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This August, the number of home sales dropped, while the median sale price increased in the North Country real estate market. This trend is more commonly seen in the winter months, and a rare occurrence in the summer months such as July and August. Home sales fell to 604 houses, down 24 percent from July and 34.3 percent from August 2009. Condos experienced a similar trend with sales down by 15 percent from July and 23.4 percent from August 2009. The market had hit comparable low in January of this year, and before that in 2007. Despite the drastic drop in sales over the summer months, the median homes sales price increased. This boost can be attributed to the types of sales buyers gravitated towards. We saw more traditional sales and foreclosures than short sales, where sellers are able to price their home below what they owe on it. For this reason, the median sales price in North County increased by 1 percent in July and 5.7 percent from the same time last year. However,...
As a homeowner and prospective seller how do you recognize when it is a good time to put your home in the market? There are many important questions you need to ask yourself and information to review before making your decision. The first thing to consider is the desirability of your location. The national real estate market draws all areas together to give an average or overall picture. The idea here is to look at extremely localized market conditions for your community and neighborhood. The recent activity in the area should be the first clue to whether you live in a desirable neighborhood. Some contributing factors may include a prestigious school system, local amenities, or even status. Local communities such as La Jolla have a world wide reputation of being a beautiful and esteemed location to live in. The statistics to pay close attention to are: existing and pending sales, prices of those homes, foreclosures in the area, and days on the market. To find out how much you could...
Winning the Bank’s Approval
The latest news on low mortgage rates is attracting many home buyers and we are seeing an increase in demand over the past few months. However, low mortgage rates are not the critical factor in the home buying process. While average mortgage rates are still hovering below 5 percent, it has become very difficult to qualify and get a loan. Lenders have been far more scrutinizing of mortgage applicants’ financial documents, even those who seem to have plenty of collateral and spotless credit records are facing resistance. For buyers who do not fit in the conventional model- having verifiable income and high credit scores- it is especially difficult to get approved for a mortgage. Along with low mortgage rates and bank approvals, another influential factor in the real estate market is the uncertainty surrounding the economy. While low mortgage rates are attracting more potential buyers into the market and are expected to remain low, they are looking for signs of stabilization. On July...
Mortgage Rates Continue to Fall
As July ends, mortgage rates continue to hit historic lows. A 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 4.45 percent, with a fee of 0.7 point, one year ago the rate was 5.25 percent. A 15-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 4 percent, with a fee of 0.7 point, a year earlier the rate was 4.69. Mortgage rates fluctuate on a daily basis, however, in recent months that have managed to remain around 4.5 percent. Here in San Diego County, mortgage rates are even lower than the national average at 4.48 percent for a 30-year fixed and 3.95 percent for a 15-year fixed. These low rates are quickly attracting new home buyers to make a purchase, and encouraging existing homeowners to refinance. Getting these rates on your mortgage may not be as easy as expected though, because many applicants are not qualifying. Loan officers are looking for applicants with a high credit score of 740 or more. They must also have a sizable down payment and plenty of equity for applicants looking to refinance. A...
How You Can Benefit From Hiring a Real Estate Agent
In recent years the idea of buying or selling a home without the use of a real estate agent has become more popular. The state of the economy and real estate market has forced homeowners and potential buyers to look for savings in any place possible. In a real estate transaction the most obvious way to save is on the significant commissions the agents demand for their services. While this may be a good option for some, not everyone may benefit from approaching the sale themselves. For many, they could end up paying more in the transaction then they would have paid in commission. There are many reasons some may opt to hire a real estate professional to help with the process, one being the access and convenience they can offer. A real estate agent’s job is to act as a liaison between the buyer and seller. For a potential buyer looking for a home, the real estate agent can provide you with access to all properties listed by other agents and will narrow down...
Rising Interest in Local Apartment Buildings
Local San Diego County observers are noticing a rising interest among investors of the multifamily segment for apartment and condo complexes. In many situations properties are receiving offers from several well-qualified buyers. Potential sellers of well-located San Diego County apartment buildings are expected to see a recovery, outpacing that of other segments for 2010. This increase in activity can be attributed to the low financing rates, quicker recovery, and the high demand for rentable San Diego apartments. With the availability of land and new construction funds limited, many investors are finding themselves increasingly attracted to San Diego’s apartment market. Prospective home buyers are looking to San Diego as one of the nation’s healthiest investment markets for multifamily real estate. Also, financing rates at their record lows are becoming a key factor for investors, and there is much less distress real estate in San Diego. Other factors investors...
Should Government Back Mortgages?
Yesterday, the Obama Administration invited banking executives to offer advice on changing the government’s role in the mortgage market. While the executives disagreed on the level of support needed, the group overwhelmingly advocated that the government should maintain a large supporting role. Some executives are campaigning for automatic refinancing of millions of homes currently backed by mortgage lender giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The idea behind the stimulus being lower mortgage rates means lower payments and more money in consumer’s pockets for spending. That hope is that this would boost spending by $50 billion to $60 billion and lift housing prices by as much as 10 percent. They are concerned that without another stimulus in the next six months, the economy will now recover at a quick enough pace. Skeptics are offering other solutions and accusing the Obama Administration of excluding critics of the government’s role in the mortgage system from the conference....
Why Now is the Best Time to Buy a House
A consumer thinking about buying a new house in these economic times would likely be told that it is a risky move. Right now many people looking at a home for sale are worried about getting their money’s worth. Nobody wants the worth of their home to drop no sooner than the ink is dry on the contract of sale. However, that being said, prices are lower in many places than they have been in recent years. A home that was recently out of price range may now be well within the affordable limits. Pricing is even more attractive in high end neibhorhoods. For instance new home buyers can find great deals on La Jolla Home, Carlsbad Homes, and San Diego Condos When considering a home for sale today, be aware concessions between buyers and sellers have been easily negotiable as of late. Home buyers are finding that asking sellers for things such as closing costs, price reductions, home improvements and the like are working out in the buyer’s favor lately. Today many sellers are...
Lenders Delaying Deals
Since the major dip in the housing market over the past few years we have seen strict policies put on mortgage lenders. The influx of foreclosures and short-sales has forced a change in the lending market and scared many lenders into a by-the-book process. Where previously buyers simply had to state their income, they are now required to provide documentation dating back years. In recent months, a typical application requires your W-2, pay-stubs dating back for minimum of two years, proof of assets, and good credit. Some lenders require even more documentation that may not even seem relevant to the transaction. These federal lending guidelines demanding more documentation are causing rising frustration in buyers. Lenders are denying loans to home buyers for seemingly the most arbitrary reasons. In one incidence, a doctor making over $400,000 a year was denied a loan because they were unable to provide income documents dating back more than one year and a half. They were forced to wait...
MTS Trolley Makes Fare Change
Surging food, petrol and housing costs are pushing everyday living costs to levels many are finding disturbing, leading to many families re-evaluating their lifestyle choices. The 12-year high of the cash rate does little to ease people’s minds, especially when petrol, food and housing costs have pushed core inflation to 4.4 per cent in the first quarter. Travel the world and take in some of the best real estate websites. Today REA Group launched its first global promotion, calling for aspiring globe-trotters to visit www.premieresd.com. www.premieresd.com donated $100,000 to Mission Australia following a very successful House the Homeless campaign. The national campaign had an overwhelming response with more than 100,000 Australians visiting the www.premieresd.com website within 48 hours.
DECEMBER 1, 2009 -- If the head-to-head battles seen in Iron Chef and the NCAA Basketball Tournament were rolled into one event, it’d be akin to the Cocktail Competition, coming to El Dorado Cocktail Lounge on December 8. Eight local standout bartenders will be put into a single-elimination bracket, and compete with each other until one is declared the top ’tender. “The goal is to showcase the bartenders in San Diego who are paying more attention to the products they’re using, and the techniques,” says El Dorado co-owner Nate Stanton. “We want to encourage bartenders all over town to have more integrity with the drinks.” The “Elite 8” bartenders will include: Trevor Thorpe (The Merk), Ian Ward (Whisknladle), Eric Johnson (El Dorado), Scott Shumate (Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina), Frankie Thaheld (Alchemy), Ariana Johnson (Confidential), Garth Flood (Cowboy Star) and Tim Stevens (Prohibition). The competition will require bartenders to...
This is 92101 Urban Living’s new featured property: ”Protected Water Views of San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Pacific Ocean, City, Ballpark & Fireworks Views from Horizons South Tower in Heart of Marina District!” This Downtown San Diego Condo is a 2 bed/2 bath SOUTH EAST corner home with private balcony shielded from wind. All-wood & tile flooring, granite counters & stainless appliances. Horizons amenities include pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, community function rooms & meeting spaces. Flat screen & chandelier over fireplace excluded from sale. Just a short stroll away is the Gaslamp District, Seaport Village, San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park and everything Downtown San Diego has to offer! To see more pictures please visit: http://www.brenthaywood.com/gallery/10064323_3KjBv Horizons’ twin towers are landmarks in the Downtown San Diego skyline. Horizons is bordered by Market Street, Island Avenue, First Avenue and Front Street and is a short walk from the bay, seawall, beaches, parks, business... Rondon, you rule! I don't care what they said about you at the MPI Ball! Kids eat FREE on tuesday and Wednesday nights from 5pm to 9pm. One kid with a purchase of an adult entree, side, and beverage. 
Bow Wow Brunch Cruise on the Bay Coming Sept. 20th Dogs are WELCOME on the Exclusive Hornblower Brunch Benefitting HWAC SAN DIEGO, Calif. - September 20th, 2009 marks a unique day and a very “dog-gone” interesting event on Hornblower Cruises & Events. The Bow Wow Brunch Cruise on the Bay is a first of its kind in San Diego to raise money and awareness about orphaned pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC). Nicknamed the Bow Wow Brunch Cruise, Sept. 20 th will be just like any wonderful Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise, but for one special day we welcome you, your family and your pooch aboard. You will enjoy the same delicious and bountiful buffet that you are accustom to with free flowing champagne, mimosas and desserts with one caveat- Fido gets a canine buffet to choose puppy snacks & pet products from sponsored by Petco and can enjoy his own “dog relief walk” sponsored by Easy Turf and set up on the sun deck of the yacht! “Sara” for Jack FM Morning Show will be there to meet and greet!Bow Wow Brunch...
JULY 17, 2009 -- The party double-header turned out to be twice the fun. On July 15, the sandiegoDTOWN.com co-sponsored mixer kicked off at Confidential from 6-9 p.m. Then, the revelry re-massed a litle ways down Fourth Avenue at La Puerta, from 9-11 p.m. Turns out it's posible to have one party at two venues in one night. Party host Jason Gregory pulled it off. He even did a costume change, to best blend his wardrobe to the surrounding. (In Ivan S. Harris' photos, look for the stocky guy in a tie at Confidential who transforms to a black t-shirt dude at La Puerta.) A smorgasbord of prizes were handed out all night, including gift certificates from: FIT Athletic Club, 7th Avenue Cleaners, City Dog, Broken Yolk, GoCar Tours, Wet Stone Wine Bar, Skyy Limo, The Pearl Hotel, La Jolla Playhouse, Market 32, Alphamale Barberia and Sally's Restaurant. La Puerta gave away two large baskets of tequila. And Confidential handed out a $500 bar tab for a party to be held in its Loft. Kudos to Confidential...
JULY 13, 2009 -- Here’s the latest installment of Menu Matters: Bleu Boheme. The French celebrate Bastille Day on July 14. On that date in 1789, the citizenry overtook The Bastille prison. It was a signal to King Louis the 16th and Marie Antoinette that the royal party was over. To celebrate the birth of a revolution—oh, and to mark a Kensington restaurant’s two-year anniversary—Bleu Boheme will have a party with a special prix fixe menu, starting at 5 p.m on Bastille Day. The five-course meal is $48 per person, and includes, naturellement, Cuban sandwiches and Peruvian ceviche. Let them eat cake for dessert? Close: assorted pastry puffs and petite tartes. Confidential & La Puerta. Don’t overindulge too much on Bastille Day—save some energy for the double-headed downtown mixer on July 15 at Confidential (6-9 p.m.) and La Puerta (9-11 p.m.). At Confidential, look for croquettes of saffron risotto and gruyere, ahi-mango-green-papaya-stuffed shrimp chips and other...
MAY 21, 2009 -- Doggedly determined to cater to your canine? Here are a few options:
Plush Puppies Kennel. It’s in El Cajon, near the Barona Resort & Casino. On your way out to play the slots, drop off Rover and he’ll get his own ka-ching with open space, obedience training and personal cuddle time. It’s $35/day; and $240 for a week that includes overnight stays in cages painted to look like various San Diego neighborhoods. The owner of Plush Puppies Kennel is named Catz Plush. She says the dogs don’t seem to mind taking orders from Catz. Camp Run-A-Mutt. This Mission Hills site can’t do overnight boarding, yet. It’s $35 for doggie daycare. If you drop off Fido and subsequently start to miss that fuzzy four-legger, check him out on an online Mutt Cam. Camp Run-A-Mutt has a specially designed canine swimming pool (just try and enforce no running, no peeing). Interactive Camp Run-A-Mutt games reportedly include fetch and something called “bite the garden hose.” Dog Day Afternoon. Downtown’s Hotel Solamar has a rooftop... 
MAY 20, 2009 -- Personal bias right up front: For years I’ve driven past a downtown Ralphs grocery store en route to an Albertsons I prefer -- mainly for cleanliness and customer-service reasons. I stopped shopping at Ralphs due in large part to: 1.) The deli counter that time forgot, and, 2.) Being ignored at the checkout while the checker and bagger conversed about a.) Their next break, and b.) What time they get off.
My East Village Albertsons is newer than the Marina District Ralphs. And maybe the shine will someday wear off. But Albertsons corporate offices announced a special promotion Wednesday that’ll keep me pushing their carts. It’s called the Big Relief Price Cut. The chain -- 59 strong in greater San Diego -- will roll back the prices on thousands (I heard a checker say 5,000) of items, up to 20 percent each. Products will include everything from “peanut butter and pasta to deodorant and detergent,” said Albertsons spokeswoman Lilia Rodriguez. She said the price cuts -- which take effect in all of Southern...
May 15, 2009 -- In January 2003, as San Diego prepared to host a Super Bowl, there was a mad scramble going on at the downtown corner of Sixth and Market. Side Bar was trying to open in time for the Big Game—and a planned party being thrown by Derek Jeter. Days before an opening it never looks like a bar is going to be ready. But Side Bar made it, and the Yankee superstar got to play host.
Side Bar was the brainchild of EnDev Enterprises, an entrepreneurial team that created a bevy of hot local night spots—including the still wildly successful Stingaree—but has been hurt of late by the economic crunch. It was Side Bar, though, that brought the bottle service concept to San Diego, and popularized the “New York velvet rope” waiting lines. Due to either fiscal reasons, or the inevitable fade that overtakes “it” nightlife haunts, Side Bar closed 18 months ago. Tonight, it makes its grand re-appearance, with a number of positive changes. New ownership includes businessman David Laurent and managing partners (and former...
APRIL 28, 2009 -- The Sunday night closing of The Corvette Diner in Hillcrest was an emotional experience for co-owner David Cohn. His 22-year-old, kid-friendly, iconic eatery closed its doors—to be resurrected in late June in a new Liberty Station location.
For Hillcrest's last light’s-out, nostalgia was in the air. Past employees came back with kids of their own. A former DJ drove down from Orange County for one last set. Cohn was getting choked up, so he left before the night was over—while the DJ played the not-so-sentimental “Hit the Road, Jack.” The new version of the kitschy, 1950s-style diner will return in a building double the size of the original. Gone, however, will be the eatery’s most-talked-about calling card—the tossing of Bazooka bubble gum on the table by waitresses as the check arrives. Even the practice of throwing straws as guests first sit down is…up in the air. “There’ll be less throwing of things,” says Cohn. “We’ve had some complaints over the years. We’ve certainly scared some people—thank...
APRIL 16, 2009 -- Hotels love to create package deals with cutesy names. “Staycations” have been all the rage in the downturned economy—they’re basically weekend getaways in resorts that are close to where you live. That marketing nomenclature came on the heels of catchphrases like “Mancations,” (testosterone-fueled guys’ getaways) and “Babymooning (for couples expecting a visit from the stork).
Now comes “Kidcations” from the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Now through September (with a partial June hiatus), the hotel wants your business, with rugrats in tow. They’ll show “dive-in” movies at the pool, offer Guitar Hero at the Wii Lounge and serve up breakfast at a toppings-rich waffle station and dinner desserts at a S’mores bar. One hotel is now going after the senior high demographic. Starting tomorrow, The Keating’s new restaurant The MerK is offering a $25 prix fixe menu for pre-prom diners. The deal includes a bottomless glass of soda, salad, pizza or chicken entrée and a gelato-and-cookie dessert. The deal is...
APRIL 14, 2009 -- Yesterday, I took issue with new 5-for-$5 food deal at Petco Park. I noted that the 28-minute wait in line for the deal during Saturday’s game was not acceptable. Ballpark officials agree. Padres executive vice president and Petco Park general manager Richard L. Andersen got in touch to acknowledge the issue, and to offer plans to make the game watching/food procurement paradigm more efficient.
The 5-for-$5 program offers fans a hotdog, soda, cookie, bag of peanuts and a popcorn “sampler.” You can substitute the soda for a beer, and pay $10 for the five. Sold separately, the mini-smorgasbord would go for $17. The team sold 30,000 units of 5-for-$5 during the seven-game opening home stand. The comments yesterday were clear. Others also experienced long waits. One dad waited in a line that wound up not offering the 5-for-$5. Another ballpark guest says they waited one hour for the deal on Opening Day. (Prolific commenter “RobMac” wisely implored us to stop eating high-caloric ballpark offerings—...
APRIL 13, 2009 -- The Padres are winning games, so perhaps the news focus will shift to the field for awhile and away from the food bargains available at Petco Park.
But hang on. I take issue with the much ballyhooed 5-for-$5 deal. Let’s dissect it, starting with the unacceptable lines at just two overwhelmed concession stands that offer the mini-smorgasbord. The deal offers fans a hot dog, soda, cookie, small bag of peanuts and 11 pieces of popcorn (hyperbolic estimate) for just $5. You can sub a beer for the soda, and get the handful of grub for $10. In and of itself, 5-for $5 is a welcome idea. Somebody in your group will eat the cookie, somebody else will claim the peanuts, and the popcorn will disappear in five seconds. Unfortunately, you can spend more than two innings standing in line for 5-for-$5. On Saturday when the Padres downed the San Francisco Giants 6-3, I left choice field-level seats behind home plate, passed the carts that sold various noshes and premium beer for $8.50, and joined the third-base-... 
APRIL 8, 2009 -- Nobody’s expecting the Padres to be a contender this year, much less an economic stimulus factor. Lacking player talent, much has been made of the food and drink offerings at Petco Park. But what strategies are nearby bars and restaurants employing during a down year (measured both fiscally and by home-team won-loss record) to score some of their own patrons?
New f$5 food deals at Petco are fine -- lest you forget the $5 foot-long sandwiches offered a block away at Subway. After that, it’s all about the $3 beer, it appears. Some bar/restaurants offer food specials on Padres game days, but food bargains are mostly longstanding happy hour deals already in place. At The Corner (10th & J Street), the Miller Lite drafts are $3 until 7 p.m. when the Padres are playing. East Village Tavern & Bowl (930 Market Street) sells $3 Coors Light drafts from Monday to Wednesday and $3 Bud Lights on Thursday through Saturday on game days. It’s three bucks for Coors Light at Tivoli (505 Sixth Avenue), and pitchers... |
