Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views

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 

Here is a summary of the Cardiff real estate market for January 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 January dropped significantly from December, and the small number of sales makes it unwise to draw any firm conclusions of the pricing trends (which dropped significantly) or other trends. 2 of the 5 sales were short sales.

At the end of January 2010 there were 8 homes in the Cardiff real estate market with a Contingent status (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 January 2010 there were 56 Cardiff homes for sale, the same as last month and the month prior. This represents an inventory of 5.1 months for attached homes (down from 6.8 months in December) and 7.4 months for detached homes (slightly up from 7.3 months in December). 

23 Cardiff homes came on the market in January, almost twice the number in December, which is good news for buyers, with 13 homes going pending during the same period, more than twice the number of homes going pending in December. 

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 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  

Cardiff Real Estate January 2009 Market Report

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If I can provide more information about Cardiff 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 "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 January 2010 there were 61 homes sold in San Marcos' 2 zip codes (92069 and 92078). Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

There were 178 homes on the market at the end of January with a Contingent status, i.e., homes with offers awaiting approval from the short sale and REO lenders, up 7% 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 January 2010 the San Marcos real estate market had 340 homes for sale (52% are contingent), 6% more than in December. This represents an inventory of 3.7 months for attached homes (up from 3.6 in December)) and 3.4 months for detached (a decline from 2.9 months at the end of December) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months. 

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

In January we saw 95 homes come on the market, an increase of 9% over the number in December. The number of homes going pending in January (69) declined by 21% over the rate in December. Thus the San Marcos real estate market remains very competitive for buyers, but homes have been selling at a fairly good clip, too. 

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 December. 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 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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If I can provide more information about San Marcos 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 "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

You might not think these flowers are so special, since Southern California has flowers all year round.

These daffodils were blooming outside one of the homes I toured today with my clients (who, by the way, put in an offer).

While it is not ususual to see flowers, daffodils are not common except in the cooler areas of California (e,g., the mountain communities further inland). These reminded me of my East coast roots, and in particular the vast quantities of daffodils we would see in early Spring on Cape Cod, MA. Indeed, they even had a Daffodil festival to celebrate the tens of thousands of blooms with a big fair and all sort of fun activites. It is a nice memory and I particualr enjoyed seeing these flowers today.

Guess there aren't too many flowers showing back East right now. But that time will come soon.

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If I can provide more information about San Marcos 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 "The California Relocation Dude" 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 January 2010 there were 136 homes sold in Oceanside's 4 zip codes (92054, 92056, 92057, 92058), a decrease of 32%. This is not really surprising given that these homes, for the most part, went into escrow during the holiday period when we generally see fewer sales.  Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

In Oceanside there were 289 homes with a contingent status at the end of January, down 4 from December. This represents 42% 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 January 2010 the Oceanside real estate market had 693 homes for sale, up 4% from December. This represents an inventory of 3.1 months for detached homes (up from 2.6 months in December) and 4.5 months for attached homes (up from 4 months in December) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.  

In January 198 Oceanside homes came on the market, just 3 more than last month. During January 151 homes went pending, t8% fewer 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 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 "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Don Doerfler is a master at creating living orchid arrangements. I know, because I met him the other day and saw for myself. His business, Encinitas Orchids, is based at his home in Encinitas, and a visit to his showroom is a visual treat.

Not only are the orchids spectacular, but the vessels used to create the living orchid arrangements (e.g., antique Chinese wood boxes, ceramics) add to their beauty. 

And Don's talent for creative use of color and visual imagery as an artist is immediately obvious in the stunning living orchid arrangements he creates. 

The orchids will generally last for months, but you can have a perpetual arrangement and be a perpetual customer - bring the arrangement back and Don will replace the orchids (the new orchids may be different) for a modest cost so you can continue to enjoy your orchids. 

I learned quite a few things meeting with Don. For example, orchids are the oldest plant, and there are thousands of varieties - indeed they are the most diverse family of plants known. They live in just about every environment save for deserts and the Antartic/Artic. 

Read more about growing orchids and the American Orchid Society. 

In addition to the Encinitas Orchids showroom where you can view the arrangements Don has for sale, you will find Encinitas Orchids' living orchid arrangements at the Leucadia Farmers' Market (Sundays from 10 - 2), the Mercado in Little Italy (Saturdays from 9 - 1:30) and the Point Loma Liberty Station (Sundays from 9:30 until 2:30). 

You can follow Encinitas Orchids on the Encinitas Orchids Blog. 

Or become a fan on the Encinitas Orchids Facebook page. 

Encinitas Orchids is located at 450 Avenida de las Rosas in Encintias

Showroom hours:  W and F 12 pm - 5 pm; T and TH 9 am - 12 pm

Call (760) 533-0991 for appointment and information

Email:  Orchids@EncinitasOrchids.com

One last note - Don Doerfler is also a notable artist in the Encinitas area. More on that later, but you can see his artwork at Painter of Paradise.

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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 "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

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 January 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 January 2010, 34 homes sold in Encinitas, only 2 less than in December. Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

Home sales shifted in the Encinitas real estate market with a dramatic decrease in detached home sales, and large shift up in attached sales. The average sales price of a single family Encinitas home did not change, whereas attached homes dropped by 9%.

There were 31 homes with a Contingent status at the end of January (i.e., short sale and REO homes having offers that are being considered by the lenders), 2 less than last month.  These homes are considered Active and are included in the overall active statistics. 

For January 2010 the Encinitas real estate market saw an increase in inventory over December (7%), with 214 homes for sale at the end of the month. This represents an inventory of 4.5 months for attached homes, up from 4.3 months last month, and 5.4 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales, up from 4.5 months in December (based on a 6-month period).

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

89 Encinitas homes came on the market in January compared to 54 the previous month (up 71%), and the number of homes going pending also rose, to 45 compared to 36 homes last month (up 25%). 

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 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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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 "The California Relocation Dude" 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 January 2010 there were 58 homes sold in Carlsbad's 4 zipcodes, a 49% decrease from December sales. Keep in mind that the majority of these sales went into escrow in December during the holiday season, so a decline is really not surprising. Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

The total number of sales dropped significantly from the previous month. Average prices, however rose substantially across the board, and the average days on market dropped by about 13 days in all three categories.

There were 101 properties (20% of the total) in Carlsbad at the end of January with the CONTINGENT status (i.e., homes with offers being reviewed for approval by short sale and REO lenders), about the same percentage as in December.

The overall inventory in the Carlsbad real estate market for the end of January (515 homes) rose 13% over last month. This represents an inventory of only 5.3 months for attached homes (up from 4 months in December) and 4 months for detached (compared to 3.4 months in December) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.

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

In January the number of new homes coming on the market increased from the prior month; good news for buyers is that 211 new homes hit the market, up a whopping 65% over the number coming on the mark At the same time 28% more homes went pending (109) than in the prior month.

READ MORE:

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

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

Carlsbad Real Estate - Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for October 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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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Annually real estate folks are confronted with a tough choice - to watch the Super Bowl or to sell real estate. And for some there is no choice - you do both. Or real estate takes second tier to the game.

Since the game is always on Sunday, a popular day for open houses, having a major sporting event at the same time can interfere, with folks preferring to stay home or go to one of the many Super Bowl parties. [photo courtesy of seantoyer on Flickr]

Of course if you are in a different time zone the issue maybe different. This year we are 3 hours earlier, so while the game back east will fall after open house hours, here on the Left Coast the kickoff for Super Bowl 44 falls within the normal open house hours. 

• So are you planning to do an open house? If not, why? 

• What WILL you be doing on Super Bowl Sunday?

• What success have you had with open houses, or just selling real estate on Super Bowl Sunday? Or has the day been an abysmal failure for real estate in your experience?

• What special things have you tried to generate business on this popular sporting day, particularly at open houses?

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 "The California Relocation Dude" 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 January 2010 111 homes sold in the Escondido real estate market, 38% fewer than in December. Here's the breakdown of overall activity. 

The volume of sales dropped from December, however prices rose fairly substantially for attached homes, and on average homes are selling at/above asking price. This is likely due to the number of short sales and REOs.  

There were 254 Escondido homes (39% 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 January 2010 there were 646 Escondido homes for sale, a boost in inventory of 4% over December. This represents an inventory of 2.7 months for attached homes (down from 2.9 months last month) and 3.4 months for detached homes (down from 3.6 months), based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months. 

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

In January 239 homes (up 37% over last month) came on the market, and 143 homes went pending, a drop of 15% from December pendings. 

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.

 READ MORE: Escondido Real Estate - Escondido Real Estate Market Report for December 2009

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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 "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

My wife and I were treated to a very special evening of international guitar music last night by a good friend here in Carlsbad, CA. 

I continue to be impressed with the breadth and depth of the Carlsbad arts scene available for free or at low cost to Carlsbad residents and visitors - the free TGIF Jazz in the Parks concerts in the summers, the wonderful art exhibits at the Cannon Art Gallery at the Carlsbad Public Library, the outdoor arts and crafts fairs, Art Splash, and other offerings which included the International Guitar Night last night. 

This spectacular event was sponsored by Carlsbad's Museum of Making Music, itself one of Carlsbad's treasures. 

Four very talented guitarists  - Brian Gore, Itamar Erez (from Israel), Stephen Bennett, and Lulo Reinhardt (from German, grandson of famed guitarist Django Reinhardt) - entertained us individually and in groups of 2 and 4 for about 2 ½ hours with an incredible array of music style and unique instruments (there were at least 7 guitars including Bennett's harp guitars, one which was 101 years old!). 

International Guitar Night was founded in 1995 by Brian Gore in San Francisco and has become one of the pre-eminent guitar events nationally and internationally. 

It was an amazing evening of incredible musical talent, and I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of being there. The next best thing, perhaps, may be to enjoy the brief video clips I took.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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