[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To be honest – “pretty darn nice” fits well for family and what I am looking for. Temecula was not in my original search but after hearing folks talk from Piggs it is on the short list – maybe on the outskirts of town as others have suggested. What effect of the city being part of the County of Riverside play … infrastructure, city services (fire, police, waste), taxes comapred to San Diego County?

James

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To those posting – Again great insight … perfect scoop for the process in my search on where my family will put down roots! Thanks for all that posted (Dharmagirl, SD Realtor, Bubblesitter, Dizzle, Kirsten, Meadandle, Temeculaguy, Greekfire)- your input is valued. I appreciate the postings that not only show the positives of each area but the things you do not like or would change given the opportunity – applause to the soccer moms of Temecula Valley in the grass root/community effort to stop the Quarry and to those in Carlsbad to protest the Wal-Mart.

At this point the next step will be to visit the area and do a little “leg work” and get a personal feel, to keep digging via the internet, and watch in amazement the bubble burst, and then to shrink our search down to 3-4 (coastal vs. inland)regions. Again, I am in the market for a “home” for my family – not so much an investment. Hopefully by the summer of 2010 the blunt of this market fallout will show some sign of stability. As I review my initial post and your feedback it helps to solidify what I am really seeking and refine a priority ranking:

1. Schools (private is always an option although I am a strong proponent of public education during the formative years & private later), I would disfavor a commute to the elementary grades
2. Community – family feel, infrastructure, safety (maybe gated – although we have never lived in this type before), a little space for daily outdoor events (can the kids ride their bikes down the street), community center & events
3. House itself: 5 bedroom – large enough for family but maintainable for the parents (3200-4600 sq ft), construction & functionality, level lot & cul-de-sac type placement, does not need to be the highest in our price range nor does it need to be the newest but efficient for our overall needs, a place we will live for the next 15 yrs
4. Region/area: taxes, ownership fees, proactive city government, proximity to services (restaurants, shopping), roads & traffic, commute to Pendleton (Naval Hospital – either front or back gate), weather – compared to where we have lived in the past anywhere in N County will be enjoyable!
5. The remaining few: does not really matter as the first four will decide

Before finding Piggs my I was looking at San Elijo Hills (purely from my internet search) but have an uneasy sense for this area now after reading some of the post here and related sights … appears some issues with quality of construction. We will continue to look at Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Deluz, Temecula, and possible up to Murrieta.

I agree with others here homes with five acres may be too much for a “family feel” … and yes Temecula guy – your post of http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/42000-Via-Del-Monte-92592/home/1251295… is a beautiful & impressive house but I think your first is more the type to fit our needs http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/34003-Arietta-92592/home/12506768. (it fits our priority list nicely). If we did have 2.8 M for a house such as this I would use 1M for the house then use 800k for a 3bdrm turnkey condo in Mammoth, and invest the remaining (a large portion into our 529 plans). Family has a way of making priorities well defined – but I would appreciate a home such as this… incredible.

Specific houses are next after the area is locked down, although looking at specific houses does help get a feel for things. Again, thanks for the input & insight … we will research more then return to this post in a few months. Any additional thoughts are appreciated… a lingering question from afar – what of these developments in N County started at the end of the bubble with houses built but not finished, yet still listed for sell (Malabar Ranch in N Temecula, Reserve in Temecula, San Elijo Hills, Deluz? They are no longer listed by the builder but instead by individual realtor agencies even though construction is not completed?

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To those posting – Again great insight … perfect scoop for the process in my search on where my family will put down roots! Thanks for all that posted (Dharmagirl, SD Realtor, Bubblesitter, Dizzle, Kirsten, Meadandle, Temeculaguy, Greekfire)- your input is valued. I appreciate the postings that not only show the positives of each area but the things you do not like or would change given the opportunity – applause to the soccer moms of Temecula Valley in the grass root/community effort to stop the Quarry and to those in Carlsbad to protest the Wal-Mart.

At this point the next step will be to visit the area and do a little “leg work” and get a personal feel, to keep digging via the internet, and watch in amazement the bubble burst, and then to shrink our search down to 3-4 (coastal vs. inland)regions. Again, I am in the market for a “home” for my family – not so much an investment. Hopefully by the summer of 2010 the blunt of this market fallout will show some sign of stability. As I review my initial post and your feedback it helps to solidify what I am really seeking and refine a priority ranking:

1. Schools (private is always an option although I am a strong proponent of public education during the formative years & private later), I would disfavor a commute to the elementary grades
2. Community – family feel, infrastructure, safety (maybe gated – although we have never lived in this type before), a little space for daily outdoor events (can the kids ride their bikes down the street), community center & events
3. House itself: 5 bedroom – large enough for family but maintainable for the parents (3200-4600 sq ft), construction & functionality, level lot & cul-de-sac type placement, does not need to be the highest in our price range nor does it need to be the newest but efficient for our overall needs, a place we will live for the next 15 yrs
4. Region/area: taxes, ownership fees, proactive city government, proximity to services (restaurants, shopping), roads & traffic, commute to Pendleton (Naval Hospital – either front or back gate), weather – compared to where we have lived in the past anywhere in N County will be enjoyable!
5. The remaining few: does not really matter as the first four will decide

Before finding Piggs my I was looking at San Elijo Hills (purely from my internet search) but have an uneasy sense for this area now after reading some of the post here and related sights … appears some issues with quality of construction. We will continue to look at Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Deluz, Temecula, and possible up to Murrieta.

I agree with others here homes with five acres may be too much for a “family feel” … and yes Temecula guy – your post of http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/42000-Via-Del-Monte-92592/home/1251295… is a beautiful & impressive house but I think your first is more the type to fit our needs http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/34003-Arietta-92592/home/12506768. (it fits our priority list nicely). If we did have 2.8 M for a house such as this I would use 1M for the house then use 800k for a 3bdrm turnkey condo in Mammoth, and invest the remaining (a large portion into our 529 plans). Family has a way of making priorities well defined – but I would appreciate a home such as this… incredible.

Specific houses are next after the area is locked down, although looking at specific houses does help get a feel for things. Again, thanks for the input & insight … we will research more then return to this post in a few months. Any additional thoughts are appreciated… a lingering question from afar – what of these developments in N County started at the end of the bubble with houses built but not finished, yet still listed for sell (Malabar Ranch in N Temecula, Reserve in Temecula, San Elijo Hills, Deluz? They are no longer listed by the builder but instead by individual realtor agencies even though construction is not completed?

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To those posting – Again great insight … perfect scoop for the process in my search on where my family will put down roots! Thanks for all that posted (Dharmagirl, SD Realtor, Bubblesitter, Dizzle, Kirsten, Meadandle, Temeculaguy, Greekfire)- your input is valued. I appreciate the postings that not only show the positives of each area but the things you do not like or would change given the opportunity – applause to the soccer moms of Temecula Valley in the grass root/community effort to stop the Quarry and to those in Carlsbad to protest the Wal-Mart.

At this point the next step will be to visit the area and do a little “leg work” and get a personal feel, to keep digging via the internet, and watch in amazement the bubble burst, and then to shrink our search down to 3-4 (coastal vs. inland)regions. Again, I am in the market for a “home” for my family – not so much an investment. Hopefully by the summer of 2010 the blunt of this market fallout will show some sign of stability. As I review my initial post and your feedback it helps to solidify what I am really seeking and refine a priority ranking:

1. Schools (private is always an option although I am a strong proponent of public education during the formative years & private later), I would disfavor a commute to the elementary grades
2. Community – family feel, infrastructure, safety (maybe gated – although we have never lived in this type before), a little space for daily outdoor events (can the kids ride their bikes down the street), community center & events
3. House itself: 5 bedroom – large enough for family but maintainable for the parents (3200-4600 sq ft), construction & functionality, level lot & cul-de-sac type placement, does not need to be the highest in our price range nor does it need to be the newest but efficient for our overall needs, a place we will live for the next 15 yrs
4. Region/area: taxes, ownership fees, proactive city government, proximity to services (restaurants, shopping), roads & traffic, commute to Pendleton (Naval Hospital – either front or back gate), weather – compared to where we have lived in the past anywhere in N County will be enjoyable!
5. The remaining few: does not really matter as the first four will decide

Before finding Piggs my I was looking at San Elijo Hills (purely from my internet search) but have an uneasy sense for this area now after reading some of the post here and related sights … appears some issues with quality of construction. We will continue to look at Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Deluz, Temecula, and possible up to Murrieta.

I agree with others here homes with five acres may be too much for a “family feel” … and yes Temecula guy – your post of http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/42000-Via-Del-Monte-92592/home/1251295… is a beautiful & impressive house but I think your first is more the type to fit our needs http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/34003-Arietta-92592/home/12506768. (it fits our priority list nicely). If we did have 2.8 M for a house such as this I would use 1M for the house then use 800k for a 3bdrm turnkey condo in Mammoth, and invest the remaining (a large portion into our 529 plans). Family has a way of making priorities well defined – but I would appreciate a home such as this… incredible.

Specific houses are next after the area is locked down, although looking at specific houses does help get a feel for things. Again, thanks for the input & insight … we will research more then return to this post in a few months. Any additional thoughts are appreciated… a lingering question from afar – what of these developments in N County started at the end of the bubble with houses built but not finished, yet still listed for sell (Malabar Ranch in N Temecula, Reserve in Temecula, San Elijo Hills, Deluz? They are no longer listed by the builder but instead by individual realtor agencies even though construction is not completed?

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To those posting – Again great insight … perfect scoop for the process in my search on where my family will put down roots! Thanks for all that posted (Dharmagirl, SD Realtor, Bubblesitter, Dizzle, Kirsten, Meadandle, Temeculaguy, Greekfire)- your input is valued. I appreciate the postings that not only show the positives of each area but the things you do not like or would change given the opportunity – applause to the soccer moms of Temecula Valley in the grass root/community effort to stop the Quarry and to those in Carlsbad to protest the Wal-Mart.

At this point the next step will be to visit the area and do a little “leg work” and get a personal feel, to keep digging via the internet, and watch in amazement the bubble burst, and then to shrink our search down to 3-4 (coastal vs. inland)regions. Again, I am in the market for a “home” for my family – not so much an investment. Hopefully by the summer of 2010 the blunt of this market fallout will show some sign of stability. As I review my initial post and your feedback it helps to solidify what I am really seeking and refine a priority ranking:

1. Schools (private is always an option although I am a strong proponent of public education during the formative years & private later), I would disfavor a commute to the elementary grades
2. Community – family feel, infrastructure, safety (maybe gated – although we have never lived in this type before), a little space for daily outdoor events (can the kids ride their bikes down the street), community center & events
3. House itself: 5 bedroom – large enough for family but maintainable for the parents (3200-4600 sq ft), construction & functionality, level lot & cul-de-sac type placement, does not need to be the highest in our price range nor does it need to be the newest but efficient for our overall needs, a place we will live for the next 15 yrs
4. Region/area: taxes, ownership fees, proactive city government, proximity to services (restaurants, shopping), roads & traffic, commute to Pendleton (Naval Hospital – either front or back gate), weather – compared to where we have lived in the past anywhere in N County will be enjoyable!
5. The remaining few: does not really matter as the first four will decide

Before finding Piggs my I was looking at San Elijo Hills (purely from my internet search) but have an uneasy sense for this area now after reading some of the post here and related sights … appears some issues with quality of construction. We will continue to look at Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Deluz, Temecula, and possible up to Murrieta.

I agree with others here homes with five acres may be too much for a “family feel” … and yes Temecula guy – your post of http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/42000-Via-Del-Monte-92592/home/1251295… is a beautiful & impressive house but I think your first is more the type to fit our needs http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/34003-Arietta-92592/home/12506768. (it fits our priority list nicely). If we did have 2.8 M for a house such as this I would use 1M for the house then use 800k for a 3bdrm turnkey condo in Mammoth, and invest the remaining (a large portion into our 529 plans). Family has a way of making priorities well defined – but I would appreciate a home such as this… incredible.

Specific houses are next after the area is locked down, although looking at specific houses does help get a feel for things. Again, thanks for the input & insight … we will research more then return to this post in a few months. Any additional thoughts are appreciated… a lingering question from afar – what of these developments in N County started at the end of the bubble with houses built but not finished, yet still listed for sell (Malabar Ranch in N Temecula, Reserve in Temecula, San Elijo Hills, Deluz? They are no longer listed by the builder but instead by individual realtor agencies even though construction is not completed?

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

To those posting – Again great insight … perfect scoop for the process in my search on where my family will put down roots! Thanks for all that posted (Dharmagirl, SD Realtor, Bubblesitter, Dizzle, Kirsten, Meadandle, Temeculaguy, Greekfire)- your input is valued. I appreciate the postings that not only show the positives of each area but the things you do not like or would change given the opportunity – applause to the soccer moms of Temecula Valley in the grass root/community effort to stop the Quarry and to those in Carlsbad to protest the Wal-Mart.

At this point the next step will be to visit the area and do a little “leg work” and get a personal feel, to keep digging via the internet, and watch in amazement the bubble burst, and then to shrink our search down to 3-4 (coastal vs. inland)regions. Again, I am in the market for a “home” for my family – not so much an investment. Hopefully by the summer of 2010 the blunt of this market fallout will show some sign of stability. As I review my initial post and your feedback it helps to solidify what I am really seeking and refine a priority ranking:

1. Schools (private is always an option although I am a strong proponent of public education during the formative years & private later), I would disfavor a commute to the elementary grades
2. Community – family feel, infrastructure, safety (maybe gated – although we have never lived in this type before), a little space for daily outdoor events (can the kids ride their bikes down the street), community center & events
3. House itself: 5 bedroom – large enough for family but maintainable for the parents (3200-4600 sq ft), construction & functionality, level lot & cul-de-sac type placement, does not need to be the highest in our price range nor does it need to be the newest but efficient for our overall needs, a place we will live for the next 15 yrs
4. Region/area: taxes, ownership fees, proactive city government, proximity to services (restaurants, shopping), roads & traffic, commute to Pendleton (Naval Hospital – either front or back gate), weather – compared to where we have lived in the past anywhere in N County will be enjoyable!
5. The remaining few: does not really matter as the first four will decide

Before finding Piggs my I was looking at San Elijo Hills (purely from my internet search) but have an uneasy sense for this area now after reading some of the post here and related sights … appears some issues with quality of construction. We will continue to look at Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Deluz, Temecula, and possible up to Murrieta.

I agree with others here homes with five acres may be too much for a “family feel” … and yes Temecula guy – your post of http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/42000-Via-Del-Monte-92592/home/1251295… is a beautiful & impressive house but I think your first is more the type to fit our needs http://www.redfin.com/CA/Temecula/34003-Arietta-92592/home/12506768. (it fits our priority list nicely). If we did have 2.8 M for a house such as this I would use 1M for the house then use 800k for a 3bdrm turnkey condo in Mammoth, and invest the remaining (a large portion into our 529 plans). Family has a way of making priorities well defined – but I would appreciate a home such as this… incredible.

Specific houses are next after the area is locked down, although looking at specific houses does help get a feel for things. Again, thanks for the input & insight … we will research more then return to this post in a few months. Any additional thoughts are appreciated… a lingering question from afar – what of these developments in N County started at the end of the bubble with houses built but not finished, yet still listed for sell (Malabar Ranch in N Temecula, Reserve in Temecula, San Elijo Hills, Deluz? They are no longer listed by the builder but instead by individual realtor agencies even though construction is not completed?

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

What of the San Elijo Hills “planned community”? My digging indicates numerous ownership complaints with poor building & construction problems – obviously these built during the boom. Is this micro-area of San Marcos holding its own; this section started in the late bubble era and the next two phases yet to start?

What of this community in general – if the price drops enough in the next two years this location seems ideal – proximity to ocean, high enough on hillside to give a sense of uniqueness, access to freeways, infrastructure & shopping, new schools? Several pricey homes on Schoolhouse Way (#1400 & 1405) – with ocean views but now listing in this bubble burst ($990K)… although Westcliffe is the higher end for this community? Is $775K too much of a stretch in the future for these two – but worth the risk of a poorly built home (Ocean view, 9000+ sq ft lot, $189/sq ft).

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

What of the San Elijo Hills “planned community”? My digging indicates numerous ownership complaints with poor building & construction problems – obviously these built during the boom. Is this micro-area of San Marcos holding its own; this section started in the late bubble era and the next two phases yet to start?

What of this community in general – if the price drops enough in the next two years this location seems ideal – proximity to ocean, high enough on hillside to give a sense of uniqueness, access to freeways, infrastructure & shopping, new schools? Several pricey homes on Schoolhouse Way (#1400 & 1405) – with ocean views but now listing in this bubble burst ($990K)… although Westcliffe is the higher end for this community? Is $775K too much of a stretch in the future for these two – but worth the risk of a poorly built home (Ocean view, 9000+ sq ft lot, $189/sq ft).

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

What of the San Elijo Hills “planned community”? My digging indicates numerous ownership complaints with poor building & construction problems – obviously these built during the boom. Is this micro-area of San Marcos holding its own; this section started in the late bubble era and the next two phases yet to start?

What of this community in general – if the price drops enough in the next two years this location seems ideal – proximity to ocean, high enough on hillside to give a sense of uniqueness, access to freeways, infrastructure & shopping, new schools? Several pricey homes on Schoolhouse Way (#1400 & 1405) – with ocean views but now listing in this bubble burst ($990K)… although Westcliffe is the higher end for this community? Is $775K too much of a stretch in the future for these two – but worth the risk of a poorly built home (Ocean view, 9000+ sq ft lot, $189/sq ft).

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

What of the San Elijo Hills “planned community”? My digging indicates numerous ownership complaints with poor building & construction problems – obviously these built during the boom. Is this micro-area of San Marcos holding its own; this section started in the late bubble era and the next two phases yet to start?

What of this community in general – if the price drops enough in the next two years this location seems ideal – proximity to ocean, high enough on hillside to give a sense of uniqueness, access to freeways, infrastructure & shopping, new schools? Several pricey homes on Schoolhouse Way (#1400 & 1405) – with ocean views but now listing in this bubble burst ($990K)… although Westcliffe is the higher end for this community? Is $775K too much of a stretch in the future for these two – but worth the risk of a poorly built home (Ocean view, 9000+ sq ft lot, $189/sq ft).

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

What of the San Elijo Hills “planned community”? My digging indicates numerous ownership complaints with poor building & construction problems – obviously these built during the boom. Is this micro-area of San Marcos holding its own; this section started in the late bubble era and the next two phases yet to start?

What of this community in general – if the price drops enough in the next two years this location seems ideal – proximity to ocean, high enough on hillside to give a sense of uniqueness, access to freeways, infrastructure & shopping, new schools? Several pricey homes on Schoolhouse Way (#1400 & 1405) – with ocean views but now listing in this bubble burst ($990K)… although Westcliffe is the higher end for this community? Is $775K too much of a stretch in the future for these two – but worth the risk of a poorly built home (Ocean view, 9000+ sq ft lot, $189/sq ft).

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

If you want a purely analytical & factual based “view” on this look at Bernstein’s site …

http://www.efficientfrontier.com/

A self taught finance guy who really cuts to core analysis. Take at look at his March synopsis … if you have read any of his books you will quickly understand the dire possibilities of our current market environment after reading his March note – “The Dark Side of the Moon”. By the way – his review & history of “bubbles” is great reading too.

My applause too for Pigg’s site … one of the only other sites I follow on a regular basis.

[jmrrobbie1]

JMR

If you want a purely analytical & factual based “view” on this look at Bernstein’s site …

http://www.efficientfrontier.com/

A self taught finance guy who really cuts to core analysis. Take at look at his March synopsis … if you have read any of his books you will quickly understand the dire possibilities of our current market environment after reading his March note – “The Dark Side of the Moon”. By the way – his review & history of “bubbles” is great reading too.

My applause too for Pigg’s site … one of the only other sites I follow on a regular basis.

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