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Carlsbad, CA Real Estate News

By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad Flower Fields Up Close I attended a CRS Networking Event with 25 other Southern California Realtors this past Thursday for a couple of hours at the Carlsbad Flower Fields.  It was fun to see my CRS friends as well as to meet other agents I didn’t know. There was time to talk with each other before taking a tour. After the group photo we split up into small groups to leisurely walk through the gardens, and of course take lots of photos.  While I have often driven by the Flower Fields on Armada Drive on the hill above to the east which offers great panoramic views of the flowers and the ocean, I haven’t seen the flowers and the venue itself up close for years.   It was a sunny day with a cool ocean breeze, although the marine layer moved in before the event was over so it was pre...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2024 Carlsbad Village Street Faire is May 5 One of our more popular arts and craft fairs returns to Carlsbad Village on Sunday May 5, 2024. The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is reportedly the largest outdoor 1-day fair in the US, other than its counter-part, the Carlsbad Village Faire in November. This is the 50th year for this fair! The Carlsbad Village Street Faire takes place from 8 am until 5 pm, so there is ample time to enjoy over 900 vendors and shop all you want. The Carlsbad Village Faire takes place in the heart of the Village, along Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson. The Faire spills over onto side streets, too. (photo is from another art fair in the Village in the same area).  Given the number of vendor booths much of the public parking will not be available ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Our Monarch Caterpillar Nursery The nursery is doing well and so are the 10 Monarch Caterpillars, doing what caterpillars do. The Monarch Butterfly visited our back patio several weeks ago and spent quite a bit of time landing on the milkweed plants repeatedly. We didn't see any eggs left behind but that may simply have been our vision as Monarch eggs are supposedly quite small. A couple weeks ago my wife saw a couple of very small caterpillars on one of the milkweed plants and now there are 10 (there were a couple others but they didn't make it for long). They have grown pretty substantially which we hope will help at least some of them survive and move into the next phase (chrysalis), and not become a tasty meal for one of the many birds in our yard. I suspect the mortality rate for c...
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By Mike and Dawn Lewis, The Lewis Team at Keller Williams in San Diego CA
(The Lewis Team at Keller Williams)
San Diego Real Estate Blog Should I Buy a Home in 2009 ? I get asked this question every year without fail. I would have to say that my answer is always the same. You should buy a home when you're ready to buy a home. The answer will be different for everybody when asked that question. It's personal and depends on the factors of the individual or family. If the question is, "Is This a Good Time to Buy a Home in San Diego?" then I would have to say it depends. The San Diego County real estate market is different in different areas of the county and in different price ranges as well as for homes and condos. In many areas of San Diego County including the Chula Vista area the 3 bedroom homes priced under $400,000 seem to be in high demand and when they are foreclosures and priced right the...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Bicycling is a favorite pastime of many here in Southern California, and the weather allows for riding all year round (as long as one dresses appropriately in the cooler winter months). Because of the terrain, and the ocean, there are terrific places to ride that are fairly flat (especially along the ocean between Oceanside and Del Mar) for beginning and less advanced riders, as well as numerous hilly areas to challenge even expert riders. Mt. Soledad in La Jolla and Mt. Palomar being two examples  Many of the larger roads have well marked bicycle lanes so you are not riding directly in traffic, but of course that is no guarantee that someone won't invade your space. Riding through the towns can get dicey as bike lanes disappear, traffic and pedestrians increase, and parked cars prevent...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The Carlsbad real estate market continues to evolve, and the statistics for December show a number of changes from October. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. Media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, so that information may not represent the reality of our local Carlsbad real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller. In December 2008 there were 85 homes sold in Carlsbad's 4 zipcodes, as compared to 57 for November (a 49% increase in sales). Here's the breakdown of overall activity. TOTAL HOMES Detached Attached Number 85 46 39 Days on Market 62 63 61 Average $/SF...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Getting married on the beach, for some, is a dream, a must-do. We certainly have plenty of beaches here in the Carlsbad area to consider - Ponto, Tamarack, Frazee, South Carlsbad, Grandview, Stone Steps, Beacon's, Moonlight, Swami's, Cardiff State Beach. I'm not a wedding planner or anything of the sort, but this topic is kinda important right at the moment. My older daughter and her fiancé are planning their wedding for next September (we are thrilled) and getting married on one of our local beaches is a must do. We think it's a great idea. While it might seem to be a simple matter, at the same time there are some things one has to consider in planning a wedding on the beach - I'm sure there will be others we have yet to think about: Time of day - getting married at sunset could be pre...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
I have received a number of calls about the Bluwater Crossing Work-Live lofts being built in Carlsbad on Avenida Encinas. This new complex is adjacent to the Poinsettia Coaster Station (providing great commuting access practically from your doorstep). READ MORE: Carlsbad Real Estate - Seaside Work-Live Lofts at Bluwater Crossing In addition to the train, the complex is within ½ mile of shopping and several restaurants. It is also a walkable community in that there will be retail stores and places to eat within the community in 2 buildings. But the best feature may be its close proximity to the ocean, which is within walking distance.     Bluwater Crossing is being built with the environment and saving energy in mind. The proximity to the ocean will likely result in little to no need to...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The newest health and wellness center in Carlsbad is at the Tri-City Medical Center on El Camino Real within sight of Bressi Ranch, sound of Palomar Airport Road. The Tri-City Wellness Center is unique in this region, in that it is an integrated health and fitness center of approximately 58,000 SF, where medicine blends with fitness for those who are ill, but more so with a focus on creating a healthy body and mind for folks at all levels of fitness. day-to-day health maintenance to sports performance training and rehabilitation. The focus is on personalized service, with a team of degreed and certified fitness specialists, dietitians and health educators. The facility, adjacent to the Aspirations Child Care Center, offers star of the art fitness equipment (cardio, circuit training, fre...
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By Dennis Pease
(Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate)
I have some friends that live in Florentine Estates a 55+ manufactured home community in Florence, Oregon that were telling me they would like to do the snowbird thing but they really love their home and didn't think they wanted to spend a few months in an RV. Since they are prepared to spend the money on a big fancy motor home I mentioned to them that since that doesn't really appeal to them that much, why not purchase a second home. Wow they said, they really hadn't given that a thought. So as we talked this through they decided if they were to purchase a second home in California they really liked Carlsbad and have friends there. They also would prefer to be in a 55+ subdivision and they love to play Golf. My brother used to live in Carlsbad and I thought I remembered a nice place ju...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
There are lots of ways to enjoy the holidays in Carlsbad and surrounding areas, depending on what you enjoy and what you celebrate. Folks who enjoy Christmas lights and decorations can simply drive around and appreciate the handiwork of homeowners, some of whom have quite elaborate decorations and lighting on their homes. Malls and individual shops are decorated, including the palm trees. Individual communities often add their own special tough of the holiday with wreaths, decorated trees, and lights in store windows, on light posts, awnings and just about any surface that will hold them. Leucadia (a commnity in north Encinitas) is even sponsoring a contest, Light up Leucadia, to encourage merchants to celebrate the holidays and decorate the commuity. There are a number of Hannukhah eve...
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By Steve Gors
(Dryer Vent Wizard of Murrieta)
You may think of doing your laundry as a relatively low impact and low danger activity. But if your dryer is not properly installed and maintained, it could well be a disaster waiting to happen.   There are thousands of house fires started every year by clothes dryers. These happen in a couple of ways.   Lint Build-up Clogging Vents   Cleaning out your lint trap and other lint in the laundry line is important for more than just making your dryer run more efficiently. Dryer lint left unchecked can translate to a build up of lint inside the machine. While you may not realize this, that lint is extremely flammable. It's essentially very airy cloth remnants and doesn't take much to ignite.  Just a spark or two from your machine can start a fire that can quickly get out of hand.   In additio...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The opening reception for the 2009 Juried Biennial Exhibit at the popular Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad was last night (Saturday Dec. 13). The gallery was once again alive with color, displaying a variety of works by 26 well-known area artists. The event was crowded, and Director Karen McGuire, along with the jury of Stephen Hepworth (Curator of the University Art Gallery at UCSD) and Sue Greenwood (Gallery Director of Sue Greenwod Fine Art in Laguna Beach) did a fantastic job of selecting final participants as well as arranging a very eclectic show of art work in a wide range of media. The gallery show runs from December 14, 2008 through February 7, 2009. There will be a family open studio in the court yard adjacent to the gallery (by the Carlsbad Library) on February 7, 2009 from 11 ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
In this next installment of my Walkable Neighborhood Series we explore the residential area adjacent to the famed La Costa Resort in South Carlsbad. While this area is not within walking distance to the beach (it's about 2 miles, a reasonable bike ride), the area offers a number of amenities to enjoy within walking distance of a number of real estate options. Here are the previous Walkable Neighborhood Series articles:  Walkable Neighborhood Series: Carlsbad Village Real Estate in Carlsbad, California Walkable Neighborhood Series: Downtown Encinitas Walkable Neighborhood Series: Cardiff Real Estate in The Walking District in Cardiff-by-the-Sea First, the resort itself. Certainly La Costa Resort and Spa may not be the place to hang out daily, at least for many folks. There is a fabulous ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
As we continue our walking journey in North County San Diego we uncover yet another area in Carlsbad where you can find real estate within walking distance to amenities like shopping, dining and other things to do (bookstores, beaches). Other Walkable Neighborhoods: Walkable Neighborhood Series: Downtown Encinitas Walkable Neighborhood Series: Cardiff Real Estate in The Walking District in Cardiff-by-the-Sea   Carlsbad Village is a charming community on the ocean about 30 miles from downtown San Diego. Carlsbad has long been regarded as a popular tourist destination year-round, and retirement spot due to the many amenities, terrific beaches, fabulous weather and the wonderful Southern California lifestyle. Carlsbad Village has numerous restaurants with a broad diversity of food styles a...
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By Curt Conant, VP Sales & Marketing
(By Referral Only - I work for Joe Stumpf)
YES - This training is open to everyone - Members and Non-members. Joe will be conducting two additional live trainings this month. DATE : Tuesday December 16 and Thursday December 18 TIME: Workshop is conducted from 9:00am to 12:30pm. Here is the location in Carlsbad Click Here Workshop doors open at 8:20am so come early for best seating. When you register you will receive 3 EXTRA tickets. Click Here to register. http://www.realestatemarketingworkshop.com  See you there!
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By Mike and Dawn Lewis, The Lewis Team at Keller Williams in San Diego CA
(The Lewis Team at Keller Williams)
Carlsbad Real Estate 92008 Taking a Beating in 2008  Carlsbad real estate has lost $140,000 in median home price value in a period of only 1 year. This data is from single family detached homes from San Diego MLS stats. I just finished running the closed comps from October 2007 to October 2008 and the stats are some of the worst in San Diego County. Yeah I know Carlsbad is Coastal and in North County and many agents have said this area will withstand the real estate storm in San Diego but boy have they ever been wrong. October 2007 had 4 homes close escrow with a median price of $689,500 and an average price sold price of $761,500. I like to have more than four closed comps for accuracy but we will use what we have for this one year comparison of Carlsbad 92008 Homes. The highest closed...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
SHORT SALES and FORECLOSURES Carlsbad buyers often believe that buying a short sale or a foreclosure will yield a tremendous deal. This can be a misconception, and seems to arise from all the hype in the media, and the notion that since they are distress or hardship sales the price will be much lower than a typical sale for a comparable home. This may or may not be true. No buyers should be surprised to hear that short sales can be difficult to finalize and may take many months to complete, or to even get an approval from the lender(s). Some don't close at all. READ MORE: Buying a Short Sale - this is not a new article but the personal stories from buyers are enlightening Short sale and foreclosure homes in good condition, and including the normal appliances and fixtures, may not cost ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The Carlsbad real estate market continues to evolve, and the data for November show a number of changes from October. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. Media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, so that information may not represent the reality of our local Carlsbad real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller. In November 2008 there were 57 homes sold in Carlsbad's 4 zipcodes, as compared to 100 for October (a drop by 43%). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.   TOTAL HOMES Detached Attached Number 57 41 16 Days on Market 79 86 59 Average $/SF $277/SF $289/...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Green space in Southern California, particularly in areas that have been built up, and in our desert climate, is precious, and enjoyed by many folks in lots of ways, especially those living in condos, apartments, and homes with little or no outdoor space to enjoy. There is something about a park with green grass, trees and a feeling of openness, that appeals to most people - a place to enjoy the outdoors in solitude or with friends and family, play with kids, romp with the family dog, toss a Frisbee, take a nap, fly a kite, or enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner. Carlsbad has done an admirable job of preserving outdoor space throughout the city (it is mandatory in any planned community), and has a number of popular parks set aside for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. Poinsettia Park ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The title is intended to be ironic, and not to refer to the song by the Baha Men (you can read them here, and see several videos on YouTube). The rant is about showing homes where dogs live. Carlsbad or anywhere else. The issue (an exception, fortunately) I have run into more than once now are short sale and foreclosure homes where tenants live and have dogs (well, normal sales too). Big ones. Angry-sounding ones. Ones that don't like the fact that I am there and the owners are not. Case in point - there is a home near me with nice views, a pool, 3100+ SF and near the golf course. It's a great price, given the size and location...under $800K now. I went to preview it a few weeks ago and take photos for my out-of-town clients who were very interested. The MLS noted a dog in the yard, whi...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Most folks who have a lawn want it to be green. Many spend a ton of money caring for their grass to make it look its best. Buyers who are looking at homes tend to be turned off by properties where the lawn is not in good shape or perhaps has died completely, as we so often see in distress sales (short sales, foreclosures and REOs). Grass painting is becoming more popular and common, using a non-toxic paint (so it's environmentally safe)that lasts several months and which will not come off on clothing or shoes (and presumably the dog, too). It dries in about 2 hours. There are many homes that could benefit from this service, either in small areas or the entire lawn. It could also be useful during the dormant season where some grasses turn brown. In our local area of Carlsbad and North Co...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The eucalyptus tree is a common sight in northeast Carlsbad in an area known as Hosp Grove.  Hundreds and hundreds as a matter of fact. You will see a smattering of them in some other areas, and large quantities in communities like Rancho Santa Fe, Scripps Ranch, Olivenhain (Encinitas) and La Jolla (especially near UCSD). I have one in my yard and there are a bunch along my street here in La Costa. Like the palm tree, they remind many visitors of the Southern California, and in some ways seem as much a part of the vegetation as the palm trees, possibly the most recognizable symbol of our region. And I suspect many associate koala bears with eucalyptus trees - after all it is pretty much their entire diet (no koalas in SoCal except at the San Diego Zoo, as far as I know). Eucalyptus also...
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