Real Estate Round-Up: The intrinsic value of Fallbrook is generosity

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a charity event benefiting the Fallbrook Child Development Center. It was located at the home of Ira Gourvitz and Rebecca Wood, the owners of Fallbrook Winery. Patrons were treated to an assortment of small plates prepared by Frazier Farms and wine provided by Fallbrook Winery.

While driving home, I was reminded of the important value of Fallbrook’s people. Many of the people attending the event regularly find a way to support Fallbrook’s nonprofit organizations. They repeatedly share their financial blessings with nonprofits that would not survive without their generosity. Their underlying value system is at the core of the overall value of Fallbrook.

Last week I wrote about the decay of much of the physical attributes of Fallbrook, which shows in the dry and dead foliage in yards and along the roads. I encouraged everyone to take pride in their property and to reach out to help their neighbors. Unfortunately, the overgrown and dry foliage is the first thing that people notice when they come to town, which has a negative effect on real estate values.

The support of local nonprofits, however, by many Fallbrook residents is a positive attribute that adds value to local real estate, but it may go unnoticed by the potential homebuyer or visitor to Fallbrook. So how do residents share that message of generosity with visitors and people looking to move to Fallbrook?

Homeowners who are thinking about selling could consider the power of having a local real estate agent represent them. A local agent lives here, works here, shops here and supports the nonprofits in Fallbrook. They will not only sell the home but also sell the community of Fallbrook to the potential buyers.

Buyers are represented by real estate agents from out of the area many times, and most are simply selling a home that fits a set of criteria and price. A local real estate agent will not only sell the home; they will sell the town. It’s like dating – if all someone knew about a potential date was they had a similar age and an acceptable physical description, they might accept or reject them based on that limited knowledge. But once they get to know their date’s personality and interests, the initial impression will pale in comparison to the heart of the person. The heart of Fallbrook is found in the generosity of the residents.

I encourage new residents of Fallbrook to get involved with any of the local nonprofits. Consider the Fallbrook Child Development Center or the North County Boys and Girls Club. To help people with challenges in life, I suggest the Fallbrook Food Pantry, Jeremiah’s Ranch or REINS. Those who love the outdoors and keeping trails and parks clean can sign up to help the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, the Fallbrook Trails Council or the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance. Consider supporting the Foundation for Senior Care or the Fallbrook Senior Center.

If you support the town in general, consider the Fallbrook Village Association, Fallbrook Arts Inc., the Fallbrook Historical Society or the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary. I’m not presenting a complete list here, but rather it’s a representation of the areas available.

A town is the sum of its people and the commitments they have, not only its physical attributes. I know that the people of Fallbrook can improve on the town’s physical aspects and promote its positive characteristics, so the overall real estate values will grow.

Kim Murphy can be reached at [email protected] or (760) 415-9292 or at 130 N. Main Ave. in Fallbrook. Her broker license is #01229921, and she is on the board of directors for the California Association of Realtors.