posted on May 11th, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
While Mother’s Day presents a special opportunity to show appreciation and devotion to our respective moms, it’s also the perfect time to see how the “mom demographic” is evolving.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau included in a Washington Post article, mothers are—not unexpectedly—a diverse lot.
Here are some interesting stats on American moms:
•Mothers total about 85.4 million, with about four million giving birth in the past year.
•In 2008, the last year recorded, the average age for giving birth was 25.1 years old. That 0.1 is important because it represents a slight age increase from the previous two years. Analysts say that increase is due mostly to fewer births among the younger set of mothers.
•The number of stay-at-home mothers has remained relatively stable despite the challenging economy. In 2011, 23 percent of married mothers with children under 15 were classified as stay-at-home. In 2007, before the recession, it was 24 percent.
•The number of single moms, however, has spiked. In 2011, 10 million mothers of children 18 or younger were single. In 1970, that number was just 3.4 million.
•In 2010, about 39 percent of women who gave birth were not married, or were separated, or “married but with an absent spouse,” according to the census.
•The most popular names bestowed upon babies in 2010 were Jacob and Isabella.
Source: RIS Media / WashingtonPost.com
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posted on April 27th, 2012 | filed under: Buying Strategies, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Good People, Loving the Lifestyle, NoCo SD Market Conditions, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Successful Selling, Taxes, Trust & Probates, Uncategorized
Pending home sales increased in March and are well above a year ago, another signal the housing market is recovering, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 4.1 percent to 101.4 in March from an upwardly revised 97.4 in February and is 12.8 percent above March 2011 when it was 89.9. The data reflects contracts but not closings.
The index is now at the highest level since April 2010 when it reached 111.3.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said 2012 is expected to be a year of recovery for housing. “First quarter sales closings were the highest first quarter sales in five years. The latest contract signing activity suggests the second quarter will be equally good,” he said.
“The housing market has clearly turned the corner. Rising sales are bringing down inventory and creating much more balanced conditions around the country, which means home prices will be rising in more areas as the year progresses,” Yun said.
The PHSI in the Northeast slipped 0.8 percent to 78.2 in March but is 21.1 percent above March 2011. In the Midwest the index declined 0.9 percent to 93.3 but is 16.9 percent higher than a year ago. Pending home sales in the South rose 5.9 percent to an index of 114.1 in March and are 10.6 percent above March 2011. In the West the index increased 8.7 percent in March to 108.0 and is 9.0 percent above a year ago.
Copyright© 2012 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia
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posted on April 25th, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Now that spring break is over and we are settling back into our routines, we can’t help but look towards summer and that next vacation on the horizon.
To help you plan, I am sharing some valuable information on how to save money on airfare. These days the airfare seems to be the biggest ticket item when it comes to travel expenses, especially when traveling as a family. Use these 5 tips to help ease your travel budget free up funds for trip extras.
1. Follow your favorite airlines on Twitter. Many airlines offer exclusive deals and last-minute savings to their followers. Or, enroll in the airlines’ frequent flyer program to receive specials and promotional deals via email.
2. Use online tools to your advantage. FareWatcher Plus™ from Travelocity allows you to track up to ten routes and receive notification when the fares increase or decrease by $25, or fall below a price that you set. Similarly, you can track flights to your destination with tripadvisor.com/Flights and receive an alert when prices drop.
If you want to get away and don’t have a specific destination in mind, check SkyScanner or Kayak’s Explore feature, which allow you to type “everywhere” into your search destination to reveal deals to destinations around the world.
3. Check fares several times a day. Airfares can rise or fall at any time of day. Although fares are often released every Monday and Tuesday, there isn’t a day where flights are cheapest. If you’re traveling during a peak holiday time, consider extending your vacation by a few days to take advantage of lower fares on the days leading up to or following the peak time.
4. Book early for the cheapest fares. If you know your travel dates three to six months ahead of time, you can often lock into lower fares.
5. Consider adding a hotel to your package. You can often save money if you purchase your airfare and hotel as a package, particularly if you’re booking last-minute travel.
When comparing prices, always take into account taxes and extra fees, such as baggage fees. Taxes can often double the price, making that seemingly cheap fare to Europe not a great deal at all.
In addition these 5 tips, I found a great article from the New York Times for you with more ideas for saving on summer airfare. Click here for the article.
Happy Travels!
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posted on April 9th, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Great opportunity to own a home on a darling tree-lined street in a highly desirable area of La Mesa. This charming cul-de-sac home has only had one loving owner. All new vinyl windows and sliders have been installed and the roof has recently been replaced. Great split level floor plan with kitchen and living room on mail level, bedrooms upstairs and family room with wet bar and fireplace downstairs. The large two tiered back yard has custom block walls and a covered patio. Two car attached garage with laundry and newer garage doors. An easy stroll to the Trolley and the heart of La Mesa Village where you can enjoy great dining, shopping, and entertaining…all just minutes to the freeway and access to downtown. Offered at $430,000 More Photos
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posted on March 22nd, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Great floor plan with a full bedroom and bathroom located on the 1st floor. This home is light and bright throughout with many recent upgrades. The updated eat in kitchen has cherry wood cabinets, dramatic tile back splash and lots of storage space. Spacious master suite with vaulted ceilings has an updated master bath with dual sinks, soaking tub and separate walk-in shower. There is plenty of room to spread out in this well appointed home. Entertain in the formal dining room, relax in the formal living room with soaring ceilings or build a fire in the cozy family room. Outdoor enjoy the large back yard with expansive views with no one directly behind you. Has a 3 car attached garage with a converted bonus room, closet and newer garage doors. Offered at $350,000 Virtual Tour
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posted on March 22nd, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Traditional Sale in Park Like Complex! Well appointed 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome – No one above or below you! Great floor plan with dark wood laminate floors, carpet upstairs and neutral designer colors throughout. Has a very spacious living room with fireplace and front courtyard patio. Kitchen has Granite counters, cherry wood cabinets, stainless sink & appliances and opens up to another large patio off of the kitchen dining area – perfect for entertaining! Extra large master suite has vaulted ceilings and balcony, lots of closet space and dual sinks in the master bath. Resort style amenities include: Pool & Spa, Tennis Courts and Recreation Room. Has roomy 2 Car Attached Garage. Great location in the heart of San Diego. Closely situated to USD, minutes from freeways, downtown beaches, shopping and dining. Reduced!! Now offered at $328,000. Virtual Tour
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posted on March 22nd, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Fantastic home on the largest lot in Shorepointe, sits on over 1/3 acre premium lot with only one neighbor and beautiful hillside. This home has a great floor plan featuring a convenient full bedroom and full bath downstairs. The nicely appointed eat-in kitchen has a sunny breakfast area, center island, 5 burner cook top, Maple cabinets and lots of extra cupboard space. Entertain guests in the formal dining room that opens up to a side patio. Enjoy a cozy fire in either the living room or family room and fill the home with your favorite sounds with the built-in home theater speaker system in the living room, family room and backyard, in addition, the family room has built in surround sound speakers. Upstairs has a useful bonus room, laundry room and Master retreat with luxurious bathroom featuring a Roman Soaking Tub, Separate Shower, Dual Sinks and walk in closet with custom built in organizers. It’s the many great details you’ll find throughout, that make this house a home. Now offered at $699,000. Virtual Tour
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posted on March 21st, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Spectacular 3 Bedroom and 3 Bath home, situated on a desirable corner lot so you only have one neighbor. The picket fence surrounds the versatile yard that features a front yard, side yard with eating/sitting areas and a second side yard with garden bedWith this home comes the resort-style amenaties of the amazing carlsbad community of Bressi Ranch: Olympic Size Pool, Spa, Kids Pool, BBQ’s, Parks (including a dog park), Community Activities for seasons/holidays, movies and concerts in the park and easy walk to neighborhood retailers. The details are what make this house a home: decorator colors, distressed hardwood floors, 9 foot ceilings, slab granite counter tops and island in the kitchen, light and bright with and open floor plan that fosters togetherness. Reduced to Sell!! Offered at $570,000 Virtual Tour
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posted on March 9th, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Here is this weeks market report for Cardiff By The Sea (92007). In summary, the median list price for homes in Cardiff By The Sea is $997,000 and the 28 currently active properties have been on the market for an average of 127 days with an average price per square foot of $378.
Jeff’s proven listing and marketing strategies help him stay above the curve of current market trends. Jeff’s recent listing in Cardiff By The Sea sold for $979,000 in only 43 days at an average of $544 per Square Foot.
Contact Jeff today for detailed market information in your neighborhood.
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posted on March 2nd, 2012 | filed under: Uncategorized
Spring is just right around the corner and as spring fever kicks in, many of us can’t wait to start sorting, organizing and cleaning. Inevitably you’re going to find items that you are ready to part with. We know where to send unwanted knick-knacks and clothes, but what do you do with your old electronics? Most of these items have materials in them that make them bad for the environment, so they need to be recycled properly. This month’s “Item Of Value” gives you great resources for how to get rid of your old electronics – you may even get a little cash!
Additionally, the City Of Carlsbad offers three convenient methods for disposing of household waste, including electronics:
1. Drop Off – Two facilities are available for drop off – one in Vista and one in Oceanside.
2. Door-to Door: For a small fee the City will come to your home by appointment to pick up items.
3. One Day Event: Once a year the City holds a special drop off event. This year it is tentatively schedule for the end of March or beginning of April.
Visit their website for more info.
Do you have some “bulky items” that you need to dispose of – mattresses, furniture, BBQ’s? The City of Carlsbad is also offering free pick up of eligible items (not electronics) on March 19th (reservations need to be made between 2/28 and 3/7). Visit their website for more info and a list of items they will pick up.
posted by Jeff DeChamplain // Leave A Comment
While Mother’s Day presents a special opportunity to show appreciation and devotion to our respective moms, it’s also the perfect time to see how the “mom demographic” is evolving.
