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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.)
Makers Market: A Crafter’s Showcase May 1, 2021 in Carlsbad Village The 3rd Markers Market: A Crafter’s Showcase event of 2021 will take place on Saturday May 1, 2021. The Makers Market has been a popular event in Carlsbad Village for a few years and they have now expanded due to the popularity to include multiple events during the year. The Makers Market is FREE, but of course if you expect to shop and buy you’ll want to bring credit cards or cash!   The Makers Market is Covid-safe, as it takes place outdoors on the campus of St. Michael’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church located at 2775 Carlsbad Boulevard in the Village. The number of booths is limited to reduce potential exposure, and attendees will have plenty of room for social distancing. Expect that all recommended CDC and County heal...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
There’s no question that buying or selling a home is stressful, even when things go really well. And when they don’t, the tension level rises and the emotions can run rampant. Sometimes it’s easy to forget about your goal – selling your home and moving, perhaps to a new home, or buying the home that meets your needs and budget in a place you want to be. Maybe the goal is relocating to be near family, for a different climate, or maybe due to health issues. The reality is buyers and sellers can lose focus on their goal - getting to the closing table so they can move on – because of all the other stuff that gets in the way: unexpected problems that arise, delays in the transaction, the sheer volume of decisions that have to be made, lots of paperwork, packing to move, daily life, and the l...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for March 2021 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to change, with some shifts from last month and 1 year ago. These data do not include private sales or manufactured/mobile/multi-family housing (the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate at the time they are reported but are not guaranteed). Media reports speak in general terms, and do not reflect our local Carlsbad housing market. Current data, and information, about the local market conditions benefit you so you can make well-informed purchase and sale decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale.  READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 140 homes sold in Carlsbad in March (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), up 18% from February! Here’s w...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Dredging the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in CarlsbadBeach Sand Replenishment The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is one of 3 lagoons in Carlsbad, in addition to the Batiquitos Lagoon in south Carlsbad, bordering the Aviara area and Encinitas, and the Buena Vista Lagoon, to the north of Carlsbad Village bordering Oceanside.  Every 1 to 4 years since 1954 the lagoon has gone through dredging to remove the excess sand that has flowed in from the ocean and forms a sand bar.  The dredging project has been the responsibility of the Encina Power Plant located adjacent to the lagoon. The power plant has been retired and is in the process of being torn down, and the water desalination plant, Poseidon Water, now has responsibility of the dredging per an agreement with the City of Carlsbad. The dredging is underway...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Wordless Wednesday:Carlsbad Flower Fields March 24, 2021  I was out running errands in and around Carlsbad Village and stopped by for my first look at the Carlsbad Flower Fields that opened March 1. Tractor Riding in the Flower Fields The fields are gorgeous, as always, although they are not yet at peak bloom. The view overlooking the ocean on this beautiful Spring day was pretty awesome. 
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Is 15 Minutes Long Enough for a House Tour? When anxiously awaiting a particular event or occurrence, 15 minutes seems like a heckuva long time. But when you are running late for an appointment? Oh my, that 15 minutes is gone in a flash. Much too fast! So how about when touring homes for sale? Our local market is crazy right now, as I suspect is true in many areas around the country. For us, this means limited time frames to see homes because of the sheer volume of buyers who are clamoring to see listings, and sellers in occupied homes wanting to limit  showings, at least to some extent. It’s not uncommon here that appointments for showings are for 15 minute slots in order to allow the 20 or so buyers and their agents in for a tour in a few hours on given days. Sometimes you get 30 minu...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for February 2021 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to change, with some shifts from last month and 1 year ago. These data do not include private sales or manufactured/mobile/multi-family housing (the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate at the time they are reported but are not guaranteed). Media reports speak in general terms, and do not reflect our local Carlsbad housing market. Current data, and knowledge, about the local market conditions benefit you so you can make well-informed purchase and sale decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale.  READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 119 homes sold in Carlsbad in February (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), up 4% from January! Here’s...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Ready to Don Your Mask and Go House Hunting? Now that you’ve made a decision to buy your first house, or a new one, I bet you’re ready to put on a face mask and go house hunting. Hold on, just a moment. There are some important matters to address before setting up appointments to see the homes you like. GET PRE-APPROVEDThis goes without saying. Can you realistically shop for a home when you don’t know how much you can afford, or even know that you qualify for a mortgage?   Do you know what loan program is best for your financial situation? How much down payment do you need? Are you aware of your estimated closing costs? Are there credit issues you don’t know about (it happens!)?  Also, you may be asked to provide a written pre-approval letter before a showing can occur, or is even appro...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Makers Market Crafter’s Showcase Events for Carlsbad Village 2021 The Makers Market: A Crafter’s Showcase has been a popular event in Carlsbad Village and is expanding. The event will continue in 2021 on the 1st Saturday of each month – March 6, April 3, May 1 and June 5, 2021. The Makers Market is Covid-safe and events will be held outdoors on the campus of St. Michael’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church at 2775 Carlsbad Boulevard. These events are FREE, but you’ll want to bring credit cards or cash for gift buying! The number of booths is limited, so there is plenty of room for social distancing. All recommended CDC and County health guidelines and protocols will be enforced for everyone - staff, attendees, vendors, volunteers - at each Makers Market Showcase, including wearing masks and so...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Throwback Thursday: The Orioles are Back in Carlsbad  It seems a fitting Throwback Thursday topic since I saw my first male oriole for 2021 this morning at the jelly feeder. I knew the time was near as they reportedly migrate back from Mexico around the beginning of March and hang out in our area until September or so. This photo was from a previous year but he was just as good looking - I was just getting coffee and wasn't exactly prepared with a camera in hand!
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch Open March 1, 2021 The Flower Fields in Carlsbad CA will open to the public on Monday March 1st, barely a week from now.  2020 was certainly different, given the pandemic, and the Flower Fields were open to the public less than 3 weeks before the Governor issued the statewide Stay at Home restrictions. But it’s that time again, and the Carlsbad Flower Fields are preparing to open with some new procedures in place.  No on-site tickets will be sold; tickets must be purchased online Masks are required for staff and visitors at all times, as is social distancing (we’re all used to that, right?!). A NEW feature in 2021 is the U-Pick Blueberry Patch with its own parking area. You can enjoy picking blueberries as part of your visit to the Flower Fields, OR g...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Resources for Carlsbad Home Sellers for 2021 If you are considering selling your Carlsbad home in 2021, or perhaps have a home in a nearby community, I believe you will find these resources helpful as you start thinking about what lies ahead. HOME SELLER GUIDEMy 2021 Winter Home Selling Guide is ready for you to download for FREE.  If you are also planning to buy another home, my 2021 Winter Home Buying Guide will be useful! When selling your home it’s important to be as educated as possible about the sales process, and understand the local market conditions that impact the sale of your home. There’s a lot to know, and important decisions for you to make, especially when it comes time to consider offers. While my seller guide does not cover everything you need to know, you will come to ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Single Story Homes for Sale in CarlsbadFebruary 19, 2021 Market Update Plenty of Carlsbad home buyers prefer a single story detached home versus a 2-story when searching for a new place to live.  There are Carlsbad home buyers who simply prefer a single floor layout with no stairs, while others might have a medical need necessitating single story living. Some buyers are willing to purchase a 2-story as long as there is a master bedroom on the main floor, although these tend to be limited in supply. The overall Carlsbad inventory remains tight (here’s the January 2021 Housing Market Report for Carlsbad). If a detached single story home is preferred, all the current single story listings are resales - there is no new construction currently in the MLS.  As of the time of this report we hav...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value of My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Home Sales for January 2021 The Carlsbad real estate market continues to change, with some shifts from last month and 1 year ago. These data do not include private sales or manufactured/mobile/multi-family housing (the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate at the time they are reported but are not guaranteed). Media reports speak in general terms, and do not reflect our local Carlsbad housing market. Current data, and knowledge, about the local market conditions benefit you so you can make well-informed purchase and sale decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale.  READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 114 homes sold in Carlsbad in January (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), down 32% from December! Here’s ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Follow Your Heart Blown Glass Treasure Hunt~ Carlsbad Village February 2021 ~ Do you need something fun to do that will get you outdoors? I have an idea… The Carlsbad Village Association and Barrio Glassworks are sponsoring a cool treasure hunt beginning February 6, and running through Presidents’ Day February 15th. (Image links to the CVA website) This event seems pretty appropriate given February is Heart Health Month (a.k.a. American Heart Month), and Valentine’s Day is just 8 days away from the start date.  50 hand-blown glass hearts will be hidden in Carlsbad Village in popular locations. Each engraved glass heart is numbered and dated, and a collectible! Residents will be provided general clues on where to find the glass hearts, and once discovered should register their find on a ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Smile at the Birdie!~ Up Close and Personal ~   My wife gave me a fun Christmas gift in 2020...a bird feeder with a camera. We enjoy feeding the wide variety of birds in our yard and watching their antics, but this gives you a very "up close and personal" look...a bird's eye view, so to speak! Not all the photos turn out, of course but they're easy to download off the micro SD card. The first camera was defective but a quick call to customer service got me a new camera, no questions asked.
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Wordless Wednesday: Carlsbad Hailstorm  Perhaps this should have been titled Wordless Monday, which was when we had our winter storm with very heavy winds and lots of rain in the San Diego area for most of the day, but beginning over the weekend.  And we got to enjoy a hailstorm, too...for about 2 minutes. It was quite loud and the cats were both freaked out. I haven't seen hail, at least at our house, since 2006.
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The Global Great Kindness Challenge January 2021 The GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE kicks off today, January 25th and runs through Friday the 29th. Thousands of schools around the country, as well as in over 100 other countries typically take part in this global event. Kindness is a pretty good idea anytime for us, and not just in our schools.  The Great Kindness Challenge was founded in 2012 here in Carlsbad. The Kindness Challenge was started by Carlsbad resident Jill McManigal, co-founder and Executive Director of the non-profit, Kids for Peace, with her 2 kids.  The Great Kindness program was implemented at 3 schools in Carlsbad in 2012, and the Great Kindness Challenge has expanded, not surprisingly, rather dramatically.  Kids for Peace offers several programs in addition to the Great Ki...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Here’s the January 2021 Carlsbad Art Wall Mural The newest Carlsbad Art Wall mural and the 1st for 2021, “Kindness Unites,” is a collaboration between artist Andrea J’Neene Team and the Carlsbad global non-profit, Kids for Peace and its co-founder and executive director, Jill McManigal. This particular mural has a special message for all in 2021 and beyond…a hope for many days of kindness, positivity and unity! Kids for Peace sponsors the Great Kindness Challenge and other programs. The 2021 Great Kindness Challenge starts tomorrow, January 25th and runs through Friday January 29th. In 2020 over 15,000,000 children in 115 countries participated from 28,002 schools, displaying over 750 million acts of kindness.    If you live nearby or have visited Carlsbad, you likely have driven by thi...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Wordless Wednesday: Lunch at the Beach  We enjoyed a couple hours at the beach in Carlsbad on Sunday, with a picnic lunch...something we haven't done since the pandemic began. It was a partly sunny day with some interesting clouds, and a light breeze that made us glad we wore heavier jackets. The beach was not crowded and people were spread out, and it was wonderful to just sit and talk, and stare out at the ocean and watch the surfers, kids playing in the water, and the pelicans and seagulls soaring overhead.
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