2011 January/February From The Front Porch

S@N DIEGO COUNTY’S

from th_

FRONT PORCH Journ[l

GETTING YOUR FIN@NCE FIN@NCESS IN ORDER YES, YOU RE@LLY C@N BE DEBT FREE

P@RTY PL@NNER GETTING YOU RE@DY FO FOR R SUPERBOWL SUND@Y

EQUITY LO LOSS SS @NOTHER W@Y TO LOOK @T IT

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contents

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^_p[rtm_nts 4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary equity loss...really?

5 out and about experience sd superbowl party planner 6 family corner bargain hunter thoughts from moms and dads

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7 et cetera where’s rosemary delish 10 minutia useless knowledge bravo bites rosebud’s garden

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11 front porch pickin sd concerts

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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 Journal Compliments of:

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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 on this lovely January day from one of my favorite neighborhoods in La Mesa, Windsor Hills. No I haven’t moved, I’m busy doing a open house in a classic mid-century home with some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen from Tijuana to La Jolla. I’m always amazed at the beautiful homes we have here in San Diego and the fantastic views!

Enough about that though. On to updating you on what is going on with the real estate market here in San Diego. We’ve seen the classic slow down as I predicted we would during the holidays. Interest rates increased slightly in December to over 5% and then fell again at the beginning of January. We have been staying pretty steady thus far at 4.75%. We have been hearing about the price of gas increasing, if this happens it will definitely effect interest rates. How much we are not sure. Homeowners with loans with Bank of America and Wells Fargo are starting to see a more streamlined short sale process. Although many of the banks are now asking for promissory notes from sellers. The process is still not perfect and it’s still a little on the frustrating side for all, but not what it was like when this economic melt down started. Speaking of banks we are still seeing foreclosures in the San Diego market, but not at the rate we’ve seen in the past. I keep on hearing about shadow inventory, (foreclosed properties not yet on the market) but I haven’t seen them in hit in mass yet. Mid January picked up with buyers beginning to look at homes, attending open houses etc. Many buyers are still seeing competition from investors paying cash for the homes in the 300K or less price range.

It sure would be nice to have a crystal ball to predict what will happen in 2011. Experts are saying it will be a repeat of 2010. I believe buyers should buy if they can. Given the lower San Diego county prices and historically low interest rates it makes good financial sense to purchase now.

Homeowners if you’re thinking of moving up and you have equity now would be the time to do that.

See the next article as to why I think this way.

Until next time, blessings to each of you.

equity loss It’s not as bad as you think!

Are you thinking you want to purchase a larger home, but waiting to recapture the equity that you lost at the top of the market? Instead of lamenting about that lost equity, please give me a few minutes of your time. I believe I can show you how to look at it in your “equity loss” in a different light.

I know many of you have experienced a big drop in your home values and don’t want to take a loss from the 2007 peak if you sell. I sure understand that mind set, but consider this. As you may or may not know, someone who bought a house years ago for $200,000 and had it appreciate up to $600,000, now could have a home worth $400,000. They are firm that they don’t want to “lose” $200,000 when in essence they have an actual gain of $200,000. Many are lamenting that they regret not selling at $600,000 and buying the $900,000 house like their neighbor did.

So my spin on this scenario is the following. Congratulations, you were patient and waited out the market chaos. Your friends bought their new house for $900,000 in the peak market and put 10% or $90,000 down on the purchase. Their home now has dropped 33% and is worth $600,000 with a $810,000 loan against it. They are “under water”, “upside down”, “loan modification”, “short sale prospects” or “strategic foreclosure”.

They’re in trouble.

Now you, can buy that upscale house in their area for $600,000 using 20% or $120,000 down and have a loan of $480,000 and be an equity owner. You saved $330,000 by waiting. As you probably realize prices are increasing again! In San Diego county several area prices have increased over 20% from the trough. If prices go up only 10% per year over the next few years, would you rather have 10% gain on your $400,000 home or 10% gain on your nice new $600,000 home.

Now is the time to move on up. All of you people who remember the Jefferson’s can sing the “Moving On Up” theme song.

If your curious as to what the current market value is call me. I would be happy to provide you with a analysis of the current market trends in your area.

Rosemary 619-405-7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com

out and about experience sd

SD Sports A Note From Rosemary: Since there is not a lot in the way of sports going on in San Diego and with the Super Bowl coming in just a few days. I thought you would enjoy this great article on Super Bowl Party Planning. Enjoy!

The traditional Super Bowl Party is probably the least fussy, most unpretentious party you can host all year.

Party Tips So, there is no point in holding anything back! Go all By: Donna Pilato, About.com Guide out and serve everyone's favorite high fat, fingerlicking snack foods. After all, your television set is the focal point, not the food. Or is it?

Planning Your Super Bowl Party

Thinking about the traditional party food for this event- chips, sour cream or cheese dips (onion soup dip springs to mind), chili, salsa, Buffalo wings, cheese balls, pizza (the Domino's kind, thank you very much, not the goat cheese and smoked pheasant kind) - I wonder whether these items are served because they're easy to serve and eat while watching the game, or because this has become the one event where Americans can eat their favorite foods without guilt. Men take the lead at this party, and their tastes have set the tone for the snacks as well as the entertainment. Let's all eat what we enjoy and forget about the diet ramifications or culinary trends!

According to the folks at Hallmark Cards, Inc., Super Bowl parties are one of the top at-home party events of the year. Super Bowl parties have become much more than a gathering of football lovers. In fact, many people attending these parties don't love football as much as they love the excuse to get together with friends at the end of the very boring month of January.

Whether you're planning a Super Bowl party out of love for the game or just the desire to host a fun, relaxing party, here are tips for making this a super bash:     

Order these great invitations along with other cool super bowl party supplies at party411.com

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Plan simple, portable foods. A buffet is your only option. Nobody wants to be sitting down at a table to eat when they'd rather be screaming at a television set or two.

Set up as many televisions as you have available around the party area.

Don't prepare recipes that will keep you locked in the kitchen all night. You should enjoy the party too.

Have one room set aside without a television for partygoers who aren't interested in the game and would like a quieter place to talk.

Likewise, set up one room with a television for serious football fans who don't want to be distracted by idle chatter.

Plan on plenty of beverages, and don't forget the beer. With all of those beer commercials bombarding your guests, they'll be working up a strong thirst for the suds.

If you feel compelled to decorate, think team colors, footballs, team jerseys, goal posts, and pennants. But don't knock yourself out. Most eyes will be more impressed by the clear reception on your television.

Have lots of paper towels, napkins and rug cleaner handy for messes created during exciting plays.

Keep a little spare change and small bills handy for any betting pools that just might pop up over the course of the evening.

family corner bargain hunter

thoughts from moms and dads

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

Debt Elimination Tips Yes you can do it!

The primary reason “Toolman” and I are bargain hunters is because we want to be debt free! Slowly but surely we are working ourselves out of debt.

One more payment and our truck will be paid off and with that payment both of our vehicles will be paid for. Now we are going to pay ourselves the car payments rather then the bank and invest those dollars. Our plan is to follow Dave Ramsey’s way of purchasing a car. (Wish I would of heard of this when I was in my 20’s) Check out the video link from Dave Ramsey at the end of this article for more information. Just this one step will make a huge difference in our financial future. Below are a few of the other things we’ve done or are in the process of doing to continue our journey to debt free.

Jeff Bahno and sleeping son Jeffrey Jr. Son and grandson of John and Cindy Bahno.

Photo Credit: Krist Bahno

“Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap.”

-Robert Fulgrum Krist Bahno and her beautiful sweet baby daughter Kaitlyn.

Daughter and granddaughter of John and Fran Carroll.

Photo Credit: Fran Carroll

1. Don’t get into debt. Use cash for all your purchases and don’t take on any debt except a home mortgage and pay that off as quick as you can.

2. Build up an emergency fund first. If you come into extra money (tax returns, etc.), use it to build an emergency fund and pay off debt after that. Dave Ramsey suggests $1000.00 and build up to 6 months of living expenses.

3. Spend less than you earn.

4. Take stock of all your liabilities, so you know exactly how much you owe to the world. Put them in a spreadsheet, with monthly payments, interest amounts, balances, and a running grand total of all your balances. Update it monthly as you pay off debt, and watch the overall amount go down slowly.

It’s very motivational.

5. Stop using credit cards to make it to the next paycheck. Stop getting further into debt.

6. Don’t pay off your credit card balance from the emergency account. Don’t touch the emergency account at all — it doesn’t exist!

7. Stop trying to keep up with the Jones. The Jones are broke!

Dave Ramsey Link: http://youtu.be/BKyV8CTHeJ0

“A baby girl...one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in your world today.”

- Author Unknown 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 February 20th, 2011 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 EZ Taco Dip 1 8 oz. pkg of cream cheese 2 cups of cheddar cheese grated 1 14.5 oz. can of Stag Chili 1 bag of tortilla chips

where was rosemary?

Near Oceanside Pier N. Meyers Street and Pier View Way No winners in our last issue.

Please try again!

Spread cream cheese in the bottom of a 8 inch square baking dish. Layer chili over top of cream cheese. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Serve warm with tortilla chips. Recipe doubles easily for larger crowds. My daughters, recommend making it in a crock pot for large crowds.

Hint: Great Super Bowl party treat!

Photo & Recipe Credit: Rosemary Joles

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\ÇàÜÉwâv|Çz 738 Balboa Court · San Diego· CA· 92109 $1,200,000 · BalboaCt.com The San Diego lifestyle is the best that life has to offer. With it's near perfect weather year round, it's miles of beaches, and it's close proximity to mountains and dessert. People from all over the world come to San Diego to vacation and live!

This home has all the amenities that coincide with the beach living lifestyle. In 2008 this charming 1940's beach cottage was lovingly and thoughtfully brought into this century. Featuring 2 bedrooms, plus an office and 2 full baths. This charming bungalow is located on a peninsula between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean in the highly desired neighborhood of South Mission Beach. You'll love living in this sunny location. Imagine yourself on a quiet early morning, taking long walks along the bay or ocean. Breathing in the fresh salty sea air invigorating every step. Just think, as you go for your morning stroll you may catch glimpses of dolphins playing in the surf or perhaps find that special shell, rock or sea glass to add to your collection. Envision building sandcastles with children/grandchildren. If your family is athletic, surfing or gathering for beach volleyball on the sand. Maybe relaxing in the sun with your favorite novel is more your pace. Whatever choice you've imagined it's all waiting for you here, in your very own beach cottage. After all, this is what living at the shore is all about.....creating a lifetime of memories. Call Rosemary for your private showing of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Rosemary Joles

In Harmony With Your Dreams Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 619-405-ROSE (7673) 8310 La Mesa Blvd.

La Mesa, CA 91942

minutia Cheedle: The residue left on your fingers after consuming a bag of Cheetos.

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

Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson

useless knowledge

Bravo Says: "If your dog doesn't like someone, you probably shouldn't either."

Bravo is the mischief making, yet adorable fur-person of Rebecca and Shayne Johnson. He now has a baby sister puggle Mia! Unfortunately we can’t get a proper photo of both of them so that this column can become Mia and Bravo Bites as they can’t sit still long enough. He still spends most days working at getting peanut butter out of his Kong, is terrorized daily by Mia, has given up the whole toilet paper thing, and now he truly is innocent since Mia has taken over the family household…..

botanical name: lampranthus spectabilis common name: trailing ice plant Likes: Sun Hates: Over watering Blooms: Pink, rose, magenta, fuchsia, purple Negatives: None Bonus: Drought tolerant

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.

- Doug Larson

Photo compliments of: Rosemary Joles

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 2/4 Kenneth Weiss-The English Harpsichord Location: La Jolla Price: $20-$22 Time: 6:00-9:00 pm Info: sdems.org

2/18 Trace Bundy Location: Normal Heights Price: $17/$20/$45* Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

2/4 Vienna Boys Choir Location: Downtown Price: $30-$85 Time: 8:00 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

2/18-19 The Great American Songbook with Jane Monheit Location: Cuyamaca College Price: $20-$85 Time: 8:00 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

2/5 The Traildraggers Location: Wynola Pizza Express Julian Price: Free Time: 6:00-9:00 pm Info: 760-765-1004

2/19 Academy of St. Martin-In-The-Fields Chamber Location: MCASD Sherwood Auditorium Price: $25-$75 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

2/8 William Preucil and Eric Kim Brahams and More Location: Downtown Price: $20-$96 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

2/20 Music-Mind, Body and Soul Location: Downtown Price: $10-$25 Time: 2:00 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

2/11 Kodo Drummers of Japan Location: Balboa Theatre Price: $25-$65 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

2/26 Silent Film Night– Harold Lloyd in “Safety Last” Location: Downtown Price: $20-$30 Time: 8:00 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

2/11-13 San Diego Symphony: Brahms’ Double Concerto Location: Downtown Price: $20-$96 Time: 8:00 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

2/26 Dee Dee Bridgewater sings Billie Holiday Location: Birch North Park Theater Price: $35-$65 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

2/12 David Maldonado Location: Normal Heights Price: $25/$50* or $30 at the door Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com 2/13 The Traildraggers Location: Smokey’s Lake Wohlford Café, Escondido Price: Free Time: 5:00-8:00 pm Info: 760-749-6585 2/13 California Guitar Trio Location: Normal Heights Price: $25/$50* Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com 2/16 Sara Lee Guthrie & Jonny Irion/Blame Sally Location: Normal Heights Price: $20/$45* Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass

books or blogs

appaholics

One quiet early morning while reading one of my favorite blogs awaytogarden.com. I happened upon this blog, thepioneerwoman.com.

Five hours and a few Kleenex’s later, sniff sniff. I do hate to admit it, I came back to reality when “Toolman” was wondering why I was glued to the computer screen and his favorite recliner. What kept me there your ask? Pioneer Woman’s love story with the Marlboro Man. “Black Heels to Tractor Wheels.” Now I’m not normally the romance novel style type, but I had to see how her love story ended, what can I say, I’m a romantic at heart. So what keeps me going back? Lots! Fantastic recipes, home and garden ideas, great photography, confessions of the pioneer woman (check out the sock monkey hat story), stories of life in the country and on the ranch. It’s a must read if you long to live in the country or if you want a good laugh. See for yourself.

You won’t be disappointed. ThePioneerWoman.com

podsibilities

Since “Toolman” has gotten his Droid a few months ago it’s been app central at the Joles household. His latest find Pandora! It’s internet radio where you pick what you like to listen to. If a song comes on you don’t like you hit the dislike button and it will never play for you again. You can listen to it on the net, or on your phone. That is what I call cool stuff! You can check it out at: pandora.com.

“Which

is more important: actual experiences, or the memories that remain when the experiences are over?”

Do you love the musical sounds of the 1940’s? Then you are going to love this album!

This group from the UK has that Andrew Sisters boogie beat, 2011 style!

bits and pieces ingenious

-Source: Real Simple Photo: Monica Buck

ponderings

Stop searching high and low for hair clips and elastics: Store them tidily on an empty TP tube. Okay, so I admit I do this, but my TP tube doesn’t look near as cute. I keep mine hidden. Rosemary

From the Book of Questions

by Gregory Stock PH.D.

trends

domiciles

Traditional Sale · Spring Valley · $220,000 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath · 1053 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Upgraded Condo · La Mesa · $235,000 2 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1080 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Mid-Century Classic · North Park · $519,000 2+ Bedroom 2 Bath · 1252 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Porter Hill · La Mesa · $599,000 4 Bedroom 4 Bath · 2407 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Skyline and Bay Views · Mission Hills · $968,000 3+ Bedroom 3 Bath · 2327 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Tastefully Transformed · Mission Hills · $989,000 3 Bedroom 3 Bath · 1921 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

Approved Short Sale · El Cajon · $299.900 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2060 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Fantastic Views · La Mesa · $399,000 3 Bedroom 3 Bath · 1600 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Village Location · La Mesa · $599,000-$649,000 3+ Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2106 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Sweeping Bay Views · Bay Park · $939,000 4 Bedroom 2 Bath · 2109 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Mediterranean Estate · Point Loma · $2,300,000 3 Bedroom 3.5 Bath · 3509 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Custom Craftsman · Mission Hills · $2,850,000 6+ Bedroom 6.5 Bath · 4488 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

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Rosemary Joles THE JOLES GROUP

In Harmony With Your Dreams

Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 8310 La Mesa Blvd. · La Mesa CA · 91942