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Carlsbad, CA Real Estate News

By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
I previously wrote about the Monarch Butterfly nursery on our back patio on April 12. At that time we were able to see 11 caterpillars of various sizes.In the last few days the caterpillars started leaving the milkweed plants and crawling onto the table, the patio window, and the edge of one of the flowerpots. Within a day or so we could only find 3 of the 11 caterpillars. Hopefully the others found safe places to hang for the next stage, the chrysalis (pupa). We have looked around but haven't been able to find them so they are either well hidden or perhaps became some bird's dinner.One caterpillar is on the edge of a flowerpot and is not looking very healthy, but there are 2 that have now formed the chrysalis - one on window frame (above) and the other on the edge of the another flower...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad buyers often are interested in how large a garage is (3-car garages are a common desire) at the homes they are considering. And some will not buy certain homes because the garages are not elaborate enough. Or large enough. You may not be able to add a garage but you can certainly pimp your garage if you want. And sellers take note – you may want to upgrade YOUR garage to make it more appealing for folks whose desire for a fancy garage is high on the list, especially if your garage is not in particularly good condition. So you want to pimp YOUR garage? There are lots of options. Should you pimp your garage? Well, that depends on your garage and its condition. There probably aren’t too many folks who don’t care about having a garage, and most of us I suspect are a bit more than e...
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By Elissa Davey, San Diego County Realtor
(Carnevale Real Estate)
Bottom's Up: This Real-Estate Rout May Be Short-Lived By JONATHAN R. LAING This real-estate rout has been more painful than prior ones, but it may be shorter-lived. Indeed, there are early signs of recovery.
 
IA FEW YEARS AGO, AN ACQUAINTANCE SENT Wellesley College economist Karl "Chip" Case a T-shirt depicting a cartoon of a smiley-face house surrounded by soap bubbles, called "Mr. Housing Bubble." But it was the words captured in a comic-book cloud on the shirt that gave this otherwise goofy i...
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By Elissa Davey, San Diego County Realtor
(Carnevale Real Estate)
I am a realtor in Carlsbad, California and I cover all of San Diego County and lower Riverside county which includes Temecula, Murrieta & Menfee, which are the closest towns to San Diego County.     My favorite place to live in San Diego is Liberty Station.   This used to be the old MCRD training center and they have build wonderful row homes in San Francisco style added condos, and wonderful community amenties such as a great local park and golf course. A promenade with speciality shops suchs as Trader Joes, Coldstones, Ralphs with a garden center in the middle to sit and have coffee and many more shops coming that will add to the delight of the area.  You can leave your beautifil row home and walk or ride your bike to the store.   There is a great Karate Academy as well, which by the ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
My Carlsbad yard is being taken over by critters. Guess that is part of the fun of homeownership where you have a bit of land to call your own. Some critters are simply fun to watch as they go about their lives in my yard. Others are clearly bent on destroying my yard, some of which I can see but others that are hidden but, nonetheless, are there chewing away at things that try to grow in my yard. Some critters don't seem to belong but they are there anyhow. I clearly don't have a choice in the matter. I like the birds, even the ducks that land in my spa before heading off to enjoy the birdseed or the birdbath. I don't like the tree rats - fortunately we hardly even see them but we know they are there. The rabbits can be entertaining, especially at rabbit-making time, which is all the t...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad has a reputation as a golfing community, and many buyers considering the Carlsbad real estate market for second/vacation homes, primary homes or for retirement express an interest in living on or very near one of the Carlsbad golf courses. While views or proximity to these venues is reasonably available, finding a direct frontage home is more difficult, and more expensive, depending on what you want in a new home. There are 4 golf courses in Carlsbad that golfers can consider: the La Costa Resort and Spa in La Costa (southeast Carlsbad), The Four Seasons Aviara Resort (the Aivara residential area in South Carlsbad closer to the beaches) the new municipal golf course that opened in the summer of 2007, The Crossings at Carlsbad Rancho Carlsbad, a public course adjacent to the Ran...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
It somehow seems fitting to write about a favorite restaurant right after talking about a neighborhood named after a winery. You know - food and wine? And who knows better than the French! Carlsbad has plenty of restaurants to enjoy, in the village itself as well as scattered throughout the town. A few are very high end, some are memorable and charming, and others are basic and budget-oriented. Le Passage, a French bistro in the heart of Carlsbad Village at 2961 State Street (1/2 block north of Carlsbad Village Drive) is a favorite of mine. This charming little eatery reminds me of the small sidewalk places in Paris - you can even sit outside in front at one of 2 tables to enjoy the people-watching and downtown area, or dine outside on their back patio which is quieter (you find your wa...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The Carlsbad real estate market continue to offer a variety of options to buyers, with a substantial, but not excessive, inventory and a broad range of home styles and prices. Should you be so fortunate at to be looking at Carlsbad homes for sale, you are in a good situation as a buyer. And the view homes in the gated community of Montevina may be something to consider (the name makes me think of the beautiful hills towns of Tuscany in Italy, and it is the name of a winery known for Zinfandels). Granted, there are not a lot of homes available in this appealing community in the master planned community of Rancho Carrillo at any given time. Since it is a small neighborhood with 2 cul-de-sacs along a canyon, few homes become available, and because almost every home has a view, this is a pr...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad real estate continues to undergo significant growth in some areas, in accordance with the Smart Growth plans of the city and approvals by the city planning board. The Carlsbad real estate market has seen the addition of over 3000 housing units in several major planned communities that have sprouted up since 2000 including La Costa Greens, Rancho Carrillo, La Costa Ridge, Calavera Hills and Bressi Ranch. The newest community underway is Robertson Ranch, just south and slightly west of Calavera Hills. Robertson Ranch has been in the planning stages for some time, and while components of the master planned community have been approved, there are still phases of homes that are undergoing the approval process. Up until about 2 years ago the area where Robertson Ranch is being built ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
On the eastern edge of Carlsbad and just north of the La Costa area is the master planned community of Rancho Carrillo, emerging around 2000/2002. Built on rolling hills with acres of preserved open space, the multiple neighborhoods that make up this Carlsbad community share an elementary school, lots of hiking trails, beautiful vistas of the hills, lovely ocean breezes, and a terrific swim center. And a bunch of wild peacocks. Lesser known, perhaps, is the Leo Carrillo Historic Ranch at the heart of this community, and for which it was named. Rancho Carrillo is built on the original land of the working ranch created by Leo Carrillo, actor (The Cisco Kid TV show of the 1950s – Carrillo was Pancho), environmentalist/preservationist, and philanthropist. The 27-acre historic park which con...
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By Susan "Sully" Sullivan, Realtor, North County Coastal Specialist
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES)
Is it Christmas already? I asked this yesterday after another full day of showing property from Oceanside to Del Mar to the third group of "potential buyers".  Oh, they are qualified. Some are all cash up to the 800's. You would think finding qualified buyers in this market would be the hard part. Nope. Getting them off the fence, getting them to write up a realistic (not low-ball) offer, counter once they get countered back into reality, and actually take pen to paper and open the escrow - that's the hard part right now.  At over $4.00 a gallon, I need to re-evaluate whether or not I am running a tour operation or a real estate business. This spinning of my wheels has been created out of my need for a sale - not the clients need to buy.  I'm admitting it. I'm anxious to do my job. I'm ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad is a beautiful seaside town in North County San Diego with rolling hills, broad open spaces, and gorgeous vistas of the back country, the lagoons (3 of them) and the ocean. Of course you can't forget the charming Carlsbad Village either, the center of retail and business activity in the north of the city. A majority of the dining and shopping are found here, but with pockets of amenities in South Carlsbad and other locations, with more growth planned. Read: Carlsbad Village by the Sea Carlsbad Village Depending on where you might be in Carlsbad, you may wonder if Carlsbad is a residential community or an agricultural community? The reality is that it is both, although the residential side of things is growing, and the agricultural areas are shrinking as a result of housing and ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Here’s a brief video tour of the master planned community of Calavera Hills in east Carlsbad. The community features a number of different neighborhoods with attached and detached homes, with a range of prices from the $300s to over $800K. Beautiful Calavera Hills Park near Mystic Point is the site of the last 3 shows of the 10-concert series, TGIF Jazz in the Parks, a well-known summer entertainment activity for the last 22 years. Read: Calavera Hills – A Master Planned Community Montara – A Community in Calavera Hills Town Homes at Mystic Point in Calavera Hills ************************ If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1...
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By Susan "Sully" Sullivan, Realtor, North County Coastal Specialist
(BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES)
I got an email from a client who has been sitting on the fence (like so many of you out there!) and is maintaining his position that the bottom has yet to fall from the Carlsbad and San Diego real estate markets. "It's the market", he told me when I mentioned my frustration that so many of my deals are not coming together lately.  I beg to differ. It's the public's perception of the market. Whoever buys in this "market" is the one who has the best selection, best price, best interest rates, and the best shot at "buying low and selling high" when there is no more product out there; (we are at buildout in Carlsbad) thereby leveraging the supply to the demand. Here's what I know and facts that I live by in my business: 1. Real Estate values are determined by supply and demand. (And they al...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
On the face of it this is simply sharing a video of the fireworks finale at the famed La Costa Resort and Spa. As in years past, the fireworks were terrific and enjoyed by those staying at the resort, as well as many of us living in the adjacent neighborhood abutting the golf course. They even sent letters to everyone to let them know of their plans so folks could be prepared with pets, noise,etc. But there's more. We were invited over to our neighbors, along with others we know, for an outdoor dinner beforehand, While we don't see some of our neighbors often, once or twice a year there are some group gatherings. It really brought home the importance of the community that folks select as the place they want to live. While one can't choose one's neighbors, it became obvious from the live...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad buyers seeking home ownership near the beach have a number of options, many of which are not inexpensive, especially the detached homes. But if you are open to a condo Ocean Pointe is one complex that you might consider, especially if being west of the 5 freeway is important. Being near the ocean, for many, is pretty desirable, and naturally prices rise quickly as one nears the beach. This is also the most crowded area, and along with traffic, the 5 freeway that runs north and south, and the train, some areas will experience more noise than further inland. The advantage, of course, is a quick drive, or perhaps a walk to the ocean, and being near Carlsbad Village itself with plenty of shopping, dining, services and touristy things to do. Buyers seek condos for a number of reason...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The July 4th holiday is the biggest weekend of the summer, and Carlsbad residents and visitors have lots of ways to celebrate. From beaches to family picnics and parties to restaurants to fireworks, there is something of all to enjoy. And of course our fabulous weather which is predicted to be, well, fabulous. And cooler than some of our neighboring cities inland where temps are exceeding 100. BEACH LIFE As one would expect, the beaches will be very crowded from Oceanside to San Diego (places like Mission Beach have a reputation for being a mob scene), parking will be a premium so get there early or expect to hike a distance, and traffic will be a challenge so no rushing. If Carlsbad State Beach or one of the other Carlsbad beaches is the site for your festivities this weekend (includin...
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Back in the fall of 2007 I wrote a piece about the Poseidon Resources proposed desalination plant slated for Carlsbad. Poseidon - Is Desalination in the Cards for San Diego? As an update on this article, Poseidon Resources are back on the block as they try to get the final approval from the State Coastal Commission to move forward with construction of the Desalination plant. There are some that see this as a poor remedy for whatever shortages here might be in water resources and others that see desalination as a best hope to replace dwindling water resources. Since this debate affects so many in Southern California and the outcome is so important to the future available water supplies, I thought that I might present the arguments for and the arguments against this desalination project a...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
One of the pleasure of living in Carlsbad, apart from all the things to do, is the relatively close proximity to San Diego. You can drive down town, non-rush hour, in about 30 - 40 minutes depending on your speed (and we know California drivers are all about speed on those massive freeways). The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, on the edge of down town San Diego, is set amidst the lush vegetation and multiple museums and other architectural gems in the heart of the park, with free parking nearby (but not close, IMO). I had the opportunity to attend "George Gerswhin Alone" last night, starring Hershey Felder, my first venture to this glorious theater. The 1 and a half hour extravaganza about the life and music of this famed composer was extraordinary. being a big Gershwin fan myself, bu...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
This article is about REAL real estate challenges for serious relocation buyers to Carlsbad, or anywhere for that matter. If you are not serious about your relocation and buying a new home now, you can certainly benefit from these pointers, but then if you are not really serious when the time is right they will become more meaningful. Relocation is a tough task. Perhaps one could say a monumental series of tasks. Selling a home and buying a new one in this market is tough enough, but combining this with moving to a new area that you don’t know, especially a long distance, can seem insurmountable. Pull in the challenges of job hunting, dealing with kids and pets and normal daily living, well you have a stress level that probably tops the list or is at least in the top 3. Here are some po...
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