September  2002

Maintenance

Homeowners are urged to inspect and clean - as needed - the plant ledges / pot shelves on their homes. The latter are beginning to show an accumulation of leaves and other debris. The latter, of course, detracts from property values.

Needed

In the wake of the recent fire, a task force has been created to examine our responsibilities in the canyon area. Should you desire to volunteer, contact Steve Huddleston.

Architectural Changes

Your Board accepted the recommendation of a specially appointed task force and approved the following:

At this time, no approvals will be granted to allow any changes to the exterior of the buildings (windows, doors, siding, gutters, etc.) which are non conforming colors.

Keeping Bathing Safe At Villa Monterey

Nationally, public concern about waterborne germs causing sickness and, in rare cases, death have been growing as a number of outbreaks rise across the country. News stories report that such factors as global warning and attacks by deadly microbes are responsible.

Fortunately, in our community, there have been no known incidents of sickness resulting from contaminated water in the pool or spa. Indeed, the pool and spa have been meticulously maintained and protected against the threat of disease. Our pool/spa water is changed on schedule and frequently, and is generally checked every other day by our pool service man. New equipment - such as filters, pumps, and state-of-art chlorinators - work to keep the water clean and disinfected. However, given the changing situation, it seems prudent to focus on additional efforts to protect our residents and their guests from exposure to the potential threat of disease-causing germs.

Noise

Your Board is beginning to get complaints about motorcycle noise on our streets. Cycle owners please be aware that your neighbors don't all share your enthusiasm. Be a good neighbor!

Common Areas

This time of year some of our residents have the urge to get out and plant shrubs and flowers of their choice about their units. When these plantings occur in what your Rules Manual calls "common area," the amateur gardener needs to know that nothing may be planted or removed without the express approval of your Board's Landscape Committee. Incidentally, the appropriate form for such a venture is found in the Rules Manual. Pleading ignorance is not a valid excuse for what has long been spelled out in print.

When Selling Your Home

1. Hire an agent who makes clear the "do's & don'ts". Never cater to prospective buyers who arrive unexpectedly without an agent. It's smarter to give the strangers your agent's business card and politely ask them to arrange an appointment through an agent or visit during a public open house. If your visitors are truly qualified buyers, they shouldn't have to wait long for a showing.
2. Prepare your home for sale. Make sure the appearance of your home is neat and tidy as prospects drive up to it. Yes, you can sell a home that is in less-than-perfect condition. However, don't expect anyone other than bargain hunters to get excited about chipped paint and peeling wallpaper. A little bit of touchup painting is worthwhile.
3. Remove the clutter. Take some time to thoroughly clean and clean-out your home. Home shoppers are intensely observant. If closets are packed tightly, remove some of the items and place them in the garage. Today's home buyers are attracted to plenty of closet space. Crowded closets give the impression that the home is too small.
4. Relocated personal items during your open house. Remove superfluous items, such as photos and personal notes attached to the refrigerator door. Experienced real estate agents have run across some pretty unusual displays of collectibles, including porcelain pigs, china figurines, dried-flower arrangements and mangy looking baseball caps.
5. Be creative in newspaper advertising. Instead of the old familiar phrases, "must be seen" or "looks like new", suggest some attention-getting word pictures and/or vary the selling points from week to week "spacious rooms", "quiet neighborhood" or "picturesque views." However, don't oversell with grandeur claims that may be inaccurate or misrepresenting the property.
6. Price it right. If your home is truly medium to poor condition, it's a serious error to price it like one that's "immaculate and drop-dead gorgeous." Mistakes in pricing and condition only hurt the seller in the end. You won't get the most by overpricing your property. A well-priced property that is advertised with maximum exposure will sell for top dollar in the shortest period of time.

Authored by Jane Ryan,
Published by San Diego Union

Property Manager

Please report common area problems to:

Preferred Property Managers

Chris Olivas, Property Manager
3010 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103-5841
619-220-8773 - Fax 619-220-8782
Property Manager
Toll Free: 888/339-3345