• San Diego County Fourth of July Celebrations,Julie Houston

    San Diego County Fourth of July Celebrations

    Celebrate the Fourth of July in San Diego County with a variety of patriotic festivities, including parades, festivals, and, of course, fireworks! From free, annual city-run celebrations that have become beloved community traditions to numerous fireworks displays, there are plenty of options to choose from. Check out this curated list of Fourth of July events across San Diego County.   Big Bay Boom The biggest fireworks show in San Diego will light up the bay with an 18-minute choreographed display. The fireworks are discharged from barges around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing.    "Red, White & Boom!" at Legoland This family-friendly event includes treats, activities, DJ Dance parties and a Lego fireworks display. All Fourth of July activities are included with regular park admission.  The "Bricktastic Firework Show" starts at 8:45 p.m. Visit Legoland's website for more information.   SeaWorld's 4th of July Celebration SeaWorld will put on an extended fireworks display at 9 p.m. July 3 and July 4. On the Fourth of July, SeaWorld also offers special themed shows and unique animal encounters. Fireworks are included with a day pass.  For summer, the theme park has a new Enchanted Wonders Fireworks spectacular, nightly through Aug 11. The fireworks start 10 minutes before the park closes.    Coronado's 75th Annual Parade Coronado has a full day of events planned, starting with a 5k and 12k before a parade, aerial demonstration by the Navy Leapfrogs, concerts and fireworks. The fireworks are set to start at 9 p.m. For a full list of events, visit coronadofourthofjuly.com.   Gaslamp Fourth of July events Looking to start your Fourth of July celebrations early? Businesses in the Gaslamp Quarter will have a week of events. Visit the Gaslamp Quarter's website to get tickets.   Imperial Beach fireworks The City of Imperial Beach will start setting off fireworks from the IB pier at around 9 p.m.  For the best view, pick a spot on the beach from Imperial Beach Boulevard to Palm Avenue, facing the end of Portwood Pier.    Del Mar Fair Fireworks Spectacular The Del Mar Fair will set off fireworks around 9 p.m. from the Corona Grandstand Stage inside the fairgrounds. The fair opens at 11 a.m. on the Fourth of July, and the Grandstand for the show opens at 7 p.m. Visit the fair's website to reserve a ticket.   Lake Murray Murray Music Fest and Fireworks show Volunteers and community members are putting together the annual Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks show from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake Murray Community Park in San Carlos.  The event will feature several food vendors, bands and family-friendly games, including a daylong scavenger hunt.   Santee Lakes 4th of July Golf Cart/Bike Parade Join in on Santee's Fourth of July parade by decorating your bike, golf cart or anything else you want! There will be prizes for best decor and a festive concert after the parade. The parade begins at 1 p.m.   Santee Salutes 2024 The City of Santee is hosting a free event with live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and more. The U.S. Marine Corps "Popular Music Group" will perform, and there will be a Patriotic Ceremony featuring the National Anthem and the Color Guard. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.   El Cajon fireworks The City of El Cajon will host activities including train rides and arts and crafts starting at 2 p.m. at Kennedy Park. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.   Scripps Ranch Run & Ride  This annual event in Scripps Ranch includes a 10k race, a 2 mile fun run and a few different options for bike rides. Entrance to a beer garden is free with registration, for participants 21 and up.   Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Scripps Ranch Hoyt Park. Residents are encouraged to dress up in themed costumes or decorate a vehicle representing their neighborhood.   Ramona July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks Show Entrance to Ramona's Fourth of July celebration at Olive Peirce Middle School starts at 4 p.m. Visit the Ramona Chamber of Commerce's website to see a full list of food vendors, entertainment and games. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.   Julian 4th of July Parade Julian residents line up on Main Streets to wave flags, support marching bands and salute the Marine Color Guard. The parade has been a tradition for more than 20 years. Visit the parade's website for more information.   Chula Vista 4th Fest This fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. Gates for this free event open at 7 p.m.    The Spirit of the Fourth Rancho Bernardo The 55th annual fair, parade, concert and fireworks in Rancho Bernardo is a full-day event starting at 9 a.m. at Webb Park. Evening events and fireworks will be at Rancho Bernardo High School, starting at 6 p.m. See classic and vintage cars in the Wheels of Freedom Motor Show, and watch the parade at 3:30 p.m.   Vista Independence Day Celebration The City of Vista's 56th Annual Independence Day Celebration opens at 7 a.m. at Brengle Terrace Park. Admission for live music at the Moonlight Amphitheater costs $5.   Escondido Independence Day Escondido will host its 59th Annual Independence Day Festival at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Expect live music, food trucks, an artisan market, crafts and games, and a fireworks display.   Red, White & Boom in San Marcos San Marcos' Fourth of July celebration starts at 5 p.m. at Bradley Park. Plan to bring beach chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Entertainment starts at 6 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.   Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in Poway Poway will celebrate the Fourth of July "turn-of-the-20th-century-style" at Old Poway Park. Starting at 10 a.m., expect patriotic entertainment, western reenactors, crafts, old-fashioned games and more.   Old Town Fourth of July  For another old fashioned Fourth of July option, check out Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Visitors will celebrate with games, crafts and live music, all resembling how San Diegans would celebrate independence in the 1800s.   Happy 4th from all of us at The Houston Team! 🇺🇸  

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  • The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership,Julie Houston

    The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

    Buying a home is not just a financial investment; it also provides a range of emotional benefits that can greatly enhance one's quality of life. Owning a home instills a sense of satisfaction, stability, and community, and allows homeowners to truly make the space their own. One of the greatest emotional benefits of homeownership is the sense of satisfaction it brings. Purchasing a home is a major milestone in life and achieving this goal can provide a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Whether it's a first-time homebuyer or someone upgrading to a larger property, the feeling of pride that comes with owning a home is unmatched. It signifies a level of success and independence, making homeownership a fulfilling experience. In addition to satisfaction, homeownership offers a sense of stability. Renting can often feel transient and uncertain, with the possibility of having to move frequently. However, owning a home provides a stable living situation, giving homeowners a sense of security and peace of mind. Homeowners can establish roots in a community and build long-term relationships with neighbors, creating a sense of belonging and stability that renting often cannot offer. Furthermore, homeownership fosters a feeling of community. Living in a neighborhood where homeowners share a vested interest in the overall well-being of the area promotes a strong sense of community. Homeowners often take pride in their homes and work together to maintain the neighborhood's appearance and safety. Being part of a community allows for social connections, support, and a sense of belonging that can greatly enhance one's overall well-being. Finally, homeowners have the ability to make the space their own. Unlike renting, owning a home provides the freedom to personalize and customize the property to suit personal preferences, lifestyle, and needs. Homeowners can paint walls, make renovations, and create a living space that reflects their unique style and personality. This ability to make the space their own fosters a deep emotional connection with the home, turning a house into a true sanctuary. In conclusion, the emotional benefits of homeownership go far beyond financial considerations. The sense of satisfaction, stability, community, and the ability to make the space your own are all invaluable aspects of owning a home. It's not just a place to live, but a place that fosters personal growth, happiness, and a strong sense of belonging. If you're ready to begin your journey to homeownership, give us a a call! (760) 436-6484

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  • Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible
,Julie Houston

    Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

    If you are considering selling your home and making a move, one important factor to consider is your equity. Your equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. Understanding your equity and how it can help fuel your move is crucial in making informed decisions about your real estate journey. So, what exactly is equity? In simple terms, it is the portion of your home that you truly own. As you make mortgage payments and build equity over time, it becomes a valuable asset that can be utilized in various ways. When you decide to sell your home, your equity becomes particularly important as it can serve as the down payment for your next property or help cover the costs associated with your move. One way your equity can help fuel your move is by providing you with the necessary funds for a down payment. Depending on the amount of equity you have built up, it can potentially save you from having to save up a significant amount of money to secure a new home. A larger down payment can also lead to more favorable loan terms, such as lower interest rates or reduced monthly mortgage payments, helping to ease the financial burden of your move. Additionally, your equity can be utilized to cover the costs associated with selling your current home. These costs may include real estate agent commissions, closing costs, and any necessary repairs or renovations to increase the market value of your property. By using your equity to cover these expenses, you can maximize your financial resources and make your move more affordable and seamless. Determining your equity is a crucial step in the process of selling your home and planning your move. While there are online tools available that can estimate your home's value based on market data, it is always best to consult with a real estate professional to get an accurate assessment. A realtor will have access to the most up-to-date information and market trends, allowing them to provide you with a reliable estimate of your home's current value and the equity you have accumulated. Working with a real estate agent has numerous benefits when it comes to determining your equity. They can conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to evaluate recent sales of similar properties in your area, taking into account factors like location, size, and condition. By analyzing these data points, they can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your home's value and help you understand how much equity you have built up. In conclusion, your equity can play a vital role in making your move possible. By understanding what equity is and how it can help fuel your next real estate venture, you can make informed decisions about selling your current home and planning for a smooth transition. Consulting with a real estate professional and accurately determining your equity will ensure that you have a realistic understanding of your financial position and enable you to make the most of your real estate opportunities. If you're interested in a personalized market analysis of your home, give us a call at (760) 436-6484!

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