The Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair took place yesterday in Olivenhain at the Town Hall on Rancho Santa Fe Road just a hop, skip and jump from the heart of town. This was the 32nd annual fair - a well established tradition in the Encinitas area. It was a beautiful fall day, the first after almost a week of ugly gray weather, perfect for the folks who staffed their booths and displayed their creations (about 75 vendors but I'm not sure of the exact number).The fair ran from 9 until 4 with a good crowd throughout the day. Booths were scattered about in the park area surrounding the town hall, as well as in the hall itself, with plenty of parking and room to meander among the various artists and crafts people. The 4-H Club was there selling Dog Treat Wreaths, among other goodie. Something ... 11/11/2007

Here are the Encinitashome sales statistics for October 2007 from our MLS (private sales and new construction development sales that are not in the MLS are not included here). (photo is of Moonlight Beach in Encinitas)Homes for sale - 199 detached, 71 attached (down 9% from September)51 detached and 14 attached homes came on the market in October196 detached and 69 attached homes have sold in the last 6 monthsAbsorption (inventory) is 6.2 months for detached (a increase from September) and 6.1 months for attached homes (also a modest increase)Average marketing time YTD is 77 days for attached and 60 days for detached (modest increases from September)Median sales price for detached - $871,000, about the same as SeptemberMedian sales price for attached - $450,000, a 2% drop from September... 11/08/2007

If your down payment on a home is less than 20 percent of the appraised value or sale price, you must obtain private mortgage insurance (PMI) with your lender.  PMI protects your mortgage lender against any default on the home loan. Because of this protection you are able to purchase a home with a lower down payment. Generally speaking, PMI drops off of your monthly payment once you have paid down your mortgage loan to 80% of the home value.  In some cases, you will need to request in writing that the PMI be removed at that point. It should also be noted that PMI has been made tax deductible for many American households for new mortgages in 2007.  The tax deductibility of mortgage insurance allows borrowers who qualify to more easily compare single mortgages with so called "combo loans... 11/07/2007

Olivehain is an area within the town of Encinitas (like Cardiff is), on the eastern edge bordering Rancho Santa Fe, and a small portion of Carlsbad.    The Olivenhain community is characterized by rolling hills, large lots, many fences, lots of cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads, and a good number of horses, cyclists, and some pedestrians.   The town has an interesting policy of "dark skies" which limits outdoor lighting, allowing for better views of the moon, stars and night sky, in keeping with the rural atmosphere.   Colony Olivenhain (meaning Olive Grove), as it was originally called, was founded by a group of German immigrants from Denver who arrived in 1884. The area was originally called Ranchas Las Encinitas. These first residents were given 5-acre plots of land and granted the use... 11/07/2007

Controversy was brewing in Encinitas but apparently was recently averted. And all because of a couple of boat houses.The boat houses are a great example of vernacular architecture, and stand out in the residential area near downtown Encinitas just a couple of blocks from the beach. Given the coastal area, such architecture is not, in my mind, a surprise.The two boat houses are actually apartments that are privately owned (there are 4 more rental units behind). The recent controversy in town had to do with the preservation of these historic properties (no, they are not real boats, but were built in 1928 from recycled lumber from the Moonlight Beach Dance Pavilion), in light of all the redevelopment that is occurring in town. Without protection, given the homes were to be sold, very likel... 11/06/2007

Encinitas MLS Home Search San Diego To search the Encinitas MLS or to create your own custom Encinitas Home Search, please use our FREE tools at Dawn Sells San Diego. Encinitas San Diego California has many homes and condos that are available to preview 24 hours a day at San Diego's Fastest Home Search with the best tools and best maps for your Encinitas and San Diego Home search. We want to make your Encinitas home buying experience the best it can possibly be. Encinitas 92024 Encinitas MLS All Homes in Encinitas Search Encinitas MLS All Condos in Encinitas Search Encinitas MLS Custom Encinitas Real Estate Search        Encinitas Real Estate Regular Maps Encinitas Real Estate Satellite Maps Encinitas Real Estate Hybrid Maps Please contact us to help you with your Encinitas Real Estate ... 11/01/2007

In the last year over 100 mortgage lenders have gone out of business due to the "mortgage meltdown" as most of you might now it is getting much more difficult to qualify for mortgages in Encinitas. The reason it is difficult to qualify for your Encinitas mortgage is because guidelines have changed drastically. Even reverse mortgages in Encinitas are getting harder to qualify for, leaving many looking for a honest mortgage company in Encinitas.Since many mortgage brokers in Encinitas are going out of business, and others are not able to get you qualified, you need to call a reputable company to help you with your home mortgage in Encinitas. We here at America One Mortgage Group are a national company headquartered out of Encinitas California. We have offices in many states and fund milli... 10/21/2007

Encinitas Real Estate Market Conditions - Fastest Home Search in San Diego with best maps FREE!  Your Encinitas Real Estate Experts Includes Zip Code 92024 Homes for Sale in Encinitas California Real Estate Update The Encinitas Real Estate market conditions for homes in the resale market in Encinitas shows that there were 11 homes sold in Encinitas in September of 2007. The average sold price of these homes was $1,159,806 and the average marketed price or list price was $1,252,117. The lowest priced home sold in Encinitas was $567,000 and the highest priced home sold was $2,586,875. This home overlooked the ocean on Neptune Avenue and although it was only 3 bedroom 2 bath and ... more at San Diego Real Estate Blog Condos for Sale in Encinitas California Real Estate Update Encinitas Cond... 10/20/2007

It's time for North San Diego County gardners to clear out the ragged flower beds and make way for new growth.Thanks to the generosity of more than 100 local growers, Quali Botanical Gardens will be selling  donated tropical plants, fruit trees,plant books, bird houses and other items as part of their fund raising efforts.The sale takes place this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024.For additional information, call (760)436-3036, ext. 206.  10/19/2007

Here are the Encinitashome sales statistics from the MLS for September 2007 (private sales and new construction development sales that are not in the MLS are not included here).Homes for sale - 222 detached, 75 attached (about the same as in August)50 detached and 18 attached homes came on the market in August (7 of these homes or 10% went into escrow in the month they came on the market)214 detached and 82 attached homes have sold in the last 6 monthsAbsorption (inventory) is 5.4 months for detached (a decrease from August) and 4.9 months for attached homes (a slight increase)Average marketing time was 72 days for attached and 59 days for detached (consistent with August)Median sales price for detached - $875,000, about the same as in AugustMedian sales price for attached - $460,000, s... 10/11/2007

Most of the communities around me in Carlsbad offer Farmer's Markets throughout the year, either during the week or on weekends. Unlike back East where they only happened in the summer and fall, here we can enjoy the local produce year-round.In case you are interested, the San Diego Farm Bureau lists a good number of these markets (including the schedules), several of which I have visited...and they are well worth the time. The Carlsbad Farmer's Market is held on Wednesdays in the village from 1 - 5 PM and on Saturdays from 9 - 1. This is my favorite, but then I may be biased since I live in Carlsbad.The Farmer's Market in Encinitas is held every Sunday from 10 - 2 at the Paul Ecke Elementary School grounds on Vulcan Avenue in Leucadia, a funky, eclectic community with a strong surfing ... 10/01/2007

Encinitas Real Estate, Encinitas Homes for SaleEncinitas Real Estate, San Elijo Hills, La Costa, Carlsbad, San Marcos Real Estate                                www.EncinitasNeighborhoods.com !               Welcome to North County San Diego                 and  C21Dusty.com                               Visit My Sites:                    www.LiveinLeucadia.com!                                        http://www.surfcardiffhomes.com/                  http://www.carlsbadneighborhoods.com/                http://www.sanelijohillsreal-estate.com/                                                        http://www.lacostaaviara.com/               www.Shadowridge-Vista-Homes.com                   more to come    Grandview is on the beach in Leucadia (Encintas) Orpheus is a Road, but to many is c... 09/30/2007

Encinitas, San Diego California - Encinitas Real Estate and Community Information Search Encinitas Homes for Sale Encinitas Real Estate - If you're buying a home in Encinitas or need to know your Encinitas House Value make sure you contact Dawn Sells San Diego today. Your Encinitas Real Estate, Home and Loan Connection. All Encinitas Homes for Sale including 92024 ZIP Code. All Encinitas Condos for Sale including 92024 ZIP Code. Encinitas in North County Coastal San Diego is comprised of several communities rich in San Diego history. Encinitas is comprised of Cardiff by the Sea, Leucadia, Olivenhain, New Encinitas and Old Encinitas and was incorporated in 1986. Officially founded by Jabez Pitcher in 1881 when he filed a claim for the land which is now Encinitas. In 1870 Leucadia was fou... 09/27/2007

The Wavecrest Woodie Festival was held today at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. This is one of the largest festivals of its kind anywhere. I was at an open house for the afternoon so I could not get there in time to see the majority of the festivities, but I did arrive in time to capture a few of the famed "woodies' still hanging around. The sun was heading toward the horizon and the beach was mobbed - it was the typical beach afternoon in Southern California. These cars are such a classic statement of beach life in California (and elsewhere I suppose) so it was a treat to see what I was able to capture at this late hour. One woodie, in particular, despite being in less than pristine condition, is perhaps one of the most admired in the circle of woodie afficionados, because it has not bee... 09/15/2007

Sometimes, when I need to recharge my own batteries, I head over to the Self Realization Fellowship Gardens in Encinitas, where I can sit, meditate, breathe deeply and put life into perspective. There is something almost magical about shaded gardens, hidden ponds and an ocean view that stretches forever. Here, cell phones are silenced and the only sounds you might hear are birds chirping and the ocean roaring as it hits the beach and cliffs below. Treeside benches are placed at frequent intervals along the shaded winding paths, and at random turns you are likely to discover a small koi pond or some botanical surprise.All paths eventually lead to the edge of the earth, where magnificent ocean views will take your breath away.  On a recent trip there with family, my Houston, Texas nephew ... 09/09/2007

The following summaries home sales statistics from the MLS for Encinitas for August (private sales and new construction development sales that are not in the MLS are not included here).Homes for sale - 235 detached, 66 attached (up 4% from July)71 detached and 23 attached homes came on the market in August 223 detached and 85 attached homes have sold in the last 6 monthsAbsorption (inventory) is 6.3 months for detached (a small decrease from July) and 4.6 months for attached homes (a slight increase)Average marketing time was 71 days for attached and 58 days for detached (consistent with July)Median sales price for detached - $879,000, a 2% increase over JulyMedian sales price for attached - $460,000, on par with JulyOn average, homes are selling at 94% (detached) and 96% (attached) of ... 09/08/2007

Encinitas will have, in the not to distant future, one of the finest resorts in Southern California, perched on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, with endless views and price tags to match just over the Carlsbad border. Being built on the hill above the Ponto South Carlsbad State Beach parking area, at the corner of the coastal highway and La Costa Avenue, this resort promises to make a significant statement to residents and visitors alike, regardless of their perspective. The site is adjacent to Sea Bluff, a townhouse condominium development where homes are priced in the $800s to the low millions depending on location and views. Many oppose it, as it takes away from the already-limited beach front. Certainly one has to be concerned about the environmental impact, as well as more noise ... 09/04/2007

Another nursery has disappeared and Encinitas, after much debate and controversy, as one would expect, approved a new development by Shea Homes at 1657 Vulcan Avenue in Leucadiajust a few hundred yards from the Coastal Highway. The subdivision backs up to Hygeia, and in only 2 blocks (across the railroad tracks along Vulcan) to the ocean  - Grandview Beach is the closest. The new community was approved back in early 2006, and ground breaking is now in progress at the site. Leucadia is a community within Encinitas, at the northern boudnary and borders on Carlsbad. This beach community is known for the surfing history, its funkiness, and a paid-back atmosphere that is appreciated by residents and visitors. It remains a popular destination today due to wonderful beaches, terrific surfing,... 08/29/2007

Encinitas will be hosting its 13th Annual Oktoberfest and Street Fair this September 23, 2007. It is generally a sold-out event that allows everyone to be a fun-loving German (or fun-loving Californian) for just one day.And why, you ask, would someone want to do that?It's the lively German music, the fabulous German food (brats and kraut and potatoes and other hearty delectables from the kitchens and chefs at Carlsbad's Tip Top Meats), and the opportunity to browse the outdoor street fair and booths selling everything from handcrafted jewelry, doggie sunglasses, wardrobe accessories, nutritional supplements and home decor items. It is also an opportunity to enjoy a lovely autumn day in balmy Encinitas. The even will be held on Mountain View at the corner of El Camino Real--and is a grea... 08/29/2007

A new boutique hotel/fractional ownership resort is brewing in Leucadia, at the corner of La Costa Avenue and the Coastal Highway.   The Surfer's Point Resort at the north end of Leucadia (on the Carlsbad border) has been in the works for about 8 years and the dream is nearing the final stages - ground breaking should begin in late September. Certainly such an undertaking is not without controversy, given the location. But the 2-story resort will not impede any views, and the owners have gone through, I think, as many as 17 different governmental organizations plus the town and have satisfied ALL the requests.     So while some Leucadia folks may not be happy about the changes, it seems that the owners and designers are being very sensitive to preserving the feeling of the community to... 08/21/2007