Watching San Diego home mortgage rates, it seemed to me that they had actually increased after the 1/2 percent Fed rate cut. To confirm this, I contacted one of San Diego's largest home mortgage lenders. Here is his reply: Please note that mortgage rates are very VERY individualized, now more than ever. Rates vary based on down payment, FICO score, type of property, and other factors. With that in mind, the "benchmark" that many people use to determine "rates" on a given day is the best rate available for a 30 year fixed rate "conforming" loan. This is a loan amount of up to $417,000 meaning that it is saleable to FNMA or FHLMC. To view the full post, please visit my San Diego real estate blog The actual link is: http://www.brokerforyou.com/brokerforyou   10/13/2007

 Downtown San Diego 1031 Tax Exchange Basics So you have your Downtown San Diego Condo For Sale. When we speak with San Diego Downtown real estate investors, the discussion of 1031 Tax Exchange comes up. Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, this is an opportunity for some investors to defer capital gains taxes and it is an important investment strategy. A 1031 Tax Exchange is a way to defer taxes when purchasing Downtown San Diego Real Estate.  Reasons to change or swap an old property for a newer property vary.  As San Diego Realtors we know the basics about tax-deferred exchanges, but you should consult with your financial professional to explain and map out your plan for using a 1031 Tax Exchange before you engage in a Real Estate Transaction.   There are many rules and regulations ... 10/12/2007

Carmel Valley in San Diego California - Real Estate and Information for locals and relocation. Search Carmel Valley Homes for Sale Carmel Valley Real Estate - If you're buying a home in Carmel Valley or need to know your Carmel Valley House Value make sure you contact Dawn Sells San Diego today. Your Carmel Valley Real Estate, Home and Loan Connection. All Carmel Valley Homes for Sale including 92130 ZIP Code. All Carmel Valley Condos for Sale including 92130 ZIP Code. Carmel Valley located in North County Coastal San Diego came to be in February of 1975. Originally called North City West by the City Council the name was later changed to Carmel Valley in the early part of the 1990's. Carmel Valley was designed as a master planned community and become a model for other master planned com... 10/11/2007

Just a quick jump off the freeway will bring you directly to The Mills in Cortez Hill.The location is commuter friendly, making this San Diego downtown condo the perfect combination of urban and suburban living. Completed in 2004, the Mills is a stylish example of modern architecture, offering a distinct contrast to the surrounding historic landmarks. Three levels of underground parking make a friendly transition into the beautifully landscaped courtyard. As you enter any one of the available units, your attention will be commanded to the stylish, clean simplicity of these spacious condos. Large windows and balconies create the ambiance of living in an urban space while enjoying views of picturesque Balboa Park, which is only a short walk across the pedestrian foot-bridge. Read more »  ... 10/10/2007

This property has it all! Symphony Terrace combines comfort and amenities with affordable San Diego downtown living. Read on to find out why many long term residents simply love living at Symphony Terrace. Well situated on 8th, the simple exterior of Symphony Terrace displays a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. With a total of 56 units, this 9 story building provides several choices in 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms that range in size from approximately 670 sq. ft to 1380 sq. ft. Most of the upper units feature cozy lofts, while all of the units have a private patio or balcony.   Read more »                                                                                                                       516 Fifth Avenue   San Diego, CA 921011-800-221-2210http://www.sellsandiego.com/Contact Us |... 10/10/2007

The historic El Cortez sits prominently on Ash Street, and has served as a historic landmark since 1927. Gracing the skyline of Cortez Hill, The pristine white exterior is a fine example of Spanish Renaissance Revival Architecture. The preservation of original character is remarkable, and flows beautifully with the addition of modern upgrades and amenities. A grand lobby welcomes residents with rich terracotta tile and classic Spanish candelabras hung from the lofty ceiling, evoking visions of another era.  Read more »                                                                                                                          516 Fifth Avenue   San Diego, CA 921011-800-221-2210http://www.sellsandiego.com/Contact Us | About Us Like what you have been reading here? Subscribe ... 10/10/2007

                                                                                 The Discovery on Beech Street glistens in the San Diego sunshine, creating Condo envy throughout the Cortez Hill District. This stunning structure is a creative combination of Art Deco Style and modern luxury.  It is impossible to ignore the Discovery, with its fresh expression of style, standing proud on Beech Street. The large aquamarine windows are an exciting explosion of color against the light cream facade, and will leave you wanting to see more. The main entrance, dressed in hints of modern Art Deco detail, is suggestion of the luxury within.   Read more »                                                                                                                          516 Fifth Avenue   San D... 10/10/2007

  If a quiet, more intimate setting appeals to your San Diego downtown senses, condo ownership at the Beech Tower is the perfect Real Estate opportunity. Located in the historic Cortez Hill District, the Beech Tower combines quaint hometown living with the convenience of nearby San Diego downtown attractions. Situated on historic Cortez Hill, this property offers picturesque views of Balboa Park and the San Diego Bay, nestled in an enclave of sidewalk shops, cafes, and churches.   Read more »                                                                                                                      516 Fifth Avenue   San Diego, CA 921011-800-221-2210http://www.sellsandiego.com/Contact Us | About Us Like what you have been reading here? Subscribe now and receive email updates of... 10/10/2007

Glamour waits on E Street in San Diego’s downtown Columbia District. The Electra Condominiums are the tallest residential property in the downtown area, and are a distinct architectural statement. The Electra combines the finest modern amenities with the sophistication of Art Deco style.    With a majestic entry, the main lobby rises an impressive 60 feet high above a grand fountain, revealing San Diego’s blue skies through the glass ceiling feature. Also serving as a social lounge, Electra’s lobby offers a hint of the luxury that waits in any one of fourteen available floor plans.   Read more »                                                                                                                          516 Fifth Avenue   San Diego, CA 921011-800-221-2210http://www.sellsandi... 10/10/2007

Do you want to Sell your San Diego Downtown Home Quickly and for Highest Dollar?The talk is everywhere! The San Diego Downtown Real Estate Market is challenging. Times are changing, do you really understand the realities of a Buyer's Market?   The media is full of doom and gloom. It is getting more difficult to get a San Diego Downtown home SOLD! We are now in a Buyer's Market. Facing that reality sooner rather than later will be to your benefit!  We need to be realistic in our approach of the sale of your San Diego Downtown home.   You love your San Diego Downtown home! You have cherished it, remodeled and now you have hopes to make lots of money from the sale of it.  Your neighbors did so a year ago. Enhancements you do brings value to your San Diego home. Let's get real -- they were ... 10/09/2007

   It has been almost a year since we broached the topic of the Downtown condominium market in this column. Yes, things have changed, and despite the glut of negative press, the glut of condominiums some predicted has not materialized, and business isn't so bad. The resale market is holding up rather nicely. The inventory of active resale listings at the end of July was 492 compared to 613 one year ago. Days on market remain at about 90. That is a lot longer than ordinary (60 days), but condominiums are selling.At the end of July, Downtown sales had totaled 246 compared to 467 for the entirety of 2006. With any luck, 2007 will match 2006 and that wasn't such a bad year. The upper end of the market has fared better than the lower end. Two-thirds of all Downtown resales this year have bee... 10/09/2007

 You have had your San Diego home professionally staged for sale and you are living in it. You are no in charge of always having it in "Showing Condition".   We recognize that living in your San Diego Home and having is showing ready will cause you a little stress. So here are a few things that might help that process be a little easier.   San Diego Buyers have numerous choices to purchase a San Diego home.  Staging your San Diego home is the first step.  Keeping it staged is the more difficult task when you are still living in your San Diego home that is for sale! Read more »                                                                                                       516 Fifth Avenue   San Diego, CA 921011-800-221-2210http://www.sellsandiego.com/Contact Us | About Us Like what... 10/09/2007

Downtown San Diego condos were the rage for speculators at the tail end of the real estate boom.  The thoughts were that values, of an emerging downtown, would fall in line with cities like Vancouver, San Francisco, and Seattle (based on a price per square foot valuation); that still may happen.  If that's true, we may see downtown San Diego condos appreciate some 25% over the next 5-10 years. That could fetch you an annualized return of 7-10%, much of it tax advantaged.  That just isn't enough for the risk you take when you buy a downtown San Diego condo as an investment. Now, let's be conservative and say that those "mature" downtowns increase 3% per annum and downtown San Diego condos catch up to their NEW valuations.  That would make a lot of sense, right?    The annualized return ... 10/08/2007

Owners of luxury real estate in San Diego should be celebrating because of the long-awaited arrival of Sotheby’s International Realty--and the active return of Bob and Loraine Dyson to San Diego real estate. It’s been a long time coming, but luxury listings in San Diego County will now reach the plasma displays at Sotheby’s Auctions throughout the world. Passing by the Sotheby’s real estate desk, an equestrian property in Rancho Santa Fe might tweak the interest of buyers attending a contemporary art sale in London–or an Asian Art auction in Hong Kong. A Del Mar oceanfront estate might capture the bidding fancies of venture capitalists and oil barons who are simultaneously vying for masterpiece tapestries at Sotheby’s Auction in New York. Sotheby’s has long known and practiced the old a... 10/06/2007

This is an up to date Video from late this morning and as you will see , city officials are clearing the area and allowing 75 home owners in the area to return to their homes. 9 homes were red tagged ,deemed not suitable for habitation. There were 27 other homes that were yellow taged. It is believed they can be salvaged and restored. Once they are secured , then the homeowners there can also return. The ground on the hillside involved in yesterdays slide is said to be "at rest" by a Geologist. Whatever the cause of the slide, investigators will continue their probing and the area is being carefully monitored for any change that might take place. 10/05/2007

A suburb of La Jolla, suffered a major landslide yesterday.  This disaster struck the area of Mt Soledad with a massive landslide.  With nine homes in total destruction, there are a number of others that were left uninhabitable.  As I write this it appears more homes in the immediate area may be at risk.  No one knows for certain what caused this tragedy, but San Diego as well as other areas of California are prone to earth movements and landslides. There were reports of seismic engineers test drilling in the area when the slide started. In no way wanting to be cynical here, but as one reporter declared, homeowner insurance policies will not likely be covering  the damage as earth movement is a natural event and exempt from coverage. It wouldn't surprise me that with initial help comin... 10/05/2007

In terms of film festivals, San Diego is probably NOT on your list of places to go to see the best films, catch a glimpse of the stars, or be part of the paparazzi. It does neither the allure of the south of France nor the backing (yet) of Redford.But all that is changing. While Cannes may be the granddaddy of film festivals, and Sundance, in Park City, Utah, probably the best known here in the US, there seems to be a new upstart. (photo courtesy of /nicoon Flickr).San Diego is getting a fine reputation as a film festival destination. And why not? Only 2 hours from LA, it is fairly easy to draw a crowd, and celebrities, from the entertainment industry. There is a terrific convention center to boot.The San Diego Film Festival was held from September 27 through the 30th.The San Diego Wome... 10/04/2007

A client we’ll call Josef decided to retire to Encinitas a couple of years ago. He was ultra-specific as to what he wanted in his North San Diego County luxury home. He demanded  a home with a pool, spacious outdoor entertaining areas, enough bedrooms to accommodate a couple of guests, a large office and a serious kitchen for cooking. He also wanted no houses looking into his windows or back yard. And why did Josef want Encinitas? He wanted to be close to San Diego beaches, close to La Costa Resort and wanted perfect weather that was second to none. Josef wanted nothing more than to escape the gloomy skies of Northern Europe and spend the rest of his days basking and tanning in San Diego sunshine. But Josef was also a very astute businessman: He knew he would be collecting his retiremen... 10/01/2007

I just got off the phone with a bright Realtor who specializes in the Downtown San Diego real estate market. Denny Oh, of Prudential California Realty, writes a weblog called www.SanDiegoh.com.  He submitted a post to the weekly Carnival of Real Estate.  This week, Matt Padilla of the OCRegister, selected Denny's article: 6 Reasons Why Downtown Isn't Overbuilt In this article, Mr. Oh cites that a reduction in inventory and  strong pre-sale market supports the current pricing in the Downtown San Diego real estate market.  He notes that the developers are not  controlled by debt (they've paid off their loans) and are not subject to the selling pressures that come with a construction loan.  Most intriguing to me was that the Downtown San Diego residential community will triple in the next... 10/01/2007

First-Time Buyers in Downtown San Diego If you're a first-time buyer, perhaps you've only dreamed of purchasing a downtown condo or San Diego beach front property. But with the right information and a hardworking downtown real estate agent on your side, you can make that dream happen!Renting vs. Owning in Downtown San DiegoMaking the leap from renter to homeowner can seem daunting at first. But there are many reasons to feel confident in your decision to purchase now:More affordable housing is being built downtown than ever before. Ask about CCDC incentive programs and exciting upcoming projects. The San Diego renter's market is competitive. In many cases, it's easier to find a San Diego condo to purchase or even a San Diego luxury home for sale than it is to find a rental property. A s... 09/28/2007