Real Estate and All That Jazz: California: San Diego

 

 

 

 

 

Metro San Diego Farmer's Markets.

Are we lucky or what? Fresh local produce all year round....well, mostly all year. There's no excuse to eat an unhealthy diet, with so many fresh food choices. Check out one of these markets near you.

 

 

 

 

     Fresh Eggs straight from the hen

 

Buy Local Produce

 

Pacific Beach Certified Farmer's Market

Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
4150 Mission Blvd (between Reed and Pacific Beach blvd)
Pacific Beach, CA 92109
Manager: Mary Hillebrecht
Contact: 760-741-3763

Barrio Marketplace Certified Market and Open Air Market

Saturday: 9:30 mm-2 pm
2258 Island Ave. (between 22nd and 23rd Streets)
San Diego, Ca 92102
Manager: Jerry Guzman
Contact: jguzman@shermancenter.org

San Diego City Heights Market

Saturday: 9 am-1 pm
Wightman St. (between Fairmount and 43rd)
Accepts EBT, credit and debit
Manager: Lorrie Scot
Contact:  thelazytranch1@gmail.com


San Diego-Gaslamp-Third Ave. Certified Farmer's Market and Asian Bazaar

Sunday: 9 am-1 pm
400 block of Third Ave. between Island and J St.
San Diego, Ca 92101
Manager: David Klaman and Diem Do
Contact: 619-279-0032

San Diego-Hillcrest Certified Farmer's Market

Sunday: 9 am-2 pm
3960 Normal St. at Lincoln
San Diego, A 92103
Manager: David Larson
Contact: 619-237-1632


San Diego Horton Square Certified Market

Thursday: 11 am-3 pm (March-October)
225 Broadway, South side of building cross street Broadway Circle
San Diego, CA 92101
Manager: Mary Hillebrecht
Phone: 760-741-3763


San Diego Little Italy Mercado

Saturday: 9an-1:30 pm Date St-India to Columbia-North Side
San Diego, CA 92101
Manager: Catt White
Contact: mercato@littleitalysd.com


San Diego Mission Valley San Diego

Friday: 3pm-7pm
Westfield Mission Valley Mall-East parking lot near Macy's
2028 Camino del Este
San Diego CA 92108
Manager: Brian Beevers
Contact: Brian@sdmarketmanager.com

North Park Farmer's Market and Open Air Bazaar

Thursday:
Spring/Summer: 3pm- sunset
Fall Winter: 2pm- sunset 3151
3151 University Ave.-CVS parking lot at 32nd St.
San Diego, CA 92104
Manager: David Larson
Contact: 619-237-1632

Tu Marcado Certified Farmer's Market

Wednesday: 11 am-2 pm
University of San Diego Campus (In front of Student Life Pavilion)
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Manager: Charles Ramos
Contact: 619-260-8859

 

San Diego Farmer's Markets Metro San Diego,CA

 

Deborah A. Stone Realtor Contact Me

 

 

April 24
Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair and Parade

International performers representing every corner of the globe, including Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, the Middle East, and Asia, will perform on three stages. Plan on a fun-filled day for the whole family complete with a Kids Zone, Teen Spot, Parade and World Arts Village. Renowned potters from Mata Ortiz will be at the fair selling their pottery.

Time:10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location:6900 Linda Vista Rd.
For more information visit LV Fair

 

April 24
Norah Jones

An American singer-songwriter, pianist, keyboardist, guitarist,  and actress.  Her career began with her 2002 debut album "Come Away with Me", and adult contemporary vocal jazz album, that received five Grammy Awards.
Time: 8:00pm
Location:SpreckelsTheatre, 121 Broadway, Downtown San Diego.      

For more information visit Nora Jones Event.
or call 619-220-8497

April 24
El Cajon Saturday Morning Neighborhood Clean-ups

Neighbors and volunteers are working together to rebuild and restore the neighborhoods of Downtown El Cajon, one street at a time. With your help, we can make a difference!  Come out on Saturday to spruce up the neighborhoods by removing trash and identifying graffiti.

Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Meetat the corner of Cypress Avenue and Sunshine in El Cajon.
For more information visit event
or call 619-401-8858

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April 9-11
10th Annual Goodguys Del Mar Nationals

The Goodguys 10th Del Mar Nationals presented by Meguiar's  is a 3-day automotive happenin' featuring over 2,000 street rods, customs,  classics, muscle cars, and street machines through 1972.  This event  features an indoor and outdoor car show, a swap meet and cars for sale corral, commercial vendors and exhibits, hot rod seminars, Street Challenge AutoCross, live entertainment, model car show and more.

Time: Fri & Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm / Sun 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar.
For more information visit  Del Mar Nationals

 

APRIL 10  
Bluegrass Day
 
Enjoy a free concert filled with the sounds of Bluegrass, old-time jams and other favorite music!  It's a delight for all your senses, as the sweet sounds of strummin' and sight and fragrance of the flowers surround you, your family and your friends.

Time: Noon - 4:00 pm
Location: The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad.
For more information visit visit  flower fields

 

April 10-11
The Flower Fields Arts and Crafts Fair

 The Arts & Crafts Fair features an array of paintings, photography, and
  crafts created by local artisans.  While strolling among the arts and crafts
  and listening to music, guests will be able to relax and enjoy delicious
  heart-shaped strawberries grown in local San Diego fields.

Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad
For more information visit Arts and Crafts Fair

 

 

April 17
Moonlight Beach Cleanup, Encinitas

To help out at an already coordinated cleanup, all you have to do is show up. Please wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes and sunscreen. Bring gardening or work gloves if you have them. If not, the Surfrider Foundation is happy to provide you with latex gloves if needed. They also provide the bags, hand sanitizer and other essentials for cleaning up trash.

Time: Show: 11:10 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Moonlight Beach, Encinitas  - meet on the sand by Cottonwood Creek
For more information information visit beach cleanup

 

April 17
El Capitan Reservoir Kayak

This is an adult and family program presented by the San Diego
Natural History Museum.  El Capitan Reservoir has the largest capacity in  San Diego's lake system.  It is a known nesting site for Spotted Sandpipers, Willow Flycatchers and Great Egrets.  Price includes kayak, equipment and paddling instruction.  No previous kayaking or swimming experience is required.  $65 adult; $20 children.. Time: 9:00 am Location: El Capitan Reservoir, 30 miles northeast of San Diego.
For more information visit let's kayak

April 18
Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Celebrating the official start of San Diego's spring saltwater sportfishing season, the fleet of 70 sportfishing boats of Point Loma will provide a  colorful backdrop of the day's events, featuring open house aboard fleet vessels, boat rides around the bay, casting contests, fishing tackle displays, apparel, fishing seminars, cooking demonstrations, marine retailers, a stocked fishing area for children, a hands-on marine art contest for kids, music, food and live entertainment.

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Refer to website for directions

April 18
EarthFair 2010, Balboa Park

Celebrate Earth Day at this free environmental fair and celebration (its 20th year in Balboa Park).  With 60,000 other Earth lovers, this event is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world.  Features more than 350 exhibitors, special theme areas, a food pavilion, a special Kids' activity area, three entertainment venues, the Children's Earth Parade, the Earth Gallery art show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse.

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Balboa Park
For more information visit earth day

 

 

 

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Last week nice weather finally graced our city. We had an unusually cool and rainy winter, and when the sun came out and the "old" San Diego climate appeared, I decided to spend a few afternoons enjoying some much needed free time.

 

Balboa Park in San Diego, CA is one of my favorite places to go. Not only can you meander around the beautiful rose gardens and pathways, but there are museums, lawn bowling and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Parking is never a problem mid-week, and not really too bad on week-ends either. I decided to take advantage of one museum's FREE  entrance on Tuesday for all San Diego residents. It happened to be the Mingei International Museum where there were several Exhibits: Mexican Cultural, Chinese Hat Box (see photo) and Ceremonial Art Across Cultures.

 

Tuesdays are a great time to go: no crowds and lots of space to stop at the Exhibits. I then decided to go to the Museum of Photographic Arts where there was an  Exhibit called "State of Mind-A California Invitational" running from Feb 6-June 6th 2010 which showcases 22 California photographers.  Well worth it if you can appreciate different photographic perspectives. Unfortunately, it was not FREE Tuesday for this museum so I had to pay a very reasonable $6.00 entrance fee. There is a really nice gift shop with an extensive collection of books on Photography, and the cafeteria had decent coffee.

On my 2nd afternoon, I went to PB, Pacific Beach (which is a local San Diego Beach, not just the name of the ocean) to watch the surfers, bikers, people walking dogs, impromptu street music and to walk the boardwalk. Surf was up, dude, and the waves must have been 10 feet high! There was an almost chilly breeze which was so pleasant as I sat and ate my lunch in the sun.

On my 3rd afternoon, I went off to Circle T Ranch on Willow Rd. in Lakeside,CA and spent a lazy morning riding my horse, grooming him and listening to Country music. Circle T is located across from many riding trails, so if you don't have a horse, you can go on a trail ride with Laura on one of their barn horses (Missy or Jasmine), who will take even beginners through the wilds of Lakeside.

 

 

San Diego has so many "vacation" activities within easy reach. One can spend a morning in a rural high desert, the afternoon at the beach and then off to Balboa Park/downtown for some urban adventures. Maybe that's why I don't feel the need to take as many vacations living in this part of the country...I can do just about everything I enjoy within a 30 minute drive.......
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February 20 SDSU Aztecs vs Utah - Mens Basketball Go out and support the Aztecs as they go head to head with Utah. Time: 6:00 pm Location: Viejas Arena (formerly Cox Arena)           For more information visit http://goaztecs.cstv.com

 

February 20-21
28th Annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is celebrating the
Year of The Tiger at the 2010 Chinese New Year Fair. Festival
entertainment includes lion and dragon dancers, Chinese acrobats,
folk dance and music, martial arts, Asian Story Theater, a children's
activity area and 75 food and vendor booths.

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, 404 Third Ave., downtown San Diego

For more information information visit www.sdchm.org

  February 27
Walk for Wishes

SeaWorld will host Walk for Wishes to raise money for the
Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego, whose mission is to grant
wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Walk for Wishes
will include a 1-mile route through SeaWorld, with an optional
4-mile course along Mission Bay. After the walk there will be activities, refreshments and entertainment for the whole family.!

Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: SeaWorld, 500 Sea World Dr.

For more information call 858-707-9470 or visit www.WalkForWishesSD.org

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My dad wasn't a wealthy man, nor did he have more than a high school education but he was one of the smartest people I knew. His advice has gotten me further than much of the knowledge I have accrued from college degrees and industry courses. Being raised during the Depression, he had to assist supporting his mother and 4 siblings when he was 12 years old (his father had died very young) by being a golf caddy. There was no welfare or public assistance at the time. Fortunately, the Stone brothers had inherited high intelligence and a strong work ethic. His brother, my Uncle Harold, had nothing more than an 8th grade education, but made millions of dollars in the stock market in the 60's and 70's. My dad worked at GE for 35 years as a "tool and dye maker" for jet engines. He also ran his own part-time business creating wrought iron fixtures for industry. He was always resourceful and optimistic. He was a man of short stature, reserved in nature but one of the most honest and diligent I knew. 

Here are the basics of his business plan:

If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. This was advice he gave to me when I was complaining about rents and tenant issues. In other words, shut up and keep on working hard, or get out of the business. You will always have battles to fight, no matter what business you are in.

 

If you invest in several pieces of Real Estate, you will never be homeless Perhaps not 100% true, but more than once did I have to move into a rental unit I owned to compensate for a slow R.E. market and less income than I expected that year.

 

There is no such thing as being a "little" honest. Either you are or you are NOT. Hmmm. We all don't like to hear this, but it's the truth. Integrity goes a long way in this industry.

 

Buy "bread and butter" property. In a market downturn, the demand will be much higher than high end property.Wow, have I learned this. Not only the past few years in San Diego CA Real Estate but also in Boston in the early 90's. The luxury condos were sitting empty and my phone was ringing off the hook for the "less fancy" affordable units.

 

 

Invest in what you KNOW, ie. the stock market or real estate or stamp collecting. Not that you should not try to learn about other investments, but if you have a track record of success with Real Estate in San Diego CA, stick to it. Perhaps dabble in the unknown with limited funds, but save the big bucks for what you do well with.

Well there you have it. If anyone has anything else they may have learned about business from wise parents, please feel free to contribute.

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In the past 13 years since I have been living in in So Cal, Metro San Diego neighborhoods have experienced increased revitalization. North Park is one of these areas.

 

North Park has always been a “diamond in the rough”. North of Balboa Park and just adjacent to upscale Hillcrest North Park has gone through some growing pains, only to emerge as an ethnically and economically diverse area with a downtown center that is hip and flourishing. There is also a vibrant arts scene, and many chic new eateries.The 805 is the backbone of this area, and one can get to just about anywhere in San Diego County in 20 minutes.

North Park definitely has an inescapable “pulse” and on my recent visit there, I could see that previously vacant stores were replaced by some very unique businesses.

 

 

 

  Claire de Lune Coffee house in North Park.You can even find poetry  readings by locals here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Off the Record sells a huge selection of 33 rpm records...like The Beatles!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Get your shoes repaired.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                         Or get a tattoo...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  North Park Beauty Supply...with a seriously huge selection                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Local color:  skateboarding..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  Checking in with the office...........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Taking a much needed energy drink break.............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                On a peaceful midday stroll in North Park....

 

 

 

Condos in North Park are still priced very reasonably. On a recent search of homes for sale in metro San Diego you can find one BR condos in the low $100K's all the way up to homes over $1,000,000. A recent search of the MLS showed 25+ condos on the market between $100K and $150K. If you are a young professional renting an apt. than now may be the time to purchase a condo in this Metro San Diego neighborhood.These are great prices for urban digs within 10 minutes drive of downtown San Diego. Public transportation is available too.

Check out my profile on Active Rain

 

Sure, I can:

Ride my bike instead of my car. (try riding a bike on the So Cal freeways). Eliminate Starbuck's from my daily routine (aww, this hurts). Brown bag it daily (hate making sandwiches in the morning). Sit in my dark, cold house with no lights on.....(enough said)!!

But I have found 10 painless ways to save money in San Diego:

1. Use the clothes dryer for 2 minutes to "fluff" the fabric, then hang on a rack in the sun.

2. Change all light bulbs to "low energy".

3. Recycle plastic grocery bags to use in the trash.

4. Check fees at your bank. I did some comparison shopping for small business accounts and even though there was only $20/difference a month,it's money in my pocket, not theirs.

5."Sun-blocking" curtains & ceiling fans reduce heat (and cold) thus lowering energy costs substantially.

6.Check your cell phone carrier & cable t.v. providers regularly. They don't want to lose you to the competition, and often have "new programs" to offer you. I just saved $20/month from my Verizon wireless bill, & $30 from my cable bill, with not much difference in my old service plan.

7. Sign up for SKYPE, and lighten up your monthly cell minutes. For $2.95 month, you can call unlimited within the USA, and for a bit more, all through Europe. Check out www.skype.com

8. Stop paying high prices for "processed" foods. You will not only save significant $$, but you will be much healthier.

9. Stop buying bottled water. My refrigerator has a “filtered water system”. If you do not have this, you can purchase Brita Water Filtration System at Target and filter your own water. Or use both and have double-filtered water.

10. Stop buying software. I found Avira (anti-virus) and Open Office org. (replaces Microsoft Office) both online for FREE. Google.docs now offers FREE web-based templates

Using the above methods I save over $100/month.............. and I have some of the lowest utility bills in my San Diego neighborhood. Check out my profile on Active Rain

 

 In the early 2000's the best investments were multi-unit properties: 2 units or above. A single family home was not considered to be an investor's arena. Why? Price too high to even approach a “break-even” point with a modest (10%-20%) down payment. Sure, ok to buy for future appreciation and tax shelter, but for the most part single family homes were not the arena of the small investor in San Diego, CA.

The San Diego income property market in some zip codes has changed all that. One area that has been hit exceedingly hard by the sub-prime disaster has been “City Heights” thus prices are really low. A densely packed multi-ethnic area of single family homes and small condo buildings, City Heights has been gentrifying rapidly. There is a huge mix of housing options: single family, condo, rental apts. And from low-end to (although I would not call it high-end) nice urban digs, close to downtown (5-10 minute drive) and city services (public transportation). City Heights also has one other benefit going for it: the benefit of a “coastal climate” with cool ocean breezes much of the time. Just a few miles inland and you can see temperature differences of 10-15 degrees. This a HUGE benefit during Fall in San Diego....and it's a bonus!

I manage a property for an out of state owner. It is a clean house, 3BR 1.5 BA on a small lot of land and I woud classify it in reasonable condition. There is a lovely family room w/fireplace, and private entrance (think Granny, roommates, teens).The front yard is a small enclosed area with some fruit trees and parking for 3 cars.The house is set far back from the street. The lot is non-existent, but that translates into no upkeep.

 

 

 

 

 FRONT OF HOUSE

 

 

 

 

 

KITCHEN 

 

 

 

 

  

 FAMILY ROOM

 

 

 

 

OK let's talk monthly numbers. At $170K present market value the down payment is $20K (10% down and 3K closing costs)

P & I =$848 (5.5%)

Taxes =$156.

Insurance =$50.

Maintenance =$50

Basic Expenses = $1104.00

 

The rent is $1350. That would bring the cash flow to $246 /month.But for argument sake, let's say the house breaks even the first year, investing the $246 back into the house for new paint/repairs/upgrades. You would now have a single family home in an urban market in San Diego for $20K down, and you could ride the next wave of appreciation with not a care in the world. Oh and did I mention I had 12 calls on this rental the first week? And that rents usually go up after the first year? This is a great start in City Heights for the new investor in San Diego income property.

 

Seems like a “No Brainer” to me.  Contact me, let's talk.