S@N DIEGO COUNTY’S
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FRONT PORCH Journ[l
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FIN@NCE THE TRUTH @BOUT FH@!
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SIMPL SIMPLIFY IFY CHRISTM@S IS IT POSSIBLE?
contents
Nov_m\_r/D_]_m\_r 2010
^_p[rtm_nts 4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary the truth about fha 5 out and about experience sd chargers schedule
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6 family corner bargain hunter thoughts from moms and dads
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7 et cetera where’s rosemary delish 10 minutia useless knowledge bravo bites rosebud’s garden 11 front porch pickin sd concerts
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12 bits and pieces books or blogs podsabilities ponderings appaholics ingenious 13 trends market condition report 14 domiciles from east county to coast From the Front Porch Journal Compliments of:
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The Joles Group Rosemary Joles Realtor 619·405·7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 8310 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91942
the real estate brief a note from rosemary Hello again from beautiful downtown La Mesa, where the liquid ambers are changing color and although we’ve had unseasonably warm days of late the crispness of the autumn air is upon us. But enough about the weather and onto my thoughts about real estate for this journal. It’s a good thing I don’t believe everything I read online and in newspapers about the real estate market. The media makes the real estate market sound so bad that it would make a homeowner want to run and hide and a buyer to never jump off the fence and plunge into homeownership. However, this is what I know. The real estate market is cyclical not only on a year to year basis but on a month to month too. I’ve been working in the trenches of the San Diego market for over 20 years. This time of year we will see a natural decline in the number of sales and more than likely a little dip in prices. Why, because families are busy with major holidays, not to mention no one wants to move the kids in the middle of a school year. However, come January/February we will hear the media become the proverbial Chicken Little’s and say the sky is falling, the sky is falling. Paraphrased real estate prices are dropping, oh my gosh we are doomed...blah blah blah blah blah. Are there some good deals to be had at this time of year? Absolutely, but not because the real estate market “sky” is double dipping, it’s just a part of the natural rhythm of what the real estate market does. San Diego’s market has stabilized and there are some very nice homes on the market, at prices we haven’t see in years. Instead of looking at a home as an investment, people need to look at a house for what it is, shelter. We all need a place to live and as long as you can make your mortgage payment and live within your means, most people can survive any market. Don’t join the media in being a Chicken Little. They do what they do to sell papers and air time.. We live in a great place. Don’t let media-hype stop you from achieving your dreams. .
the truth about fha
I frequently hear assumptions about FHA loans that are incorrect. So this month I thought I would bring you what the benefits of using an FHA loan are. Check out these facts. FHA is affordable with only a 3.5% loan down payment required. FHA loans are not just small loans. San Diego County loan limits are high. For 1 unit a borrower can borrow up to $697,500, $892,950 for a duplex, $1,079,350 for a triplex and a four plex can get as much as $1,341,350. FHA loan credit scores do not need to be perfect, a 620 score can get you into a decent loan. Gift funds from relatives are allowed for the entire 3.5% FHA loan down payment required. FHA loan mortgage insurance is 1% up front and .9% monthly and can be removed in five years. FHA loans are only for your primary residence (you cannot use them for investment property) and you can only have one FHA loan at a time (unless you are a non-occupant co-borrower). FHA loan guidelines also allows only 3.5% down on 2-4 unit properties if owner occupied and FHA loan limits go much higher for 2-4 units (See above). FHA loan guidelines allow the more generous debt-toincome ratios all the way up to 56.9%. Non-occupant co-borrowers are allowed with FHA loans. ie. Mom and Dad can help you get into a home with yours and their income, or buy a duplex with a friend! FHA loans are not only for first time home buyers. No matter how many times you purchase you can use an FHA loan. FHA loans are not only for low-income buyers. Anyone can use FHA funds to purchase. FHA loans are assumable. This unique feature will make a property more valuable in times of rising interest rates. FHA-Approved condo developments are more desirable to buyers. So what’s stopping you from making the leap to becoming a homeowner? Give me a call for a FREE no obligation consult to see if now is the right time for you to purchase!
out and about experience sd
Lamb’s Players Theater November 30-December 30 www.lambsplayers.org
“It’s Christmas And It’s Live!” - set in the 1950s. An energetic quartet getting their big break on a TV variety show is about to get an even bigger break as a blizzard shuts down New York and showbiz pandemonium ensues inside the studio. Featuring the music of the season, Festival of Christmas will be enjoyed by the entire family.
SD Sports
family corner
thoughts from moms and dads
bargain hunter bar·gain [bagr-guhn}] -noun 1. an advantageous purchase, esp. one acquired at less than the usual cost: The sale offered bargains galore.
Celebrate the Season Without Debt! “Toolman” and I have never been big spenders at Christmas time. We enjoy the spirit of the season vs. being in debt until the following year. Here are some of the Christmas traditions and gift giving ideas that we incorporated into our Christmas season. Spend time together: Get the latest novel or Christmas book from the library and read it to one another. Include some hot chocolate in front of the fireplace and it will make for some beautiful evenings together. Plus, it will leave you with some wonderful family memories. Create Inexpensive Gifts: One year I took all my favorite recipes and created recipe cards via my computer and cardstock. I made sure to write where the recipes originated from, giving it extra special meaning for my children. I put them in a small photo book (the plastic covering protects the cardstock from spills) and called it From Momma’s Kitchen. Every few years I’ve added new recipe cards. I tie the cards with ribbon and call it “Another Helping From Momma’s Kitchen.” Think outside the box and check the web for other great ideas. Create Family Traditions: Every year we head to the Hotel Del Coronado to see their Christmas trees. Cost: Just the gas to get there and back and perhaps a latte or hot chocolate while we are there. Give To Others: Some of the best memories we have is caroling for those that are hospitalized or infirmed. It’s appreciated, I promise you, even if you can’t sing! I never know who is more blessed us or the recipient. Here’s to a debt free holiday for each of you. May you be richly blessed and enjoy your family and friends like you’ve never done before.
“Someday daughters may find their Prince Charming, but their Daddy will always be king.”
Eric Joles and his daughters Ella and Taylor. Son and granddaughters of Henry and Carol Joles. Ella, the sweet wee one on the left, while looking through a book of fairy tales pointed out to her Aunt Sheree that all the princes in the book were Daddy. Photo Credit: Tara Joles
I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights. ~Terri Guillemets Tara Joles and her lovely daughters Ella and Taylor. Daughter and granddaughters of Victoria Perrin. Photo Credit: Eric Joles
A note from Rosemary: As much as I would love to show off my grandbaby every month...I would hate to be accused of being one of “those” kind of grandparents. So I thought it would be fun to show off your children/grandchildren! Submit your photos of moms and dads with their wee ones and they could be featured in upcoming issues of From the Front Porch Journal! Email your jpeg to: Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com. Please include the names of parents, children and grandparents!
where’s rosemary? I love exploring this beautiful county that we live in. In every issue of From the Front Porch you’ll find a photo of different places that I’ve been in San Diego County. Your goal is to figure out where I took the photo? Submit your guess by August 15th, 2010 and the first correct answer will win a $20 gift card to the restaurant of their choice! You can email them to: Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com or mail them to 8310 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942. Thanks for playing!
et cetera
delish Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings
where was rosemary? Shelter Island Pearl of the Pacific Park Congratulations to Carol Winn of El Cajon who guessed correctly!
2 Granny Smith apples 2 cans – 8 piece crescent rolls 2 sticks of butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 can of Mountain Dew Soda Peel and core the apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 X 13 baking dish. Melt the butter, then add the sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla and pour over the mixture Pour the Mountain Dew around the edges and in between the apples. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauce over the top. Photo & Recipe Credit: ThePioneerWoman.com
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12427 Via Cabezon·Rancho Penasquitos·CA·92129 $659,000-$699,000 Positioned just above picturesque Rancho Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, this stunning three bedroom two and a half bath, 2800 sq. ft. home has some beautiful upgrades, including a spectacular kitchen remodel. The chef of the home will not be disappointed with it’s fine cabinetry, gorgeous granite and top of the line appliances. Perfect for entertaining the largest of gatherings, you and your guests will enjoy the sparkling pool/spa, deck and outdoor kitchen. The newly added loft could be used as a teenager hang out, family room, exercise space or even a library. The secluded and spacious master suite has private access to the back yard and all it has to offer. Whether you have extended family that needs to live with you or perhaps guests who will be staying for an indefinite period, the 500 sq. ft. guest house will be the definite bonus to what this home has to offer. Situated in the renowned Poway School District only adds to this homes appeal. Call Rosemary at 619-405-7673 for your private showing of this special home.
minutia The men who served as guards along the Great Wall of China in the Middle Ages often were born on the wall, grew up there, married there, died there, and were buried within it. Many of these guards never left the wall in their entire lives. Todd Joles known as Todd the “Toolman”, is a handyman by day, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. His wife Rosemary threatens it’s going to get him into Jeopardy training one day.
bravo bites
Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson
useless knowledge
Bravo Says: Why it is when you blow in my face, I get mad at you, but when you take me on a car ride, I stick my head out the window? Just asking….. Bravo is the mischief making, yet adorable fur-person of Rebecca and Shayne Johnson. He now has a baby sister puggle Mia! Unfortunately we can’t get a proper photo of both of them so that this column can become Mia and Bravo Bites as they can’t sit still long enough. He still spends most days working at getting peanut butter out of his Kong, is terrorized daily by Mia, has given up the whole toilet paper thing, and now he truly is innocent since Mia has taken over the family household…..
botanical name: narcissus tazetta common name: paperwhites Likes: Sun to partial shade Hates: Blooms: white Negatives: Parts are poisonous if ingested Bonus: Fragrant and can be forced
God made rainy days, so gardeners could get the housework done. Photo compliments: kathyelliot.com & purestylehome.com
rosebud’s garden Rosemary is passionate about low-water gardening in San Diego. She loves creating gardens that look like lush water thirsty gardens, yet need very little moisture to maintain them. Her other passions include real estate, lattes spending time with family and friends, reading, music and laughter!
sd concerts 11/07 Salsa Sunday with Orquesta Primo Location: Belly Up Tavern Price: $10 Time: 8:00 pm Info: www.bellyup.com
12/5 La Jolla Music Society- Midori Location: Downtown Price: $25-$75 Time: 8:00 pm Info: www.ljms.org
11/11 Jimmy Vaughn and Tilt-A-Whirl Band Location: Belly Up Tavern Price: $18 Time: 7:30 pm Info: www.bellyup.com
12/6 Acoustic Evening with Dark Star Orchestra Location: Belly Up Tavern Price: $28 Time: Info: www.bellyup.com
11/12-11/13 San Diego Symphony-Marvin Hamlish Location: Downtown Price: $20.00-$85.00 Time: 8:00 pm Info: www.sandiegosymphony.org
12/10 La Jolla Music Society-Melvyn Tan Location: La Jolla Price: $25-$75 Time: 8:00 pm Info: www.ljms.org
11/12-11/21 The Barber of Seville Lyric Opera San Diego Location: North Park Price: $32-$52 Time: 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm (depending upon date) Info: www.lyricoperasandiego.org
12/15 Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks Location: Belly Up Tavern Price: $22 Time: Info: www.bellyup.com
11/13 Mike & Ruthy Location: San Dieguito United Methodist Church Price: $18.00 Time: 7:30 pm Info: www.sdfolkheritage.org
12/16 Los Lobos Location: Belly Up Tavern Price: $35 Time: Info: www.bellyup.com
11/14 Gelb Ivanov, Piano La Jolla Music Society Location: La Jolla Price: Adult- $30 Child-$5 Time: 3:00 pm Info: www.ljms.org
12/19 Bayou Brothers Zydeco Location: Belly Up Tavern Price: $8 Time: 2:15 pm Info: www.bellyup.com
11/14 San Diego Symphonic Circus Location: Downtown Price: $10-$25 Time: 2:00 pm Info: www.sandiegosymphony.org 11/16 San Diego Symphony: The Romero’s-Guitar Virtuosi Location: Downtown Price: $20 Time: 7:30 pm Info: www.sandiegosymphony.org 11/20 Men of Worth Location: San Dieguito United Methodist Church Price: $18 Time: 7:30 pm Info: www.sdfolkheritage.org 12/4 Robin Henkel & Allen Singer Location: San Dieguito United Methodist Church Price: $18.00 Time: 7:00 pm Info: www.sdfolkheritage.org
front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass
books or blogs
appaholics
My friend Elle graphic designer extraordinaire and avid reader like “Toolman” and myself, shared this book with me just before leaving for a trip to visit our family in Wisconsin. The true story of American mountain climber, Greg Mortenson and his struggle to build schools and educate the girls of remote Pakistan and Afghanistan. Dr. Greg, as he is lovingly called by the people of this region, is changing the very core of terrorism by ridding the region of ignorance through this education. He gives you an insiders look at the belief system, the poverty and the effects of war on the people of this region. You will never again ask how can one person make a difference in the lives of people. May it inspire you to make a difference in the world. www.penniesforpeace.org or www.threecupsoftea.com
podsibilities
Are you a walker/runner/biker? Would you like a simple way to keep track of how far you traveled when you exercise? Using GPS technology this app tracks how many miles you travel by foot or bike. Various apps for droid/blackberry and iphone. Check it out at www.iwalk.com
if you could wake tomorrow having gained any one ability or quality, what would it be?
Darius Rucker’s song, It Won’t Be Like This for Long from his album Learn to Live is playing on my ipod and itunes! Our children grow quickly. Relish each moment.
bits and pieces From the Book of Questions by Gregory Stock PH.D.
ingenious
Photo: Monica Buck
ponderings
Chalk is a moisture absorber: Tie up a few pieces in cheesecloth and store them with your good silver to slow any tarnishing. -Source: Real Simple
trends
domiciles
City & Canyon Views· Paradise Hills · $285,000-$315,000 3 Bedroom 3 Bath · 1524 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Gardner’s Paradise · La Mesa · $290,000-$330,000 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath · 1173 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Remodeled Kitchen · El Cajon · $385,000 4 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1673 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Mid-Century Modern · La Mesa · $450,000 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath · 1224 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Art Deco Moderne · Point Loma · $619,000 2+ Bedroom 2 Bath · 1305 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Stunning Kitchen · Rancho Penasquitos· $659,000-$699,000 3+ Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2838 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
from east county to the coast
Fantastic Views · El Cajon · $367,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1410 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Pristine Charmer · Lemon Grove · $599,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1992 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Elegant Windchime · Scripps Ranch · $520,000-$550,000 5 Bedroom 3 Bath · 3198 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Spectacular Views · Mission Hills · $599,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1305 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Mills Act Home · Burlingame · $759,000-$789,000 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath · 1732 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
Windsor Hill Views · La Mesa · $799,999 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 3197 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673
THE JOLES GROUP Rosemary Joles
In Harmony With Your Dreams
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Sales · Leasing · Staging 619·405·7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com
Windermere Pacific Coast Properties 8310 La Mesa Blvd. · La Mesa, CA · 91942 2850 Womble Rd. Ste. 102 · San Diego · CA 92106