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Rancho Bernardo – Westwood Homes: Year to Date Sales
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Leave A Comment »
WESTWOOD is Ranch Bernardo’s largest family community including 10 Subdivisions with a wide variety of home styles and types. WESTWOOD, located in North San Diego County is located near shopping centers and fantastic outdoor sports parks, the hub of youth activities. Homes in WESTWOOD currently range between $450,000 and $650,000. These homes are 3-4 bedrooms and 1,482 to 2,679 sq. ft. Many homes were destroyed in recent fires so new construction is evident on many streets where residents have rebuilt. The area is served byacclaimed Poway Unified School District.
Year to Date Sales: WESTWOOD
Stats Taken from Sandicor and represent various broker participation.
The WESTWOOD CLUB is a private club for residents and their guests. Amenities include:
- Pool
- Baby Pool
- Men and Women Saunas
- Jacuzzi
- 4 Tennis Courts
- Indoor Racquet Ball Courts
- Sand Volleyball
- Indoor/Outdoor Basketball Courts
- Children’s Play Area
- Picnic Area
- Ball Diamond
- Meeting Table
- 2 Billiard Tables
- Games Room
- Teen and Tots Areas
- Miniature Golf
Also located at the WESTWOOD CLUB is the very popular WESTWOOD PRESCHOOL. Please click on either of the links for more information on the WESTWOOD CLUB and PRESCHOOL.
If you live in the WESTWOOD, I would love to hear what you like about the community. Please email me at [email protected].
Watch for upcoming blogs on other Rancho Benrardo Communities, m4S Ranch, Del Sur and Santaluz!
Related Posts: San Diego
Santaluz: Resort Style Life at the Santaluz Club
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Currently 1 Comment »
Santaluz, a gated planned community built around an award winning Rees Jones Golf Course features outstanding club facilities. Equity memberships at various levels adds to the recreational and social lifestyle this community has to offer its residents. The 3 levels of membership include; Hacienda, Spa and Clubhouse and Golf.
The HACIENDA MEMBERSHIP offers residents the use of a resort style heated swimming pool for year round use. Designed with lap lanes for adults, beach entry for small children and varying depth it meets the needs of serious as well a casual swimmers. Water aerobics and swimming lessons are available. A poolside grill during the summer months provides the sense of living in a resort. A state of the art fitness facility is an integral part of the Hacienda membership. Fitness classes include Pilates. step, yoga and circuit training. A full basketball court is provided with members participating in open basketball and casual “pick up” games. An integral part of this membership includes “Camp Santaluz” where children can participate in planned recreational, educational and social activities year roud. There are 6 lighted tennis courts with pros available for clinics and league play form men and women. The 19,000 sqft Hacienda complex offers upscale lockers rooms, a lounge and the “Fresh Roast” casual dining cafe. It is great fun to take a fitness class and then enjoy a latte at Fresh Roast visiting with friends. The Hacienda Club overlooks an 11 acre Village Green area where residents walk , enjoy summer concerts and movies, summer fireworks, picnics and a recently built play structure for children. Due to the fact that all memberships are equity based some homes that are on the market lease or sell with memberships negotiable to new residents.
The SPA and CLUBHOUSE MEMBESHIP offers members all the amenities of the Hacienda level and in addition the use of the 35,000 sqft Spa and Main Clubhouse. The Spa facility offers every luxury imaginable in a relaxed setting. Some of the treatment rooms have outdoor showers, soaking tubs, fireplaces and the menu for treatments is creative and endless. Facials, massages, nail care and body wraps are available from well qualified professionals. The 90 minute Thai massage is a favorite of mine although the hot stone massage is a close second choice! A secluded outdoor jacuzzi surrounded by orange trees and fountains offers another mode of relaxation. The locker rooms feature steam rooms, jacuzzi’s facing large screen TV’s, game tables and shower facilities. This level membership entitles people to use and enjoy the Dining Facilities of the Clubhouse and all social events .
The GOLF MEMBESHIP incorporates all the Hacienda, Spa as well as Golf privileges in the SANTALUZ CLUB. The Rees Jones golf course covers 250 acres carefully planned with elevated tees, graded fairways, added bunkers and pockets and berms. The near perfect climate allows for year round use . There are ocean views from the highest points and views of the natural landscaping which is the trademark branding of Santaluz. For a hole by hole overview visit www.santaluz.com/swf/signature/signature_pop.html.
The dining facilities of the SANTALUZ CLUB leave little to the imagination. Whether it be a casual lunch, hearty brunch or formal special event there is something for every occasion and palette. Many social events such as Broadway Under The Stars, Comedy Night, Winter Celebration, Summer Music concert take place in the club. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and many other important milestones can be celebrated in this beautiful facility. My Mother celebrated her 90th and 91st bday here..we skipped 92 but are planning to go back this year at 93 creating memories our family cherishes.
Homes are available for sale in Santaluz from the high $700,000′s to $6,000,000. Please look for my past and present blogs on the various opportunities and market conditions in this vibrant community. I live, work and play in Santaluz and it is my pleasure to share my knowledge and experiences with anyone interested! Please feel free to contact me for a personal tour!
Related Posts: San Diego
San Diego First Time Home Buyers: Getting Started!!!
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First time home buyers are purchasing in record numbers in San Diego. The combination of low interest rates, great loan programs and tax credits (www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com) have propelled the market in the past year. In many cases purchasing home is less expensive than renting the same property. How you may ask does one get started with the process?
First, please do not assume that you can or cannot purchase a home. You need to get some good advice to make any decisions. Step #1 is to talk with a lender. You may elect to use your credit union, bank or a lender that either a real estate agent or a friend has recommended. You are not obligated to go with this person if you speak with them. You will need to provide this person with basic information; your income, debts including credit card balances, car loan, alimony and any other outstanding loans you are obligated to pay off.
The lender will run a credit check to determine what is called a FICA score. You may elect to do this yourself on line. It is free and available at www.freecreditreprt.com. The FICA score is critical as it sets a standard that lending institutions use to determine if your credit history is strong enough to make them feel comfortable in loaning you money. Many times people who do not use credit and pay cash or use debit cards have low FICA scores and the lender will make suggestions as to how you can improve these scores. Obvious things such as late payments or outstanding unpaid debts will produce a score that may be lower than what the lender requires. The lender will discuss the price of a home, loan amount and down payment you will need . You will receive a “Preapproval Letter” outlining this information which will allow you to proceed to Step 2!
Step 2 is finding a good real estate agent. This is critical as you are placing a huge decision in the hands of someone and you want to know that person is ethical, experienced, trustworthy and has the time and patience to open the doors to your first home. I suggest searching the web for an agent active in the area you are looking. Simply do a quick Google search in “any town real estate” Go to at least 5 agent web sites and do a thorough review of the content including their biography and any testimonials posted. If you like what you read then give them a call. I receive 70% of my business off the web and most of my clients say “you looked so friendly.” I am friendly and also am very knowledgably, patient and an very experienced agent! Agents are happy to talk with you on the phone or chat on an email..if the vibes are good commit to meeting them which brings us to Step 3.
When you meet with an agent realize that the more information you can share with them, the easier it will be for you to find a home that suits your needs. Be prepared! Outline your basic requirements, likes and areas you will consider. As a first time buyer the most important lesson to understand is COMPROMISE. If the meeting goes well and you feel you “connect” with the agent pledge your loyalty to them. Real estate agents are paid by commission only. You may think every real estate agent makes a zillion dollars a year. It can be a difficult process in today’s market to get a first time buyer into a home. Recently I had an experience that outlines this challenge. I had a listing priced at $300,000..every first time buyers dream…clean, new paint, new carpet, a view to die for in a fabulous neighborhood. I had 3 offers immediately; 2 all cash and one from a first time buyer. The first time buyer was preapproved for a loan by a lender but my sellers elected to accept the offer from the all cash buyer. Why do sellers prefer all cash offers? All cash transactions can close quickly; 14 days or less vs. 30-45 days for a buyer obtaining financing and it is a sure thing. Even with preapproval the lender may not come through with an acceptable appraisal or final funding. This buyer has submitted 9 offers on different homes and has lost each home to other purchasers who are paying “all cash.” That means his agent has shown him countless homes (we know at least 9!), written 9 offers and still has not earned any payment for his services. Be loyal…and if asked to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement that pledges your loyalty as well as due diligence on the part of your agent…sign it! You will be #1 priority for the agent. 
Now you are headed for Step 4…viewing homes. Please bring a digital camera, notebook, your significant other, water, shoes you can easily remove and an open mind. If you are including your children in the search make sure you have discussed this with your agent and plan to drive your own car and follow your agent. Most of the time children are pretty bored with the process of looking at homes so it is best to make other arrangements if possible. You are on your way! After each viewing make notes on the home focusing on your requirements and on your initial reaction to the property. The most important element is location so keep that at the top of your list…and remember the COMPROMISE part of the process. Good luck! You are on your way!
Watch for my future First Time Buyer Blogs:
Why should I purchase a home?
How do I determine value?
Can I get a better “deal” calling the Listing Agent?
Related Posts: San Diego
San Diego Bank Owned Homes: Did they leave the foundation(?)!
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Currently 4 Comments »
I experienced the first “thief” of a foreclosed property three years ago. The home was actually a listing I had attempted to sell for a year. It was a beautiful home in Santaluz, upgraded nicely and owned by a professional couple. They purchased at the height of the market, and soon realized when they went to sell it two years later that they could no longer make the loan payments, and the loans exceeded the value. So, like so many people in the recent real estate down turn, they stayed in their home without making any payments on the loan, taxes, or HOA. When the bank would no longer allow them to stay in the home, they were forced to move out.
However, as they were moving out, they decided to help themselves to everything that they could load onto a truck. The neighbors, including myself, watched as pickup trucks hauled off the refrigerator, ovens and other appliances. We all thought the same thing; “Isn’t this illegal? How can they be doing this?” Now, I find these practices commonplace, and am amazed at some of the homes I view. I guess it isn’t illegal as I have never seen an arrest!
The lenders have done all they can do to just get people out of their homes, and have implemented a program “cash for keys” to try to get the keys and get residents out before they do any damage. Somehow people just can’t help themselves. Even when given “cash for keys,” I have seen the homes stripped of appliances, expensive drapes, fireplace screens, actual fireplace glass doors, shower doors, light fixtures, BBQ’s pool equipment and one even had the master toilet taken! Now really, how much money can someone get for a used toilet? Somehow I just can’t see how people justify their behavior.
The reason we see many bank owned properties selling at greatly discounted rates in their condition is not comparable with resale owner occupied homes that have been well cared for. I think the MLS should require agents to document what was missing in the bank owned homes and note the condition of the yard and interior on an established scale. I have had to inform appraisers that $30,000 worth of appliances and light fixtures were missing as well as $25,000 worth of window coverings so they could adjust the pricing for a comparable sale. Buyers who are looking to purchase a foreclosed home need to add up all the items they will need to replace to determine the value they will pay for the home. The bank owned homes are sold in “as is” condition so it is also imperative that buyers receive a thorough home inspection by a qualified professional.
If you are a buyer looking at a bank owned home, bring a notebook, calculator and camera when you view REO homes. You can start making a check list of the items you will need to correct and work some estimates of replacement and “fix up” costs. Your first indication that the bank has made a visit to the home will be the new dead bolt locks on the doors. Don’t expect them to match the Baldwin locks that were originally on the home. You will see the least expensive deadbolts, usually shiny brass. I purchased a bank owned home recently. The original hardware was all distressed rubbed oiled bronze but my new locks were shiny brass that gleamed. I had to re key and replace all locks…quite a costly expense.
The next thing to focus on is the ceiling. …look up! Do you see wires hanging unattached to what should be a light fixture? You see these on walls also. Actually it sometimes appears as if the former owner literally tore the fixtures out of the walls.
Next focus downward at the flooring. When refrigerators are torn out of the walls they need to be dragged across the floor to get them out of the home. Remember these people are not planning to live in these homes anymore so they are not employing moving companies to move their appliances to a pick up truck! Many homes need the carpeting replaced because it has been so badly soiled. I have to wonder when owners simply flip a switch and decide not to clean and to destroy their home. Other items commonly missing include window coverings, fireplace screens, BBQ’s appliances, gates, doors, audio equipment and cabinets.
Once you have an estimate of what it will take to put the home in its original condition, you can make a decision if it is a good value. Some buyers are so caught up in the frenzy of getting a “deal” they are not looking at the big picture. Some of the best values I sold in the past 2 years have been owner occupied homes that were in excellent condition. The sellers were motivated and priced their homes with the current market. Buyers need to look at the entire inventory in neighborhoods they are considering to make the best informed decision.
Next focus downward at the flooring. When refrigerators are torn out of the walls they need to be dragged across the floor to get them out of the home. Remember these people are not planning to live in these homes anymore so they are not employing moving companies to move their appliances to a pick up truck! Many homes need the carpeting replaced because it has been so badly soiled. I have to wonder when owners simply flip a switch and decide not to clean and to destroy their home. Other items commonly missing include window coverings, fireplace screens, BBQ’s appliances, gates, doors, audio equipment and cabinets.
Once you have an estimate of what it will take to put the home in its original condition you can make a decision if it is a good value. Some buyers are so caught up in the frenzy of getting a “deal” they are not looking at the big picture. Some of the best values I sold in the past 2 years have been owner occupied homes thaty were in excellent condition. The sellers were motivated and priced their homes with the current market. Buyers need to look at the entire inventory in neighborhoods they are considering to make the best informed decision.
Related Posts: San Diego
Santaluz: One Story Homes For Lease!
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Gorgeous 3851 square foot single story home within the gates of Santaluz, just listed for minimum 1 year lease. Terms are $4995.00 per month with a security deposit of $9990.00. Enter into grand foyer, continue down arched hallway to gourmet kitchen which will not disappoint the fussiest gourmet cook! Ample storage space warmly stained cabinets, DUAL Bosch dishwashers, 48″ refrigerator, warming drawer, double ovens (1 convection), 6 burner gas range, granite counters, full pantry, breakfast bar and room for casual dining. The family room features a cozy fireplace and has access to a covered loggia. A center courtyard with fireplace integrates the outside seamlessly with the interior of this home. The formal living and dining room or “great room” offers limitless possibilities for furniture arrangement and entertaining. There are 2 very spacious bedrooms with bath suites. The master suite is very spacious and has a closet that will surprise the most demanding shopper…huge! The master bath features the finest granite finishes in over sized shower and soaking tub. There are 3 spaces for cars, double tandem and a single stall.
The Hacienda level SANTALUZ club membership is included in the lease. This will allow tenants to enjoy the pool, fitness, social activities and Camp Santaluz. Tenants can establish their own account for charging club fees not included in membership. Tenant to pay water, gas and electric and phone. Basic cable provided as well as gardener.
Santaluz is a planned community built around a Rees Jones Golf Course. It is located 10 minutes from the beaches of Del Mar and 30 minutes to San Diego airport and downtown areas. Poway Unified Schools district services the community. Homes are available for sale in this area with prices ranging from $799,900-$5,000,000. Building lots are also available for people who want to design and build their dream custom home.
For a quick overview of Santaluz please enjoy this video:
Please watch for my upcoming blog on SANTALUZ: Drought Tolerant Landscaping
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