Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series)

Serious relocation buyers to Carlsbad, or anywhere for that matter, must take a serious approach to their home searching and the overall process. After all, relocation is a tough job with a host of tasks to navigate successfully.

And if you are moving to an unfamiliar area, coupled with other moving challenges (e.g., jobs, family, pets, cars), on top of daily living and home searching remotely, at times it can seem insurmountable.

Here are some tips for your relocation and issues to keep in mind in this 3-part series:

PART 1 of 3

HOME SEARCHING

The Internet is the obvious choice, to learn more about the market and seek out the home that fits your needs and desired lifestyle. Watching the ebb and flow of listings will educate you about market conditions. You can also gain a perspective on what your budget will buy in the new location, learn about the styles of homes that are available, and narrow down the neighborhoods you are interested in.

Photos and videos will play an important role, when included, to provide a more real-life view of homes and neighborhoods. Don’t be afraid to ask your REALTOR to take more photos and videos – I do lots of this with relocation clients.

USE A KNOWLEDGABLE & QUALIFIED REALTOR

Working with someone who knows the local area and market conditions is key. That agent must be someone who listens to your needs and who will be honest with you about the realities of the market in light of your needs, wishes and budget. A REALTOR who works with relocations, and one who has actually relocated a significant distance, will truly understand the issues you are facing and be able to give you some tips.

Ignore the media headlines and their reporting on the housing market - they don’t focus on local market conditions which vary dramatically even within communities. Your agent will (or should) have the local information you need to make the right decisions.

DUE DILIGENCE

Check out schools if they are important to you as they will likely define the neighborhoods you can consider. Visit community websites, and whatever else will help you become as knowledgeable as possible so you can decide where you want to live. Your REALTOR can be an awesome source of local information and should be able to direct you to additional resources for further information on questions that you have (e.g., schools, crime, parks).

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2

Escondido Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Escondido Real Estate Market for April 2012?

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 so you can 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 April 2012 there were 212 homes sold in the Escondido real estate market, up 12% from March. Sales volume rose for both detached and attached homes; average sale prices also increased for attached home sales but declined for detached single family homes. Buyers were able to negotiate, on average, about 3- 4% off sales price.

Here’s the breakdown of overall activity.

There were 263 Escondido homes (45% 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 April 2012 there were 583 Escondido homes for sale, about 5% fewer homes on the market than at the end of March, the 3^rd month of inventory decline. This represents an inventory of 2.1 months for attached homes (down from 3.8 months in March), the lowest in North San Diego County communities, and 3.7 months for detached homes (the same as in March), based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.  Thus the market has gotten even tighter for buyers, and one might argue the Escondido real estate market is now one that favors sellers, especially those selling attached homes.

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

In April 248 homes came on the market, down 6% from new listings in March. The number of homes going pending (216) also decreased again, by 6%, from March pendings.

I am happy to provide 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.

SEARCH FOR ESCONDIDO HOMES FOR SALE

READ MORE:

Escondido Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Escondido Real Estate Market in March 2012?

Escondido Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Escondido Real Estate Market in February 2012?

Escondido Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Escondido Real Estate Market in January 2012?

3^rd Annual Taste of Cardiff is May 17^th, 2012 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA

It’s time again for the Annual Taste of Cardiff, the 3^rd, happening this Thursday May 17^th in charming downtown Cardiff by the Sea, hosted by the Cardiff 101 Main Street organization.

Foodies can enjoy a host of culinary delights at 19 local Cardiff Restaurants between 5 and 8 pm and then may vote for their fave.

Tasting events are becoming more and more prevalent and popular, and the annual Taste of Cardiff is sure to please once again, with a diversity of options to taste from. And who doesn’t like to eat?!

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event to enjoy small tastes representative of each restaurant’s cuisines and with 3 hours you’ll have plenty of time to stroll and munch, as long as food lasts.

A complete list of participating restaurants can be found at the Taste of Cardiff website. Tickets may be purchased on-line or at the Cardiff 101 Main Street offices at 124 Aberdeen (760-436-0431).

3^rd Annual Taste of Cardiff

Downtown Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Thursday May 17 from 5 until 8 pm

Outdoor Living in Carlsbad California – Out and About (Part 2 of 2)

Southern California is known for its outdoor lifestyle, and Carlsbad is no exception.

In the first post we talked about the outdoor lifestyle at home…with outdoor living spaces, particularly kitchens and entertaining areas, taking center stage to expand homeowners’ ability to enjoy their homes indoor and out all year long.

If you missed that post you can read it here >> Outdoor Living in Carlsbad California – At Home (Part 1 of 2)

Carlsbad offers a wealth of year-round outdoor activities. Here is a sampling of what you can enjoy when you relocate to Carlsbad California.

CARLSBAD BEACHES

The Carlsbad Beaches are one of the biggest attractions for residents and visitors alike, with about 7 miles of coastline to enjoy. Surfing, windsurfing, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, sun bathing, walking, sunset-watching, surfing contests, and more can keep your outdoor life at the beach pretty busy.

CARLSBAD FAIRS & FESTIVALS

There are a number of Outdoor Fairs and Festivals for which Carlsbad has become famous. Indeed the 2 Carlsbad Village Faires, in spring and fall, in downtown Carlsbad Village are reputed to be the largest 1-day outdoor fairs in the country, each offering over 900 arts and crafts vendors, food, music and so much more.  Great shopping, people watching or just gawking will keep you entertained for hours. ArtSplash, on the hills above the Flower Fields, in September is a popular 2-day art fair with its famous Chalk Art Contest.

CARLSBAD SHOPPING

We have outdoor malls here in Carlsbad, the upscale Carlsbad Forum and the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Mall being the best known. And with several fairs and festivals you can enjoy shopping in the great outdoors year-round. Carlsbad Village has abundant retailers ranging from clothing (new and second-hand) to antiques to jewelry to art – you won’t get bored. Shop for food outdoors at the 2 weekly Farmers Markets in the Village, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 until 5 pm.

CARLSBAD RECREATION

Outdoor recreational activities abound in Carlsbad. Bicyclists and mountain bikers rejoice with the ability to cycle year round along the coast, inland, and off road. Hikers, too. Skateboarding, surfing, wind surfing, tennis, golf, and beach volley ball are just a few outdoor recreational activities to enjoy. If you like to camp, there are a number of camp sites along the bluff at the state beaches in Carlsbad.

CARLSBAD DINING

Dining outdoors is a must, and easily enjoyed much of the year. And when it gets chiller you can still enjoy dining al fresco with heat lamps and firepits to take the chill out of the air. Multiple restaurants offer outdoor seating, but perhaps the best is dining at the beach.

CARLSBAD MUSIC

Jazz enthusiasts enjoy the free TGIF Jazz in the Parks Concert Series on consecutive Friday nights in the summer at 3 of Carlsbad’s nicest parks. This series is now in its 28^th??? Season – there are 9 or 10 concerts each year depending on the schedule, with diverse bands playing zydeco, jazz, blues, latin jazz and more. Bring your blankets, chairs, dinner, and spend a couple of hours with a few thousand other Carlsbadians.

*   *   *   *

And after a busy day enjoying the outdoor lifestyle in Carlsbad, what better way to end the day than enjoy watching the sun set over the ocean. People line the bluffs, jetties, the boardwalk, or just sit parked in their cars, cameras in hand, to take in the sun set, unless it’s obscured by the marine layer. The light can still be pretty interesting.

Search for Carlsbad Homes for Sale

 Search for Homes with Views in Carlsbad

 Search for Waterfront Homes for Sale in Carlsbad

Coastal or Inland Living in Southern California:

Buyer Choices Abound but Lifestyles Differ

The weather this week in Carlsbad has settled into the predictable May Gray – very gray during the first part of the day, with some ground fog on occasion, with clearing and sun to follow, and with marine layer rolling in late in the afternoon.

It can go from being completely gray to clear skies and sun in just an hour. And the marine layer can move in equally fast late in the day.

It reminded me of the choice buyers can make when moving here…to live along the coast or further inland?

It’s pretty typical that buyers, when asked, want one or the other. Or they tell you up front very specifically what they want. I can only think of a couple of times when the answer was “it really doesn’t matter.”

Those who live here seem to have pretty definite ideas about being along the coast, or living inland, since the lifestyle can vary quite a bit.

People prefer one or the other.

The primary differentiators are, of course the beaches, and the weather. While I can’t imagine NOT wanting to be near the beaches, for some that is less important, and they prefer more consistent sun and warmer weather.

And being within 30 – 45 minutes of the beach is OK.

The coastal weather can differ dramatically from inland, the marine layer being one major element. While it may be gray on the coast, a few miles inland the sun will be shining. It also tends to be cooler along the coast even on sunny summer days – it might be 75 to 80 degrees in Carlsbad but hit close to 100 in Escondido just 15 miles inland.

The weather stations actually report on 4 different weather zones, which takes some getting used to – coastal, inland, the mountains, and the desert.

I’ve had buyers say they want to be east of El Camino Real since that is where the marine layer stops.

In my experience it’s not that simple nor consistent. You WILL get the marine layer further inland.

Other lifestyle differences between the coast and inland?

It’s more crowded along the coast, noisier, there’s more traffic and congestion, and you will notice more pollution.

And it costs more, on average, than even a few miles inland.

That’s not to say there are not expensive areas further inland – Rancho Santa Fe is the priciest community in all of San Diego County – although one might argue RSF is really a coastal community. But generally speaking the closer to the beaches, the higher the prices.

I use the "Lifestyle Questionnaire" I created (see below) to help buyers think through their lifestyle choices when relocating to Southern California, as well as the "What's Important to You" questionnaire for their home search.

But the BIG question is - do you want to live along the coast or inland?

Gator by the Bay Festival – Visit Louisiana San Diego Style This Weekend, May 11 – 13, 2012

The popular, annual Gator by the Bay Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival 2012 is this weekend, May 11^th through the 13^th (It’s Mother's Day weekend, by the way). 

Need something fun and different to do?

Why not celebrate 11 years of "Louisiana Bayou meets San Diego California" at the Spanish Landing Park on the Bay near San Diego’s Lindbergh Airport (West Basin at North Harbor Drive, across from Terminal 2). 

You can enjoy three days of zydeco and blues, continuous music with more than 85 performers on 6 stages (e.g., Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Commander Cody, and the Bayou Brothers Zydeco Band), dancing, cooking demonstrations and, truly tons of great Cajun and Creole food that will guarantee you a fun time.

If you can't get to New Orlean's then the Gator by the Bay Festival 2012 is the next best thing!

Gator by the Bay 2012 tickets are reasonably priced at $25 for Friday (their Blues Supper Club atmosphere) and $30 on Saturday and Sunday but you now need to purchase tickets at the gate. 

Visit the Gator by the Bay website for more information or call (858) 492-8748 for the details. If you can't get to New Orleans, Louisiana, this is the next best thing right here in San Diego.

If I weren’t heading to LA tomorrow and then Philadelphia I would be there!!

Carlsbad Homes for Sale - What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in April 2012?

The Carlsbad real estate market continues to shift, and the statistics for April show a number of changes from last month, some substantial. 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 but are not guaranteed.

READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBAD: 

 Carlsbad Village by the Sea

 101 Things to do In and Around Carlsbad

Carlsbad California and Historic Route 101 - The Coast Highway (a VIDEO)

Media reports speak in general terms, so 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 a buyer or seller so you can make informed purchase and sale decisions. 

In April 2012 there were 162 Carlsbad homes sold (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), up 41% from February. Here’s the breakdown of overall activity. 

The number of Carlsbad home sales rose fairly significantly over March sales (and have risen almost 60% since February) - 19% of these were cash sales. Average sale prices rose modestly for detached homes but declined for attached home sales. There is some negotiation going on and buyers, on average, are getting their homes for 3% off the asking price.

There were 137 properties (26% of the total) in Carlsbad at the end of April with the CONTINGENT status, 2% more than last month (i.e., homes with offers being reviewed for approval by short sale and REO lenders).

There were 527 Carlsbad Homes for sale at the end of April (down 5%), the 9^th consecutive decline in inventory, and the lowest inventory since January of 2010! This represents an inventory of 4.1 months for attached homes (down from 4.8 months last month) and 4.4 months for detached (down from 5.2 last month) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months. The real estate market in Carlsbad continues to be competitive and in getting more so.

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

In April the number of new homes coming on the market increased, with 196 new listings hitting the market, just 4 fewer than last month. The number of homes going pending declined by 4% to 165, from March pendings.  

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.

Search for Carlsbad Homes for Sale

Search for Homes with Views in Carlsbad

Search for Waterfront Homes for Sale in Carlsbad

READ MORE:

Carlsbad Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in March 2012?

Carlsbad Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in February 2012?

Carlsbad Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in January 2012?

Single Story Homes for Sale in Carlsbad – Carlsbad Single Story Homes for Sale

A good number of buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market are seeking single story detached homes for sale.

The reasons vary:

• Health
• Age
• Physical issues
• Preferred lifestyle
• Living area configuration

Regardless of the reasons, Carlsbad home buyers have some options when looking for single story detached homes for sale in Carlsbad’s 4-zip code areas, whether near the beach or further inland.

The majority of the single story homes for sale in Carlsbad are resales, as many of the builders have not built new construction single story homes in the Carlsbad area – there are exceptions (including in Encinitas) but that’s for a later post.

There are 49 Carlsbad single story resale homes for sale, ranging in size from 650 SF up to a whopping 6108 SF, and priced from $350,000 to about $1,600,000.

If a single story Carlsbad home is of interest, why not start your search below. Imagine, no stairs!!

Stay tuned for more information about new construction single story homes for sale in and around Carlsbad.

SINGLE STORY HOMES FOR SALE IN CARLSBAD

CARLSBAD HOMES FOR SALE

HOMES WITH VIEWS IN CARLSBAD

WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN CARLSBAD

Del Mar Homes for Sale - What Happened in the Del Mar Real Estate Market in April 2012?

Del Mar is a small coastal town in North San Diego County and one of the most expensive towns in the county. Indeed, the Del Mar real estate market currently has the most expensive home for sale in San Diego County (at $43M), and still holds the record for the most expensive property sold (at about $48,000,000). 

READ MORE: Del Mar - Affluent Seaside Town (A Community Profile) 

Up to date information on the local Del Mar real estate market is important for buyers and sellers to make informed decisions about buying and selling Del Mar homes. Here are the statistics obtained from the MLS for Del Mar for April 2012 (the data are believed accurate but are not guaranteed, and do not include private sales). 

22 homes sold in the Del Mar real estate market in April 2012, 2a whopping 69% increase over March sales. Here's a summary of the activity: 

Overall sales volume rose significantly from March. Average sale prices, however, saw a substantial drop across the board (in part due to the fact that 1 detached home sold at $6.3 million last month which raised the average significantly). Buyers were able to negotiate, on average, 4 - 7% off list prices.

There were 5 Del Mar homes on the market at the end of April 2012 with a Contingent status (i.e., homes with offers being reviewed by short sale and REO lenders, 6% of the total number of homes for sale). These are included in the overall Active statistics below. 

34 homes entered the Del Mar real estate market in April, just 1 less than in March. 24 Del Mar homes went pending in April, another increase in pendings, by 2 (up 10%) over March pendings.

There were 131 Del Mar homes for sale at the end of April, another downward shift, by 2%, the 2^nd decline in a row. At the current rate of sales over a 6-month period, this represents an inventory of 10.9 months for detached homes (down from 12.2 last month), and 5.3 months for attached properties, down from 6.3 months in March, indicating a tightening of the market, especially for attached homes in Del Mar.

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

As with any statistic, 1 month of numbers does not establish a trend, so it is important to watch what has been happening over a period of time. One should not draw any firm conclusions regarding pricing because of the extremes in the Del Mar real estate market, as well as the fairly small number of sales. 

SEARCH FOR DEL MAR HOMES FOR SALE

SEARCH FOR DEL MAR CONDOS FOR SALE

READ MORE:

Del Mar Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Del Mar Real Estate Market in March 2012?

Del Mar Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Del Mar Real Estate Market in February 2012?

Del Mar Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Del Mar Real Estate Market in January 2012?

Rancho Santa Fe Homes for Sale - What Happened in the Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report in April 2012?

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 or selling a 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. 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 since many high-end properties are unique. 

READ MORE: 

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

Walkable Neighborhoods – Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Near Rancho 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 April 2011 based on information provided by the MLS (private sales are not included). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed. 

As of the end of April there were 9 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), 1 more than last month, and these are included in the Active statistics below.

As of April 2011 there were 234 Ranch Santa Fe homes for sale (96% of these are detached), 8 more than last month (up 4%), one of the few communities locally where inventory rose. This represents an inventory of 6 months for attached homes (up from 4.8 months in February), and 15 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales (based on a 6-month period), which is down from 15.8 months in March.

The number of Rancho Santa Fe homes coming on the market in April decreased to 42 (down 26%), with 18 homes going pending during the same period, a decrease in pendings by 28% over last month (25).

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. 

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN RANCHO SANTA FE CALIFORNIA

SEARCH FOR CONDOS FOR SALE IN RANCHO SANTA FE CALIFORNIA

READ MORE:

Rancho Santa Fe Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market in March 2012?

Rancho Santa Fe Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market in February 2012?

Rancho Santa Fe Homes – What Happened in the Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market in January 2012?