Happy Family = Happy Life

Change is constant and never ending. Sometimes change punches you in the face, sometimes it flows effortlessly. The harder you resist, the harder it hits (at least in my experience). We’re adding some new flavor to this lifestyle blog by bringing in my wife Dana’s voice and influence as well as a huge variety of topics all related to “lifestyle.” This was once a luxury site focused just on the San Diego area but we’re now expanding our reach and pulling in readers from around the globe. We want readers who follow, but also take action. We want subscribers who feel like they’re ready to elevate their life. Sometimes all it takes is a quick determined decision to change something and BAM the action just flows from there. Follow us by scrolling down a little way down and clicking on the link to subscribe by email on the left side. Anytime we add a post you’ll get it by email. We love our subscribers because you’re curious and you take action.

 

Luxury Flipping In Del Mar, CA

One of the best parts of this business is the different ways there are to make money with real estate. Real estate investing in San Diego is on fire in 2013. Many of the best flippers in the country call San Diego home. One of the most talented is Curtis Gabhart and his company Gabhart Investments. I’ve personally witnessed three separate projects from start to finish and the end product is always amazing. His latest achievement is 229 Twenty Third Street which he has coined The Surfrider at the Del Mar Beach Colony.

This project started as an average outdated duplex which they purchased for $1.45 Million and within a few months it’s been completely transformed into a stunning modern single family home 2 blocks from the beach and super close to the quaint village of Del Mar. It is on the market for $2.5 Million.

If you’d like more information about Gabhart investments click the link. If you’d like to schedule a showing of 229 23rd St in Del Mar click here and fill out the contact form and I’ll arrange a tour with you. If you’d like to see what else is for sale in Del Mar here’s that link.

Buying a Luxury Home in Rancho Santa Fe

Designated a California historic landmark in 1989, the unincorporated town of Rancho Santa Fe is nestled in a rolling landscape populated with eucalyptus trees, lush fruit orchards, and wealthy residents in San Diego’s North County. Rancho Santa Fe homes are about seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, and 30 miles from downtown San Diego and Lindbergh Field.

For generations, Rancho Santa Fe real estate has attracted the rich and famous in search of large estate properties in an exclusive area that offered a charming rural life and the promise of privacy. Rancho Santa Fe real estate is some of the most exclusive in the nation, often limited to those with the means to afford Rancho Santa Fe’s high-priced luxury lifestyle along with the natural seclusion that it’s rolling hills and valleys provide. Buying luxury homes in Rancho Santa Fe vary by type and location. Home prices range anywhere from the $800s to $25 million or more.

Rancho Santa Fe along the San Dieguito River was once an area planted with acres of eucalyptus seedlings to produce wood for the Santa Fe Company’s railroad ties. When the trees proved unsuitable for holding railroad spikes, the area was opened for San Diego home development. The community grew under the strict enforcement of Rancho Santa Fe’s “Protective Covenant” established in 1927, with many of those guidelines still followed today. As a result, the heart of Rancho Santa Fe has no street signs, street lights or even home mail delivery. The primary architect of the original Rancho Santa Fe village was Lillian Rice who envisioned the Spanish Colonial Revival Style of many of the historic public buildings, shops, restaurants and the renowned The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

Today the seven-square-mile Rancho Santa Fe area offers luxury San Diego homes for sale on two- to four-acre or larger lots, many exclusive gated communities with 24-hour security, world-class resorts, restaurants and boutiques, as well as Rancho Santa Fe sports venues that include top-notch golf, tennis, polo and equestrian facilities. Rancho Santa Fe schools are also among the best in California.

The homes in Rancho Santa Fe remind many of the Montecito area of Santa Barbara – most Rancho Santa Fe homes are magnificent Mediterranean-style, sprawling custom builds on large lots with gated entryways.

Rancho Santa Fe real estate has expanded over the years to include developments outside the original, and still highly desirable, 6200-acre Covenant area in Rancho Santa Fe. Today there are dozens of neighborhoods withRancho Santa Fe luxury homes for sale to consider. Here are just a few of the prestigious Rancho Santa Fe neighborhoods:

Fairbanks Ranch – The original Rancho Santa Fe property of screen stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Mary Pickford, Fairbanks Ranch offers grandiose custom homes, its own village and schools, an expansive equestrian center and the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club with a Ted Robinson-designed golf course.

The Bridges – This guard-gated community of Rancho Santa Fe custom homes is an exclusive enclave centered around a Robert Trent Jones II championship golf course and 35,000-square-foot clubhouse.

The Crosby – Located on the site of legendary performer Bing Crosby’s former Rancho Santa Fe estate, Crosby Estates features a top Fred Couples-designed course, 32,000-square-foot clubhouse, and a tennis complex

Here’s What’s Going on In San Diego this Weekend

EVENTS

Movie of the week – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) lives a simple life with his fellow hobbits in the shire, until the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) arrives and convinces him to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor. The journey takes Bilbo on a path through treacherous lands swarming with orcs, goblins and other dangers, not the least of which is an encounter with Gollum and a simple gold ring that is tied to the fate of Middle Earth in ways Bilbo cannot even fathom.

Cavalia – EXTENDED THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS! Cavalia is a fresh mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects. Conceived by Normand Latourelle and often labelled an equestrian ballet, Cavalia is a spectacular and moving tribute to the relationship between men and horses throughout history, a dream of freedom, cooperation and harmony. In a fairy tale setting filled with poetry and emotion, the show innovatively integrates acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts, live music and equestrian arts. Under the White Big Top, a 50-metre stage permits the horses to express themselves in all their splendour, nobility and strength, often completely free.

Holiday at Bates Nut Farm – Enjoy the 2012 Christmas and holiday festivities at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. Candy, Christmas crafts, rides and more. Open daily 9 am – 5 pm. Group reservations are suggested. One of the greatest family San Diego Halloween destinations, but check them out for Christmas time too!

Ice Skating by the Sea – November 21, 2012 through Jan. 5, 2013 at The Del, Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy outdoor ice skating at Coronado beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Daily sessions from 2-5, 6-9 and weekend and holidays/school break from 11-1. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids for three-hour sessions, and $20 adults and only $15 child ticket for two-hour matinee per person. Hot chocolate and holiday drinks make this a festive San Diego holiday activity.

SPORTS

   College Football – Believe it or not the bowl games start this weekend!  The games this weekend are the Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Nevada vs Arizona & the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:  Toledo vs Utah St.

                   NFL – So the Chargers shocked the world (and me) last weekend and beat the Steelers at Pittsburgh.  They face a whole different challenge this week as they host the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton who’s been playing lights out in the second half of the season.  Other games of interest:  NY Giants @ Atlanta, Green Bay @ Chicago, Denver @ Baltimore, Indianapolis @ Houston, Pittsburgh @ Dallas, San Francisco @ New England.

             NBA – Well the Lakers are in total disarray and there’s a new version of hack-a-shaq, it’s hack-a-dwight!  Apparently Dwight Howard shoots free throws about as well as Shaq did.  The Lakers need to do something to turn it around quickly.  Meanwhile the Spurs, Thunder, Grizzlies and Clippers have been playing well.  Click on the link for all the games and times this weekend.

             

WEEKEND WEATHER

	Friday Dec 14	Saturday Dec 15	Sunday Dec 16
	AM Showers	PM Showers	Few Showers
	Hi: 58° Lo: 50°	Hi: 59° Lo: 49°	Hi: 58° Lo: 5°

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Del Mar Holiday of Lights – November 22, 2012 – January 1, 2013 Time: Sunday-Thursday, 5:30pm – 10pm Friday and Saturday, 5:30pm – 10:30pm Price: $15.00 per car, up to 5 people $20.00 per vehicle, 6 or more people. The Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is a spectacular drive-through light show and exhibit, themed for the holiday season, with more than 400 crowd-pleasing, family-oriented displays. The displays are organized into themes, which include: Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, San Diego County Fair, Treasures by the Lake, Del Mar Racetrack, the Twelve Days of Christmas and Elves at Play.

The Nutcracker – The holiday season would not be complete without The Nutcracker. City Ballet of San Diego is just one of several companies presenting The Nutcracker on stages throughout the county. This Sugar Plum Fairy takes the stage at Spreckels Theatre for a week of performances.  It starts this Friday, December 14th and runs through Monday, December 24^th.  Click on the link for the specific dates and times.

Explore Tidepools  –  Monday, December 10 – Sunday, December 16, and Christmas Day, Dec. 25 – Dec. 31, at the low minus tides. Fall and winter is the best time to explore the San Diego tide pools. It’s free and a great weekend kids activity. Click on the link for  a list of best times to visit and more information about the San Diego Tide Pools.

 

Find A Home In San Diego – If you’ve always wanted to move to San Diego or have a relocation in the near future, get in touch with us and we’ll take great care of you and get you in a home quickly and for the right price. We’ve been in the real estate business for over 20 years and have a team of agents ready to work for you. Give us a call 760-618-1490 or click the link to search homes

Home Prices in North County San Diego Fall

San Diego

Data for October sales show that we’re still experiencing a lack of inventory with single family homes despite what you may read in the national media. The sold condos and townhouses bring the average sales price down as far as this data is concerned. Lack of inventory is causing prices to accelerate very slowly and is also making some potential sellers wait until some unknown future time when they can break even. Be careful trying to time the market. Just like when the market was declining and buyers thought they could wait and time it perfectly and get in at the lowest point, it’s just not possible. Sellers need to understand that the timing could backfire as well. Here’s where we are in North San Diego County. Click the links at the bottom for the full report.

• The median price for all North County home sales – attached and  detached - fell to $396,000 in October 2012 compared to $410,000 in September 2012.
• Detached homes in North County decreased 0.52 percent in October 2012 to $477,500 compared to $480,000 in September 2012.
• The countywide median Single family detached price increased slightly at 0.60 percent to $367,200 in October 2012 compared to $365,000 in September 2012.
• The number of North San Diego Single Family Detached listings (active and contingent) declined 6.55 percent in October 2012 compared to September 2012.
• The number of sold North San Diego County Single Family Detached units increased 9.39 percent in October 2012 compared to September 2012. Year-over sold Single Family Detached units jumped 48.05 percent compared to October 2011.
• Median days-on-market for single-family detached homes sold in North County for October 2012 decreased to 38 days compared to 42 days in September 2012.

November 2012 NORTH COUNTY HomeDex Report  

 

November 2012 FULL County HomeDex Report

 

Here are the Top 20 Hottest Zip Codes in SD, as ranked by highest percentage increase in median home price.

What’s for sale in North County San Diego? 

Chris Whittaker

CEO, REI Team

CA- DRE #01895376

Here’s What’s Going On In San Diego This Weekend

EVENTS

Movie of the week – Here Comes the Boom – Once a collegiate wrestler, Scott Voss (Kevin James) is now a 42-year-old, apathetic biology teacher in a failing high school. When cutbacks threaten the school’s music program and its teacher (Henry Winkler), Scott springs into action. He dusts off his long-unused wrestling skills and earns money for the program by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Though the school nurse (Salma Hayek) thinks he’s crazy, Scott gains something he never expected, and the school rallies behind him.

San Diego Kids Expo & Fair –  October 20 – 21 – The San Diego Kids Expo & Fair will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This event promises to be one of the premier events for children’s products and services in San Diego.  Expect to see many of the original games, rides, food and all the fun things families experienced before. With almost 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, our two-day event is guaranteed to be filled with spectacular attractions, the latest interactive games, a talent show, a talent search, on stage entertainers, arts and crafts and hands-on-learning opportunities. There is something engaging for everyone in the family.

Escondido Downtown Street Faire –  October 21, 10am – 9pm. The Escondido Downtown Street Faire will take to downtown’s historic Grand Avenue, where over 60,000 people are expected, along with 500 unique vendors, making the event the second largest single-day fair in California. The street festival will feature arts and crafts, unique clothing, home improvement, children’s rides, food from around the world, a beer garden, live music, animal demonstrations by the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and an old-fashioned pancake breakfast.

Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show – October 19 – 21 – Enjoy three days of fun, food, entertainment and one of a kind handmade arts & crafts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Hundreds of artisans will attend the Del Mar Autumn festival, including some you haven’t seen before – featuring truly unique product – from eye catching jewelry, colorful glassware and ceramics, photography, specialty foods, home décor and much, much more! And it is all made in the good ol’ USA. Food, Music and Fun! You’ll find it all at the Del Mar Harvest Festival. Where else can you eat, drink, and be entertained, all while you shop for those unique gifts for your friends and family (and yourself, of course!)

SPORTS

   MLB Playoffs – The league championship series are underway and in the American League the Detroit Tigers have the NY Yankees on the ropes and are up 3 – 0.  In the National League the St. Louis Cardinals are up 2 – 1 on the SF Giants.  Click on the link for all the games and times.

    PGA – The McGladrey Classic – Ben Crane took the title last year – will he have it in him to win it in back to back years?  Golf fun fact of the week:  The first golf balls were made of thin leather stuffed with feathers.  Tightly-packed feathers made with balls that flew the farthest.  Feather balls were used until 1848.

NASCAR – Hollywood Casino 500 – You might think that by the name of this race that it’s being raced in Hollywood, right?  Well, surprise, it’s coming to you from Kansas Speedway!  Only 4 races after this one till the Sprint Cup Champion is crowned – every race and position matters!  The green flag waves Sunday @ 10am.

                   NFL Football – After one of the biggest collapses in NFL history, losing a 24 point lead going into the second half and getting shut out in the second half, the Chargers get a much needed week off from football.  Games of interest this week:  Seattle @ San Francisco (Thursday night), Washington @ NY Giants, Dallas @ Carolina, Baltimore @ Houston, Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati, Detroit @ Chicago (Monday Night)

   College Football – The first BCS rankings are out and no surprise Alabama leads the pack.  They are followed by Florida, Oregon, Kansas State and Notre Dame.  Games of interest this weekend:  #6 LSU @ #18 Texas A&M, #7 South Carolina @ #2 Florida, #17 Texas Tech @ #23 TCU, Michigan State @ Michigan, #4 Kansas State @ #13 West Virginia, San Diego State @ Nevada.

             

WEEKEND WEATHER

	Friday Oct 19	Saturday Oct 20	Sunday Oct 21
	Partly Cloudy	Mostly Cloudy	AM Clouds / PM Sun
	Hi: 70° Lo: 64°	Hi: 69° Lo: 63°	Hi: 67° Lo: 60°

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Haunted Trail of Balboa Park – September 29 – October 31 at Balboa Park.  Walk on the dark and scary side on the trails at Marston Point in Balboa Park for a San Diego Halloween adventure. Ages 10 and up. 7 PM Wed – Sun. also Mon and Tues Oct 29 – 30. Ticket prices $15 for Sun – Thurs or $17 Fri or Sat. Ticket prices for combo tickets are $20 for trail and Carnival of Carnage maze, scary maze and haunted trail.

Bow Wow Brunch Cruise  – October 21, Out of Downtown San Diego – Boarding: 11:30 am Cruising: 12:00pm- 2:00pm. The 4th Annual Bow Wow Brunch Cruise and Halloween Dog Costume Contest is offered to help raise money for and awareness about orphaned pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. And at the same time, this is a unique opportunity for you to have an outing on the water with your special pooch. Bow Wow Brunch is just like the weekly Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise, but on October 21, we welcome you, your family and your “fur child” aboard.

San Diego Dragon Boat Festival –  October 20 – 21, 9 am – 5 pm. Spend a day on Mission Bay either as a participant or spectator in San Diego Dragon Racing. The Festival is free and open to the public.  The location of our Festival is ideal for viewing the entire race from start to finish. When you are not racing, join your entourage in enjoying our Asian Pacific Heritage Festival on land. Try out Asian cuisines, shop for arts and crafts, appreciate the works of Asian artists and craftspeople. Entertainment, food, arts and crafts of Asian Pacific Heritage Festival continuous all day.

 Search Homes For Sale In and Around San Diego, CA -   We can find your dream home or investment property and create a winning experience that you’ll tell all your friends and family about.

1st October Weekend- Here’s What’s Happening in San Diego

EVENTS

Movie of the week – Frankenweenie – From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous. A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience.

Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest  –  October 6, 12pm – 10pm The Carlsbad Rotary Club’s Oktoberfest will feature German food, live music, polka dancing, face painting, antique fire engines and a giant pumpkin patch. On average, about 8,000 people attend the Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest each year, which began in 1982. The festival takes place at Holiday Park in Carlsbad.

San Marcos Harvest Festival – October 7, 9am-5pm The San Marcos Fall Festival features an Oktoberfest atmosphere, beer garden, wide variety of food, a kid’s area with rides, entertainment and unique vendor booths, the American Muscle Classic Car Show, and three entertainment stages, one of which complements the car show. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Via Vera Cruz between Grand Ave. and San Marcos Blvd. in San Marcos, and is expected to draw 250 vendors and 30,000 attendees.

Del Mar Mud Run – October 6, The Del Mar Mud Run will be the social sporting event of the year, featuring great military style obstacles, plenty of mud, and our fun-filled after party on the race track infield called Mud Fest. Ridiculous Costumes and Shenanigans. The event is located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, a short distance from Del Mar Village.

SPORTS

   MLB Playoffs – So the playoffs are set – The Oakland A’s made an incredible run to win the AL West and the Yankees managed to take care of business beating Boston to win the AL East.  The wildcard playoffs start Friday – click on the link for all the games and times.

    PGA – Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children

– So the Ryder Cup was a bit of a let down, to say the least.  Let’s focus on something good – the charity event that helps children this weekend in Las Vegas, hosted by Justin Timberlake.  Golf fun fact of the week:  The most expensive course to play a round of golf is at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas – the cost?  $500!!

NASCAR – Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 – This Sunday at the Talladega Superspeedway the Sprint Cup Chase gets back in action @ 10:00am.  Brad Keselowski leads the sprint cup standings, but the ever dangerous Jimmy Johnson is right behind him in the #2 spot!

  NFL Football – We are 4 weeks in and the Atlanta Falcons are 4-0, the surprising Cardinals are 4-0, the Houston Texans are 4-0, the Chargers are 3-1 and the shocking Saints are 0-4.  Drew Brees comes home to San Diego this weekend to take on the Chargers, kickoff is at 5:20pm.  Other games of interest:  Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh, Atlanta @ Washington, Denver @ New England (how could Manning vs Brady not be a game you want to watch), Buffalo @ San Francisco.

   College Football – This is a big weekend in college football – lots of great matchups that will surely shake up the standings.  If you are a college football fan claim your spot on your couch or seat at the bar early.  Here’s some of the great games this weekend:  #4 LSU @ #10 Florida, #5 Georgia @ #6 South Carolina, #8 West Virginia @ #11 Texas, Miami, Fl @ #9 Notre Dame, #21 Nebraska @ #12 Ohio State, #23 Washington @ #2 Oregon, #25 UCLA @ Cal, #13 USC @ Utah, Hawaii @ SDSU.

                 

            

WEEKEND WEATHER

	Friday Oct 5	Saturday Oct 6	Sunday Oct 7
	Mostly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy
	Hi: 71° Lo: 64°	Hi: 72° Lo: 65°	Hi: 70° Lo: 64°

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Julian Apple Days Festival – October 6 – 7, 10am – 5pm.  Julian Apple Days Festival will be held at the Menghini Winery, located at the end of Farmer Road, about 2 miles north of downtown Julian. The apple fest will feature apple displays, gold panning demonstrations, a antique tractor display, live music and dancing, carnival games, a beer and wine garden, a pie eating contest, food, crafts and other merchandise vendors, and apple pie.

San Diego Botanic Garden Orchid Fair  –  Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6 – 7, at 2:30 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas. Enjoy the annual orchid fair at the San Diego Botanic Garden, formerly Quail Botanical Gardens. Learn from the experts how to care for your newly purchased orchids at “Orchids 101,” our ongoing lectures on culture and care.

Legoland Brick-or-Treat Celebration  –  Starting this Saturday, October 6, and happening every Saturday at Legoland in Carlsbad. Wear your costume and enjoy a San Diego Halloween event at Legoland.  The Brick-or-Treat Halloween party night has extra fun from 5-9 PM Saturdays through Halloween, there is also Halloween trick or treat trail on Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t forget to wear your costume!

Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events

• Glenmorangie Scotch Tasting Event @ West Steak & Seafood – October 9^th – 6:30pm
• OktoberWest – October 13^th, from 12-3pm – come out and get your brats and beers at this traditional German style event.
• Coronado Brewing Company Beer Dinner – October 16^th, 6:30pm @ Bistro West.
• Click on the links for all the details on the fabulous events!

 Trick OR Treat- Search San Diego Homes for Sale HERE