The end of January’s Fed announcement was very favorable for mortgage rates. This week’s mixed economic data, Treasury auctions, and news from Europe had little influence. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week lower.

The forecasts from Fed officials for the fed funds rate contained some major surprises for investors. Fed officials now expect that economic conditions will allow the fed funds rate to remain at exceptionally low levels until at least “late 2014″.Prior statements extended the expected time frame only to mid-2013. In addition, comments from Fed Chief Bernanke suggested that Fed officials would like to see stronger economic growth, and they are open to the possibility of additional Fed easing. Many investors think it is likely that the Fed will announce additional MBS purchases at a later meeting. The expectation for a low fed funds rate and the possibility of additional Fed purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) increased demand for MBS, which resulted in higher MBS prices and lower mortgage rates.

The most recent release of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed an increase at a 2.8% annual rate during the fourth quarter of 2011, which was a little below the consensus forecast, but up from 1.8% during the third quarter. Early estimates for the first quarter of this year are for a slower growth rate. The long-run average growth rate for the economy is generally considered to be around 3.0%, and the economy usually grows at a faster than average rate following a recession. Given that the economy is growing below its potential and that inflation remains tame, the Fed’s expectation that monetary policy will remain very stimulative for a long time is understandable.

CALL PAM PARTON 760-580-1615     OR                     JOANNA WOOLLEY 760-580-1630

We would love  to help you with your home sale or purchase in North County San Diego, give us  a call at any time so we can help you get the process started!

Content Courtesy of John Yeager, Summit Mortagage

Why Real Estate is still AMERICA’S BEST INVESTMENT

The latest headlines tell us the economy fluctuates from recovery to ruin on a weekly basis. In reality, real estate is cyclical, and the market is on its way to recovery in most areas. Although you may feel nervous about home ownership, property is still your best long – term investment.

In more than two thirds of the country, housing affordability has dipped to pre-housing bubble levels, creating opportunities for those looking for a bargain. Home prices are expected to rise in 2013 due to fewer distressed sales and the impending housing shortage.

Mortgage rates have decreased over the last fifty years to record lows. Due to the economic downturn,borrowers with stellar credit and a solid employment history are best able to secure financing right now. However, as conditions improve, the market will expand for borrowers who may not fit the mold of traditonal lending standards, such as the self employed.

A major advantage of homeownership is building equity. The average seller who purchased a home in 2002 gained 24% in equity, while those who purchased their homes 11 to 15 years ago had a median gain of 40%.

So in spite of all the negative news the press is brain washing us with IT IS STILL A GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME!

For more information on great HOME  DEALS available in North County San Diego give us a call as  we would love to share this information with you.

PAM PARTON:  760-580-1630                             JOANNA WOOLLEY: 760-580-1615

Content courtesy of

Brian Buffini, Wall Street Jouranl and National Association of Realtors.

San Diego lets Celebrate

It’s that time of year again - SIZZLING HOT summer weather and time for San Diego County to celebrate 4th July. Where ever you live in San Diego County there will be firework events to enjoy. Did you know that San Diego has been selected as one of the top ten places in the Nation to celebrate 4th July?

 There have been some cancellations due to the tight budget restraints but for the most part Fireworks are as usual.  We have put together a list of the displays scheduled throughout the County of San Diego. So just for one day let your cares slip away, get out of the house, drop the chores, relax kick back with your family and friends and enjoy 4th July. 

San Diego:

San Diego Bay: Fireworks at 9 p.m. The “Big Kahuna” of fireworks. Best views from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing.  Also televised on Cox 4 HD and Fox 5 HD.

 Free parking lots with shuttle service for Harbor Island and Shelter Island. Paid parking lots also available.

La Jolla Cove : Fireworks at 9 p.m. Good views for Scripps Park, La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores Beach.

Mira Mesa:  Recreation Center – 8575 New Salem St. – Fireworks at 9 p.m. Also Parade begins at noon including: games, rides and food in Mira Mesa Community Park.

Mission Bay Yacht Club: 1251 Carmel Place – West Mission Bay Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Ocean Beach Pier: Ocean Blvd and Newport Ave. 30th Annual Celebration Fireworks at 9 p.m.

SeaWorld: SeaWorld Independence Day Fireworks at 9.30 p.m View from Crown Point high areas.

North County:

Camp Pendelton: Del Mar Beach Fireworks at 9.00 p.m.. The Beach Bash has activities all day long with music, food and games.

Escondido: Grape Day Park 321 N.Broadway – Fireworks at 9 p.m. Other festivities from 4 p.m. inc games, food, music and entertainment for all ages.

Rancho Bernardo: Webb Park 11000 Avena Place, Fireworks at 9 p.m. The Festival and Parade run from 7.00 am – 9.30 p.m. Starting with a pancake breakfast  then music,food crafts and games all day.

Poway: Poway High School Stadium – 1550 Espola Rd – Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Other fun events from 7 9.m.

Legoland: Fireworks at 8.30 p.m.Inside legoland. Other festivities all day with paid admission. More info – call 760-918-LEGO

San Diego County Fair (Del Mar Fairgrounds) – Fireworks at 9 p.m.

San Marcos: William Bradley Park – 465 S.Rancho Santa Fe – Fireworks at 9.30 p.m. Festival Festivities begin at 5.00 p.m.

Valley Center: Baseball Field on Lilac Rd. Fireworks at 9 p.m

Vista: Brengle Terrace Park -1200 Vale Terrace Drive – Fireworks at 9.00 p.m. Other Activities all day from 11 a.m. – 9.30 p.m

East County:

Lake Murray: Fireworks at 9.15 p.m.

Ramona: Olive Pierce School – Hanson Lane. Fireworks at 9.00 p.m.

South Bay – South San Diego County

National City: Kimball Park 12th St and D Avenue Fireworks at 9.00 p.m.

Farmers Markets can be found almost every day of the week throughout the year in every corner of San Diego County. The fruits and vegetables are all grown here locally – not something force ripened or grown in a faraway land. These markets are certified, which means that the produce sold by the grower is all grown in California and meets California standards.

The Farmers Markets have developed a reputation for fresh high quality produce, and you will find some items you will never see in the grocery store.

Oranges and Lemons

There is something for everyone, and more often than not someone will be selling something delicious to try for breakfast or lunch. The atmosphere is relaxing, and everyone seems to be happy and enjoying themselves. The colors are vibrant and the aromas are inviting – so come on out of the box and make that boring chore something to look forward to, and why not support our local Farmers?

click here for information on locations, days and times

Bonsall Certified Farmers Market

Sundays: 10am – 2pm

3155 Old River Rd,Bonsall,CA 92003

Carslbad Village Farmers Market

Wednesdays: 1pm – 5pm, Saturdays: 9am – 1pm

Escondido Certified Farmers’ Market

Tuesday: 4pm – 7pm

Grand and Juniper,Escondido,CA 92025

Leucadia/Encinitas Farmers Market

Sundays: 10am – 2pm

Paul Eke Elementary -185 Union St,Encinitas,CA 92024

La Jolla Open Aire Market

Sundays:9am -1pm

Girard & Center – SW corner of La Jolla Elementary School,La Jolla, CA 92037

Oceanside Certified Famers’ Market & Faire

Thursdays: 9am-1pm

Pier View Way & Coast Hwy 101,Oceanside.CA 92054

Rancho Bernardo Certified Farmers’ Market and Specialities

Fridays: 9am – Noon

San Diego -City Heights Market

Saturdays: 9am-1pm

On Wightman St.between Fairmount and 43rd St,San Diego,CA 92125

San Diego – Hillcrest

Sundays: 9am -1pm

3960 Normal St at Lincoln,Adjacent to the DMV,San Diego,CA 92103

Valley Center Farmers Market

Thurdays: 2.15pm -6pm

28751 Cole Grade Rd,Valley Center,CA 92082

These are to name but a few – there are literally dozens more click here for more markets in your area.

Fresh Carrots Galore

Shopping for your weekly groceries is often a chore. So why don’t you change your monotonous routine into something which  is truly an enjoyable experience?