Tag Archives: San Diego

Blanchard, Krasner & French – San Diego’s Business Lawyers ®

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Located in the Village of La Jolla, Blanchard, Krasner & French is a law firm that provides businesses, professionals and families with legal services. The law firm goes beyond just technical legal expertise by providing intelligent and creative solutions that address the clients concerns and needs. What makes Blanchard, Krasner & French truly unique is that they value their clients by maintaining accessibility while providing high quality legal services.

This month, San Diego Magazine recognized three of Blanchard, Krasner & French attorneys with awards for ‘Best Lawyers in San Diego for 2013′: Mark Krasner (Top Real Estate Lawyer); Robert Blanchard (Top Financial Institutions Lawyer); and Roger McNitt (Top Insurance Regulation Lawyer).*

Blanchard, Krasner & French attorneys handle a variety of legal matters related to business, real estate, litigation, and individual wealth preservation and management.

For more information please visit visit them online or,

800 Silverado St
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-551-2440

*Appears in the March 2013 Edition of San Diego Magazine.

La Jolla Real Estate – 5 Cheap & Easy Fixes Before Listing Your Home

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Are you a homeowner in La Jolla and thinking about selling?  If you want to get the best possible price for your home, there are 5 cheap and easy fixes that you can make before listing your home on the La Jolla real estate market.

  1. Enhance Curb Appeal – The outside of your home is going to be the first thing a prospective buyer sees.  To ensure that your home makes a good first impression, clear away any weeds or dead plants and trim back trees and bushes.  Also consider adding a few small flowering plants.  This is an affordable and easy way to add charm and color, and is sure to enhance the curb appeal of your home.
  2. Remove Clutter – When a potential buyer comes to view your home, you want them to be able to envision themselves, as well as their belongings in the home.  By removing or packing up some of your personal possessions, potential buyers are more likely see the space as their own.  La Jolla interior designers and decorators may also be able to offer you advice on how to best stage your home.
  3. Thoroughly Clean – One of the easiest ways to appeal to buyers is to show them a home that is clean and well taken care of.  Hire a team of professionals to clean the carpets, tile and flooring throughout the home.  They will also be able to take care of items that typically go unnoticed from day to day such as scuff marks and dust in hard to reach places.
  4. Paint in Neutral Colors – A majority of real estate agents will recommend that you paint your home in neutral colors.  While you may enjoy bold colors, they tend to turn prospective buyers away if they don’t agree with your style preferences.  Whether you choose to paint yourself or hire professional painters in La Jolla, painting is an easy and cost effective fix that will help your home appeal to a broader audience.
  5. Add Upscale Finishes – Kitchens and bathrooms are the two rooms that sell a home.  However, you don’t have to take on a huge renovation project to enhance these rooms.  You can give your kitchen and bathroom mini makeovers, simply by changing some of the hardware.  Towel racks, accent shelves, and even light switch plates are inexpensive items that when replaced, will add a touch of luxury to your home.

If you need professional help with real estate in La Jolla, use our local directory to find an agent. Their expertise and experience in the local market will help guide you through all the steps for a successful sale.

Why File an Early Tax Return in La Jolla?

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As a New Year begins, the entire nation starts to dread the April tax return deadline.  Although a majority of people believe filing their tax returns are a dreaded chore and postpone them for as long as possible, there are several reasons why you may want to consider filing your La Jolla tax return early this year.

The biggest reason to file your taxes early is if you expect a return.  The IRS tends to be less busy in January and February compared to March and April, meaning your taxes will most likely get processed faster.  Early filing means you won’t have to wait for the IRS to handle all of the other last-minute filings and you can enjoy your return before everyone else.

Second, if you need professional assistance from certified professional accountants in La Jolla, scheduling an appointment during the final weeks of tax season will most likely be difficult. The sooner you organize your documents and are ready for assistance, the better chance you will be able to schedule an appointment and receive quality assistance.

Another great reason to file your taxes early is to simply avoid being late.  Waiting to file your taxes until the last minute is not only stressful, but if something comes up or collecting your records takes longer than expected,  you may end up owing more money for missing the April deadline.  It is important to leave yourself enough time to prepare your taxes so you don’t miss any opportunities to save.

Generally speaking, filing early is most beneficial for individuals who have simple tax returns or are expecting a refund.  For more advanced taxpayers, factors such as significant stock transactions, owning multiple La Jolla real estate properties or running a small business may make filing early more detrimental than beneficial.

If you are unsure of the best practices to employ when preparing your taxes, local La Jolla tax preparation specialists can help you with a full range of tax preparation services to ensure your tax return is accurate and filed correctly.

Shopping in La Jolla – Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

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Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples to express their love, but is a day to show your love and appreciation to the people in your life that mean the most.  Whether for a boyfriend, girlfriend, mother or close friend, shopping in La Jolla is the perfect place to complete your Valentine’s Day shopping.  With a variety of specialty stores and boutique shops, you are sure to find a unique Valentine’s Day gift that is as unique as the person you are shopping for.

Shoppers in La Jolla can find gifts at any of the consignment stores, antique shops and art galleries.  Also consider stopping by one of the La Jolla jewelers. In addition to featuring beautiful pieces in a variety of materials including 24k gold, platinum and silver, shoppers can purchase a variety of upscale items from fine watches to luxury ball point pens.

While sending flowers for Valentine’s Day may be a bit traditional, giving someone you love a bouquet of assorted flowers or long stem roses is a great way to show them what they mean to you.  There are several florists in La Jolla that offer a wide selection of fresh flowers, allowing you to create a custom bouquet or choose a professionally made arrangement.  Many florists also deliver, so be sure to inquire about any special delivery services and discounts.

Another great gift option that is sure to please is a gift certificate to a full service day spa in La Jolla.  With a gift certificate, you enable your loved one to customize their spa day, choosing from services including facials, massages and manicures and pedicures.  Provide your loved one with a full day of pampering and relaxing.  Look through our local beauty and wellness directory for all your luxury day spa options.

Couples Retreat at La Jolla Hotels

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many couples are planning their holiday celebrations.  Make this year one to remember and reserve a table at one of La Jolla’s first class restaurants and end the evening with a romantic stay at one of the premier La Jolla hotels.

If you are looking for a mouthwatering dining experience, there are several restaurants in La Jolla that are offering fixe prix menus and specialty dinner entrees for Valentine’s Day.  Here are some of our favorite options:

-Donovan’s Steak and Chop House – The prix fixe menu at Donovan’s includes choice of appetizer or salad, Australian cold water rock lobster tail and prime filet mignon and a choice of dessert for $100 per person. Guests can choose to share a bottle of wine for $135 per person.  Each lady will also be given a complimentary long stem rose to celebrate the night.

-George’s California Modern – George’s menu focuses on local products and produce and features a 3 course Valentine’s Day meal with choice of appetizer, entrée and dinner or night cap beverage for $70 per person.  Meal choices are selected from a special Valentine’s Day menu; however, additional items can be requested for an additional charge.

-The Marine Room – The Marine Room features a 4 course prix fixe menu including choice of appetizer, first course, main course and dessert.  The seafood inspired menu that includes crab cakes, sea bass, lobster tail and more is available on Valentine’s Day for $125 per person.

To end the night, reserve a room at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla for a romantic couple’s retreat.  Their exclusive Destination Romance Package includes a two night stay in a partial ocean view accommodation, a welcome amenity with the chef’s selection as well as your choice of champagne or wine, breakfast for two each morning, and a three course dinner for two in the Mediterranean Room or in Café La Rue and Whaling Bar.

Look through our local directory for other La Jolla restaurants and hotel options and begin planning a Valentine’s Day to remember.

La Jolla Pizza | Amici’s Weekday Happy Hour

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Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria specializes in east-coast thin-crust style pizza that can be found in pizzerias of New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. They achieve this by cooking their pizza in a high heat (700 degrees) traditional Italian brick oven, making the crust crisper and slightly darker than the usual American pizza.

Visit them during *Happy Hour which features 50% off all mini Pizzas, a daily changing selection of Appetizers, Pastas, & Salads, and specially priced beer and wine.

*Weekday Dine-in Happy Hours are: Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 5:30.

To learn more please visit, Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria or visit them at,

811 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037
858 729-9988

San Diego Morena Storage 5 Star Storage!

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Morena Storage

Morena Storage

Need extra storage space? Store your items at Morena Storage and take advantage of their FREE 5 Star Special. The 5 Star Special includes a free truck and a free man to help you move! That’s equal to $150 of free items and services that is offered to their customers, free of charge, with every new storage room leased!

Need boxes? They’ve got that too! Morena Storage offers a wide variety of moving boxes in all shapes and sizes including flat boxes for mirrors, plasma TVs, and clothes.

To learn more please visit at, Morena Storage or

908 Sherman St
San Diego, CA 92110
619 299-4444

La Jolla Blue Book Supports Go Red for Women

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La Jolla Blue Book believes strongly in supporting causes that positively affect our community’s health and prosperity. That is why we’ve partnered up with the American Heart Association and sponsored Go Red for Women day by making our website red for the month of February as well as sponsoring the San Diego Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Go Red for Women is a call to action to stand up against heart disease. Learn about what causes heart disease, educate the people around you, and become an advocate for heart disease prevention. Show your support by spreading the word, donating your time or resources and by wearing red on February 1, National Go Red Day®.

Check out these other La Jolla businesses joining the fight against heart disease:
La Valencia will be lighting up their famous tower for the month of February. In addition, La Valencia will be donating 10% of every glass or bottle of Elhers wine sold and 10% of all dessert sales for the month February to the American Heart Association!

Hotel La Jolla, a Kimpton Hotel will be illuminating their prominent 11-story high-rise in red for the entire month of February. The hotel staff will show their support for National Go Red Day® by wearing hues of red into their traditional marine color attire and pins. Additionally, $10 of proceeds from every booking of the specially-crafted GORED package will benefit the San Diego branch of the American Heart Association. Cusp Dining & Drinks, will also be donating 10 percent of all ruby-red Campari craft cocktail, ‘The Older Sister,’ purchased in the restaurant or bar.

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines – In addition to hosting the San Diego Go Red for Women Luncheon, the Hilton’s exterior lights will go red for the month of February.

The UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center building will be lighted in red during the month of February.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill will be selling their popular take home Valentine’s Day Pizza Kits beginning February 4th through 17th and partial proceeds from all pizza kit sales will benefit the American Heart Association.

La Jolla Real Estate Tips – Successfully Turn Your Second Home into a Vacation Rental

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With spring a few months away, many La Jolla homeowners are beginning to consider the option of turning their second home or condo into a vacation rental.  While a great way to generate income during the busy spring and summer months, there are various items that homeowners need to complete in preparation for listing their home for rent on the La Jolla real estate market.

First, determine if your property is a suitable vacation rental.  By conducting a little research, you can learn more about the rental market in your area and determine whether or not your property is marketable and desirable.  Especially in a beach community like La Jolla, proximity to the beach or waterfront views are items that will make your property more desirable in comparison to rental properties further inland.  Also, use local La Jolla hotels as a reference for what additional amenities are available to travelers such as high-speed internet or Jacuzzi bathtubs.

Second, it is important to prepare your property.  Walk through your property and make sure everything works, including items such as appliances and lights.  It is also a good idea to locate a good housekeeping service or maid that you can use regularly to clean the house once your guests departs.  While you can do this on your own, if you expect multiple rentals in a short time period, an outside professional will be more convenient and help save you time.

Next, prepare for your guests. You will need to create a system for providing a key or entry instructions to your guests.  Property owners generally sent up a lockbox on their property; however, if you reside locally, you can also meet your guests and walk through the property and provide the keys, property details and instructions on how to use certain electronics, where to place trash, where extra towels are located, etc.  If you are unable to meet your renters, leave instructions with the keys or in the home to address these items.

The final step in preparing your home or condo is advertising.  Most property owners market their property online and use pictures to show the property and surrounding area.  In addition to taking high quality photos of the property, property owners should stage the area before to give prospective renters a sense of what they could be doing in your property.  Your advertisement should also include a description of the property, bedroom layout, amenities, nearby activities including shops and restaurants in La Jolla.

The above advice will help property owners turn their home into a successful vacation rental in La Jolla.  For individuals considering renting their home or condo, but feel they are unequipped or do not have the time to do so themselves, there are many agents that specialize in real estate in La Jolla and can help you with pricing and marketing your property.

La Jolla Real Estate Summary for 2012 and New Year Projections

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2012 was a strong year for real estate in San Diego as a whole, and in particular for real estate in La Jolla.  Factors including rising home prices, coupled with buyers who were eager to buy luxury homes while interest rates were low, contributed to the boom in local real estate.

In the early spring of 2012, the median home price in California rose to around $250,000 while the median price for a Southern California home increased to $290,000.  In addition to Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties, San Diego experienced the greatest boom in home prices, an improvement which industry experts credit to better performance in the luxury home market.

The housing prices for the greater San Diego area have risen by 13.7 percent, leading to some of the best sales records since 2005.  Furthermore, according to a report by the First Republic Bank, San Diego luxury home values rose by 2.2 percent, a rise that homeowners throughout the La Jolla area welcome and appreciate.

Industry experts also predict there will be a continued rise in high-end home prices throughout San Diego for 2013 with the value of luxury homes in La Jolla continuing to rise as well.  We’ve already seen more than 16 La Jolla homes sold in the first week and half of January.  10 of these 16 homes sold for more than $1 million and all but one sold for over $800,000.

The upswing in the housing market has encouraged home-sellers throughout San Diego to put their homes on the market, and the trend of rising home value suggests promise for this upcoming year.  Whether you are looking to sell or buy in the La Jolla real estate market, now is the time.