Once again at the start of this year, we are seeing many cash investor buyers buying low priced condominiums and houses in North San Diego County. The problem is not many condo communities are FHA approved and those that are now face the problem of investor buyers pushing the owner occupied rate below 51%. Consequently, buyers wanting to use the most popular loan in California(FHA) find their selection of low priced housing is even more limited.

So why do Fannie and Freddie require 51% owner occupancy in a community? Do they think it will not be as well maintained because of a high number of renters? I would say the HOA(homeowners association) is probably the one controlling the community's care moreso than a renter who really only affects the interior of a unit. It is up to the HOA to enforce rules to preserve the neighborhood regardless of the type of resident.

Maybe Fannie and Freddie should be more concerned by one individual owning more than a significant number of units in a single complex. If the mutiple unit owner should stop paying dues, it could have a direct affect on the HOA bottom line which is more likely to eventually lead to a decline in the community's appearance.

So I say lower the owner occupancy requirement. Then more FHA buyers can have a chance to purchase and by doing so, it would help raise the owner occupancy rate which they consider to be so important. Otherwise many of these condo communities will never get FHA approved again.

What do you think?

I was contacted by email from Jarrod at Websponsors.org about placing a text link ad on my website and then getting paid by Paypal the sum of $95. The solicitation looked like this:

"I am Jarrod with WebSponsors.org. My company represents a leading provider of home owner's insurance. They would like to purchase ad space on your site's page "

After placing the link advertisement for homeownersinsurance.com as directed, I requested payment. A week later they tell me my webpage does not "catch their eye" and ask me to remove the link. Are they a scam or do they just enjoy wasting people's time? Do not do business with Websponsors.org! 

It seems many short sale lenders are just saying no to paying the HOA(homeowners association) dues which are delinquent. Short sellers often decide they're not going to pay their mortgage, property taxes, or HOA dues and then can live cost free for as long as the short sale takes. But by not paying their HOA dues, by the time the short sale is approved there could be thousands of dollars in HOA dues which are in arrears, plus interest and legal fees which get tacked on. Suddenly this becomes the responsibility of the buyer or agents to cover or the home ends up in foreclosure and everyone has just wasted a lot of time trying to accomplish a short sale.

So if you are a buyer looking to make an offer on a short sale home or condominium which has a homeowners association, but find out if the seller is current on their monthly dues and plans to continue paying.

If you're an agent or a buyer in the San Diego area, you've probably seen a sticker belonging to Seacoast Garage Doors

It appears their advertising tactic is to go to every vacant house for sale(and some not vacant) and put their stickers inside the garage...on the garage door, the opener, the wall, the water heater, or just about anywhere they can find the space.

So when the new owner moves in and needs their garage serviced they think Seacoast must have done some work there previously so just call them. I would say that is false advertising. And I'm not sure if it is against any law, but at least violates some ethical or moral grounds to be distributing unsolicited advertising like this INSIDE a private home.

My recommendation is to avoid Seacoast Garage Doors solely based on this misleading form of advertising. If they were a good company, they could obtain business the old fashioned way by earning it or at least asking permission or paying for advertising space!!!

Some underwriters require documentation from a seller(flipper) justifying price increases. In effect, they are given the right to say if the seller's profit is too much. Should this be their perogative?

I work with a company that flips homes. Whether it was more or less than 90 days of ownership, we have had a few underwriters(definitely less than a majority) require the seller to show documentation of how much money they have spent on the house.  To stay in business as a flipper, the amount spent will always be less than than the difference between the purchase price and after rehab sales price. But how much profit is reasonable?

I think the underwriter's job should be to review the qualifications of the buyer, the accuracy of the appraisal in determining market value, and that's about it. Whether the seller bought the house 20 years ago and is making $200,000 or 2 months ago and is making $20,000 is irrelevant. What do you think?

Have you been having problems with appraisals? Appraisers not giving the same value as the purchase price? This is nothing new and an appraisal is only an opinion of value, but I thought I would share this story...

A recent appraisal had the adjusted value of the 3 comparables as $262,500, $252,000, and $215,500. Value given for subject property: $215,000. How did $215,000 come from those 3 comps? Because the appraiser thought it was the purchase price.

When the appraiser was told the correct purchase price was $225,000, she corrected the subject property appraised value to $225,000.

Makes you think if an appraisal is to be an unbiased opinion of value, then maybe they should not see the purchase contract.

It's really too bad when such a "mistake" can cause a deal to fall apart which hurts buyer, seller, and everyone else involved.

I can't blame it all on HVCC, but it seems the changes haven't really made valuations more accurate, but just lowered the amount appraisers make and made it a little more difficult for loan officers and appraisers to collude.

There's always lots to do in San Diego each month, so here's some you might have fun doing.

April 2011 San Diego Area Calendar of Events

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times for these San Diego area events

April 2 & 3
San Diego Crew Classic
Collegiate, junior and masters' athletes will participate in over 90 races over 2 days. Various divisions of rowers will compete in eight-person shells hoping to win a prestigious trophy cup. Racing begins at 7:30am at Mission Bay - Crown Point Shores. www.crewclassic.org

Apr 2-3 & 9-10
Escondido Renaissance Faire
The age of chivalry will be recreated among the wonders of nature in an idyllic setting. Activities include several of William Shakespeare's new plays, battle pageants, music in the streets, jugglers and hundreds of costumed re-enactors performing in this giant outdoor play. From 10am-6pm at Felicita County Park, 742 Clarence Lane. For more information, call 805-496-6036

Apr 3
San Marcos Spring Festival
The festival route is dotted with over 300 vendor booths. A huge children's area features rides for children of all ages. The Beer Garden not only includes local microbreweries, but also wonderful food fare from many restaurants of Old California Restaurant Row. From 9am-5pn at San Marcos on Via Vera Cruz. For more information visit www.kennedyfaires.com/san-marcos

Apr 3
Carlsbad 5000 Run
Voted by 'Runners World' as the 'Best Road-race venue' and home of 14 world records, the Carlsbad 5000 truly is the World's fastest 5K! 7am-noon.

Apr 5
Padres Opening Day Block Party
This is an East Village block party in celebration of the opening day of the baseball season. The event will have trade show merchandise, great music, a beer garden, a food court, live entertainment, and more! Free event from 11:30am-5pm. Located downtown San Diego, J Street - between 7^th & 9^th Ave. For more information visit www.eastvillagesandiego.com

Apr 8
Padres Car Series - Lowrider Showcase
A pre-game Lowrider Showcase takes place before the Padres take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. A fine collection of these decorated vehicles are lined up along the street for viewing and judging. You will also see an amazing demonstration where a specialized lowrider vehicle comes to life. Free event from 4:30pm-8pm. Located downtown San Diego, on J Street between 7^th & 10 Ave. For more information call 619-795-5146

Apr 8 - 9
Golf Fest San Diego
Two-day golf expo where you can meet and get incredible deals from all the top golf club companies, as well as deals on clothing, golf resorts, and golf courses. From 9am-5pm at Riverwalk Golf Club at 1150 Fashion Valley Rd. San Diego. For more information visit golffestshow.com/san_diego

Apr 8 - 10
Home Decorating & Remodeling Show
This show features home improvement products and services offered by local businesses. Free admission. Fri & Sat 10am-7pm and Sun 10am-5pm

Apr 8 - 10
Fallbrook Film Festival
The Festival provides an opportunity for local and visiting film enthusiasts to view a wide array of creative, diverse and compelling works of cinematic art from features to shorts to documentaries. For more information visit www.fallbrookfilmfestival.com

Apr 9
Canine Companions Balboa Park
A Festival for dogs and people. This event features flyball, disc dogs, a K9 agility playground, contests, great shopping, delicious food and more! Peace, Love, Canine Companions dog walk precedes the festival. From 10am-3pm at Balboa Park (Park area at Park Blvd. & President's Way). For more information visit www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.3978475/k.3F1C/Canine_Companions_for_Independence.htm

Apr 9 - 10
Annual Encinitas Street Faire
Includes 400+ arts and crafts vendors, food, music, family amusement and entertainment. South Coast Highway 101, from D to J Street, Encinitas 9am-5pm. 760-945-9288 or www.kennedyfaires.com

Apr 10
5K Walk for Life & Health Fair
Fundraiser 5K walk, starting and finishing at the Pier Amphitheater. Walk and health expo sponsored by the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation. From 8am-12pm at Pier Amphitheater in Oceanside. For more information call 760-730-1471

Apr 15 - 17
Annual Del Mar Antique Show & Sale
More than 250 premier antique dealers from all over California and the western United States will be selling the finest in antiques & collectibles. Appraisal service will also be available for $5 per item. Fri - Sat 11am-7pm and Sun 11am-5pm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, O'Brien Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. For more information visit www.delmarfairgrounds.com

Apr 16 - 17
Oceanside Days of Art
Family friendly event anticipated to include over 100 visual artists booths, 300 musicians, dancers and performers along with local food vendors. Location: Pier View Way, Oceanside. 760-433-3632 or www.oceanside-days-of-art.org

Apr 17
San Diego Earth Fair
The largest free annual environmental fair in the world representing almost every type of environmental cause in Balboa Park. A variety of entertainment and earth-friendly foods. Starts 10am-5pm. www.earthdayweb.org

Apr 17
Port of San Diego Day At The Docks
Sportfishing festival featuring food, cooking demonstrations, casting contest, entertainment and boat rides. San Diego Sportfishing Landing, Harbor Dr. & Scott St. Free. 9am-5pm. 619-234-8793 or www.sportfishing.org

Apr 17
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
Celebrating agricultural heritage while providing an opportunity for entertainment and camaraderie. Here will be agricultural displays, avocado culinary demonstrations, a guacamole contest, avocado ice cream, holy guaca-moly, the art of the avocado contest and much more! From 9am-5pm at Main Street in Fallbrook. For more information call 760-945-9288.

Apr 17
La Jolla Half Marathon
Begins 7:30am, Del Mar Fairgrounds; ends La Jolla Cove Park. Also a 5 mile stride and a 5K run. 858-454-1262 or www.lajollahalfmarathon.com

Apr 21 - May 8
Del Mar National Horse Show
One of the nation's most prestigious equestrian events, the Del Mar National Horse Show features the Grand Prix Del Mar and includes international and national championship riders, draft horse, dressage and western hunter-jumper competitions. Del Mar Arena. 858-792-4288 or www.delmarnational.com

Apr 23
EGGStravaganza Spring Festival and Egg Hunt
Children 9 and under are invited to participate in the City's biggest and best egg hunt. Egg hunt is at 10 am. Join us for live music, fun games, exciting arts and crafts, and fantastic food. An exciting magic show, fun bounce houses, games and more will complete this event that no family will want to miss. Food and some activities are an additional cost. Poinsettia Park. www.carlsbadca.gov

Apr 23
Easter Egg Hunt Festival
A free event featuring arts and crafts, entertainment, prizes, jump houses, face painting, pictures with the bunny and 24,000 eggs! 10am-1pm at Ecke Park, Encinitas. 760-633-2740

Apr 24
Easter at The Flower Fields
Sunrise services held at 6:30 am. Dress warmly and come prepared for great music and a free breakfast. www.theflowerfields.com

Apr 30 - May 1
Art Walk
The 2 day festival showcases visual & performing artists in their work environment & in stage areas. Self-guided tours, Little Italy, downtown San Diego. 11am-6pm. Free admission. 619-615-1090

Well it certainly looks like this month's events calendar has a lot of reasons to celebrate: Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, 1st day of spring, and the flower and strawberry fields are open again. So get out there and have some fun...that's why we live in this great place called San Diego!

March 2011 San Diego County Calendar of Events

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times

January 29 - May 22
San Diego Opera's 2011 International Season
One of the premier opera companies in America, and highly respected in the international opera community, San Diego Opera brings the world's finest voices to San Diego. 619-533-7000 or www.sdopera.com 

February 10 - April 3
The Fantasticks
Talk about a time-proven audience-pleaser! "Try To Remember" a time when this romantic charmer wasn't enchanting audiences around the world. "The Fantasticks" is the longest-running musical production in the world, and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication are a purity and simplicity that transcend cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time. 888-802-7469 or www.welktheatre.com

March 1 - April 17
Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure
Whale & dolphin watching on Honrblower is a once in a lifetime experience in SD. Enjoy narration from Captains & Naturalists. You´ll get a free tour of north SD & see the sea lions that live below the lighthouse at Pt. Loma. Then to the open sea to find pods of gray shales, including mothers of calves! You may see hundreds of Common, Pacific White-sided or Risso´s Dolphins, plus other sea life & marine birds indigenous to Southern CA. It is the prime season to see whales! One of the most fun & interesting trips on Hornblower with a whale exhibit onboard which includes fossils, a presentation by the naturalists & a movie called "Ocean Oasis" playing on the big screen. Tickets: $16-$39. 619-686-8715 or www.hornblower.com/whales

March 1 - May 8
Flower Fields Ranunculus Tours
Every year from early March to early May, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch blossom into a spectacular sea of brightly colored ranunculus flowers. Open to the public 7 days a week, 9am-6pm. 760-431-0352 or www.theflowerfields.com

March 2 - 6
RC44 Championship Tour 2011
The biggest names in the sport of sailing will race against each other in identical 44-foot sailboats, the RC44.  The San Diego event takes place over 6 days and racing will take place directly in front of the Broadway Pier. 858-922-3522 or www.rc44.com/en

March 3
10th Annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras
21 and older party. Hillcrest is alive with an exciting Mardi Gras! Masks and costumes encouraged. Enjoy Cajun and rock music while dancing and mingling around. Belly up to the bar for a drink, check out the food and merchandise booths, and enjoy a colorful and amusing Mardi Gras parade. 6-11pm. Advance ticket price is $15 advance (or $20 day of) and $50 advance (or $75 day of) for a V.I.P. Pass which includes express entry, private reception area, and private bathrooms. Tickets are available at the following Hillcrest area locations: Baja Betty's at 1421 University Avenue; Urban Mo's at 308 University Avenue; and Obelisk Bookstore at 1029 University Avenue. 619-299-3330 or www.hillcrestmardigras.org

March 4 - 6
Gem Faire
A world renowned marketplace for the finest in gemstones, beads, jewelry, minerals, fossils, meteorites, lapidary equipment, metaphysical items and much more at the lowest prices in today's market.  Workshops and classes are offered. Del mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. or visit www.gemfaire.com/index.php

March 5
San Diego Brazil Carnival 2011
The 19th annual Gala Event will be held at 4th and B, Downtown San Diego from 8pm-2am. Doors open at 7pm. This spectacular Brazilian Mardi Gras Ball will feature the Stunning Brazilian Singer Dandara, Beautiful & Sexy Samba Dancers, Electrifying Capoeira Performances, and Nonstop Brazilian Music.  There will be fun, feathers, fantasy and much, much more...  So come have the time of your life at one of the best Brazilian Carnivals on the West Coast! 619-224-4684 or www.brazilcarnival.com

March 8
Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp
The Mardi Gras Festival is an outdoor musical block party! Don't miss our electric parade, spicy Cajun & Creole dishes along with all our smokin' nightclubs and many stages full of hot bands. Look for tons of cool items like "Rad Hatter" hats & masks along with every kind of bead imaginable. Be sure to wear your green, purple and gold while you try to catch some beads. Ticketed event/21 and up only. Fat Tuesday tickets will be $15 in advance or $20 day of/at the gate. Gates open 6pm. 2 parades at 7:30 and 10:00pm. www.gaslamp.org/articles/articles/mardi_gras.html 

March 10 - 20
Latino Film Festival 2011
Screenings of short and feature length films from across Latin America and the U.S. All works are by Latinos and/or about the Latino Experience. Features Latino guest celebrities. Screenings at the Ultra Star Cinemas Hazard Center. Information:  619-230-1938 or sdlatinofilm.com

March 12
31st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Irish Festival
Join thousands of spectators as this colorful Irish Congress of Southern California St. Patrick's Day Parade winds its way through the streets around Balboa Park. Bands, floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, dancers, clowns, pipers and Irish setters will all be a part of this lively event celebrating Irish heritage. Parade starts at 10:30 am . 858-268-9111 or www.stpatsparade.org

March 12 - 13
Tall Ship Cannon Battles
Experience and participate in the thrill of tall ship maneuvers and tactical combat at sea aboard one of two tall ships where you'll battle the other tall ship with black powder cannons.  The best free viewing areas are from the Broadway Pier, Embarcadero Park, Cabrillo National Monument and Coronado Landing. 12:30 pm - 4 pm. Embarcadero, 1492 North Harbor Dr. or visit www.sdmaritime.org

March 12 - 13
San Diego IndieFest 7
The nation's only exclusively independent music festival of it's kind. New location for IndieFest 7 - NTC Promenade at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, CA 92106. SDIMF made history as the only event of its kind in the entire country dedicated to celebrating and advocating independent music, art, business, and thought. Featuring over 85 artists on 7 stages from 12 noon - 11 pm. www.sdindiemusicfest.com

March 12 - April 17
Groundswell
This searing and suspenseful drama took New York by storm last season. In a small lodge on the ferociously rocky coast of South Africa, two men plot to convince their lone guest to invest in their diamond mining scheme. The three men find themselves caught in a power struggle fueled by greed and desperation and will go to any length to secure a chance at a better life. This unforgettable thriller offers a provocative look at a society still haunted by its divided past. 619-23-GLOBE or www.theoldglobe.org

March 13
16^th Annual Ugly Dog Contest
Not just for ugly dogs anymore! Other categories include: cutest dog, looks most like its owner, best trick, cutest puppy, and more. Del Mar Fairgrounds Activity Center.  858-755-5913end_of_the_skype_highlighting or www.uglydogcontest.com 

March 13
Tasting 2011
Over 200 wineries, all members of Family Winemakers of CA, will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the Association´s 2^nd annual appearance in SD. The Association has held trade-only tastings in Southern CA since 2001 & has chosen to return to SD for this one-of-a-kind trade & consumer CA wine tasting event. This large tasting will showcase small, family-owned wineries, many of which pour at very few events. Tickets: $55 in advance; $65 at the door, Exhibit Hall, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 1-3pm Trade Only Tasting; 3-6pm Trade & Public Tasting. www.familywinemakers.org 

March 17
ShamRock St. Patrick's Day Block Party
The Gaslamp Quarter is fitted with 60,000 sq. ft. of Astroturf in order to bring the rolling hills of Ireland to downtown San Diego. The party includes Irish rock bands and plenty of green beer. Guests must be 21 years or older for this ticketed event. 4pm to midnight. www.gaslampquarter.org

March 21 - 27
LPGA Classic at Pacific Palms Hotel & Conference Center - City of Industry
The Kia Classic brings the LPGA back to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles for the first time in five years at Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms. Tickets: $10-$50. 1-888-SEE-LPGA or www.lpga.com/lpgalacosta.aspx

March 27
La Mesa Village Antique Street Faire
Once a year, La Mesa Boulevard is closed and Antique dealers from far and wide set out their wares. The event generally features more than 125 booths with genuine antiques and collectibles, plus appraisal and restoration booths. Reminiscent of an old fashioned Midwest flea market, there's live music and entertainment. 9am- 4pm at La Mesa Village, 8200-8300 block of La Mesa Blvd. Visit www.lmvma.com

March 30 - April 3
Quidam Cirque du Soleil
Valley View Casino formerly San Diego Sports Arena. Tickets: $40-$110 www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/quidam/tickets/san-diego.aspx

I see in the Fannie Mae purchase contract that Fannie Mae will re-key the home and charge the buyer to do so. We are near closing and I now see the charge is $150. I would rather have the re-key handled by the buyers, or since the door hardware will be changing during remodel, a re-key is not really necessary.

Has anyone seen proof that Fannie Mae actually did the re-key and has anyone successfully stopped them from doing it?

Here is an events calendar of things to do which are fun and entertaining around San Diego County. With the great weather and diversity of lifestyles, there are many things to do each and every month. So get out and see all this area has to offer and most of all, have fun:

February 2011 Calendar of Events for North San Diego County

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times

FEB 1 - 28
Museum Month
Each February an entire month is dedicated to a special theme in San Diego as the arts & culture element celebrates Museum Month. Beginning Feb. 1, numerous arts institutions and museums throughout our county will open their doors at half price. For more information visit www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

FEB 1 - MAR 31
Whale Watching
Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo National Monument or on special whale-watching cruises.  619-557-5450 or  619-236-1212

FEB 1 - APR 30
Wildflowers Bloom in the Desert
Depending on the rainfall in the winter, the natural beauty of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park is enhanced by the almost magical appearance of desert wildflowers in the spring. The full bloom is only for two to six weeks. 9am-5pm. 760-767-4684. www.parks.ca.gov

FEB 10
Mainly Mozart/Aiana String Quartet
At 2PM, in partnership with Mainly Mozart, the Museum presents the Aiana String Quartet for a FREE Valentines Day-themed performance.  Their repertoire will feature string quartet music from both Mozart and Brahms. The quartet is the newly appointed Scholarship Quartet in residence at SDSU in association with Mainly Mozart. This event is free. 760-438-5996 or www.museumofmakingmusic.org

FEB 12 & 13
29th Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair
The 29th annual San Diego Chinese New Year fair celebrates the Year of the Rabbit. The two-day celebration, will feature Chinese acrobats, lion and dragon dancers, Chinese folk dance and music, martial arts, and the Asian Story Theater. Families can also participate in Chinese crafts, Chinese calligraphy, and a children's activity area. In addition, more than 75 food and vendor booths will be available for the more than 25,000 visitors expected to attend the fair. The festival will take place at the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District in downtown San Diego (Third Ave. and J Street) on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday February 13, 2011. 10am - 5pm both days! 619-398-7025 or sdcny.weebly.com

FEB 13
More That's Amoré - Oceanside Museum of Art
Spend a romantic Valentine's Day with your special someone at More That's Amore. Enjoy a unique theatrical performance of classic loves songs and cutting edge love songs from operatic arias to Broadway show tunes from local singers while sipping bubbly champagne and noshing tasty appetizers and delicious chocolate confections. Nonmembers are $25 and $20 for OMA members. 760-435-3720 or www.oma-online.org

FEB 14
Music & Amor Valentine Concert
At 8 PM, celebrate a romantic concert on Valentine's evening at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad. Enjoy live music of Wolf Marshall, dancing, wine, champagne, sparkling water, coffee and an array of scrumptious cheeses and decadent desserts. Tickets are $20 for Members; $25 for the general public. 760-438-5996 or www.museumofmakingmusic.org

February 18 - 21
Koalapalooza
To kick off our new Discovery Days, we've got quite a Koalapalooza  planned for January! We'll be celebrating those much-loved denizens from Down Under, the koalas, along with some of their Aussie neighbors, like red kangaroos and kookaburras. We have a bonzer Australian party planned, so put on your bush hat, pack up your billy bag, bring the family and join us at the Zoo. www.sandiegozoo.org

FEB 27
Harlem Globe Trotters
Valley View Casino Center, 7pm. Tickets on sale now. www.harlemglobetrotters.com