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Carlsbad, CA Real Estate News

By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad Village Holiday Window Decorating Contest Holiday events are in full swing in Carlsbad and it’s time once again for the Carlsbad Village Window Display Contest. Carlsbad residents will certainly recall the Holiday Window Display contest in Carlsbad Village from previous years. The Contest is sponsored by the Carlsbad Village Association and there are always some fabulous displays.  I’m not sure if ALL retailers participate but there is certainly a high percentage who do. Public voting online is on-going now through December 16th for the “People’s Choice Award.” The online ballot is on the Carlsbad Village Association website. A panel of judges will select the “Best Holiday Window for 2024,” and a group from the Carlsbad Boy’s and Girl’s Club will pick the “Kids Favorite Award” ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
As those of you living in Carlsbad already know, there are a number of newspapers in the area, both major and local. While many people get their news on TV, the radio and perhaps more and more on the Internet, the local newspapers provide an important source of information of current events, town news, classifieds (including real estate) and much more.San Diego Union-Tribune - the major daily and Sunday paper, also on-line at Sign-on San Diego. Both a=re good sources of Carlsbad homes listings and those of other areas.The North County Times -daily paper covering North County San Diego (Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Fallbrook, Escondido and other nearby communities) and Southwest Riverside County. Also available on-line. Good local real estate source with ads for Carlsbad homes and nea...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The new public golf course, off Palomar Airport Road at 5800 The Crossings Drive, is open in Carlsbad. This long anticipated course (17+ years in the making and the subject of much controversy over land, budget and other issues) opened in early August 2007 to much acclaim, and is getting very popular with visitors and residents already.The 28,000 SF Club House is beautiful, inside and out, and situated on the hill with a panoramic view of the ocean and the course to the south and east. There is a gourmet restaurant, The Canyons, which is open for breakfast and lunch daily with full bar service (check out their sample menu), offers great views of the course, the surrounding hills, and the ocean in the distance. The Pro Shop was pretty impressive looking, at least to this non-golfer (I'll...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
One of my favorite desserts in the summer (well, all year, actually) is ice cream. And I have had the gustatory pleasure of enjoying ice cream at many fine places. Kimball's, back in Littleton/Westford, MA was THE favorite of all time, but since I now live here in Carlsbad, finding an alternative was essential (since I don't always want to make my own).Cold Stone Creamery is the best I have found here in South Carlsbad. Located at The Forum, and upscale shopping mall off El Camino Real on Calle Barcelona, this place seems to be the most popular ice cream place in this part of town (I am working in discovering some other places to have some variety).       Cold Stone Creamery is a chain (you can own a franchise if you want), so the offerings are creative and the same everywhere. There is...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
For new home buyers interested in Carlsbad homes, it's an exciting time. The model homes in one of the most popular subdivisions have just been released for sale.And they are beautiful!The model homes at Balearas, the Pulte-built neighborhood at La Costa Greens in La Costa, South Carlsbad were released this past Saturday. These homes range in size from 4,342 SF up to 4,913 SF on lots of 13,821 to 15,485 SF. The homes were being sold first to the interest list of registered buyers, if interested, and then to the general public, beginning Saturday morning at 11. All furnishings and accessories in these gorgeous Carlsbad homes are included in the sales price.The Craftsman model is priced at $1,623,899 and sits overlooking the north course of the La Costa Resort and Spa. This home is two st...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The Rancho Santa Fe Art Fair took place today in the two parks in the heart of the Village across the street from the famed Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.  The weather was perfect and there were a couple of hundred arts and crafts vendors displaying their creations, scattered among the two parks under the trees along Avenida de Acacias at Paseo Delicias.There were a large number of jewelry makers, along with numerous painters in all media (watercolor, oil, prints, drawings, mixed media and more). Other artists displayed their sculpture, hand-made scarves and hand bags, heirloom pillows, creative t-shirts with antique lace and other trimmings (Antiqui-TEE), fountains, photographs and much more. It was a feast for the eyes and some great shopping. This was the 8th year for the fair and it seemed...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad has achieved a reputation as the place to go on the Southern California coast for spa treatments. Whether you are seeking to spend a day luxuriating, or simply want a massage or a facial, the spas in Carlsbad offer an array of body and facial treatments, and a mix of prices to boot. There is no limit as to what you can spend on pampering yourself or relaxing.(photo from the Four Seasons Aviara Resort website)Named after the famous health spa in Karlsbad in the Czech Republic, Carlsbad is probably best known for the world-renowned La Costa Resort and Spa, established back in the 1960s and perhaps the first full-treatment spa in the US. Following a series of transitions and, most recently, a make-over (sort of like a human make-over) of more than $120 million (for the full resort...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
A question Carlsbad buyers often have is "How far is it to _____?" It seems this is typically focused on things like the beach (especially in my area in coastal Carlsbad), public transportation, the city (San Diego), golf options and so on. I suspect you have the same experience, with different buyers focusing on different venues depending on their particular needs (seniors perhaps need to be near medical facilities; buyers with kids want to be near certain schools). (photo courtesy of Andertho at Flickr)I'm curious - how do you handle these questions?My personal approach is to suggest that people verify the distances by walking or by car themselves, since driving and walking time can vary by person. Plus some people view a 15 walk as a breeze while others would say "only by car." I pre...
Comments 2
By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Here is a summary of the housing statistics from the MLS for Carlsbad for the month of August (this information does not include private sales or homes sold through builders that are not in the MLS).Homes for sale - 532 detached, 288 attached (up 4% from July)174 detached and 99 attached homes came on the market in August578 detached and 257 attached homes have sold in the last 6 monthsAbsorption (inventory) is 5.5 months for detached (same as July) and 6.7 months for attached homes (slight increase from July)Average marketing time was 60 days for attached and 67 days for detachedMedian sales price for detached - $767,375, about the same as in JulyMedian sales price for attached - $450,500, about the same as in JulyOn average, homes are selling at 95% (detached) and 96% (attached) of li...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Is there mold in your Carlsbad home? Did the home inspection for the property you are trying to buy reveal possible mold? It's likely the answer is YES in many Carlsbad homes. It's important to know that mold is very common both indoors and out, and molds provide a useful service by destroying dead or decaying plant matter. However they can also cause problems indoors - destruction of wall, ceiling, roof or floor surfaces, and may pose a health hazard for many people. In recent years the presence of mold has become a much larger issue in real estate transactions and many concerns have been raised in the media about mold. While it is true that mold can be found just about anywhere there is moisture, which it needs to survive, it is not true that mold presents a significant problem in mos...
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By Roberta Murphy, Carlsbad Real Estate and Homes
(San Diego Previews Real Estate)
I believe we have an important new issue to negotiate on behalf of our clients: CANCELLATION FEES A few weeks ago we had a buyer cancel a purchase transaction within the timeframes agreed upon by the buyer and seller. Notices of cancellation were sent out shortly after the physical inspection on the $400,000 downtown San Diego condo. It should have been a simple matter yo cancel the escrow, but that was not to be the case. The Prudential listing agent had insisted that Prudential California-owned Pickford Escrow handle the transaction. Everything proceeded smoothly until the point of our buyer's cancellation, when Pickford assessed a $1115 cancellation fee against him, and refused to back down from that claim despite our requests to do so. Never in our real estate praqctice had we encou...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
As a homeowner I expect you like to not pay more than your fair share of property taxes. Goodness knows they are high enough as it is, and if you are in a newer Carlsbad subdivision you may also be paying Mello Roos taxes (which can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year) on top of your property taxes and your HOA fees. Yikes.I recently wrote about property taxes here in Carlsbad, and San Diego County in general. If you are concerned about not overpaying, or you don't know the basics about your property taxes (as either a new homeowner, seasoned resident, or a first time buyer) I strongly urge you to take a look. It could cost you some bucks not to.Read more on your property taxes here >>>>>Here's something else you should know about your home's property taxes.Do you qualify ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad offers a great number of things to do, both indoors and out. For folks who enjoy outdoor art-related events, ART SPLASH is one activity you will not want to miss. This is the 5th year for this non-profit event that benefits and promotes the arts in our Carlsbad community (Art Splash logo courtesy of their website - click logo to go to their site)Perhaps best known for is Professional Chalk Art exhibit, Art Splash is a 2-day festival of fun, food, sights to see and things to do, for young and old. The festival will be held this year on September 22 and 23 (Saturday 10 - 6; Sunday 10 - 5) on Armada Drive off Palomar Airport Road (just behind the famed Flower Fields). There is FREE public parking on South Armada Drive overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.There will be fine art ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad is unique among other coastal San Diego communities in that it has 3 lagoons within its boundaries, providing unique recreational opportunities, as well as environmental and preservation challenges. (photos are all of the Batiquitos Lagoon - the top left photo of the Batiquitos Lagoon IS a bit hazy, but that is true of summer days when looking out to the ocean, with the marine layer and all, espcially from a distance. I have yet to see it crystal clear) Lagoons are fairly shallow bodies of salt or brackish waster separated, typically, from the larger sea by a sand bank, reef or similar structure. There are often adjacent wetlands. At the north, on the border of Oceanside, is the 350-acre Buena Vista Lagoon (Spanish for "good view"). This lagoon, owned by the California Departm...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
As a non-surfing surfing enthusiast, I recently wrote about surfing in the Southern California area, focusing on Carlsbad, Encinitas and Cardiff. I mentioned the California Surf Museum in Oceanside but had not yet paid a visit. So I could not comment very much.Well, today I stopped in on my way home from showing Oceanside homes- and I'm glad I did. While I do not yet surf, I absolutely am enthralled with the history of the sport here in Southern California and the lifestyles that have evolved. Surfing has had a tremendous impact on communities, sports, attitudes and much, and to live in this area on has to appreciate the influence that surfing has had, and still has, from Oceanside to San Diego.You owe it to yourself to stop by the California Surf Museum, on the 101 in the center of Oce...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
On the main drag in Carlsbad, the Coastal highway, on the north end as you are heading toward Oceanside, lies a shop that MUST be your destination if you are planning your wedding.Seaside Bloom, at 2744 Carlsbad Blvd., Suite 110, is quickly becoming THE place to go in Carlsbad, and the north coastal area in general, for weddings. Suzanne Wunsch, owner, master designer, and creator of extraordinary beauty, will make YOUR wedding day an event that will be remembered for years to come.While this Carlsbad store is less than a year old, Suzanne brings years of experience designing and creating masterful bouquets, and table-top centerpieces that take your breath away. And now the complete package can be yours - from extravagant colorful linens that coordinate with the wedding colors (napkins,...
Comments 14
By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
I recently wrote an article about making your home easy to sell. The focus was on the things you, as the seller, should do, or not do, to more easily sell you home. I suspect some of my suggestions were common sense things you were aware of already, but I find that often sellers in Carlsbad unintentionally do things that make selling their homes more difficult, and which, in effect, sabotage their home sales. Awareness of these roadblocks is the key to your success.Here we talk more about exposure of your home to the buyer market. In a competitive housing market such as ours, with many homes in your area that are like yours in price and condition, maximizing exposure to the targeted pool of buyers is needed so you have the best opportunity to sell your home.A large part of exposure is t...
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By Jeff Cole, Homes For Sale 360-316-1177
(Realogics Sotheby's International Realty)
Charming 2 story home in desirable gated community of Poinsettia Cove, 1 block to the beach w/recreation areas, walking trails & RV parking. Enjoy Corian type counters, maple cabinets & large island in the light,spacious kitchen. Crown moldings, closet organizers, outdoor soft hot tub are just a few of the many upgrades. For more information visit our website at www.coastalhomeinfo.com
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Are you interested in knowing how to make your Carlsbad home easy to sell? It's not that difficult, even in today's market. You just to need to have the right ingredients.The most obvious, which you already know, but perhaps are ignoring, is PRICE. If you price it right, it will sell. It might not be the price YOU want, but the market doesn't listen to sellers, or agents for that matter. And if the price is not right, well, you might as well stop reading this right now, since the rest I have to share with you won't make a lick of difference. You know, from everything you have read and heard, that the condition of your home is important - no clutter and de-personalized, take care of the repairs, get rid of odors, create curb appeal, and so on. You can't change the location, so if that i...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Is nearby shopping an important criterion for you in your Carlsbad home search?Many buyers have particular requests regarding where their new home is to be located, and that often has to do with available grocery shopping. Many of us shop pretty regularly for food, and with the amount of fresh produce that is available in California year-round, this is easy to do.While there are lots of grocery stores in Carlsbad (big chains like Albertsons and Vons), many folks find that these are not the best places to shop for fresh produce because of the high costs. While less expensive than back East (except perhaps for the summers when produce on the east coast is at its best and least expensive) the big chains just cannot compete with other stores for freshness, quality, and price. I also recomme...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Access to beaches in California is pretty good, as compared to what I have seen in other parts of the country. There is a fair amount of parking (much of it free) so residents and visitors can readily enjoy the outdoor beach life that California is so famous for.For obvious reasons, beach accessibility can be a real task for those who are physically challenged or who have disabilities. Sand does not make a good walking surface, and regular wheelchairs don't do well. Many of our beaches here in North County San Diego, including some in Carlsbad, are at the base of the bluffs, so access often is by stairs (although the Encinitas beaches are more challenging in terms of stair access, especially at Swami's, Grandview, Stone Steps and Beacon's) which are challenging themselves.[above photo i...
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