San Diego County recently experienced the most disastrous wildfires in its recorded history. In just four days, more than 640,000 people were forced out of their homes and 300,000 acres of land burned. It is hard to believe, but we just underwent the largest evacuation in California history.
While saddened by the losses, I am amazed at how well our emergency management system works and by how many homes were saved. Firefighters from all over worked endless hours to contain a dozen major fires across San Diego. The military was deployed and 2,492 National Guard troops joined the efforts.
The outpour of support from the community was similarly impressive. Evacuation centers were overwhelmed with donations and at times they had more volunteers than evacuees. It makes me proud to live and work in San Diego.
Over the past week I have received numerous questions about the effect the fires will have on real estate sales. There are no crystal balls, but with more than 1,500 homes estimated to be lost the demand for replacement homes will diminish the inventory of unsold homes, but not enough to shift the buyer’s market.
Rental rates may also increase, especially in and around the areas most affected by the fires. Landlords that raise rents by more than 10 percent during a declared emergency may face fines. Hotels can expect higher occupancy rates over the next month.
Despite the magnitude of the wildfires, the real estate market in San Diego is not devastated. We are fortunate to live in one of the most resilient locations in the country. People still want to live here and will continue to move to San Diego.
With the generous support of our residents and planned government aid, our community will pull through the fires and come out a stronger market than before. The cities and county plan to expedite the permit process and builders are offering special incentives to fire victims.
In the meantime, take a proactive approach to real estate. Buyers and sellers should talk to their agents about potential delays while suitable insurance is secured. Have your agent review the Natural Hazard Zone Disclosure Report from the seller with you. Trained real estate professionals will be able to answer questions you may have about areas affected by fire. Being well educated and well prepared helped San Diego control the 2007 wildfires and it will help real estate transactions close smoothly.
Real estate agents wear a lot of hats. They are advisors and educators; they are tour guides and researchers. Today, they are fellow citizens who want to see San Diego rebuild and flourish. They know San Diego well and are there to help coach clients through tough times. The fires shouldn’t discourage people from buying or selling a home, but they are another good reason to work with licensed professionals.
Seeing how diligently our county worked to control the wildfires gives me all the more confidence in our ability to rebuild. In the face of tragedy, the citizens of San Diego came together. We showed the entire country that wildfires are extinguished by the human spirit, and not the other way around.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Sue Johnson Earns GRI Designation
Sue Johnson, REALTOR® EARNS GRI TITLE
News Release
A San Diego County, California REALTOR® was recently awarded the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation.
The North San Diego County Association of Realtors member who completed the curriculum required to achieve the highly acclaimed designation is Sue Johnson of Escondido and Windermere Exclusive Properties. She joins other top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the designation across the nation.
Sue Johnson earned the "Graduate REALTOR® Institute” (GRI) designation by attending a specific, intensive series of a minimum of 90 hours of classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects including: contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction.
In addition, she has learned the fundamentals of brokerage and other areas of real estate specialization. With this designation and through increased awareness of current topics important to the real estate professional, such as legal issues, these REALTORS® can better serve prospective clients and customers.
The REALTOR® Institute is designed to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them, their clients and customers. The Institute is taught by leading real estate professionals from around the country.
The GRI designation sets the individuals who have attained it apart from other practitioners because it indicates to the public that the individual has obtained a professional educational foundation on which to base the services they provide and that they are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® .
Obtaining the GRI designation is a beneficial way for a REALTOR® to advance their professional image. The extra measure of knowledge and prestige achieved by completing this course work is a tool that will advance a career in real estate on attracting and building new business.
The REALTOR® Institute has been in existence more than twenty-five years old and has graduated thousands of REALTORS® . To learn more about Sue, visit her website at www.HotOnRealEstate.com.
News Release
A San Diego County, California REALTOR® was recently awarded the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation.
The North San Diego County Association of Realtors member who completed the curriculum required to achieve the highly acclaimed designation is Sue Johnson of Escondido and Windermere Exclusive Properties. She joins other top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the designation across the nation.
Sue Johnson earned the "Graduate REALTOR® Institute” (GRI) designation by attending a specific, intensive series of a minimum of 90 hours of classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects including: contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction.
In addition, she has learned the fundamentals of brokerage and other areas of real estate specialization. With this designation and through increased awareness of current topics important to the real estate professional, such as legal issues, these REALTORS® can better serve prospective clients and customers.
The REALTOR® Institute is designed to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them, their clients and customers. The Institute is taught by leading real estate professionals from around the country.
The GRI designation sets the individuals who have attained it apart from other practitioners because it indicates to the public that the individual has obtained a professional educational foundation on which to base the services they provide and that they are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® .
Obtaining the GRI designation is a beneficial way for a REALTOR® to advance their professional image. The extra measure of knowledge and prestige achieved by completing this course work is a tool that will advance a career in real estate on attracting and building new business.
The REALTOR® Institute has been in existence more than twenty-five years old and has graduated thousands of REALTORS® . To learn more about Sue, visit her website at www.HotOnRealEstate.com.
Windermere Exclusive Properties Announces Close-Out Pricing and $60,000 In Incentives Spark Sales At Sienna Hills
(Escondido, Calif. Sept. 25, 2007) Windermere Exclusive Properties Sienna Hills luxury condominium community in Escondido attracted eager house-hunters last weekend during its new $60,000 incentive promotion. Prospective home buyers lined up to learn how to benefit from new state and city-sponsored housing incentives that provide the "average" home buyer with thousands of dollars towards a down payment.
”For a limited time, Escondido homebuyers can receive up to $60,000 in incentives when they purchase a new condominium at Sienna Hills”, located at 145 W. El Norte Parkway, Escondido commented Rich Johnson, Vice President of Windermere’s Builder Services Division.
Through a new Wachovia bank program, Sienna Hills homebuyers can receive a free "no strings attached" $25,000 grant, which can be used towards a down payment. In addition, the City of Escondido is sponsoring a new program that gives first time purchasers an additional $25,000 in a "silent" second loan that can be used towards a down payment and does not need to be repaid until the residence is sold. The developer is also offering up to $10,000 in additional closing incentives for new Sienna Hills homebuyers.
The single-level, two-bedroom, two bath "villa" homes at Sienna Hills begin at $254,990 and feature top-of-the-line architectural appointments designed to appeal to today's price-conscious consumer shopping for value but desiring luxury amenities. "Buying a home is a smart financial move now, especially with so many state and city incentives available," explained Marketing Director Barbara Kocmur. "With lower interest rates, more buyers are discovering they have just increased their buying power.” “Our prospective homebuyers are really pleased to see that their new monthly payments are less than $1,500 a month said Johnson, "When they weigh the tax advantages, such as federal and state income tax deductions, they quickly realize the full benefits of homeownership. It makes more sense to buy a new home at Sienna Hills than it does to rent elsewhere.”
"We’re seeing a lot of financially savvy buyers taking advantage of these new incentives,” adds Kocmur. “They understand that it's a free "time-limited" opportunity to benefit from government-mandated grants and loans. These funds are available now to qualified homebuyers, but once they're gone, they're gone. We're happy to see our Sienna Hills purchasers take advantage of them. We’re are fortunate that we have sales agents on hand who understand these programs and can help our buyers make the most of them."
Sienna Hills condominium homes feature spacious great rooms with vaulted ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, outdoor terraces with panoramic views and lush landscaping. Luxury designer appointments such as Euro-style kitchens with granite counters, custom tile flooring and designer window treatments are included and the homes have garages and roomy storage units."
Sienna Hills is located at 145 W. El Norte Parkway, near the I-15 and 78 freeways, 10 minutes from Westfield North County and CSU San Marcos, and 30 minutes from Riverside and Orange Counties. To reach Sienna Hills, take I-15 North to El Norte Parkway. Go east for one mile passing Starbucks & LA Fitness. The sales office is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. You are also invited to call 760-738-8572 or visit www. SiennaHillsCondos.com or www.windermeresandiego.com for more information.
”For a limited time, Escondido homebuyers can receive up to $60,000 in incentives when they purchase a new condominium at Sienna Hills”, located at 145 W. El Norte Parkway, Escondido commented Rich Johnson, Vice President of Windermere’s Builder Services Division.
Through a new Wachovia bank program, Sienna Hills homebuyers can receive a free "no strings attached" $25,000 grant, which can be used towards a down payment. In addition, the City of Escondido is sponsoring a new program that gives first time purchasers an additional $25,000 in a "silent" second loan that can be used towards a down payment and does not need to be repaid until the residence is sold. The developer is also offering up to $10,000 in additional closing incentives for new Sienna Hills homebuyers.
The single-level, two-bedroom, two bath "villa" homes at Sienna Hills begin at $254,990 and feature top-of-the-line architectural appointments designed to appeal to today's price-conscious consumer shopping for value but desiring luxury amenities. "Buying a home is a smart financial move now, especially with so many state and city incentives available," explained Marketing Director Barbara Kocmur. "With lower interest rates, more buyers are discovering they have just increased their buying power.” “Our prospective homebuyers are really pleased to see that their new monthly payments are less than $1,500 a month said Johnson, "When they weigh the tax advantages, such as federal and state income tax deductions, they quickly realize the full benefits of homeownership. It makes more sense to buy a new home at Sienna Hills than it does to rent elsewhere.”
"We’re seeing a lot of financially savvy buyers taking advantage of these new incentives,” adds Kocmur. “They understand that it's a free "time-limited" opportunity to benefit from government-mandated grants and loans. These funds are available now to qualified homebuyers, but once they're gone, they're gone. We're happy to see our Sienna Hills purchasers take advantage of them. We’re are fortunate that we have sales agents on hand who understand these programs and can help our buyers make the most of them."
Sienna Hills condominium homes feature spacious great rooms with vaulted ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces, outdoor terraces with panoramic views and lush landscaping. Luxury designer appointments such as Euro-style kitchens with granite counters, custom tile flooring and designer window treatments are included and the homes have garages and roomy storage units."
Sienna Hills is located at 145 W. El Norte Parkway, near the I-15 and 78 freeways, 10 minutes from Westfield North County and CSU San Marcos, and 30 minutes from Riverside and Orange Counties. To reach Sienna Hills, take I-15 North to El Norte Parkway. Go east for one mile passing Starbucks & LA Fitness. The sales office is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. You are also invited to call 760-738-8572 or visit www. SiennaHillsCondos.com or www.windermeresandiego.com for more information.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Windermere Exclusive Property Lists Rancho Vallecito in Valley Center
Windermere Exclusive Properties, a San Diego based broker, has listed the Rancho Vallecito new home project located in beautiful Valley Center California. Rancho Vallecito is a new home community located just mintues from the I-15 freeway and just 4 miles from downtown Valley Center.
"We're very excited about listing these wonderful homes" said Rich Johnson, Windermere's Escondido Branch Manager and Director of Information Technology. These homes, built by RWR Homes, offer future owners incredible views, large floorplans, and acreage to spread out.
As builder and developer, RWR upholds an unwavering dedication to excellence for customers, bringing a keen understanding of architectural beauty and practical function to life for homeowners throughout Southern California. This integrity and sense of innovation is the cornerstone of every RWR home and community—and the reason behind RWR’s impeccable ability to satisfy an impressive spectrum of buyers.
This is the sixth community now being marketed and sold by Windermere, an innovator and trusted source for builders and developers. Prices at Rancho Valleciot start in the $800's, and represent an outstanding value to those looking for the great Valley Center lifestyle.
Contact the Windermere Sales office at 760-751-7053 onsite, or visit www.windermeresandiego.com for more information.
"We're very excited about listing these wonderful homes" said Rich Johnson, Windermere's Escondido Branch Manager and Director of Information Technology. These homes, built by RWR Homes, offer future owners incredible views, large floorplans, and acreage to spread out.
As builder and developer, RWR upholds an unwavering dedication to excellence for customers, bringing a keen understanding of architectural beauty and practical function to life for homeowners throughout Southern California. This integrity and sense of innovation is the cornerstone of every RWR home and community—and the reason behind RWR’s impeccable ability to satisfy an impressive spectrum of buyers.
This is the sixth community now being marketed and sold by Windermere, an innovator and trusted source for builders and developers. Prices at Rancho Valleciot start in the $800's, and represent an outstanding value to those looking for the great Valley Center lifestyle.
Contact the Windermere Sales office at 760-751-7053 onsite, or visit www.windermeresandiego.com for more information.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
June Real Estate Statistics
I was reviewing recent sales statistics for June of 2007 and have read that our sales have reached the lowest level since 1993. Of course some areas are still selling well and market times haven't really been too lengthy, it's obvious the local real estate market is in the control of those discretionary buyers that can shop for that "great deal".
It's been a long time since there's been this little movement. The media has obviously placed a great deal of emphasis on "the bubble bursting". It seems that many people out there who want to find a new home are feeling as if they should "wait it out" even though prices have come down substantially in our local area here and interest rates are stil very very low.
If you're unsure of what you should do, contact your local Real Estate professional and get the facts on the market. Then you'll be able to make a decision on what is in your best interest. There are some great deals on the market today, and sellers are more negotiable than ever.
It's been a long time since there's been this little movement. The media has obviously placed a great deal of emphasis on "the bubble bursting". It seems that many people out there who want to find a new home are feeling as if they should "wait it out" even though prices have come down substantially in our local area here and interest rates are stil very very low.
If you're unsure of what you should do, contact your local Real Estate professional and get the facts on the market. Then you'll be able to make a decision on what is in your best interest. There are some great deals on the market today, and sellers are more negotiable than ever.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
It's All About Location
Location, Location, Location...
When it come to real estate anyone can tell you that three of the most important factors in where you buy a home are location, location, location. This is one of those terms that we hear all the time and which becomes especially salient as we are searching for our dream home.
All too often buyers will be caught up in the excitement of the home buying process and make an offer on a home that seems too good to be true. unfortunately, many times it does turn out that the "perfect home for the reasonable price" is too good to be true.
All too often buyers will be caught up in the excitement of the home buying process and make an offer on a home that seems too good to be true. unfortunately, many times it does turn out that the "perfect home for the reasonable price" is too good to be true.
The reason is simple - location. Buying a home in the wrong location is going to have a dramatic impact on how happy you are in your new home and also on the value of your home when you decide to sell.
For this reason it is important that you do your homework beforehand and pick out possible neighborhoods that suit your lifestyle. At the same time, keep an eye on that future date when you might put your new home back on the market and pick a neighborhood that is know for good schools and well maintained public facilities.
Once you have narrowed down the neighborhoods, visit the neighborhood and pick the best house available.
You'll be happier in the end if you plan well in the beginning.
Windermere - The Experience Company
Windermere Real Estate - Our BrandOur belief in the power of the Windermere brand is evident even in our logo. Not many companies can break down their logo and demonstrate to their customers just what their beliefs are. Let me explain...
The Windermere logo is comprised of the Windermere name in a specific type style along with the Windermere "mark." Windermere and The Windermere logo are registered service marks.
The tree in the center of the mark presents Windermere as a living, vital organization that is committed to serving individual neighborhoods through its branch system.
The two brackets on the left and right surrounding the tree join together to create a diamond, symbolizing our committment to quality. Windermere's unity and strong network also is represented by two individual brackets joining together to become one strong, unified structure.
The points of the diamond depict Windermere as innovative industry-leader focused on the future.
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