San Diego Real Estate - Harbaugh Homes: 2014

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Home Loan Approval - It May Have Just Gotten Easier.

Some very qualified buyers have been consistently turned down for a mortgage loan in the past few years. This seems to be a reaction to the "too easy" credit situation, which contributed to the housing market crash of 2008.

Without going overboard to cause similar chaos in the real estate market and the economy, as a whole, lender requirements are swinging back to a reasonable level - not too easy and not impossible to qualify. The market is looking for just right.

Not all lenders are jumping in toward easing the lending standards, but many are beginning to see that more reasonable standards are necessary to a healthy housing market and for a strong economy.

So, if you have been waiting, you may want to consult with a real estate broker, who has good relationships with lenders, to see if you qualify to buy a home or an investment property.

Read related articles:

Mortgage Lenders Set to Relax Standards

Did Mortgages Just Get Easier to Obtain?

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker

DRE #: 01245275

Office 619-246-2860

markonthemark@gmail.com

HARBAUGH HOMES

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998. He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates.

His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity. Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Have You Served in the Military? VA Loans Are Easier Than You May Think.

VA Loans Are Easier Than You May Think.

If you are a veteran and planning to buy a home, you may want to consider using your VA Benefits, and look into a VA Loan. People who have served in the military may qualify for this type of mortgage loan.

There are myths surrounding the VA Loan, which sometimes makes them unpopular with buyers and their agents, and thus, they are underutilized. However, once you know the true facts, you may want to think seriously about using a VA Loan, rather than a Conventional Loan or an FHA Loan.

Compared to Conventional and FHA Mortgage Loan, VA Loans should be considered for the following reasons:

Require NO DOWN PAYMENT,
Have a LOWER INTEREST RATE,
CLOSE ESCROW MORE SUCCESSFULLY, AND
CLOSE MORE QUICKLY.

The Interest Rates are Generally Lower than a Conventional or FHA Loan.

Not only are the interest rates generally lower than a Conventional or FHA Loan, but, as a Veteran, there is no down payment and no mortgage insurance with a VA Mortgage Loan.

The VA Loan Successfully Closes Escrow More Often Than a Conventional or FHA Loan.

With more flexible credit standards for VA loans, these loans close successfully at a greater percentage of the time than a Conventional or FHA Loan. VA Loans are approved with FICO scores 100 lower than non-VA Loans.

The VA Loan Closes Escrow as Quickly as a Conventional or FHA Loan.

Finally, some buyers and their agents believe a VA Loan takes longer to close. This is also not the truth. According to the data, VA Loans close in 40 days from acceptance.

Shattering 4 myths about VA loans | Inman News

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998. He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates - buyer, sellers and investors.

His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity. Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker

BRE: #01245275

Mark can be reached at 858-255-1079

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

What's Happening in San Diego, California? Top Things to Do in San Diego – December 2nd-7th, 2014

LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights
Hotel del Coronado’s Holiday Festival – A Family Celebration
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
Balboa Park December Nights
Holiday Parades & Festivals
2014 SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off

Read the entire article:

Top Things to Do in San Diego – December 2-7, 2014

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker
DRE #: 01245275
Office 619-246-2860
markonthemark@gmail.com
HARBAUGH HOMES

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Home Buyers Have Been Waiting to Buy: Pent-Up Buying Demand Continues to Grow.

Everybody wants what everybody wants.

If you have been reading my blog, you may have seen me write that Buyers of real estate can be compared to cows waiting to go out to the field to graze.

Generally, no cows will go out to pasture until all of the cows go. Then, they all go together.

So, for whatever reason, they all wait. Then, again, for whatever reason, they all go at the same time.

The same can be said for Home Buyers.

Like Cows, Home Buyers Wait to "Moo-ve"

Like cows, many would-be buyers wait for others to start buying before they are willing to jump into the real estate market. Then, it is as if the floodgates are opened up and everyone follows.

Since prior to 2008, home buyers have not yet returned to what would qualify as normal or typical buying activity. Instead, they have waited, and continue to wait, to buy a home.

We have seen investors flood in to buy real estate - and in a substantial percentage of cases, with all cash. Now we seem to be waiting for the typical buyers to begin buying homes for themselves and their families.

Why aren't those who would like to buy, buying?

Like with cows, we cannot be absolutely certain why most have been waiting to buy and then why everybody decides to buy at the same time. But, we can ask them, unlike with cows.

Buyers have been waiting, in part, for the following reasons:

Improvement of the economic climate;
Improvement of the unemployment rate;
Creation of better quality jobs and with higher incomes;
Formation of new households; and
Relaxing the mortgage loan credit standards.

The economy has improved substantially, although not enough for some. The unemployment rate is back to a healthy level, millions of jobs have been created, and I believe people are ready to get on with the formation of new households and buying a home.

But, what stands in the way for many buyers, is the availability of credit. This, however, is also changing. When this happens, the gates are likely to swing wide open and buyers will come out in greater numbers.

Lenders are already beginning to loosen mortgage lending requirements to a healthy level. The objective is to strike the correct balance of implementing reasonable standards without making qualifying for a loan too easy, as this contributed to the problems of our last real estate market correction.

The question is, do you wait to buy when everyone else is ready to buy? Or do you lead the market, thereby beating the competition for homes and the inevitable appreciation of home prices and the likely event that the mortgage interest rates begin to increase?

Read more articles:
Pent-Up Demand Brewing Among Buyers

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker
DRE #: 01245275
Office 619-246-2860
markonthemark@gmail.com
HARBAUGH HOMES

Saturday, September 27, 2014

What's Happening in San Diego, California? Top Things to Do in San Diego – September 23-28, 2014

Have Fun!!!

San Diego, California

San Diego Restaurant Week
Kinky Boots
San Diego Film Festival 2014
Oktoberfest in El Cajon
2014 Adams Avenue Street Fair
Poway Rodeo
Oceanside Harbor Days
16th Annual Trolley Dances
Mission Beach Centennial Festival
Cabrillo Festival
Spirits of Mexico
San Diego Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – September 28, 2014
Barrio Art Jam 2014 – September 26, 2014

Top Things to Do in San Diego – September 23-28, 2014

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker
DRE #: 01245275
Office 619-246-2860
markonthemark@gmail.com
HARBAUGH HOMES

Saturday, September 20, 2014

89% Surveyed Believe Home Ownership is Important; 64% Believe it is Attainable.

89% Surveyed Believe HomeOwnership is Important; 64% Believe HomeOwnership is Attainable.

Achieving The American Dream.

Owning your own home has historically been a dream for most Americans. However, the percentage of people renting is currently at a statistical high, but the tables seem to be turning for many who are feeling it is important to buy a home for themselves and/or their families.

89% (eighty-nine percent) of Americans, surveyed by Country Financial Security Index, believed that homeownership is key to achieving the American Dream. This figure varies, but remains relatively and consistently high. Most people would love to own their own home, rather than pay rent.

Achieving The American Dream is Possible.

Further, 64% (sixty-four percent) of those asked, in that same survey, thought homeownership is more attainable than they had previously believed in recent years, following the real estate and economic downturn of 2008.

Last year less than half of the U.S. population believed average-income families could afford or qualify to buy a home. That number is up considerably.

The Only Constant is Change.

What a difference a year makes, as the economy continues to show clear signs of growth and recovery. While it is not true for all, most Americans are feeling at least somewhat, if not a lot, more secure in their homes, their careers, and with their finances.

It is virtually impossible to time the real estate market or the stock market. The ideal objective is to buy low and hold, or to buy low and sell high.

The other side of this is you and/or your family needs a home, and you can choose to continue to pay your landlord's mortgage payments with your monthly rent or you can pay down, and eventually pay off your own mortgage.

Greener Pastures.

My clients have often heard me compare people considering buying real estate to cows - if no cow is going out to pasture, then no cows will go out of their safe yard to the pasture.

Taking that analogy further down the country road, when one, or a few cows, starts to head out, most or all the others are certain to follow them to greener fields.

Read related articles:

Housing Crisis Didn’t Shake Most Americans' Confidence

Home Ownership is the Foundation of the American Dream

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker
DRE #: 01245275
Office 619-246-2860
markonthemark@gmail.com
HARBAUGH HOMES

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

328,500 new jobs were created in California in the last 12 months.

328,500 new jobs were created in California

in the last 12 months.

328,500 new jobs were created in California in the last 12 months, second only to one other state in the U.S.

So nice, for all of us, to see that job creation is back to pre-recession levels, nationally and in most individual states.

Because California is a large and populous state, it needs to create a lot of jobs to keep up proportionally with the rest of the U.S. This is happening; California is ranked number 17 out of the 50 states. That is better than average, but there is always room for improvement.

We can all benefit from more jobs and the creation of better jobs.

Most agree that we need more jobs and many even opine that we need better jobs. Unequivocally, however, we are seeing definite signs of improvement.

Good begets more good; the oposite is also true.

This good news spreads optimism and this optimism directly and indirectly creates more jobs, which hopefully leads to the creation of better jobs as well.

The opposite is also true; pessimism is a job killer. Further, negative news, even when incorrectly reported, leads to the creation of fewer and lower paying jobs because employers are hesitant to expand their businesses, thereby creating good quality jobs with good salaries. Logic dictates that when bad news prevails, this manifests uncertainty and low consumer confidence.

Good news is news too.

Clearly, we are, as a country, heading in the right direction, despite some of the noise to the contrary. Some publications, online, in print, and on television, report only the problems. It becomes a self-serving prophecy.

It is important to give credit and acknowledge the good news, rather than simply complain, by stating the obvious that we need more jobs and better jobs.

Think about this when deciding where to get your "news."

Read related article:
http://economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org/2014/08/29/metro-and-state-employment-conditions-july-2014/#sf4406587#sf4409856

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker
DRE #: 01245275
Office 619-246-2860
markonthemark@gmail.com
HARBAUGH HOMES

Friday, August 22, 2014

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY - Roomy Mission Valley Condo - Near The San Diego River!

Roomy Mission Valley Condo - Near The San Diego River!

FEATURED LISTING

Offered at $195,000

For more pictures instantly:

Text "2480079" To 79564

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8/30 2-5PM

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8/30 2-5pm. Perfect open and roomy TOP FLOOR home. One Bedroom, plus office/den/studio/baby nursery. Facing lush mature trees. Large patio features beautiful tile floor and sliding doors from both living room and bedroom. Wonderful tile and natural stone throughout: kitchen floor, at breakfast bar, at entry way, and extensively in the bathroom and shower. This home has it all and is perfect for Smart Investors or first time buyers. Complex exterior was recently painted with neutral colorful palette.

Complex enjoys amenities such as pool, hot tub, bar-b-que areas, and covered parking. Close to Fashion Valley and Mission Valley malls, YMCA, Theaters, Restaurants, Trolley stops, and next to the San Diego River and Nature Trails along the S.D. River!

1 bedrooms
1 bathrooms
726 approx sq.ft.
Pool
Hot Tub
Bar-b-que Areas
Picnic Tables
Close to S.D. River

Enjoy Nature Trails
Large Tiled Patio
Open Floorplan
Breakfast Bar
Bonus Space
Office/Den/Studio
Baby Nursery
2 Large Closets

http://7944missioncenterct.AgentMarketing.com

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - Broker
DRE #: 01245275
Office 619-246-2860
markonthemark@gmail.com
HARBAUGH HOMES

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Reduced $50,000 - Phoenix Home For Sale - HURRY! - WATERFRONT Mountain VIEW Lake Home - Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona.

Phoenix Home For Sale - HURRY! - Reduced Price - WATERFRONT Mountain VIEW Lake Home - Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona.

Call now to schedule a private showing.

MLS #: 5092900

Offered at $529,900 - Reduced from $579,000

Reduced $50,000 !

Brand New Remodel just completed. Too extensive to list everything. Brand new slab granite counter tops in the kitchen and all three bathrooms. Brand new carpet. Neutral color palette. Move-In Ready!

... AND PREMIUM APPROX. 1/3 ACRE LAKEFRONT LOT!!! Professionally designed, situated and landscaped for ULTIMATE PRIVACY.

WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO AND FALL IN LOVE.

Click here.

Photos, Listing Information and Virtual Tour:

Watch YouTube Video Presentation

View on Realtor.com

All Inquiries, Call/Text/Email:

Email - MountainViewLakeHome@gmail.com

Phone / Text - (602) 753-9171

More Information about this

Beautiful Golf Club Community Home:

WATERFRONT ~~ Mountain VIEW Lake Home ~~ AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS.

CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL FOR A PERSONAL SHOWING.

Peaceful Lake Front Home Offered For Sale ~ $~~579,000~~ ~ Reduced to $529,900
Priced to Sell as Owners have relocated out of state.
($50,000 price reduction.)

Spectacular Forever VIEWS!!! ~~ Brand New REMODEL!!!

HUGE YARD (Nearly 1/3 Acre) ~~ ON THE LAKE!

"Foothills Golf Club" ~~ "Canyon Springs" Community.

Absolutely Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Mountain VIEW Lake Home enjoys over 3,000 square feet of Interior Living Space, a 13,360 sq ft Majestic Lakefront Lot and is Move-in Ready.

You will Love the Open and Spacious Kitchen and Great Room with Fireplace, Entertainment Center and double French Doors to the Outdoor Covered Patio and HUGE Backyard.

Truly the one you have been looking for! This former model home, designated as "The Palace" is positioned and professionally landscaped for PRIVACY and to take FULL advantage of the Amazing Lake and Mountain VIEWS from the Kitchen, Family Room, Dining Room and Master Bedroom.

Family-sized eat-in Kitchen, plus Breakfast Bar features a Brand New Slab Granite Counter Tops and Breakfast Bar with Stainless Steel Appliances. Brand New GE Profile Stove/Oven, Brand New Travertine Subway back splash, and rich "Espresso" Cabinets. Formal Dining Room, Living Room, Wet Bar and a First Floor Bedroom. Perfect for Entertaining!

Wonderful Master Bedroom and Bath Retreat with Brand New Slab Granite Counters, his/her separate Closets and Sinks, separate shower and a large Roman Tub; bathe while soaking up the amazing and serene VIEWS of the Lake, tree tops, the Mountains and beyond. Step out the double French Doors from the Master Suite to a Large second floor Balcony ~ Breathtaking VIEWS!

Brand New Carpet Throughout, Polished Limestone, Tile and HardWOOD Floors.

This Extra Large Pool-Sized Backyard features generous grassy Lawn Areas, Spiral Stairs to Upper View Balcony. Enjoy you own Private "Dock" space on the Lake, where you can tie-up your kayak, canoe or paddle boat.

This home is equipped with Laundry Room with sink/storage cabinets, an All-Tile Roof, automatic irrigation system and a 3-Car Garage-epoxy coated floor, also with storage. Plus, a Bonus Loft with access to the attic!

This Prestigious Golf Course and Lake Community has nearby friendly Parks, Hiking Trails to Beautiful South Mountain, Groceries, Shopping, Gyms, Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Gyms, YMCA and GREAT Awarding Winning Kyrene Schools. And Easy Freeway Access.

All Inquiries, Call/Text/Email:

Email - MountainVIEWLakeHome@gmail.com

Phone / Text - (602) 753-9171

#phoenix
#phoenixhomesforsale
#waterfront
#realestate

Friday, August 15, 2014

$419,900 - 19508 Arcata Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307

APPLE VALLEY HOME FOR SALE

- Vista Del Sol Estates Gated Community.

Price Reduced from $449,900 to $419,900 !!

Executive Home in Gated Community. MLS #445805

VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS !!! Beautiful Short Scenic Drive to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake!!

Single-Story Home * 3,459 sq ft * .5+ Acre View Lot * Plus a 4-Car Garage.

Top of the Hill !

Large Open Kitchen and Family Room Combination with Cozy Fireplace and Covered Patio access.

Separate Formal Dining Room. Office/Den near front Entry.

Wonderful Master Bedroom Retreat with Jacuzzi Tub and Separate Covered Patio access.

Also perfect for Snowbirds.

==========

Email or Call for more information.

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - BROKER
619-246-2860
markonthemark@gmail.com

Sunday, August 10, 2014

OPEN HOUSE - APPLE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - VISTA DEL SOL ESTATES - Tuesday, August 12th 1pm to 6:30pm

Vista Del Sol Estates Gated Community in Apple Valley-Home For Sale.

* * OPEN HOUSE - TUESDAY 1 to 6:30pm * *

Price Reduced from $449,900 to $419,900

OPEN HOUSE - APPLE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - VISTA DEL SOL ESTATES

- Tuesday, August 12th 1pm to 6:30pm

APPLE VALLEY HOME FOR SALE - Vista Del Sol Estates Gated Community.

FOREVER VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS !!!
Wonderful Family Home, Vacation or 2nd Home, or Investment Property.
Large Master Bedroom and Bath Suite with dual closets, Private Covered Patio and Jacuzzi Tub.
Beautiful Short Scenic Drive to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake (50 miles)!! Or, 90 miles to Los Angeles or Palm Springs!
Angeles National Forest to the West / San Bernardino National Forest to the South.
Single-Story Home * 3,459 sq ft * .5+ Acre View Lot * Plus a 4-Car Garage.
Top of the Hill !
Also perfect for Snowbirds.

Also features 2 Covered Patio/Loggias, Dual-Zoned Heating/Cooling, Dual-Zoned Natural Gas Water Heater, Natural Gas Stove/Oven, ADT Security System, 4-Car Garage with Ample Built-In Storage, and Auto-Irrigation.

View More Photos

Watch a short video

Email or Call Mark for more information.

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - BROKER
619-246-2860
Email Mark

A Great Home or Home Away From Home.

Apple Valley is a wonderful place to call home as well as a terrific place to invest. Whether you are looking for an executive home, a vacation or 2nd home, or a great investment property, this Vista Del Sol Estates Home offers all of that, and more!

Its year-around 360 days of sunshine means it is always a happy day in Apple Valley.

Apple Valley features an exclusive Country Club, Golf Courses, Award-winning schools, as well as its rich history and famous reputation as a favorite getaway destination for the movers and shakers of Hollywood.

Apple Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding with its numerous trails and 15 parks.

Apple Valley Airport allows easy travel to and from this quiet retreat. For the art-lovers, there is the Victor Valley Museum and Art Gallery.

Apple Valley Has Hollywood Connections and Movie-Star Appeal.

1920s and 30s - Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.

The Historic Yucca Loma Ranch hosted many Hollywood Movie-Stars. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard frequently visited the Yucca Loma Ranch in Apple Valley. The Ranch served as a getaway for the rich and famous on its approximately 1300 acres in Apple Valley.

1920s movie star, David Manners, subsequently moved to the ranch and made it his permanent residence. This historic Apple Valley residence remains today at Rincon and Eyota Roads.

1950s - Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Janet Lee, Newt Bass, Bud Westlund, and opera singer John Charles Thomas.

In the 1950s Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Janet Lee, Newt Bass, Bud Westlund, and opera singer John Charles Thomas were hosts to one of the many famous celebrity parties in Apple Valley. Apple Valley touted itself as a popular location for film production in the 1920s.

1960s - Roy Rogers & Dale Evans.

Some say Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were among the most famous personalities of Apple Valley. They became residents of Apple Valley in 1965, operated the Apple Valley Inn, and even opened a museum close by.

Roy and Dale were laid to rest in Apple Valley, making it their ultimate and final resting place.

2000s and Beyond.

Apple Valley's popularity lives on today as a getaway for some of the LA jetset crowd, other area visitors and folks from just about everywhere.

Apple Valley hosts several annual and monthly cultural events, such as the Sunset Concerts, Freedom Festival and Firecracker Run, Happy Trails Chili Cook-Off, Holiday Craft Fair, Most Talented Kid Contest, Winter Wonderland, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Town Council Christmas Tea, and Rockin’ Flea Market - just to name a few!

There is something for everyone of all ages in Apple Valley.

Top Rated Apple Valley Schools.

Boasting one of the High Desert's highest achieving Public School districts, Apple Valley District serves over 13,000 students of all grades. Sycamore Rocks Elementary holds the distinctive honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School.

Three Award-winning Private schools also serve as options in Apple Valley.

The Lewis Center for Academic Excellence, a nationally recognized laboratory school as was ranked in the top 3% nationally by the US News and World Report.

Whether or not one has children in school, everyone appreciates the importance of maintaining a strong educational system, in order to maintain a solid and thriving community and protecting property values.

Community Information about Apple Valley:
http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=37

Some History of Apple Valley:
http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=587

Email or Call for more information.

Mark Harbaugh, J.D. - BROKER
619-246-2860

markonthemark@gmail.com

#OpenHouse
#OpenHouseAppleValley
#AppleValleyHomeForSale
#AppleValley
#AppleValleyRealEstate
#MountainViewHome
#AppleValleyHome

Friday, July 25, 2014

Vista Del Sol Estates Gated Community in Apple Valley-Home For Sale.

* * * FEATURED LISTING * * *

Reduced Price from $449,900 to $419,900!

YouTube Presentation