Here is the market activity report for Jamul. This is for September 2009.
45 Active Listings, ranging in price from $169,200 - $1,995,000.
12 Pending Homes are currently in escrow
5 Homes sold/closed in September, ranging from $235,000 - $633,500.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What are Fire Resistant Plants
In the previous post I talked about Defensible Space, how large it should be etc. Now I want to talk about what fire resistant plants can be planted in that area. Generally you are looking for...
1. Plants that grow close to the gound.
2. They should have a low resin and/or sap content.
3. They should be drought tolerant
4. They should be easily maintained and not accumulate dead branches, leaves or needles.
Here is a link to the San Diego county website that has a list of plants to consider.
http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/docs/SuggestedPlants.pdf
1. Plants that grow close to the gound.
2. They should have a low resin and/or sap content.
3. They should be drought tolerant
4. They should be easily maintained and not accumulate dead branches, leaves or needles.
Here is a link to the San Diego county website that has a list of plants to consider.
http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/docs/SuggestedPlants.pdf
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Seller confused me. Can you set me straight?
I have been in talks with a man who was considering selling his home. He called me today to let me know he had decided to list his home with someone else. When I asked him what the deciding factor was he told me I didn't have enough listings, he selected someone with more listings.
Now here is what confuses me. I thought not having a lot of listings was a good thing! Here I have been working my butt off to get all my listings either in escrow or sold but it ends up working against me. I thought I was doing what I was suppose to do. Sell them! Nope, apprently some think racking up a bunch of listings that languish on the market and never sell is a better approach.
Oh well, I can't win them all. But I still like my approach better. What do you think?
Now here is what confuses me. I thought not having a lot of listings was a good thing! Here I have been working my butt off to get all my listings either in escrow or sold but it ends up working against me. I thought I was doing what I was suppose to do. Sell them! Nope, apprently some think racking up a bunch of listings that languish on the market and never sell is a better approach.
Oh well, I can't win them all. But I still like my approach better. What do you think?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Reverse 911 for your cell
A friend of mine was wondering about reverse 911. Your land line at the house is suppose to be automatically entered but if you want to enroll your cell or even email, here is the link.
http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/signup.html
This could be very useful if you work outside of Jamul and want to know what is happening at home.
http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/signup.html
This could be very useful if you work outside of Jamul and want to know what is happening at home.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Free College Funding Workshop in El Cajon - Tonight
Sorry for the late notice, but I just heard about this.
Free College Funding Strategies Workshop,” 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., El Cajon Library, 201 E. Douglas, El Cajon. Sponsor: National College Funding Strategies. Reservations: (619) 579-0728.
Free College Funding Strategies Workshop,” 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., El Cajon Library, 201 E. Douglas, El Cajon. Sponsor: National College Funding Strategies. Reservations: (619) 579-0728.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Fire Preparedness and You, Part 1
With yet another fire in Jamul this weekend it hammers home the fact that we need to be prepared. We were lucky that the fire was quickly contained to 10 acres but as we have seen in the past, we will not always be so lucky. We need to be prepared. I know we have heard this many times; defensible space, fire-resistant plants but what does this actually mean? Here is some useful information from the San Diego County website.
WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?
Defensible Space is the area around a structure where combustible vegetation that can spread fire has been cleared, reduced or replaced. This space acts as a barrier between a structure and an advancing fire.
HOW LARGE SHOULD THE DEFENSIBLE SPACE BE?
You need to clear combustible vegetation in a 100-foot radius from any structure. Your local fire agency may require you to clear additional vegetation by a written letter. You are not required to cross your property line in order to clear the 100 feet. The neighboring property owner may be required to clear the additional distance by the fire agency.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN THE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?
•You may plant fire-resistant, irrigated landscaping in the first 50 feet of the 100 feet from your structure. These plants need to be maintained all year around. Note: no irrigated, or non-native landscaping is allowed within an open space easement.
•You need to keep natural vegetation in the remaining 50 feet of the 100 foot space. This would be the area furthest away from your structure. The plants need to be thinned and cut back to no more than 6 inches above the ground.
•You may need to do this several times a year since the plants grow back.
•Do not completely remove all vegetation which would leave the ground bare. Some vegetation is necessary to prevent erosion. When native vegetation is removed for fire control the bare soil is particularly vulnerable to soil erosion.
•Do not remove or disturb the existing plant root system to prevent any future erosion.
•Remove dead and dying vegetation.
•Trim trees that overhang or touch your structures.
•Properly irrigating plants will help prevent plants from igniting. Wildfires rarely occur until after June, because as little as 1 inch of water per month keeps drought adapted plants from readily burning. Permanent irrigation should be confined to landscaping within the first 50 feet of a structure.
•Trees and shrubs can be maintained by deep watering at least once a month for drought tolerant species and once a week for high water requiring plants.
For more information visit http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/fire_resistant.html
WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?
Defensible Space is the area around a structure where combustible vegetation that can spread fire has been cleared, reduced or replaced. This space acts as a barrier between a structure and an advancing fire.
HOW LARGE SHOULD THE DEFENSIBLE SPACE BE?
You need to clear combustible vegetation in a 100-foot radius from any structure. Your local fire agency may require you to clear additional vegetation by a written letter. You are not required to cross your property line in order to clear the 100 feet. The neighboring property owner may be required to clear the additional distance by the fire agency.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN THE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?
•You may plant fire-resistant, irrigated landscaping in the first 50 feet of the 100 feet from your structure. These plants need to be maintained all year around. Note: no irrigated, or non-native landscaping is allowed within an open space easement.
•You need to keep natural vegetation in the remaining 50 feet of the 100 foot space. This would be the area furthest away from your structure. The plants need to be thinned and cut back to no more than 6 inches above the ground.
•You may need to do this several times a year since the plants grow back.
•Do not completely remove all vegetation which would leave the ground bare. Some vegetation is necessary to prevent erosion. When native vegetation is removed for fire control the bare soil is particularly vulnerable to soil erosion.
•Do not remove or disturb the existing plant root system to prevent any future erosion.
•Remove dead and dying vegetation.
•Trim trees that overhang or touch your structures.
•Properly irrigating plants will help prevent plants from igniting. Wildfires rarely occur until after June, because as little as 1 inch of water per month keeps drought adapted plants from readily burning. Permanent irrigation should be confined to landscaping within the first 50 feet of a structure.
•Trees and shrubs can be maintained by deep watering at least once a month for drought tolerant species and once a week for high water requiring plants.
For more information visit http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/fire_resistant.html
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Banks Frustrate Me
Some bank owned homes fly off the market in less than day. They accept the highest offer that comes in that day and that's it. Many times my client doesn't even get to see the property. Especially if they are military and have duty that day. But today a good one came on the market and we rushed out there and took a look and submitted an offer. WooHoo I was hoping he would be the early bird who gets the worm. Nope, not with this bank. They require the property to be on the market for a week before they consider any offers. Grrrr so now we wait to see what other offers come in. I think there needs to be some consistancy. What do you think?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Lakeside Home For Sale
For all my horse friends out there, there is a new listing in Lakeside. The home is located on 2.32 acres and horses are allowed. The property has a flat corral area with water and lights. It is located near the Roping and Saddle club which you can join for a low monthly fee and be able to use their facilities. The home is a 3 bedroom 2 bath and is approximately 1400 square feet. The home was built in 1979 and has been updated with granite counters and custom cabinets in the kitchen, Virginia "hand scraped" hickory floors, new dual pane windows and plantation shutters. If you know of anyone who might be interested, feel free to give me a call.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Quick Question
I am working on my 2010 business plan and I need your help. Honestly, it will only take a minute and I am not going to try and sell you anything. Please take a minute and answer just 2 questions for me please.
On a scale of 1-10 (1 being heck NO and 10 being absolutely YES)
1.) How likely are you to refer me to a friend/family member who is considering buying or selling?
2.) What do I need to do to make it a 10? (if it is not a 10 already)
See, painless. Please be honest, you will not hurt my feelings but it will really help me prepare for next year.
Thank you very very much,
On a scale of 1-10 (1 being heck NO and 10 being absolutely YES)
1.) How likely are you to refer me to a friend/family member who is considering buying or selling?
2.) What do I need to do to make it a 10? (if it is not a 10 already)
See, painless. Please be honest, you will not hurt my feelings but it will really help me prepare for next year.
Thank you very very much,
Friday, September 4, 2009
Weekend Home Improvement Projects
What will you be doing for this long holiday weekend? Maybe this will give you the extra time you need to complete a home improvement project. Here are some ideas of projects that you can complete over the long weekend.
1. Winning Walls: If your house is like mine keeping walls looking great can be a challenge. Between the dust, marks and scuffs they doesn't look fresh. Try taking the dry clothes you use on your floors and "dust" the walls and get those spider webs in the corner. (Halloween is too far away to leave them!) Wipe the outlit covers and light switch plates. Are my hands really that dirty? If you are feeling really motivated, paint a room. Try a new color. Don't be scared. It is only paint and you can paint over it if you don't like it.
2. Remove that wallpaper: Ducks, geese, cactus I am sorry to inform you are no longer in stlye. Get it out of there and paint the walls a nice fresh color. This an easy way to update a space.
3. Drips: This is a biggy. It might not do much to improve the look of your house but it is very important. A drippy faucet can cost you money and waste water. It may be as simple as changing the washer on the tip or maybe you can use it as an excuse to get an updated faucet. Leaks under sinks are even worse. They will destroy the cabinet. It is not glamorous but it should be taken care of. Move the bucket, roll up you sleeves and get to work. (or take the easy way and call the plumber)
4. Kitchen: Want a new kitchen? I do, but unfortunately that is pricey and I can not accomplish in a weekend. If you are looking for a quick update, why not change out the hardware on the cabinets? This can make a big difference. New knobs, hinges and pulls can really update the kitchen.
5. Garage: I do not know why but my garage is always dirty and everything collects there. This may be a good time to install some adjustable wire shelves. Being adjustable will allow changing the configuration as the items I collect changes.
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, have fun and be safe. If you tackle a new project this weekend, send me a before and after photo. Let me know how it goes. Have a great weekend!
1. Winning Walls: If your house is like mine keeping walls looking great can be a challenge. Between the dust, marks and scuffs they doesn't look fresh. Try taking the dry clothes you use on your floors and "dust" the walls and get those spider webs in the corner. (Halloween is too far away to leave them!) Wipe the outlit covers and light switch plates. Are my hands really that dirty? If you are feeling really motivated, paint a room. Try a new color. Don't be scared. It is only paint and you can paint over it if you don't like it.
2. Remove that wallpaper: Ducks, geese, cactus I am sorry to inform you are no longer in stlye. Get it out of there and paint the walls a nice fresh color. This an easy way to update a space.
3. Drips: This is a biggy. It might not do much to improve the look of your house but it is very important. A drippy faucet can cost you money and waste water. It may be as simple as changing the washer on the tip or maybe you can use it as an excuse to get an updated faucet. Leaks under sinks are even worse. They will destroy the cabinet. It is not glamorous but it should be taken care of. Move the bucket, roll up you sleeves and get to work. (or take the easy way and call the plumber)
4. Kitchen: Want a new kitchen? I do, but unfortunately that is pricey and I can not accomplish in a weekend. If you are looking for a quick update, why not change out the hardware on the cabinets? This can make a big difference. New knobs, hinges and pulls can really update the kitchen.
5. Garage: I do not know why but my garage is always dirty and everything collects there. This may be a good time to install some adjustable wire shelves. Being adjustable will allow changing the configuration as the items I collect changes.
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, have fun and be safe. If you tackle a new project this weekend, send me a before and after photo. Let me know how it goes. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
El Cajon Real Estate Stats - Aug 09
Here are the numbers for El Cajon Real Estate. These numbers are for single family detached homes.
All El Cajon
216 Active Homes For Sale
199 Pending properties (in escrow)
63 Properties sold in August
The breakdown by zip code.
92019
82 Active homes for sale
74 Pending properties (in escrow)
29 Properties sold in August
92020
46 Active homes for sale
61 Pending properties (in escrow)
12 properties sold in August
92021
88 Active homes for sale
64 Pending properties (in escrow)
22 properties sold in August
All El Cajon
216 Active Homes For Sale
199 Pending properties (in escrow)
63 Properties sold in August
The breakdown by zip code.
92019
82 Active homes for sale
74 Pending properties (in escrow)
29 Properties sold in August
92020
46 Active homes for sale
61 Pending properties (in escrow)
12 properties sold in August
92021
88 Active homes for sale
64 Pending properties (in escrow)
22 properties sold in August
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Jamul/Rancho Cooking Class
My friend Joy Hartwell is offering cooking classes for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Joy is an incredible chef, I have been after her for years to write a cookbook. This may get us one step closer to her sharing her great recipes! The classes, "Cooking Time" give children the opportunity to experience a magical time in the kitchen. There are monthly themes, fabulous food and a cooking "recital" for families at the end of the year. If you are interested in this amazing opportunity for you kids please contact Joy. Email joydhart@gmail.com or give me a call and I will give you her number. Don't wait; space is limited to 10 chefs per class.
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