As the California housing market grows more attractive, San Diego North County homebuyers are more optimistic than they were a year ago, according to the latest survey by the California Association of REALTORS®.

While in 2009, only 8% of California homeowners believed their homes would go up in value over the next year, that number has grown to 23% in 2010.  Let’s take a look at why San Diego homebuyers are more optimistic.

• San Diego Home buying conditions are ideal.   This is especially true for Ocean Hills real estate where there are over 40 Ocean Hills Country Club homes for sale. 
• Mortgage interest rates are at all-time lows not seen since 1971. The benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate conventional mortgage was 4.44% by mid-August 2010.   There are also creative ways to buy Ocean Hills real estate such as using a reverse purchase mortgage.    Using this method you purchase a home in Ocean Hills for as little as $150,000 down and make no payments the rest of your life.
• Sellers are meeting market realities by lowering the prices on nearly one quarter of U.S. homes listed for sale in June 2010, according to Trulia.com. That’s up 9% from May 2010.
• Lower property values mean that owning a home is now less expensive than renting in almost every San Diego North County community.
•  Affordability is excellent – nearly half of homebuyers can afford the median-priced home in California and nearly 47% can afford the median-priced home in Southern California.   While Ocean Hills Country Club homes have held there values better than the surrounding Oceanside homes, values have still adjusted to a level allow buyers to save money.
• Investors are stepping in and paying cash for distressed properties, reducing the number of foreclosures negatively impacting neighborhood home values. Distressed homes sell at as much as 15% less than non-distressed homes.

With all the good things going on in our San Diego North County homes market, now is a great  time for you to contact Gary Harmon, your Ocean Hills Realtor, to find out how to save money on your next Ocean Hills real estate purchase.

See Current Ocean Hills Country Club Homes NOW !

Great Time to Buy

This is a great time to buy Ocean Hills Country Club real estate.  The selection has never been better on available Ocean Hills homes.  In fact, there are over 40 current listings.   Use the link at the top of this page to see all listings of current Ocean Hills Country Club Homes. Since Ocean Hills real estate is inside a guarded and gated community, you will need a Ocean Hills Realtor to show you around.  I am glad to be available on short notice and can be reached at 760-745-1220.  You can also email me at garyharmon@prusd.com.

Don’t be fool by how many Ocean Hills Country Club homes are on the current Ocean Hills real estate market.  It is a very small percentage of the total number of over 1600 homes built.  Ocean Hills Country Club real estate is also currently selling at a good pace.  Over 12 Ocean Hills homes are in escrow. 

Great Place to Buy

The guarded and gated community of Ocean Hills Country Club real estate is also a great place to buy.  The community offers an idea life style for active, seniors, over 55.  The 18 hole “free” executive golf course, the olympic size swimming pool, the many tennis courts and countless other ammenities are to name just a few.  There is also a 27,000 square foot clubhouse with over 800 activities a month.  When we drop in the clubhouse for your personalized tour of Ocean Hills, we will get you a current copy.  The clubs, classes, parties, concerts, theatrical productions, and other special events will satisfy the taste of anyone.  The San Diego North County real estate weather also makes it a great place to retire. 

For more information on Ocean Hills Country Club real estate area, go to my main website HomeInfoSanDiego.com and check out the entire and very complete section on Ocean Hills.  Also try some of the blue buttons below for quick access.

For more information on Ocean Hills Country Club real estate or to see Ocean Hills homes today, contact Gary Harmon, your top Ocean Hills Realtor.

Whether you are an over 55 senior looking at Ocean Hills Country Club homes are a first time home buyer just hoping to get a start, you should do everything they can to improve your FICO credit scores.  Why, because credit scores can mean the difference between a 4.25% and a 5.25% home mortgage rate. That can mean the difference as to wheater you qualify for a loan to purchase your San Diego North County home.  Credit scores can also mean the difference in getting a conforming mortgage and an FHA mortgage.  They can mean the difference in an underwriting approval and an underwriting denial.  Get your credit in order before trying to buy your San Diego North County home.   You should treat your FICO credit just as you would an investment portfolio, always strive to improve and protect what you have. The following tips, if followed, will help you with your journey to becoming a San Diego homeowner.

What Can You Do to Improve Your FICO Credit Score?

• Try to get current and stay current.
• Apply for and open new credit card accounts only as needed.
• Keep your credit balances low on all credit card accounts.
• Pay off debt rather than moving it around.  Owing the same amount, but have fewer accounts can help.
• You should pay your bills on time.  Late payments and collections can have a serious negative impact on your credit score.
• If you have been managing credit for a short time, don’t open a lot of new accounts too rapidly.

Once you get a good FICO credit score, you will want to do every thing you can to keep that good score.

What Can Affect Your Credit Score?

• Delinquent payments
• High outstanding debt, especially “revolving credit card debt”
• The amount of new accounts you have opened  right before applying for credit
• Credit inquiries can lower your score

What Type of Credit Inquiries Hurt Your Score

• A credit check for an auto loan
• A credit inquiry for a credit card application
• A credit check for a store credit card
• A credit check for a mortgage loan

While some credit inquiries can hurt you score by up to 100 points, a mortgage credit inquiry is estimated to only lower your credit score by just 5 points.  So when buying a purchase as large as a San Diego North County home you should shop around for the best rate and terms.  This shopping needs to be limited to about 14 days so as to minimize the rate on your FICO Credit Score.

I would invite you to check out HomeServices Lending, a member of my winning team members.  HomeServices is an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank.  For San Diego North County real estate information,including information on North County  homes for Over 55, contact Gary Harmon, your North County Realtor.

Ocean Hills Country Club homes are located in San Diego North County, just inland about 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean.  This exclusive Oceanside homes (55+) gated community sits high on a hill 30 miles from downtown San Diego.  To reach Ocean Hills Country Club, take Melrose south off Highway 78, go right or west on Cannon.  Turn in the main guarded gate entrance at the end of Cannon on Liesure Drive. 

Ocean Hills Country Club – Convient to Shopping

Just outside of the Ocean Hills Country Club gate and about a mile to the east is the Palm Tree Plaza shops.  Palm Tree Plaza offers many things that seniors living in Ocean Hills would need.  It offers Perfect Cut, McDonalds, a denist office, Pizza Hut, a nail salon, a chiropractor, Postal Annex, Hollywood Video, a cleaners, a bagel shop, yogurt store, a large Ralphs supermarket, Taco Bell, Auto Zone, a Walgreens drugstore, and a coffee shop.  Ocean Hills Country Club Board has started to offer a transportation service for residents to many of the local shopping plazas and doctors offices.  This new service runs twice a week, on Tuesdays and on Fridays. 

Ocean Hills Country Club – Convient to Great Ammenities

Ocean Hills has its own great executive golf course and when you live in Ocean Hills, green fees are FREE!  There are paddle tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, bocce ball courts, and beautiful regulation tennis courts.  If you like to swim, the pool is one of the best I have ever seen.  The clubhouse is spectacular and host a variety of continuous activities and Ocean Hills clubs.

If you would like to learn more about Ocean Hills Country Club, contact Gary Harmon, one of the top Ocean Hills Country Club Realtors.  If you are interested in other SanDiego North County homes for seniors (over 55 ) see:  Emerald Lake Village, Rancho Carlsbad homes, Oceana homes or Seven Oaks and Oaks North homes.

North County Buyers

When looking for a home many potential buyers love a home, but there are just a few things they would change.  Somtimes these things are stumbling blocks to finding that dream home.  Many times buyers over estimate the cost of what desired changes might cost.  A solution would be to schedule an appointment with Pacific Shoreline at the home being considered.  Pacific Shoreline will then come up with an free estimate of what it would cost to change things about the North County property.  The buyer, having all the facts, can mak e an informed decision as to whether to buy the home in question.

North County Sellers

Many times there are just a few things that a home needs to make a listing more sellable.  Again, the sellers may over estimate what it would cost.  A home that looks good sells for more money.  Why not get someone like Pacific Shoreline to give you a free quote on what needed changes would cost.  Then you, the seller, can make an informed decision.

Pacific Shoreline Slide Show of Completed Work 

About Pacific Shoreline

Pacific Shoreline is a licensed CA General Contractor providing superior construction management and interior design services for residential and commercial projects.  From residential re-models to complete new home community development, Pacific Shoreline has the breadth of experience and professional management to make the difference in the success of your project and your budget.  Pacific Shoreline offers a comprehensive system of services that include Interior Design and Green Building and Design practices creating a superior, sustainable and healthier environment for our clients.  (Information and photos furnished by Pacific Shorline, See www.PacificShorelineGC.com.

 Gary Harmon, your North County Realtor, specializes in helping buyers or sellers of  Carlsbad homes, Encinitas homes, Escondido real estate, or Oceanside homes for sale.  This includes  Carlsbad Ocean View Homes ,  , and Encinitas Ocean View homes.Oceanside Ocean View Homes.  Gary also specializes in helping San Diego Seniors (over55) with  Ocean Hills Country Club homes, Emerald Lake Village, Rancho Carlsbad homes, Oceana homes or Seven Oaks and Oaks North homes. 

Seniors move for a variety of reasons, but here are some of the most popular motivations for the 55+ crowd.

• Change of Scenery – Many senior citizens choose to remain in their homes, while others want a change of scenery. There is no better way to get a change of scenery than moving  into a beautiful San Diego North County home.                                       
• Get Away from Excessive Maintenance – Seniors may choose a smaller North County home with a smaller yard or perhaps a condo.  San Diego North County homes offers a variety of good choices.  Top examples are Ocean Hills Country Club homes, Emerald Lake Village, Rancho Carlsbad homes, Oceana homes or Seven Oaks and Oaks North homes.  All are good low maintenance choices.
• Pursue Hobbies -Many seniors may want to pursue hobbies or play golf or tennis.  Many have something they want to do that they couldn’t do while living in their prior homes or locations.  Ocean Hills Country Club has a variety of different clubs, something for everyone.  If you don’t see it in the Ocean Hills club list,  your can start your own.  Chances are many people will join in on the fun.  Ocean Hills has a great golf course and the green fees are part of your dues.  They also have tennis courts and a beautiful clubhouse.
• Buy a Motor Home and Travel – Some just want to get away. They’ll sell the old homestead and jump into a motor home so they can see the places they’ve been dreaming about for all those years when they were tied to both their job and their home.  Ocean Hills (OHCC) has a great area to store your motor home when you are not traveling around this great country.
• More Temperate Climate – Some want to move to a more temperate climate. They’re tired of the cold and snow and want to get outdoors and play all year. Some have always dreamed of living in Southern California near the ocean.  San Diego North County homes enjoy some of the best year around in the world.  The Oceanside homes for sale area has the second most desirable climate in the United States with average temperatures ranging from 53 to 70 degrees.

Can you relate to some of the above reasons to move to a San Diego North County home.  If so, contact Gary Harmon, your top Senior Realtor, and find your Southern California dream home.  Not ready for a retirement neighborhood?  Want a great ocean view home?  Gary also specializes in Carlsbad Ocean View Homes , Oceanside Ocean View Homes , and Encinitas Ocean View homes.

To capture the interest of buyers looking for Carlsbad homes for sale, Encinitas homes, Oceanside homes for sale, or Escondido real estate, Gary Harmon will promote San Diego North County homes on prudentialcal.com, GaryHarmon.com and HomeInfoSanDiego.com.

We don’t measure our traffic by number of hits. (Just one visitor can generate 4-20 hits.) Instead, we look at unique visitors. Every month prudentialcal.com, GaryHarmon.com and HomeInfoSanDiego.com  attracts nearly 60,000 unique visitors from local, national and over 90 international locations. 

Our fast, user-friendly sites and blog gives visitors a wealth of important listing data. They can also sign up to be  alerted about open houses, new photos, status and price changes, and listing activity. 

For more information on San Diego North County homes including Carlsbad ocean front homes, Encinitas ocean view homes, and Oceanside whitewater view homes,  contact Gary Harmon, your Prudential California North County Realtor.

See this shot video below about my Prudential California Realty office.  We can help you get your home sold.

Mobile access reaches North County buyers on the go . Now San Diego buyers can find your North County home on prudentialcal.com no matter where they are — by accessing it on their mobile device. Buyers who are looking for Carlsbad homes, Encinitas homes, Escondido real estate, or Oceanside homes for sale will find your property as they use their mobiles to search homes for sale and open houses within your city or zip code.  When they drive by and like what they see, they can view full websitelevel details about your property — including up to 35 photos. If they already have your address, they can enter it in our new Location Search to find your property. Mobile access makes it simple for buyers to email your agent on the spot and schedule a showing of your home.

How to Get Mobil Access

When scanned into a smartphone, this unique barcode takes you directly to http://m.prudentialcal.com.   That is the Prudential California Realty mobile site.  Try it.  Need to download a QR Reader app? Just search for “QR Reader.”  I also have Bee Tagg Multicode Reader on my iPhone.  Both work great.  You can see how the Prudential California Realty mobile site works by just clicking on the iPhone picture to the right of this page.

You should start to see these unique barcodes used in many forms of print advertising.  Smartphone users will have a quick way to reach the advertisers websites without making frustrating typing mistakes.   I would use mobile barcodes to direct North County buyers to my main website where they instantly see my San Diego North County homes for sale. 

For more information on barcodes or to make your own, go to www.neoreader.com.  If you would like San Diego North County homes for sale info, contact Gary Harmon, your top North County Realtor.  I service all of North County including Carlsbad ocean view homes, Encinitas ocean view homes, and Oceanside ocean view homes.  The barcode of my blog, www.GaryHarmon.com, which you are now reading is shown below.

The barcode for my main website which services Carlsbad homes for sale, Encinitas homes for sale, Oceanside homes, San Marcos CA homes for sale, and Escondido real estate is shown below.

North County home buyers once searched the North County Times and San Diego Union for properties.  Now, 87% of these North County buyers start their search on the Internet.  And they don’t stop at one or two websites — they explore a whole range of online real estate destinations.  That is why I have created this blog (GaryHarmon.com) and my website (HomeInfoSanDiego.com) to insure that my clients will get the “most” exposure for their North County homes for sale.

I my online marketing and search engine optomizitation, I have made sure when North County home buyers do a Google Search that they find my sites and blog.  This allows me to get maximum exposure for your home.  Does it work?  I invite you to check the results for yourself.  Go to Google.com and type in a search term a buyer for your area might use.  For example terms might be as follows:  carlsbad homes or carlsbad homes for sale, encinitas homes, oceanside homes or oceanside homes for sale.  Other terms might be escondido real estate or escondido homes.  Try other things like carlsbad ocean view homes, encinitas ocean view homes, or oceanside ocean view homes.  If you are a senior, try things like north county over 55, ocean hills country club homes, san diego north county over 55, or emeral lake village.  You will the search results show my website or my blog on the first page of Google.  Now compare that with “any other” realtor’s search results.  Conclusion, if you want your home to be included in the 87% of where North County buyers are looking, contact Gary Harmon, your top North County Realtor.  Get maximum results and maximum exposure for your home today.  Give me a call, text, or email.

When you list with Gary Harmon, your property will be advertise on over 300 Internet websites including the following:

Aol.com
Arizona Republic
Chicago Tribune
Contra Costa Times
Cyberhomes.com
Desert Sun
eRealInvestor.com
FrontDoor (HGTV)
Google
HotPads.com
Homefinder.com
Homes.com
Kiplinger
LATimes.com
LuxuryRegistry.com
Mercury News
Miami Herald
Monterey County Herald
MSN
NewYorkTimes.com
OCRegister.com
Oodle.com
Prudential.com
PrudentialCal.com
Realtor.com
Relocation.com
San Francisco Chronicle
SignonSanDiego.com
Trulia.com
U.S. News and World Report
Wall St. Journal
Washington Post
Yahoo Real Estate
Zillow.com

More California Communities Report Rising Sales Volume & Prices.

The dramatic price declines of only a few years ago are quickly rebounding as more communities in California report rising sales volume and prices for both May and June.  According to the California Association of Realtors® (CAR), as of May 2010 the median home price in California is $324,430. Home prices statewide have recovered 32% from the trough set in February 2009, when the median home price was $245,230.  CAR also found that housing sales volume increased 1.2% in May 2010, while the median price of a home rose 23.2% compared with the same period a year ago.  In San Diego County the median price of a home rose 19.8% from March 2009 to March 2010.  That was from $326,830 to $391,410.

The San Diego North County real estate market is considered being balanced when there are six months of inventory on hand. Market cinditions are favorable to both North County buyers and North County sellers. A buyer’s market is characterized by conditions such as falling prices, high inventories, concession by sellers, and incentives among other things. A North County seller’s market has low inventories of North County homes for sale, increasing prices, and real competition between buyers, including multiple offers on many properties.

San Diego coastal community continue to show high demand with only limited listings of inventory.  If you are trying to buy a Encinitas ocean view home, Carlsbad ocean view home or Oceanside ocean view home, contact someone  that knows the area, contact Gary Harmon, your ocean view Realtor.

For more information about North County homes for sale including Carlsbad homes, Oceanside homes, Vista homes, San Marcos homes, Escondido homes, and Encinitas homes, contact Gary Harmon, your top North County Realtor.