Electro-Magnetic Fields: Don’t let them Live over Your Home

Posted on May 7, 2012 by

Power lines are a part of our society that we just can’t live without. However, they can be more dangerous than they appear. Living near power lines is associated with major risks such as health problems, especially in children. The first-ever published evidence was released by Werthimer and Leeper in 1979; it confirmed that living by power lines increases risks of leukemia and other cancers! Electro-magnetic fields, known as EMFs, radiate low frequency electro-magnetic radiation, which causes brain cancer, breast cancer, birth defects, depression, heart disease, and many other disorders!

So now that we know the potential dangers that reside in electro-magnetic radiation from power lines, what can we do about it? Although the controversy lies within the government and business figures, they admit nothing and deny anything about the correlations between living near power lines and health risks. Both the high-voltage transmission power lines and city power lines contribute to radiation hazards; the strength of the electro-magnetic field by your home is the important factor, not the size of the line. The configuration of the wiring is what affects the strength of the electro-magnetic field.

Fortunately, there is something we can do about it in San Diego! Power line safety is important to SD Gas & Electric and they have a special EMF program instituted to ameliorate the situation of living near potentially hazardous radiation. You can call SD G&E with questions or concerns regarding the magnetic fields from existing power lines near your home, your children’s schools, and where you work. SD G&E also provides concerned customers with research and information about electro-magnetic radiation and lines for more closure on the recurring issue.

Contact San Diego Gas & Electric for technical assistance or electro-magnetic field measurements near your home, work, or school. Stay healthy, be protected, and always be aware of the unseen dangers in your community.

Jeff Campbell & Associates 800-782-5510

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Listing of the Week: Attractive 4 Bedroom Home in El Cajon

Posted on May 4, 2012 by

San Diego Real Estate Jeff Campbell and AssociatesThe conveniently located, four-bedroom El Cajon home has all you could ever dream for. This lovely two-story home is situated in a gated community of Fuerte Knolls neighborhood. The perks of this four-bedroom masterpiece are its high-vaulted ceilings, built-in spa, and spacious master bedroom. However, this home has much more to offer! Take a look inside the beauty of this El Cajon family home.

You’ll absolutely adore the comfortable lifestyle offered by this home—as you walk in, you’ll be greeted by natural sunlight, beautifully tiled floors, and cozy living spaces. The quaint family room is the perfect family gathering spot with a large sliding glass door opening up to the patio and built-in spa. The family room also has its own fireplace that’s great for chilly San Diego evenings. This El Cajon home also has a sunken living room with high-vaulted ceilings for a dramatic appeal. This living room could work as a TV room for big football parties or a fun conversation pit for inviting guests over.

San Diego Real Estate Jeff Campbell and AssociatesSan Diego Real Estate Jeff Campbell and Associates

The kitchen and dining room are back-to-back in the home’s open layout. The kitchen area has warm, honey-colored cabinetry that pairs perfectly with the cream-colored countertop tiles. The kitchen counters form a spacious U-shape where one counter doubles as a convenient breakfast nook which is ideal for breakfast before work and school. A more formal dining room will provide your family with the best place for family dinners and school projects. If you plan on hosting your own holiday feast, you’ll have the space for an elegant dining experience with your new El Cajon home.

San Diego Real Estate Jeff Campbell and AssociatesSan Diego Real Estate Jeff Campbell and Associates

This El Cajon home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms to accommodate a larger family or out-of-town visitors. One bedroom and bathroom is located on the main level. The other bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the upper level. The real treasure of this home is the master bedroom and bath. The spacious design of your master suite has lots of closet space and a large bathroom with his and her sinks, a shower stall, and comfortable bathtub. There’s even a door leading to the outdoors from your master bedroom; if you need a breath of fresh air, step out into the gorgeous backyard and its incredible mountain views.

San Diego Real Estate Jeff Campbell and AssociatesSan Diego Real Estate Jeff Campbell and Associates

Since this four-bedroom home is tucked into the corner lot of the gated community, you can enjoy a peaceful, spacious backyard filled with many exotic plants and lush foliage. The large lawn is already plumbed for a pool so consider the possibilities of this backyard when you purchase. You’ll love taking a dip in the pool on hot summer days. This family home in El Cajon is perfect for you and your loved ones. Take a personal tour with one of our team members at Jeff Campbell & Associates when you call 619-445-3322. We’ll be happy to show you this comfortable and cozy four-bedroom beauty. Seller will entertain offers from $559,000 to $585,000.

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What do Dogs and Smoking have in Common?

Posted on April 30, 2012 by

They both don’t belong in the house. It’s hard to eliminate the odors of cigarette smoke and doggie dander once your home has been exposed to both of these home buyer deterrents. It may seem probable that the smell of smoke is bothersome to many individuals. However, having pets inside the house may cause just as much trouble as harsh cigarette smoke. Let’s look at both issues and see how each affects home sales as well as the steps you can take to reduce the negative effects of smoking and pet presence in today’s real estate.

Smoking Indoors

We all know how deadly smoking cigarettes can be for your health, but what about your home? Smoking inside the house can eventually cause stains on the entire interior of your home. A yellowish nicotine stain can surface on just about anything over time and gives your home an aged and unattractive look which instantly turns away potential buyers. Not only does the cigarette smoke cause staining to occur, it also makes your house stink! It’s important to consider quitting your indoor smoking habits if you’re considering selling your home. Even before you move into your new place, make smoking an outdoor activity.

If you need to remove smoky smells and stains from your house, start by wiping all your walls and ceilings with a special cleaning product called TSP or Trisodium Phosphate that you can purchase at any Home Depot or home improvement store. Also, wash down all floors with a special white vinegar solution (1 cup of vinegar to 3 cups of water) to also reduce the smoky odor. Even carpets should be cleaned with a steam cleaner as well as air vents and ducts that could be carrying around the pungent scent of cigarettes.

All your cleaning efforts will be most effective the less contaminated each room is. If the indoor smoker was not heavily smoking indoors, the results will be more positive.

Having Indoor Pets

We love our animals just like family members and most of us couldn’t fathom leaving our beloved pets out in the cold. Even though it’s fun to allow our dogs to be completely indoors, your home’s value will ultimately be affected when you decide to sell your home. According to studies in the journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 10 percent of the population and 40 percent of allergic individuals will have an allergic reaction to cats and dogs. Even in homes that contain no pets, animal dander can still be present which causes many individuals to have an allergic reaction.

Most commonly, we believe that it’s our animal’s fur that causes us to sneeze and itch. Yet, the main cause of allergic reaction is the dander under the skin that is smaller than dandruff and travels through the air and right though out bodies where we accumulate our reaction.

Sometimes it can be impossible to leave our pets outside all the time. If you need to have your pet indoors, here are a few solutions to pet dander that will improve your living situation but not completely eliminate it:

  • Give your pets a bath with special treatment
  • Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner or HEPA air cleaner to reduce the amount of dander in carpeting and air circulation
  • Mop your hard flooring weekly to remove sticky dander from smooth surfaces
  • Get a high-efficiency furnace filter

These tips and tricks are great for reducing the pet dander and smoking damages from your home. With pet dander and cigarette smoke still present, your home’s value still may be at risk! For the best possible home sale situation, consider reducing the pet dander and smoke from your home as soon as possible.

Jeff Campbell & Associates 800-782-5510

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Listing of the Week: You’ll be Smitten by this 2 Bedroom Ranch Home in Descanso

Posted on April 27, 2012 by

Welcome to the custom design and southwest style of this quaint ranch home. Perched high on the top of a mountain, you’ll love the amazing views that look all the way out to the coast. Within close proximity to the Clevland National Forest and Cuyamaca State Park, this home is surrounded by the beauty of nature with many different activities to help you enjoy it. Hiking and biking trails are all around the area so you can tuck yourself deep inside the hillside of the Descanso community whenever you feel like getting away.

You’ll feel warm and welcome as soon as you step through the front door of this Descanso home. The vaulted ceilings and large windows immediately capture your attention with their beautiful views accompanied with lots of natural sunlight shining through. The built-in entertainment center provides a great focal point in between the windows. Flowing nicely into the rest of the home are the themes of large windows and breath-taking views.

Just next to the cheerful living room is a unique detail to this ranch home—the unique cast iron fireplace offers your family a fun place to gather on a chilly night or a great way to keep the whole house warm and toasty on the coldest of nights. Just past this old-school fireplace is the culinary highlight of the entire house. You will love the spacious design, smooth countertops, and light oak cabinetry of your new kitchen. The large center island doubles as a prep station with its own built-in sink in addition to a breakfast nook station for quick snacks and fast meals. On the other side of this kitchen is a formal dining room that’s nestled into the corner for an intimate dining experience found exceptional for family meals and special occasions.

The two bedrooms of this exquisite Descanso dream home are also something to rave about. The spacious room designs and large windows are a recurring trend we love to see in the southwestern fashion of the home. The master bedroom has sliding glass doors that open up to the pristine backyard overlooking the mountains. The master bathroom is just as gorgeous as the bedroom with a Jacuzzi tub, stand-up shower, and his and her sinks with lots of storage space. You’ll be living like a king and queen with all the amenities included in your exclusive mountainside home.

Every detail of this ranch-style home is completely finished… even the backyard! With a custom designed patio and gazebo in your backyard, you will be able to enjoy the serene and peaceful natural surroundings of your community from your own property on a Descanso mountaintop. The paved walkways, well-manicured gardens, and outstanding patio room make this backyard feel like a vacation resort. If you want more information about this Jeff Campbell & Associates listing of the week, contact Jeff and the team at 619-445-3322 for a personal tour of your new immaculate southwestern home today! This Descanso home has a new listing price of $673,500.

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The Death of Any Home Sale

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

They sure are cute and cuddly but when they don’t use the litter box, we might have some problems! The pungent smell of cat pee can cause any potential homebuyer to run away—as fast as possible! It is the number one kiss of death to a home sale—not only is the odor of cat urine strong and unbearable to potential buyers, it’s a major turn-off to anyone that’s walking through your home.

In short sales, cat and dog urine can leave quite a stench. When cat and dog urine are left without being cleaned up, the damage is worse. Bacteria builds up and deteriorates the urinated area—not only is it soaking through the carpet and wood flooring, it digs much deeper than that, seeping into the carpet pad below where it rests on the subfloor and concrete.

The last thing you want to do is list your home with a horrendous cat pee odor. It might seem impossible to get rid of a very bad case of cat urination but there is hope. Luckily, there are ways to alleviate the smell and make it go away. It’s not easy but it must be done!

Most Effect Ways to Eliminate Cat Urine Odor 

The best way to ensure that cat urine odors are eliminated is by removing the soiled floorings altogether. It may be a lengthy and tedious home improvement but it’s the best method to remove the scent because you’re replacing the tainted floor materials with new flooring. Ultimately, if you can replace the urinated floorings, it’s the most effective solution to getting rid of cat pee odors.

If ripping out contaminated flooring is not an option for your household, using an enzyme-based cleaning product will produce the most promising results. Although the scent may still be lingering, you can use the cleaning product repeatedly to rid the pungent odor even more. Urine cleaning products like Simple Solution and Just for Cats by Nature’s Miracle have a chemical reaction with animal urine which helps to break down the urine and neutralize the odor. These products also make the clean up process easier.

Once you use the product, let it soak in; then, press firmly with a rag or towel to soak up the solution. You may also want to rent a carpet steamer to help suck up the urine after the product has broken down the stained area. Slowly but surely, the stains and odors will be lifted with each additional use of the enzyme-based product.

What NOT to Use on Cat Urine Odors

Whatever you do, don’t use bleach, home remedies or ammonia to clean up urine. Bleach is not a great candidate for odor removal because its purpose is only to disinfect and it will not cure an odor issue. Concocting a homemade odor reducer may help with the stinky smell but it won’t get rid of the smell completely. When you use ammonia to clean dog or cat urine, it actually makes it worse! Bleach and ammonia are both toxic chemicals and should be avoided for any cleaning purposes if possible.

The issue of cat pee and the atrocious odor that comes with it can be alleviated but it’s not an easy fix. Consistently work on the problem areas and your efforts to clean up the cat urine will start to show. With a little time, a lot of patience, and the right products, your home will be cat urine-free! No more odors, no more messes, and most likely a home sale in the long run!

Jeff Campbell & Associates 800-782-5510

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Listing of the Week: Contemporary Style 4-Bedroom San Carlos Home

Posted on April 21, 2012 by

You’ll be left breathless after you come see our gorgeous San Carlos listing with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Situated along a quiet cul-de-sac, you’ll enjoy peace and quiet all the time in your new, completely remodeled single family home. Drive up to your two car garage attached to this ‘70’s style San Carlos sanctuary—not only does this home embody its new improvements well, it also offers lots of hillside views from the sun room and backyard.

This home’s open floor plan offers a bright, spacious and accommodating living space that’s easily accessible and extremely updated. When you walk through the front door, you’ll see right into the great room from your home’s travertine entryway. A few more additional features were added to the great room to make it extra special—the fireplace is its centerpiece along with the sliding door that leads you into a sun room.

The kitchen also received lots of TLC during the remodeling process. Surfacing with new appliances including a refrigerator, new rich-colored cabinetry, and high-quality countertops and travertine flooring, this kitchen has been completely updated with a modern and chic appeal. You’ll love that the kitchen connects conveniently to family room, great room, and sun room.

Just down the hall from the freshly renovated kitchen are the bedrooms of this San Carlos beauty. The master bedroom suite gets lots of natural light so that room is usually always bright and cheery during the daylight hours. The master suite has a new bay duel pane window overlooking the incredible views of San Diego’s natural surroundings. The master bathroom is absolutely stunning with Italian travertine tiling and granite countertops.

The additional bedrooms are just as fantastic as the master suite. All the bedrooms have ceiling fans, and mirrored wardrobe doors. One bedroom in particular would be great for a home office with new duel pane sliding doors that open up to the side of the house. Every house guest will enjoy the comfortable and conveniently spacious bedrooms and accompanying bathrooms with their new and improved top quality cabinets and fixtures.

Not only does this newly renovated home come with new features, beautiful details, and a cozy interior, this San Carlos home has a ravishing backyard as well! The beautiful views from the backyard, sun room, master bedroom and family room will unleash a side of San Diego that you’ve never discovered before. The backyard will be perfect for summer party, family cookouts, and simply enjoying your to-die-for views. To get a personal tour of this San Carlos dream home, contact Jeff Campbell & Associates at 619-445-3322 and you can walk through this gorgeous remodeled home at any time. Listing price for this single family home is $510,000.

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Mm, Mm, Mmmm! Don’t we all just love outdoor barbecues?

Posted on April 16, 2012 by

With spring in the air and summer just around the corner, it’s time to fire up the grill already! At your house, using the grill to cook food may be a summertime event but for most, our grills don’t get enough love! The rich, smoky flavor of barbecuing not only tastes good, but it holds the food’s nutrients better than any other cooking method. With more options to grill than hotdogs, burgers, and brats, you’ll love the convenience of outdoor cooking and the loads of different cuisines that can be cooked outdoors.

Benefits of Cooking Outside

Many people enjoy the distinct flavor of grilled food. The rich taste makes meats and vegetables pop with mouth-watering, savory flavor. Not only do grilled foods taste great, they’re also nutritious and full of vitamins and minerals. Typically, cooking outside on the grill requires no oil at all and the high heat of the grill makes the food cook faster.

When you use an outdoor grill to cook your meals, the foods retain many of the vitamins and minerals that are usually extracted through other cooking methods. Especially with meats, riboflavin and thiamine are retained well throughout the grilling process.

The added bonus of lower fat content is appealing to many health nuts; and for the green-friendly homeowners, grilling out also saves on energy expenses! Your energy savings will skyrocket when you use your outdoor grill to do the cooking.

When you grill for the family, it’s usually a group endeavor. Grilling out frequently will bring the family together for group meals, barbecue parties, and family time. You’ll be able to eat healthier, save energy, and spend time with the family when you switch to outdoor grilling as your main cooking style this summer.

Interesting Cuisines to Try on the Grill

Sometimes it can be difficult to get creative in the kitchen—and with outdoor grilling, hamburgers and hotdogs are the usual barbecue cuisine. Get out of your grilling comfort zone and experiment with these fun, unique barbecue recipes:

Thai Food: Dig into Thai dishes with the help of your outdoor grill! A Thai pork satay or delicious grilled chicken curry are fantastic options for your new barbecue diet.

Grilled Paninis: Use your barbecue as a Panini maker for a flavorful sandwich option. Try this scrumptious potato, spinach and chickpea stuffed flatbread from TheKitchn for an easy, Indian-inspired sandwich.

Dessert: Who would have thought that a barbecue can cook up a wonderful dessert? A grill-baked apple crisp takes the cake for the ultimate barbecue dessert snack this summer!

Your backyard is waiting for you to bust out that grill and get to cooking! Think outside of the box and get inspired by the benefits of outdoor grilling.

Jeff Campbell & Associates 800-782-5510

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