July/August From The Front Porch Journal 2010

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contents

july/[ugust 2010

^_p[rtm_nts 4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary how not to sell your home

5 out and about

4

experience sd sd padres july/august schedule

6 family corner bargain hunter thoughts from moms and dads

7 et cetera where’s rosemary delish

8

8 minutia useless knowledge bravo bites rosebud’s garden

7 5

9 front porch pickin san diego symphony summer pops

10 domiciles from east county to coast

From the Front Porch Compliments of: The Joles Group

12

Rosemary Joles Realtor 619·405·7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 8310 La Mesa Blvd.

La Mesa, CA 91942

the real estate brief

how not to sell your home!

a note from rosemary Hello again everyone and greetings from lovely downtown La Mesa! This issue of From the Front Porch brings great news for the San Diego real estate market. Drum roll please….San Diego is no longer considered by lenders as a declining market! What does this mean to buyers? One it’s easier to get financing than we’ve seen in the last 3 years. It also means prices are starting to creep back up so if you’ve been sitting on the fence waiting for the market to hit bottom you’ve missed that train, it left in mid 2009. We’ve seen an increase of average home prices by 15% over last year. Don’t get me wrong there are still some great deals to be had! I’ve especially seen some fabulous buys in downtown San Diego condos. For homeowners it means your going to start getting some of that equity back that you’ve lost. If you’re in a position of having to sell and you owe more on your home that the current market value, we have begun seeing a trend of banks being much more willing to do short sales and getting them done in a much shorter period of time than in the past. This is great news for buyers too, no more waiting 6-18 months to see the home you want finally be approved for that short sale.

In other parts of the state and country we are seeing the luxury market also beginning to recover. San Francisco is one of those areas. In the past I’ve seen San Diego follow San Francisco’s lead so my thoughts are we are going to begin seeing more sales in the 2 million plus market.. Time will tell of course.

I’m still hearing that many banks are holding onto shadow inventory (homes that are ready for foreclosure) but I still haven’t seen a huge increase of foreclosure inventory so who knows what's up with that, other than the banks.

If you have any specific questions about your real estate situation please give me a call.

Until next time!

Actual MLS Photo

What was the agent thinking by putting this photo on the multiple listing service? This kitchen looks like it has no storage space.

Clearing off the countertops would have done wonders!

Staged Kitchen

We had the countertops sprayed with a granite look finish to get rid of the 70’s dated brown tile. A few well placed accessories and this kitchen shows beautifully. Definitely more appealing!

When I worked in retail many years ago I was amazed at how taking a plain dress from hanger to manikin and accessorizing it would cause the dress to literally fly off the shelf. The same concept applies to a home. It is crucial to show a home at it’s very best, accentuating the positives and detracting from the negatives. With over 90% of buyers starting their search for a home on the internet don’t make the mistake of having your home show up like the photos above. You owe it to yourself and your pocketbook to have the home staged. If you’re thinking of selling your home please give us a call. Professional staging is always part of The Joles Group marketing plan!

out and about experience sd

Mira Mesa 4th of July Parade, Fun Day & FIREWORKS!!

(11:00 am-9:00 pm) Dignitaries riding in decorated cars, marching high school bands, pancake breakfast and continue with an entertaining fun-filled day. Location: Gil Johnson Community Park

FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! Mission Bay: Paradise Point Resort and Sea World La Jolla: La Jolla Cove Coronado: Glorieta Bay Carlsbad: Legoland San Diego County Fair : Del Mar Fairgrounds San Marcos: Bradley Park Poway: Poway High school San Diego: San Diego Bay Ocean Beach: Ocean Beach Pier Summer Pops: Embarcadero Escondido: Grape Day Park Santee: Town Center Community Park Downtown: Petco Park After the Dodger/Padre game All fireworks are on the 4th of July at 9

Lake Murray Music Fest & FIREWORKS!!

(9:00 am- 9:30 pm) People can lay out blankets in a picnic-type setting and enjoy ongoing music, tasty food, and non-alcohol beverages. Location: Lake Murray Community Park 4th of July University City Celebration (8:00 am 7:00 pm) The day begins with a 5K run/walk and a pancake breakfast. Then it happens: continuous music, dancing, food, beer, a bike & pet parade, scavenger hunt, rock walk, jumpers, pony rides, sack race, dunk tank, a monkeybridge, and more.

Location: Standley Park

FESTIVALS FESTIVALS Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the Fourth Parade, Festival & FIREWORKS!! (9:00 am 3:30 pm) You'll see marching bands, flag twirlers, dignitaries, veterans, beauty queens, horses, and more. Location: Webb Park

Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade & Festival (10:00 am 1:00 pm) High School bands will sound off in a marching beat setting the pace for floats and local businesses and performing groups to follow in step. Besides creamy-cool ice cream and tasty hot dogs, there will also be DJ music, clowns, face painting, and three inflatable jumpers. Location: Hoyt Park

SD Padres JULY 2010 MON

TUE

WED

THUR 1

FRI 2

HOU 7:05PM 5

6

7

WSH 4:05PM 12

19

15

20

22

27

LAD 7:05PM

21

ATL 4:10PM 28

LAD 7:05PM

HOU 7:05PM

16

29

LAD 3:35PM

23

PIT 4:05PM 30

FLA 7:05PM

SUN 4

HOU 5:35PM 10

COL 6:10PM ARI 7:05PM

ATL 10:05PM

SAT 3

9

WSH 4:05PM

13 14 ALL STAR GAME

ATL 4:10PM 26

8

WSH 4:05PM

AUGUST 2010

COL 5:10PM 17

HOU 1:05PM 11

18

PIT 4:05PM 31

FLA 5:35PM

ARI 1:05PM 25

LAD 7:10PM 9

CHC 5:05PM 23

17

CHC 5:05PM 24

ARI 7:05PM 30

FLA 1:05PM

LAD 7:10PM PIT 7:05PM

16

ARI 6:40PM

WED 4

10

PIT 10:35PM 1

TUE 3

COL 12:10PM

ARI 5:35PM 24

MON 2

31

ARI 6:40PM

THUR 5

LAD 7:10PM 11

PIT 7:05PM 18

LAD 7:10PM 12

PIT 3:35PM 19

CHC CHC 11:20AM 11:20AM 25

ARI 7:05PM

FRI 6

26

ARI 3:35PM

SAT 7

ARI 6:40PM 13

SF 7:15PM 20

MIL 5:10PM 27

PHI 7:05PM

SUN 8

ARI 5:10PM 14

SF 1:10PM 21

ARI 1:10PM 15

SF 1:05PM 22

MIL MIL 4:10PM 11:10AM 28

PHI 1:10PM

29

PHI 1:05PM

family corner

thoughts from moms and dads

bargain hunter bar·gain [bagr-guhn}] -noun 1. an advantageous purchase, esp. one acquired at less than the usual cost: The sale offered bargains galore.

10 Ways To Save On Your Grocery Bill One of the best places to save money is your monthly grocery bill. Here are some tips to help you reduce this necessary experience.

1. Don’t go to the store hungry.

You’ll spend so much more if you are, so don’t do it!

2. Use that store loyalty card and make sure that your phone number is connected to it so that when you forget the card you can use your phone number. Note: You can also download coupons to your card! No more clipping.

3. Create a weekly menu around the specials. This is a great way to try new recipes.

4. Purchase fruits and vegetables when they are in season. They’re cheaper and taste better too.

5. Use coupons. Before you roll your eyes and say I don’t have time to cut coupons. There is now several sites online that you can print your coupons.

Couponmom.com is one of them. This site also has tons of ways to shop smart.

6. Watch the weekly sales flyer from your grocery store and stock up on the specials and shop specials only.

(You can see them online too.) Add your coupons to the specials price and you will save tons!

7. Create a price booklet of 50 items that you purchase continually. Why? It will help you know when an item is truly on sale.

8. Purchase non-grocery items at places like Target or Walmart. It may be more convenient to pick these items up at the grocery store, but you’re paying a whole lot more for that convenience.

9. Brown bag it to work. Save $6.00 a day in an account getting 6% interest and in 10 years you will have saved $19,683.72.

10. Save the money. Total up what you save on your grocery bill and put it into a savings account for your retirement, vacations, special purchases etc.

Saving just $25.00 a week will give you $7535.16 in 5 years at 6% interest. Europe here we come!

“A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them”.

-Victor Hugo

Stacy Gallegos and her sleeping daughter Jadeyn Daughter and granddaughter of John and Fran Carroll.

Photo Credit: Chris Gallegos

“Well I just crossed a new threshold of adulthood. Yes I just did a flying catch and sacrificed my very own hand to stop my daughter’s vomit/spit-up from hitting our brand new soft and plush carpet. Score: Daddy’s Carpet-1 Jade-0 The battle is won, but the war is not over”!

-Chris Gallegos Chris Gallegos and his beautiful daughter Jadeyn. Son and granddaughter of Walter and Terry Gallegos Photo Credit: Stacy Gallegos

A note from Rosemary: As much as I would love to show off my grandbaby every month...I would hate to be accused of being one of “those” kind of grandparents. So I thought it would be fun to show off your children/grandchildren!

Submit your photos of moms and dads with their wee ones and they could be featured in upcoming issues of From the Front Porch Journal!

Email your jpeg to: Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com. Please include the names of parents, children and grandparents!

where’s rosemary?

I love exploring this beautiful county that we live in. In every issue of From the Front Porch you’ll find a photo of different places that I’ve been in San Diego County. Your goal is to figure out where I took the photo? Submit your guess by August 15th, 2010 and the first correct answer will win a $20 gift card to the restaurant of their choice! You can email them to: Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com or mail them to 8310 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942. Thanks for playing!

et cetera

delish Grilled Corn w/ Feta & Lime Vinaigrette Grill corn to your liking, with husk or without, soaked or not.

where was rosemary?

Los Penasquitos Adobe Ranch 12020 Black Mountain Rd. San Diego, CA 92129 858-484-7504 No winners for the May/June issue!

Once cooked, drizzle or brush with a vinaigrette that’s two parts olive oil to one part fresh lime juice and just a tiny bit of lime zest. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro on top, season with a bit of cracked black pepper and salt if you’d like. That’s it.

It couldn’t be easier!

Photo and Recipe Credit: Matt Armendariz

minutia It has been declared by Parliament that sending a letter with a postage stamp bearing the likeness of the queen (or king) is an act of treason if the stamp is stuck on upside down.

Todd Joles is a handyman by day, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. His wife Rosemary threatens it’s going to get him into Jeopardy training one day.

bravo bites

useless knowledge

Bravo Says: Never judge a dog's pedigree by the kind of books he chooses to chew.

Bravo is the mischief making, yet adorable fur-person of Rebecca and Shayne Johnson. Grand puppy to Todd and Rosemary Joles, he spends most days working at getting peanut butter out of his Kong, by night he terrorizes toilet paper rolls, while still looking cute and innocent to his owners.

Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson

botanical name: passiflora common name: passion vine Likes: Sun to partial shade Hates: Intense summer heat Blooms: Blue, Purple, Red, White, Yellow Negatives: Parts of it can be poisonous

If a man is alone in the garden and speaks, and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?

rosebud’s garden Rosemary is passionate about low-water gardening in San Diego. She loves creating gardens that look like lush water thirsty gardens, yet need very little moisture to maintain them. Her other passions include real estate, lattes spending time with family and friends, reading, music and laughter!

June 26

Tux ‘N Tennies Summer Bash Starring Toni Braxton

August 6-7

Bravo Broadway Rocks

July 2-4

Star Spangled Pops with Marvin Hamlisch

August 8

Burt Bacharach The Look of Love

July 9-10

Kool and the Gang Get Down On It

August 13-14

Leann Rimes

July 11

The Flying Karamazov Brothers Comedy, Juggling, Music

August 20-21

Jodi Benson

July 15

Viva Mariachi

August 22

Pop Goes Classical Passport to the World A Night in France

July 16-17

Abba Mania

August 26

The Music of Queen A Rock Symphony

July 22

Distant Worlds Music From Final Fantasy

August 27-28

Michael Feinstein The Sinatra Project

July 23-24

Michael Cavanaugh Sings the Music of Elton John And more

September 3-5

1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular

July 29

Sha Na Na

July 30-31

Motown’s Greatest Divas Starring Radiance

August 1

Tiempo Liebre Sizzling Cuban Salsa

For more details on the Summer Pops visit this site: http://www.sandiegosymphony.com/summerpops/ downloads/SP2010_SeasonDetails.pdf There are also FREE concerts in San Diego County. For A Free Summer Community Concert Schedule email or call Rosemary at: Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com / 619-405-7673

front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass

domiciles

Approved Short Sale · Mount Helix · $360,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2131 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Views of El Capitan · Alpine · $439,000 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1829 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

House w/guest cottage · North Park · $620,000-$640,000 2 Bedroom 1 Bath · 850 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Charm Galore · Point Loma Heights · $699,000-$750,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1222 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Colonial Mansion · Alpine · $899,000-$945,000 5 Bedroom 4.5 Bath · 4831 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Stunning Bay Views · Coronado · $1,299,000-$1,350,000 3 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2309 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

Traditional Sale · Fletcher Hills · $499,000-$525,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1572 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

2009 Build · Alpine · $499,000-$599,000 3 Bedroom 3.5 Bath · 2724 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Georgian Colonial · Loma Portal · $850,000 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1950 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Downtown View · Loma Portal · $899,000-$925,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1529 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Executive Home · Point Loma · $1,399,000 5 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2985 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Rare Waterfront · Point Loma · $4,500,000-5,500,000 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath · 4990 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

THE JOLES GROUP Rosemary Joles

In Harmony With Your Dreams

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Sales · Leasing · Staging 619·405·7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com

Windermere Pacific Coast Properties 8310 La Mesa Blvd. · La Mesa, CA · 91942 2850 Womble Rd. Ste. 102 · San Diego · CA 92106