Broadcast San Diego

But First, This is Downtown Today

Kea Bensen — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:38:58 +0000

CCDC’s Downtown Magazine
2010 Annual Project Update

Winter/Spring 2010 - Issue 61
This publication provides all of the latest updates and developments in downtown including neighborhood improvements, C Street safety enhancements, parking, parks, restoring Asian district, San Diego quiet zone, Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge construction, C Street, Civic Center complex, cruise ship terminal, North Embarcadero Visionary Plan (NEVP), convention center expansion, 14th & Island park, East Village fire station, dog park, Main library, Bayside fire station, residential projects, commercial projects, old police headquarters, and more!

Click here to read Downtown Today 2010 Annual Project Update
Click here to browse previous issues of Downtown Today

Related Posts:
2009 Downtown Living Guide

2009 Housing Market Review

Kea Bensen — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:50:55 +0000

2009 Year in Review

What a difference a year makes. As poor as the housing market was in January 2009, a year of aggressive subsidies and sluggish economic improvement has produced a tentative optimism in January 2010.

The first-time homebuyer tax credit was extended and revised in 2009 to include some qualifying move-up buyers, and housing sales in the conforming loan range began to soar in most areas of the country by May 2009.

Click here to view 2009 Year in Review for San Diego County under $1 Million
Click here to view 2009 Year in Review for San Diego over $1 million

Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone Update

Francine Finn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Attention Sleep Deprived Citizens of Downtown San Diego!

UPDATE
SD Quiet Zone Project Bid Opening 2/25/10
Location: City of SD Purchasing & Contracts Dept
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Scott Johnson, johnson@ccdc.com

Original post April 9 2009 - It appears that the sale of ear plugs, sleeping pills and noise reducing devices might be on the decline SOON. The word at a meeting of the “people who know” confirmed that we are 99.9% on line to have the Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone become a reality.

The Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone will be the largest (with 13 at-grade rail crossings) quiet zone in the United States. Not only is the physical area it encompasses large, but it required 6 different railway users (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway BNSF, San Diego Trolley, San Diego Imperial Valley Railway SDIV, North County Transit District NCTD, COASTER, Amtrak). It is nothing short of a small miracle that the residents of downtown who have been living with the horns waking them for years are still.

Pending some event stopping the world, the new crossings are projected to be finished by Summer 2010. The new rail crossings will mean engineers will no longer be required to lay on the horn as they travel through Downtown San Diego.

Developer: Rail Pros Inc., Eric Hankinson
Funding: The estimated $20.6 million project cost is funded by Redevelopment Agency tax-increment financing
Summer 2009 – Construction to begin
Summer 2010 – Construction to be completed
View larger map of Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone Map

Want to know more?
CCDC Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone Fact Sheet
The CCDC Quiet Zone Fact Sheet answers these questions and more…

At what downtown intersections will the Quiet Zone be in effect?
How much noise will really be reduced in the Quiet Zone?
What are trains legally required to do when approaching crossings?

Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone Website
Created and updated by the residents of Downtown San Diego

FHA Train Horn Rule Facts
from the Federal Railroad Administration

CCDC San Diego Quiet Zone Project
Keep up to date with all things “Quiet Zone” related

Own a Piece of Paradise

Raye Scott — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:07:59 +0000

Local home prices on the upswing

The San Diego Union Tribune’s Roger Showley reported January 26th in the financial/business section that San Diego home prices are on the rise. In fact, we are one of the top 4 major metro areas for appreciation from 2000-2009. While not completely out of harm’s way, the market is showing more signs of strength than weakness and some light at the end of the tunnel.

Over the past 3 years, my business partner in Scott~Finn & Associates, Francine Finn and I have heard the phrase

“I’m not going to buy right now, I’m waiting for the bottom.”

Well, folks, wait no more. We’re there and already starting to climb out. Besides today’s article testifying to the improvements in San Diego, there were several articles last week to reinforce the facts. San Diego is more affordable than ever. But, not for long. This is still “America’s Finest City” with incredible year-round weather, great attractions, natural beauty and a revitalized downtown that has attracted world-wide attention.

If you have ever given the slightest thought to owning San Diego real estate now or in the future, this is the time to actively pursue that dream. Owning a piece of paradise could be within your reach.

Click here to read full article, Local home prices on the upswing by Roger Showley

Umbrella to Cover ‘Unexpected’ for 1st Time Buyers

Francine Finn — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:39:23 +0000

The California Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program has been extended through December 31, 2010, or until funds are exhausted.

Under the free program, which received $1 million from the California Association of Realtor’s Housing Affordability Fund and an additional $420,000 from the National Association of Realtors, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month, for up to six months, to help make their mortgage payments.

A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, and receive a benefit of $750 per month for up to six months. Whether you are planning on making your first home in the downtown San Diego area or anywhere in San Diego County, this is a program well worth investigating. To apply for the program, home buyers must request an application for the H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program from their REALTOR. Just another good reason to have experienced professional help when purchasing a home in today’s market.

View flyer for the MORTGAGE PROTECTION PLAN

Click here to search all homes for sale in San Diego

Just Listed! The Grande North Townhome

Kea Bensen — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:52:00 +0000

Upgraded 3 stroy Townhome with 1,890 square feet and 3 patios!

Enjoy the downtown lifestyle in this spacious townhome at The Grande. Upgraded and ready with 2 bedrooms and a loft, 3 balconies and easy access to all the fabulous amenities of this luxury, waterfront tower including a full gym, pool, spa, saunas and residents’ lounge. Enjoy the stroll along the bay, the farmer’s markets and great restaurants in Little Italy, the Gaslamp, Horton Plaza, theater, movies and music and more. Part time or full time, downtown living just keeps getting better!

View full details

Search all homes for sale in San Diego

Featured Home: The Grande South 3101

Raye Scott — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:56:09 +0000

Just Reduced! Incredible Value at The Grande South!

Update 12/10/09 new price $999,000 - $1,075,000
The Grande South 1199 Pacific Highway #3101, San Diego, CA 92101
2 bedrooms+den/ 2 bathrooms/ 1,684 esf Full Details …

Original post published 3/23/09
NOT A SHORT SALE!!! Just a well-priced, gorgeous by day and unbelievable by night! Enjoy bay views, city lights and the superior amenities of The Grande South. This 2 bedroom+den unit has cherry wood flooring and cabinetry, gas fireplace, stainless steel appliances and large balcony. Evening showings by appointment.
Full Details …

Click here to view the ‘A2’ for The Grande South
Click here to view The Grande South building layout
View all properties for sale at The Grande

Video: Buy Now or Wait?

Raye Scott — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:00:58 +0000

The Cost of Waiting - Interest Rate Analysis

After many requests to break down the ‘Cost of Waiting’, Craig Sewing created this video as part of his blog, www.mortgagediaries.com.

Craig Sewing is the host of “Save Money San Diego” radio show and is the manager of Benchmark Mortgage

Watch Video: Cost of Waiting for Prices to Drop In a Rising Interest Rate Environment Explained

Search all homes for sale in San Diego County

The Quiet Zone is Coming! The Quiet Zone is Coming!

Francine Finn — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:23:12 +0000

At long last the citizens of downtown have a definite answer to “What is happening with the Quiet Zone approval?”

It appears that the engineers on the late night freight trains may ultimately be spared further wrath and threat of bodily injury from those who have had their sleep interrupted by the sounding of the train horns as they approach each street intersection.

When Alonzo Horton planned downtown San Diego’s street and avenues he wanted a city that allowed maximum light and was not cluttered with back alleys. To meet this vision, downtown blocks were made half as long as typical city blocks thus creating more corners, more premium exposure for business and more natural light. This very clever bit of planning never took into account the federal railroad laws that would follow which mandated that trains in a populated area must sound the horn within a specified number of feet of each intersection. Shorter blocks mean that the trains passing through downtown appear to be blasting the train horn constantly.

It seems like it has taken forever for approval of new barriers at intersections. The “Quiet Zone” as the project has been named will begin at the bottom of Laurel Street and run throughout downtown. View Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone Map

Contract bid requests will go out in January with work expected to begin in May 2010. Projections are that the construction should be complete approximately 1 year from inception. The “Quiet Zone” approval was a massive undertaking requiring 16 different federal, state, city and railroad companies’ cooperation and blessing. It is the largest approved zone of this type in the United States.

Don’t throw away your ear plugs yet, but the future is looking bright and “QUIET” at last.

THIS is a Deal! Short Sale APPROVED!!

Raye Scott — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:13:45 +0000

Help! Buyer Walked - need new buyer ASAP!
Bank Approved at $955,000!!

The Grande South 1199 Pacific Highway #2805, San Diego, CA 92101
2 bedrooms+den/ 2 bathrooms
Approximately 1,625 square feet
Original post 1/4/2008

THIS IS A SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY! Last upper floor unit closed at $1,130,000. Don’t miss this chance for an incredible deal! 28th floor at The Grande South with commanding views of the bay and city.

Click here to view additional photos and information

From the spectacular entrance lobby to the world-class full service The Grande will surpass your expectations. Luxurious Amenities: 4 elevators, concierge service, security, closed-circuit cameras provide 24-hour surveillance, 80-foot outdoor swimming pool, whirl pool spa, barbecue area, fitness facility with lockers, sauna and steam room, party room/lounge, secure under ground parking, individual storage lockers, central water softener system, on-site professional management and luxurious 1 bedroom guest suite available for short term use by Grande owners.