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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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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As a buyer or seller in the Cardiff 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 Cardiff, or selling your Cardiff home. 

The Cardiff real estate market is small and very localized, and knowing what is going on 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 because of the limited inventory. 

READ MORE: 

 Cardiff by the Sea - Quintessential Beach Community 

A Visual Tour of Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Want to Live in a Musical Community? Try the Composer District in Cardiff, CA

Here is a summary of the Cardiff 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 Cardiff in February dropped by 1 compared to January; however, the small number of sales makes it unwise to draw any conclusions about pricing or other trends. 1 of the 2 attached home sales was a short sale.

At the end of February 2010 there were 8 homes in the Cardiff real estate market with a Contingent status, the same as in January (i.e., short sale and REO homes that had offers being reviewed by the lenders). Until approved these homes are considered active and, thus, are included in the Active statistics below. 

As of February 2010 there were 60 Cardiff homes for sale, 4 more than last month. This represents an inventory of 6.3 months for attached homes (up from 5.1 months in January) and 9.5 months for detached homes ( up from 7.4 months in January). 

25 Cardiff homes came on the market in February, 2 more than in January which is good news for buyers, with 9 homes going pending during the same period (down 31% from January pendings). 

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 Cardiff real estate market with regard to current activity as well as the specific areas such as the Walking District and the Composer District, please let me know. 

READ MORE: 

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for January 2010

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for December 2009

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for November 2009

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for September 2009

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for August 2009

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for July 2009

Cardiff Real Estate Market Report for June 2009  

Cardiff Real Estate May 2009 Market Report  

Cardiff Real Estate April 2009 Market Report  

Cardiff Real Estate March 2009 Market Report  

Cardiff Real Estate February 2009 Market Report  

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As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, it is important to have information about the market conditions in order to make a more informed decision about what to do with regard to buying or selling your Encinitas home.

Here is a summary of the Encinitas real estate market for February 2010 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured and mobile homes). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed due to how data may be entered into the MLS system.  

READ MORE: Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community 

In February 2010, 34 homes sold in Encinitas, 1 more than last month. Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

Home sales shifted in the Encinitas real estate market with an increase in detached home sales, but a large downward shift in attached sales. The average sales price of a single family Encinitas home did not change again, whereas attached homes dropped by 9%.

There were 34 homes with a Contingent status at the end of February (i.e., short sale and REO homes having offers that are being considered by the lenders), 3 less than last month.  These homes are considered Active and are included in the overall active statistics.

For February 2010 the Encinitas real estate market saw another increase in inventory, with more homes for sale (242) than in January (13%). This represents an inventory of 4.8 months for attached homes, up from 4.5 months last month, and 6.4 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales, down from 5.4 months in January (based on a 6-month period).

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

91 Encinitas homes came on the market in February compared to 89 the previous month, and the number of homes going pending also rose, by 11%, to 50.

These data are based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months. More details about the Encinitas real estate market can be provided with regard to current activity as well as within specific areas such as Encinitas Ranch, Leucadia and Olivenhain.

Watching the trends over time, as opposed to focusing on the data for one particular month, are more revealing and informative, and will provide a better sense of what is happening in the Encinitas real estate market. If I can provide more specific information or answer any particular questions, please let me know.

READ MORE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Real Estate Market Report for April 2009

Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Market Report for March 2009

Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Market Report for February 2009

Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Market Report for January 2009

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The San Marcos real estate market continues to evolve, especially with the large number of distress sales. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.

READ MORE: San Marcos - A Thriving Inland Residential Community 

San Elijo Hills - Award-Winning Master Planned Community in San Marcos 

Media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, so that information may not represent the reality of our local San Marcos real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller when making decisions about buying and selling. 

In February 2010 there were 68 homes sold in San Marcos' 2 zip codes (92069 and 92078). Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

There were 177 homes on the market at the end of February with a Contingent status, i.e., homes with offers awaiting approval from the short sale and REO lenders, down 1 from last month. These homes are included in the overall Active stats since they are still considered active until the approvals are obtained.

At the end of February 2010 the San Marcos real estate market had 369 homes for sale (48% are contingent), 9% more than in January, another increase. This represents an inventory of 4.6 months for attached homes (up from 3.7 in January)) and 3.8 months for detached (up from 3.4 months at the end of January) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months. Days on market rose across across the board, on average by about 10 days. 

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

In February we saw 141 homes come on the market, a significant increase of 48% over the number in January. The number of homes going pending in February (107) rose by 55% over the rate in January. Thus the San Marcos real estate market remains very competitive for buyers, and homes continue to sell fairly briskly. The good news is that the number of homes available to buyers increased significantly.

This overview of the San Marcos real estate market is based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months and closed in February. More details can be provided if needed with regard to current activity as well as within the specific zip codes of San Marcos (92078 and 92069).

READ MORE:

San Marcos Real Estate - San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for January 2010

San Marcos Real Estate - San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for December 2009

San Marcos Real Estate - San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for November 2009

San Marcos Real Estate - San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for September 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for August 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for July 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for June 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for May 2009

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

 Encinitas Orchids was born from a live-long love of flowers, a keen sense of design, a creative and artistic sensibility, and a bit of serendipity - neighbors and friends asking for creations as gifts. 

The business just sorta happened - but listen to the video to hear more. 

Don Doerfler comes by his creative, artistic talents naturally. How can one avoid it, with both parents being animators - his mother worked for Disney and his father worked for Warner - and a grandmother, Florence Davis, with a well-established reputation in the San Diego art community as an Impressionist and Plein Air painter? 

Don's newest orchid creation is a beautiful example of his design esthetic and eye for the beauty of nature - check out the "Drift-ePhyte" in the photo, a new living orchid arrangement that has been extremely popular. 

Encinitas Orchids is the product of a love for the orchid and many years of growing them, and a desire to share with others who might also appreciate the extraordinary beauty and diversity of this flower species.

You'll find Don and Encinitas Orchids at several Farmer's Market's (Leucadia, Mercato in Little Italy) as you'll hear in the video, or you can order off his website, Encinitas Orchids, or stop by his showroom  at 450 Avenida de las Rosas in Encinitas (Wed and Fri 12 - 5; Tues and Thurs 9 - 12; or by appointment at 760-533-0991) 

Don is also an established artist - you'll find him at Painter of Paradise. He is active in the Encinitas arts community and participating in the annual Arts Alive Banner Project - look for this year's banner on the home page of his Painter of Paradise website. 

Encinitas Orchids - Living Orchid Arrangements in Encinitas California

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

Carlsbad Homes for Sale - New Homes at Mirasol in La Costa Greens

Buyers looking for Carlsbad homes for sale may be very interested in the new homes at Mirasol in La Costa Greens, a master planned community in South Carlsbad.

 READ MORE:

 Carlsbad Village by the Sea

La Costa - A Great Residential Community in Carlsbad

La Costa Greens - Master Planned Community in Carlsbad  

The Carlsbad new homes for sale at Mirasol is the newest La Costa Greens communities to hit the street. Homes continue to sell briskly in the new communities that are currently available in La Costa Greens - Trieste is in their final phase, and Viridian is getting close. Of the 16 homes that have been released at SolTerra (opened last October), only 2 are available as of 1 week ago and most of these have not even been built.

Mirasol is a community of 71 detached single family residences with 4 floorplans. There will be 1 single story plan but only 3 homes will be built.

Homes will range from around 1953 SF for the single story home, and from 3104 SF to 3217 SF for the two-story models. Final pricing has not been determined but the single story should be priced in the mid $600,000s with the large plans priced from the mid $700,000s.

A big plus is that the children in this La Costa Greens community will attend the Carlsbad Schools (Poinsettia Elementary, which is adjacent to Mirasol; Aviara Oaks Middle School in Aviara, and Carlsbad High School).

HOA fees are expected to be around $270 during the initial phases but at $202 at build-out.

The model homes at Miralsol should be ready for viewing by late April, and the first occupancy of these new Carlsbad homes is projected for late summer. [They are NOT taking deposits yet.]

If you are interested in new construction in the La Costa area, stay tuned for more information on the newest homes to hit the Carlsbad real estate market.

Are you interested in other New Construction in the Carlsbad real estate market and nearby?

I've seen them all and will be happy to arrange a personal tour for you. Keep in mind that availability has likely shifted since these articles were written just a few months ago; prices may be different as well.

La Costa Oaks - Rockledge (high $600s to mid $700s)

La Costa Oaks - CopperWood ($700s and $800s)

La Costa Greens - Viridian ($900s)

La Costa Greens - Trieste (high $600s to high $700s) - final release recently happened

La Costa Greens - Avellino  (attached townhomes in the mid to high $400s)

La Costa Greens - SolTerra (mid to high $500s)

53 Melrose (mid $500s)

Quail Pointe in Encinitas (from the mid $900s)

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

San Diego Spring Home/Garden Show will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

March 5^th through the 7^th, 2010 

Just because the San Diego weather is milder and less wintry than many other parts of the country doesn't mean you can't get excited about spring and the San Diego Spring Home/Garden Show. 

Now who doesn't like a home and garden show?

It can be so much fun to see all the flower and garden exhibits and dream about what your yard could look like. Or, if you are thinking of spiffing up or remodeling your home, whether you are planning to move or not, you can explore the many products, services, home furnishings and exhibits at the San Diego Home/Garden Show.

See some gardens from the 2009 San Diego Home/Garden Show

You can also Ask the Experts if you have particular questions about building permits, for example. And there will be a large display of art work. 

The San Diego Home/Garden Show is being held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar California beginning tomorrow, Friday March 5, through Sunday March 7. There is a large list of exhibitors (the list contains links to many of the vendor websites). 

Hours are 11 - 6 on Friday, 10 - 6 on Saturday, and 10 - 5 on Sunday. You can buy tickets on-line - regular admission is $8 but e-tickets are only $6. Admission after 3 PM is $5.

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

The Carlsbad real estate market continues to shift, and the statistics for January show a number of fairly dramatic changes from the prior month. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured/mobile housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.

READ MORE:  Carlsbad Village by the Sea 

Media reports speak in general terms, so their information may not represent the reality of our local Carlsbad real estate market. Having data, and knowledge, about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller so you can make informed purchase and sale decisions. 

In February 2010 there were 78 homes sold in Carlsbad's 4 zipcodes, a 34% increase from January following a 49% decrease from December sales. Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

The total number of sales rose significantly from the previous month. Average prices, however, declined across the board, while average days on market remained about the same.

There were 114 properties (20% of the total) in Carlsbad at the end of February with the CONTINGENT status (i.e., homes with offers being reviewed for approval by short sale and REO lenders), 13% more than in January.

The overall inventory in the Carlsbad real estate market for the end of February (573 homes) rose again, up 11%, following an increase of 13% in January over December. This represents an inventory of only 6.3 months for attached homes (up from 5.3 months in January) and 4.8 months for detached (compared to 4 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 the number of new homes coming on the market increased from the prior month; good news for buyers is that 218 new homes hit the market, up 3% over January.  At the same time 19% more homes went pending (130) than in January, which had increased 28% over December.

This overview of the Carlsbad real estate market is based on information provided by the MLS. More details can be provided with regard to current activity as well as within the specific zip codes of Carlsbad.

READ MORE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carlsbad Real Estate - Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for April 2009

Carlsbad Real Estate - Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for March 2009

Carlsbad Real Estate - Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for February 2009

Carlsbad Real Estate - Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for January 2009

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

Thursdays on the Coast Art Walk in Carlsbad are a Hit

Time is running out for the very popular Thursdays on the Coast Art Walk in Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad California.

Carlsbad has a fine reputation as an arts community, with many galleries, including the City of Carlsbad Cannon Art Gallery, several large arts and crafts fairs, such as the Carlsbad Village Street Faire, the annual Art Splash, the 10 free jazz concert series TGIF Jazz in the Parks, and other activities.

Thursdays on the Coast Walk is a relative new event held on 3 successive Thursdays in Carlsbad Village where resident s and visitors can stroll through the Village and enjoy a wide range of art displays, music and activities from 5:30 until 8:30 at participating retailers and art galleries (the well known Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery at 565 Grand Avenue is a hub of the event).

The Carlsbad Village Association presents this popular free event, and the last one will be March 25. Don't miss your chance to enjoy all that downtown Carlsbad Village has to offer.

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