REDISCOVER THE HOMEOWNERSHIP DREAM!

HUD Announces:

Program For Shorter
Period after Bankruptcy,
Foreclosure, and Short Sale

The waiting period after a
bankruptcy, foreclosure, or
short sale has been
reduced to just 1 year
from the event!

Program Requirements are as follows: 
Purchase Transactions Only

Housing counseling must be completed 30 days 
prior to loan application

The bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale must be 
related directly to the loss of job OR 
20% income reduction for at least 6 months

Credit must have been satisfactory before the 
bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale and 
be satisfactory for a minimum of 12 months 
after the event


For more details please feel free to contact me at anytime (619)368-6382
To view all homes for sale in San Diego, CA click on the link below:

allhomesinsandiego.com 

* Note: Program requirements may change

Picture provided by Greenpath Funding, LLC

You Can Be a Seller But Think Like a Buyer

Did you ever read or hear of the book "Men are from Mars women are from Venus"? Psychotherapist, Dr. John Gray gives a great delivery of his theory.  I am particularly impressed with the role-playing of male and female interactions.   Gray portrays in his New York Best Seller, proven ways for men and women to improve their communication by acknowledging the differences between their needs and wants. 

Just like with Seller's and Buyer's they each have their own set of needs and wants.  Now, let me draw your attention to my theory and how we can translate Gray's findings between Men and Women and apply them to Seller's and Buyer's.  Although Seller and Buyer may collide, not often but it does happen.  One can't live without the other. The needs of Seller and Buyer are different.  Seller's want the highest possible price for their home and the Buyer's want to offer the lowest possible price.  However, when the financial needs of Seller and Buyer are met effectively through the expert negotiation skills of a REALTOR there is a meeting of the minds, a union is made, and it's called an acceptance.

Sellers act like a Seller but think like a Buyer.  Remember when you purchased your home? That very home you live in right now, the home you take pride of ownership in.  Yes, that's the one.  Visualize your home through the eyes of a prospective Buyer.  Picture yourself when you purchased your home. What were you feeling?  Buyers today are savvy, they know what they want and so do you.

Buyers are looking for a long time investment so you want to touch the Buyers emotional side.  Have them fall in deeply in love with your home before they even hit the front door.  Make sure your curb appeal is immaculate, add a little color with flowers of the season  to your landscaping.........make your home shine. They are thinking about what their monthly expenses will be for the home.  You might want to create a check list of utilities and monthly maintenance expenses for the prospective Buyer.  Live it for the prospective Buyer during the viewing of your home.  Buyers are also thinking about what their inspector will find during the home inspection.  It may be a good idea for you to have a home inspection done before placing your home on the market.  That way you'll know ahead of time what repairs the buyer may ask for.  Consider making repairs to any thing called out on the report as a safety hazard.  By going that extra little mile will help you get your asking price.  Make sure to contact me for any questions that you may have.  I'm always here to serve your real estate needs at (619)368-6382

To view all homes for sale in San Diego, California click on the link:  allhomesinsandiego.com 

Fun Things To Do In San Diego, California in January 2014

January 17-19, Gem Faire

The Gem Faire, established in 1989, has become a world-renowned marketplace

for the finest in gemstones, beads, jewelry, minerals, fossils, meteorites, lapidary equipment, metaphysical items and much more at the lowest prices in today’s market. Workshops and classes also are offered. Admission: $7.00 (children 11 and younger free).

Time:  Fri. Noon – 6:00 pm / Sat. 10:00 am – 6:00 pm / Sun. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location:  Del Mar Fairgrounds

For more information visit www.gemfaire.com

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 January 17-19, Del Mar Antique Show

More than 250 premier antique dealers from all over California and the western U.S. will be selling the finest in antiques and collectibles. Appraisal service is available for $5 per item. Restoration services are also available. Admission: $8.00 (17 and younger free).

Time:  Fri. & Sat. 11:00 am – 7:00 pm / Sun. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location:  Del Mar Fairgrounds – O’Brien Hall

For more information visit www.delmarfairgrounds.com

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January 18, Sheila Harden San Diego Multi-Cultural Festival

A diversified cultural festival with music, dance performances, storytelling, and a wide range of ethnic foods and merchandise. The Kids Zone has drum circles, face painting, and craft-making activities, plus you can learn about local educational institutions at the Education Fair. Free event.

Time:  11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location:  Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, E.Harbor Dr. between First and Fifth Aves.

For more information visit www.sdmulticultural.com

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January 19, Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

An annual event commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade features marching bands and floats, drill teams, dance groups, and other community groups.

Time:  2:00 pm

Location:  Harbor Drive – Embarcadero

For more information visit  http://alpha-zsl.org/mlkdayparade.html

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January 19, Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon

The Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon features a rolling course, including 14 miles along the Pacific Ocean. Includes fully staffed and equipped water stations, and unsurpassed volunteer support and live entertainment along the way.  See website for registration fees.

Time:  Marathon start at 6:15 am / Half Marathon start at 7:45 am

Location:  Both races start at Westfield Plaza Camino Real, Carlsbad

For more information visit www.carlsbadmarathon.com

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January 19-24, San Diego Restaurant Week

Extraordinary three-course menus from San Diego’s best restaurants. Choose from over 180 of the city’s best restaurants and enjoy a fixed price, three-course dinner for $20, $30 or $40 per person, depending on the restaurant. Also a two-course lunch available $10-$15-$20. There are no tickets or passes required for Restaurant Week. For a complete list of participating restaurants visit the San Diego Restaurant Week website.

Time:  Refer to website

Location:  Refer to website – various locations

For more information visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

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January 20, Free Art in the Park – Poway

Stop by for crafts and free family fun at Community Park.

Time:  10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location:  Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway

For more information visit www.poway.o

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 January 20 – 26, Farmer’s Insurance Open

The Farmer’s Insurance Open is a professional golf tournament and the PGA TOUR stop in San Diego.  Don’t miss the excitement!  Several attractions are open to the public, including the Alaska Airlines Fan Village, the Grey Goose Lounge, Michelob Ultra 19th Hole, Michelob Ultra Oasis, and Beringer Wine Bar. 

Time:  Refer to website for a schedule of events

Location:  Torrey Pines Golf Course, 11480 North Torrey Pines Rd.

For more information visit www.farmersinsuranceopen.com

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 January 23 – 26, San Diego Sunroad Boatshow

The San Diego Sunroad Boatshow is complete with both land and in-water locations, focusing on the latest boats and marine equipment. This years show includes over 100 new and pre-cruised sailboats and motor yachts, dozens of marine vendors with the latest nautical products and services, live music, food and beverages, and special boating events and boat rides for kids and adults. $12 for Adults. Children 12 and under, free. Cash only.

Time:  Thurs. & Fri.  Noon – 6:00 pm / Sat. & Sun. 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Location:  Harbor Island – San Diego Bay, 955 Harbor Island Dr.

For more information http://bigbayboatshow.com/

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January 25, San Diego Whale Festival

The free Whale Festival is a family community event offering a wide variety of interactive and hands on displays to spark the interest and imagination of any child including a walk-through gray whale, live sea creatures, free face painting, a kids art mural coloring project and a giant inflated obstacle course, a trackless train and two giant bounce houses. Enjoy live music on the “Whale of a stage”.

Time:  11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location:  San Diego Embarcadero, 1066 N. Harbor Dr. – at the foot of Broadway

For more information visit www.whaledays.com

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January 25, Carmel Valley 5K & Fun Run

A 5K run/walk and a Fun Run for kids in Carmel Valley where the proceeds from the event will benefit the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation to help pay for science, art, music, and technology programs. Admission fees: 5K for age 15 and older = $46 / 5K for age 6-14 = $36 / Fun Run = $21.

Time:  8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location:  Carmel Del Mar Elementary, 12345 Carmel Park Dr.

For more information visit www.carmelvalley5k.com

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January 31- Feb. 2, San Diego Lunar New Year Tet Festival

A 3-day celebration of the Lunar New Year, this Vietnamese cultural festival will showcase homeland traditions. Experience ancestral rituals and Vietnamese music with costumed dance performances, carnival rides and Vietnamese games, food, and merchandise. Free event.

Time:  Fri. 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm / Sat. & Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm 

Location: Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575 New Salem St.

For more information visit www.sdtet.com

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To View All Homes for Sale in San Diego, California.....click below:

allhomesinsandiego.com 

Schedule Courtesy of

Know The Comparable Sales Before You Write Your Offer

The way real estate professionals determine the value of a home is to analyze the recent comparable sales within the last 90 days.  In some cases going back as far as 6 months is justifiable.  Active listings and listings that are in escrow will be apart of any analysis.   The subject home is also compared to other home of the same size, location, and style.  Give and take away a little depending on up-grades, condition of the property and don't forget those amenities they are just as important.   Look at the view...... not a view of the neighbors back yard however, views of rolling hills, ocean, golf course views and the like are going to have a higher value.  Remember, that old real estate saying, location, location, location?  Well, it still applies.   

Determining value can be rather easy in a condominium complex or homes in an area where they are fairly alike.  However, when we are looking at custom homes where no two are alike it takes more skills so, be sure to speak with a knowledgeable REALTOR.  

Now, when there are foreclosures and short sales among traditional sales one might gravitate  towards the traditional sales however,  do look at the foreclosures and short sales they should be adjust accordingly.  Selecting a REALTOR that knows the current real estate market is very essential.  I hope helps!

As always contact me for your real estate needs (619)368-6382

carolmorrow@century21award.com

View All Homes for Sale in San Diego, California click on this link; allhomesinsandiego.com 

...........until again!

~Carol

According to Pantone Color Institute the Color is "Radiant Orchid".

Pantone called Radiant Orchid "captivating and magical".  Yes, it is the Color of the Year 2014.  It's a mix of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones.

So, let your imagination flourish with a splash of this years color radiant orchid. 

Use it creatively, be on the edge with your home interior accents such bedding, pillows and art work.

Step out and be bold with your wardrobe. Radiant Orchid is in department stores and boutiques all over.

Use radiant orchid to be dramatic with your home furnishing.  Give some depth to walls and ceiling.  

Make sure to use it when whipping up that special recipe.  

Come Spring make a point to splash a little Radiant Orchid in the garden.  It will surly make garden pop!

Having completed a 3 years course at Design Institute of San Diego my background in furniture design, drafting, space planning, color theory, the history of art all come out when identifying homes for my buyers.  As I gather information from them my knowledge helps me to easily and effortlessly understand their sense of style.  

Representing my sellers as a Lsting Agent I'm better equip when creating unique, client specific marketing plans. 

If you are looking for a Listing Agent and would like me to design a marketing plan to get your home sold or if you are a buyer looking to locate that unique home make sure an contact me at today at 619-368-6382.

.....until next time be inspired to use "Radiant Orchid" somewhere in your life this year!

Pictures courtesy of Printerest

Is Your Roof Trying to Tell You Something?

Have a roof inspection by a licensed professional regularly.  For your safety I would NOT recommend that you go upon the roof yourself.  

Be aware of early signs of a roof leak as they can happen at anytime.

Early signs may include:

Dark spots on ceilings 

Peeling paint

Damp spots on the ceiling, walls and around the fireplaces.

Water stains on pipes and venting 

In the fall have your roof cleaned of Leaves & Moss.  You can have moss killer applied.  (Make sure that the one selected is intended for the roof).

Come spring, a broom can be used to remove remaining dead leaves and moss. 

Summer is the severe season. The roof is hit with high heat and can be shocked due to sudden cooling during summer rains.

Here’s a few things your roofer will look for:

Damaged flashing

Broken/Missing tile

Broken/Missing/Bulking shingles.

Worn rubber around vent pipes.

Damaged/Missing chimney cap. 

Roof rot

Attic Ventilation

Pooling on the roof

Studies have shown that if a roof is not maintained it will last 1/2 it's life expectancy.  Take note most manufacturers of roofing materials state in their warranty that it is not valid if the roof is not maintained properly so maximize your warranty and keep up the maintenance of your roof.

Do some research, you may start with  the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association to locate a roof contractor in your area. Most roofers will inspect your roof at no cost.

If you do find that you do need roof repairs make sure to get at least 3 bids and do not sign anything unless you fully understand the terms and conditions. Remember, Happy roof equals happy home!

If you would like to know the value of your home be sure to contact me at 619-368-6382.

carolmorrow@century21award.com

to view all homes for sell in San Diego www.allhomesinsandiego.com

If you are outside the San Diego, Orange, or Riverside Counties of California contact me for a REALTOR in your area 619-368-6382

Real Estate Little Known Indicators

Real estate development is back up an running.  Builders are in full swing, developing master planned communities all across the United States.

Buyers that sat on the fence are feeling more certain about the real estate economy.  More and more buyers are secure with their own individual financial portfolio despite the fact that Lenders are more strict and have tightened up their lending conditions. 

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development along with the US Census Bureau, nationwide housing production rose 22.7%.  That's a rate of 1.09 million. 

Building permits are a good indicator of all the building activity that's going on.  Total building permit issuance increased 7.8% in the Northeast part of the country and fell 7% in the South, 0.4% here in the West and 0.6% in the Midwest.  Although activity did fall 3.1% to 1.007 million units in November.  With the decline this was the 2nd month that new permits issuance went over a million.

Not only are builders developing more single family and multifamily homes, starts are at a 5 year high.  This is yet another indicator of our economic real estate recovery.  When the government shutdown took place the real estate market took a hit with increased interest rates.  However, as we move forward into 2014 we will see a gradual growth in real estate sales all across the United States.

If you are looking to purchase in a new home in a master planned community,  here in the San Diego real estate market, please visit my website...... www.allhomesinsandiego.com