The Meditation Gardens in EncinitasThe Last Day of Fall 2017 I was out running some errands, including upgrading my Supra Key needed for a new listing in Temecula (a different county) in a couple of weeks, and stopped by the Meditation Gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas in my way home. The Gardens are beautiful, and being perched on the bluff above the ocean also offer spectacular views of the ocean far below. Steps leading to the Meditation Gardens It was a gorgeous day, the last day of Fall, and the gardens were pretty quiet, with only a few visitors. I don’t get to visit very often – it’s been a couple of years - but always come away with a sense of peace and tranquility after spending time wandering, taking photos, and just sitting for a few minutes. One might s... 12/22/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home? Encinitas Market Report for November 2017 Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale.  Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for November 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data are entered into the MLS system or change over time. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA In November 2017, there were 40 homes sold in Encinitas, down by 13% from las... 12/08/2017

Don't miss the Garden of Lights 2017 at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas CA  The holiday season is here, and there are tons of fun, and beautiful, things to see and do.  Sp put this on your calendar - the annual Garden of Lights opens Saturday, December 2nd  at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, CA.  While no one would deny the San Diego Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to enjoy at any time of the year, it’s especially magical during the holidays when the gardens come to life with 125,000 sparkling lights for their annual Garden of Lights event. You can view the garden and lights from December 2nd through the 23rd, and then again from the 26th to the 30th, from 5 – 9 PM daily (the San Diego Botanic Garden opens at 9 am).  We visited a few years ago and I can tell you... 11/24/2017

Something To Ponder On Whence Visiting With Family During The Holidays As a 72 year young SEASONED CITIZEN this is a topic I've been pondering for the past several decades. It will be interesting to see where this all ends up moving forward. No doubt, San Diego, like so many other  destination Retirement zones throughout the Country, will be put to the test trying to figure out how to deal with housing their growing share of 80 million Baby Boomers in the next 20+ years. This drives my point even further home (pun intended) for the need and timeliness to consider a BACKYARD HOME aka Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). I speak with Seniors daily about their desire to age in place and remain on the property and in the home they raised their families in.  Sure there is no doubt that an ever inc... 11/22/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home? Encinitas Home Sales in October 2017?  Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale.  Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for October 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data are entered into the MLS system or may change over time.  READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA  In October 2017, there were 46 homes sold in Encinitas, about the same as l... 11/04/2017

OK, Are You Gettin It Yet?  Is the language of REAL ESTATE finally getting the message? This is a million dollar estate finally heeding the needs of the real World.      Offered at $999,000 - $1,095,000. Stunning, single level Mediterranean estate located on 1.3 acre lot overlooking the peaceful canyons. Private, cul de sac location completely fenced and gated. Enjoy entertaining poolside on the large patio & huge ocean view deck. Light & airy floor plan features banks of windows in living/ dining/family rooms. A chef’s dream kitchen including breakfast nook, center island/bar with veggie sink, double ovens & walk-in pantry.  Adjacent family room has vaulted, open beam ceilings & cozy fireplace. Private master suite features French doors that open to the pool, in addition to a fireplace... 10/13/2017

Please Add Your Name To The ADU 2017 Interest List For a Video Link?     Should you like to be added to the interest list for the For The 2017 San Diego County Accessory Dwelling Unit Status Conference On October 30th in La Jolla, CA?  We've had a huge response from AR and several other social media platforms requesting to be placed on the interest list to receive a link to the video recording of the  2017 San Diego County Accessory Dwelling Unit Status Conference On October 30th in La Jolla, CA? Please send me an email to johnarendsen@crestbackyardhomes.com and I will be happy to send you a link. I will also be posting this on the AR blog as many members do not utilize the Q/A forum.  LIKE  BOOKMARK Report   Share: 10/13/2017

Please Join Us For The 2017 San DiegoCounty ADU Status Conference We would like to invite any/all ACTIVE RAIN members in the Southern California area or those from other States who might be visiting to participate in this event.    E-E-Easing into ADUs: Engage! Educate! Empower! Whether you call them granny flats, second units, in-law suites, or carriage houses, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a promising pathway toward meeting San Diego County's housing and livability goals. Register today to learn about recent state legislation that gives California cities more flexibility and latitude for allowing homeowners to build ADUs: SB 1069 (Wieckowski), AB 2299 (Bloom), AB 2406 (Thurmond), SB 229 (Wieckowski), and AB 494 (Bloom). The last two are awaiting the governor's signature. The Pro... 10/11/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home?Encinitas Market Report for September 2017  Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale.  Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for September 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data September be entered into the MLS system or September change over time. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA  In September 2017, there were 47 homes sold in Encinita... 10/04/2017

Classic Cars, Live Music & a Summer EveningThursday September 21, 2017 Summer is, sadly, drawing to a close (yep all the Halloween stuff is out at Home Depot and the signs for the soon-to-open Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch are up) and next Thursday September 21st is the last of the Classic Car Nights in Encinitas. Everyone seems to enjoy this annual series of Classic Car Nights that runs from May through September on the 3rd Thursday, and if you haven’t been, now in your chance. I’ve only attended a few times but you can’t help but be impressed by all the classic and vintage cars, Hot Rods, and Woodies, whether you are a car collector or just enjoy seeing them!  And hanging out in this classic beach town on a summer evening (the last day of summer, BTW) is not bad. The Classic Car Nights serie... 09/15/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home? Encinitas Homes for Sale in August 2017 Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale. Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for August 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data August be entered into the MLS system or August change over time. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA In August 2017, there were 63 homes sold in Encinitas, 21% more than ... 09/10/2017

The Difference Between An"RV", "Park Model", Tiny Home & Tiny Home on Wheels aka "THOW" We receive ongoing inquiries regarding the placement of a Travel Trailer,  Recreation Vehicle (RV), Park Model, and Tiny Home or Tiny Home on Wheels aka "THOW" on ones private property with the intention of using it as an ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) aka, BACKYARD HOME. The simple answer in a word?                    NO!To set the record straight I would like to clarify often touted, if not outright, mis represented and even fallacious  MISNOMERS regarding this subject. There is often some confusion in the Real Estate & lending Industry about the various definitions and distinctions between the "RECREATION VEHICLE"  aka "RV", "park model", "Tiny Home", "Tiny Home On Wheels" aka "THOW" and a "HUD Man... 08/10/2017

2017 Cardiff Dog Days of SummerComing August 13th  Cardiff (a.k.a. Cardiff by the Sea) has a perfect solution to give you and your weary owner a pick me up if you are both bored this August and looking for something fun to do.  It’s almost time for the 2017 Dog Days of Summer This very popular Summer event, the 12th annual, the Dog Days of Summer Festival , will be held in a NEW VENUE, the Encinitas Community Park which is by the Maggie Houlihan Dog Park, this coming Sunday August 13th from 12 noon until 6:00 pm.  Encinitas Community Park is located at 425 Santa Fe Drive.  This festival is now the largest and most popular canine-focused event in the San Diego area.  The Dog Days of Summer Festival in Cardiff could lure as many as 10,000 2 and 4-legged festival-goers, perhaps more given ... 08/07/2017

What’s my Encinitas Home Worth?Encinitas Homes for Sale in July 2017? Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale. Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for July 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data may be entered into the MLS system or might change. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA In July 2017, there were 52 homes sold in Encinitas, 21% fewer than in June. Here’s the breakd... 08/06/2017

The Encinitas Boat Houses  The Encinitas Boat Houses are not real boats, but were built to resemble them in 1929, reportedly using lumber from a couple of structures in the city that had been demolished. The boat houses are now preserved, thanks to fund-raising efforts by the Encinitas Preservation Society to secure the necessary funds to purchase the boat houses and the land in 2008. I believe they are rented now, until the income pays off the loan, and are part of a guided tour. They are now part of the National Register of Historic Places. It's pretty eye-catching to drive down the residential area of 3rd Street and see them!  08/02/2017

Classic Cars, Live Music & Summer Evenings in Encinitas CA for 2017 The popular Classic Car Nights in downtown Encinitas are well under way, but if you have missed them rest assured there are 2 more to come. And if you can't make it you can take a virtual tour here from my visit a number of years ago.  Classic car buffs and non-aficionados alike love this annual series of Classic Car Nights that started in May (how could I forget and not write about this til now?!) and held the 3rd Thursday each month through September. So you still have August 17th and September 21st to check out all the fun. You can be sure that all the Hot Rods, Woodies and other classic and vintage cars will make you ooh and aah! The Encinitas Classic Car Nights are sponsored by the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Ass... 07/27/2017

What’s my Encinitas Home Worth? Encinitas Market Report for June 2017 Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale. Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for June 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data may be entered into the MLS system. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA  In June 2017, there were 66 homes sold in Encinitas, 3% fewer than in May. Here’s the breakdown of overall ac... 07/07/2017

"Granny Flats" Are Not A New Thing On The "ADU" Housing Horizon  It's interesting to see how this "Cottage Industry" (pun intended) has morphed into a full blown Growth Industry almost Nationwide during the past several years. And it's just the beginning.   Our biggest impediment still remains several of our local jurisdictions of course. They can't seem to get out of there own and old ways. Even with the mandate of California's Senate Bill 1069 many continue to remain reluctant if not outright defiant.   Prefab 'In-law' Cottages Mix High-tech Features, Comfort   While some refuse to wrap their arms around it and accept the new laws others just plain refuse to cooperate with the mandate. However, I'm hearing the war drums beating in the distance as some jurisdictions are already gearing... 07/03/2017

A Tiny House Is A Tiny House Is A Tiny House and An ADU Is An ADU!  The question here is to discern between a "TINY HOUSE" and an "ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT" (ADU). Many folks are of the opinion that a Tiny House is the same as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). A Tiny House is a small home and/or custom made travel trailer with wheels and axles (top photo) that can be moved from one location to another. However, much like a Park Model (photo below) it is still an RV. Here's how RVIA defines an RV. "The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) is the national trade association representing recreation vehicle (RV) manufacturers and their component parts suppliers who together build more than 98 percent of all RVs produced in the U.S.""An RV is a vehicle designed as temporary living qu... 06/19/2017

Best Parents & True American Patriots A Son Could Ever Be Blessed With I will love you forever Dad and I miss you dearly My Dad was my hero of all time. He served proudly in the Navy during WWI as a Chief Radio Gunman in the turret of a B-25 bomber. He was shot down twice but was rescued and lived to raise five children. Sadly we lost him on July 3, 1999. But his memory and love of life, liberty and America lives on in the souls of all who knew and loved him. His nickname was Buzz and interestingly he worked on the first Saturn 5 Moon Launch & Landing and had the privilege of addressing Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on a first name basis.  He was fortunate to have been at Cape Canaveral for the launching of Saturn 5 on July 16, 1969 and at the Houston Space Station for the splash down ... 05/30/2017