Real Estate Information

Just Listed!

4158 Avati Dr, San Diego, CA 92117 (BayHo/BayPark)

$675,876

4 Bedroom/2.5 Bath

Fantastic canyon lot location! Must see this home! Very popular area! Amazing quality remodel on most of home! Newer paint and smooth ceilings. All new 4.5 inch baseboards. New beautiful casings surround many of the new dual paned windows! New french doors in two locations lead to amazing new backyard w/ canyon view. Check out the huge master closet and the incredible bathrooms!

REMODEL DETAILS...the master bath is heaven complete with a with a 14 jet tub! Gorgeous, large walk-in shower with two shower heads, above and from the side. The added height vanity is a plus. The master suite has a retreat AND a fabulous walk in closet (used to be 5th br could be converted back if needed)You have a peek view of the bay and ocean from the master bedroom. You could also add a deck and french doors for an even better view that would include Sea World Fireworks! New gas heater in 2007. A new whole house fan keeps house cool in summer. All upstairs bedrooms  have ceiling fans. The backyard is even more amazing. Just finished, the beautiful putting green, firepit, jacuzzi(negotiable)BBQ pad, stamped concrete patio and more!  Brand new shed in side yard. There is so much more to this light and bright home you have to see it! Near popular Cadman Elementary School and Cadman Park. RELOCATION FORCES SALE!! Sellers did the remodel high quality NOT planning to move! Now it can be the start of your dream home!
*Master BR measurements reflect retreat.*

For more information about this property, please contact Karen Hickman with Prudential California Realty in La Jolla.

Here is a great article from Realty Times about Pricing a Home to Sell!

The most popular real estate slogan has always been "location, location, location." Well, folks, there's a new slogan in town, and his name is "price, price, price." You can have the most fabulous Malibu beach house, but if you are overpriced, you won't sell in today's market.

How do you know where to price your house? How do you know that your real estate agent has priced accurately to sell?

Here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction.

Appraisals: Your real estate agent or brokerage will have a list of local appraisers. You can also visit The Appraisal Institute online at appraisalinstitute.org. Simply click on "find an appraiser". An appraisal costs just a few hundred dollars, but it affords you a clear idea of the amount for which a buyer can be approved.

Comparables:  What are homes like yours selling for? Comparables can be found by analyzing homes in your neighborhood, or in nearby neighborhoods, that have similar square footage, upgrades, and amenities. If a comparable home sold for $150,00, there's little chance you'll find a buyer willing to pay $180,000 for your overpriced home. You always want to be the least expensive home in the neighborhood, when it comes to selling, not the most! Everybody loves a deal.

Be Competitive: Underpricing a home is a strategy that some agents employ to garner interest and to create a bidding war through multiple offers. A well-priced home is sure to get more showings than a home that costs more than the competition. More showings mean more exposure, which ups the chances of you receiving an offer.

Lender Communication: Lenders will only allow a buyer to borrow up to the amount a home appraises for. That means if you are overpriced, even an eager buyer may hit a lending road block.

Consider Leasing: If you've been caught in a depreciating market, you may have more money in your home than you can sell it for at this time. A reasonable option is to lease your home. Your real estate agent should be able to work out the specifics of any contract for you.

How Bad You Need to Sell: This is the real kicker. Some homeowners want to sell, but they don't need to. That means they can wait out a down market, or even wait for the "perfect" buyer. If, however, you find yourself needing to move across town, or across the state, then you will have to be more willing in today's market to compromise. And compromise is all about price when it comes to real estate.

Buyers are savvy. Technology allows them to search the local MLS, research the latest trends, and even see how your neighborhood's prices have changed over the last 30 days. They will know if your home is overpriced. It is best to error on the side of too little than too much in this numbers game. If you price your home right, however, you're sure to find a ready and willing buyer.

I can help you price your home to sell. Call me at 858-459-4300!

Source: Realty Times

Just Listed!

1470 Caminito Solidago, La Jolla, CA 92037

$779,000

4 bedroom/3 Baths

Looking for a spacious home in a Private Gated Community in La Jolla?

You've found it!

Light and bright home with marble entry, soaring skylights and lots of windows. Newer plush carpet, new tile in kitchen and baths. Spacious master suite features fireplace and french doors leading to private balcony with tranquil canyon views and trees. Master suite features separate retreat with morning bar. Kitchen,breakfast nook, and family room combination all looking out to the large private patio & tranquility of canyon. Newer paint throughout. Great price per sq foot. 

Enjoy the pool just a short walk away. Additionally you have privileges to the La Jolla Alta Clubhouse across the street from Ventana on Alta La Jolla Drive.It features two beautiful pools, spa, 5 tennis courts, gym, library, clubhouse w/ meeting room and kitchen. Ventana is close to the beach yet away from crowds in a beautiful gated community.

For more information about this property, please contact Karen Hickman with Prudential California Realty in La Jolla.

Just Listed!

3727 Balboa Terrace #C, San Diego 92117
$339,000 
2 Bedroom/2.5 Bath

Close to Beaches and Bay! Almost PB! Higher location on hill affords terrific panoramic ocean and sunset views! Enjoy 2 master suites and 2-car attached garage, plus one deeded parking space in front of unit (#C). There hasn't been a unit this high on the hill available in nearly 2 years! One of the most unique complexes in the city! You will not find another one like it. Enjoy great complex amenities including racquetball courts, swimming pool, spa and sauna.
Close to USD, UCSD, La Jolla, airport. REGULAR SALE!

For more information about this property, please contact Karen Hickman with Prudential California Realty in La Jolla.

If you are falling "in love" with the idea of buying or selling or know someone who is, please don't hesitate to call me. 
I am always available to answer questions or assist you in any real estate related matters. 

Have a wonderful and Happy Valentine's Day!

Karen

Prices Falling Everywhere But San Diego?

I just read a great article from San Diego 6 News.  I think this is a positive article for San Diego but not 100% accurate.  Sellers, don't get any high hopes that your property is going to increase in value overnight!  As a very active San Diego Realtor, I have seen prices in the lower end under 500K increasing. From $500,000 yo $1,000,000 some areas are steady or slightly improving, but some are still declining. For prices over 1 million for the most part, many areas are still declining.

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- San Diego home prices are rising while prices are falling across most of America's largest cities, and average prices in eight major markets have hit their lowest point since the housing bust.
  
The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index fell 1 percent in November from October. All but one city, San Diego, recorded monthly price declines.
  
Prices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, Las Vegas, Miami, Portland, Ore., Seattle and Tampa have set new lows since home prices peaked in 2006 and 2007.
  
Over the past year, prices have risen in four major cities. Prices rose 3.5 percent in Washington, the largest gain. Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco also posted gains.
  
Some of the worst declines came in cities hard hit by foreclosures.

In a separate report, the number of San Diego County homes slipping toward foreclosure dropped by 24.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to the same period the prior year.

Lenders sent default notices to 4,917 homeowners in San Diego County in the fourth quarter, down from the previous year's fourth-quarter total of 6,536, according to La Jolla-based MDA DataQuick.

Statewide, default notices were sent to 69,799 homeowners in the fourth quarter of the year, DataQuick reported. That was a 16.2 percent drop from the previous quarter's 83,261 notices and down 17.5 percent from the same quarter in 2009, when 84,568 default notices were sent.

"We don't know how much of the decline is due to less household financial distress, and how much is due to shifts in lender and servicer foreclosure policies," John Walsh, MDA DataQuick president, said. "The level of default activity would certainly be higher if it weren't for alternative strategies such as short sales, or even lengthening grace periods."

Default notices do not always lead to a home foreclosure, according to DataQuick. Between January 2008 and June 2009, about 46 percent of homeowners who received notices actually had their homes foreclosed on, DataQuick reported. Some homeowners emerge from the foreclosure process by bringing their payments current, refinancing or selling the home.

Source: San Diego 6 News

Don't miss San Diego's Restaurant Week!  I know I am looking forward to it!

January 16th - 21st, 2011

In its seventh year as San Diego County's largest and most successful dining event, San Diego Restaurant Week was launched with the intention of spotlighting the city as a premier dining destination. Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features more than 160 of San Diego's best restaurants offering fixed price, three-course meals for $20, $30 or $40.

For tickets and more information check out San Diego Restaurant Week's website.

Your Monthly Market Report for La Jolla Homes
(No condos or attached properties)

Here is a list of Christmas light displays by neighborhood in San Diego from About.com.

Nothing brings smiles to entire families than Christmas light displays. And when entire neighborhoods get into the holiday spirit, it brings whole communities together, with people driving from all points of the county just to get a glimpse of someone else's neighborhood display. Sure, commercial displays might be more grand in some cases, but nothing says Christmas better than a heartfelt lighted residence.

The following is a partial list of some of the more well-known (and annual) holiday light displays. Listings in BOLD are displays that are sure bets to get you to say, "Ooohhh...Aaaaah."

CHULA VISTA

Whitney St./Mankato - Christmas Circle between First and Second Ave., off H St. & 1st Ave., Dec. 11 through Dec.26, 5 to 10 pm. Over 55 homes decorated. Map

Eastlake Neighborhood - off Otay Lakes Rd. and Eastlake Pkwy. Evenings, Dec. 15 to 31. Homes for the Holidays contest will be held Dec. 15. Map

CLAIREMONT

Lana Dr. & Jamar - off Mt. Abernathy Ave., Dec. 10 through Dec. 25. Over 40 homes decorated on this circular street. Map

4760 Norwalk Ave. - off Clairemont Mesa Blvd./Moraga Ave. Dec.1 through Jan.1, 6 to 10 pm. (11 pm weekends) Map

EAST SAN DIEGO

1523 48th Street - off Federal Blvd. & 48th St. Arron Christmas Lane. Dec. 1 through Dec. 30, 5 to 10 pm. Map

EL CAJON

Jingle Bell Hill (aka Pepper Drive Lights) - Solomon Ave./Pageen Pl. and surrounding area. Off 67 and Bradley. Map

1838 El Pico Drive. - off Hacienda Drive Dec. 10 through Jan. 1, dusk to 10 pm. 41st year of decorating the 20-foot star over 100 ft. in the air, overlooking El Cajon Valley. Also see a 55-foot long train. Map

FALLBROOK

Reche Road just West of Green Canyon. Over 100,000 lights that are cooreographed to music. There even are snow machines to add to the effect. Lights are on thru New Years night, 6pm - 9pm Tues-Sun, with display staying on longer the week of Christmas. Just enter U-turn driveway from the West and tune your car radio to 90.5FM. Also includes a food-drive, please bring canned or non-perishable food items (a collection bin is on site) that directly benefits the Fallbrook Food Pantry.

LA MESA

Bob's Christmas Wonderland - 7171 Cornell Ave., La Mesa. This residence is truly a wonderland and is open from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through December. Visitors are asked to bring one canned food item to be donated to the Salvation Army. Map

5475 Heidi Street - off Lake Murray Blvd. and Marengo, Dec. 10 through Jan.1, 6 to 10 pm. - Map

6761 Jackson Drive - off Cowles Mtn. Blvd. Decorations remain lit until Jan.1. 5 to 9 pm. - Map

LEMON GROVE, LOMITA (San Diego)

689 Meadowbrook Dr. - off Jamacha Rd., south of Lemon Grove. Dec. 6 through Jan.1, dusk to 10 pm. Many lights on home and occasionally, Santa and Mrs. Santa may be out to greet visitors. Map

MISSION HILLS

2150 Sunset Blvd. 50,000 lights synced to music. The soundtrack was recorded by radio personalities, Jeff and Jer. The home is a 1925 English Tudor in historic Mission Hills and owned by Wayne Brubaker. Map

OCEAN BEACH

4729 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach. The Olson family's gift to the community, their home's lights are synchronizedmsMusic (FM 89.7) and operate Monday - Thursday, and Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6 to 11 p.m.

POWAY

12631 Stoutwood Street - off Twin Peaks Road & Deerwood Street. Through Jan. 4, 5:30 to 10 pm. Nicknamed "The Griswolds". Map

Hickory Court, Hickory Street - off Twin Peaks Road and Silverset St. Also Includes Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct. Named "Candy Cane Lane", the entire cul-de-sac is lit up Dec. 3 through Jan.1, 6 to 9 pm . Map

RANCHO PENASQUITOS

Oviedo Street - off Black Mtn. Rd. "Christmas Card Lane": includes Twin Trails, Carmel Mtn. Rd.,Ellingham St., Renato St., Oviedo St., Twin Trails Dr., Barrymore St., Totherham Ave., Talca Ave., Talca Ct., Allenbrook Way, Davenport Ave., Amber Sky Ln. Dec. 10 through Dec. 31, 6 to 10 pm. Map

SAN CARLOS

Block of 7900 and 8000 Hillandale Dr. - off Mission Gorge and Deerfield. Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 5 to 9 pm. Many lights and a tree on top of the home. Map

SAN MARCOS

1639 Knob Hill - off Nordahl Rd. between Tam O'Shanter Dr. and Augusta Dr. Nov. 26 through Dec. 31, 5 to 9 pm. Disney characters and more. Santa will be out from 6 to 8 every evening Dec. 11 through Dec. 23, except Wednesdays. Map

SANTEE

9230 Wethersfield Rd., Sunwoodie Rd. - Nov. 27 through Jan. 1, 5 to 10 pm. Very colorful nativity scene, Noah's Ark and many lights. Map

9239 Lake Country Drive - off Mast Blvd. Dec. 9 through 30, 7 to 10 pm. Many lights, plus Santa sleigh rides on Dec. 16 & 17. Map

Starlight Circle (Sunburst Santee area), Tomel Court - off Magnolia. Dec. 3 through 31, 6 to 11 pm. On Dec. 17, the neighborhood is holding a Food Drive for the San Diego Food Bank. Bring a non-perishable food item and drop it in the barrels to help feed the hungry in San Diego County. Map

TIERRASANTA

Belardo Lights in Tierrasanta - 5306 Belardo Drive, through Dec. 28. This home light display is a labor of love for Randy Schimka, whose sons both are Autistic. The impressive Christmas lights are a way to connect with his son Brandon, who responds to the lights. What's even more impressive is Randy has synchronized the displays with music, and you can listen on FM 89.7 while you are admiring his work. Map

VISTA

746 Bonita Drive - off Olive Ave. Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 6 to 9 pm. Large display of lights with an elf's house. Large manger scene. Santa may be there on weekends! Map

Via Vastago - off Olive, Bonita Dr., and N. Melrose Dr. Dec. 10 through 31, 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Little town of Bethlehem in lights, with a possible visit from Santa Claus! Map

VISTA

679 Rolling Hills Road, Vista 92081, January 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 (2011). Show times 5:45, 6:30 7:15, 8:00, 8:45. Curtis Mueller's spectacular light show featuring concert lighting effects, lasers, and fog. Gate code to the neighborhood is 1318. Weather permitting. Visit www.curtismuellerdesign/intothenew for cancellation notices

Source: About.com