The area we know today as Del Mar was populated by native Americans possibly dating back 50,000 years. The San Dieguito Indians were the most ancient inhabitants. At some point around 7,500 years ago the La Jolla Indians arrived,  first joining and then replacing the San Dieguitans. Around 1,500 years ago, the Diegueno Indians arrived from the desert lands to the east and were the inhabitants Christianized by the Franciscan Fathers.  They then moved to the San Diego Mission area when it was founded in 1769. Following the Mission era, the main part of Del Mar was granted to Don Juan Maria Osuna in 1840-1841 as part of the San Dieguito Ranch. In 1882 a New Yorker named Theodore Loop came to southern California to build a railroad connecting Los Angeles and San Diego. The original train tracks were laid down in the middle of what is known today as Del Mar. The completion of the railroads brought several pioneer farming families to the area. William Weed was one of them. Mr. Weed ended up purchasing most of the land that we now know as Del Mar. Mr. Loop liked the area so much he told people that he had "found the most attractive place on the entire coast". In the same year Loop met a very successful rancher from New Mexico, Mr. Jacob Shell Taylor. Taylor and Loop were both captivated by the beauty of the area and recognized a development opportunity. Taylor purchased 338 acres of Mr. Weed's land in 1885 and began construction on his dream resort. Mr. Taylor built as many as 40 small houses, a two story Victorian schoolhouse, an observation tower, a train depot and a water system. But the main construction project was "Casa Del Mar", the area's first resort. The resort had a dance pavilion on the beach and a large swimming pool that went out into the ocean called a Natatorium. With the natural beauty of the area and the close proximity to Los Angeles, Del Mar became a popular vacation destination.

Ask any dog owner in Southern California where Dog Beach is, and they will know exactly where it is. At the border of the south end of Solana Beach and the north end of Del Mar, or North Beach is doggy heaven from September 6th through June 14th when dogs are allowed to run free off-leash.  This beach is perfect for the dogs because it has a natural boundary at the south end of dog beach in the San Dieguito Rivermouth which is usually it is anywhere from 25 to 50 feet across making it easy to control the movement of the dogs. There aren't too many places in Southern California where your dog can frolic at the beach with other dogs, so this is particularly a great place to take your dog for a "date". Pet owners looking for parking at Dog Beach Parking can park on the street, but remember that Del Mar likes its parking revenues -- and parking ticket revenues especially. Pay your meter diligently, or buy a $4 all-day pass from the little pay-and-display-your-ticket box at the top of Camino del Mar. The rules at Dog Beach are:

1. Out-of-control doggie behavior is prohibited. Del Mar lifeguards enforce the rules and will write you a ticket.

The crowd at Dog Beach is a very respectable pet-owning group and the beach is low-key with few incidents.  Most owners use the city-supplied clean-up mitts, but it's still a good idea to watch your step. Del Mar is a great community for dog owners and Del Mar real estate is a great purchase for their owners. 

Del Mar real estate are some of the hottest properties in Southern california and this year ownership in this prestigous neighborhood is still affordable.  The Del Mar home median price for 2008 (eHomeConnect) is $2,629,674.  The Median price in 2007 was $1,442,000. This price is $23,000 less than the 2006 Del Mar median home price of $1,465,000 and $28,000 less than the 2005 Del Mar median home price of $1,470,000. 

For the most part, the desirability of Del Mar real estate has kept the home values level throughout the overall San Diego real estate downturn. The median list price of $3,546,803 is deceptive due to it being skewed by a $76,000,000 listing in Del Mar and other multi-million listings.  The average days on market for Del Mar homes are 105 days.  Del Mar is one of the most desirable places in San Diego. Where the Surf meets the Turf as they say in Del Mar. There are many seaside attractions in Del Mar. Some of the Del Mar things to do and see are; the Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar Fair, Del Mar Beaches, Torrey Pines State Beach and Park, Del Mar Village, Seagrove Park, Powerhouse Park, Del Mar Dog Beach, and more.

Shawn Hethcock and Shawn Rodger, partners since 2002, are a dominating presence in the local real estate market. The loyalty of their largely referral based clientele and repeat customers have enabled them to consistently remain among the top producing residential real estate agents in San Diego County since 1998.

The Hethcock/Rodger Team continues to average over $75,000,000 in sales annually in residential real estate in the coastal and ranch areas of San Diego. Their unparalleled dedication and commitment to their buyers and sellers has resulted in their repeated and continuing status as top producers at Willis Allen Real Estate. Through their incredible drive and passion for real estate, the Hethcock/Rodger Team has created successful relationships with 100's of satisfied families, heads of corporations and numerous professional athletes. Whether you're relocating from across the country, moving down the block or just signed a multi-year deal with the NFL, buyers and sellers benefit from Shawn & Shawn's unmatched ability to connect with clients, visualize their dreams, and deliver on their real estate goals.  As a team, the partnership between Shawn Rodger and Shawn Hethcock delivers unmatched experience, client service and results for their clients.

About Shawn Hethcock: 

As a long time resident of Del Mar, Shawn Hethcock is happy to share her extensive experience as a Realtor and her enthusiasm for the Del Mar "way of life". Shawn Hethcock is the top sales agent in the Del Mar office of Willis Allen Real Estate for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Prior to joining Willis Allen Real Estate, Shawn was the Marketing Director of a Fortune 50 energy company subsidiary where she negotiated $10 million sales contracts. Shawn currently lives in Santaluz with her husband Dan and two German Shepherds, Ranger and Goldie.

About Shawn Rodger:

Born and raised in Point Loma, educated in local area schools, and currently owning a home in La Jolla, Shawn understands the San Diego real estate market. As a Realtor, Shawn's goal is to orchestrate the perfect match between a residential property and a potential buyer or seller. Her numerous years of experience as the Southwestern Sales Director for Environmental Industries resulted in successful involvement in local residential development projects.  To this end, Shawn's clients benefit from her multi-faceted experience and expertise in marketing, sales and residential real estate in San Diego.  Shawn Rodger currently lives in La Jolla with her husband Trevor and son Brooks.