90 PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM MAY 2014 [ ADVERTISEMENT ] TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY? What are some common mistakes people make when investing in real estate for the first time? Craig Sewing: That’s the mistake – when people look at purchasing a property solely as an investment instead of a home. It’s a home first, investment second. A home is where you LIVE, build memories, raise a family, enjoy community. That’s where your head needs to be at. Equity growth and tax advantages come along with it. Should people buy instead of rent? Every situation is different, which is why I offer a free renting vs. owning analysis on my website, so that people can get a basic understanding of what may be best for them. I like buying because the Feds policy of Quantitative Easing is artificially lowering mortgage rates. I can’t say where values will go, because I don’t have a crystal ball, but the cost of homeownership is incredibly inexpensive in the current market. This won’t last. Renting a home can cost the same as owning, and even more. If you’re paying rent anyways, why not pay a mortgage instead? Can people with bad credit still buy a home? Years ago I built a credit firm, so I know the space. It can be tricky! It’s not something you necessarily learn about in high school or college. There is a difference between a bad score and not being credit worthy. You can’t look at credit score alone as there are other compensating factors that might help you qualify. What are your tips for home sellers in today’s market? There are 17,000 real estate licenses in San Diego CONSUMER ADVOCATE CRAIG SEWING TACKLES SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS BY SARAH VERDANO 90 PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM MAY 2014
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90 PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM M A Y 2 0 1 4
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TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?What are some common mistakes people make when investing in real estate for the first time?Craig Sewing: That’s the mistake – when people look at purchasing a property solely as an investment instead of a home. It’s a home first, investment second. A home is where you LIVE, build memories, raise a family, enjoy community. That’s where your head needs to be at. Equity growth and tax advantages come along with it. Should people buy instead of rent?Every situation is different, which is why I offer a free renting vs. owning analysis on my website, so that people can get a basic understanding of what may be best for them. I like buying because the Feds policy of Quantitative Easing is artificially lowering mortgage rates. I can’t say where values will go, because I don’t
have a crystal ball, but the cost of homeownership is incredibly inexpensive in the current market. This won’t last. Renting a home can cost the same as owning, and even more. If you’re paying rent anyways, why not pay a mortgage instead?
Can people with bad credit still buy a home?Years ago I built a credit firm, so I know the space. It can be tricky! It’s not something you necessarily learn about in high school or college. There is a difference between a bad score and not being credit worthy. You can’t look at credit score alone as there are other compensating factors that might help you qualify. What are your tips for home sellers in today’s market?There are 17,000 real estate licenses in San Diego
CONSUMER ADVOCATE CRAIG SEWING TACKLES SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS
TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY? HAVE A REAL ESTATE OR FINANCIAL QUESTION?Ask Craig Sewing. Go to craigsewing.com or email [email protected]. He will provide answers within 24 hours.DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME ONE SAN DIEGO’S REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL ELITE?If you would like to be considered for guest appearances on Craig Sewing’s radio or TV show, email [email protected] to explain why you are a good fit.
County alone. There’s a difference in getting a license and being great at what you do. Do your homework to find someone who is qualified to help you with your biggest investment and pick an agent who specializes in your community, who knows the opportunities and challenges of that niche market, and has had success in selling property in your particular ZIP code. We’re happy to refer an agent to anyone who inquires at craigsewing.com.
How can I improve my credit score?Improving your credit score really is a Rubik’s cube type situation, everyone has a different equation that will work better for them. I will say this – the bureaus don’t make money on creating accurate credit reports or scores, they sell your information! Did you know Equifax owns freecreditreport.com? What a scam.
People can always go to my site for more information and I will help connect them to a professional who can help.
To learn more about Craig Sewing, or to take advantage of free resources mentioned in this article, visit www.craigsewing.com. You can watch Craig Sewing on The American Dream Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4, or listen to Craig weekdays at 6 p.m. on 1170am KCBQ Intelligent Talk.
SETH O’BYRNE O’Byrne Team of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty7855 Ivanhoe Avenue, Suite 110, La Jolla, California 92037, 858.869.3940, SethSold.com, [email protected]
Seth O’Byrne is a University of San Diego Alum, a Pacific Sotheby’s International Realtor and a passionate local who built his team to service the entire coastline. “We believe that luxury is not a matter of price,” O’Byrne says.
“It’s a matter of service.”
Stunning Maravu development of “green” estates in Encinitas. This home boasts a grotto-style pool, putting green, solar and 3,600 square-feet of living space.
5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. $1,250,000
MARKET TRENDS: Since the announcement was made that rates will remain low for the short-term future, we believe this spells massive opportunity for sellers. Smart home-buyers are taking advantage of this small window to use low rates to upgrade their home searches and they are now heavily in the spring market. That being said, few sellers have realized how low inventory is. These spring markets typically only come along every five to seven years, where inventory is so low countywide. We believe this is the best time in years to sell and either upgrade or downsize, taking advantage of a strong market and low rates when securing a new mortgage.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: National “Go Skate” Day is June 21 this year, and Encinitas has one of the best skateboard parks in the world. Magdalena Ecke YMCA Skatepark is home to Bob Burnquist, Tony Hawk & Shaun White. I hope to see you there this summer.
IN THE ‘HOOD: The San Diego Association of Realtors asked Seth O’Byrne to be its keynote speaker at the “Old School vs. New School” panel event held to be held May 28 at the W Hotel. Visit SethSold.com for information.
GLEN HENDERSON & SHANNON KEATLEY Alliance Group Real Estate Services3131 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 1420, San Diego, CA 92108, 619.500.3222, MyOceanBeach.com, [email protected]
Glen Henderson and Shannon Keatley are the brokers and owners of Alliance Group Real Estate. They go beyond the scope of traditional real estate services by providing turnkey financial solutions through their network of professional partners.
They are a valuable resource for buyers and sellers throughout San Diego.
Newly remodeled, stunning four-bedroom home with million-dollar ocean andmountain views. Settle into a peaceful state of retreat with the warm fire pit,
soothing cascading water, hot tub and quiet serenity of illustrious Point Loma Heights.
MARKET TRENDS: The Ocean Beach community is off to a great start this year. Inventory has increased significantly from last year’s trends as sellers are taking advantage of the hot market. Prices are continuing on an upward trend that we expect to see through the remainder of the year. It’s a great time in the market for both buyers and sellers. Sellers, we have a lot of pent-up demand from buyers that have been looking. Buyers, we’re finally seeing more homes and options hitting the market.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: OB Noodle House has a delicious Asian menu, flavored sakes and more than 40 craft beers on tap. Their second location is set to open its doors on May 4, closer to the heart of Ocean Beach off Bacon and Niagara streets.
OB NOODLE HOUSE: BAR #1502 4993 Niagara St., Ocean Beach 619.450.6868, obnoodlehouse.com
IN THE ‘HOOD: Create art every Thursday with “Stay Young at Art.” Dine and drink at Ocean Beach’s Restaurant & Hospitality Week (April 27 – May 4). Watch spectacular kite-flying demonstrations at the 66th Annual OB Kite Festival (May 10).
MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI Century 21 All Service1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, 619.787.6852, melissatucci.com, [email protected]
Recently awarded the No. 5 global ranking by Century 21 Worldwide, Melissa Tucci is a top-
producing professional and an experienced San Diego Realtor & Broker providing a superior level or informed, professional real estate services to
buyers and sellers in San Diego County.
MARKET WATCH: Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s a great time to buy or sell. Buyer confidence and demand are up, whereas sellers are experiencing less competition due to decreased supply, making it a great time to put your home on the market. Buying a home is always a great investment in San Diego, but with the great weather, longer nights and lack of supply, the timing is now.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Coronado Brewing Company has an innovative West Coast brewing style and a 20,000-square-foot production brewery.They offer samples of their entire line of beer in the relaxing tasting room across from the brew house. CORONADO BREWING COMPANY TASTING ROOM1205 Knoxville St., Morena District 619.275.2215, coronadobrewingcompany.com
IN THE HOOD: Mission Hills Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup (April 27). Mission Hills Garden Club Annual Garden Walk (May 11), a 2.5-mile walking tour showcasing beautiful and varied gardens. Free Summer Concerts in the Park kick off June 20.
Nestled in a private location on a beautiful canyon, this Bay Park custom home is just minutes from the beach.
KURT WANNEBO San Diego Real Estate & Investments3636 Nobel Dr., Ste. 170, San Diego, CA 92122, 858.412.5541, brokerkurt.com, [email protected]
Team leader and owner of his own company, broker Kurt Wannebo has closed more than 550 sales. His 200-plus five-star reviews online are a testament to his dedication to customer service.
Amazing home situated on a huge 12,000+ sq. ft. end lot on a cul-de-sac with endless views, surrounded by canyons.
MARKET WATCH: Home inventory in the 92130 zip code is starting to increase even more as we head into spring. In fact, it has gone up 65 percent since the beginning of the year. With more competition, some offers are starting to come in more slowly as buyers take their time to shop around a bit more. Prices are climbing as quickly as they were in the first part of the year.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Brian Malarkey’s family-friendly eatery offers classic American food with an elegant twist. Searsucker welcomes guests to explore 6,000 square-feet of different experiences with a main dining room, private dining room, bar area and an outdoor patio with a fire pit and Koi pond.
SEARSUCKER12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar858.369.5700, www.searsucker.com
IN THE HOOD: R.O.C. Race (Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge) is back at the Del Mar Fairgrounds May 10, and this will be the craziest one yet. Proceeds benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which supports people with physical disabilities pursue active lifestyles.
JOHN REEVES Reef Point Realty3914 Murphy Canyon Rd., Ste. A157, San Diego, CA 92123, 877.300.3709, ReefPointRealty.com, [email protected]
John Reeves is a combat veteran, Pop Warner football coach, real estate investor and family
man specializing in helping service members and veterans buy, sell or build their own homes.
Exquisite hilltop estate featuring panoramic views of San Pasqual Valley, an award-winning pool, 5-hole putting green,
custom cabinetry and 2800 sq. ft. of living space.
MARKET TRENDS: In recent years, Money Magazine named Escondido the “Best Place in the West” to retire. At the other end of the spectrum, the city also been lauded as being kid friendly for its broad range of youth programs. The community has many visitors to its well-known San Diego Safari Park and California Center for the Arts, and also offers two lakes, several parks, golf courses and wineries. Escondido offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices and boasts the lowest median cost of homes in the North County area.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Orfila is a perfect place to go with friends and family to relax and unwind while enjoying the beautiful San Diego scenery. Bring food and games and have a picnic outside while tasting their award-winning wines.
ORFILA VINEYARDS & WINERY13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido800.868.9463, orfila.com
IN THE HOOD: Escondido Spring Street Faire is May 18. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s rides and activities, and foods from around the world at the second largest single-day fair in California.
