Eva's Blog

Predictable Traffic Jams in Del Mar

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:26:37 -0700

I found myself stuck in another traffic bottleneck this morning. It took me half an hour to drive off the exit ramp and creep the 1/2 mile to my Coldwell Banker Del Mar Village office. And, what gets me is that it was totally avoidable! Del Mar Fairgrounds I ought to know better after living and working next to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the last 20 years! Summer after summer, we locals learn to arrange our schedules around the traffic patterns generated by the San Diego County Fair and the race track season. The problem is we forget that the Fairgrounds are also used throughout the year for a variety of events. In fact, the facifilites are used for over 350 events a year. They include weddings, receptions, equestrian and other animal shows, concerts, craft shows, home shows, car shows and other social and consumer events. (Read the full post on my main blog)

A painful moment...

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:11:10 -0700

My partner and I met with a seller yesterday, a very attractive but sad looking woman in her early 40's. We were referred to her by her divorce attorney, who had gotten our name from the president of our company. As part of the settlement for the divorce, they will need to sell their home, a property that has perhaps the worst external obsolescence possible - a ring side seat of the freeway! While they bought the property long enough agothat it theoretically should have realized at least some appreciation, the soon to be ex-husband refinanced the home almost 2 years ago, paying off the rather low outstanding loans, rolling them into one 80% LTV loan, and taking out the difference in cash. Unfortunately, the market has steadily declined since then, probably around 1% per month in this area over the last two years. the market was already declining at that time, but nothing like the depreciation it would experience once the financial markets started crumbling in the fall of 2008. the husband, in typical fashion of the times, got a low doc loan, one that he could not really afford, and that the bank never should have given him. The wife, our client, had absolutely no idea, not only that she would not realize any proceeds from the sale of the home since there was no equity left whatsoever, but that the sale would actually be short. Never have I nor my partner had to deliver news to a client that was so devastating and so unexpected. She is already experiencing deep pain and grief from the infidelity and loss of her life partner, but she learned in one quick moment that her plan to buy herself a small home, a condo, with her "settlement" proceeds is going to be impossible. She will be left with nothing. The only good news isthat, when her husband refi'd 20 months ago, she thought the idea was crazy and refused to sign the loan docs. She is on title, but not on the loan. She should just quitclaim it over to the ex, and let him deal with it...

The Power of Community Rallying

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:05:05 -0700

Running out of prefixes for 760 With the ever growing number of cell phone and fax users on the planet, combined with the tremendous increase in the quantity of homes in North San Diego County, the region using the 760 area code has rapidly been running of out of telephone numbers. To split or not to split 760 and 442 The traditional fix in the past has been to split the area into two, with one portion transferring over to a new area code. This kind of split puts an enormous burden on small businesses as they must reprint stationery, business cards, advertising materials, signage, etc., not to mention the danger of losing connection to former customers. A successful fight to keep 760! Read the full post at my main blog http://www.delmarcaliforniarealestatesearch.com

Follow up to my sad story - The case of the BAD VA appraisal

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:10:52 -0700

Several responded to my recent blog post regarding my experience with a VA appraisal that fell far short of our agreed upon purchase price ($270k vs $284k). The listing agent had not met with the appraiser, AND had failed to tell me she would not be there. I always meet with appraisers at my listings to provide them with (1) the comps we used to price the property and (2) any additional insights or intangibles they cannot simply pull from a computer. The upshot was that the buyers were unable to come up with the difference, the seller was unwilling to come down in price, and the deal fell apart... Gabe Sanders kindly brought to my attention the fact that one has a right to challenge VA appraisals. While this is indeed true, apparently the process involves meeting with the SAME appraiser. My broker called the offending appraiser to discuss the situation with him, and he said emphatically that there was no additioal information that would convince him that the value was any higher. Of course - why would he admit to having erred? Gabrielle Rhind commented: What gets me is not that the listing agent did not show for the appraisal- but that she wasn't able to effectively say to her Sellers, "Would you pay more for a home than it was worth or appraised for? If not, why would you expect anyone else to?" Here's the irony: Within 4 hours of it being put back on the market, the seller received a full price offer of $299k. It is 20% down, conventional financing. It just goes to show you that: the buyer (and the buyer's agent who has been showing the buyer property in a given niche) is far more of an expert on value than any appraiser (or the seller) it pays to always be at the site when the appraiser comes to do the inspection, whether you represent the buyer or the seller.

TO be or NOT to be at your listing's appraisal?

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 07:18:36 -0800

I have a sad story. And a question... After spending months showing clients homes all over the county, I'm afraid they were beginning to feel they'd never succeed in buying a home in today's market - their price range is hot! Then, I heard thorough my personal grapevine about a house that had been bought at auction and was in the process of being rehabbed. It was not yet on the market, so we had the inside scoop on this property, and it was exactly what my clients were looking for. It had had a complete make-over, a huge newly sodded backyard, was single level, in a great neighborhood with friendly and professional neighbors and even had mountain views to the east. This was my clients' dream home - and we didn't even have to compete with multiple offers, nor wait months for lender approval. I was the big hero. My clients were thrilled. We went into escrow, and were set to release contingencies today. Then the appraisal came in. LOW. $14,000 low. We were in escrow for $284,000, and the VA appraisal came in at $270,000. Of course, this was 100% loan, and my buyers didn't have anywhere near $14k to make up the difference. And, the seller, of course, was unwilling to adjust the price, especially since the property had never seen the open market. I was absolutely crushed for my buyers. I asked the listing agent: "You WERE at the appraisal, weren't you?". "Oh, no, I never bother with that - I just give them a lockbox code and let them go on their own.", she said. "I wouldn't want them to think I am trying to sway them". I was SHOCKED. I ALWAYS meet the appraiser at any of my listings. I find they are always totally grateful for any additional information or insight I can give them. Of course, I don't do anything that could possibly be construed as trying to influence them in a fraudulent or unethical way. But yes, I do try to bond. After all, appraisers are human, and a pleasant experience at the site may have a positive effect. But more importantly, there are so many factors that an appraiser does not have access to - so many intangibles. An appraiser sees the property only 1 time, and often they have only seen the comps ON PAPER - they don't even drive by. I, on the other hand, have been there multiple times, meeting the neighbors, assessing the ambient noise, comparing it to the 10's of other properties out there that my clients turned down in the price range. After having seen EVERYTHING on the market in the $260-$290k range, believe me, my buyers and I know that this property was better than anything else out there. Had I known the listing agent wasn't going to be there, I would have met the appraiser myself. I feel she's to blame for my clients losing their dream house. I can't swear it would have come in at $284k, but I am willing to put money on it that the gap would at least have been a lot smaller. What do you think? Is my bitterness misplaced?

Grim news continues... be thankful for everything you have

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 06:42:16 -0800

As the stream of terrible economic news continues, I have to admit - there has been one good side to it all for me personally... I am ever more present to the many things I do have that I am so grateful for. While 651,000 more people lost their jobs in February, I have several closings on the horizon. While many are losing their homes, I have a beautiful place I call home, and it is not as risk (YET) I have a loving partner and 2 sweet, healthy children I have my health (though I'm battling a sinus infection at the moment - relatively minor!) I can afford health insurance. I live and work in a place that approaches "paradise": Sunny San Diego I have many other things I could list, but I am fortunate to have lots of other enjoyable activities I could spend my Saturday doing!! What are you grateful for?

Pandemonium Coming?

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 06:26:02 -0800

The lockbox on a colleague's listing was cut off its railing yesterday, broken into, and then someone took the keys and broke into the house! How this was possible, I'll never understand. We were told our lockboxes were impenetrable. Absolutely inviolable, they said... You may consider having all showings be by appointment only. And, as an extra precaution, you also may want to have your clients stow all their valuables, and be sure their insurance is up to date. These times are not fun. I have a friend who, for the first time in his life, is considering purchasing a gun. I think I managed to convince him that he'd only be putting himself and his family in more danger by doing so. I know things are probably going to get worse before they get better, but we have to have faith that SOME day, sooner or later, hopefully sooner, we will be looking back on these times (and thanking the heavens they are over.)

Has the low end reached bottom?

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:37:18 -0800

I've been spending the last 5 or 6 weeks running my head off for several clients - writing multiple offers on short sales and REO's, only to have each offer get lost in the pile of the other multiple offers submitted on the same property. I was about to write a blog post about how it seems like the market is bottoming out, at least in the low end, when I read Jason Crouch's recent and beautifully written post A-Quick-Message-of-Renewed-Optimism. I have to admit, Jason's is the only blog I regularly read. Not there aren't thousands of other interesting bloggers out there with tons to say, but I'm already on total overload! But, as Jason would say, I digress. Jason starts his post with "I have had multiple offer scenarios TWICE in 2009 already!". I can top that! I've submitted over 14 offers that were multiple - i.e. not the only offer on the table. My head is spinning. My question is, and the running debate in my office at the moment is, does this or does this not signify a turn in the market? Have we hit bottom? Will this drive prices back up? I know there's supposedly another wave of bad loans on the horizon poised to wreak havoc, and I realize the moratorium on foreclosures may be creating a dam that eventually must burst, AND, I acknowledge the increase in buyer activity doesn't necessarily mean an increase in closed transactions nor an increase in prices... BUT, I'm really hoping that there's some good news in all this. For those of you experiencing a similar trend, let me know what you think.

Encinitas Garden Festival is coming soon!

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:06:15 -0800

Anyone who has visited Encinitas in Northern San Diego County knows the people living in these communities LOVE their gardens! Most don't have a very manicured look - they often feel like the land that time forgot, with lush landscaping taking over fences, hydrants, telephones poles. It's no surprise that here, in this particular community, a tradition was established that celebrates and honors both the garden and the gardener. Olivenhein garden from www.EncinitasGardenFestival.org The Encinitas Garden Festival began in 2005 as part of an initiative of the City of Encinitas' Cultural Tourism committee. Hundreds of folks take self-guided walking tours of private gardens that individual homeowners are kind enough to share with the public at this special event. It also features a Gardeners' Marketplace offering all sorts of garden-related products including plants, tools, and garden art, and more. In addition, it includes several educational exhibits that teach visitors about gardening, the local watershed, the environment, and other important issues. The festival is due to return this year on Saturday, April 25th from 10am to 4 pm. Admission is $21 for adults and $7 for children, and tickets can be purchased in advance here. Don't miss it! These gardens are a true feast for the eyes! To purchase your own piece of garden paradise in Encinitas, give me a call (760-815-1318). There are some beautiful properties on the market right now, and, at amazing prices! Or just surf the MLS on your own at www.DreamHomesByTheBeach.com.

Sushi Comes to Cardiff!

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:03:32 -0800

Those of us fortunate enough to live in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the new restaurants Zenbu Sushi and Rimel's Rotisserie in the old Yogi's site in Cardiff Town Center. They finally opened last Monday. Yahoo! In addition to sharing the same owner, the two share a common entry corridor and facilities, but the restaurants themselves are totally separate. And, obviously, the food couldn't be more different! Interesting concept. Ever since Starbucks came in a few years ago, the Cardiff center has developed a character of its own and become a real gathering place for locals. I've never once stopped by without running into at least 3 or 4 people I know. It's been both bad and good for business! While some were sad to see Yogi's Sportsbar leave the center, the neighborhood institution seems to have survived the relocation to its new site on Coast Hwy rather well, and business is booming. Sports fans have not lost their hangout. The new restaurants Zenbu and Rimel's are more upscale and in keeping with new look the plaza owners seem to be striving for. As fun as Yogi's was, it was somewhat of a rowdy scene, particularly during football season, and the parking lot was always littered with bottles and other waste (sometimes human) on the weekend... Ughh... As a huge sushi fan who has missed having a local spot to get my fix, I'm looking forward to giving Zenbu's a try. I'll let you know what I think. It opened last Monday, but haven't had a chance to try it yet! By the way, whether you're looking for a beach bungalow or a low maintenance twinhome, Cardiff-by-the-Sea may offer you the perfect home you've always dreamed of - especially if you like walking to dinner and the beach! To find out about the great values on the market right now in this quiant neighborhood, visit my site www.DreamHomesByTheBeach.com or give me a call (760-815-1318). I'd be happy to help you find a home.

Del Mar prices still falling...

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:04:38 -0800

Low end has hit bottom, but Del Mar is still on the way down While the lower end in San Diego County is selling like hotcakes, with multiple offers and major frustration for those trying to purchase, the buyers still have the upper hand in higher end markets like Del Mar. Depreciating vs Appreciating Market The de facto definition of a depreciating market is one where the rate at which inventory is coming on the market is faster than the rate at which property is going into escrow. Your basic supply/demand equation... The low end in San Diego County - everywhere from Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos to Clairemont, Linda Vista and Mira Mesa - is seeing a definite slowing in new inventory and a huge number of new escrows. From what I can see, they've already hit bottom. The demand is putting pressure on prices, which are bound to start creeping up soon as a result. In contrast, home prices in Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, and other high end coastal North San Diego County markets, have yet to hit bottom. Read the whole post on my main blog at http://www.delmarcaliforniarealestatesearch.com/del-mar-prices-falling/

Short Sales: the interminable waiting game

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 08:54:56 -0800

Rampant short sales and huge lender losses I understand the pain lenders must feel with all the losses they are suffering right now. So, why doesn't someone from within, from within and above, streamline the process so they can minimize their losses and move on?? The extent of the bureaucracy is unbelievable. The short sale process: a classic bureaucractic quagmire A prime example of lenders cutting off their noses to spite their faces is what's happening with my clients P and T.... (read more on my main blog http://www.delmarcaliforniarealestatesearch.com/waiting-for-short-sales/)

Life in Paradise!

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:42:33 -0800

The continued weather reports of the gripping cold across the Midwest and upper northeast have once again made me aware of how lucky I am to live in San Diego California. Today is sunny, clear skies, and in the 70's! I find it so easy to become complacent and just go about my life, mostly outdoors, without the thought of putting on a heavy coat, hat, gloves and warm boots. There are no problems with skidding on ice or having my windshield wipers on extra fast to clear the pouring rain! Yes, I pay heavily to live here - a smaller home at a higher price - but to me it's worth it. While many are spending time in their homes in front of their fireplaces, I am about to take a walk on the beach! I live in North County Coastal San Diego, where the surf meets the turf in Del Mar, and, on a clear day like today, one can see islands 100 miles away! Well, off to get my sunscreen and book and head to the beach!

High Activity in the Low End

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:28:28 -0800

While those of us working in Del Mar Real Estate are having a very slow month, our colleagues to the north can barely keep their head above water. Hot Real Estate Deals! The market in Oceanside, Vista, and Fallbrook is so hot for buyers, just about every listing has multiple offers! I've been working with several clients looking for homes in those areas, and we're seeing homes that sold for $450k back in 2004 selling for as low as $150-$200k today! From townhomes to detached bungalows, there are some unbelievable deals out there right now. No wonder this is where all the activity is!

Public Transportation - Why everyone drives their own car...

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:04:13 -0800

Public officials and news commentators often complain about how we Californians are too in love with our cars to use public transportation. While I agree we are fairly addicted to our own personal set of wheels, I am certainly willing and would be happy to take a bus or train from time to time and avoid sitting in traffic. The problem is, the schedules and routes available leave a lot to be desired, and I often have no choice but to drive myself. Take the day before yesterday, for example... Read the whole post at my main blog DelMarCaliforniaRealEstateSearch.com

The Upside of the Downturn

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:59:38 -0800

Depressing Times This has been a depressing time, particularly for those of us in the real estate industry. Well, in fact, for everybody! The economic crisis has spread around the world, and few are immune to its devastation. I have watched so many lose their homes whether through foreclosure or being forced to sell short. Lovely families with small children, elderly who had recently downsized, up and coming yuppies who had bought their first condo. Even those San Diego homeowners whose mortgages are of the good old fashioned 30 year fixed variety are struggling because they have lost their jobs. Wide Range of Price Adjustments In San Diego County, the drop in real estate values spans the gamut. I've seen as low as 10%-15% adjustments in some of the coastal communities like Del Mar, Solana Beach and Carmel Valley; 50% in several areas with lots of newer track homes like Chula Vista and San Marcos; and as high as 70% drops in some areas like Vista, Fallbrook and Oceanside. The Silver Lining So can there possible be a silver lining to all of this? Read the full post at my main blog www.DelMarCaliforniaRealEstateSearch.com.

Sellers still have their head in the clouds...

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:03:57 -0800

I had yet another call today from a delusional seller who thinks her home is worth what it was in 2006! Her friend's home, she says, sold in 3 days! Sure it did, because it was priced right. A price that was an excellent price or rather what might be considered "a bargain" for the Carmel Valley area in San Diego. How realistic are you? In this market, was it really a bargain or was the friend just being realistic about the market? If, as is predicted, the Carmel Valley market sees more foreclosures and the buyers still aren't taking the leap, then the home that sold for what is perceived as a bargain price today, may just be considered a high price in 2-3 months! Get your head out of the clouds! Sellers have a hard time acknowledging their home is not immune to the shrinking prices we are seeing! Yes, even in the coastal areas of San Diego County California! Homeowners must look at the larger financial picture because keeping a home on the market at an inflated price could wind up costing more.

Del Mar's local Prop G "Garden Del Mar" wins by a landslide!

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:13:35 -0800

Great news for Del Mar! Prop G, otherwise known as Garden Del Mar, was overwhelmingly approved at the polls yesterday - 85% of voters said YES! The proposed mixed use development at the corner of 10th and Camino Del Mar will include office, retail, and restaurant space, and will provide a much needed hub of activity to help revitalize our little beachside community. It will also bring new revenue to the city's coffers. For more information about this development, or to find a home on the hill within walking distance to the new plaza, give me call: 760-815-1318. Live your Dream in Del Mar!

Thanks to S.C. Edison, Del Mar's Lagoon is now teeming with life!

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:41:30 -0700

Have you visited the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds lately? You may have noticed a lot of activity going on at the San Dieguito Lagoon, just to the south. Bulldozers and earth movers have been up to something - but thankfully, it isn't another development. To the contrary! After nearly 2 decades of planning, negotiation, securing permits, and collaboration between private and governmental parties, a plan to restore the lagoon is finally under way. The lagoon had become plugged with sand and the lack of tidal flushing resulted in a major decline in the wildlife, an increase in algal blooms, and overall barren look. Thanks to Southern California Edison and a mitigation, the lagoon is now teeming with life. Read more about the exciting progress on my Del Mar Real Estate Blog

Feast, Fun and Fenomenal Art at Del Mar's Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:22:10 -0700

[OKAY! After a two week blogging freeze on my Wordpress blog due to hugely frustrating technical difficulties, I am finally able to resume. I could go on and on about the bizarre world of blogging - widgets, themes, stylesheets, tags, plugins, code - but I'll reserve venting on that subject to another blog entry! I apologize to all the people who've been waiting for this promised post.] If only I had unlimited money and a 10,000 sq ft home with endless wall space - I'd have bought truckloads at Del Mar's Annual Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll a couple of weeks ago. What an amazing collection of artists! While the various food stations looked wonderful too, with scrumptious looking samples from some of our best restaurants, there were so many gifted artists exhibiting their work there, I got lost feasting my eyes instead. Check out my post on my main Del Mar Real Estate blog to see a few pictures of our fun day in Del Mar. Please remember, I'm not a professional photographer, and I couldn't come close to capturing these artists' works. You'll have to visit their websites to see why I was so impressed!

Finally good news - a possible end in sight for the housing slump!

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:26:33 -0700

I ran across an encouraging article today in the San Diego Union Tribune's business section. The gist is that there are several indicators leading some pundits to believe we may be close to hitting the bottom of our housing slump. There are two promising signs. the number of total sales is up significantly (almost 100% over the same month last year) we've seen an even bigger drop in prices recently Apparently, these stats suggest that investors are starting to step in and scoop up the good deals, which will ultimately lead to an eventual recovery... Of course, I've heard so many different opinions and predictions, but this article makes a compelling case and is an encouraging read, especially for those of us that have been whining "when will this end??"

Feast and Fun in Del Mar, California!

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:39:17 -0700

Del Mar's Annual Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll is coming tomorrow. This event brings visitors from all around, as our quaint beachside village comes alive with food tasting stands, kid's crafts stations, music and entertainment, and numerous arts and crafts booths. For more info, visit my main blog post Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll or my reminder post from today Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll. If you do come for a visit, be sure to look for me, Eva, and say hello! I'll be taking lots of photos and posting them here and on my main blog, Del Mar California Real Estate Search.

Homeowner’s Insurance - One More Casualty of the Housing Crisis

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:02:35 -0700

A scary issue was just brought to my attention. It's something everyone needs to be aware of if they are buying, selling or listing a home. This is yet another aspect to the fallout from the housing crisis... Vacant Property, courtesy of Matt McGee Vacant Properties Are an Exclusion to Standard Policy First, I heard that the typical insurance policy carried by roughly 85% of homeowners on their home, referred to as the HO-3 policy, has a number of exclusions, including "Vandalism and malicious mischief if the building has been vacant for more than 30 days". I checked this out on several websites and confirmed its validity. Insurance Companies Will Cancel the Policy on a Vacant Home To get more information and verify specifics with someone I trust, I called one of my favorite sources for homeowners insurance in the coastal North San Diego area, Rancho Santa Fe Insurance. Despite being located in and named after one of the wealthiest communities in the nation, RSF Insurance provides policies for all kinds of properties at very competitive rates. I spoke with Laura who explained to me that if an insurer finds out a property is vacant, they will immediately cancel the policy. It goes far beyond simple exclusion! Apparently and understandably, it is considered too risky. So many things can go wrong, from an unnoticed broken pipe, to the vandalism I spoke of above. Between a Rock and a Hard Place, and up S___'s Creek without a Paddle! As if the situation isn't dire enough when a property is in foreclosure or being sold in a short sale, it may lose its insurance and end up completely worthless!

Lost my First Big Deal Because of the Tough Economic Times

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:44:17 -0700

Well, it was bound to happen. We've certainly been feeling the slowdown, with sellers not being able to sell and buyers unwilling to move forward, but my business partner and I thought we finally had one in the bag. Of course, thankfully, I NEVER count my chickens before they hatch... We had written an offer for a client in Del Mar - she had $800k cash on a $1 million purchase, so we felt fairly confident the deal would go through. Well, with the continuation of dire news on a daily basis, our client suddenly felt that, within the span of a week, the amount she was willing to pay for the property in question just plummeted drastically. So drastically, in fact, she probably wouldn't buy the property at any price just now. Never have I seen such a scary state of affairs. I thank my lucky stars for all that I do have and will hold on tight to make sure I don't lose it all!

Taste of Del Mar is Coming to the Village

Eva Meier, Ph.D., ABR (Coldwell Banker) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:17:51 -0700

I'm always suprised how few people know about events like these, so I'm doing my share to get the word out. The seventh annual Taste of Del Mar and Art Stroll is coming to Del Mar Village in just a couple of weeks, on October 4th! This event hosts a wide array of activities and is totally worth visiting, even if you have to drive a distance to get here. This is one of Del Mar's finest moments where we get to show off what a phenomenal place this village is and all it has to offer. Tease Your Palette with Culinary Creations This is my favorite part! For $40, one can sample an enormous array of delicacies from our finest restaurants as well as taste a number of fine wines and ales from our local breweries. Come prepared to take notes so you'll remember which restaurants you want to return to, and come hungry! Feast Your Eyes with Creative Crafts You can get all your Christmas shopping done early at this amazing art festival. With over 70 local artists converging to show and sell their artwork, you'll be amazed how quickly you can find gifts for everyone on your list! But if you just want to stroll and feast your eyes on all the beautiful handiwork, go right ahead. This part is free! A Wide Array of Kids Activities The DMVA offers a variety of free kids interactive arts activities from noon to 4 pm enabling the younger crowd a chance to dabble in hands on creative crafts as well as some lively children's entertainment. The interactive stations include the Rad Hatter (fun hat making), a polynesian craft table, a Polynesian dance concert, puppet show, drumming sessions, and much more. The kids really enjoy it. Pet Stroll The event also offers a free Pet Stroll from 10 am to 5 pm. Your furry friends are not only welcome, but will be treated to special pet goodies at several participating locations throughout the village. Come one, come all! If you're anywhere in the area, this is an event not to missed!