Realtors volunteers complete home makeover in La Mesa

The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR), a San Diego-area trade group for realtors, recently completed a volunteer home makeover beautification project for a La Mesa homeowner who was down on his luck.

A small army of more than 100 PSAR members and supporters, including contractors and other building trade specialists, volunteered their labor at Brian’s home located at 4667 Troy Lane in La Mesa. The homeowner Brian, who requested his last name not be made public, said he is disabled and has been unemployed for a number of years. The improvements made over the past several weekends included a new roof, landscape renovation and general clean-up. Donated construction materials included plywood, roofing, paint and plants.

“Our members are involved in supporting the community in many ways, and this extreme makeover of this home in La Mesa is one of the ways we are giving back to the communities we serve,” said Jeff Campbell, 2013 PSAR president.

Campbell said PSAR approached La Mesa city officials seeking a home in need of a facelift. The homeowner had been cited for housing code violations, according to City of La Mesa officials. “We applaud the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors for their efforts,” said Bill Chopyk, La Mesa community development director.

The project was part of PSAR’s Helping Hands 4 Homes, a home improvement program that assists less-fortunate homeowners who are facing hardships and in need of new hope.

“We were excited to do what we could to help beautify this home,” said Carey Guthrie, chair of PSAR’s Helping Hands 4 Homes Committee. “We are grateful to our members and affiliate members who donated their time and talents for this worthy effort.”

Campbell and Guthrie are scheduled to be recognized by San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and receive a proclamation from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors at the supervisors’ July 30 board meeting.

According to Guthrie, among the companies providing materials or labor to PSAR for this project: San Diego Quality Renovations, Louis A. Scheuer Roofing Specialist, California Coastal Painting, Dunn-Edwards, Dixieline Lumber & Home Centers, La Mesa Lumber, The Home Depot, Home Turf San Diego, Anthony’s Bee Removal Co., Movement Mortgage, Sam Calvano Home Loans, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Finch Realty & Moving, Quality Escrow, Inc., Eaton Escrow, Elite Escrow, Farmers Insurance Group, First American Title, Corinthian Title, Orange Coast Title, Fidelity National Home Warranty, First American Home Warranty, Home Turf San Diego, AmeriFirst Financial Inc., Termite Advisors, Windermere Real Estate SoCal, Jeff Campbell & Associates, California Sign and Marketing, PSAR Young Professionals Network, Christy’s Golden Doodles,  Edco Disposal Corp. and RCP Block and Brick.

The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), representing realtors who serve East County and South County communities, offers ongoing educational training, advocacy and other services and resources for its members. For more information about PSAR, visit www.psar.org.