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.

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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 Gets Coldwell Banker Award for Sales in 2011!

March 8th, 2012 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, First Time Buyers, Foreclosures/Short Sales, Market Trends, Poway, Rancho Bernardo
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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.

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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.

Find School Boundaries in San Diego

February 16th, 2012 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Buyer Info, Coast, Del Sur, First Time Buyers, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Santaluz, Schools
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Selecting Specific School Districts When Purchasing a Home

One of the most important criteria buyers give us when deciding what community or neighborhood they want is to research school districts. Once they have determined some of the top districts and then the top schools in the district they want to know what specific streets and neighborhoods are within the school boundaries. We always ask our clients to confirm the areas by calling the specific school district regional office. Most of the school websites have maps you can use also. This can become confusing and frustrating.

I was recently introduced to a new site; www.education.com. I did give this site a test drive with my address. The school selections were correct. I would still tell people to speak with a school representative as boundaries are subject to change. I know for a fact the high school in my area is suppose to be changed next year. Now I do not know if they will make the kids who are now attending their current school change or if they have any choices. All of these issues are cause for concern. When I had school age children we were committed to the Poway Unified School District. Within the district I wanted the kids to stay in their schools so they would not have to change clubs, activities or have to make new friends. Unfortunately as neighborhoods such as Del Sur, 4S Ranch and Santaluz grow they add more children to the district and there has to be an evaluation of the class sizes and whether the schools can accommodate the growth.

You could make a home se;ction based on the information given today only to find out that there is a change planned for the coming year. Another one of those “no guarantees in life” conversations. That is why we always have this discussion with potential buyers.

If you want to try this new website you may find it a convenient tool. Let me know what you think!

As always as Top Realtors in San Diego we remain committed to helping people in finding the neighborhood and home that best suits their “wish list.” Let us know if you need help and give us some feedback on this new tool.

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

Poway Home Sale Trends Year to Date 2011

November 17th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Poway
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Poway Ca. Home Sales Show Downward Trends

The market is Poway is fairly typical of what we are seeing in many North San Diego County communities. WE had a dismal summer with all the anxiety caused by the debt crisis and people are sill nervous and reluctant to “pull the trigger” in a purchase. It is interesting to note the list price/sales price is pretty close 95.8% for year to date. Low appraisals are causing some issues with closing prices. We are finding the appraisers want to see recent activity and cosed sales. So no more “my house is nicer and the magic house.” Those days are gone and subjective value is challenged with logical and confirmed criteria.

If you are thinking of selling your home in the coming year give us a call so we can review our Internet Marketing Program that gives you the maximum global exposure and best chances of getting showings and a sale!

Rancho Bernardo Safety Tips for Fall Fire Prevention

October 30th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Santaluz
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Rancho Bernardo Residents Pass 4th Year Anniversary of Witch Fire

In October 2007 Rancho Bernardo residents lost 365 homes due to the Witch fire. Poway was affected with the loss of 90 homes and in 2003 Scripps Ranch experienced the loss of 312 homes in the Cedar fire. I had a client who lost everything in the Scripps fire. Thankfully I had taken pictures of their home which were helpful when they dealt with their insurance company in negotiating replacement of their home. It is a reminder at this time of year throughout San Diego that we have to be watchful and prepared as it is not “if” a fire will again sweep through our canyons but “when.” The Santa Ana winds fuel the fires and embers travel up to 3 miles ahead of the fire igniting grasses. The importance of clearing at least 100 feet around structures cannot be over stressed.

Santaluz Residents Forming Interest Groups for Disaster Preparation

Some of our communities have been planned to be “stay in place” areas. The landscaping has been regulated to deter the rapid spread of fire and lessen the chance for residents to be evacuated. Santaluz residents have now formed resident interest groups to plan for major disasters including fires. Communication amoung residents is of vital importance. Some common guidelines in case of fire are the following:

Shut off gas at the meter. Only a qualified professional can safely turn the gas back on
Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seal
Turn off propane tanks
Place combustible patio furniture inside
Take down hanging plants and move them away from the house
Connect garden hose to outside taps. Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof
Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of your residence
Gather fire tools such as a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaws, bucket and shovel
Back your cars into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut the doors and roll up the windows. Leave the key in the ignition and the car doors unlocked. Close garage windows and doors but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage doors.
Open fireplace damper, and close fireplace screen.
Close windows, vents, doors, blinds or other non combustible window coverings and heavy drapes. Remove flammable drapes and curtains.
Move flammable furniture into the center of the residence away from windows and sliding glass doors.
Close all interior doors and windows to prevent drafts
Place valuables that will not be damaged by water in a pool or pond.
Open your wooden gate and leave it open, so the fire cannot run along your fence to your home.

This time of year take the time to make sure your fire alarms are in working order..replace batteries. Place fire extinguishers in various locations as a general fire safety measure. Make sure your landscaping is under control with extra vegetation removed from your property and away from your home. Discuss your “escape” plan with your family so in the event of a fire when sometimes minutes count you are together in youir plan if evacuation is needed. This should also a plan for pets. It is a good idea to place notices at your homes entry points that state if you have animals in your homes. The thought of my Max (black lab) being in my home if a fire occurred while I was away would break my heart. At least if someone came to the home a notice might insure he was removed.

Santaluz Resident Town Hall Meeting

If you have some other suggestions let me hear from you! For Santaluz Residents come to the SMA Meeting Novemeber 2nd 6:30 for an update on the Disaster Preparedness as well as other subjects. Let’s all be safe and take the time to plan ahead!

Santaluz Seller Gives Testimonial

July 10th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Oaks North, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Santa Fe, Santaluz, Seller Info
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Testimonial from Santaluz Seller

Hi Gretchen, Thanks for selling our home. We appreciate all your efforts and enjoyed working with you and Alan. We are sending a testimonial on our experience with working with you and Alan. I’d like to thank Gretchen and Alan for their real estate professionalism and expertise in marketing and selling our home, especially in this difficult market.We were anxious to move to our ranch and had our home listed previously for three years. When we listed our home with Gretchen and Alan, they sold it within six months. They truly know and understand our community and how to market it. We highly recommend Gretchen and Alan for anyone wanting to buy or sell their property. Thanks again for all your efforts. It was a pleasure working with you both.Don and Katie Bloom

If you have a home to sell in Santaluz or another San Diego North County Community we would like to share our proven Marketing Plan with you!!

Bridlewood Lakeside in Poway Open House July 10

July 6th, 2011 by Gretchen Pagnotta
Categories: Buyer Info, Poway
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Bridlewood Lakeside 1-Story Home Open July 10, 1-4

This gorgeous one level home has been completely updated! The kitchen and all bathrooms have new custom cabinets, the flooring has been replaced with a slate look tile and brand new neutral textured carpeting, the counters are all granite…this place is turn key. Everyone will enjoy the lovely backyard with pool, spa and gazebo and plenty of space for gardening, pets and children! Featuring 5 bedrooms and over 3000 sqft this home lives easily and has always been a popular choice. Bridlewood is located off Espola Road in North Poway across from Poway High School. See you there!

14235 Primrose Court has the following FEATURES:

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