Author Archive
Santaluz: Homes Available
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Leave A Comment »
Santaluz is a 3,800 acre village located in the San Dieguito River Valley adjacent to Fairbanks Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe. It offers a unique early California setting with an overall density of one home per four acres. There are miles of hiking and biking trails and open spaces. Built around a Ress Jones Golf Course many of the lots are curvilinear offering the best use of the land and views. There are 836 homes offering architectural interest with rustic flavor, much use of stone, tile and stucco and planned around courtyards and and covered patios to integrate indoor-outdoor spaces. Currently the homes range in value from $799,9900-$7,000,000. Building lots are available for people interested in building their custom home in this unique community.
There are 8 production type homes that were built within Santaluz. The rest of the homes are custom built by various builders on custom rounded home sites that are mixed throughout the community. Many have excellent views of the golf course, some of the ocean and territorial vistas. The custom homes are currently selling from $1,800,000-$7,000,000 and are offered in a variety of architectural styles that blend with natural surroundings. They are on an average of 1 acre lots that are landscaped with drought tolerant grasses and plantings.
The SPANISH BUNGALOWS were built by Christopher Homes. They are located on the northern side of Santaluz sometimes referred to as the “Lazanja” area. They range from a single story 2727 sqft 3 bedroom home to a 5 bedroom 3508 sq ft 2 story home. They are full of charming and interesting details with courtyards, set back garages, french doors, arches and well planned kitchens. Homeowners have done as exceptional job upgrading many of these properties with beautiful custom gates, walkways, patios and landscaping.
The CASITAS were built by Taylor Woodrow and are enjoyed by many people who want a low care property styled on a signle level. All of these homes have back load garages which adds to the street scape appearance of them. Many are sited on golf course view lots or have views of the 11 acre Village Green. Residents enjoy walking to the Fresh Roast for their morning coffee and the club for their morning workout. These charming residences range from 2,1890 sqft-2,340 sq ft and some offer attached casitas for a home office or guest suite.
For a tour of a casita that I listed click here
The Garden Homes were built in D.R. Horton and are located near the Spanish Bungalows. Many back designated open space and natural canyons offering privacy. The single story 3 bedroom + office is 3347 sqft and offers a lovely center court yard and back loggia. The other 2 story models offer up to 6 bedrooms and feature bonus rooms, large kitchens, bonus rooms In Early California and Spanish architecture.
Enjoy this video of a Plan 1 Garden Homes I listed:
There are 5 other Production homes in Santaluz; The Sentinels, Hacienda Sur, Poasadas, Davidson and Belsera Homes. Please watch for my next blog where I detail these homes for you.
For a list of homes currently available in Santaluz including Bank Owned Homes click here
Please enjoy my upcoming blogs on SANTALUZ:
Santaluz Club
What makes Santaluz So Special…
What Current Homeowners Are Saying About Santaluz…
Upcoming Holiday Events in Santaluz
Related Posts: San Diego
San Diego Green Home Agent: Easy Tips to Get Green
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Currently 1 Comment »
Did you know that the average American Family spends $2,200 on energy each year, (according to the U.S. Department of Energy).
Here are some very simple steps you can take to…….
Save the Planet and Save your Cash
Paint – Conventional paints emit toxic VOCs, (volatile organic compounds). There are many companies that now offer low and even no-VOC paints. Most tints contain some VOCs so you may have to trade a rich palette for healthier air.
Water Heater - Insulating your water heater with a water heater blanket or jacket can cut costs by as much as 45%. These can usually be purchased for under $50. Lowering the water temperature from 140 degrees F to 120 degrees F can also save energy. If you have a very old water heater, you may want to think about replacing it with an Energy Star rated one, (tankless models are the most efficient).
Windows - If you’re replacing or adding windows, use double-pane glazing. In cold climates, choose gas-filled windows, (usually krypton or argon) with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings – super thin layers of metallic oxide that keep heat in. In warm climates, ask about coatings that reduce heat gain. To improve the efficiency of existing windows, add clear plastic film in winter, or install storm windows.
Thermostat - Installing an Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save resources and money. Using preprogrammed temperatures lets you cut back on your energy use at night – saving you about $180 a year, (according to the U.S. Department of Energy). Tip – Lower your thermostat by just 3 degrees and you’ll save about 10% on your heating bill!!!
Insulation – Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. Insulation is one of the best ways to ensure your home’s energy efficiency. Contact your local energy supplier to arrange for an on-site energy audit, or try a do-it-yourself audit, (visit hes.lbl.gov for instructions). Sealing leaks around doors, windows and outlets is also key.
For more information or tips about “Going Green”,
please contact your Certified Green Agent, Gretchen Pagnotta!!!
760-715-0478 or [email protected]
Also watch for upcoming Blogs by Your Certified Green Real Estate Agent:
* Selecting a Green Real Estate Agent
* How to Find a Green Builder
* How to Build a Green Home
* What is the Leeds Certification
Information taken from “Your Good House”, November 2009 Issue
Related Posts: San Diego
SANTALUZ: Home Values in 2009
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Currently 1 Comment »

- Santaluz: Declining Values Present Opportunities for Buyers


Santaluz, a premier planned community in North San Diego county San Diego has experienced a continued decline in home values throughout 2009. The main factors contributing to the decline has been the combination of:
- Excess inventory,
- The difficulty of borrowers obtaining “jumbo” loan financing.
During the height of the real estate market, Santaluz values soared. There were long waiting lists of prospective buyers for various new developments, and many people were caught in a frenzy of buying opportunity. Some of these purchasers were counting on a a quick turnaround of the property, with thoughts of making substantial profits in a short amount of time. Some residents purchased lots as well as tract-type homes. These people intended to sell their initial Santaluz homes at a profit, and use the equity they made to build their luxury custom home. Contractors were building speculative custom homes knowing they had a captive audience of buyers who could easily obtain financing. Attractive “no down” stated income and option arm financing helped to fuel the market, driving prices up.
The Santaluz bubble headed for a burst as inventory built. Some sales were attributed to:
- the natural attrition of a neighborhood
- job relocation,
- divorce
- sellers desiring a change in their housing requirements: up-sizing, downsizing or moving to their completed custom home .
Some residents experienced a loss of employment or drastic decrease in their income due to the recession. Mortgages started to readjust and payments increased for people with adjustable mortgages. As equity disappeared, some people put their keys on the counter and headed for the door. Short sales and bank owned foreclosures brought prices down and equity evaporated.
While is has been a struggle and hardship for sellers in Santaluz YTD Closed Sales for Production Homesantaluz, many buyers have seized the opportunity to purchase in this fabulous community. It was unheard of during the peaks of the market to purchase anything in Santaluz for under $1,000,000. There have been several sales of beautiful properties that have closed for $1,000,000 or less in 2009. Custom homes have sold for less thasn their constructions costs and buyers have had an opportunity to be selective in the choices of homes available.

My forecast for 2010 is positive for this vibrant community. Santaluz is recognized as a community that is highly desirable. It is 10 minutes away from the beaches of Del Mar, 20 minutes to San Diego airport, provides 24-hour guard gates, has a fabulous Rees Jones golf course, is part of Poway’s award-winning school district and offers home floor plans to suit a variety of buyers’ needs. It also helps that Santaluz is an absolutely stunning, well-planned community that provides a close sense of community with its various social and club sponsored events.
Watch for my future blogs on Santaluz:
Santaluz Floor Plans and Home Styles
Santaluz: Community Events and Clubs
Santaluz: Why Residents Love Living Here
Related Posts: San Diego
SANTALUZ: San Diego’s Award-Winning Planned Community
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Leave A Comment »
- A View Adds Value
Santaluz is a planned coastal close community adjacent to Fairbanks Ranch and Rancho Santa Fe. It comprises 3800 acres of rolling hills landscaped to preserve the natural terrain and characteristics of “Early California.” There are 942 home sites providing a variety of architectural styles, sizes and features. There is an abundance of open space providing density of 1 home per acre. Miles of biking and hiking trails are intertwined throughout the community.
Residents of Santaluz are provided with 24-hour gate guarded security. The central location of the community allows access to downtown San Diego and the airport within a 20 minute drive. There are major medical facilities nearby as well as shopping, restaurants and the San Diego’s most popular beaches. The climate is nearly perfect with gentle breezes, comfortable year round temperatures and few days of the marine layer that hugs the coast. Residents can wake up to sunshine most of the year and enjoy outdoor activities.
The community is one where you can truly live, work and play within the neighborhood. A Rees Jones Golf Course with a 35,000 square foot clubhouse and spa is available with private memberships. There is also a Hacienda Club which offers a state of the art fitness facility, a full basketball court, tennis courts and a pool. Membership in the Hacienda Club provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy Camp Santaluz, where educational as well as recreational activities are planned year round for children. Casual dining is available at “Fresh Roast” where residents can enjoy a quick lunch with friends, morning coffee after a workout or one of their social events such as “Bagels and Brew” for welcoming new residents. The Homeowners Association of Santaluz is very active providing year round social events and activities. The entire community can communicate with Santaluz Living Intranet. In addition to planned activities offered by the club and the HOA residents have formed more than 20 clubs. Santaluz is a community where knowing your neighbors and feeling part of where live is accomplished easily.
The prices for homes in Santaluz currently range from high $700,000- over $8 million. There are various products that are unique to this community and appeal to different people. The smallest homes are 2200 square feet and the custom homes can be over 10,000 square feet. There is something for everyone whether it be empty nesters who want “turn key” and travel to luxury villas with pools, ocean views and acreage.
Watch for my upcoming blogs on Santaluz featuring:
Santaluz: ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND PRICES OF HOMES
Santaluz: WHY I LOVE LIVING THERE!
Related Posts: Area Information, Coastal Living, Find A Home, Golf, Homeowners Associations, homes for sale, San Diego


























