California Foreclosure Homes: Great Properties at Excellent Values

Homebuyers these days are wary of investing in a real estate market that offers little in the way of sure bets on good values, so if you’re going to be buying a new home anytime soon, the first thing on your mind will be getting the lowest price possible. And currently, no other type of property allows you to buy lower than California foreclosure homes. California has long been an extremely desirable location for homebuyers, but the recent struggles in the market would cause anyone to think twice before making such a big financial commitment. But California foreclosure homes offer the opportunity to buy at a discount, sometimes as much as 50% below market value, simply because they are being sold as repossessions. And the market for California foreclosure homes has truly never been better. The state is home to the largest foreclosure inventory in the nation, with over 50,000 properties currently available. This incredible volume creates an optimum opportunity for investment, as more homes on the market means lower prices, and buyers from San Francisco to San Diego have been finding huge deals. Buying California foreclosure homes may be one of the few ways left these days make sure that you’re making a worthwhile investment in a home. When you’re buying below the value of already extremely low property values, the potential for future gain is incredible. If you’re interested in, try searching for California foreclosure homes with ForeclosureSupport.com. their easy to use service makes targeting the types of properties you want simple, and they also provide great market information that can help guide you to the best purchase possible.

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Southern California Housing Prices Fall 36%

According to MDA DataQuick, a San Diego based aggregator of county record surveys; house and condominium prices fell by a whopping 36% from April 2008 to April 2009. The median price dropped from 5,000 to 7,000. From the peak in housing prices two years ago prices have fallen by 51% in the region.

Calling price stability “…tenuous at best”, MDA analyst Andrew LePage added “It’s going to come down to how much worse job losses and foreclosures are going to get for the balance of the year.”  Discounted foreclosure properties are dominating the market which is probably exaggerating the amount of the drop in prices. On sales of previously owned homes, foreclosures made up 54% of the total. It’s the seventh month in row that foreclosures have made up over 50% of previously owned properties.

The median price was down 1.2% from March, another month heavy in foreclosure activity. Median prices, in addition to being influenced by overall foreclosure sales, were also influenced by a relative handful of distressed sales in higher priced coastal areas, according to MDA DataQuick.        

The pain of dropping prices was felt in all six Southern California counties with San Bernardino racking up the biggest year on year loss at 48%. Bargain hunting could be the reason that the county also saw the biggest jump in sales with an 88% increase.  San Bernardino County saw real estate prices explode higher during the run up as buyers moved away from the coastal areas toward more affordable housing inland. Foreclosure activity spurred sales gains in five out six Southern California counties, the exception being Ventura County with a drop in sales of 6.1% from a year earlier.
19 percent of Southern California homes that were purchased in April were bought by absentee owners. These purchases could be used as second homes, rentals, or speculative purposes. The normal rate of absentee purchases has averaged 15% per month since 2000, according to MDA DataQuick.

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The information contained herein is provided for general information and advertising purposes only and is not intended to convey a legal option nor legal advice for any particular case or situation. Nothing in this article shall create an attorney-client relationship. Nothing sent to this law office via e-mail shall constitute an attorney-client relationship. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to be a guarantee or prediction of result. Prior results are provided for general information purposes only and do not guaranty, warranty or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.   Results achieved depend on individual circumstances and not everyone will qualify or be successful in restructuring their mortgage loan.

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Why Buy a House in Coronado, California?

Coronado, California, also known as Coronado Island, is a prime location just a few miles away from downtown San Diego. The island is known for being one of the most affluent areas in the United States. In fact, a lot of homes listed in the area are among the most sought-after in the country because of the status that comes with the posh address.

There are several other reasons why owning a properties in Coronado California are considered to be prime real estate. Much of it has to do with the local economy. When buying a house, the local economy has a lot to do with whether the value of your house will take a serious dip in the years to come. Houses in Coronado California tend to retain their real estate value because of a strong local economy.

Coronado Island has a big appeal for tourism. Coronado homes for sale have a great track record for retaining or increasing in value because tourism is an essential part of the island’s local economy. Coronado Island is home to three major hotel resorts namely the Coronado Island Marriott, Hotel Del Coronado (which is also considered one of its most popular landmarks), and Leows Coronado Bay Resort. There are several other hotels that attract tourists to the spot.

There’s also a spot in Coronado Islands that’s known for its vibrant and bustling local economy which is called the Orange Avenue. This spot is teeming with shops, high-rating restaurants, and other establishments.

Another thing that greatly encourages the growth of tourism in the island is Coronado Flower Show, which is a popular local event that is organized every third weekend of April. Literally thousands of people attend this flower show and other related island festivities yearly, generating more income for the local economy.

Coronado California also boasts of one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, which is the Coronado Beach. Beachfront properties in Coronado are also considered prime real estate pieces. Many houses feature breathtaking views of the Coronado Beach.

The residential areas of Coronado California are also what could be considered upscale; in effect, making sure that the value of your new home does not go down drastically. When picking a home to buy, it’s important to make sure that the home is in a good neighborhood because it has a long-lasting effect on the value of your home. Buying a home in a neighborhood with a questionable local economy might mean that you will not be able to resell your home at an equal or greater value someday.

Looking into investing on buying Colorado California homes could be a great investment for yourse
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Bank Foreclosure in California

Owning a good quality property in any part of the United States is pride possession for almost every buyer. You do not have to pay a high price for owning your desirable property. California bank foreclosures are one such source to get the best properties and homes.  You can get amazing foreclosed properties for sale and can be delighted with such a great deal.

No doubt, living in California is a buyer’s dream. Besides a good living condition, you’ll be delighted to find numerous offers in foreclosed homes to choose from. In fact, sellers are offering their possession at the lowest prices. Are you the one who have some serious ideas about owning a good property in California? You would certainly be able to reap the great return potential through California home foreclosures.

Choose the foreclosed property in cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento. Being the third largest state of the United States, California offers the best of everything to improve the living pleasures. People can actually take the full benefits of good investment opportunities and employment possibilities in the state.

-How to Get the Best Foreclosed Property in California?

Finding a good real estate property in California is a challenging task. It is particularly because of the fact that the state has the fifth highest foreclosures rate in the country. To get the best property and home, one needs to be really conscious and has to search a lot to grab the potential deal. There are many trustable foreclosure listings that can help you to find the good collection of properties & homes in California bank foreclosures.

Real estate brokers can be contacted for getting the best information as they have been active in the business for a long time.

Best Beaches in California: Six Sweet Shorelines for a Dream Vacation

When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. With its year round tropical climate, average water temperature of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun.

Not only is it home to millions of people, but it beckons millions more each year from all over the globe. Whether you are a California resident looking for the best beach to soak up the sun for a day or two, or you are planning a family vacation that your kids will remember for a long time to come, you will find some beaches to add to your itinerary here.

Here are six of the best beaches in California, including nice, quiet beaches as well as a few beaches that are particularly nice for visiting families.

1. Santa Monica Beach. The West Coast answer to Coney Island, this magnificent stretch of wide, sandy beach located in the seat of Los Angeles County features the famous Santa Monica Pier which houses its own amusement park atop one of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast. The site has also appeared in dozens of movies and television shows. Take a ride at sunset on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular ocean view. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the many different eateries in the area and be sure to check out the nearby attractions, which include Venice Beach and Palisades Park. This is one place that is sure to make a splash with the entire family.

2. Newport Beach. A fascinating and trendy bit of real estate located in Orange County, Newport Beach offers locals and tourists a variety of activities. Stroll on a scenic walkway, embark on a refreshing harbor cruise, or go boating, scuba diving, or bodysurfing Dining at most restaurants includes panoramic views of the harbors. Make sure to check out the Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion.

3. Cardiff State Beach. Located in San Diego County, this recreational facility features lifeguards, restrooms and a smoothly sloping beach for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing and kayaking. People love Cardiff State Beach for its quiet beach, casual atmosphere, fewer crowds and excellent restaurants. Nearby points of interest include Restaurant Row, which features savory seafood and Mexican fare; San Elijo Lagoon, which boasts great bird watching; and the Seaside Market where you can purchase a wide variety of healthy foods and snacks.

4. La Jolla. If your preference is sheltered coves and unique landscapes, then visiting these beaches in San Diego County should definitely be listed on your itinerary. The versatility of La Jolla beaches makes for intriguing and enchanting getaways or they can be loads of fun for the entire family. Investigate the underwater marine life while snorkeling or simply walk the shoreline barefoot. Nearby attractions include The Scripps Institute of Oceanography and The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum.

5. Oceanside City Beach. Tropical palm trees stretch along the shores of this tranquil and eloquent beach located in northern San Diego County. Take a leisurely walk, ride your bicycle or rollerblade down what is called “The Strand” (the main street alongside the beach) or spend some time fishing off the pier at Oceanside. Nearby Cape Cod Village offers lots of great restaurants and the beach has lifeguards and restrooms.

6. Coronado Beach. If you are in San Diego, you will love the wide expanse of Coronado Beach with plenty of room for the family to spread out. While the kids are playing volleyball, soccer or tag, or tossing Frisbees, flying kites or building sand castles, you and your spouse can kick back and enjoy the surf, the sand and the seagulls.

This enchanting locale is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado and is just a short ferry ride away from San Diego Bay. Or you can opt to pack everything you will need for a day at the beach and drive across the Bay Bridge. No food is sold at the beach so be sure to bring along sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks. There is free parking on Ocean Avenue but it gets crowded quickly so try to get there early.

It is interesting to note that the entire California coastline is constantly changing due to tides, currents and weather conditions. Beaches erode and new ones form when sediment washes in from the Pacific Ocean.

With all its coves, cliffs and inlets, islands and harbors, jetties and piers, it would take eons to fully explore this magnificent geographical location. That is why many people return year after year to experience its magic and appreciate its treasures.

Hotel California Chords Acoustic

Whether you are a California resident headed to the beach to soak up the sun for a day, or you are planning a family vacation that your kids will remember for a long time to come, you’ll find some beaches to add to your itinerary here.

Hotel California Chords AcousticHere are six of the top beaches in California, including nice, quiet beaches as well as a few beaches that are particularly nice for visiting families.

1. Santa Monica Beach. The West Coast’s answer to Coney Island, this magnificent stretch of wide, sandy beach located in the seat of Los Angeles County features the famous Santa Monica Pier which houses its own amusement park atop one of the oldest wooden piers on the west coast. The site has also appeared in dozens of movies and television shows. Take a ride at sunset on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular ocean view. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the many different eateries in the area and be sure to check out the nearby attractions, which include Venice Beach and Palisades Park. This is one place that’s sure to make a splash with the entire family.

2. Newport Beach. A fascinating and trendy bit of real estate located in Orange County, Newport Beach offers locals and tourists a variety of activities. Stroll on a scenic walkway, embark on a refreshing harbor cruise, or go boating, scuba diving, or bodysurfing Dining at most restaurants includes panoramic views of the harbors. Make sure to check out the Fun Zone and Balboa Pavilion.

3. Cardiff State Beach. Located in San Diego County, this recreational facility features lifeguards, restrooms and a smoothly sloping beach for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, surfing and kayaking. People love Cardiff State Beach for its quiet beach, casual atmosphere, fewer crowds and excellent restaurants. Nearby points of interest include Restaurant Row, which features savory seafood and Mexican fare; San Elijo Lagoon, which boasts great bird watching; and the Seaside Market where you can purchase a wide variety of healthy foods and snacks.

4. La Jolla. If your preference is sheltered coves and unique landscapes, then visiting these beaches in San Diego County should definitely be listed on your itinerary. The versatility of La Jolla’s beaches makes for intriguing and enchanting getaways or they can be loads of fun for the entire family. Investigate the underwater marine life while snorkeling or simply walk the shoreline barefoot. Nearby attractions include The Scripps Institute of Oceanography and The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum.

5. Oceanside City Beach. Tropical palm trees stretch along the shores of this tranquil and eloquent beach located in northern San Diego County. Take a leisurely walk, ride your bicycle or roller-blade down what is called “The Strand” (the main street alongside the beach) or spend some time fishing off the pier at Oceanside. Nearby Cape Cod Village offers lots of great restaurants and the beach has lifeguards and restrooms.

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6. Coronado Beach. If you’re in San Diego, you’ll love the wide expanse of Coronado Beach with plenty of room for the family to spread out. While the kids are playing volleyball, soccer or tag, or tossing Frisbees, flying kites or building sand castles, you and your spouse can kick back and enjoy the surf, the sand and the seagulls.

This enchanting locale is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado and is just a short ferry ride away from San Diego Bay. Or you can opt to pack everything you’ll need for a day at the beach and drive across the Bay Bridge. No food is sold at the beach so be sure to bring along sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks. There is free parking on Ocean Avenue but it gets crowded quickly so try to get there early.

It’s interesting to note that the entire California coastline is constantly changing due to tides, currents and weather conditions. Beaches erode and new ones form when sediment washes in from the Pacific Ocean.

With all its coves, cliffs and inlets, islands and harbors, jetties and piers, it would take eons to fully explore this magnificent geographical location. That’s why many people return year after year to experience its magic and appreciate its treasures.

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Santa Monica, California

History

Main article: History of Santa Monica, California

Attractions and cultural resources

Santa Monica Pier entrance

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, designed by Welton Becket in 1958. Home of the Oscars award ceremony from 1961 to 1968.

The Monica, on 2nd Street, remains a highly popular art house/independent film theater.

The Santa Monica Hippodrome (carousel) is a National Historic Landmark. It sits on the Santa Monica Pier, which was built in 1909. The La Monica Ballroom on the pier was once the largest ballroom in the US, and the source for many New Year’s Eve national network broadcasts. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was an important music venue for several decades and hosted the Academy Awards in the 1960s. McCabe’s Guitar Shop is still a leading acoustic performance space, as well as retail outlet. Bergamot Station is a city-owned art gallery compound that includes the Santa Monica Museum of Art. The city is also home to the Santa Monica Heritage Museum.

Santa Monica is the home of the Third Street Promenade, a major outdoor pedestrian-oriented shopping district that stretches for three blocks between Wilshire Blvd. and Broadway (not the same Broadway in downtown and south Los Angeles). Third Street has been closed for those three blocks and converted to a pedestrians-only stretch to allow people to congregate, shop and enjoy street performers. Santa Monica Place, the indoor mall designed by Frank Gehry, is located just to the south. It’s been closed for redevelopment, and is expected to reopen in spring 2010 as a modern shopping-entertainment complex with more outdoor space.

Santa Monica hosts the annual Santa Monica Film Festival.

The oldest movie theater in the city is the Majestic. Also known as the Mayfair Theatre, the theater which opened in 1912 has been closed since the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The Aero Theater (now operated by the American Cinematheque) and Criterion Theater were built in the 1930s and still show movies. The Santa Monica Promenade alone supports more than a dozen movie screens.

Palisades Park stretches out along the crumbling bluffs overlooking the Pacific and is a favorite walking area to view the ocean. It features a camera obscura. For 48 years local churches and the Police Association assembled a 12-tableau story of Christmas in Palisades Park. The sheds were open on the street side, protected by chain-link fencing (for years there was no fencing because vandalism was not yet a large problem). Inside were dioramas of the Holy Family made from store mannequins; critics argued that many of them did not resemble real people, were damaged, or were otherwise inappropriate. In 2001 the city decided to temporarily end the practice of allowing private groups to place displays in city parks, but in 2004 the Christmas displays returned.

The Santa Monica Steps, a long, steep staircase that leads from north of San Vicente down into Santa Monica Canyon, is a popular spot for all-natural outdoor workouts. Some area residents have complained that the stairs have become too popular, and attract too many exercisers to the wealthy neighborhood of multimillion-dollar properties.

Natives and tourists alike have enjoyed the Santa Monica Rugby Club since 1972. The club has been very successful since its conception, most recently winning back-to-back national championships in 2005 and 2006. Santa Monica defeated the Boston Irish Wolfhounds 57-19 in the Division 1 final, convincingly claiming its second consecutive American title on June 4, 2006, in San Diego. They offer Men’s, Women’s and a thriving children’s programs. The club recently joined the Rugby Super League.

Every fall the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce hosts The Taste of Santa Monica on the Santa Monica Pier. Visitors can sample food and drinks from Santa Monica restaurants. Other annual events include the Business and Consumer Expo, Sustainable Quality Awards, Santa Monica Cares Health and Wellness Festival, and the State of the City.

Santa Monica is an international mecca for skateboarding culture.[citation needed]

Santa Monica has two hospitals: Saint John’s Health Center and Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. Its cemetery is Woodlawn Memorial.

Santa Monica has several newspapers and magazines, including the: Santa Monica Daily Press, the Santa Monica Mirror, the Santa Monica Observer Newspaper, Santa Monica Magazine, and the Santa Monica Sun.

Education

Elementary and secondary schools

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District provides public education at the elementary and secondary levels. Private schools in the city include the Crossroads School, New Roads School, Concord High School, Pacifica Christian High, St. Anne Catholic School, Lighthouse Christian Academy and Saint Monica Catholic High School. Notable primary schools include the Carlthorp School and Santa Monica Montessori School.

Post-secondary

Santa Monica College is a community college founded in 1929. Many SMC graduates transfer to the University of California system. It occupies 35 acres (14 hectares) and enrolls 30,000 students annually. The Frederick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, associated with the RAND Corporation, is the U.S.’s largest producer of public policy Ph.D.s. The Art Institute of California Los Angeles is also located in Santa Monica near the Santa Monica Airport, though many are misled to believe the institute is in the city of Los Angeles because of its name.

Universities and colleges within a 15-mile (24 km) radius from Santa Monica include Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles Valley College, Loyola Marymount University, Mount St. Mary’s College, Pepperdine University, California State University, Northridge, California State University, Los Angeles, UCLA, USC, West Los Angeles College and West Valley Occupational Center.

Transportation

The Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10) begins in Santa Monica near the Pacific Ocean and heads east. The Santa Monica Freeway between Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles has the distinction of being one of the busiest highways in all of North America. After traversing Los Angeles County, I-10 crosses seven more states, terminating at Jacksonville, Florida. In Santa Monica, there is a road sign designating this route as the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway . State Route 2 (Santa Monica Boulevard) begins in Santa Monica, barely grazing State Route 1 at Lincoln Boulevard, and continues northeast across Los Angeles County, through the Angeles National Forest, crossing the San Gabriel Mountains as the Angeles Crest Highway, ending in Wrightwood. Santa Monica is also the western (Pacific) terminus of historic U.S. Route 66. Close to the eastern boundary of Santa Monica, Sepulveda Boulevard reaches from Long Beach at the south, to the northern end of the San Fernando Valley. Just east of Santa Monica is Interstate 405, the “San Diego Freeway”, a major north-south route in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California.

On the other hand, City of Santa Monica has purchased the first ZeroTruck all-electric medium duty truck. The vehicle will be equipped with a Scelzi utility body, it is based on the Isuzu N series chassis, a UQM PowerPhase 100 advanced electric motor and is the only US built electric truck offered for sale in the United States in 2009.

Bus

The city of Santa Monica runs its own bus service, the Big Blue Bus, which also serves much of West Los Angeles and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). A Big Blue Bus was featured prominently in the action movie Speed.

The city of Santa Monica is also served by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s bus lines. Metro also complements Big Blue service, as when Big Blue routes are not operational overnight, Metro buses make many Big Blue Bus stops, in addition to MTA stops. It currently has no rail service but Metro is working on bringing light rail to Santa Monica in the form of the Exposition Line. Since the mid-1980s, various proposals have been made to extend the Purple Line subway to Santa Monica under Wilshire Boulevard. However, to this day, no plans to complete the “subway to the sea” are imminent, owing to the difficulty of funding the estimated billion project. In the past, Santa Monica had rail service operated by the Pacific Electric Railway, until it was dismantled in the 1960s.

Airport and ports

The city owns and operates a general aviation airport, Santa Monica Airport, which has been the site of several important aviation achievements. Commercial flights are available for residents at Los Angeles International Airport, a few miles south of Santa Monica.

Like other cities in Los Angeles County, Santa Monica is dependent upon the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles for international ship cargo. In the 1890s, Santa Monica was once in competition with Wilmington, Calif., and San Pedro for recognition as the “Port of Los Angeles” (see History of Santa Monica, California).

Medical services

Two major hospitals are within the Santa Monica city limits, UCLA Santa Monica Hospital and St. John’s Hospital. There are five fire stations providing medical and fire response- Fire Units 121-125. Santa Monica Fire used to be dispatched from within the city. However, SMFD is now incorporated into the Operation Command Dispatch (OCD) system for Los Angeles City Fire Department. Ambulance transportation is provided by Gerber Ambulance Services.

Geography

Santa Monica beach and pier viewed from the end of Santa Monica Pier. Note that the bluff is highest at the north end, to the left of the image

Santa Monica is situated at 341’19″ North, 11828’53″ West (34.022059, -118.481336).

The city rests on a mostly flat slope that angles down towards Ocean Avenue and towards the south. High bluffs separate the north side of the city from the beaches.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 41.2 km (15.9 mi); 21.4 km (8.3 mi) of land. Its borders extend three nautical miles (5.6 km) out to sea, and so 19.8 km (7.7 mi) of it is water for a total area that is 48.08% water.

Climate

Palm trees line Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica Downtown at twilight

Santa Monica enjoys an average of 310 days of sunshine a year. Because of its location, nestled on the vast and open Santa Monica Bay, morning fog is a common phenomenon in May, June and early July (caused by ocean temperature variations and currents). Locals have a particular terminology for this phenomenon: the “May Gray” and the “June Gloom”. Overcast skies are common for June mornings, but usually the strong sun burns the fog off by noon. Nonetheless, it will sometimes stay cloudy and cool all day during June, even as other parts of the Los Angeles area enjoy sunny skies and warmer temperatures. At times, the sun shines east of 20th St., while the beach area is overcast.

As a general rule, the beach temperature is from 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 5.5 degrees Celsius) cooler than it is inland. A typical spring day (Mid-April) is sunny, pleasant and about 68 F (20 C). In the summer, which stretches from May to late October, temperatures can reach the mid-80′s Fahrenheit (about 30 C) at the beach. The average temperature for August is 71 F (21 C). September is the warmest month of the year in Santa Monica, with an average of 73.2 F (22 C). It is also in September that high temperature records tend to be broken. In early September 2004, 92 F (33 C) to 98 F (33 C to 37 C) were recorded.

In early November, it is about 68 F (20 C). In late January, temperatures are around 63 F (17 C). It is winter, however, when the hot, dry winds of the Santa Anas are most common. In mid-December 2004, temperatures soared to 84 F (28 C) in Santa Monica, for a few straight days, with perfectly sunny skies. In contrast, temperatures exceeding 10 degrees below average are rare.

The rainy season is from late October through late March. Winter storms usually approach from the northwest and pass quickly through the Southland. There is very little rain during the rest of the year. Yearly rainfall totals are unpredictable as rainy years are occasionally followed by droughts.

Santa Monica usually enjoys a cool breeze blowing in from the ocean, keeping the air fresh and clean. Therefore, smog is less of a problem for Santa Monica than elsewhere around Los Angeles. However, in the autumn months of September through November, the Santa Ana winds will sometimes blow from the east, bringing smoggy inland air to the beaches.

Climate data for Santa Monica

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Year

Record high C (F)

29

(84)

32

(90)

32

(90)

37

(99)

31

(88)

33

(91)

33

(91)

35

(95)

40

(104)

37

(99)

38

(100)

32

(90)

40

(104)

Average high C (F)

18

(64)

17

(63)

17

(63)

17

(63)

18

(64)

19

(66)

21

(70)

21

(70)

22

(72)

21

(70)

19

(66)

19

(66)

22

(72)

Average low C (F)

10

(50)

11

(52)

11

(52)

12

(54)

13

(55)

15

(59)

17

(63)

17

(63)

17

(63)

15

(59)

12

(54)

11

(52)

10

(50)

Record low C (F)

1

(34)

2

(36)

1

(34)

4

(39)

6

(43)

7

(45)

11

(52)

11

(52)

7

(45)

6

(43)

3

(37)

1

(34)

1

(34)

Precipitation mm (inches)

77.7

(3.06)

83.6

(3.29)

65.0

(2.56)

13.5

(0.53)

6.4

(0.25)

1.0

(0.04)

0.3

(0.01)

3.3

(0.13)

4.3

(0.17)

9.1

(0.36)

25.9

(1.02)

47.9

(1.89)

338

(13.31)

Source:
Environment

The city is well known as one of the leading sustainable cities in all of the US.[who?] Three of every four of the city public works vehicles run on alternative fuel, making it among the largest such fleets in the country. All public buildings use renewable energy. In the last 15 years, the city has cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 10 per cent, a feat in car-crazy Southern California. City officials and residents have made the ongoing cleanup of the Santa Monica Bay a priority an urban runoff facility catches 3.5 million gallons of water each week that would otherwise flow into the bay. Other environmental features include miles of beaches, extensive curbside recycling, farmer markets, community gardens, and the city bus system.

Demographics

Historical populations

Census

Pop.

 %

1880

417

1890

1,580

278.9%

1900

3,057

93.5%

1910

7,847

156.7%

1920

15,252

94.4%

1930

37,146

143.5%

1940

53,500

44.0%

1950

71,595

33.8%

1960

83,249

16.3%

1970

88,289

6.1%

1980

88,314

0%

1990

86,905

1.6%

2000

84,084

3.2%

Est. 2008

87,664

4.3%

Santa Monica City Hall, designed by Donald Parkinson, with terrazo mosaics by Stanton MacDonald-Wright

Santa Monica’s population has grown from 417 in 1880 to 87,664 in 2008. For population statistics by decade, see History of Santa Monica, California.

As of the census of 2000, there are 84,084 people, 44,497 households, and 16,775 families in the city. The population density is 3,930.4/km (10,178.7/mi). There are 47,863 housing units at an average density of 2,237.3/km (5,794.0/mi). The racial makeup of the city is 78.29% White, 7.25% Asian, 3.78% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.97% from other races, and 4.13% from two or more races. 13.44% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 44,497 households, out of which 15.8% have children under the age of 18, 27.5% are married couples living together, 7.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 62.3% are non-families. 51.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 1.83 and the average family size is 2.80.

The city of Santa Monica is consistently among the most educated cities in the United States, as measured by the percentage of residents with graduate degrees.

The population is diverse in age, with 14.6% under 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 40.1% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% 65 years or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females, there are 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.3 males.

According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city is ,796, and the median income for a family is 0,657. Males have a median income of ,689 versus ,948 for females. The per capita income for the city is ,874. 10.4% of the population and 5.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.9% of those under the age of 18 and 10.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Government and infrastructure

The Santa Monica City Council, a Council-Manager form of government, with seven Council members elected at-large, is the current governing body of the city. Mayor Ken Genser died on January 9, 2010, and Pam O’Connor assumed the title of temporary mayor. In the state legislature Santa Monica is located in the 23rd California State Senate District, represented by Democrat Fran Pavley, and in the 41st California State Assembly district District, represented by Democrat Julia Brownley. Federally, Santa Monica is located in California’s 30th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +20 and is represented by Democrat Henry Waxman.

Economy

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Headquarters of Activision

Santa Monica is home to the headquarters of many notable businesses, including Lions Gate Films, Experian subsidiary LowerMyBills.com, the RAND Corporation, investment firm Dimensional Fund Advisors, search engine company Business.com, and film / television production company and record label The Playtone Company, headed by actor Tom Hanks and producer Gary Goetzman. Major companies with branch offices in Santa Monica include: Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Universal, MTV and Edmunds.com. The Design Center California for Volkswagen, formerly located in Simi Valley, moved to the former site of the Museum Of Flying at the Santa Monica Airport in 2006. Volkswagen’s only styling studio in North America has been responsible for many notable automotive designs, including The New Beetle and The Audi Road Jet concept seen at the Detroit Car Show. The offices for the Comedy Central show South Park are located in Santa Monica. Supermarine, now Atlantic Aviation, is at the Santa Monica Airport.[citation needed]

A number of game development studios are based in Santa Monica, making it a major location for the industry. These include:

Activision

High Impact Games (Work with the PSP system and creators of Ratchet: Size Matters)

Insomniac Games (Creators of Spyro the Dragon (19982000), Ratchet & Clank and Resistance franchises)

Naughty Dog (Creators of Crash Bandicoot (19961999), Jak & Daxter and Uncharted franchises)

SCE Studios Santa Monica

Studio Santa Monica (An in-house studio of SCE and creators of God of War)

Former Santa Monica businesses include Douglas Aircraft (now merged with Boeing) and MySpace (now headquartered in Beverly Hills).[citation needed] In December 1996, GeoCities was headquartered on the third floor of 1918 Main Street in Santa Monica.

Crime

In 2006, crime in Santa Monica affected 4.41% of the population, slightly lower than the national average crime rate that year of 4.48%. The majority of this was property crime, which affected 3.74% of Santa Monica’s population in 2006; this was higher than the rates for Los Angeles County (2.76%) and California (3.17%), but lower than the national average (3.91%). These per-capita crime rates are computed based on Santa Monica’s full-time population of about 85,000. However, the Santa Monica Police Department has suggested the actual per-capita crime rate is much lower, as tourists, workers, and beachgoers can increase the city’s daytime population to between 250,000 and 450,000 people.

Violent crimes affected 0.67% of the population in Santa Monica in 2006, in line with Los Angeles County (0.65%), but higher than the averages for California (0.53%) and the nation (0.55%).

Hate crime has typically been minimal in Santa Monica, with only one reported incident in 2007. However, the city experienced a spike of anti-Islamic hate crime in 2001, following the attacks of September 11. Hate crime levels returned to their minimal 2000 levels by 2002.

In 2006, Santa Monica voters passed “Measure Y” with a 65% majority, which moved the issuance of citations for marijuana smoking to the bottom of the police priority list. A 2009 study by the Santa Monica Daily Press showed that since the law took effect in 2007, the Santa Monica Police had “not issued any citations for offenses involving the adult, personal use of marijuana inside private residences.”

Gang activity

While gentrification has transformed much of the city, some areas of Santa Monica experience gang activity. The city estimates that there are fewer than 50 gang members in Santa Monica, although some community organizers dispute this claim. Gang activity has been prevalent for decades in the Pico neighborhood, particularly the portion of the area running roughly from 14th Street to just east of Cloverfield, and between Pico Boulevard and Colorado Ave. This war has sporadically spilled into the halls of Santa Monica High School and impacts daily life for students at Olympic High School (at the corner of Ocean Park Blvd and Lincoln Blvd). These various feuds have claimed dozens of lives over more than two decades.

Culver/Pico feud

One of the most violent feuds was between Latino Santa Monica 13 gangs and the rival Culver City 13 gang. In 1998, five shooting deaths occurred in a two week period between these two gangs.

In October 1998, alleged Culver City 13 gang member Omar Sevilla, 21, of Culver City was killed. A couple of hours after the shooting of Sevilla, German tourist Horst Fietze was killed. Several days later Juan Martin Campos, age 23, a Santa Monica City employer and former gang member was shot and killed. Police believe this was a retaliatory killing in response to the death of Omar Sevilla. Less than twenty-four hours later, Javier Cruz was wounded outside his home on 17th and Michigan, a violence riddled pocket of the Pico area.

In 2006, there was a double homicide in the Westside Clothing store on Lincoln Boulevard. During the incident, Culver City gang members David “Puppet” Robles and Jesse “Psycho” Garcia entered the store masked and began opening fire, killing Anthony and Michael Juarez. They then ran outside to a getaway vehicle driven by a third Culver City gang member, who is now also in custody. The clothing store was believed to be a local hang out for Santa Monica gang members. The dead included two men from Northern California who had merely been visiting the store’s owner, their cousin, to see if they could open a similar store in their area. Police say the incident was in retaliation for a shooting committed by the Santa Monica 13 gang days before the Juarez brothers were gunned down.

Aside from the rivalry with the Culver City gang, Black and Latino Pico gang members also feud with the Venice and West Los Angeles gangs. The main rivals in these regions include Venice 13, and Venice Shoreline Crips gangs located in the Oakwood area of Venice, CA. The Sotel 13 gang located in West Los Angeles has long been the main rival of Santa Monica’s Latino gangs.

In popular culture

Film and television

Hundreds of movies have been shot or set in part within the city of Santa Monica. One of the oldest exterior shots in Santa Monica is Buster Keaton Spite Marriage (1929) which shows much of 2nd Street. The comedy It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) included several scenes shot in Santa Monica, including those along the California Street incline, which led to the movie’s treasure spot, “The Big W”. The Sylvester Stallone movie Rocky III (1982) shows Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed training to fight Clubber Lang by running on the Santa Monica Beach, and Stallone’s Demolition Man (1993) includes Santa Monica settings. Henry Jaglom’s indie Someone to Love (1987), the last film in which Orson Welles appeared, takes place in Santa Monica’s venerable Mayfair Theatre. Heathers (1989) used Santa Monica’s John Adams Middle School for many exterior shots. The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996) is set entirely in Santa Monica, particularly the Palisades Park area, and features a radio station that resembles KCRW at Santa Monica College. 17 Again (2009) was shot at Samo High. Other movies that show significant exterior shots Santa Monica include Fletch (1985), Get Shorty (1995), and Ocean’s Eleven (2001).

The documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) and the related dramatic film Lords of Dogtown (2005) are both about the influential skateboarding culture of Santa Monica’s Ocean Park neighborhood in the ’70s.

The Santa Monica Pier is shown in many movies, including They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969), The Sting (1973), Ruthless People (1986), Beverly Hills Cop III (1994), Clean Slate (1994), Forrest Gump (1994), The Net (1995), Love Stinks (1999), Cellular (2004) and Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009).

A number of television series have been set in Santa Monica, including Baywatch, Three’s Company, Pacific Blue, and Private Practice. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the main exterior set of the town of Sunnydale, including the infamous “sun sign”, was located in Santa Monica in a lot on Olympic Boulevard.

The movies The Doors (1991) and Speed (1994) featured Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus.

The city of Santa Monica (and in particular the Santa Monica airport) was featured in Roland Emmerich’s disaster film 2012 (2009). An earthquake destroys the airport and the surrounding area as a group of survivors escape in a personal plane.

Literature

Raymond Chandler’s most famous character, private detective Philip Marlowe, frequently has a portion of his adventures in a place called “Bay City”, which is modeled on depression-era Santa Monica. In Marlowe’s world, Bay City is “a wide-open town”, where gambling and other crimes thrive due to a massively corrupt and ineffective police force.

The setting on a certain portion of Mitch Albom’s book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, has similarities to the Pacific Pier located along the Santa Monica beach. In the book, it is named Ruby Pier. Mitch Albom even acknowledged the Pacific Pier for its cooperation.

Music

The band “Linkin Park” was named after the Lincoln Park in Santa Monica.

The modern rock band Theory of a Deadman’s song titled “Santa Monica”, is a first-person account about a girl leaving her significant other to start a new life in Santa Monica.

The band Everclear released a song titled “Santa Monica” in 1995, which became their first mainstream hit.

The band Savage Garden also released a song titled “Santa Monica” off their #3 US album Savage Garden (1997).

The ska/reggae band, Bedouin Soundclash has a song entitled “Santa Monica”.

One of the few songs that musical satirist Tom Lehrer has recorded since the 1970s is a tribute to the holidays of the Jewish calendar entitled “I’m Spending Hanukkah in Santa Monica”.

Santa Monica is referenced throughout Jack’s Mannequin’s debut album Everything In Transit.

In 1968, British singer-songwriter Noel Harrison released a song and album titled Santa Monica Pier.

In 1948, bandleader Kay Kyser released a 78 record of the novelty song “When Veronica Plays the Harmonica (Down at the Pier in Santa Monica).”

Gaming

Santa Monica is featured in the video games True Crime: Streets of LA (2003), Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines (2004), Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (2004) , Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland (2005), and Midnight Club: Los Angeles (2008).

See also

Los Angeles portal

List of City of Santa Monica Designated Historic Landmarks

List of people from Santa Monica, California

Muscle Beach

Santa Monica neighborhoods

References

^ a b c Santa Monica, California (City-Data.com)

^ Martha Groves, Hopes high for low-profile mall, Los Angeles Times, March 5, 2007.

^ Ben Tracy (February 18, 2009). “Santa Monica’s Disputed Steps”. CBS News TV report. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4811826n. Retrieved February 24, 2010. 

^ http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=21244

^ “US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990″. United States Census Bureau. 2005-05-03. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 

^ “Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Los Angeles, California, United States of America”. Weatherbase.com. http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=159227&refer=. Retrieved 2009-08-13. 

^ “Santa Barbara.com: June Gloom”. SantaBarbara.com. http://www.santabarbara.com/community/weather/junegloom.asp. Retrieved 2009-08-13. 

^ “Santa Monica Average Weather”. http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/achesandpains/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USCA1024. 

^ City Mayors: The greenest US cities

^ Environmental Programs Division (EPD) – City of Santa Monica

^ “American FactFinder”. United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 

^ CNN Money – 25 Most Educated Cities

^ Santa Monica city, California – Fact Sheet – American FactFinder

^ “Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser dies at 59″. Los Angeles Times. 2010-01-10. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-santamonica-mayor10-2010jan10,0,6224860.story. 

^ “Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?”. Campaign Legal Center Blog. http://www.clcblog.org/blog_item-85.html. Retrieved 2008-02-10. 

^ “INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT.” Lions Gate Films. Retrieved on November 3, 2009.

^ “Advertising and Sponsorship Information.” GeoCities. December 19, 1996. Retrieved on April 30, 2009.

^ a b “Santa Monica CA Crime Statistics (2006 Crime Data)”. http://santamonica.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm. Retrieved 25 August 2009. 

^ a b “Crime Statistics for Santa Monica”. http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Santa_Monica-California/community-info/. Retrieved 25 August 2009. 

^ Schley, Reeve T. (September 25, 2002). “Santa Monica Crime Rate Is Highest in Los Angeles County”. Santa Monica Mirror. http://www.smmirror.com/volume4/issue15/santa_monica_crime.asp. Retrieved August 25, 2009. 

^ “Sustainable City Progress Report”. http://www.smgov.net/Departments/OSE/categories/contentFullPage.aspx?id=6261. Retrieved 25 August 2009. 

^ “Measure Y: Lowest Enforcement Priority for Adult, Personal Use of Marijuana City of Santa Monica”. http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/ca/la/meas/Y/. Retrieved 25 August 2009. 

^ Emma Trotter (July 31, 2009). “Two years of toking it up”. Santa Monica Daily Press. http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-07-31-61013.113116_Two_years_of_toking_it_up_.html. Retrieved August 25, 2009. 

^ Police Chief Calls for Regional Approach to Gang Violence

^ Death of gangster Omar Sevilla.

^ NBC Los Angeles report on the capture of Fietze’s killer

^ Gang Bullets Pierce Santa Monica’s Image

^ Violence in Pico

^ Suspects Charged in Westside Clothing Store Shooting

^ ‘Gangster’s Paradise Lost’

^ a b www.imdb.com

^ Various authors, “Sets and Locations”, The Ultimate Buffy and Angel Trivia Guide (updated 2007).

^ Hiney, Tom (1999). Raymond Chandler. Grove Press. p. 92. ISBN 0802136370, 9780802136374. 

^ Steve Harvey, “Only in L.A.”, Los Angeles Times, February 9, 1990.

^ YouTube video of recording, “When Veronica Plays the Harmonica”, Kay Kyser.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Santa Monica, California

City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau

Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce

Santa Monica Little Leagues

Santa Monica travel guide from Wikitravel

Santa Monica, California at the Open Directory Project

Coordinates: 340106 1182925 / 34.01833N 118.49028W / 34.01833; -118.49028

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Traveling to California

The “Golden State” of California has long been one of the most famous settlement spots in the United States.  After the gold rush of 1848, countless people from all over the world came rushing to this geographically diverse land in search of opportunity and prosperity, seldom went away disappointed.

With almost 100 million acres of land, California is the third largest state in the U.S., next only to Alaska and Texas.  It is nestled along the Pacific Ocean with a coastline of 1,264 miles stretching from the Oregon border in the north to the Mexican border in the south.  It is one of the most culturally diverse states in the country, with its citizens having varied ethnic backgrounds like Native American, African American, Hispanic, European, and Asian.  California climate is also one of the most diverse in the whole United States.  With four different climate zones, one could always find a region in California suitable for their taste.  

Although mountains and deserts dominate the state’s landscape, real estate lands is not hard to come by.  In fact, one could even find an upscale resort community within the Colorado Desert – Palm Springs.  It has become famous for its warm winter sunshine and its star-studded population.  Other upscale communities can be found in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and the coastal strip between Los Angeles and San Diego.  Low to medium scale real estate, on the other hand, could be found on the outlying communities and upland areas.

For business and employment considerations, one could always find opportunities a few hours drive away from their home. Employment and business opportunities in the state are among the highest in the nation due to its continually booming industries.  

Tourism remains as California’s leading industry.  Some of the well-known tourist destinations within the state are Disneyland, Hollywood, Golden Gate Bridge, and Sea World.  There are many more similarly famous theme parks, national parks, and landmarks all throughout the state.

Foreign trade has also been a major industry.  Among the leaders in this industry is the City of Los Angeles, whose ports have continually been one of the most busiest in the country for decades.  In 1994, the city overtook New York as the country’s premier gateway for foreign trade.

Sports fans would never be disappointed as the state hosts a number of professional teams in different sports.  Among the famous California professional sports teams are: the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Sacramento Kings (NBA), Golden State Warriors (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Diego Padres (MLB), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Los Angeles Angels (MLB), Oakland Athletics (MLB), San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Diego Chargers (NFL), Oakland Raiders (NFL), Anaheim Mighty Ducks (NHL), and the Los Angeles Kings (NHL).

National Security matters is not an issue in the State of California.  Seized by the United States Marines at the height of the Mexican-American war (1846 – 1848), San Diego Bay houses the largest concentration of military personnel in any city in the United States.

With its natural beauty, coupled with teeming opportunities, living in the state of California promises a future worth spending in.

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Southern California May Sales rise as Median Price Edges over 0K

Southern California home sales rose in May and the median price paid topped 0,000 for the first time in 20 months, largely because the ultra bargains have been drying up in the low-cost inland areas while sales have increased in the pricier coastal neighborhoods, a real estate information service reported.

The median, or the midpoint of all prices paid for a Southland home, rose to 5,000 in May, up 7.0 percent from 5,000 in April, and up 22.5 percent from 9,000 in May 2009. The May 2009 median was just ,000 higher than the median’s post-housing-boom low of 7,000 in April 2009.

May was the sixth month in a row in which the median rose on a year-over-year basis. However, the May median was still 39.6 percent below the 5,000 peak, reached multiple times in spring and summer 2007. This shift toward more high-end sales helped the Southland median jump ,000 between this past April and May and ,000 between this May and May 2009.

The median’s steep fall from its mid-2007 peak to its spring 2009 low was the result of two factors: a widespread decline in home values, and a huge run-up in sales of lower-cost inland homes, especially foreclosures, at the same time high-end sales plummeted.

Over the past year, however, that situation has been reversing itself.Lenders have begun to dip their toe into the jumbo loan market although the best mortgage rate in their home loan offerings is still found in loan amounts at or below 7,000.

“Last month’s jump in the regional median sale price is the flipside of what we saw a year ago, when low-cost inland foreclosures dominated and sales in the costlier coastal towns struggled for a pulse. Today the bargains on foreclosures are fewer and farther between, and the high-end is approaching a normal sales rate,” said John Walsh, MDA DataQuick president.

“The important thing to remember, though, is that what we saw in May was partly driven by government stimulus,” he continued. “In the second half of the year the market will have to stand on its own again, barring new forms of government involvement. Prices will be tested if there’s any sudden move by lenders to release a flood of distressed properties.”

The combination of tax incentives and low mortgage rates helped stoke sales in mid- to high-end areas, where distress has increased over the last year and sellers have become more motivated and realistic.

Last month 21.6 percent of all sales were for 0,000 or more, compared with 19.3 percent in April and 17.4 percent a year ago. Zip codes in the top one-third of the Southland housing market, based on historical prices, accounted for 30.9 percent of existing single-family house sales last month, up from 28.6 percent in April and 25.3 percent a year ago. Over the past decade, those high-end areas have contributed a monthly average of 34.1 percent of total regional sales. Their contribution to overall sales hit a low of 21.0 percent in January 2009.

Indicators of market distress continue to move in different directions. Foreclosure activity remains high by historical standards but is lower than peak levels reached over the last two years. Financing with multiple mortgages is low, down payment sizes are stable, and non-owner occupied buying is above-average, MDA DataQuick reports.

Orange County sees Distressed Inventory Climb to Highest Level since May 2009

The inventory of homes in foreclosure and short sales that are on the market in Orange County, Calif., has grown by 29% so far this year, according to National Mortgage News citing Altera Real Estate. In its biweekly report on the Orange County housing market, the company notes, “The active distressed inventory has increased from 2,555 homes at the beginning of the year to 3,307, levels not seen since May of 2009.” In Orange County, one of the hardest hit real estate markets in Southern California, the distressed homes inventory represents 31% of the current active inventory. In June of 2009, there were 2,766 distressed homes on the market, 541 fewer than today. The number of foreclosures within the active listing inventory increased by 19 homes in the past two weeks from 559 to 578. But the expected market time for foreclosures is 1.73 months, Altera says, which indicates a hot seller’s market.

San Diego Housing Catches its Breath

The run up in home prices over the Spring in San Diego County took a break in June as sales activity, though not inspired, was still more robust than earlier this year. June’s median price of 5,500 slid 1.3 percent from the May figure of 0,000, while just a month earlier the median had jumped sharply. But compared to a year ago the June median was up 6.8 percent and represents the ninth straight month of year-over-year increases.

Expect the market, though, to remain relatively sluggish in the coming months as the stimulus from the tax credit starts to fade and economic worries persist. Some experts believe that sales and prices will taper off in the coming months once the more high-volume summer buying season comes to an end and the effect of the federal credit wanes.

MDA DataQuick  reports that last month’s sales tally of 3,885 homes and condos marked the highest June in four years, although they pointed out that it was still 17 percent below the average activity for that month since the company began tracking the market in 1988.

According to the San Diego Association of Realtors data, single-family resales prices did climb last month, rising nearly 1 percent to 0,000, the highest since July of 2008, when the median-priced home sale was 9,000.

Norm Miller, a University of San Diego economist was quoted as saying “right now, I don’t see any reason to see a big surge in sales, just a very slow recovery based on the economic signals we have now. But if you can jump into the single family market now, you can’t do any better. Prices are not likely to go down, and interest rates are so low.”

“Home values going forward will depend on how lenders handle the remaining distress out there,” said DataQuick analyst Andrew LePage. “My sense is if there are not a lot changes in the economy and the level of foreclosures sales doesn’t rise, prices will be pretty flat through the end of the year. It looks like we’re in a period of stagnation that normally follows a large decline.”

May sales were the highest for that month since May 2006, but they still fell 15.0 percent short of the average number sold in May since 1988, when DataQuick’s statistics begin. The 9.7 percent increase in sales between April and May compares with an average change of 6 percent since 1988.

Meantime, sales have fallen in many affordable inland communities. In May, zip codes in the bottom one-third of the market, based on their historical prices, saw resales of single-family houses drop 3.9 percent from April and drop 16.2 percent from a year earlier. Part of the decline reflects the dwindling foreclosure inventory, which had been the major draw for first-time buyers and investors. In the upper one-third of the market by price, May resales climbed 10.8 percent from April and rose 21.7 percent from last year.

Reasons to Buy a Home in California During Recession – The Perfect Time to Snag Those Dream Houses

Houses in California are one of the most sought after homes. They have great real estate companies that can provide the best homes for your family. Actually, California is one of the states that are known for high prices when it comes to residential homes.

San Diego lies as one of the main cities of California. It is actually a nice place for you to settle. One of the perfect places to stay within in this area is in Carlsbad County. They have great homes in this place and it is just right when you want to start out a family because it is really one of the most family-friendly places. However, it is important that you know the prices of their homes.

In 2006, most homes cost around 400,000 to a million dollars. There are various ranges of prices for different kinds of houses but the quoted above are just for single-family house. If you want to own a three-bedroom condominium or townhouses, it could range from 300,000-400,000 dollars. However, that is just it; there are other more things to consider when buying a house in this place. You need to consider the taxes incurred in the process. Carlsbad Real Estate has additional charges that you will be incurring in the process.

However, despite of it all, due to the recession you can expect that prices of homes are falling. They are more likely to decline within the next 2 years as forecasted by PMI. Therefore, if that is bound to happen, your dreams of buying your dream house in California could be a dream come true.

Another reason why you should be buying these homes at these times is that when recession started, the real estate market went down. Less people are considering to buy houses therefore, most of the homeowners, give the best deals for their homes just to sell them. Of course, it is expected that not all people will be able to afford the houses despite the fact that prices have come down. In fact, the National Realtors Association said that the steepest decline in single-family homes is in California. Thus, it made the prices of San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos drop about 36%. Nevertheless, the good thing for those who are eager to purchase homes will be savings and great deals.

Married couples are most likely the ones who will buy homes in this place for them to start a family. Therefore, if you are one of these couples, come to San Diego and check out Carlsbad Real Estate. You should be seeking this place if you want to have the best homes for your family. It is even considered one of the top 20 communities that are considered safe by the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies. San Diego-Carlsbad ranked number 7. With home prices likely, to come down, you should grab the opportunity and contact your real estate agent. Who knows, you might land having your dream house and on top of that gain a little few extras in buying them.

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