Home Buyers Like Energy Efficient Features

It is not just saving money, but North County homeowners like to also feel good about helping the environment.    Almost nine of ten home buyers felt that a home’s cooling and heating cost were at least somewhat important to their buying decision.  Roughly seven of ten buyers felt that energy efficient appliances and efficient lighting were at least somewhat important to their home buying decision.   See charts below.

The % of buyers – by age – who said the feature was very important to their decision.

Buyers with higher incomes tended to place less importance on environmentally friendly features.  Solar panels are also a way some North County home owners are trying to save money.  See Solar panels – free energy? 

If your are considering buying or selling a San Diego North County home, and would like more home info on san diego homes, contact Gary Harmon, your North County Realtor.

Wall Street Optimisim – North County Home Values?

Optimisim has spiked the water on Wall Street.  Has this optimisim spilled into Southern California?  Will it change the way San Diego North County buyers are looking at real estate here in San Diego County?  Will it have any effect on the prices of North County property?

Optimisim has spiked the water on Wall Street with a cocktail of the GOP taking back the House, QE2 and the employment numbers.  So what’s the smart money banking on as we rapidly approach the end of 2010?

Read this from Lori Ann LaRocco CNBC Sr. Talent Producer.

With record low interest rates and San Diego North County property values at historic lows, we are seeing a large number of investors buying distressed properties in select Southern California markets.

Of the San Diego homes that recently sold, foreclosures were down from a year ago but still a significant part of the North County home market.

Need help understanding the implications of a distresses property sale?  The button link at the top of this blog labeled “Foreclosures” will help you find current short sale information and the free forclosure search will help you find other North County distressed homes.

To get more information about San Diego North County real estate, including Carlsbad homes, Oceanside homes for sale, Encinitas homes, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido real estate, contact Gary Harmon.

Daylight Savings Time Change – San Diego

For 2011 see: When Daylight Savings Time Ends 2011.

See Current Real Estate Listings of  San Diego Homes for Sale.

Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday morning at 2:00 am, November 7, 2010.  This is the end of daylight savings time for us here in San Diego North County.  Back to standard time.  Remember the old rule of Spring forward and Fall back.  If you would like to know a little history (or a lot of history) about the time change, read on below the photo.

More than you ever wanted to know

Although not punctual in the modern sense, ancient civilizations adjusted daily schedules to the sun more flexibly than modern DST does, often dividing daylight into twelve hours regardless of day length, so that each daylight hour was longer during summer.[12] For example, Roman water clocks had different scales for different months of the year: at Rome’s latitude the third hour from sunrise, hora tertia, started by modern standards at 09:02 solar time and lasted 44 minutes at the winter solstice, but at the summer solstice it started at 06:58 and lasted 75 minutes.[13] After ancient times, equal-length civil hours eventually supplanted unequal, so civil time no longer varies by season. Unequal hours are still used in a few traditional settings, such as some Mount Athos monasteries[14] and all Jewish ceremonies.[15]
Benjamin Franklin satirically suggested firing cannons at sunrise to wake ParisiansDuring his time as an American envoy to France, Benjamin Franklin, author of the proverb, “Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”, anonymously published a letter suggesting that Parisians economize on candles by rising earlier to use morning sunlight.[16] This 1784 satire proposed taxing shutters, rationing candles, and waking the public by ringing church bells and firing cannons at sunrise.[17] Franklin did not propose DST; like ancient Rome, 18th-century Europe did not keep precise schedules. However, this soon changed as rail and communication networks came to require a standardization of time unknown in Franklin’s day.[18]
G.V. Hudson invented modern DST, proposing it first in 1895.Modern DST was first proposed by the New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson, whose shift-work job gave him leisure time to collect insects, and made him aware of the value of after-hours daylight.[2] In 1895 he presented a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society proposing a two-hour daylight-saving shift,[19] and after considerable interest was expressed in Christchurch, New Zealand he followed up in an 1898 paper.[20] Many publications incorrectly credit DST’s invention to the prominent English builder and outdoorsman William Willett,[21] who independently conceived DST in 1905 during a pre-breakfast ride, when he observed with dismay how many Londoners slept through a large part of a summer day.[22] An avid golfer, he also disliked cutting short his round at dusk.[23] His solution was to advance the clock during the summer months, a proposal he published two years later.[24] The proposal was taken up by the Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Pearce, who introduced the first Daylight Saving Bill to the House of Commons on 12 February 1908.[25] A select committee was set up to examine the issue, but Pearce’s bill did not become law, and several other bills failed in the following years. Willett lobbied for the proposal in the UK until his death in 1915.

Starting on 30 April 1916, Germany and its World War I allies were the first to use DST (ger.: Sommerzeit) as a way to conserve coal during wartime. Britain, most of its allies, and many European neutrals soon followed suit. Russia and a few other countries waited until the next year and the United States adopted it in 1918. Since then, the world has seen many enactments, adjustments, and repeals.

Now is a good time to buy San Diego Real Estate

Anytime is a good time to buy San Diego North County homes.  Contact Gary Harmon, your top North County Realtor, to see homes today.  Gary services all of the San Diego North County real estate areas including Carlsbad homes, Oceanside homes for sale, Encinitas homes, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido real estate.

Current Mortgage Rates May Go Up – HomeServices Lending

Mortgage Bankers Association Releases Statement

When buying San Diego North County homes, expect fixed mortgage rates to go up over the next few years.  So, now is the time to buy that Carlsbad home for sale, Oceanside home, Vista CA home, San Marcos CA home, Escondido real estate, or Encinitas home.  I work with HomeServices Lending and would be glad to put you intouch with a great mortgage broker.  Find out what size of San Diego North County home you can afford now. 

Dont’t Miss the Boat

Now is the time to get into action, don’t miss the boat.  Now is the time to get off the fence and to buy that San Diego North County home.   According to the Mortgage Bankers Association statement released on October 26, 2010, fixed mortgage rates are expected to average about 4.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, increase to 5.1 percent by the end of 2011, and head towards 5.7 percent in 2012. A 1% increase in mortgage rates will make a significant change in the average monthly San Diego house payment.

Rate Increases and Monthy Mortgage Payments

We will look at the effects of a rate increase on your month payment assuming you purchased a $500,000 home, put down 20%, and took out a home mortgage of $400,000.

  1. Using the 4.4% rate for a $400,000 mortgage your North County home mortgage payment would be $2003.04.  These examples just include principal and interest, they do not include taxes and insurance.
  2. At 5.1% for the same $400,000 mortgage, your payment for principal and interest would be $2170.80 for your 30 year loan.
  3. At 5.7 for the same mortgage amount of $400,000, your payment will be $2321.60.

Many San Diego North County buyers that can qualify for a loan at 4.4% can no longer afford the same North County house at a mortgage of 5.7%.   They would have to buy something much cheaper.   Get actual numbers on what you can afford.  Contact Gary Harmon and let him introduce you to a great mortgage broker at Home Services Lending.  Start looking for your San Diego North County dream home today.

Other Key Points

• Real GDP growth will be 2.2 percent in 2010, although most of that was seen in the first quarter and growth is estimated to have slowed to around 1.5 percent in the third quarter and 1.9 percent in the fourth quarter. Growth is expected to be about 2.1 percent in 2011 and 3.0 percent in 2012.
• The unemployment rate will increase from the current level of 9.6 percent to 9.9 percent by the first quarter of 2011, end 2011 at 9.5 percent, then fall to 8.7 percent by the end of 2012. Mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates should track this downward trend in the unemployment rate.
• Fixed mortgage rates are expected to average about 4.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, increase to 5.1 percent by the end of 2011, and head towards 5.7 percent in 2012.
• Total existing home sales for 2010 will be around 8 percent lower than in 2009, despite a boost to sales in the first half from the homebuyer tax credit program. Existing home sales are projected to increase modestly in 2011, increasing by a little less than 2 percent, before increasing by about 16 percent in 2012.
• New home sales for 2010 will be down by about 13 percent relative to 2009. We estimate that new home sales bottomed in the third quarter of 2010 and will begin a slow recovery in 2011, increasing around 20 percent from a low base, and then increasing 40 percent in 2012 as markets recover.

Tips on Voting in this 2010 Election – California and Federal

Get Out and Vote

I will not attempt to tell you how to vote in this general election, but would like to encourage everyone in San Diego North County to mail in your ballot or go to your polling place and vote for the canditate of your choice.  Vote in the State, County, and local races.

The first and perhaps the most important election it the race for Governor of California.  The leading canditates are Jerry Brown, democrat and Meg Whitman, the republican candidate.  Who can create new jobs, hold down taxes, and offer hope for a California that is in trouble?  Who is more of the same?

The second (maybe first) most important election is the race for California Senator.  You can vote for the democrat, Barbara Boxer, a long time incumbent, or for Carly Fiorina.  Again, who will lower taxes and change what is going on in Washington.  The following video is offered for entertainment purposes, but also to make you ask, “Who will raise taxes?”  “Who can fix Californai?”  Please get out and vote.

The Tax Man

When you need to buy Carlsbad homes, Oceanside homes, Encinitas homes, or San Marcos homes, contact Gary Harmon, your North County Realtor.  Gary also specializes in North County homes for over 55 and San Diego ocean view homes.

613 Bush Lane, San Marcos, CA 92069

Great San Marcos Value

Listing Price: Seller will entertain offers between $350,000 – $395,876.
Size: 2020 esf
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 2.5
Comments: Must see – not a short sale. Beautiful San Diego North County home in gated community of Vistancia in San Marcos. Great views of the night lights of the City of San Marcos.  Backs to a park.  For more information on San Marcos homes, contact Gary Harmon, your San Marcos Realtor.

Reasons to Buy San Diego North County Homes

  • Fantastic weather and amazing natural beauty.
  • You can get a good deal on North County property- Search all San Diego North County Homes listings today.
  • You can save money on home improvements.   Many North County contractors are not as busy and will cut you a deal.
  • You’ll save on both Federal and State taxes.  Real estate tax deductions on your North County home are still some of the best ways to save on your tax return. 
  • Mortgages are cheap.   Interest rates are still.  Check with HomeServices Lending today to see what rate you could get.
  • You will own it.  There is still something to say about the pride of San Diego home ownership.  You can decorate it your way.
  •  It offers inflation protection.  Once your loan rate is locked in and you have closed on your home you have great inflation protection.
  •  You’ll get a better home.   When you buy you often can have more San Diego North County homes to choose from than when you rent.
  •  It’s forced savings.  Each month you make a payment you are saving for the future.  You create a little bit of equity each month.
  •  It’s risk capital.  You are buying your North County real estate with mostly the other man’s money, your loan.
  •  There is a lot of inventory to choose from.  The selection of San Diego homes is great including North County homes for over 55 seniors like Ocean Hills Country Club homes or great ocean view homes, like Encinitas ocean view homes, Carlsbad ocean view homes, and Oceanside ocean view homes
  • The market will clear and return to growth. .

For the best in San Diego North County real estate services (buying or selling), contact Gary Harmon, your top North County Realtor.

J. D. Power and Associates ranks Prudential Realty # 1

First Again in 2010!

J.D. Power and Associates today announced that the Prudential Real Estate Network ranked “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Home Buyer/Seller Study. This marks the second time in three years that the Network ranked highest in seller satisfaction.

The annual study measures customer satisfaction of home sellers and buyers with major national real estate companies. Overall satisfaction is determined by examining four factors for the home-selling experience: agent (44%); marketing (30%); office (15%); and services (11%). Among home sellers, Prudential Real Estate achieved a score of 760 on a 1,000-point scale and received particularly high ratings from customers in the marketing and agent factors.

PRERS Chairman Jim Mallozzi said the award speaks for the quality and consistency of the Prudential Real Estate Network. “Affiliate to affiliate, our sales professionals are the local-market experts who market and price homes right, while providing attentive service,” Mallozzi said.

The San Diego Business Journal just ranked Prudential California Realty #1 in San Diego County for the 14th straight year.

Prudential California Realty - Gary Harmon - A Winning Team

Why not work with the best, not one of the rest.  Contact Gary Harmon, your top North County Realtor. Put the power of Prudential California Realty to work for you.

San Diego North County Foreclosures – Free Foreclosure Search

Free Foreclosure SearchUse Foreclosure Radar, America’s favorite foreclosure search, to search for auction , pre-foreclosues, and North County foreclosures.  This includes Carlsbad foreclosures, Oceanside foreclosures, Escondido foreclosures, Vista foreclosures, Encinitas foreclosures, and San Marcos  foreclosures. Start searching now with Free Foreclosure Search. Please be patient it takes a few seconds to load the search map.  Gary Harmon, your North County Realtor, subscribes to Foreclosure Radar so you can use it for free.

How to preform a basic search

With the free foreclosure search by Foreclosure Radar, you can easily find and research San Diego North County foreclosure properties.  The tips below guide you through the steps to search on zip code or city and to then view the details on North County homes.

To use Free Foreclosure Search of North County Homes

 

  • Open the search page by clicking on the “Foreclosure Radar” link or “Foreclosure Radar icon” at the top of this page.
  • Select “Search Foreclosures” on the main menu
  • Enter one or more zip codes
  • Click on the Search button

You will see a map like the one below.  This happens to be a map of Carlsbad, 92009.

Carlsbad foreclosures - free foreclosure search

Once the North County homes foreclosure search results are displayed on the screen, you can narrow your search by using additional critera.  This additional crtitera includes bedroomsk, value, or foreclosure stage such as pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank owned.

Get a better view of North County foreclosure homes

Double click to zoom in and re-center the North County map or zoom using the controls in the upper left corner.   You can hold down your mouse button and drag the map to a new position.  Individual North County homes are shown on the map with different color icons indicating their foreclosure stage.  Hover over an icon and the address of the San Diego North County property will appear with additional details.

Stages of a North County foreclosure

Preforeclosure – This includes San Diego North County homes that have had notices of default filed within the last 120 days that have not since had a Notice of Sale filed on the same loan.

Auction – This indicates the North County property that is currently scheduled to be sold at a trustee sale auction.

Bank Owned – This includes all San Diego properties that have been sold back to the bank at trustee sale within the last 120 days.  These properties may or may not be included in the San Diego MLS system.

Foreclosure results are also shown in the list view below the map.

To get very detailed reports on any type of individual property you find, including Carlsbad foreclosures, Oceanside foreclosures, Escondido foreclosures, Vista foreclosures, Encinitas foreclosures, and San Marcos  foreclosures, contact Gary Harmon, your North County foreclosure expert.

Search San Diego North County Homes

Find  San Diego North County homes with MLS Search and Free Foreclosure Search. Set up your own custom searches with ListingBook. Use the friendly searches below:

See all Prudential California Realty Carlsbad Listings below.

[iframe http://garyharmon.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/websites/templates/booklets/company_listings.php?uid=A101834 737 800]This is a fabulous opportunity for San Diego North County buyers!   Lender-mediated short-sales, pre-foreclosures, and bank owned North San Diego properties are available and can be found with the search tools on this website. Don’t expect today’s prices to be around forever. The banks have finally become aggressive about pricing their North County homes for sale, and investors are grabbing them up quickly. For more information or to see San Diego North County real estate, contact Gary Harmon, your top North County Realtor.