Buy, Sell or Blog?

Just Listed! Exceptionally Rare 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo at Atlas in Hillcrest!

2011-09-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

Just Listed!
2 Bedroom / 2 Bath
Offered at $615,000

Welcome home to residence 214 at Atlas in the heart of Hillcrest! This exceptionally rare 1771 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, podium level, corner residence features the LARGEST wrap-around terrace in all of Atlas. The unique terrace boasts over 1400 square feet of space and opens from both the great room and master suite providing you year round indoor/outdoor enjoyment. This beautiful home comes complete with polished slab granite counters in the kitchen and baths, hardwood floors throughout living area, 9 foot ceilings in the great room, plantation shutters, and designer touches throughout.

At Atlas you will also enjoy resort-like amenities that include a pool, spa, exercise room, community room and terrace with barbecue area, secured entry building and gated resident parking with plenty of parking for your guests as well. Speaking of parking, residence 214 comes with 2 parking spaces and a storage locker that are all right off of the elevator. And best of all Atlas couldn't have a better location with many of San Diego's best restaurants right outside your door, balboa park just one block away, and about a 5 minute drive to downtown, Little Italy, and the airport.

For more pictures of this gorgeous 2 bedroom condo for sale at Atlas in Hillcrest check out the virtual tour below.

For a private showing call (619)750-1107, or visit our website for more info on this 2 bedroom condo for sale at Atlas in Hillcrest. Or start your next search for homes for sale in San Diego with our free MLS search page!

Just Listed! Great 1 Bedroom FHA & VA Approved Condo For Sale at Presidio Place in Fashion Valley, San Diego!

2011-07-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Just Listed!

1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath

Offered at $139,000

Check out this great top floor corner unit at Presidio Place in Fashion Valley, San Diego. This is a tradional sale (not a short-sale or foreclosure) and the complex is FHA & VA approved! This condo comes with vaulted ceilings in the bedroom, central forced air heat and air conditioning, in unit laundry hookups, and a gas fireplace. You will enjoy all of the ammenities in this resort-style, guard-gated community, including 2 pools, three tennis courts, and lush landscaping. And as they say, location is everything, and you will be close to the beach, Sea World, the Riverwalk Golf Course, the Fashion Valley Mall, and downtown San Diego with this perfectly placed complex!

For a private showing call (619)750-1107, or visit our website for information on this 1 bedroom condo for sale in Fashion Valley. Or start your next search for homes for sale in San Diego with our free MLS search page.

Just Listed! Fantastic 1bd/1ba Condo in Mission Valley, San Diego with Seller Financing Offered!

2011-05-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Just Listed!

1 Bedroom / 1 Bath

Offered at $184,990

Welcome to coveted Creekwood at River Run in the centrally located neighborhood of Mission Valley, San Diego! Seller financing is being offered on this wonderful single-level, 1 bedroom, 1 bath condominium. This unit features a private setting with views to the hillsides to the south. You will enjoy high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, a wood burning fireplace, forced air heat and air conditioning, two large master closets, and in-unit washer and dryer. The complexes' resort-like ammenities include a pool, spa and exercise room. The complex is both FHA and VA approved making this condo perfect for both the first time buyer and investor alike!

Check out the video below for a virtual tour of this great Mission Valley 1 bedroom condo for sale!

Click the link for more information on this 1 bedroom Mission Valley condo for sale, or visit our website to start your next search for homes in San Diego!

San Diego Home Prices Slightly Down in April

2011-05-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

San Diego County home prices dipped a bit in April, according to data released today from San Diego based company DataQuick Information Systems.

The stats for April show a median price of $321,750 for all home sold, down 1.1% from April, 2010, and down 1% from this March. Sales volume was also down slightly from last April, showing a .5% decrease, but up 7% from March, with 3,277 total sales.

A big contributing factor to this decline is that the lending environment is still challenging for borrowers. But, the good news is that interest rates have hit a new 2011 low this week.

At Neely, Barrow & Associates we have found that this continued pressure on prices, accompanied by historically low interest rates, and the increase of spring inventory has brought out quite a few buyers. We are especially seeing a lot of investors flooding the market as they know that San Diego real estate is on sale and now is the time to buy!

If you are looking to buy, start your search for San Diego homes with us.

Home Prices in San Diego Likely to Increase 4.7% in 2010 and Hit Bottom Nationwide in March

2009-12-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

Home prices in San Diego, CA are predicted to increase 4.7% in 2010 according to a report by First American CoreLogic's Loan Performance Home Price Index. The report, which measures home prices in 45 of the nation's largest housing markets, expects prices to fall nationwide another 4.2% before they hit bottom in March of 2010. This report also predicts an increase in home prices of 1% nationwide by October of 2010.

This is great news for San Diego home owners, but the report does warn that these predictions could be dragged down by bank's "shadow inventory" homes that have been foreclosed but have yet to hit the market.

Read more about the report here:

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Report: Home Prices Likely to Hit Bottom in March

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 15

2009-11-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

I know, it's hard to believe, but I AM BACK WITH ANOTHER SAN DIEGO FORECLOSURE FRIDAY!!! It's been since July since my last post, so we've got a bit of catching up to do.

In this first San Diego Foreclosure Friday post back I'll be updating you on previous properties that were available and have since closed. Once again, you'll be able to see what the property previously sold for, what it was currently listed for, and what it has now sold for. So without further adieu..

SOLD $570,000 (9/9/2009)

LISTED AT $599,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $918,000 (10/1/2007)

Baseball anyone? This 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1118 square foot condo is currently available in the Legend, downtown San Diego's only luxury high-rise located directly within Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres! This unit is on the 16th floor and enjoys amazing southwest views into Petco Park and the bay. Comes with granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, travertine tile in both bathrooms, and two parking spaces.

SOLD $1,500,000 (10/28/2009)

LISTED AT $1,650,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $2,530,000 (11/03/2005)

This expansive Mediterranean Mission Hills foreclosure property is priced almost $1,000,000 below it's most recent 2005 sale! You won't find many Mission Hills foreclosures like this one! At almost 4,600 square feet, with 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths, a wine cellar, media room, enormous gourmet kitchen, infinity pool, and panoramic views all the way from Coronado to La Jolla, what more could you ask for in a foreclosure? Well, how about being just a 5 minute car ride to both downtown San Diego and the airport, and about a 5 minute walk to all the great Mexican restaurants in Old Town?

SOLD $750,000 (8/3/2009)

LISTED AT $699,800

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,2000,000 (2/6/2007)

Great location in north Mission Hills! This foreclosure property is listed for about half of what it sold for just over 2 years ago! This 1920s Spanish, with wood floors, and period details throughout, comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, and almost 1600 square feet.

SOLD Cash $769,000 (6/19/2009)

LISTED AT $759,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,090,000 (7/5/2006)

Live the luxurious La Jolla beach life in this condo just one block to the water in Bird Rock! This unit in the Seahaus development was built in 2005 and comes with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1827 square feet. This is a ground floor unit that overlooks the pool and has peak ocean views from the kitchen, dining room, and living room, and all of these rooms come with gorgeous wide-plank hardwood floors.

SOLD $419,000 (8/06/2009)

LISTED AT $392,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $620,000 (10/31/2003)

We head back downtown to the ballpark/ East Village neighborhood to finish of this edition of San Diego Foreclosure Friday. If you love baseball, this condo is for you as it is sits right in front of Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres. This huge 1674 square foot loft space at the Parklofts comes with exposed concrete ceiling and walls, hardwood floors, granite countertops, and Pella windows with between-the-glass blinds. This unit has two bathrooms and could be converted to a two bedroom if you wanted more of a traditional floor plan.

SOLD $450,000 (7/22/2009)

LISTED $394,250

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $575,000 (10/12/2006)

Adorable California Craftsman in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1469 square feet with a helper unit over the garage. This home has been updated with porcelain counters, travertine tile, and marble bathrooms, but keeps it's craftsman charm with refinished hardwood floors and wood framed doors and windows.

If you would like more info on any of these listings, other foreclosure properties throughout the San Diego area, or general information about buying foreclosure properties, please check out my website page on buying San Diego foreclosures. You can easily contact me from the form on the bottom of that page, or via email at Michael@NeelyBarrow.com.

You can also check out my website for more info on our San Diego real estate services and to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

Be sure to check back in again next Friday for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded to Include Move Up Buyers

2009-11-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

I have been a bad blogger and haven't posted for quite a while (I think since July!). But, I'm back with some great news for not only first time buyers, but for move up buyers as well. Both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives have voted to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit, and have expanded the credit to include existing homeowners as well. Now the final step will be for President Obama to sign the legislation, which he is expected to do shortly. (**Update - 11/6/09 - President Obama signed the bill today.**)

With this move, the federal tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract to purchase a home is in place prior to the deadline. First-time home buyers will continue to be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will be eligible for a reduced credit of up to $6,500. To qualify for the $6,500 credit, existing homeowners must have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also increases the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000 in both instances. With the extension and expansion of this credit, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns.

The National Association of Realtors estimates that nationwide, more than 1.4 million first-time home buyers were given the opportunity to become homeowners as a result of the original first-time home buyer tax credit. With the extension and expansion of the credit these numbers are expected to dramatically increase.

For more info on how the credit works, check out my previous post on the Economic Stimulus and the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 14

2009-07-03T13:16:00.001-07:00

It's the 4Th of July weekend and San Diego Foreclosure Friday is back with a BANG! Once again I've scoured all of San Diego to find the best of the best foreclosure deals out there right now, and will be share them all with you.

There has been a bit of a lull in the San Diego foreclosure market the last couple of months with the inventory running thin after the foreclosure moratorium that many of the large banks imposed at the end of last year. But that moratorium was lifted in March, and I am starting to see quite a few more foreclosures trickle on to the market. As you know, I do a lot of work with my clients buying San Diego foreclosure properties, and from everything I've been hearing on the street there is a big wave of new foreclosures that are due to hit the market in the coming months.

This week we have three updates on previous properties that we have listed here on San Diego Foreclosure Friday as available properties. These properties have now closed and you'll get to see what they sold for. I also have a few new properties that just came on the market and are currently available as well as another new closing.

So to start out, here are the updates:

SOLD $1,025,000 (6/11/2009)

LISTED AT $979,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,645,000 (1/16/2007)

Enjoy completely unobstructed views all the way to downtown San Diego from this 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 2119 square foot Point Loma home. This outstanding residence was completely remodeled inside and out with floor to ceiling wood windows, hardwood floors, an amazing master suite with a private deck, complete with outdoor fireplace, and posh spa master bathroom.

SOLD $281,000 (6/17/2009)

LISTED AT $194,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $401,000 (12/7/2006)

This adorable cottage in Golden Hill sits just outside of downtown. With 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 710 square feet it is the perfect alternative to condo living! This home sits on a great little lot with a good size front yard and a large covered deck in that overlooks the backyard.

SOLD Cash $1,325,000 (6/19/2009)

LISTED AT $1,299,800

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $2,300,000 (12/29/2005)

Enjoy panoramic ocean views from this 4915 square foot Encinitas home. Built in 2005, this home comes with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths. Some of the many features include designer paint, hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, granite and marble counters, stainless steel appliances, Kohler bathroom fixtures, and a 3 car garage.

And now for this weeks foreclosure listings:

SOLD $370,000 (7/2/2009)

LISTED AT $279,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $495,000 (12/16/2004)

This cute vintage Craftsman cottage in the University Heights neighborhood sold in foreclosure for $125,000 less than it's 2004 price. This home comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and 858 square feet and features hardwood floors, a fireplace and tons of character.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $640,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $918,000 (10/1/2007)

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $974,900

**PREVIOUSLY LISTED $1,475,000 (9/22/2008)

This Point Loma home with unobstructed bay and downtown views last sold in 2005 for $895,000 when it was a very original 1640 square foot home. The new buyers completely remodeled the home and added a huge second story master suite to bring the new square footage up to 2318 square feet. **They then brought it on the market for $1.7 million in 2006 and dropped the price to $1.475 million before it went into foreclosure. Now this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with sit-down views from living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and 3 decks is on the market in foreclosure for $974,900!

If you would like more info on either one of these listings, other foreclosure properties throughout the San Diego area, or general information about buying foreclosure properties, please check out my website page on buying San Diego foreclosures. You can easily contact me from the form on the bottom of that page, or via email at Michael@NeelyBarrow.com.

You can also check out my website for more info on our San Diego real estate services and to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

Be sure to check back in again next Friday for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Water Use Restrictions

2009-06-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

As a San Diego Realtor I get asked about all kinds of things not only relating to real estate, but also all things San Diego. And lately, I've had quite a few clients and friends ask about the new mandatory San Diego water use restrictions that just went into effect. So since so many people want to know what the details are, I thought what better place to spread the word than here on my blog?

As many of you may know, San Diego, like much of southern California, is an arid desert climate, and therefore we go through long periods with very little rain. On average we only get about 10 inches of rain a year, and for the past several years we have been well below normal. This extended drought has reached a critical level causing the city of San Diego to declare a state of emergency and as of June 1st, 2009 to issue mandatory water use restrictions.

As the city states, "Wasting water has always been bad behavior. As of June 1, 2009, it's against the law." Below is the flyer from the water department with all of the rules and restrictions. If you double click it, it will enlarge. For further information you can go to www.sandiego.gov/water or call (619) 515-3500.

Some more quick tips to save water:

Plant native plants that require less water.
Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth and lathering up in the shower. (On a side note, I heard a celebrity (who shall remain nameless because I love her and she meant well) once say that she saved water by brushing her teeth in the shower. Think of all the water that's running down the drain while you're brushing your teeth in the shower - or shaving in the shower while the water is running. DUH!)
Make sure to wash dishes and clothes with full loads.
And this may be TMI, but in regards to toilets remember the saying: "If it's yellow let it mellow..." I'll spare you the second part =) You can email me if you're dying to know...

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 13

2009-06-05T19:14:00.001-07:00

Welcome to another San Diego Foreclosure Friday! Once again we will be exploring some of the best of the best foreclosure properties throughout San Diego county for the week.

This week we have an update on a previous listing that I featured back in April on San Diego Foreclosure Friday - a 4-unit property that just sold in foreclosure in Bankers Hill. Then we take a look at some foreclosures in 92103. These two properties are both in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego. The first is a large townhouse that just sold in foreclosure. And the next is a expansive, almost 4600 square foot, luxury Mediterranean property, with water views in foreclosure in North Mission Hills!

SOLD Cash $650,000 (5/29/2009)

LISTED AT $581,130

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,100,000 (12/30/2004)

Just outside of downtown San Diego sits this income generating gem in Bankers Hill. You're just a few blocks from Balboa Park, downtown, and minutes to the airport in this vintage 1920s 4-unit property. Property consists of one 2 bedroom unit, two 1 bedroom units, and one studio!

SOLD $759,000 (5/28/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $960,000 (5/19/2004)

Built in 2003, this foreclosure in Mission Hills sold for just over $200,000 less than it's previous sale in 2004. This row home has plenty of room with 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and over 2,500 square feet. Some of the great features include hardwood floors, granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, a fireplace, and large walk-in custom built closets in the bedrooms. Best of all, it's walking distance to all of the great shops and restaurants in both Mission Hills and Hillcrest, making it the perfect mix of comfort and convenience.

CURRENTLY LISTED $1,650,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $2,530,000 (11/03/2005)

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 12

2009-05-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hola mi gente! With the last name Barrow I'm obviously not of Latin decent. But, this week San Diego Foreclosure Friday takes on a decidedly Spanish flair. It's also the biggest San Diego Foreclosure Friday to date, with five of the best foreclosures in San Diego County to chose from. I couldn't decide between two foreclosures that had just sold, so I decided to give you both!

The first two properties are updates on previous listings that I've had on here in the recent weeks, so you'll get to see what these properties closed for. The first is a cute house that was in foreclosure in the Talmadge neighborhood of San Diego. The second is a great condo in Fashion Valley for under $180,000!

Foreclosure properties number 3 and 4 are two recent closings that are new to San Diego Foreclosure Friday. The first is an expansive contemporary Spanish ocean-view home built in 2004 that was in foreclosure in the Muirlands neighborhood of La Jolla. The next is another cute Spanish home sold in foreclosure in North Park.

And last but not least is an available foreclosure in north Mission Hills. This traditional 1920s Spanish last sold in 2007 for $1,200,000. You won't believe what it is listed at today now that it's bank owned!

SOLD $413,000 (5/18/2009)

LISTED AT $396,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $750,000 (7/16/2007)

This classic Talmadge home on a quite street is perfect for the first-time home buyer! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1389 square-feet, with hardwood floors, a fireplace, and a detached 2 car garage...and the best part, it's under $400,000!

SOLD $179,900 (5/22/2009)

LISTED AT $179,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $300,000 (3/3/2005)

This large 850 square-foot, 1 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath condo on the west side of Fashion Valley is just five minutes from the bay and beaches of San Diego. Perfect for the first-time home buyer looking to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, or an investor looking to build their rental portfolio. This gorgeous complex features 2 pools, 2 spas, and 4 tennis courts. All this for under $180,000!

SOLD $1,630,000 (5/20/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $2,465,000 (11/21/2005)

Built in 2004, this contemporary Spanish home in the Muirlands neighborhood of La Jolla was some one's steal in foreclosure! Enjoy ocean views from this 4700 square foot, 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home with walls of glass, soaring ceilings, and a roof top deck. This newer home comes with a gourmet kitchen, large master suite with balcony, media room, and a 3 car garage.

SOLD $532,000 (5/22/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $785,000 (4/4/2005)

With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1820 square feet and updated throughout to compliment it's original 1930s Spanish charm, this foreclosure in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego was a great deal at $532,000!

CURRENTLY LISTED $699,800

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,2000,000 (2/6/2007)

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 11

2009-05-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'm back with another San Diego Foreclosure Friday! Okay, so it's really Sunday...But, better late than never!

Sorry I didn't make it on Friday, it's been hectic. All of these foreclosures have kept me a busy San Diego Realtor working with everyone from the first-time home buyer to the investor snatching up all of these great deals. But I still have been keeping track of all the best foreclosure properties around San Diego county, and I wanted to make sure to share them with you.

To start off I have an update on two listings that I have previously shared with you that have now closed. One of which was the very first San Diego Foreclosure Friday listing that I posted on here!

After that we'll be heading to north county San Diego for some incredible luxury homes. First we'll take a look at a foreclosure that just closed in a place where you very rarely, if ever, see foreclosures...The Bridges neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe. And after that we'll look at a high end foreclosure listing that is currently available in Encinitas.

Here are the updates...

SOLD $655,500 (5/11/2009)

LISTED AT $689,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,050,000 (4/4/2007)

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1935 square foot modern home sits high above the street in the heart of Kensington, one of San Diego's most sought after communities. This spacious home offers wood floors, an upstairs master bedroom with a fireplace, and a private backyard with a gazebo and spa.

SOLD $424,900 Cash (4/30/2009)

LISTED AT $424,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $625,000 (6/27/2006)

Anyone looking for a second home? Enjoy breath-taking panoramic harbor, Point Loma, and city views from this luxury downtown condo! Floor to ceiling windows and a huge 200 square-foot deck take advantage of the views from this west facing, 9Th floor, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1132 square-foot Little Italy condo in the La Vita building. The complex features an amazing courtyard, pool, and gym. This unit has it all...even comes with two parking spaces!

And here are this week's properties...

SOLD $1,787,000 Cash (5/1/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $2,910,000 (8/16/2005)

Not often do you see a foreclosure in Rancho Santa Fe, but I've got it here for you on San Diego Foreclosure Friday. This incredible estate, built in 2004, was the largest floor plan in the award winning Cortile Collection at The Bridges. Sitting on over a half acre flat parcel, this 5671 square foot Spanish home comes with 5 bedroom suites, and 5 1/2 baths. Features include a gourmet kitchen with Wolfe range, Sub Zero fridge, 2 dishwashers, formal living room and dining rooms, a family room, office, wine closet, 3 car garage, and an enormous private backyard with a pool & spa. This is truly an amazing foreclosure property!

CURRENTLY LISTED $1,299,800

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $2,300,000 (12/29/2005)

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

Be sure to check back in again next Friday for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 10

2009-05-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

TGIF!!! It's the end of the week and ~~the end of my punishment~~ another San Diego Foreclosure Friday. Once again I'm bringing you some of the best foreclosure deals in San Diego county!

I know I didn't quite make it every day this week (4 out of 5 is pretty good), so to make up for it I'm doubling up today and giving you two solds and two current listings. This time we're going for condo living. We'll look at both high-end luxury units with price tags to match, and also see some more affordable alternatives as well. So let the fun begin!

SOLD $1,450,000 Cash

(4/24/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,749,000

(2/4/2003)

You won't find many downtown San Diego foreclosures like this one! We are back at the Renaissance building downtown, except this time we're looking 10 floors higher and adding about 2000+ square feet. This extremely rare 2-story unit is on the 20Th floor with awesome bay and city views. One of the largest units downtown, it comes with 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and 3,783 square feet (the master bedroom alone is 900 square feet!).

SOLD $370,000 (4/30/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $541,500 (6/19/2007)

On the more affordable side we have this 3-story corner unit in Mission Valley. Built in 2005 this condo comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 1830 square feet, and a two car attached garage. It's conveniently located just a block away from the Mission Valley mall and close to the freeway for easy commute to and from work.

CURRENTLY LISTED $874,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,090,000 (7/5/2006)

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $392,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $620,000 (10/31/2003)

We head back downtown to the ballpark/ East Village neighborhood to finish of this edition of San Diego Foreclosure Friday. If you love baseball, this condo is for you as it is sits right in front of Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres. This huge 1674 square foot loft space at the Parklofts comes with exposed concrete ceiling and walls, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, and Pella windows with between-the-glass blinds. This unit has two bathrooms and could be converted to a two bedroom if you wanted more of a traditional floor plan.

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

Be sure to check back in again next Friday for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday (Wednesday) - Volume 9

2009-04-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

So here I am at 10 PM again, making sure I get you another San Diego Foreclosure... Wednesday? Yes, it's day three of my commitment to bring you the best foreclosure deals in San Diego every day this week!

Today is a great find for all you investors out there...a 4-unit bank owned property just outside of downtown San Diego, with a listing price under $600,000! Almost half off it's 2004 sales price of $1,100,000! But first we start out in Point Loma with a property that just closed in Liberty Station.

SOLD $643,000 (4/27/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $841,000 (2/4/2005)

Built in 2005, this detached home in the Liberty Station development of Point Loma comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and 2305 square feet. Features a large great-room with a fireplace, a private walled patio in back, and a 2 car garage.

CURRENTLY LISTED $581,130

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,100,000 (12/30/2004)

Remember, I'm making up for missing the past couple of weeks, so be sure to check back again every day this week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

San Diego Foreclosure Friday (Tuesday) - Volume 8

2009-04-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

Day two of my penance and I'm back again with another San Diego Foreclosure Friday. I'm determined to keep my promise of giving you the best San Diego foreclosure deals every day this week to make up for my two week absence. Although it may be late in the day (or night, 10:00PM!) I'm going to make it in just under the wire. Since it's late I'm just going to have at it...

SOLD $822,000 (4/15/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,151,000 (12/13/2005)

Located in the exclusive Bressi Ranch Garden District neighborhood of Carlsbad, this 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath, 4608 square foot house was built in 2005 and is highly upgraded throughout. This entertainers home comes with a huge master suite, gorgeous hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen with stainless steal appliances and granite counter tops and a tropical backyard with a built in barbecue and fire pit.

CURRENTLY LISTED $394,250

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $575,000 (10/12/2006)

Remember, I'm making up for missing the past couple of weeks, so be sure to check back again every day this week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

San Diego Foreclosure Friday (Monday) - Volume 7

2009-04-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it...I've been a bad blogger the last couple of weeks. But I do have a good excuse! The San Diego foreclosure market is on fire, and I have been EXTREMELY busy working with a TON of buyers. With rates at historical lows and prices back down to 2002-2003 levels this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is bringing out everyone from the first-time home buyer to the cash investor.

And a little inside scoop...There is a very large second wave of foreclosures about to hit the market! Many of the big lenders had a moratorium on foreclosures while the Obama administration was working on their big loan modification and refinance plan. Well, now that that plan is in place, and the banks have been able to figure out who they can help and who they can't, the moratorium has been lifted and a lot more San Diego foreclosures will be coming on the market.

So, to make up for my absence the last couple of weeks it's going to be San Diego Foreclosure Friday every day this week!!! And I'm starting today with a property that even I have been waiting in anticipation to see what it would close for!

SOLD $677,500 Cash (4/14/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,350,000 (3/29/2007)

One of the largest drops in price that I have seen at almost 50% off the previous sale price! This extremely rare 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1615 square foot penthouse in the Discovery building sits high on top of Cortez Hill with views all the way from Balboa Park to the Coronado bridge. This luxury unit comes with floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors, gas fireplace, granite counters and cherry wood cabinets in the kitchen, and a huge outdoor patio. It is an absolute steal at $677,500!

CURRENTLY LISTED $194,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $401,000 (12/7/2006)

Remember, I'm doing penance for missing the past couple of weeks, so be sure to check back again every day this week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 6

2009-04-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

TGIF! It's time for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday! And this time I'm actually making it in time for Friday.

For the first time on SDFF I have an update on a sale of a property that I posted here a couple of weeks ago, so you'll get to see what this downtown condo sold for. Don't worry, I'll also be posting another property that sold this week that you haven't seen before. It's a great ocean view foreclosure property in Ocean Beach. And, of course, I'll have a new foreclosure listing that just hit the market yesterday to share as well. It's a cute house in Talmadge for under $400,000, just waiting for someone to come in and spruce it up!

Do you remember this downtown San Diego foreclosure listing from a couple of weeks ago? Well, it's sold (these foreclosures go quick!), and you'll be one of the first to get the info!

SOLD $475,000 Cash (4/9/2009)

LISTED AT $444,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $810,000 (3/3/2006)

This 1295 square-foot 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo in the Renaissance building sold for cash above the asking price**. You will enjoy bay and city views from this 10Th floor corner unit, that comes complete with granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, marble trim in the bathrooms, and 2 underground parking spaces.

**Tip For Buying San Diego Foreclosures: You'll notice that this condo sold above the asking price. This is common with foreclosure properties. Many times banks will price them low to try to stimulate multiple offers and sell them quickly. It's a good idea to work with a San Diego Realtor who has experience buying foreclosure properties. If a foreclosure is new to the market it's a good idea to have your Realtor speak to the listing agent to see if there are multiple offers, which there usually are. If that's the case, you want to take a close look at the most recent sales in the area (especially the foreclosure sales) and write accordingly. You won't be putting out any "low-ball" offers on foreclosures. They are already priced to go, and believe me, most of them go very quickly!

SOLD $1,031,000 (4/8/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,695,500(3/9/2005)

Spectacular ocean views from this private Ocean Beach retreat! This 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2,025 square-foot home sits on a large 1/3 acre lot and has an abundance of windows to provide views from almost every room.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $396,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $750,000(7/16/2007)

You can also check out my website to search all the homes for sale in San Diego.

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 5

2009-04-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

So it's Sunday, and you know what that means...another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!?!? Okay, so I'm a couple of days behind. Sorry, I've been crazy busy (wrote six offers on foreclosure properties with buyers this week). But this weeks deals were so astounding that I had to make sure to share them with you. So, since you've been waiting long enough, I'll just get to it.

SOLD $665,000 (3/27/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $995,000 (3/7/2005)

This three bedroom, 3 bath, 2089 square-foot contemporary wood and glass, designed by San Diego architect, Bob Bowlus, sits nestled in a wooded canyon at the end of a cul-de-sac in north Mission Hills. It has multiple balconies and decks, perfect for entertaining, and is only a few blocks away from the village of Mission Hills. New hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, and an updated kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, this Mission Hills foreclosure is a steal at $665,000!

CURRENTLY LISTED $424,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $625,000 (6/27/2006)

And if you want to take a look at all the available properties in San Diego you can search the San Diego MLS from my website as well.

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 4

2009-03-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

To round out the month of March for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday, I thought I would show you that there is something available in every price range when it comes to the San Diego foreclosure market. This week we will be taking a look at homes on opposite ends of the price spectrum. Whether you are looking for a foreclosure in La Jolla with a multi-million dollar ocean view, or you are a first-time home buyer or investor looking for a great condo for under $200,000 that's just minutes to the beach, the San Diego foreclosure market has something for everyone!

SOLD $1,750,000 (3/24/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $3,050,000

(8/24/2005)

Enjoy spectacular ocean views from this mid-century modern La Jolla foreclosure property. This 3200 square-foot, 4 bedroom, 4 bath home in the County Club neighborhood of La Jolla sits high in the hills on a large quarter acre lot with a large flat backyard. Walls of glass give you sit-down North Shore ocean views from almost every room. Think what adding a second story to this single level house could do!

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $179,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $300,000

(3/3/2005)

This large 850 square-foot, 1 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath condo on the west side of Fashion Valley is just five minutes from the bay and beaches of San Diego. Perfect for the first-time home buyer looking to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, or an investor looking to build their rental portfolio. This gorgeous complex features 2 pools, 2 spas, and 4 tennis courts. All this for under $180,000!

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 3

2009-03-20T18:32:00.001-07:00

It's Friday! And you know what that means! The work week is over (well, not for us San Diego Realtors), and it's time for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday! This week we are checking out the best foreclosure deals in downtown San Diego.

Downtown San Diego used to just mean the Convention Center, the Gaslamp, Horton Plaza, some hotels and a few high-rise condos. Besides the few blocks of the Gaslamp and the cruise ships in the bay, there wasn't much reason to go downtown. But all that has changed over the last 10 years!

Everywhere you look there is a new high-rise condo that either just went up or is on it's way. Some of San Diego's best restaurants, hottest night-clubs, and glitziest hotels are all downtown. And don't forget Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres and huge headliner concerts such as the Rolling Stones and Madonna. And the best part is you can walk to everything!

So what I'm trying to say it, it's not your grandma's old downtown anymore.

Whether you're a young professional who wants the energy of city living, or your looking for a second home or an investment property, downtown San Diego has a little bit of everything, and best of all, some foreclosures in every price-range.

SOLD $625,000 (3/18/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,005,000 (5/27/2005)

Enjoy southwest city and ocean views from this 1625 square-foot, 2 bedroom plus den, 2 bathroom condo in The Grande. This unit comes with cherry wood floors and cabinets, a spacious gourmet kitchen, 2 underground parking spaces and all the luxury amenities that The Grande has to offer.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $444,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $810,000 (3/3/2006)

This 1295 square-foot 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo in the Renaissance building is available now. You will enjoy bay and city views from this 10Th floor corner unit, that comes complete with granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, marble trim in the bathrooms, and 2 underground parking spaces.

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 2

2009-03-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

In the second volume of San Diego Foreclosure Friday I'll be showing you a couple of luxury homes with some spectacular views! The first listing is a recent sale in the La Costa neighborhood of Carlsbad with gorgeous mountain and ocean views, and the second listing is a new foreclosure to the market in Point Loma with views all the way to downtown.

SOLD $880,000 (3/6/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,255,000
(7/11/2006)

This 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3800 square foot estate home sits high on the hill on over an acre of land overlooking Carlsbad and the ocean and mountains beyond, in the prestigious La Costa Estates. Some of the features of this home include a gated private drive lined with palm trees, 2 fireplaces, pecan wood flooring, and a beautiful kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $1,124,900

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,645,000
(1/16/2007)

Enjoy completely unobstructed views all the way to downtown San Diego from this 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 2119 square-foot Point Loma home. This outstanding residence was completely remodeled inside and out with floor to ceiling wood windows, hardwood floors, an amazing master suite with a private deck, complete with outdoor fireplace, and posh spa master bathroom.

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

San Diego Foreclosure Friday - Volume 1

2009-03-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

In 2008 about 80% of the buyers that I worked with ended up purchasing a foreclosure property. That trend continues with the buyers that I am currently working with in 2009. So I tend to get a lot of questions about the San Diego foreclosure market. People want to know just how good of a deal these foreclosure properties really are.

So starting today, and every Friday until the foreclosure market slows down and dissipates (and believe me, I think we still have a while before that happens), I will be posting two of the best foreclosure properties in San Diego for that week.

The first property that I will post will be a foreclosure that sold that week so that you can check out what it sold for, and the next will be one that is currently available so that you'll be aware of some of the best deals the San Diego foreclosure market has to offer.

So, without further adieu...

SOLD $458,495 (3/4/2009)

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $735,000 (2/24/2005)

This classic Spanish home, in a great area of North Park, is 1910 square feet, and has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has a great open floor plan with with sculpted archways, hardwood floors, and an open beamed ceiling. French doors lead out to a tiled patio and a beautiful backyard.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE $689,000

PREVIOUSLY SOLD $1,050,000 (4/4/2007)

Be sure to check back again next week for another San Diego Foreclosure Friday!

Economic Stimulus and the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-02-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

I haven't written in a few weeks, so I'm a bit behind in my reporting, but there have been a few big pieces of news that I want to make sure I get everybody caught up on in the next few days.

I'll start with a biggie...Drum roll please...Wait for it...First-time home buyers are you listening? It's an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers!!! And this time around it is a true tax credit, meaning you don't have to pay it back. This is huge!

So here's how it works. If you are a first-time buyer, meaning you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years, and you buy a primary residence (which means you will live in the property) between January 1st, 2009 and December 1st, 2009 you will be eligible for an $8,000 credit on your taxes.

The big thing with this tax credit is that it is fully refundable. This means that first-time home buyers who owe less than $8,000 in taxes for the year are still eligible for the full $8,000 credit when they file their tax returns, and the IRS will write them a check for the difference between $8,000 and their actual tax bill. Not only that, but if you're getting killed on your 2008 tax returns because you didn't own a home you can apply this credit to your 2008 taxes, as long as you purchase the home before you file on April 15Th.

There are a couple of restrictions on the credit. First, you must live in the home for at least 3 years, so no house flippers. And there are income limitations to claim the full credit ($75,000 for single tax-filers and $150,000 for married couples).

So, if you are a first-time home buyer who has been sitting on the fence, now is the time to get off and start shopping. Check out my website to search the San Diego MLS.

One more quick update to my last post "Another bail-out is taking shape...but, what's in it for me?" The conforming loan limits from last year were re-instated. This is more big news for San Diego as the limits moved from their reduced limit of $625,000, back up to $729,750! Unfortunatly these limits are not permanent, and will expire on December 31st, 2009.

In my next post I will be attempting to dissect the Obama administration's Foreclosure Prevention Plan (that one's a bit more complicated and all the details have still yet to come out), so check back soon.

Another bail-out is taking shape...but what's in it for me?

2009-01-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 by a 244 to 188 vote. Zero Republicans voted yes and 11 Democrats voted no. It still needs to get through the Senate, and, if passed, will likely be tweaked along the way. But as it stands right now there are a couple of positive pieces that stand out to me as a San Diego Realtor.

The first is the bill's measure extending all 2008 Metropolitan Statistical Areas’ (MSAs’) Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA loan limits through the end of this year.

Huh? English please.

Loan limits have traditionally been insured by the government up to $417,000 (referred to as "conforming"). Because they are government insured they are seen as less risky to banks and, therefore, carry lower rates than higher balanced loans. In higher cost areas, like San Diego, loan balances tend to be higher than in areas like, say, Ohio where most home loans are under $417,000. So last year the government created a new temporary limit in higher cost areas based on the median priced home in that particular area with a maximum limit of $729,750.

On December 31, 2008 that limit expired and was reduced to $625,500. The new stimulus bill seeks to reinstate those 2008 limits through the end of 2009. This helps home owners in San Diego, and other high cost areas, with refinancing. It also allows more homes to be sold in higher cost markets, which benefits both buyers and sellers alike. If this sounds like a pretty logical idea to you (higher cost areas = higher insured loan limits) then I'm sure your next question is "Shouldn't this be a permanent increase?" Well, logical people like you and me say "Yes it should!"

The second measure in the bill that stood out to me was eliminating the repayment requirement on the first-time home buyer tax credit for qualified buyers who purchase a home between Dec. 31, 2008, and July 1 2009. If you're asking, "Huh? What $7500 first-time home buyer tax credit?" you are not alone. I think a lot of people are unaware of this recent (and again, temporary) tax credit. So if you are one of these people you can read more about it here.

The big deterrent to getting more first-time buyers into the market with this tax credit is the fact that it has to be re-paid. So eliminating the repayment feature would be one really good step. Another would be to extend it all the way through the end of 2009 (hint, hint if anyone from the government is reading this blog).

Although I think both of these provisions are a step in the right direction, the major thing that I think needs all of our government's immediate attention is the second half of the original $700 billion stimulus bill...That, so far, has been about as stimulating as a weak cup of decaf. I thought the point of injecting $350 billion into the banks was to get them to lend, no? Seeing as how no one (not the banks or the treasury department) can really account for what was actually done with the first $350 billion, I would hope there would be a few more restrictions and requirements put on the second $350 billion.

As National Association of REALTORS® President Charles McMillan sums this all up, "We think this bill is a great first step in helping our economy on the road to recovery. It is also important that Congress and the new administration refocus the use of Troubled Asset Relief Program dollars to add liquidity to the mortgage market and make mortgage loans and other loans more available to America’s working families.”

To which I say, "Amen!" He must be reading my blog!

Latest home price numbers...This bad news could be your good news.

2009-01-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so which news do you want first...The good or the bad?

Let's start with the bad.

The dreaded S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which tracks prices in 20 cities throughout the U.S., released it's November report, and once again the numbers didn't look good. I'll spare you the boredom of reading all the numbers, but will tell you that San Diego experienced another 2.3% drop in prices from October, and a 25.8% drop year-over-year (meaning November 2007 to November 2008). This isn't really "breaking news," however, as this is now the 28Th consecutive month that this report has registered declines.

"Um, hello? I thought you said there was good news?"

Well, there is good news for buyers. The major reason that these numbers look so bad is because an increasing number of these sales over the last year have been foreclosures and short-sales. These properties tend to sell at "bargain basement" prices as banks look to quickly unload their inventory. Add in historically low mortgage rates to the mix and you have a perfect storm for buyers.

"There's a pretty active housing market, it's simply at a lower-priced inventory," says Michael Feder, chief executive of the New York based derivatives firm, Radar Logic.

According to their data, and a recent story in Forbes, real estate transactions in San Diego are up 90% in the last few months as buyers compete for the available bargains. (See video below for more)

We are definitely seeing a lot of first-time buyers and investors jumping back in to the San Diego real estate market. In fact, the majority of our transactions in 2008 were with buyers, and almost 90% of those buyers bought a property that was in foreclosure! These dramatic price drops are bringing affordability back down to earth and savvy buyers back into the market.

Is it the time to buy, sell...or blog?

2009-01-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

Well, with my first post I can definitely tell you the answer is yes!...or no...or maybe...well it depends. How's the house? Where are rates right now? How much do you owe? What's going on with the latest government bailout and how's that affecting the market? Have we hit the bottom yet?

I know that there has been A LOT of news out there in the last couple of years that may be confusing and a bit scary, so I hope to help make sense of it all. Welcome to Buy, Sell or Blog? where in the weeks, months and many posts to come I will be discussing the answers to that question, as well as a broad range of other topics in the world of real estate here in sunny San Diego and across the U.S.

"Who the heck are you, and what do you know anyway" you might ask? Well, thanks for asking! My name is Michael, I'm the Barrow half of Neely, Barrow & Associates, a local real estate team here in San Diego. My business partner Richard (who may be guest blogging from time to time) and I have a combined 15 years of experience successfully representing both buyers and sellers alike in the greater San Diego area. I started off in the mortgage business, but after a couple of years ~~of sheer boredom~~ I followed in the footsteps of my father and mother and went into real estate, which I love! So I guess that makes me a ~~son of a preacher man~~... ~~son of a ...~~ son of a Realtor, or rather, Realtors.

Anyway, enough about me! Check back soon for my next post on what's going on in the world of real estate. And, please, feel free to comment, email me and ask questions, etc. See you soon!