Is Now The Perfect Time to Become A Homeowner?

While reading a recent news article from The London Group I have come to the conclusion and have summarized that the collective mindset of the real estate market dictates the flow of the market. If the media uses the information that they put out to foster a pessimistic outlook than of course the real estate market will remain in the doldrums.

However, I believe that the market is actually clearing up and doing exactly what we at my office all expected. We hit bottom in April 2009 (42.3 percent below the peak) and then bounced off the bottom of 2009, and more in 2010 due to the government tax breaks in the first part of the year. Yes, the market has slowed in 2011, but it's not at an alarming pace like in 2008 and 2009. Any movement in the housing index of 2% in either direction is not really newsworthy. You have to look at the real estate market with long-term perspective.

While most people are quick to point their fingers at foreclosures, it really all depends on the market. The most important determinate right now is jobs and getting money flowing through the economy. This is why home sales are at a slow pace and home values have seen traction. We are not creating enough income or jobs to compel people to buy homes.

There is a silver lining though: Homes are relatively cheap, but rents have been rising. While home-ownership rates have dropped, as they should have, this is not the time to be walking away from home-ownership. It is actually an increasingly PERFECT time to become a homeowner, if your means, motivations and circumstances line up correctly.

Five Delicious Delights for By the Sea Dining in Del Mar

Del Mar has retained much of its village charm and lure, hosting a varied menu of fine dining establishments, and taking advantage of not only the much lauded locale along the coast -but a climate enjoyed throughout the seasons.

Take a look at five delicious Del Mar Restaurants:

1. SBICCA BISTRO - (Contemporary American) located at: 215 15th Street
The menu at SBICCA is rooted within a simple philosophy, whenever possible, organic produce, sustainable seafood and antibiotic, hormone free meats are utilized: a commitment that is cooked with flavor and taste. Proprietor Dan Sbicca and Chef Bryan Graham offer a summer menu that touts pan roasted Asian Sea Bass, maple jalapeno glazed Grilled Scottish Salmon, brown sugar rubbed Duck Leg Confit and grilled Brandt Beef Filet. The weekend brunch offers a lighter fare, serving everything from omelets and French toast, to fried fish tacos and tossed Cobb salad. Also make sure to check out their Wine Lover's Tuesdays and Thursdays offering selections at 50% off - allowing wine enthusiasts and the novice to sample new vintages and flavors.

2. DEL MAR RENDEZVOUS - (Chinese Fusion Cuisine) 1555-102 Camino Del Mar
Serving tradtional and contemporary flavors form noodles and tapas, to fowl, fish and tofu, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menus. Rendezvous offers patrons a unique experience stemming from Executive Chef Mark Sun's 40-year career. He brings together old world Chinese and Asian recipes, creative a modern spin by using fresh and high quality ingredients. Family owned and operated, it is consistently voted among the best Asian cuisine in the county.

3. FLAVOR DEL MAR - (New American) 1555-322 Camino Del Mar
Flavor Del Mar features a seasonal menu inspired by entrepreneur Jeff Hunter and Executive Chef Jason Maitland, using simplicity of flavor. Matched by its coastal California ambiance near L'Auberge, Flavor's lunch and dinner selections delight the senses, marrying taste and presentation into an unforgettable dining experience; beautiful views of the ocean and cliffs in Del Mar are also part of the ambiance. Make sure to try the Bloody Monday's served all day Monday, featuring a Grilled Cheese Bloody Mary Combo for only $15; it will not disappoint.

4. AMERICANA RESTAURANT - (American-Mediterranean) 1454 Camino Del Mar
The Americana is settled within an historic charming downtown Del Mar venue, resting at the coveted corner of 15th and Camino Del Mar. Serving comfort food within the guise of a cozy cafe, breakfast, lunch and dinner melds international flavors for an exceptional but familiar taste; with mention of their homemade waffles, seafood fare, sandwiches and fries.
You will love the down-home ambiance with the checkered flooring, a rounded counter, bar-stool seating and an umbrella-clad patio. Chef Randy Gerber has created the perfect menu. Drop by for the experience.

5. PAMPLEMOUSSE GRILLE - (Grilled Country French) 514 Via de la Valle
Overlooking the racetracks, Pamplemousse Grille offers the ultimate comfort food experience. The Restaurant draws its inspiration from Owner/Chef Jeffrey Strauss' childhood with memories of his grandparent's New Jersey Farm. The menu showcases Strauss' experience and travels in Europe, proving that taste and talent cannot be separated.
Mark your calendars for August 11th as Pamplemousse will be hosting the "Jockey Dinner" - raising funds for the Don MacBeth Fund, honoring injured and disabled jockeys.

Beyond the accolades and reviews, the attraction of Del Mar...whatever it may offer...Dining in Del Mar by the Sea is simply irresistible.

Private Jet Exclusive Shopping Excursion

Shop til you drop...in luxury!

Shoppers can take on the finest retailers in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Napa, Orange County, and San Francisco with the new SuiteShop Tours offered by private jet company JetSuite and luxury shopping concierge service LalaLuxe. SuiteShop packages begin at $9,760 allowing four people a one-day, round-trip shopping retreat to one aforementioned city aboard the JetSuite Phenom 100. Upon arrival, LalaLuxe takes the group by chauffeur on a customized shopping agenda arrange by the company's concierge curator. Shoppers have access to exclusive in-store discounts and receptions, a celebrity wardrobe stylist, Champagne and appetizers en route, and they receive a complimentary luxury gift bag. (800-261-0429, www.jetsuite.com/lalaluxe)

Where The Turf Meets The Surf Down At Old Del Mar.

Take a plane. Take a train. Take a car. There is a smile on every face, and a winner in every race where the turf meets the surf at Del Mar. Hosting seven weeks of seaside racing each summer, the ambiance and spirit of Del Mar is unlike any other. Since 1937, the track has welcomed more than 39 million visitors, handling more than $13 billion - an impressive milestone.

Opening day at Del Mar Race Track is on July 20th and will bring in record-breaking crowds and is unlike any other. With races scheduled every Wednesday through Sunday, you have five days a week to catch the races. With 40+ stakes and handicaps (Oceanside Stakes, San Clemente Handicap, I'm Smokin Stakes, California Dreamin, Del Mar Oaks, Cougar II Handicap, La Jolla Handicap - to name a few), Del Mar takes its racing very seriously, ranking among the nation's top tracks. The ever-famed Seabiscuit-Ligaroti match race was held August 12, 1938 at the track, drawing a national radio audience and a crowd of 20,000. Seabiscuit won by a nose.

Racing fans can take advantage of the post-race summer concert series with 10 big-name concerts taking place on the new Seaside Stage. This year's lineup of performers will rival big names of years past, which included Ziggy Marley, Billy Idol and Jack Johnson.

The Pacific views and Del Mar backdrop are simply unrivaled along with the hottest eats in Southern California.

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. Seaside racing in Southern California celebrates 72nd season of sporting ponies, bets and the Del Mar scene.

Some base their bets on numbers and colors, others on the interest of a horse's name or possible genealogy; whatever your fame, all you need is just a little luck where the turf meets the surf in Del Mar.