San Diego Home Info by Gretchen Pagnotta

Santaluz Mello-Roos

October 21st, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Santaluz
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Santaluz Mello-Roos: What is it?

The history of Mello-Roos originated with an Act in 1982 by the California State Legislature for the means of obtaining community funding. and establishing “Community Facilities Districts (CFD’s). The co-authors of the bill were Senator Henry J. Mello and Assemblyman Mike Roos. This was necessary because Proposition 13 passed in 1978 restricted the ability of local governments to raise property taxes by more than an inflation factor. There had to be a way to raise money to pay for public facilities and improvements; the infrastructure of a community. When developers come into an area they have to impose a special tax on the real property and establish a Community Facilities District so that streets and schools could be built, water and drainage and sewer provided, parks developed and police and fire services established for the neighborhoods. The CFD’s seek public financing through the sale of BONDS. The bond becomes a recorded lien on the property. This is disclosed on a title search/report when purchasing a home.

The property tax is assessed as a percentage of a homes value and the Mello-Roos fee is added to this along with any other assessments in the community. The Mello Roos fees were determined by the size (square feet) of the home. Many people ask me if they should pay off their Mello-Roos. This is a simple math exercise. The full pay off can be obtained. There is now a $500 charge for this. In the past I could call the Tax Assessor to get this information but I have not been successful in finding someone to help me with this in the past few months. Once the pay off is determined a homeowner can decide if it makes sense to pay off this bond with the variables being intended length of ownership, cash flow and tax consequences. Some CPA’s advise clients they can write this fee off, others state it is not tax deductible. I encourage my clients to get professional tax advice on this matter. As your Santaluz Resident Realtor I can easily obtain The Mello-Roos on each property and it is disclosed on each active listing. Let me know if you need mpre information on this topic, GBPagnotta@gmail.com

Newer San Diego Communities Have Mello Roos

Many clients tell me they do not want to pay Mello Roos. That limits them to the older neighborhoods. I look at this fee as a necessary evil. I prefer newer homes for several reasons. Builders have listened to their customers and are installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems,tankless water heaters, solar,extra insulation,energy efficient windows,low care sidings, low flow plumbing and floor plans that have more space for casual and open entertaining. In addition many of the newer areas have community facilities where is becomes very easy to make friends and enjoy community pools, tennis courts, walking trails, dog parks and social activities. Older homes can easily turn into “money pits” with replacement of roofs, heating and cooling systems, remodeled kitchens, bathrooms and pools. Therefore, if you prefer newer neighborhoods such as Santaluz, Del Sur, 4S Ranch, many in Carmel Valley and Scripps Ranch get out your checkbook at tax time and close your eyes when you put the amount due. You will forget about it at dinner time.

Pagnotta Team Consistently Set Home Sale Records

August 17th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Santaluz, Seller Info
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The Pagnotta Team Set Sale Record for June 2011

Sometime you just have to toot your own horn. My husband and I work very hard to help our clients accomplish their real estate goals. We take each listing and purchase as if it were our own home we were selling or buying. So many of our clients say they could not reach their agent and had little communication. We strive to over communicate to insure our clients know all we are doing to help them in the process. We commit to providing a comprehensive marketing program to get our listings sold and to finding our buyers the best home that matches their criteria. This hard work has paid off over the years. In real estate the only pay check is our commission which is earned only after we close an escrow. With market times longer involving more advertising, internet coverage, open houses, staging and other methods to promote a sale it can be months before the homes close. We are committed to the process! This was recent news release:

Carmel Valley Agents Success for June 2011

July 20, 2011

Success Abounds in the Carmel Valley Coldwell Banker Office!

Tasha Manzano, Branch Manager of Coldwell Banker, Carmel Valley is proud to announce the fantastic recent production results of Charles and Farryl Moore, Gretchen and Alan Pagnotta, Kevin and Diane Cummins, and Anne Hoffman. They all succeeded in reaching top producing results, ultimately serving their clients at the highest level.

If you are ready to consider selling your home or know someone who is let us help! We also enjoy finding the perfect home for buyers including new construction! Contact us GBPagnotta@gmail.com

Santaluz Bank Owned Bargain

August 17th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Santaluz
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8341 Santaluz Village Green East Bank Owned Just Listed

This bank owned property was owned by a builder who specialized in “over the top” custom homes in Rancho Santa Fe. This was his personal residence . It is a casita that has been virtually stripped of anything the builder put in and customized to the level of a multi million dollar residence…but it is on a small scale with @2200 sqft. I have never seen anything like it and I have seen many, many homes! It has an ideal location off a fairway on the Rees Jones Santaluz golf course. Views of the course, water and mountains surround you. There are numerous built-ins, a entertaining bar in the living room,desk and cabinets in the office multiple storage units and buffets, ceiling treatments, custom baths, stone flooring, a spa off a side patio and a great patio in the front with built in seating. This home is a steal and would make a great property for anyone who values location and quality workmanship in a fabulous gated community.

It will sell quickly so if you want a peek, contact me GBPagnotta@gmail.com

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110046365 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Excellent Vacation Rental Investment

August 17th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Rancho Bernardo
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Welcome To Bernardo Heights Showplace Patio Home!

I have a great property in Rancho Bernardo, 92128 in the Bernardo Heights area that would make an ideal vacation rental! I just checked on Vacation Rentals by Owner and was amazed at what owners are getting for vacation rentals. A 1200-1300 sqft 2 bedroom condo is listed for monthly rents at $2400-$2700. That;s allot of income. Unfurnished they are $1600-$1800. Rents have gone through the roof! So if you think you might want to invest in some depreciated real estate getting great prices and low interest rates think about purchasing some good rental income real estate. Better yet, buy it, live in it so you can get financing as a personal residence and then consider a world cruise with your place paying for it! This is also an ideal first time buyers nest. This could be your starting point and help you get into house #2 with rental income!

Here’s a gem 12555 CalleTamega #111 in Las Brisas, 92128..by the way this offers 2 Community Centers!!!

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 110044066 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Why Families Choose to Live in Del Sur

June 1st, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Del Sur, First Time Buyers, Green homes, Schools
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Good Grades for Del Sur Students by DelSurLiving.com

Congratulations to the students, teachers and administrators of our Del Sur schools!

All three neighborhood schools – Del Sur Elementary, Oak Valley Middle and Del Norte High – are at the top of their class, scoring perfect 10s in statewide ranking according to the Growth Academic Performance Index (API). Read the rest of this entry »

San Diego’s Busiest New Home Community

May 24th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Del Sur, First Time Buyers, Green homes
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With nine active construction sites, Del Sur is San Diego’s busiest new home community by DelSurLiving.com

Nine construction sites are currently active at Del Sur, representing new and ongoing neighborhoods by six homebuilders. Featuring 20 model homes, Del Sur is a San Diego master-planned community north of state Route 56 and adjacent to Fairbanks Ranch and Santaluz. The concentration and intensity of residential construction activity at Del Sur is unmatched anywhere in San Diego County, according to real estate market consultant Steve Aranoff.

“There is no other community in San Diego that has that many projects with as wide a range of models, from condos to semi-custom homes on one acre lots,” said Aranoff. “Certainly there are developments opening around town, but with nine active projects, two new neighborhood parks, habitat restoration and new and expanded roads, there just isn’t anything approaching the magnitude at Del Sur.” Read the rest of this entry »

San Diego Home Info ON Current Loan Rates

May 11th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Foreclosures/Short Sales, Home Loans, Market Trends
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This is current information written by Michelle Morris, a Senior Loan Officer with PHH Home Loans. It provides insight into the current rates for loans, changes expected in the money market and a recap of world affairs for the week affecting loan programs. There are expected changes that make it very attractive to find a home and obtain financing today rather than waiting. In addition there are incentives being offered on REO properties. If you are interested in an REO property please let me know so I can assist you! GBPagnotta@gmail.com

For all your lending needs we recommend: Michelle Morris Mortgage Services/SR Loan Officer3810 Valley Centre Drive #906San Diego, CA 92130Cell: 619-850-3600Fax: 858-793-9944CA Broker License 01238196NMLS # 264030

May 11, 2011~ Loan limits might be going DOWN in October Home Path gives 3.5% credit to buyers if closed before June 30th and 1000 bonus to buyers agents!-Rates are under 5%..call Michelle for the best program and rate which you are qualified to receive!

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Rancho Bernardo Farmers Market

March 26th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Rancho Bernardo, Things To Do in San Diego
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Come to Rancho Bernardo on Sunday for Farmers Market!

I love a Farmers Market! There are so many fun booths to sample goodies and discover new “have to haves”! The business groups in Rancho Bernardo ( 92128 ) decided that Sundays were the perfect day. This way there is no competition with other businesses and there is ample parking! So hop on over and see what you new addictions you can create!

Rancho Bernardo is a planned community 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. There are communities for seniors (55 years+) such as 7 Oaks or Oaks North, as well as nonage restricted areas that appeal to people with varied lifestyles and home requirements. Many of the communities have community centers with pools, tennis facilities, ball fields, fitness rooms+more. The Poway Unified School District is highly rated and services the area.

We are always happy to orient people to this fabulous community. CONTACT US to tour homes and communities that you might consider to call “home”!

Showing properties 1 - 4 of 4. See more city of Rancho Bernardo real estate.
(all data current as of 2/4/2012)

$970,000 : 18707 Lunada Pt, Rancho Bernardo

5 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 4,404 sq ft

Year built: 1979

Days on market: 16

Walk Score®: 5
$432,900 : 15741 Lofty Trail Dr, Rancho Bernardo

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,832 sq ft

Year built: 1988

Days on market: 96

Walk Score®: 29
$969,000 : 18610 Bernardo Trails Dr, Rancho Bernardo

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 5,625 sq ft

Lot size: 43,560 sq ft

Year built: 1980

Days on market: 117

Walk Score®: 9
$540,000 : 18272 Sun Maiden Ct, Rancho Bernardo

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,620 sq ft

Year built: 1990

Days on market: 202

Walk Score®: 20

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Communities of 4S Ranch – Rosemary Lane

March 7th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Rancho Bernardo
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4S Ranch Floorplans

Welcome to Rosemary Lane!

There are a variety of subdivisions and floorplans..something for everyone in this wonderful community! 4S Ranch is located just west of Rancho Bernardo. It is a planned community with 1600 acres of designated open space. Theer are parks, walking trails and a wonderful shopping center.The schools are highly rated being in the Poway Unified District. This is a very walkable community planned with the idea of making it easy for people to know their neighbors and enjoy all the amenities the area offers.We enjoy orienting people to this area. Contact us for more information!

Continue for floorplans…. Read the rest of this entry »