Dan Melson's La Mesa Real Estate and Mortgage Websitetag:www.danmelson.com,2007-08-27://42008-10-07T23:00:32ZThe website of real estate agent and loan officer Dan Melson. Information and help for those wishing to buy, sell, and refinance real estate in La Mesa and the surrounding East County Communities, including San Carlos, El Cajon, and SanteeMovable Type Publishing Platform 4.0Neighborhoods of La Mesa: Lake Murraytag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43452008-10-07T23:00:00Z2008-10-07T23:00:32Z This is part of a series on the neighborhoods of the area I primarily work, which includes La Mesa, San Carlos, El Cajon and Santee. For this one, we're in the northwest part of La Mesa, north of Maryland...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Maryland Avenue Neighborhood. The Lake Murray neighborhood is vaguely teardrop shaped, with the "point" headed south. It begins right at Baltimore and Aztec, then Lake Murray Boulevard and El Paso north right to the San Diego City Limits, and west to the reservoir. The neighborhood north of it in San Diego city is similar. The Wellesley Street neighborhood is mostly a little older.
Sunset Park Little League Field
Lake Murray is a mixed professions neighborhood. You will find everything from young professionals starting out to older working class retirees here. The main commercial area is around the intersection of Lake Murray Boulevard and Baltimore Drive, with extensions south on Baltimore Drive and north-easterly along Lake Murray Boulevard.
Mall at Lake Murray and Baltimore:
The Lake Murray was area was basically built in one extended period, starting in the early 1960s and stretching to the late 1970s. Physically, the houses are mostly single story three to four bedroom 1.75 bath houses from around 1500 square feet going up from there to maybe 2000 square feet, sitting on lots of anywhere from 5000 square feet up to maybe 7000. The lots are smaller, and the houses bigger, than in many parts of La Mesa. Unusually for La Mesa, great views are comparatively rare - the terrain is lightly rolling, and the majority of lots don't look up or down at much of anything, but there are exceptions. The construction is pretty much all wood frames and stucco on concrete foundations - I can't think of any exceptions off the top of my head. Originally, they were all cookie cutter tract housing, but there has been some differentiation in the last thirty to forty years as people built additions and such. There are significant concentrations of high density housing along Baltimore Drive and Cowles Mountain Boulevard just north of Lake Murray Boulevard, as well as Lake Park Drive between them - right where people are likely to notice it - but the rest of the neighborhood is pretty much single family residences.
Internal view of neighborhood on Cowles Mountain Blvd:
As of this writing, asking prices in the neighborhood start at about $130,000 for condos and PUDs up to $350,000, while single family detached properties vary from $400,000 to $600,000, with most being towards the lower end of that range. Even with the people who are in distress situations, there are a total of 16 condos and PUDs, but only 3 single family residences for sale in the neighborhood. There generally is not a lot of turnover in this neighborhood.
Top of El Paso, looking East, one of the good views in the neighborhood
The neighborhood elementary school is Maryland Avenue School. Contrary to what many people try to tell me, the Middle School is La Mesa Middle School (formerly La Mesa Junior High) an SDSU partnership school, and the high school is Helix Charter (the boundary between Helix and Grossmont is closer to Jackson Drive than Interstate 8). Helix, in particular, has a long record of academic achievement. Here's the most recent account Helix Accountability Report Card
Maryland Avenue School
La Mesa Middle School, an SDSU partnership school
The closest community college is Grossmont, the closest four year college is San Diego State University, which is mostly closer as far as this neighborhood is concerned.
Looking north on Baltimore to the San Diego City Limits
The Lake Murray neighborhood is a pretty nice place to live. Transportation access is pretty good. Interstate 8 can be accessed via Lake Murray Boulevard and Fletcher Parkway via Baltimore Drive, and CA 125 is also easy to get to. Lake Murray and Baltimore are both bus feeder routes, and the San Diego Trolley is just south of Interstate 8 with a stop just east of Lake Murray, as well as at Grossmont Center. You have your choice of several major supermarkets within a mile or so. You can get to Mission Valley in fifteen minutes, downtown about twenty, door to door. Major shopping centers are found at Grossmont Center (Target, Wal-Mart, Macy's, Theaters and dining), Parkway Plaza (Sears) and College Grove (WalMart, Sam's Club). There is also a major commercial strip along Fletcher Parkway between Interstate 8 and Grossmont Center.
Looking down on the reservoir itself from Baltimore Drive
If you'd like to talk more about Lake Murray or any other neighborhood of La Mesa, Contact me. I will be happy to discuss which neighborhoods might be right for you, or the marketing of your current property for an advantageous sale.
Aztec Park:
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General Consumer Articles: Week in Review September 29 to October 5, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43262008-10-05T19:00:00Z2008-10-05T19:09:44Z Newly Written Articles Second Trust Deeds: Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit Consumer Focused Carnival of Real Estate Advertising a Sold Property As Available on MLS Updated Articles Refinancing Does Not Cause Your Property Taxes To...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Second Trust Deeds: Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit
Consumer Focused Carnival of Real EstateAdvertising a Sold Property As Available on MLS
Updated Articles
Refinancing Does Not Cause Your Property Taxes To Go UpHow To Effectively Shop for A Real Estate Mortgage LoanHow Can A Temporary Buydown Help Realtors and Agents?How to Build Credit So You Qualify for a Home Loan
I'm going to need a few days off from new consumer articles for mental health reasons. I should have a new neighborhoods post this week.]]>
East County Homesteps Properties October 2, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43372008-10-03T01:00:00Z2008-10-03T00:53:36Z These are newly listed HOMESTEPS properties from Freddie Mac for the areas I work I also have a list of upcoming HOMESTEPS properties not on the market yet If you have questions, Contact me El Cajon Address: 1509 E...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Contact me
El Cajon
Address: 1509 E WASHINGTON AVE UNIT 10, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 144,900.00
Address: 294 CHAMBERS STREET 53, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 3 Bed: 1 Bath: 1.0 Price: 72,900.00
Address: 589 NORTH JOHNSON AVENUE 230, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 1 Bath: 1.0 Price: 92,500.00
Address: 190 CHAMBERS STREET APT 13, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 127,500.00
Address: 1797 WOODBURN STREET, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 349,900.00
Address: 745 EAST BRADLEY AVENUE 37, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.0 Price: 99,000.00
Address: 1321 OAKDALE AVENUE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.5 Price: 109,900.00
Address: 551 WAYNE AVENUE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 177,000.00
Address: 1526 STONE EDGE CIRCLE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.5 Price: 209,500.00
Address: 584 BROCKWOOD DRIVE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 1.0 Price: 227,900.00
Lakeside
Address: 11505 POSTHILL PLACE, LAKESIDE, CA
Rooms: 7 Bed: 4 Bath: 2.0 Price: 232,900.0
Santee
Address: 7895 RANCHO FANITA DR E, SANTEE, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 1.5 Price: 259,900.00
Address: 10235 BRIGHTWOOD LANE 3, SANTEE, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 3.5 Price: 318,900.00
Address: 8803 APPLE BLOSSOM CT 5, SANTEE, CA
Rooms: 8 Bed: 4 Bath: 4.0 Price: 319,900.00
San Diego City
Address: 4287 48TH STREET, SAN DIEGO, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.0 Price: 199,000.00
Dan Melson, Agent
Clarity Real Estate Network
619-300-7425]]>
New Consumer Article: Advertising a Sold Property As Available on MLStag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43352008-10-02T02:16:41Z2008-10-02T02:19:47ZToday's new consumer article is Advertising a Sold Property As Available on MLS, talking about the basics of what forms that these loans take, the Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit. Had some kind of stomach flu...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Advertising a Sold Property As Available on MLS, talking about the basics of what forms that these loans take, the Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit.
Had some kind of stomach flu or food poisoning going on today, so I don't yet have anything new for tomorrow. Probably will be a reprint, at this point. Sorry.]]>
Consumer Focused Carnival of Real Estatetag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43322008-09-30T14:00:00Z2008-09-30T13:28:29ZOnce per month, I run a web carnival, called the Consumer Focused Carnival of Real Estate, all the articles submitted that are actually helpful to the consumer of real estate information. It's now up for the month of September at...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Consumer Focused Carnival of Real Estate, all the articles submitted that are actually helpful to the consumer of real estate information. It's now up for the month of September at that link.
If you would like to submit for some future month, The guidelines are here.]]>
Real Loans For Real People September 29th, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43292008-09-29T21:50:00Z2008-09-29T21:54:07ZIf you're comparing rates with last week, you see that there has been a slight decline. If you are considering a refinance, I would get the rate locked in because I do not expect this short term decline to last....Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
The Best Loans Right NOW
5.75% 30 Year fixed rate loan, with nine tenths of a point point to the consumer and NO PREPAYMENT PENALTIES!. Assuming a $400,000 loan, Payment $2334, APR 5.875! This is a thirty year fixed rate loan. The payment and interest rate will stay the same on this loan until it is paid off! 30 year fixed rate loans as low as 5.25 percent!
5/1 Rates
Truthfully, I am not seeing enough difference between 5/1 Rates and the thirty year fixed to justify the choosing the ARM. That same 5.75 you can get on a thirty year fixed for nine tenths of a point costs seven tenths of a point to the consumer on a 5/1 (Payment $2334 APR 5.857 on a $400,000 loan)
10 year interest only payments available on 30 year fixed rate loans!
Great Rates on temporary conforming, jumbo and super-jumbo loans also available!
Zero closing costs and zero points loans also available!
Yes, I still have low to zero down payment and stated income loans available!
These are actual retail rates at actual costs available to real people with average credit scores! I always guarantee the loan type, rate, and total cost as soon as I have enough information from you to lock the loan (subject to underwriting approval of the loan). I pay any difference, not you. If your loan provider doesn't do this, you need a new loan provider!
All of the above loans are on approved credit, not all borrowers will qualify, based upon an 80% loan to value and a median credit score on a full documentation loan. Rates subject to change until rate lock.
Interest only, stated income, bad credit and other options also available. If you need a mortgage, chances are I can do it faster and on better terms than you'll actually get from anyone else in the business.
Designing transactions for low to zero down payment a specialty
Please ask me about first time buyer programs, including the Mortgage Credit Certificate, which gives you a tax credit for mortgage interest, and can be combined with any of the above loans!
Call me. Clarion Mortgage Capital at 619-300-7425, ask for Dan. Or email me: danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com
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New Consumer Article: Second Trust Deeds: Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credittag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43272008-09-29T14:00:00Z2008-09-29T13:44:13ZToday's new consumer article is Second Trust Deeds: Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit, talking about the basics of what forms that these loans take, the Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit....Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Second Trust Deeds: Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit, talking about the basics of what forms that these loans take, the Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit.]]>
General Consumer Articles: Week in Review September 22-28, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43102008-09-28T17:00:00Z2008-09-28T16:38:28Z Newly Written Articles Earnest Money: Copy of a Check or Proof Of Funds? talks about which I'd rather have, and why. The Return of Portfolio Lending discusses the plusses and minuses of lenders that underwrite to their own standards,...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Newly Written Articles
Earnest Money: Copy of a Check or Proof Of Funds? talks about which I'd rather have, and why.
The Return of Portfolio Lending discusses the plusses and minuses of lenders that underwrite to their own standards, rather than with an eye towards selling the mortgages on Wall Street.
"Buy and Bail" or Buying One Home Before Foreclosure on Another examines the effects that the practice is having upon perfectly legitimate investors with no intention of allowing foreclosure.
A Highly Leveraged Way to Ameliorate the Financial Crisis gives a suggestion that would save the federal government lots of money, if followed. Of course, if the banks and mortgage insurers hadn't panicked by over-contracting lending standards, there wouldn't be nearly so much of a crisis.
Updated ArticlesSeller Carrybacks covers the seller lending the buyer part of the money they need.
Using the Real Estate and Mortgage Information Found Here is an article about intelligent planning and knowing the situation, rather than ignorantly hoping to get lucky.
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster? evaluates both the financial numbers and the psychology involved.
Altering the Terms of A Real Estate Purchase Contract. It has to be done by negotiation and agreement, not unilaterally.
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New Homesteps Properties: September 25th, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43202008-09-25T15:30:00Z2008-09-25T15:25:04Z These are newly listed HOMESTEPS properties from Freddie Mac for the areas I work I also have a list of upcoming HOMESTEPS properties not on the market yet If you have questions, Contact me El Cajon Address: 1509 E...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Contact me
El Cajon
Address: 1509 E WASHINGTON AVE UNIT 10, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 144,900.00
Address: 12190 CUYAMACA COLLEGE DRIVE E, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 184,900.00
Address: 294 CHAMBERS STREET 53, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 3 Bed: 1 Bath: 1.0 Price: 72,900.00
Address: 589 NORTH JOHNSON AVENUE 230, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 1 Bath: 1.0 Price: 92,500.00
Address: 170 CHAMBERS STREET 18, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 104,900.00
Address: 190 CHAMBERS STREET APT 13, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 127,500.00
Address: 1797 WOODBURN STREET, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 349,900.00
Address: 745 EAST BRADLEY AVENUE 37, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.0 Price: 99,000.00
Address: 1321 OAKDALE AVENUE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.5 Price: 109,900.00
Address: 1321 GREENFIELD DRIVE 25, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.5 Price: 119,900.00
Address: 1423 GRAVES AVENUE 230, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 131,300.00
Address: 551 WAYNE AVENUE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 177,000.00
Address: 1526 STONE EDGE CIRCLE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.5 Price: 209,500.00
Address: 584 BROCKWOOD DRIVE, EL CAJON, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 1.0 Price: 227,900.00
Lakeside
Address: Address: 11505 POSTHILL PLACE, LAKESIDE, CA
Rooms: 7 Bed: 4 Bath: 2.0 Price: 232,900.00
Santee
Address: 7895 RANCHO FANITA DR E, SANTEE, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 1.5 Price: 259,900.00
Address: 10235 BRIGHTWOOD LANE 3, SANTEE, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 3.5 Price: 318,900.00
Address: 8803 APPLE BLOSSOM CT 5, SANTEE, CA
Rooms: 8 Bed: 4 Bath: 4.0 Price: 319,900.00
San Diego City
Address: 4287 48TH STREET, SAN DIEGO, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.0 Price: 199,000.00
Dan Melson, Agent
Clarity Real Estate Network
619-300-7425]]>
New Consumer Article: "Buy and Bail" or Buying One Home Before Foreclosure on Anothertag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43192008-09-25T14:00:00Z2008-09-25T13:44:14ZToday's new consumer article is "Buy and Bail" or Buying One Home Before Foreclosure on Another, describing lender response to what has become a widespread phenomenon, as people think they are somehow saving themselves money try to defraud lenders in...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
"Buy and Bail" or Buying One Home Before Foreclosure on Another, describing lender response to what has become a widespread phenomenon, as people think they are somehow saving themselves money try to defraud lenders in order to get another loan before their current home goes into default.]]>
Real Loans for Real People September 24th, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43162008-09-24T17:40:00Z2008-09-24T17:39:14Z The Best Loans Right NOW 5.875% 30 Year fixed rate loan, with six tenthsof a point point to the consumer and NO PREPAYMENT PENALTIES!. Assuming a $400,000 loan, Payment $2366, APR 5.973! This is a thirty year fixed rate...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
The Best Loans Right NOW
5.875% 30 Year fixed rate loan, with six tenthsof a point point to the consumer and NO PREPAYMENT PENALTIES!. Assuming a $400,000 loan, Payment $2366, APR 5.973! This is a thirty year fixed rate loan. The payment and interest rate will stay the same on this loan until it is paid off! 30 year fixed rate loans as low as 5.25 percent!
5/1 Rates
Truthfully, I am not seeing enough difference between 5/1 Rates and the thirty year fixed to justify the choosing the ARM. 5.75 on a 5/1 costs one full point to the consumer (Payment $2334 APR 5.885 on a $400,000 loan)
10 year interest only payments available on 30 year fixed rate loans!
Great Rates on temporary conforming, jumbo and super-jumbo loans also available!
Zero closing costs and zero points loans also available!
Yes, I still have low to zero down payment and stated income loans available!
These are actual retail rates at actual costs available to real people with average credit scores! I always guarantee the loan type, rate, and total cost as soon as I have enough information from you to lock the loan (subject to underwriting approval of the loan). I pay any difference, not you. If your loan provider doesn't do this, you need a new loan provider!
All of the above loans are on approved credit, not all borrowers will qualify, based upon an 80% loan to value and a median credit score on a full documentation loan. Rates subject to change until rate lock.
Interest only, stated income, bad credit and other options also available. If you need a mortgage, chances are I can do it faster and on better terms than you'll actually get from anyone else in the business.
Designing transactions for low to zero down payment a specialty
Please ask me about first time buyer programs, including the Mortgage Credit Certificate, which gives you a tax credit for mortgage interest, and can be combined with any of the above loans!
Call me. Clarion Mortgage Capital at 619-300-7425, ask for Dan. Or email me: danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com
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New Consumer Article: The Return of Portfolio Lendingtag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43142008-09-23T14:00:00Z2008-09-23T13:42:04ZToday's new consumer article is The Return of Portfolio Lending, on the subject of what a portfolio loan is and the differences between portfolio and security based lending, and what the return of portfolio lending means, even to those who...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
The Return of Portfolio Lending, on the subject of what a portfolio loan is and the differences between portfolio and security based lending, and what the return of portfolio lending means, even to those who may not have a real estate loan.]]>
New Consumer Article September 22, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.43122008-09-22T14:00:00Z2008-09-22T13:57:27ZToday's new consumer article is Earnest Money: Copy of a Check or Proof Of Funds?, talking about what good various sorts of evidence of deposit do....Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Earnest Money: Copy of a Check or Proof Of Funds?, talking about what good various sorts of evidence of deposit do. ]]>
General Consumer Articles: Week in Review September 15-21, 2008tag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.42942008-09-21T19:00:00Z2008-09-21T19:11:05Z Newly Written Articles Mortgage Accelerators, Money Merge, and Paying Your Mortgage Down Discusses how there is no magical "free money" in any kind of mortgage accelerator. Wells and Community Water Systems goes over the minimum basics on wells and...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Mortgage Accelerators, Money Merge, and Paying Your Mortgage Down Discusses how there is no magical "free money" in any kind of mortgage accelerator.
Wells and Community Water Systems goes over the minimum basics on wells and community water.
Listings Not Sourced on MLS talks about why listings that aren't sourced from the local MLS are not to be trusted.
Updated Articles
The Escrow Process and Reasons for Falling Out discusses why escrow falls out. Note: It usually has nothing to do with any failing of the escrow officer or escrow company, who all too often get used as scapegoats so the people who really screwed it up can pretend it wasn't their fault.
Mortgage Markets and Providers and Yield Spread Explained discusses the different places to get a loan, and What It All Means in practical terms.
How to Effectively Shop for a Buyer's Agent talks about just that - how to find a buyer's agent who will actually make a difference on your transaction.
How Are You Going To Compare Loans Without Specific Numbers? reminds you how to look at those numbers to tell which loan is better.
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Neighborhoods of La Mesa: Eastridgetag:www.danmelson.com,2008://4.42672008-09-19T16:00:00Z2008-09-19T15:45:10Z This is part of a series on the neighborhoods of the area I primarily work, which includes La Mesa, San Carlos, El Cajon and Santee. For this one, we're in the central part of La Mesa, uphill from the...Dan Melsonhttp://www.searchlightcrusade.net
Normal Avenue Neighborhood, while being south of Summit Hill. This neighborhood includes everything up on the hill south of Junior High Drive and Orien and east of Murray Hill Road, up to the intersection of Summit and Eastridge Drive.
Looking Down Eastridge Drive from Eastridge and Summit
Eastridge is a mostly a professional neighborhood, probably La Mesa's most expensive neighborhood after Mt. Helix. These lots are all high enough up the hill that if there's a property without a great view in the neighborhood, I don't know about it, and the ones near the top have panoramic views of the entire area, whether they're on the northwest side looking towards the ocean and Mt. Soledad or the southeast side looking towards the mountains, and a lucky few get both. There isn't a better view in east county, and there may not be a better one anywhere in San Diego.
Looking Down the hill on Cinnabar Drive
There are no commercial roads within the area. It's all residential, and I cannot name even an apartment building or duplex in the entire neighborhood. Single family detached housing, 100% of it. It's pretty trivial to get to the stores, but there is nothing commercial or multi-family within the neighborhood itself..
Looking up to Arrieta Circle:
Eastridge was built out in two stages: One in the late fifties and early sixties, and another very recently, as there had been some shenanigans with the land the newer part of the neighborhood sits on. The older part of the neighborhood does have the better views and sits on the higher, northeastern end, while the lower, southwestern end is where the newest housing sits. The older part of the neighborhood also does not have an HOA, while the newer part does. Physically, the first generation houses are mostly single story 3 bedroom or more, 2 bath or more houses from around 1800 square feet going up from there to well over 3000 square feet, sitting on lots of anywhere from 7000 square feet up to maybe 12000 or so in the older part of the neighborhood, while the recently built properties are mostly two story in the range of 2500 square feet and up, pretty uniformly sitting on lots of about 5000 square feet. Many of the lots have a heavy slope so less is usable than most people might expect. The houses in the older part of the neighborhood are pretty much all individual, the ones in the newer part are all cookie cutter tract housing. Pretty much all of them have concrete foundations. The ridge is essentially bedrock, so foundation issues and settling have always been rare.
A couple of houses at the top of the ridge, in the older part of the neighborhood:
Brooke Court, a cul-de-sac in the new area:
As of this writing, asking prices in the neighborhood start at about $500,000 and go up to over a million, with a typical property being somewhere in the 700s. This is down significantly from a couple of years ago, but activity is pretty consistent. The neighbors will be business people and professionals. People making San Diego Area Median Income need a down payment in the area of $200,000 or so to afford the Eastridge neighborhood. Even with the people who are in distress situations, there are a grand total of 11 properties for sale in the neighborhood. There generally is not a lot of turnover in this neighborhood.
Looking down to the Intersection of Sacramento Drive and Eastridge. As you can see, there's still an excellent view even though you're at maybe half the elevation of the other end of the ridge:
The neighborhood elementary school is La Mesa Dale. The Middle School is La Mesa Middle School (formerly La Mesa Junior High) an SDSU partnership school, and the high school is Helix Charter. Helix, in particular, has a long record of academic achievement. Here's the most recent account Helix Accountability Report Card
La Mesa Dale School
La Mesa Middle School, an SDSU partnership school
The closest community college is Grossmont, the closest four year college is San Diego State University, which is actually closer.
Looking west from Corolyn Drive. You can see where the two halves of the neighborhood meet:
The Eastridge neighborhood is a prestigious place to live, but it does have good transportation access. 94 can be accessed via Yale Avenue or Massachusetts, Spring Street goes to Interstate 8 and 125 as well - You should be on the freeway within five minutes of leaving your driveway. You have your choice of several major supermarkets within a mile or so. You can get to Mission Valley in fifteen minutes, downtown even quicker. The San Diego Trolley runs close to the neighborhood, although not within it - lots of people park in the lot at the Spring Street stop and ride it downtown. Major shopping centers are found at Grossmont Center (Target, Wal-Mart, Macy's, Theaters and dining), and College Grove (WalMart, Sam's Club), and there is La Mesa Springs Center just down hill from the neighborhood as well as all sort of other stores in many avenues nearby.
Looking north on Cinthia from the top:
If you'd like to talk more about Eastridge or any other neighborhood of La Mesa, Contact me. I will be happy to discuss which neighborhoods might be right for you, or the marketing of your current property for an advantageous sale.
Caveat Emptor]]>
Lake Murray is a mixed professions neighborhood. You will find everything from young professionals starting out to older working class retirees here. The main commercial area is around the intersection of Lake Murray Boulevard and Baltimore Drive, with extensions south on Baltimore Drive and north-easterly along Lake Murray Boulevard.
Mall at Lake Murray and Baltimore:
The Lake Murray was area was basically built in one extended period, starting in the early 1960s and stretching to the late 1970s. Physically, the houses are mostly single story three to four bedroom 1.75 bath houses from around 1500 square feet going up from there to maybe 2000 square feet, sitting on lots of anywhere from 5000 square feet up to maybe 7000. The lots are smaller, and the houses bigger, than in many parts of La Mesa. Unusually for La Mesa, great views are comparatively rare - the terrain is lightly rolling, and the majority of lots don't look up or down at much of anything, but there are exceptions. The construction is pretty much all wood frames and stucco on concrete foundations - I can't think of any exceptions off the top of my head. Originally, they were all cookie cutter tract housing, but there has been some differentiation in the last thirty to forty years as people built additions and such. There are significant concentrations of high density housing along Baltimore Drive and Cowles Mountain Boulevard just north of Lake Murray Boulevard, as well as Lake Park Drive between them - right where people are likely to notice it - but the rest of the neighborhood is pretty much single family residences.
Internal view of neighborhood on Cowles Mountain Blvd:
As of this writing, asking prices in the neighborhood start at about $130,000 for condos and PUDs up to $350,000, while single family detached properties vary from $400,000 to $600,000, with most being towards the lower end of that range. Even with the people who are in distress situations, there are a total of 16 condos and PUDs, but only 3 single family residences for sale in the neighborhood. There generally is not a lot of turnover in this neighborhood.
Top of El Paso, looking East, one of the good views in the neighborhood
The neighborhood elementary school is Maryland Avenue School. Contrary to what many people try to tell me, the Middle School is La Mesa Middle School (formerly La Mesa Junior High) an SDSU partnership school, and the high school is Helix Charter (the boundary between Helix and Grossmont is closer to Jackson Drive than Interstate 8). Helix, in particular, has a long record of academic achievement. Here's the most recent account Helix Accountability Report Card
Maryland Avenue School
La Mesa Middle School, an SDSU partnership school
The closest community college is Grossmont, the closest four year college is San Diego State University, which is mostly closer as far as this neighborhood is concerned.
Looking north on Baltimore to the San Diego City Limits
The Lake Murray neighborhood is a pretty nice place to live. Transportation access is pretty good. Interstate 8 can be accessed via Lake Murray Boulevard and Fletcher Parkway via Baltimore Drive, and CA 125 is also easy to get to. Lake Murray and Baltimore are both bus feeder routes, and the San Diego Trolley is just south of Interstate 8 with a stop just east of Lake Murray, as well as at Grossmont Center. You have your choice of several major supermarkets within a mile or so. You can get to Mission Valley in fifteen minutes, downtown about twenty, door to door. Major shopping centers are found at Grossmont Center (Target, Wal-Mart, Macy's, Theaters and dining), Parkway Plaza (Sears) and College Grove (WalMart, Sam's Club). There is also a major commercial strip along Fletcher Parkway between Interstate 8 and Grossmont Center.
Looking down on the reservoir itself from Baltimore Drive
If you'd like to talk more about Lake Murray or any other neighborhood of La Mesa, Contact me. I will be happy to discuss which neighborhoods might be right for you, or the marketing of your current property for an advantageous sale.
Aztec Park:
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