East County News Service

December 23, 2014 (San Diego)--Fewer San Diego County residents are losing their homes to foreclosure.  From November of last year to November of this year, the number of foreclosures countywide fell 23 percent, according to CoreLogic DataQuick.

East County News Service

December 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--While humans prepare for cold weather, deer have something else in mind when temperatures drop. Cold weather signifies mating season for deer, numerous insurance industry and government studies indicate that during this time, deer become more active, aggressive and a greater threat to humans, pets and suburban landscapes.

December 1, 2014 (Lakeside)--The Lakeside Historical Society will be hosting their annual HOLIDAY HOME TOUR on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a,m to 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from the History Center, 9906 Maine Avenue (corner of Parkside) from 10am until 2pm Tuesday through Saturday. They can also be purchased at the homes on the self guided tour.

East County News Service

Drought got you down? Need garden tips, conservation insights and ideas for drought-resistant plants to make your fall landscape more beautiful with less water?

Get help at Ask the Experts, an event set for Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon. Presentations and exhibits include a home compost workshop, toss the turf class, life after lawns, horticultural displays, how to hire a landscape contractor and save money, ask the designers, personalized landscape design consultations, free garden tours, and shopping for water-saving plants.

October 13, 2014 – Today, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) launches a new affordble home ownership program, Residential Enriched Neighborhoods (REN), for Veterans and their families through a partnership with Homes for Families. This important new program offers manageable loan payments and enrichment services, with permanent home ownership for California’s Veterans.

East County News Service

September 22, 2014 (San Diego)--Property values are going up as the economy continues to improve.  That means property taxes are going up, too.

By Bob Hunt

Originally published in Daniel Guefen’s Real Estate Update for MG Realty/MG Mortgage www.DanielGuefen.com

August 21, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Many times, in the course of reviewing transaction files, I will read that an agent has recommended to the buyer that he or she should have the home inspected by a licensed home inspector. While one has to appreciate the earnestness of such advice, it is nonetheless at least a trifle amusing. This is because there is no licensing of home inspectors here in California. California is one of 21 states that do not regulate home inspection services via some sort of licensing mechanism.

June 30, 2014 (San Diego) -- Do you disagree with your property tax assessment for the 2014-2015 year? San Diego County residents and business owners who do may file an application to appeal their assessment from July 2 through Dec. 1, according to Clerk of the County Assessment Appeals Boards Thomas J. Pastuszka.

By Janis Russell

April 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-- Despite windy weather and some rain, the 19^th annual garden tour presented by Friends of East County Arts on April 26 was still held, providing visitors with an array of colorful and fascinating gardens to enjoy.

April 6, 2014 (San Diego)--The rains have gone and temperatures are expected to start rising again. And that means swimming pool season can’t be far off!

By Ryan Harrison

Photo by harmonicagoldfish via Flickr

March 22, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Preparing your swimming pool for the upcoming summer season means more just than taking off the cover and refilling it. After a long winter, your pool may be green and full of gunk and debris. More than 53,000 in-ground pools and 171,000 above-ground pools were sold in 2012, according to The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. Before opening your backyard for swimming, take the time to thoroughly clean and make upgrades to your existing pool for both the health of the swimmers and the pool.

Photo credit: Tom Lemon

Safety tips from the nonprofit FLASH

March 1, 2014 (San Diego)--With much needed rain expected over the next few days, residents should take precautions to protect their home and family from the possibility of flooding. Eighteen to 24 inches of moving water can wash an SUV off of the road. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, more than half of all flood-related deaths are people driving through flooded roads. The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) reminds residents to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” and offers the following safety tips to protect your home from costly flood damage.

February 5, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR), a 2,000-member trade group for San Diego area realtors, hosted El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells at a recent PSAR brown-bag lunchtime conversation presented by PSAR’s Government Affairs Committee. Wells, a city councilman in El Cajon since 2008 and mayor pro tem since December 2012, was appointed mayor in November 2013, succeeding Mark Lewis who served for 14 years.

December 23, 2013 (Santee) – As part of its commitment to the communities in which it builds, Pardee Homes announced on December 18 a $5,000 contribution to the Santee Santas Foundation to purchase food, toys and flowers for local families and seniors this holiday season. The grant, made possible through Pardee’s parent company, Weyerhaeuser, will help support the Santee Santas’ signature effort, an annual holiday children's toy and food program focused on bringing the holiday spirit to about 300 families in need.

November 14, 2013 (Alpine) – For the past 8 years the Alpine Woman’s Club has sponsored “Christmas in Alpine” Home Tour. However, as of October, the group has only one house for this year’s tour.

“This fundraiser helps to provide scholarships that we give away each year. Since 1950 the Alpine Woman's Club has given away more than $95,000 to exceptional Alpine graduating seniors,” said Carlette Anderson, president of the Alpine Woman’s Club. “We are reaching out to the community and looking for Alpine residents who love to decorate for the holidays and would enjoy sharing their decorating skills with others. The event is scheduled for Saturday Dec 14th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All we ask of you is to decorate your home. We provide insurance, booties to wear over your shoes (if you want them) and docents who are present in your decorated rooms.”