Archive for February, 2008
February 29, 2008
Well, well, well. We sure have some excitement in store. Not only is there an abundance of Open Houses coming up, but a rare bonus to boot…one University Heights property is going on the block!
First, the auction…
4259 Maryland Street - Sellers tout “We’re selling our house Sunday night to the highest and best bidder. Inspection Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.”
Now the Open Houses…
4763 Hawley Street - Normal Heights. Open Sunday March 2 from 1-4pm. $479,000.
4133 Florida Street - North Park. 7 condos from $269,000-$409,000. All open Saturday March 1 from 1-4pm.
2276 Juan Street - Mission Hills. Open Saturday March 1 from 10am-1pm. $1,700,000.
4111 32nd Street - North Park. Open Saturday from noon to 3pm. $449,000.
4625 Cape May Avenue - Ocean Beach. Open Wednesday March 5 from 2-6pm and Saturday March 15 from 10am-1pm. REDFIN AGENT ERIN ECKERT.
4460-4462 New Jersey Street - University Heights 2-on-1. Open Sunday March 2 from 2-5pm.
Happy Hunting Y’all!
If you liked this post you might also enjoy:
If A House Could Talk
San Diego Real Estate in Troubled Waters: SOS! Abandon Ship! Mayday Mayday! We’re Going Down!
Local Spotlight: Who is Robert Griswold?
February 28, 2008
There is something I find hillarious about the personification of inanimate objects. You know, like the Travelocity gnome that travels the world and has crazy adventures although he never moves or blinks an eye? Well, this is my take on what homes would say if they could talk. What would yours say?
Abandoned Property Says: I’m a lovely little creature and I sit here all day long wondering when my owners will come tend to me. I can hardly breathe for all the laundry sitting atop my registers and that stench from the kitchen is making m
y nose run. I once was so happy, children played in my yard and friends came to visit. Now I wonder if I will be forever lonely. Someone please come save me from my misery!
Top of the Market Says: I am king of the hill, owner of my own domain. My name is success. If you want to spend time in my presence, you must be worthy. State your occupation, income and whether or not you work at least 1000+ hours a week. Do you boss your underlings around in a way that makes them feel small and inferior? Do you squalor your money away on fancy private schools and frivolous vacations just to impress your peers? If so, come sit by me and puleeze get that limo off my lawn…you’re killing my pansies!
Regular Old Home Says: I am humble and true. Not fancy, just sort of fantastic because I try. I’ve got a few flaws, but my foundation is strong and I am eager to please. I am loyal to the core and I won’t ever let you down. Just keep my paint fresh and my windows clean and I will stand by you until the end of time.
Not For Sale Says: I shine from the street to my attic. I am spiffy beyond belief. Busy as my owners are, they tend to my every need and I never go without. I am the most loved house on the block. Even though I was hoping for new shingles for Christmas, I got a picket fence instead and have come to love the sound of my front gate latching and unlatching as people come and go.
Foreclosure Says: I am so heartbroken. The nicest couple who dreamed of me for years finally came and made me their own. It was an instant love affair that ended too abruptly. Suddenly, things began to go downhill and they had to give me up. Now I am an orphan and my guardians are desperately trying to find me a new family. Know anyone who could use a really cute condo?
Fixer Upper Says: I once was pretty, you know, better than mediocre to most. Built strong; good foundation, lots of promise. But I started to age and my looks went south. Suddenly people stopped noticing and coming for tea. Now, I sit in the quiet and cats keep me company. Oh, I am so lonely and all alone. How I wish someone would visit.
Recent San Diego Sweet Digs Posts:
San Diego Real Estate in Troubled Waters: SOS! Abandon Ship! Mayday Mayday! We’re Going Down!
Goin’ Mo-bile
Local Spotlight: Who is Robert Griswold?
Monday Madness: Eating Lemon Grove
February 28, 2008
So, you’ve got the foreclosure bug. You’re all swept up by the lending crisis in a big way and looking for some blowout deals. Hankering for a bottom and ready to pounce on the deal of a century? No question, there’s lots of good stuff to consider out there. Foreclosures aren’t the only rock bottom deals, there are other kinds of real estate distress. Here are a few that might tickle your fancy, wet your appetite or make you scream with delight.
Bank Owned North Park Bungalow - $294,500
Short Sale Normal Heights Condo - $149,000
Short Sale University Heights Condo - $159,000
Foreclosure North Park Spanish Home - $529,000
Desperate to Sell North Park Bungalow - $245,000
Bank Repo Normal Heights Condo - $166,000
If you liked this post you might also enjoy:
Hot Digity - Now That’s a Deal!
Misery Loves Company
Are You a Bottom Feeder?
February 27, 2008
Mobile as a Mountain, heh, heh
Mobilehomes are massively misunderstood by most. Many decades of history have failed to distinguish them from trailers and motorhomes, and now manufactured homes add to the confusion.
First, mobilehomes are not mobile. Typically they are parked, the wheels removed, a skirt placed around the base … and then they never move again until they go to the junkyard. Trailers are
towed behind a car or truck for true mobile living or weekend vacations. Motorhomes are self propelled (duh!), and manufactured homes are often indistinguishable from single family homes.
Spring Valley, Lakeside, Santee and El Cajon have a number of mobilehome parks–planned communities of maybe 100 units with amenities similar to a condo development (pool, clubhouse, etc). Visit and you’ll find mostly retired folks whose children have moved on.
Like any housing mode that survives the test of time, mobilehome living offers advantages and disadvantages. Mobilehomes are typically far less expensive than homes attached to a single lot. The amenities are attractive to those who like the option of a social environment. There is a closeness among neighbors that few other options offer. Residents have a bit of land for gardening, a private parking space right next to their front door, and they don’t require an elevator to get home. OTOH, even when the house is payed for, 
residents continue to have to pay rent. Usually they have no control over the cost of rent and this has sometimes been a problem in Spring Valley when rents go up dramatically.
Mobilehomes might not be the best investment for most of us but the seniors and others who fill the mobilehome communities aren’t stupid. Many of them have probably made a smart move. I leave it to you to evaluate the economics- you may know someone for whom this lifestyle is ideal. Let’s have a look at some current listings…
1120 Pepper Drive, El Cajon
Includes a 3rd potential bedroom, parking for 2, carport, central air…
9902 Jamacha Blvd
Price reduced on this new home with warranty.
There’s much more to consider with mobilehomes. They are difficult to resell. There are few spaces available in California and the number decreases as property values rise and more profitable use of the land is discovered. A few mobilehome parks are owned by the residents who control costs somewhat and have more to offer when they want to sell their unit.
You can follow my East County blog or here, and Carol’s Hillcrest, North Park and Ocean Beach blog. You’re at Redfin, the unbiased source for local real estate information.
[data from generally reliable sources, please comment on any errors!]
February 26, 2008
I see this guy on the early morning news all the time and he has a weekly call-in spot on NBC San Diego where he answers callers’ real estate questions. Sometimes they are related to the economy, local investment trends and landlord/tenant disputes. Other times he talks about property management and finance. Sunday morning he had so many callers Rory Devine had to cut him off before he could get to them all.
Anyhow, I was curious to know more about him. Of all the supposed experts and wealth of talent we have locally, why would the most popular local news station choose him as their real estate guru? I don’t claim to know the answer to that completely, but a little research did reveal some clues and he has a rather interesting background; I’d say he’s definitely qualified.
Educational Background: “Robert S. Griswold, has a BS, MBA, and MSBA (2nd Master’s) in real estate and related disciplines from the distinguished Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. He also holds many professional real estate designations.”
Professional Designations: In addition to his impressive collegiate background, Robert “…[a]lso holds the top professional designations in the real estate industry, including Counselor of Real Estate (CRE®), Certified Property Manager (CPM®), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM®), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM®), [and] Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®), and Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI®).”
Forensic Expert: “Real estate consultant/expert on all real estate standard of care issues (for residential, commercial, retail and association properties) including property management; premises liability; slip or trip and fall; maintenance; health and safety or personal injury; air quality and mold issues; wrongful death; property inspections; lease disputes; construction defect; negligence in hiring/supervision/ termination; management/receiver fees; Association Board duties and negligence, etc. Court-appointed receiver and bankruptcy custodian.”
Entrepreneur: “Griswold Real Estate Management is dedicated to providing superior property management services at every level of our organization. The expectations we have set for our company are standards others follow. Each of our employees is committed to conducting our daily business in a manner reflecting these high standards and we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. We pledge at all times to be a company of superior quality, flawless integrity and strong loyalty to our clients, our vendors and our employees.”
Author and Contributor: Robert is the author of ‘Property Management for Dummies’ and is a regular contributor to the Washington Post with published articles that include: You Want Them Out, but Are They Unauthorized Tenants or Just Guests?, How to Tighten Your Pet Policy Humanely, How to Kick Out the Deadbeat in the Spare Bedroom, Breaking Your Lease but Not Your Credit Score, A Host of Concerns Accompany Tenant’s Mental Decline, When Building Changes Hands, New Owner Is Bound by Old Lease, and Vacant Property Is a Target for Thieves.
Recent San Diego Sweet Digs Posts:
Monday Madness - Eating Lemon Grove
Spring Valley Blues
What’s Selling and What’s Not in San Diego Real Estate
Trippin in the East - Open Houses
Hot Digity - Now That’s a Deal!
February 24, 2008
Gluttony or Gourmet ?
Let me guess that you like food. In a recent survey more than 3 of 4 people confessed that they like food. Don’t be ashamed, you are not alone. Let me tell you about a local city that has more restaurants per square mile, more restaurants per person, and more restaurants than you can shake a stick at.
Lemon Grove is a compact city ten miles east of downtown San Diego with about 3.80 square miles and 24,000 people, yet there are more restaurants than all your fingers, toes and other protuberances. It’s easy to walk along Broadway from one end of town to the other. For the hungry pedestrian there are many delights. Wear loose clothing on this tour- you’ll put on some inches!
Starting at the west end at College avenue where Broadway merges with Federal Boulevard we find a cluster of eateries. Access to this center is tricky- only right turns will get you in (see map), only right turns will get you out. For now we’ll ignore the possibilities at nearby Marketplace at the Grove mall (technically they are in San Diego).
Rojelio’s Taco Shop, ‘Home of the California Burritos’, is well established with a full and fun Mexican menu. ATM & credit cards OK.
Yum Yum Donuts now offers cappuccino & breakfast sandwiches and accepts credit cards.
Not far from this tiny strip mall are a few available homes, mostly in the city of San Diego near the Marketplace. 3719 Racine Rd is a single family detached home built in 1951 with 821 sq.ft. on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot. 2 beds, 1 bath for $359k. A bit high at $437/sq.ft., ask about a lease purchase.
Boll Weevil is an old standby offering hearty burgers, beer, arcade games and pool tables. Always popular with the locals.
Also near Marketplace is 6544 Lemarand Av, single family detached built 1953 with 1,044 sq.ft, 2 beds, 1 bath for $285k. At $273/sq.ft. it may be a good deal. Listed only 22 days.
The Old Barn Steak House is a mystery. It’s been closed lately and the reasons aren’t clear, but it’s expected to re-open soon.
Finally, right across the street from Marketplace is 6550 College Grove Dr #38. For only $160k you have a condo, 2 beds, 2 bath and about the same size as the previously mentioned sf homes. Of course there is a pool and perhaps a sense of community, and of course that costs extra- about $217/mo for HOA fees.
Sushi is a Japanese restaurant, as you would expect, and very classy looking.
Go home now and work off those pounds. This is just the awful beginning and there are many, many more restaurants along the strip in Lemon Grove. Come back in a week or so for another gluttonous gander.
You can follow my East County blog or here, and Carol’s Hillcrest, North Park and Ocean Beach blog. You’re at Redfin, the unbiased source for local real estate information.
February 24, 2008
‘rotten neighbors’ strike again
Last Monday we told you about the Rotten Neighbors web site and the negative effect it can have on property values. Today I am sad to report that the news is full of a story involving approximately 11 sex offenders living together in a Spring Valley family neighborhood. This isn’t new- here’s an earlier story on the same subject. Few San Diegans are aware of Spring Valley other than its famous weekend swap meet and Mt. San Miguel, studded with antennae. Now they have a different and unfortunate mental image that may stick with this sprawling community just east of the City.
I’d like to take a few words to suggest that there are some very nice neighborhoods in Spring Valley. Some look a bit run down, some are old but well maintained, and others are new and thriving. There are regular homes, condos, and mobile homes available to fit any reasonable budget.
Good neighbors
Good neighbors make all the difference.
Let’s take a look at some recent sales for a hint of what’s available.
3184 Chelsea Park Cir
Sold for $410,000 on Feb 8
3 br 2 ba 1,824 sqft
Single-Family Home
Year Built: 1979
Price/sqft: $225
9723 Birch St
Sold for $340,000 on Feb 8
3 br 2 ½ ba 1,865 sqft
Single-Family Home
Year Built: 1990
Price/sqft: $182
8718 Kelso St
Sold for $310,000 on Feb 8
3 br 1 ½ ba 1,632 sqft
Single-Family Home
Year Built: 1958
Price/sqft: $190
Lot Size: 6300.0 sqft
8107 Cameron Dr
Sold for $340,156 on Feb 7
3 br 1 ba 1,000 sqft
Single-Family Home
Year Built: 1960
Price/sqft: $340
Lot Size: 6300.0 sqft
Sales happen!
Many more homes sold recently in Spring Valley.
Of course you want a trouble free neighborhood. You can investigate a community by following the links at some previous blogs: Rotten Neighbors, and a slew of other links.
You can follow my East County blog or here, and Carol’s Hillcrest, North Park and Ocean Beach blog. You’re at Redfin, the unbiased source for local real estate information.
[data from generally reliable sources, please comment on any errors!]
February 24, 2008
It’s fascinating to see what properties are selling in the local real estate market. Sometimes it’s obvious why one property sells and another doesn’t. Other times, it seems to make no sense whatsoever. Here are some side-by-side comparisons of homes that have been purchased recently and others that have been on the market for quite some time.
SOLD! 3788 Park Boulevard #15. 1,514 square foot two bedroom, two bath condo in Hillcrest. It sold for $615,000 on December 17, 2007. Zillow values it at $622,000 and its eppraisal is $496,318.
ON REDFIN 183 DAYS! 666 Upas Street #801. 1,768 square foot three bedroom, two bath condo in Hillcrest. The seller is asking $775,000. Its Zestimate is $825,000.
SOLD! 3957 30th Street #314. 1,013 square foot condo with two bedrooms, two baths in North Park. Sold for $320,000 ($316 per square foot) on January 18, 2008. Its Zestimate is the same as the purchase price.
ON REDFIN 297 DAYS! 3984 Illinois Street #3. 803 square foot condo in North Park with two beds, two baths. The seller is asking $290,000 ($361 per square foot). Its Zestimate is $266,500 and eppraisal puts its current value at $265,510.
SOLD! 1575 Ebers. 864 square foot home in Ocean Beach with two bedrooms and one bath. It sold on January 30, 2008 for $540,000 ($625 per square foot). Zillow values it at $590,000 and its eppraisal is $684,511.
ON REDFIN 204 DAYS! 4677 Pescadero Avenue. 868 square foot home in Ocean Beach with two bedrooms and 1 bath. The seller is asking $850,000 ($979 per square foot). Zillow values this property at $647,000 and its eppraisal is $986,875.
If you liked this post you might also enjoy:
Hot Digity - Now That’s a Deal!
Think Pink and Give Just a Little
Good Morning San Diego
February 22, 2008
High on Value, high on price
Trippin don’t come easy for most East County home buyers. It’s serious work, and yet some of these homes will make you wonder if you’re not in the wonderful land of Oz. Maybe you’ll find time to dodge some raindrops to see open houses this weekend. Follow the yellow brick road to these interesting offerings.
4615 Weston Road, El Cajon
Click the Weston Rd link below and check the sexy video too.
| Address |
Bd/Ba |
Sq.Ft. |
Day |
Price |
Comment |
| 4615 Weston Rd,EC |
6/4 |
4,008 |
Sat |
$1,650k |
Mt.Helix, pool, spa, etc |
| 5049 Linden Wy,LM |
3/1.5 |
1,208 |
Sun |
$435k |
built 1950, listed Feb 15 |
| 1265 Australia St,EC |
4/3 |
2,848 |
Sat |
$670k |
built 1985, listed 90 days+ |
| 170 Landale Ln,EC |
4/3 |
2,167 |
? |
$798k |
1.63 Acres, listed Feb 17 |
|
I’d love to tell you more about this Landale property. There is a long description of it but it’s in ALL CAPITALS and gives me a headache. I’m not sure it qualifies as an open house either as no day is given. It seems you have to call for an appointment. Until more of the ‘boom’ Realtors are eliminated by the ‘bust’, I suppose we’ll have to put up with defective listings. With luck, only the professionals will remain.
Actually there are lots of open houses this weekend, but some don’t provide an address or MLS number. It’s all about sales manipulation and the agents seem to be hoping that you will call for the missing information. Maybe they are hoping that they won’t have to actually open the house if they don’t get calls. I can understand that, but it doesn’t seem to be in the spirit of open house tradition. Agents used to make a commitment to the listing and the seller that they represent. With sales per agent slipping badly, you’d think there would be more commitment, not less.
[data from generally reliable sources, please comment on any errors!]
February 22, 2008
Goodness there’s a lot of buzz in the marketplace right now. Things are getting pretty steamy in the world of San Diego real estate. Consider this a round-up of sorts, bringing you the best ideas from the brightest minds in the local industry together in a single place. This is a one-stop-shop post dealing with intelligent, insightful commentary affecting current trends in America’s Finest City.
Tom Swell - Tom is a Redfin Maven. His recent post Monday Madness - Don’t Get Mad, Get Even is the most current entry in an addicting series dealing with crazy ideas and insane diatribes in real estate culture. This one talks about RottenNeighbor.com and all the dirty laundry being dished by one neighbor against another. If you’re not following his weekly journal you are missing out.
Peter Toner - Peter is a local realtor and blogger. He wrote earlier this month about short sales. His perspective is grounding and informative. San Diego Short Sales - Are They a Pain in the Neck? is a straight forward discussion about the complications associated with these deals and plain old good sense advice about how best to approach buying a property in distress.
Kris Berg - Kris is a local broker with Prudential California, the realtor I love to hate. She is opinionated and Redfin gets on her nerves in a big way. Nevertheless, she is smart and witty and has a great flair for the written word. Her recent post Am I Coming or Going - Only Microsoft Knows for Sure is a belly chuckling look at Zillow and her own escapades. Where are you now Kris?
Roberta Murphy - Roberta specializes in the luxury end of the market. She covers hot topics in that area and all things luxury from bling to gossip. Her post on 2008 Home Design Trends is a forecast of what we can expect to see in staging this year and probably into 2009. According to Roberta, purple and grey are the it colors of the year (really?!). That makes me think of that humongous bruise I got on my shin when I tripped over my son’s skateboard.
Brian Brady - Brian is a local mortgage broker with a blog. He is clever and saucy. On Valentines Day he wrote a post called Mortgage Rates Report: February 14, 2008. It is the most deceptive title I have ever seen. It should more appropriately be titled ‘Sex, Booze and ARMs.’ Don’t get me wrong, I loved the post, I just think the foreplay didn’t do it justice.
Pat Flannery - Pat is a local real estate agent and political junkie. She is one of my absolute favorites because she covers topics I love - local politics and silly s–t! Her recent post San Diego is Fast Becoming a Police State is an unbelievably funny account of her experience being thrown out of a news conference at the Westgate. All my years in public service have made me jaded enough to know this is just stupid enough to be true. You go Pat!
Recent San Diego Sweet Digs Posts:
Hog Wild About Real Estate and the Economy
Hot Digity - Now That’s A Deal!
Think Pink and Give Just a Little
Real Estate, Technology and Home Grown Heroes
Monday Madness - Don’t Get mad, Get Even
Good Morning San Diego!
