NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME? HERE'S HOW!

While this may seem rather obvious, in this day and age of technology, and busy lives, it seemed appropriate to share how you can get in touch with me. 

Communication with prospective, current and past clients is key to being successful, and I know that being able to get in touch with me, for whatever reason, is a priority for you. 

Different forms of communication suit differing purposes and individual styles. So while I use all of them, it's important I communicate with you in a manner that works best and suits your preference. So please let me know. However, there may be times where certain forms of communication won't work as well because of urgency or the nature of the information.  

Need to get in touch with me? Here's how:

TELEPHONE

I use my cell exclusively (760-840-1360) and I answer it. Exceptions are when I am with a client or on another call, which I know you can appreciate. My phone is on from 7 am until 9 pm Monday through Friday and on the weekends from 9 until 6. 

TEXT MESSAGE

I do a great deal of text messaging, and some clients use that almost exclusively. If it works for you it works for me. I don't text while driving. If you don't get a quick response, say within several minutes, it's because I am unable to text you due to clients, being on the phone, or driving. 

EMAIL

Probably the most popular and maybe the most effective for information sharing. Good ANY time of the day or night (No, I won't likely answer at 3 in the AM since I don't work 24/7). You can reach me at JDowler@remax.net. I get email on my phone so I am pretty accessible no matter where I am. 

VOICE MAIL

While I prefer to not have to use it, voice mail is often essential, and a good way to let me know what's going on or asking your questions when I am unavailable. My voice mail is transcribed into text and then emailed to me (as noted above, I get email on my Blackberry) using a service called Voice Cloud so I can see your message soon after you leave it. I try to return my calls as soon as I can after receiving them - I don't reserve a special time for returning calls since that simply does not work well and I find most folks don't do what they say in this regard. But my messages are also stored on-line indefinitely so I can always get your message or relisten to it at any time on my laptop. 

SKYPE

I am happy to skype with you, whether you are in the local area or overseas. My skype id is "dowler.j". We can have an on-line conversation via skype, too, if you prefer, or you are not sure of the time differences and worry I might be sleeping.  

MYBLOG

lots of folks write me questions from my blog when they are reading an article. The downside is that if it is a personal or private matter I won't publicly post the response and I won't have your email to write to you. In some cases emailing me (JDowler@remax.net) or calling (760-840-1360) may be better to address your questions or provide the information you need. 

CONTACT ME ON MY WEBSITE

Many people make the initial contact via my website on the Contact Me page. That works well - I get an email that I can respond to while on the road via my Blackberry (OK, NOT when I am driving). 

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES

Yep, this works too. You'll find me on Facebook (I have a business page, too), Twitter (@JDowler, @CarlsbadHomes,and @BreakingCarlsbadNews) and many other sites. These are a good way to stay in touch and see what I am up to and talking about in my local real estate market.

Of course there is always face to face, at open house, local Carlsbad and Encinitas events, and more.

Need to get in touch? That should be no problem.

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If I can provide more information about Oceanside real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Join the Laughter Yoga Club this Saturday in Oceanside CA

Laughter is good for you. We all know that "laughter is the best medicine," and everyone seems to enjoy a good laugh. But so often with our busy lives, stress, fatigue and other reasons laughter avoids us. It's hard to find something to laugh about. And laughing without a reason? Perhaps not so easy to do. 

Laughter Yoga Clubs were started in India back in 1995 and have become quite popular - there are now over 6000 Laughter Clubs in 60 countries. [photo courtesy of foxtongue on Flickr]

The Laughter Yoga Club will be held at 5205 Windmill Street in Oceanside, CA on Saturday March 20 beginning at 11 am. 

Visit the Feeling Good Place for more information or call Hanna (760-944-8417) or Stacey (760-390-1498). Email Hanna at Hanna@FeelingGoodPlace.com.

Please RSVP as space will be limited

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If I can provide more information about Oceanside real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

As a buyer or seller in the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market, having information about the current market conditions will enable you to make an informed decision regarding what to do with regard to buying a home in Rancho Santa Fe, or selling your Rancho Santa Fe home. 

The Rancho Santa Fe real estate market is very localized, and the most expensive community, on average, in San Diego County, and knowing what is going on in the market with regard to inventory and sales is important for making a buying or selling decision. Finding comparables for determining price for either a listing or a purchase can sometimes be tricky. 

READ MORE:  Rancho Santa Fe - Luxury Home Buyer's Paradise in San Diego

Walkable Neighborhoods - Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Near Ranch Santa Fe Village

Rancho Santa Fe Homes - The Crosby: Golf Community Extraordinaire

Here is a summary of the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market for February 2010 based on information provided by the MLS (private sales are not included). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed. 

The number of homes sold in Rancho Santa Fe increased over January sales, while average sales prices declined fairly significantly for detached homes (no attached homes were sold). As is common in expensive communities, the marketing time remains fairly high but declined by about 30% on average; 3 of the homes were short sales and 2 were REOs.

 As of the end of February there were 11 homes in the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market with a Contingent status (i.e., short sale and REO homes that had offers being reviewed by the lenders), 4 less than last month. Until approved these homes are considered active and, thus, are included in the Active statistics below.

As of February 2010 there were 275 Ranch Santa Fe homes for sale (94% of these are detached), up by 4 from last month following declines in both January and December. This represents an inventory of 10.2 months for attached homes (up from 7.8 in January), but 21 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales (based on a 6-month period), which is down modestly from 22.1 months from last month.

Significantly more Rancho Santa Fe homes came on the market in February, 57 as opposed to 42 last month, with 25 homes going pending during the same period, over double the number of pendings in January.

While higher end homes are selling in the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market (relative to their average price), all the sales thus far this year are under $10 million. There are currently 10 homes on the market in the $10 to $30 million range, some of which have been on the market more than 1 year.

READ MORE: How Important is Inventory when Buying or Selling? Very!! 

Data are based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months. If you would like more details about the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market with regard to current activity as well as the specific areas such as Fairbanks Ranch and the Covenant, please let me know. 

READ MORE:

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate - Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report for January 2010

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate - Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report for December 2009

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate - Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report for November 2009

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate - Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

Ranch Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report for September 2009

Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report for August 2009

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If I can provide more information about Rancho Santa Fe real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Photo Gallery Living and dining room combination with built-ins Family room with separate wetbar area and sliders to enclosed porch Library at the Club House Sitting area at the Club House Side view Club House offers pool and spa Front porch and entry Description Enjoy spring in this well-maintained 2 bedroom 2 bath (1 in master) home in the Community of Valle Verde near Lake San Marcos (San Marcos, California). The seller just installed a NEW ROOF on this 1440 SF home which offers a large enclosed 3-season porch (approximately 200 SF with access from the living room, master bedroom and the side rear of the home), a large living and dining room (with built-in storage), laundry room (washer and dryer included), full kitchen, family room and large wet bar. Both bedrooms offer plenty of storage plus you have two exterior sheds with lots of room for your toys and tools at the rear of the 2-car covered car-port. The central heating and AC units are 3 years old. This home is at the end of the street in the heart of the complex with no neighbors on one side, offering additional privacy and views of the creek area and greenery. There are wonderful plants and shrubs but the yard is low maintenance. The complex has a clubhouse with sitting room, large meeting room/function room, kitchen (can be rented for parties), library and a pool/spa. While there is a laundry room in the home the clubhouse also offers laundry facilities. Ownership is land lease ($420.50 per month) plus utilities, telephone and cable. Valle Verde is just a short distance from the main shopping and dining area of San Marcos, including the popular Restaurant Row. Golf is available at Lake San Marcos. Visit www.1286Discovery.com for more photos and details about this home and the community. Features Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 1971 Subdivision: Valle Verde Garage Size: Car port School District: San Marcos Unified Square Footage: 1440 Agent Name: JEFF DOWLER Broker: RE/MAX Moonlight Beach MLS #: 100015434 Location 1286 Discovery #88 San Marcos CA 92078 Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyer Id: 2549554

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If I can provide more information about Escondido real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Encinitas Homes for Sale - High Country Villas, 55+ Community in Encinitas CA 

Seniors in the Encinitas real estate market have several options, perhaps most notably the homes at High Country Villas, a 55+ (age-restricted) community in Encinitas CA. 

READ MORE: Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community 

Encinitas Dining and Shopping Extravaganza

Many of the senior communities in North San Diego County offer manufactured and mobile housing, and for those senior buyers looking for stick-built homes, the options are far fewer. High Country Villas in Encinitas are one popular option, and with the adjacent golf course (including pool, club house, spa and numerous activities), offers a resort-like environment with walking trains and lots of green space sought by many senior buyers. 

High Country Villas are located east off El Camino Real just south of the El Camino Real Shopping Corridor in a residential area, thus providing easy access to numerous shopping and dining options, and close proximity to the Encinitas beaches and the 5 freeway. 

The Encinitas homes in High Country Villas are attached single story units in small clusters off the main road through the community (ungated) with resident and guest parking. Some of the homes offer great views of the golf course or the mountains to the east due to their location on the gently rolling terrain. 

Currently there are 4 Encinitas homes for sale (1 is a short sale) ranging in size from 884 SF up to 1056 SF with 2 bedrooms (there are some 3 bedroom homes in the complex) and 1 or 2 baths, priced from $269K to $335K. 

If you would like more information about the High Country Villas or the Encinitas real estate market in general, please let me know.

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 If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I had the opportunity to spend some time at Balboa Park yesterday with some out-of-town family. This is part of a terrific sculpture outside one of the many museums in the park.

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 If I can provide more information about San Diego real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Escondido is an inland community, about 15 miles from the coast adjacent to San Marcos. Like its neighbors, San Marcos, Vista and Oceanside, Escondido has seen fairly significant shifts in the real estate market with a large number of short sales and foreclosures.

READ MORE: A Tour of Escondido - A Diverse Inland San Diego Community 

As a buyer or seller in the Escondido real estate market, understanding recent trends and current market conditions is essential in order to make informed decisions; media reports focus on general market conditions and therefore will not provide an accurate picture of the local Escondido real estate market. 

The following data are taken from the San Diego MLS (private sales are not included in these statistics, nor are multifamily properties or mobile/manufactured homes). The data are believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed. 

In February 2010 110 homes sold in the Escondido real estate market,about the same as in January. Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

Sales volume was essentially the same as the previous month, with small changes in average prices. Once again, on average homes are selling at/above asking price. This is likely due to the number of short sales and REOs.  

There were 281 Escondido homes (40% of all active properties) on the market with a Contingent status, i.e., short sale or REO homes that have offers being considered by lenders. These are included in the statistics below. 

At the end of February 2010 there were 695 Escondido homes for sale, a boost in inventory of 8% over January, a good sign for buyers. This represents an inventory of 3.6 months for attached homes (up from 2.7 months last month) and 4.7 months for detached homes (up from 3.4months), based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months. 

READ MORE:   How Important is Inventory when Buying or Selling? Very!! 

In February 247 homes (up 3% over last month) came on the market, and 196 homes went pending, a significant 37% increase on last month's pendings - homes ARE selling. 

I am happy to provide you with more information about current real estate activity in the Escondido real estate market and answer any questions that you may have about current market conditions.

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 If I can provide more information about Escondido real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Sometimes you get more out of the visuals than a lot of commentary.

For a place like Balboa Park in San Diego, California, with a reputation as one of the nation's largest cultural urban parks, this is so true. With 15 museums, a variety of gardens, wonderful theatres, stunning architecture, and lots of green space Balboa Park near the downtown area is a real treat, even if you only have time to walk around.

William Johnson also wrote a wonderful post about the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park - do stop by and check it out.

Enjoy the tour. Perhaps it will wet your appetite to visit fabulous Balboa Park sometime.

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 If I can provide more information about San Diego real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits 

The Oceanside real estate market has undergone many shifts and continues to evolve, especially with the number of distress sales. This report does not include any private sales nor manufactured or mobile housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. 

Media reports speak in general terms, so information may not represent the reality of the local Oceanside real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller for making informed decisions about a purchase or sale. 

READ MORE: Oceanside California - A Growing and Changing Coastal San Diego Community 

In February 2010 there were 146 homes sold in Oceanside's 4 zip codes (92054, 92056, 92057, 92058), a 7% increase after a 32% decrease from December to January. Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

In Oceanside there were 305 homes with a contingent status at the end of February, up 16 from January. This represents 40% of all the homes for sale. Buyers entering the Oceanside real estate market are seeing almost 1/2 of the inventory already with offers in for approval for short sales and REOs. (Note: these are not the only short sale and REO homes for sale, just those with offers). These contingent homes are included in the overall Active stats below. 

At the end of February 2010 the Oceanside real estate market had 761 homes for sale, up 10% from January. This represents an inventory of 3.4 months for detached homes (up from 3.1 months last month) and 5.3 months for attached homes (up from 4.5 months in January) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.  

READ MORE:   How Important is Inventory when Buying or Selling? Very!! 

In February 278 Oceanside homes came on the market, a substantial 40% increase over January - good news for buyers. During February 201 homes went pending, 33% more than last month. 

More details can be provided with regard to current activity in the Oceanside real estate market and within the specific zip codes. 

READ MORE:

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for January 2010

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for December 2009

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for November 2009

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for September 2009

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for August 2009

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for July 2009 

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for June 2009  

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for May 2009  

Oceanside Real Estate - Oceanside Real Estate Market Report for March and April 2009

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 If I can provide more information about Oceanside real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits 

Lots of Carlsbad buyers are seeking REO (real estate owned; bank owned; foreclosed) properties in our area. True all over I suppose. More so in some areas than others 

There are some things I like to know when starting to work with REO buyers since they have some hoops to jump through, and I am learning more all the time. Part of this comes from past experiences as well as my own thinking, but also from a recent CRS 111 class and working on my SFR certification.

I decided it made sense to formalize my questions as a starting point for a good discussion with Carlsbad buyers. But I'd be interested in what others have to say. This is a partial list but a good beginning. 

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BUY AN REO? WHAT IS THE MOTIVATION? 

Getting at motivation is important in any real estate purchase, and understanding what is truly driving someone in a certain direction is essential. It can be a good indicator of seriousness, or lack of. And in the case of REOs it may, in some areas at least, be more an issue of budget and what's available, versus having a keen desire to snare one of these properties. 

CAN YOU PROVIDE PROOF OF FUNDS? 

This is almost always requested with an offer - certainly so for cash buyers - but it makes sense. Buyers need to be able to provide this (I do upfront even if not asked). If they can't or don't want to, well, that's a big red flag. No POF, no offer. 

ARE YOU FINANCIALLY PREPARED AND ABLE TO GET TO CLOSING? 

This is NOT just about being pre-approved (that's a given before getting started). It also has to do with additional expenses the Carlsbad buyer might need to pay at closing because the REO lender will not (e.g., termite repairs, escrow fee, title insurance).  What if you need or want to lock in your loan, or relock it? What about the costs of repairs you will need to do? How about those missing appliances, fixtures and more you might need to buy? 

ARE YOU WILLING TO BUY "AS IS?" 

Knowing how squeamish the Carlsbad buyer is about a property that may need cosmetics, repairs or more is kinda important. Many REOs are not exactly in move-in condition, and it is unlikely the seller will do any repairs if asked. The inspection (which in my book is mandatory) may be more informational and educational for the buyer rather than to develop a repairs list. If the buyer wants only a turn-key home, we have a major challenge ahead because of supply. It may simply not be realistic. 

ARE YOU FLEXIBLE WITH REGARD TO CLOSING TIME FRAME AND POSSESSION? 

Delays are not uncommon, and you can, of course, never be 100% sure an REO closing will happen the day it is supposed to. If you have a drop dead date (e.g., end of a rental) and no alternative plan or option, this could be a problem. And delays mean other issues - changes in moving trucks, utilities, insurance and more. 

Is this all to ask? Heck no. 

• How about understanding how patient the buyer is?
• Or if they are prepared to make an offer the day the right REO comes on the market? 
• Are they willing to make an offer based on comparables and not take the "I want a home for 75 cents on the dollar."

You get the idea. 

Any great questions YOU like to ask?

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