What a great tag line for a coffee house! Ryan Bros Roastery has opened a new location in San Marcos at 133 N. Twin Oaks Valley Road near the Old Spaghetti Factory. (78 and Twin Oaks Valley Rd)  Although the opening has taken a few extra months that were not planned, it was definitely worth the wait.  A wonderful place to relax and have a cup of your favorite coffee or tea with a friend.  I am not exactly sure where they get their pastries but the coffee cake was sweet (but not too sweet) , moist and very fresh.    For folks like Russel Ray-Property Consultant that are all over San Diego County, it is a very convenient location to meet with valuable clients or simply for a quick stop to enjoy the moment. 03/02/2009

The new housing stimulus plan approved last week has some nice additions to it over and above the one offered by Congress last year.  The biggest difference is that the tax credit is no longer required to be repaid which is a huge improvement over last years bill (which was basically a 0% interest 15 year loan).  Yes, the $8,000 comes as a "no strings attached" gift from Uncle Sam.  The maximum tax credit amount has increased to the lesser of $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price.  This bill is only good for 2009, so make sure your escrow closes before the end of the year.  Do remember though that the tax credit comes when you file your federal taxes, not at the date you buy your home.  In some cases, you can file the credit on 2008 taxes to speed it up, but talk to your accountant on th... 02/26/2009

Upside down??.... on your home loan in San Marcos? Need to call an SAN MARCOS SHORT SALE REALTOR?          If you know what a short sale is, and you are in SAN MARCOS, you might be the one who needs to hire a SAN MARCOS SHORT SALE REALTOR. If you are curious about selling your home in SAN MARCOS CA and you owe more than your home is worth, you might want to inquire to see if you qualify to pull off an SAN MARCOS SHORT SALE.            SEARCH  SAN MARCOS HOMES FOR SALE OR  SAN MARCOS SHORT SALES  HERE   02/18/2009

A great new community in San Marcos is San Elijo Hills.  With schools, parks and a beautiful towncenter, San Elijo Hills is definitely a community to consider when looking for a home.  Now to search for homes in San Elijo Hills, you have to do a search in San Marcos and then look for homes in the San Elijo Hills community.  Well what I did is I created a search for ONLY San Elijo Hills on my website.  Check it out.  Here are the links. Search San Elijo Hills Homes for sale Search San Elijo Townhomes and Condos Search San Elijo Hills Foreclosures If you want to search for homes other than the San Elijo Hills area, click San Diego Homes For Sale.  Enjoy! 02/14/2009

Market Update for Twin Oaks Valley Ranch, February, 2009 Call Lela today for a free market evaluation of your home! Call Steve today for expert assistance in locating your dream home or investment property! In San Marcos, there are 264 homes for sale currently - Call Lela or Steve whenever you need help sorting through the real estate maze! 02/09/2009

The San Marcos real estate market continues to evolve, especially with the large number of distress sales. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. Media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, so that information may not represent the reality of our local San Marcos real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller. In January 2009 there were 74 homes sold in San Marcos' 2 zipcodes, as compared to 103 for December (a 28% decrease in sales). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.     TOTAL HOMES     Detached     Attached   Number   74 (down 28% 54 20 Days on Market   57 56 5... 02/06/2009

It's a landmark of sorts. A human-made one. And it can be seen for many miles - I can see it from South Carlsbad State Beach in fact, probably 7 miles away. I see it often when driving around for business and when driving by the other day finally stopped to take a couple of photos (I was in good shoes so no hiking up the hill for a close look).   The P is on Palomar Hill in the Merriam Mountains in San Marcos, across the street and to the rear of Palomar College, a 2-year community college servicing 30,000 part-time and full-time students. The college was founded in the 1940s, and 7 enterprising graduating students created the project on a 1/2 acre of ground on the mountain. Stop by and see it sometime if you are in the area. You can read more here. A little bit of local San Marcos tri... 01/31/2009

    to email us:     Member National Notary AssociationBonded, licensed and insuredfor your protection!       SAVE GASOLINE SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY I COME TO YOU !!         RATES FROM $5.00/SIGNATURE WE ALSO OFFER APOSTILLE SERVICE - FAST AND DISCOUNTS   I KNOW I CAN SAVE YOU MONEY PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN ESTIMATE   Background checked Discount for multiple signatures Thousands of notarizations performed Available 24/7 Apostilles - many times same day (notary fee usually included) Most documents and escrow/loan papers Covering San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles County Will go to San Diego County jails and hospitals Seniors and veterans welcome   Phone: 760.753.7915    Cell: 760.271.9242Cell: 619.884.7761email:waltersnotary@yahoo.com          SEARCH ENGINE KEYWORDS:SAN MARCOS NOTARYSAN ... 01/03/2009

  to email us:   Member National Notary AssociationBonded, licensed and insuredfor your protection!     SAVE GASOLINE SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY I COME TO YOU !!         RATES FROM $5.00/SIGNATURE WE ALSO OFFER APOSTILLE SERVICE - FAST AND DISCOUNTS   I KNOW I CAN SAVE YOU MONEY PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN ESTIMATE   Background checked Discount for multiple signatures Thousands of notarizations performed Available 24/7 Apostilles - many times same day (notary fee usually included) Most documents and escrow/loan papers Covering San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles County Will go to San Diego County jails and hospitals Seniors and veterans welcome   Phone: 760.753.7915    Cell: 760.271.9242Cell: 619.884.7761email:waltersnotary@yahoo.com          SEARCH ENGINE KEYWORDS:SAN MARCOS NOTARYSAN MARCOS... 01/03/2009

I have shared a number of articles in the past about some of the communities at San Elijo Hills in San Marcos. San Elijo Hills is one of the most popular master planned communities in Southern California, offering a wide range of home styles and prices in multiple communities by different builders. READ MORE: San Elijo Hills - Award-Winning Master Planned Community in San Marcos   Fall in San Elijo Hills   Sal Elijo Hills Real Estate - Elite Homes in San Marcos   San Elijo Hills Homes for Sale - Resale and New Construction   San Elijo Hills - A New Connection to San Marcos While most of the community is complete, there are several communities that are still building, with new homes for sale. Atherton, with a total of 71 homes, is located near the top of the community, with some new home... 12/31/2008

  San  Marcos residents will not have to wait long before the new Double Peak Regional Park will be available to enjoy. Work is beginning on this regional park with the "best view in town" or possibly North County. Double Peak Regional Park officially broke ground. With its 360-degree view from the inland mountain ranges to the Pacific Ocean the only tough part for visitors will be deciding which way to face. It will have the best views in San Marcos offering you a view of Coronado to San Clemente on a clear day. The park will include hiking trails and have a live in ranger station. Double Peak could be the crown jewel in the park system. The park is schedule for completion by next summer. The park will have 10 acres of developed land and 190 acres of open space. This area will add five... 12/26/2008

Although I am an Idaho native, I do enjoy living in the San Diego area now.  The time spent harvesting flower seeds out of the family flower garden must have influenced my lifelong love of gardening.  Each year for Halloween, my cosmic orange cosmos are at their showiest.  The vibrant cosmos are winding down their growing season.  Now, as we ready for the Christmas festivities, the Poinsettia we planted a few years ago from a holiday potted plant, is beginning to turn some of its leaves into that show-stopping brilliant pink.  Our weather is mild enough, that the Poinsettias grow outside year round.  In the "group" shot of the cosmos, you will see one of my favorite felines, Cowboy, casually meadering along the fence top -- something he does well when I am out gardening.  I have to cred... 11/29/2008

Market Update for Twin Oaks Valley Ranch, November, 2008 Call Lela today for a free market evaluation of your home! Call Steve today for expert assistance in locating your dream home!   Active   Homes on the market                                                                           List Price   Prestwick Ct. 4 bed / 3 bath                  1902 esf                                             $ 407,000 Turnberry 4 bed / 3 bath                        2447 esf                                              $499,900 Landmark 4 bed / 3.5 bath                     2754 esf                                             $ 534,900 *Lancashire 4 bed / 3 bath                  2869 esf                                           $ 575,000   Pending    (Homes under contract)                          ... 11/29/2008

As a confirmed foodie, dining out and find new places to enjoy is a favorite pastime. Despite living in Carlsbad, with a terrific list of eateries to experience, I often venture beyond the Carlsbad boundaries, either by invitation or because of things I have heard.  I am learning more and more about some wonderful dining places in San Marcos, and after a 3rd visit to one, decided to share the secret. You may already be a devotee. First off, San Marcos has an area called Restaurant Row on the north side of San Marcos Boulevard midway between Rancho Santa Fe Road and the 78. Restaurant Row, as you can imagine, is a collection of perhaps 18 eateries (I don't know the exact number but once I have tried them all I'll let you in on the tally). Here's a summary site about Restaurant Row. Our w... 11/26/2008

Or, at least it easily could have been. I attended an inspection with by buyers yesterday on an REO property. The inspector noticed a few items of "handywork" by a previous owner.  Most of what they did was simply to damage the doors, door hardware and drywall behind the doors. The big problem was the work that the owner did in the garage.  They decided to add a 50 amp circuit for a piece of welding equipment, which, by the way, had the wrong size wires.  When they left, not only did they take the welder, they took the receptacle and left the exposed wires hanging in the garage.  Most people wouldn't think of grabbing exposed electrical wire but my clients have a four year old.  Little boys pick up, climb and touch EVERYTHING.  Thank you Mr Home Inspector for immediately checking the ex... 11/19/2008

What is wrong in this picture? What action would you recommend, if any, to correct the problem? Home inspectors are required to be extremely observant.  Not only do they have to view the roof and ceilings, they have to view the floors and any possible visible defects. Even when there are floor coverings, there may be signs of a "cover up".  11/12/2008

As most agents and inspectors will attest, there are many creative homeowners out there. Maybe the homeowner, or installer thought that there was a dishwasher when he/she snapped the plug out of the garbage disposal prior to installing.  It was a good thing that this property had a nice selection of wines.  They located just the right size cork to re-plug the hole. Or maybe, the homeowner "borrowed" the disposal from his/her property that was foreclosed on but had no way of taking the dishwasher before the sheriff escorted them out.   I sure hope the inspector looks below the sink prior to checking the flow.  This is an upstairs unit, which means BIG trouble for the lower unit if the utility restores water to the unit without turning valves off on the interior. 11/11/2008

When you are thinking of buying or selling a home, Make the Call to Hankins and Hall Buyers - What I will do for you: Whether you are planning to purchase real estate now or a year from now, I will work with you and make sure that you understand the entire process. I will sit with you and review a Buyer's Resource Binder that includes 1) A comprehensive, step-by-step review of the home buying process. 2) Sample inspection reports and what to look for in a competent inspector. 3) Guidelines and review questions to use when selecting a loan professional. 4) We will review the entire purchase contract, disclosures and addenda so when you are ready to write an offer, there will be no surprises. 5) A comprehensive list of replacement costs and life expectancies of the major components of the... 10/30/2008

There have been many issues that have arisen as the result of the increasing short sales, foreclosures, and REOs in communities throughout the country. Property values have dropped Appraisals come in low resulting in deal falling apart or needing renegotiation "Stephen King" pools are common leading to health concerns such as West Nile Virus Neighborhoods once attractive and well-kept take on a rather disheveled appearance with multiple vacant homes on the block Vandalism of vacant homes has increased Folks break into vacant homes to have parties Squatters sometimes take over vacant properties You get the idea. The other issue that is increasingly causing concern to homeowners about the distressed are the mini-dorms which are cropping up in neighborhoods in San Diego, including San Elij... 10/27/2008

  Mark your calendar and set your alarm! The San Marcos Sheriff's Station and the City of San Marcos in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of San Marcos will be hosting the 11th annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser.  All proceeds this year will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos. Date:    Thursday, November 06, 2008 Time:    6:00 AM until 10:00 AM Cost:     $5.00 donation Place:   San Marcos Community Center,  3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069 The Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos offers the following: Homework Assistance Reading Programs Educational Games  Computer Education Computer Recreation Internet Safety Programs Performing Arts Arts & Crafts Health & Life Skills Programs Prevention Programs Cooking & Nutrition Class Character & Leadership Development Programs Y... 10/23/2008