The holidays are a perfect time of year to get involved in your local community. San Diego County presents many opportunities for people to volunteer their time and services to the homeless or those less fortunate. Don't have the time to volunteer?  Donate gently used clothing, blankets, or money to a local charity. We bring our children to serve the homeless in different areas of San Diego County including Ocean Beach and Downtown. The true value of giving back can only be realized by showing up in-person to experience the joy of giving. The homeless count for November 2022 totaled over 1,700 in Downtown San Diego alone.

Alexander and Amy Pfleger volunteered at Ladle Fellowship in downtown San Diego on December 18th, 2022. The weather has been dipping into the 40's at night. This makes for a cold night for people living on the streets. Over 140 homeless men and women piled into First Presbyterian Ladle Fellowship on Date St. to enjoy Sunday service and a meal.

We arrived at 1:00 p.m., checked in, and were directed to the kitchen to dish up soup. Starting at 2:30 p.m. people were let in to grab a meal, which included soup, salad, fruit, and a cookie. The smiles and thank you's were plentiful. There was enough food for seconds and it truly warmed our hearts to see people getting much needed food and supplies. The cost of living, gas prices, and inflation have forced many out of their homes and vehicles.

It can be difficult to carve out time to volunteer, but Hands On San Diego has made it easy. Simply visit the website, enter a keyword and your zip code, then hit search. Find volunteer opportunities based on age, location, or impact area. The signup process is easy. Membership options are available for individuals, families, and groups to access the calendar, manage a team, and track service hours.

According to a University of San Diego study, the main questions people have about volunteering are, “Does it fit my schedule? Is it something I care about? How long do I have to volunteer? and Is it convenient for me?” Ready to get involved?

Ten Volunteer Opportunities in San Diego (Sign up on HandsOnSanDiego.org)

• Distribute Clothing and Hygiene Items - Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO) | http://www.tacosd.org. - Serve as a personal shopper so 50-70 individuals can receive fresh clothing each week. While you're distributing clothing items, Third Avenue Charitable Organization (T.A.C.O) will also be serving breakfast and distributing snack bags to their clients.
  
  
• Mobile Showers for Homeless Folks in Downtown Think Dignity | http://www.thinkdignity.org/
  - The Fresh Start Showers program--the largest program in Think Dignity's line of Mobile Operations of Dignity (MOD) Squad services--travels throughout San Diego County to provide access to basic hygiene services for those experiencing homelessness.
  
  
• Dinner Service at PATH Connections Housing PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) | http://www.epath.org
  - Join PATH San Diego and Urban Angels to help serve healthy and delicious meals to their 134 residents.
  
  
• Serve Lunch at Golden Hall Father Joe's Villages | https://my.neighbor.org/
  - Ensure that all eligible clients and residents have the opportunity to eat sufficient and nutritious meals by assisting in the meal service at Father Joe's Villages' Golden Hall.
  
  
• Food Pantry Volunteer in Downtown The Salvation Army | https://sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/
  - Help The Salvation Army distribute as much food as possible to clients in need. This is a great opportunity to do good in your community.
  
  
• Tutor Students in a Variety of Subjects and Grades Barrio Logan College Institute | https://blci.org/
  - Help the students that Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) serves be academically successful!
  
  
• Lucky Duck Meal Distribution Lucky Duck Foundation | https://www.luckyduckfoundation.org/
  - Help distribute food and water to about 75 unsheltered homeless individuals in downtown San Diego.
  
  
• Meal Delivery for Seniors in Hillcrest Meals on Wheels San Diego County | https://www.meals-on-wheels.org/
  - Volunteers delivering meals allows Meals on Wheels San Diego County's seniors to remain independent by providing nutritious meals and critical safety checks.
  
  
• Phone/Office Support for Mama's Kitchen Mama's Kitchen | https://www.mamaskitchen.org/
  - Mama’s Kitchen strives to provide nutritional support to San Diego residents at risk of malnutrition due to critical illnesses such as HIV, cancer, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
  
  
• Sort & Organize Donations for Refugees Christ Ministry Center | http://cummc.org 
  - Christ Ministry Center provides long-term support and housing in their 6 apartment buildings for refugees from 27 countries including Haiti, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

The SDAR Economic Report for October 2022 has been released. It provides detailed information for home buyers and sellers looking to make a move. The report is written by Alan Nevin, The Director of Economic Research for Vertex.

"Information is power only if you can take action with it. Then, and only then, does it represent knowledge and, consequently, power." ~ Daniel Burrus

The Report Provides Several Pieces of Key Information:

1. U.S. Unemployment Rate for the Month of September 2018-2022
2. U.S. Job Openings Month of August 2018-2022
3. U.S. Job Hires Month of August 2018-2022
4. Total Sales San Diego County 1st Three Quarters 2020-2022
5. Median Home Prices, Closed Escrows in San Diego County for September 2021 and 2022
6. Homes Sold by Price Range San Diego County
7. New Listings, Detached and Attached Homes in San Diego County for September 2021 and 2022
8. Market Indicators, San Diego Inventory for September 2021 and 2022
9. Military Generates 22% of San Diego Jobs
10. Direct Spending in San Diego (millions $) 2017-2021

Download the Report

The fall season in San Diego starts September 22nd every year. According to weather.com, the forecasted weather in San Diego for October 2022 will range from 67 degrees to 95 degrees with the average being 74. Some enjoy the changing seasons found in other states because they get bored with the same temperatures year-round, but San Diegans pay the sun tax to avoid the snow and cold weather. San Diego is jam packed with fall and winter events, no need to bring a winter jacket and dread the cold. However, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. For example, we planned a birthday party for our daughter at Crown Point Park North on October 15th. Out of the 29 days in October it rained two days, this Saturday was one of them. We still had a blast and ended the day with a bonfire.

13 Fall and Winter Activities in San Diego

1. Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Old Town
2. Howl-O-Scream Halloween Event at Sea World
3. Gaslamp Quarter Walking Ghost Tour
4. Oktoberfest in La Mesa, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Ocean Beach, and El Cajon
5. Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center
6. The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park
7. Brick-or-Treat Halloween Party Nights at Legoland
8. The Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
9. The Whaley House in Old Town
10. Halgloween at the world-famous San Diego Zoo
11. Day Trip to Julian for Apple Pie and Pumpkin Patch fun
12. Whale Watching
13. Ice Skating in Liberty Station or Coronado

It's true, the real estate market is full of uncertainty. Interest rates are at a 10-year high and housing prices are still adjusting to the change. Talk to a real estate professional to get a better understanding of the market and how it affects your future goals. In the meantime, take your mind off the unknowns by taking advantage of the amazing events listed above.

It's no secret that San Diego is a tourist destination. San Diego homeowners and investors make good money on short-term rentals. This has pushed hopeful homebuyers out of the market. Residents of San Diego have complained for years about the housing market and the negative impact short-term rentals have on the community. Homes that rent for 30 days or less are considered short-term rentals.

The city has finally responded to the concerns of San Diego residents. The new ordinance, set to be implemented on May 1, 2023, will significantly reduce the number of short-term rentals available.

There are four tiers of permits:

1. Tier 1 - The owner does not need to reside in the home and it can be rented out for less than 20 days in a calendar year.
2. Tier 2 - The owner lives in the home for at least 275 days of the year (home share permits) and includes duplex properties.
3. Tier 3 - The owner rents out the property more than 20 days in a calendar year. The whole-home is rented out (not including Mission Beach) and the owner does not need to live in the property. Guests must stay at least two nights. The number of Tier 3 permits will be limited to 1% of the city's total housing unit. 
4. Tier 4 - This permit applies to Mission Beach only. Guests must stay a minimum of two nights and the number of units cannot go over 30% of the total housing units in the area.

Starting on October 3rd, owners of short-term rentals will apply for permits. If the requested permits exceed 1,080 for Mission Beach and 5,400 for San Diego, a lottery will be held. Those who have obeyed city laws will get priority. The lottery is set to take place on December 16th. Approved hosts will need to pay license fees by January 6th or they will have their permit revoked.

For more detailed information, visit SanDiego.gov.

View Homes for Sale with Potential for Airbnb.

Living in a big city has it's advantages including attending a variety of events all over San Diego County.

15 Events in San Diego County to Enjoy

1. Taste of North Park - Oct. 8, 2022
2. Ocean Beach Octoberfest - Oct. 7 to Oct. 8, 2022
3. Taste of Coronado - Oct. 12, 2022
4. Escondido Grand Avenue Festival - Oct. 16, 2022
5. San Diego International Film Festival - Oct. 19 to Oct. 23, 2022
6. Trick-or-Treat on India Street - Oct. 28, 2022
7. San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival - Nov 9 to Nov. 13, 2022
8. Fleet Week San Diego 2022 - Nov. 1 to Nov. 13, 2022
9. San Diego Beer Week - Nov. 4 to Nov. 13, 2022
10. Carlsbad Fall Village Faire - Nov. 6, 2022
11. Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival - Nov. 18 to Nov. 20, 2022
12. Encinitas Holiday Street Fair - Nov. 20, 2022
13. Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk - Nov. 24, 2022
14. Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village - Dec. 3, 2022
15. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival - Dec. 4, 2022

To find dates, times, and websites associated with these events visit SanDiego.org.

FHA Reverse Mortgages for seniors (HECM) allows borrowers to pay off their mortgages, access their equity, and never have another mortgage payment.

A reverse mortgage will eliminate a mortgage payment to provide more cash for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Homeowners who take advantage of the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Program can purchase a home in San Diego with a 40%-50% cash down payment.

Many people view reverse mortgages in a negative light, but financial advisors today see the benefit of a reverse. HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) loans are FHA loans backed by the government. Guaranteed approval as long as the homeowner can verify income to support tax and insurance payments.

The home must be owner-occupied. The owners can live in the house mortgage-free for the rest of their lives even if the value is less than the mortgage. Many are concerned about not leaving an inheritance for children or loved ones, but real estate has always gone up substantially over the long term so one must remember although the balance of the loan may go up, it is offset by real estate appreciation.

Getting a reverse mortgage can significantly enhance the lives of retired seniors. For example, our long-time neighbor lost her husband several years ago. She eventually met a new love, who moved in and made great improvements to the home. They enjoyed staycations and exotic trips all over the world including Greece. A reverse mortgage allowed them to enjoy their retirement. When she passed the home value had increased so much that she was able to leave her children and grandchildren a decent size inheritance.

We are all busy living our lives but here's a sobering eye-opener… According to the social security administration, 1 out of 4 people over 65 will live past 90 and 1 out of 10 will live past 95. Our past generation had pension plans but today’s retirement depends on often limited or self-directed 401 plans.

Here are some great benefits to the reverse mortgage:

1. Eliminate mortgage payment (either on a current first or on a purchase loan) 
2. Postpone social security so homeowners can wait until age 70 to receive more 
3. Help defray healthcare costs 
4. Access equity TAX-FREE money 
5. No qualifying such as traditional mortgages 
6. Seniors can help grandchildren go to college now vs waiting until they pass away to give the inheritance

A strategy for the right person...

Clients with limited income, who are struggling to pay for living expenses can utilize their backyard to build another unit. Pay off the mortgage, cash out to build a rental in the backyard, or build another unit above the current home. A reverse mortgage will not only eliminate a mortgage payment, but can create income by adding another rental unit to the property. This is an exciting option. Keep in mind homeowners must be over the age of 62 and live in the home. Note: Max loan amounts are based on the youngest spouse.

Call Today! 619-339-7334 or visit our mortgage site to request a quote.

There are many different styles of mid-century homes in San Diego. One of the most popular searches on our site is mid-century homes. Buyers can educate themselves on certain attributes and styles before going into the home search process.

7 Styles of Mid-Century Houses:

1. Traditional - Two traditional styles are Minimal and Revival. Minimal traditional houses are unassuming and may include traditional style shutters or multi-pane windows. Examples of The Revival styles are Tudor, Cape Cod, and Colonial.

2. Usonian - Think prairie style or ranch home. This style of house blends into the landscape with wood and stone accents.

3. Lustron - This style of home was created with a specific purpose and came in two and three-bedroom models. It came in four colors and could be shipped across the United States to be assembled.

4. The Ranches - These ranch-style homes have open floor plans. Examples of Ramblers (The Ranches) include raised ranch, split-level ranch, tri-level ranch, and storybook ranch.

5. Modern - This is the most well-known style of mid-century homes. Examples include Minimal Modern, Eichler, and Alexander.

6. A-frame - The shape is similar to the letter "A" and is often times used as a second home or a vacation home.

7. Populuxe - This mid-century style home is known for it's unique and futuristic shapes. Examples include Googlie, Space Age, and Geodesic.

Source: Mid-Century House Styles Guide

Mid-Century Homes >>

An important step in owning real estate is creating a living trust because this avoids any issues among relatives after death. Too many families are dealing with strife and division because a living trust was never set up. Many people skip this important step in life because it can be scary, expensive, and time-consuming. However, there are options for homeowners. Transfer-on-Death deeds allow property owners to transfer real estate without going through the probate process. This deed provides an inexpensive and simple way to transfer real property to a beneficiary.

Important factors when deciding to record a revocable Transfer-on-Death deed:

The real property must fall under one of these criteria: a condominium or single-family home, a single-family residence on less than 40 acres of agricultural land, or a multiple residence of less than four residential dwelling units.

A transferor must use the services of a notary public to sign and date a revocable TOD deed.

The TOD deed must be recorded within 60 days from the date it was signed.

The transferor has the right to revoke the TOD deed at any time.

The beneficiary needs to know that the property is subject to involuntary liens recorded by the owner's creditors. Upon the owner's death, the liens transfer with the property to the beneficiary.

Speak to a lawyer about your estate plan before you take advantage of a TOD deed. New laws took effect in 2022 to avoid issues with the process.

If you find yourself in need of a TOD deed, talk to a lawyer about your estate plan first.

However, it is best to spend the time and money to set up a living trust.

Top 3 Reasons a Living Trust is Best:

1. Avoid Probate - A living trust means no probate is necessary to pass your property on to your beneficiaries if you die or become incompetent.
2. Control - You decide what will happen to your property after you die. A trust also allows you to control how your beneficiaries spend the inheritance.
3. Tax Planning - A living trust can help reduce and sometimes avoid taxes. Talk to an attorney that specializes in living trusts for more information.

If you are interested in a TOD deed or Living Trust, contact an attorney who specializes in estate planning.

This one-page report for July 2022 includes the most recent snapshot as well as a two-year trend line for indicators like sales, median prices, inventory and median time on market in San Diego. Knowing your local housing market is a standard first step in buying a home you'll love — and within budget — without overpaying or missing out on an opportunity. This is even more important if you are moving to San Diego and need assistance in learning the lay of the land.