The San Marcos real estate market continues to evolve, especially with the large number of distress sales. 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 San Marcos real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller. In January 2009 there were 74 homes sold in San Marcos' 2 zipcodes, as compared to 103 for December (a 28% decrease in sales). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.     TOTAL HOMES     Detached     Attached   Number   74 (down 28% 54 20 Days on Market   57 56 5... 02/06/2009

It's a landmark of sorts. A human-made one. And it can be seen for many miles - I can see it from South Carlsbad State Beach in fact, probably 7 miles away. I see it often when driving around for business and when driving by the other day finally stopped to take a couple of photos (I was in good shoes so no hiking up the hill for a close look).   The P is on Palomar Hill in the Merriam Mountains in San Marcos, across the street and to the rear of Palomar College, a 2-year community college servicing 30,000 part-time and full-time students. The college was founded in the 1940s, and 7 enterprising graduating students created the project on a 1/2 acre of ground on the mountain. Stop by and see it sometime if you are in the area. You can read more here. A little bit of local San Marcos tri... 01/31/2009

    to email us:     Member National Notary AssociationBonded, licensed and insuredfor your protection!       SAVE GASOLINE SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY I COME TO YOU !!         RATES FROM $5.00/SIGNATURE WE ALSO OFFER APOSTILLE SERVICE - FAST AND DISCOUNTS   I KNOW I CAN SAVE YOU MONEY PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN ESTIMATE   Background checked Discount for multiple signatures Thousands of notarizations performed Available 24/7 Apostilles - many times same day (notary fee usually included) Most documents and escrow/loan papers Covering San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles County Will go to San Diego County jails and hospitals Seniors and veterans welcome   Phone: 760.753.7915    Cell: 760.271.9242Cell: 619.884.7761email:waltersnotary@yahoo.com          SEARCH ENGINE KEYWORDS:SAN MARCOS NOTARYSAN ... 01/03/2009

  to email us:   Member National Notary AssociationBonded, licensed and insuredfor your protection!     SAVE GASOLINE SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY I COME TO YOU !!         RATES FROM $5.00/SIGNATURE WE ALSO OFFER APOSTILLE SERVICE - FAST AND DISCOUNTS   I KNOW I CAN SAVE YOU MONEY PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN ESTIMATE   Background checked Discount for multiple signatures Thousands of notarizations performed Available 24/7 Apostilles - many times same day (notary fee usually included) Most documents and escrow/loan papers Covering San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles County Will go to San Diego County jails and hospitals Seniors and veterans welcome   Phone: 760.753.7915    Cell: 760.271.9242Cell: 619.884.7761email:waltersnotary@yahoo.com          SEARCH ENGINE KEYWORDS:SAN MARCOS NOTARYSAN MARCOS... 01/03/2009

I have shared a number of articles in the past about some of the communities at San Elijo Hills in San Marcos. San Elijo Hills is one of the most popular master planned communities in Southern California, offering a wide range of home styles and prices in multiple communities by different builders. READ MORE: San Elijo Hills - Award-Winning Master Planned Community in San Marcos   Fall in San Elijo Hills   Sal Elijo Hills Real Estate - Elite Homes in San Marcos   San Elijo Hills Homes for Sale - Resale and New Construction   San Elijo Hills - A New Connection to San Marcos While most of the community is complete, there are several communities that are still building, with new homes for sale. Atherton, with a total of 71 homes, is located near the top of the community, with some new home... 12/31/2008

  San  Marcos residents will not have to wait long before the new Double Peak Regional Park will be available to enjoy. Work is beginning on this regional park with the "best view in town" or possibly North County. Double Peak Regional Park officially broke ground. With its 360-degree view from the inland mountain ranges to the Pacific Ocean the only tough part for visitors will be deciding which way to face. It will have the best views in San Marcos offering you a view of Coronado to San Clemente on a clear day. The park will include hiking trails and have a live in ranger station. Double Peak could be the crown jewel in the park system. The park is schedule for completion by next summer. The park will have 10 acres of developed land and 190 acres of open space. This area will add five... 12/26/2008

Although I am an Idaho native, I do enjoy living in the San Diego area now.  The time spent harvesting flower seeds out of the family flower garden must have influenced my lifelong love of gardening.  Each year for Halloween, my cosmic orange cosmos are at their showiest.  The vibrant cosmos are winding down their growing season.  Now, as we ready for the Christmas festivities, the Poinsettia we planted a few years ago from a holiday potted plant, is beginning to turn some of its leaves into that show-stopping brilliant pink.  Our weather is mild enough, that the Poinsettias grow outside year round.  In the "group" shot of the cosmos, you will see one of my favorite felines, Cowboy, casually meadering along the fence top -- something he does well when I am out gardening.  I have to cred... 11/29/2008

Market Update for Twin Oaks Valley Ranch, November, 2008 Call Lela today for a free market evaluation of your home! Call Steve today for expert assistance in locating your dream home!   Active   Homes on the market                                                                           List Price   Prestwick Ct. 4 bed / 3 bath                  1902 esf                                             $ 407,000 Turnberry 4 bed / 3 bath                        2447 esf                                              $499,900 Landmark 4 bed / 3.5 bath                     2754 esf                                             $ 534,900 *Lancashire 4 bed / 3 bath                  2869 esf                                           $ 575,000   Pending    (Homes under contract)                          ... 11/29/2008

As a confirmed foodie, dining out and find new places to enjoy is a favorite pastime. Despite living in Carlsbad, with a terrific list of eateries to experience, I often venture beyond the Carlsbad boundaries, either by invitation or because of things I have heard.  I am learning more and more about some wonderful dining places in San Marcos, and after a 3rd visit to one, decided to share the secret. You may already be a devotee. First off, San Marcos has an area called Restaurant Row on the north side of San Marcos Boulevard midway between Rancho Santa Fe Road and the 78. Restaurant Row, as you can imagine, is a collection of perhaps 18 eateries (I don't know the exact number but once I have tried them all I'll let you in on the tally). Here's a summary site about Restaurant Row. Our w... 11/26/2008

Or, at least it easily could have been. I attended an inspection with by buyers yesterday on an REO property. The inspector noticed a few items of "handywork" by a previous owner.  Most of what they did was simply to damage the doors, door hardware and drywall behind the doors. The big problem was the work that the owner did in the garage.  They decided to add a 50 amp circuit for a piece of welding equipment, which, by the way, had the wrong size wires.  When they left, not only did they take the welder, they took the receptacle and left the exposed wires hanging in the garage.  Most people wouldn't think of grabbing exposed electrical wire but my clients have a four year old.  Little boys pick up, climb and touch EVERYTHING.  Thank you Mr Home Inspector for immediately checking the ex... 11/19/2008

What is wrong in this picture? What action would you recommend, if any, to correct the problem? Home inspectors are required to be extremely observant.  Not only do they have to view the roof and ceilings, they have to view the floors and any possible visible defects. Even when there are floor coverings, there may be signs of a "cover up".  11/12/2008

As most agents and inspectors will attest, there are many creative homeowners out there. Maybe the homeowner, or installer thought that there was a dishwasher when he/she snapped the plug out of the garbage disposal prior to installing.  It was a good thing that this property had a nice selection of wines.  They located just the right size cork to re-plug the hole. Or maybe, the homeowner "borrowed" the disposal from his/her property that was foreclosed on but had no way of taking the dishwasher before the sheriff escorted them out.   I sure hope the inspector looks below the sink prior to checking the flow.  This is an upstairs unit, which means BIG trouble for the lower unit if the utility restores water to the unit without turning valves off on the interior. 11/11/2008

When you are thinking of buying or selling a home, Make the Call to Hankins and Hall Buyers - What I will do for you: Whether you are planning to purchase real estate now or a year from now, I will work with you and make sure that you understand the entire process. I will sit with you and review a Buyer's Resource Binder that includes 1) A comprehensive, step-by-step review of the home buying process. 2) Sample inspection reports and what to look for in a competent inspector. 3) Guidelines and review questions to use when selecting a loan professional. 4) We will review the entire purchase contract, disclosures and addenda so when you are ready to write an offer, there will be no surprises. 5) A comprehensive list of replacement costs and life expectancies of the major components of the... 10/30/2008

There have been many issues that have arisen as the result of the increasing short sales, foreclosures, and REOs in communities throughout the country. Property values have dropped Appraisals come in low resulting in deal falling apart or needing renegotiation "Stephen King" pools are common leading to health concerns such as West Nile Virus Neighborhoods once attractive and well-kept take on a rather disheveled appearance with multiple vacant homes on the block Vandalism of vacant homes has increased Folks break into vacant homes to have parties Squatters sometimes take over vacant properties You get the idea. The other issue that is increasingly causing concern to homeowners about the distressed are the mini-dorms which are cropping up in neighborhoods in San Diego, including San Elij... 10/27/2008

  Mark your calendar and set your alarm! The San Marcos Sheriff's Station and the City of San Marcos in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of San Marcos will be hosting the 11th annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser.  All proceeds this year will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos. Date:    Thursday, November 06, 2008 Time:    6:00 AM until 10:00 AM Cost:     $5.00 donation Place:   San Marcos Community Center,  3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069 The Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos offers the following: Homework Assistance Reading Programs Educational Games  Computer Education Computer Recreation Internet Safety Programs Performing Arts Arts & Crafts Health & Life Skills Programs Prevention Programs Cooking & Nutrition Class Character & Leadership Development Programs Y... 10/23/2008

The City of San Marcos has just opened the first of several new parks being built within the City limits.  Hollandia Park is a 30+ acre park that has many ammenities: Two lighted softball fields One lighted multi-purpose field that is big enough for soccer events Several picnic areas (one of which can be used for large parties of up to 100 people) Large tot lot for smaller children A climbing wall adjacent to the tot lot Horseshoe pits (3) Amphitheater that seats roughly 150 people Dog park that features a small dog area and a LARGE dog area Skate Park over 1-1/2 miles of walking trails 10/15/2008

San Elijo Hills in San Marcos is the City's newest master planned community with over 3000 homes.  The Towncenter is a 90 acre, mixed use area that offers San Elijo residents a place to work, shop, play and relax.  San Elijo offers single family neighborhoods, retail, office and multi-family units, which are all spokes surrounding the hub at the Towncenter. The community offers miles of wonderful multi-use hiking trails.  San Marcos has over fifty miles of hiking trails, which includes the 18 miles of trails in San Elijo Hills.  Take advantage of the trails on Nov 1st, 2008 and participate in San Marcos Trials Day. From the parks and trails within San Elijo Hills you will find spectacular mountain and ocean views.  One of the newest additions to the San Elijo Hills area is the San Marco... 10/12/2008

Although, it's easy to think of Hawaii when you see a beautiful yellow hibiscus in bloom, we are lucky enough to have them in the San Diego area as well.  Today we have another day over ninety degrees which has once again necessitated turning the air conditioner back on.  We've had some wonderfully cool and crisp nights, but just a handful --- becauset this is San Diego after all! 10/09/2008

The City of San Marcos presents San Marcos Alive this Sunday from 10am until 4pm.  There will be over 20 FREE hands on art projects for children.  Artists Crafters Clowns Music Dance Entertainers High School Student Art Show Childrens Art Contest And, of course, MORE Sunday, October 5th at the San Marcos Civic Center - 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069 Join the City of San Marcos for this FREE event. The San Marcos Civic Center is located near the intersection of San Marcos Blvd and Mission Road, which sits directly adjacent to the Sprinter stop.  If you are traveling from Escondido, Vista or Oceanside let the Sprinter do the driving.     09/29/2008

Prop 13, which passed by California voters in 1978, limited the ability for local public agencies to increase property taxes in order to fund needed improvements and services. California Senator Henry Mello and Assemblyman Mike Roos co-authored the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 in order to help fund public improvements of streets, sewer system, police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, schools, parks, libraries, museums and other cultural facilities.   Municipal bonds are generally sold by the CFD in order to provide the large amount of capital initially needed to build the improvements or fund the services. There are many different types and there is contact information provided by the taxing authority, which allows tax payers to find out exactly what the CF... 09/25/2008