Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Blog

Thinking about buying in San Diego?  Concerned about the recent earthquake activity in San Diego?  San Diegans have recently been reminded to prepare for the event of an earthquake that may or may not cause extensive damage.  This post is not to alarm, because honestly, I would rather "shake and bake" in San Diego, than "sneeze and freeze" in the east or midwest.

The information below is to help buyers understand their potential earthquake risk when choosing to buy in San Diego.  California has enhanced their building codes, strengthened highway structures, and reviewed their emergency management organization to help reduce injuries and damage in the event of an earthquake.  All measures to ensure the welfare of all citizens in the County of San Diego.

Below is a list of a few factors to consider when buying a home in San Diego or any area affected by earthquakes:

1)  Consider the geographic location of the property.  Identify any active earthquake faults or areas that might have landslides or liquefaction.  Shakemaps are available from the California Integrated Seismic Network.     You can also view "Did You Feel It?" website that provides citizens experiences in their communities.  In California, sellers provide you a Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement or report, indicating whether the property is in an earthquake fault zone or a seismic hazard zone.  Research is important!

2)  Know the type of soil the property is built on.  Does it have clay?  Is it on fill?  What are the risks to the soil if there is an earthquake?  Ask the seller to provide you this information. 

3  How old is the property?  Does it have a raised foundation or a slab?  What retrofitting programs are available and how would they benefit the property? 

4)  Evaluate the investment in the property.  Will there be equity in the home?  Would you have insurance to cover rebuilding or recovering your loss in the event of an earthquake?  Don't forget to include your belongings in the evaluation.

5)  Consider looking into buying earthquake insurance for the property.  Is it available and how much would it cost?  If you are interested in buying a condominium or townhome with an HOA, ask to see the HOA's policy and ask if earthquake insurance is included.  A complete list of insurance companies that provide earthquake insurance is at the California Earthquake Authority website. 

San Diego is a GREAT place to live and earthquakes are simply a part of our terrain - research and preparation are key to making your home investment safe!

Related Laxson Realty Post:  Earthquake Preparedness in San Diego, California

                        

To view any La Jolla, California home for sale or rent, contact us anytime at 760-567-9100 or visit our La Jolla Real Estate website to learn more about La Jolla and its developments.

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

This morning's newscast highlighted the need for San Diegans to become more "earthquake prepared".  We have had homes in San Diego and in the Palm Springs area and were living in Palm Desert in 1992 when the Landers earthquake struck with a magnitude of 7.3.  While it was shaking we lost a foot of water out of our pool and my husband, children and I were sitting on our front lawn waiting for the tremor to stop and literally, experiencing motion sickness.  That being said, our home was a mile from the San Andreas fault. 

The cautionary alarm for San Diego, however is unexpected.  My husband has lived in San Diego his entire life and said that he can only remember three earthquakes, two this year and a magnitude 6.5 in 1968.  According to the County of San Diego, there are approximately 500 earthquakes in the State of California a year and San Diego, in comparison to other Southern California areas, has "sparse seismicity".  However, since 1984, they state that the earthquake activity in San Diego County has doubled over that of the preceding 50 years.

The California Earthquake Authority has seven steps for earthquake safety:

Step One:  Identify potential hazards in your home and begin to fix them.  Secure your possessions inside your hutches and bookshelves.  Make sure there are no heavy objects above your sleeping or sitting areas that might fall on you.  Remove or secure any hazardous material kept in the garage.

Step Two:  Create a disaster plan.  What do you want your family members to do if an earthquake strikes?  Where do you want them to meet, what do you want them to do and who do you want them to contact?  Have a "drill" to practice your plan and share your plan with your family, friends, and people who take care of your children.

Step Three:  Create disaster supplies kits.  Make three kits, one for your home, car and work.  Backpacks or other small carrying bags are best.  Research websites to find a list of items you should include.  Don't forget your household disaster supplies in the event that services, water and food supplies are disrupted for a period of time after a large earthquake.

Step Four:  Identify your building's potential weaknesses and begin to fix them.  Look around and determine the weak points of your home and find out about retrofitting them.  If you rent, ask your landlord about problem areas and if you live in a mobile home, look under your home or have an inspector give you an evaluation.

Step Five:  During earthquakes and aftershocks:  drop, cover and hold on.  During an earthquake, the exterior walls are usually the most dangerous area to be and avoid windows which can shatter.  Stay inside if you are inside and outside if you are outside.  If inside, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to it firmly.  If you are outside, move to a clear area and avoid power poles, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles and other hazards.

Step Six:  After the earthquake, check for injuries and damage.  Take care of your own situation and then implement your family's emergency plan.  Get to a safe location and be sure to take your disaster supplies kit.  Protect yourself and your family by wearing sturdy shoes and work gloves to avoid getting cut from debris.  Check websites for first aid information to include in your emergency kit.

Step Seven:  When safe, continue to follow your disaster plan.  Aftershocks may occur, so follow your plan and the recovery period can take several weeks to several months... so be prepared!  While the Landers quake caused us to pay attention and develop a plan, we did not suffer much damage, other than a few broken glasses and fried nerves.  However, we did experience after shocks that felt as strong as the first quake! 

Nothing says it better than BE PREPARED and don't be lulled into what we experienced that it couldn't happen here.  It is happening and with more frequency and the time to get prepared is now!

Related Laxson Realty Blog Post:  San Diego Buyers & Earthquakes

                        

To view any La Jolla, California home for sale or rent, contact us anytime at 760-567-9100 or visit our La Jolla Real Estate website to learn more about La Jolla and its developments.

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

"Taste the Fun" at the San Diego County Fair this year!  The Fair is open now through Monday, July 5th and closed on Mondays, June 21 and 28.  My daughter, Kim and her friend Lizzy, were there yesterday and said that this year's theme of "Taste the Fun" is very appropriate!  Nothing like the huge assortment of fair food to choose from!

The Grandstand Stage events are always entertaining and Friday, June 25th is Michael Jackson Day and Julio Iglesias is performing at night.  Tonight, one of my favorites, Kenny Loggins is performing so we are heading over to see him and to try out some of the delicious fair food!

The San Diego County Fair is located off of Via de la Valle and at the Del Mar Racetrack.  Admission is $13 for adults, $7 for seniors over 62, $7 for children 6 - 12 years and ages 5 and under are free.  Parking is $10 per vehicle at the Fair's paid parking lots.  Admission gates open at 11:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. during the week and 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

A special thanks to Kim Laxson for the photos!

To view La Jolla developments, custom estates & La Jolla condominium communities, visit our comprehensive website at www.LJ-Homes.com.  Contact us anytime at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the La Jolla home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Are you wondering how you can make money with your current home or real estate?  Here are some interesting ways to use real estate to boost your finances - but remember to check with your local zoning laws, local regulations and homeowner's associations to see if any of these ideas will work for you:

1)  Home Businesses

Consider working where you live - hairdressers, craft makers, auto mechanics or any home-based business would work, including Realtors.  Also, it may provide you an opportunity to take a tax deduction.  If you are not self-employed, maybe ask your company to allow you to telecommute at least some of the time.

2)  Extra Space or Multi-Family Homes

Consider renting a portion of your home, which may allow you to live there rent free, if the rent covers your mortgage.  Does your home have a mother-in-law suite, or two master bedrooms, or any rooms with a separate entrance and space for a small kitchenette to give you or your tenant their own space.  Retirees, single professionals or families with unused rooms would be able to profit from having a tenant.

3)  Garage Space & Parking

In our community, parking spaces are hard to come by.  If you are not using your garage or space, rent it out for a monthly fee.  Also, if you own a large parcel of land, consider renting parking spots to RV owners, boat owners or campers.

4)  Storage

Storage warehouses are making a huge profit over our need to store our "stuff".  Your garage, basement or attic space can make a great storage area for renting out.  Check with your local storage providers for the going rate and then offer your space at a bargain discount!  Be sure that you are covered by your insurance and draw up a contractual agreement before renting the space so you are not liable for any damages.

5)  Vacation Rental

If you have ever gone on VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) you will understand that renting your home as a vacation rental is big business!  If you like to travel, have relatives or friends you can visit for long periods of time, then what a great way to earn income while you are having fun.  If you own a second home or have home that is empty, you might consider furnishing it and renting it out - there are now vacation rentals in almost every city in the United States and you can advertise it for free on Craigslist in your area.

If you have any other ideas on how to make money with your current real estate, feel free to share them. 

To view La Jolla developments, custom estates & La Jolla condominium communities, visit our comprehensive website at www.LJ-Homes.com.  Contact us anytime at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the La Jolla home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Sometimes you just have to stop your car, back up and take a picture of something that catches your creative eye.  Today was one of those days!  As my daughter and I were heading up the hill from Pacific Beach to Mount Soledad in La Jolla we passed by a dead end street with this sign posted at the corner.  Wouldn't it be great if all street signs had ivy growing up and around them?  Wouldn't that beautify our communities!

To view La Jolla developments, custom estates & La Jolla condominium communities, visit our comprehensive website at www.LJ-Homes.com.  Contact us anytime at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the La Jolla home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Susan Laxson | Laxson Realty | 760-567-9100 Calle Mar de Mariposa, San Diego, CA Carmel Valley "Sausalito" 4 Bedroom for Sale 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House offered at $655,000 Year Built 2000 Sq Footage 1,731 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $250 per month DESCRIPTION Spacious 4 bedroom home on small cul de sac in the Sausalito development. Neutral decor, open kitchen, view deck off master bedroom, fireplace in living room, upstairs laundry room and 2 car garage. Wonderful location across from Torrey Hills Elementary School, conveniently located to shopping center, freeway access, parks & a short distance to Torrey Pines State Beach. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES - Garage parking OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - NOT a short sale or REO! Owner Motivated! - Least expensive 4 bedroom detached home in Carmel Valley, San Diego! ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front of Home Back of Home Kitchen Kitchen Living/Family Room Upstairs Laundry Room Contact info: Susan Laxson Laxson Realty DRE Lic#00932893 760-567-9100 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: May 23, 2010, 6:27am PDT

To view La Jolla developments, custom estates & La Jolla condominium communities, visit our comprehensive website at www.LJ-Homes.com.  Contact us anytime at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the La Jolla home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Casa de Manana is a retirement community in one of the best locations in all of La Jolla.  Located on Coast Boulevard across from the Children's Pool beach, these lovely Spanish style bungalows are what most of us dream of retiring to!

The history of Casa de Manana is just as charming as the place.  In 1923, Mrs. Isabel Morrison Hopkins envisioned a luxury hotel by the seashore and on July 4, 1924, Hotel Casa de Manana had its grand opening!  Casa de Manana quickly became "the" place to stay and socialize.  In 1953 Mrs. Hopkins sold the hotel and Casa de Manana opened as a luxury retirement community with 108 charter members in residence. 

Today Casa de Manana is part of the Front Porch family of communities and is supported by the Pacific Homes Foundation.  The mottos of Casa de Manana are "the view changes daily" and "come live your life your way at Casa de Manana"... we couldn't agree more!  A dream retirement lifestyle!

To view La Jolla developments, custom estates & La Jolla condominium communities, visit our comprehensive website at www.LJ-Homes.com.  Contact us anytime at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the La Jolla home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Looking for music venues in La Jolla or nearby?  Below is a list of concerts from opera to flamenco... enjoy!

CONCERTS

Classical concert. Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" and Strauss' "Alpine Symphony," with Jahja Ling conducting. 8 p.m. May 14 and 15, 2 p.m. May 16, San Diego Symphony, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. $20-$93. (619) 235-0804, www.sandiegosymphony.com.

Choir concert. "For the Beauty of Music," presented by San Diego Children's Choir, 20th anniversary concert. 3 p.m. May 9, San Diego Symphony, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. $10-$20. (619) 235-0804, www.sdchoir.org.

Shows at Belly Up Tavern. Martin Sexton with Ryan Montbleau Band, 8 p.m. May 6; Stanton Moore Trio with Anders Osborne and Robert Walter, 9 p.m. May 7; Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, 9 p.m. May 8; Marcia Ball with guest, 8 p.m. May 9. 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach. Ticket prices vary. (858) 481-8140, www.bellyup.com.

"RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles." 8 p.m. May 14, 1 and 6 p.m. May 16, 2 and 8 p.m. May 15, San Diego Civic Theatre, Third and B Street, San Diego. $20-$77. (800) 982-2787 or (619) 570-1100, www.broadwaysd.com.

Haydn's "Heiligemesse." Chancel Choir performs with orchestra and guest soloists. 5 p.m. May 16, Torrey Pines Christian Church, 8320 La Jolla Scenic Drive, La Jolla. Freewill offering. (858) 453-3550, www.torreypineschurch.com.

San Diego Youth Symphony Ensembles. Featuring the Bunnell family string quartet and others. 7 p.m. May 16, La Jolla Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 7715 Draper Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 729-5531, www.ljpresmusic.com.

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band. Presented by the La Jolla Music Society. 8 p.m. May 15, Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego. $35-$65. (858) 459-3728, www.ljms.org.

Friday music nights. Mark of Del Mar Spanish Guitar performs flamenco. 6 to 8 p.m. May 7, Ocean View Deck, Del Mar Plaza. Free. (858) 755-1179, www.delmarplaza.com.

To view La Jolla developments, custom estates & La Jolla condominium communities, visit our comprehensive website at www.LJ-Homes.com.  Contact us at 1-760-567-9100, we are here to help you find the La Jolla home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar!

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.