December 2010 85026 PERMIT 1441
ARG-Abbott Realty Group 435 4th Ave. • San Diego, CA 92101
FEATURED PROPERTY
The Mark | Unit 401 1 Bed | 1 Bath 919 Sq. Ft. $299,000 Live the luxury life at The Mark! This fabulous 1/1 NW corner unit is 919 sq. ft. with gorgeous gourmet kitchen, granite counters, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, view balcony, large closet, secure parking, storage unit, and amenities galore including pool, spa & fitness center. Plus, all that this fantastic downtown location has to offer! This Short Sale opportunity is hard-to-beat – grab it while it’s still available!
SANDRA MELVILLE
CURRENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN HORIZONS & PARK PLACE
HORIZONS
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Bed / Bath Est. SF 2 / 3 1,640 2 / 3 1,770 2 / 2 1,263 2 / 2 1,497 4 / 4 2,516 3 / 4 2,752 3 / 3 2,436
PARK PLACE
Floor TH TH 23rd 19th TH 22nd TH
List Price $715,000 $749,000 $775,876 $892,000 $1,395,000 $1,949,000 $1,995,000
SALE PENDING 2 / 2 2007
25th
$1,125,000
SOLD 1 / 1 897 1 / 2 1,249 2 / 2 1,301 2 / 2 1,263 2 / 2 1,544
UNIT 202 207 302 2001 1604
SOLD PRICE $350,000 $369,900 $430,000 $575,000 $800,000
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Bed / Bath Est. SF 1 / 2 1,113 2 / 2 1,545 2 / 2 1,338 2 / 2 1,252 2 / 2 1,374
Floor TH 3rd 5th 5th 13th
CONTINGENT 2 / 2 1,575
4th
$640,000
SALE PENDING 2 / 2 1,375 1 / 2 1,268 2 / 2 1,455 2 / 2 1,545 3 / 4 1,776
TH 25th NA 5th TH
$485,000 $500,000 $519,900 $595,000 $699,000
SOLD 1 / 2 1,113
UNIT 408
SOLD PRICE $410,000
List Price $460,000 $599,000 $650,000 $715,000 $1,045,000
Selling Your Home in Today’s Market
Price it Right for Success
Downtown San Diego Neighborhoods
Spotlight On: Convention Center
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.
Impress Your Out-of-Town Guests
Realtor, CRS, GRI Sandra@ MelvilleAndAssociates.com
619.454.5464
Maria Maria’s Celebrated Guacamole
Downtown San Diego’s 800.588.7382 • www.DowntownSanDiegoProperties.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Real Estate Report
Featuring Maria Maria La Cantina 1370 Frazee Rd. 619.574.6800 | MariaMariaRestaurants.com
SEAFOOD GUACAMOLE Guacamole: 3 Large Hass Avocados 6 oz Guacamole Seasoning Paste 3 Tablespoons Chopped Onion 3 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro 3 Teaspoons Diced Jalapeno 6 Tablespoons Seeded and Diced Tomato Large Pinch Salt Cut the avocado in half around the pit. Separate the halves and discard the pit. Make 3 lengthwise cuts down to the skin of the avocado, then 4 cross wise cuts. Scoop the avocado cubes into a bowl. Repeat with the remaining avocados. Add the seasoning paste, chilies, onions and cilantro to the bowl over the avocado. Mix, breaking up the cubes a little. Add the tomatoes and salt and mix just until blended into the guacamole. Transfer to a bowl, top with Seafood Salpicon and serve with corn chips and warm tortillas. Serve immediately.
So it’s time to sell your home and work with a Realtor to set a listing price for your abode. Of course, you want top dollar. And, of course, you love your home and have worked hard to make it your pride and joy. That said, you might feel it’s worth more than other comparable units in your building that have recently sold. Which is why you may not agree with the price your Realtor suggests as it may be far less than you were imagining. So what’s a savvy homeowner to do? Believe it or not, pricing your home unrealistically high will only come back to haunt you in the end. Not only will
Guacamole Seasoning Paste: 1 Chopped White Onion 3 Large Jalapenos, Coarsely Chopped 2 Serranos, Coarsely Chopped 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin 1 Tablespoon Sugar 1/2 Cup Olive Oil 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt 2 Cups Firmly Packed Cilantro, Stems and All 1/2 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice 2 Cloves Garlic
home buyers be looking at your home and be comparing it to homes that really do belong in that price range (how do you think yours will compare?), but they will most likely be disappointed when (and if) they come to view your home. Now imagine a potential buyer who comes to see your properly priced home. More than likely, they will be pleasantly surprised by how beautiful your home is and may feel they are getting in on a bargain. Which home do you think will sell faster? That’s right, the one priced appropriately and in tune with the market. Dare we say it, you may even get into a bidding situation where more than one buyer sees the value of your home and will bid the price a bit higher. Some homeowners make the mistake of pricing their home too high, “just to test the waters” with the intention of dropping the price if needed. More than likely, your home will not sell at or perhaps even close to your asking price. Buyers don’t live in a vacuum and are most likely working with a Realtor who has shared with them the same information on comparables that your Realtor showed to you. They will know when a home is initially overpriced and
they will pass over such a home. A new listing gets its most activity within the first 14 days on the market. Miss your opportunity, and it’s difficult to regain that lost momentum. When this happens, your home may sit on the market for weeks, months, even years. And what happens then? Your home is stigmatized as “that home that won’t sell” and “that home that’s been on the market forever.” Potential buyers will start to wonder what’s wrong with it and guess there’s a reason why so many others have passed on it. And then, you, the homeowner, is forced to lower your price. Perhaps several times. This continual reduction of price also stigmatizes your home, and can be discouraging and depressing to you as the homeowner. And where does this leave you and the final sale price of your home? Often at or even well below the initial price your Realtor recommended listing your home in the first place. But don’t just take our word for it, take a look at the facts: According to Altos Research, a real estate data analysis firm in Mountain View, California, sellers often do price their homes too high, forcing them to lower prices later on to make the sale. National price reductions average 8 to 9 percent off the property’s last listing. Choosing the listing price for your property is a critical component to the success of your home’s sale. Be sure to price appropriately to generate interest right away and you’ll no doubt be more satisfied with your final outcome.
Spotlight On: CONVENTION CENTER
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed until everything is very smooth. Chill immediately and use within 2 days. Seafood Salpicon: 1/2 Cup Salpicon mix 5 oz Crab 5 oz Shrimp Heat salpicon mix in a pan, add shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Add crab and heat through. Top the guacamole with seafood and finish with a sprinkle of cilantro. Salpicon: 1/2 Cup Roasted and Peeled Poblanos, Diced (1/4 Inch) 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Celery 1/8 Cup Finely Chopped Red Onion 1 Lemon, Juiced 1 Lime, Juiced 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano, Crumbled 1/2 Teaspoon Chile De Arbol Powder 1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt 1/4 Cup Olive Oil Combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate immediately. Serves Four
485 C - Bright Red 484 C - Dark Red 469 C - Brown 4525 C - Light Tan Black
Location, location, location! San Diego’s 2.6-million-square-foot Convention Center is located in the bustling downtown area and sits next to sparkling San Diego Bay. It’s in such a fabulous spot that most people who come for business end up wanting to stay on for vacation. Not surprising, the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) is a top choice for conventions, trade shows, meetings, and special events. And it’s been a boon to the city’s economy. Since it opened in 1989, the SDCC has generated $359.3 million in sales and hotel room tax revenues, hosted more than 4,000 events, and provided more than 12,000 jobs in the county, according to the SDCC. Pretty impressive! And there are plans for even more improvements. A Phase III expansion is currently under discussion. Proposed plans include additional exhibition and meeting space, as well as improved access to the Convention Center neighborhood via a completed Park-to-Bay Link. Another possible highlight: development of a nonindustrial activity area, where hotels, green space, the Convention Center, and the Park-to-Bay Link would meet at the waterfront. One of the standout features of the SDCC is its green policies. In fact, it’s possible to host “green” meetings. Recycling diverts approximately 40 percent of the Center’s total waste; energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and energy-saving appliances are used; solar panels are to be completed by the end of 2010; water conservation efforts save some 81,026 gallons of
water annually; a food composting program diverts 150 tons of food waste annually; and purchased products— from copy paper to cleaning supplies— are made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials. And of course the food served is organic and sustainably grown and surplus food and supplies are donated to local charities. And, because some 11,000 hotel rooms, numerous restaurants, and attractions are all within walking distance of the Convention Center, transportation to and from the Center is virtually unnecessary, which cuts down on car and bus emissions. All this foresight and work has been recognized. In 2010 alone, the Center has won numerous awards, including a Clean Air Circle Honoree, from the American Lung Association; Large Service Provider of the Year, from the California Restaurant Association, San Diego Chapter; Recycler of the Year, from the City of San Diego; Prime Site Award, from Facilities
DECEMBER 2010 The Color Purple Civic Theatre, December 3rd – 5th 619.570.1100 | SanDiegoTheatres.org This inspirational tale has been capturing audiences and readers alike for 25 years. The unforgettable story follows the life of Celie, a strong woman who finds her unique voice in this crazy world. Not only is The Color Purple a Pulitzer Prize winner, but once transformed into a musical was also nominated for eleven Tony Awards and a Grammy! Parade of Lights: Dinner Celebration on the Berkley Maritime Museum, December 12th 619.234.9153 | SDMaritime.org Get a great view of the Parade of Lights aboard one of the Maritime Museum ships. This annual event features a festive Holiday Buffet, live performance by the Earthwalkers and of course admission to the Maritime Museum. Make sure to bring along a toy with you to donate for Toys for Tots. Get your tickets now as this popular event sells out every year. San Diego Jogging Tour Downtown San Diego, Daily 619.365.5641 | SanDiegoJoggingTours.com What a great way to soak up some culture and history about our great city while getting a little exercise in as well. San Diego Jogging Tours has four options for your tour destinations including Downtown San Diego. The entire tour consists of an 8.4-mile jog through some of the great landmarks in Downtown, including Seaport Village, Horton’s Plaza and the Santa Fe Train Station. Orchid Odyssey San Diego Zoo, December 17th 619.231.1515 | SanDiegoZoo.org Visit the San Diego Zoo for this rare opportunity to see the zoo’s orchid greenhouse, home to 3,000 orchid plants. Orchid experts will be there to answer any questions you may have about these beautiful flowers, such as how the tricky orchid gets wasps and bees to pollinate. This greenhouse is only open to the public once a month, so don’t miss out!
& Destinations; and the Best Convention Center, from Southern California Meetings and Events. Some highlights in weeks and months to come: the San Diego International Auto Show (12/30/2010-1/2/2011), the San Diego Home Show (1/7/2011-1/9/2011), and the Bridal Bazaar (1/30/2011). Kudos to you, green San Diego!
Last Minute Gift Tasting Bacchus Wine Market and Tasting Room, December 24th 619.236.0005 | BacchusWineMarket.com Stressing over last-minute shopping or struggling to find the perfect gift for the friend who has everything? Take the anxiety out of the holidays by shopping and sipping wine at the same time! Sit back and relax as you sample a variety of six wines, and maybe pair it with a selection of cheeses at the market. Surely you will be able to cross a few names off the list after this. The Nutcracker Copley Symphony Hall, December 20th 619.235.0804 | Nutcracker.com The great Moscow Ballet Company brings to life this classic tale of a young girl’s travels through an enchanted land with her Nutcracker Prince at her side. You will be amazed at the beautiful sets and costumes designed by award-winning designer Olga Dumova.
Featuring Maria Maria La Cantina 1370 Frazee Rd. 619.574.6800 | MariaMariaRestaurants.com
SEAFOOD GUACAMOLE Guacamole: 3 Large Hass Avocados 6 oz Guacamole Seasoning Paste 3 Tablespoons Chopped Onion 3 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro 3 Teaspoons Diced Jalapeno 6 Tablespoons Seeded and Diced Tomato Large Pinch Salt Cut the avocado in half around the pit. Separate the halves and discard the pit. Make 3 lengthwise cuts down to the skin of the avocado, then 4 cross wise cuts. Scoop the avocado cubes into a bowl. Repeat with the remaining avocados. Add the seasoning paste, chilies, onions and cilantro to the bowl over the avocado. Mix, breaking up the cubes a little. Add the tomatoes and salt and mix just until blended into the guacamole. Transfer to a bowl, top with Seafood Salpicon and serve with corn chips and warm tortillas. Serve immediately.
So it’s time to sell your home and work with a Realtor to set a listing price for your abode. Of course, you want top dollar. And, of course, you love your home and have worked hard to make it your pride and joy. That said, you might feel it’s worth more than other comparable units in your building that have recently sold. Which is why you may not agree with the price your Realtor suggests as it may be far less than you were imagining. So what’s a savvy homeowner to do? Believe it or not, pricing your home unrealistically high will only come back to haunt you in the end. Not only will
Guacamole Seasoning Paste: 1 Chopped White Onion 3 Large Jalapenos, Coarsely Chopped 2 Serranos, Coarsely Chopped 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin 1 Tablespoon Sugar 1/2 Cup Olive Oil 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt 2 Cups Firmly Packed Cilantro, Stems and All 1/2 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice 2 Cloves Garlic
home buyers be looking at your home and be comparing it to homes that really do belong in that price range (how do you think yours will compare?), but they will most likely be disappointed when (and if) they come to view your home. Now imagine a potential buyer who comes to see your properly priced home. More than likely, they will be pleasantly surprised by how beautiful your home is and may feel they are getting in on a bargain. Which home do you think will sell faster? That’s right, the one priced appropriately and in tune with the market. Dare we say it, you may even get into a bidding situation where more than one buyer sees the value of your home and will bid the price a bit higher. Some homeowners make the mistake of pricing their home too high, “just to test the waters” with the intention of dropping the price if needed. More than likely, your home will not sell at or perhaps even close to your asking price. Buyers don’t live in a vacuum and are most likely working with a Realtor who has shared with them the same information on comparables that your Realtor showed to you. They will know when a home is initially overpriced and
they will pass over such a home. A new listing gets its most activity within the first 14 days on the market. Miss your opportunity, and it’s difficult to regain that lost momentum. When this happens, your home may sit on the market for weeks, months, even years. And what happens then? Your home is stigmatized as “that home that won’t sell” and “that home that’s been on the market forever.” Potential buyers will start to wonder what’s wrong with it and guess there’s a reason why so many others have passed on it. And then, you, the homeowner, is forced to lower your price. Perhaps several times. This continual reduction of price also stigmatizes your home, and can be discouraging and depressing to you as the homeowner. And where does this leave you and the final sale price of your home? Often at or even well below the initial price your Realtor recommended listing your home in the first place. But don’t just take our word for it, take a look at the facts: According to Altos Research, a real estate data analysis firm in Mountain View, California, sellers often do price their homes too high, forcing them to lower prices later on to make the sale. National price reductions average 8 to 9 percent off the property’s last listing. Choosing the listing price for your property is a critical component to the success of your home’s sale. Be sure to price appropriately to generate interest right away and you’ll no doubt be more satisfied with your final outcome.
Spotlight On: CONVENTION CENTER
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed until everything is very smooth. Chill immediately and use within 2 days. Seafood Salpicon: 1/2 Cup Salpicon mix 5 oz Crab 5 oz Shrimp Heat salpicon mix in a pan, add shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Add crab and heat through. Top the guacamole with seafood and finish with a sprinkle of cilantro. Salpicon: 1/2 Cup Roasted and Peeled Poblanos, Diced (1/4 Inch) 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Celery 1/8 Cup Finely Chopped Red Onion 1 Lemon, Juiced 1 Lime, Juiced 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano, Crumbled 1/2 Teaspoon Chile De Arbol Powder 1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt 1/4 Cup Olive Oil Combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate immediately. Serves Four
485 C - Bright Red 484 C - Dark Red 469 C - Brown 4525 C - Light Tan Black
Location, location, location! San Diego’s 2.6-million-square-foot Convention Center is located in the bustling downtown area and sits next to sparkling San Diego Bay. It’s in such a fabulous spot that most people who come for business end up wanting to stay on for vacation. Not surprising, the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) is a top choice for conventions, trade shows, meetings, and special events. And it’s been a boon to the city’s economy. Since it opened in 1989, the SDCC has generated $359.3 million in sales and hotel room tax revenues, hosted more than 4,000 events, and provided more than 12,000 jobs in the county, according to the SDCC. Pretty impressive! And there are plans for even more improvements. A Phase III expansion is currently under discussion. Proposed plans include additional exhibition and meeting space, as well as improved access to the Convention Center neighborhood via a completed Park-to-Bay Link. Another possible highlight: development of a nonindustrial activity area, where hotels, green space, the Convention Center, and the Park-to-Bay Link would meet at the waterfront. One of the standout features of the SDCC is its green policies. In fact, it’s possible to host “green” meetings. Recycling diverts approximately 40 percent of the Center’s total waste; energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and energy-saving appliances are used; solar panels are to be completed by the end of 2010; water conservation efforts save some 81,026 gallons of
water annually; a food composting program diverts 150 tons of food waste annually; and purchased products— from copy paper to cleaning supplies— are made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials. And of course the food served is organic and sustainably grown and surplus food and supplies are donated to local charities. And, because some 11,000 hotel rooms, numerous restaurants, and attractions are all within walking distance of the Convention Center, transportation to and from the Center is virtually unnecessary, which cuts down on car and bus emissions. All this foresight and work has been recognized. In 2010 alone, the Center has won numerous awards, including a Clean Air Circle Honoree, from the American Lung Association; Large Service Provider of the Year, from the California Restaurant Association, San Diego Chapter; Recycler of the Year, from the City of San Diego; Prime Site Award, from Facilities
DECEMBER 2010 The Color Purple Civic Theatre, December 3rd – 5th 619.570.1100 | SanDiegoTheatres.org This inspirational tale has been capturing audiences and readers alike for 25 years. The unforgettable story follows the life of Celie, a strong woman who finds her unique voice in this crazy world. Not only is The Color Purple a Pulitzer Prize winner, but once transformed into a musical was also nominated for eleven Tony Awards and a Grammy! Parade of Lights: Dinner Celebration on the Berkley Maritime Museum, December 12th 619.234.9153 | SDMaritime.org Get a great view of the Parade of Lights aboard one of the Maritime Museum ships. This annual event features a festive Holiday Buffet, live performance by the Earthwalkers and of course admission to the Maritime Museum. Make sure to bring along a toy with you to donate for Toys for Tots. Get your tickets now as this popular event sells out every year. San Diego Jogging Tour Downtown San Diego, Daily 619.365.5641 | SanDiegoJoggingTours.com What a great way to soak up some culture and history about our great city while getting a little exercise in as well. San Diego Jogging Tours has four options for your tour destinations including Downtown San Diego. The entire tour consists of an 8.4-mile jog through some of the great landmarks in Downtown, including Seaport Village, Horton’s Plaza and the Santa Fe Train Station. Orchid Odyssey San Diego Zoo, December 17th 619.231.1515 | SanDiegoZoo.org Visit the San Diego Zoo for this rare opportunity to see the zoo’s orchid greenhouse, home to 3,000 orchid plants. Orchid experts will be there to answer any questions you may have about these beautiful flowers, such as how the tricky orchid gets wasps and bees to pollinate. This greenhouse is only open to the public once a month, so don’t miss out!
& Destinations; and the Best Convention Center, from Southern California Meetings and Events. Some highlights in weeks and months to come: the San Diego International Auto Show (12/30/2010-1/2/2011), the San Diego Home Show (1/7/2011-1/9/2011), and the Bridal Bazaar (1/30/2011). Kudos to you, green San Diego!
Last Minute Gift Tasting Bacchus Wine Market and Tasting Room, December 24th 619.236.0005 | BacchusWineMarket.com Stressing over last-minute shopping or struggling to find the perfect gift for the friend who has everything? Take the anxiety out of the holidays by shopping and sipping wine at the same time! Sit back and relax as you sample a variety of six wines, and maybe pair it with a selection of cheeses at the market. Surely you will be able to cross a few names off the list after this. The Nutcracker Copley Symphony Hall, December 20th 619.235.0804 | Nutcracker.com The great Moscow Ballet Company brings to life this classic tale of a young girl’s travels through an enchanted land with her Nutcracker Prince at her side. You will be amazed at the beautiful sets and costumes designed by award-winning designer Olga Dumova.
December 2010 85026 PERMIT 1441
ARG-Abbott Realty Group 435 4th Ave. • San Diego, CA 92101
FEATURED PROPERTY
The Mark | Unit 401 1 Bed | 1 Bath 919 Sq. Ft. $299,000 Live the luxury life at The Mark! This fabulous 1/1 NW corner unit is 919 sq. ft. with gorgeous gourmet kitchen, granite counters, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, view balcony, large closet, secure parking, storage unit, and amenities galore including pool, spa & fitness center. Plus, all that this fantastic downtown location has to offer! This Short Sale opportunity is hard-to-beat – grab it while it’s still available!
SANDRA MELVILLE
CURRENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN HORIZONS & PARK PLACE
HORIZONS
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Bed / Bath Est. SF 2 / 3 1,640 2 / 3 1,770 2 / 2 1,263 2 / 2 1,497 4 / 4 2,516 3 / 4 2,752 3 / 3 2,436
PARK PLACE
Floor TH TH 23rd 19th TH 22nd TH
List Price $715,000 $749,000 $775,876 $892,000 $1,395,000 $1,949,000 $1,995,000
SALE PENDING 2 / 2 2007
25th
$1,125,000
SOLD 1 / 1 897 1 / 2 1,249 2 / 2 1,301 2 / 2 1,263 2 / 2 1,544
UNIT 202 207 302 2001 1604
SOLD PRICE $350,000 $369,900 $430,000 $575,000 $800,000
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Bed / Bath Est. SF 1 / 2 1,113 2 / 2 1,545 2 / 2 1,338 2 / 2 1,252 2 / 2 1,374
Floor TH 3rd 5th 5th 13th
CONTINGENT 2 / 2 1,575
4th
$640,000
SALE PENDING 2 / 2 1,375 1 / 2 1,268 2 / 2 1,455 2 / 2 1,545 3 / 4 1,776
TH 25th NA 5th TH
$485,000 $500,000 $519,900 $595,000 $699,000
SOLD 1 / 2 1,113
UNIT 408
SOLD PRICE $410,000
List Price $460,000 $599,000 $650,000 $715,000 $1,045,000
Selling Your Home in Today’s Market
Price it Right for Success
Downtown San Diego Neighborhoods
Spotlight On: Convention Center
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.
Impress Your Out-of-Town Guests
Realtor, CRS, GRI Sandra@ MelvilleAndAssociates.com
619.454.5464
Maria Maria’s Celebrated Guacamole
Downtown San Diego’s 800.588.7382 • www.DowntownSanDiegoProperties.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Real Estate Report