San Diego Home Info by Gretchen Pagnotta

Best MLS Home Photos for Del Sur 92127

March 4th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Del Sur, Seller Info
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Best Kitchen MLS Picture for Del Sur Communty!

This beautiful model home in Del Sur is listed for sale. just under $970,000. With 3 bedrooms, (plus one optional), 2 1/2 bathrooms and 2,861 square feet, there is plenty of room for everyone. “I think I would be motivated to attempt some new recipes in the cookbooks I got for Christmas in this gourmet kitchen..even of they turned out poorly I would love every minute of working in this space!” Read the rest of this entry »

Carlsbad

March 1st, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Coast, Seller Info
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Carlsbad

Carlsbad, The Village by the Sea, is a progressive and growing seaside community. One of the prime destination cities of Southern California, the city boasts a near perfect climate, stunning flower fields, lush parks, and pristine beaches. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, thriving economy, world-class resorts and outstanding schools, combined with the friendly, small town atmosphere of historic Downtown. The city boasts one of the best boardwalks in the county, as well as some of the areas finest golf and tennis facilities. Almost too good to be true! What a great place to visit, or live and work.

For more information on Carlsbad or to view floor plans, please visit my website at www.SanDiegoHomeInfo.com.

Del Mar

March 1st, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Coast, Seller Info
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Del Mar

Located off the I-5 about 18 miles north of downtown San Diego, Del Mar is known nationally for its premier thoroughbred racetrack, founded by Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien in 1937, during the summer months of July through September. Del Mar is fast becoming a popular resort destination because of its two most appealing factors: 1.8 square mile size and proximity to the ocean. It is also a delightful residential community with a long history, which began with the railroad, linking San Diego to San Bernardino. The railroad’s contractor/engineer, Theodore M. Loop, soon built the first house, at the mouth of the creek off Carmel Valley Road. Loop created a tent city on beachfront land he owned and sponsored weekend excursions that attracted many people.

The climate is ideal all year long, with the average temperature hovering between 65 and 78 degrees. The sunniest months are November through March; however, the warmest months are July through October. The beaches in Del Mar offer excellent recreational opportunities. Torrey Pines State Reserve, which is found on Del Mar’s southern border, offers a variety of beaches as well as hiking trails, hot-air balloon rides and a golf course. From mid-June to the beginning of July you may enjoy many outdoor activities at the San Diego County Fair, which presents horse shows, livestock judging, art exhibits, flower shows, live concerts, carnival rids and more. A few miles east of the Del Mar Race Track you will find the Polo Fields, which are sorting their matches starting in June through October and also the Del Mar Horse Park, which was the site of the jumping trials to the 2000 Olympics.

Within the Del Mar city limits, a quaint historical village dating back to the 1800′s serves as a backdrop to a small seaside resort first made famous in the 1930?s by racehorse aficionados form Hollywood. In 1933 the 22nd District Agricultural Association conducted a search for a permanent location for the county fair, finally agreeing to the present 184-acre site in the San Dieguito Valley. It was decided that a racetrack would also be constructed on the site. In 1937 the track opened, with many Hollywood stars among the 15,000 attendees.

Del Mar residents voted in favor if incorporation, and in 1959 the city of Del Mar became an official government entity. Soon it had its own fire department and lifeguard department. The 4,890 residents of Del Mar are proud to be part of the Del Mar Union Elementary and San Dieguito Union High School Districts. The satellite campus of Mira Costa Community College is also located in Del Mar.

For more information about Del Mar or to see floor plans, please visit my website at http://www.gretchenpagnotta.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=1058065.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

4 Key Factors in Selling Your San Diego Home in 60 Days or Less!

February 25th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Santaluz, Seller Info
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Great views from patio

We are asked over and over again from clients who are not listed with us “Why is my home not selling?” When we take listings we review the criteria with our sellers so they understand why homes sell and what they can expect. It comes down to 4 factors:

1. Location

2. Condition

3. Price

4. Marketing

All of these factors have to be in balance for a home to sell. Let’s take a closer look:

Location of Property In Determining Value

Location involves the town, zip code, neighborhood, site and traffic patterns. Many clients want a specific school district so will give a little on the condition of a home to get their location for schools. Some clients want a quiet street so will rule out a home in perfect condition if it backs or is on a busy road. Some clients want a specific neighborhood such as 4S Ranch because they want their children to walk to schools and have beautiful parks and convenient shopping so they will put a huge priority on location. My son is currently looking for another home and he values a close commute to his employment so he will be willing to compromise on condition but not on location. That said it is clear you cannot change the location of a home but you can compensate with condition and pricing.

Condition of Property in Determining Value

Inviting Curb Appeal

It does not take a continual diet of HGTV to understand condition plays a huge part in a homes appeal and value. Tune in for a few shows as a quick refresher course! No one wants to purchase a home in poor condition or that lacks appeal unless the price is drastically reduced. That said some people don’t want it at ANY price! They do not have the time, money or patience to fix a home in poor condition. It also can have the fear factor..what is wrong that I don’t see..is this a money pit???? Let’s talk about emotion..it is huge! When you walk into a model home that is bright (every light is on), smells good (they make sure of this) and upgraded to the 9′s with designer furniture scaled to each room and upgraded to the max you immediately get that fluttering feeling of “I want this…or something pretty close!” It’s called merchandising! Did you ever wonder why department stores showcase their clothes on size 4 models? Do you think if they used a size 14 (average woman’s size) people would buy the stuff? The same hold true with a home. It must be clean as in immaculate and that includes windows, garage and kids rooms, smell nice (cleaning will do 75% and potpourri the rest), be in good repair and have some appeal. If an agent cannot guide you room by room with this process get another agent. We consider it an integral part of doing the job as a seasoned Realtor. A common term is staging the home to sell. The way you live in a home and the way you sell a home are two different things! I like to tell my sellers to start packing…you have to do it anyway so it is time to” pitch and ditch” and clear the rooms of clutter, extra furniture and your prized collections and family photos.

Pricing the Home to Sell in 60 Days or Less!

This is the most basic element of listing a home and has not changed since I have been in business (which is way too long, 1978). Homes must be priced after a thorough review of closed sales. It is so simple but many sellers just feel their home is exceptional and some how the emotion will affect a buyer. Emotional buyers have left the market long ago even with luxury homes whicj sell based on “want” not “need” In comparing closed sales it is imperative to do a thorough analysis of ”like” yard size, views, upgrades, condition and location. There is a only so much value upgrades, views and features can add t0 the pricing of a home. Many times it makes the home sell faster but especially if the home is over improved sellers cannot expect full dollar value. We hear so often, “We put $100,000 into upgrades compared to the one that justsold.” The upgrades that one seller selected may not have value to the current buyer and the appraiser can only give a percent of the cost. Thje other thing to consider is the upgrades have been used and may even be dated. I am waiting for the comments of “oh, another one with granite and stainless…wish it had the recycled glass and energy saver appliances.” An appraiser has the final say in determining the price of the home after giving a plus and minus system to all factors. Appraisers use the same information that agents have access to; closed sales of comparable homes. It is not an emotional or subjective process. That is why a review of past closed sales (6 months max) in a given neighborhood of most comparable homes is the guideline. Another good indicator is an average of market time. Currently homes are selling quickly if priced with the market. If a home does not sell within the first 3 weeks or is not getting significant showings and offers then a review of pricing is indicated. The last thing a seller wants is a tired home. It will actually sell for a lower price if left to marinate on the market and not have changes made to the price, condition and marketing based upon showing feedback and agent recommendations. The key is to ask each agent after a showing if their client submitted an offer on another home and if so what made them rule out your home. Truth can hurt but will help you make some progress!

Marketing the Property To Sell in a Timely Fashion

Golf Course Views

The three factors discussed cannot work alone without creative and extensive marketing of the property. The key in today’s world is internet exposure. The key to internet exposure is search engine optimization of websites and presenting the property. Buyers today live on the internet. Once someone finds they may have to relocate what is the first thing they do…search the internet for the area they are considering. It starts with a broad search such as San Diego, then narrows down to Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Escondido….and progresses once they educate themselves to schools districts, commute times and neighborhoods. That is why it is imperative for agents to have good search engine optimization so they( the buyers!) find you and your listings! It is also essential for an agent to have an easy to use IDX search which allows visitors to search the MLS data. The calls and emails come in daily to me with requests for more information on areas and homes. Search Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Santaluz..there I am!!! Thank you google and the rest of the search engines..hard work pays off!

Selling a Lifestyle!

Prospective clients are looking at one thing with listings…pictures! I cannot believe the poor quality of pictures that some agents submit to the MLS. I advise people to look at what their agents have submitted..,.would they buy their own home based on the videos and pictures? I have had to re shoot some homes because we did not get it right the first time. It is important to have the maximum number of pictures and a video on all search engine websites. Professional photographers should be used and directed with the shoots. Pictures and remarks sell homes!!! The remarks have to create a lifestyle as well as the basics a home has to offer. If the home is in a planned neighborhood it helps to have a pictures of the community center, club, golf course or feature that creates the lifestyle of living in the neighborhood not just the house.

Best MLS Photo’s for RANCHO PENASQUITOS

February 18th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Rancho Penasquitos, Seller Info
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Best View for Rancho Penasquitos Home for MLS photo this week

Wow, what a VIEW!!! Where is my glass of wine? Who Cares if I had a bad day when I could come home to this!!!!!!!! This home has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2,579 square feet and is listed just under $799,000.

Best Cul-de-sac location for Rancho Penasquitos Home for MLS photo this week

This just looks like a “welcome home” house….What is it about 3 car garages that is so great???!!! This home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,284 square feet and is listed for $739,000. Read the rest of this entry »

Scripps Ranch Home Sale Activity end of Januaruy 2010

February 16th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Scripps Ranch, Seller Info
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Lake Miramar

Detached Sales Activity in Scripps Ranch

Currently there are 117 detached homes for sale in Scripps Ranch ranging in price from $425,000 for 1,269 sq. ft. to $1,866,990 for 5,955 sq. ft. The average price for a 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom is $767,322. There are currently 49 homes in escrow. The average price for a 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom is $658,093, the average sq. ft. is 2,415 and the average market time is 74 days.

Click on image to view

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Crosby Villas at Rancho Santa Fe Area Have Grand Opening!

February 15th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Rancho Santa Fe, Seller Info
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Views from The Crosby Villas

The Crosby Villas in the Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood of THE CROSBY had their Grand Opening on February 13,2010. California West Communities has taken over the sales of this popular product which was originally sold by John Laing homes. The pricing starts in the low $800′s which represents excellent value in the current market. They are the perfect choice for people who are looking for low maintenance homes in a gated area with a superior location. There will be 31 homes with 20 having views of the 15,16 and 18th fairways of the award winning Crosby Golf Course.
They are located within walking distance to the Crosby Clubhouse and Sports Center. Membership to this private club is optional, www.thecrosbyclub.com. The golf course is an award winning Fred Couples 18 hole course with fabulous facilities; beautifully appointed dining rooms including a restaurant courtyard with many social and golfing events planned. The sports facility features a junior Olympic pool, 4 tennis courts, fitness facility and a spa.
The floor plans of the Villas range from 2-4 bedrooms, 2.5-4 baths and 3034-3612 square feet. Designed by Scheurer Architects they can be customized to the buyers personal tastes and floor plan preferences. Each one has unique and carefully planned designs for maximum space and function. I personally love the Plan 2 with a downstairs master suite, a lovely great room which faces the back of the home to take advantage of sweeping fairway views , a downstairs den or Bedroom 4 and two spacious bedrooms on the upper level. The exteriors reflect interest with architectural details and varied site elevations. Read the rest of this entry »

San Marcos End Of January 2010 Home Sale Activity

February 12th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, San Marcos, Seller Info
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Lake San Marcos

Currently there are 117 detached homes for sale in San Marcos, Ca. a neighborhood in North San Diego County 92078.

Prices range in price from $190,000 – $210,000 for 1,980 sq. ft. to $998,000 – $1,100,000 for 3,915 sq. ft. The average price for a 4 bedroom / 2 bathroom is $356,289.

There are currently 101 homes in escrow. The average price for a 4 bedroom / 2 bathroom is $323,175, the average sq. ft. is 1,644 and the average market time is 61 days. Read the rest of this entry »

Read the rest of this entry »

Best MLS Photos for Poway Homes this Week

February 12th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Poway, Seller Info
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Best Curb Appeal:

best of front

“This home was just listed in the Palisades neighborhood of Poway and features 5 bedrooms, 3,602 square feet and sits on 1.49 acres. It is selling for under $1,300,000. Queen palms, circular driveway..wow, this is why we pay the big bucks to live in Southern California!”

Best Pool Home:

Best of pool

This custom Poway home features 4 bedrooms, 4,495 square feet and sits on a 2.12 acre lot. I would be praying for hot…hot…hot summers so I could enjoy this pool!