Del Mar - Where the Turf Meets Surf

"... And awa-a-a-y they go"... thundering hooves, equine nostrils aspirating loudly, while the constant din of salivating excitement for a hopeful long shot ricochets through the grandstands. Seaside racing in Southern California celebrates the 72nd season of sporting ponies, bets and the Del Mar scene begins July 20.

Since 1937, when Crosby greeted the first attendees at the gate, Del Mar's racetrack has lured many a celebrity, dignitaries, horsemen and families to its seaside locale to try their 'hand' at handicapping thoroughbreds.

Del Mar plays host to six designated Breeder's Cup Challenge races in its summer stakes schedule, earning the winners a berth in the designated BC races including entry fees and travel allowances for the horse and its connections.

While enjoying the races in Del Mar make sure to also take in its village charm and lure. Del Mar takes advantage of a much lauded locale along the coast, and a climate enjoyed throughout the seasons. Beyond the many accolades and reviews, Del Mar Racetrack, the attraction, whatever it may offer...Del Mar is simply irresistible.

Sotheby's International Realty Firms Recognized

Recent news about the company I represent:

Sotheby’s International Realty Firms Recognized on REAL Trends 500

Coast Sotheby’s International Realty announced it is part of the brand network that received the most recognition on the REAL Trends 500 Top Firms Ranked by Average Sales Price.

The REAL Trends 500 is an annual research report that identifies the country’s largest and most successful residential firms as ranked by closed transaction sides and separately by closed sales volume. Sotheby’s International Realty® firms received seven out of 25 rankings, the most of any brand, on the Top Firms Ranked by Average Sales Price list, which is available in the publication’s May 2011 issue. The list is a ranking of the 25 firms in the REAL Trends 500 by sides or volume with the highest average sales price.

“The Sotheby’s International Realty brand is made up of some of the finest real estate companies in the world,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “This recognition is a testament to the hard-working professionals in the Sotheby’s International Realty network and the extraordinary listings they represent.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 560 offices in 42 countries and territories worldwide.

COAST SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
169090 Avenida de Acacias
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

Eat. Play. Lounge.

EAT
Whether you you have made a new home purchase or are enjoying many years in your backyard today... Not much evokes the summer spirit like the smell of steaks on the grill and the chill of a frosted glass in your hand.

Impress your guests by serving 'farm-to-table' from your own vegetable garden from your backyard.

WHAT TO PLANT FOR SUMMER
Artichokes - May-July
Snap Peas - March-August
Tomatoes - April-Mid July
Broccoli - June/July
Summer Squash - April-June
Watermelon - April-June

PLAY
4th of July, the beginning of the Del Mar Racing Season, Del Mar Fair, Father's Day, Birthdays, Sundays, there are endless reasons to throw an impromptu celebration or plan an elaborate backyard soiree.

As the Sun Goes Down
Firelight creates an intimate atmosphere and provides a little warmth to keep the party going. A "chat" pit is the perfect item to add to your backyard. You can toast marshmallows or toast with your favorite glass of wine.

LOUNGE
To Lounge is defined as passing time in a relaxed way. To me, this means comfortable backyard furniture, a tranquil atmosphere and low maintenance environment. Ahhhhhh.

Glamourous Shades
Get some shade...indulge in a little Hollywood Glam under a Tuuci Cabana. Open air, covered with shade and filled with cushions and comfort.

The Sound of Trickling Water
Water is intherently soothing so incorporating a water feature in your yard is a must this summer. It can be anything from a small bird bath to a koi pond with waterfall; your only limits are space and budget.

SIT BACK, RELAX...and spend summer outdoors!

Things To Love About Carlsbad California

Carlsbad all began as a Santa Fe Railroad stop and rural agricultural community. Today it has blossomed in a charming community, complete with cherished beaches, bustling downtown businesses, the world-renowned Legoland, the Carlsbad Aquarium, well-designed walkways, attractive homes, and of course, the farms and flower fields Carlsbad was built upon. There are many reasons to visit or live in Carlsbad...here are a few of my favorites.

ON THE BOARDWALK
Carlsbad's beaches remain one of San Diego's best kept secrets, which is just with with the locals. It's a clear sign that summer is here, though, when the boardwalk becomes alive with activity. Tourists and locals convene on the long, wide pedestrian walkway that is ideal for jogging or strolling. Perfect for the furry friends too, leashed dogs are allowed on the upper pathways (but prohibited on the beach and beach boardwalk).

STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a family run grower of fruits and vegetables that, now in its third generation, has been farming the area since 1848. The strawberries are packaged commercially in the "Carlsbad" label and sold to markets by Aviara Farms, Inc.

SEA LIFE CARLSBAD AQUARIUM'S OCTOPUS GARDEN
Legoland California Resort is gearing up for summer with three new attractions: Star Wars Miniland, Octopus Garden at Sea Life Carlsbad Aquairum, and Splash Zoo at Legoland Park. All great experiences for local families and visitors alike. Octopus garden is an interactive exhibit introducing families to the amazing world of cephalopods. From octopus and cuttlefish to nautilus, these distinctive creatures have supernatural abilities like camouflage, ink clouds, and jet propulsion to surprise and delight the kid in all of us.

TWENTY/20 GRILL & WINE BAR
Let the ocean breeze sweep over you at the Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar, featuring fresh, inspired vineyard and coastal cuisine daily. Jazz Over Easy for Sunday Brunch is a true experience in California casual elegance with impressive views of the Carlsbad coast.

WITCH CREEK WINERY
Witch Creek Winery offers the allure of a boutique winery, paired with award-winning quality. Using traditional winemaking techniques, Witch Creek Winery has earned 20 medals in just three years at The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

TIP TOP MEATS
A San Diego staple since 1967, Carlsbad's Tip Top Meats has provided good food enthusiasts with the very best meat and poultry available because according to owner, John Haedrich, "There is no substitute for quality". Open seven days a week, the knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you order any specialty meat upon request, and every butcher understand European cuts, and the European market features specialty cheeses, wurst, sausage, wine and more. Or, dine in the restaurant, which is open all day and offers delicious homemade food at affordable prices.

BEACH TERRACE INN
The epitome of understated elegance. Beach Terrace Inn offers every luxury, from WiFi to endless stretches of white sandy beaches via private access. The only beachfront hotel in Carlsbad, and located within walking distance to shopping, nightlife, and entertainment, Beach terrace Inn allows you to create exactly the experience you crave.

QUATRA VIA AVEDA
Get back to nature while rejuvenating your inner spirit and outer beauty with a facial, or massage. Relax with a glass of wine, nestled in a unique setting featuring Peter Lik's elements photography and enchanting music.

PRONTO'S BOURMET MARKET
Just like your mom used to make it, only better. Pronto's Gourmet Market in downtown Carlsbad is a family-owned and operated culinary dream. With its decadent homemade pastas and sinfully sumptuous desserts, this little gem's dedication to quality and seasonal ingredients makes it a feast for the eyes, and stomach.

6 Tips for a Backyard Beach..Relax and Play!

Just about everyone I know loves the idea of sitting at the beach, toes in the sand and drink in the hand. Many people like to visit 'barefoot' bars along the boardwalk while at the beach or on vacation. But you wouldn't have to go far to enjoy the beach if it's right in your own backyard. Whether you have a pool or not, creating a beach at your home is a great way to experience the pleasure of the sea shore just feet from your door.

Below are some tips for creating a backyard beach:

1. Draw a plan showing the location, size and shape of your 'beach'.

2. Dig a pit approximately two feet deep for the sand area.

3. Build a 6-inch mow curb of colored concrete to separate the sand from your planting area.

4. Place a weed-resistant barrier below where the sand will go to keep the area clear.

5. Order special bleached, certified child-safe sand from building supply company.

6. Don't forget to include a sleeve insert to hold your beach umbrella.

Once you have your 'beach', start adding the finishing touches, by carrying on the theme with jungle-like plants for a tropical "Figi" look or plant grasses similar to those found near the ocean. Rake the sand weekly to create a Zen-like look or add a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and a glowing night-time ambiance.

Then kick off your shoes, pour yourself a Mai Tai and enjoy your backyard beach!

6 Worth-the-Price Fix-Ups that give Sellers the Biggest Return for their Buck

Simple and affordable do-it-yourself projects can greatly increase a home's resale value. Most Real Estate professionals agree that the Do-it-Yourself home improvement projects below will give sellers the biggest return for their buck.

Here are six projects under $1000:

1. Changing and de-cluttering. Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.
$290 COST
$1,990 RETURN

2. Brightening. Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
$375 COST
$1,550 RETURN

3. Smart Staging. Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
$550 COST
$2,194 RETURN

4. Landscaping enhancements. Punch up the home's curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.
$540 COST
$1,932 RETURN

5. Repairing electrical or plumbing. Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home's electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don't work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.
$535 COST
$1,505 RETURN

6. Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets. Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.
$647 COST
$1,739 RETURN

Feng Shui Based Sales Technique Attracts Home Buyers

Feng Shui is a powerful tool to differentiate you from the competition. In fact, approximately 20 percent of all buyers and sellers in Beverly Hills now invite a Feng Shui expert in to assist them in either preparing their home for sale or selecting the right home to purchase. While some people may consider this superstitious, thousands swear by the results.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese belief system based upon earth signs to determine areas prone to flooding or subject to damaging winds. Feng Shui strives to create balance in both our personal and professional environments by balancing the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Feng Shui experts also consider how “Chi” (energy) moves in a home based on a variety of factors.

*Good exposure to sunlight is highly desirable. If trees and shrubs are overgrown, trim them away from the structure. Any plants that block the walkway to the front door should also be trimmed.

*Are the trees and shrubs around the home healthy? Healthy plants and trees are part of the constructive or building part of the Feng Shui cycle that attracts abundance and positive outcomes. In contrast, dead landscaping represents the destructive cycle that creates poor luck and poor outcomes. Remove dead plants and replace them with healthy ones.

*If there has been a negative event in the property (divorce, business loss, serious illness), Feng Shui experts believe you can dissipate the negative energy by smudging (burning sage and waving the smoke through each corner of each room in the house.) If burning sage makes you feel uncomfortable, you can purchase liquid smudge instead.

*Water represents money. Drippy faucets and leaky toilets represent money dripping away. Have these items repaired. Feng Shui experts also recommend putting the lid down on the toilet and closing bathroom doors. In contrast, fountains or waterfalls that flow toward a property represent money flowing toward you. Placing a fountain near the front door is particularly auspicious in terms of attracting wealth. However, water must be kept fresh at all times.

*If the stairwell is visible from the front door, Feng Shui experts believe money can run away easily. To prevent the loss of money, place a beautiful area rug in the entry. If there is room, a small table with fresh cut flowers in the center of the rug also works. Another strategy is to hang a crystal chandelier and to place live plants adjacent to the stairs. In each case, this breaks up the energy so the money with stay inside the home.

*Feng Shui experts believe the front door to the property is the mouth through which riches flow. To attract more riches, make the entry to the home as appealing as possible. A curved walkway to the front door is very favorable. You can attract qualified buyers (i.e., prosperity and fortune) by planting or by placing pots of colorful flowers by the front door. Nothing on the front porch should block the main door nor should there be anything sharp, straight, or angular aimed at the front door. The doorbell should work (you cannot attract abundance if you don’t know the bell is ringing). Make sure the doormat is in excellent condition as well. It is especially important to choose one that says, “Welcome!” In addition, place symbols of affluence such as coins, bells, or wind chimes (with hollow rods in groups of six, seven, or eight) near the front door.

*Green and red attract money. Green is the color of money and red is associated with abundance and good luck. A simple way to add more green is with live plants. Place coins in a red sack to attract more money. To determine where to place the coins, stand in the doorway to the room. The far left hand corner is where to place the coins.

*Feng Shui experts believe “poison arrows” may keep properties from selling. Poison arrows occur when there is too much energy directed to a single spot. For example, a house located on a “T” intersection or at the end of a cul-de-sac will have too much energy flowing toward it. If you own this type of property, they can disperse the energy by building a fence or planting a hedge in the front of the property.

*For those of you with a home office, red and green are very favorable. If possible, position the desk so the person faces the door when seated. Again, adding live plants, a fountain, and coins in a red sack placed in the far left corner will increase the flow of abundance.

*Pay attention to intention. To make Feng Shui work for you, examine your intention. Feng Shui relies on the energy that supports our actions. Giving back is an important way to attract more and better things to us.

Whether you believe in Feng Shui or not, using the principles above will enhance the appearance of your property and make it more attractive to buyers.