San Diego County's From The Front Porch Journal

S@N DIEGO COUNTY’S

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FRONT PORCH Journ[l

MISSION POSSIBLE

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THE JOLES GROUP M@KI M@KING NG THE IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE!

YOUR PICTURE PERFECT HOME ISN’T @LW@YS PERFECT.

FIN@NCI@L FREEDOM

MORE TIPS ON BECOMIN BECOMING G DEBT FREE.

Contact me for a free copy of the Field Guide to the Benefits of Home Ownership at Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com.

contents

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^_p[rtm_nts 4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary your perfect home 5 out and about san diego padres schedule 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 and mia bites rosebud’s garden

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11 front porch pickin sd concerts 12 bits and pieces books or blogs podsabilities ponderings appaholics ingenious 13 success mission possible

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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

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the real estate brief a note from rosemary As I write this I’m happily listening to bagpipes playing down the street at “All things Bright and British” They are finishing the Royal wedding week with a day of celebration. We live in an amazing county with peoples who’s talents simply astonish me.

So on to some real estate business. Spring is the time of year that my business starts to move and this spring is no different. Just look at these numbers.  Sold listings are up 36% and we are back to April 2010 levels.  We’ve seen a slight increase in prices over last year for detached homes and a 6% decrease on attached homes.  Median sales price on homes are up 7% and attached 3.5%. Median sales price were still a bit lower than last year. As sales continue to rise and there is more natural completion in the market we should see the prices even up with last year’s figures.  January and February posted the lowest prices in the last 12 months. However, March saw prices for detached homes jump by $15,000 and attached homes by $7000. Active listings did not change significantly in March. However pending/contingent listings are up again for the 2nd month in a row. This has caused a decrease in our inventory from 6 months to 4.5 months.

On the government front, you may have heard that a group of federal regulators in an effort to avoid some of the risky lending of the past have proposed requiring a 20% down payment in order for buyers to receive the best mortgage rates. Unfortunately this would make buying a home more difficult. Price out many first time home buyers and derail the recovery of the housing market. I believe that regulators instead should consider adopting standards to lower the risk of default. Such as, quality credit standards, strong documentation and sound underwriting.

None of us want to repeat the recent housing crisis but we should not restrict lending to only those credit worthy buyers who can put down that much money.

As you can see things are looking good for the housing market. I hope you found the information helpful.

Until next time, blessings to each of you.

your perfect home isn’t always picture perfect Imagine you have found the perfect neighborhood, the perfect street for your family, but the home is a foreclosure in disrepair. Or you love the house except for the outdated, small, kitchen or the leaky roof. With a FHA 203k Renovation Loan you can finance the cost of repairs. The 203K Renovation Loan allows you to purchase or refinance and renovate a property with one loan and one closing.

These improvements will add value to your home and can include the following:         

New carpet and paint New appliances Remodel the kitchen and bath Renovate or add a room Add a porch, deck or patio Replace a leaky roof New energy-efficient windows Update electrical wiring, plumbing and heating systems Landscaping

If you are purchasing a home, the down payment is only 3.5% on the total sales price plus the cost of repairs. This loan product is available for 1-4 units (owner occupied only) and follows FHA’s flexible credit qualifying guidelines. The process is streamlined since the repairs are done after closing. And the loan is based on after-improved value- what the house will be worth once the renovations are completed, therefore, maximizing the property’s potential.

Do you need more space but can’t afford to move into a bigger home? A 203k Renovation Loan is available for the current homeowner as well as new buyers. This loan will allow you to refinance your existing first and second mortgages into a new renovation loan and include the additional cash needed for your desired repairs and home improvements. All the repairs listed above are available on refinances.

This loan product can be the perfect solution to older home problems. It also enables you to buy a foreclosure property without having cash to do all the needed repairs. Now you don’t need to be afraid to buy that distressed property.

I am a certified renovation loan specialist who can help navigate you through the process. Contact me to find out if a 203k Renovation Loan is right for you.

Carolyn Plummer is a mortgage professional with Prospect Mortgage.

She has been in the mortgage industry for 25 years. When she is not busy helping clients with their mortgage needs she is spending time with her husband of 23 years and her 14 year old daughter. Carolyn can be contacted at 858-550-2541 or Carolyn.plummer@prospectmtg.com

out and about experience sd theatre Lamb’s Players Theater

Amadeus May 29– September 25

lambsplayers.org The Music Man May 27– July 24

Broadway San Diego

Mixtape Extended again to September 4

Mama Mia May 31– June 5

The Coronado Playhouse

San Diego Repertory Theatre

Broadwaysd.com

coronadoplayhouse.com Leading Ladies January 2– March 6 The Great American Trailer Park Musical April 8– May 15

The Old Globe theoldglobe.org The Scottsboro Boys April 22– June 3

Nobody Loves You May 2- June 10 Life of Riley April 30-June 5

sdrep.org San Diego Jewish Art Festival May 22- June 26

August: Osage County May 7– June 12 Much Ado About Nothing May 29– September 25 The Tempest May 29– September 25

SD Sports

family corner bargain hunter

thoughts from moms and dads Troy Swedeen and son Caleb.

Son and grandson of Steven Swedeen & Cindy Eissler

bar·gain [bagr-guhn}] -noun 1. an advantageous purchase, esp. one acquired at less than the usual cost: The sale offered bargains galore.

Even More Debt Elimination Tips Why do you want to be debt free you ask??? Two words. Financial freedom.

Imagine what you could do if you had no debt!!! No money worries and the ability to make a financial difference in the world because you can. My dream is to help anyone who wants the help to become debt free. So here you go. More debt elimination tips...

1. Find the tools that work for you and stick to them. If the tools aren’t working, find new tools. There are plenty of tools and ideas out there – for free.

2. When debt is closed out, put 60% in savings and enjoy the remain 40%.

3. Change yourself. If you have a spouse or partner that is contributing to the debt, it can be a big challenge to get them to change. Focus first on changing your behaviors and attitude.

4. Be realistic. If you started accumulating debt three or four years ago, realize that it will probably take you more then three or four years to get out of debt and stay out of debt.

5. Create a realistic budget. Put as much money as you can towards paying down debt and having an emergency fund, but allow for a little bit of. Only the truly dedicated can live with no social/recreational activities for the amount of time it takes to become debt-free.

6. Eliminate. Take a hard look at what’s truly necessary, and be willing to make compromises. Cable TV, satellite radio, and lunches in the office cafeteria are not necessities. If you have a hard time letting go of these things, run your numbers through a debt calculator twice – once with your current budget, and once with additional money currently paying for niceties. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference those few extra dollars make.

7. Get creative. If there’s something you think you don’t have time to do more frugally, find a way around it. For example, cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out. If you don’t have time to cook, try investing in a crock pot.

8. Be patient. Debt reduction is a long, slow process.

Depending on the method you use, you may see no significant progress at first, but it will happen.

9. Stop borrowing money-no matter what! This means no more credit cards, no more cash advances, no more home equity lines etc, If you can afford to buy something with CASH you have now, then YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO BUY IT.

You don’t choose your family.

They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.

-Desmond Tutu Brittany Swedeen and daughter Madilyn. Daughter and granddaughter of Stephanie Taylor-Otis and Darrel Otis

If the family were a fruit, it would be an orange, a circle of sections, held together but separable - each segment distinct.

-Letty Cottin Pogrebin 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 June 20th, 2011 and the first correct answer will win a $25 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 Hawaiin Wedding Cake

where was rosemary?

Scripps Pier La Jolla No winners in our last issue.

Please try again!

        

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix 2 cups cold milk 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained 1/2 cup flaked coconut 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cake tests done; cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine milk and pudding mixes; beat in cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled cake. Top with the pineapple, cherries, coconut and walnuts. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 16-20 servings.

Recipe Credit: Marla Spiwak

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4995 Gardena Avenue· San Diego· CA· 92110 $749,900.00 An incredible opportunity you won’t want to miss! This 3000 sq. ft., 5 bedroom 4 bath home is located on a peaceful canyon with unobstructed views in the friendly community of Bay Park. Lovingly maintained and upgraded you will adore many of the wonderful qualities this amazing home has to offer. Living, kitchen, dining room and oversized patio are perfect for our casual California indoor/outdoor living and entertainment. Wonderful, no fuss flooring on the first floor, with gorgeous hardwood floors and easy to care for tile. The chef of the home will love the convenience of the remodeled galley kitchen. Imagine relaxing evenings in the expansive 450SF master suite w/ large walk in closet and access to the spacious deck. The deck will fit in perfectly to the routines of the morning cup of java and reading the daily news, all while enjoying the fresh air, wildlife and ocean breezes the canyon has to offer. In addition there are 2 generous sized bedrooms downstairs and 2 equally sizable bedrooms upstairs. The perfect layout for guests and family. A fifth room on the main level, could be utilized as a study, library, den, exercise room or teenage hang out??? The back yard is a gardener and fresh food aficionado delight! Featuring not only a green house, but lemon, orange, plum, nectarine, peach, apple, tangerine and tangelo trees. Imagine freshly baked pie or freshly squeezed orange juice from your own trees! And if that’s not enough it comes with a 2 car garage and tons of storage! The final pièce de résistance is location. Within walking distance to Tecolote Canyon, baseball fields, park and nature center and just minutes to I-5, I-8, Mission Bay, Fashion/ Mission Valley Malls and Downtown San Diego. What could be better?

Rosemary Joles

In Harmony With Your Dreams Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 619-405-ROSE (7673) 8310 La Mesa Blvd.

La Mesa, CA 91942

minutia Stephen Stills, who went on to join Crosby, Stills and Nash, originally tried out to be a member of The Monkees. He didn’t get the part. Producers felt that he was losing too much hair and that his teeth were too bad.

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 and mia bites

Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson

useless knowledge

Bravo and Mia Say: "If you think us dogs can’t count, just try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and giving us only two of them.."

The newest addition to the Rebecca and Shane Johnson household is a puggle named Mia. Diva Mia is the one with the pink collar to the left. We finally got Bravo and Mia to sit still long enough to take a photo. Of course the only way we could do that is by catching them sleeping! Bravo still spends most days working at getting peanut butter out of his Kong and is definitely terrorized daily by Mia. He is truly the innocent one of the two as Mia has taken over the role of the family terrorist! Mia and Bravo are the grandpuppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.

botanical name: trachelospermum jasminoides common name: star jasmine Likes: Sun , part shade Hates: Deep Shade Blooms: White Negatives: Poisonious if ingested Bonus: Drought tolerant and flowers are fragrant

“My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plants point of view.” ~H. Fred Dale

Photo compliments of: Rosemary Joles

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 6/4 Neil Innes Location: Normal Heights Price: $25/$50* or $30 at the door Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

7/15 Fitz & the Tantrums Location: La Jolla Price: $25 Time: Sunset Info: aquarium.ucsd.edu

6/11 John Batdorf and Jack Tempchin Location: Normal Heights Price: $20/$50* or $30 at the door Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

7/15 - Help! The Beatles Tribute Band

6/13 Navy Jazz Band Southwest

7/22 - Cashed Out, Johnny Cash Tribute Band

Location: La Mesa Price: FREE Time: 6:00 pm Info: cityoflamesa.com

Location: Point Loma Price: FREE Time: 6:15 pm Info: plconcerts.org

6/15 Rodney Dillard and the Dillard Band Location: Normal Heights Price: $20/$50* or $30 at the door Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

7/23 Venice

6/17 The Tannahill Weavers Location: Normal Heights Price: $20/$50* or $30 at the door Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

7/24 Guy Davis

Location: Point Loma Price: FREE Time: 6:15 pm Info: plconcerts.org

Location: Normal Heights Price: Limited Seating- Call for pricing Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com Location: Normal Heights Price: Limited Seating- Call for pricing Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

6/20 San Diego Concert Band

7/29 - The Mar Dels, best music from the 50s - 70s

6/27 Trails and Rails

7/30 Chris Hassett -Benefitting The Cambodian Village Fund

Location: La Mesa Price: FREE Time: 6:00 pm Info: cityoflamesa.com Location: La Mesa Price: FREE Time: 6:00 pm Info: cityoflamesa.com

Location: Point Loma Price: FREE Time: 6:15 pm Info: plconcerts.org

Location: Normal Heights Price: $20/$45* or $30 at the door Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

7/1 - 9/4 Summer Pops (Fri-Sun)

Location: Downtown Price: $20 Time: 5:00 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

7/1 - 7/3 Star Spangled Pops (Fri-Sun)

Location: Downtown Price: $17 - $76 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosympony.org

7/9 Gonzalo Bergara Quartet

Location: Normal Heights Price: $20/$50* or $30 at the door Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com 7/11 Ron Jermain Big Band

Location: La Mesa Price: FREE Time: 6:00 pm Info: cityoflamesa.com

front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass

books or blogs

appaholics

American Gothic Artist: Grant Wood

American Gothic Home Today

This has to be the coolest thing since they invented sliced bread! No more searching for the USB cord to connect computer to camera. This card speaks in wi-fi to your computer and transfers the photos where you’ve directed it.

Can I get an oh yeah! More information here at eye.fi.com. I recommend watching the video on the front page.

Beth Howard lives in the American Gothic home. Yup the one above with the very famous serious looking man and woman with the pitchfork in hand, and no that is not his wife but his spinster daughter. (Is spinster okay to say these days?) No wonder she looks ticked. I know you will all find this remarkable, but I had no idea that the house this couple was standing in front of really exists, in Eldon, Iowa. I promise it wasn’t my art professors fault, but mine for not listening. Beth moved there after the sudden loss of her 43 year old husband. Her blog is about how baking, selling and teaching others how to bake pies has healed her soul. Check her out at: TheWorldNeedsMorePie.com Want a little art history lesson go to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Gothic

podsibilities Being a family of string instrument players I envy the skill of the artists on Tone Poets.

Amazing guitarist and mandolin players will sooth your soul. Click on the link to hear Evan Marshall perform his magic. And yes it’s only one mandolin, even though it sounds like two! Yout.be/QN4HFaOPMy0

Now that it’s behind you what did you do last week that was memorable?

bits and pieces ingenious

From Marcandangel.com

oothbrush as a Corn Cleaner

Use a clean toothbrush to remove stray threads of silk from freshly shucked ears of corn. The bristles will lift them away quickly and efficiently.

-Source: Real Simple Photo: James Baigrie

ponderings

T

success

Just a few points to let you know how I can help you or anyone you may refer to me in the short sale of their home.

Mission Impossible: The Joles Group’s mission: Short sale a Paradise Hills 2 bedroom 1 bath condo.  Seller deploys to Japan for 3 years. Thank goodness for email and electronic signatures!  Refrigerator ice maker line breaks flooding the condo. Thank you Silverstone for coming to the rescue!  No homeowners insurance. Yikes!  Buyer one walks because property won’t pass FHA inspection. It happens.  Mechanic’s lien put on property. Bummer, but I understand…  HOA lien put on property. Not again!!  Two Lenders. Each had different approval systems, both with challenges. Sigh.  Finally get loan approval and earthquake hits Japan. Unable to communicate with seller for 2 weeks! Arghh!

Mission Possible: Success Takes A Team!!!!

Congratulations to Mr. Gersten on your new investment property! You hung in their while we worked through the hurdles to get this short sale approved!  Special thanks to my professional short sale negotiator. You rose to the challenge.  Gratitude to my transaction coordinator, Rochelle, you make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, so that I can handle the obstacles! You Rock!  Kudos to the Stewart Title and Escrow team. You’re awesome!  Thank you to Silverstone for waiting 7 months to be paid. I know it’s difficult in these tough economic times.  Congratulations to my seller Mr. Cruz who walked away with a $3000 check because he qualified for HAFA. It was a pleasure working with you and your beautiful family! I wish you the very best. 

Making the Impossible, Possible… The Joles Group

domiciles

Charming Bungalow · Talmadge · $339,900 2 Bedroom 1 Bath · 985 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Spanish Charmer · City Heights · $355,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1588 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Hester and Davis Design · Clairemont · $449,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1369 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Mountain Views · Blossom Valley · $499,000 4 Bedroom 2 Bath · 2310 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Incredible Beauty · Fletcher Hills · $720,000-$760,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 3834 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Fully Restored Craftsman · Golden Hill · $750,000 5 Bedroom 3 Bath · 3021 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

Beautiful Remodel · San Carlos · $381,368 4 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1404 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Highlands Ranch · Spring Valley · $439,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2455 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Exceptional Home · Del Cerro · $549,000 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1619 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Olde World Charm · Rancho San Diego · $699,000 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2246 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Panoramic Views · Mount Helix · $879,000 3 Bedroom 3 Bath · 3291 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Spanish Gem · Mission Hills · $848,000 3 Bedroom 1.5 Bath · 1588 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

SU PA CC R A ES D I SF SE UL H LY ILL CL S O SE D

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Rosemary Joles THE JOLES GROUP

In Harmony With Your Dreams Residential Sales · Short Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 8310 La Mesa Blvd. · La Mesa CA · 91942