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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.)
Free Christmas Tree Recycling in CarlsbadUntil January 15, 2021 As they do each year, the City of Carlsbad is offering free, curbside pickup of Christmas trees for Carlsbad residents, along with several drop-off locations, through January 15th.  If you want to use curbside pickup on your regular trash pick-up day trees should be placed at the end of your driveway next to your green waste bin. NOTE: If your tree is taller than 6 feet it can be cut in half then placed next to the green waste bin. If possible you should cut the tree and place it in the Green Waste recycling bin for pick-up.   Be aware that flocked trees cannot be recycled and must be picked up as regular trash (place in the trash bin) Be sure to remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and tree stands before recycling your t...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Wordless Wednesday: Holiday Bah Humbug  Every year we drive around to see some of the lights in our area, in addition to taking a walk in the neighborhood. Several neighbors in a condo community we drove through years ago clearly had their own take on the holiday - this is certainly not MY opinion of Christmas, of course.  They must have been Ebenezer Scrooge fans (this was taken December 22, 2013 - sorry the quality is not too good...maybe that was intentional LOL)
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Christmas Beauty Along the Coast Road in Carlsbad Every year I take at least 1 drive down the Coast Road (historic Route 101 a.k.a. Carlsbad Boulevard) south from Carlsbad to check out several old trees on the bluff that get decorated, a snare some photos.  I don't go all the way to the Encinitas border so perhaps I am missing some more beauty, besides the ocean itself!  I don't know if the same people decorate the trees every year nor who they are...I saw 3 trees today...and it really doesn't matter. Whoever they are I'm sure they have lots of fun, and truly enjoy the beauty they bring to these wizened trees overlooking the ocean below, and to so many people who drive by to look, and to take photos - not easy to do because of limited parking. Whoever you are...THANK YOU! This is an ent...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Here’s the Most Recent Carlsbad Art Wall Mural  ~ November 2020 ~ The 4th Carlsbad Art Wall (CAW) mural of 2020, and the 26th overall, was recently painted by Matty Davis. Davis lives in Aspen, CO but in the past was a practicing artist here in Carlsbad Village and was one of the early Artists in Residence at the well known New Village Arts Foundry gallery in the Village. Check out his Instagram site. If you live in the area or have visited Carlsbad, you probably have driven by the wall as you head to the beach on Carlsbad Village Drive. Even if you don’t know the official #CarlsbadArtWall name you may have observed  the changing murals on the east-facing wall of Senor Grubby’s Mexican Restaurant, just west of the train tracks and easily seen as you head west. The Carlsbad Art Wall (CAW...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
State Street Commons in Carlsbad VillageNearing Completion?? The face of Carlsbad Village has changed in many ways in recent years, with a number of residential complexes completed (e.g., SummerHouse, Seagrove, BeachWalk, Carlyle Carlsbad Village, Bungalows 8, Eleven West, and more) or underway (The Lofts at Carlsbad Village [apartments], Sea Glass), as well as commercial space and new restaurants.  The State Street area north of Grand Avenue has seen, and continues to see, both residential and commercial development.  One huge change was the closing of the Carlsbad Art and Antiques Mall back in 2019, being replaced with a major remodel and reinvention of several buildings to a commercial/retail space known at State Street Commons.  Here’s what it used to look like, for several decades....
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Wordless Wednesday: Sunset Crow ShowThe crows were going nuts the other night outside our house...hundreds and hundreds in the trees, on all the neighbors' houses, in driveways, and in the road. It made for an interesting sunset. And a rather noisy one. The recent sunsets have been particularly colorful...but there's quite a sad note to all this beauty.  Smoke from the massive fire in Orange County to our north is drifting west and out over the ocean, causing brilliant colors as the sun sets, but a painful reminder of what's still happening with the Bond Fire (now about 70% contained with over 7000 acres burned).  
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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 November 2020 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 176 homes sold in Carlsbad in November (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), down 5% from October but st...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2020 Makers Market Crafter’s Showcase Carlsbad Village December 5th It’s almost time for the Makers Market Crafter’s Showcase, sponsored by the Carlsbad Village Association. The 2nd annual event takes place on Saturday, December 5th, from 9 am until 4 pm.  The Makers Market Crafter’s Showcase is a Covid-safe event, being held at St. Michael’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church at 2775 Carlsbad Village Way.  This event is FREE, but you’ll want to bring your credit cards and cash for gift buying! [logo links to website]  The venue allows for plenty of room for social distancing, and there are fewer booths than at last year’s showcase. All health guidelines and protocols will be followed and enforced for all (i.e., staff, volunteers, vendors, attendees), including wearing masks and appropriate so...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! Sounds like Christmas, doesn't it? I was out doing the weekly grocery shopping (and getting a start for Thanksgiving) at Sprouts Farmers Market and they were heavy into the holiday music - "Let it Snow" was playing when I entered the store. This song always makes me chuckle, being here in Southern California, since we only get snow in the mountains, usually above 5000 feet, some of which can be seen from Carlsbad although they are many miles away. About a year after we moved here from Boston - in March of 2006 - we had one heckuva sleet storm which was about the closest thing to having snow on the ground that I've seen here.   Since leaving New England in 2005 I've only been in the snow a couple of times - once in December in Sedona AZ, 5 or 6 year...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad Village Treasure Huntis Happening Now! The 1st Carlsbad Village Treasure Hunt, sponsored by the Carlsbad Village Association, is underway but there's still plenty of time to participate. If you enjoy a good scavenger hunt you might find this right up your alley. From November 13 through November 29, Carlsbad residents can take part in the Carlsbad Treasure Hunt and explore some historical sites, find new places to dine, discover local businesses, and more in Carlsbad Village. And you may win one of the prizes – a total of $1000 worth! If you want to take part simply download the Treasure Hunt Game Card here and you're ready to go. You need to complete at least 13 of the activities, 3 of which must be photos, in order to qualify for the prize drawings; there are fifteen $50 gift...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Carlsbad Village November 28, 2020 It seems the holiday shopping season comes earlier every year. We’ve already had a couple of Black Fridays at some of the stores, with the original Black Friday coming November 27, just 1 week from this coming Friday. And that means the 11th annual Small Business Saturday in Carlsbad Village is close by, too.  The first Saturday after Thanksgiving has traditionally become an official day for supporting small businesses, and there will be plentiful opportunities at our Carlsbad Village merchants. Many residents, and visitors, likely support these small businesses already regularly! According to the Carlsbad Village Association website approximately 67 cents out of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the c...
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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 October 2020 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 educated purchase and sale decisions about Carlsbad homes for sale.  READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBADCarlsbad Village by the Sea 185 homes sold in Carlsbad in October (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), down 3% from September but that's st...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Happy Halloween 2020   This year Halloween is a bit different, for obvious reasons, but we still have lots of decorations. This purple monster is in our neighbors' yard, and of course I had to share a photo and the video with our grandkids! They thought it was terrific. We never had any of this stuff when I was a kid!! And, no, we will not try to compete!  
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
A Fall Day in Carlsbad, CA  It really felt like fall today. The sky was cloudy, there was a cool breeze, and leaves were rustling all over the road when I went to check on my Mom at her condo. There were still lots of leaves on the trees, but many are brown and other colors in those trees that change colors and lose their leaves.  Our leaves certainly don't rival the colors in George Souto's Fall Progression of Colors (check it out - he's now at week 5!). But this is not bad. There are still plenty of flowers, including the Bird of Paradise, Hibiscus and more. And, surprisingly, we had a brief rain shower that was completely unexpected. It rained heavily for about 5 minutes but that was it...however it's very badly needed after many months of no rain at all, and hopefully will soon be f...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Beach Life in Carlsbad VillagePrice Improvement - HOME HAS SOLD Live near 7 miles of Carlsbad beaches, with a spacious home office (or make it your exercise room, or a 3rd bedroom), and all that Carlsbad Village has to offer nearby. Add in a large private roof deck with westerly, sunset and ocean views, a new price, and it gets even better. This townhome at 2555 State Street offers a chic lifestyle, for your primary or second/vacation home, in the North State area of Carlsbad Village.  You will enjoy multiple restaurants, the State Street Farmers Market on Wednesdays, galleries, abundant shopping, a performing arts theater, a movie theater, public transportation (take the Coaster to San Diego or head north on Amtrak to Los Angeles and beyond), holiday events, and beautiful Carlsbad beac...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Condos and Townhomes for Sale in Carlsbad Village Market Update October 2020 Buyers seeking to move to Carlsbad Village, to retire there, or perhaps acquire a vacation home to enjoy the beach lifestyle, have a number of options, both resale as well as new construction. And of course there is the opportunity to enjoy all the amenities and services in Carlsbad Village close by, plus 7 miles of beaches. And for some being able to see the ocean and sunset from their home is a big plus. In addition to current new construction offerings, there are several townhome projects underway or approved that should be ready for occupancy in 2021 (timing to be determined). More on that in a moment. Be sure to check out the buyer and seller resources below, including downloadable guides and several video...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
What’s the Value My Carlsbad Home? Carlsbad Market Report for September 2020 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 191 homes sold in Carlsbad in September (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), down 4% from August but sti...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Throwback Thursday: Do What Ya Gotta Do!  I was scrolling through some old photos on my phone from 2017, and stumbled across this ground squirrel, clearly not confined to the ground, and using a bit of skill to reach the bird feeder in our back yard. Sometimes you do what ya gotta do to get what you want.
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Does the Street Name Matter? I shared a post yesterday about a street named The Yellow Brick Road in Valley Center, an inland community about 45 minutes inland from where I live.  Of course it makes you immediately think of the iconic Wizard of Oz movie, as do the other streets in that area – Dorothy Lane, Emerald City Drive, Wizard Way, Ozland Avenue. It’s actually not the only Yellow Brick Road around – I did a search in our MLS covering a large area of California and there are a number of streets with the same name. It got me thinking about street names in general, and wondering if the street name matters as far as where people want to buy and live…in either a positive or negative way.  Do some people want to live on certain streets – either because of the name or perhaps what the na...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Wordless Wednesday: Pink Grass  We took a walk the other day along the access road to The Preserve, a new build community still under constuction close to our home. There were a number of pretty plantings that have grown since the community was starting to be bilt, but these ornamental grasses were particularly pretty. My research tells me it's Pink Muhly Grass but I may be wrong.
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