Mike's Blog

The City of San Diego Wants a New Downtown San Diego Chargers Football Stadium!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:15:20 -0600

The City of San Diego and the Chargers have one particular spot in mind for a new Downtown San Diego football stadium. Just East of Petco Park is an 10 acre property right next to 14th Street, K Street, 16th Street and Imperial Avenue. This location would be ideal with plenty of parking, the San Diego Trolley within walking distance and a short stroll to Petco Park and everything Downtown San Diego has to offer!

To pay for the new football stadium, the City of San Diego Redevelopment Agency is getting help from a New York consultant to help them study on how to pay for it.

Sports Finance consultant Mitchell Ziets and Evolution Media Capitol LLC has been hired, a good sign that San Diego is moving along quickly with the plans and that the desire is on top for a new stadium.

Mark Fabiani, Chargers special counsel, says "that a Downtown San Diego stadium could be built for less than $800 million because parking, freeway access and public transportation already exist in the area." "It's what you do on any stadium project," says Fabiani "You figure out what possible sources of revenue are out there, from the stadium and from other sources. You try to cobble together enough funding to make it work."

Fabiani has said in the past that the team would be willing to spend $200 million on a stadium and that the NFL might be willing to lend the team an additional $100 million, but that revenue from ancillary development - including offices, retail and Downtown San Diego Condos and Downtown San Diego Lofts - would play a big part in a place where public subsidies are a tough sell.

A team of architects has visited the future spot in mind and says that building a new stadium there is not going to be easy but is quite possible. Stay tuned on a follow up blog as soon as the plans on the new stadium develops.

To read about the Chargers block party in the East Village/Ballpark District and the Gaslamp District coming up, please click on San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Block Party 2009 in the Gaslamp District!

Downtown San Diego Condos and Lofts Financed in the 3rd Quarter of 2009!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:11:55 -0600

This chart shows how Downtown San Diego Condos and Downtown San Diego Lofts were financed in the third quarter of 2009!

Conforming loans lead the way with 177 units (82%) and Extended conforming loans had 29 units (14%) and after that came Jumbo loans with 8 units (4%).

Total units financed was 214 out of 322 units sold.

To read 92101 Urban Living's other blogs about the third quarter click on Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold - Financing vs. Cash, 3rd Quarter 2009! and Downtown San Diego Condos and Lofts Sold by Type of Sale - 3rd Quarter 2009!

“Hotel Indigo” - A Petfriendly Canine Cocktail Party in Downtown San Diego!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:10:04 -0600

"Hotel Indigo" located in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego has something not every hotel has, their own mascot! Rescued for the local animal shelter, someone who will always greed you with a big smile and welcomes your questions and concerns is the dog "Sadie"! When you enter the hotel, Sadie will be there to help you check in, and make sure your stay at the Hotel Indigo is a great one!

Every Tuesday until December 29th 2009 from 6.30 to 9.30 the Hotel and Sadie is hosting a cocktail event for Downtown San Diego Condo homeowners, Downtown San Diego Loft homeowners, residents and visitors and their dogs. The event is taking place on the 9th floor and your dog can take a swim in the dog pool and socialize with friends. Very tasty dog bones, snacks and bottled water will be served and for their mamas and papas, there will be cocktails from the Phi Bar and Bistro. One dollar a drink will be donated to the San Diego Humane Society and this is the place where Sadie was adopted from.

Why not take some time and have some fun with your loved little one and join Sadie for this Canine Cocktail Party!

To read 92101 Urban Living's former blogs about Hotel Indigo please visit "Hotel Indigo" in Downtown San Diego is Keeping Its Commitment to The Environment! , Hotel Indigo in Downtown San Diego - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design! and Now Open! Hotel Indigo in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego!

To read more about the hotel please visit their website at www.hotelindigo.com

Downtown San Diego Condos and Lofts Sold by Type of Sale - 3rd Quarter 2009!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:07:24 -0600

This graph is showing how many Downtown San Diego Condos and Lofts were sold by type of sale in the third quarter of 2009! Developer sales had a good start of as many as 160 units sold which is 50% of the total market. Resales were heavy behind with 66 units sold, 20% of the market. Slightly behing is Resales with 57 units sold, 18% of the market and last is Possible short sales with 39 units sold, 12% of the market. Total units sold were 322.

The sales for the third quarter was the highest of all quarters in 2009 with Developer sales staying high, Resales increases and REO's and short sales staying the same.

Tax credit is approved by the Senate through April 2010 and this is good for first time home buyers in Downtown San Diego!

To see another graph for the third quarter of 2009 please visit our former blog Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold - Financing vs. Cash, 3rd Quarter 2009!

Surfin’ Santa Arrives to Seaport Village in the Marina District in Downtown San Diego!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:04:52 -0600

A special guest will arrive to Seaport Village located in the Marina District in Downtown San Diego on Saturday November 28th, 2009! At 1pm a blast of cannon fire will welcome Santa Claus. This time though, his traditional fur trimmed red suit will be replaced by a swim trunk!

The Port of San Diego, Seaport Village and SDG&E are joining together to ring in the holiday season. The arrival will kick off the afternoon filled with holiday music and live entertainment.

A free holiday light exchange will be hosted by SDG&E. Here you can exchange old holiday lights for energy efficient LED holiday lights. You can exchange three stands per person and good facts to know is that LED lights save about 90 percent in enery costs and last longer than conventional lights.

Downtown San Diego Condo home owners in Park Place, Horizons and Meridian and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners in Cityfront Terrace, residents and visitors come on down! There will be kids craft tables, strolling entertainers and music. Staff from Birch Aquarium will be ready to help children in making holiday ornament out of recycled materal. All the ornaments will be used to decorate a holiday tree donated by the Port of San Diego.

Santa will be back on December 19th and 20th, 2009 to have a special breakfast at the Harbor House Restaurant. Free, live musical entertainment will be provided throughout the month and more the more than 50 shops will provide a wonderful shopping experience.

For more information on the holiday festivities at Seaport Village, go to www.seaportvillage.com

San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Block Party 2009 in the Gaslamp District!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:02:48 -0600

Live entertainment, games, celebrity and player appearances from San Diego Chargers - who would want to miss out on this?

Downtown San Diego Loft homeowners in M2i and Park Loft and Downtown San Diego Condo homeowmers in Icon and Park Terrace, residents and visitors come on down and celebrate 50 years of phenomenal football.

San Diego Chargers is having the 50th anniversary Block party right in the Gaslamp District at 5th Avenue and J Street in Downtown San Diego on Friday November 27th, 2009 from 5-11pm.

Tickets cost $35 and will give you access into over 20 of the East Village/Ballpark District and the Gaslamp District's hotspots where you can get specials on Coors Ligth who is the sponsor of the event! You can get the tickets right here.

An introduction of the 50 greatest Chargers of all time will be announced by the current and former San Diego Chargers. Fountains of Wayne, Super Diamond and DJ Scooter will be performing live on two stages.

For more information about the party please visit www.chargers.com

Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold - Financing vs. Cash, 3rd Quarter 2009!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:00:32 -0600

Whether all cash, or down payments to reach conforming and extended conforming limits of $695,000, people are confident putting cash into Downtown San Diego Real Estate.

This chart shows Downtown San Diego Condos and Downtown San Diego Lofts sold in the third quarter of 2009, Financing vs. Cash.

Financing is leading the way with 214 units sold with a 66% of the market. Cash has 108 units sold with 34% of the market. Total units sold during this time was 322.

Home First, Inc - Loan Modification Questions - Tutorial 3

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:58:46 -0600

Home First is an industry recognized loan modification and short sale negotiations consulting firm and they are more than happy to help you with any questions you might have in regards to your Loan Modification.

What is the upfront cost for a modification?

There is no up-front cost for us to assess your situation and determine whether you're a good candidate for a modification. This isn't to say we work for free, we don't, but we have never charged an Advanced Fee, we only charge for services that are performed.

What is your success rate?

I'd love to say it's 100%, because that would mean I don't spend time working on files without earning my fee! We are very proud of our success rate, which is over 85%, but it's due in large part to the amount of diligence we put in on the front end. We have very in depth, very candid conversations with our clients as part of a diagnostic process. I wish I could help everyone I talk with, but the truth is that even when someone is in need, they might not necessarily be a good candidate for a modification. With the amount of time and energy involved in each file, it simply wouldn't be fair to our other clients to just "throw against the wall to see what sticks". I know there are a bunch of companies out there that charge all their fees up front and on that model, they might not care about taking on clients who won't get a modification. But because we don't get paid until we perform, we simply don't have the time to play that game.

Don't wait! Contact Matthew C. Scott at 858-581-6648, e-mail MScott@Home-1st.com or fill out a contact information form online here.

To read our former blogs about "Loan Modification" please visit Home First, Inc - What is Loan Modification and Why is it Important? and Home First, Inc - Loan Modifications Questions - Tutorial 1 and Home First, Inc - Loan Modification Questions - Tutorial 2.

“Solara Loft” in the Cortez Hill District - The New Definition of Ideal Downtown San Diego Living!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:56:43 -0600

Thinking about becoming a Downtown San Diego Loft homeowner? Take a second and see what Solara Loft - the new definition of ideal Downtown San Diego living has to offer!

Solara Lofts is located in the Cortez Hill District in Downtown San Diego with easy access to two major freeways, Hwy 5 and 163. A short walk or trolley ride away is Petco Park, the San Diego Zoo, Horton Plaza, The Embarcadaro, the Gaslamp District, the Little Italy District, Balboa Park and everything Downtown San Diego has to offer.

The builder - Skandia is a Real Estate Development firm with more than 30 years of experience in all aspects of the San Diego Real Estate and construction marketplace and has built Solara Loft with current and furute amenities in mind to enhace homeowner equity over time.

With only 77 residences on 8 floors, Solara Loft is known to have a popular community feeling with a lot of features not found anywhere close by including;

Health club
Jacuzzi
Racquetball court
Day spa
Men's and Women's locker rooms complete with showers and saunas

A "Solara Loft" home will have all of the hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite and sophisticated finishes that you can expect from luxury homes in Downtown San Diego. You will be surprised by design elements such as custom sliding glass partitions, moveable kitchen islands and oversized Eurostar Tilt and Turn Windows. There is nothing else like it in San Diego. Below is a list of more features;

Between 541 to 1680 square foot
Extra storage available
Approximate price range: $400,000 - $900,000
HOA fees: $450 - $550
FHA and VA approved
2 parking spaces per unit (except studios)
Additional guest parking available
Designer granite tops
Upgraded stainless steel appliances
Cherry wood finished kitchen cabinets
Hardwood floors
Eurostar Tilt & Turn Windows
Ample balconies
Custom designer optional sliding partitions
Custom designer optional moveable kitchen islands
Penthouse level with 12 foot ceilings

Solara Lofts offers a variety of floor plans to choose between. They all have one thing in common, oversized windows and natural light. The interior spaces are open to take full advantage and optional custom sliding glass partitions can be used in many plans to create private rooms without losing the overall feeling of spaciousness. The design flexibility inherent in every Solara Loft can be further enhanced by the use of optional moveable kitchen islands. To see floor plans available please click on floor plans.

Are you interested to know more? Contact "92101 Urban Living" today! E-mail us at info@92101urbanliving.com or call 619-649-0368 or visit our website www.92101UrbanLiving.com

Want to contact "Solara Loft" please e-mail Contact@solaralofts.com or call 619-231-2400 or visit their website www.SolaraLoft.com

“Hotel Indigo” in Downtown San Diego is Keeping Its Commitment to The Environment!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:54:02 -0600

Hotel Indigo in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego is keeping its promise to the environment by being a green building and has developed practices into the design, construction and operation of the hotel. Hotel Indigo opened up its doors in August 2009 and is the first hotel to be LEED certified in Southern California. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The hotel is located on 509 9th Avenue in Downtown San Diego just across the street from Park Loft and a short stroll away from Petco Park.

Hotel Indigo is the:

First sustainably-built hotel in San Diego
First hotel in San Diego to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
One of only 7 LEED-certified hotels in California and one of 19 LEED-certified hotels in the U.S.
First Downtown San Diego building to have a green roof
First LEED-certified hotel in the U.S. for InterContinental Hotels Group

Green Features:

Constructed hotel on previously developed site; implemented waste management plan to recycle non-hazardous materials and divert waste from city landfills
Located in dense urban area within walking or cycling distance to public transportation (San Diego Trolley, buses, harbor ferry), housing, retail and entertainment options
Green roof on 9th and 12th floors with native species of drought-tolerant plants to help reduce heating and air conditioning costs and filter storm water
Runoff; herbs grown in 9th floor Phi Bar Terrace herb garden to be used in menu items at Phi Bar and Bistro
On-site recycling program, including Phi Bar and Bistro pantry recycling/composting on roof
Adoption of eco-friendly food and beverage containers, either paper or recycled corn plastic
Improved indoor air quality due to no smoking policy and quality ventilation systems
Low VOC paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives, and carpet used for better indoor air quality
Design allows for ample natural day lighting to help optimize energy efficiency
Reserved parking spaces and parking discounts for guests who drive low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles
Preferred parking for employees that car pool; bike racks and shower facilities for those who bike to work, reducing reliance on fuel and parking spaces

Downtown San Diego Condo homeowners in The Mark and Diamond Terrace and Downtown San Diego Loft homeowners in M2i and Fahrenheit and San Diego visitors take the change to experience something new, visit Hotel Indigo for breakfast, lunch, dinner or the Phi Terrace for an evening cocktail to enjoy the breathtaking views over Downtown San Diego.

To read our former blogs about Hotel Indigo please visit Hotel Indigo in Downtown San Diego - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design! and Now Open! Hotel Indigo in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego!

To visit the hotels website please visit Hotel Indigo.

New Waterfront Park in Downtown San Diego- Ruocco Park - Located North of Seaport Village!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:51:18 -0600

The new waterfront park, Ruocco Park, is to be located just North of Seaport Village in the Marina District in Downtown San Diego.

The design concept includes:

Variety of trees
A water and evergy conservation
Open spaces for events and activities
Quiet, contemplative areas

Right next to Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, just a short walk from the Gaslamp District, Ruocco Park will be a 3.3 acre urban oasis where the once seafood restaurant and market used to be located. The empty buildings are to be demolished! Perfect little get away for Downtown San Diego Condo and Loft homeowners in Park Place, Pacific Terrace and Harbor Club located just a short stroll away from the park!

The Port of San Diego held its third meeting on Nov, 2nd 2009 in regards to the parks design. The public was able to see how their suggestions where incorporated. The architect of the Ruocco Park, Dennis Otsuji, presented new renderings which depicted many of the suggestions mad by the public at previous meetings.

Next step to get Ruocco Park started is to present it to the Board Port Commissioners and to get approval for December 1st, 2009. If everything goes according to plan, construction can start in early 2011 and take about one year to finish!

Panoramic Western Views from Pinnacle #2601 in the Marina District in Downtown San Diego!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:48:11 -0600

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Home #2601 in Pinnacle located in the Marina District in Downtown San Diego has 2 bedrooms + a den with 2 1/2 baths. This Downtown San Diego Condo has hardwood floors in entry hallway, living room, den, kitchen and carpet in bedrooms. Panoramic Western views from the balcony, master bedroom, kitchen and living room over the Pacific Ocean, Coronado Bridge, San Diego Bay and Downtown San Diego! The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops and opens up towards the den and the living room. $6,000/month furnished! Available now!

The Pinnacle: This building rises 450 feet into the San Diego Skyline to 35 stories. The complex was completed in late 2005 by Pinnacle development, and features dramatic glass and concrete architecture. The first impression of the complex is first set when entering the Grand Lobby, a stone and marble space filled with overhead natural light where a welcoming concierge greets you by name and verifies all visitors. The complex features street level retail and houses the brand new San Diego's Children's Discovery Museum. Each home was designed to have the elegance and fell of a Downtown San Diego Penthouse!

Pinnacle amenities include:

Pinnacle is known for residents' clubs and amenities.
95' outdoor lap pool that opens onto a secured and gated outdoor pool deck
Fully equipped Fitness center with men's and women's locker rooms
Spa, sauna, and steam rooms
Club rooms offer a media lounge with large screen cinema, billiards and games, plus a private guest suite
State of the art business center
Full time luxury concierge staff and security
Underground and separate bike storage
Six High speed elevators
Ceiling heights at The Pinnacle range from 10' to 12'
Many residences are 2000 square feet with terrace-sized balconies
Every home feels like a penthouse
Granite, marble, imported ceramic, polished chrome, brass, and designer-quality carpet
Opulent ensuites and bathrooms have deep jetted soaker tubs, separate showers finished in tile and glass, full width vanity mirrors, and imported ceramic tile surrounds
Designer kitchen with granite or marble countertops offers top-of-the-line appliances, gas cooktops and built-in ovens
Every living room has a fireplace, handsomely framed with a granite and marble mantel and hearth
The Pinnacle is a secured and technologically advanced building
Entrances are monitored and controlled by 24-hour concierge services
Access doors are controlled throughout all public areas
Secured, well-lit underground parking is monitored by video
The Pinnacle is connected directly to this backbone of the Internet with each home pre-wired for high-speed Internet access, as well as being pre-wired for cable television outlets - the precursor connections of convergence technologies for in-home communication systems

To see our ad on Craigslist please click here and to see our ad on San Diego Reader please click here. To see another Downtown San diego Condo for rent please visit Want to Become a Downtown San Diego Condo Renter in ICON in The East Village/Ballpark District. Check This Out!

For more information call Pete at 619-857-2289 or email pete@92101urbanliving.com

Home First, Inc - Loan Modification Questions - Tutorial 2

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:45:42 -0600

How long is the Loan Modification process?

It varies with the complexity of the file, and the backlog with both the Servicer and Investor. I've literally gotten clients terms in a week, and there have been others for whom I've battled for over six months. Each client has a unique set of circumstances, and we've always felt that their family deserves whatever time it takes to craft the very best modification for their situation.

What are the typical results?

The result is a payment that fits within the client's budget so that they can stay in their home. Whether the terms are 2% rate for 40 years, 5% interest only, 4% but deferring 25% of the principle balance, or any of a hundred other formulations, the target is always the same - the lowest possible payment for our client. The recipe itself is determined by the investor and what they want to do with that segment of their portfolio.

Don't wait! Contact Matthew C. Scott at 858-581-6648, e-mail MScott@Home-1st.com or fill out a contact information form online here.

To read our former blog please visit Home First, Inc - What is Loan Modification and Why is it Important? and Home First, Inc - Loan Modifications Questions - Tutorial 1

Featured Property: 23rd floor penthouse level corner unit #2301 in ICON with UNOBSTRUCTED FLOOR-TO-CEILING Northeast views in the East Village/Ballpark District!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:56:53 -0600

Make a Smilebox slideshow

This is 92101 Urban Living's new featured property: 23rd floor Downtown San Diego Penthouse level corner unit with UNOBSTRUCTED FLOOR-TO-CEILING Northeast views overlooking the mountains with peek balcony views of the Coronado Bridge. Located in the heart of East Village/Ballpark District, this 2 bed/2 bath has wood flooring in the kitchen, stainless appliances and granite counters throughout. Community amenities include the ONLY Downtown San Diego rooftop "Skybox" deck looking into Petco Park, a large fitness center, a 14 seat movie theatre and community room.

To see more pictures please click on this gallery.

ICON: located in the heart of the East Village encompassing an entire city block bound by 10th, 11th, J Street and K Street. A superb location with Petco Park on one side, and the new San Diego Public Library development site on the other. ICON has two entrances: 321 10th Ave, and 350 11th Ave. Finished in January of 2007, the developers Levin/Menzies went to great lengths to make this one of the most unique and desirable complexes in all of Downtown San Diego. The ICON complex is comprised of Four Buildings of all concrete construction: Building 1 is 26 stories, Building 2 is 11 stories, Building 3 is 9 stories, and Building 4 is 5 stories. The four buildings surround a perfectly landscaped interior courtyard that features original sculpture art, and waterfall features. The interior courtyard gives the complex an intimate community feeling. Even though there are 327 units, you still feel well connected to your neighbors. The building projects like ICON, Diamond Tower, and Park Terrace were all just completed in 2007. The street level retail that goes in to those spaces will really define the infrastructure of the neighborhood. These completed and fully occupied spaces will greatly add to the value of the price per square foot of the ICON complex.

ICON amenities include:

Wood flooring standard in kitchen
Easy-care Coronet carpet standard in bedrooms and living areas
Designer-selected color palette for each Interior Finish Scheme
KitchenAid Architect Series stainless steel appliances
Wood-grain laminate cabinetry
Slab granite countertops and 4" backsplash
Porcelain or engineered marble bath flooring
Double vanities in master baths with custom, floating backlit mirror treatment
Exposed interior concrete structural elements
9' ceiling heights in flats and townhomes, and dramatic 14' - 16.5' elevations in lofts and live/work spaces
Interior laundry hook-ups
Thermostatically controlled individual heating and A/C
Spacious covered terraces
Four distinct and vibrantly colored towers with unique architectural designs and lifestyle options
Dramatic clerestory roof lines on two of the four buildings
Open-air lobby at 11th Avenue entrance
Dynamic retail, commercial and live/work venues on the ground floor
Icon Skybox viewing terrace overlooking PETCO Park, exclusively for Icon residents
Courtyard-level 5th Inning Lounge available to Icon residents for meetings, special events, community activities, etc.
Icon Theater with raised seating and a state-of-the-art audio/visual & gaming system
Fitness Studio for all levels of co-ed fitness training and conditioning
San Diego's first 60-foot sculpture by renowned artist Ned Kahn-that captures the look-and-sound of softly cascading water
Two controlled-access lobbies with community attendant staffing and on-site facilities manager
Controlled-access subterranean garage & off-street loading docks
Convenient trash chutes on each residential floor
World-class San Diego Main Library facility proposed at 11th and J Street
Exciting restaurants, entertainment and shopping in the Ballpark District and the Gaslamp District
San Diego Trolley just one block away for easy, safe and fun transportation
MLK Promenade, Embarcadero, Marina and Urban Art Trail within steps of your front door

For more information please contact Pete at 619-857-2289 or email pete@92101urbanliving.com

Home First, Inc - Loan Modifications Questions - Tutorial 1

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:53:43 -0600

Home First is an industry recognized loan modification and short sale negotiations consulting firm and they are more than happy to help you with any questions you might have in regards to your Loan Modification.

Can I do "Loan Modification" myself?

Modification are done by homeowners all the time. The problem is that the term "modification" can mean anything from changing the interest rate by .5%, adding delinquent payments to your loan balance, or changing your payments by a few dollars. The goal for most homeowners when attempting to modify is to get into a payment that makes financial sense for them to stay in the home long term. When dealing with such a huge financial responisbility, you want to make sure that you are working with someone who will make your first and only attempt at this a succesful one with results that are worth your efforts.

Why should I use Home First's services?

Home First has been successfully negotiating loss mitigation for homeowners for over three years, well before every loan officer, lawyer, debt collector and used car salesman decided to advertise their services on Craigslist. They have negotiated over 1,500 loans and saved their clients in excess of $10,000,000. They have spent years learning what not only the guidelines are for the various investors, but where the limits are, what works and what doesn't. They have been involved in this industry from the beginning, and their relationships in the Loss Mitigation Departments at the banks is unrivaled. Their clients benefit from both Home First's expertise and their relationships. In short, even though the modification process is neither quick nor easy, they can get your modification done quicker and easier than you can, and you are assured of getting the best result possible. The cost of a failed loan modification is simply too great for most responsible homeowners to leave in the hands of rookies.

Don't wait! Contact Matthew C. Scott at 858-581-6648, e-mail MScott@Home-1st.com or fill out a contact information form online here.

To read 92101 Urban Living's former blog about Loan Modification please visit Home First, Inc - What is Loan Modification and Why is it Important?

Take Advantage of The Extended “First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit” in Downtown San Diego!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:51:38 -0600

Senators agreed Wednesday October 28th, 2009 to extend the popular tax credit for first time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit of up to 6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years. The credit passed earlier this year as part of President Obama's stimulus bill. It was supposed to expire the end of November but lawmakers will extend it through April.

The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first time homebuyers.The Commerce Department said that new home sales fell 3.6 percent in September, and some industry representatives blamed uncertainty about the tax credit.

Want to become a Downtown San Diego Condo or Downtown San Diego Loft homeowner in Downtown San Diego? Take advantage of the extended first time home buyer tax credit.

315,000 first time homebuyers across the country took advantage of the $8,000 tax credit, 42,304 of them were first time homebuyers in California.

To read more about the home buyer tax credit please visit The State of California.

To read our former blogs please click on San Diego is One of the 10 Top Most Desirable Places to Buy a Home! and FAQs About the State New-Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Home First, Inc - What is Loan Modification and Why is it Important?

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:49:14 -0600

A Loan Modification is a way to renegotiate your current mortgage in your Downtown San Diego Condo or Loft allowing you to maintain or repair your credit. Many aspects of your mortgage can be changed to your benefit, including the term of the loan, interest rate, balance of principle and monthly payments. It's even possible to have late fees waived.There are many opportunities opened through loan modification and each home owner's situation is unique. A large number of Downtown San Diego homeowners will use loan modification to prevent foreclosure on their home.

Home First can help save your home and your credit! For anyone who is unable to make their monthly payments, or is in danger of being buried under a past due balance, Home First's skilled negotiators will contact your lender on your behalf to renegotiate the terms of your loan.

Home First is an industry recognized loan modification and short sale negotiations consulting firm. Their clients range from distressed homeowners seeking guidance to investment bankers utilizing their strategic portfolio enhancement platforms. Home First is a collective of diverse industry leaders unified by the vision of providing sound, equitable results for the consumer, community, servicer, and lender.

Most government programs have proven themselves to be inefficient and costly, with little or no positive results. Home First has built relationships with lenders that have translated to increased efficiency and beneficial results for both their clients and the lenders. They continue to strive to provide viable solutions to the foreclosure crisis.

Home First support and wish the best success for most government and banking plans; however, more than 90% of their clients have tried working with their lenders directly, attorneys, HOPE, and other government agencies with little or no results.

More than 85% of Home First's clients have come through direct referral. No wonder why Home First is the company homeowners, realtors, CPA's, local agencies, community leaders, and business partners prefer to get real, fair results. They work with and often challenge the lenders to provide the most equitable result for all parties involved.

Don't wait! Contact Matthew C. Scott at 858-581-6648, e-mail MScott@Home-1st.com or fill out a contact information form online here.

Featured Property: Protected Water Views of Bay, Coronado Bridge, Ocean, City, Ballpark & Fireworks Views from Horizons South Tower in Heart of Marina District!

92101 Urban Living — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:31:37 -0500

This is 92101 Urban Living's new featured property: "Protected Water Views of San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Pacific Ocean, City, Ballpark & Fireworks Views from Horizons South Tower in Heart of Marina District!"

This Downtown San Diego Condo is a 2 bed/2 bath SOUTH EAST corner home with private balcony shielded from wind. All-wood & tile flooring, granite counters & stainless appliances. Horizons amenities include pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, community function rooms & meeting spaces. Flat screen & chandelier over fireplace excluded from sale.

Just a short stroll away is the Gaslamp District, Seaport Village, San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park and everything Downtown San Diego has to offer!

To see more pictures please visit: http://www.brenthaywood.com/gallery/10064323_3KjBv

Horizons' twin towers are landmarks in the Downtown San Diego skyline. Horizons is bordered by Market Street, Island Avenue, First Avenue and Front Street and is a short walk from the bay, seawall, beaches, parks, business core, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Built and Developed by BOSA, the complex is luxury concrete construction, and was completed in 2001. The spectacular concrete towers open toward an inner courtyard of lush greenery and inspiring waterfalls that together create a sense of sophistication, privacy, and peace. While residences vary in size from 1036 sq. ft. one-bedrooms to 2918 sq. ft. penthouses, they all feature superior craftsmanship and quality, typical of BOSA developments. HOA dues are on the luxury level with amenities which include: lap pool, 24 hour security, gated community with concierge station at complex entrance, community rooms, and a fully equipped fitness center. Homeowners and residents of Horizons are very proud of their complex. They love the central location and luxury living features. All units are well appointed, and feature either city or bay views depending on floor and orientation.

Horizons amenities include:

Lush landscaping
Entranceway from Front Street complete with the soothing sounds of a central water feature
Elegant lobbies
Entertainment-sized balconies, patios and roof decks
Hardwood flooring in entry, kitchen, living, dining and hallways
Bedroom carpet in rich/neutral hues
Nine foot ceilings (in most areas)
Solid core, 7′ 3″ high interior doors
Customized French doors to dens
Gas Fireplaces with slab limestone surround & wood grain mantelpiece
Expansive full-height windows that draw in the spectacular views
Roller shade window coverings
Duel Control Central air conditioning separate for Living and Bedrooms
Maytag stacked laundry system
Double Pane Windows
Two High Speed elevators
Central water softener system
Closed-circuit cameras and full time security attendants provide 24-hour surveillance around the building and complex grounds
Gated subterranean and deeded parking for residents
Resident-only access to main entrances, subterranean parking, recreation and amenity areas
Individual and deeded storage lockers in the Parking Area
Separate and secured Bicycle storage in Parking Area
Full Time Community Attendants and Concierge on site

For more information please contact Pete at 619-857-2289 or email pete@92101urbanliving.com

San Diego Bay - Eco Friendly Efforts and Achievements in Downtown San Diego!

92101 Urban Living — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:13:00 -0500

The Port of San Diego is hereby showing a map where eco friendly efforts and achievements along San Diego Bay including Downtown San Diego has been taking place. The Green Port Program goal is to focus on environmental benefits in six key areas:

Water
Energy
Air
Waste management
Sustainable development
Sustainable business practices

Some of the accomplichments have been installing solar panels on rooftops, landscaping with water wise plants, constuction on the LEED-certified Broadway Cruise Ship Terminal and more.

To see detailed data and landmarks located any place on earth you can use the freely available Google Earth. You can also learn more about animals and plants that live in San Diego Bay on The Port Of San Diego website. Click here to download the applications and start exploring!

To read more about Eco Friendly achievements please visit Port of San Diego.

"It's a Urban Dog's Life" Written by Kevin "The Food Dude" Roberts!

92101 Urban Living — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:10:44 -0500

92101 Urban Living is fortunate to present a guest blog by the East Village's own Food Dude...Kevin Roberts. A similar piece will be featured in the next month issue of The Downtown San Diego News. In addition to being a Downtown San Diego Loft owner in the M2i Complex; The Food Dude is executive chef of the successful East Village Tavern and Bowl, author of several cookbooks, and an accomplished TV and Radio Chef Personality seen on The Food Network, and Today Show.

"It's a Urban Dog's Life"
Written by Kevin "The Food Dude" Roberts

I bought a puppy! Not just any puppy. I did my research, months upon months of looking and pondering and thinking, What would be the best dog suited to my urban lifestyle? I would walk down the street doing re-con type missions and seeing what other dogs people had. One guy had a great dane, a horse basically, and all I kept visualizing is coming home to my 1 bedroom apartment and seeing the utter destruction afflicted by that enormous dog. I saw a girl with a Chihuahua. Not sure why it yaps and shakes all the time, but probably not the manliest dog for me. I settled on a French Bulldog.

From what I've read, they are used to small apartments being from France and all, low maintenance and basically lazy. Now that's my type of dog. I can go to work, travel and still have a life. But what they didn't tell me was the constant crying, shitting and peeing I am now enduring on a constant basis. I call it the trifecta of doom. Then my breeder dropped a bomb-shell on my nomadic world. Stinky, my dogs new name, cant leave the apartment for another 3 weeks until she's had her last Parvo shots. 3 weeks!?! Holy Mackeral, 3 weeks of crying, shitting and peeing. I need a drink.

I got to thinking, are there bars and restaurants or cool shops in Downtown San Diego that are Stinky friendly? A place I can go just hang out and spend quality time with my pet without sitting on the couch all day? Here's what I found:

East Village Tavern & Bowl
930 Market Street & 9th, East Village District
100 foot long patio, come enjoy your favorite drink or game with your pet

The Fleetwood
639 J Street & 7th, Gaslamp District
Enjoy their wrap around patio on the corner with your pet

Pannikin
675 G Street & 7th, Gaslamp District
Enjoy your exotic coffee or tea with your pet

Café 222
222 Island Ave & 2nd, Marina District
Enjoy the best breakfast tamales with your pet

You can go to: www.DogFriendly.com for an extensive list of hotels, parks, beaches, bars and restaurants.

Winter Shelter To Go in The East Village District in Downtown San Diego After All!

92101 Urban Living — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:08:16 -0500

The San Diego City Council voted 6-2 to put the Winter Shelter at the same location as last year at 15th Street and Island Avenue in the East Village District in Downtown San Diego. It is still unclear if the shelter will be located at this address at this time, it is up to the private owner to allow it first.

The owner has said that he will not host the winter shelter there this year. If not allowed the shelter will be located at 13th Street and F Street, a site owned by the Centre City Development Corporation.

The shelter will be open from December 2nd, 2009 to late March, 2010 and will cost about $433,000 and hold about 220 beds.

Kevin Faulconer and Ben Hueso, council members, say it is unfair for Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners, Downtown San Diego residents and businesses to host the shelter once again.

To read the Union Tribune's news article by "Craig Gustafson" please visit Homeless shelter to go downtown again

To read 92101 Urban Living's former blog about the "Winter Shelter" please read Winter Shelter in the East Village District in Downtown San Diego 2010 Rejected!

"Things To Do" on "Halloween" 2009 in Downtown San Diego!!

92101 Urban Living — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:05:22 -0500

We are all excitied about Halloween 2009 in Downtown San Diego!! Here is a couple suggestions for Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners, San Diego residents and visitors.

The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park

The spooky and dark trails are located in the Marston Point section of the park which is east of Sixth Avenue and Juniper Street in Balboa Park. Look for the orange signs with the ghoulish writing to point you in the right direction. The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park starts on September 25, 2009 and goes until October 31, 2009. The Haunted Trail is open from 7pm to 12 Midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 7pm to 11pm Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The trail does take a break on on Mondays and Tuesdays except for October 26 and 27, 2009. The cost is $14.99 per person.

For more information, call: (619) 696-SCARE or visit their website here.

The Haunted Hotel

features specially decorated rooms that bring back the spirits of Hollywood horror films from the past. The hotel is situated in an old building that probably has stories of its own to tell. The Haunted Hotel is located at 424 Market Street in San Diego's Gaslamp District. The terror starts on September 25, 2009 and goes until October 31, 2009. The operating hours for the Haunted Hotel are as follows: Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 1am and Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 11pm. The venue is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for October 26 & 27, 2009. The cost is $14.99 per person.

For more information, call: 619 696-SCARE or visit their website here.

The 9th Annual Dos Equis XX Monster Bash

The Monster Bash takes place in the Gaslamp District on Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 6pm to Midnight.

The event's location is at 7th Avenue between Market and J Street and on Island Avenue between 6th and 8th Avenues. This is strictly a 21-year old and up event that will feature live music, DJs, and go-go girls. The Monster Bash's Costume Contest promises to be an outrageous affair. This year, the prize money is $3,000 cash.

To attend the Monster Bash and take advantage of special drink and food specials at participating Gaslamp bars and restaurants, you must purchase a wristband at the cost of $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

For information, please call 619 233-5008 or visit their website here.

Halloween Family Day in Balboa Park

This is a new event this year. Most of Balboa Park's museums will open their doors to children of all ages on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Fifteen of the Park's museums will open their doors free to children (17 years old and under) with a paid adult admission.

In true Halloween spirit, participating museums will offer a variety of hands-on activities, music, performances, and special programs. Visit San Diego History Museum, San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego Museum of Art and much more.

To see a full list of the available museums click here.

For more information about this event please visit Balboa Park.

Haunted Tales Come to Life on Embarcadero ‘Ghost' Ship

Eerie legends and ghostly tales will come alive on the Embarcadero this Halloween at the Maritime Museum of San Diego's haunted Lantern-Led Tours and Halloween Carnival. Those who dare to come aboard will creep through each deck of the historic Star of India, led by the light of lanterns. Museum guests will be told true stories of people who died during the Star's voyages and whose ghosts are said to still live on the ship today.

Tours for the entire family will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31. An old-fashioned Halloween carnival with games, prizes, food, costume contests and more for parents and kids of all ages will also be held on Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets to the lantern led tours are $8 - $14 and include same-day admission to the Maritime Museum. For an additional $5, kids can participate in the carnival activities for unlimited play. All activities will take place at the Maritime Museum of San Diego on the Embarcadero, 1492 North Harbor Drive.

For more information, call 619-234-9153 ext. 101.

Fangtasia Halloween Party at Stingaree

Leave it to San Diego's hottest super club to master the perfect mix of sexy and sinister for Halloween.

Stingaree presents Fangtasia on Halloween night. This sensual yet sinister party will feature a vampire costume contest, huge DJs (DJ Ob-One, DJ Idol, and Cris Hererra) and wicked signature cocktails.

Visit www.Groovetickets.com for $20 pre-sale tickets.

The party starts at 8pm to 2pm Saturday October 31st, 2009 on 454 Sixth Avenue, 92101.

To read more about this event visit Stingaree for more information.

HALLOWEEN on the Black Pearl - Side Bar

Check out "Halloween on the Black Pearl," Sidebar's pirate themed Halloweenen! $1000 grand prize for the sexiest costumes on October 31, 2009.

Side Bar is going wild for Halloween this year. Celebrating our favorite wicked holiday for the first time since the re-design last summer, Side Bar is going all out to show a cryptic side of the chic new space.

A brand new haunted house opened this month, located in the cursed dungeon below Side Bar.

Side Bar believes that Halloween deserves two nights of celebration. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 28 and Saturday, October 31, because you have two hot dates for "Halloween on the Black Pearl" at Side Bar.

The authentic haunted house beneath Side Bar is opening doors for the special engagement, offering Scare venture tours on both Wednesday and Saturday night for Side Bar patrons. For $25 per person, you get VIP entrance to Side Bar and a ticket and no-line entrance to the haunted house.Visit Side Bar for more information here.

Trick or Treat on India Street

This is the third annual Trick or Treat on India Street in the Little Italy District. Join us on Friday October 31st where Little Italy businesses are opening their doors for the little ghouls and goblins of the Downtown neighborhoods to come Trick-or-Treat from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

This fun family event allows children to experience Trick or Treating in an safe and urban Downtown San Diego environment. Just because children grow up in the City doesn't mean they shouldn't enjoy the fun of dressing up and getting candy. There will also be a Halloween costume competition for the kids (10 and under) at the Piazza Basilone at 6:30pm.

Read 92101 Urban Living's former blog Halloween 2008 in Downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

Looking for Something Fun to Do? Play "Disc Golf" at "Morley Field" in San Diego 92101!

92101 Urban Living — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:02:28 -0500

Looking for something new to do with your free time?? How about "Disc Golf" at Morley Field in San Diego?

Disc Golf has been played at Morley Field since 1978 when Snapper Pierson first established the course. Snapper is "Course Pro" and "Disc Golf Hall of Fame" member and he made Morley Field one of the original Disc Golf courses in the world.

The course is located right up the hill from Downtown San Diego, perfect for the Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owner, resident and visitors, a few miles from the San Diego Intl. Airport, San Diego Harbor, Coronado, and directly across from the San Diego Zoo.

There is plenty of parking coming up the hill from Downtown San Diego right off Pershing Drive, but for the busy day, park behind the course instead. Just continue Pershing Drive and take the first and second left. As you enter the course you can see the "Morley Field Pro Shop" where you pay the course fee, rent discs, get a snack and grab a score card.

Morley Field is open for the public from dusk to dawn all year around except for the Southwestern Disc Golf Team Tournament held in the beginning of December and the Spring Fling held in May. Weekdays cost $2,50 for the whole day to play and on weekends and holidays $3.

There are 19 holes to be played with usual par 3. Pin positions change each Monday and there are 3 to 6 positions for each hole. There's a lot of locals and experienced disc golfers there all the time and they are all more than happy to give you a helping hand with finding your next t-pad or if you have any questions in regards on how the game works.

To find out more information about tournaments, monthly's, doubles play and much more please visit Morley Field.

Public Infrastructure Project - "North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Phase 1″ in Downtown San Diego!

92101 Urban Living — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:59:54 -0500

The Public Infrastructure Project "North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Phase 1" (NEVP) is one of the last major urban waterfront redevelopement opportunities in North America, this is taking place by San Diego Harbor in the Columbia District in Downtown San Diego in the Winter of 2009.

A permit for the first phase of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan was approved at the July 2009 Board of Port Commissioners meeting. The first phase includes the area on Harbor Drive from the Navy Pier to the B Street Pier and a portion of West Broadway from the railroad tracks just past Pacific Highway, to the intersection of Harbor Drive.

Project details:
Designed to showcase the San Diego waterfront as a place for "urban gradeur," the NEVP will:

Enhance and sustain a dynamic and diverse waterfront and benefit Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners, residents, visitors and businessess
Protect and inprive environmental conditions of San Diego Bay
Provide public improvements as amenities to eliminate blighting conditions and mobilize private developement dollars in construction of public improvements
Create green open spaces, contributing to the residential environment of San Diego Downtown's urban environment

Project Highlights:

The result of mulitjurisdictional cooperation and planning efforts codified in 1997
Project is jointly planned and funded by the City of San Diego, CCDC and the Unified Port of San Diego
Project area is one mile in length and 1/4 mile wide (four times as long as the Prado in Balboa Park)
Creates a 100-ft wide continous esplanade along the water's edge
Constructs unique and effective stormwater conveyance and treatment systems
Fully coordinated with future, adjacent private and public developement projects
Includes the construction or enhancement of all public right of way whitin the project's limit

To read more about "The North Embarcadero Visionary Plan" please visit Port of San Diego.

Want to Become a Downtown San Diego Condo Renter in ICON in The East Village/Ballpark District. Check This Out!

92101 Urban Living — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:54:59 -0500

Make a Smilebox slideshow

ICON #1507 is a split master bedroom floor plan ideal for roommates or a couple looking for a second bedroom/office with a view. Facing Southeast, ICON #1507 captures dramatic views of the Ballpark, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge and mountains to the East. Beyond this spacious floor plan, ICON offers a rooftop deck with panoramic views of the Downtown San Diego, the largest fitness center in the East Village District, a community movie theater and common area lounge all available for private reservation. ICON has the largest community fitness center in East Village. ICON #1507 comes with two parking spaces. $2900/month unfurnished or furnished for additional fee negotiable. No pets, no smokers. Minimum 6 month lease. Security deposit equal to one month of rent.

To see pictures please click on the following link http://picasaweb.google.com/thistlep/ICON1507Pics02?authkey=Gv1sRgCJWiro3Bj8O6aw&feat=directlink#

To see video please click on the following link http://picasaweb.google.com/thistlep/ICON1507Video?authkey=Gv1sRgCNnYysyQ5MbDWg&feat=directlink#

ICON: Located in the heart of the East Village encompassing an entire city block bound by 10th, 11th, J Street and K Street. Icon is a superb location with Petco Park on one side, and the new San Diego Public Library development site on the other. ICON has two entrances: 321 10th Ave, and 350 11th Ave. Finished in January of 2007, the developers Levin/Menzies went to great lengths to make this one of the most unique and desirable complexes in all of Downtown San Diego. ICON's amenities include: 26th story skybox with views into Petco Park and the bay beyond, a fully equipped community room, large and spacious fitness center, a theater room, and 24 hour Community attendants and security. The ICON complex is comprised of Four Buildings of all concrete construction: Building 1 (high rise tower) is 25 residential floors. Building 2 is 11 stories, Building 3 is 9 stories, and Building 4 is 5 stories. The four buildings surround a perfectly landscaped interior courtyard that features original sculpture art, and waterfall features. The interior courtyard gives the complex an intimate community feeling.

Icon #1507 features include:

Floor to ceiling glass in all rooms
Dramatic South East Corner views of Ballpark, Coronado Bridge, Mountains to the East
Wood flooring in kitchen, carpet throughout
KitchenAid Architect Series stainless steel appliances
Slab granite countertops and 4" backsplash
Porcelain or engineered marble bath flooring
Double vanities in master baths with custom, floating backlit mirror treatment
Exposed interior concrete structural elements
9' ceiling heights
Washer and dryer in unit
Thermostatically controlled individual heating and A/C
Outdoor balcony facing East, BBQ friendly!
Open-air lobby at 11th Avenue entrance
Dynamic retail venues including The Corner restaurant and Pizza Wings & Things
"Fit" Luxury fitness center/pool located directly across the street!!
Icon Skybox viewing terrace overlooking PETCO Park, exclusively for Icon residents
Courtyard-level 5th Inning Lounge available to Icon residents for meetings, special events, community activities
Icon Movie Theater with raised seating for 14 people
Community Fitness Center for all levels of co-ed fitness training and conditioning
60-foot sculpture by renowned artist Ned Kahn in center courtyard
Two controlled-access lobbies with community attendant staffing and on-site facilities manager
Controlled-access subterranean garage & off-street loading docks
Convenient trash chutes on each residential floor
Exciting restaurants, entertainment and shopping in the Ballpark District and the Gaslamp District, all within easy walking, trolley or pedicab distance
San Diego Trolley just one block away for easy, safe and fun transportation
MLK Promenade, Embarcadero, San Diego Marina and Urban Art Trail within steps of your front door for recreational walking, jogging, roller-blading, biking and more

To see our ad on Craigslist please click here and to see our ad on San Diego Reader please click here.

Available now! For more information call Pete at 619-857-2289 or email pete@92101urbanliving.com