Downtown San Diego’sHot Real Estate Listings

Getting Through EscrowKeeping The Process Running Smoothly

Casual, Creative CuisineSoleil At K’s Scallops And Risotto

The Finishing TouchChoosing Artwork For Your Home

FEATURED PROPERTY

April 2010

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.com

800.588.7382 • www.DowntownSanDiegoProperties.com

Park Place | Unit 5022 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,374 SF$625,000Spectacular easterly views of the cityscape and Harbor Dr. in this great 1374 sq. ft. floorplan.

Oversized balcony, separated bedrooms, cherry wood floors throughout, slate flooring in baths, granite counters with full backsplash in kitchen, new carpet, crown molding throughout, custom built-in bar with wine fridge, granite gas fireplace visible from both living room and dining room, upgraded lighting, UV shades and more!

HORIZONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLEBed / Bath Est. SF List Price 1 / 2 1,249 $474,8001 / 2 1,036 $510,0001 / 2 1,036 $545,0002 / 2 1,245 $639,0002 / 2 1,245 $625,000 -$640,0002 / 2 1,245 $649,000 2 / 2 1,263 $649,000 -$679,0002 / 2 1,301 $679,0003 / 3 2,260 $1,395,000 3 / 2 2,918 $2,900,000

SALE PENDING2 / 2 2,007 $1,195,000

SOLD SOLD PRICE1 / 2 1,036 $460,0002 / 2 1,301 $484,0002 / 2 1,230 $572,0002 / 2 1,170 $660,000

PARK PLACE CURRENTLY AVAILABLEBed / Bath Est. SF List Price 2 / 2 1,375 $495,000 -$545,0002 / 2 1,455 $630,0001 / 2 1,268 $640,0002 / 2 1,338 $695,0002 / 2 1,353 $739,0002 / 2 1,545 $739,0002 / 2 1,545 $759,0002 / 2 1,374 $1,120,000

SALE PENDING2 / 2 1,374 $625,0002 / 2 1,374 $639,000

SOLD SOLD PRICE1 / 2 1,113 $429,0001 / 2 1,113 $500,8002 / 2 1,575 $640,0002 / 2 1,374 $680,0002 / 2 1,545 $715,0002 / 2 1,353 $752,0001 / 2 1,545 $1,070,0002 / 2 2,000 $1,700,000

CURRENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN HORIZONS & PARK PLACE

ARG-Abbott Realty Group435 4th Ave. • San Diego, CA 92101

SANDRA MELVILLERealtor, CRS, GRI

Sandra@ MelvilleAndAssociates.com

619.454.5464

CAROLYN BOWHAYBroker Associate, CRS, GRI

Carolyn.Bowhay@argsd.com

619.944.5478

Black Eyed PeasSan Diego Sports Arena, April 3rd619.224.4171 or sandiegoarena.comRock out with the six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artists The Black Eyed Peas during their E.N.D. World Tour. The group will perform hit songs such as I Got a Feeling and Meet Me Halfway. Described as the ultimate party experience, the Peas are bringing Ludacris and LMFAO along for the ride.

WoofstockBalboa Park, April 10th800.572.BARK or cci.org/woofstockBring Fido out for fun in the sun all in support of his four-legged friends. This 60’s-themed event kicks off with the Peace, Love and Rock n’ Roll dog walk. Other events throughout the day include fly ball, disc dogs, a K9 playground and of course delicious food for canines and their humans. Proceeds benefit Canine Companions to provide assistance dogs to people with disabilities.

March for BabiesBalboa Park, April 24th858.576.1211 or marchforbabies.orgComplete this 5K walk through Balboa Park in support of the March of Dimes, an organization dedicated to research, education, advocacy and service programs helping babies born with birth defects.

Sesame Street Live: 1, 2, 3, Imagine!San Diego Sports Arena, April 22nd – 25th619.224.4171 or sandiegoarena.comLittle ones will get the chance to see their favorite characters sing and dance before their very eyes! As the captain of the high seas, Elmo and his friends chart off into the world of imagination and dance to the rhythm of the African rainforest.

Wine and Dine – Dance! Dance! Dance!Hard Rock Hotel, April 24th619.702.3000 or hardrockhotelsd.comMix and mingle, dine and dance. Indulge in premier regional wines, specialty beers and cuisine from several top San Diego restaurants. This event also hosts an exciting auction which last year raised over $100,000. Proceeds benefit ElderHelp, an organization dedicated to helping low-income and seniors in need within the community.

Art AliveSan Diego Museum of Art, April 30th – May 2nd This four-day event is filled with everything an art lover could want. Enjoy the Members Preview, Special Edition of Culture & Cocktails and the family-oriented Garden of Activities. This year includes a unique exhibition of floral arrangements created by more than 100 floral designers. Have some fun and enjoy a little culture all at once!

APRIL 2010

For anyone that has bought or sold real estate before, they know first-hand that the escrow process can be the most challenging element of the entire transaction. But it certainly doesn’t have to be. Let’s review the role of the escrow process and present some tips on getting through escrow smoothly. In the simplest of terms, escrow is a process that provides for a fair and equitable transfer of real estate property from one party to another. To facilitate that goal, escrow provides the means for depositing- with a neutral third party- the funds, documentation and instructions necessary to complete the sale. That neutral third party is the Escrow Officer. They have the obligation to safeguard the funds during the process and to disburse the funds and convey title only when all of the provisions of the transaction have been met. Because most real estate transactions involve large sums of money and what seems like endless amounts of documents, the escrow process is filled with minute details, step-by-step procedures and many opportunities for challenges. Whether you are the buyer or seller, your understanding and cooperation in the process can make a remarkable impact on how smoothly the escrow process goes.• Most importantly, be sure to work with a certified escrow professional. In California, most escrows are handled by a title company. There are many companies to choose from but don’t base your decision strictly on pricing or who your co-worker used for their escrow. The best reference source can be your Realtor. They want your transaction to close as quickly and smoothly as you do and they have the experience and knowledge of who the professional and reliable Escrow Officers are.• Respond quickly to all correspondence. Once escrow is opened, you will be receiving multiple packets and forms that need your attention. Reply immediately. Because escrow often needs to follow a sequence of events, the hold-up of a particular item can unwittingly hold-up many other important items along with it.

• Be available. Besides insuring that you will be available on the actual Close Of Escrow day, it’s critical to be reachable throughout the entire process. Avoid going on vacation or taking on other time-consuming projects. Give all parties involved many ways to contact you- phones, fax, e-mail, etc.• If you are the seller, inform the Escrow Officer well in advance if there are any liens or judgments encumbering the property. If you are the buyer, inform your lender about any changes to employment, income, debt ratios or your credit rating that may have occurred during the escrow process.• If you are the buyer, have your homeowners’ insurance policy all set up and ready to take effect as soon as you close escrow. Start this process early, as some homes may have insurability issues or require special coverage that could cause delay. • If you are required to deliver funds, follow your Escrow Officer’s instructions regarding the acceptable form of monies. Don’t arrive with a personal check, as the processing of a personal check can take 5-10 days. Generally a cashier’s check or wire transfer of funds is required to close on time.• If you have secured a loan for the purchase of the property, ask your lender for a copy of all pertinent loan documentation ahead of time. The day that escrow is scheduled to close is not the time to be raising concerns about your loan program or interest rate.

Ever been to a friend’s house and been impressed by his or her art collection? Picking the right painting or sculpture for rooms in your home can be a painstak-ing process. Do you choose the artwork first and then design the rest of the room

around the painting? Or do you design your room first and then look for just the right artwork as the pièce de résistance to your decor? No doubt, choosing artwork is a personal endeavor. After all, you’re the only one who knows if you like how

something looks. But there are some guidelines when it comes to making the best choices for your abode. The first thing to consider when choosing a work of art for your home: Stick with your style. Is your interior design traditional, contemporary, transitional, eclectic? Then your artwork should reflect the same or a complementary style. In other words, you may not want to hang an ultra-modern painting over your mantel if your home is more rustic or Old World. Some styles, however, do meld. For example, American Indian art can be used in a contemporary lifestyle or setting beautifully. Next, think color. Pick up on hues from the fabrics in your room and the paint colors on the walls and look for complementary artwork. Of course, it doesn’t have to be an exact match. The scale of your artwork is also very important. If you have a large ten-foot wall space, you don’t want a small 36” X 36” piece of art. The art also has to work with the scale of the furniture. If you have grand, stately furniture, for example, small paintings will be overshadowed and feel out of place. You may also wonder if it’s okay to mix different art mediums—painting, sculpture, and metal artwork, for example—in the same space. The answer is absolutely yes. If you have too many paintings in the room, it’s better to add a sculpture or bring

in some metal or iron art to add some texture to the room. Art is not just a canvas or a painting. It can be anything—sculpture, lighting, mirrors, sconces. So go ahead and mix it up! Variety is also a plus when it comes to how you hang your art. If, for example, you have two large pieces of art in a room, do some groupings of smaller paintings on the third or fourth wall. Don’t have all small pieces or all large pieces. And don’t be afraid to go bare. Having too many pieces of art in the room is distracting. You don’t have to have a piece of art for every single wall. One mistake homeowners often make: Choosing too many small pieces of art, which can make a wall look cluttered. One big piece might be better. Adding a bigger piece will open up the room and make the room appear bigger. If you have a small house and a small room, lots of small paintings will make the room look even smaller. Finally, don’t forget to have someone assist you when you hang your artwork. Have them hold the pieces up while you stand back to judge placement. The art should be at eye level—not too high and not too low. And lighting is very important. If possible, highlight your works of art with recessed can lighting overhead. Once your pieces are hung, friends will soon be admiring your artistic eye!

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS ON SUGAR SNAP PEA RISOTTO WITH JULIENNE APPLE AND MICRO GREEN SALAD

Featuring Soleil at K at the Marriott 660 K Street

619.446.6088 or SoleilAtK.com

Sugar Snap Pea Risotto:5 cups of Vegetable Stock4 tablespoons of Butter1/2 lb Sugar Snap Peas coarsely chopped1/2 cup Chopped Onion1 cup Arborio Rice1/3 cup White Wine1/2 cup Heavy Cream1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese gratedSalt and Pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large sauté pan at medium heat, add onions and sauté till tender. Add rice and stir for 3 to 4 minutes, add the wine and stir until absorbed. Increase heat to medium high, stir in 1 cup of the vegetable stockuncovered and stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed. Continue stirring and adding the vegetable stock 1 cup at a time, allowing each cup to be absorbed before adding more. Cook until rice is tender and has a creamy consistency, approximately 30 minutes. Stir in sugar snap peas, cream, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until mixture is creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Seared Sea Scallops:16 each of dry packed U-10 Scallops3 tablespoons of Olive OilKosher Salt to taste

Heat a nonstick sauté pan over high heat and add oil. The oil needs to be very hot before adding the salted scallops. Place the scallop’s flat side down in a pan, don’t overcrowd the pan as the scallops will not get the nice brown crust that you will desire. When a nice brown crust forms, turn the scallop to brown the other side for around 2-3 minutes per side.

Garnish:1 Granny Smith Apple Julienne1/4 cup Micro Greens1 tablespoon of Olive Oil

Toss the julienne apple, micro greens and olive oil.

Plating:Put sugar snap pea risotto in the middle of your serving plate topped with 3 to 4 scallops and garnish with the apple micro green salad.

Black Eyed PeasSan Diego Sports Arena, April 3rd619.224.4171 or sandiegoarena.comRock out with the six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artists The Black Eyed Peas during their E.N.D. World Tour. The group will perform hit songs such as I Got a Feeling and Meet Me Halfway. Described as the ultimate party experience, the Peas are bringing Ludacris and LMFAO along for the ride.

WoofstockBalboa Park, April 10th800.572.BARK or cci.org/woofstockBring Fido out for fun in the sun all in support of his four-legged friends. This 60’s-themed event kicks off with the Peace, Love and Rock n’ Roll dog walk. Other events throughout the day include fly ball, disc dogs, a K9 playground and of course delicious food for canines and their humans. Proceeds benefit Canine Companions to provide assistance dogs to people with disabilities.

March for BabiesBalboa Park, April 24th858.576.1211 or marchforbabies.orgComplete this 5K walk through Balboa Park in support of the March of Dimes, an organization dedicated to research, education, advocacy and service programs helping babies born with birth defects.

Sesame Street Live: 1, 2, 3, Imagine!San Diego Sports Arena, April 22nd – 25th619.224.4171 or sandiegoarena.comLittle ones will get the chance to see their favorite characters sing and dance before their very eyes! As the captain of the high seas, Elmo and his friends chart off into the world of imagination and dance to the rhythm of the African rainforest.

Wine and Dine – Dance! Dance! Dance!Hard Rock Hotel, April 24th619.702.3000 or hardrockhotelsd.comMix and mingle, dine and dance. Indulge in premier regional wines, specialty beers and cuisine from several top San Diego restaurants. This event also hosts an exciting auction which last year raised over $100,000. Proceeds benefit ElderHelp, an organization dedicated to helping low-income and seniors in need within the community.

Art AliveSan Diego Museum of Art, April 30th – May 2nd This four-day event is filled with everything an art lover could want. Enjoy the Members Preview, Special Edition of Culture & Cocktails and the family-oriented Garden of Activities. This year includes a unique exhibition of floral arrangements created by more than 100 floral designers. Have some fun and enjoy a little culture all at once!

APRIL 2010

For anyone that has bought or sold real estate before, they know first-hand that the escrow process can be the most challenging element of the entire transaction. But it certainly doesn’t have to be. Let’s review the role of the escrow process and present some tips on getting through escrow smoothly. In the simplest of terms, escrow is a process that provides for a fair and equitable transfer of real estate property from one party to another. To facilitate that goal, escrow provides the means for depositing- with a neutral third party- the funds, documentation and instructions necessary to complete the sale. That neutral third party is the Escrow Officer. They have the obligation to safeguard the funds during the process and to disburse the funds and convey title only when all of the provisions of the transaction have been met. Because most real estate transactions involve large sums of money and what seems like endless amounts of documents, the escrow process is filled with minute details, step-by-step procedures and many opportunities for challenges. Whether you are the buyer or seller, your understanding and cooperation in the process can make a remarkable impact on how smoothly the escrow process goes.• Most importantly, be sure to work with a certified escrow professional. In California, most escrows are handled by a title company. There are many companies to choose from but don’t base your decision strictly on pricing or who your co-worker used for their escrow. The best reference source can be your Realtor. They want your transaction to close as quickly and smoothly as you do and they have the experience and knowledge of who the professional and reliable Escrow Officers are.• Respond quickly to all correspondence. Once escrow is opened, you will be receiving multiple packets and forms that need your attention. Reply immediately. Because escrow often needs to follow a sequence of events, the hold-up of a particular item can unwittingly hold-up many other important items along with it.

• Be available. Besides insuring that you will be available on the actual Close Of Escrow day, it’s critical to be reachable throughout the entire process. Avoid going on vacation or taking on other time-consuming projects. Give all parties involved many ways to contact you- phones, fax, e-mail, etc.• If you are the seller, inform the Escrow Officer well in advance if there are any liens or judgments encumbering the property. If you are the buyer, inform your lender about any changes to employment, income, debt ratios or your credit rating that may have occurred during the escrow process.• If you are the buyer, have your homeowners’ insurance policy all set up and ready to take effect as soon as you close escrow. Start this process early, as some homes may have insurability issues or require special coverage that could cause delay. • If you are required to deliver funds, follow your Escrow Officer’s instructions regarding the acceptable form of monies. Don’t arrive with a personal check, as the processing of a personal check can take 5-10 days. Generally a cashier’s check or wire transfer of funds is required to close on time.• If you have secured a loan for the purchase of the property, ask your lender for a copy of all pertinent loan documentation ahead of time. The day that escrow is scheduled to close is not the time to be raising concerns about your loan program or interest rate.

Ever been to a friend’s house and been impressed by his or her art collection? Picking the right painting or sculpture for rooms in your home can be a painstak-ing process. Do you choose the artwork first and then design the rest of the room

around the painting? Or do you design your room first and then look for just the right artwork as the pièce de résistance to your decor? No doubt, choosing artwork is a personal endeavor. After all, you’re the only one who knows if you like how

something looks. But there are some guidelines when it comes to making the best choices for your abode. The first thing to consider when choosing a work of art for your home: Stick with your style. Is your interior design traditional, contemporary, transitional, eclectic? Then your artwork should reflect the same or a complementary style. In other words, you may not want to hang an ultra-modern painting over your mantel if your home is more rustic or Old World. Some styles, however, do meld. For example, American Indian art can be used in a contemporary lifestyle or setting beautifully. Next, think color. Pick up on hues from the fabrics in your room and the paint colors on the walls and look for complementary artwork. Of course, it doesn’t have to be an exact match. The scale of your artwork is also very important. If you have a large ten-foot wall space, you don’t want a small 36” X 36” piece of art. The art also has to work with the scale of the furniture. If you have grand, stately furniture, for example, small paintings will be overshadowed and feel out of place. You may also wonder if it’s okay to mix different art mediums—painting, sculpture, and metal artwork, for example—in the same space. The answer is absolutely yes. If you have too many paintings in the room, it’s better to add a sculpture or bring

in some metal or iron art to add some texture to the room. Art is not just a canvas or a painting. It can be anything—sculpture, lighting, mirrors, sconces. So go ahead and mix it up! Variety is also a plus when it comes to how you hang your art. If, for example, you have two large pieces of art in a room, do some groupings of smaller paintings on the third or fourth wall. Don’t have all small pieces or all large pieces. And don’t be afraid to go bare. Having too many pieces of art in the room is distracting. You don’t have to have a piece of art for every single wall. One mistake homeowners often make: Choosing too many small pieces of art, which can make a wall look cluttered. One big piece might be better. Adding a bigger piece will open up the room and make the room appear bigger. If you have a small house and a small room, lots of small paintings will make the room look even smaller. Finally, don’t forget to have someone assist you when you hang your artwork. Have them hold the pieces up while you stand back to judge placement. The art should be at eye level—not too high and not too low. And lighting is very important. If possible, highlight your works of art with recessed can lighting overhead. Once your pieces are hung, friends will soon be admiring your artistic eye!

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS ON SUGAR SNAP PEA RISOTTO WITH JULIENNE APPLE AND MICRO GREEN SALAD

Featuring Soleil at K at the Marriott 660 K Street

619.446.6088 or SoleilAtK.com

Sugar Snap Pea Risotto:5 cups of Vegetable Stock4 tablespoons of Butter1/2 lb Sugar Snap Peas coarsely chopped1/2 cup Chopped Onion1 cup Arborio Rice1/3 cup White Wine1/2 cup Heavy Cream1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese gratedSalt and Pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large sauté pan at medium heat, add onions and sauté till tender. Add rice and stir for 3 to 4 minutes, add the wine and stir until absorbed. Increase heat to medium high, stir in 1 cup of the vegetable stockuncovered and stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed. Continue stirring and adding the vegetable stock 1 cup at a time, allowing each cup to be absorbed before adding more. Cook until rice is tender and has a creamy consistency, approximately 30 minutes. Stir in sugar snap peas, cream, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until mixture is creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Seared Sea Scallops:16 each of dry packed U-10 Scallops3 tablespoons of Olive OilKosher Salt to taste

Heat a nonstick sauté pan over high heat and add oil. The oil needs to be very hot before adding the salted scallops. Place the scallop’s flat side down in a pan, don’t overcrowd the pan as the scallops will not get the nice brown crust that you will desire. When a nice brown crust forms, turn the scallop to brown the other side for around 2-3 minutes per side.

Garnish:1 Granny Smith Apple Julienne1/4 cup Micro Greens1 tablespoon of Olive Oil

Toss the julienne apple, micro greens and olive oil.

Plating:Put sugar snap pea risotto in the middle of your serving plate topped with 3 to 4 scallops and garnish with the apple micro green salad.

Downtown San Diego’sHot Real Estate Listings

Getting Through EscrowKeeping The Process Running Smoothly

Casual, Creative CuisineSoleil At K’s Scallops And Risotto

The Finishing TouchChoosing Artwork For Your Home

FEATURED PROPERTY

April 2010

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The properties on this list have been listed/sold by various participants in the MLS.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.com

800.588.7382 • www.DowntownSanDiegoProperties.com

Park Place | Unit 5022 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,374 SF$625,000Spectacular easterly views of the cityscape and Harbor Dr. in this great 1374 sq. ft. floorplan.

Oversized balcony, separated bedrooms, cherry wood floors throughout, slate flooring in baths, granite counters with full backsplash in kitchen, new carpet, crown molding throughout, custom built-in bar with wine fridge, granite gas fireplace visible from both living room and dining room, upgraded lighting, UV shades and more!

HORIZONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLEBed / Bath Est. SF List Price 1 / 2 1,249 $474,8001 / 2 1,036 $510,0001 / 2 1,036 $545,0002 / 2 1,245 $639,0002 / 2 1,245 $625,000 -$640,0002 / 2 1,245 $649,000 2 / 2 1,263 $649,000 -$679,0002 / 2 1,301 $679,0003 / 3 2,260 $1,395,000 3 / 2 2,918 $2,900,000

SALE PENDING2 / 2 2,007 $1,195,000

SOLD SOLD PRICE1 / 2 1,036 $460,0002 / 2 1,301 $484,0002 / 2 1,230 $572,0002 / 2 1,170 $660,000

PARK PLACE CURRENTLY AVAILABLEBed / Bath Est. SF List Price 2 / 2 1,375 $495,000 -$545,0002 / 2 1,455 $630,0001 / 2 1,268 $640,0002 / 2 1,338 $695,0002 / 2 1,353 $739,0002 / 2 1,545 $739,0002 / 2 1,545 $759,0002 / 2 1,374 $1,120,000

SALE PENDING2 / 2 1,374 $625,0002 / 2 1,374 $639,000

SOLD SOLD PRICE1 / 2 1,113 $429,0001 / 2 1,113 $500,8002 / 2 1,575 $640,0002 / 2 1,374 $680,0002 / 2 1,545 $715,0002 / 2 1,353 $752,0001 / 2 1,545 $1,070,0002 / 2 2,000 $1,700,000

CURRENT REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN HORIZONS & PARK PLACE

ARG-Abbott Realty Group435 4th Ave. • San Diego, CA 92101

SANDRA MELVILLERealtor, CRS, GRI

Sandra@ MelvilleAndAssociates.com

619.454.5464

CAROLYN BOWHAYBroker Associate, CRS, GRI

Carolyn.Bowhay@argsd.com

619.944.5478