Del Mar CA – A True Paradise

Del Mar CA is an extraordinarily beautiful place to live, with its coastal sandstone bluffs, majestic old growth Torrey Pines and spectacular ocean views.  We who live or work here are thankful for all these things.  For me, coming to the office, located in the heart of Del Mar Village, is truly a treat!  I get to enjoy dazzling sunsets every day.  

Hiking in Del Mar CA

Cleaning up the Ocean Views

Well, for many Del Mar residents, the ocean views are about to get even better.  A very long time in the planning stages, the Utility Undergrounding Packet is finally underway.  The plan includes replacing overhead wires, poles and transformers with new underground utilities in Del Mar neighborhoods, improving upon views that people are already willing to pay millions for.   The project, partially paid for by parcel assessments, will enhance both safety and community aesthetics.

Undergrounding of the Powerlines – A Good Thing or an Undue Burden?

The problem is, this is not a clear-cut issue – while it sounds like a good thing, a project that in the end will greatly enhance the look of the community and boost property values, it poses a real financial burden for some, particularly longer time residents who may not have the means for such improvements.  As Art Olson explains in his article in DelMarSandpiper.org, this debate highlights “a financial chasm between long-time residents, many of whom bought modestly priced homes and are now retired, living on fixed incomes, and newer residents who have invested more into their Del Mar home purchases, and appear less concerned about the financial impact of their proposed assessments.” 

Undergrounding powerlines - two sides of the same coin

I understand the views on both sides. It will be interesting to see how this issue unfolds.  Hopefully, some kind of compromise will be reached will allow the undergrounding to proceed without placing an undue burden on residents and pushing them to the brink of financial ruin…

It’s soon time for the seventh annual Encinitas Rotary Wine Festival, a celebration of international wines, local microbreweries and cuisine, hosted by the San Diego Botanic Garden, one of my favorite places.

This is an opportunity to enjoy a fabulous evening of fine wine and tasty samplings from our local restaurants, listen to great music, and support wonderful and worthy causes, all the while enjoying the beautiful setting of the Gardens, one of North San Diego County’s true jewels.  The event takes place June 5th, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm.  More details and ticket prices can be found at www.encinitaswinefestival.com. 

While you will most likely want to get a babysitter for the evening, make sure to return to the Garden with the kids on another day to visit the Hamilton Children’s Garden, a enchanting place where children and families can enjoy the outdoors and experience the wonder of being close to nature.

According to various economic and real estate pundits, we’ve hit bottom and are on our way back up! 

At a recent conference hosted by NSDCAR (North San Diego County Association of Realtors), John Tuccillo, a former Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, George Chamberlin, Executive Director of The Daily Transcript, and several other renowned experts, all seemed to agree – we hit bottom sometime around March of 2009.  This graph from statistics gathered by NSDCAR shows the median prices starting to rise again after a steady two-year decline. 

Of course, each niche varies and has its own specific statistics – some markets are still declining and some are going gangbusters – but overall, there is light at the end of this long dark tunnel!

With rates still at historic lows (roughly 5% with no points for a 30 yr fixed conforming loan!!), PLUS tax incentives, PLUS prices still low but drifting upwards, this is a great time to buy!  As one of my colleagues put it, “if you don’t buy now, you’re either broke or stupid!”  Kind of mean, but true!

Give me a call if you want to jump in and take advantage of the awesome opportunities out there right now (760-815-1318), or visit my website and do some searching on your own: www.DreamHomesByTheBeach.com.  North San Diego County Real Estate – a fantastic investment in your future and a paradise to live in!

Encinitas residents, please remember to attend your community specific workshop this week!
 
Your inputs on what Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Encinitas should be (and not be) are critical to getting a good and workable General Plan. 
 
The consultants preparing the plan are based in Northern California.  They need our inputs to understand what we like about our community, what can be improved, and what is “off the table”.  Your inputs will be used in developing the General Plan, so it is critical to be heard.  Otherwise, we may end up with a general plan that does not address our desires as a community.  
 

Please come share your vision – even the smallest inputs will be of value.
Community Specific Workshops, all from 6pm-8pm
1. March 8 (Monday) in Olivenhain (Olivenhain Town Hall, 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road)
2. March 9 (Tuesday) in New Encinitas (Diegueno Middle School, 2150 Village Park Way)
3. March 11 (Thursday) in Cardiff (Cardiff Elementary School, 1888 Montgomery Ave)
4. March 22 (Monday) in Leucadia (Paul Ecke Central Elementary, 185 Union Street)
5. March 23 (Tuesday) in Old Encinitas (Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Ave)