Thanks for the suggestions ladies...
I have tried using only the front brake, but that does not seem to be enough to stop me to make the corner. It does slow me down significantly, but not enough. If I were to signal before I started braking, I would be signalling for the wrong street!! I think most of the people on my street know that I am turning there as they see me bike past their house 2-6 times a day, but I just want to make sure I am safe.