September/October From The Front Porch Journal

S@N DIEGO COUNTY’S

from th_

FRONT PORCH Journ[l

TRENDS IS S@N DIEGO’S HOUSING M@RKET GOING UP?

T@ILG@TE CUISINE THIS BUFF@LO CHICKEN DIP IS HOT!

CUT THE C@BLE CORD @RE YOU M@N ENOUGH?

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contents

s_pt_m\_r/o]to\_r 2010

^_p[rtm_nts 4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary the perfect real estate storm 5 out and about experience sd sd padres/chargers schedule

4

6 family corner bargain hunter thoughts from moms and dads 7 et cetera where’s rosemary delish 10 minutia useless knowledge bravo bites rosebud’s garden

5

11 front porch pickin sd concerts

7 12

12 bits and pieces books or blogs podsabilities ponderings appaholics ingenious 13 trends market condition report 14 domiciles from east county to coast From the Front Porch Compliments of:

16

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

La Mesa, CA 91942

the real estate brief a note from rosemary Greetings from my part of the world, beautiful downtown La Mesa.

So what’s new in the San Diego market since we were last together? Plenty!

Interest rates are at an all time low. 4.25% for a 30 year fixed as I write this! For current homeowners now would be the time to refinance. Reducing your interest rate by just 1 point can reduce your payment by several hundred dollars. Or take those extra dollars and make the same payment as you currently do and pay that mortgage off sooner! For buyers, now is the time to get off the fence and buy! Low interest rates and low prices means affordable homeownership in San Diego!

We’ve seen a slowing in sales since the federal $8000 tax credit went away. Don’t worry though, homes are still selling as long as they are priced correctly and show well. For those of you looking at purchasing in the million plus range there are some great deals to be negotiated.

There is plenty of inventory to choose from, so getting what you want at a good price is really possible. The $500K and under market is still very active and we are still seeing multiple offer situations. Prices also seem to be stabilizing and we aren’t seeing the deep nose dive of equity loss we’ve been experiencing since mid 2005.

For FHA buyers there are going to be some big changes going into effect by September 7 of this year. FHA's upfront premium will go from 2.25% to 1.00% and the annual mortgage insurance premium (monthly premium) will increase from 55 basis points to 85-90 basis points on 30 year fixed loans. As an example on a $400,000 loan, the upfront fee will go down from $9,000 to $4,000. The monthly mortgage insurance however will go up from $183 to $283. So less money up front to get into a home but more money going out in your monthly payment. Which reminds me, once the equity in your home hits 20% make sure you ask for the PMI to be removed.

Until next time.

the perfect “real estate” storm I should call this article 5 Reason’s why it’s an excellent time to buy a home...NOW! So just why is this the perfect real estate storm? Low prices and low interest rates. The economy here in San Diego seems to have stabilized for now.

The price of homes are starting to level out and in some areas slowly increasing again(check out re trends on page 11). I’ve not seen a more perfect time to buy a home than right now.

Let me show you why…

1. Low mortgage interest rates serves as an equity shock absorber. When a buyer buys at today’s low rates they have a little give to weather any possible fluctuations in this unsteady real estate market the US is experiencing.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Many sellers have been waiting for the market to turn around. While they’ve been waiting they have made improvements and kept their home well maintained. This compared to foreclosures and some short sales that have been destroyed or neglected because of the seller having no money to maintain it 3. Terrific homes are coming on the market.

Foreclosures are beginning to clear the system and this is the opportunity homeowners of desirable properties have been waiting for to put their home on the market.

4. Appraisal’s are finally aligning with today’s market conditions. Fannie Mae has adjusted it’s appraisal guidelines. Now appraisers have more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market. Home purchases are actually going to close escrow and not be hung up by an appraisal issue.

5. More loan programs. We are seeing more loan programs and a slight loosening of lender guidelines, making it easier to get a loan.

Need more reasons to buy? Call Rosemary for a no obligation consultation.

out and about experience sd

Pleasant Baptist Church will never be the same.

Lamb’s Players Theater

Glory Man October 1-November 14 Clarence Jordan, author of "The Cotton Patch Gospel," was a preacher and Greek scholar who MiXtape August 6-September 26 left academia to found Koinonia Farms, an A Musical Journey Through the 8Os unconventional racially-integrated community in Take a seriously wild musical ride the deep South of the 1940s. He soon found that back to that most awesome of he was not just up against the Klan, but the entire decades. Reagan was in the White culture that surrounded him. THE GLORY MAN House, Michael Jackson was at the brings to life the sights and sounds of an entirely top of the charts, lycra and authentic legwarmers were the accessories du jour, and a "mix tape" of rural...

Southern world. favorite tunes was the ultimate in self-expression. A lousy A play with music economy was about to bounce back like we’d never seen, set to reminiscent of films like the synthesized beat of 80s Rock. The Cold War was heating up, and with fingers on the nuclear button, the world was sure O Brother, Where Art Thou, steeped in the to end any moment. But for Generation X, life was just beginning. Put on your suspenders, pull out the Members Only infectious sounds of Appalachian Roots jacket, do your hair up with a scrunchy, and "everybody cut music and Gospel, this footloose" with us in this totally rad musical world premiere. world premiere from associate artist Dennis Smoke on the Mountain September 2-September 19 Hassell (A Divine The Hilarious Gospel Celebration. The Great Depression is coming to an end, and the Sanders Family Singers are back on Comedy) will inspire the road again. Of course the bus just broke down, the twins audiences with the true-life story of an American original, and are fighting again, Uncle Stanley’s fresh out of prison, and his legacy, which included the start of Habitat for Humanity. sister June still can’t really sing. But after this night, Mount Source and photos: LambsPlayers.org

SD Sports SEP/OCT 2010 MON

TUE

WED 1

THUR 2

FRI 3

ARI 3:10PM 6

7

LAD 7:05PM 13

COL 5:40PM 20

8

LAD 7:05PM 14

COL 5:40PM 21

LAD 7:10PM 27

CHC 7:05PM

28

CHC 7:05PM

COL 7:05PM 9

LAD 7:05PM 15

COL 12:10PM 22

LAD 7:10PM 29

CHC 7:05PM

SAT 4

10

SF 7:05PM 16

23

17

CHC 3:35PM

11

24

18

STL 4:15PM 25

CIN 7:05PM 1

12

SF 1:05PM 19

STL 11:15PM 26

CIN 5:35PM 2

SF 7:15PM

COL 1:05PM

SF 5:35PM

STL 5:15PM

LAD 7:10PM 30

COL 5:35PM

SF 7:05PM

STL 5:15PM

SUN 5

CIN 1:05PM 3

SF 6:05PM

SF 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.

Sever the Cable Habit “Toolman” (insert hubby Todd) and I cancelled our cable 5 years ago and I won’t say it hasn’t been missed, especially my beloved HGTV and Toolman’s history and food channel. It just didn’t make sense anymore to spend over $720 a year for television. (I know many of you out there are spending a lot more than that!) And yes I am one of those people that says there is nothing ever on worth watching anymore. So if you’re wondering how we did it and still enjoy some inexpensive TV land time. Here you go. 

Hulu.com. What I love about hulu is we watch what we want to watch on our time schedule, plus the commercials are way shorter than regular cable television. You can watch both your favorite TV series past and present. The Stargate series has been watched a multitude of times in our household.  Network television via the internet. If you can’t find it on Hulu. Try NBC, ABC, CBS, and the Sci-fi Channel. Sorry, San Diego’s PBS isn’t doing this yet (sooner or later they’ll get the clue).  Library DVD’s. What I love about the library is their DVD’s are FREE! You are allowed to “rent” them for one week and if you can’t find what you want in your local library you can request the DVD be sent to your branch. It is rare to find us in a video rental store anymore, unless we are purchasing a used DVD to add to our DVD collection. We’ve seen some great films using our library. Television series, old/ new films, and documentaries. Ken Burns’s historical series are fantastic by the way and we loved BBC’s Monarch of the Glen series.  Redbox. These or a facsimile there of are popping up in grocery stores and other venues everywhere.

For approximately $1 you can rent the latest releases from them for 24 hours. Compared to the local rental stores at $4.25 a pop you can’t beat that price.

You won’t find everything you want to watch at these different venues, but for a savings of nearly $3600 since we started this experiment I think it’s worth it. So...how much would you save?

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.” ~Sigmund Freud

Christopher Schaub and his sweet baby girl Quinn. Son and granddaughter of Jerry and Sherry Schaub.

Photo Credit: Caitlin Schaub

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.

A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”

– Sophia Loren

Caitlin Schaub and her lovely daughter Quinn. Daughter and granddaughter of Cheryl and Mike Christenson and Marshall and Laurie Bell.

Photo Credit: Christopher Schaub

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 Frank’s Redhot Buffalo Chicken Dip 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup ranch salad dressing 1/2 cup any flavor Frank’s Redhot sauce 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded

where was rosemary?

Alcazar Gardens Balboa Park 1549 El Prado.

San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-0512 No winners for the July/August issue!

Heat oven to 350°F. Place cream cheese into deep baking dish. Stir until smooth. Mix in salad dressing, Frank's RedHot Sauce and cheese. Stir in chicken. Bake 20 min. or until mixture is heated through; stir.

Garnish as desired. Serve with tortilla chips.

Photo and Recipe Credit: Frank’sRedHot.com

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27090 Sugar Bush Way·Valley Center·CA·92082 www.sugarbushway.com This classic California ranch home is located in the prestigious neighborhood of Sherwood Heights in South Valley Center. The ever-changing panoramic views are the highlight of this home. Not only do you get views of Big Bear on a clear day, you’ll enjoy snowcapped mountains in the winter and bucolic countryside with hawks gliding about you catching the cool ocean breezes. But that’s not all...the interior of this house says warmth, it says this is home. From it’s stunning rock faced wall entry to the wood beamed ceilings you’ll enjoy all the wonderful architectural details this home has to offer. The perfect home for those who enjoy large family/friend gatherings you will be able to create wonderful memories here. The gourmet of the home will enjoy the beautiful upgraded kitchen with all the amenities that suggest. Indoor/outdoor living will be the norm with a large deck located just off the family room. Enjoy fresh lemonade year round with the ever abundant lemon trees.

The master suite will be a refuge from the cares of the world.

Boasting a retreat for quiet getaways, and a roman tub meant for relaxation you won’t ever want to leave home. Call Rosemary at 619-405-7673 for your private showing of this exclusive home.

minutia At the turn of the century, light bulbs were hand made with hand blown glass bulbs. They sold for the equivalent of half a days pay for the average US worker. They were also incredibly long lasting. The bulbs in Edison’s home, now a museum, have yet to need replacement.

Todd Joles known as Todd the “Toolman”, 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: I am called a dog because I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals.

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: alstromeria common name: peruvian lily Likes: Sun to partial shade Hates: Being divided Blooms: Orange, Purple, Red, Pink, Yellow Negatives: Can be invasive in some areas

A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.

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!

sd concerts

09/28 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Location: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre Price: $41.00-$131.00 Time: 7:30 pm

09/11 88.3 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival Location: 5099 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach Price: $30 Time: 10:00 am

10/2 Kamelot Location: House of Blues Price: $27.50 (4 Pack $82.50) Time: 8:00 pm

09/15 Adicts with Agent Orange Location: House of Blues Price: $22.50 Advance, $25 Door, 4 Pack $67.50 Time: 8:00 pm

10/9 Jack Johnson To The Sea Tour 2010 Location: House of Blues Price: $35.00-$55.00 Time: 7:00 pm

09/17 Brad Paisley H20 World Tour Location: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre Price: $29.25-$60.00 Time: 6:00 pm

10/11 The Script Location: House of Blues Price: $22.50 Time: 8:00 pm

09/18 91X presents 2010 Honda Civic Tour featuring Paramore with Tegan and Sara Location: House of Blues Price: $26.00-$36.00 Time: 6:30 pm

10/15 Alice in Chains Location: Viejas Arena Price: $29.50-$49.50 Time: 7:00 pm

09/18 Hanson with special guest Rocket to the Moon Location: House of Blues Price: $32.50-$45.00 Time: 7:30 pm

10/23 Johnny Vatos Dead Man’s Party Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo Location: 4th and B Price: $30.60-$46.50 Time: 8:00 pm

09/18 105.3 presents Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival featuring Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold Location: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre Price: $20.00-$85.00 Time: 3:30 pm

10/24 Judy Collins Location: 4th and B Price: $46.50-$51.65 Time: 8:00 pm

09/21 Phoenix Location: SDSU Open Air Theatre Price: $29.50-$39.50 Time: 8:00 pm 09/22 Muse with special guest Passion Pit Location: Viejas Arena Price: $39.50-$59.50 Time: 7:30 pm 09/24 The Dan Band Location: House of Blues Price: $23.00-$37.50 Time: 8:00 pm 09/25 Jonas Brothers with special guests Demi Lovato and friends from Camp Rock Location: Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre Price: $37.50-$97.50 Time: 7:30 pm 09/25-09/26 Adams Avenue Street Fair Location: Normal Heights Price: Free Time: 25th 10:00 am-9:00 pm, 26th 10:00 am-6:00 pm

10/30 Xbox 360 presents Justin Bieber My World 2.0 Tour Location: Sports Arena Price: $36.00-$56.00 Time: 7:00 pm

front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass

books or blogs

appaholics

I happened upon this blog while Googling (Google is a wondrous thing) the Puppini Sisters (think contemporary Andrew Sisters). This blog, takes me back to my roots. It’s a place I can go to whenever I long for a slower pace of life, a life that was about swinging on front porches on humid summer evenings, about family, and the simpler things of life. I enjoy the beautiful photo journalism, Joni’s commentary on life and the eclectic music that plays when you enter her site. It makes me feel like I’m back in the Midwest. If you love all things vintage, front porches, family and the good ole USA then head on over and enjoy the OldCentennialFarmhouse.blogspot.com/

Would you like get rid of the clutter of all the loyalty cards in your wallet or hanging from your key chain. Then check out the app “Key Ring” for droid and iphone. Scan your cards barcode to your phone, which creates a digital copy. Retailers scan the bar code from the screen. Check it out at: keyringapp.com.

Photos: Joni George

podsibilities

If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?

Miranda Lambert’s song The House That Built Me from her Album Revolution is playing on my ipod and itunes!

Love it!

bits and pieces From the Book of Questions

by Gregory Stock PH.D.

ingenious

Photo: Taylor Allyson Goady

ponderings

When packing for travel reuse the shower caps that you get for free from your hotel stay to put over your shoes. No more worrying about your shoes getting your clean clothes dirty!

-Source: Real Simple

trends

domiciles

Famosa Lagoon Views · Point Loma · $325,000 2 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1263 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Gorgeous Halcyon · Carmel Valley · $432,000 2 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1180 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

La Playa Bayside Views · La Playa · $629,000 3 Bedroom 3.5 Bath · 1654 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Ranch Beauty · Alpine · $679,000-$715,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2445 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Ocean Views · La Jolla · $819,000-$859,000 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2593 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Admiralty Row · Point Loma · $949,000-$989,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2838 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

Secluded Hilltop Estate · Mount Helix · $485,000-$525,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 2686 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Award Winning Design · Point Loma · $599,000 2 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1550 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Exceptional Corner Location · Poway · $780,000 5 Bedroom 3 Bath · 3198 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

City Views · Ballpark-East Village Downtown · $795,000 2 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1195 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

2002 Craftsman Remodel · Sunset Cliffs · $1,495,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2583 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Wooded Area Estate · Point Loma · $2,600,000-$2,900,000 5 Bedroom 5.5 Bath · 5319 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