You are browsing the archive for February 2010.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Cirque du Soleil ~ The Big Top is Back in San Diego
If you have never had the experience of Cirque du Soliel, don’t miss the most recent show, Kooza beginning today, February 25, 2010 until March 28th, 2010 under the ‘Grand Chapiteau’ at the Del 
Mar Fairgrounds.
Kooza promises a classic Cirque du Soliel event. With everything any good circus has to offer, but with the beauty, art and creativity only presented as Cirque du Soliel knows how to do. From the clowns teasing the crowds as you are seated to the amazing fourth-generation tight rope walkers, Kooza will captivate the young and the young at heart. The mystical costumes, phenomenal music and skilled acrobats will keep you on the edge of your seat.
“Kooza tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world.
The Innocent’s journey brings him into contact with a panoply of comic characters such as the King, the 
Trickster, the Pickpocket, and the Obnoxious Tourist and his Bad Dog.
Between strength and fragility, laughter and smiles, turmoil and harmony, Kooza explores themes of fear, identity, recognition and power. The show is set in an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills, chills, audacity and total involvement.” as described at Kooza-Cirque du Soliel
I can’t begin to explain the awe of it all. These performers do things with their bodies no human should be able to do! As you experience the jaw dropping acts and laugh at the clowns until you cry, the music takes you away to another world. Each act leading into another as the story unfolds before your eyes. Cirque du Soliel has a way of turning a tale beyond your imagination. If you have seen it on television, there is no comparison to seeing it live. There is so much going on around you at all times, a camera does not do this show justice.
Cirque du Soliel has made San Diego a tour stop for over 5 years and I can attest to the spectacular shows they have put on in the past, Kooza will be no different. We have our tickets for Saturday afternoon and can’t wait to experience the thrill of Cirque du Soliel. It has become a family tradition in our household!
If you have never been to Cirque du Soliel, don’t miss them while they are here. You can get tickets at the Cirque du Soliel website. I hope you can make it and would love to hear your feedback! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
HELP! What does it take to catch a lizard in your house?
I think it is probably 12″ from head to tail. He loves bananas, my grand baby’s cereal and probably cat food. He lives somewhere in the guest room and craft room and only comes out at night. He really has 
made himself at home. I think he has been here for about 3 months. I don’t know where he came from but he needs to go.
We have set traps all over the house and have been unable to get him. Seriously, I have to get him out of my house! My son and his wife are here with our grandson and have resorted to sleeping on my couch in the living room! She can’t take it and neither can I.
Any suggestions? You would think with 3 cats we would not have this problem…..but then, does this one look like he wants to hunt? The other one is 22 and the newest addition is just getting acclimated.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
This is a fantastic way to help our local animal shelter with much needed funds. I plan on voting for El Cajon every day until April 18th!
My new kitten Li’l Miss is very thankful for the great care she received from the El Cajon Animal Shelter, as are we!
Cast your vote on the link below for The Animal Rescue Site’s recipient of $10,000 first place prize. There are three $3,000 grants and fifty-one $1,000 grants.
Your shelter has to be a viable organization in the Petfinder.com system. Voting is simple and takes less than a minute. Enter the country, name, city and state of your favorite animal shelter. They do a search in their databanks so you put in as much information as you know.
You can vote once a day until April 18th.
If you don’t have a favorite shelter but you watch “DOGTOWN” on the Animal Channel. The name of the caregivers who need funding is Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT.
On Saturday they had a heartwrenching show on the rehabilitation of the fighting dogs rescued from Michael Vicks.
Here is the link: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3
Rocco and Angel thank you in advance.
- Your Friend in the City of Brotherly Love,
- Suzanne Strickler
- Email: s.strickler3@verizon.net
- Suzanne’s Blog
- Suzanne’s Website
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Multiple Offers ~ Make an Offer They Can’t Refuse
With California property values being at the lowest in years, a First Time Buyer Tax Credit of $8000, a 
Move Up Credit of $6500 and low interest rates we have seen a market that has become quite competitive. Multiple offers on properties have become the norm in the San Diego Real Estate Market.
Frustration has hit many of the buyers that are anxious to get into a home as they make offer after offer; only to lose out. The competition is grueling. Many buyers are up against investors with all cash offers or are not moving quick enough to get in the game.
So what does it take to get a deal done? First and foremost, work with a REALTOR®. An experienced REALTOR® can help you navigate through the market, provide you with the tools and knowledge to make a competitive decision and will provide strong negotiating skills. Your REALTOR® has access to closed comparable sales and understands what it takes to write a competitive offer.
In putting together a competitive offer, there are some things you will want to consider:
• Loan Pre-approval~ By having a pre approval for a loan prior to writing your offer, you will be in the best position to know the highest amount you can make your offer. In addition, many sellers are requiring that a pre approval be submitted with your offer.
• Purchase price~ Consider looking at homes with a purchase price below the amount you are pre approved for. This will open up a wider range of homes as well as provide some wiggle room to offer more than the asking price if need be. Prior to offering more than the asking price, consult your REALTOR® to confirm the comparable sales will support the increase in price.
• Who is your competition? With many investors out there presenting all cash, no contingency offers, be prepared to present your highest and best offer from the beginning. Your REALTOR® will be able to assist you in determining how your offer should be written
• Bank owned property ~ Don’t assume just because the property is owned by the bank it will be an easy property to acquire. Often times these properties are listed below market value and many people want to get a good deal. Investors are watching these properties and move quickly in order to flip the property for a profit. Be prepared to make a strong offer. This may entail offering a larger down payment or no closing cost assistance. The more attractive your offer can be, the more competitive you will be in a multiple offer situation.
• Short Sales ~ When making an offer on a Short Sale property, understand the process. In many instances if the seller’s lender is unaware the property has been listed and requiring a short sale. The seller and listing agent will prepare a package for the lender to review for short sale approval. Once the seller has accepted an offer, it will be contingent upon the lender (or lenders if the seller has more than one loan) approval. The time period for approval can range anywhere between 2 weeks and 6 months or longer. Be prepared to wait. Understand the lenders may come back with a counter, even after a long wait period. If there is more than one lender, the 2nd lender may not agree with the amount offered by the first. This makes the negotiation period even longer. In working with Short Sales, you will want to work with a REALTOR® that is experienced in the process.
• Low Ball Offers ~ Don’t assume that in the current market situation it is a good time to make low ball offers. Perhaps you have been watching a property that has had multiple price reductions. Remember, you are not the only one who has been watching this. There may be any number of reasons the property has had price reductions. Work with your REALTOR® to understand the situation and prepare a competitive, attractive offer.
The more prepared you are, the more you are educated, you will be able to work with your REALTOR® and make an offer they can’t refuse!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
I Am Ozzy ~ Book Signing In La Jolla
The Prince of Darkness has done it again. From Black Sabbath, to solo artist, Grammy Award winner, OzzFest, The Osborne’s…. the Madman Ozzy Osborne can now add to his repetoir, author.
I Am Ozzy was released in the US in January and the book signing tour was right behind it. Last night Warwick’sin La Jolla hosted the book signing for the Godfather of Heavy Metal from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
So, call me crazy. Just going off the rails on my Crazy Train. Of COURSE I could not miss this for the world. For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge Ozzyfan. Then combine that with my favorite pass time-reading? I am all over it! I was so excited since I heard he was coming, I was beside myself. I really wondered what time I needed to be there to stand in line. 6 am? 4 am? Were there really that many people that would go?
First I must say kudos to Warwick’sof La Jolla. They were extremely professional and had this thing planned to a T. I had called the store to find out what the process was going to be. They were selling
books over the phone and with that, you received a ticket lettered from A-Z with a number following. You would then be called into the store based on your letter of the alphabet. I bought my book, got the letter X! (Obviously quite a few people wanting to do this!)
As we pulled close to the store, we could see the crowd of people on the street and Ozzy blaring from the car stereos surrounding us. Everyone was excited. I had to get out. I had to be among them! My husband let me out and I ran across the street to get my book. I walked to the front of the store, listening to the stories being told, the Ozzy look alike’s, everyone signing along with the songs. Everyone was extremely excited. The ages ranging from 6 months to 80+, the fans came to see.
When I got there they were on letter B. I got into the short line to pick up my book and was able to see Ozzy in the store signing the books. Unfortunately, I left my husband in charge of the camera so I could direct all my attention to Ozzy and he was parking the car. I made my way out to the street to find my camera man. We found each other and just began to mingle. It was fun to compare stories, hear everyones memories of Ozzy in their lifetime. We went back to see if we could get some shots.
The time moved quickly and soon enough we were at letter X! In to the store we go! I kept playing over in over in my mind what I was going to say to him, let him know how I have loved him forever….I was like a little girl! I was nervous! So silly, really. I can talk to anyone, anywhere! The closer we got, the more nervous I got. The Warwick’s staff was giving instruction, have your book open, move along, don’t linger….OMG, it is almost my turn! I get to the table, hand over my book and can’t think of a thing to say! My husband was busy taking pictures, I was in awe. I finally managed to get out of my mouth “So Ozzy, did you ever think you would write a book?”
Ozzy looked up at me, raised his eyebrows, gave me a smile and (I think) said “Aw, No. No. No Man!”
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Are you looking for a great Home Inspector in San Diego County? Give Russel a call and see all of the different ways he is able to assist in your Home Inspection needs. With over 40 years of, you are sure to get what you need from Russel Ray!
As my wise old grandmother said, “Life doesn’t always offer choices, but Russel Ray does!”
I do not believe that one type of inspection meets the needs of everyone seeking a property inspection.
For example, a seller typically has an entirely different set of needs than a buyer. An investor who’s planning on gutting and renovating a home and then selling it or renting it has an entirely different set of needs than someone buying a home to live in.
Therefore, I offer different services to meet differing needs, all at different prices while providing different types of information. Some are very specialized and are not recommended for the general buying or selling public.
Virtually anyone can find the right inspection that meets their needs at a price they can afford. Simply pick the inspection that’s right for you and contact me for more information or to schedule an appointment. If you’re interested in my most popular inspections, check out the BASIC, STANDARD, and LIST inspections.
If you already have had an inspection, check your property report to determine which type of inspection I did for you, either at your request or that of your Realtor.
I work throughout Southern California, but it is more time-consuming (i.e., expensive) to travel to some areas, especially during tourist season. I also adjust prices monthly in response to third-party conditions over which I have no control (such as gas prices, insurance premiums, etc.), so prices will be higher in outlying areas to account for things such as drive time and gas. Contact me for a firm price that is good for 30 days.
CHOOSE WISELY
Although I offer many different choices for you, it is important that you choose wisely.
If you fall into a unique category or have a unique problem, contact me to discuss how I can use my 40+ years of real estate experience to help you.
I could easily offer only one inspection type like 95% of property inspectors throughout the nation do (the other 5% have taken my lead in offering choices for their Clients) and make a lot of money doing it. However, I’m here to help you meet your needs and goals in buying or selling property, whatever those needs and goals might be.
Don’t misunderstand me, though. I do like to make money, but not needlessly.
☺☻☻☺
Post a picture of your cat right here.
♫♫♪♫♫
Twenty most recent posts
- Easter is just around the corner. What’s in YOUR basket?
- Flowers for my friends still digging out from under snow – slide show
- Your choice. Choose wisely.
- Always take business cards and contact information with you….
- Is the fine art of budgeting not taught anymore?
- Go back in the closet and stay out of the South!
- Beautiful pictures and a poem for Valentine’s Day
- You’re a knot!
- We’re just looking for some cool guys to hang out with, maybe have a young one or two….
- Are there any Powerball lotteries I should be playing?
- When the market is bad, make do with what you have
- Zoey the Cool Cat says….
- Please help me welcome Derrick Schabbel to ActiveRain – My 121st invitee!
- If you have temporary repairs made, be sure to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible
- If you want a home built to 2010 standards and codes, you should be buying a home built in 2010
- Far more fragrant than roses….
- Using the camera red-eye function with cats
- Children love it, but it can easily kill them – Featured
- You can even make your driveway green!
- A FREE tour of Southern California garages….
My Favorite ActiveRain TV Stations
ActiveRan Travel Station
ActiveRain Convention Station
ActiveRain Guerrilla Marketing Station
ActiveRain Library Station
ActiveRain History Station
ActiveRain Nature Station
ActiveRain Symphony Station
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Selling Your Home~Tips On How To Get Top Dollar
For any number of reasons, you have determined now is the time to sell your home. You want to get the highest amount possible for the place you have called home.
Selling your homeis more than putting a sign in the yard. It is about finding a ready, willing and able buyer to make an offer that meets your vision of what your home’s value is. The first tip is to find a REALTOR® that you are comfortable working with. By having and experienced REALTOR® on your side is the first step in getting top dollarfor your home. Your REALTOR® can provide you with valuable tools and marketing in getting your home sold for the highest price. Granted, there are some outside factors that set the value of your home such as comparable sales, which your REALTOR® will be able to provide you with.
In addition to hiring a great REALTOR®, YOU, the SELLER can do some things to bring about the highest price for your home.
your home does not have curb appeal, they may just drive on by. Even if you do not have the funds to landscape your yard, trim the bushes and trees, pull weeds, and keep the lawn manicured. Plant some flowers. 
a challenge to continue to live your life and have your home on the market. Get every member of the family on board! You never know when someone will want to see your home. Put dishes in the dishwasher, keep the kids toys picked up, make the beds, and clean the cat box. All of these things distract the buyer from seeing what they have come to see; the house!These tips are just a few things YOU, the SELLER can do to get the highest price possible for your home. Together with your REALTOR®, you can work as a team and will have the perfect prescription for a quick, profitable sale! Happy Selling!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
This is a great article on things you can do to ensure getting your security deposit back.
Landlords and Property Managers take note as well. It is a good idea to do an initial walk through with renters. Bring a checklist, go over conditions and note any discrepancies. Both parties should sign and acknowledge.
Then, once the tenant gives notice they are leaving, a move out walk through can be done. Bring the move in checklist and compare! See what areas may need attention. This gives both parties the opportunity to review the condition of the property so there are no questions.
The security deposit is requested to protect the property in case of damages. Neither party wants to have to use it!
The Malibu Real Estate Resource Guide
Malibu California Real Estate ׀ Malibu Homes for Sale & Lease ׀ Malibu Land
Reclaim your security deposit: 10 ways for tenants to ensure a money-back move-out
Getting back a security deposit is no small matter; for most people it’s several hundred dollars that will help them settle into a new place. Here are 10 tips for getting back your deposit, in the order they should occur while renting:
1. Make a move-in checklist. Do a walk-through of the unit, noting any damage, such as carpet stains, damp spots on the ceiling or missing outlet covers. Turn on the appliances, flush the toilets and run the faucets. Photograph the unit, then give your landlord a copy of the checklist and photos. In the unlikely event you have to go to court to seek your security deposit, you’ll need them.
2. Ask permission before making changes. Some landlords are adamant about tenants not changing the unit; others don’t mind as long as it’s back to its original condition on move-out. Even though you believe yourself to be a skilled painter or interior designer, not everyone will share your taste, so ask before you redecorate.
3. Report problems promptly. If you wait until move-out, you may be charged for damage caused by unreported problems, such as leaking toilets. Repairs at short notice will cost more to undertake, which will be reflected in the amount deducted from the security deposit.
4. Return the unit to its original condition, or better. This is the top reason that people get charges against their security deposits. You’re supposed to leave the house in the exact same condition or better than it was when you moved in.
5. Re-read your lease. This is a legally binding contract, and laws vary widely. A month before you give notice to move out, read the lease in full. Review the information on your security deposit, especially any fees that may apply.
6. Give the required notice. If your lease says you must give 60 days’ notice in writing, a phone call as you’re walking out the door won’t cut it. And if you leave before the lease is up, don’t expect the landlord to take your security deposit as the last month’s rent.
7. Do another walk-through.Get out your move-in checklist and schedule a walk-through with the landlord, Cronrod says, to show that the unit has been left in the same condition as when you moved in. Take pictures again. If you have to fight for your deposit, you’ll have proof to back up your claim.
8. Return the keys.This is a common charge deducted from security deposits, Sygit says. Deliver them in person and get a receipt.
9. Don’t leave anything behind. This includes clothes, furniture, food and trash.
10. Provide a forwarding address. Tenants are not entitled to their deposit upon moving out. Many state laws give landlords up to 30 days to return a security deposit – meaning a current address is crucial to receiving your deposit money.
If the landlord doesn’t return your security deposit, and you believe you are entitled to it, take your case to small claims court. Most states require that the landlord list the expenses that are deducted from your deposit. If the charges are in error, if your pictures prove that [the unit] was like that when you moved in, if you have receipts for all your rent payments, go for it. Rip-off landlords need that feedback.
Bobby Lehmkuhl ׀ Bobby@4Malibu.com׀ 310.365.7696 ׀ Broker Lic. #01457517
Danielle Dutcher ׀ Danielle@4Malibu.com׀ 805.341.8769 ׀ Broker Lic. #01463653
Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary, therefore, please consult a professional for specific advice.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Reading another post today on a missing child, made me think of missing Escondido teenager Amber 
Dubois. Today is the one year anniversary of when she originally went missing. Her family continues to be strong and believes Amber is still alive.
Amber Dubois was walking to school on February 13, 2009 with her book bag on her back, Valentine’s Day gifts for friends and a $200 check for a deposit on a lamb she was going to raise as part of her school’s Future Farmers of America program. Amber was so excited about raising this lamb, her parents said she would not have missed putting the deposit down on this day for the world.
The day Amber Dubois went missing, she texted her grandmother before school and family friends saw her about 300 yards away from the school at about 7:09 am. This was the last anyone heard or saw of her.
Over the year, with over 1,000 tips and hundreds of interviews, the Escondido Police are no closer today in finding Amber Dubois than they were the day she went missing.
This morning a fund raiser was held by the Dubois family to raise money to pay for the ongoing search of their beautiful daughter. The Walk-A -Thon was held at Escondido High School where Amber Dubois went to school. Updates to the search can be found on the family’s website Bring Amber Home.
There is a $50,000 reward being offered for Amber’s safe return home and an additional $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. Amber Dubois is now 15 years old, 5’4″ tall, approximately 130 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black jeans and black tennies. If you have any information on Amber Dubois whereabouts, you can call the Escondido Police Department at 760-839-4722 or The Center For Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678.
Unfortunately, Amber Dubois is one of thousands of children that go missing every year. I hope that with more public awareness we are able to bring these children home safe to their families.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
I hope he is found soon! My prayers are with his family for his safe return.
Missing 15 year old from PA
This boy’s mother works in HR at the Upper Perkiomen School District
Please look at the picture, read what his mother says, then forward this message on.My 15 year old son, Evan Trembley, is missing.
He has been missing for now two weeks.
Maybe if everyone passes this on, someone will see this child.
That is how the girl from Stevens Point was found by circulation
Of her picture on TV. The internet circulates even overseas,
South America , and Canada etc.Please pass this to everyone in your address book.
With GOD on his side he will be found.
I am asking you all, begging you to please forward this email on to anyone and everyone you know, PLEASEIt is still not too late. Please help us. If anyone knows anything,please contact me at:
HelpfindEvanTrembley@yahoo.comI am including a picture of him.
All prayers are appreciated!
It only takes 2 seconds to look.
If it were your child missing, you would want all the help you could get – please pass this on!!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
This is really cool!
The ActiveRain Conduit – A Nifty Toolbar for Your Internet WEB Browser
This may be one of my coolest and greatest inventions EVER!! If you can believe that… lol~
ActiveRain members and even non-members should consider adding this toolbar to their Internet WEB Browsers. It will work with Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. The toolbar gives you easy and instant access to some of the most viewed pages and important helpful tools on ActiveRain. I think you’ll find it to be a very useful tool. Here’s some of the features and cool stuff it has:
The ActiveRain Real Estate Network Toolbar – Will help you “Stay Connected” easily and instantly.
- Access ActiveRain.com with a single click
- Pull-Down menu to select from ALL Industry Affiliates
- Search the AR Network for members or any topic
- One Click Access to Important Member “Must Read” info
- HELP Menu for Manuals, Guides, Training & Support
- Easy Access to AR Features from an RSS menu
- Link to Search and Sort ALL ActiveRain Blog Posts
- One-Click Access to the ActiveRain Staff and Team
- Live Updates, Announcements & ActiveRain Broadcasts
You can easily download the toolbar for your specific browsers and remove it just as easily if needed. Take a moment to try it out, see some things you may not have known existed, and let me know what you think? Once you download the toolbar and add it to your browser, you’ll see how easy it is. Most likely, your “wheels” will start spinning and you’ll be wondering how you can create a “custom toolbar” for your Site, Services, Blog, or Clients Browsers? I’ll show you how, and the best part is that it’s easy and FREE!
I hope you’ll check it out, I’m really excited about this one…
Select YOUR Browser below to Install the AR Toolbar
“RainMaker” Special – Signup Here for New Member Discount
Real Estate RainCamp™ – “Because The Way We Do Business Has Changed!”
ActiveRain University – “The On-line Training Campus and Support Center for Members”
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Valentine’s Day~On the Cheap!
Valentine’s Dayis a day to appreciate the one you love, it does not have to be something that breaks the bank! It has been a tough year for many in this economy, and with watching the budget and cutting corners, one of the last things you can worry about is really expensive flowers or candy!
This year, do something special for the one you love on Valentine’s Day without spending a dime! Are you 
ready to get creative? Don’t worry guys, this is EASY and you don’t have to have any special talents or craft experience! All you need is your brain!
THE MEMORY JAR
You will need the following items which can be easily found around the house:
Now take some time and think of the greatest memories of time you have spent with your love! The time you spent at the beach, your wonderful vacation in Mexico, the joke your love told you that made you laughed until you cried! Write these memories on your paper, cut the memory out, fold it in half and place it in your jar! Once your jar is full of fun memories, put the lid on the jar and cover it in a piece of paper and wrap the ribbon around! Decorate the lid with hearts or your own pictures and voila! You now have a great Valentine’s Day gift that will mean more to your love than any flowers or candy! There you go! Valentine’s Day~On The Cheap
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Santee Notary Public
Friday as I drove around town looking for a Notary Public I wondered to myself, does EVERYONE have this much difficulty finding a Notary Public in East County? 
Well, I got news for you. Not only am I a great REALTOR, but I am also a Notary Public!
When the local banks started calling me for their Notary Public needs, I was told that their Notary Public was out on maternity leave, did not pass the test or no longer worked there. So I was happy to oblige! I am regularly out and about town, and could always swing by the bank to help them in their time of need. I really had no idea how difficult it was to find a Notary Public, until I needed one!
I have been a Notary Public since 1991. I took the Real Estate Salesperson test and the Notary Public test in the same year and started doing business! Over the years, I have been the Notary Public on hundreds new home buyers loan documents, Notarized Powers of Attorney, witnessed signatures, you name it, I have done it!
Don’t drive all over town. I am here in East County and will come to you in most cases. Don’t do like I did, and spend all of the gas and guessing where I could find a Noraty Public. Give me a call if you are looking for a Santee Notary Public!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Being so close to Mexico, the real estate market is so tempting! It is so important if you are thinking about buying property in Mexico you understand the laws and requirements before entering into contract. Thomas Lloyd is providing us with a priceless education! As I am a Notary Public in the US, this information has taught me something new today!
In the Mexico real estate purchase process, the ONLY authority permitted to draft a deed transferring real property or an interest in real property is the Mexican Notary Public This person is different from a Notary Public in the United States where a simple exam, bond, and a rubber stamp can make a Notary Public out of most people Nor it is similar to Canada’s Notary Public who must meet a few more stringent requirements to qualify Not so many, however as the Mexican Notary
The Notary Public in Mexico must be an attorney, must have a minimum of five years of practical experience in the profession, must pass a highly technical examination AND then be appointed as a Notary Public by the Governor of the state in which he or she is working The number of Notaries Public depends upon the number of people in the state A new Notary is appointed only as the population grows above a certain size the Mexican Notary Public has many duties, but one of the most important is the drafting of deeds for transfer of real property Anytime a signature is required on a deed of transfer it must be made before the Mexican Notary Public
As of now, foreigners buying and selling their rights in the Playa del Carmen real estate market, in the Cancun real estate market, or any property within the “restricted” zone, through fideicomiso rights, do not always have to appear before the Mexican Notary Public in order to transfer their interest in the real estate These transfers in many cases may be made by having instructions signed in the buyer or seller’s place of residence and “legalized” or “authenticated” for use in Mexico This same process can be used for a power of attorney document in the event buyer’s or seller’s signature is required And what is a “legalized” or “authenticated” document
No matter what the document, it must be signed before a Notary Public in the place of residence; California, Arizona, Calgary, Vancouver…..or wherever Once signed before the Notary Public in the place of residence it must be “legalized” or “authenticated” in order to be considered as valid in Mexico This means that a designated public official performs a government act and certifies to the genuineness of the signature and the seal, and the position of the official who has executed, issued or certified a copy of a document
In 1981 the Convention abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents entered into force in the United States Under the Convention, (signed in the Hague, Holland), signatory countries, including both the United States and Mexico, but not Canada, agreed to mutually recognize each other’s “public documents” so long as such documents are authenticated by an apostille, a form of internationally recognized notarization The apostille ensures that public documents issued in one signatory country will be recognized as valid in another signatory country
Thus, if the document required for a Mexican transaction has been notarized in the United States it must then be sent to the nearest office of the Secretary of State and an “Apostille” obtained A search under state government in the yellow pages should reveal the telephone and location of the closest office of the Secretary of State The document to be authenticated through an Apostille can probably be sent through the mail and should not cost more than $25.00 U.S. dlls.
It is important to allow for extra time to accomplish this step Other countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention are, to name a few; Germany, Argentina, Australia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Spain, Israel, France, Greece and Norway.
All countries which are not signatories to the Hague Convention, such as Canada, must authenticate documents to be used in Mexico by obtaining a “legalization” or ratification of their document from the nearest Mexican Consulate It maintains a list of authorized Notaries with samples of their signatures and is able to ratify the authenticity of the Notary’s signature
Many people object to the time involved and the additional step required to “authenticate” a signature for legal use in Mexico It is less expensive and less time consuming, however, than making a special trip to Mexico in order to sign a document before a Mexican Notary
“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”
Thomas Lloyd, graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. Mexico Real Estate Degree & Professional Identificacion Number S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Santee Lakes~What’s New?
If you are a resident of San Diego County, you have probably either heard or visited Santee Lakes. Located in the heart of East County, in the beautiful City of Santee, Santee Lakes is great not only for a day trip but for camping, fishing and walking the dog!
Since 1961, Santee Lakes has been a part of the community providing many fun activities for the surrounding areas. Since then, Santee Lakes has been not only a water treatment facility but a daycation as well as vacation destination! With over 300 full hook up camp sites and voted Best Campground in San Diego County for 2009 Santee Lakes is fun for the whole family.
So what is new at Santee Lakes? Last year, Santee Lakes completed their new covered RV storage which 
incorporated solar panels on each overhead storage structure. With this new system in place, the power that it will generate will produce over 1 million kilowatt hours of clean energy every year. This will be enough power to cover 50% of the entire park and campground needs. Santee Lakes is dedicated to minimize the impact on the environment and has many programs in place to keep the park “In The Green”. Contact Santee Lakes for storage rates and information.
Santee Lakeshas also received approval for 7 cabins and 3 floating cabins on the shores of Lake 7. The cabins will be located on the banks of the lake and will offer views of the surrounding hills and lakes. The 3 floating cabins will be on pontoons and will be the first of their kind in the state. They will have the capacity to sleep up to 6 and guests will be able to hop into paddle boats right off the front porch! Both the prefabricated cabins and floating cabins will open up the camping experience to those without RV’s that want to camp at Santee Lakes. The cabins are expected to be in by fall.
In addition to this new stuff, Santee Lakes has some great projects on the horizon. Some renovations of the existing picnic gazebo’s, enhanced landscaping, and a mega play structure are just to name a few! There is also a proposal for a cable ski park and restaurant which may be in by next year.
If you haven’t visited Santee Lakes or been there in a while, you may want to head out to East County to see what you are missing!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Home Inspections~Not only for the buyer!
If you are considering selling your home or currently have it on the market, have you considered a pre-listing Home Inspection? You may ask, why should I spend the money when the buyer is going to get a home inspection anyway? Let’s examine this a little further. You have spruced up your home, given it a fresh coat of paint, planted some flowers in the yard and gotten rid of the clutter. Heck, you may even consider staging the property. Why do you need a pre-listing Home Inspection?
With a pre-listing Home Inspection a Certified Home Inspector will come to your home and perform a detailed inspection of the home and potential areas that may require repair. So how does this help you?
The most important thing in selling your home is finding a ready, willing and able buyer to purchase your home. Once you have an accepted offer, one of the contingencies in the contract is the buyer has the right to inspect the property. If there are items found the buyer’s inspector that they do not want to deal with, they can cancel the contract. You are back to square one. Perhaps there are items found by the buyers inspector that will be very costly to repair. You may not be in a position to repair these items. You may be asked to reduce the purchase price or to credit money at close for the cost of the repairs. This will cut into your bottom line. If you can not come to an agreement, the buyer can cancel the contract. Back to square one.
If you find out prior to an offer of any major problems requiring repair, you will be in a better position to negotiate the best price to sell your home for. In addition, it shows the buyer that you are pro active in selling your home and have made any repairs found in your home inspection and will give the buyer 
assurance the home is sound. Additionally, what a great selling tool for your REALTOR to be able to show potential buyers!
If you do decide to get a pre-listing home inspection, don’t forget the golden rule, you must disclose! Anything you find out in your home inspection, must be disclosed to potential buyers. Again, this may not be a bad thing. It puts you in a position of power. The power to sell your home at the best price, with or without the repairs! If the buyer agrees to the price and already knows repairs have been made or which items may need reepair, you are in the drivers seat!
Don’t get hit with the unexpected and risk the deal going south. Know what you are working with before you get into contract! Consider a pre-listing Home Inspection, it’s not only for the buyer!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Home Inspections~Not only for the buyer!
If you are considering selling your home or currently have it on the market, have you considered a pre-listing Home Inspection? You may ask, why should I spend the money when the buyer is going to get a home inspection anyway? Let’s examine this a little further. You have spruced up your home, given it a fresh coat of paint, planted some flowers in the yard and gotten rid of the clutter. Heck, you may even consider staging the property. Why do you need a pre-listing Home Inspection?
With a pre-listing Home Inspection a Certified Home Inspector will come to your home and perform a detailed inspection of the home and potential areas that may require repair. So how does this help you?
The most important thing in selling your home is finding a ready, willing and able buyer to purchase your home. Once you have an accepted offer, one of the contingencies in the contract is the buyer has the right to inspect the property. If there are items found the buyer’s inspector that they do not want to deal with, they can cancel the contract. You are back to square one. Perhaps there are items found by the buyers inspector that will be very costly to repair. You may not be in a position to repair these items. You may be asked to reduce the purchase price or to credit money at close for the cost of the repairs. This will cut into your bottom line. If you can not come to an agreement, the buyer can cancel the contract. Back to square one.
If you find out prior to an offer of any major problems requiring repair, you will be in a better position to negotiate the best price to sell your home for. In addition, it shows the buyer that you are pro active in selling your home and have made any repairs found in your home inspection and will give the buyer assurance the home is sound. Additionally, what a great selling tool for your REALTOR to be able to show potential buyers!
If you do decide to get a pre-listing home inspection, don’t forget the golden rule, you must disclose! Anything you find out in your home inspection, must be disclosed to potential buyers. Again, this may not be a bad thing. It puts you in a position of power. The power to sell your home at the best price, with or without the repairs! If the buyer agrees to the price and already knows repairs have been made or which items may need reepair, you are in the drivers seat!
Don’t get hit with the unexpected and risk the deal going south. Know what you are working with before you get into contract! Consider a pre-listing Home Inspection, it’s not only for the buyer!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Stephanie Reynolds 
Colleen Mitchell 
