Merry Christmas – Ocean Hills Woodchucks

December 17, 2012 by 1 Comment

For Sale Amenities Information Floor Plans

Every year in December, the Ocean Hills Country Club Woodchucks club organizes a toy drive for the kids at Camp Pendleton.  It is always a great success.  The members of the club spend countless hours making the toys shown below.

Toys made by Woodchucks Club

More Great Toys

The “Sewing Club” also contributes by making craddle quilts, etc for the craddles.  Each cradle has a doll with its own pillow and cover.

The Woodchuks also invite everyone in Ocean Hills to participate by bringing new unwrapped toys to the clubhouse (see photo below).  The response is overwhelming with bicycles, dolls, Legos, and all kinds of fun toys.  Everyone who brought toys or donated in any way should be gratified that they helped our future generation of kids know that grownups still care and think of them.

The hours, days and months that go into this project plus the toy and money donations show how important this project is to a lot of nice people in Ocean Hills Country Club.  I am sorry everyone cannot see these toys in person for I am amazed at the craftmanship and love that goes into each one.

Thank you Woodchucks!

 

Donations by Ocean Hills Residents

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: , , ,

Financial Strength of Ocean Hills September 2012

November 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

For Sale Amenities Information Floor Plans Rentals

One question I am often ask is, “What is the financial condition of Ocean Hills Country Club.”  Buyers do not want to make the mistake of buying in a community where their hoa fees may go up drastically or their home values go down quickly.  I am always glad to report the financial condition of Ocean Hills.  See the financial strength of Ocean Hills for the end of September 2012 under photo.

Photo by Gary Harmon

At the end of September 2012, Ocean Hills had reserves of $2,972,920.  Significant year to date below budged variances as of September, 2012 include Recreation payroll down $34,421 and Water down $38,099.  Ocean Hills Country Club total assets were $4,130,274 which includes $3,286,525 worth of FDIC insured CD’s.

If you are a potential Ocean Hills buyer or if your are thinking of renting in Ocean Hills, contact Gary Harmon today. 

All original content by Gary Harmon.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: , , ,

Controlling OHCC Hoa Fees

November 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

For Sale Amenities Information Floor Plans Rentals

One of the great things about Ocean Hills Country Club is that the board is pro active in controlling hoa fees.  One great example is the re-landscaping of the area along Cannon Road.   See photo below for finished product.

Photo by Gary Harmon

Ocean Hills removed expansive areas of grass and replace them with low water usage plants.  They are expected to save over 90% of their previous water bill for this area.  They will also save considerably on landscape maintenance for this same area.

The best part is that OHCC did the entire job with only about $30,000 out of pocket.  This was accomplished because Ocean Hills applied for a grandt and received over $181,000 from the City of Oceanside for the turf conversion project.  A big thanks goes out to Tom Hoganand O’Connell and Van Dyke Landscape for making the project run smoothly.

If you would like to learn more about Ocean Hills homes, or schedule your own personal tour, contact Gary Harmon.

All original content by Gary Harmon.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: , , , ,

Stuck in the 80s

August 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

There are many reason some Ocean Hills homes stay on the market much too long, but one of the most common is that the home is “Stuck in the 80s.”

Ocean Hills Homes for Sale

Stuck in the 80s: With no further description, you know the look of this Ocean Hills seller’s home. From furnishings to artwork to floor coverings and color schemes, the entire place is decades out of style and, worse, the owners love it the way it is.   Many Ocean Hills homes fit this profile.

The Problem: The décor is so overwhelmingly dated that Ocean Hills buyers have a hard time getting past the aesthetics and imagining. Struggling to visualize what it would be like to redecorate and move into the home.   Many Ocean Hills homes may be sold by an estate or the sellers have already moved and see no need to spend any money.

The Solution: As agents, we try to point out to our sellers that the look of the 80s (or 90s, for that matter) needs to be toned down, dialed back, or moved forward a few notches in order gain buyer interest in the home. Younger seniors have no nostalgia for the “old days” and many older buyers don’t care to remember the décor from that era. We never expect sellers to do a complete redecoration: Often the best we can hope for is removal of the shag carpet. From that point, we may have to artfully sell around the avocado-colored appliances.

The Buyer:  Buying a home that is “stuck in the 80s” can be one of the best investments a buyer can make.  The home will usually be price lower to reflect its condition.  This allows the buyer to get a good price and to make the improvemnets that they might like rather than having to pay more for someone else’s taste.

The Seller:  If you are considering selling your home in Ocean Hills Country Club,  give me a call.  I will be glad to look at your home and go over inexpensive, simple things you can do to help your home sell faster and for more money.   Also, click on the “green button” above to see Ocean Hills homes currently for sale.  Look at the photos and see how your home compares to what is already available.  Make the necessary changes to get the most money for your property.

For more information on selling your Ocean Hills home,  contact Gary Harmon today. 

All original content by Gary Harmon.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: , , ,

OHCC Saves Water

June 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

With water being one of the largest cost that contributes to the HOA Fees, Ocean Hills homes is doing everything it can to keep the cost down.   A prime example is the conversion of the lush lawn areas along Cannon right before the Ocean Hills Country Club front gate, to low water consumption landscaping.  The turf was removed and replaced by over 1,800 trees, bushes and shrubs, all in a tropical theme.  The bare ground was covered by wood chips.  Ocean Hills was able to reduce water consumption for this area by 90%.  The Metropolitan Water District gave Ocean Hills a grant of $180,000 which actually paid for the conversion.  Now monthly savings will be a huge plus to Ocean Hills.

Cannon Ocean Hills Project Saves Water - Photo by Gary Harmon

See Ocean Hills homes today, contact Gary Harmon .

All original content by Gary Harmon.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: , , , , ,

Average Age

June 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

One of the most frequently ask questions (faq) by clients who tour Ocean Hills homes with me is, “What is the average age or median age of Ocean Hills residents.”  Even thought I can’t answer that question with total accuracy, the table below provides you with data on age groups in Ocean Hills Country Club.

  •  50 & under =  23
  • 51-55             =  30
  • 56-60            = 101
  • 61-65             =218
  • 66-70             =323
  • 71-75             =372
  • 76-80             =428
  • 81-85             =489
  • 86-90             =376
  • 91-95              =109
  • 96-100            =   8
  • 101-105           =  1

Do Ocean Hills residents live longer that the general public?  Ocean Hills amenities provide endless opportunities to exercise your body and Ocean Hills Clubs provide stimulation for your mind.  And of course, there is the unbelievable weather.  You be the judge.

My current clients that are buying Ocean Hills homes all bring down the average age.  The older Ocean Hills residents are folks that purchased new homes when Ocean Hills Country Club homes first started.

For more information on Ocean Hills homes, please contact contact Gary Harmon today. 

All original content by Gary Harmon.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: , , , ,

Financial Condition

June 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Almost every time that I am showing Ocean Hills homes, someone ask me the financial condition of the Ocean Hills Homeowners Association.  This is an excellent question since the Ocean Hills homes financial condition directly influences the HOA fees.  Although I do not get a copy of the Ocean Hills Homeowners Association financial statements, I can share with you updates that are published in the Ocean Hills Country Club “Newsletter.”  More info under photo.

Great Landscaping Along Liesure Village

At the start of August 2012, Ocean Hills reserves were $3,225,653.  This reflects an operating surplus of $146,567.   Landscaping maintenance and water are the two items most difficult to control in the budget.  Other areas of Ocean Hills run at under budget: Recreation department payroll is $24,712 under budget and Water is $127,538 under budget.  Ocean Hills had total assets of $4,362,409.  Any excess funds are invested in insured Certificates of Deposit.  At the end of July 201 there were $3,333,934 CD’s.

The Ocean Hills Country Club board of directiors are constantly monitoring cost and trying to improve the financial condition in Ocean Hills.  HOA fess showed little increase from 2011 to 2012.

For more information about the Ocean Hills Homes financial condition, Contact Gary Harmon today.

All original content by Gary Harmon.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With:
« Previous Page