homeowners that infuriates this Realtor.
Some of the current San Diego scams:
1. The mortgage buzzard persuades the distressed homeowner to sign over the deed to their San Diego home–and then offers to rent it back at a rate that may exceed the original mortgage payment. If the homeowner-turned-tenant falls behind, they are not only evicted but have also lost any equity they may have had in their property.
2. Beware of what you sign: Many homeowners have inadvertently signed over the deed to their San Diego real estate, believing they are simply signing mortgage documents. I have spoken with several homeowners who have been near-victims of this real estate scam.
3. Watch out for hefty upfront fees charged by those who offer to stop your San Diego foreclosure. All too often, these scammers generate lots of paperwork, get some signatures, collect a check (for up to three month’s payments)– and disappear. Far better to call a San Diego Realtor who can help negotiate with lenders on your behalf–and is paid only when and if your property actually sells or is leased.
If you have any questions about these scams, please feel free to give me a call at 760-402-9101 or contact me via this site. I’ll try to answer your questions.
PS: No offense intended to California vultures.
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Are Lenders Redlining Entire Cities?
April 19th, 2008 Categories: San Diego News, San Marcos Real Estate
Redlining is a term that describes the unethical if not illegal practice where lenders red line a neighborhood or community, making it very difficult for buyers to purchase in these afflicted areas.
I have recently heard from a couple of direct lenders, Countrywide Home Loans and Bank of America, that most if not all of San Diego County real estate is in the red zone.
Qualifying for current red zone status simply means that the subject property is located in a declining market area. The impact of this colorization is significant to both the San Diego real estate market as a whole and to first time home buyers in particular.
How this version of redlining works creates a no-win situation for buyers putting down less than 5 percent.
Even if a buyer has negotiated a bargain purchase price, say 10 percent under market value, the appraiser will automatically deduct another 5 percent from the contract price to determine a value. In other words, a borrower cannot get away with putting less than 5 percent down.
I spoke with Brian Brady a couple of weeks ago about this matter. I had been told by a representative from a large direct lender that San Marcos, CA was in a red zone, and would be subject to different lending standards. Brian bristled at the thought of redlining, declaring it an illegal practice unless an entire region were painted red.
Well, it seems that most, if not all of San Diego County real estate, is swimming in blood.
One of our agents is struggling with a couple seeking to buy their first home in the Shadowridge area of Vista, CA. The buyer is an automobile service manager in nearby Carlsbad and his wife is an attorney. They are conservative in lifestyle, and can afford payments on a $417,000 home. However, they are short on down payment. And with current lending guidelines and the unavoidable prospect of buying in a red zone, they can no longer qualify for the 100 percent loan Countrywide Home Loans had promised.
And what makes this particular case so interesting is that the home is a foreclosure held by Countrywide as an REO (real estate owned). Any reasonable person would think that Countrywide Home Loans would jump through hoops to get this liability off their books especially with buyers like these.
Wouldnt reasonable minds agree?
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San Diego Wi-Fi Hot Spots
April 13th, 2008 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, Encinitas Real Estate, San Diego, San Marcos Real Estate
As a North County San Diego real estate broker, I often carry a laptop when when showing San Diego homes to clients. And so do many of our real estate clients. These days, we avoid Starbucks because they charge for their wifi service and instead head to the closest Panera Bread, almost any public library, or other resting point where we can easily hop online.
Someday, this will be a useless list because wifi will be everywhere.
But until that time, heres a starter list of free San Diego hot spots. Some may require that you ask for a password, but wont require a swipe of your credit card. (Dont forget, though, that wireless networks are not secure, and be careful of the information you transmit.)
Some local wifi spots in North San Diego County would include:
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Carlsbad Forum, 1935 Calle Barcelona, (760) 634-3268
E Street Cafe, 128 West E Street, Encinitas, (760) 230-2038
Encinitas Chevron – 350 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas (760)942-6802
Grappa, 328 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos (760) 744-0024
Keiths Automotive Electric - 215 West G Street, Encinitas (760) 436-5400
La Costa Coffee Roasting, 6965 El Camino Real, Carlsbad (760) 230-2038
Moonlight Motors – 215 Melrose Avenue, Encinitas (760) 635-0637
Panera Bread, Carlsbad Forum, 1935 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad (760) 635-0026
The Blue Mug, 122 S. Kalmia, Escondido (760) 796-7540
Vinaka Cafe, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad (760) 720-7890
Vons Market - 262 N El Camino Real, Carlsbad (760) 942-4044
(There are surely more than these. Please let me know so we can add other San Diego North County hot spots to the list!)
Click to retrieve a much longer list of wifi hot spots in Greater San Diego.
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Lower Your San Diego Real Estate Taxes in 3 Easy Steps
March 29th, 2008 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, Encinitas Real Estate, San Diego News, San Diego Real Estate, San Marcos Real Estate
Many clients from the past few years have been calling, wondering if it might be worth the effort to get their San Diego property taxes reduced. Property values have dropped significantly in parts of San Diego County, and many are paying property taxes based on what they paid for their homes, rather than what they are worth today.
Others wonder if its really worth paying one of those services $200 or so to tackle the property tax reduction task on their behalf.
Might we be able to reduce our San Diego property taxes on our own?
The short answer is YES but only IF your home is worth less than what you initially paid for it or if you were subjected to a property tax increase because of permitted improvements made on your San Diego County property.
1. Go to: http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/docs/calrev.pdf and print out the required form.
2. Go to Zillow.com or our own free and easy San Diego Home Appraisal tool. You can also search the San Diego MLS for comparable properties. Be realistic, and make sure the property comparables you use have similar square footage, neighborhood location and construction quality. The closer you can come to homes that closely match your own, the better off you will be.
3. Complete the package and return to:
Gregory J. Smith
County Assessor
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 103
San Diego, CA 92101
If your San Diego home is worth less than what you paid for it, this effort may save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 760-402-9101.
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