Trying to stay on top of all the changes occurring in North Park lately can be a daunting task. I often come to the area ready to try out the restaurant I’ve heard about, only to add three or four more locations to my ever growing list of “must try’s.” Nothing has slowed down this summer, in fact, the action in North Park is in full swing. Here’s a brief overview of what’s been happening in the ‘hood. Lucha Libre’s new North Park location at 3016 University Avenue is almost ready to open to the public. They’ve done quite a lot on the interior to change out the old Marie’s Cafe vibe… A new and used bookstore named Verbatim Books is readying their location at 3793 30th Street at North Park Way… Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream, which just celebrated their one year anniversary in North Park, has announced that they’re opening a second location, this time in Pacific Beach… The San Diego City Council approved the University Avenue Mobility Plan, which calls for streamlining vehicular traffic, dedicated bus lanes to be shared with bikes, planted medians, and sidewalk bulb-outs to create a more efficient and friendly multi-modal transportation corridor… Speaking of the city council, they’re scheduled to vote on two major North Park initiatives in the next few months, including releasing the Woolworth’s building so that developer Al Karendian can begin transforming the high-profile (but current eyesore)
For many people, going through an home inspection can be overwhelming and scary. And while it’s necessary when buying home, to make sure you know as much about the property as possible before closing escrow, a lot of my clients turn to me for advice after receiving the report. Luckily, I’ve been to enough home inspections to know what common items turn up often vs. things that are revealed that should have your shoes hitting the ground and running! Here are a few tips to get you through that long, detailed, and sometimes confusing home inspection report: 1. There will ALWAYS be things that aren’t up to code. Why is that? Well, codes changes frequently, and while things may not be up to today’s code standards, it’s still ok if they were done up to code at the time the home was built or the remodel was done. 2. Health & Safety items should be your #1 concern. Remember, doing a Repair Request is not necessarily a time to renegotiate the purchase price. Instead, look at it as a time to make sure the home is safe and reliable. For example, if mold is detected in the home, make sure that it’s been mitigated by a licensed professional before taking ownership of the home. 3. Think of your home inspection report as a diagnostics tool you can refer back to after you
It’s that time of year again! The quarterly South Park Walk About is here and this summer one is always a favorite…. The South Park Walkabout is a quarterly fun-filled evening festival that showcases all the unique and independent businesses within South Park. Enjoy complimentary treats, live entertainment and special offers. The Walkabout starts at Kalmia and 30th St. and extends to Beech and 30th St. in South Park San Diego. You can always use less traveled routes to enter the neighborhood faster – try 32nd Street or entering on 30th St via CA-94. Our Info Booth is located at the north end of South Park in the California Liquor lot on Juniper & 30th St. At the Info Booth you will find complimentary walking guides with info about what each business is offering, FREE South Park maps, you can enter to win a FREE drawing for a South Park Gift Basket, and you can buy your very own South Park t-shirt! The trolley arrives every 15 minutes at the following stops: Stop 1 30th & Juniper St. Stop 2 West side of 30th between Hawthorne & Grape St. Stop 3 Beech & Dale St. Stop 4 Grape Square (Grape & Fern St.) The summer event is unique because you can take free guided walking tours to learn more about this great little community. Want some insider information about South Park and what
When I’m out showing homes I can’t keep track of how many times clients and I come into the backyard of a home and they find themselves stumped on what they are going to do with it. That’s because the old “cut an fill” lots are so common in San Diego County. And while most homes have some yard space, the majority of it is sloped. The first thing I do is take a look at the existing retaining wall. Are there cracks? Does it bow in any spots? And if so, why? Are there trees planted close to it, meaning roots are the cause of the problem? Next, if nothing has been done to landscape the slope, we talk about what their options are. I found a great link that shows an easy, do it yourself step by step guide to terrace a hill. Click here to take a look: Quick Way to Terrace a Hill Happy Landscaping! Carmen Harris, The GreenHouse Group Real Estate Consultant, and BackYard Visionary
It’s the time of year again to check out the parades, deck the kids out in red, white, and blue, and watch fireworks to the sound of radio tuned melodies that guide you through the show. Here in San Diego the options are never-ending so I put together a list to help you find out what’s happening in your area. From South Bay to North County and everywhere in between. Cowboy Jack 4th Of July Celebration Wednesday, July 1, 2015, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cowboy Jack performs solo, singing vintage country music with acoustic guitar and harmonica. Covering Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard Willie Nelson and more. This is a 4th of July celebration you won’t want to miss! Independence Day Celebration Thursday, July 2, 2015, noon Chandra Visser of Steelin’ Tin will be here to perform our favorite American and folk songs – it may even become a sing-a-long. Steelin’ Tin is a San Diego based Irish/American band. Lunch will be at noon with entertainment beginning at 12:30 p.m. Friday Night Liberty At NTC At Liberty Station Friday, July 3, 2015, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Start your 4th of July weekend at Friday Night Liberty on July 3, 2015. Entertain guests with a night of arts and culture in a restored, historic naval base. City Of Vista’s Independence Day Celebration Saturday, July 4, 2015,
I came across something new that I haven’t blogged about before and I’m excited for you vintage lovers out there! Coming at the end of this month, on June 28th, 2015 is the Vintage Flea Market San Diego. According to the website, “The San Diego Vintage Flea Market is a great way for folks to sell and purchase interesting vintage or vintage-inspired treasures. All vintage pieces are true to the era of turn of the century to midcentury modern. Our vendors offer home furnishings, bric-a-brac, clothing, and so much more – vintage-inspired items, pin-up/rockabilly style clothing and accessories, tiki infused items along with vintage-inspired music promotion. It’s all here at the San Diego Vintage Flea Market!” “To many, the term “vintage” is a wide range of definitions. It could be anything older than 20 years. To some if could be anything prior to the Midcentury Modern era. And to others, there are different terms coined that represent the vintage era, such as antique and retro. Vintage is your own take on it and how you would like to label it. The San Diego Vintage Flea Market is such a great way to meet other Vintage Enthusiasts such as yourself. Every one of the vendors that joins the market brings their own knowledge in such a wide spectrum to the vintage community. All are very welcoming to any questions you might have
Another crafter brewery has opened up in North Park, this time on El Cajon Blvd., which in my opinion is the last major area to become a part of the new North Park. The hip North Park. The property values are going through the roof North Park! According to Uptown News, Barn Brewery, located at 2850 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 3, is now open and pouring their newly crated craft beers for thirsty locals. Barn Brewery is a project involving David Baker, a local real estate developer and craft beer enthusiast, who has teamed up with Chris Finch and Jennifer Alexander. Finch, who is the brewer over at Barn, is also the proprietor and brewer at Poorhouse Brewing Company located on 30th Street. Finch brings 20-plus years of brewing experience to the team’s new venture. “We wanted to share our love of craft beer and create a communal space that felt familiar yet entirely unique,” Alexander said. “Good neighbors, good friends and good beer in a welcoming environment. We had been looking for the right space, and the Barn just organically presented itself at the right time.” With a name like Barn Brewery, the vibe is just what you might expect. Exposed wood beam rafters stretch overhead while guests are invited to sit beside a cozy brick fireplace. In a city like San Diego, evenings where a fireplace might be
Before you close escrow there is one thing you must do before you buy or refinance. That one thing is to find out if your home is located in an identified census tract. This is done through The Community Enrichment Program. The Community Enrichment Program is a strategy to leverage available housing programs, loan products, and targeted messaging to promote homeownership, particularly in historically underserved communities. Here are the requirements to be eligible for CEP: ● Home must be a primary residence ● Property type is 1-4 unit, Condominium, PUD ● Purchase, Rate & Term Refinance, Cash Out Refinance ● All Conventional and Government loan programs qualify except Jumbo and High Balance So, what exactly is the benefit offered by the CEP? We have identified a number of census tracts that will receive an attractive pricing incentive. Pricing incentive refers to the price for the interest rate attached to the loan. Borrowers who purchase or refinance a home located in a designated underserved community will receive a pricing incentive of: .75% on Government loan programs .50% on Conventional loan programs To find out if your home qualifies click my name below. By David Hughson Price Incentive Expert 858-863-
Spend the day with your family and friends this May 16th from 11AM to 6PM, exploring the historic North Park neighborhood at the 19th Annual San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts in North Park. Join us , click for more information on Parking and Directions. This annual free festival has grown into a local tradition that includes amazing local art, exciting live music and dance performances, eco-friendly activities, vendor booths and fabulous food. On the forefront of the art scene, the San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts in North Park celebrates all types of art forms, and a live art element will be featured on Herman Street. There will be something for everyone, including the kids. Our hands-on Kids Art Block offers children the chance to participate in a variety of interactive activities designed to stimulate and inspire their imaginations and create their own masterpieces. Come thirsty to the Craft Beer Block and sample brews from San Diego’s favorite breweries. Or sip a full pour of beer at one of our two Beer Gardens. Click HERE to buy your tickets to the Craft Beer Block. All proceeds benefit North Park Main Street, the non-profit organization committed to the revitalization of the North Park Business Improvement District. 2015 Featured Artist Contest Winner 2015 FEATURED ARTIST CONTEST WINNER For other events going on in North Park or surrounding neighborhoods, contact me at: Carmen@GreenMeansGrow.com –Carmen Harris, REALTOR, ABR,
For those of you who are live music lovers, I’ve got the perfect weekend activity for you! According the the Adams Ave Businesses website, “Adams Avenue Unplugged takes place the weekend of April 25 and 26, along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue, from University Heights on the West through Normal Heights, and into parts of Kensington to the East. The event will feature 150 live musical performances staged inside restaurants, bars, coffee houses and galleries lining the neighborhood and on four community stages evenly spread out throughout the district. Being able to pair the Avenue’s unique dining and drinking establishments, each with their own special ambiances and selections, with free musical performances, makes Adams Avenue the place to be on the last weekend of April. The AABA hopes to treat musical aficionados and foodies to the rich neighborhood culture. Music is scheduled from 12pm to 10pm on Saturday, April 25, and 12pm to 7pm on Sunday, April 26. Some artists will be playing multiple sets allowing attendees more opportunity to catch their favorite performers. Adams Avenue Unplugged is free and open to the general public. The free trolley service will be provided on Adams Avenue during the festival to subsidize the walking required to traverse the expansive event footprint. Parking is limited to residential neighborhood streets and can get quite congested. MTS bus routes 2 & 11 will service
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