We all know that until the inventory of short sales and foreclosures are sold and gone, hopefully never to be seen again in such abundant amounts (we will all learn from this, right?), home values will continue to suffer in San Diego neighborhoods like East Village San Diego with these properties selling at 15-20% below market value. Apparently a "normal" level of distressed homes inventory is 5% of all listings or below, and once we approach that figure the market should become a truer, even buyer-seller market once again. The cure for this may be in hoping for economic growth- ie jobs- in the San Diego market. The stock market has done its part lately, experiencing highest highs since 2008, but who wants to make a home purchase without job security? Don't forget about the dreaded "shadow inventory" of distressed homes that have not yet come on the market- they're tied up in banks'red tape right now- but they will come out this year for sure. Government programs supposedly helping struggling, underwater homeowners haven't really had a strong effect. However, September, 2011 marked the 12th staright month in which foreclosure activity decreased over a year-to-year basis. Europe's debt crisis surely is a major concern as well. Its crisis has helped to keep interest rates low, but it has also taken away a major portion of the buyers' market domestically. Finally, let's look at lenders' contributions to the state we're in. Credit standards and down payment requirements have been incresed since the big real estate market plunge back in 2007. Young, first-time buyers are continually being told that this is the best time to purchase real estate in years. Then they try to figure out how they are going to come up with a minimum 20% down payment up front. Then they try to get prequalified for a loan and find out they should have made those cell phone payments on time when they were 18. It's a tough time to buy or sell right now in San Diego real estate.

Several new California laws went into effect on January 1st and many people did not seem to get the memo... So here's an abbreviated synopsis:

*California's smoking laws just got tighter- landlords may now prohibit smoking in rental properties.

*There will be no more self-service alcohol register check-outs at retail stores- there now must be face-to-face alcohol sales.

*There will be no more sales, importation, or production of caffeinated beer beverages in California.

There is a new car booster seat law in effect- kids under 8 years old, or not yet 4 feet nine inches tall, must be securely fastened in the back seat of a car.

*The possession, trade or sale of shark fins is now illegal here.

*Anyone with a misdemeanor or felony animal-abuse conviction is prohibited from possessing animals for 5-10 years after the crime.

*Owners of multi-family housing with five or more units must now provide paper, plastic, bottle and can recycling services for tenants.

*School textbooks and social studies classes must include the historic accomplishments of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and groups.

*Credit checks on employees from prospective employers are now restricted.

*The seat belt law now requires that the lap portion of a seat belt must cross the hips and upper thighs of an adult and the shoulder section must cross the chest in front of the occupant.

*The open carry of unloaded handguns is now (mostly) illegal.

The above is only a portion of the new laws that have gone into effect. If I had my way, here are just a few laws I would put into effect in California, or specifically San Diego:

*I would love to ban pedicabs permanently, but since that is restarint of trade, how 'bout prohibiting them from carrying small children down busy streets in the Downtown area where cars routinely whiz past them?

*How'bout prohibiting smoking right outside the doors of restaurants and bars. I know there's some sort of a distance rule, but no one follows it.

*Littering in this beautiful city should call for a jail sentence. I mean it.

*Homeless citizens who refuse shelter when it is available should be arrested and fined.

*Club and restaurant owners should be more heavily fined or have licenses suspended for over-serving patrons.

Well, I have gotten that off my chest... If you would like to live in San Diego, please click East Village San Diego Homes For Sale

East Village Condos for Sale

Enjoy the gorgeous downtown San Diego condos for sale, including one of the best at 1480 Broadway # 2313.

2313 provides gorgeous pendant lighting, warm paint tones, and even amazing granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. You will have a stunning view from above the gorgeous streets of downtown San Diego. Don’t pass up dual parking spaces and stunning property amenities such as a fitness center area, community pools, and so much more. You’ll even have great building security!

Of course you can’t forget all of the extras that San Diego offers. You can take the family on a trip to gorgeous Balboa Park and bask in the many amenities is offers. Enjoy the dozens of museums, art galleries, and recreation areas offered for you and yours to enjoy. None of these awesome attractions however, come even close to Balboa Park’s featured attraction - the world renowned San Diego Zoo. If you love shopping and an old-town feeling then you will enjoy the nearby Gaslamp District, which offers amazing, historic architecture and a spectacular array of local shopping and dining.

Take a trip to the amazing condo property at 1480 Broadway # 2313 today for the chance to find the home of your dreams!

www.SearchSanDiegoCondos.com

Many buyers and first-time buyers in my neighborhoods of Downtown San Diego are certainly ready to buy. They're certainly willing to buy. They're now even able to buy. One question that often surfaces especially with first timers is whether to purchase a condo, townhome or highrise in Downtown San Diego or rather to purchase a house in the outskirts in East or South County. Here are some factors to look at before you decide to buy property for sale in East Village San Diego CA:

*Storage. How much will you need? Although many East Village condos will include storage or have the availability to rent it, will you be able to get by with no attic or basement to store your belongings- or is a garage sale in order?

*Outdoor space. In many East Village condos, there is outside space- it's called a balcony. Yes, there is also some beautiful common space that all residents may use. But will you need a yard?

*Amenities. Many East Village condos have a swimming pool, spa, fitness room, common area. Will these be worth it to you?

*Maintenance. Condos cover maintenance and trash removal, have concierges who will allow people into your home while you're away to do repairs, and often can get "bulk" reduced rates on work needed.

*Will you want to pay the $100-600 per month in HOA fees every month for these amenities? Would this money be better spent on a house for repairs, etc. ?

*Resale value. In 4-5 years when you resell which will be more marketable, a condo or a house?

*City living versus suburbia. You're near Petco Park, dozens of restaurants and nightlife spots and dog parks Downtown. In sububia, you don't have city noises, you have plenty of parking and more peace and quiet.

East Village San Diego Condos for Sale often attract a young, hip consumer looking for an up-and-coming, fun, eclectic place to live Downtown. Hence, many of these folks are first time buyers in the marketplace and need guidance from a Realtor to help them through the buying process. In this market specifically, buyers who read the headlines may think that since it is a buyers' market, there are historically low interest rates and good inventiry, that this new purchase may be easy and that they have everything in their favor. Pleae, pleae don't be overconfident. It's not that simple. Her are some tips to help you first time buyers:

1) THERE IS NO PERFECT HOME. When you tell your Realtor what your home wish list is, don't make it a Fantasy list. Be realistic.

2) Decide ahead of time what the most important features in a home you need. Is location more important than price? Do you need a minimum amount of square footage? Is a view important to you?, etc.

3) Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money for a down payment and closing costs ahead of time.

4) Ask your Realtor to have a lender contact you to get pre-approved for a loan (you should also get one from another source to compare) because you need to know how much you can actually spend, right?

5) Don't listen to everyone who wants to give his two cents' worth. Family members, friends, associates will all have their own opinion of what you should want or need. Stick with one or two trusted people to help you.

6) Decide the date you want to move into your new place. Are you in a lease you can get out of? Escrows can take months. Does the closing date interfere with school, work, vacation, etc.?

7) Think long tem. the average homebuyer lives in the residence about four years. Therefore, do you want a long term fixer-upper? Do you plan to start in a small place and move up in a few years? Don't forget that shorter mortgages get better rates.

8) Don't be "house poor"- don't spend so much on your dream home that you have nothing left over for, say, real life.

9) Always get a home inspection and always ask the seller for a home warranty (which is very inexpensive, by the way) to cover any defects in the first year.

10)Lastly- use a Realtor. I stiill can't believe how many consumers have no idea that you the homebuyer pays NOTHING for our services (they're paid by the seller in almost all cases.) So get started!