Ramona Open House Extravaganza
Sat. Oct. 14 Noon-4 Maps available at www.RREA.org and at participating homes

Members of the Ramona Real Estate Association (RREA) have banded together to create an event to help the local sellers in Ramona and to educate potential buyers about the benefits of living in the town.

This event is centered around an Open House Extravaganza that will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. More than 100 homes will be available for viewing. Maps of the participating open homes will be available online at www.RREA.org and each of the homes.

Historically, the area is still seeing exceptional mortgage rates and the volume of sales is fairly strong. In August 2006, First American Title Co. published a market summary written by Phil Stone.

In it, Stone states: "Most credible job forecasts predict our region will create anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 jobs over the next two years and that interest rates will level off at 7 percent by year end. With those numbers, it is difficult to see a steep decline or collapse of the real estate market in a job-creating economy like we have in San Diego."

Brian Coe, San Diego County manager for First American Title states: "With interest rates where they are and the job forecast for our region, I believe the remainder of this year will be a terrific time to buy a house."

In Stone's article, he quotes Gregory J Smith, San Diego County assessor, recorder and clerk. Smith has analyzed real estate cycles since the 1960s in San Diego and says there is no reason for alarm. Smith states, "San Diego is the greatest place to live in America, and that's why, over the long run, the housing market will always be strong here."

Stone concludes: "Our present real estate market is nothing more than a natural reaction to the record run-up we experienced over the past several years. We still have favorable interest rates, strong demand and an attractive inventory out there."

Members of the RREA are determined to be proactive to help sellers. This is a market where real estate professionals must actively promote a seller's home. During a buyer's market, like we are in today, a buyer has a lot of homes to choose from. It takes good marketing to get a seller's home "seen" by the eyes of a potential buyer.

RREA members are motivated to help their clients achieve their goals. This Open House Extravaganza is one example of how the local Ramona real estate agents work together to help local sellers and potential buyers.

For those not familiar with Ramona, it is a country town located about 10 miles northeast of Poway, or about 40 miles from downtown. Our outstanding home values, outdoor activities and quality of life are some of the reasons that Ramona is one of the fastest growing communities in the unincorporated area of San Diego.

Most of the homes are located on a half acre or more, and are suitable for horses and other animals. Many new residents appreciate the "elbow room" between homes.

Ramona also has high-end subdivisions and condominiums. The town has two championship golf courses, and airport with a 5,000-foot runway, and three fishing lakes nearby.

For horse lovers, hikers, and bikers, Ramona is located adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest and Mt. Gower Open Space with acres of trails. And, Ramona is home to six feed and/or western wear stores.

Located within Ramona is the San Diego Country Estates, which has riding/hiking trails throughout the development, two equestrian centers, an 18-hole championship golf course, four lighted tennis courts, two swimming pools, a restaurant, and a Country Inn with guest rooms.

Ramona also has an active Vintner's Association, an active artist community, and several antique shops. Driving through Ramona inevitably generates a country feel as you view open pastures, hay fields, grazing horses and vineyards.

The average home prices in Ramona remain affordable. For example, average price of all homes on the market on Sept. 7 in Ramona was $683,162. To compare this to other San Diego communities, the average price of all homes in Poway was $1.1 million; Rancho Bernardo was $1.1 million; Jamul was $933,410; and Fallbrook was $853,680.

Submitted by Ramona Real Estate Association