TEAM SCHUCO

3 Ways Pop Up On Promontory Has Stimulated My Brain

2020-07-25T16:34:00.003-07:00

My Pop Up On Promontory/Bratwurst-Hot Dog Edition was the most successful one yet and I want to thank everyone for their continued support. Based on popular demand my next lunch pop up is scheduled for August 1st, 2020 12n-2p and stay tuned on social media to see what will be on the menu.

Again, the reason I started pop ups is because a majority of my business came to a screeching halt due to covid so I had to adjust quickly. I am used to serving corporations catered lunches and planning their special events since I created The Lunch Guru in 2017 but in a matter of weeks it all stopped!

The good news is now I get to be more creative than ever in finding innovative ways to continue doing what I enjoy while still building the business. The reality is I'm an entrepreneur and this is what I do on the daily in finding ways to create business!

I have also been reminded by my life coach to double down on my strengths and keep an open mind about the future during challenging times which is why pop ups have been my latest jam! At the end of the day I'm super grateful that I get to cook and share my recipes with the neighborhood...it's very rewarding!

Here are 3 things I learned from my Pop Up On Promontory and 3 things I can do to improve;

1. I learned that as a military brat I have more in common with some neighbors. I could improve these relationships and create more by designing a series of services/events geared towards military families.

2. I learned that my step son "Action Jaxen" (age 13) is perfectly capable of running his own pop up one day! I can help improve his skills by giving him more opportunities to engage/showcase his talents with others.

3. I learned that people will travel from a distance to get a good meal and support fellow small business owners. I can improve my services by offering something special for visitors from other communities.

Thanks for reading, if you know someone who will gain value from this blog post please share!

Pay What You Can

2020-07-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

For my first "Lunch Pop Up" my goal was to provide a good-quality product for customers, let them enjoy it and give them complete discretion to pay whatever they want! I chose the "pay what you can" method because at the time covid was unsettling for a lot of people. So, regardless of anyone's situation, they could get a good meal!

I was also trying something new and I wanted to get immediate feedback on the value of what I was providing. So far I've done steak & veggie street tacos, spiced cranberry brisket w/asparagus & carrots and homemade chicken enchiladas with spanish rice.

What I learned is that when people are able to set their own price, almost everyone pays something and sometimes well over a suggested price.

Keep in mind.. I think this model is sensitive to the type of product/service and personality of the seller. It would be beneficial to both if there's some kind of relationship between the buyer and the seller. (I'm not sure this method could work for certain businesses like a software company because there's less emotional engagement between parties).

Small Business Tips:

If you're a small business owner that doesn't know how to price your product/service here are a handful of reasons you should try this method;

Instant indication of what people are willing to pay for your product/service.
Exposure to a larger buyer pool, this method attracts more customers.
Builds confidence & trust in what you're offering.
Encourages more people to try which leads to referrals.
Good tool for charity/donation event.

Thanks for reading my post, I hope you found value? If so, please share! Stay tuned for my next pop up and feel free to reach out with questions, I'm happy to help!

7 Ways Pop Ups Can Be Beneficial To Small Business Owners

2020-07-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

My first Pop Up was in the Summer of 2019 to test market our new signature vanilla sugar cookies. We live in a quaint coastal community called Crown Point (San Diego, California) that doesn't have any bespoke cookie shops around..so I wanted to see what the response would be. We've been successful selling online (direct-to-consumer) but most of our clients are scattered around the Country so shipping product all over the United States became quite a chore. I wanted to shift my focus to the locals.

Thats when "Pop Up On Promontory" was born! A mini cookie stand in our driveway showcasing some of our most popular sugar cookies decorated with royal icing art. My ultimate goal was to not only gauge interest in the cookies but to get to know our neighbors and contribute more to our community! The first day was so well received that we did again the following day, I was so happy and grateful of the turnout. Before you knew it people were walking by asking when our next cookie pop up was!? Quickly I learned that there was a market for delicious homemade sugar cookies for locals AND businesses.

Now that I've done some R&D, do I pursuit Brick & Mortar Retail Shop or a Microenterprise Home Kitchen??

It's almost a year later and so far operations are smooth out of our home kitchen where we offer delivery and pick up services. In addition to our dtc business we're also featured at a local coffee shop where they sell gourmet coffees and snacks to go. Check them out at The Grounds Bean Bar!

I couldn't be happier at how things have evolved from a simple pop up stand and I'm super excited to see what's next. A storefront and/or virtual kitchen is still in the back of my mind but what we have created up to this point feels good and I'm anxious to see what's around the corner.

Our Business Forecast Was Good Until Covid Hit!

Business took off like a rocket beginning of 2020 then covid hit. In a matter of a few weeks our corporate logo cookie business and all of my corporate catering accounts were gone not knowing when if any would return. Thank goodness for pop ups as I started offering lunch pop ups along with cookies to the neighborhood. I learned a lot during quarantine because if I didn't adjust my business plan then we would sink..fast! At the end of the day I had products AND services that helped solved peoples problems of where to get a fresh home cooked meal with restaurants being closed and long lines at grocery stores with depleted items. I chose not to participate in the pessimism and found a way to overcome.

I'm sharing my story for those of you (any age) who have that entrepreneurial spirit but are unsure how and where to start. Perhaps you believe that you need to have "xyz" in place before you begin. My advice as a small business owner is keep it simple and start within your community where you can engage with others and create healthy relationships. Advertise locally with chaulk signs or something creative in your own driveway/yard to catch the eye of the passer by.. Then talk to people, share bits and pieces about your journey and ask for their immediate feedback.

So far, my greatest takeaway has been that I didn't need to invest a lot of time and money into advertising and commercial space to see IF something might work! Small gains are ok, be patient and learn as you go.. Got questions? Here's some more tips on applying for a business certificate & how to obtain a seller's permit in San Diego. Otherwise, feel free to reach out and I'll help in whatever way I can. Check out these other valuable lessons I learned;

Pop Ups are an inexpensive way to test market your product/service.
Pop Ups open the door to new opportunities.
Pop Ups have minimal overhead.
Pop Ups are scaleable.
Pop Ups are transportable.
Pop Ups allow you to be creative as you wish.
Pop Ups are a good community builder.

Thanks for reading my blog post! If you gained value, please share! Stay tuned for my future endeavors and if you need catering services or want me to plan a pop up for you let me know.

Melt In Your Mouth Brisket Recipe

2020-07-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I like this recipe so much is because not only does it melt in your mouth but it's packed with protein and fiber without a lot of calories.

I served this with fresh roasted asparagus, sliced carrots and a Hawaiian roll at my Pop Up On Promontory Memorial Day weekend and it was a success! Shoutout to everyone who showed support I really do appreciate it as this is my goal to bring the community together over some good food.

Follow me behind the scenes on social media @thelunchguru (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) or look for my chaulk art sign on Promontory Street to find out when my next lunch pop up is! Tips from the cook; to guarantee a mouthwatering experience season/sear all sides of the raw meat before roasting low & slow in the oven! Also be sure to prep and cook the day before you plan on serving so the beef releases enough juices that you will need for the sauce. Enjoy!

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Brisket Recipe: (serves 30-35 people, adjust for personal preference)

2 teaspoons olive oil
6 pound beef brisket (trim off fat)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 cup barbecue sauce (see my homemade recipe)
1 cup whole cranberries or craisins
1/3 cup brown sugar

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the beef. Heat the oil in large deep pan or skillet. Sear the brisket on all sides, or until browned. Place in large roasting pan.
Pour the broth around the beef. Pour the barbecue sauce over the beef. Cook low & slow in the oven at 275-300 degrees for six hours.
When done let meat cool off and then wrap tightly in saran wrap, cover and refrigerate over night. Pour the accumulated juices into a glass bowl, cover and refrigerate.
Before serving time, preheat oven to 300°F. Remove the beef from the refrigerator. Very thinly slice the beef across the grain. Put it in the baking dish, skim off the fat from the refrigerated juices. Pour 1 cup of juices over the beef and bake tightly covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
In a small saucepan, cook 1 cup of the juices over medium-high heat. Add the cranberries and brown sugar. Cook until the cranberries pop and are soft, stirring occasionally. Drizzle the sauce over the beef.

Marc's Homemade BBQ Sauce

2020-06-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

If you like your barbecue sauce a tad sweet with a spicy kick on the back end then you'll love my recipe. I got in a bad habit of using store bought bbq sauce all the time but lately I've decided the best way to go is to create my own!

The benefit is being able to adjust the flavors exactly how you want it. In this case if you like your sauce sweeter, add more brown sugar less ketchup. If you prefer a more savory sauce then reverse the process by adding more ketchup and less brown sugar. Needless to say if you want it super spicy then go ham with sriracha!!

If you were at my last #popuponpromontory then you experienced it on my brisket. If not, then follow me on Instagram/Facebook @thelunchguru for details on my next pop up where you can get a taste. Otherwise here's the recipe below-enjoy! Let me know what you think..? (recipe will fill a large jar)

Marc's BBQ Sauce:

1.5 cups brown sugar

1.5 cups ketchup

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup molasses

1/2 cup water

2.5 tablespoon dry mustard

2 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons salt

1.5 teaspoon pepper

2 dashes of sriracha

Home Inspection Survival Guide for First-Time Home Buyers [Home Buying]

2018-10-30T14:27:00.001-07:00

A home inspection helps buyers feel confident about their purchase. Not only can a home inspection give warning signs for safety hazards, poor structural designs and costly repairs but it can help a buyer plan ahead. Nobody wants a real life money pit, the National Association of Realtors reported that nearly four out of every five homes sold in the nation are evaluated by a professional home inspector before they are sold. So, here it is...the Survival Guide to the home inspection and everything you need to know before you buy that dream home.

What is a home inspection? A home inspection is an independent, unbiased visual examination and report of the physical structure and systems, components and conditions, from the roof to the foundation. A third-party report and assessment of a home's condition is issued to the person who hired the home inspector.

In most states, home inspection contingencies are part of the purchase contract and you will typically hire your home inspector the week of opening escrow. The home inspection is an investment the home buyer makes to help minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, this is your report card on the homes current condition.

For the state of California, the Buyer's Investigation of property and terms is located in section 12. BUYER'S INVESTIGATION OF PROPERTY AND MATTERS AFFECTING PROPERTY. (Residential Purchase Agreement page 6 of 10). Section 14. refers to TIME PERIODS; REMOVAL OF CONTINGENCIES; CANCELLATION RIGHTS.

I can't stress enough how important it is to read through your PURCHASE CONTRACT, and ask questions if there is something you don't understand.

Never waive your right to a home inspection...I REPEAT...don't ever give up the option of having the home inspected. When you waive this contingency, you lose the right to make a request for additional repairs.

Think of your home inspection report as a tool to continue to negotiate the best price for your new home. [Click to Tweet]

The home inspection is not a 'wish list' for home buyers, your real estate agent should give you tips on how to negotiate repairs after a home inspection. The goals and objectives of the buyer and seller may also dictate the direction of the negotiation and agreement regarding repairs.

Home Inspection Contingency

Home Inspections are used as an opportunity for a buyer to identify any MAJOR issues with the home prior to closing escrow. When you hire a Buyer's Agent who is a member of the California Association of Realtors they have access to zipForms, these are the essential real estate transaction forms including current statewide contracts, local forms and more.

The RPA-CA (California Residential Purchase Agreement) contains the buyers Investigation of property and contingency time periods. Per the standard form a buyer has 17 days after acceptance, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, to complete all Buyer Investigations; review all disclosures, reports, etc.

How to Hire a Home Inspector

Hiring an inexperienced or unqualified home inspector can be disastrous for a home buyer and can even cause a seller to cancel the transaction. A good buyer's agent will have a few options on deck, we always refer out 2-3 home inspector's that we have worked with in the past and provided professional, quality service. However, do your due diligence, you as the buyer are the one paying for the service, hiring a cheaper/less expensive inspector is not always the best option.

If you take the route of finding your own home inspector a great place to start is the California Real Estate Inspection Association, a non-profit association dedicated to using all its resources for the benefit of members and the home buying public they serve. 'Inspecting real estate is an incredibly knowledge-intensive profession, CREIA is all about educating and training its members to do the best inspection possible for their clients.'

You can search for a CREIA member on their site, these are inspectors who have passed the National Home Inspector Exam & CREIA's supplemental Standards of Practice/Ethics Test, have successfully completed the requirements for the Certified Inspector or Master Inspector and are in good standing with an active membership. Find a California Home Inspector here.

I have also had clients that found their home inspector on YELP. Do what works for you and remember the inspection is only as good as the inspector doing it, check their credentials.

What To Expect From Your Home Inspector

The home inspector is providing an objective opinion on the home's condition after completing a 2-3 hour extensive walk-through of the home. Before hiring a home inspector you can ask for a sample report, a good home inspection report is extensive, containing an outline of checklists, summaries, photographs and notes. Some reports will estimate the remaining useful life of systems and equipment as well as the roof & structure. The report should also include recommended repairs and replacements.

CREIA has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions by Home Buyers that will address some of the questions you may be having about Home Inspections. Access FAQ's here.

The Biggest Mistakes to avoid for your home inspection

Again, the purpose of a home inspection is to minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties after closing escrow on your new home. No home is perfect, and the home inspection is a general check-up not an X-ray exam.

One of the biggest mistakes you can avoid is NOT attending the inspection. We highly recommend buyers are present at the time of the home inspection, this gives you the opportunity to shadow the home inspector and check for thoroughness. A good inspector will complete his inspection with a verbal outline of what he found, this also gives you the chance to ask questions. Sometimes reports can make issues seem worse than they are, a verbal explanation may ease some of your concerns.

Following your home inspector is a fantastic way to become familiar with the home, you will learn the location of shut-off valves, electrical panels as well as observe other details of the home.

Most buyers do not conduct a detailed examination of the home before putting in offers, upon taking this closer look at the property you can make sure this is the right home for you.

When you attend the home inspection you bring a second set of eyes and can address questions that the inspector may not have noticed. Now is the time to voice concerns if you have any, once you close on the home you become responsible for repairs and maintenance.

The second biggest mistake you can avoid is NOT reading the inspection report. Sure your inspector will give you a summary at the end of the inspection but this does not excuse you from reading the report. Take the time and read the report through and through, use the legend to understand each section meticulously. You should also use your report to gauge what other inspections might be necessary. For example, if he notes mold in the report you might want to hire a mold inspector to evaluate the property.

You've Received and Read Your Home Inspection Report - WHAT NOW?

Once you have the results of all of your inspections, its decision time on how to handle the findings. Your real estate agent is a good person to consult for advice on which items should be addressed, this will happen through a Request For Repairs. Things to consider after inspections:

Which items pose health/hazardous issues?
Which items cost a lot to repair?
Are there any items that would prevent you from moving in on time?
Which repairs are you willing to handle on your own?

After you have answered these questions you can determine which items are the most important and make a decision. As long as you are still within your contingency period you will have these options:

Go through with the deal and close escrow per initial purchase contract price and terms
Renegotiate through the request for repairs or ask for a credit through escrow to cover the damage/repairs. Or ask the seller to make certain repairs.
Or cancel escrow all together and go back to the drawing board.

Live Video From a Home Inspection with Team SchuCo:

Looking to Hire a Buyer's Broker?!? We love working with home buyers and can share our tips and tricks of getting you the best deal on your home purchase. Schedule your complimentary consultation at:

LUXE | REAL ESTATE

4 Reasons to Love Your Dining Experience at Nautilus Tavern [Food]

2018-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

La Jolla Blvd hugs the coastline connecting the two communities of La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Million dollar mansions set off in the hillside of this affluent community with an array of restaurants to choose from. Its easy to drive right by this quaint, modern rustic beach tavern but there are a few reasons why it should be on your bucket list for food destinations.

This Saturday we had a day date with Bird scooter rides, tasty eats and a scenic car ride through the majestic community of La Jolla. The location of this restaurant allows you to walk off your meal. After lunch head down to Windansea Beach a popular sandy shore featuring the distinguished landmark with the palm-covered shack.

Nautilus Tavern is located at the cross streets of Bonair & La Jolla Blvd, find convenient parking underground. Look for the most adorable patio around adorning nautical features of distressed wood, jute rope and succulent planters (all extremely Instagram worthy). Seating options are abundant: indoor, outdoor, bar, lounge and more importantly pet friendly.

Attention Foodies, Locals and Tourists!!

Four Reasons to Visit Nautilus Tavern in La Jolla, California

1. Drink Selection on Point - Specialty cocktails donning names like 'It's Noon Somewhere' and 'Escape From Alcatraz', up to 30 beers on tap and wine (bubbles, reds and whites). Bae had a bloody mary and I opted for ice water no lemon. But I did take a look see at the wine list and there were a few glasses on my list for next time.

Tip: Leave your budget friendly friends at home, the average beer cost is $8 and a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon will set you back $19. Or opt for the Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3p-6p and enjoy $2 off beer, wine and cocktails accompanied by $6 bites.

2. Ambiance - Upscale bar and grill hosting a casual, chill atmosphere featuring flat screen TV's throughout. Sports enthusiasts will no doubt have a good time, football season in full swing, beer on tap and delectable dishes. An expansive awe inspiring layout, large dining tables allow groups to get together with ease while the bar offering that close for comfort and ready to mingle setting. The combination of natural and artificial light exudes warmth and this will no doubt be a memorable experience.

3. The Smoked Cubano - My words can't even express how amazing our lunch tasted, I mean c'mon its a sandwich. Fresh ingredients, juicy ham, melt in your mouth shredded pork, Swiss cheese and dill pickle on toasted telera bread. Served with a side of crunchy tater tots dipped in creamy homemade ranch. Hungry yet? The menu has options for even the pickiest of eaters offering appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, wings and several dinner plates. If Brunch is your thing keep in mind the only serve it on the weekends.

The food was so impressionable that we can't wait to go back. If you're like me and you live to eat then put this place on your bucket list it doesn't disappoint. Check out the full menu here.

4. Interior Design - Modern coastal design with touches of rustic industrial magic. Open layout concept, warm tones inviting relaxation and that's exactly what we did!

Curb appeal sets the tone with a patio enclosed by wood succulent planters and a creative jute rope design adding nautical charm. Outdoor string lights suspend over glass topped wicker tables no doubt a romantic stage for evening dining. Don't worry they have outdoor heaters for a comfortable temp. and indoor seating is abundant.

The bar adds style with its minimal use of shelving and custom black iron U shaped beer tap system. Stools hug the gray concrete bar top with a wood plank base allowing out-of-town visitors and locals the opportunity to chat. Not in the mood to talk?!? No problem there are plenty of flat screen TVs and they even ask your preference on channel.

Brick walls and steel surfaces combined with wood exposed ceilings provide the perfect background for selfies...I'm just say'in. An eclectic environment that soothes my soul like a day at the beach united with great company and delicious food makes for the perfect day date. Nautilus Tavern is top on my list and makes the Team SchuCo Restaurant Pick of the week. Follow us on Instagram for more reviews of local restaurants. IG accounts: LoveitorListitWithT and TheLuxeGen

If you are looking to buy, sell or rent a home in La Jolla, California we can help. Visit us at Luxe Real Estate.

3 Brilliant Home Decor Trends To Look Out For [Home Design]

2018-08-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

A new season is always a good reason to spruce up our living spaces. Say goodbye to summer with these fabulous fall home decor trends. Looking for a cozy, modern yet sophisticated space? Implementing these 3 trends will help you embrace the new season and give your home the perfect environment for fall.

Neon Signs

Daring decoration anyone?!? A bright neon sign to profess your favorite quote or mantra, custom and personalized is the way to go! From Elton John to Kourtney Kardashian neon signs are making their way into voguish celebrity homes as statement pieces. Brighten up any wall in your house this trend can be implemented in the bedroom, living room or bathroom.

The beauty about neon decor is the opportunity to personalize it to fit your style, look for something you find meaningful and let your light shine! Literally!

Those custom neon signs can get pricey...try the trend on a budget with a smaller piece. AAOS has creative neon signs for under $200. Or a small unconventional neon lamp. Urban Outfitters also offers an array of neon + novelty lights at an affordable price.

A few of my favorites:

And if neon doesn't turn you on then maybe our next trend will.

Navy Blue I Love You

Make a bold statement with navy blue. You don't have to settle for neutral colors when going for classic sophistication. Navy blue is a color that pairs well with others, rich in tone and adds drama like the color black. Is navy the new black?? Both timeless and striking, blue hues are extremely versatile to decorate your home. Several color schemes make it difficult to decide which is my favorite but I lean heavy on the navy blue and white combo.

Navy Blue + White

Navy Blue + Coral

Navy Blue + Blush

Navy Blue + Canary Yellow

Navy Blue + Neutrals

Totally own your home decor transformation by combining the Navy Blue trend with our next fall favorite, velvet!!! A navy blue velvet couch is my dream (that will be coming true very soon).

Velvet Vibes

Home accessories or furniture, velvet is a luxurious fabric that's sure to add some texture to your fall decor. Depending on your commitment level you can go big with a statement sofa or low key pillows and throws. Either way there is a myriad of velvet home decor options designed with luxe in mind.

Since velvet is a must have for fall I'll leave you with two tips. First, be sure and go with a color that speaks to you. Getting a velvet couch in just about any color is simple while its trending, you can make a bold impact with a dark green or go soft pink for the perfect touch of everyday glamour.

Second tip: keep it simple, less is more. If you are not sure about this trend its easy to implement through accessories, piles of soft velvety pillows spells cozy for fall.

Scroll down for my favorite velvet home decor.

For more home decor inspiration follow my Pinterest Page: Home Decor Inspiration

*source for images is Pinterest

2018 Housing Market Is NOTHING Like The Great Recession [Home Buying]

2018-08-21T11:49:00.001-07:00

Have You Heard the Housing Bubble Talk? Is the real estate market going to crash??

Growing up I remember my Dad always said, "real estate is cyclical". 30 years later that statement resonates with me. Analyzing and predicting real estate cycles requires looking at activity month-over-month but also year-over-year. It has been 10 years since "The Great Recession" when the U.S. housing market went from BOOM to BUST!

Recap of The Great Recession (2007-2009):

The United States shed more than 7.5 MILLION jobs (causing its unemployment rate to double)
American households lost roughly $16 TRILLION of net worth with the stock market plunge (the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a market low of 6,443.27 in July 2008)
Nearly 4 MILLION homes were foreclosed each year (an estimated 7 MILLION Americans lost their homes during the recession)
2.5 MILLION businesses were shuttered

The Great Recession vs 2018

The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in July 2018 (9.5% in July 2009)
Dow Jones Industrial Average at this very moment is 25,771.16 (August 20, 2018)
676,535 foreclosures were reported on U.S. properties in 2017, the lowest level since 2005 (down 76% from a peak of nearly 2.9 Million in 2010)

Although these numbers are shocking..they also help gauge the trends that will follow in 2019. Unless you are a soothsayer with major psychic abilities there is no way to predict what the real estate market will do! However, there are ways to analyze the past and make some educated assumptions.

Cyclical vs Linear Real Estate Markets

Photo Credit: Housing Alerts

Cyclical means revolving or recurring in cycles. Property values move with noticeable highs and lows or busts and booms. When conditions are booming, annual housing price gains can exceed 20-30% at its peak. Eventually the boom dies down by pushing prices to inflated levels. Cyclical markets are typically found in California, New York, New Jersey and Florida.

Linear real estate markets are defined as a 'flat' growth curve over time, where booms or busts essentially never occur. Linear markets are found in the Midwest as well as some of the southern (Texas) and south-eastern (Georgia, Tennessee) states in the U.S.

The San Diego real estate market is cyclical. History shows that most cycles last 5-10 years and home values here have been rising for about 7 years.

What does this mean for a home buyer?? You must re-evaluate YOUR long-term plan.

The key to buying a home is not getting caught in the downward cycle when it's time to sell later. This will take careful planning that begins with a mortgage you can afford and negotiating the right sales price. Working alongside a real estate professional (like me) can make all the difference.

Here's Why The 2018 Housing Market is Nothing Like the 2008 Real Estate Market

10 years ago the lending practices had major loose ends, subprime lenders earning enormous profits making mortgages to people who evidently could not afford them. (Housing Crisis of 2008/Foreclosure Crisis) The stated income and stated assets loan origination tactic used by banks were highly profitable but extremely risky, these are currently unavailable thanks to the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010.
Months of Supply - in real estate is a measurement of how many months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell, given the current pace of home sales. Months of supply is a good indicator of whether a particular real estate market favors buyers or sellers. A market that favors sellers has less than 6 months of supply, while more than 6 months supply favors buyers. In 2008 months of supply jumped over 10 months, when subprime mortgage lending ceased, demand shriveled and inventory skyrocketed. This resulted in too much supply and not enough demand. Currently in July 2018 the months of supply is 2.4, clear signs its still a seller's market.
Unlike 2008, economic growth is accelerating, not slowing. Even before the housing bubble burst there were signs of economic & earnings slowdown that do not exist today. We are seeing high prices in areas where income growth has been very strong. In 2005/06, we saw higher prices driven by looser credit conditions.

Photo Credit: San Diego Association of Realtors

Key Takeaways

Appreciation will happen over time, equity will grow over time.
As rapidly as property values can go up, they can also come down. Timing the real estate market perfectly is very difficult.
We are currently experiencing a correction in housing, like in any market, this is normal. I see price adjustments daily. The San Diego Association of Realtors reports there are beginning to be hints of more supply in several markets across the county, coupled with a slowdown in total sales. These factors could potentially slow the longstanding trend of year-over-year median sales prices increases. For the 12-month period spanning August 2017 through July 2018, pending sales in San Diego county were down 5.7 percent overall.

The most recent housing boom has been driven primarily by lack of supply. Tighter lending conditions have helped limit the home purchases to the most highly qualified and low risk buyers. I don't believe we are in for a housing recession but rather a housing correction, we could see smaller increases in equity and more price reductions of homes that were over-priced to begin with.

Home Buyers - Check out this article I wrote back in 2017 (almost a year ago)
When Is The Best Time To Buy A House

I stick by my opinion, the absolute best time to buy a house is when YOUR financial profile INTERSECTS with the right house in the right neighborhood. Schedule your appointment to see if now is the best time, hiring a buyer's broker early on in the process who has your best interest in mind is CRUCIAL.

Whether you are buying or selling head over to Luxeresd.com to schedule your complimentary home consultation.

Sources for this article include: Forbes, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Investopedia, San Diego Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors.

Real Estate Market Update For Pacific Beach & Mission Beach California [Home Selling]

2018-06-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Visit The New Lars Remodeling Appliance Center Details: May 17th from 4:30 – 8 PM 5925 Kearny Villa Rd. 92123

2018-05-10T21:26:00.001-07:00

Visit the new Lars Remodeling Showroom in Kearny Mesa

How To Declutter Your Home Like A Boss Pt 1 of 6 Preparing Your Home For Sale

2018-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Step one and the most vital in selling your home for maximum dollar is decluttering! Don't be afraid to reclaim the space in your house from years of collecting and storing. This is where the "BOSS" part of the title comes in. You are the immediate supervisor of your situation!! You get to choose, what stays and what goes.

The more you declutter, the cleaner and more spacious your home will appear to qualified buyers. Another reason this is an important step is for professional real estate photography. The secret to this process is making your home "look staged" with items you already have.

Create spaces that are inviting and showcase the room for its intended purpose. Have you ever walked into a model home and wanted to buy it purely because of the awesome decor?

Mimic this as you declutter. Keep out the items that help make your home look minimal and modern, while still living there.

TIPS ON HOW TO DECLUTTER

Be Prepared - Have garbage bags and boxes on hand.

Split Room Into Sections - Go through them one at a time. Break it up, could be starting on the bookcase, cabinet, desk...or it could be a corner or segment of a room. Ask yourself these three questions:

Is this garbage?
Am I using it? Will I ever?
If it went missing would you even notice? or care?

Set a Deadline - When do you want all decluttering to be complete?

Hire Someone - if the task seems to be too daunting or you just don't have time then hire someone.

Declutter All Rooms

Yes, I repeat...you have to declutter ALL rooms...and shoving items in the nearest, closest drawer does not constitute as cleaning up. The definition of declutter is to remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place).

Start one room at a time and get to sectioning off or employ kids and friends to help with the process. Offer up some mojitos and dinner to your besties and make it fun!

Quick Steps To An Immaculate Palace & Few Staging Tips

Kitchen and Bathroom

Start with a blank canvas, clear everything out. Clean out medicine cabinets, closets, cupboards, pantries and drawers. This also give you the opportunity to wipe it down, buyers don't want to open up drawers and see crumbs..I'm just sayin'. Only put back items we absolutely can't live without, perfect time to pack up or give away the items you don't use that often. This will help make packing and moving a cinch.

At this point, kitchen and bathroom counters should be empty.

For the kitchen, pack up your countertop appliances, no more than one appliance, for me it's the coffee maker. If you don't have a built-in microwave it must be put away, its bulky and taking up precious counter space. Decorative canisters or a bowl of fruit is okay, think minimal.

For the bathroom, remove your toiletries and daily bathroom supplies, don't forget the shower. Buyer's really don't want to ee your personal hygiene products (awkward). Your buyer's want a luxurius bathroom experience, clean thoroughly. This will help create the 'new' vibe that buyer's will pay a premium for. Invest in a brand new towel set and keep them for 'show' purposes only, put them away after showings or open houses, this will keep them looking fresh and crisp.

Flowers or plants in both of these spaces can have a big impact. Fresh flowers make spaces come alive and the bathroom or kitchen is no exception. You can make a dramatic statement by adding lots of color and texture or tone it down with an elegant single stem rose in a small decorative vase.

Great examples of staged kitchens - thes are the model homes located in The Village of Escaya in Chula Vista.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms

These spaces in your home should be tranquil and zen, these rooms need to be clutter free. Take a look at your shelving and display areas, do you really LOVE everything being displayed? Keep your most coveted items and donate the rest. If you don't LOVE or NEED it then get rid of it. Your most treasured items should always be packed away for Open Houses!

Minimize furniture & items that make the room look small or cramped. Remove large furniture and personal items such as family photos, awards, books, DVD collections, etc. Fewer items make these rooms appear larger and cleaner. The goal is for potential home buyers to be able to envision their own items in the space.

Play up your windows, don't hide them behind heavy drapes. Sheers work wonders and provide a sense of openness. Letting the light in and keeping the peeping Tom's out by providing some privacy. Window treatments can instantly change the look and feel of a room. Clean lines make the living space feel warm and inviting.

Garage

When it comes to the garage make sure you allocate enough time to complete the task at hand. Depending on the size and accumulated clutter will determine whether this is two-day task or a roll up your sleeves and get it done Saturday morning. Sometimes our garage becomes the dumping ground for all types of things, you are not alone if it feels like a hot mess situation!!

Overwhelmed?!?! Start in sections, one wall at time. Buyers are looking in the garage, they could be assessing several things at this point. One that comes to mind, when buyers put an offer on a home they are expecting to move rather quickly 30-45 days. If it looks like it could take the seller forever to move, they might take the high road and on to the next house. Or worse, put in a low offer.

Clean and organized screams, "this home has been well maintained".

Ideally, pull everything out into the driveway. As you are doing this have trash cans nearby and start discarding items you don't need or want. Not sure? Ask yourself when was the last time you actually used it?

This is also a great time to start packing up the garage. A homeowner that goes through the steps of Preparing Your Home For Sale will sell fast! Getting a head start on the garage is always a good idea.

4 Quick Tips For Packing Your Garage

Sort and have a garage sale before moving.
Get the right moving boxes and packing supplies.
Know what NOT to pack - hazardous materials can't be moved by moving companies for safety purposes.
Label everything as you go! (Very Important)

Got Pets?

Last but not least, remove any evidence of your furry family member (i.e. pet toys, pet hair on furniture, litter boxes, pet odors).

Almost everyone loves animals....except for the potential buyer who wants your house! Don't let the pet ruin it.

Ready, set, GO!! Its time to fight off your inner pack rat and find your true neat freak selfie! You can do it, remember the end goal is to sell your home at a premium price.

First impressions are EVERYTHING, to the consumer and believe it or not, your REALTOR® too! We are forming opinions of what your home is worth and how it compares to other homes on the market from the second we walk in the front door. Influence us! Get top dollar for your home.

Giving your REALTOR a tour of your home is imperative for pricing your home to sell, ready to schedule a viewing time for an accurate market analysis?

Ready for step number two in our blogging series?

{6 Enticing Tips To Sell Your Home Like Nobody Else}

Pt 2 of 6: FIND YOUR INNER CLEAN FREAK

The Pros and Cons of Purchasing A New Construction Home

2017-12-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Thinking About Buying A Brand New Home in San Diego?

House hunting can be an awesome adventure and touring model homes can be even more exciting. There is something about those shiny new, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, open floor plans, customizing and choosing your favorite flooring, cabinets, countertops and window coverings.

But is it the right home purchase for you?

New Construction VS Resale

What is new construction?

A home that hasn't been occupied, where the seller is typically the builder.

What is resale?

Not considered new construction, someone has previously purchased the home and is now reselling.

There are three different ways that a new home can be purchased:

A home already built on spec
A semi-custom home built as part of a development (you can choose from a select palette of finishes and upgrades)
Custom home designed & built to your specifications

Every home buyer has different preferences...if you aren't sure whether or not buying a new home is right for you start with a pros and cons list. We can help your brainstorm process by listing the most obvious advantages and disadvantages of new home construction.

New Home Construction PROS

🔨 Add Your Personal Touches - with new construction the work is done for you, the only finger you have to lift is pointing to the type of upgrades you would like. Depending on your contract, upgrades could include: countertops, showers and tubs, carpeting, lighting, window treatments, paint, appliances and landscaping to name a few.

🔨 New home design elements - the builders do the research for you, they design layouts that are functional. Some builders have even integrated technology offering the "connected home" feature. Have you seen the new homes at The Village of Escaya? Brookfield Residential builder integrates the Apple HomeKit technology allowing future residents to control lights, locks, thermostats and blinds using their voice, or the Apple Home App. Read all about that here: These San Diego Homes Come Equipped with Apple Approved Upgrades

🔨 Not much maintenance - brand new appliances, plumbing, heating and air you should be repair free for at least a few years. Tip: Don't forget a home inspection is just as important on new home construction as it is on a resale home.

🔨 Concessions - a seller concession is an amount of money paid toward closing on your behalf. Buyers may be able to squeeze more out of a home builder than an individual seller. I recently read an article by USA Today that Lennar will help pay student loans so they can afford to buy a home. Builders can get pretty creative with offerings, just be careful sometimes they tack what seems like "extras" onto the loan.

Photo Cred: Brookfield Residential

New Home Construction CONS

🔨 Brand new homes can cost more - newer home, higher cost. Not to mention the current state of our market...existing home inventory is still at historical low levels. Builders may not be throwing around money and incentives like they used to in saturated market, they don't have to.

🔨 Upgrades Add up - all of the shiny upgrades you saw in the model home can hold a hefty price tag. Most new construction homes feature builder-grade products, which means basic materials and lower quality. Tip: Upgrading during the initial construction process could save you money. If you upgrade from 6" backsplash to a full height backsplash, you will pay the difference in materials cost but not necessarily more for installation.

🔨 Smaller Lots - new homes are getting bigger and lots are getting smaller. CNBC reported this trend was driven in part by a desire to live closer to community cores, restricting affordable options to smaller lot sizes.

🔨 Construction Noise - if you purchase during the first few phases of construction in a large community, you're essentially going to be living in a construction zone for years to come.

Final Word

Let's face it a home that has never been lived in by anyone but you, customized to your preferences sounds enticing. If your Pros outweigh the cons then get started on your home search. There are several new construction home options in San Diego County. We can tailor a custom new home tour just for you. Hire Team SchuCo as your buyer's agent, the sales offices at new home construction sites hire agents to represent their best interests!

You deserve to have someone looking out for you. Call us anytime! 619-995-2132
Email us anytime!

How I Cope With Stress In The Real Estate Industry

2017-12-15T15:24:00.002-08:00

Realtor dot com wrote it best..."because of the independent nature of the work, the travails of the business, and the irregular cash flow, real estate is perhaps one of the more stressful professions to pursue." Did you google the meaning of travail?!? Here I did it for you:

Wow!! That's pretty intense...and sometimes it feels like that...BUT...

I do believe the CHALLENGE in this industry is what motivates me, a constant roller coaster, that I'm never getting off. Oddly, I love it. Our mission tagline incorporates "solution providers and problem solvers" for a reason!

But at times....like now...the eleventh hour, 5 days before the close of escrow when you get that dreaded phone call that the buyer doesn't want to move forward. My heart sinks, my stomach begins to churn and I feel pressure in my chest...but not before taking a deep breath and reminding myself everything will be okay. Hence, this very post and sharing how I cope with the stress.

If you are a REALTOR or perhaps a buyer or seller dealing with a stressful transaction this post is designed to help you get through it. Sometimes those stress balls just aren't enough!

And if grabbing your favorite snack (Cheez-Its) helps for the moment then by all means...Do It...just don't eat the whole box.

Disclosure: I'm not a Doctor, I'm a Realtor, writing about my real life experiences and helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market.

This is how we deal with stress.

Look On The Bright Side

By far the key to our success has been keeping a positive attitude. And I say 'OUR' because my partner, Marc, is a major contribution to staying positive. We are like Ying and Yang, we pick each other up when the other is down.

Trust, its not always easy to see a 'bright' side... having someone to lean on when you need a mindset shift is super helpful.

Search for the silver lining! Looking for a positive in a negative situation can completely change your perspective and actually shows strength. Mental Health America addresses questions you can ask yourself:

How have I grown from this situation?
Are my relationships stronger now?
Have I developed new skills?
What am I proud of about the way I handled this situation?

Focus On What We CAN Control

Avoid dwelling on the downers! Do not sit and wallow in your pity party of the century...you gotta keep it moving!! This will take discipline and awareness. Some things are just out of our control...in real estate feeding our pipeline is a constant activity that we can control.

Instead of freezing cold in your tracks, pouring a glass of wine at noon or perhaps taking a really long nap...get busy, do some farming, or write a blog post...do something that will benefit your business.

The Greatist features a list: The Only 7 Things You Can Control In Life

My personal Fave: Gratitude - 'a scientific study shows results that a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits. The practice of being grateful on a daily basis will increase happiness & productivity'. (Source)

Take A Break

This one is the most difficult for me....but sometimes completely unplugging is the answer. Go for a walk, bike ride, workout, grab a coffee, read, send out a thank you note, daydream...need some more ideas? Head over to The Muse and get inspired: 51 Things To Do When You Need A Break At Work

Products That Help With Stress

I will receive a small commission if you purchase any of these items, your stress will thank you.

Bath & Body Works - Aromatherapy Stress Relief Set | $29.99

Yogi Tea - Kava Stress Relief | $20.70

Root Scented Seeking Balance Relieve Candle | $14.24

Need help buying or selling your home in San Diego? Contact us anytime!

4 Reasons To Sell Your Home During The Holidays

2017-11-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Real estate myths or opinions of others may have you believing now is NOT the best time to sell your home. Friends and family might give unsolicited advice when you mention that you are thinking of selling your home. One of the myths that drives me nuts, "Spring is the best time to sell your home, real estate is seasonal".

I'm calling hogwash on that one...we live in San Diego, California...where it rarely rains and never snows, so weather and seasons don't really play a part here. In all reality pick the time that is most convenient for you. If that time is NOW here are a few reasons why listing your home during the holidays is a great idea.

More Serious Buyers

Buyers who are looking during the Holidays are SERIOUS BUYERS. Let's be real, buying a home is a major commitment but buying one during the holidays takes motivation. Some buyers may have heard that you can get a great deal around the end of the year. Reality: Sale price is ultimately a function of market dynamics not seasons.

Less Competition from Other Sellers

Typically there are less homes on the market during the fall holidays, leaving less options for buyers and less competition for you as the seller. At the peak of the market in the middle of the summer there were over 350 homes for sale in the 92037 zip code. Right now there are only 258 on the market, that's 100 less options for buyers in the fall. Less competition could result in more money for you as the seller.

Buyers Have More Time

Holidays and days off result in more time for the buyer to make their transition. Meeting with inspectors and loan officers is a little bit easier when you have extra days off. Packing and getting ready to move is less stressful when you don't have to work. Quick tip for buyers: pack an overnight bag with all of your essentials and pack items you will need first in clear bins for easy access.

Show Your Home When Its Convenient For You

Showings can be restricted or tailored to fit your needs. Open houses can be optional and you can still enjoy your holidays with mandatory appointments for property viewings. You are in control. The truth of the matter is buyers want to see your home when it is convenient for them, a savvy agent will make it a convenience for everyone and the process can be seamless with the proper communication.

Rumors fly about what the election will do to home prices...no one has a crystal ball...BUT according to findings by the California Association of REALTORS notes that Presidential elections have historically had little of no negative impact on the California housing market. Read that story: Presidential Elections Effect on Housing Market

If you just took a deep sigh of relief and curious of your homes value, contact us. We can help you weigh benefits of listing your home before the year is out or come up with a game plan to sell in the New Year.

HIRE TEAM SCHUCO

Teresa Schumacher - REALTOR®

Marc Coleman - Assistant
E: teamschuco@gmail.com
Ph: 619-995-2132

Town Home For Sale in Otay Ranch

2017-11-23T09:36:00.000-08:00

Turn-Key Townhome for Sale in Chula Vista, CA

Voice for Real Estate 78: Tax Reform, Flood, Teams, Trust Stamp

2017-11-22T15:25:00.001-08:00

Voice For Real Estate

When Is The Best Time To Buy A House?

2017-09-13T10:13:00.001-07:00

When is the best time to buy a house? Seems like such a simple question...right? But with all of the news headlines raving about how it is such a strong SELLER'S MARKET..they haven't been talking much about buyers. So grab your cup of coffee and avocado toast because we are revealing for you the BEST TIME to buy a house in this bullish market.

A little bit of statistical research, experience and opinion make up our answer for those of you still on the fence about buying. I will urge you to explore your options if you have the slightest itch for home ownership. The best time of year to buy a home is quickly approaching, don't miss out! Want to know how much home you can afford? One of the best mortgage apps is revealed at the end of this post.

Can you guess which single day of the year is the best day to buy a home??

Waiting To Buy a Home Can Cost You!!

The famous quote, " DON'T WAIT TO BUY REAL ESTATE, BUY REAL ESTATE AND WAIT" holds true. Statistically speaking the average sales price on a single family home year to date has risen by 7.8%. Don't let that deter you...after all it is your dream to own a home...right?!?!? The steady increase in home prices means that if you continue to wait you run the risk of home prices surging higher and higher, and possibly to a point that you can no longer afford.

THE BIG BUBBLE IS NOT COMING ANYTIME SOON!! There have not been any major changes in the economy that would affect housing. Factors such as wage growth, unemployment and mortgage rates have all been stable. The whole of residential real estate is in good shape.

Think Home Prices Are High Now?

Senior Economist of realtor.com mentions, " Prices are increasing faster than we expected them to because of continual shortage of new homes coming to the market. People that had been holding back on buying a home now have good, steady jobs & are less worried about losing their jobs and hence going into the housing market."

Look around my friends....every community is going through massive construction, new builds, remodels, flips, investors they are alive and well!! Next time you drive home from work take the neighborhood streets and count the ways home owners are working on their properties, how many green fences do you see?!?

ARE YOU READY...HERE IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY A HOUSE

The absolute best time to buy a house is when YOUR financial profile INTERSECTS with the right house in the right neighborhood.

That is my BEST answer...but let me guess...you want more. So let's talk analytics and strategy for a moment. I have compiled a bit of research from different resources and here is what they say:

THE BALANCE - "the first best day of the year to buy a home is Christmas Day! Almost nobody looks at homes on Christmas Day. It doesn't matter whether you are a Christian nor whether you celebrate that holiday, there are much lower numbers of buyers shopping for a home in December."

INMAN - "buyers looking for the perfect home at a lower price should buy in August or September, according to Zillow's newest study."

BUSINESS INSIDER - "according to new research the best month for buyers is October. And the best day of the week is Monday. And the single best day on the calendar is October 8."

MARKET WATCH - "a new NerdWallet study found that home sales prices - and the amount a buyer actually pays - in the nation's largest metro areas typically peak during the summer, dip in the fall and are lowest in winter, potentially saving off-peak buyers thousands of dollars."

There you have it my friends...the best time to buy a house is NOW! Seller's who have had their home on the market all summer with no contract in sight have either been thinking about a price reduction or already have cut the price. Last month in La Jolla percent of properties with a price decrease for condos/attached homes was 26% and detached homes saw a 47% decrease. (insert the WOW emoji face here)

There are deals to be had, while you continue to wait for the big housing bubble you're losing precious equity/value! Take action now and buy during the best time of the year, but don't forget the #1 rule: when finances cross with the right house.

Ready to get pre-approved??? This is the first step to buying your dream home, get out your cell phone and get this fabulous app today.

I am recommending this app for two reasons:

#1 - I personally use it to get an idea of what a mortgage payment would look like, it gives the full picture by including principal & interest, home insurance and taxes!

#2 - We have personally worked with Todd Gorman and he is highly recommended for getting the job done. You can even submit paperwork through the secure app, HELLO EASY!

Search For App - Mortgage Advisor
Get LINK

Email, call or text to schedule your home buyer's consultation, we enjoy working with home buyers to walk them through the process, it really can be simple.

Team SchuCo

Teresa Schumacher

REALTOR

CalBre01731418

Marc Coleman

Branch Manager

PH: 619-995-2132

EMAIL: teamschuco@gmail.com

Fall Home Decor Trends 2017 + Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

2017-09-07T09:43:00.002-07:00

The unofficial end of summer is coming and Labor Day weekend is over...however, the season is not really over until September 22. Which means there is still time to get your home FALL ready. Decor shouldn't be the only item on your list...this is also a great time to do a little bit of home maintenance, a few simple chores could save you some unpleasant surprises. (Printable Fall home maintenance checklist at the bottom of this post)

If you are creative and like change...the decor will come easy, for the maintenance it might be a little honey-do list or hire a local handy man...either way, get er' done.

Home Decor Tips From Our Village of Escaya Tour

We just toured the Village of Escaya in Otay Ranch and let me tell you there is nothing better than 21 well decorated model homes for inspiration. They got EVERYTHING right!!

Change of season is always a great excuse to re-decorate but who needs a reason?!? After all our home is our sanctuary, the place we want to relax, unwind and spend time with the family.

TRENDING for Fall Decor

What's IN? and What's Out??

Vibrant Jewel Colors - Emerald green, amethyst and terracotta all make the list. Bright, rich hues are in high demand you can add them subtly with throw pillows and accent pieces or go all in with an entire jewel tone color theme.

Texture - The illusion of touch, texture is the character of the surface and is both tactile and visual. Woven shades, linen wallpaper, plants, shells, stones, plush fabric, textiles, velvet...the list goes on.

Floors, walls and accessories can all add an element of texture. So have fun with it, visit Pinterest for a few hundred hours and go in with a plan!

Add Texture With Wallpaper

I enjoyed reading tips from this post on Tidbits & Twine, a gentle reminder of the basics:

Adding Texture to Your Home {8 Easy Ways}

Statement Ceilings/Walls - Dare to be different, fresh white walls are soooo out! Accent walls are a great way to bring some personality to the room. You can wake up any room with a great statement wall, try it in the bathroom for a quick DIY change.

Statement Ceiling

Statement Wall

Smart Home Features - let's be real our world revolves around our devices...has your IPhone screen turned black and panic starts to set in when you can't get it back on?? That actually happened to me this morning, thank god for google! Remember this when adding the "smart" to your home and hiring a professional for this job is probably a good idea.

The Escaya Community comes Smart Home ready! Contact me for the details and our RING Smart Home Buyer Program.

Extending the Outdoor Life - In Southern California this part comes easy, temperatures don't seem to drop too low here so a few quick fixes and you can still dine al fresco. To maximize your space and seating go for a modular sofa, with different configurations you can make a custom fit couch for your outdoors.

I didn't get any pics at Escaya of the outdoor living, but every single home made the patios and backyards a seamless transition to enjoy the wonderful weather we experience here in San Diego!

Photo Credit: Escaya

Seamless Transition From the Kitchen to Your Backyard

WHAT'S OUT - Don't Shoot The Messenger

All white interiors - smooth and sleek rooms are out! Its time to cozy up your space with texture. The good news...white is a great base color, time to bring in the layers and warmth. Gray also makes the list of OUT...sorry to break it to you but its time to spruce up that space.

Copper/Brass - Metal OVERKILL is out, don't fret! Designer say that brass can look a little cheap when you go overboard, they recommend mixing metals for a more eclectic and refined palette. For more sophistication avoid brass pieces that tend to have a yellow hue.

Dull Bedding - Our bedrooms have become our retreats, plain & boring bedding is out! Mix and match patterns is perfect for 2017, don't go overboard and stick to 3 patterns max!

What do you think of the Fall home decor trends for this year? Will you be incorporating some new designs in your home this season?

As if decorating for season's isn't enough, anyone else have a fall home maintenance to-do list??

Here is your bonus Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to help:

Thinking About Selling? Get these chores done BEFORE you list your home!

Searching for a new home? Contact us for your complimentary consultation.

Teresa Schumacher
REALTOR
CalBre01731418

Marc Coleman
Branch Manager
PH: 619-995-2132
EMAIL Us Here

How To Find An Assisted Living Facility For Mom & Dad

2017-08-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, change is what we need. Adjusting to change can be difficult but the optimist in me says, " don't be afraid of change, its leading you to a new beginning". Some of you may or may not know our story, about 6 years ago, Marc and I had the experience of helping his parents transition.

And when I say transition, I mean LIFE CHANGING for everyone involved. Most of the time it was challenging. We went from taking care of them ourselves (7 days a week, baths, diaper changes, feeding, physical therapy, mental therapy and more) to hospice and finally an assisted living facility.

Our lives changed dramatically when we FINALLY transitioned Dad to a life-enriching independent living facility. It was hard coming to that decision, but shortly after Mom had passed we helped him make the move. It wasn't easy convincing him that this was the best option. Parents can be stubborn and often don't want to disrupt or change the way they have been living for the past 70 years. Reflecting back, it was the best decision we could have ever made, holding a bit of regret for not having done it sooner.

If you are finding yourself in the same scenario and just don't know where to start....here is our story and tips on how to find an assisted living facility for your parents.

Think of it as finding a day care for your first born child.

The facility you choose will be their new home and more than likely were they will take their last breaths.

The Manse on Marsh

But moreover, this is the place where your parent(s) will be able to flourish in their old age. A good facility will develop a plan that meets the needs of your parents while still giving them the freedom to do what they can for themselves.

Starting the Assisted Living Facility Search

Google it - type in "Assisted Living Facilities in (Your City)"
Ask For Referrals - fortunately we had hospice care for Mom and we reached out to the resources of hospice for recommendations on assisted living. You can also ask their primary physician.

Once you have found your resources of options you can schedule a tour. Considering the emotional process we went out and looked at the facilities first, when we found the right fit we scheduled a second tour to show Dad. We approached it as 'let's just go see what they have to offer and if you don't like it then we keep looking until we find one that you like'. We pointed out solutions to his hot points, his needs and a place that matches most to what he had access to at HOME.

They say to start looking at assisted living about 6 months before your parents will actually need it, for us it was more of a need right away and making the decision quickly.

What To Look For While Touring Assisted Living Facilities

Activities at The Manse on Marsh

Pay Attention To Staff Interaction - are they friendly and compassionate? How do they engage with current residents? How many people are involved in residents' care? Meet the management team, it is important that you have confidence in the staff at the facility you choose.
Think About Your Parent's Current and Future Needs - What are the levels of care they offer? How long can a resident stay? Is there adequate wheelchair access and ramps? Do they have wheelchair escorts?
Does the Facility Offer What Is Most Important To Your Loved One? - Sit down with your parents and ask them, we might think we know...but giving them options and providing solutions to their current situation makes it easier for the transition. For us the important factors were convenience to stores he visits regularly, transportation, close to Dr.'s offices and most importantly good food and cleanliness.
Visit the Facility During An Activity - Look at the activity calendar for the month, would your loved one enjoy any of them? Is the activity well attended by residents? Does the staff enjoy the activity as well? Do they have field trips and outings away from the facility?

Dining at The Manse
Go With Your Gut!! - Both guts - try a meal or two. And when you get those butterflies that say this is the one (trust me you will) then go for it. For us it was the best decision we could have made, it gave us the opportunity to take a step back from care giving and enjoy what we had no idea would be Dad's last year.

For us it was a little bit easier than most because we made the move to be close to Mom and Dad early on, so they were literally a 5 minute drive away. However, if you are out of town I would recommend you move them to a facility near you, easy access is so important during this time.

The Manse on Marsh in San Luis Obispo is a wonderful place to stay. Not only are they an award-winning independent and assisted living facility but you won't have to worry about moving your parents again if their condition worsens.

One of the only assisted living facilities on the central coast that offers a comprehensive care planning system, they evaluate your unique care situation whether it be medication management or bathing and grooming. This system assures that your loved one receives and pays only for the care and assistance required.

Other helpful resources during this time:

What Is The Difference Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing?

Are You A Part of the "Silent Generation" That Needs To Sell Your Parents Home?

***We only write and feature posts on our blog that we are truly passionate about, we have personally been through this stage of life and want to share resources that can help others through this time. This post contains sponsored links from Perennial Relations.

7 Tips On Writing A Home Offer Cover Letter

2017-06-29T09:46:00.001-07:00

Writing An Offer Cover Letter That's Sure To Win The House

The San Diego real estate market is currently a fast moving seller's market, often homes priced competitively have multiple offers. When we represent home buyer's a cover letter ALWAYS accompanies the offer. If you are looking to win a bidding war then a cover letter is THE THING TO DO! I personally wanted my clients to stand out from the rest and some didn't even know I drafted one for them...which is why I'm composing this blog post.

I have been told numerous times by listing agents how the offer cover letter helped win the bid. To find out not all Realtors do this was a little surprising to me.

Getting creative with your offer letter could be the difference between an opened escrow or heart breaking news that you didn't get your dream home, we don't like to make that call! I always say, "what's meant to be... is meant to be."

What if you could seal the deal by writing the best offer cover letter ever?

All home buyers in a competitive market should be using cover letters as an aggressive edge over its challengers. You are not the ONLY one who loves this house.

So, USE THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE WHY YOU ARE THE BEST CANDIDATE!

Think of it as a love letter, leave the seller's feeling like they can't resist your offer. Here's how professing your infatuation with their home could win you the contract.

1. If you don't know where to start, go with the "Past, Present & Future" storytelling

When I was younger...
Our Family Now...
When I grow up...grow older...

2. Make it Personal and Specific

Make statements based on your real-life situation. Is your family growing and your current home is painfully small? Are you retiring and and ready to live the simple life by down sizing? Tell your story and captivate the seller's heart.

3. Finding yourself at a loss for words?!? It's okay to use quotes!

Bonus Tip:
And maybe...if you can't express why this is the perfect home for you, its not! Re-think your purchase its okay to change your mind.

4. Don't be afraid to open up

You could tell them what you thought/felt when you first entered their home. Give the seller a stronger feeling of personal connection. Would the living room make a special place for your holiday traditions in gathering with family and building memories for years to come?? Tell them!

5. Reflect on your feelings

Tell them how much you love the house and why. Are there specific features that make their home unique and exactly what you want? Tell them!

The Coolest Custom Neon Signs Ever! {Source}

6. Be Positive

Writing a great cover letter requires confidence and a positive attitude. A positive emphasis will persuade the reader and create goodwill. I don't think I have to say this...but just in case...negative words may generate resistance and other unfavorable reactions.

7. Reiterate your Commitment

Closing the deal at the end of the day is the only thing on the seller's mind. Is this buyer capable of not only opening escrow with an earnest money deposit but following through to the end resulting in closure.

Describe to them your qualifications and how you will work diligently to meet the guidelines of removing your contingencies and perform inspections on time.

Bonus Tip:
Don't waive important inspections, sweeten the deal by offering a shorter escrow time or bigger earnest money deposit.

Want to really be distinctive?!? Hand write your letter or craft a cool design, I've seen resume style graphics on Pinterest that would definitely help you stand out from the crowd.

Need help with your home purchase? We are always a phone call away.

Teresa Schumacher & Marc Coleman
CALBre#01731418
Ph: 619-995-2132

First Time Home Buyer Guide

2017-06-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

In San Diego's competitive home buying market, buyers need every possible advantage when it comes to competing with others in purchasing their dream home! As long as inventory is low combined with growth in population, the demand will continue to increase prices making it more difficult to buy your first home! Therefore, we've created an easy to follow "Home Buying Guide" that will prepare you for the process of buying a home. Let's get started!

Know The Difference Between Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved!

Pre-qualified means that you have verbally spoken with a lender and have provided estimated information regarding your credit and income. As a result the lender has said you qualify for a certain price range. Be aware that surprises could come about when the information is actually verified.

Pre-approval means that you have given your lender your tax returns(W2's), pay stubs, bank statements and your credit has been checked. At this point your lender will run your file through an electronic underwriting program and you will receive a full loan approval subject to the appraisal of your property. This pre-approval puts you in the best possible position when making an offer.

What Lender's Are Looking For

Your credit history is the ultimate factor in determining what programs you qualify for. The better your credit history, the higher your FICO score will be, hence the more loan options you will have.

Current Debt Load-the amount of debt you presently carry will directly affect the maximum loan amount you can qualify for. When applying for a home loan it is imperative not to incur any new debt such as personal loans or auto loans.

Job History-once your credit is verified lenders then look at your job history and the likelihood of continued income. Multiple job changes, declining income and new fields of work are all areas of concern to lenders.

Qualifying Ratios-in most cases lenders will use a calculation in determining how much of a loan you can qualify for.

HOME BUYING TIP! A good rule of thumb is for your housing expense to be no more than 1/3 of your gross income.

How Interest Rates Can Effect The Process

Funds To Close-at the time of loan approval lenders need to verify enough money for your down payment and/or closing costs. Keep in mind that unsecured sources of funds (ie-credit cards) are not an acceptable source.

Interest Rates- can be viewed as the cost of money at any given time and there are a number of factors that can cause the cost to fluctuate.

Inflation Rate-the measure on the decrease of the dollar's value and an accompanying increase in the price of goods and services. If inflation is rising then generally rates will rise. If inflation is low then there is a good chance that rates will drop or remain steady with no upward pressure.

Economic Strength-traditionally speaking if the economy is strong and growing there is usually upward pressure on rates. Whereas, if the economy is in a recession rates tend to drop or remain low.

Federal Reserve-the Federal Reserve is the "nation's bank" so to speak and controls certain short term rates and the money growth of the country. If the Fed feels inflation is on the rise then they tend to raise rates to slow the economy. If the economy is slowing and inflation is under control, then the Fed may attempt to lower rates in attempt to jump start the economy.

What Does It Cost To Obtain a Home Loan?

Points are usually associated with the cost of obtaining a new loan. One point equals 1% of the loan amount and is generally broken down into two categories; "origination" and "discount". The origination point or fee is what the lender charges to process and close a loan. The discount point(s) are directly related to the interest rate chosen. At any given time there are many rates and points to chose from for each loan program. When you consider "buying down" an interest rate, the cost of that lower rate goes up. i.e-a 5% loan costs more to obtain (having higher points) than a 6% loan.

Credit Scoring

Credit scoring or FICO scoring is a mathematical model of grading a person's risk potential relative to that person's ability to repay a loan. The score is a single number ranging from 300 to 850 depending on which bureau is used.

700 & Above                    Excellent
660-699                           Good
620-659                           Average
600-619                           Below Average
500-519                           Poor

Keep in mind that the mathematical profile behind a FICO score is impossible to know considering all of the variables. The five main categories of a person's score are:

Previous credit history and payment record.
Current debt load and account balances.
Amount of time credit has been in use.
Borrower's recent pursuit of new credit.
Types and amount of unused credit a person has available.

Lending Terms & Definitions

Annual Percentage Rates(APR)-this represents the cost of the loan when taking into account the finance charges associated with obtaining a loan. If you secure a $100,000 loan but pay $1500 in finance charges to get the loan, the "effective cost" of borrowing that money goes up. Although your interest rate doesn't change, your APR is higher because of the finance charges.
Private Mortgage Insurance(PMI)-mortgage insurance is normally required on conventional loans when there is less than 20% equity or downpayment. Mortgage insurance protects the lender in case of a default by the borrower. In the event of a default the PMI company will pay a claim to the lender to cover the costs of taking back and reselling the home.
Rate Lock-generally a borrower can lock in an interest rate on a loan program for up to 60 days. A rate lock protects a borrower from rising interest rates by establishing a set rate and points for a specific period of time.
Recurring & Non-Recurring Closing Costs-recurring closing costs are costs that will continue on a property even after a loan has closed. (ie-property taxes, homeowner's insurance, pre-paid interest and PMI). Non-recurring closing costs are one time costs associated with purchasing a home. (ie-title, escrow, appraisal, points, recording fees and credit report fees).
Tax & Insurance Impounds-if you impound your taxes and insurance then your monthly mortgage payment will include a portion of your annual tax and homeowners insurance bills. When these bills come due your lender will pay them from your impound account that you have been paying into on a monthly basis.
Prepaid Expenses or Pre-paids-these are expenses collected at the close of escrow to start up your impound account. In order to insure there is enough money in your account when the initial tax or insurance bill comes due, lenders will collect a few extra months of taxes and insurance at the close of escrow to initially fund your account.

10 Things You Need To Know Before Buying!

Hire a Realtor-the complexities of a real estate transaction these days can best be handled by a qualified, licensed Realtor.
Cash To Close-a qualified loan consultant can help you establish how much cash you will need for a down payment and closing costs.
No New Debt-once you have decide to purchase a home, do not incur any new debt such as a personal loan or auto loan.
Establish Loan Program-based on your price range and amount of down payment, a loan consultant can help you establish a program that is best fits your budget.
Get Pre-Approved-getting fully pre-approved for a loan prior to finding a property allows you to shop with confidence and notifies the seller that you are a bona fide buyer.
Schools-a neighborhood school system can greatly affect the value of a home in that particular neighborhood. State and local sources can provide you with reports on whatever schools you desire.
Crime-statistics are usually available from local law enforcement agencies or the chamber of commerce.
Future Growth-if you are purchasing in a neighborhood that isn't established then you will need to research how future growth may affect that neighborhood.
Commute-when determining what areas you would like to live in, be sure to consider commute times to your job or other frequently visited areas during peak traffic hours.
Inspection-once you have an accepted offer on a home, you will need to have the property inspected by a licensed home inspection company.

Now let's sit and talk about a plan to get you that home you've been dreaming of..

Set an appointment with Team SchuCo!

Call/Text: 619-995-2132

Email: teamschuco@gmail.com

Why Pilates Will Change Your Life

2017-02-22T15:19:00.001-08:00

Get In Shape. Heal Injuries. Balance Life.

They don't call it the lean machine for nothing! While googling pilates the night before my first session I found this:

"Pilates perfects your posture, whittles your midsection and tones your entire body."

SCORE....but my immediate thought...is it too good to be true?? So I keep reading...trying to find the answers... why people do pilates? What should I wear to my pilates session? What should I expect at my first pilates session?

And now after a truly life changing experience at Aly's Pilates in La Jolla...I want more! I can't stop thinking about that REFORMER! Immediately after and currently (24 hrs later) all of my target areas are sore, but in a good way. When I say target areas I mean my hips, my chimichanga (aka lower abdomen), my buttocks and arms. Hallelujah!

1. Wear workout clothes that allow for easy movement

I went with leggings and a sports bra tank top, they say that form fitting pants are best so that your instructor can see what your body is doing. Form is one of the most important factors in pilates. The reformer is a machine that has you lay on your back so if you have long hair a low pony or high bun works best. Don't worry about your shoes or socks..those babies are coming off. Lululemon on Girard has an abundance of adorable workout gear for any occasion.

2. For your first session private is the ONLY way to go

The fact that I had never tried pilates was nerve racking enough, but the the thought of having to perform those moves in a crowded classroom.....no thank you. One of my favorite parts of the workout was the private and cozy studio, it helped ease my nerves to know that it was just us. The one on one attention was super important to get the right form and they say private lessons are the best way to accelerate your learning and help you get the most out of your training.

If private sessions are too far out of your budget then the large mat classroom is another option. Aly offers private and semi-private classes.

3. Challenging workout

I consider myself a somewhat flexible and strong athlete and the best part of pilates was the challenge of working my muscles and focusing on form at the same time. Although I may have only done ten to twelve reps in one set it felt like I worked that muscle group for an hour. The power of pilates is in your controlled movements, primarily focused on your 'core' to build strength, flexibility and endurance. Pilates teaches you to control and balance your body and mind, the key is to focus on the quality of your movement rather than quantity resulting in both a mental and physical workout.

4. It's not as intimidating as you might think

You don't have to be a dancer to do this...I read a lot about how pilates is great for dancers looking to cross train, a conditioning program to improve strength, balance, control, flexibility and breathing. But anyone can do this, Marc was a little hesitant in further aggravating a troubled knee but he can't stop talking about how it has helped him focus on using his muscles not joints. Aly raved about how she has been able to help so many clients heal a nagging injury through her practice.

5. Pilates is for Men TOO!

We know all of the women of Hollywood rave about pilates, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Sandra Bullock...I could keep going...Chelsea Handler...

But the fact is men are participating too. Hollywood pilates guru Mari Winsor has trained some top stars including Samuel L. Jackson. She says, "celebrities come to me because it works - they know that if they have a roll to do, if they've gotta be in a bathing suit (or less), they know they can come to me and change their body very quickly."

Aly's Pilates is the perfect one-on-one attention where focus and exercise are in full effect as you get a full mind and body workout. Aly was so sweet to share her story with us. Her pursuit for pilates came after a back injury. She shared with us how pilates has changed her life and she hopes to help others looking for the same.

Aly offers one-on-one sessions with a variety of package options. And for a limited time she is offering our blog readers a very special deal!

Don't forget to tell her Team SchuCo or Marc and Teresa sent you. Reference our blog post for your discount. Have fun and I hope you get the addiction I feel for a new healthier body on that lovely reformer.

If you follow us on Instagram @lajollarealestate you may have seen our experience first hand, we document all the fun stuff live on IG & Snapchat, check it out:

This boutique pilates shop is located in one of our personal favorite communities the Village of La Jolla. Check out our Realtor Guide here:

Village of Lajolla Realtor Guide by Team SchuCo Real Estate & Lifestyle on Scribd

Affordable Condos Under $750,000 CLUB

2017-01-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

Living in California's Jewel may come at a heavy price tag..its easy to think that La Jolla homes are only for the rich and well established. The types of homes we see featured in Dream Home magazine every issue and costing in the upper millions of dollars. Don't be fooled! This lifestyle can be for you too!

Today we are featuring homes under $750,000. One might think...holy cow...I only get a one bedroom condo for under a Milli..although this is true think of it as an investment for building your wealth, a stepping stone.

These condos are great options for first-time home buyers, investors and even a vacation/second home. The location can't be beat, one of the most beautiful beach towns in San Diego with its very own climate. Wikepedia claims the average daily temperature is 70.5°F, one of the many reasons we LOVE La Jolla.

Click on the Street Names below to see the details of each condo featured in this flyer. If you would like to schedule a private tour for any one of these homes we can be reached at 619-995-2132.

The home slides below will be available for access 30 days from today: 1/6/17

HIRE TEAM SCHUCO

We love working with home buyers, contact us today to put your home buying plans into motion!

Team SchuCo
Teresa Schumacher - REALTOR®

Marc Coleman - Office Manager/Assistant

E: teamschuco@gmail.com
Ph: 619-995-2132

As your full service REALTOR® specializing in the beautiful city of La Jolla, California, it is my personal goal to provide you with exceptional service. Here is where you will find articles on my personal experiences and Real Estate resources. My local expertise backed by one of the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the Real Estate market a definitive mark of stability, strength, quality and innovation.
I “LOVE” my career! Hire me to help you navigate through the home buying or home selling process.
CONTACT USFollow Us on Twitter Follow Us on Pinterest Like Us on Facebook

Last Minute Tips For Halloween Party Success | Holidays

2016-10-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

We are Halloween Super Fans!! Nothing makes us more happy than the spooky season of scares, screams and skeletons. Another trend I have been hawking on Pinterest are the trendy mini bars, so today we are combining the Halloween season and tips for creating the FANG-tastic party (sorry couldn't help myself)!

There are plenty of great ideas throughout this post, if you are looking for quick, last-minute party ideas for this weekend be sure to visit our Halloween Pinterest Board.

1. PICK A THEME & STICK WITH IT

So many fun and innovative ways to enjoy this holiday filled with mystery, magic and superstition.
A few of my favorite themes:

Zombie Apocalypse

See details by clicking Pinterest Links:

Apocalypse Bathroom Sign
Blood Splattered Cookies
Zombie Survival Kit

Murder Mystery

Murder Mystery Dinner Party
Crime Scene Goodies
Murder Mystery Party Invites

Couples Costume Contest

If you have a lot of couples friends then this is always a good time...make the prize for best costume something so desirable that everyone dresses up!

Joker & Harley Quinn
Skeletons
Witch Dr.'s

3. GET GHOULISHLY CREATIVE WITH SNACKS

Meatball Mummies
Sophisticated Skelly Hand Dessert
Creepy Meatloaf Hand

4. EVERY PARTY NEEDS A HALLOWEEN PHOTO BOOTH - THESE ARE BONE CHILLING!!

Zombie Apocalypse Photo Booth
Coffin Photo Booth

Cheers and be safe out there big kids! Don't drink and drive, use this handy dandy LYFT code for a discounted ride: TERESA338522

As your full service REALTOR® specializing in the beautiful city of La Jolla, California, it is my personal goal to provide you with exceptional service. Here is where you will find articles on my personal experiences and Real Estate resources. My local expertise backed by one of the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the Real Estate market a definitive mark of stability, strength, quality and innovation.
I “LOVE” my career! Hire me to help you navigate through the home buying or home selling process.
CONTACT USFollow Us on Twitter Follow Us on Pinterest Like Us on Facebook