Homeownership Tax BreaksMore Green In Your Wallet!

Spring SensationUrbana Cucina’s Strawberry Fregolatta

sweet sailingAbove deck adventures

Find Your Perfect Place

Feature Home Presented By Carolyn Cohen

S A N D I E G OM

AR

CH

| A

PR

IL 2

01

5

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The homes included are listed and sold by various brokers, based on information from the MLS.

SERVING CLIENTS WITH PRIDE AND PROFESSIONALISM FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Carolyn Cohen NDCAR, CAR, NAR

Broker | Owner858.755.5566 Office858.345.7695 DirectCarolynCohen@RealtyExecutives.com

Call Carolyn for the most effective marketing to sell your San Diego property.

CohenRealEstateGroup.com

Stunning Oceanfront Property Exclusively Offered By Carolyn

660 Neptune Avenue | Encinitas | $2,999,000-$3,499,999

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. CA DRE#01378598 Produced by UpscaleRealEsateMarketing.com • 858.430.6502

Incredible single-level, oceanfront home with detached guest house. Breathtaking panoramic whitewater ocean views! Stunning remodel throughout main and guest house. Premier ocean view kitchen w/rare European wood cabinetry, slab granite counters, island and breakfast bar, sub-zero, upscale appliances, recessed lighting throughout and euro-modern fireplace in living room. The main house has 2 full bedrooms and 2 full baths and includes an ocean front deck. Completely rebuilt approximately 10 years ago with recent additional remodeling done with very high end finishes. Open floor plan with new sliders and windows throughout. Master has extensive custom built-ins, wonderfully upgraded bathroom with 3 sinks and a skylight, ample closet and private patio, perfect for a large spa. Guest house has full bath, living room and bedroom plus separate laundry room and storage area. All on a 9,100 sq.ft. lot with fabulous 50 feet of ocean frontage. Relax on the deck and enjoy the sea views, breeze, palm trees and gorgeous sunsets for an endless summer.

Remcon Design Build is a Remodeling Company located in San Diego and proudly provides its services to all San Diego and surround counties. We specialize in all aspects of remodeling and new construction. Our portfolio

consists of customs homes, complete interior and exterior makeovers of existing homes, first and second floor room additions, kitchen remodels and bathrooms remodels.

Cal 858.874.8779 for free consultation!remcondesignbuild.com

Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of. Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits. There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.

Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are:• MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home.• MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction.• REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax.• PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an indi-vidual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.

• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted. Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.

Totally over the crowded cruise scene? Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires...without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.

The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too. With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.

Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs. And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands. On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it. Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking. For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!

STRAWBERRY FREGOLOTTA

Cucina Urbana | 505 West Laurel Street619.239.2222 | www.sdurbankitchen.com

In Good Taste

TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Spring Gray Whale MigrationHarbor Island, San Diego | March 1 – May 31858.222.9479 | sailjada.comThe spring months are the second leg of the Gray Whale Migration which has gray whale moms and their newborns. Giant blue whales and finback whales also migrate into our waters during these months. For the gray whales this is special time to view these amazing mammals as the moms and their calves often provide extended viewing opportunities. Whale watching in the spring is experience not to be missed.

London Symphony OrchestraJacobs Music Center | March 29858.459.3728 | ljms.org La Jolla Music Society and Celebrity Orchestra Series presents the world renowned London Symphony Orchestra. Program will feature conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2010 by President Obama. He’ll be joined by twenty-six year old pianist and widely recognized as one of the most important artists of her generation, Yuja Wang, performing the jazz-inspired Gershwin Piano Concerto.

Easter Champagne Brunch Cruise San Diego Bay | April 5619.686.8715 | hornblower.com Hop onboard this champagne brunch cruise for a relaxing holiday meal on the San Diego Bay. You and your family will celebrate your Easter together with live background entertainment and flowing champagne & mimosas! Enjoy a delicious spread of traditional Easter brunch items and take in the famous sights of the San Diego Bay.

A Midsummer Night’s DreamSan Diego Theater | April 11 -12619.570.1100 | sandiegotheatres.org Based on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy and set to music by Mendelssohn, the ballet chronicles confusions and reunions between pairs of mortal lovers and the king and queen of the fairies. This exquisitely detailed production of meaningless quarrels and magic spells woven by the infamous Puck is pure entertainment for both children and adults.

Padres Baseball Home OpenerSan Diego | April 6 – October 2015sandiego.padres.mlb.comAmerica’s favorite pastime is back, the Padres open things up in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Monday, April 6. The home opener is later that week, on Thursday, April 9 against the San Francisco Giants. Go Padres Baseball!

MARCH | APRIL 2015

Event Calendarcome sail away...INGREDIENTS3/4 lb butter1 c sugar1/2 tsp vanilla extract1/4 tsp salt3 c flour1 1/2 c strawberry jam (we make our own but you can easily substitute store bought)1/4 c pistachios, toasted

In the bowl of your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract and salt until very fluffy and light in color. The mixture should almost triple in volume. Scrape into a bowl and then add the flour. Mix by hand until fully combined but be careful not to over mix the dough. Prepare your tart pan by spraying with vegetable spray and then coating the inside with flour; tap out the excess flour. Reserve one quarter of the dough, rolling between parchment into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Chill for at least 45 minutes. Divide the remaining dough amongst your tart molds or use in one large tart. Press the dough to cover the bottom and sides in a thin, even layer. Brush the bottom with egg wash and then cover with a thin layer of the strawberry jam. Remove the chilled layer of dough from the refrigerator and cut into ½ inch cubes. Evenly place the cubes over the surface of your tart, leaving space in between so the filling will show. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 18 minutes. The tart will be dark golden brown on top when finished. Let cool to room temperature and release from the tart mold. Serve with your favorite ice cream and toasted pistachios.

Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of. Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits. There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.

Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are:• MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home.• MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction.• REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax.• PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an indi-vidual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.

• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted. Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.

Totally over the crowded cruise scene? Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires...without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.

The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too. With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.

Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs. And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands. On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it. Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking. For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!

STRAWBERRY FREGOLOTTA

Cucina Urbana | 505 West Laurel Street619.239.2222 | www.sdurbankitchen.com

In Good Taste

TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Spring Gray Whale MigrationHarbor Island, San Diego | March 1 – May 31858.222.9479 | sailjada.comThe spring months are the second leg of the Gray Whale Migration which has gray whale moms and their newborns. Giant blue whales and finback whales also migrate into our waters during these months. For the gray whales this is special time to view these amazing mammals as the moms and their calves often provide extended viewing opportunities. Whale watching in the spring is experience not to be missed.

London Symphony OrchestraJacobs Music Center | March 29858.459.3728 | ljms.org La Jolla Music Society and Celebrity Orchestra Series presents the world renowned London Symphony Orchestra. Program will feature conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2010 by President Obama. He’ll be joined by twenty-six year old pianist and widely recognized as one of the most important artists of her generation, Yuja Wang, performing the jazz-inspired Gershwin Piano Concerto.

Easter Champagne Brunch Cruise San Diego Bay | April 5619.686.8715 | hornblower.com Hop onboard this champagne brunch cruise for a relaxing holiday meal on the San Diego Bay. You and your family will celebrate your Easter together with live background entertainment and flowing champagne & mimosas! Enjoy a delicious spread of traditional Easter brunch items and take in the famous sights of the San Diego Bay.

A Midsummer Night’s DreamSan Diego Theater | April 11 -12619.570.1100 | sandiegotheatres.org Based on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy and set to music by Mendelssohn, the ballet chronicles confusions and reunions between pairs of mortal lovers and the king and queen of the fairies. This exquisitely detailed production of meaningless quarrels and magic spells woven by the infamous Puck is pure entertainment for both children and adults.

Padres Baseball Home OpenerSan Diego | April 6 – October 2015sandiego.padres.mlb.comAmerica’s favorite pastime is back, the Padres open things up in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Monday, April 6. The home opener is later that week, on Thursday, April 9 against the San Francisco Giants. Go Padres Baseball!

MARCH | APRIL 2015

Event Calendarcome sail away...INGREDIENTS3/4 lb butter1 c sugar1/2 tsp vanilla extract1/4 tsp salt3 c flour1 1/2 c strawberry jam (we make our own but you can easily substitute store bought)1/4 c pistachios, toasted

In the bowl of your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract and salt until very fluffy and light in color. The mixture should almost triple in volume. Scrape into a bowl and then add the flour. Mix by hand until fully combined but be careful not to over mix the dough. Prepare your tart pan by spraying with vegetable spray and then coating the inside with flour; tap out the excess flour. Reserve one quarter of the dough, rolling between parchment into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Chill for at least 45 minutes. Divide the remaining dough amongst your tart molds or use in one large tart. Press the dough to cover the bottom and sides in a thin, even layer. Brush the bottom with egg wash and then cover with a thin layer of the strawberry jam. Remove the chilled layer of dough from the refrigerator and cut into ½ inch cubes. Evenly place the cubes over the surface of your tart, leaving space in between so the filling will show. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 18 minutes. The tart will be dark golden brown on top when finished. Let cool to room temperature and release from the tart mold. Serve with your favorite ice cream and toasted pistachios.

Homeownership Tax BreaksMore Green In Your Wallet!

Spring SensationUrbana Cucina’s Strawberry Fregolatta

sweet sailingAbove deck adventures

Find Your Perfect Place

Feature Home Presented By Carolyn Cohen

S A N D I E G O

MA

RC

H |

AP

RIL

20

15

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The homes included are listed and sold by various brokers, based on information from the MLS.

SERVING CLIENTS WITH PRIDE AND PROFESSIONALISM FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Carolyn Cohen NDCAR, CAR, NAR

Broker | Owner858.755.5566 Office858.345.7695 DirectCarolynCohen@RealtyExecutives.com

Call Carolyn for the most effective marketing to sell your San Diego property.

CohenRealEstateGroup.com

Stunning Oceanfront Property Exclusively Offered By Carolyn

660 Neptune Avenue | Encinitas | $2,999,000-$3,499,999

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. CA DRE#01378598 Produced by UpscaleRealEsateMarketing.com • 858.430.6502

Incredible single-level, oceanfront home with detached guest house. Breathtaking panoramic whitewater ocean views! Stunning remodel throughout main and guest house. Premier ocean view kitchen w/rare European wood cabinetry, slab granite counters, island and breakfast bar, sub-zero, upscale appliances, recessed lighting throughout and euro-modern fireplace in living room. The main house has 2 full bedrooms and 2 full baths and includes an ocean front deck. Completely rebuilt approximately 10 years ago with recent additional remodeling done with very high end finishes. Open floor plan with new sliders and windows throughout. Master has extensive custom built-ins, wonderfully upgraded bathroom with 3 sinks and a skylight, ample closet and private patio, perfect for a large spa. Guest house has full bath, living room and bedroom plus separate laundry room and storage area. All on a 9,100 sq.ft. lot with fabulous 50 feet of ocean frontage. Relax on the deck and enjoy the sea views, breeze, palm trees and gorgeous sunsets for an endless summer.

Remcon Design Build is a Remodeling Company located in San Diego and proudly provides its services to all San Diego and surround counties. We specialize in all aspects of remodeling and new construction. Our portfolio

consists of customs homes, complete interior and exterior makeovers of existing homes, first and second floor room additions, kitchen remodels and bathrooms remodels.

Cal 858.874.8779 for free consultation!remcondesignbuild.com