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

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new home, winter is the time to start getting serious. Here are a few reasons to brave the cooler weather and go on a house hunt:

The winter season has fewer units on the market, and sellers tend to need to move from their property. You can use that to your advantage to get a favorable deal.

Winter has fewer buyers in the market. Looking for a home in the winter can be inconvenient, and people are less likely to move. Families also tend to be on a September to June cycle because they are unwilling to move their children to a new town in the middle of the school year. Fewer buyers means less competition.

Lenders usually have fewer loans to process and less paperwork to deal with. With lenders less hassled, you might be able to  expect a smoother process to get approved for a mortgage.

Finally, as all savvy shoppers know after the holiday season comes the season of bargain opportunities. This includes houses as well!!

So go out and brave the weather, rain or sun and find that home you’ve been looking for. NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY.

For a complete list of all the latest short sales, foreclosures and standard sales call: PAM or JOANNA .

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

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.

WHY THIS RANCHO BERNARDO HOME, CA LOCATED AT 11690 VIA FIRUL  SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST!

From the moment you walk through the pretty wrought iron gated secluded entry you feel a sense of peace surround you. This gorgeous newly listed Rancho Bernardo Home has everything a home buyer could need and even more.

11690 Via Firul is filled with light throughout the ground level, the new dual sliding glass doors create a sense of open spacious living and showcase the delightful backyard retreat where you can slip away the summer evenings in your own private paradise. 

Guests or extended family can enjoy their own space on the ground level with a self contained bedroom and bathroom. 3 Spacious Bedrooms on 2nd level.

Beautifully maintained in every aspect, every home buyer should take a moment to view this home they will adore. Close to highly rated award winning schools.

Enjoy the Fabulous Bernardo Community Heights with pool, spa tennis courts, game room and exercise facility.

2309 SQ ft      4 Bedrooms   3 Bathrooms  Quiet Cul de Sac location. Priced at $665,000

For more information on this Beautiful Home please call Pam or Joanna.

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

There is no better place to be than San Diego County for your 4th of July celebrations and fireworks displays.

 You may love the excitement of a large crowd or prefer a more quiet and intimate hilltop retreat to view any of  the many piro-technic events offered throughout the county.

Where ever you decide to go, please be safe and have a Happy Independence day!

9:00 p.m. BIG BAY BOOM 2010

The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show over San Diego Bay will be a 17 minute visual sensation.  Fireworks will be fired off of four barges placed strategiacally around the bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Coronado Ferry Landing as well as the Imperial Beach Pier.  Be sure to find your spot because over 850,000 people are expected to line up along the Big Bay to catch a glimpse.

The live simulcast will be on 105.7 The Walrus FM radio.  If you want to just put your feet up on the table and watch from your leather sofa, grab the remote, turn up the volume, and tune into San Diego FOX  5 HD and Cox 4 HD.

Catch the Trolley: Closest stop is at the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego or Seaport Village.

Free Shuttles: Shuttles will begin departing from designated areas at 5:30 p.m. and will be taking people back to their cars right after the fireworks show.

Point Loma: Corner of Carleton Street and Rosecrans Street in Point Loma, adjacent to West Marine. Only street parking is available at this location .  The shuttle will drop passengers off in front of the gazebo on Shelter Island.  The pick up location after the show will also be at the gazebo.

Port of San Diego: Port of San Diego building (3165 Pacific Highway) will have Sundance Buses at the Port of San Diego Administration building, 3165 Pacific Highway and at the Ports employee lot directly across the street on the southwest corner of Pacific Highway and Sassafras Street.  Parking is free at this location.  Passengers will be dropped off at Harbor Island Park.

9:00 p.m. San Diego County Fair 4th of July

Closing out the San Diego County Fair with a big bang is part of the tradition.  Fried food and fireworks are a great combination!
Viewing Note: Solana Circle Drive, between Via De La Valle and Nardo Avenue will be close to all vehicular traffic for a safe and orderly viewing of the fireworks display at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  All of Solana Circle Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic at 8:00 p.m. on July 4, 2010, and will re-open at approximately 10:00p.m.  Please call Deputy Fier Chief Dismas Abelman at 858-720-2402 for more information.

9:30 p.m. SeaWorld

SeaWorld lights up the sky every night during summer but the big bad July 4th displays the big daddy of the year.  This is a special patriotic fireworks presentation.

8:30 p.m. Legoland

You can watch fireworks at Legoland on July 4th and every Saturday in July at 8:30 p.m. But on July 4th, the day will be highlighted with all things Red, White and Boom!

9:00 p.m. La Jolla Cove Fireworks

This is a 25 year tradition in La Jolla.   There has been some environmental issues threatening this event but organizers are determined to make it happen.

7:30 p.m.  Summer Pops on the Embarcadero

Summer Pops 2010 will ring in the national celebration of independence with a lot of pomp and circumstance, courtesy of pops conductor and popular entertainer, Marvin Hamlisch.  Marvin and the Pops will celebrate the 4th withba patriotic performance packed with Broadway hits, marches and as always appreciated in San Diego, a salute to our military.  After the musical performances, fireworks will be displayed over the bay each night of the holiday weekend.

9:00 p.m. Coronado

Lets face it, no place in San Diego is more patriotic than Coronado.  Coronado paints the town red, white and blue for July 4th.  The 62nd Annual independence Day Parade will be on Saturday, July 3.  On July 4th the 35th Annual Independence Day 15K Run/Walk at Tidelands Park will be at 7;00 a.m.  The fireworks over Glorietta and San Diego Bay will be on July 4th at 9:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m. Escondido

Its an all day affair of patriotic pastimes and family fun at Escondido Grape Day Park.

9:00 p.m. Mira Mesa

The community of Mira Mesa kicks off the day with the 36th Annual 4th of July Parade at 1:00 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

9:00 Poway

Big old fashioned 4th of July event all day at Old PowayPark 14134 Midland Road followed by fireworks at Poway High School.

9:00 p.m. Spirit of the Fourth in Rancho Bernardo

Rancho Bernardo kicks off July 4th at the athletic fields at Bernardo Heights Middle School.

9:00 p.m.  Ramona

July 4th Ramona Community Fireworks and Family Picnic (pending funding).  Please call 760-789-1311 to check on this events status.  The evening event will take place at Olive Peirce Middle School on Sunday, July 4th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The fireworks show will be synchronized to patriotic music broadcast over radio station KYXY 96.5 FM.

9:00 p.m. San Marcos

The patriotic celebration starts at 6:00 p.m. with music and fun for all in Bradley Park.

9:00 Santee

Santee Salutes from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Town Center Community Park West Ball fields, followed by fierworks at 9:00 p.m.

HAVE FUN, BE SAFE, RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBORS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL 4TH OF JULY!!

contribution of content by San Diego News Network.

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.

Valentines Day,the Day to Celebrate Love

For that special man in your life, why not treat him to a weekend ticket to the USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament , held each February in Petco Park, San Diego.  This is now the Largest rugby event in North America and makes a great treat for any guy.

There are 16 nations competing with non-stop electrifying rugby. Watch as they battle it out in 44 matches from Saturday morning to Sunday night – giving a weekend of endless entertainment.

 You could even buy him a slap up breakfast in the nearby “Field “- one of the most authentic of Irish pubs and a truly great breakfast for the very hungry.

For more info and price on price of tickets,times and location  click here  for tickets or call 1-888-rugby-7s

For the Romantic at Heart, Vino Valentino will be a Valentine’s event to remember. The Barrel Room and Tasting Room at the Rancho Bernardo Winery- the oldest operating winery in Southern California  is hosting this special event.  Live jazz, Great food, Wines and Chocolate! This is the perfect place and holds  the romantic charm for this special evening.

Enjoy some soft jazz  from the patio and enjoy the moment with the one you love  eating,drinking and dancing the night away. For more info click here or call 1-858-487-1866  for reservations.

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?