La Jolla, California 92037
by Roberta Murphy
Some cities are the embodiment of luxury, and La Jolla, California is no exception.
La Jolla is a paradise for both the traveler and the resident. Sitting just north of coastal San Diego, it offers a breathtaking coastline with heart-stopping views. Add to this natural beauty a world-class village, upscale shopping, fine dining and lodging, a top-ranked university (UCSD) and medical school along with a climate that is arguably the best on earth, and you have The Jewel, or La Jolla as Spaniards once called it.
Undoubtedly, La Jolla real estate is expensive and luxury buyers from all over the world would like 
own some of their own. With a population standing at around 35,000, there is a strong sense of community pride and connection with the outdoors, which averages an annual balmy 74 degrees.
La Jolla beaches are some of the most breathtaking in the world, and range from the
ever-beautiful and seal-populated La Jolla Cove, to the craggy cliffs at Blacks Beach, the sandy expanses at La Jolla Shores and the tide pools and surfing at Windansea. All offer stunning beauty and year-round photographic opportunies.
La Jolla real estate is expensive–but it might also be remembered that when times get tough, wise money shifts to quality and blue chip real estate investments. And La Jolla is a precious jewel in that world of real estate and investment.
What about day-to-day living in La Jolla for residents?
Its a university town, its a world class destination, and its a certrain heaven for local residents Aside from the cultural offerings, the top-tier shopping, the beaches and the dining opportunities, there are also wonderful educational choices for families with children. The schools in La Jolla, both public and private, are very highly regarded throughout San Diego County:
Public Schools
La Jolla Elementary School, 1111 Marine Street, La Jolla, 92037
Bird Rock Elementary School, 5731 La Jolla Hermosa Ave, La Jolla, 92037
Torrey Pines Elementary School, 8750 Cliffridge Ave., La Jolla 92037
Muirlands Middle School, 1056 Nautilus Street, La Jolla, 92037
La Jolla High School, 750 Nautilus Street (corner of Nautilus and Fay), La Jolla, 92037
Private Schools
Stella Maris Academy, 7654 Herschel Ave., La Jolla 92037
The Childrens School, 2225 Torrey Pines Lane, La Jolla 92037
All Hallows Academy, 2390 Nautilus Ave., La Jolla 92037
Delphi Academy, 7527 Cuvier St., La Jolla 92037
The Gillispie School , 7380 Girard Ave., La Jolla 92037
La Jolla Country Day School, 9490 Genesee Ave., La Jolla, 92037
The Bishops School, 7607 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 92037
Many are interested in La Jolla real estate and investment opportunities. The following links may provide some assistance:
La Jolla and North San Diego County Market Report
La Jolla and San Diego Home Sale Statistics
San Diego Real Estate
Search La Jolla Real Estate and MLS
from the cultural offerings, the top-tier shopping, the beaches and the dining opportunities, there are also wonderful educational choices for families with children. The schools in La Jolla, both public and private, are very highly regarded throughout San Diego County:
For additional reading about La Jolla and other private schools, go to:
San Diego Fireworks for 4th of July 2009
June 22nd, 2009 Categories: Coronado, La Costa, La Jolla, San Diego Activities, San Diego Beaches, San Diego Events, San Marcos
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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San Diego Foreclosures Dwindling; Prices Rising
June 17th, 2009 Categories: La Jolla, San Diego Foreclosures, San Diego Market Trends, San Diego Real Estate
San Diego Sunrise
Carlsbad, Ca–Things are starting to brighten for the San Diego real estate market.
Home buying in San Diego may have dipped 4 percent in May, but that is likely due to the dwindling number of foreclosures available in San Diego County. And according to MDA Dataquick, the median price of homes in San Diego has increased by $5,000 since April’s report. The median home price here now stands at $295,000, substantially above the recent $280,000 low in January, 2009.
Some speculate that the rise in San Diego County’s median home prices might simply reflect the the diminished number of low-priced foreclosure sales–and inventory. With 27.2 percent fewer listings than a year ago, home buying pressure is increasing. Also spurring this buying activity is the fear of rising mortgage rates and the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers that is set to expire later this year.
Anecdotally, we are also seeing an uptick in the sale of higher-end properties, which could also contributes to the rosier statistics. For example, we recently listed and sold a $2.25 million La Jolla condo (464 Prospect) in four days–for cash and with a 15-day closing (and have other high end buyers in the wings).
It appears that traffic at all San Diego coastal listings has increased exponentially in the last couple of months–and sales are also picking up.
This doesn’t mean that further price declines won’t be occurring at San Diego’s luxury real estate market, but prices do seem to be leveling out within our balmy coastal band.–Roberta Murphy
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Vacation Rentals: Hot Spot in San Diego Real Estate?
April 19th, 2009 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, Del Mar Real Estate, La Costa, La Jolla
Del Mar Beach
Carlsbad, CA–With the sour economy and drug-inspired violence and kidnappings in Mexico, more and more Americans are opting for vacations on home soil.
They like the clean beaches of Del Mar, La Jolla, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside. They love the lush golf courses at Torrey Pines, La Costa and Aviara. Then there’s the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Wild Animal Park, Museums and Legoland–to name just a few of San Diego County’s attractions.
In addition to our ongoing San Diego Real estate practice, we also manage vacation rentals and are seeing strong reservation activity in this segment of our business. Our oceanfront unit at Del Mar Beach Club stays booked almost all the time. San Diego vacationers from all over are stunned by the ocean views and love being so close to the Del Mar Race Track, local restaurants and and activities. The condos at the La Costa Chateaus are also staying booked most of the time–and we’ve just added another 2-bedroom Del Mar condo that will be available for summer bookings.
Friends with an oceanfront unit at Oceanside’s North Coast Village also report strong vacation rental activity.
Mike and I chat with a number of these visitors, and find that many return to San Diego each year and wouldn’t consider going any place else. Another group might have traditionally gone to Mexico or Europe for vacations, but have decided to play it safe and vacation in the United States instead. They are saving money–and their sense of security.
A number of local parents we know urged their college kids to take spring break at home in San Diego–and compromises were reached with trips to Palm Springs, Big Bear, Mammoth–or cruises where partying could be contained.
None went to Mexico this year–nor will they until Mexican drug violence and kidnappings are under control.
In the meantime, the vacation rental niche in the San Diego real estate market seems to be holding its own–if not actually thriving. This will be a segment of the market to watch in the coming months.
–by Roberta Murphy
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San Diego Beach Homes Catch Royal Eye
January 29th, 2009 Categories: Coronado, Del Mar Real Estate, La Jolla, Real Estate News
We frequently get inquiries regarding oceanfront homes in San Diego–and love showing those properties. Therefore, it truly snagged our interest when we heard that Earl Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s younger brother, was searching for a home along the San Diego coast.
If you recall, Spencer gave the touching eulogy for Princess Diana at her funeral–and is a noted historical author as well as a reproducer of fine royal antiques.
It seems he looked at beach estates for a couple of days, before checking out of his La Jolla hotel last Saturday morning.
If I were searching today for the ultimate in San Diego beach homes, I would put La Jolla Farms listings at the top of the list along with homes in La Jolla Shores–or perhaps a Del Mar Beach home. On the other hand, Charles Spencer might consider luxury real estate in Coronado, where former Coronado resident and divorcee Wallis Simpson lived prior to her marriage to Britain’s King Edward VIII.
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San Diego Homebuyers Face New Lending Hurdles
January 23rd, 2009 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, La Jolla, Mortgage News
In our San Diego real estate practice, we commonly work with clients who, because of life transitions, need to move from one type of home to another
Commonly, a young family outgrows their home and needs to move to something larger. In the past, we put their home on the market (if they wished to sell) or offered it as a lease, if it they could afford to do so. Concurrently, we would begin looking for a new home and if the perfect one were found, an offer would be put forth with a contingency clause for sale/closing or lease of our buyer’s home.
With the current lending landscape, though, things have changed for San Diego home buyers.
These days, when a homeowner decides to buy a new one, there are 3 basic options for the residence: Sell it, keep it, or rent it.
Unfortunately, no matter which path is chosen, move-up home buyers in need of a new conforming mortgage will find qualifying for a home loan to be more difficult this season than in past years.
Mortgage guidelines are now dramatically tougher for borrowers carrying more than one mortgage.
Among the changes buyers now face:
Selling the primary residence
If you plan to close on your new home prior to the closing of your existing home — even if it’s only by a day — both payments must be listed as monthly debts on your mortgage application. This will disqualify the majority of home buyers.
Converting your residence to a second home
If your current home has less than 30 percent equity in it, your mortgage application for the new home will not be approved unless you can show 6 months worth of mortgage payments + taxes + insurance in reserves for the current home and new home combined.
Converting your residence to an investment property
If your current home has less than 30 percent equity in it, any rental income derived from a tenant is disallowed on your mortgage application for the new home. You must still count the mortgage payment + taxes + insurance as a monthly debt.
In other words, being a move-up buyer isn’t as simple as it used to be. New lending rules make buying a new home an exercise in timing and financial planning. And the rules are expected to get tougher, too.
Therefore, if you expect to be a move-up buyer in the next 12 months, it would be wise to plan ahead and calculate your finances carefully.
Understanding the new mortgage landscape and how it influences your upcoming home purchase may be the difference between getting approved for a home loan–or being declined.
Plan accordingly!
Unfortunately, no matter which path they choose, move-up home buyers in need of a new conforming mortgage will find qualifying for a home loan to be more difficult this season than in the past.
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