San Diego Home Info by Gretchen Pagnotta
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The Latest in Short Sale Information for San Diego Homeowners
Current Information on Short Sales
As an experienced agent I find so many people and other agents remain misinformed as to the current guidelines for short sales. This article summarizes the important issues and I wanted to share it with you. It is writtent by Kathy Mehringer who is Director of Risk Management for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and Short Sale Advisor for the Southwest Region.
Kathy Mehringer: Short Sales – Separating Fact from Fiction
Short sales are not going away anytime soon! Market statistical analysis provides ample proof that they will be with us for the foreseeable future. One thing is certain: They are complex transactions that require skill and patience!
As a real estate professional our charge is to counsel and advise our clients both competently and honestly. If a short sale is right for a particular homeowner we must stand ready to provide professional representation in order to do so we must first be able distinguish fact from fiction! The following represents a sampling of common misunderstandings!
Closed Sales Santaluz Last 90 Days
Santaluz Homes Closed in Last 90 Days
We are seeing an increase in activity and a decrease in available inventory throughout 92127 and 92130. Currently we are working with 3 relocation buyers all planning on moving to new positons in the next 3 months. In general spring/summer stats will be closely watched as the top school district areas in the 56 corridor; Carmel Valley and Poway Unified are always first choices for reloacting families demanding good schools and a convenient location. New homes are available in 4S Ranch, Del Sur and a new Pulte as well as Davidson community as well as Pardee’s Pacific Highlands Ranch. Santaluz is experiencing a surge in custom home building.
Here are the closed sales for within the gates of Santaluz in the last 90 days.
Luxury Homes in San Diego
Looking for Luxury…Look at Santaluz
Santaluz is a planned community conveniently located north of San Diego and about 10 miles east of the beaches of Del Mar. It enjoys a near perfect year round climate. Built around an award winning Rees Jones Golf Course, Santaluz encompasses @ 3800 acres. It is easily accessed by 56 which runs east to west and both I-15 and 5 for easy commutes to San Diego and surrounding areas of employment. Santaluz is a lifestyle community where residents can enjoy walking and biking using the many miles of trails and also enjoy all the features the Santaluz Club has to offer. It is a 24 hour guard gated community with roving patrols allowing residents to feel secure. It is in an area of conforming zoning surrounded by other lovely residential neighborhoods.
Luxury Homes Offer a Variety of Style
The homes within this luxury home community range in price and offer a wide variety of styles. There are casitas that appeal to busy professionals and empty nesters as they are on smaller lots requiring very little maintenance. These range from 22oo-2500+ sqft and start in the mid $700,000′s. There are executive family homes 2900- 5000 sqft with up to 6 bedrooms and up to 4 car garages ranging from the $800,000′s-$1,350,000. The homes have varied architectural themes with varied color palettes so the street scape is very appealing.
Building a Luxury Custom Home in Santaluz
There are beautiful custom homes in Santaluz ranging from 4600 to over 8,000 sqft with prices starting just under $2million. Buyers can find every imaginable feature and the finest finishes in these beautiful homes. The resales on custom homes in the past few years has been below replacement cost so represent some of the best values for a newer custom home in San Diego. There are still some lots available allowing people to build their dream home. Currently there are more custom homes under construction in Santaluz than there have been in the past few years. People see the beauty, the lifestyle, the security and fabulous location of Santaluz and want to call this “home.”
A Lifestyle Community
My husband and I have called Santaluz home for the past 7 years. It is where we work, live and play! I have written many blogs on the communty which can be referenced by clicking Santaluz Blogs. We are top agents in San Diego with Coldwell Banker and can provide detailed information on the builders, the floor plans, the Santaluz Club and the many lifestyle amenities of Santaluz.
Find Out More About Santaluz San Diegos Finest Luxury Community
Enjoy my newest video on Santaluz! Please feel free to comment and contact me for any additonal information!
The Pagnotta Team Gets Coldwell Banker Award for Sales in 2011!
Gretchen and Alan Pagnotta Lead Sales in North San Diego County
Last year was one of the most challenging years we have worked in Real Estate. The short sales were more than challenging with delays and hurdles to jump and traditional sales had to compete with the distressed sales. Emotions were high with both buyers and sellers. No one was really happy! Sellers felt they are giving their home away and buyers need to be sedated to sign a contract thinking the market will fall further. Many times the appriasals came in below the contracted sales price causing another set of problems. So far 2012 has seen a welcome change! The inventory is down, buyers are purchasing and not saying they want to rent and sellers have come to terms with their values. There has never been a better time to sell and make another move! Granted if you are selling and cashing out I would wait a few years.
Coldwell Banker President’s Circle Award
Alan and I will receive our award this next Tuesday. Year after year we consistently maintain a high sales volume. Our focus ia always San Diego North County. Each year we seem to sell homes in Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Carmel Valley, Escondido, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Vista and also work with new home builders in these areas. We always enjoy first time buyers and work also with people scaling down, moving up, investors and luxury home buyers and sellers in North San Diego County. It takes tenacity, a huge amount of positive thinking and optimism, skillful negotiation and knowledge of the market. Thankfully with the help of Coldwell Banker we are given all the latest tools to help both buyers and sellers. Our global internet marketing and search engine optimization is outstanding. Currently we are working with 4 relocation buyers who found us on the internet. We just returned from the Gen Blue Coldwell Banker Training event in New Orleans. We have a whole new bag of tricks to implement. Social media is playing a huge part in how real estate is being marketed. We plan to launch a series of community videos and focus on lifestyle marketing for both buyers and sellers.

Pilates At The Santaluz Club
Private Personal Trainers Are Available at Santaluz

I have had the opportunity to participate in some private pilates sessions at Santaluz. The great thing about the Santaluz Club is the fitness director (Lisa Dickensen) is always thinking of new directions and new fitness opportunities for Santaluz Club Members. Recently Amber Stocker joined the club. I met Amber when she was offering 20 minute introductory sessions. I tried a few things and the next day felt soreness in areas I did not know existed. That prompted me to sign up for a series of classes. I have always enjoyed-mat pilates but have never used the specialized equipment.
Week One proved to be challenging. Amber is a great instructor who paints a mental image for her stuidents as to how their bodies should be positoned to gain the maximum benefit of a various exercise. Amber is a Certified Pilates Instructor who also teaches yogaa . She is currently a graduate student at University of San Marcos studying Sociological Practice. In simple terms; Amber knows her stuff! Fabulous instructor!
I am now on Week 4 and after my session today truly believe this will become muscle memory in the near future. Instead of doing rapid and ineffective movements Amber has trained me to isolate various muscle groups to gain the maximum benefit from movement. Yes, I am sore the next day…a good sore.
Combining my love for the ball and mat and an introduction to her carzy looking machine I am learning more each session.
So, if you are thinking of trying a new method to maintain or gain some added fitness..try pilates with Amber! She is available at the Santaluz Club and also by private appointment; 760-521-5423. She offers pre and post natal instruction for all the preggie bods. I have to ask her if I am her oldest senior. I have no choice….my Mom is 95, lives alone and has a social life that makes mine look dull. The message my mother has givem me is quite simple; “..move it or lose it.”
52 Weeks of Fun in San Diego March 2012
Ready Set Get Ready for Spring Fun in San Diego!

Del Sur Home Seller Gives Testimonial
Del Sur Neighborhood Sale

Recently we had the opportunity to list a 4 bedroom homes in the Del Sur, 92127 neighborhood. Selling in this neighborhood can present a challenge as resale homes compete with new construction. This was also a sale where there were some other challenges. In any case we are very appreciative that the home owner was kind enough to offer a testimonial on behalf of us. Selling in the current market does take a commitment and perseverance on the part of a listing agent. Although we are one of the top selling agents we take each and every sale as a personal pledge to do everything we can to bring about the results desired by our clients. To us each sale is not a numbers game..we want 100% success. This is the message…
Gretchen,
I want to thank you for helping me sell my house in Del Sur. I know this house would not have been sold if it weren’t for your proactive and consistent efforts to ensure the house was in the best condition as possible for showings. You went WELL above and beyond all expectations, and dealt with issues unrelated to the sale, in order to ensure the sale closed. I haven’t seen an agent with as much drive and determination as you and I will gladly recommend you to all my friends. You are an outstanding agent and I truly appreciate everything you have done for me.
Thank you,
Travis T.
If we can help you or a friend let us know!
The Pagnotta Team Home Sale Incentives
Thinking of Selling Your San Diego Home?
If you are considering selling your San Diego home this spring we have some incentives for you. To get the most money and the fastest market time your property needs to be clean, the yard maintained and your home staged for sales success! We have a great team that can help you. Once they are done we will do the rest with our Global Marketing Internet Marketing Program and all our professional gallery photography!
Pacific Carpet and Tile Cleaning

The LOGO these business owners use is “Best Cleaning on Earth.” I have used them for my personal residence and also have referred them to clients. They get outstanding results. My carpet looks like new after they are done. They are professional in every sense of the word. I found them on the Yelp site and after reading positive reviews gave them a call. Glad I did!
Keep It Green Pacific Carpet and Tile Cleaning uses a product that is soap free, odor free, all natural, colorless, non-allergenic, non-toxic and no VOCs according to their advertising.
They are offering free family room cleaning with 3 room minimum. If you have other cleaning needs they will offer you a discount if you call them for The Pagnotta Team Incentive 760-908-6795 or go to their website; www.PacificSteamClean.com
Modern Image Landscape

It is so important to have good curb appeal. This starts with having your yard looking its best. You may need to add some color with some fresh flowers at the entry to greet buyers and your lawns in their best condition. I have personally used Modern Image Landscape on several occasions to landscape my entire yard including building a pool. The quality of workmanship is fabulous. Chris O’Quinn is wonderful to work with; professional, polite and he communicates openly and frequently. He is offering 1 free month of landscape maintenance with a six month contract. To read more go to http://www.modernimagelandscape.com/ or call 619-247-3628. Jus mention The Pagnotta Team to get the white glove treatment!
Stage To Success

Many times people think of staging as decorating. Many times it is “un-decorating.” That said it takes a decorator/designer to see what needs to be done. Staging allows buyers to see space and imagine their lifestyle to be complimented by your home. Once your home is listed we will provide you with a complimentary staging service! If in the meantime you need help please call Catherine Smith at 858-442-1889 and let her work her magic!
We are Top San Diego agents and would be happy to provide you with a current opinion of value on your home or condo. We work in the coastal and inland communities of Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Santaluz, Del Sur, 4S Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Vista, San Marcos, Carlsbad and Scripps Ranch.
cforms contact form by delicious:days
Tax Refunds for 4S Ranch Homeowners
Tax Collector Refunds Due to Bond Surplus
As a homeowner in 4S ranch in Rancho Bernardo, 92127,I almost passed out when I was on the County of San Diego Tax Collector site and saw this news. Who knew? We have owned a large home in 4S Ranch that we use an income property for quite some time. We saw the potential in this fabulous community and decided this would be another great community to own property. Apparently there is a bond surplus so residents will receive checks of $414-$61,472! Since we have owned since 4S was first conceived in a Phase 1 product we are hoping for something more than the minimum. I cannot imagine anyone getting the $61,472!
If you want more info read it for yourself at:http://www.sdtreastax.com/docs/news120202.pdf
If you are interested in reading more about this vibrant community go here!
San Diego Home Owners May Reduce Property Tax
Propositon 8 Helps Home Owners Who Purchased During Peak Market Periods
Many people are unaware of a new State Law which is called Proposition 8. Under this new law, property owners that own homes that have fallen below their assessed value can request a temporary reduction in their tax bill. When the market value as of January 1, 2012 falls below the assessed value established by the the Assessor’s Office, home owners can file for an Application for Review of Assessment prior to April 30, 2012. They must complete this form and also provide data such as comparable sales, a recent appraisal and/or current market activity. The closed sales need to be of similar properties and ideally occur between 10/1/11-3/31/12. Many neighborhoods have had a significant impact on values due to short sales and bank owned properties selling at very low prices.
The Pagnotta Team May Be Able To Help You
If you have interest in doing this we are happy to help you! Just contact us with your address and we can send you closed sales that are most like your home! You may receive solicitations for people who will charge you for this. A homeowner can easily complete the form and if you live in our service areas we will help you with closed sales. For further information please go to: www.sdarcc.com.
To determine your assessed value refer to your current tax bill focusing on the upper right hand corner.
It is important to note you still may disagree with the response you receive from the assessor. At that time you can pursue your requests by filing an application with the Clerk of Assessment Appeals between July 2 and November 30.
Further information can be obtained here.
If you need our help with a list of closed sales please contact us at GBPagnotta@gmail.com
This is not intended to be tax advice. Please consult your CPA or tax professional to obtain tax advice.



















