La Bella - Stiff drinks and a game

My wife just finished her last final for the semester.  So to celebrate my brother-in-law suggested that we visit a tasty pizza joint in old Chula.  Being from the bay, I am always down to check out a new spot, especially one with so much history. According to many of the photos in the restaurant, this place has been family owned and operated for over 50 years.

Once you step in the door, one can immediately tell that this place is like a scene from the Godfather complete with wood walls and matching floors. Aside from the smells of pizza and marinara, the place just smells old. We ordered a 20″ Calzone, it was okay, I have had better. They seemed understaffed considering how many people were in the restaurant. I mean after all it was a Wednesday. But for a local place to drink a few beers and scam on sports games, I can see why so many people like to come and hang out. The place has history.

  La Bella Pizza Garden

Categories: Italian, Pizza 

Neighborhood: Chula Vista
373 3rd Ave
(between Madrona St & Park Way)
Chula Vista, CA 91910

(619) 426-8820

www.labellapizza.com/

Overseas money buying up California

Living abroad, this is what you need to look for if you are trying to purchase a property in California?

• Look for a local agent that is familiar with the area;
• Find the home through the use of the internet;

• Find an escrow company that is familiar with international wires;

• Write the offer, get into contract;

• Develop a communication plan with your agent and escrow company;

• Schedule the wires, inspections, and walk-throughs;

• Market time or dollar cost average the money into the escrow company;

• Expect delays;

• If you are using a lender, find out their underwriting requirements for a foreign owner;

• If you have to sign any deeds, find the US Embassy in your respective country;

• Take advantage of the depressed dollar and low interest rates;

• Close the transaction.

Differences from a normal transaction:

1. Change in time zones;

2. The buyer must be cognizant of the fluctuating currency exchange between the countries;

3. Be aware of mortgage requirements; and

4. Time: Duration of contract.

Killer Instinct: Basketball reflects Business

Tonight my intramural basketball team lost by two points, I usually don’t dwell on losses but tonight’s game was especially poignant because of the way the game ended. With about 6 seconds left on the clock we had the ball at the other end of the court, any other time I would have begged for the ball to shoot the game winning shot…but for some reason tonight I did not have that killer instinct. Instead I decided to take the ball out and pass to a fellow teammate where he would launch the winning shot. Winners want the ball at the end of the game. Tonight I wanted to defer.

On my way home, I kept telling myself that I was not myself and even after scoring 13 points, I lacked the focus and the determination to win the game.

Why tonight of all nights?

Can a basketball game imitate life? I play basketball to win. I sell real estate for the achievement. More importantly, I sell real estate because like basketball I have exhibited a history of skill which has resulted in success.  It isn’t enough to be average in a game. Consequently, it isn’t enough to be average in business.  Success is guaranteed to those who are prepared and skilled enough to complete the transaction.  Business imitates basketball.

 Here are my rules for success:

1. Be prepared;

2. Never be intimidated;

3. Play hard and

4. Never lose.

I did not sell any real estate today….go figure.

Zushi-Puzzle - Marina, San Francisco

 

My brother had recommended this restaurant according to him they had some foods that we would not be able to find. I took his word for it. The place is small and there were people waiting in line before we got there. Luckily, my brother made reservations that morning otherwise we would have been standing outside in the cold.

Overall the food was good, they had fresh Uni shipped in from Oregon. All of the dishes were really spot on. However, the service was lousy at best. My father hungrily waited for his dinner but our waiter neglected to take my father’s order. Nevertheless, my father had to wait 20 more minutes after we have discovered that no order was actually made. Parking was tough, I doubt we will go back. Too bad….the food was actually good.

Zushi-Puzzle

Categories: Sushi bars, Japanese 

Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
1910 Lombard St
(between Buchanan St & United States Highway 101)
San Francisco, CA 94123

(415) 931-9319

Two Stars 

www.zushipuzzle.com

Buying Homes Sight Unseen….Encinitas Ranch - San Diego

Today was a perfect example of how our Redfin model and a seller’s need to sell work hand in hand. I rarely see the house that I am selling in person and it is even more rare for me to meet a client face to face. Usually, our field agents are the faces of Redfin. They get a chance to spend time with the clients and they are there to perform Redfin’s due diligence by inspecting the home and accompanying the client during the home visits. They are specifically trained to know what things to look for when they are at an inspection. When you work with Redfin, you work with a team of professionals that work harmoniously to close your transaction with a 2/3rds rebate..

I received a call today from a client inquiring a about a home in Encitas Ranch, San Diego. The home was built in 2003 and it has been sold twice since it was built. The last time it was sold was in January of 2007. The home sold for $1.2M it is currently on the market to sell within the range of $750k to 850k.

I called the agent to get the scoop ~ short sale ~

The remarks state that this home will need be bought sight unseen because of the uncooperative tenants in the home. Redfin is a perfect match.

Red Fox Steak House - Cheap Burgers and even cheaper drinks…

My brother-in-law recommended that we hit this spot after my basketball game tonight. From the exterior, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this late night eatery. Apparently, this place was originally in Surrey, England when an actress decided it would be cool to ship the entire bar to America. Crazy. Aside from the stained glass and the deep hard wood the place does have an ghastly feel to it.  For 10 bucks you can have a tasty hamburger and a coke. All in all, we had a great time.

Red Fox Steak House 

Categories: Steakhouses, Dive Bars
Neighborhood: North Park  

2223 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 297-1313

Four Stars