The Real View

Many homeowners are struggling to keep up with escalating payments on their mortgage loans, and feel as if they have fallen over the edge of a financial abyss.

I have written about this program before, but failed to stress it as a refinancing vehicle that might rescue many homeowners from financial ruin. At the same time, it might also help ease some of the strain on the financial markets.

Though loan limits vary from state to state, the basic guidelines for Acorn Loan program qualification remain much the same. In California, for example, maximum qualifying income is $92,000 and mortgage loan cannot exceed $500,000. To see what your state guidelines are, check with either Chase Mortgage or Bank of America Mortgage directly. It is my understanding they are the only two mortgage lenders funding these loans--and that they cannot be brokered.

The California qualifiers:  

1. Applicant’s adjusted gross income less than $92,000 per year
2. Home loan must be less than $500,000
3. Applicant can only own one parcel of real estate. 
4. An excellent tool for refinancing (out of riskier mortgages, perhaps?)
5. The California home can be purchased for more than $500,000, but the mortgage loan amount cannot exceed that amount.
6. Potential borrower(s) must attend a one day home ownership class, where a certificate of eligibility will be issued after having met with an Acorn counselor.

The benefits?

1. Below-market rate with no points.
2. No PMI (private mortgage insurance)
3. Very liberal debt-to-income ratios.
4. Very low down payment required (0-5%)
5. Underwriting will credit some “cash” income and alternative sources of credit.
6. Credit and FICO scores are not as important with the ACORN Loan as they might be with other financing.
7. No pre-payment penalties.
8. No loan points
9. 100% financing available.
10. One program offers 10-year interest-only loan that automatically converts at same rate to fully amortized 30 year loan.

San Diego Real Estate

Luxury Real Estate 

Our family spent many of its early years in Big Bear Lake, CA. The mountains were wonderful, and our three sons enjoyed seven years of ski racing, mountain biking, tree house and igloo-building, and life in a small village. And though we lived within and hour or so to Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Orange County, trips to San Diego were always a special favorite.

We enjoyed our San Diego visits so much that we eventually chose to move here, not only for North County’s excellent schools, but for the rich variety of family activities the San Diego area has to offer.

Several weeks ago, I casually began listing all the things locals and visitors can do when vacationing with children in San Diego. I anticipate that it will be a list that continues to grow. And unless otherwise noted, all of these attractions are open year round.

Some obvious favorites would include:

The San Diego Zoo: It is world-famous for a reason, and offers a great way for a family to spend a day. Wear comfortable walking shoes!

San Diego Zoo Summer Day Camp for Kids: Guaranteed fun and learning for kids ranging from kindergarten through 7th grade. Loads of activities and action!

Balboa Park offers 15 museums, a theater and magnificent grounds. Kids love the Reuben H Fleet Science Museum with its IMAX Theater and hands-on exhibits.

Sea World Adventure Park: Bring sunblock for the obvious–and an umbrella for protection against whales that like to throw a wall of water into the crowds. It’s a great attraction and sure to be a hit with the kids. And fortunately for Sea World lovers, San Diego’s balmy climate is generally far superior to the Sea World climates in Florida and San Antonio. San Diego rules!

Click here to continue reading about San Diego Family Activities 

San Diego Real Estate

Coronado Real Estate 

La Jolla Real Estate 

Encinitas Real Estate

Carlsbad Real Estate 

Del Mar Real Estate 

La Costa Real Estate 

Aviara Real Estate 

San Marcos Real Estate 

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate 

Carmel Valley Real Estate 

Oceanside Real Estate 

Are you seeking fresh produce, flowers, honey and other edible goodies in the San Diego area?

If so, there is little that could beat an open air farmer’s market--especially in the balmy climes of San Diego!

A great number of farmer’s markets can be found throughout the San Diego metropolitan area–six days per week. Most of those listed below are established venues, but are subject to change in location, hours and season. And if you are driving any distance at all, you may want to call to make sure the market will be open at your planned time of visit.

Alternatively, you may wish to verify the information via the San Diego Farm Bureau site .

Enjoy your finds~

SATURDAY

Clairemont Market and Bazaar: 3 - 6:30 p.m. 6991 Balboa Ave at Lindbergh-Schweitzer Elementary School. Mgr: David Robert (619) 602-3644.

Pacific Beach: 8 a.m.-noon, Mission Boulevard between Reed Avenue and Pacific Beach Boulevard at the Promenade Mall. Mgr: Mary Hillebrecht (760) 741-3763.

Scripps Ranch: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ellen Browning Elementary School, 10380 Spring Canyon Rd. Mgr: Bev & Mike Cassidy (858) 586-7933.

South Park: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., corner of 30th and A Streets, Albert Einstein Academy playground, Mgr: Darcy Young (858) 405-6086.

Poway:  8 a.m. - noon, corner of Midland Road and Temple Street at Old Poway Park. Mgr: Suzanne Bendixen (619) 440-5027

Del Mar: 1-4 p.m., corner of El Camino Del Mar and 10th Street at the City Hall parking lot. Mgr: Alan Usery (760) 727-1471.

Carlsbad: 8 a.m. to noon,  on Roosevelt between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village Drive. Mgr: Christy Johnson (760) 434-2553 .

Vista: 7:45 a.m. - 11 a.m., corner of Eucalyptus and Escondido Avenues at the City Hall parking lot. Mgr: Margo Baughman (760) 726-8545.

Temecula: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in Olde Town Temecula at 6th and Front Street. Mgr: Gayle Cunningham (760) 728-7343.

Carlsbad: 8 a.m. to noon  Roosevelt St between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village Dr. Mgr: Christy Johnson (760) 434-2553

South Park: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Corner of 30th and A Streets, Albert Einstein Academy playground, Mgr: Darcy Young (858) 405-6086.

University City: -  2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Spreckels Elementary School, 6033 Stadium Street, San Diego 92122, Mgr: Mike Echavarry (619) 729-4333

SUNDAY

Hillcrest: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the corner of Normal and Cleveland streets (DMV parking lot). Mgr: David Larson (619) 237-1632.

Solana Beach: 2 - 5 p.m., 410 - 444 S. Cedros Ave at Rosa St. Mgr: Barry Koral (760) 631-0200 or (760) 455-1261.

La Jolla: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Girard Avenue at Genter Street (La Jolla Elementary School). Mgr: Darcy Young (858) 405-6086.

Downtown Third Avenue Market and Asian Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  400 block of Third Avenue between Island Ave and J Street. Mgr: David Klaman (619) 279-0032.

Leucadia/Encinitas: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Paul Ecke Elementary School,  at Union and Vulcan Streets.  Mgr: Ron La Chance (858) 272-7054.

(Dark on Monday) 

TUESDAY

Coronado: 2:30-6 p.m. corner of First and B streets (Old Ferry Landing). Mgr: Mary Hillebrecht (760) 741-3763.

Escondido: 2:30-6 p.m. Grand Ave. between Broadway and Kalmia Streets. Mgr: Debra Rosen (760) 745-8877.

UCSD/La Jolla: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. UCSD Certified Farmers Market at the Price Center, near the bookstore, Lyman Lane, and Library Walk. Mgrs: Bonnie Harmon and Christine Woolery (858) 534-4248.

WEDNESDAY

Carlsbad: 2-5 p.m. on Roosevelt Street between Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive. Mgr: Christy Johnson (760) 434-2553 Cell (760) 687-6453.

Ocean Beach: 4-7 p.m. (closes an hour later during summer months) 4900 block of Newport Avenue. Mgr: David Klaman (619) 279-0032.

Temecula: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Promenade Mall across from Edwards Temecula Stadium 15 Theaters. Mgr: Gayle Cunningham (760) 728-7343.

THURSDAY

Oceanside: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Pier View Way at Coast Highway. Mgr: Suzanne Bendixen (619) 440-5027.

Chula Vista: 3-7 p.m. (closes an hour earlier in winter) Third Avenue at Center Street. Mgr: John Ward (619) 422-1982.

North Park: 4-7 p.m. North Park Way and Granada. Mgr: David Larson (619) 237-1632.

Horton Square/Downtown: 11 a.m.-3 p.m (held March to mid-October), 225 Broadway. Mgr: Mary Hillebrecht (760) 741-3763.

El Cajon Marketplace: 3 to 6 p.m. (7 p.m. in summer) Downtown El Cajon at Orange Ave and Main Street. For information, call (858) 272-7054.

FRIDAY

La Mesa Village: 3-6 p.m. Allison Street, east of Spring Street (at La Mesa Village). Mgr: Suzanne Bendixen (619) 440-5027.

Rancho Bernardo: 9 a.m.- noon, Bernardo Winery parking lot at 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. Mgr: Mike Machor (760) 723-2469.

North Pacific Beach: 3 - 6 p.m. - November - February and 3 - 7 p.m. - March-October. Corner of Cass and Chalcedony Streets. Mgr: Ron LaChance (858) 272-7054.

Borrego Springs: 7 a.m. to noon (Nov thru May) at Christmas Circle Community Park at Christmas Circle and Palm Canyon Dr. Mgr: Erica Savage (760) 767-5555.

Clairemont Mesa: 3:30 to 7 p.m., Closed in winter months, Ray Kroc Middle School, 5050 Conrad Street, Clairemont Mesa and Highway 805, Mgr: Susan G. Beach (858) 272-4267.

Carlsbad Real Estate 

Encinitas Real Estate 

La Jolla Real Estate 

Del Mar Real Estate 

Aviara Real Estate 

San Diego Real Estate 

Luxury Real Estate 

It’s always interesting to know how metropolitan communities stack up when it comes to median household income, and San Diego is no exception.

There were a few surprises.

I had no idea Carlsbad would outrank Encinitas, or that Poway would beat out Coronado.

When to comes to compiling such reports (and a host of others), there is no finer source than the San Diego Business Journal. Their data is fresh, well-researched and provides some interesting reading.

Just click to read more and see these San Diego Financial Demographics....