The Real View

This has been a tough year for America’s Finest City. There has been destruction of homes by wildfires and landslides. Then there’s the San Diego real estate market which has taken a needed serious slide that has resulted in a record number of foreclosures and short sales.

But all is not gloom and doom for San Diego County property owners.

Those whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the 2007 fires and La Jolla landslides–and who suffered at least $10,000 in damages–should file a claim with the Assessor’s Office within twelve months of the damage occurrence.

This tax relief also extends to mobile homes if they have property tax assessments (versus state license fees) as well as citrus, nut and avocado groves if at least $10,000 in damage occurred to the trees, irrigation systems and other appurtenant structures. Crops are not included in damage assessments because they aren’t assessed for property taxes.

Once a home is rebuilt, San Diego property owners will be able to retain their original assessed value as long as the home is rebuilt in a manner similar to the original construction.  Added square footage and substantial extras such as additional bathrooms will be added to the base year valuation at full market value.

If you are one of the San Diego home buyers who purchased in the last couple of years and your home’s value has declined below its assessed value, you can also appeal to the County Tax Assessor for an adjustment in your property tax basis. Once the market recovers, the property will be reassessed at its original value.

For the last month, I have been largely absent from blogging.

I guess I lost my voice because it was tied up with family illness, fires destroying San Diego County, family traumas, listings coming in, family stresses--and last minute travel arrangements to Las Vegas for the NAR Convention.

Some of you may not remember the Milli Vanilli scandal so many years ago, but it was a silly incident where the lead singer lip-synched the Milli Vanilli music during a concert. It was a embarrassment to be remembered, and is surely recorded somewhere in the Rock Star Annals.

That gaffe came to mind during a recent conversation at Active Rain's Las Vegas get-together a week ago in Las Vegas.

During one of the many titillating conversations, the subject of "ghost blogging" came up. 

When asked about the advisability of having someone else write one's blog articles, almost everyone in hearing range--including some August Bloggers--said it was an absolute no-no. Almost all agreed that real blogging require so much time, thought and effort--and demanded the real voice of the author. Conversely, an ersatz author whose material is written by another is nothing short of a fraud.

And if ghost writing is to be used, some said, it should be disclosed to the readers. 

Perhaps I am a bit priggish about the purity of a blog (weblog or journal or diary) reflecting one's own voice, but I struggle with having someone else's canned content populating my blog--or that of Active Rain's.

While casually perusing Active Rain's Localism earlier this evening, I discovered a well-known ghosted blog's material manifesting itself here.

Is there a difference between plagiarized material and "purchased" blog material? Is being busy or simply "successful" reason enough to hand one's voice over to a hired hand?

If so, I struggle with my own stupidity in not having hired a writer to slip in and write for me during my recent absences.

And perhaps he, she or it could have told my story better--and advised you better about my San Diego communities, lifestyle and real estate conditions in my own market area.

Somehow, I think not. 

Thoughts? 

Clairemont, Clairemont, Clairemont+ 

San Diego, San Diego, San Diego=

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

I have never been able to figure out why Clairmont is not one of the hottest locations in San Diego County. It is close to Mission Bay and local beaches; close to freeways, close to downtown San Diego, and a 4-iron to Tecolote Canyon Golf Course.

Add quiet streets, spacious Mid-Century homes with large lots, and you have to wonder about upside potential....

We have just listed a 3-2.5-2 vacant and split level Clairemont beauty that offers two living areas, fireplace, moderately upgraded kitchen--and enormous potential.

Were I the buyer of this Clairemont home, I would repaint the interior, upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms, replace the carpeting and redesign the rear yard landscaping and master balcony and stairs.

I would also have some reassurance of return of investment in that the home in its current condition appraised for $635,000 in March, 2007.

Our listed price?  $479,000 to $549,000.

Is it any wonder that our phone is ringing off the hook???

Sometimes you walk into a home, sense both ageless soul and serenity–and can’t help but smile.

We recently listed such an estate in the beautiful hills of Vista, California. Its current and original owners are a spirited and beautiful international opera singer and her dashing husband, a retired professor of art. With loving attention to detail, it seems nothing was missed in the completion of this luxurious 2003 custom home.

When I first walked into the home, I was struck by the use of old and rich colors, antique woods, the graceful wood and iron staircase, and light classical music that filled the rooms.

At first glance, I knew this home would be exceptional.

The gated hilltop setting offers both ocean and mountain views–as well as quiet privacy. The home’s flexible 4000+ sf floorplan has volume ceilings that carry classical music well, a grand foyer, large living and music rooms, multiple dining areas, and a kitchen Alice Waters might envy.

Upstairs, we discover a substantial master suite with an adjoining study, large dressing room and bath, spa tub, and large, organized closets. A romantic trellised balcony overlooks both the mountains and ocean horizon, while the two-way fireplace warms both the bedroom and bath areas. Three other large bedrooms and an open bridge complete the upstairs.

The bones of a home may be magnificent, but inspiring beauty comes from surfaces, windows, doors, lighting, amenities, color and textures. I share clients’ enthusiasm when all of these elements come together.

This home lacks nothing and blends all elements well. It has rich Tuscan colors, art niches and unfluted columns. It beautifully blends the use of stone, iron and woods, and offers contemporary conveniences such as central vacuum and a discreet kitchen vent that captures broom sweepings.

Outdoors is a large covered patio, lawn, gardens and small acreage for hobbies, horses or arborists.

I have often thought that equestrian homeowners in Poway, Rancho Santa Fe and Fallbrook who were displaced by the recent San Diego fires might find this property of interest.

Located on highly-desired Elevado Street in Vista, this estate is reasonably offered at $1.5 million by owners who are anxious to retire in Crete.

We intend to help them accomplish this dream–and look forward to having terrific clients in such a wonderful corner of the world.