Realtors Reminded How They Can Serve the Military Via Help on VA Loans

The East County Board of Realtors was closed Friday for Veterans Day, but Thursday's board meeting was all about veterans and their families. 

Darel Handley—emcee of the weekly meeting, new property presentations and our fearless leader in all things technological—is a retired Navy master chief.

Several other retired military Realtors were recognized, and Katie O'Sullivan of Wells Fargo, La Mesa branch, stood up and gave an impassioned impromptu speech about how much they had given to the country and that all agents should be well-educated in the way VA loans are administered to make the transaction smooth and stress-free. 

Although I didn’t voice my feelings in the meeting, I too feel strongly about the valor and courage of our men and women in the service of our country. 

My family has a long history of military service.  My two sons both retired from the Navy as Navy master chiefs and went on to their chosen careers by attending colleges on the GI Bill. My husband was in the Marines and CIA and afterwards became a teacher, ship's master and pilot.

Experts Set for Real Estate Fraud Seminar Nov. 29

On Nov. 29, I will be attending a real estate fraud presentation hosted by state Sen. Juan Vargas and a panel of experts in Chula Vista (see attached). 

The panel will include Johanna Hladun, FBI supervisory special agent; Deputy District Attorney Dominic Dugo,; Bill Moran, assistant commissioner of enforcement for the Department of Real Estate; and Dennis Ryan, Realtor, CPA and certified fraud examiner. 

Subjects to be discussed will include loan fraud, Ponzi schemes, recent real estate crimes and how they were solved.

Ewin and Hanson-Cox to Explain Commission Opportunities

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, La Mesa Councilman Ernie Ewin and El Cajon Councilwoman Jillian Hanson-Cox will give a presentation to members of ESDCAR at the Joseph Blanchard Regency Room on “How and why to get appointed to a local government board or commission.”

Boards and commissions in La Mesa include Building Codes Review Board, Commission on Aging,  Community Services Commission,  Design Review Board,  Environmental Sustainability Commission,  Historic Preservation Commission,  Human Relations Advisory Commission,  Independent Citizen'sBond Oversight Committee,  La Mesa Community Parking Commission,  Loan Committee for Real Estate Rehabilitation, Personal Appeals Board, Planning Commission and Traffic Commission.

This Week in La Mesa Real Estate Activity

Thirteen single-family homes and two condos were listed this week in La Mesa ZIPSs 91941 and 91942. Four condos and 11 single-family residences went into escrow, and 10 homes were occupied by their new families.

My Pick of the Week is a three-bedroom, one-bath at 6086 Winfield Ave. 91942.  Listed by Cole Borgerding of First Source Realty for $349,000, it is beautifully renovated throughout with all new kitchen cabinets stainless appliances and granite countertops.

Runner-up for Pick of the Week is 5735 Tex St., 91942.  With three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, it is a big one-story family sized home in a great family neighborhood.  Listed by Maureen Moran of Coldwell Banker for $397,000, it is well-priced for a home with 1,834 square feet and two-car garage.