Downtown San Diego is growing and with 50+ buildings and more on the way, San Diego’s skyline has quickly transformed into a chic and trendy local with hundreds of venues, including restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters, shopping, a stadium, local farmer’s markets, and so much more.
——–
Check out Downtown San Diego’s Largest Condos.
Click here for a map of downtown’s 8 unique residential districts.
Tips for Buying Foreclosures
February 11, 2010 – San Diego Foreclosures are at the top of every homebuyer’s wish list. With distressed banks trying to unload their assets at record rates, they have drastically cut home prices and put them on the market to sell, and to sell fast! The longer banks hold on to these assets, the more it costs them in upkeep, attorney fees, property taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.
Here are some helpful tips to buying foreclosures in San Diego’s recovering housing market.
1. Be patient!
With so many buyer’s competing for the best foreclosure bank owned bargains, many of these deals are getting bid up so high that they are no longer the bargain they appeared to be. It’s best to stick to a price you feel comfortable with and don’t let your emotions carry you into uncomfortable territory. There are more foreclosures on the way, and the right one for you may hit the market tomorrow or next week!
2. Get pre-approved with the same bank that owns the home
If you’re making an offer on a home owned by Wells Fargo, they may favor your offer over others if you pre-approve with them directly as well. This is a way for the seller to minimize the risk that you’ll come across third party lender issues, and they may be able to make some gains working on your loan as well. You can never be forced to use a certain lender so you can always change your mind and choose another lender.
3. Don’t be afraid of a fixer upper
Most banks sell their homes in “as-is” condition. They rarely want to get into the business of making repairs and other accommodations, as it’s not in their best interest to do so. That being said, they price the homes accordingly. Since fixer upper homes usually take more imagination and capital, there are fewer buyers competing for them, so you also have a better chance of getting your offer accepted. In most cases, the homes are priced far lower than it would take to bring them up to speed again. Unfortunately, many homeowners who are foreclosed on leave their homes in less than good conditions, and sometimes they trash the home. A buyer that can look beyond this can get a great deal by investing some time and effort in their new home.
4. Wait for the home to sit for a few days before making an offer
As I’m sure you’ve already noticed if you’re making offers in today’s market, foreclosures tend to have multiple offers within days of being listed. This is because the buying frenzy has created an environment of desperation. Some homebuyers have been trying for months to get their offers accepted, so now their strategy has turned to making offers on many more properties, many times without even looking at the homes in person yet. Tell your agent to talk to the listing agent or seller and try to get a good read of what the other offers may be like. By waiting a few days for the bulk of the offers to come in, you may get a competitive advantage by waiting for other buyers to show their cards first.
5. Preview homes with a contractor
Having a good contractor by your side when you’re touring properties can be very helpful. A contractor can tell you how big or small a problem is. Many times issues may appear more complex than they really are. Conversely, many times what may appear to be a minor issue may actually involve a lot more than expected. A good agent can help you leverage this information when you’re writing offers.
6. Keep your offers simple and clean
With so many offers on the table, banks much rather go with a simpler contract that doesn’t ask for dozens of little items or ones with lengthy contingency periods, complex addendums, and inconsistent requests. For the banks it’s all about the bottom line and a quick closing. Having an agent that’s well versed and experienced in bank owned foreclosures, also known as REOs, is crucial when you’re putting your offer together. Good agents know what a clean offer looks like, while at the same time protecting your interests.
Downtown San Diego’s East Village on the Rise
February 1, 2010 – Downtown San Diego is made up of 6 districts, or areas, each one with their own unique flavors, activities and ambiance. They include the thriving East Village, Marina District, Little Italy, and Gaslamp districts. In recent years, the East Village has grown tremendously in popularity. In 2004, Petco Park, the new Padres stadium, was erected. This drew a lot of traffic to the area, and small businesses have sprung up all over the place. The culture and daily life in the East Village is a very “happy go lucky” one. Everyone seems to be in a great mood all the time. Since it’s not in the heavily trafficked business district, it’s quieter and more relaxed during the day and evening. Just a few blocks away are rows of nightlife and bars that line the Gaslamp District, with all they have to offer. There are now 2 major grocery chains within walking distance, including an Albertsons and a Ralphs. East Village is a walkable community, with restaurants, services, coffee shops and small businesses at every block. The East Village Tavern and Bowl has become a highly successful bowling venue combined with a hip lounge and bar. A few wine bars have also sprung up in the area. You can walk to movie theatres, the Horton Plaza shopping center, the convention center, Seaport Village and have access to many trolley lines which network to the rest of the County.
Recently there has been talk about a potential new Charger’s Stadium to be built right in the East Village, near the Padre’s Petco Park. This would most certainly help local businesses even more and bring even greater incentives and attractions to residents and visitors. There is a growing Business Improvement District (BID) for the area. The idea is that local business owners all contribute to a fund that the city then invests in local improvements. The city is required to spend this money on attracting visitors and business to the area.
East Village boasts gorgeous medium and high-rise condominium towers. Icon and Legend are two luxury residential towers with views right into Petco Park. M2i and Fahrenheit are mid-rise complexes with many different floor plans, including trendy lofts. There are many other chic and trendy towers and complexes to choose from.
Condo prices have remained strong in the East Village over the last year, though they are substantially lower than they were a few years ago. But with prices at all time lows, many young couples and business professionals are flocking to San Diego’s East Village in search of something unique, a completely walkable neighborhood tucked next to San Diego’s blossoming and thriving downtown, and all that it has to offer.
I’ve worked, lived, and own property in Downtown San Diego. As a Broker in the area, I feel very hopeful for the East Village and I think people who invest in this area now while the market is so depreciated will reap the rewards once the economy is back in full gear.
A few years ago it would have seemed unimaginable to find a great condo with a view, brand new with all the upgrades, right in the heart of Downtown for under $300,000, but now you can find 2 bedroom units in that range and even 1 bedroom units for under $200,000. That’s amazing! If you haven’t driven around Downtown lately, you owe it to yourself to do so. It’s not the same downtown it was a few years ago. It’s an exciting new hot spot that is sure to attract even more people with the years to come.
Take 2 minutes to watch a news story that FOX 5 San Diego reported on Father Joe’s Village. The HomeReach Volunteer Association surprised Father Joe’s Village and President, David Tal got to say a few words!
At HomeReach.com, we are here for you! Start searching HomeReach.com and see how we are changing the face of real estate in San Diego!
“HomeReach.com Hits a Home Run of a Lifetime”
SAN DIEGO – September 15, 2009 – In the Padres 7 – 3 win against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, September 13th, Padre Player Will Venable was not the only one to hit a home run. Locally based San Diego Real Estate Company, HomeReach.com also hit a home run, creating an experience of a lifetime when they took 62 local underprivileged kids and parents to watch a Padres Game, in VIP style!
North County Solutions for Change has been fighting to solve family homelessness in North County, San Diego for almost ten years. They have created the Solutions University in an effort to provide them with the skills and resources needed to stay out of homelessness permanently.
Seeing the Padres make the Rockie’s hunt for October a little tougher was just part of the adventure. Thanks to local food sponsors Deli South Africa and Royal Gourmet, the families were provided with an early Sunday brunch before being transported to Petco Park in luxurious limousine buses donated by Cali Party Bus. “The look on the children’s faces when they saw these two incredible limo buses pull up brought a tear to my eye. It’s just genuine and innocent pure child happiness. A day for them to just be kids, and all the while raising donations and awareness for their cause” Tal explains. “For most of them, it had been over a year since they’d been on a field trip.” Arriving at Petco Park, children 14 and under received Padre Caps and autographs by catcher, Eliezer Alfonzo. To top it off, the Pad Squad made a surprise visit to the children with free Padre promotional items.
The event was part of HomeReach.com’s “Your Home. Our Community.” campaign, launched last month with an event with San Diego’s Habitat For Humanity. The movement brings together HomeReach.com’s real estate agents, and invites friends and families to join their volunteer force and help them make a difference to thousands of San Diegans. Every month, HomeReach.com will team up with a local charity to sponsor a “home related” philanthropic event. “Our Sharing is Caring culture goes beyond sharing our commissions with our clients, but to all locals in need who live in our shared home, San Diego,” Tal explains. “In a quiet economy, charities are hit the hardest, taking tremendous blows to their expected donation levels, so many have been forced to lay off workers, pull back on community efforts, and much worse… close. It’s more important than ever that we act now!”
Sunday’s experience could not have been the success it was without the generosity of Vista based company, Global Plastic Sheeting. Co-Owner, Lee Hinsley, reflects on the day’s event, “It was such a fun, fulfilling day spending it at the Padre game with the group from Solutions for Change. Everyone here at Global Plastic Sheeting is still trying to digest the unforgettable day we all had.”
As the event came to a close and the kids and families were nearing their homes, one could see why HomeReach.com selected to partner with North County Solutions for Change. Event coordinator, Russell Meyerowitz explains, “As we exited Melrose Drive on the 78, the bus broke out with cheers. It was a special moment; to hear the residents were happy to go back to the Solutions Center means the organization has really made a change in these lives and now for us (HomeReach.com) to be part of it is unreal.” If you are a San Diego based organization or a volunteer who would like to be part of the “Your Home. Our Community.” Initiative, please visit www.HomeReach.com for more information.
Hi Everyone,
The HomeReach.com Team has been quite busy as of late and we are not looking to slow down!
Last Friday, September 11th we participated in the SDAR Chili Cook Off with our specialized agents from Poway. We made, what we thought, was some awesome chili for the event, but unfortunately we did not come in 1st place. In any case it was a pleasure to be part of the event with the other sponsors and meeting some great San Diegans while enjoying everyone’s Chili.
We would also like to take this time to remember the day we will all never forget.. 9/11… Thank you to the NYPD and NYFD.
This Sunday we have another little bonus for all of you… a chance to listen to HomeReach.com Founder, David Tal on KOGO. Every Sunday morning from 9:00am – 10:00am KOGO (AM600) has a dedicated real estate show with the President of the SDAR. You will be able to listen first hand to what HomeReach.com is all about and how David Tal and the rest of our agents are able to share their commissions with you!
Even if you are not looking for a new house, to sell your house or constantly searching for foreclosures, we would still love to meet you and hope to see you around this beautiful city.
All the best,
The HomeReach.com Team
Picture Below: Founder, David Tal is all smiles at the SDAR Chili Cook Off!
As you are all well aware, the HomeReach Volunteer Association has begun and we are well on our way. This Sunday we have our second event, which is a really special one for all those involved. Along with North County Solutions For Change and sponsor, Global Plastic Sheeting we are taking 62 kids and parents who are battling solving their family homelessness. Many of the kids have never been to a Padres game and not only will they be treated to a free ticket, but they will be arriving at Petco Park in Limo Buses! We have to give props to the local company, Cali Party Bus who is helping us out with the limos.
We also must take this opportunity to thank the individuals who have helped to make this happen as well as food sponsors, Del-SA, Restaurant Depot and Royal Gourmet. Without everyone’s support and desire to lend a hand to the community, we could not have done this. THANK YOU!
HERE IS THE ARTICLE THAT WAS PUBLISHED THROUGH THE UNION TRIBUNE:
September 11, 2009
Several dozen North County homeless children and their parents will be treated to a Padres game with all the trimmings Sunday, thanks to the efforts of a San Diego real estate agency and other donors who pitched in to support the outing.
Two limo buses will pick up the group of 62 children and parents Sunday morning at North County Solutions for Change, a Vista-based homeless shelter that works with families in an effort to provide them with the skills and resources needed to get off the streets permanently.
“I don’t know if they’re more excited about the limo bus or the baseball game. They’re just fired up; it’s great,” said Chris Megison, president and executive director of North County Solutions for Change.
When the outing was announced at a meeting, “the look on (the children’s) faces was just priceless,” Megison said. “They couldn’t believe it.”
The excursion was organized by HomeReach.com, a real estate agency based in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. David Tal, the company’s principal agent and founder, said the event is part of an overall campaign to assist worthy organizations throughout the county.
Each month, volunteers organized by HomeReach.com are planning to participate in a charitable event that’s connected to housing in some way, Tal said. In July, the first month of the campaign, volunteers helped build a house with Habitat for Humanity in Oceanside.
Tal said his company chose Solutions for Change after reading about the nonprofit’s work on its Web site.
“Chris (Megison) was so excited when I told him what we wanted to do,” Tal said. “Charities are suffering right now.”
The group will sit near the third-base line at Petco Park to watch the Padres play the Colorado Rockies. The trip will include food, drinks and T-shirts for participants. All of the services have been donated, Tal said.
A Vista-based company, Global Plastic Sheeting, also is a major sponsor of the event. Several individual donors have contributed as well.
Solutions for Change is always looking for ways to bring homeless children and their parents into the mainstream of society, Megison said.
“When a kid can go to a ballgame, and sit back and have a hot dog and popcorn and in the seventh inning sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game,’ I don’t know anything more American, more mainstream than that,” he said. “It puts our families out in the community in a way that says, ‘We’re part of this community just like anyone else.’ ”
The Padres event isn’t the only significant contribution received recently by North County Solutions for Change. Last month, employees of Watkins Manufacturing, a spa builder in Vista, brought 20 boxes of supplies and a check for $15,000 to the homeless shelter. The donation came from Watkins’ parent company, Masco Corp.
“In this day and age right now, with the recession knocking a lot of nonprofits in the kneecaps, the word ‘grateful’ just doesn’t seem to reflect how I personally feel,” Megison said about the donations. “Without these companies coming through, we can’t solve homelessness for these kids and families.”
Joe Tash is a freelance writer from Oceanside.
Some special North Park homes are becoming proposed as the Dryden Historic District. These are along both 28th and Pershing Streets that features a high concentration of homes designed and built by the renowned arts and crafts era architect/builder David Owen Dryden. With North Park homes being known for upholding their craftsmanship this proposed district is no surprise. The Dryden Historic District will feature a neighborhood of twentieth century craftsman bungalows, Spanish colonial revival homes and California bungalows built in the 1920s and 1930s.
View ALL Foreclosures in North Park
Craftsman style homes are common in older neighborhoods of San Diego, mainly near Downtown San Diego. To distinguish between decorative and fine art homes are based on functionality, status as a unique creation, or single-artist production. This is what North Park is offering to families or people who are looking to raise a family. Also with homes like these they have room for improvement while maintaining their uniqueness which they were intended for.
Looking for a great property in North Park? Contact HomeReach.com Area Specialist Justin Johnson today!
Justin Johnson
HomeReach.com
Sales Agent/ REALTOR®
mobile: (619) 619-5513
fax: (619) 872-2471
Information and Contacts regarding Train Horns & the Quiet Zone project in San Diego
Quiet Zone – Project Update
Aug 02, 2009
Hello everyone,
It has been way too long, I know, since you have heard any good news about the progress on the Quiet Zone Project, much less any news at all. One simple reason you have not received any news is because there was none to report.
The most recent QZ Update Meeting for the Task Force was called by and chaired by Councilman Kevin Faulconer on July 30 at City Hall.
Present at this meeting were:
Kevin Faulconer, Councilmember, City of San Diego
Jen Steele, Union Tribune Reporter
Omni Hotel, two representatives
Gary Smith, Pres. SDDRG
Patrick McArron, www.quietzonesd.info
Representative from Susan Davis’ Office
Representatives from City Front Terrace
Joyce Summer, CCDC
Derek Danziger, CCDC VP Marketing & Communications
Scott Johnson, CCDC
Frank Alessi, CCDC Exec VP & CFO
Fred Maas, CCDC Chair
Marriott Hotel, one representative
Vito Altieri, Little Italy Association
And others
In all there were about 30 persons including guests from Horizon.
As was noted at the meeting Kevin has been the driving force to get the Quiet Zone moving forward and that has been no easy task. This is without question the most complicated project ever undertaken by CCDC. Complicated because there are no less than five government entities involved: CCDC, MTS, BNSF, NCTD & City of San Diego.
Downtown San Diego Homes For Sale
The meeting began with introductions of the members at the table and guests.
Then came a detailed briefing and timeline of events from CCDC, the coordinating agency of this project. See attached document for details. Scott Johnson is the lead coordinator on this project for CCDC and he would like to see this done just as much as any of us.
Safety is the # 1 goal of this project. The affected intersections will be significantly safer for auto and pedestrian traffic. Fewer Horn Blasts as the freight trains progress through Downtown between Laurel and the rail yard will be the resulting byproduct of this project.
It was noted that there are a couple of issues that need to be resolved with NCTD and a meeting has been set for mid-August to iron out those issues. See news article from Jen Steele .
Bottom line: The project is very much alive and all parties concerned are nearing completion of agreements and memorandums of understanding. Money has long been allocated
Please find attached to this email a copy of the Meeting Agenda and CCDC Project Update. This information is also available on the www.quietzonesd.info website. The website is getting fresh material this coming week.
It is conceivable construction could happen as early as Jan 2010 barring any unforeseen events. The project once begun will take approx 12 months to complete. This project requires that 13 intersections (railway crossings) be modified to meet Federal Requirements to qualify for Quiet Zone status.
Sadly, for some, the delays in completing this project has been unacceptable and they have moved away from Downtown. Others are threatening to move and those who seek Downtown as a future home are questioning whether or not to do so because of the Train Horn noise at night. Property values are affected and the overall quality of life is less than desirable.
This project also has a bearing on Hotel & Convention business Downtown. The hotels will tell you, and they did at this meeting, that the Train Horn is the # 1 complaint from guests.
So…. Hang in there and continue to make your voices heard at City Hall, CCDC, MTS, BNSF & NCTD. If all these acronyms are confusing or meaningless to you – they are all explained on the Quiet Zone website.
When you visit the site be sure to enter your comments. They will be shared with the agencies responsible to make this project happen.
My apologies in advance if you receive this email more than once. You may be on more than one of our email lists.
Sincerely,
Pat McArron,
Foreclosures Downtown San Diego