Have you ever wanted to live the California Dream? Bay Park, San Diego

 

Brought to you by The Michels Group Realty

Bay Park, San Diego

About Bay Park: The hillside San Diego town of Bay Park overlooks Mission Bay and is conveniently located just 11 minutes from downtown San Diego, 14 minutes from the airport and 8 minutes from both Mission and Pacific Beach. The average household income is $87,000 with a median age of 35. At the time of this posting there are 14 homes for sale ranging from $595,000 - $2,500,000. The median home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, is on the market for 11 days and is 1582 square feet.  The median home price is $862, 450 at an estimated $530.01 per square foot.   This hillside community overlooking the bay has great schools, close access to running, hiking and biking trails and many eclectic choices for restaurants, pubs and breweries.

About: Bay Park got its name from its location being positioned overlooking Mission Bay and Mission Bay Park. Residents have direct access to miles of running, biking and hiking trails in Tecolote Canyon and the footpaths that navigate Mission Bay.  Tecolote Canyon also offers a public 18 hole golf course for golf enthusiasts.  Throughout Bay Park are many ethnic restaurants, pubs and breweries.  Bay Park contains 7 primary and secondary schools. One of the best schools is Bay Park Elementary School, which has a rating of 9. It has 480 children. The public schools in Bay Park belong to San Diego Unified School District. San Diego County Office of Education is nearby and rates better than San Diego Unified School District.

Location: Bay Park is located 7 miles North of downtown San Diego, 3 miles North from Historic Old Town San Diego, 3 miles East from both Mission and Pacific Beach and 8 miles Southeast of  La Jolla.

Trails: There are miles of trails to be hiked, biked or ran at Tecolote Canyon and the Tri-Canyon Park System. There are many entries into this wonderful trail and park system offering both challenging and easy trails for you and your family. Mission Bay Park also offer concrete walking, running and biking trails that circumnavigate Mission Bay and offer breathtaking views and coastal access.

Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Tecolote Canyon and the Tri-Canyon Parks offer the park users both single and double wide trails with options for hills or for those of you who prefer, flat walking trails.  The concrete trails at Mission Bay are flat, have parks along the way for the kids and public restrooms for your convenience.

Other Cool Hikes in the Area:

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. Directions from Bay Park

San Clemente Canyon. Directions from Bay Park

 The Trails at Torrey Pines.  Directions from Bay Park

Local Breweries:

Bay Park is home to one of San Diego's oldest and most well known microbreweries and home brewing supply locations.

Ballast Point Great Beer.  You can bring your own food inside and watch a game!

Home Brew Mart All your home brewing supply needs. Next door to Ballast Point

Coronado Brewing Also has a kitchen with outdoor picnic tables.  In addition to the brewery on Coronado Island they have one right here in Bay Park.

Deft Brewing Bay Park brewery with a German beer flair owned and operated by a Bay Park local.

Wine Tasting Rooms:

Blue Door Urban Winery Urban wineries import their grapes and make the wine on sight. Also tastings are available.

Bay Park Coffee Shops:

Clairemont Coffee

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Bay Park Coffee

Jitters Espresso and Juice Bar

Breakfast Joints in Bay Park:

Farmers Table Bay Park

Bay Hill Tavern

Luce bar and Kitchen

Perry's Cafe

Tio Leo's Mexican Cafe

Thank you from the Michels Group Realty.  If and when you are ready to buy please consider us to be your Realtor or if you wish to refer someone you know and care about we are here to help. Thanks to you, our business continues to thrive and grow due to referrals from clients, friends, associates, and others just like you!  Who is the next person you know who would benefit from our services?

 

http://www.themichelsgroup.com/

Contact Us

619-742-4170

How Many Homes are for Sale in Otay Ranch San Diego?

 

Brought to you by The Michels Group

Otay Ranch, San Diego

About Otay Ranch: Otay Ranch is part of the southern San Diego community of Chula Vista.  It is the second-largest City in San Diego County with a population of 268,000. Chula Vista boasts more than 52 square miles of coastal landscape, canyons, rolling hills, mountains, quality parks, and miles of trails. Chula Vista is a leader in conservation and renewable energy, has outstanding public schools, and has been named one of the top safest cities in the country. Chula Vista means “beautiful view” and there is more to see and do here than you can imagine! Great year-round weather, miles of trails, coastline, mountains and open space beckon runners, hikers, cyclists, birders, and outdoors enthusiasts from the bay to lakes. Visit the bayfront with the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and the Living Coast Discovery Center. The Chula Vista Marina & Yacht Club awaits kayakers and boaters. Cycle the Bayshore Bikeway and see more wonders on San Diego Bay.

Shopping, dining, and entertainment abound with two major malls and a historic downtown district. With more than 100 of the country’s top specialty stores, Otay Ranch Town Center is an exciting outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment destination. This urban, bustling, open-air center features a variety of amenities including a library, outdoor cafes, a pet-friendly setting and adjacent dog park, food pavilion, fireplace, and “popper” play fountain for children.

Chula Vista Center in the downtown area boasts major retailers, dining, movie theaters, and more than 100 fine specialty shops. And, Third Avenue Village, billed as the cultural center of the city, features historic buildings, unique shops, a weekly farmers market, landmark restaurants, and seasonal outdoor music concerts.

 

Current Single Family Homes For Sale: There are currently 20 detached homes for sale in Otay Ranch.  The average home is 4 bedroom, 3 bath,  2622 square feet with an average sale price of $770,135. The minimum average time for a house to be on the market is only 2 days so if you like this community you will have to act quickly!

Otay Lakes: Otay Lakes is a reservoir in Chula Vista, California, operated by the City of San Diego's Public Utilities Department. When full, Lower Otay Reservoir has 1,100 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 137.5 feet, and 25 shoreline miles. Lower Otay Reservoir has a water storage capacity of to 47,066.9 acre feet. Water levels are monitored weekly. The reservoir is the home of the United States Olympic Training center for rowing sports.  There are miles of beautiful, well groomed trails for hiking, running, mountain bike riding, bird watching and fishing.

Location: Otay Ranch 22 minutes East of downtown San Diego and 3 miles from Otay Lakes.  It is bordered by Bonita to the North, Coastal Chula Vista to the East, Jamul and Delzura to the West and Otay Mesa to the South.

Hiking/Biking: As mentioned previously mentioned Otay Lakes is a terrific place to get some shade, enjoy the lake, bird watch, fish or get some exercise.  Just Southwest of the lakes are the Otay Open Space Preserve which has 11,000 acres of space providing trails.  About 14 minutes North is the beautiful Rohr Park that provides 60 acres of ball fields, picnic areas, biking and running trails and even pony rides!

Other Cool Hikes in the Area:

Rohr Park: Directions to Rohr Park from Otay Ranch

Sweetwater River park: Directions to Sweetwater River park from Otay Ranch

Tijuana River National Estuary: Directions to TJ Estuary from Otay Ranch

Local Breweries:

Otay Ranch is home to one of my favorite breweries. Novo Brazil Brewing serves up 40 styles of beer, Kombucha and hard seltzer.  You can also head to Third Street Village just 17 minutes away for 3 other great brewery choices.

Groundswell Brewing

Thr3 Punk Ales Brewing

Chula Vista Brewing

Wineries and Wine Tasting: Enjoy one of San Diego's newest wine regions along Highway 94! Located just 30 minutes away you can lose yourself in the magic of wine country! No longer must you trek hours away to enjoy locally grown and produced wines.  You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you'll find. Chances are you'll be hosted by the owners and winemakers themselves who are all quite happy to answer your questions about how the wines are made, and may even give you a personal tour! We're proud of what we're doing here in the East County and we want to share the products of our efforts with you!  There are 6 local wineries to try plus some other interesting places to explore on 94!

Otay Ranch Coffee Shops:

Nestle Tollhouse Cafe

Happy Lemon Tea

and of course....Starbucks

Breakfast Joints in Otay Ranch:

Of course you have all of your traditional options like IHOP, Panera Bread, Denny's and others but try out some local fare!

Family House of Pancakes

MJ's Fusion Deli: A cool fusion of Asian, Mexican and Islander

Vega Cafe: Traditional Mexican with Vegan options

Vitality Bowls Delicious açaí bowls, which are a thick blend of the açaí berry topped with organic granola and a selection of superfood ingredients.

Best Dinner Locations in Otay Ranch:

The Kebob Shop

Pizzo's Pizza and Wine Bar

Ceviche Craft

Novo Brazil Brewing

Bamboo Garden Thai Cuisine

Thank you from the Michels Group, Real Estate Professionals.  If and when you are ready to sell or purchase a home, please consider us to be your Realtor of choice. Or if you wish to refer someone you know and care about, we are here to help. Thanks to you, our business continues to thrive and grow due to referrals from clients, friends, associates, and others just like you!  Who is the next person you know who would benefit from our services?

 

http://www.themichelsgroup.com/

Contact Us

619-742-4170

Purchasing a New Home in Rolando, San Diego

 

Brought to you by The Michels Group

Rolando, San Diego

About Rolando: Rolando is located just 3.1 miles from beautiful Lake Murray and 15 minutes east of downtown San Diego. Rolando is a neighborhood of the Mid-City region of San Diego, California. Rolando is mostly residential with the exception of El Cajon Boulevard, which features the Campus Plaza shopping center. Rolando is divided by University Avenue into two sections: Rolando Village to the north, and Rolando Park to the south. Decorative public walkways known as "Catwalks" for pedestrians and joggers to travel between neighborhood streets are spread throughout Rolando. Rolando hosts two elementary schools, both part of the San Diego Unified School District: Henry Clay Elementary and Rolando Park Elementary Schools.

Current Single Family Homes For Sale: There are currently 7 detached homes for sale in Rolando.  The average home is 3 bedroom, two bath,  1365 square feet with an average sale price of $630,000.

Lake Murray: Lake Murray is a reservoir in San Diego, California, operated by the City of San Diego's Public Utilities Department. It is located within Mission Trails Regional Park. When full, the reservoir covers 171.1 acres, has a maximum water depth of 95 feet, and a shoreline of 3.2 miles.  There is a wonderful trail that goes around the lake for running, walking, dog walking and biking.

Location: Rolando 15 minutes East of downtown San Diego and 3 miles from Lake Murray.  It is bordered by College area to the North, La Mesa to the East, Oak Park to the West and Lemon Grove to the South.

Hiking/Biking: As mentioned previously Lake Murray is a terrific place to get some shade, enjoy the lake and get some exercise.  Just to the South is the tiny oasis known as Chollas Lake Park. A 16-acre lake for free youth fishing (age 15 and under ONLY); an 8/10-of-a-mile dirt path around the lake for walking, jogging, and bicycling; picnic tables with barbecue grills; children's play equipment; a small basketball court; hiking trails; and a multi-purpose ball field in North Chollas canyon. 

Other Cool Hikes in the Area:

Mission Trails Regional Park.  Directions to Mission Trails from Rolando

Balboa Park: Directions to Balboa Park from Rolando

Morley Field: Directions to Morley Field from Rolando

Local Breweries:

While Rolando does not have any local breweries there are quite a few in close proximity. 13 minutes Southwest is the town of North Park and the beer famous 30th Street. North Park is home to 14 local craft breweries.  Some of my favorites are

Mike Hess Brewing

Modern Times Brewing

Just to the East in the town of La Mesa there are a couple of fun breweries to add to your list as well.

Little Miss Brewing

Helix Brewing

Wine Tasting Rooms: While there are no tasting rooms in Rolando just go 8 minutes to the East to the village of La Mesa!

San Pasqual Winery

La Mesa Wine Works

Rolando Coffee Shops:

Ultreya Coffee

Duet Coffee

and of course....Starbucks

Breakfast Joints in Rolando:

Directions to the Daily Grind Cafe

Sunshine Pancake House

Best Dinner Locations in Rolando:

Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen

Garden Kitchen........Hidden Gem!!!

Thank you from the Michels Group, Real Estate Professionals.  If and when you are ready to sell or purchase a home, please consider us to be your Realtor of choice. Or if you wish to refer someone you know and care about, we are here to help. Thanks to you, our business continues to thrive and grow due to referrals from clients, friends, associates, and others just like you!  Who is the next person you know who would benefit from our services?

What Real Estate is Available in Carlsbad Near Lake Calavera, San Diego

 

Brought to you by The Michels Group

Lake Calavera, San Diego

About Carlsbad: The town of Carlsbad is located just 35 miles North from downtown San Diego and 87 miles South from Los Angeles. The aptly nicknamed “Village by the sea" has an average household income hovering around $105,000 per year. At the time of this posting there are 45 single family detached homes for sale ranging from $495,000 - $2,400,000 within 3 miles of the beautiful area surrounding Calavera Lake.   The lake community is located just 15 minutes from the beach and the villages restaurants and shopping.

About: Calavera means "Skull" in Spanish. There are more than six miles of trails, open to hikers, mountain bikers and dogs on leashes, crisscross the preserve.  Where else so close to San Diego can you hike an extinct Volcano?  The trails here are well groomed and feature a small lake, creek and wooden bridge.  You can hike to the rim or even walk out onto the crater and read about the history of the volcano.

Location: Carlsbad 30-40 minutes North of San Diego just east of the coastal town of Carlsbad. Directions.

Hiking/Biking: There are miles of trails to be hiked, biked or run at the extinct Volcano.  Hikes vary from easy to strenuous.

Other Cool Hikes in the Area:

Copper Creek Falls. Directions from Lake Calavera

San Elijo Lagoon. Directions from Lake Calavera

Local Breweries:

Carlsbad is home to quite a few microbreweries.  A simple Google search will reveal their names and locations to you.  The breweries listed below are two of San Diego's oldest and best. Karl Strauss has a full menu while at Pizza Port you can enjoy pizza of course.

Karl Strauss Brewing

Pizza Port Brewing

Wine Tasting Rooms:

Witch Creek Winery

Carlsbad Coffee Shops:

Sleeping Tiger Coffee

Baba Coffee

Vinaka Coffee

Breakfast Joints in Carlsbad:

Swami's Cafe

Beach Plum Kitchen

Beach Break Cafe

 

Thank you from the Michels Group, Real Estate Professionals.  If and when you are ready to sell or purchase a home, please consider us to be your Realtor of choice. Or if you wish to refer someone you know and care about, we are here to help. Thanks to you, our business continues to thrive and grow due to referrals from clients, friends, associates, and others just like you!  Who is the next person you know who would benefit from our services?

 

http://www.themichelsgroup.com/

Contact Us

619-742-4170

5 Tips to Make Working at Home a Succcess

We don’t all, under usual circumstances, have the luxury of working from home.  So here are a few things that as a work from home guy for the past 20 years have found to be useful!

1)      Set your alarm, get out of bed, and get dressed for work.

a.       Yes, set your alarm! You are going to work and its important to get into that mindset

b.       Don’t stray from your normal routine.  If you get up make coffee and jump in the shower before hopping in the car to drive to the office, then do it.  The steps are still the same, you’re just heading into a new office

c.       Get dressed.  It super easy to sit around in pajamas all day when you don’t have to go meet someone.  But You are WAY less productive.  Dress for success, even when no one is watching, it will help your mind switch into work mode!

2)      Create a designated Office Space

a.       Not all of us have 2500 square foot homes with 2 extra bedrooms, am I right? (If you need to buy or sell one, I can help!). But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to go into an office.  Find a space, any space! Something that you can say (to those furry kids too) I’m at work, go away! 😊

b.       If you have an extra room, a shed, a basement, anything.  Even if you must partition off just part of your kitchen table or island, do it! You must have space to work, preferably uninterrupted (for 90 mins at a time, but we’ll get to that).

c.       Try to make sure this a space you can come back to every day.  Building a habit is helpful

3)      Work in 90 min increments

a.       When you work, work! And work hard, but everyone needs a break.  Research has shown (Check out the book  “The Power of Full Engagement” for more on this) that if you can put your head down and focus on the task at hand for 90 mins you can get a lot more done.

b.       Take 15 min breaks every 90 mins. This is the old work hard, play hard mantra.  But its true.  If you put in 90 mins of solid work, step away.  Go take a 10 min nap, do a meditation, check that the kids haven’t burned down the kitchen or the dog hasn’t eaten up your stash of coveted toilet paper, but completely step away, just 15 mins!

4)      Walk out the door!

a.       Yep, that’s right! Believe me just do it!  Walk out the door, get in your car, put your hands on the steering wheel, then get out!! Now go back inside and go straight to your space and get to work!

b.       I know it seems strange, but this is a mindset thing. Tell yourself, you’re going to work. It helps!

c.       When you’re done for the day repeat leave again and come back!

5)      Practice, Practice, Practice

a.       As with anything in life, this is not going to be perfect the first time through.  Give yourself a little grace.

b.       There will be interruptions. Best to deal with them and move on! Over time, you can become great at getting things done from the comfort of your own home.

Prop 5 - Property Tax Transfer Initiative

8 Steps to Follow When Buying a Newly Constructed Home

Buying a newly constructed home can give you more options than a previously owned home. You can choose the cabinets, flooring and possibly the floor plan. And you will be the first family to live this home!

However, buying a new home can also create some challenges: additional expenses, location, unreliable builders, and having the home finished in a timely manner.

Follow these 8 steps before buying a newly constructed home and the process will be smoother.

Get Preapproved First

When buying a previously owned or a newly constructed home, get funding preapproval so you know how much you can spend on a home. Keep in mind the total cost will also include any additional upgrades you want before your home is built.

Consider the Pros and Cons of New Construction

First decide if you want to buy a spec home; a home built as part of a development; or a custom home built to your specifications on your site. Before you decide on a newly built home, consider the following:

·         Will you have a reasonable commute to work or areas you normally spend time in?

·         Are you willing to put in the work for new landscaping and to wait years for trees to mature?

·         Do you mind having a home that has a floor plan and paint scheme similar to your neighbors?

·         Today many developments have homes built closer together with little space between them. Do you mind being that close to your neighbors?

Use Your Own Realtor

Many builders will want you to use their lender and their real estate agents.  Get your own real estate agent! The builder’s team is looking out for the builder’s interest, not yours.

Have your agent introduce you to the builder first.  Don’t go there without having representation.  Some builders will not let you bring in an agent if you’ve gone to them first so contact your agent before looking at new construction.  In addition, many builder’s will pressure you to use their agents if you come in without your own agent.

Research the Builder

Do as much research on the builder as you can.  Are they reputable?  Have they built other developments like the one you’re interested in.  Do they have any complaints or legal action against them?

Check out their websites. Research the internet. Check with the Better Business Bureau. In California, you also can check the Contractor’s State License Board for any complaints against the builder.

Understand the Floor Plan and What Customizations or Upgrades You Can Have

First, look closely at the floor plans and if you have a choice, choose the one that will fit your needs the best. If you don’t understand anything on the floor plan, ask questions.  The builder’s sales rep will assume you understand what is on the plans and that can cause problems later. Ask lots of questions!

Also, understand what customizations or upgrades you can make before building.  Some developments will limit the customizations while others will provide a broader range of items you can customize. Some builders will give you only 2 or 3 options for flooring, while others may have 5 or more options.

Don’t forget to ask the cost. If you want marble counters but the builder was putting in solid surface countertops, it may cost you more. Don’t forget to include all upgrades in the total costs.

Make decisions on customizations and upgrades as soon as possible.  This will save money later. Deciding you want the house wired for a built-in security system after the electrical is finished will result in more work for the builder. This will cost you more and it may delay your closing time. So make all upgrade and customization decisions before construction starts.

Check to see if the development will have a Home Owner’s Association (HOA).  Ask for fees and rules.  Many fees can be very expensive and many HOA’s can fine homeowners for any infractions of the rules.  Make sure you know what is expected and if those rules will fit your lifestyle.  Many will restrict what color you can paint your house, what remodeling you can and can’t do, if you can a vegetable garden or not, and so on.

Don’t forget to ask if there are any amenities included with the purchase.  Will there be a clubhouse, a park, a gated community, a playground, etc.

Get Everything in Writing

Once you’ve decided on the floor plan and upgrades, have all the information put into a contract.  Then have a real estate lawyer review the contract before you sign it.

Make sure there is information about the timeline to complete the home and what happens if it isn’t completed by the agreed upon time. 

Ask About Warranties

Most builders offer warranties on workmanship and materials.  Make sure you understand what is and what isn’t covered by the warranties.  In addition, make sure you know what steps to follow if you need to have something repaired under a warranty.

Get an Independent Home Inspector

New homes can have as many issues as a previously owned one so make sure you have the home inspected by an independent certified home inspector.  Don’t use an inspector the builder recommends. Don’t use your father-in-law or friend.  Certified home inspectors will look at everything: the roof, the electrical and heating systems, the plumbing, the foundation, etc.

Be there for the inspection and ask questions.  You and your family will be living in this home and you should understand as much about it as you can.  If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.

As the closing time approaches, rely on your team (your real estate agent, your lender, and your lawyer) to help through the last few steps.  Once escrow has closes, you’re ready to be the first family to live in your new home.  Congratulations!

Contact me if you’re interested in a newly constructed home, and I'll guide you through the steps outlined above!

Rental Scammers!

Due to soaring house prices and interest rates, many people are unable to purchase a home and are having to rent instead of buy. Although this may be okay in the short-term, the long-term benefits of home ownership can severely outweigh any positives of renting. The steady increase in renting has the attention of internet scammers, who are using rental properties as a cover to steal your hard-earned money. These are called “Craigslist Rental Scammers,” but they can happen anywhere online. Here are a few ways to help protect you in a search for a rental property: It’s Too Good To Be True If you feel as though a rental is too good to be true, it probably is. Often times, scammers use extremely low prices and overly flexible leases to spark your interest. In the current market, renting is not that simple. Landlord Wants Too Much Before You See Anything If the landlord asks you to wire money or provide your information before you even see the inside, it is a scam. Often time scammers will tell you to drive by the outside, instead of letting you visit the property. This is a huge red flag. No Information If they don’t ask for information from you before prompting for money, this is a scam. Most legitimate landlords need you to fill out an application, legal documents and provide documentation before a deposit is requested. Bad Grammar, Illegitimate Emails & Screening Phone Calls If the potential landlord has error-ridden emails/texts, illegitimate email addresses, or refuses to take phone calls, there is a good chance you are being taken advantage of. Overseas Landlord If the property is being handled by someone for an owner who is “overseas”, be cautious. They will insist they are managing the property for the real owner but disappears with your deposit. Although the housing market is very competitive, our team has experienced professionals that will guide potential home buyers and make them feel at ease. Call us today find out how we can help you or your clients get into a new home. *Information provided courtesy of Summit Funding