There will be a Central Coast housing Market Shift in the next coming 20 years. As baby boomers and their echo boomer children become homeowners, they will significantly effect the housing market. Echo Boomer children will make up approximately 65 million people born between 1981-1995. This will create a demographic challenge and opportunity.
The aging baby boomer population will swell the nation's senior population by 30 Million over the next 20 years.Typically people over the age of 65 are releasing more housing than they are absorbing, this demographic shift will help to increase the supply of housing. Currently we have a lack of affordable housing available for them to buy. With the economic downturn home construction was halted for over 7 years, creating a deficit in housing currently. With interest rates at record lows and banks wanting to lend money, buyers are competing for purchases on available homes on the market.
Generation Y, the Millennial Generation, Generation Next, Millennials, Net Generation or Echo Boomers. Whatever you want to call the world’s largest collection of twenty and thirty-somethings, they are coming to a town near you.
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The San Luis Obispo Chamber greeted the team coming to our friendly town. My wonderful husband, Rich Ferguson, was one of the first people to greet them.
As most of you know, last September San Luis Obispo was voted The Happiest Place In America. Our city is growing in popularity since this award and we are continuing to be a thriving city.
Homes in SLO County are continuing to sell at quick rate and inventory of homes is the lowest it has been in years. Currently our inventory is 30% below last years average, making this Summer a sellers market for some areas in our County. Buyers continue to move here and buy investment property here. If you are in the market to buy or sell your home, now is a great time to give it a shot!
This Blog is older and doesn't reflect the newest floor plans, elevations, pricing and schedulesfor the Serra Meadows development. Please view blog posts from November 2012 on for the accurate information.
As you drive around the city of San Luis Obispo I'm sure you have seen the billboards for the new development off of Prado Road. The new Serra Meadows development is the newest development of 177 Single Family homes in San Luis Obispo, starting in the mid $400,000.
The new homes will be 3–5 bedrooms, 2 1/2–3 1/2 baths and ranging from1,500–2,300 sq. ft. The home styles are fashioned in the quintessential early 20th Century
style—Craftsman, California Bungalow, Spanish Revival and Provincial.
Seven unique, open and livable floor plans incorporate “green” building
elements, such as abundant natural daylight, large roof overhangs and
energy efficient appliances. The spacious feel of each home is
accentuated by open kitchens, large windows and inviting porches and
patio areas that create comfortable, livable spaces. The neighborhood
landscaping is classic Mediterranean with colorful and drought-resistant
plantings.
The latest news on the development is that there are four model homes that are currently underway this May 2012. There will be four different floor plans that will be constructed for the public to see and walk around in. There will be "The Sage", which is not on the website, "The Peony", "The Magnolia" and "The Willow" available to view Mid-August. Once you are pre-qualified with their lender you will be on the waiting list to choose the lot location of your home. You will be able to choose your homes interior finishes, like counter tops, bathroom fixtures, lighting and paint colors.
If you or a friend or family member are curious about this development and want the latest scoop on what is going on with it, I am your resource. Call me or email me to discuss it, I'm here to help.
A new Class 1 multi-use path is being proposed that would connect San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach. A Class 1 designated path is separated from any road traffic. The path, which is comparable to the Bob Jones City to the Sea Bike Trail in Avila Beach and would be open to cyclists, walkers and runners.
It would extend from SLO through Edna Valley and down Price Canyon out to Pismo Beach. The extension of the so-called De Anza trail is thought to be the original route taken by Juan Batista De Anza when he traveled through California visiting the state's missions in the 1770s. To execute the proposed path property owners along the path would need to either grant easements to the city or sell their property.
The path could take more than ten years to build even if the property owners along the path decide to move forward. SLO City Planning Commissioner Eric Meyer, who has proposed the route, is working now to get local government agencies to commit to a plan for the path. Other planned multi-use paths in the County that are a little further along in the process include the Bob Jones trail extension, connecting SLO to the existing Bob Jones trail. It's currently going through environmental review and the connector from Morro Bay to Cayucos which may start the coastal permitting process within the year.
San Luis Obispo County is one of the best places in the world to live... and work if you're lucky. One of the very few complaints people have about living here is about accessibility to other areas with direct flights. It appears as if Allegiant Air out of the Santa Maria Airport is going to be the game changer for Central Coast native's to enjoy direct flights to the warm waters of Hawaii!
I wonder if this will have any affect of vacations homes or real estate here or there? Regardless, I know my family and friends will be enjoying this fantastic benefit and improvement to our area. Not having to drive several hours (each way) to take a flight to somewhere as magical as Hawaii is so exciting.
Last year Allegiant Air finished it's 12.3 million dollar runway extension to accommodate larger 757 aircraft. Interestingly, the new runway length is nearly 2,000 feet longer than San Luis Obispo Airport or Santa Barbara Airport runways. Allegiant recently ordered 6 new 757's and with a little luck, one will be finished and operational out of Santa Maria this summer so we can enjoy a cost effective package to Hawaii right from the Central Coast. Some conversations lead me to think Allegiant Air will be packaging flights with hotels similar to their affordable packages they have to Las Vegas and Florida. It's a formula that seems to work out well for everyone. It is not clear yet if the direct flight will be to the big island or Oahu. Accessibility and free parking is easy at the Santa Maria Airport.
I hope this news puts as big of a smile on your face as it did mine. Living here just keeps getting better.
See you in Hawaii or at a Open House on the Central Coast soon!
Who say's San Luis Obispo is the best place to live? Well, let's see... Oprah, Dateline NBC, Sunset Magazine, ABC News, Men's Journal, LA Times and National Geographic just to name a few! I can confirm the rumors because I live and work here.
San Luis Obispo County is a coastal county located between San Francisco and Los Angeles… Our main city is also San Luis Obispo (or "SLO" as locals call it) and I'm sure you've been hearing about it! Oprah called San Luis Obispo the "Happiest place in America" to live! It's been voted by Sunset magazine as the Best Town of the Future, having the Best Weather in the US, the most irresistible Wine Escapes in the country and Best Foods and Farmer's Markets!
What makes SLO so magical?
Often people say it's the ideal weather and clean air. Other's say it's unmatched community spirit, non-profit support and entrepreneurial leadership. Visitor's might argue that it's the natural and assorted beauty from inland to the sea. Perhaps it the unique wildlife and migrating friends that make us unique.
Maybe the celebrations of our history makes it a magical place to be. Personally, I enjoy the variety of activities across this relaxed county! The celebrated public events certainly add a lot of character and fun for all ages... But maybe it's the range of award winning foods or the world class wineries that make SLO county so special.
Living here and escaping to the variety of beaches certainly has it's perks but maybe it's the happy people that make SLO such a great place to live!
Before I share the SECRET TO LIVING HERE, here's just a few more praises:
* Forbes predicted us as the "Best City for Housing Recovery"
* Delta Sky Magazine calls us the "Happiest Place in the World"
* Men's Journal calls us the "Coolest Town"
* We were called an "Adventure Mecca" by Outside Magazine
* MSN reported us as the "Best College Town"
* Dateline NBC picked SLO as a "Top Place in the WORLD to Live"
* SLO was voted "Favorite Vacation Spot" by the LA Times
* We were revealed as the "Happiest Place on Earth" by ABC News
Have you figured out the magic word that makes SLO so desirable? It's the lifestyle. Living here is easy. Finding the perfect home should be too. If you want a piece of this paradise, it's as easy as calling San Luis Obispo's expert in homes. Traci Ferguson and her associates are hear to answer any of your Real Estate questions. On your next visit to San Luis Obispo, give us a call and let us help you.
Today our home got a Whole House Energy Audit. Thank you Try Spindler and Paul Manconi from Central Coast Green House who came to give us a free Home Energy Audit, paid for through PG&E. Our local non profit Sustainable organization, SLO Green Build, has set up this great offer to home owners to give free energy audits to show home owners where they can save money on their Heating, Cooling and Water usage. This is essential to saving monthly on your utility bills. The process involves numerous steps and took about 4 hours total.
A Blower Door fan was installed on the front door to negatively pressurize the home to test where air was leaking from. The biggest air leakers are windows, vents and air ducts. Even our light switches were leaking air. It's Crazy!
This Photo is of our ceiling vent. The thermal photo imagery shows that the vent is leaking cold air from the attic into the home and is wasting energy. Bad vent...bad!
Jamie Hendrickson from the local Mutual Water company came by to check for leaks in our toilets and the Gallons of water we use on average. The blue dye was put on the bowl to see if any water was leaking from under the lip of the bowl. She called it a "silent leak" that can cost you numerous dollars a year in added water costs.
Next week we will be getting the results of all of the testing to see how our home stacks up. They will also tell us where and how to improve the Energy Efficiency in our home and save on our Utility bills.
I can't wait!:)
To learn how you can get a free Energy Audit done on your home talk to your local green/ sustainable organizations or your Gas & Electric Companies. There are state and government incentives available to home owners. Or call your local Energy Auditors, they are about $450 for your home evaluation and well worth every penny. Heck, they may save you that much in utility bills.
San Luis Obispo is the Top Four Happiest Place in the World to live!
Our little town of San Luis Obispo is going to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show. It has been my home for over 13 years and I wouldn't trade my city in for anything.
Author Dan Buettner who wrote Thrive, by measuring and experiencing happiness day-to-day he found you could define happiness and pin point locations that had the most overall happiness qualities. He traveled all over the world to find the best places to live in the world and San Luis Obispo made the top four. We were the only US city to make the list. Happiest place in Europe was Denmark, Asia - Singapore and Nuevo Leon - Mexico.
Interested in moving or purchasing a home in our glorious City of San Luis Obispo? click here to see available homes. Or email me with any questions you have, I'm a great tour guide.
Click here to get a customized Free Home Search, just for you. To view my other listings Click here.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.
If you are within the PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) jurisdiction your small business should be a member of ClimateSmart! I challenge all businesses, ecoBroker's, Green or Sustainable Business and Realtors to get on board.
What is ClimateSmart?
It's a simple voluntary and charitable program that gives your business the opportunity to take action against climate change by making your energy use "climate neutral". Many people feel that doing what you can as a business or home owner to reduce your carbon foot print is a priority. This is a small way that you can do it for just pennies.
What does it cost?
Typically the monthly cost for participation in the program is $0.00254 per kilowatt–hour for your electricity useage & $0.06528 per therm for gas usage, or about $5 a month for the typical Northern California home.
Is it deductible as a business expense?
The ClimateSmart Program is aslo tax deductible through the formation of the Climate Smart Charity. At the end of the year your recive a report of your total contributions which may be used for tax purposes. Register Online by going directly to the PG&E website or call Molly Hoyt 415-973-2847 for more information on how to participate
This is a valuable opportunity to communicate your commitment to environmentally responsible business practices and a commitment toward a cleaner planet.
Doc's Ice Cream Lab is a great local business to explore your inner child, or bring your child.:) Every Week at Doc's the Ice Cream Lab technicians put on a show and make ice cream with your help.
The audience helps invent a new ice cream flavor during a 30-min skit. After the flavors have been put together you get to try it afterwards!! So fun.
The latest flavor creation was Crème Bru-licious a Creme Brulee Ice Cream, w/ Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips & Brownie Pieces. Created on January 19, 2011. Go to Doc Burnstein's website and print your free ticket to attend the next Show.
Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream
114 W. Branch, Arroyo Grande CA
Weekly on Wednesday from 7 - 7:30 PM
805-474-4068 No Cover
If you need a sweet Realtor to buy or to sell your home, shoot me an email or give me a call, you can pay me in pints of Ice Cream.:)
A Great SLO County Loan Officer - Michael Hunstad!
Today I would like to tell the world about Michael Hunstad. He's a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer in Santa Maria, CA for Guild Mortgage. I recently did a deal with Michael and his time and attention to finalizing our deal was amazing. His incredible staff returned calls and got answers to questions promptly. He was a great asset to the closing of my deal. As a Realtor it's a privilege to work with professionals that never get in the way of a deal and Michael and his staff did just that.
Thank you Michael.:)
If you are looking for a loan or would like to talk to a reputable loan officer give Michael a call 805-448-0348 or email him directly.
Guild Mortgage
2236 S. Broadway Suite B,
Santa Maria, CA 93455
805-448-0348
If you ware looking to sell or buy a home in SLO County, give Traci a call.
For 30 days in the month of January enjoy 3 Courses for just $30 a person. Enjoy incredible meals at a resonable price. Over 30 destination restaurants throughout SLO County offer a great deal to taste our county cuisine. Each participating local restaurant offers one fixed price three course meal for just thirty dollars per person. Many participating restaurants also offer special paired local wine choices, for an additional charge. SLO County has a large variety of premium restaurants, due to the growing local wine industry, and a vast array of locally grown fresh food. Visit the Restaurant Month Website for a complete list of participating restaurants & sample menus.
Participate in supporting our local businesses and restaurants today!
Ian Parkinson's official swearing-in ceremony - will be on Monday, January 3rd at high noon at the County Government Center which is located at 1055 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo. Join him for the ceremony and for light refreshments afterwards.
Ian has been the San Luis Police Captain and has stepped down to be the new city Sheriff. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was twice awarded the department's “Distinguished Service Award.” In 2004, Parkinson was awarded the City of San Luis Obispo Employee of the Year Award for his outstanding service to the City.
Click here for more information on our new Sheriff.
When you are looking to move after buying your first home or simply moving to the Central Coast, think of Meathead Movers to get your things moved safely and efficiently. As a Realtor in San Luis Obsipo, I proudly recommend them to my clients when they need a fast and reputable moving company. Meathead consists of a crew of professionally trained student-athlete movers.
Their additional services include; Concierge Service, Storage, On-Site Moving, Local & Long Distance Moving, Commercial Moving and Packing. Meathead understands the meaning of customer service. Moving is never fun but if you have to move, Meathead prides themselves on delivering the best possible moving experience to all of their clients.
They have been a fixture on the Central Coast for 13 years. With offices are all over California, you will be sure to get your things moved, hassle free. They have stores located in: San Luis Obispo County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Santa Barbara County & Ventura County.
Bring in the New Year by running into the ocean for the Annual Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip in Cayucos! (Some in costume). For the brave/ insane and the people that love to watch. There is a certificate for each of the hundreds of people brave enough to participate.
Even if you just intend to watch, wear your bathing suit under your clothes and bring a towel - you just may decide to join in. (No wetsuits allowed - that's cheating.) This is the Annual Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip. Festivities begin at 10 AM; all run into ocean as mass group at noon. Free certificates to all that take the plunge. (Most leave as mass group at 12:01, if not sooner.)
Times: 10 AM - 12:05 PM Location:Cayucos Pier Address: Downtown Cayucos Event City:Cayucos Phone: 805.995.1200 Sponsor:Cayucos Chamber of Commerce Parking: Free on Street Low Admission: Free
I love living in San Luis Obispo. It has been my home for over 13 years and I woudln't trade my city in for anything.
According to Dan Buettner who wrote the book Thrive, by measuring and experiencing happiness day to day he found he could define happiness and pin point locations that had the most overall happiness qualities. He traveled all over the world to find the best places to live in the world and San Luis Obispo made the top four. We were the only US city to make the list. Happiest place in Europe was Denmark, Asia - Singapore and Nuevo Leon - Mexico.
ABC news has a short clip on the interview with Dan and the top four cities that made the happiness list.
If you are interested in moving or purchasing a home in our glorious City of San Luis Obispo, click here to see available homes. Or email me with any questions you have, I'm a great tour guide.
Click here to get a customized Free Home Search, just for you. To view my other listings Click here.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.
This new prestigious community is located just minutes from the Village of Arroyo Grande, nine miles from San Luis Obispo, eight miles to Pismo Beach and close to the wineries of the Central Coast. Las Ventanas features 56 home sites within over 4,000 acres of protected open space.
The home sites are clustered among oak woodlands, rolling hills, panoramic views of the mountains, Talley Farms and Talley Vineyard. Price ranges start from the low $300,000, for two to three acre parcels.
Email me to get more information on these beautiful Lots.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.
With a degree in Architecture, having a career in design, being a LEEP AP and ecoBroker, you are in good hands with a realtor with true professional experience in homes. If you are looking to buy or sell real estate along the central coast of California, give Traci a call today!"
These are just some of the words in my new promo video. Please take a look and enjoy the show!
If you know of anyone looking to buy or sell, please consider showing them my real estate website and promo. In addition, I can be reached at (805) 235-6396. Referrals are appreciated.
I look forward to making a big difference in your real estate experience!
