Please click on the link below or contact Lifestyle Realty for more details! http://dailyinfographic.com/the-u-s-real-estate-market-is-back-infographic/realestateisback_bright-_mm-eps

http://issuu.com/awodigitaledition/docs/sduptownnews03.14.13digit?mode=window&viewMode=doublePage

Good morning! Hope everyone had a great weekend. I wanted to share some more helpful spring tips.

After a long, dark winter, spring’s bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year’s flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier

http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/a-few-tips-to-herald-the-arrival-of-spring/index.html

5th & 6th Avenues, between Juniper and Upas  ( Downtown / Hillcrest )

Come celebrate Ireland with the 33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. With more than 120 parade entries and thousands in attendance, this has become one of the largest single-day events in San Diego.

Schedule

We have a Flag Raising ceremony in Balboa Park at 9:45 am. The Parade steps off at 10:30 am from Sixth Avenue and Juniper Street, travels north on Fifth Avenue to Upas, then over to Sixth Avenue and South on Sixth to conclude at Juniper Street.

The Parade

In addition to representatives from Ireland and the reigning Miss Colleen and Smiling Irishman, other parade entries, includes Marching Bands, Floats, the Emerald Societies, Police and Fire Department units, equestrian entries, Border Patrol units, Scout Troops, bagpipe contingents, dancing groups, drill teams, roller skaters, clowns, antique cars and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

Irish Festival in Balboa Park

The Festival is held in conjunction with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and is for the entire family. Live entertainment on the Festival’s two stages will run from 11:00 am – 5:30 pm and will include well-known folk singers and groups.

The Festival area will open at 9:00 am with food and craft booths as well as two beer gardens serving beer, wine and Spirits. There is also an authentic Celtic Village and Kids Zone with rides. The Festival and its entertainment are free to the public.

Celtic Village

At the corner of Sixth and Quince, visitors will find a Celtic Village where it is the year 1582, and a troupe of renaissance re-enactors portray the daily drama of the soldiers of House McFionn, explaining their history as they do. Kids and adults alike will be amazed by authentic fighting demonstrations as well as Irish dance, song, crafts, and story-telling.

Kids Zone

The Festival also offers an entire Kids Zone full of games, rides, llamas, face-painting, and other fun.

Live Entertainment

Festival entertainment starts off with a great presentation with the bagpipes and drums of the San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society and the live entertainment continues on two stages with a line-up of outstanding entertainers. Over the years we have had such greats as Brian Baynes; recording artist Tony Cummins, whose pub acts are legendary; Brehon Law, an “in your face” Irish folk rock trio from Carlsbad; the Shamrockers, San Diego’s favorite Irish band with a “classic rock problem;” original Celtic-style music from San Diego-based Sheela-na-Gig; Celtic vocal talents Heloise Love & Richard Gordon; Harold and Gabe, and the Rythum Ranchers.

http://www.stpatsparade.org/index.html