SAN DIEGO, Calif. - As the perennial discussion about Southern California's water shortage continues, homeowners in San Diego and surrounding areas are choosing synthetic grass as the most popular form of drought-tolerant landscaping according to San Diego artificial turf expert Scot Wozniak, President of San Diego Lawns, Inc.

A long-time synthetic grass installer in San Diego, Wozniak has helped hundreds of homeowners save water and money every month.

"We regularly sit down with homeowners and go through the numbers to find out what they will save on water and maintenance costs. Most are very surprised at how much they currently spend and are excited to find out they can cut that number significantly."

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - As the spring real estate market continues to boost certain types of home sales, investor interest has increased in Mountain View rentals and other Bay Area cities, according to professional property manager Jerry Garrity of First Statewide Realty.

Garrity, who has shepherded the portfolios of his high-end real estate investor clients through five recessions since the late 80's, says that trends in sales come and go, but good investors learn how to make a good return even in tough markets.

"The difference between amateur investors and those with more experience is that the experienced ones learn how to grow their portfolio's value in virtually any market. One way they do that is by making sure their portfolio is managed professionally."

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Bank owned homes will dominate the 2012 real estate market according to Albuquerque REALTOR® Joe Maez of Keller Williams Realty Westside.

Maez says that Albuquerque foreclosures are still driving the market due to problems in the banking system getting bank owned properties through the foreclosure process and into the market. As a result, he says the Albuquerque real estate market will continue to be affected by the flow of bank owned homes.

"Banks have battled a number of legal challenges, but the foreclosure inventory continues to impact the local market in a big way."

Maez says that while buyers are getting some amazing deals right now, sellers are also seeing an uptick in price and buyer interest.

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CUPERTINO, Calif. - News of weakness in the European economy and a U.K. double dip recession has caused U.S. investors to flee to quality in their investment decisions, according to Bay Area property manager Jerry Garry of First Statewide Realty.

Garrity, whose property management firm in Cupertino has served real estate investor clients in the Bay Area through five past recessions, says that historically good prices and low interest rates have brought investors into the market in a big way.

"I call it a flight to quality. When a bubble bursts, as it did in 2006 and 2007, the masses run away from it. As the bubble recedes, the serious investors with narrow criteria for choosing quality investments start coming in to pick up the pieces."

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KEY WEST, Fla. - Tourism will be the key to boosting the 2012 Key West Florida real estate market according to local REALTOR® Sean Farrer.

Farrer, who adopted the so-called Conch Republic as his hometown after moving to the relaxed community from native South Africa, says he did like many others continue to do every year: he fell in love with Key West while on holiday.

"Florida tourism is clearly a driving factor, not only in the economy, but the Key West real estate market, because people come here from all over the world to experience the fun, relaxation, and beautiful beaches of Key West."

Farrer says going to Old Town Key West on vacation or as a stop on a cruise just whets the appetite for the Florida Keys' trademark relaxed island lifestyle.

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