Monday, December 19, 2016

KPBS has mapped City of San Diego complaints by location and says the number one complaint in recent years is...

KPBS has mapped City of San Diego complaints by location and says the number one complaint in recent years is unpermitted buildings. The second-largest increase by percentage were complaints about short-term vacation rentals. Residential improvement and square footage information are public record and can be obtained on line by the assessor's office. The San Diego assessor's office will only allow property owners (or a person authorized by the owner) full access to the construction records (building card) they have on file for commercial properties. An alternative means of verifying if a commercial structure is a legal use is by reviewing the permit history on file for the property and blue prints. #SanDiego #RealEstate
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2016/dec/19/mapping-san-diegos-complaints-bedbugs-barking-dogs/

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The San Diego Downtown homeless issue needs to be taken care of post-haste, with the developers of the main towers...

The San Diego Downtown homeless issue needs to be taken care of post-haste, with the developers of the main towers working with the City to create some proactive solutions. This is already affecting property values and the cap rates of commercial properties in and around the central business district. #SanDiego
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/downtown-hoteliers-fear-homelessness-could-hurt-business

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Election stress is taking a major toll on approximately 50% of Americans.

Election stress is taking a major toll on approximately 50% of Americans. With everyone getting along so nicely, who would have thought?? The L.A. Times weighs in on the best steps to take.
#Vote  #SanDiego
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-election-stress-disorder-20161104-story.html

Thursday, November 3, 2016

A review of Google's latest tech widget.

A review of Google's latest tech widget. Will there soon be a Google Home or an Amazon Echo or Amazon Dot in every house? These voice controlled audio devices are being used to order goods and services, track your schedule, set alarms, turn off home devices, play music lists, turn on the news, and provide weather reports.
http://www.theverge.com/2016/11/3/13504658/google-home-review-speaker-assistant-amazon-echo-competitor

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs for an Amazing World Series Win!!!!

Congratulations to the Chicago Cubs for an Amazing World Series Win!!!!
Cleveland can feel great about being a formidable contender in what may very well be the game of the century. #Cubs #WorldSeries

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/playoffs16_greatestgame7/how-did-cubs-curse-end-greatest-game-ever

Monday, October 24, 2016

This documentary looks at what is occurring in the West Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.

This documentary looks at what is occurring in the West Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Rapid gentrification has been fueled by the development of the High Line Park, which opened in 2014. Many properties in this area have been purchased by developers and overseas investors, resulting in a major shift in property values. The park is a remarkable case study in how an abandoned railroad right of way can serve a new purpose. #RealEstate
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/class-divide

Airbnb vs.

Airbnb vs. The State of New York is litigation and legislation to watch in terms of what we can expect in California. #SanDiego
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/22/technology/new-york-passes-law-airbnb.html

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Is Windows 10 deciding to run those updates at just the wrong time?

Is Windows 10 deciding to run those updates at just the wrong time?? Then, when it reboots, it pulls up a previous version of your MS Word file??? Otherwise known as losing your work?? Then, giving the backup file a phantom name that you must track down in the MS Word backup file directory?? If it is a MS Word document, try this C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\
then sort the recovery files by date and look for any file of a similar size that was saved in your recovery directory at the time of the crash/update. Do not expect the recovery file to always have the same file name. If you type in the lost file name, the recovery file may not show up in a typical file search. Microsoft has hidden the ability to turn the updates off in Windows 10. This You Tube video will allow you to turn this option off and run the updates manually, which is obviously an option many busy small business people prefer. #Windows10 #AutomaticUpdates #LosingIt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-bmRe0VEeQ

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Housing near San Diego State University, the mini-dorm situation, continues to create challenges for this area.

Housing near San Diego State University, the mini-dorm situation, continues to create challenges for this area. Higher density housing on and near the campus is the best bet for reclaiming the displaced housing. #SanDiego  #SDSU
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/sep/19/stringers-plan-college-are-mini-dorm-glut

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Just a heads up to small businesses.

Just a heads up to small businesses. Your estimated federal taxes are due on September 15, 2016. September 15th is the day after tomorrow. Check out www.officialpayments.com to schedule all of your federal tax payments in advance. It's worth the peace of mind. Also, to get on top of 2017 - check out this monthly calendar template in Excel.
http://www.vertex42.com/Files/download2/themed.php?file=2017-calendar.xlsx

A memoir of the melt down.

A memoir of the melt down.
#RealEstate
http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/17/investing/wall-street-to-waffle-house

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Realtors in California are reporting an increase in questionable client behavior.

Realtors in California are reporting an increase in questionable client behavior. It is a good time to be twice as careful vetting clients and properties. What is happening at Wells Fargo is a sign of the times: "Wells Fargo confirmed to CNNMoney that it had fired 5,300 employees related to the shady behavior over the last few years. Employees went to far as to create phony PIN numbers and fake email addresses to enroll customers in online banking services, the CFPB said." The CFPB is a valuable service that offers consumers oversight protection when dealing with banks, credit card companies, debit cards, and other financial services. #RealEstate  
http://money.cnn.com/2016/09/08/investing/wells-fargo-created-phony-accounts-bank-fees

The Raspberry Pi micro computer has reached the 10 Million unit mark.

The Raspberry Pi micro computer has reached the 10 Million unit mark.
The Pi was designed to make computers affordable and to get kids interested in programming. A micro computer motherboard for around $36.00 and a full kit for $75.00. "Raspberry Pi is a conscious attempt to make a computer that is the opposite of Apple’s exquisitely slick little gadgets, and the world needs both." according to The Guardian. #Pi
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/sep/08/the-guardian-view-on-the-raspberry-pi-small-is-beautiful

Want an extra floor of coastal property?

Want an extra floor of coastal property? Just add some dirt. There is a City of San Diego document that says it's acceptable to build 30 feet up from a lot's highest point — with no stipulation that says the developer cannot add some dirt, change the grade of the site, and thus change the lot's highest point. This is a San Diego Reader story to follow. #SanDiego #CRE  #RealEstate
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/sep/06/stringers-coastal-height-limit-slips-point-loma

Saturday, September 3, 2016

The San Diego Hotel-Motel Association and Tourism Authority has officially come out against the proposed downtown...

The San Diego Hotel-Motel Association and Tourism Authority has officially come out against the proposed downtown football stadium, and proposed changes to the area's vacation and convention business, specifically an increase in the hotel room tax. It is up to San Diego voters that want a say in this matter to turn out for this election. #SanDiego
http://www.cbs8.com/story/33006216/san-diego-tourism-industry-comes-out-against-chargers-convadium-plan

Friday, September 2, 2016

The Festival of Sail, a Grape Stomping Festival out in Julian, and who has not been thinking about Tchaikovsky's War...

The Festival of Sail, a Grape Stomping Festival out in Julian, and who has not been thinking about Tchaikovsky's War of 1812 Overture all week long?? Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend in San Diego. #SanDiego
http://www.sandiego.org/campaigns/summer-in-san-diego/labor-day.aspx#73ruEwddLMlzDPM2.97

The number of commercial real estate members with less than two years of experience nearly doubled to 9% in 2016,...

The number of commercial real estate members with less than two years of experience nearly doubled to 9% in 2016, from 5% in 2015, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2016 Commercial Member Profile. JLL Consulting says artificial intelligence is going to reduce the need for commercial realtors in the future. #CRE
http://www.costar.com/News/Article/Gold-Rush-Swelling-Numbers-of-CRE-Brokers-Making-for-Tougher-Competition-in-the-Ranks/184365

A recent Zillow Digs survey indicates that four out of 10 homeowners who completed a do-it-yourself home project in...

A recent Zillow Digs survey indicates that four out of 10 homeowners who completed a do-it-yourself home project in the past three years wish they hadn’t. And nearly a quarter of them said their DIY project cost more than they expected. This Forbes article talks about renovation break-even points by metro area. This spring my appraisal office was asked to look into the potential renovation of two separate apartment renovation projects in central San Diego. Even with all the upward pressure on rents and nominal if any apartment vacancy, it can still be difficult to take an older apartment with Class C tenant improvements, and renovate it to Class B or Class A tenant improvements in a feasible manner. Having a building inspection, and insuring the property is free of termites, hidden water damage, and mold is critical. #RealEstate
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kateashford/2016/08/31/fixer-upper/#327053572386

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Retail leasing agents, shopping center owners, and smaller retail property owners would do well to review the...

Retail leasing agents, shopping center owners, and smaller retail property owners would do well to review the algorithm of www.jet.com, which was recently acquired by Wal-Mart and plan accordingly. I would expect to see a shift towards office and service uses especially in secondary and tertiary retail locations. My take on all of this? People are too busy to shop, and traipsing through a Costco or Wal-Mart has long ago lost its charm in major urban market areas. #CRE
http://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2016/08/13/by-the-time-wal-mart-catches-up-with-amazon-there-will-be-no-neighborhood-stores/#79a238fe315f

Thursday, August 11, 2016

San Diego has a high population of millennials according to a recent chamber study: 29 percent of the San Diego...

San Diego has a high population of millennials according to a recent chamber study: 29 percent of the San Diego area’s population is aged 18 to 31. Per the photo below, it appears they have moved here for the wonderful weather, emerging job opportunities, and to show everyone else how to properly text and use their cell phones. #SanDiego
http://fox5sandiego.com/2016/08/11/san-diego-has-largest-population-of-millennials-chamber-say

Macy's plans to close 100 locations in the U.S.

Macy's plans to close 100 locations in the U.S. Most of these large retail properties will have to be partitioned and re-configured as multi-tenant properties or completely converted in use.
#CRE
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160811005502/en/

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

If you upgraded some computers to Windows 10 last week and do not like the new interface, there is an App for this.

If you upgraded some computers to Windows 10 last week and do not like the new interface, there is an App for this. It is called Classic Shell and it restores the look and feel of previous versions of Windows, while keeping the actual Windows 10 platform. #Windows10 #ClassicShell
http://www.classicshell.net/

Thursday, July 28, 2016

The Microsoft offer for a free operating system upgrade to Windows 10 must be completed by Midnight, Pacific Time,...

The Microsoft offer for a free operating system upgrade to Windows 10 must be completed by Midnight, Pacific Time, July 29, 2016. You have one day and five hours to get your Windows 10 Upgrade done at no cost. Don't forget to run a back up and test the back up (verify the restore file log integrity). I know of a major San Diego property management company that was doing cloud-based backups and only after their office flooded, did they learn that their cloud backup files were compromised. My office does both cloud and local external hard drive back ups, that we encrypt and store in a fire safe. If you have any older laptop/travel computers that are running on Windows Vista, the service for this OS will expire on April 11, 2017. The main reason to get this upgrade is for the improved security. #CRE #SmallBusiness #Realtor
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-upgrade

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Google gets it done.

Google gets it done. A new trans-Pacific cable went live today that links Japan and the West Coast of the US. This cable can deliver 60 terabits per second of bandwidth. #Google #FiberOptic
http://www.pcmag.com/news/345766/google-backed-undersea-internet-cable-goes-live

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

The last day for your small business to upgrade its older Microsoft Windows based computer operating systems at no...

The last day for your small business to upgrade its older Microsoft Windows based computer operating systems at no cost is July 29, 2016. Anyone running Windows 7 or 8.1 on a PC can request an upgrade to Windows 10 for free at this time. After July 29, 2016, Windows 10 will cost $119 for each computer that requires an operating system upgrade.

#CRE #Realtor #SmallBusiness
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2016/06/29/windows-10-anniversary-upgrade-coming-august-2/86503576

Thursday, June 23, 2016

A volunteer based, non-profit, home renovation organization performs home repairs for low-income families, seniors...

A volunteer based, non-profit, home renovation organization performs home repairs for low-income families, seniors and disabled homeowners in order to help them to live in a safe and healthy living environment. This organization has a long waiting list, but if you know of a family that needs this assistance it is important to get them signed up. #SanDiego #Seniors #Realtors #RealEstate
http://www.rebuildingtogethersd.org/how-to-apply.html

Google inks major lease of office building in the central San Diego community, Sorrento Mesa.

Google inks major lease of office building in the central San Diego community, Sorrento Mesa.
#CRE   #SanDiego
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jun/23/google-office-san-diego-lumedyne-sorrento-mesa

Communities that are considering going to the expense of installing fiber optic services need to keep industry...

Communities that are considering going to the expense of installing fiber optic services need to keep industry provider changes including Google in mind. Hughes Net satellite internet is also changing how high speed internet services are being delivered in the U.S. #RealEstate
http://www.cnet.com/news/google-fiber-buys-webpass-to-speed-up-broadband-deployment-in-cities

Developing large raw land parcels into residential lots in San Diego County is far more time consuming, costly, and...

Developing large raw land parcels into residential lots in San Diego County is far more time consuming, costly, and challenging than most people realize. All major projects in the State of California have to go through CEQA screening, a process that requires a set of costly environmental impact studies. If a subdivision of the site into smaller tax lots is approved, the property is re-assessed and the owners will pay property taxes based on the new lot configurations. The expertise required and the financial risk incurred by developers is very significant. The approval process is a matter of public record and the County takes public input very seriously. #RealEstate
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/jun/22/citylights-blue-julian

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The LinkedIn guy explains why he sold his professional network site.

The LinkedIn guy explains why he sold his professional network site.
http://time.com/4366106/linkedin-microsoft-why

The City of San Diego Council unanimously passed measures intended to increase to the "density bonus" available for...

The City of San Diego Council unanimously passed measures intended to increase to the "density bonus" available for affordable housing projects located near public transportation. #SanDiego  #CRE #RealEstate
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2016/jun/21/san-diego-boosts-affordable-housing-incentives

If you are an apartment owner or an apartment manager, it is a good time to exercise care with tenant relations.

If you are an apartment owner or an apartment manager, it is a good time to exercise care with tenant relations. Linda Vista tenants had a march yesterday pertaining to retaliatory evictions against tenants who've spoken up about habitability issues to the media. #SanDiego #CRE #Apartment
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/jun/21/ticker-unreasonable-eviction-linda-vista

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

The attached article discusses how compliant small businesses and taxpayers (realtors, construction contractors,...

The attached article discusses how compliant small businesses and taxpayers (realtors, construction contractors, mortgage professionals) can request a first time abatement of tax penalties they may have incurred during the subprime market correction. #CRE #Realtors
http://www.thetaxadviser.com/issues/2013/jul/buttonow-july2013.html

Friday, June 10, 2016

The news is circulating a story about how millions of U.S. Passwords

The news is circulating a story about how millions of U.S. passwords are conveniently being offered for sale by a hacker over in Russia for around 10 bit coins, or around $5,810 US dollars. Here's the deal; If the FaceBook guy can get hacked, you can get hacked. Once they get in one account, they can use all of your account information to try to get into your other accounts. If you are a small business owner, do not allow your browsing software to save passwords - Ever. Have unique passwords for every account you log into. Use the safe mode (this is called Incognito mode in Chrome; hit the Ctr, SHIFT, N keys at the same time) when logging into sensitive sites, especially banking sites. #SmallBusiness #RealEstate
http://www.wsj.com/articles/mark-zuckerbergs-twitter-and-pinterest-accounts-hacked-1465251954

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Thursday, June 2, 2016

The City of San Diego is coming down hard on commercial property owners that lease space to dispensaries that do not...

The City of San Diego is coming down hard on commercial property owners that lease space to dispensaries that do not comply with zoning requirements and lack the proper use permits. One landlord has been fined $175,000 for leasing space to a dispensary. Criminal charges are being filed against the business owners/tenants. #CRE
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jun/02/marijuana-pot-dispensary-crackdown-goldsmith

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Election Day is June 7, 2016 in California.

Election Day is June 7, 2016 in California. Upon request, a No Party Preference voter can vote the presidential ballot of the following parties: American Independent Party, Democratic Party, Libertarian Party. The following three parties notified the Secretary of State that they have chosen not to allow NPP voters to request their party’s presidential ballot and participate in their presidential primary election: Republican, Green, Peace & Freedom. #SanDiego #Vote #Election
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/political-parties/no-party-preference/#.V080y2zGbLQ.google_plusone_share

Sunday, May 22, 2016

More San Diego residents are listing their homes as Airbnb rentals.

More San Diego residents are listing their homes as Airbnb rentals. The Voice of San Diego reports that there has been a significant increase relative to the previous year and is tracking which neighborhoods have experienced the greatest increase. #SanDiego
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/land-use/san-diegos-surging-airbnb-listings-one-chart/

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Friday, April 22, 2016

Consolidation continues in the retail sector of commercial real estate.

Consolidation continues in the retail sector of commercial real estate.   This Fortune article lists all of the store locations scheduled to close at this time.  There are no locations in San Diego that are scheduled to close this year; however there are four locations in California that will be closing.  Communities where a Walmart, Target, or Costco have opened, have proved difficult to maintain.  #SanDiego #CRE  #Retail
http://fortune.com/2016/04/22/sears-kmart-stores-close-where/

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Fortune magazine is predicting more millennials will be moving to the suburbs.

Fortune magazine is predicting more millennials will be moving to the suburbs.   In San Diego, we are still seeing millennials making the decision to rent Class B and Class A apartments near the urban core.   #SanDiego #RealEstate   #CRE
http://fortune.com/2016/03/28/millennials-leaving-cities/

Monday, March 28, 2016

California legislators are considering increasing the State's minimum wage to $10.50 an hour next year and then...

California legislators are considering increasing the State's minimum wage to $10.50 an hour next year and then gradually to $15.00 an hour by 2022.  For urban areas this will allow minimum wage earners to cover basic expenses. What is interesting about this statewide initiative is that there are rural parts of California where this wage would clearly be above market and harm local employment opportunities.  
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-california-s-15-minimum-wage-gamble-brings-risks-and-potential-rewards-20160328-story.html

Thursday, March 24, 2016

The pressure is now on for local government planners to deal with the tiny house movement. #SanDiego

The pressure is now on for local government planners to deal with the tiny house movement.  #SanDiego
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/18/escondido-woman-plans-tiny-home-community

According to the Union Tribune San Diego County had a net loss in domestic migration over the past year of 9,370...

According to the Union Tribune San Diego County had a net loss in domestic migration over the past  year of  9,370 (From July of 2014 to July of 2015 more residents packed up and left compared with those who moved into San Diego County).  A lack of affordable entry level housing and high rents are considered to be the causal factors, because the real estate market has recovered faster than the employment market and local wages.  When you stack health care costs on top of the local housing costs it exceeds the feasibility break point for modest wage earners.   #SanDiego
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/24/net-migration-census/

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

The City of San Diego is rolling out a new web site this week.

The City of San Diego is rolling out a new web site this week.   See the attached link for all the new features.   #SanDiego   #RealEstate
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2016/mar/13/san-diego-debuts-new-city-website/

The Case Shiller real estate Index has released its year end numbers for 2015.

The Case Shiller real estate Index has released its year end numbers for 2015.  San Diego County started the year in January at 207.89 and increased to 218.61 by December of 2015.  The change in the index was 10.72, indicating a 5.16% increase for 2015.   #CRE #SanDiego #RealEstate
https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?g=3zf5