Home Buyers – How Much Longer Can You Afford to Wait?

Even though many are still talking about the housing crisis and doom and gloom concerned with the real estate market,there are some signs of positive trends – Yes Positive!!
In some areas home prices are steadying and rising, so waiting to buy could become more costly every day. The market seems to be heading towards stabilization. There were several areas recently showing over a 1 percent gain, such as Boston, Houston, Dallas and San Francisco. On the other end of the spectrum the market dropped in only seven of 25 markets.
San Diego remained stable during the month of April which certainly was a positive sign. So how much longer can you afford to wait if you are a home buyer? While mortagage rates are low and prices are beginning to stabilize, does’nt it make sense to get off the fence and make a move,  while we are in this cycle of opportunity?
The mortgage rates we are seeing at the present time are still at historic lows,  mixed with the low home prices, this makes it the perfect time.
According to Freddie Mac during the month of May the average 30 year interest rate was at 6.05 percent, and the average 15 year fixed rate was at 5.60 percent – These rates are some of the lowest in the past 20 years with the exception of the 30 year fixed rate only dropping lower between 2003 and 2005.
So why wait for interest rates to increase and home prices to rise, while inventory begins to decrease giving the buyers much less to choose from.

Is San Diego North County Housing Market Still Declining?

 According to the April 2008 Homedex report ( a monthly housing report) there seem to be some signs of the deteriation of the market slowing in North County.

The median price for a home increased from the previous month for the first time since November 2007, up 4.1 % to $510,000, although it was still 19.7 percent below the median a year ago. Also the average market time to sell a home was 8.5 months which was the lowest level since June 2007!

The increase in the median price  was more than likely because of the larger homes selling – a price increase is still possible while  other property values are declining.

From February to April North County’s home sales increased 44 percent this year. Although some of this might be seasonal, it is at least positive news on the housing front.

There are still a ton of foreclosures  threatening the market,which will of course bring home prices down in these areas where they are more prevalent.  Leading the market in foreclosures is Oceansides 92057 zip code, the sales here doubled from a year ago, from 30 – 60 sales in April, the most April sales of any North County Zip code. Approximately 65% of these sales were bank owned and about 10% were short sales.

Sadly the number of defaults are increasing each month, during the first quarter of 2008  they  doubled from a year earlier. This would seem to tell us that we will see more foreclosures on the market which would tend to cause the home prices to drop.

The good news is sales have jumped more than the usual seasonal increase and if a property is priced correctly we are seeing multiple offers.  Mortage rates are at an all time low, mix this with lower property prices – there’s never been a better time to buy.

Second Largest Street Fair in the State!

What a Scorcher!

Even though it was one of the hottest days on record for this time of the year, Escondido’s annual street fair attracted many crowds.

I forgot my sunlotion, so I’m feeling a little embarrased about my lobster kind of skin color, which does’nt really go with any of my outfits!

With over 700 vendors of anything and everything you can imagine! From a variety of International foods to diggeridoos, there was something to amuse everyone.

 This is an event which happens twice a year in May and October,presented by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce. They honestly  do a great job, everything is so well organised and they do their best to take care of Customers and Vendors needs.

I think everyone was having fun, even though the Escondido Princessess looked a little jaded from the heat.

It was so cool to watch all the kids perform on the stage, with their different acts, when there’s something for everyone it really makes it fun for the whole family.

Its a great time for local business owners to be able to promote their business, especially now when we all need more support than ever. So put the date on your calendar for the 3rd Sunday in October and come on over and have some fun – Don’t forget the sun lotion!

Green Living at Del Sur in San Diego

A Great New Community for you and your Family!

So to cut a long story short, our clients were looking for an area which reminded them of Colorado, where they had just relocated from. A sense of community was also very important to them.

When we found the Del Sur Community we were excited, as this seemed to be the area which might really fit their needs. They absolutely loved it the first time we took them to visit the homes, it was the perfect place. Believe me we looked at a LOT of Homes, and they kept coming back to Del Sur.

Del Sur is a community unlike any other, it blends its environmental commitment with well designed architectural features. This master planned development has mandatory recycling and conservation requirments for the builders.

Water conservation is evident through the use of tankless water heaters,weather- based satellite irrigation systems and drought resistant landscaping. Del Sur also requires a minimum of 20% of homes to include solar energy systems. When this community is completed it will be one of the largest solar-powered developements in California.

If I was buying a new home this would certainly be very appealing to me, for example, just think of all the water we can save -according to Del Sur approx 40,000 gallons of water per home per year!

There are 18 miles of trails across the open land ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous, giving you somewhere new to wander each and every day. These trails will eventually link to the Crest to Coast trail system, a network of trails running 55 miles throughout San Diego County.

Our Clients are ecstatic about their new home purchase and can’t wait to move in, and we are so happy we have found this special community.

Take Time to Smell the Roses in Valley Center!

Have you ever stopped to think about how lucky we are to live in a climate where anything grows – you just stick it the ground and away it goes. This must be one of the best climates in the world for the avid gardener, we have a sub tropical climate with all kinds of micro climates within this. I tried for 15 years to cultivate a garden in Colorado, but it was always too hot or too cold, too windy, or a blizzard or tornado just happened to come along in April and would destroy every living thing!

When I moved to San Diego County I was amazed at the variety of plants and trees that grow here, and all year round! The roses never rest, they just keep on blooming.

There is one variety of plants that I have become addicted to – PROTEA. This is one of the few places in the world where they will grow, with the exception of South Africa, Australia, Hawaii, and maybe one or two areas in Southern Europe. They infact thrive on neglect, use relatively little water, zero plant food and rare pruning. Plant them in well drained soil, preferably on slopes and they will grow like a weed!

Their flowers and colors will blow you away – there’s nothing to compare, and they last for weeks as cut flowers. I grow them all around my home, with 60 different species the choice is endless and I never tire of what will bloom next

So if you’re a plant lover and thinking of moving to San Diego, you have found Paradise, and REMEMBER TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES!

It’s Friday Night Lets Go to Cruisin’ Grand in Escondido!

Cruisin Grande has grown into a Friday Night event that draws visitors from all corners of San Diego and beyond. From the 1st Friday in April running through September, Rodders from all around gather in Escondido to show off their rides, listen to some cool music and do a lot of cruisin!

Come on over to Grande Ave when you feel like its time to relax end enjoy the scenery, chill out and try some of the great food the local restaurants have to offer.

Or just take a leisurely stroll along the sidewalk, admire these classic cars and listen to a little beach boys in the background – its like being transported back in time!

Million Dollar Ocean View in Carlsbad!

EVER BEEN TO PONTO BEACH OR BATIQUITOS LAGOON?

There is this truly outstanding home overlooking this protected lagoon, and it also has the best views of Beautiful Ponto Beach, you can relax in your backyard and watch the surf rolling in or study a selection of incredible birds enjoying themselves on the lagoon.

A trail to the beach is on the other side of your fence and you can be on the beach in seconds!

What a place to live – Paradise here we come!

Check out this Kitchen, it offers all you could ever want, even for the most dedicated chef! Custom cabinets galore, beautiful slab granite island perfect for entertaining. Huge Pantry and Butlers cabinet.

Lavish master suite facing the ocean, great balcony to relax and enjoy your million $$$ view!

San Pacifico is a wonderful community it just has that friendly relaxed beachy atmosphere, where you feel as though you are always on vacation.

Stern Way is held open every week, so come by and see all it has to offer, homes like this very rarely come on the market in this unique location. Contact us for date and time of the next Open House.

First Home Sold in Valley Center’s Rancho Vallecito!

Wow, we just sold the first home in a beautiful new community called Rancho Vallecito.

This is a new community located in the heart of Valley Center. Built on 3-7 acre lots with panoramic views of Mountains and Valleys, we truly believe to be some of the most oustanding views in the area.

Secluded and private yet very convenient access to the freeway. This community will eventually be comprised of 22 homes with Enchanting Exteriors – French Country, Santa Barbara and Tuscan architectural styles.

Beautifully designed floorplans from 3800 – 4200sq ft, soaring ceilings in the great room, expansive granite slab counter space in the beautiful gourmet kitchen with Princeton style maple cabinetry. Generous walk in pantry, Kitchen Nook and Butlers Pantry.

Groves with assorted citrus and avocado trees surround the homes adding extra privacy, enjoy a virtual fruit salad in your own backyard!

And Guess what, no Mellos Roos or H.O.A’S!

The new owners absolutely love their new home, believe me they looked at many homes in the area, nothing could compare to this one – check out this view!

The Sunsets are truly amazing,each home site faces west. Evenings are blissful – this is a different world, where you can escape the stress of everyday life, just come home, relax and renew your energy.

Open House in Brookside,Escondido

Here is your opportunity to come and see this elegant home in the beautiful community of Brookside, Escondido. We will be holding our open house from 1-4pm Sunday April 13th. Please stop by and enjoy some refreshments while you tour this outstanding home.