Ronald McDonald House raffled off tickets raising $300,000 and the new home valued at 800,000 went to a local Pacific beach resident for the tidy sum of $150.00.The raffle House for a House was sponsored by McDonald's and Bosa Development, the builder of the 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo at the Legend Condominium Development in Downtown San Diego. The legend is a high rise tower that overlooks Petco Ball Park, the new Ball Park Downtown San Diego that inspired development by the Center City Development. The even better news is that 26 year old also has an option. He can take the home or $600,000 in cash. It wouldn't be a hard decision for me-I would take the ......, OK, I  would have to think about this and way at the possibilities. Loving downtown and the new wonderful living environment, I w... 10/26/2007

10.26.07 n-PRO Headline NewsIsland Realtor Will Put Sand Between Your Toes So many millions have been pumped into developing some key infrastructure here on the South Texas Islands of Padre Island, Mustang Island, and Port Aransas.Vast sandy dunes with green natural vegetation and many lots and acreages are still available for people wanting to build that dream "Home Sweet Home" on the beach or near. And of course there are plenty of pre-existing homes available. Gulf of Mexico waters at the footsteps await those seeking warm pleasures and sand in between the toes. Come join us for a walk on the beach and listen to the waves make music as it rolls in on the shores.  Cheers, KIM.Contact Mr. C. KIM McGuire, n-PRO @ 361.215-8612, a RE/MAX Corpus Christi to Padre Island to Port Aransas Real... 10/25/2007

San Diego Fires Firestorm 2007 It was Sunday October 21'st 2007 about 2:00 P.M., I was creating real estate market conditions for San Diego communities when I smelled smoke from my upstairs home office. I rushed downstairs and out the front door to see what was burning. The smoke smell was heavy, it seemed close. It smelled like burning wood, an eerie smell I remembered from the 2003 San Diego fires. There was smoke in the air already and mixed with ash. I knew this couldn't be good. The Santa Ana winds were just starting today and that's always a reason to fear the smell of smoke, because WHERE THERES SMOKE THERES FIRE. I went back in the house and changed the football game to the local news stations then the national news stations and nothing about fires in San Diego. I went to a news... 10/25/2007

We are just beginning to hear and see stories of people returning to the burned heaps of rubble that were once their homes. They sift through some of the debris and find broken china, perhaps a metal bed frame, perhaps a spoon. They are somber, and some are in tears, as they survey the charred remains of a former life. The common response of all, though, has been a profound gratitude for life. The fires may have stolen a lifestyle and its mementos, but they also have gifted people with a new appreciation for living. A few days ago, I spoke with some who thought people would be leaving San Diego by the droves. At that time I thought not--and still do. A family whose home was destroyed in Ramona was asked by a reporter if they were going to pull up stakes and move. The owner replied that ... 10/25/2007

Is your home worth less than what you paid for it?  In this down market, there are many homeowners upside down in their mortgages or they lost all of their equity.  If this is the case it's a simple call to the County Tax Assessor to have your property re-assessed at the new lower appraised value.  This alone could save thousands of dollars in property taxes in San Diego.  Have a real estate agent give you a "fair market value" or pay for a professional home appraisal and simply submit to the County Tax Assessor and ask to lower your property taxes since your home is no longer worth what it was previously assessed for.  I recently completed an estimated "home value" based on SOLD comps and my client was able to lower his bill.  It works, but you have to ask. 10/24/2007

It has been so hard to post blogs these last few days. Communications have been very personal: Telephone calls (friends, family and clients) and emails have dominated free time.Active Rain's Sharon Filbig of Escondido was evacuated and is staying in Orange County. She emailed this morning, wondering what is going on. I responded with an update--which I will share with you here. These are more random notes than any kind of blog. We still don't have an accurate picture of the total disaster--or a tally of losses. (Sorry for lack of photos. I am on the Mac and have trouble uploading. They will follow.)   The coastal areas (Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, etc) are off evacuation advisement. Olivenhain has reopened to residents only and ID will be checked. I-5 is closed, however, at Camp Pe... 10/24/2007

First and foremost I'm wishing all of you on ActiveRain in California the best in these times of great peril that many of you and other citizens of the area have been going through.  I recieved an e-mail from a fire department colleague of mine this morning regarding the fires raging through San Diego County California early this morning. Unfortunately there was a loss of life yesterday while four brave Firefighers were burned, 2 critically, and 2 moderately per the reports as they attempted to rescue a Father and Son from the ravages of natures fury. The good news is that although the four firefighters were burned "They risked a lot to save a lot" and were able to save the 15 y/o son however the father did succumb to the burning fury. To add more perspective to the nature and size of t... 10/23/2007

To date, it’s estimated over 250,000 acres have burned and over 1,200 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Tonight, it looks like the strong Santa Ana wind condition is ending. With much better weather forecasts, additional Federal water dropping aircraft and assets arriving, it is hopeful that this terrible event is about to take a turn for the better. 10/23/2007

We hope this email finds you, family and friends safe and sound. Please take care of yourself, each other and stay tuned to radio and tv reports for the latest wildfire updates and official information. Here is information from the Surfrider community if you live in an unaffected area there are a few ways to help: 1) 2-1-1 is seeking volunteers to help in the next 72 hours to take calls and/or fill other roles at 2-1-1 should that be needed. Shifts are about four hours and training is available. If interested, visit http://www.volunteersandiego.org . A 2-1-1 person will contact you directly once you send that information. 2) Individuals who wish to volunteer can go to the Red Cross Spontaneous Volunteer Center at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 5331 Mt. Alifan Drive (one block south of Ba... 10/23/2007

For those interested in the Luxury and high end market in Barrington, Illinois you can go directly to my website at:  http://www.denisedamico.com/ and view the latest 14 page 3rd Quarter Real Estate Activity Report plus all homes for sale.As the Top Listing and Selling agent in South Barrington I always have homes for sale. Many times these homes are available but not yet on the MLS due to the fact they are being painted, re-decorated, updated or basic maintanance items are being taken care of by the home sellers prior to listing the home.Because of this, the only way to know these homes are available would be to contact me at The Denise D'Amico Group at my e-mail, denise@denisedamico.com or by phone at: 847-551-9290.I'd be glad to go over your home requirements and see if there is a ho... 10/21/2007

The San Diego Zoo, located northeast of the downtown area, is one of the more well-known zoos in the world. And a terrific place to visit with friends, family, out of town guests, or just to have fun. And it's only a 30-40 minute drive from Carlsbad!It's easy to spend 4 -5 hours and not see everything there is to enjoy (they hand out maps, which are essential, although there is good signage). Walking on foot is best, and there are several areas where escalators are provided due to the steep terrain. There is an aerial tram to enjoy a bird's-eye view and double-decker buses for those who prefer not to walk, or perhaps may find it more difficult. The facility is smoke-free and handicap accessible. And of course there are lots of ways to spend money with numerous theme gift shops and resta... 10/21/2007

Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate Market Conditions Fastest MLS in San Diego with best maps FREE!  Your Rancho Penasquitos Real Estate Experts Zip Code 92129 Homes for Sale in Rancho Penasquitos California Real Estate Update Rancho Penasquitos had 11 homes close escrow in the month of September in 2007. The average sold price for the Rancho Penasquitos homes was $574,363 while the average list price was $595,034. The average days on market was 61 days with the longest being 156 days. The lowest priced home sold in Rancho Penasquitos was $440,000 while the highest priced home was $699,000. Currently there are .... see more at San Diego Real Estate Blog. Condos for Sale in Rancho Penasquitos California Real Estate Update Rancho Penasquitos Condos sold in the month of September 2007 equaled 6... 10/21/2007

San Diego City-County Reinvestment Task Force wants to help prevent a possible neighborhood blight by having a new plan.San Diego's Councilman Tony Young co-chair of the task force has presented the City Council and Board of Supervisors of San Diego with some imposing and sweeping new recommendations to prevent a possible blight in some of the poorer communities.Some of the communities that make up San Diego have been hit hard by the number of recent foreclosures. As part of the task force recommendations it is being proposed to create a Regional Land Bank funded a by private investors to be able to purchase a large number of these foreclosed properties. The properties, once purchased could then be turned around to create affordable rentals and real buying opportunities.More » 10/20/2007

The Bay Club Hotel and Marina A Romantic Getaway Want to escape for a romantic weekend?   Although your La Jolla Luxury Oceanfront home is wonderful, sometimes you just want to get away. Or perhaps you have some visitors that are coming in and you need a place to suggest they stay.   Close but not too close!We just found this great opportunity to have dinner for two, overnight accommodations with a view and breakfast in the morning in San Diego!   And get this it is $219 per night!   Where you ask?  The Bay Club Hotel & Mariana on Shelter Island. But Hurry!   This offer is valid through October 31, 2007!   For Reservations call (800) 672-0800...        About the Bay Club MarinaMaybe you are looking for a place to dock your boat? Perhaps Shelter Island is just that place for you! The Bay... 10/19/2007

 San Diego Downtown has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from for your dining enjoyment.   So if you spend the day at work or relaxing at the San Diego Zoo, after you walk your dog, why not try San Diego Restaurant that you never tried before! Another great excuse to dine out at new restaurants is if your San Diego Downtown Condo for sale is staged and you don't want to mess your kitchen.There is never a shortage of choices for your dining enjoyment in San Diego Downtown.   Today we would like to spotlight a few restaurants in the San Diego Downtown area that you might enjoy.      Asti Ristorante Bertrand at Mister A's   Chive   Dakota Grill & Spirits    Greek Island Café   Ole Madrid    RA Sushi                                                                                     ... 10/19/2007

 The Icon Shouts Out To Padres Fans   The Icon is so close to Petco Park, that residents can almost smell the hotdogs! Located on 10th and 11th in the East Village District of San Diego downtown, the Icon stands tall in stature with a presence that explains why its developer chose the name Icon.   It doesn't get any better than this for a true Padres fan. The icon is the only San Diego downtown condo with its own skybox, a rooftop stadium and viewing terrace overlooking the ballpark.   The Icon consists of four residential towers that are between 5 and 24 floors each. Options are plentiful with choices in studios, lofts, and 1 and 2 bedroom San Diego condos.                                                                                                                                   ... 10/19/2007

   Getting Ready to Sell Your San Diego Downtown Condo!You are getting ready to sell your San Diego Downtown Condo! You are not sure where to start getting your San Diego Downtown Condo for sale. Don't worry, you aren't the first person we have walked through the process!Our joint goal is to sell your San Diego Downtown Condo quickly and for the highest dollar! Part of that process is doing up front things that that is appealing to the San Diego Downtown buyer.                                                                                                                                                      Read more »                                                                                           516 Fifth Avenue   San Diego, CA 921011-800-221-2210http://www.sellsandiego.com/... 10/19/2007

Halloween Fun in the Greater San Diego Area!Halloween is fast approaching and San Diego natives know where to go to have the most fun on this holiday!   Your San Diego Downtown Condo might not be the perfect place to have a Halloween Ball, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fun of Halloween.    Here is a brief list of things that you can do to around San Diego to enjoy the Halloween festivities!   The Haunted Trail at Balboa ParkThe Whaley HouseGhostly Tours in HistoryPumpkin CentralHalloween Monster Bash in the Gaslamp QuarterHaunted San Diego ToursMira Mesa Monster ManorScream Zone at Del Mar FairgroundsHowl-O-Ween Pet Portraits & Pooch PartyThe Haunted HotelHalloween Spooktacular                                                                                                   ... 10/19/2007

Carmel Valley Real Estate Market Conditions - Fastest Home Search in San Diego with best maps FREE!  Your Carmel Valley Real Estate Experts Includes Zip Codes 92130 Homes for Sale in Carmel Valley California Real Estate Update Carmel Valley 92130 Zip Code in North County Coastal San Diego just east of Del Mar had 20 homes close escrow in September of 2007. There are currently 140 homes on the market for sale in the San Diego Multiple Listing Service for 92130 Carmel Valley. In September of 2007 the average sold price was $1,437,225 and those homes were marketed on the average of $1,532,377. The lowest closed home was sold at $607,500 while the highest closed home in 92130 was a whopping $4,750,000 and had 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths and was 8,400 square feet. The average time on the market... 10/19/2007

10/19/2007