February 11, 2006

THE REAL (ESTATE) STORY
By Larry Underhill

“BE WHO YOU ARE and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” This wisdom comes from Dr. Suess, whose real name was Theodor Geisel. He also wrote under the pen names of Theo. LeSieg (Geisel backward) and Rosetta Stone.

THE GOOD “DOCTOR” was quite a character. He moved to La Jolla, just north of San Diego, in 1948. A bit of trivia: The elephant Horton of “Horton Hears A Who” fame (Remember that little book?) just happens to bear a striking resemblance to Alonzo Horton, the founder of the present-day city of San Diego.

PRICE REDUCED! OPEN TODAY 12 noon to 2 p.m.! 5201 East Woodbridge Road is now priced at $634,950! Located five minutes from Lodi on a beautifully landscaped acre, this three-bedroom two-and-a-half-bath home was a great deal BEFORE the recent price drop. Now, it’s better yet! Statesman’s John Manguso will host an Open House today. Come and see what the fuss is all about!

ALONZO HORTON (mentioned above) was a character in his own right. He bought acres and acres of prime waterfront land (today’s San Diego) for a song. Then, upon discovering that he could sell corner lots for a higher price, he proceeded to shorten the city blocks of the new town he was mapping! Shorter blocks meant more corner lots. Next time you slog your way through stop after stop in downtown San Diego, take a deep breath and utter a word of thanks (or whatever comes to mind) to good old Alonzo.

PRICE REDUCED! OPEN TODAY 2:30 to 4:30! John Manguso will host this one, too. 303 Rainier Drive is a lovely, well-maintained Westside home with 1814 square feet of living area. Built by Lodi’s own Loren Perry, this home has received a LOT of interest since it was listed three weeks ago. Nevertheless, my Seller decided to increase the value by lowering the price ten thousand bucks! New price: $429,950. If you hurry. Going, going…

“Never lick a steak knife.” This from Dave Barry, who now speaks with forked tongue.

RABBIT TRAILS CONT’D: Since this column seems to be loaded with digressions already, let me observe that thinking of San Diego makes me think of Coronado Island, that pricey enclave across the bay from San Diego made famous by the Hotel Del Coronado. The island is also notable for having the highest concentration of retired U.S. Navy admirals of any area in the world. A hundred years ago, the island was a mass of sand dunes populated mainly by jackrabbits. A couple of young fellers whose names I disremember bought the island and began development. Later they were bought out by a sweet guy named Spreckels (Heard of Spreckels Sugar?). Spreckels was one of the players in the building of the Hotel Del, as it’s affectionately nicknamed. Julie and I strolled in the moonlight along Coronado Beach recently, ending up wandering through the Hotel Del. There’s loads of history there! Not a jackrabbit in sight these days.

Have a great week! See you next Sat with CONGRATULATIONS to two more families! And if you run across anyone who needs a hardworking Realtor, please call me with their name and number! I promise to serve them as I’d serve you.

Statesman Realty
(209) 333 2380

1-800-407-SOLD (7653)
Website: www.larrysellslodi.com

Website: www.larryunderhill.com
Email: Larry@LarryUnderhill.com