San Diego Home Info by Gretchen Pagnotta

San Diego February 2012 Home Market Trends

March 29th, 2012 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Buyer Info, Coast, Davidson, Del Sur, Escondido, First Time Buyers, Market Trends, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Santaluz
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San Diego Board of Realtors Has Statistics for February 2012

The general comments and discussion among agent in the past 2 months has been “we are busy and inventory is limited.” Naturally if you have had your home for sale for some time and you hear someone say “inventory is limited” you wonder why you don’t have multiple offers. In general the basic rules always apply; If a home is in a popular neighborhoods, presents well and is priced with the market based on closed sales you should be seeing offers. Personally what I am experiencing is relocation buyers coming for good jobs with major employers in San Diego and people who are making offers and deciding to purchase rather than lease. The statistics will play themselves over the next few months. I do not see any radical jumps in pricing but I see many more pending sales in all prices ranges which is a positive sign for recovery.

Click Image To Enlarge For Details

The Housing Market Reports

I found an interesting article on DSNews about how reports are made about market trends. As agents we find many times the sites such as Trulia do not have accurate information. In addition some local papers provide inaccurate statistics. We recently sat down with a title rep who reviewed all the coastal sales and told us how several coastal zip codes are misrepresented in reporting. that is why it is always best to look at a particular neighborhood and prepare closed sales and trends for that particular specific area.

If you need information on any areas of San Diego, let us know! GBPagnotta@gmail.com

To review other market trends you can go here.

The Pagnotta Team Home Sale Incentives

February 20th, 2012 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Buyer Info, Coast, Del Sur, Escondido, Foreclosures/Short Sales, Oaks North, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Santaluz, Scripps Ranch
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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.

San Diego Home Owners May Reduce Property Tax

February 18th, 2012 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Belsera, Buyer Info, Davidson, Del Sur, Escondido, First Time Buyers, Foreclosures/Short Sales, Market Trends, Oaks North, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Santaluz, Seller Info
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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.

Comparing Golf Clubs in San Diego

February 5th, 2012 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Buyer Info, Coast, Del Sur, Escondido, First Time Buyers, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Santaluz
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Santaluz Club Offers Outstanding Facilities For Members

We are always talking about how much we enjoy the Santaluz Club. So many times clients ask us to compare the area clubs. The membership director at Santaluz provided us with the following comparison chart. As always we encourage people to take a tour of the club they are considering joining. In addition it is really best to schedule a day of golf and the use of other club facilities. Santaluz does a great job teaming up guests with members so they can get a first hand report card of the facilities. Besides being a beautiful club, Santaluz is just so friendly and welcoming. If you have questions lets us know or if you want a formal tour we can help!

If you are interested in all the Golf Communities in San Diego go to my website :http://www.gretchenpagnotta.com/convertedpages/golfcourses.html

(view all details for MLS #120004345)

North San Diego Estate With Guest House Listed

January 30th, 2012 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Escondido
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623 Altamira Court is Listed For Sale

6 Bedrooms Offers Plenty of Space for Large Families

The floor plan of this lovely home offer flexibility and space for many family situations. The master bedroom is located on the 1st floor. A lovely office is also located on this level with close proximity to the front door which would make it an ideal home office. 5 bedrooms are located on the 2nd level along with 4 bathrooms. The bedrooms are all goods sized to accommodate beds, dressers and desks. The closet space is ample and some have charming window seats. There is a loft area with built in storage which can be used as a hobby or craft room.

Master on The Main Floor

It is so difficult to find this kind of square footage and a master on the 1st floor. This master suite will leave nothing to wish for. The bathroom features dual vanities, a jetted tub, large shower and a very spacious walk in closet and linen storage. The builder of this home planned it carefully and his wife must have had considerable input! Storage is everywhere !

Great Room and Famly Room

There are 2 very rooms in addition to a formal living room. The 2 family rooms provide ample space for entertaining…one has a entertainment bar complete with sink and pass thru from the kitchen. There is plenty of space for computer stations, large TV’s and media centers and relaxing. One of the family rooms has a lovely fireplace to allow furniture arrangement as a cozy conversation grouping. It is hard for me to use the word cozy in this giant of a house but it is possible!

Guest Casita is Detached and Private

You not only have a wonderful home that is listed by the assessors office as @6839 sqft you have a fabulous Guest House! This is such a wonderful place for permanent house members or for visitors. It could also be a great home office. It features a living room, bedroom/bath and kitchenette counter.

6 Space Parking Including RV Bay

There is a 3 car garage attached to this lovely home. In addition there is a 3 space (and I have to say ample spaces) garage with 1 door allowing for RV or boat access. Unbelievable! Again, the builder thought of everything. This is a house for multiple family members who have lots of interests meaning lots of “toys” and needing space to store everything!

For a private showing of this incredable home priced aggressively at $999,900-$1,250,000 please give contact me at GBPagnotta@gmail.com

623 Altamira Ct, Vista, CA 92081 (MLS # 120004345)

(all data current as of 5/21/2012)

View Virtual Tour

Price	$1,199,900
Beds	6
Baths	6 full, 1 half
Home size	6,839 sq ft
Lot Size	43,560 sq ft
Days on Market	120

VR pricing $999,900-$1,199,900. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE+EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY in this super spacious 6 Br+office estate featuring detached guest casita,1 acre of privacy,3+3 space garage w/1RV bay.Entertain with ease in fabulous kitchen+2 family-rooms!Dramatic high ceilings bathed in natural light,multiple built-ins,the finest construction and thoughtful upgrades..your wish list is answered!Guest house is super cute w/LR+BR+Ba. Plenty of room to add a pool. Well cared for and MOVE IN READY!SQft from assessor.

Property Type(s): Residential / Detached, Residential / All

Last Updated	3/19/2012	Tract	Alta Vista Estates
Year Built	1993	Community	Vista
Garage Spaces	10.0	County	San Diego
Total Parking	10	Walk Score ®	37

Price History

Prior to Feb 9, '12	$1,250,000
Feb 9, '12 - Today	$1,199,900

Schools

School District	Vista Unified

Additional Details

CDR/Mello Roos	0.0	Home Owner Fees	0.0
Total CDR/Mello-Roos	0	Bedroom 5 Dimensions	15x11
Bedroom 4 Dimensions	13x13	Bedroom 3 Dimensions	13x12
Family Room Dimensions	32x19	Bedroom 2 Dimensions	14x12
Master Bedroom Dimensions	23x21	Living Room Dimensions	24x15
Kitchen Dimensions	irr	Dining Room Dimensions	17x14
Extra Room 1 Dimensions	37x18	Extra Room 2 Dimensions	13x10
Extra Room 3 Dimensions	12x11	Fireplaces(s)	3
Guest House Est.SqFt	900	Parking Garage Spaces	6
Parking Non-Garaged Spaces	4	Parking Spaces Total	10
Total Other Fees	0

Features

Architectural Style	Mediterranean/Spanish
Construction	Built on Site
Cooling	Central Forced Air, Zoned Area(s)
Entry: 3+Stair/Steps to Entry	Yes
Equipment Available	Dishwasher, Disposal, Fire Sprinklers, Garage Door Opener, Microwave, Other/Remarks, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, Vacuum/Central
Exclusive Use Yard	Yes
Exterior	Stucco
Fencing	Full
Fireplace Location	FP in Family Room, FP in Living Room, FP in Master BR
Floor Coverings	Carpet, Tile
Guest House	Detached, Other/Remarks
Heat Equipment	Forced Air Unit, Zoned Areas
Heat Source	Natural Gas
Interior Walls	Drywall
Irrigation	Sprinklers
Laundry Location	Laundry Room
Laundry Utilities	Gas
List Status	Active
Market Area	North County
Miscellaneous	Other/Remarks
Ownership	Fee Simple
Parking for RV	Garage, Gated, On-Site Parking
Parking Garage Description	Attached, Detached
Parking Non-Garage Description	Driveway
Patio	Slab
Pets	Yes
Prop Type	Residential
Property Restrictions Known	CC&R's
Residential Styles	Detached
Residential Unit Location	Detached
Roof	Concrete
Searchable Rooms	Bedroom(s) Entry Level, Bonus Room, Breakfast Area, Dining Room, Family Room, Formal Entry, Loft, MBR Entry Level, Office, Optional Bedrooms, Other/Remarks
Security	Automatic Gate
Sewer/Septic	Sewer Connected
Site	Corner Lot, Cul-De-Sac
Stories	2 Story
Structures	Other/Remarks
Sub Floors	Slab on Grade
Subject to Court/Lender Approv	No
Telecommunications	Cable (coaxial)
Topography	Level
View	Parklike
Water	Meter on Property
Water Heater Type	Gas

Location

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

Listed with Coldwell Banker Residential

52 Weeks of Fun in San Diego: Week 4

August 25th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Coast, Escondido, Green Homes, Things To Do in San Diego
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Go to Breakfast or Lunch at Claire’s on Cedros!

Claires on Cedros

I love this place! First and foremost the building is a Leed Platinum Certified…very cool! To those new to green this means it has met very high standards for being GREEN . I love this concept knowing their mission is to make food from scratch and to embrace the environment with a building and management principals for sustainability. They are open for Breakfast and Lunch, M_F 6-3 and Sa/Sun 7-3. Their website is www.clairesoncedros.comand phone 858-259-8597. want to plan a brunch…call them and relax! The food is really wholesome and delicious. The pricing is excellent (my opinion) for the quality, preparation and selection. I had wholegrain pancakes with blueberries, 2 scrambled eggs and a side of turkey sausage…I was hungry! Let me know how you like this place and what your favorite item on the menu is!

Go Shopping at a Henry’s Store!

Henry's Markets

Why do I love Henry’s??? It just is a fun place to shop vs my byweekly trip to Costco. The variety is good, organic selections wonderful and baked goods yummy…I also like their soaps,vitamins and supplements, wines, seafood….deli selections. Their website is beyound cool; www.henrysmarket.com. You can actually find your local store and see what the weekly sale items are creating your personal shopping list.

Go to the Wild Animal Park in Escondido at Night!

Wild Animal Park

How about Roar and Snore! There are several programs for families and then some for adults (21 years and older). You will see behind the scene activities of the animals. For a schedule including an opportunity to spend a night in the Animal Park go to: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/wap_roar_and_snore.html If you don’t already have an annual pass to the Animal Park and Zoo consider it as a great investment for year round activity!

Date Night: Humpreys on The Bay

Humpreys Concerts on the Bay

Humpreys Concert on the Bay…Sunday Night at 7:30/ Three Dog Night! Go to www.humphreysconcerts.com to get your tickets!

Tell me what your favorite family outing is in San Diego…!

52 Weeks of Fun in San Diego: Week 1

August 4th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Buyer Info, Coast, Del Sur, Escondido, First Time Buyers, Poway, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, Scripps Ranch, Things To Do in San Diego
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I decided it would be great fun to feature all the great “happenings” and resources in San Diego. San Diego has so many great activities, events, shopping, restaurants and just plain fun things to do. So week by week I will highlight what I think people might like. I welcome your comments and feedback!

Family Fun for the Week in San Diego

Info taken from http://hotels.sandiego.org/-/hotel/99/official website is http://www.usopensandcastle.com/

Sandcastle Competition in San Diego

US Open Sandcastle Competition

Sand Castles at Imperial Beach

Phone Numbers
619-424-6663

8/06/10 – 8/08/10

The 30th annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition kicks off in Imperial Beach.

Friday August 6th, 2010

The Sandcastle Dance kicks off the weekend at the Imperial Beach Boys and Girls Club. This 21 and up event is filled with live music and great company, and is a wonderful way to start off what is sure to be a fun filled weekend!

Saturday August 7th, 2010

In Imperial Beach, California, on Saturday, August 7th, the street festival begins. Over 140 vendors set up for the weekend activities. Continued with entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and lots of fun. Visitors stroll up and down Seacoast Drive, closed to traffic for the event, taking in the sights, sounds, and other sensory experiences of everything the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition has to offer. The musical entertainment, selected from a wide variety of family friendly local acts, draws a huge crowd every year. The Kids-N-Kastles Competition is held on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday August 8th, 2010

On Sunday August 8th, the official U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition will be held. This is the championship of sandcastle building where the professional sand carvers vie for the title of Master’s Champion. Professional and amateur sand carving teams throughout the U.S. will compete in the sandcastle building competition with more than $21,000 in cash prizes. Trained representatives for the US Open Sandcastle Competition will judge all categories. The weekend festivities conclude when the teams are presented with titles and cash prizes presented at the Awards ceremony.

Sandcastle building begins at 9:00am and concludes at 2:00pm. Sculptures are only available for viewing until 4:00pm due to the tides.

Date Night: Go to the Movies!

I recommend: The Kids are All Right

1hr 44min‎‎ – Rated R‎‎ – Comedy‎
I saw this last weekend and loved it…great scenes, laugh and cry and relate…enjoy Director: Lisa Cholodenko – Cast: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson

Story Line: Two teenaged children get the notion to seek out their biological father and introduce him into the family life that their two mothers have built for them. Once the donor is found, the household will never be the same, as family ties are defined…

Taking Care of Yourself Tip of the Week

Bernardo Heights Dental Group is offering an Exam,Digital XRays and Cleaning for $39.00. Maybe you need this before date nite?

Call 858-674-6813, or go to www.BernardoHeightsDental.com (new patients only and some restrictions apply)

Shopping Place of the Week in San Diego

Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall with over 90 stores!!!

5620 Paseo del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-804-9000

Mon – Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm

Please send me your comments and suggestions:

Escondido Farmers Market

June 29th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Escondido
Please leave a comment.

Farmers’ Market is Open Tuesdays!

Tuesdays on Grand Avenue between Juniper and Kalmia Street
3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Year Round

The Downtown Escondido Certified Farmers’ Market and Other Purveyors, an open-air marketplace celebrating 15 years of operation, is located in the heart of the historic Downtown Commercial and Antique District of Escondido, where local small farmers and California growers sell the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables (many organic), flowers, herbs, nuts, eggs and honey. You will also find gourmet chocolates, salsas, European breads, tamales, coffees, crafts, clothing and jewelry. Enjoy the tastes of the many ready-to-eat foods at the market or take them home for a great dinner!

For more information please contact Marie Pegram, Farmers’ Market and Advertising Manager at (760) 745-8877, or e-mail dba@downtownescondido.com.

For more information on Escondido homes for sale feel free to contact me for a list of the best values!

Attention Home Owners! Enter my $500 Home Depot Drawing!

June 2nd, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Coast, Del Sur, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Santaluz, Scripps Ranch, Seller Info
Please leave a comment.

Could you use $500 to do a little project around you home? We want to give it to you!

If you could use a $500.00 Home Depot Gift Certificate enter our current drawing contest! Just complete the form below and return it to me. We will have a drawing on Labor Day. You must be a homeowner and complete the entire application to win. Your information will be kept confidential. We need a minimum of 350 entrees to have this happen so spread the word! If you would also like a complimentary estimate of value on your home or any sales statitics or real estate information let us know. We are here to earn your trust and business. Subscribe to our blog and let us know what you like about your neighborhood so we can share this with our customers! We sell, list, lease and trade properties in Escondido, Santaluz, DelSur,4s Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Encinitas, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe!

Escondido: End of Month February 2010 HOME SALES STATS

March 10th, 2010 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Escondido, Green Homes, Seller Info
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Home for sale in Escondido

Escondido Home Sale Stats ending month of February 2010

Year to Date Pending Listings for Escondido

Click for larger view

Year to Date Sold Listings for Escondido

Click for larger view

Currently there are 286 active listings in Escondido ranging from $150,000 to $4,600,000.

Click here to get your very own VIP Home Search!

Home Seller Tip of the Week:

Detach Your Emotions – Buying Real Estate is usually an emotional decision. When selling, take emotion out of the equation by thinking of your home as a house and commodity thaty will be valued against all comeptition. Listing prices need to reflect current markey value based on closed sales of similar properties. Many sellers since their hime is exceptional and the rules do not apply. Upgrades, views and condition may make your home sell faster but do nt always guarnatee a significant price premium.

Green Home Tip if the Month

Install dimmer switches and use them!

To read the January Sales and Price Report from C.A.R., please click on the following link, http://www.car.org/newsstand/newsreleases/januarysalesandprice/.

Escondido Home Valuation: Thinking of selling your home and need an assessment of current value based on today’s market condition? We are here to help!