2014 January/February From the Front Porch Journal

S@N DIEGO COUNTY’S

from th_

FRONT PORCH Journ[l

fr__

FIVE STEPS TO @ ROM@NTIC BEDROOM IN HOME

SHORT S@LES, B@NKRUPTCY, FORECLOSURE IN CAROLYN’S MORTGAGE MEMO

@VOID CL@IMS-PREP@RE FOR WINTER IN NITTY GRITTY

Millicent

and Company Salons

MEGAN MCGHEN Hair Stylist

619·464·3166

4695 Palm Avenue · La Mesa · CA · 91942

8356 Allison Ave. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-741-6230 Miguel@LaTorta.com www.LaTorta.com

Visit us at www.LaTorta.com and click on coupon for the latest value meals and coupons.

FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURN@L j[nu[ry/f_\ru[ry ]ontri\utors: Front Cover Photographer: John Obrien Flagg Coastal Homes Flagg.com. 619.696.1400 The Real Estate Brief A Note from Rosemary: Rosemary Joles Mortgage Memo: Carolyn Plummer Home: Rosemary Joles San Diego Adventure: Rosemary Joles Travel San Diego: Barbara Allen Voyage the Globe: Elaine Allen Books or Blogs: Todd Joles Techaliciouss: Todd Joles Ingenious: Rosemary Joles Nitty Gritty: Susanne Romo Copyright © 2014 From The Front Porch Journal

Annette Young Financial Advisor-Retirement Specialist– Investments 619-435-4276 2 Locations Coronado and El Cajon annette.l.young@wellsfargo.com home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/annette.l.young Investment and Insurance Products | NOT FDIC Insured | NO Bank Guarantee | MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members FCIC nonbank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1110-4262 [74029-v2] A1015

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION & FINANCIAL REVIEW

DO YOU ENJOY READING FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURNAL? Would you like to receive it in your inbox or mailbox for free?

Email Rosemary Joles at: Homes@LivinInSD.com to subscribe or send a note with your full name and address to: 8277 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91942

contents

J@NU@RY/FEBRU@RY

^_p[rtm_nts

2014

12

14

15 From the Front Porch Journal Compliments of:

Rosemary Joles Realtor, Cal BRE # 01095314 619·405·7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com www.LivinInSD.com 8277 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942

Follow our blogs at: LivinInLaMesa.com or LivinInSD.com Like us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/LivinInECSD Follow us on Pinterest Pinterest.com/rosemaryjoles/

4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary carolyn’s mortgage memo 5 home the things that matter 6/7 lifestyle experience sd theatre san diego adventure travel san diego 8 family corner voyage the globe out of the mouths front porch wisdom 9 et cetera where’s rosemary delish10 give thanks 12 minutia useless knowledge bravo and mia bites rosebud’s garden-pansy 13 upcycle trash to treasure-entry pieces 14 bits and pieces books or blogs ponderings techalicious ingenious 15 sd outdoors sd sports park exploration-tijuana estuary sd word find-sd history 16 nitty gritty prepare for winter 17 sd concerts front porch pickin’ 18 domiciles from east county to coast

the real estate brief a note from rosemary I

’ve declared this year is the year of giving. No matter how large or how small the gift. I know that giving makes a difference to not only to the ones that we give to, but it also blesses our socks off when we do it.

The old adage you are more blessed to give than receive rings true. I’m hoping to start a trend in San Diego. Not that San Diegan’s aren’t already givers because they are, but I would like to help others become more thoughtful in their giving all year long. To assist in this endeavor I’ve started a daily posting of things that you can do for others on my blog, livininsd.com. I’ve committed myself to posting 365 days of giving and called it Christmas 365. I’m sure insanity was present, when I decided to do this, but hey you will either see me fail miserably at this effort or it will all wowrk for good and many will be seen running around sockless by the end of the year! Whatever the case, I would love to hear if you start giving in one way, shape, or form throughout the year.

carolyn’s mortgage memo short sale, bankruptcy, foreclosure now what?

H

ave you been shut out of the real estate market for the past few years due to a bankruptcy, a foreclosure or a short sale? Are you wondering how long you must wait before obtaining financing after a bankruptcy, a foreclosure or a short sale? Below is an overview by loan type of this important information.

Applying for conventional financing requires a waiting period of 4 years after a bankruptcy Chapter 7, 7 years after a foreclosure, or 2-4 years after a short sale. On a short sale there is a 2 year wait if you are putting 20% down, but a waiting period of 4 years if you are putting less than 20% down.

FHA financing requires a waiting period of 2 years after a bankruptcy chapter 7, 3 years after the foreclosure completion date, or 3 years after a short sale. For short sales, however, there is no time restriction if you have paid all mortgage and installment payments as agreed for 12 months prior to the short sale. You also must show that you are not taking advantage of the declining market to obtain a similar or superior home in the same general area.

Applying for VA financing requires a waiting period of 2 years after a bankruptcy chapter 7, 2 years after a foreclosure, or 2 years after a short sale. Like FHA, VA has no waiting period if you have paid all mortgage and installment payments as agreed for 12 months prior to the short sale and if you are not taking advantage of a declining market.

T

he most expensive home that sold in San Diego County in the month of December is this ocean view new construction contemporary in La Jolla.

Featuring 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths. The 8494 sq. ft. home is located on a .52 acre lot in the Lower Hermosa area. The buyer paid $16,750,000.

Just before Christmas, I sent letters to my clients, letting them know how much equity they had accumulated since purchasing their home. I loved writing that letter. Finally, I had some really good news for owners of San Diego real estate. It was exhilarating. Why the excitement? The average increase in equity was $127,000, with some of those clients realizing this much of an increase in just one year of homeownership! The amount of equity increase really depended upon which area a buyer purchased in and when they acquired the home.

What will 2014 bring? Nobody seems to be in agreement as far as what percent we will increase. What all of the industry speculations are in agreement with, is that San Diego County home prices will increase. I too think we will see increase. How much? Who knows? What I do know is that interest rates are still reasonable and in some areas housing costs are still decent. If you haven’t purchased you need to. Enough said!

Until next time, here’s hoping to see you sockless.

USDA financing requires a waiting period of 3 years after a bankruptcy chapter 7, 3 years after a foreclosure, or 3 years after a short sale.

All of the above loan programs will make exceptions on time periods with extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are temporary events that are beyond your control, such as the loss of a job, medical bills or death of a wage earner. Divorce and the inability to sell the house after a job relocation do not qualify.

These events must be verified and documented.

If you have any questions about these timeframes or if you would like additional information, please call me today. I would be happy to show you how soon you can jump back into the Real Estate Market!

Carolyn lives in Rancho San Diego with her husband, teenage daughter and 2 dogs. She has lived in East County for the past 22 years and loves the sunshine and sense of community. Carolyn can be contacted at cplummer@amerifirst.us or at 619.813.8934.

Equal Housing Lender. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 300310, and am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the State of California.

AmeriFirst Financial, Inc., 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203 (NMLS # 145368). 1-877-276-1974. Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. CA: Licensed by The Department of Business Oversight under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act

home

five steps to a romantic bedroom

D

o you want to spice up your bedroom for the upcoming Valentines Day? Here are some easy items to implement before that day of romance on February 14.

1) Clean Up Your Act Get rid of all the junk that accumulates in your bedroom. Don't use it as a dumping ground for kids' art projects, laundry, newspapers, and magazines. No one feels tranquil going to bed in a warehouse.

First, get everything up off the floor. Store the things that warrant it and trash the things that don't.

Clear off the surfaces of chests and tables, and only replace what is meaningful or pretty. You don't want to see anything that reminds you of chores or obligations. Everything your eye lands on should make you feel relaxed and confident.

Photo credit: prestigeresorts.com

Clear the clutter...

2) Can the Can Lights Overhead lighting is notoriously unflattering. There's nothing romantic about a well-lit room. You want shadows, highlights, and the soft glow of filtered light.

Place lamps with ivory shades on each side of your bed, and make sure the bulbs are no more than 60 watts. For even more impact, replace the white bulbs with pink-tinted bulbs. Everybody looks good in this light -- the only thing more flattering is candlelight.

3) Scents and Sensibility Take the same approach to smell that you took to sight. Get rid of anything that doesn't smell great. Remove the laundry hamper to a bathroom or closet. Evict the dog/dogs.

Wash everything, down to the mattress pad. And make up your bed with the sheets folded back invitingly, the way they do in fine hotels.

Choose a scented candle with care.

One that's too floral may be off-putting. A better bet is one that smells fresh and clean, like yankee Photo credit: karenxavsphotography.blogspot.com candle’s ocean star. The flicker of candlelight will enhance your Everyone looks great in candlelight sensuous lighting scheme.

4) Soundtrack The "Law & Order" theme song is not dreamy music. Turn off the television!

Better yet, remove it from the bedroom. The bedroom should be for two things only: sleep and well you know…. “blush” Put your ipad/ipod in your bedroom and play your favorite music -- it's a great mood enhancer.

5) Ban the Beanie Babies The bedroom is your own private sanctuary, but beware what message you're Photo credit: deccarecords.com sending by using it as a display case for your hobbies.

No one does romantic like Andrea Bocelli...

Stuffed animals are a no-no, as are too many tiny pillows. What looks good in a bedding store can appear fussy and high-maintenance at home -- not the message you're trying to send.

Source: myhomeideas.com

lifestyle experience sd theatre Lamb’s Players Theater lambsplayers.org

Off Broadway Live

Fiddler on the Roof Jan 10-Feb 2

offbroadwaylive.com Love, Me Opens Jan 10

The 39 Steps Jan 15-?

Chicken Fried Gospel Jan 26

The Foreigner Jan 24-Mar 2

The Coronado Playhouse coronadoplayhouse.com

Broadway San Diego Broadwaysd.com Beauty and the Beast Jan 7-Jan 12

Chicago Jan 17 –February 23

San Diego Repertory Theatre

The Old Globe

sdrep.org

theoldglobe.org

In The Time Of The Butterflies Jan 4-Jan 26

Bethany Feb 1-Feb 23

Detroit Feb 22-Mar 16

The Winter’s Tale Feb 8-Mar 16

Red Mar 29-30

Time and the Conways Mar 29-May 4

San Diego Adventures February/March DIY Food Truck thinkplaycreate.org Jan 2-Mar 31

San Diego Whale Watching Cruises Sdwhatewatch.com

U-T California 10/20 10 Miles-20 Bands cal1020.com

Irish Festival-Balboa Park stpatsparade.org Mar 15

Bite San Diego Food Tasting & Walking Tour bitesandieog.com Feb 1-Mar 31

“Life is Just A Bowl Of Cherries” sandiegodance.org Feb 1-Feb 9

Shamrock gaslamp.org Mar 17

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World rhfleet.org Dec 20-Apr 6

San Diego Bird Festival sandiegoaudubon.org Feb 27-Mar 2

Feb 16 The Love TrainValentines Wine Tour on the Train lajollawinetours.com Feb 1-Feb 28

Cedar Lake Contemporary Gaslamp Quarter Wine Stroll Ballet ljms.org sodiegotours.com Feb 1-Mar 31 Feb 15 Classical Melodies in Balboa The Elixir of Love sdopera.com Park balboapark.org Feb 15-Feb 23 Feb 1-Mar 31

A Masked Ball sdopera.com Mar 8– Mar 16 San Diego Half Marathon sdhalfmarathon.com Mar 9 Cabrillo Lights Up the Night cnmf.org Mar 15

Hot chocolate 15K/5K hotchocolate15k.com Mar 23 Busker Festival seaportvillage.com Mar 29-Mar30 Carlsbad Flower Fields theflowerfields.com Mar 29-May 11

travel san diego mission basilica san diego de alcalรก

O

By Barbara Allen

n July 16, 1769, Fathers Junipero Serra, Juan Viscaino,

and Fernando Parron erected a cross on what is now Presidio Hill, overlooking San Diego Bay. Here they established the very first mission in the California mission system. Five years later, however, Father Luis Jayme, the pastor, asked permission to move the mission six miles inland.

The new site provided better farmland, fresh water from the San Diego River, and was closer to local Indians. By December 1774, the construction of a new church, rectory, corral, and quarters were completed. Today, the mission stands on a hill overlooking Mission Valley, just east of Qualcomm Stadium.

The centerpiece of the mission is the church. Towering above it on its left is the campanario, which holds the mission bells. The large bell is rung twice daily. Over time, the mission fell in to disrepair, and for a while was abandoned. Before the mission was rebuilt in 1930 to replicate the 1813 church, only the faรงade of the church, the base of the campanario, and a small adobe room adjacent to the church was left standing.

Through a side door, step into the Garden. Pathways, made of old tiles, meander through plants and trees. Among them are tiled crosses, erected in memory of the Indian neophytes who died during the mission period. Beneath a tree stands a statue of Father Serra. At the far end of the garden is a statue of Saint Joseph, and off to the side is a wishing well statue of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Explore the Father Jayme Museum and view artifacts from the mission, as well as old photographs. Enter La Capilla, a small chapel that was built in 1977 with choir stalls, a throne, and an altar, dating back to twelfth century Spain.

Before you leave, inspect the archaeological dig site, where the western wing of the old mission quadrangle is being excavated.

Located at 10818 San Diego Mission Road, the mission is open to the public for self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily.

Step across the long corridor to the right of the church and enter the gift shop to begin a tour of the mission. Casa de los Padres, the place where the padres lived, was built in the late 1700s, and is believed to be the only original structure at the mission. It is furnished to show how simply the padres lived. On one wall, a cut-out displays adobe bricks used in its construction.

From Casa de los Padres, step outside and enter the church. This long, narrow building is the fifth church on this site. The darker floor tiles near the altar are original ones from the 1813 church.

Barbara Allen is a freelance writer. She has written educational materials for the past 15 years and currently writes reading assessment items for an e-learning company in Virginia. Barbara loves to travel, explore new places, and write about them. Check out her blog: bicoastalbarb.wordpress.com/ about her cross-country All photos courtesy of Barbara Allen travels.

family corner

The Danube River

voyage the globe

ah‌.europe

N

ow don't get me wrong as there is so much to see in the United States I know, BUT, Europe is so special and an incredible place to visit. I just returned from my first river cruise ever on an Amawaterways ship who take care of all your needs both onboard and in ports. This experience enabled me to visit some of the port cities that are not coastal.

Prior to this, with the exception of a trip to England many years ago on land, I worked on ocean going cruise ships and worked 3 years in Europe and visited an incredible number of magnificent cities but always available only by coastal ports.

It was a fabulous experience.

Traveling along the Danube River gave me a love for this beautiful part of the world. Prague is amazing, Budapest a charm, Salzburg a treat and a musical concert in a Hall in Vienna that Mozart performed at, well you can imagine. Having lived under German occupation and Communist rule and now grateful they are free to be, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungry offer some of the most spectacular architecture imaginable and truly worth a visit. I so thoroughly enjoyed learning about the struggles and now successes the people have enjoyed.

What's your dream for 2014? Remember that if you do it online and you Google it, there will be 1000s, probably hundreds of thousands results ... call me or your travel agent who not only can help you define what you want to do, but probably save you money too with their ideas for an incredible adventure. Don't hesitate to contact me to learn more about my experiences if you desire to visit Europe!

Travel is a wonderful experience to learn more about the world we live in. "Like" my facebook page at: facebook.com/gotravelwithfriends to learn more tips about travel.

After working on cruise ships for 10 years, Elaine Allen has settled back in North Park, San Diego to enjoy her grandchildren and garden that abounds with hummingbirds and butterflies. She wants to make sure each trip she plans brings enjoyment and enrichment to her clients. Elaine can be reached at: Phone: 800.420.0763 email: elaine.allen@avoyatravel.com www.avoyatravel.com/expert/elaineallen

out of the mouths...

A

3yearold is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

But, Europe offers so much! I have been blessed to have been to the Arctic Circle, circumnavigating the United Kingdom, the Baltic Region to East and West Mediterranean including the Black Sea and so much more. Words just can't really describe the memories.

I often get asked so what is your favorite? This is a near impossible question to answer. Europe offers a history here in the United States we just don't know about. I have walked streets that were laid in ancient times (yes there are alot of cobblestone streets to be aware of) been to where Jesus Christ walked, been to Istanbul which while this is a very cosmopolitan city, offers sights and sounds and smells and a history like no where else and so many more places!

All magnificent experiences.

One of my dreams is to travel around Italy with no set itinerary.

Fly into a major city like Rome or Venice or Florence (one of my favorites in the world), have a hotel for the first few nights, get a rental car and then just drive around Italy for a few weeks, stop at B&Bs (bed and breakfast hotels) as I like, stay as long as I love it and then move on to the next town. I want to enjoy the sights, the smells, the food and the sounds of this gorgeous country!

front porch wisdom Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.

-Aldous Huxley

Come Sit for a Spell

where’s rosemary?

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. Be specific and submit your guess as fast as you can (You have competition!!!) The first correct answer will win movie tickets for two! You can email, call or Facebook us at: 619-405-7673, Homes@LivinInSD.com or www.facebook.com/LivinInECSD.

delish

et cetera

Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Chipotle Black Bean and Corn Salad

    

4 small sweet potatoes baked 1 15 oz can black beans 1 cup fresh or frozen corn 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Vinaigrette

where was rosemary?

San Diego International Airport 3225 N. Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 Winner Mary Cregan San Carlos, CA

     

2 limes, zested and juiced 1 tablespoon oil 2 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons adobo sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Photo and recipe: alaskafromscratch.com

Ingredients

Preparation Instructions In a bowl, add the black beans, corn, onions, and cilantro. Stir to combine. In a smaller bowl, mix together the lime zest and juice, oil, honey, adobo, salt and pepper. Pour over the black bean mixture and toss to combine. Slice open the baked sweet potatoes. Stuff potatoes with the Chipotle Black Bean & Corn Salad. Serve.

11201 Constellation Drive· El Cajon · CA · 92020 $1,130,000 

5 Bedroom 4 Bath



Panoramic city and mountain views



4550 sq. ft.



Slate, travertine & granite throughout



4 Car garage



Great room living



.8 Acre lot



Luxurious 1000 sq. ft. master suite retreat



Soaring 16 ft. ceilings



Outdoor bar/cooking center



Dramatic contemporary architecture



Pool w/slide



Exclusive hilltop location



Second master suite on main level



Floor to ceiling glass



RV/Boat parking



Skylights



15 minutes to downtown and airport

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams

Residential Sales · Short Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com LivinInSD.com

minutia In 1959 Volvo invented, patented and was the first auto manufacturer to use the 3-point seat belt. They then licensed it for free to any and all manufactures that wanted to use it.

Todd Joles known as Todd the “Toolman,” is a business associate of his wife Rosemary, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, chief cook and bottle washer because he loves his wife and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. You can find more useless knowledge at: Facebook.com/LivinInECSD

bravo & mia bites

useless knowledge

“Bravo

approached a kid and asked: “What is love?”

The kid replied, “Loves is when a puppy licks your face!” Mia started to laugh, but then the kid added, “Even after you left him home alone all day.”

Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson Bravo and Mia are the fur-children of Rebecca and Shayne Johnson. They are the grand puppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.

botanical name: viola x wittrockiana common name: Pansy Likes: Full Sun to Partial Shade Hates: Overwatering Blooms: Scarlet, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Purple Negatives: Self-sows freely Note: Great cool weather plant

Every child is a different kind of flower and all together make this world a beautiful garden.

To see more about this plant go to: www.LivinInSD.com

rosebud’s garden Rosemary Joles 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!

upcycle ld doors transformed into a stunning entry piece.

diycozyhome.com

From Trash to Treasure     

Door Hardware Wood Brackets Wall hooks

friendly-home.net/2012/04/entry-bench.html

techalicious

books or blogs

We've all

misplaced keys, gadgets and occasionally even children. Well, no more. StickNFind is a nifty, inexpensive solution for tagging and locating electronics, keys and pets. For roughly $25 a pop (estimated retail), you get a small adhesive disk that can be affixed to any flat surface or attached to a keychain. Inside, there's a replaceable CR2016 watch battery that's said to last more than a year, a Bluetooth module and antenna, an LED-lit ring and a piezoelectric speaker. A free Android or iOS app then lets you hone in on any stickers within a roughly 100-foot (line of sight) range. The current version can only display distance, but an update, set to hit before StickNFind ships, will add direction, leading you directly to your target. You can also activate a (fairly faint) beeper, and an LED ring around the perimeter of the sticker, further helping you to find the device, even in a dark room. The app will offer several other features, including a "Virtual Leash" that alerts you when the sticker goes out of range -- a "Reverse Virtual Leash" will make the device (perhaps attached to your keys) beep, letting you know you've left your smartphone behind.

Kill Shot: Mitch Rapp is back.

Vince Flynn Traveling around the world and working his way down his list, scratching off their names one by one. Rapp is shot in an ambush but escapes and must determine who he can trust and who betrayed him to the terrorists. Dealing with political infighting, contrary agendas and old enemies, who are all too eager to settle old scores.

Can Rapp get out of Paris alive to continue his mission?

2014 is going to be my year because this is the year that I ————————?

bits and pieces ingenious scarf storage

To store

your scarves easily and visibly use multiple tension rods in a closet niche. No niche? Put shower hooks on a sturdy hanger ..

From Marcandangel.com

Source: inspiredhoneybee.com

ponderings

Source: salonthesis.com

SD Sports Now You Know

Divisional Playoffs 2014 Date

The San Diego Chargers have played in the divisional playoff’s 15 times. They’ve been to one Super Bowl in 1995 where they played the San Francisco 49er’s.

Jan. 11

Saints @ Seahawks 1:35 pm

Opponent

Time

Jan. 11

Colts @ Patriots

5:15 pm

CBS

Jan. 12

49ers @ Panthers

10:05 am

FOX

Jan. 12

Chargers @Broncos 1:25 pm

Network

FOX

CBS

GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!

GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!

GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY: FEBRUARY 2, 2014

sd outdoors

san diego history word search

park exploration

Visitor Center Tijuana Estuary ay 301 Caspian W CA 91932 , Imperial Beach 619-575-3613

trnerr.org

Juan Bandini Richard Requa Kate Sessions John J. Montgomery Lillian Rice Alonzo Horton Ruben H. Fleet John D. Spreckels Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo Father Junipero Serra Elisha Babcock William Heath Davis Manuel de Vargas Hampton Story Irving Gill Juan Bandini George Marston William Hebbard Find the answers at www.LivinInSD.com/ws

avoid claims-prepare for winter In Southern California we don’t get the traditional four seasons.

Our winters are not harsh; our summers for the most part are not humid, nor overly hot. We don’t get bombarded by blizzards; we don’t have ‘hurricane or tornado season’. We don’t have to put out storm windows or check the snow blower to make sure it’s ready for the coming winter that a large part of the country must do. We are fortunate in many ways. So we may not have a regular schedule to clean rain gutters of leaves that have accumulated, trim trees back that are brushing against the roof, check the paint on our eaves, or check window screens for tears.

nitty gritty we don’t have to deal with salt on the roads, we don’t need to worry that our engine has frozen overnight. But when was the last time you took a good look at the tires? How is the tread holding up? We don’t get too much rain in southern California, but when we do you want to make sure your tires will be able to stop your car in a timely manner.

This can lead to complacency about home maintenance, which can lead to claims that are not paid out due to maintenance issues. Many times after a rainstorm I receive calls from clients whose roofs are leaking, and these claims are usually declined because the roof has not been maintained. Perhaps the roof is a little on the older side, perhaps a bit warped or has some broken tiles.

Check your roof for repairs.

Have you checked the gutters? The flashings?

This is a good time of year to look at the house as if you were deciding whether or not to buy it. Does the roof need repair or to be replaced? How are the flashings holding up? Are the rain gutters securely fastened to the eaves? How about the garage? Is it clean and easy to navigate, or are there piles of ‘stuff’ that hasBe sure to check your dryer vent and hose. n’t been looked at in years, and might benefit another family in need? Is there any deferred maintenance or debris that needs to be removed? Is the landscaping up to date or does it need a good Don’t forget the bathrooms and the washer/dryer. Do the toilets trimming? Do the sprinklers need to be reset as the days shorten, ‘phantom flush’ and you are paying for water you don’t use?

When was the last time you checked the dryer vent? Lint can cool off, and our yards don’t need as much water? build up in the vent hose and cause fires. Dryer lint is one of the We do more cooking inside our homes during the winter. When most flammable things in your home. was the last time you checked the oven vents to see if they are clogged with grease? Perhaps it’s time to toss them into the dish- And finally, make sure when you burn candles, you burn them in containers. washer or soak them overnight.

How about the chimney? When was the last time you had your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned? Have any birds nested in there over the summer? The first time you light a fire is not the time you want to discover this!

The same goes for our automobiles. We don’t need snow chains,

Susanne Romo, LUTCF has been working in insurance since 1986. Her passion is showing her clients that there can be a vast difference between just ‘having’ insurance…and being properly insured. She can be reached at: 858 751 0956 or at sromo@farmersagent.com

sd concerts

Wynton Marsalis

Gala Flamenca

Yo-Yo Ma

2/3 Camera Lucida #5 Location: La Jolla Price: $25 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

2/20 The Ring of Power Location: San Diego Price: $20 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.com

3/25 Scharoun Ensemble Location: La Jolla Price: $30 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

2/4 Nicole Cabell Location: La Jolla Price: $30 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.com

2/28 St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra Location: Balboa Theatre Price: $27-$97 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com

3/28-3/29 Peter nero Location: San Diego Price: $20-$85 Time: 8:00 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

2/7 Joshua Bell, violin & Sam Haywood, piano Location: Balboa Theatre Price: $35-$99 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com

2/28-3/2 Ring Without Words Location: La Jolla Price: $20-$96 Time: 8:00 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

2/7-2/9 Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise Location: San Diego Price: $20-$96 Time: 8:00 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.com

3/3 Martina Filjak Location: La Jolla Price: $30 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

2/7 Guy Davis Location: Normal Heights Price: $20-$47 Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

3/9 Siro-A Location: Balboa Theatre Price: $27-$67 Time: 6:00 pm Info: ljms.com

2/8, 3/22 Chamber Music Society Location: La Jolla Price: $30-$80 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com

3/12 Yo-Yo Ma, cello & Kathryn Stott, piano Location: San Diego Price: $35-$99 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com

2/15 Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Location: Spreckels Theatre Price: $20-$75 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com 2/16 George Kuo, Martin Pahinui, Aaron Mahi Location: Normal Heights Price: $20-$47 Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

3/13 Gala Flamenca Location: Spreckels Theatre Price: $20-$75 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com 3/15 Wynton Marsalis Location: Balboa Theatre Price: $27-$77 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com

3/28 Mitsuko Uchida, piano Location: La Jolla Price: $30-$80 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.com 3/31 Celtic Woman Location: San Diego Price: $60-$120 Time: 7:00 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

front porch pickin san diego music from classical to bluegrass

domiciles

Pristine · Rancho San Diego · $235,000 2 Bedroom 2 Bath · 850 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Arbor Lake · Carmel Valley · $305,000-$315,000 1 Bedroom 1 Bath · 742 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Remarkable Mid-Century · College · $484,500-$499,500 4 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1492 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Gorgeous Remodel · La Mesa · $509,000-$539,000 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1680 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Premium Canyon View Lot · Carmel Valley · $1,299,000 5 Bedroom 4 Bath · 3504 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

166 Acres of Pristine Land · Julian · $1,400,000 6 Bedroom 4 ++Bath · 5786 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

Well Maintained · Normal Heights · $375,000-$395,000 2 Bedroom 1 Bath · 828 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Blossom Grove · Carlsbad · $800,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 2806 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Gated Community · Carmel Valley · $2,399,000-$2,499,000 5+ Bedroom 5.5 Bath · 4982 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Bright and Airy · Vista · $415,000 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2002 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Outstanding Location · Solana Beach · $1,295,000 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath · 1721 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Estate Home · Carmel Valley · $2,499,000-$2,625,000 5++ Bedroom 6.5 Bath · 5100 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

X 3BD/2.5BA · LAKESIDE · $245,000 livininsd.com

very home is a masterpiece

Downtown · Starting at $289,000 livininsd.com

Looking For · 400K · 3+BD/2BA Single Family Home · Chula Vista

San Carlos · Starting at $425,000 livininsd.com

Looking For · $500K · 3+BD/2BA Single Family Home · San Diego Area

2/2.5 · Pacific Beach · $650,000 livininsd.com

Looking For · $700K · 3+BD/1.5BA Single Family Home · La Mesa

4BD/4 BA · Mt. Helix · $1,130,000 livininsd.com

Cash Investor · Any price · All SD Looking For Fixers · Short Sales OK

Want to find out what your home is REALLY WORTH? Go to www.livininsdhomevalue.com to get an automatic evaluation.

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams

Residential Sales · Short Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673 Homes@LivinInSD.com LivinInSD.com