Deborah Engel, San Diego, California Real Estate

If it's a Bedroom, it MUST have a Closet

2008-08-18T13:34:28Z

No, not so. When looking at homes, I have clients tell me, matter-of-factly that a bedroom must have a closet if it is to be considered a bedroom. Without a closet, they say, it is just an office or den. I hear the same thing from my fellow local Realtors.

I'm not sure when or how this became the accepted definition, but I did my own research to find out if there is a legal definition of what a bedroom must include. First, I checked our local MLS rules to see if there was any authority. The rules are silent on the definition of a bedroom and how bedrooms are listed in the MLS. So, I went to have a look at the San Diego Municipal Code. Under the section containing definitions (section 113.0103), a "Bedroom" means:

             an enclosed space within a dwelling unit
             that is designed or could be used for sleeping and has a
             permanent door permitting complete closure and
             separation from all kitchen, living room and hallway areas.
             A room or other enclosed space is not considered a bedroom
             if it is the sole access to another bedroom.

No closet is needed in order for a room to be a bedroom. Now this definition is only applicable within the City of San Diego (section 11.0104). In other areas, a closet may be necessary.

It actually makes sense that a closet is not required in order to be considered a bedroom. Older homes didn't always include a built-in closet. Instead, the occupants used an armoire or other type of free-standing closet. Ikea carries a bunch of different stand-alone closets/wardrobes just for this purpose.

Go San Diego Chargers! Practice sessions!

2008-08-10T01:39:20Z

My husband and I went to a recent San Diego Chargers practice. It was interesting to watch the different groups of players that worked on particular exercises. After separate group practice, the team had practice plays. For the crowd, L.T. gave a run on the first play, which is always impressive to watch. But, we never saw him again. In addition to L.T., Philip Rivers, Billy Volek, Nate Kaeding, Darren Sproles, Luis Castillo, Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, and more great Chargers players were all there. It was a lot of fun to watch them practice and added to the great excitement and anticipation of the upcoming football season. Could the Chargers make the Super Bowl!!!???

There are only THREE public practices left:

Monday, August 11, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 12, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Thurday, August 14, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Practices are held at:

Chargers Park (Map)
4020 Murphy Canyon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123

Parking is very limited and not great, so make sure you get there early enough. Don't park on Murphy Canyon Road. We saw every car parked there have a parking ticket on it. According to the Chargers' website, parking for the training is available on the street behind (east of) the Holiday Inn located at 3805 Murphy Canyon Rd.

Go San Diego Chargers!

10 Things a Buyer MUST Know (Part 2 of 2)

2008-08-06T00:20:15Z

(Numbers 1-5 were included in Part 1)

6. Don't try timing the market. We know what the market is like today, but can only give an educated guess what it will be in the future. There are so many variables that go into home prices and interest rates that no one can give you a definitive answer as to what will happen in the future. Sure, you can make predictions based on information but there is really no way to know. Many buyers decide that the home prices will continue to go down and that they should wait to buy. This can certainly happen and maybe that's a risk worth taking. But thinking too narrowly can cause disappointment and frustration later.

For example, if the recent Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 helps reduce the number of foreclosures and short sales, isn't it possible that the number of homes available will be reduced, directly changing the supply of housing? Further, even if home prices go down more but interest rates go up, you will have less buying power. The amount you will pay in interest may not be worth the amount you believe you saved by waiting for the prices to go down.

7. Work with one agent. If you can't commit to working with one agent, you will lose the benefit of having that one agent help you find the best home based on the relationship that is built. Trying to work with several agents wastes everyone's time and usually backfires because you don't always get the best possible service. If you need to change agents, be sure to communicate this with your current agent to see if any issue can be worked out.

8. Understand short sales and bank-owned sales. Get an understanding of what it means to put in an offer on a bank-owned home or a short sale. Both sales can be very different from a "regular" sale. Short sales occur when a homeowner owes more to a bank than what they can sell the home for. They have to have the bank approve any sale because the bank will end up losing money rightfully owed to it. This process can take a very long time. Even getting a response from the bank can take several weeks.

During this time you may lose the opportunity to move forward on other homes, or you may spend weeks waiting for an answer only to have another buyer come in with a better offer that the bank wants to work with. Either way short sales can be disappointing and time consuming and you need to be educated so you know what to expect. Buying a bank owned home can also be frustrating. Signatures on documents are very slow to be returned by the bank and most banks have a "take it or leave it" attitude with terms of the sale.

9. There's no magic formula for offering the proper amount for a home. I can't tell you the number of buyers who tell me that you ALWAYS offer a certain percentage below the asking price. This kind of thinking can only lead to frustration and doesn't really help you. List prices on homes can be below, at, or above market value. Understanding home prices and the market in the area you are interested in is imperative in knowing whether a home is priced well.

Often I have a buyer who doesn't review the information provided and insists on offering, for example, 10% below asking price. This may work if a home is already overpriced but if it's not you may not be successful. For example, I am seeing more and more bank owned homes being priced substantially below market value. Of course this produces a frenzy of multiple offers and the home sells for more than if it had been priced at or above market value. If you don't understand how pricing works and have a rigid rule in coming up with a price you will probably be extremely disappointed after losing several homes to realistic buyers.

10. Don't forget that owning a home costs money. As a renter you are used to calling your landlord when the home needs something fixed. You pay your monthly rent, and costs associated with maintaining a home are not your responsibility. When you own your own home you have costs that you never had before. Regular maintainance, necessary repairs, certain utilities, property taxes, insurance, home owner association fees, and home improvements, will all now be your responsibility. Once you own your own home, you must keep enough money available to cover these costs.

There are great opportunities for buyers. Understandng these 10 key points will help you become a smart buyer and to find the greatest home opportunities that meet your needs.

10 Things a Buyer MUST Know (Part 1 of 2)

2008-08-05T01:49:28Z

In today's market, where daily changes are normal and expected, it is necessary for buyers to understand what it takes to buy a home. There are at least ten things you must know in order to be a knowledgeable buyer. Here are the first five of those ten things. The next five will be included in my next post.

1. Admit you don't know everything. Sure, this sounds harsh, but just because you read daily articles about the market or look everyday online at the interest rates, it doesn't mean you know more than the professionals who are working in this market each day. Loan requirements, for example, have dramatically changed from where they were even six months ago (or for that matter, six days ago). The housing market can be completely different from one area of the city to another so articles that deal with the general market are often not helpful. Many buyers have some idea of what the market is doing, read several articles about the subject and use the ones that support their opinion to show that they are experts. But if you aren't actually working in this business you probably don't understand all of the rules, changes and nuances.

2. Understand that you must have a down payment. Gone are the days of 100% financing. Unless you can obtain a VA loan, which still supports 100% financing, you'll have to have a down payment in order to buy a home. If you can qualify for an FHA loan, you'll need at least 3% of the purchase price. If you get a conventional mortgage, you'll need more money for a down payment. Many buyers insist that they can get a loan with no money down and get frustrated when they are told that they can't. Buyers should start saving immediately so they'll have enough money for a down payment.

3. Know that you need money for closing costs. Like having a down payment, buyers don't realize that they will need to have money to cover closing costs. Sometimes sellers are willing to pay closing costs, but buyers cannot count on that. Buyers should save money for closing costs while also saving for a down payment. If a seller ends up paying the closing costs then the money intended to cover those costs can continue to be saved or can be used to make improvements to the home.

4. Credit scores will impact your ability to get a loan. Credit scores are more important than ever. Lenders are taking a much stricter approach to credit scores. Do your homework in advance. Have your credit report run and review it carefully. If there are items that are incorrect try to get them modified or removed. If you have excessive debt or a seriously delinquent debt, have a plan to pay those down and stick with the plan.

5. Get preapproved for a loan. All of the desire to buy a home will be worthless if you can't get a loan. Don't even think about looking at homes without getting preapproved for a loan first. Underwriting guidelines are so strict these days and change so often that you cannot overlook this vital step. Speak with a bank or loan broker and submit a loan application. Be completely honest on the application about your assets and debts. All of the information you include will have to be verified. When you submit an application, your credit will be run and the information on the application will be used to figure out if you can obtain a mortgage. If you cannot you'll be able to figure out what you need to do in order to buy a home in the future (like improve your credit score, pay down debt, etc). If you can get a loan, you'll be able to understand how much you can afford and what your monthly payment will be so that you're looking at homes in the correct price range.

Stay tuned for the next five things you must know....

Beta or VHS?

2008-07-30T02:55:54Z

There are so many ways to socially network these days. Plaxo, Linked In, Facebook, My Space, hi5, Twitter, Real Town, Active Rain, Localism, Squidoo, and many many more. There are also thousands of interest-specific and local ways to network with people from around the world. Which do you choose? Which one has the ability to stick around long-term.

I want to be a part of a VHS site. One that sticks around. One where you can add value to the group and receive value in return. No one wants to buy into a social network that goes the way of the Beta tape.

There are so many different sites to network on that it is impossible to really know which one will be worth giving your opinion on, asking questions and interacting with other like-minded folks. I suppose that there are some signs of staying power of certain sites, depending on what you're looking for. I could spend all day visiting social networking sites, trying to connect with other people, but who wants to add to a site that won't be around for long? We all want to join, and add to the discussion on the most popular sites so that our questions and opinions have meaning.

I answered and asked questions on Trulia and Yahoo, but I found that the discussions weren't as interesting as some of the local boards that I frequent.

In the end, however, VHS was replaced by DVD. I have to wonder what's around the corner just waiting to be the Google of social networking.

My New Pen Pal

2008-07-28T01:52:29Z

As a child we would learn about writing to pen pals from all over the world. In school we were given an address of a child about the same age from somewhere in another part of the world. We would enthusiastically and carefully write a letter to our very own pen pal, address an envelope, close it and put a stamp on. About 3 weeks after sending it, we would get a letter back from our very own pen pal. It was written to answer all of the questions that we had asked in our letter. I couldn't even remember what I had asked. Some people wrote back again to their pen pal. Sometimes I did, but not usually. It got boring to me.

A couple years ago I met a local couple from an online lead. They were interested in buying a home. The husband was in the military and had just returned from Afghanistan. They had two children and wanted to buy a home in the area because they thought highly of the area. They couldn't pursue it at the time because the husband then got deployed to Iraq. Twice.

A couple months ago, the husband located me again while still in Iraq. He emailed me explaining that he was hoping to buy a home when he got back from Iraq in a couple months and had several questions. We exchanged emails a few times and his wife called me this week to see a home that had just come on the market. The husband left a message for me from Iraq wanting to talk with me about the home and asked to talk to me online, via "chat" (real-time communication).

We chatted about the home for awhile. It was a short sale so I explained what a short sale meant. After a bit, we started "talking" about the area, the market, his wife and his kids. The next day we talked more about education, movies, exercize, and of course his job in Iraq. I now look forward to having rich and conversations with him as time permits.

I realized that he has become my new pen pal. The problem with pen pals when I was a child was that there was no real way to have a conversation that maintained my interest and enthusiasm. The amazing ability to "speak" with someone anywhere in the world via computer has made so many things possible. Certainly as a Realtor the ability to reach people all over is a wonderful way to connect with so many people. Who knew that this wonderful technology that I have used since 1994 could make me finally understand how fun it can be to have a real pen pal? Maybe I'll just call him my "ePal."

A Primer: San Diego Schools

2008-07-19T22:45:25Z

San Diego County has over 40 public school districts and numerous private schools. The San Diego Unified School District is San Diego County's largest school district and is the second largest school district in California. School districts serve a specific geographic area; Where you live generally determines which public school is available for your child. Many school districts allow requests for intra-district school transfers (same school district but different school than the assigned one) or inter-district transfers (different school district) to allow children assigned to one school to go to a different school. If you want to apply for a transfer you must start at the school that your child is assigned. There is no guarantee that your request will be granted as there is specific criteria for allowing a transfer.

Many people choose where to live based on the reputation of a particular school or school district. Oftentimes, factors that parents consider when researching schools include: test scores, teacher-to-student ratios, diversity, and curriculum. The California Department of Education maintains scores on school performance and data about different schools and school districts. It also administers the California School Recognition Program which honors some of the State's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for School Recognition Awards are considered by the California Department of Education as strong, well-rounded community schools. In addition, the San Diego County Office of Education provides local school district information and includes websites for all of the County's school districts and Charter Schools.

One way that schools are scored is through the San Diego County API (Academic Performance Index), which measures the academic performance and growth of schools on a variety of academic measures. Another tool used in scoring schools is the California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) system, which compiles three different testing reports for each school or district. Other information about schools can be found through the Education Data Partnership, School Wise Press, and Great Schools.

As school boundaries often change, if a specific school or school district is desired be sure to call that school or district to confirm that the home you want is within its boundaries.

Information about Private schools can be located through the California Association of Independent Schools and the Catholic Diocese of San Diego websites.

The Sky is Falling!

2008-07-14T11:31:11Z

All around us businesses are failing. With the shocking federal government take-over of IndyMac and reports of instability at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, it's easy to see how buyers, sellers and homeowners are nervous and unsure.

Still, the real estate market hasn't stopped. People are buying and selling homes and are relocating to new areas. How does a buyer or seller know what to do?

1. Get the help of a full-time, knowledgeable Realtor. Many people gravitate to discount brokerages. I can't blame them: the perception of saving money always seems like a good idea. But like many other businesses, we're seeing some discount brokerages shutting their doors, leaving buyers and sellers stranded. Most recently we've heard that the discount brokerage Iggy's House is having problems and buyers and sellers can't contact them to find out what to do. The Iggy's House website is down, directing clients to email them. By trying to save a bit of money, you may cost yourself in lost time, expertise, and the ability to successfully wade through this ever-changing market.

2. Get the help of a full-time, knowledgeable Loan Officer. With daily changes in the loan market, you'll need the help of someone who keeps up with the rapid changes. If you have a family member who does loans on the side, or an unknown internet lender, you can't be sure that they know and understand the current loan guidelines and standards.

Armed with these two important resources a buyer or seller can be confident during this challenging time.

Why is Doing it Right Doing it Wrong?

2008-07-03T12:30:54Z

Sometimes how things are done doesn't really matter. Other times there really is a correct way of doing things. Why do so many people resist doing things correctly?

Laziness, uncaring, not realizing, not understanding....I don't know why.

In my business, I frequently run across agents, transaction coordinators, escrow officers and others who want to take the "easy way" by not doing something correctly. Today I spoke with an escrow officer who insisted that his escrow instructions were correct, even though there were two directly conflicting provisions in them. I pointed them out to him and he explained that the information on the first page would "supersede" the information on the second page and the instructions didn't need to be amended. I said to him that nothing on the first page contains language that it supersedes the information on the second page, and that this could lead to a potential conflict. He chuckled and said he could redo it "if you want." What? If I want?

Why is this standard generally acceptable? Why is it that he thinks it's MY problem? Why does he make me feel that I am being difficult because I want something to be clear and accurate and to avoid a potential issue? How many times have you been on the receiving end of wanting someone to do something correctly, only for the other person to think you're demanding and gossiping about how demanding you are. How many times do you ask for something to be done correctly, the other person blows it off saying it's "no big deal," and later it becomes a big deal?

I am on the receiving end of this too many times. I'm not talking about whether there is cheese on my hamburger; I'm talking about things like escrow instructions, bank balances, signing/initialing a contract, putting agreements in writing, etc.

As a society we let so many things slide and either don't care or don't understand when something needs to be done correctly. How many serious mistakes could be avoided if people cared about doing something correctly? What about those people who point out an issue, only to be mocked or made to feel that they shouldn't have said anything in the first place?

C'Mon Buyer, Trust Me or Don't!

2008-06-06T00:00:18Z

Seriously, if you don't trust me, why waste both our time?

Every agent that I know has the same story: you work with a buyer for a long, long time, and then all of a sudden, out of the blue, you get the "Dear John" letter that they've bought a home with someone else.

I've been on the positive and the negative side of that, but either way, I just don't get it.

I educate my buyers up front about how I work. Do I use a Buyer Broker agreement? No, not usually. Most of the time I trust my buyers and they trust me. I am a licensed attorney and practiced 10 years before becoming a full time Realtor. I understand the need for contractual commitments. Still, Buyer Broker agreements don't settle well for me. If someone doesn't want to work with me and I don't want to work with them, why bother?

Still, I get burned every once in awhile and I always question why I didn't use a Buyer Broker Agreement.

Case in point: I worked with this couple who could afford very little, for about a year. The husband wanted north San Diego County but the wife wanted south San Diego County (about a 45 minute distance difference). I patiently showed them properties in both areas, always meeting them whenever convenient for them. I listened to the wife complain how her husband wants to keep her in the suburbs while she wanted to be closer to the City. I worked really hard for the both of them while they figued out what they should do.

I worked with them for a long time until they finally told me that they would wait to figure out where they wanted to be. Then, they said, they would start looking again.

Agents, you know the rest....I got an "unsubscribe" email from them from the property listings that I had been sending them. I contacted them since I just knew this had to be a mistake. Apparantly it wasn't. They found something they liked and bought it with another agent. Of course they "appreciated my help" when I asked what happened.

This kind of situation makes me rethink my "trust" issue when it comes to buyers and a Buyer-Broker agreement. My problem is that I don't really want to work with someone who doesn't respect the time and commitment that I give them. I have learned to educate my buyers up front, and I rarely have an issue with a buyer just throwing me aside, but it certainly doesn't make it easier when it happens.

So....buyers:

If you work with an agent, realize that the time and energy they give you is all theirs. They don't get paid for it. We could be focusing on clients who understand and appreciate what we have to offer. Or maybe, instead of showing property to you, we could instead relax and spend time with our families.

If you know that you don't want to work with the agent, let them know immediately so they don't use their valuable time helping you when they could help someone who values their work.

Have the decency to discuss any issues you may have with the agent to see if they can be worked out.

And....if this doesn't work....either communicate with them that you don't want to work with them OR ask to sign a Buyer-Broker agreement to commit both of you.

Thanks!

Deb

Virtual Sales....the Waiting Game

2008-02-21T22:25:36Z

After trying to make offers for my clients on short sales, I have "lovingly" termed them "virtual sales."

Like a lot of areas, San Diego has its share of short sales (home sales where the owner owes more to the lender than what the home can sell for). Although the borrower/seller still owns the home, the bank has to approve the contract because they have to agree to take less than what is owed to it. So many buyers enjoy the idea of the short sale because the price usually looks attractive, but so few actually end up selling.

Three motivated buyers, three different offers, all the same result:

Buyer 1: We made an offer for the home back in October. We still have not heard an answer (even to this day), so my clients bought a different (non-short sale) home.

Buyer 2: We made a full price offer on a home in December. We never heard anything, except that an answer was "coming soon." My client got so tired of hearing that, that he recently bought a different home and has now closed escrow. The area that the short sale home is located in has gone down in price so I doubt that it can be sold for what my client offered.

Buyer 3: We made a full price offer on a home, also in December. Finally, after 5 weeks, the bank came back and wanted $30,000 more. My clients have moved on.

Although I know that a portion of short sales actually sell, it's amazing to me how difficult it is to actually get a bank's cooperation. I understand that the banks have other priorities and that they need a lot of information before they will approve a sort sale, but if there is a willing, able and motivated buyer, it seems to be in everyone's best interest to actually sell the home rather than let it go into foreclosure, costing the bank more money.

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for the listing agents too. I have seen listing agents bend over backwards to get a short sale to be approved only to face the same frustration.

Until banks become more motivated to work to on short sales, I counsel my clients about the pitfalls and risks of those "virtual sales," and let my clients decide whether they want to wait it out. I have to explain that the list price isn't necessarily the price the bank will approve. More often than not, my best buyers decide that waiting for a bank just isn't worth it and will move on to other properties.

Are You Paying Too High Property Taxes?

2007-11-09T10:32:46Z

HAS THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME CHANGED?

With the change in the market, it is possible that your home's assessed value, used to compute property taxes, has gone down. You may want to consider filing an "Application for Changed Assessment," which will be submitted to San Diego County's Assessment Appeals Board.

Directions for filling out the application are included on the form. You can also obtain additional information by visiting the County Assessor's website or by calling the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board at (619) 531-5777.

For additional information about Assessment Appeals, you can download the California State Board of Equalization's booklet, "Residential Property Assessment Appeals."

DEADLINE FOR FILING

The application must be filed between July 2 and November 30, and must include data to support the change of value. If you need data about the homes that have sold in your area, please let me know so I can email them to you.

Is Going Green Real This Time?

2007-11-06T13:03:20Z

In the 1970's, I remember the "energy and oil crisis." I was in 6th grade and remember television images of cars lining up for gas, everyone talking about needing to conserve energy and look into alternative resources, such as solar power. I guess that was a fad, because after the crisis people forgot to continue being aware of the need to conserve. Conservation just wasn't that important for many. A few people installed solar panels on their homes and recycling became a part of society. In the following years, corporations like Whole Foods incorporated Earth awareness into its business plan. Although all important developments, there was no general societal consensus that resources needed to be preserved. I joined Greenpeace and supported Earth Day, teaching my son the importance of conservation, recycling and preserving the Earth's resources.

Now, everywhere you go, people are "Going Green." There seems to be a general awareness of environmental issues. People were starting to ask about Green Features in homes, such as dual-zone air conditioning and Low-E windows. Home developers, such as Pardee, developed energy efficient homes. With great timing, Al Gore's movie, "An Inconvenient Truth," was released, and there seemed to be a Go Green Explosion.

Green information is springing up everywhere. As a real estate agent, I can earn an EcoBroker designation to show my knowledge and commitment to energy efficient housing and community. I plan on earning that designation this year, as that is an extension of my beliefs that I held even as a child. There are now all sorts of continuing education courses on environmental issues. There is even a directory of Green-friendly toys to help the consumer make decisions. There are more credits and incentives given for using energy efficient appliances and systems.

I took a trip to Seattle this weekend. I was surprised to see that our very own airport had recycling receptacles. Even more surprising, this past Sunday's NBC NFL studio turned off lights in their television studios for Energy Conservation awareness, as part of its week-long green-themed awareness.

I'm encouraged to see substantial gains in the environmental, green and energy movements. I hope that it lasts and continues with the great momentum that we're seeing so that Going Green is the norm, not just what we're striving for.

Today's Interest Rate Cut to 4.50%

2007-11-01T01:05:29Z

As predicted, the Federal Reserve cut the interest rate by a quarter point today, bringing the interest rate from 4.75% to 4.50%. This is the second rate cut this year.

As we saw in September when the Federal Reserve cut the rate down to 4.75%, there was no immediate benefit to consumers hoping to see lower mortgage interest rates. Instead, the interest rates went slightly up in the days following the rate cut and then lowered a couple weeks later. The only loan product immediately reflecting the rate cut was the HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit). Mortgage interest rates take longer to reflect the rate cut. Explaining this, John Smyth, President of First California Funding in San Diego said, "It doesn't usually happen immediately because with the rate cut the stock market usually increases taking money out of the bond market, which actually increases rates for a time."

With today's rate cut, what can consumers expect?

Consumers will be able to look forward to future decreases in the interest rates. Smyth explained that, "Normally, the rate cut show up to consumers over the period of a couple weeks. But, some of the recent earnings reports indicate that the rates should improve faster."

So we should see rate cuts sooner than expected. Great news for people hoping to buy a home or refinance!

To get additional information about loan rates and the recent rate cut, contact John Smyth directly at 858-654-4063 or jsmyth@fcfunding.com. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions that you have.

Time to Fall Back

2007-10-31T11:23:37Z

As the old saying goes, Spring Forward, Fall Back. Daylight Saving Time is causing us to readjust our clocks and lives THIS SUNDAY. Technically, the change takes place on Sunday at 2:00 am, but if you're like me, you're not waiting at 2:00 am to change your clocks.

On Sunday you need to adjust your clock one hour backwards. So, if your clock currently says 9:00 am, you'll need to adjust it to reflect 8:00 am. If you don't, you risk sleeping one hour less than you could have and arriving way too early for appointments and work.

For background and history, look at the Wikipedia link above. You can also look at an article discussing how your body never really adjusts to Daylight Saving Time.

Voting is Just Around the Corner

2007-10-31T10:59:34Z

As the end of 2007 comes closer, it reminds me that the time to vote also is getting closer. The primary election will be on February 5, 2008.

Here are a few things to remember:

If you haven't registered or reregistered (if you moved, changed your name or political affiliation) to vote, you have to do so at least 15 days before the election. If you need to register or register, CLICK HERE. If you're reregistering because you moved but failed to reregister on time, you can still vote by going to your new or old polling place, or by going to the Registrar of Voters office and showing proof of current residence.
If you would like to become a permanent absentee voter, meaning that you can vote by mail instead of going to a polling place, CLICK HERE.
The Registrar of Voters is always looking for poll workers. For more information about becoming a poll worker, check out the poll worker flyer and information on the Registrar of Voters website.

Be sure to check out the San Diego Registrar of Voters website for more information.

Address:
Registrar of Voters
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone:
(858) 565-5800

Email:
rovmail@sdcounty.ca.gov

Temporary Housing Resources for Fire Victims

2007-10-30T09:23:13Z

Many people lost their homes due to the recent Southern California Fires and are now in need of temporary housing.

**If you need temporary housing, please look at these sites:

San Diego Association of Realtors
North San Diego County Association of Realtors
Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors
East San Diego County Realtors
San Diego County Apartment Association
HUD's National Housing Locator
Social Serve
Apartments.com

If you need furniture rental, Fashion Furniture Rental is assisting displaced fire victims in San Diego, by providing special services and discounts. Contact Melissa Miller at Fashion Furniture Rental: 858-300-4200 (showroom) or 619-733-4875 (cell).

**If you have temporary housing to offer, please contact the following:

fire@nsdcar.com at the North San Diego County Association of Realtors
Lita LaGuire, 858-715-8005, lita@sdar.com, at the San Diego Association of Realtors
Audrey, 619-421-7811, audrey@psar.org, at the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors
nmaldonado@prusd.com at Prudential California Realty
http://www.sdcaa.com/ (enter your housing directly on the website)
RentLinx

Add Your Cell Phone to San Diego's Reverse 911 Emergency Call Directory

2007-10-27T00:19:24Z

One way that San Diego notified residents to evacuate their homes during the recent fires was through a "Reverse 911" notification system. That system called the home numbers in specific areas to let them know of the emergency and the need to evacuate.

With so many people relying on their cell phones, the Reverse 911 system cannot reach them if they don't also have a home phone. For those residents within the City of San Diego who rely on their cell phones, their numbers can be added to the reverse 911 system so that in the event of another emergency, they will be able to receive emergency calls.

To add your cell phone number, go to the City of San Diego website at:

http://www.sandiego.gov/ohs/reverse911/index.shtml

San Diego is for the Dogs!

2007-10-14T22:27:29Z

If you have a dog, then you should be in San Diego.

Dog Fancy USA magazine has named San Diego as 2007's "DogTown USA," which is its annual contest to recognize top dog-friendly cities. Criteria to be selected as a top city include: dog-friendly activities, restaurants and businesses, medical services and specialists, spay/neuter awareness, and pro-dog policies. San Diego has numerous off leash parks and beaches, dog-friendly/dog-centered businesses, and activities year-round for dogs and their owners.

Samantha "Sam" Bittler....missing Teen

2007-10-03T23:59:19Z

I received information from another Realtor about a missing teen from Virginia. The parents of the teen are desperately trying to find her. Please look out for her. Here's the information:

EVERY PARENTS NIGHTMARE....A Missing Teenager...PLEASE READ

PLEASE READ, TAKE NOTE AND PASS ANY INFORMATION ON THE AUTHORITIES IF YOU SPOT THIS CAR!!!!

HERE IS THE ARTICLE POSTED TODAY 10/3/07

I need to ask a gigantic favor. One of my husband's employees daughter is missing. We are trying to get the information out nationwide and I immediately thought of our site. We have thousands of Realtors that could be assisting to find her.

She was at a friend's home on Sun. evening and hasn't been seen since. She has a cell phone, but the signal is so weak that the police cannot get a reading. She is 19 and adorable. She is very petite, with dark brown hair.

We don't think she had much money with her. We don't know which direction she was headed.

Her car is a '99 cavalier - black. She is probably about 4'10" and maybe 100 lbs. I'll get specific information tomorrow and post it. Her parents can hardly talk right now.

The license plate is Virginia...KAB-1747

Her dad is pleading with everyone to spread the word and I really hope you won't think I've used this site in the wrong way. We don't have an exact timeline of when she left her friends and we don't know the direction she headed.

Please, if anyone sees her, please get in touch with the police. She has never run away before, and we fear that she may have been kidnapped.

What Else Are You Paying With Your Tax Bill?

2007-10-02T22:44:44Z

Your tax bill includes taxes on the assessed value of your property, but did you ever wonder what else your tax bill includes? In addition to the 1% that you pay on the "assessed value," you also will pay various assessments and fees. To find out the breakdown of those fees, you can look at your tax bill that you get in the mail. You can also go online to the San Diego County Treasurer's website to view the breakdown.

The quickest way to view the breakdown is to go to the website, and click on the "Click Here to Pay Your Property Taxes" link (no, you won't get stuck paying them right then). Then enter your property address or Assessor Parcel Number (APN) and click on the "Begin Search" button. Click on your property and it will bring up the full bill, along with all of the different assessments that are included in your tax bill.

Individualized Radio Station on Your Computer: www.Pandora.com

2007-09-29T19:40:18Z

My friend and I were talking about fun websites and he told me about www.Pandora.com, a website where you create your own "radio station" based on your musical tastes and interest. Today I registered and tried it. I entered in the artist that I wanted to hear ("Beatles") and it first played a Beatles song, and then played other bands' songs from the same era or genre (Kinks, Beach Boys, etc.). As the songs played, I could provide immediate feedback as to whether I liked a particular song or not, and my "radio station" would be updated to better reflect my tastes. This is my first stab at this, but I thought it was an interesting and fun website that I should share.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Sharing Information....

2007-09-27T23:48:05Z

I recently moved from the suburbs of North County to the more urban area of Talmadge. I was looking forward to being part of the community of Talmadge, something that didn't exist as readily where I was living. I included my email in my new community's email tree. Last night, there was a question from a community member about a recommendation for an insurance agent. Because I have a great insurance agent who I use and who my clients often use, I was more than happy to respond.

Imagine my surprise this morning to find two, yes two, emails responding to mine, explaining that I was abusing the email tree to promote unsolicited testimonials about a business. First, shock, then anger, then disbelief. Being a new member of the community I promptly apologized if I overstepped some community email etiquette by responding to everyone, not just the person asking for the referral.

Almost immediately, I received about 20 other emails from community members saying that they were happy that I responded to everyone and that this was the purpose of the email tree. Whew!

I became addicted to internet communcation when the internet first became a public utility. I love to give and receive all sorts of information, whether real estate related or not. I think that the internet and the ability to communicate through email is an amazing venue-I can't even believe I was able to live without it at some point in my life. Because of this experience, I realized a few things:

Community is strong and members support each other, even if there are a few bad, cynical apples
People enjoy learning, and exchanging ideas about, the community they live in
Because we live in such a rushed society, the abiltiy to communicate through email and other internet venues is valued by most
Even though it's through electronic means, it's easy to pick out the people who add, rather than detract, from the common goal
People are good and welcoming if given the chance

Although it shook me at first, the responses from my community reminded me how valuable it is to connect with others in whatever means possible, even electronically.

Go community!

Adams Avenue Street Fair: This Weekend

2007-09-27T10:34:21Z

The Adams Avenue Street Fair is this weekend on, where else, Adams Avenue (8 blocks worth!) in Normal Heights.

It is on Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 10 am-9 pm, and on Sunday, September 30, 2007, from 10 am-6 pm. Oh, and did I mention that admission is FREE?

So What's At the Street Fair?

MUSIC: Over 70 bands on 6 stages are scheduled to play over the two-day event, including Candye Kane, San Diego's very own Gregory Page, and The West Coast Boogiemen. For a complete list of bands that are playing, click here, and the times they are scheduled to play, click here.
ARTS AND CRAFTS: Artists will display their handcrafted pieces, allowing you the opportunity to purchase them.
FOOD: What's a Street Fair without food?
BEER GARDENS: Three beer gardens are available for you to relax and have a beer (Please remember to not drink and drive. Make sure someone drives who has not been drinking).

The Street Fair is open to all ages, so bring your entire family and have a great time!

San Diego Burglary Warning

2007-09-25T23:43:00Z

I just received this alert regarding a suspect who is using a scam to get into homes in San Diego in order to steal money and jewelry. Please be careful!

SDPD WARNS RESIDENTS ABOUT BURGLARY SCAM

(San Diego) The San Diego Police Department is warning residents about a male suspect who is using a ruse to gain entry into homes and steal items.
Three cases have been reported in the past two weeks; the first was in Mid City on Aragon Drive; one occurred in Serra Mesa on Amulet Street on September 24, 2007 and the third also occurred on September 24 in Allied Gardens on Glenroy Street.

The victims say that a male comes to the door wearing a uniform similar to a mechanics uniform. He says he is with the city of San Diego Wastewater Department (or sewer department) and asks to check the plumbing or water pressure inside the residence. When the resident is distracted, he steals jewelry, wallets and cash from the residence.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 35 - 40 years, 5'6" to 6' tall and clean shaven.

Only in extraordinary circumstances will a city of San Diego Metropolitan Wastewater employee need to gain access to the inside of a residence. The vast majority of their work is done in the city right-of-way rather than on private property. All city employees are required to carry photo identification with them while on duty. If any person claiming to be a city employee comes to your residence asking to gain entry, ask them to produce their city identification. You can verify that the individual is an employee of Metro Wastewater by calling (858) 292-6484 during business hours or (619) 515-3525 after hours. If there is any question in your mind as to whether any individual is a city employee, call the San Diego Police Department immediately.

If you have any information on these or similar cases, please call Crime Stoppers' anonymous, toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest in these cases.