1. Homeowners who are struggling financially will be eligible for a 2nd evaluation with a less stringent debt-to-income ratio.
2. The program will be extended to include investor owned properties that are used as rentals.

And ….(drum roll)…

3. The  Administration will triple incentives for lenders who write down principal balances for underwater homeowners, AND they are extending this principal reduction incentive to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac!

It’s this last item that has me excited as I’ve been a proponent of principal reduction for a long time, as noted in my blog post back in 2010. What impact all of this will have of course depends on how quickly the new rules can be put into effect and how well all participating lenders adhere to the new guidelines.

All that being said, I’ll take any good loan modification news that we can get!

I just spent a great afternoon outdoors (no rain today , cutting back my rose bushes. It’s an annual chore that I always enjoy as it sets the stage for a year of beautiful blooms. I know that rose care in general can seem daunting, (especially if your thumb is less than green) but it really isn’t that complicated, and the plants are mostly hardy enough to survive even the worst pruning job.

Although pruning methods can vary according to the type of rose, (floribunda, climbing, miniature, etc.,) here are some general tips to take the mystery out of the task:

1. Roses should be pruned because it encourages new growth, removes any dead wood and helps shape the plant.

2. The time of year to prune will vary according to the weather and where you live. Generally you want to prune while the plants are dormant, or just ready to break dormancy. A good indicator is to look at the reddish bumps on the canes. These are the leaf buds. As they begin to swell, it’s time to prune. In colder areas this is usually early Spring, while here in San Diego, the plants hardly go dormant and you can prune in December or January.

3. Using sharp, by-pass pruning shears, start by removing all dead wood and any weak or twiggy branches that are less than the diameter of a pencil. Trim to open up the interior of the bush. Make sure you’re wearing heavy garden gloves!

4. Next trim back the remaining branches by making a 45 degree cut about ¼ inch above buds that are facing the outside of the bush. This will encourage outward growth versus branches that cross each other on the interior of the bush. You should trim off about ½ the height of each cane. Climbing roses that are mature and climbing where you want them should not be cut back as low as bush roses.

5. Make sure the cuts are clean and not ragged. Many also dab a bit of Elmer’s glue on the cuts to prevent the intrusion of pests or infection.

6. Finally, remove any growth below the graft at the base of the plant and any remaining foliage.

It’s really hard to mess this up. In fact, most people err on the side of not cutting back far enough. And if you aren’t pleased with the results, try again next year!

Want to plant some beautiful roses in a San Diego home? Just give me a call or start your search on my web site.

Marti Kilby
Broker Associate
Myers Real Estate Group
619-846-9249

I don’t know about you, but I’m really tired of adversity.  2011 seemed to be a banner year for arguing for the sake of arguing and those that believe that polarizing people is a sign of strength (are your ears burning Congress?).  We seem to have forgotten that although the ride in between can be very different; we all get here and leave the same way.  There are many more similarities between people than there are differences, yet this last year we seemed to focus only on the disparities.

So, as we close the books on 2011 I’m ready to do what I can, in my own small way, to make the world a kinder place.

My personal life plan for 2012 involves making a real commitment to actively discouraging messages that polarize, encouraging the similarities we all share, and doing my best to show kindness.

I resolve to…

• Show patience when the elderly woman in the check-out line slows the process by fumbling with her money.  That may be me one day.

• Avoid pre-judging the people I meet on the basis of where they live, the car they drive, or the clothes they wear.

• Practice listening without a pre-set target for the outcome of the discussion.

• Remember that life is not a wealth accumulation strategy.

• Support education.  It is the least expensive, most effective weapon that can change the world for the better, forever.

• Set an example for my children, family, friends and business associates by taking the higher road.

• Think twice before saying or writing something negative. 

• Appreciate myself.  The bumps, wrinkles, not-so-good habits, and all.  

• Never be afraid to love.  The benefits will always outweigh the risks.

Will I meet all my goals?  I’d like to think so, but even if I slip a bit now and then, I will know that I’m at least trying to make a positive difference.  What would you add to my list?  I’d love to hear from you!

Best wishes to all for a kinder, more tolerant world in 2012.  I look forward to sharing it with you!

Farmer's markets in San Diego

There is no better way to support a healthy diet and your local economy than buying your produce at a farmer’s market. San Diego Countyhas an abundance of local farms growing everything from avocados to chilies and every week they bring their crops to market sites throughout the County.  Here is the most comprehensive list I’ve been able to find* of 39 popular Farmer’s Markets.  Enjoy!

Sunday:
Julian Certified Farmers’ Market 11am – 4pm – Located between The Bead Shop and the Wynola Farms Marketplace, 4470 Hwy 78, Julian, CA 92036
La Jolla Open Aire Market 9am – 1pm – Girard & Genter – SW corner of La Jolla Elementary School, La Jolla, CA  92037
Leucadia/Encinitas Farmers’ Market and Art Fair 10am – 2pm – Paul Ecke Elementary – 185 Union St. (cross st. Vulcan), Encinitas, CA  92024
Point Loma certified Farmers’ Market 9:30am – 2:30pm – 2900 Block of Cannon St. between Roscrans & Shafter, San Diego, CA  92106. Accepts EBT, Credit & Debit
Rancho Santa Fe Del Rayo Village Farmers’ Market 9am – 1:30pm – del Rayo Village, 16079 San Dieguito Rd., Rancho Santa Fe, CA  92067
Sikes Adobe Certified Farmers’ Market 10am – 4pm – 12655 Sunset Dr., Escondido, CA  92025
Solana Beach Farmers’ Market 1 – 5pm – 410 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA  92075

Monday:
Chula Vista, Swiss Park 3 – 7pm – 2001 Main St., Chula Vista, CA  91911
Escondido Welk Village 3 – 7pm – 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr., Escondido, CA  92026

Tuesday: Coronado Island’s Ferry Landing from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Il Fornaio Restaurant. 1st & B. – Ferry Landing, Coronado, CA  92118  www.coronadoferrylandingshops.com.
Escondido Certified Farmers’ Market 3:30 – 7pm – Grand & Juniper, Escondido, CA  92025
Mira Mesa Farmers’ Market 3 – 7pm, Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Reagan Rd., San Diego, CA  92126

Wednesday:
Bonita Valley Certified Farmers’ Market 3 – 7pm, Bonita Valley Community Church, 4744 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA  91902
Cal State San Marcos 1pm – sunset, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA  92096-0001 Parking lot “B”. Accepts EBT, Credit & Debit
Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market and Food Fair 1 – 5pm – Roosevelt St. between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village, Dr., Carlsbad, CA  92008
Ocean Beach 5 – 8pm – 4900 Block of Newport Avenue between Cable & Bacon, Ocean Beach, CA  92107. Purchase the most delicious, locally-grown, produce, art, flowers, local music and more www.oceanbeachsandiego.com.
Poway Farmers’ Market and Faire 3 – 7pm – 14134 Midland Rd., cross street Temple, Poway, CA  92074
Santee Farmers’ Market 3 – 7pm – Abandoned School Parking Lot, 10445 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, CA  92071
Tu Mercado Certified Farmers’ Market 11am – 2pm – University of San Diego Campus (in front of Student Life Pavillion) 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA  92110

Thursday:
Chula Vista Farmers’ Market and Open Air Bazaar 3 – 7pm – Downtown Chula Vista at Center St. & 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, CA  91915
North Park Farmers’ Market and Open Air Bazaar 3pm – sunset – 3151 University Ave. – CVS Pharmacy parking lot at University and 32nd St., San Diego, CA  92104
Oceanside’s Sunset Market 5 – 9pm – Tremont & Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA  92054. Explore more than 20 farmers, an international food court, live entertainment, arts and crafts fair and farmers market www.msoceanside.com
Oceanside Certified Farmers’ Market & Faire 9am – 1pm – Pier View Way & Coast Hwy 101, Oceanside, CA  92054
UTC Certified Farmers’ Market 3 – 7pm – Westfield UTC Mall on Genesee near Macys, 9001 Genesee Ave., San Diego, CA  92122. Accepts EBT, Credit & Debit

Friday:
Falbrook Certified Farmers’ Market 10am – 2pm – 102 S. Main St., (corner of Main & Alvardo), Fallbrook, CA  92028
Imperial Beach Certified Farmers’ Market 1 – 7:30pm – Imperial Beach Pier Plaza, 10 Evergreen Ave., Imperial Beach, CA  91932
La Mesa Village Certified Farmers’ Market 3 – 6pm – 8300 block of Allison Ave. East of Spring St., La Mesa, CA  91941
Mission Hills Certified Farmers’ Market 3 – 7pm – W Washington St. & Falcon St., San Diego, CA  92013
Mission Valley 3 – 7pm, Westfield Mission Valley Mall – 1288 Camino Del Rio N, East Parking Lot, Adjacent to Camino Del Este, San Diego, CA  92108. Accepts EBT, Credit & Debit
Rancho Bernardo Certified Farmers’ Market & Specialties 9am – noon – Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Deigo, CA  92128

Saturday:
Carlsbad Village Farmers’ Market and Food Fair 1 – 5pm – Roosevelt St. between Grand Ave and Carlsbad Village, Dr., Carlsbad, CA  92008
City Heights Market 9am – 1pm – On Wightman St. between Fairmount and 43rd St., San Diego, CA  92125. Accepts EBT, Credit & Debit
Del Mar Farmers’ Market and Food Court 1 – 4pm – 1050 Camino Del Mar (Between 10th & 11th Streets) Del Mar, CA  92014
Del Mar Flower Hill Certified Farmers’ Market 9am – 1pm – Flower Hill Promenade, 2720 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA  92014
Pacific Beach Certified Farmers’ Market 8am – noon – 4150 Mission Blvd. between Reed & Pacific Beach Blvd., Pacific Beach, CA  92109
Poway Farmers’ Market and Faire 8 – 11:30am – 14134 Midland Rd., cross street Temple, Poway, CA  92074
Ramona Certified Farmers’ Market 9am – 1pm – 1855 Main St., Ramona, CA  92065
Scripps Ranch Farmers’ Market 9am – 1pm – Corner of Scripps Poway Pkwy & Spring Canyon Rd., 10380 Spring Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA  92131
Vista Farmer’s Market 8am – noon. County Courthouse  325 S. Melrose Drive,Vista (just South of Highway 78),Vista,California 92081

*  List courtesy of 101 things to Do in San Diego

For information about any of these San Diego neighborhoods, just give me a call!

Marti Kilby

Broker Associate

Myers Real Estate Group

619-846-9249

La Mesa,CA is a great place to call home!  From the quaint downtown filled with restaurants and antique shops, to the views from Mt.Helix, there are many wonderful neighborhoods with their own distinctive vibe.  But like most everywhere throughout the county, real estate values continue to slip, as noted in this real estate market update.

La Mesa, CA Single Family Home Sales – November 2011

Total number of sales                       51

            Short sales                                 9

            REO sales                                   8

Average price                                     $381,197

Average days on market                 71

Average price 2010                          $417,252

Average price YTD 2011                 $387,727

Prices for single family homes have not showed a significant decline throughout the year, which may be a sign that the market is starting to level out.

La Mesa, CA Attached Home Sales – November 2011

Total number of sales                    14

            Short sales                             3

            REO sales                                2

Average price                                  $190,807

Average days on market              51

Average price 2010                        $190,580

Average price YTD 2011               $167,587

The average price for November for attached homes is surprisingly high when compared to the preceding months.  As we enter 2012 we will have to see if this is a trend, or merely a month with more sales of higher priced units.

To learn more about the La Mesa, CA real estate market, just give me a call!  I’ve lived in the area for over 20 years and would love to show you why this is such a great place to call home.

Holiday lights in San Diego

A great way to celebrate the holidays is to visit some of the tremendous holiday light displays throughout San Diego County.  Here is a list below, kindly supplied by Kurt Stuber at Fidelity National Title.

Residential Locations

ALLIED GARDENS, 92120

7048 Hillsboro St. Off Waring and Princess View. Dec. 10-24, dusk-10 pm.

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH, 92128

Fairway Village, east and west side of Stoney Gate Pl. 85+ homes decorated. Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 5:30-10:30 pm. Neighborhood Block Party on Dec. 17 with food, entertainment, Santa, musicians, carolers and more from 6-10 p.m.

CHULA VISTA, 91910, 91911, 91914, 91915

Whitney St./Mankato. Circle between First and Second Ave. off H St. & 1st Ave. “Christmas Circle.” 55+ homes decorated. Dec. 10-26,5-10 pm.

CLAIREMONT, 92117

Lana Dr. & Jamar. Off  Mt. Abernathy Ave. Circular street. 40+ homes deco-rated. Dec. 10-27. 4670 Norwalk Ave. Off Clairemont Mesa Blvd./Moraga Ave. Dec. 11-Jan. 1,7-10 pm, weekends7-11 pm.

EAST SAN DIEGO, 92113

1523 48th St. Off Federal Blvd. & 48 St. Dec. 4-24, 5-10 pm. 4641 Craigie St. Off Highway 94 and 47th. Dec. 10-24, dusk-10 pm.

EL CAJON, 92021

Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Dr. Lights). Solomon Ave./Pegeen Pl. and surrounding area. Off 67 & Bradley. “Celebrating the Reason” theme. Dec. 9-26, Mon-Th 6-9 pm, Fri-Sun 6-10 pm. 11456 Pegeen Pl. “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, complete with Jack, Sally, Zero, the Mayor & Oogie Boogie. Dec. 5-26, Mon-Th 6-9 pm, Fri-Sun 6-10 pm. 1838 El Pico Dr. Off  Hacienda Dr. 48th year of decorating the 20-ft. star over 100 ft. in air, overlooking El Cajon valley from Nov. 27-Dec. 31. Also see a 55-ft. train. Dec. 10-31, dusk-10 pm.

LOMITA, 92114 (near Lemon Grove)

689 Meadowbrook Dr. Off Jamacha Rd. South of Lemon Grove. Dec. 8-Jan. 1, dusk-10 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus may be out from Dec. 17-23.

POWAY, 92064

12631 Stoutwood St. Off Twin Peaks Rd. & Deerwood St. Nicknamed “The Griswolds.” Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 5:30-10 pm week-days, 11 pm weekends. Hickory Ct./Hickory St., 12659 Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct. All off Twin Peaks Rd. & Silverset St. named “Candy Cane Courts.” Entire cul-de-sacs are lit up. Dec. 10-24,6-9 pm.

RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS, 92129

Oviedo St. Off Black Mountain Rd. “Christmas Card Lane.” Also enter off  Twin Trails Dr. & Carmel Mountain Rd. EllinghamSt., Renato St., OviedoSt., Twin Trails Dr., Barrymore St., Rotherham Ave., Talca Ave., Talca Ct., Allenbrook Way, Daven-port Ave., Amber Sky Ln. Dec. 11-31, dusk-10 pm.

SAN CARLOS, 92119

6296 Lake Arrowhead Dr. Between Dallas & Lake Murray. Lights, Santa Claus, animated window scenes. Dec. 5-27, dusk-10 pm. Block of 7900 and 8000 Hillandale Dr. Off Mission Gorge & Deerfield. Dec. 1-31,5-9 pm.

SAN MARCOS, 92069

1639 Knob Hill. Off  Nordahl Rd. Between Tam O’ Shanter Dr. & Augusta Dr. 23rd year of decorating. 90,000+ lights plus Carnival, North Pole and Santa’s WildAnimal Park themes. Nov. 24-Dec. 30,5-9 pm. See Santa from 6:30-8 pm from Dec. 10-23. www.ChristmasOnKnobHill.com

SANTEE, 92071

Sunburst Santee. Tomel Court, off  Magnolia. Many homes, Starlight Circle. Dec. 17-26, 7-10 pm. 9835 Pebble Beach Dr. Displays on house and yard set up to music. Dec. 1-31, dusk-10 pm.

SERRA MESA/MISSION VILLAGE, 92123

2621 Raymell Dr. Yard decorated like Christmas Town from “A Nightmare Before Christmas”. Dec.10-30, dusk-10 pm. 2133 Seagull Ln. Horse & carriage, doe, tree & gifts. Dec. 10-24, dusk-10 pm.

TIERRASANTA, 92124

5306 Belardo Dr. Off  Via Valarta & Via Playa Del Cortes. 95,000 lights, including many homemade decorations, all sequenced and animated to music. Tune radio to 89.7 FM to hear the lights dance. Nov. 26-Dec. 26, 5:30-10 pm.www.belardolights.com 11626 Papagallo Ct. Off Colina Dorado or Calle De Vida. “Thomas the Tank Train Engine” theme. Dec. 3-30, 6-10 pm. 10927 Baroque Lane. A “North Pole” themed Christmas featuring a 20-ft lighted Santa and aChristmasVillage. Dec. 9-28,6-9:30 pm.

VISTA, 92081

1 505 Roma Dr., corner of Lupine Hills and Roma Dr. Inflatable’s and over two 2 dozen homemade plywood cutouts of Disney and other holiday characters. Nov. 26- Dec. 31, Sun-Th6-10pm, Fri-Sat6 pm-midnight.

Commercial Holiday Light Displays

Del Mar Fairgrounds Holiday of Lights

Jimmy Durante Blvd./Via De La Valle. Off Highway 5. Animated holiday lights. Nov. 24-Jan. 1, Sun.-Thurs, 5:30-10 pm; Fri.-Sat., 5:30-10:30 pm.Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & 12. $14/vehicle (up to 5 people), $19/van or car (6 or more), $49/bus. 858-755-1161. www.sdfair.com., www.holidayoflights.com.

Gaslamp for the Holidays Downtown San Diego. www.gaslamp.org.

Hotel del Coronado

1500 Orange Ave. Tree in the lobby is beautifully decorated plus 100,000 lights illuminate the resort from Nov. 30-Jan. 1. Lighting of the tree outside Nov. 30, 4-7 pm. 619-522-8490. www.hoteldel.com.

LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days

Real snow! Snowball targets, build a snowman with LEGO accessories, see holiday LEGO displays. Nov. 19-Jan. 2. Nightly tree lighting at 5 pm, Dec. 1-24. Nightly fireworks, Dec. 26-31. 760-918-5346. www.legoland.com.

Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

Over 100 vessels. Begins on Quivira Basin. Dec. 10, starts at7 pm, fireworks at 9 pm. 858-488-0501. www.missionbayparadeoflights.org.

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

Boats decorated in holiday lights circle Oceanside Harbor.  Sponsored by the Oceanside Yacht Club. Dec. 10,7 pm.760-722-5751.

San Diego Bay Boat Parade of Lights

40th Anniversary, “Back to the Future” theme. Dec. 11 & Dec. 18. Fireworks,5:30 pm then parade til9 pm. Starts off Shelter Island, goes through the harbor and ends at the Ferry Landing, Coronado. www.sdparadeoflights.org.

San Diego Botanic Garden “Garden of Lights”

230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. 100,000+ lights illuminating the plants and trees. Dec. 8-23 and Dec. 26-30,5-9 pm. Nutcracker ex-hibit, marshmallow roasting, live music, kid crafts. Adults, $12, children 3-12, $4. 760-436- 3036. www.SDBGarden.org.

San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells

Balboa Park. Dec. 11-23, Dec. 25-Jan. 2. Lighted animal figures, bell ringers, nightly tree-lighting ceremony, “Night Before Christmas” interactive show. 619-231-1515. www.sandiegozoo.org.

Sea World Christmas Tree of Lights

The Skytower lights will sparkle after dark. Nightly a t6 pm.Weekends Nov. 19-Dec. 11, daily Dec. 17-Jan. 1. www.seaworld.com.

Victorian Mansion/The Forward House

108 Ivy St., corner of First and Ivy, downtown San Diego. Nov. 24-Jan.1,5-10 pm. See Santa on the roof on Dec. 16 from5:30-8:30 pm.619-533-7900. 

For information on buying or selling in any these great San Diego areas, just give me a call!  Happy Holidays!

Marti Kilby

619.846.9249

marti@kilby.com

All times and dates subject to change.

Well, we saw it coming, and sure enough, as a result of Senate Bill 458 2^nd lien holders in California short sales are putting on the squeeze.  The bill was well intentioned, as it restricts 2^nd lien holders in a short sale from issuing a deficiency judgment or demand that the sellers bring money to the table. 

But since the bill passed in July, I am increasingly seeing the 2^nd lien holder holding out for a pay-off of as much as 35% of the remaining balance on the 2^nd TD.  And they don’t care who brings it to the table.  I recently had a 2^nd lien holder request that the seller ask her friends if they could contribute!  Are you kidding me?  The result of course is that 2^nd lien holders may be blocking California short sales.

Case in point:  I have a short sale that I’m negotiating with servicer G—-T— in the 2^nd position. They are demanding 25% of the outstanding balance on the 2^nd, which is approximately $40K, so they want roughly $10K.  The 1^st lien holder won’t allow more than 6% ($2400) to pay-off the 2^nd.  The buyer is contributing another $2K and the selling agent and I are each kicking-in $1K…but that still puts us short of what the 2^nd lien holder is demanding by $3600.

So, I’m in the process of trying to negotiate with G—-T— to lower their demand.  Don’t they understand that if they refuse to accept a lesser amount the property will foreclose and they’ll get nothing?  The 1^st lien holder is holding firm at 6% and there is simply no other source of funds.  Will they lower their demand, or will this be a failed short sale, killed by the 2^nd lien holder?