February 20th, 2015 at 8:30 am
We humans love to watch whales. But did you know whales might be watching us as well? It’s a behavior called skyhopping. Occasionally, a whale will lift its head eight to 10 feet above the surface by thrusting its tail flukes, then rotating slowly for 30 seconds or more before slipping back under the waves. Oceanographers believe whales and dolphins can see reasonably well above water, so don’t be surprised if they seem to be checking you out on your next whale-watching expedition.
A great place to observe skyhopping, breaching, spouting, and other whale behaviors is the Pacific waters off Orange County. The marine mammals can be viewed year round, but the most common sightings are of gray whales now through April.
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February 20th, 2015 at 8:00 am
A new trend in camping is making its way across Southern California. Inspired by the spirit of adventure, Autocamp offers a rejuvenated style of camping. Some may even call it “glamping.”
If you’re unfamiliar with the glamping trend, it’s a movement that’s caught fire with people who love the great outdoors, but don’t love the work that goes along with camping. When you’re glamping, you don’t have to pitch a tent, pack up cooking utensils, or build a fire. Instead, glampers are provided all the luxury amenities they should need for outdoor living. Some glamping sites are in luxury tents, treehouses, or an Airstream trailer. Think of glamping as a fusion of luxury, glamour, and camping. Unlike a hotel, glamping is still located in a more rural setting, and visitors are still offered the camping experience.
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February 20th, 2015 at 7:30 am
Drive the Ferrari to work? The Aston Martin to dinner? The Rolls to the opera?
Such choices weren’t always possible in Los Angeles, unless you were a Jay Leno-type aficionado. That changed last summer with the opening of Fast Toys Club in Brentwood. Slap down $30,000 for an annual membership and get 100 days a year to cruise the town in speedy style from a fleet of exotics and racecars.
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February 19th, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Bryan Devore, an agent at our Carlsbad office, raised almost $1,300 on Mr. Credit’s “The Real Estate Debate: Charity Challenge!” special edition of “The Real Estate Debate,” a regularly broadcast program on AM 760 KFMB radio.
The funds benefited Casa de Amparo, a leader since 1978 in treating and preventing child abuse and neglect in San Diego County and beyond. With service to more than 1,000 children ranging from prenatal to age 25, Casa de Amparo (Home of Protection) provides residential, counseling, and child-development services, among many other functions, at its San Marcos facility and elsewhere.
The contest focused on a number of hot-button issues that affect homebuyers and sellers throughout San Diego County. Topics included the relationship between average days on market vs. the current two-month inventory of property, a challenge to provide a quick description of the San Diego real estate scene, and taking a stand on one side of the debate of whether dual representing buyer and seller is a benefit or a hazard for either party.
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February 19th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
With more international home buyers than ever before and Southern California as a destination of choice, there’s no denying that overseas buyers will affect the local real estate market.
A report from the National Association of Realtors estimated that $92.2 billion was spent by the international market. This is an increase from $68.2 billion in the previous period. California is one of the four states that accounted for the majority of total reported purchases. Los Angeles and Irvine properties remain popular with the international community.
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