North San Diego County Real Estate News

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Welcome to Debbie York's North San Diego Real Estate Blog

Buyers, Sellers, Investors, Browsers, Journalists, (and even you ya Lookie Loo), please use this feed for real time updates on North San Diego County Living.

Our expert Realtors will answer tough questions about today's San Diego real estate market.

You NEED the best tips, tricks, tools and resources for buying, selling, searching, financing and learning about the San Diego County community. You'll find that and more here!

Search our extensive blog of articles and links to make your relocation simple and customized to fit your needs with an area specialist like Realtor, Debbie York.

Don't forget to start your search for available properties or have your desired homes emailed to you as they become available.

Get a free homes value estimate, search our unique San Diego foreclosure database, or see if you qualify for a loan modification.

It's all here on our North San Diego County Real Estate Blog.

But you're busy, we understand. Feel free to just contact me right away at 866-230-7210.
Let's take some time to answer your questions!

Respectfully,

Debbie York SFR, GRI, CNS
Coldwell Banker
Certified Distressed Property Expert

760-505-6474

dyork@coldwellbanker.com
NorthCountyHomesInfo.com

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

"The BEST of North County on a Budget!"

"The BEST of North County on a Budget!"

We all know there is plenty to do in North County San Diego, but most of the traditional "Things to do" may end up costing you a pretty penny. I have discovered that North County has some really great things to do that are a lot of fun for a little to no money! If you are looking for something new and maybe a little more adventurous or even educational, check out my list of "The BEST of North County on a Budget!" This week I am focusing on San Marcos, but you can read my August 27th post featuring Oceanside and stay tuned for my Vista and Carlsbad posts (Coming soon!)

The Best of San Marcos

1) San Marcos Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays from 1pm to sunset (winter hours)
3pm-7pm (summer hours)
Where: 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA 92096
Contact: 760-745-3023

2) Parks, Parks and more Parks
San Marcos has become known for its abundance of open space and parks in recent years. Miles of trails have been planned and constructed to facilitate biking throughout the city. A popular destination is the top of Double Peak Park, which features a panorama of northern San Diego County from the highest coastal peak in the county. On a clear day one can see the San Bernardino Mountains in Los Angeles and the skyscrapers of downtown San Diego.
Bradley Park features movies in the park. Lake San Marcos offers fishing and boating.

3) San Marcos Historical Society
When: Tuesday-Thursday 1-4pm, Saturday and Sunday by appointment
Where: 1952 Sycamore Dr
San Marcos, CA 92069
Contact: 1 760 744 1263

4) California State University San Marcos
Offers a variety of ongoing events such as sporting events, arts and cultural events and all sorts of other interesting happenings. Check out the CSUSM calendar to see what's coming up!
http://www.csusm.edu/calendar/index.html

5) Old California Restaurant Row
Restaurant Row in San Marcos has become North County's largest dining and entertainment experience with eighteen restaurants, an Edwards Stadium 18 Cinema Complex and charming village boutiques. Now an icon in the San Marcos community, Old California Restaurant Row's humble beginning started with only a fruit and vegetable stand.
http://www.oldcalrestaurantrow.com/

Respectfully,

Debbie York SFR, GRI, CNS
Coldwell Banker
Certified Distressed Property Expert

760-505-6474

dyork@coldwellbanker.com
NorthCountyHomesInfo.com

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Oceanside on a Budget

1) MainStreet Oceanside's Sunset Market
is one of my favorite
things to do in Oceanside! Fun for the whole family, this weekly gathering is more like a street fair than a farmer's market because of all that it has to offer. Thousands of residents and visitors alike gather each week to enjoy local gourmet food, eclectic merchandise, and live entertainment.
When: THURSDAY EVENINGS 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
All Year Round
Where: Pier View Way
Contact: (760) 754-4512 or visit www.msoceanside.com.

2) Oceanside Morning Farmers' Market
Certified vendors sell fresh produce, flowers, seafood, and natural food products. Hot and cold food plus crafters.
When: Thursdays 9 am - 1 pm
Where: Pier View Way (between North Coast Highway and Ditmar Street)
Contact: (760) 754-4512 or visit www.msoceanside.com.

3) California Surf Museum

Until the California Surf Museum was opened, very little

had been done in an organized way to preserve the history

of surfing, its boards, or its fascinating artifacts. Check out the current surfing exhibits, boards, photos, and memorabilia – World Famous! Admission: $3 general, $1 students, military, seniors, 12 and under free and Tuesdays are free for all visitors!!!
When: Daily 10am - 4pm
Where: 312 Pier View Way
Contact: www.surfmuseum.org or (760) 721-6876.

4) Museum of Art
The Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation has been working to build a fine arts museum in The Gill Building (formerly City Hall). No more-appropriate place could have been chosen for an art center. A modest entrance fee will be charged.
When: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday: 1 - 4 pm
Where: 704 Pier View Way
Contact: Info: (760) 435-3720. Special FREE events happening soon!

August 26th - Concert in the Park
Free concert sponsored by the City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department.
When: August 26th 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
Where: Rancho Del Oro Park (College Blvd. & Avenida Empresa)
Contact: 760-435-5041.

September 10th - Movie in the Park
Free movie sponsored by the City of Oceanside Parks Recreation Department.
When: Dusk-10:30 PM
Where: Pier Amphitheater
Contact: 760-435-5550

September 11th - 9/11 Tribute & ConcertFree 9/11 tribute and concert sponsored by the City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department.
When: September 11th 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Where: Pier Amphitheater
Contact: 760-435-5529.
Respectfully,

Debbie York SFR, GRI, CNS
Coldwell Banker
Certified Distressed Property Expert
760-505-6474
dyork@coldwellbanker.com NorthCountyHomesInfo.com

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Do the Math First

There are homeowners that would like to have a larger/nicer home but are patiently waiting for the market to improve. A frequently heard objection is that they can't sell their home for what they feel their home is currently worth.

Buying up in a down market is actually advantageous because while you might get less for the home you're selling, you're also getting the larger home for less. For instance, if you had to sell a $200,000 home for a 10% discount, you might feel that you left $20,000 on the table. However, buying a $300,000 for the same 10% discount would put you $10,000 ahead on the sale and purchase.
The other obvious matter is that when the mortgage rates increase while you're waiting for the market to improve, it dramatically increases your cost of housing with higher payments. The cost of housing is affected by price and mortgage rates.
To accurately evaluate your current options, you need facts and assessment tools that will provide you the information to make an informed decision.

Respectfully,

Debbie York SFR, GRI, CNS
Coldwell Banker
DRE 01274157
760-505-6474

dyork@coldwellbanker.com NorthCountyHomesInfo.com

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Hiring the right team when buying a home is essential in getting the best home and the best loan for your situation. Finding the right lender is where the home buying process begins.

Several years ago I was refinancing my home and I went to the Escrow Company to sign my loan documents. I was so fortunate to have an Escrow Officer that took the time to go over the closing statement and answer my questions regarding the charges. What the Loan Officer quoted me for lender fees he was actually double, when compared to the closing statement.

Another concern for buyers and their agent is selecting a lender that over promises and under delivers. In some transactions there is a per diem fee if you do not close on time. In one case a buyer decided to use his own mortgage broker because he wanted to help out a friend. The lender under further investigating had never closed a loan and it cost the buyer $3000 in extra fees for being 30 days late in closing.

In most Residential Real Estate transactions the seller and the buyer are represented by their Real Estate Agent. In those situations, there is a fiduciary relationship created that requires the agent put the client's interests above their own.

There is generally no such relationship between buyers and lenders. Some of the housing crisis issues may have been avoided had the lenders been more concerned for the buyer's best interests.

The following are a few warning signs that should cause a buyer to do much closer investigation:

Claims that bad credit is not an issue
Prepayment penalty
Larger than normal loan charges
Rate gouging by brokers
Loans without escrow accounts for taxes and insurance
ARM loans that only go up and not down
Initial loan to secure property with plan to replace it later

As a real estate professional, I can recommend a lender who is experienced in your market and has a history of providing good service. A real estate professional can be a good intermediary between you and the lender.

Respectfully,

Debbie York SFR, GRI, CNS
Coldwell Banker
Certified Distressed Property Expert

760-505-6474

dyork@coldwellbanker.com NorthCountyHomesInfo.com

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Vista Townhome For Sale: 703 Copper Dr. Vista, CA

2bd.townhome with direct entry 2 car garage.Home faces beautiful greenbelt and has its own patio.Master bedroom has a balcony that overlooks the greenbelt with a view to the east overlooking Vista. Laminate flooring in main areas, carpet in bedrooms and stairs. Newer tile floors in both baths. Complex is FHA approved, 75% owner occupied and HOA is in good shape. Rare to find 2bd, 2car attached garage w/community pool under $200,000. Approved Short Sale at 170k. Needs some TLC.

Property Details:

2 Bedrooms
1 1/2 Bathrooms
Sq Ft: 1,225
2 Stories
Price: $159,000.00

Front Entrance

Kitchen

View from Staircase

View from Balcony

For More Information About this Property Call 866.230.7210

Respectfully,

Debbie York SFR, GRI, CNS
Coldwell Banker
Certified Distressed Property Expert

760-505-6474

dyork@coldwellbanker.com NorthCountyHomesInfo.com

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Don't Lose Your Capital Gains Exclusion, It Could Cost You

Currently I’m working with a couple selling a home that is rented to their son and soon to be daughter-in-law. This was their primary residence for 14 years until they purchased another home 2 years ago. Their accountant asked if they had planned on taking the principal residences capital gain exclusion. My client said they would like to but didn’t know what is was or how it worked.

The requirement is that they must have owned and used the home for two out of the last five years (730 days), but that didn’t mean 2 years concurrently. For my clients, it means the home needs to be ready to sell; fresh paint, popcorn on ceilings removed, landscaping upgraded, priced correctly, sold and closed within six months."

The motivation for the seller was simple...minimizing or eliminating the unnecessary payment of taxes. Their gain in the home should be around $100,000; not qualifying for the exclusion would cost them $15,000 in long term capital gains tax. That is a lot of money to leave on the table for the government to keep and decide how it should be spent.

Getting your home sold for the most money is something most good agents strive for; protecting your best interests is another. I help people understand the tax advantages, financing alternatives and investment aspects of homeownership.

Respectfully,

Debbie York SFR, GRI, CNS
Coldwell Banker
Certified Distressed Property Expert

760-505-6474

dyork@coldwellbanker.com NorthCountyHomesInfo.com