No Bull Agent

“Quiet Zone” in Downtown San Diego Approved by City Council

Downtown San Diego’s goal of providing a little less noise for its visitors, residents and businesses is now a reality.  In our December 22, 2009 post we discussed the proposed “Quiet Zone.”  However, the desire to create this zone began much earlier…try a decade earlier.  On Tuesday, June 22 the San Diego City Council voted 6 to 2 in favor of the $20.9 million plan to make improvements to 13 rail crossings that run north to south through the districts of Little Italy, Columbia, Marina, Gaslamp and the west edge of East Village.   Specifically, these intersections start at Laurel Street and end at Park Boulevard.  According to an article posted by Craig Gustafson on SignOnSanDiego.com, this “Quiet Zone” is slated to be the largest of its kind in the United States.

In our opinion, this approval will be a wonderful improvement for those who spend time in downtown whether it be to live, work or play.  Those who enjoy being downtown know that there is a constant “buzz” that goes along with the downtown experience. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: california, city council, Downtown, kaplan, nobullagent, quiet zone, san diego, train

Mortgage Rate Update for the Week of June 21, 2010

Information in this post is provided by Greg Wickstrand, Home Loan Consultant for HomeServices Lending.  He is a guest blogger who provides us information from a lender’s perspective.  For additional posts by Greg, please visit his BLOG.

What’s Ahead for Mortgage Rates this Week:  June 21, 2010
By:  Greg Wickstrand

Mortgage markets improved last week on weaker-than-expected jobless figures, ongoing troubles in Europe, and a tame reading on domestic inflation.

As a result, conforming mortgage rates fell last week, drawing loads of new refinance applications.

For a brief moment Thursday afternoon, mortgage bond prices pierced a key support level, dropping rates to their best levels of the year.

It didn’t last long, however. By Friday morning, pricing was worsening on profit-taking and in preparation for this week — a week that promises to be heavy on both data and rhetoric.

To mortgage markets, this can be a dangerous combination.

The biggest news of the week is the Federal Reserve’s 2-day meeting, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington D.C.

The Fed is expected to hold the Fed Funds Rate in its target range near 0.000-0.250 percent. It won’t be what the Fed does at its meeting that will matter to rates, though. It will be what the Fed says — about jobs, about growth, about inflation — in its post-meeting press release.

Remarks that reflect well upon the economy should lead mortgage rates higher. Remarks viewed as negative should lead mortgage rates down.

There’s key data due for release next week, too: Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: home buyer, kaplan, mortgage rate, nobullagent, san diego, update

Historic Home Fair in South Park, San Diego

San Diego is filled with diverse neighborhoods and communities throughout the county.  Though downtown San Diego and the beach communities get a large percentage of the exposure, there are other areas rich in culture and history.  South Park is an area being highlighted by the 12th Annual Old House Fair on Saturday, June 19.  South Park is located south of North Park, east of Balboa Park and north of Golden Hill.  The South Park addition was registered on May 17, 1870.  Developed by the Bartlett Estate Company, E. Bartlett Webster was instrumental in the creation of South Park as a neighborhood.  Based on information from SouthParkScene.com, homes primarily date between 1906 through the 1930’s.  The styles of home in this community range from Craftsman to Spanish to contemporary.  South Park is home to many independent restaurants, boutiques and businesses.  One fantastic restaurant which has received national attention is the Big Kitchen Cafe.

The 12th Annual Old House Fair in South Park is Saturday, June 19 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is centered at the intersection of Beech and 30th Street.  Admission to the fair is free and there will be over 70 exhibits and various entertainment throughout the day. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: june 19, kaplan, nobullagent, old house fair, san diego, south park