Do you want to get the best property you can for the least amount of money? Then make sure you are in the strongest negotiating position possible. Price is only one element in the negotiations, and not necessarily the most important one. Often other terms, such as the strength of the buyer or the length of escrow, are critical to a seller.

In years past, I always recommended that buyers get "pre-qualified" by a lender. This means that you spend a few minutes on the phone with a lender who asks you a few questions. Based on the answers, the lender pronounces you "pre-qualified" and issues a certificate that you can show to a seller. Sellers are aware that such certificates are WORTHLESS, and here's why! None of the information has been verified!

Many times unknown problems can come to the surface! Some of the problems I've seen include recorded judgments, alimony payments due, glitches on the credit report due to any number of reasons both accurately and inaccurately, down payments that have not been in the clients' bank account long enough, etc.

So the way to make the strongest offer today is to get "pre-approved". This happens AFTER all information has been checked and verified. You are actually APPROVED for the loan and the only loose end is the appraisal on the property. This process takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on your situation. It's VERY POWERFUL and a weapon I recommend all my clients have in their negotiating arsenal.

2. Sell Your Property First, Then Buy the House

If you have a house to sell, sell it before selecting a house to buy! Contingency sales aren't nearly as strong as one that comes in with a ready, willing and able buyer. Consider this scenario: You've found the perfect house - now you have to go make an offer to the seller. You want the seller to reduce the price and wait until you sell your house. The seller figures that this is a risky deal, since he might pass up a buyer who DOESN'T have to sell a house while he's waiting for you. So he says OK, he'll do the contingency but it has to be a full price offer! You have now paid more for the house than you could have because of the contingency, and you have to sell your existing house in a hurry! Otherwise you lose the house! So to sell quickly you might take an offer that's lower than if you had more time. The bottom line is that buying before selling might cost you THOUSANDS of dollars.

If you're concerned that there is not a house on the market for you, then go on a window-shopping trip. You can identify possible houses and locations without falling in love with a specific house. If you feel confident after that then put your house on the market.

Another tactic is to make the sale ''subject to seller finding suitable housing''. Adding this phrase to the listing means that WHEN YOU DO FIND A BUYER, you will have some time to find the new place. If you don't find anything to your liking, you don't have to sell your present home.

3. Play the Game of Nines

Before house hunting, make a list of things you want in the new place. Then make a list of the things you don't want. You can use this list as a guide to rate each property that you see. The one with the biggest score wins! This helps avoid confusion and keeps things in perspective when you're comparing dozens of homes.

When house hunting, keep in mind the difference between ''STYLE AND SUBSTANCE''. The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to match your tastes. I always recommend that you imagine each house as if it were vacant.

Consider each house on its underlying merits, not the seller's decorating skills.  

4. Don't Be Pushed Into Any House

Your agent should show you everything available that meets your requirements. Don't make a decision on a house until you feel that you've seen enough to pick the best one.

A decade ago, homes were selling quickly, usually a few days after listing. In that kind of market, agents advised their clients to make an offer ON THE SPOT if they liked the house. That was good advice at the time. Today there isn't always this urgency, unless a home is drastically underpriced, and you'll know if it is.

Don't forget to check into the SCHOOL DISTRICTS of the area you're considering. Information is available on every school; such as class sizes, % of students that go on to college, SAT scores, etc.

5. Stop Calling Ads!

Please note - ads are sometimes created to make the phone ring! Many of the homes have some drawback that's not mentioned in the ad, such as traffic noise, power lines, or litigation in the community. What's not mentioned in the ad is usually more important than what is.

For this reason, I want you to be very careful when reading ads. Remember that the person writing the ad is representing the seller and not you! The most important thing you can do is have someone on your side looking out for your best interests. Your own agent will critique the property with an eye towards how well it meets your needs and will point out any drawbacks you should know about. Pick an agent you feel comfortable with and enlist the services of that agent as a buyer's broker. Then you become a client with all the rights, benefits, and privileges created by this agency relationship, and you're no longer just a shopper. Did you know that many homes are sold WITHOUT A SIGN ever going up or an AD EVER BEING PUT IN THE PAPER? These "great deals" go to those people who are committed to working with one agent. When an agent hears of a great buy, who do you think he's going to call? His/Her client, who he has a legal obligation to work hard for you, or someone who just called on the phone and said "keep your eyes open"? So to get the best buy on a property, I always recommend that you hire your own agent and stick with him or her.

Source: The original author is not known. It is not our intention to infringe upon copyrighted material. If you are the original author of any of these articles, please let us know so that we may provide appropriate credit.

Add the Perfect Touch with Paint

"A fresh coat of light pain on the interior walls can work wonders," says Kelly O'Ryan of Coldwell Banker in Lexington, Massachusetts. "Paint will always clean up dirty walls and give a room a better image."

Although dark colors can be stylish, O'Ryan advises going for lighter shades to brighten things up in warmer seasons. Karol Nickell, editor-in-chief of Fresh Home magazine, offers this advice: "Smart color selections can make a small or cramped room appear dramatically larger. In the foyer, make a good first impression with similar tones mixed at different strengths. In the living room, a bold color paired with a white ceiling makes the room seem taller than it really is."

2. Focus on the Flooring

Good, well-maintained flooring can set a positive tone for the entire interior of your home. Take proactive steps to protect your biggest investment.

"Like paint, flooring can help create an impression of spaciousness and airiness," Nickell says. "Whether it's a floating laminate floor, tile or a natural 'green' alternative, lighter-tone flooring can make formerly drab areas appear modern and streamlined."

3. Lighten Up the Accents

"Summer is a great time to change your window treatments and area rugs," O'Ryan says. "Once again, dark colors are associated with winter months; a lighter airy curtain will give any room a brighter and more pleasant appearance. If your floors are in great shape, you may want to remove the area rug(s) and leave the floors bare. Eliminating the rugs will open up the room and make it appear larger."

4. Update the Windows

Old windows aren't just ugly - they can also let your heat and air conditioning escape, costing you big bucks.

"While window treatments are typically a focus in many home makeovers, the actual windows themselves are often overlooked," says Victor Gonzales Maertens, an energy efficiency expert with Lennox Industries. "However, upgrading old single-pane windows with new ENERGY STAR-qualified windows can save an average of between $126 and $465 per year on energy bills, and some new windows qualify for the federal tax credit."

5. Weed Out Bad Landscaping

Neglected bushes and overgrown lawns can kill a home's curb appeal. Don't worry - you don't need a green thumb to spruce up your yard. Going green doesn't have to damage your finances.

"Clean up the site by removing any dead or dying plants, branches and flowers," suggest Jennifer Hoxsie, landscape designer with Greenhaven Landscapes in Lake Bluff, Illinois. "Prune overgrown shrubs along the home's foundation so they are below the window sills and off walkways and driveways. Fill empty holes with site-appropriate plants. Have all the planting beds weeded, edged and mulched for a clean, crisp look. Finally, weed and fertilize the lawn and provide supplemental watering if necessary to maintain a lush green carpet."

6. Add Decorative Touches to the Yard

We're not talking about plastic pink flamingos or creepy garden gnomes. Taylor Graves, representing CertainTeed building products, says, "Adding benches, stepping stones, fountains or other garden accents could go a long way in making your outdoors a visually appealing and welcoming environment."

7. A Few Final Exterior Touches

While you're outside, there are a few other quick moves that can make a big difference. (If you only have $1,000 to spend, what can you do that will get you the most bang for your buck?

"Add color with paint to outdoor features such as window frames, decorative beams and porches," says Kurt Gleeson, national vice president of sales for RealEstate.com. Stick with calm colors that complement the home's exterior color scheme, avoiding shocking shades and drastic contrasts.

"Clean external brickwork or concrete slabs with a liquid masonry cleaner to make them look new and neat. Power washing can give external stonework, walkways and front stoops a quick makeover."

Spruce Things Up

By investing a few bucks and some elbow grease, you can boost your home's image - and value - quickly this summer.

Source: Yahoo Finance

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale is necessary when the proceeds from the sale of your home are not enough to pay off the loan balance against the home, thus prohibiting the sale. A short sale will allow a homeowner to sell their home for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, and in most cases, the difference does not have to be paid back to the lender.

4 Myths About Short Sales

I don't have a serious enough hardship to qualify for a short sale.

Today, it's harder to Not qualify, than it is to Qualify. There are numerous ways to qualify for a short sale and a borrower does not have to be behind on payments. If a borrower can show that they are struggling to make payments or are facing some other type of hardship such as a divorce, tenant moving, job transfer, medical emergency, decrease in pay, etc., then a bank will seriously consider approving a short sale.

I'll be responsible for the difference between what I owe and what my home sells for.

Most lenders will put the following verbiage on the short sale approval letter you receive in writing: "Lender will not seek a deficiency judgment against borrower". In most cases if a lender accepts a short sale they are going to write off the loss, show the debt as settled, and you are able to walk away from the debt without having to worry about your lender coming after you. There are a few lenders who are pursuing borrowers after a short sale.

My credit will be ruined if I do a short sale.

A short sale can actually save your credit. It is treated by your lender as a "settlement of debt", and as opposed to a foreclosure, it is infinitely easier on credit and for a much shorter period of time.

I will owe taxes on the amount of loss that the bank takes on my short sale.

This can be avoided most of the time. As an example, if your lender accepts $100,000 less than what you owe them they may report this amount to the IRS, and you will be taxed on that $100,000 as 'ordinary income' at the end of the year. Good news is there are many ways to avoid this tax, including recent legislation. You can research the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 or see if you qualify for "Insolvency". Contact your tax advisor.

Short Sales - Pros

1. Depending on the lender, you may be able to get a release from the deficiency in writing.

2. If your property is 100,000 dollars upside down, you get rid of the liability now. If you do a loan mod and then have to sell your house in two years, you may still be 100,000 dollars upside down or worse.

3. Within a few years your credit rating may recover and you may be in a position to purchase property in a down market.

4. You may get to live rent free for a while.

Short Sales - Cons

1. You may not be able to buy a house for a little while. (Average 1 to 2 years)

2. You will have to move eventually.

3. You may damage your credit (Though much less than a foreclosure)

4. You have to deal with the the selling process.

1. Not Knowing What You Can Afford
As we've all learned from the subprime mortgage mess, what the bank says you can afford and what you know you can afford or are comfortable with paying are not necessarily the same. If you don't already have a budget, make a list of all your monthly expenses (excluding rent), including vehicle costs, student loan payments, credit card payments, groceries, health insurance, retirement savings and so on. Don't forget major expenses that only occur once a year, like any insurance premiums you pay annually or annual vacations. Subtract this total from your take-home pay and you'll know how much you can spend on your new home each month.

If you end up looking at homes that are outside your price range, you'll end up lusting after something you can't afford, which can put you in the dangerous position of trying to stretch beyond your means financially or cause you to feel unsatisfied with what you actually can afford. You may even learn that you can't afford the type or size of home that you desire and that you need to work on reducing your monthly expenses and/or increasing your income before you even start looking.

2. Skipping Mortgage Qualification
What you think you can afford and what the bank is willing to lend you may not match up, especially if you have poor credit or unstable income, so make sure to get pre-approved for a loan before placing an offer on a home. If you don't, you'll be wasting the seller's time, the seller's agent's time, and your agent's time if you sign a contract and then discover later that the bank won't lend you what you need, or that it's only willing to give you a mortgage that you find unacceptable.

Be aware that even if you have been pre-approved for a mortgage, your loan can fall through at the last minute if you do something to alter your credit score, like finance a car purchase. If you cause the deal to fall through, you may have to forfeit the several thousand dollars that you put up when you went under contract.

3. Failing to Consider Additional Expenses
Once you're a homeowner, you'll have additional expenses on top of your monthly payment. Unlike when you were a renter, you'll be responsible for paying property taxes, insuring your home against disasters and making any repairs the house needs (which will occasionally include expensive items like a new roof or a new furnace).

If you're interested in purchasing a condo, you'll have to pay maintenance costs monthly regardless of whether anything needs fixing because you'll be part of a homeowner's association, which collects a couple hundred dollars a month from the owners of each unit in the building in the form of condominium fees.

4. Being Too Picky
Go ahead and put everything you can think of on your new home wish list, but don't be so inflexible that you end up continuing to rent for significantly longer than you really want to. First-time homebuyers often have to compromise on something because their funds are limited. You may have to live on a busy street, accept outdated decor, make some repairs to the home, or forgo that extra bedroom. Of course, you can always choose to continue renting until you can afford everything on your list - you'll just have to decide how important it is for you to become a homeowner now rather than in a couple of years.

5. Lacking Vision
Even if you can't afford to replace the hideous wallpaper in the bathroom now, it might be worth it to live with the ugliness for a while in exchange for getting into a house you can afford. If the home otherwise meets your needs in terms of the big things that are difficult to change, such as location and size, don't let physical imperfections turn you away. Besides, doing home upgrades yourself, even when you have to hire a contractor, is often cheaper than paying the increased home value to a seller who has already done the work for you.

6. Being Swept Away
Minor upgrades and cosmetic fixes are inexpensive tricks are a seller's dream for playing on your emotions and eliciting a much higher price tag. Sellers may pay $2,000 for minimal upgrades or staging that you'll end up paying $40,000 for. If you're on a budget, look for homes whose full potential has yet to be realized. Also, first-time homebuyers should always look for a house they can add value to, as this ensures a bump in equity to help you up the property ladder.

7. Compromising on the Important Things
Don't get a two-bedroom home when you know you're planning to have kids and will want three bedrooms. By the same token, don't buy a condo just because it's cheaper when one of the main reasons you're over apartment life is because you hate sharing walls with neighbors. It's true that you'll probably have to make some compromises to be able to afford your first home, but don't make a compromise that will be a major strain.

8. Neglecting to Inspect
It's tempting to think that you're a homeowner the moment you go into escrow, but not so fast - before you close on the sale, you need to know what kind of shape the house is in. You don't want to get stuck with a money pit or with the headache of performing a lot of unexpected repairs. Keeping your feelings in check until you have a full picture of the house's physical condition and the soundness of your potential investment will help you avoid making a serious financial mistake.

9. Not Thinking About the Future
It's impossible to perfectly predict the future of your chosen neighborhood, but paying attention to the information that is available to you now can help you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

Some questions you should ask about your prospective property include:

• What kind of development plans are in the works for your neighborhood in the future?
• Is your street likely to become a major street or a popular rush-hour shortcut?
• Will a highway be built in your backyard in five years?
• What are the zoning laws in your area?
• If there is a lot of undeveloped land? What is likely to get built there?
• Have home values in the neighborhood been declining?
• If you're happy with the answers to these questions, then your house's location can keep its rose-colored luster.

Conclusion
Buying a first home can seem stressful and overwhelming, and it isn't without its share of potential pitfalls. If you're aware of those issues ahead of time, you can protect yourself from costly mistakes and shop with confidence.

For many people, a home is the largest purchase they will ever make, but it need not be the most difficult.

Source: Yahoo Real Estate

Real properties generally are of like-kind, regardless of whether the properties are improved or unimproved. However, real property in the United States and real property outside the United States are not like-kind properties.

Taxpayers may wonder whether items such as equipment used on a property are included in the lump-sum sale of the property, and if they are able to be deferred. Under Treasury regulation §1.1031(k)-1(c)(5)(i), property that is transferred together with the larger item of value that does not exceed 15% of the fair market value of the larger property does not need to be identified within the 45 day identification period but still needs to be exchanged for like kind property to defer gain.

Cash to equalize a transaction cannot be deferred under Code Section 1031 because it is not like-kind. This cash is called "boot" and is taxed at a normal capital gains rate.

If liabilities assumed by the buyer exceed those of the seller (taxpayer), the realized gain of the seller will be not only be realized, but recognized as well. If however, the seller assumes a greater liability than the buyer, the realized loss cannot offset any realized and recognized gain of receiving boot such as cash or other personal property considered boot.

Originally, 1031 cases needed to be simultaneous transfers of ownership. But since Starker vs. U.S. (602 F.2d 1341), a contract to exchange properties in the future is practically the same as a simultaneous transfer. It is under this case, decided in 1979, that the rules for election of a delayed 1031 originated. To elect the 1031 recognition, a taxpayer must identify the property for exchange before closing, identify the replacement property within 45 days of closing, and acquire the replacement property within 180 days of closing. A Qualified Intermediary must also be used to facilitate the transaction.

For more information about 1031 Tax Exchange visit http://www.expert1031.com/ and ask the experts.

July 13, 2010

Homes sales in San Diego County rose 5.2 percent in June, compared to the same month a year ago, while prices increased 6.8 percent during the same period, a real estate information service reported today.

A total of 3,885 homes changed hands locally last month, compared to 3,692 in June 2009, according to La Jolla-based MDA DataQuick. The median price of a home in San Diego County in June was $335,500, compared to $314,250 in the same month a year ago.

A total of 23,871 new and resale houses and condos sold in the six-county Southern California region -- Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange counties -- in June, according to DataQuick. That was up 7.2 percent from 22,270 in May, and up 2.6 percent from 23,262 in June 2009.

June sales throughout Southern California were the highest since July 2009.

"The market was wildly out of kilter a year ago, now it's just somewhat out of kilter," said John Walsh, MDA DataQuick president. "We're still seeing lots of bargain hunting, and we're not seeing much discretionary buying. The single-biggest issue is still mortgage financing. Rates may be at record lows, but that doesn't mean much if the lender won't qualify you."

The median price for a Southern California home was $300,000 last month, down 1.6 percent from $305,000 in May, and up 13.2 percent from $265,000 in June 2009, according to DataQuick.

Source: CITY NEWS SERVICE

A recent market trend report created by Prudential California Realty, in collaboration with Altos Research, indicates a significant increase in the sale of homes under $1 million, for San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County, between the end of the first quarter of 2009 and the end of the first quarter of 2010.

Developed to provide consumers with a comprehensive source of information about the impact of the national economy on their local housing market, the market trend report also showed a 16.7 percent increase in median home prices in Southern California compared to last year, to $297,540.

"The window of opportunity for buyers to capitalize on the historically low interest rates could be closing," said Mark Johnson, vice president of marketing and technology for Prudential. "Prices are still about 30 percent below the peak of the market, but that could change quickly. Just over the past few months, I have heard many of our agents talk about how their listings generated multiple cash offers and sold above the original asking price."

Prudential creates four separate issues of the report every month, for the regions surrounding San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County and Santa Barbara. The report offers helpful and relevant information pertaining to each region, from the average cost per square foot of housing and the average days on the market for listings, to average sale prices and the inventory of homes in a specific price range.

Provided at no charge to the consumer, the market report can be requested via the company's website, at www.PrudentialCal.com, or by contacting a local Prudential agent. To showcase the company's ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainable business practices, the report is published in an attractive electronic format that allows it to be easily saved or e-mailed.

Even though the June report indicated that sales of homes under $1 million have dramatically increased, the data for homes priced over $4 million represent extremely favorable conditions for buyers. Since the average price of homes declined, and the number of listings grew significantly over the past year, the data for this segment of the market shows that there are numerous opportunities for buyers interested in fine homes throughout Southern California.

One New Bet on 2010 Wagering Menu at Del Mar

With the exception of one new bet, Del Mar's 2010 wagering options will mirror those of past seasons when the seaside course "where the turf meets the surf" rolls out its seven-week season starting Wednesday, July 21.

The new bet is one that has proven highly popular at other racing venues and is expected to find a happy home among Del Mar's faithful. It is a 50¢ Pick Four, which will be offered on the final four races daily on the Wednesday through Sunday cards.

The bet, which is a tweak on the track's previous $1 Pick Four, first surfaced at Keeneland in Kentucky in 2007 and has met with pari-mutuel success at several other tracks, including Churchill Downs. It requires players to pick the winners of four consecutive races.

Del Mar will feature the standard win, place and show wagering on all its races, as well as the following "exotic" bets:

The $2 Pick Six (on the day's final six races), $2 Rolling Double (on all races but the last), $2 Quinella (all races), $2 Parlay, $1 Rolling Pick Three (starting with the first race and ending with the last three), $1 Super High Five (on the day's final race), $1 Place Pick All, Exacta (all races), Trifecta (all races with at least six betting interests) and the minimum 10¢ Superfecta (races with at least eight betting interests).

The track's betting "exotics" are relatively simple to understand: The Pick Six requires picking the winners of six straight races. A Daily Double requires picking the winners of two consecutive races. A Quinella requires picking the first two horses (in either order) in one race. An Exacta requires picking the first two horses (in exact order) in one race. A Trifecta requires picking the first three horses (in exact order) in one race. A Parlay requires the picking of at least two consecutive winners, with the winnings from the earlier bet(s) going back on the subsequent race(s). A Pick Three requires picking the winners of three consecutive races. A Superfecta requires picking the first through fourth horse in a single race in correct order. A Super High Five requires selecting the first through fifth horse in a single race in correct order.

Del Mar's 37-day meeting begins Wednesday, July 21 and runs through Wednesday, September 8. Racing will be conducted Wednesdays through Sundays.

http://www.dmtc.com/

July 4 is just around the corner which means lots of things to do and see — like fireworks. Whether you like your fireworks big, small or set to music, just about every city and community in San Diego will have something for you to ooh and aah at. Here’s a quick look at where to head so you can watch glistening fireworks to celebrate our country’s independence. All fireworks shows and activities listed below take place on Sunday unless otherwise noted. Be careful and have fun!

Paradise Point Resort & Spa “9th Annual All-American BBQ & Fireworks Extravaganza,”1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay: (858) 274-4630 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (858) 274-4630      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Barbecue at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 3rd (this is the only Saturday fireworks display for the 4th in San Diego); adults $59, children $25. Kids activities and carnival. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show, Downtown: (619) 686-6200 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 686-6200      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or thebigbay.com for parking/shuttle information and map. Fireworks, from barges placed near Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero area and Seaport Village; at 9 p.m. to music from 105.7 “The Walrus” FM radio.

Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown: sdmaritime.org or (619) 234-9153 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 234-9153      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Fireworks, picnic dinner and live music aboard the Berkeley Ferry; adults $40; children ages 5-10, $20; children ages 4 and under free; and up, $65. Check-in: 5 p.m.

Summer Pops: “Star Spangled Pops” on the Embarcadero Marina Park South, Downtown: (619) 235-0804 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 235-0804      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Concerts with Marvin Hamlisch. $17-$76. Gates open 6 p.m., concerts at 7:30 p.m.

Hornblower Cruises & Events, 1066 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown: (888) 467-6256 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (888) 467-6256      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Dinner cruise, fireworks viewing and live music from 7 to 10 p.m. Board at 6:30 p.m. $115 per person. Discount for children 4-12.

Yacht America sunset and fireworks sail, 1050 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown: (800) 644-3454 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800) 644-3454      end_of_the_skype_highlighting; sunsetsail-sandiego.googlepages.com. Departs at 6 p.m. Traditional picnic fare, soft drinks; BYO alcohol. Adults $125; children 12 and under $80.

USS Midway Museum’s “Apple Pie 4th of July” celebration; 910 North Harbor Drive, Downtown: midway.org. Doors open at 6 p.m. Visitors can bring aboard picnics, and then watch the fireworks. Live music performance by N.R.G Energy. Limited tickets available; adults $15; children 17 and under $10.

Coronado Fourth of July Celebration, Spreckels Park; Glorietta Bay: ecoronado.com or (619) 328-2461 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 328-2461      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Daylong festivities include a 15k run, 5k run/walk and rough-water swim. Live music TBA. July 3 parade at 10 a.m.; fireworks on July 4 at 9 p.m.

La Jolla Cove, Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1180 Coast Blvd.: (858) 456-1700 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (858) 456-1700      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Mission Bay Yacht Club, 1215 El Carmel Place, Mission Bay: (858) 488-0501 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (858) 488-0501      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Boat parade; Dixieland Jazz band and Tommy and the Stilettos will perform; fireworks at 9 p.m. (Members-only parking.)

“31st Annual Ocean Beach Fireworks off the Pier”; Ocean Beach Pier, end of Newport Avenue: (619) 226-8613 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 226-8613      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or oceanbeachsandiego.com. Fireworks at 9 p.m. simulcast to 103.7 FM radio.

Sea World San Diego’s “Fireworks: Into the Blue”; 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay: (800) 25-SHAMU begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800) 25-SHAMU      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Extended fireworks set to patriotic music at about 9:50 p.m.

Mira Mesa, Mira Mesa Community Park/Gil Johnson Recreation Center, 8575 New Salem St.: (858) 538-8122 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (858) 538-8122      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Noon-9 p.m. parade, family activities; fireworks at 9 p.m.

“Santee Salutes”; Santee Town Center Community Park’s West Ball Fields; 9400 Cuyamaca St.: ci.santee.ca.us or (619) 258-4100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 258-4100      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, ext. 201. Free. Family activities and fireworks, 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Spring Valley Park, 8735 Jamacha Blvd., Spring Valley: (619) 479-1832 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 479-1832      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. At the swap meet behind the Spring Valley Community Center. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

San Diego County Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.: (858) 755-1161 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (858) 755-1161      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or sdfair.com. 7:30 p.m. Navy Band Southwest; 9 p.m. fireworks, followed by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts concert. Free with fair admission.

Grape Day Park, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido: 4 to 10 p.m. (760) 839-4138 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 839-4138      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Activities starting at 5 p.m.; no barbecuing or dogs allowed; big parking lot will not be accessible; food available for purchase. Marine Corps will perform at 8 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.

Julian, Main Street: (760) 765-1857 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 765-1857      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Pre-parade activities begin at 10 a.m. with parade at noon; no fireworks.

Legoland’s “Red, White and Boom!” 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad: (760) 918-5346 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 918-5346      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment by the Jumpitz. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. All activities included with admission.

“17th Annual Independence Day Parade”; July 3 at North Tyson Street Park in Oceanside going from Coast Highway to Wisconsin Avenue to Civic Center Drive: msoceanside.com or (760) 535-5227 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 535-5227      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Daylong family-friendly activities. No fireworks.

Olive Pierce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona: ramonachamber.com or (760) 789-1311 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 789-1311      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Family activities start at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Tune in to music on 96.5 FM radio.

Old Poway Park’s “Old Fashioned 4th of July,” 14134 Midland Road, Poway: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music and family-friendly activities available with fireworks celebration taking place at Poway High School.

Bradley Park, 465 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos: ci.san-marcos.ca.us or (760) 744-9000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 744-9000      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Free to the public with entertainment at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Brengle Terrace Park’s “Red, White and Boom” celebration, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista: (760) 726-1340 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (760) 726-1340      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, ext. 1571, or cityofvista.com. Park opens at 7 a.m. Family activities; live music; barbecue fundraiser sponsored by Famous Dave, $65 per person but $500 for table of eight; free to public, parking $10 per vehicle; fireworks at 9 p.m.

Kimball Park, 12th Street and D Avenue, National City: Carnival 5 p.m. daily July 1 through 3. (619) 336-4290 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (619) 336-4290      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Live entertainment by North Carolina Concert band at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. on July 4.

Don't worry, "research" doesn't entail an awful, taxing process. In fact, if done right, finding and hiring moving companies can be a smooth, painless exercise -- so long as you follow a few basic steps and stay on your toes.

1. Research mover names. Ask for recommendations from family and friends, check out the phone book for local movers, and go to a Website that offers free quotes, such as Relocation's prescreened list of quality moving companies.

Don't always assume that a big van line is the best option; there are plenty of quality, independently-owned movers that can offer you a great experience at a reasonable price.

2. Start calling. Don't get quotes over the phone; the only solid estimate is one that you get after you have a moving company representative in your home looking at your stuff.

However, you can use this initial phone call as a good screen to see if you're comfortable with the movers -- ask about the number of moves they make, whether they own their own equipment or contract out, how long they've been in business, and whether they're a member of the American Moving and Storage Association.

None of their answers should disqualify them, but asking these questions is a good way to give you a glimpse of the type of company you'll be working with.

After talking to a handful of companies, arrange for at least 3 in-home assessments so you can get accurate estimates of how much your move will cost.

3. The in-home assessment. Show the moving company everything you plan to move. The more thorough you are in detailing what has to be moved, the more accurate the estimate will be. Also, let the estimator know about any factors at your home -- or the home you're moving to -- that could complicate the move. A steep set of stairs to climb, for instance, might add to the costs.

Remember: Disclose everything so there are no surprises at the end.

The in-home assessment is a good time to get a feel about the company you're thinking of hiring -- a quality estimator probably represents a quality company. You should also get a lot of information about the company, because this interview will form the backbone of your decision.

There are several factors that determine not only the price you will pay for your move, but the quality of service you receive. For example, some moving companies will negotiate for your business.

Above all, beware of the low-ball offer. There IS such a thing as "too good to be true." If an estimate is extremely lower in comparison to the others, you're more likely to get hit up for costs later.

4. The estimate. Now that you have the moving estimate, be sure you understand it completely. The documents you get from the moving company should include the estimate, which could be a combined document that serves as your order for service and your bill of lading -- be sure to clarify with your moving company.

For an interstate move, make sure the estimate has a description of the type and quantity of goods you're shipping, the distance of the move, delivery dates, and any additional services you've requested.

A local move estimate (generally under 50 miles, but it varies state by state) won't go by weight, but by hourly rate and any additional costs you'll be responsible for; an intrastate move over 50 miles will be based on weight

During this process, you'll also be asked to consider valuation coverage to protect your goods. You are covered up to the predetermined amount. Your existing insurance policies could cover you as well, be sure to ask your agent -- but it's barebones, so you might want more.

5. The final check. You've narrowed down your list of your movers; now you should check them out with the secretary of state, the Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to make sure your mover is licensed and doesn't have any problems with unresolved complaints.

6. Choose your mover!

This article was written by a Relocation.com staff member. Relocation.com is a leading provider of moving quotes and information on moving companies.

I previously posted a few months ago that the Homebuyer Tax Credit deadline was June 30, 2010.  Fortunately, the popular tax credit deadline has been extended to September 30, 2010.  See the information below from our friends at Frontdoor.com!

UPDATE: The closing deadline for the popular homebuyer tax credit has been extended from June 30, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2010. For homebuyers who met the April 30 deadline to have a home under contract, this extension provides three additional months to close on purchases and take advantage of the valuable tax incentive.

First time homebuyers aren't the only ones who can claim a tax credit when they purchase a home. Now current homeowners can take advantage of the tax break too, if they qualify.

For more information about this property click here!

Small boxes are a godsend. Large boxes become too heavy and unwieldy fast. It’s a lot easier to deal with lots of small boxes rather than fewer big ones that are too heavy to lift. As a rule, try to keep all boxes under 50 pounds to make sure they’re manageable.

Keep all pairs or parts together. Curtain rod hangers, furniture screws, mirror bolts, and other little hardware should be bagged and taped to the underside of the piece with which they belong. Cords that go with any electrical items should be coiled and taped to the device too.

Take inventory. Label boxes clearly and carefully, using a permanent marker to write down the contents on top top and side of each box so they're easy to identify. Consider creating a spreadsheet with more detailed notes on what each box holds, so post-move if you're frantic for a measuring cup, say, you'll know exactly where to find it.

Fabric is your friend. To cut back on the amount of bubble wrap you have to buy, use textiles like socks, towels, and bedsheets to fill excess space in boxes.

Fill boxes in layers. Put the heavy stuff on the bottom, medium weight next, and the lightest items up top. Use crushed paper or pieces of cardboard between the layers as dividers.

Start with the old. After you’re done weeding out what you don’t need, pack the out of season stuff first. Next, go with the stuff you don’t use very often, and leave the things that you use all the time for last.

Spring for the heavy duty garbage bags. Regular garbage bags rip easily the minute you start filling them with linens and clothes. Thicker, heavier bags make all the difference to avoid tearing.

Go room by room. To stay organized, and to make it easier to unpack, pack boxes systematically, room by room. I actually assigned each room a color, and used color-coded stickers on each box to help me keep track of what goes where later. It’s also helpful to pack similar items together—mixing teacups with a cast iron skillet is a bad idea.

Keep items in their proper place. When packing silverware for example, keep the flatware in its tray and wrap the whole thing with bubble wrap to keep it secure. It’s going to make things a heck of a lot easier to sort and unpack post-move.

Designate the essentials. Mark a few “load last, unload first” boxes filled with key items—stuff you’re going to want in the first 24 hours. Some of these things vary from person to person but mine will include things like: box cutter, toilet paper, garbage bags, shampoo, all-purpose cleaner, tools for reassembling furniture, coffee machine, towels, toaster oven, shower curtain, and a stereo (since good music makes any chore—even moving—feel like less of a drag).

Source: yahoo.com

Below is a great article I found on Yahoo Finance News about Foreclosures. Many people are unsure about the time period after a foreclosure needed before being able to buy another home. This article gives you all the information you need to know!

Seller will entertain offers between $600,000 - $660,876

OPEN HOUSE!! THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 29 & 30 1-4 PM!!

This lovely home has A/C and was rebuilt in 2000.  Turnkey condition! Newer appliances and roof.  Beautiful lot with unobstructed panoramic canyon views.  10-foot sliding doors on back of home.  The back yard was professionally landscaped with a koi pond and a built-in BBQ.  
Special features of this home include:  bullnosed corners throughout, a wood and gas fireplace in the living room, all walls are insulated with sound insulation between family room and master bedroom, solid wood bedroom doors, recessed lighting in most rooms, programmable timer controlled lighting in selected areas, Honeywell security system, wired for cable and phone in each bedroom, Directv system, wired for sound system in family and living rooms, high-end American Standard tubs, sinks and fixtures, plush carpeting throughout, Italian bathroom tiles.
EAT-IN KITCHEN - which includes a Thermador gas cook top and electric convection oven with built-in draw down exhaust vent, Kenmore dishwasher, granite tile counters, custom laminate cabinets, cermamic tile flooring, under the sink water filtration and hand-through window over the kitchen sink to the patio. GARAGE - both front and rear roll-up insulated doors, finished walls, epoxy coated floor, wall shelves and pull down ladder to storage attic.
BACKYARD - professionally landscaped lawn with flower beds and fruit trees, 1,500 gallon koi pond, gas DCS stainless steel BBQ with rotisserie and marble counters, automatic sprinkler and programmable timer to control landscape lighting system.
FRONTYARD - ceramic tiled courtyard w/ rose beds..new driveway wired for automatic front gate..fruit trees..automatic sprinker system & programmable timer for landscape lighting system.

Click here for more information on this home!

Wake up every day to unobstructed views of the ocean, bay and city! This home includes alll new doors and windows and gorgeous wood floors. It's spacious kitchen boasts granite countertops, some upgraded stainless steel appliances and double oven with microwave.
You will love the large family room to relax by the fireplace. There are views abound from the family room, living room, kitchen and master bedroom.  Nice-sized back and side yards to watch the fireworks.
This home has great curb appeal with privacy wall and gate. Excellent schools include: Bird Rock Elementary, Muirlands Middle School and La Jolla High School.

For more information on this magnificent home with breathtaking views, click here!

SAN DIEGO — San Diego County resale house prices rose 14.7 percent in the first quarter to a median $379,000, the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday, making the county one of 91 metro areas showing a year-over-year increase.

The numbers placed San Diego in 16th place in appreciation and seventh in price level out of 152 metro areas covered.

Home prices rose in nearly 60 percent of U.S. cities in the first quarter of this year, as the housing market started to stabilize as a result of billions of dollars in federal spending. The national median of $166,100 was down 0.7 percent from the fourth quarter of 2009, a reflection of a general flattening of prices nationally. San Diego was off $200.

Federal tax credits — $8,000 for new buyers and $6,500 for current owners — helped gin up home sales this spring as many buyers raced to purchase a home in time to qualify before the incentives expired at the end of April.

“The (federal homebuyer) tax credit has been very effective in drawing down excess inventory, with about 1 million additional sales resulting directly from the stimulus,” said Lawrence Yun, the association’s chief economist.

Although San Diego prices rose, they remain far below the peak set in 2005, and some analysts say the increase reflects a change in market mix — more high-priced homes selling than in previous quarters — than a major increase in value. Earlier this week, Zillow.com placed San Diego’s values up nearly 4 percent in March, compared with March 2009.

Sales nationally ran at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.14 million in the quarter, down 14 percent from the tax-rebate-induced surge of 5.97 million in the fourth quarter. But the count was 11.4 percent above year-ago levels.

San Diego-based MDA DataQuick had reported first-quarter sales in the county at 8,014, down 23 percent from the fourth quarter and 0.8 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2009.

DataQuick’s median price for San Diego for the quarter, based on official data rather than real estate agent reports, was $360,000 for single-family resale houses, up 14.3 percent from year-ago levels.

Saginaw, Mich., about 100 miles north of Detroit, posted the highest increase over the year, up 100.7 percent. Yun called that “not very meaningful,” because the first quarter of 2009 saw very high levels of foreclosure sales at highly discounted prices in Midwest metros.

With the federal housing tax credits now over, many experts anticipate home sales will soften in the near term, and that could siphon some momentum in home price increases.

Prices also could be hurt as banks unload their backlogs of foreclosed homes. And despite rising prices, nearly one-quarter of all U.S. homeowners with a mortgage still owe more on their loans than their homes are worth, according to CoreLogic.

That’s why many housing experts project home prices will remain almost flat for the next two years, according to a survey of leading economists by The Associated Press last month.

The Realtors association is projecting prices will increase “very modestly” in the second half of this year, assuming unemployment and the economy don’t take a turn for the worse, Molony said.

The Associated Press contributed to this article

$795,876

Outstanding gorgeous canyon views from this beautifully remodeled and expanded home in popular and quiet area. The spacious kitchen is a dream, with an island and a 36 inch 6 burner Dacor stove. This home also includes a huge master suite with walk in closet and separate sitting room, fireplace, and balcony overlooking tranquil canyon. You will love the expansive private yard with plenty of room to entertain. There is a first floor bedroom, ceiling fans, new paneled doors throughout. This home has everything you want!

Click here for more information on this gorgeous home!

 

 

Fueled by rising stock prices and an improving outlook for the national economy, San Diego County’s leading economic indicators rose 1 percent in March, marking a full year of continuing rises in the index after three years of decline.

The 12-month rise in the index signals that the local economy hit bottom late last year or early this year, according to a report released Wednesday by the Burnham-Moores Real Estate Institute at the University of San Diego.

USD economist Alan Gin, who compiles the index, said he was particularly encouraged by improvements in hiring. Employers added 5,000 workers to their payrolls in March, the best monthly gain in local employment since February 2008.

Despite the hiring, San Diego’s unemployment rate hit a near- record 11 percent in March. But Gin described that as a “positive development” because it signifies that a number of potential job seekers who have been sitting on the fence while waiting for the job market to improve have now begun looking for work.

Five of the six criteria that Gin uses to gauge the local economy’s trajectory were up in March:

• Home construction. Building permits during the first quarter were 21 percent higher than in the same period of 2009, which had the lowest amount of home construction on record in the county. The recent strength in housing prices and sales — fueled in part by state and federal tax credits and other incentives — led to a near doubling of single-family permits. But multifamily permits were almost 36 percent lower than last year.

• Jobless claims. Even though the jobless rate is on the rise, initial claims for unemployment insurance fell for the sixth straight month. The total number of claims has continued to grow because of recent extensions to unemployment benefits.

• Want ads. Help-wanted advertising, based on data collated by the Monster Employment Index, has been rising for five months and is at its highest level since December 2008. According to the index, a survey of all online advertising maintained by the Monster.com employment site, the categories that have seen the greatest growth include education and training, law, protective services, food preparation and retail. Despite the recent growth in the index, however, job postings remain far below normal and are well under the national average.

• Stock prices. Gin’s index of local stock prices rose 10.6 percent for the first quarter, climbing with the rest of the stock market.

• National economy. The national Index of Leading Economic Indicators, compiled by the Conference Board in New York, advanced by a relatively strong 1.4 percent in March and has now also been up for an entire year.

“The indicators point to a slow recovery that should continue over the next few months,” said Ken Goldstein, senior economist at the Conference Board, which is composed of the top executives of some of the world’s leading companies.

Goldstein said that improvement in employment and income are the key factors in whether consumers push the recovery on a stronger path. But March did provide some good news in that regard, with the national economy adding 162,000 jobs, the strongest gain since March 2007.

The only negative on Gin’s list was local consumer confidence, based on polls conducted by The San Diego Union-Tribune. The three-month average for consumer confidence that Gin uses for his index was down in March. But the three-month average masks an upward swing in March. The Union-Tribune’s telephone survey of county residents showed that confidence grew 4 percent between February and March and is 72 percent higher than it was in March 2009, which was the lowest month on record for the survey.