Holiday Safety Tips for Homeowners

The Holiday season is here again and with it comes all the joy and celebration, stress and chaos. What is supposed to be a time of gifts, parties, and family, can quickly turn into hectic shopping trips, travel plans, and unexpected tragedies. This time of year is composed of so many elements there is always the possibility of something going wrong.  There are several precautions homeowners can take to keep their families and homes safe over the Holidays.

 Decorations are an important aspect of the festivities and set the mood for the season.  For most households choosing the tree is a family affair, but choosing the right tree is more important than you think. It is important to choose a fresh tree that is green, sticky with sap, and moist. Older trees that are dry and brittle are fire hazards and the cause of over 250 house fires each year. On average these fires result in 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually. Once you have chosen a fresh tree, keep it fresh by checking the water level every day. If you decide to use an artificial tree, do not use electrical lights on metallic trees.  Whenever you leave the house or go to bed, make sure the Christmas tree lights are unplugged.

Lights are a great way to decorate the outside of your house, but can also become a fire hazard if not done correctly. Before hanging the lights check them for any cuts or frayed wires. It is important not to overload outlets; limit it to three sets of lights to an extension cord to avoid sparking fires. Take extra care when using ladders or walking on roofs to hang the lights.

Another unexpected tragedy that can affect households over the Holidays is burglary. The winter season is a very common time for people to take long vacations and leave their homes vacant. For this reason, thieves prey on those who travel during the season. To reduce your chances of being robbed, take a few precautions to throw them off your trail. Try not to have the same routine every day or week. Leave the house at different times leading up to the vacation. You can give the appearance that someone is always home by using light timers or leaving a television on. Make your neighbors aware of the dates you will be gone, and ask a friend to house sit or stop by periodically. Of course alarm systems will also help deter burglars.

No matter what Holiday you are celebrating this year, these tips can help you avoid a disaster and keep your home safe.

      Nick Alameddin

     Real Estate Broker

    C 760.802.4166

    O 858.455.6700

    F 858.455.0100

http://www.PremiereSD.com

    DRE License #01426515

Celebrating 18 years in the Real Estate Business, who do you know that wants to Sell, Short Sell or buy in the next 30 days?

Posted via email from Nick Alameddin's

Is There Value in Homeownership?

From: Kelsey Ball [mailto:kelseyball@premieresd.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 2:21 PM
To: 'Nick Alameddin'
Subject: Is There Value in Homeownership?

Is There Value in Homeownership?

 

In early 2005 the common trend in real estate was to buy and sell within an incredibly short time frame and walk away with profits. The market quickly took a turn, and most of these buyers found they had bought at the top of the market as the prices corrected. Since then, the economy has been struggling to recuperate. Unemployment and foreclosure rates skyrocketed, while home prices plummeted. This gloomy situation has had potential homebuyers asking the question, “Is there value in homeownership?”

Historically, homeownership has been a long-term investment that brings many rewards. It was not until the last decade that “flipping” a home became a popular way of making a profit. House “flipping” and gains during this time were driven by risk and easy money financing that is no longer permitted. To find value in homeownership we need to go back to the original idea of staying for a longer period to build more equity. For homeowners that take this route, they may be able to refinance at a better rate once they have built more equity in their home. Long-term owners are more likely to see healthy gains in the value of their property. It encourages stability, and the longer you own, the better your investment.

“Flippers” and investors have also changed their ways to adjust to the current real estate market. Experienced investors are first studying the properties, neighborhoods, and demand before making the purchase. Often investors are paying cash, then making small improvements or renovations. The shift has gone from a quick flip, to an investment or rental property.

Recent surveys tell us that many homeowners are already seeing the benefits of long-term ownership. A typical seller that has been in their home for eight years will experience a median equity gain of $33,000 or twenty four percent. In this same survey, first time homebuyers are planning to stay an average of ten years and repeat buyers fifteen years. These homeowners will experience a median gain of forty percent. With more Americans buying for a particular reason such as job relocation or a changing family situation, it is the long-term owners that will find value in homeownership.

Posted via email from Nick Alameddin's

Advantages to Listing During the Holidays

From: Kelsey Ball [mailto:kelseyball@premieresd.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 10:51 AM
To: 'Nick Alameddin'
Subject: blog 11/10

Advantages to Listing During the Holidays

With the holiday season quickly approaching, many homeowners who have considered putting their home on the market have decided to wait until after the season to list. Potential buyers in the market have also put off their home search for the same reason and will pick up again in January. While there are many excuses to not list your home over the next few months, there are many advantages to doing so. During the holidays people who are looking to purchase homes are the more serious buyers. Since the rest of homeowners are waiting to list, there will be less competition on the market, meaning more money for you. In January we are expecting to see a 30 to 40 percent increase in the inventory of homes on the market. With an increasing supply of homes there will be less demand, causing home prices to decrease in order to remain competitive. Therefore, if you wait to list you home might be worth less money in a few months.

Another advantage to listing your home during the holidays is that homes tend to show better when they are decorated for the season. Buyers are also more emotional during the holiday season, so they are more likely to pay your price when driven by their emotions. They usually have more time available to view homes during this time, rather than the regular work week. Also, January is traditionally a time where employees begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until the spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market. In addition, some people may be in a rush to make a purchase before the end of the year for tax purposes.

Most homeowners argue that the holidays are a very busy time and they do not want to deal with showings and the possibility of packing and moving. There is always the option to restrict showings to times and days that work best for you. Another option is to discuss with your agent and the buyer a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of the New Year. This will allow you to sell now for more money and not have to worry about packing up and moving over the holidays. In addition, by selling now, you may have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring when more houses are on the market for less money. If this is the case you will be able to sell high and buy low. While many homeowners can come up with reasons not to list over the next few months, they should first consider the advantages if they do.

 

 

Posted via email from Nick Alameddin's

School District Statistics

School District Statistics

If you are contemplating a move to a different area of San Diego there are many factors to consider while weighing the pros and cons of a neighborhood. Most people will consider the accessibility of the home to amenities, such as grocery stores, shopping, or parks. Some will look at the crime rates in the region to ensure that it is a safe community. If you have children the school district is usually a priority in your decision to move into a particular neighborhood. There are many ways to evaluate a school. One way is by using the academic performance index report, which compares the testing scores of every school in San Diego County. You are able to see if a particular school has met there required change in their scores, as well as the percent change from last year. The scores are pulled from the STAR and CAHSEE tests, based on values from 200-1,000.

	Percent Increase in Test Scores ’09-’10 of San Diego County High Schools

West	East
La Jolla 10%	Rancho Bernardo 14%
Carlsbad 0%	Poway 7%
Oceanside 10%	Scripps Ranch 34%

Based on these statistics we can see that high schools located more inland have increased their scores significantly over the past year. While coastal cities have also seen a general increase in their scores during the same period, it was not quite as great as inland cities. Most all of these schools scored in the high range, over 812. Scripps Ranch High had the highest score of 875. Unfortunately, Oceanside had the lowest score of 750. Education often takes precedence for parents when it comes to their children. If you are thinking about selling and moving to a new area it is a good idea to research the new school district in the area. In addition to academic performance statistics, it is also recommended that homebuyers look up crime statistics, and familiarize themselves with the surrounding area before buying. Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions most people will make in their lives. Why wouldn’t you take the time to research your investment?

      Nick Alameddin

     Real Estate Broker

    C 760.802.4166

    O 858.455.6700

    F 858.455.0100

http://www.PremiereSD.com

    DRE License #01426515

Celebrating 18 years in the Real Estate Business, who do you know that wants to Sell, Short Sell or buy in the next 30 days?

Posted via email from Nick Alameddin's

Cardiff By-The-Sea Real Estate Update

Located just north of Solana Beach and in the southern part of Encinitas, Cardiff By-The-Sea is easily within commuting distance to almost all of San Diego. While technically a part of the city of Encinitas, Cardiff is recognized by its own zip code (92007). Situated just west of Interstate 5, many of its residents live on hillsides with gorgeous ocean views. The city has a population of 11,019 people, with a median household income of $81,059 and is well known as one of the most charming seaside communities in the nation. Cardiff offers residents the small town atmosphere, with the convenience of a nearby big city.

Currently in Cardiff By-The-Sea there are 48 homes for sale. Being a very small, yet attractive city, the average listing price of these luxury beach homes with fantastic views is $1,427,954. From January through August of 2009 there were 525 homes listed, 103 of them being new listings. During the same period of this year there were slightly more homes listed totaling 553 active listings with 115 new homes coming on the market. Similar to many other areas of the United States, Cardiff has seen a tremendous effect on their real estate market over the past few years. In August 2009 there were only three homes sold in Cardiff with a median sales price of $749,000. This year, in August 2010, there were five homes sold in the area with a median sales price of $735,000. with more homes entering the market this year sellers have seen a slight drop in the home values, opening the market to buyers.

With mortgage rates at record lows, it is a great opportunity for potential homebuyers to save in the purchase of their new home, and homeowners to refinance. As of October 18^th, 2010 in San Diego County a 15 year fixed mortgage rate is 3.936%, 30 year fixed is 4.429%, and a 40 year fixed is 4.614%. These rates have helped generate activity in the real estate market over the past three quarters this year, and are expected to stay low through the rest of the year. However, mortgage rates tend to fluctuate on a daily basis and depend on the qualification of each applicant. If you are thinking of buying or refinancing in Cardiff By-The-Sea, now would be a great time to look into it and take advantage of these rates.

      Nick Alameddin

     Real Estate Broker

    C 760.802.4166

    O 858.455.6700

    F 858.455.0100

http://www.PremiereSD.com

    DRE License #01426515

Celebrating 18 years in the Real Estate Business, who do you know that wants to Sell, Short Sell or buy in the next 30 days?

Posted via email from Nick Alameddin's

Should San Diegans buy, refinance or Wait?

According to Roger Showely a staff writer with the Union Tribune, rates again are nearing their 5-year low. This article goes on to offer a few ideas on what you should do. To read the full article please click on http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/may/27/mortgage-rates-and-choice/

      Nasser Alameddin

     Broker

    C 760.802.4166

    F 858.455.0100

http://www.PremiereSD.com

    DRE License #01426515

If you know anyone looking to sell or buy a home, please e-mail me their name & phone number. I will gladly get them a great deal and provide them bar none service. 

Posted via email from Nick Alameddin's

New "Restaurant Row" in Carlsbad

Most locals know the area as “restaurant row,” but the new Paseo Carlsbad is quickly becoming a hot spot for North County dining. The variety of food includes everything from seafood pasta to Chicago style pizza placed in row of upscale restaurants along Paseo del Norte in Carlsbad. Locals are pleased with the San Diego festive atmosphere of the area, without all the traffic. Some of the restaurants include King’s Fish House, who offers nine sizes of lobster, and a dozen types of oysters along with many other seafood items. Also P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, a popular chain of gourmet Chinese food, and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, whose menu features a variety of America Fusion foods.

Paseo Carlsbad has been so successful in the short time it has been open, that there is talk of an expansion within the next decade. According to Strategic Property Service Advisors, the investment company that currently manages the project, the parking lot is full most nights of the week. While there is now overall sales tax revenue available at this time for the restaurants, the lack of vacant parking spots is an indication that they are doing well so far. Residents of North County see this as a sign of the high demand for more projects such as this.

In September, Paseo Carlsbad is looking forward to the completion of their large construction project that will add a two story, 44,400 square foot complex of upscale retail shops. In the near future, Strategic Properties is looking to update the Holiday Inn property at Palomar Airport Road and Paseo del Norte. The cream and blue colored mock windmill, the hotel and its accompanying TGI Friday’s restaurant look out of place next to the newly constructed “restaurant row.”

      Nasser Alameddin

     Broker

    C 760.802.4166

    F 858.455.0100

http://www.PremiereSD.com

    DRE License #01426515

If you know anyone looking to sell or buy a home, please e-mail me their name & phone number. I will gladly get them a great deal and provide them bar none service. 

Posted via email from Nick Alameddin's