Please don't get the wrong idea here, although you may be wondering where this is going.

The weather is beautiful (aaah, but I am here in Southern California) and it's suppose to get close to 70 degrees today.

Had a good night sleep, for once (our playful cat only woke me one time).

I am starting to put together a realtestateshows.com tour for the contest Maureen Francis and Jeff Turner are sponsoring...and took some (I hope) great pics yesterday.

I plan to go to the gym in the next half hour after I eat, to put the bod through another strenuous workout - somehow as I age my body does too. Seems unfair, and it's more work.

We are going to a neat play tonight (a comedy) about Don Quixote. With the Flying Karamazov Brothers.

But none of that is what is getting me excited. What I am excited about is that I am sitting down at 10 AM to do my job - write up an offer with some first time buyers I have been working with since the 1st of the year...on a $500K+ property in the next town. Before you gasp, realize that in our area we ARE talking about where many people need to start buying. When I think back to MY first home (8 houses ago), it really hits home (bad pun) - $34K in Dearborn Heights, MI more than 25 years ago. Little 800SF 2 BR 1 BA house, with 2 small kids, grad school and both parents working. Boy, those were the times.

These buyers (referrals) have done everything right. Lots of research, visiting many homes in different towns to get a good feel for what they want and the neighborhood that suits them. Realized quickly what they needed to focus on...kept an open mind...considered new listings, new construction, resales, short sales, foreclosures...asked lots of good questions...got their pre-approval letter. So I got the phone call I was expecting (I could read the signs) yesterday - we are ready to make an offer. And good news is there are no other offers nor have there been any (unlike some of the the short sales and foreclosures - one I called on had 20 offers).

The paperwork is ready (about 15 pages so far), they know to bring a check, and we had an initial discussion about the offer. I expect a lengthy meeting coz I know they are feeling overwhelmed, and confused, and scared, and...

But that's what I love. I am excited - for them. I enjoy doing this, and look forward to the opportunity to help them get into the house of their choice.

The fun is just beginning!

Are there some hurdles to overcome? You bet:

• We need to come up with, and submit, an offer that will not annoy the sellers, and encourage them to engage in a dialog and counter offer
• The sellers are going through a hardship which includes a divorce
• The bank will need to approve the short sale
• There are lots of disclosures to review during the 17-day contingency period
• The buyers have to go through a home inspection without significant issues (Likely to be an "as is" situation but we'll see)
• Buyers, although pre-approved, need to get their loan commitment with a satisfactory appraisal)
• Buyers may experience "cold feet" or buyers' remorse

There's more but that's a good start.

The fun is just beginning!

Aviara - A Resort Residential Community

in Carlsbad CA

Aviara is the most upscale area of Carlsbad (link is to a short virtual tour of Carlsbad, with music, so turn up the sound), anchored by the Four Seasons Aviara Resort.

With many beautiful views of the ocean, the Batiquitos Lagoon and the inland hills and panorama, this community attracts many first-home and second-home buyers to the rolling hills dotted with gated condo and detached home subdivisions, many of which rim the Aviara golf course or overlook the hills to the ocean.

Aviara is an affluent and resort-like residential community (in other areas of the country it would likely be described as a bedroom community) in South Carlsbad jsut a mile or so inland from the Carlsbad beaches.

Other than the Four Seasons, there are no stores, shopping areas, restaurants, or commercial operations, although at the edge of this area along El Camino Real one does find these amenities. But who cares - the Four Seasons is there, offering very upscale shopping, several restaurants for dining, a comfortable bar with an outdoor terrace offering gorgeous views of the grounds and the ocean (terrific place to enjoy a glass of wine and appetizer, and to take out-of-town visitors), plus their world class spa.

The resort also offers The Argyle Restaurant, located at the Golf Course Clubhouse on Batiquitos Drive.

Most of the housing is on the newer side, having been built in the 90s. There is no new construction in Aviara per se, but several new subdivisions (The Bay Collection, Emerald Point) have sprung up on the border that also enjoy spectacular views, with homes starting in the low $1 millions.

The homes tend to be tract housing, with each community offering a number of floor plans, but a consistent look of style (primarily Spanish and Mediterranean) and feel, and the emphasis on an outdoor California lifestyle is evident.

Vegetation is plentiful and many streets are lined with palm trees and other mature plantings and flowers, and are beautifully tended year-round. Many communities are gated, the bird theme is common as a street name (Kestrel, Surfbird, Spoonbill, Egret, Tern) and each is named (Bella Lago, Isla Mar, Aviara Point). The Four Seasons also offers its Residences, for those seeking to live here only part of the year.

Typically, there are not a lot of homes for sale in Aviara (which falls in the 92011 zip code - added in the last couple of years, formerly 92009). Right now there are 34 detached homes on the market, ranging in price from $600,000 to $2.5 million (average price is about $1.1M). In contrast, within 92011, there are 108 detached homes on the market. In 2006, the median price of the 202 homes sold in 92011 was $875,000, with an average of $886,000. Average marketing time was 55 days, and homes generally sold within 94% of list price. Within Aviara itself, 40 homes were sold in 2006 at an average price of $903,219.

Within Aviara there are two schools for younger children - Aviara Oaks Elementary and Middle Schools. Older students will go to either La Costa Canyon High School or Carlsbad High School, depending on where they live.

Amenities within Aviara are limited to the Four Seasons...but WHAT amenities. The resort offers a fabulous spa, terrific golf course, and upscale dining, especially at Vivace, their signature Italian-themed restaurant. They also host a jazz series in the summertime as well as other community events. However, like La Costa, because of the location residents can easily enjoy dining and shopping in other nearby areas, and the South Carlsbad beaches are just minutes away.

The Batiquitos Lagoon and wildlife preserve is a popular area for hiking, running and bird watching.

Aviara offers a wonderful Southern California outdoor lifestyle in a resort area of beautiful homes, manicured grounds, moderate year-round temperatures and coastal climate, including a marine layer from time to time. Many of the homes have ocean views, and the entire area offers a feel of upscale living in a residential enclave.

Nearby attractions for residents include miles of Pacific Ocean beaches (South Carlsbad State Beach - photo above right, off coastal Highway 101 to the west), camping facilities, the Flower Fields (off Palomar Road, top right photo), the Museum of Making Music, Legoland, and the historic Rancho Carrillo. 

Perhaps this lifestyle is the one you are seeking, whether you already live in the area, are buying your first home, or are planning a relocation. Start DREAMING about your new home.

The La Costa area of Carlsbad (link is to a virtual tour of Carlsbad with music - turn up your sound), primarily zip code 92009, is one of the better known residential areas along the San Diego North Country coast.

The area began growing in 1965 when several thousand acres of land were purchased and turned into a golf course (now part of the La Costa Resort and Spa), homes constructed, and the Rancho La Costa Inn built for visitors.

The original resort has had several owners and was later renamed La Costa, thus giving the surrounding area its name. Formerly a separate "town" the area was annexed and later became part of Carlsbad, but many still refer to it by its original name.

In the early days La Costa had a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, many from Hollywood, the Rat Pack being the most well-known. A number of celebrities had homes here along the golf course (Robert Young, for example) or rented properties in the area.

Despite several changes in ownership, the resort remains a popular golf, tennis and spa destination and hosts several golf and tennis tournaments annually, as well as weddings and corporate functions. Recently the owners have developed a series of whole ownership condos on the grounds which have proven to be wildly popular, and expensive (averaging $600/SF and more and usable 120 days out of the year - owners can rent them the remainder of the year for income).

La Costa Resort and Spa is also the site of the Chopra Center, developed and owned by Dr. Deepak Chopra, internationally known for his spiritual teachings and alternative medicine.

The La Costa real estate market covers a broad range of housing options in many styles, including apartment rentals, condominiums, and detached homes, many with reasonably large parcels of land.

High-end properties tend to be gated, and there are a small gated communities along the golf course.

A number of people own second homes here as well as investment properties. Because of the hilly terrain, many homes offer panoramic and beautiful views of the Batiquitos Lagoon, the ocean, the La Costa Resort, and the back country hills. The proximity to the resort and to the beaches make this area a prime vacation and rental market.

LA COSTA REAL ESTATE:

As of this writing there were 183 detached Carlsbad homes on the market, ranging in price from $475,000 to $2,750,000; occasionally homes priced in the $3M - $5M range appear on the market as well. For 2006 the median price was $826,00 (essentially unchanged from 2005), with an average price of $877,371 (Note, however, that prices have appreciated 84% since 2001).

A total of 443 detached La Costa homes sold (through the MLS) in 2006 vs. 754 in 2005. Marketing time averaged 63 days, and homes sold at 96% of the asking price, on average, in 2006.

Affordability is an issue in the Carlsbad real estate market, and the California Association of REALTORS reports that less than 10% of the population can afford to purchase the median priced home in the La Costa area of Carlsbad. The good news is that prices, on average, are less than neighboring Encinitas) to the south, and the Aviara area of Carlsbad, to the west, and homes tend to be larger for a comparable price. With the current inventory, buying a home here now may be a good decision, depending on your circumstances and budget.

(8/08 NOTE: Affordability has improved in this area since this article was orignally written).

Depending on where you live, and the current geographic boundaries, your children may go to different school districts. Part of the area is served by San Dieguito Union High School District (Encinitas) and the Carlsbad Schools; others attend schools in the San Marcos School District.

La Costa offers an idyllic Southern California lifestyle, given the area is primarily residential, has beautiful views, and experiences a very pleasant coastal climate all year round.

There are two small shopping centers as well as upscale shops at the resort. Nearby shopping of every description, however, can be found along El Camino Real, a major thoroughfare running north and south from Oceanside to Cardiff.

The Forum (below left), in South Carlsbad is probably the best known upscale shopping area, but residents have easy access to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets Mall to the north. The area is close to the 5, without the noise, so travel to downtown San Diego (about 30 miles) and to LA (about 100 miles) is easy (except during rush hour traffic).

There are few restaurants in the community itself, the best being at the La Costa Resort (Bluefire Grill), however residents can enjoy upscale dining close by in other areas of Carlsbad including the Village, at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort nearer the coast, and in Encinitas. Vigilucci's (photo below right)offer waterview dining and extraordinary sunsets.

Nearby attractions for residents include miles of Pacific Ocean beaches (South Carlsbad State Beach - photo above right, off coastal Highway 101 to the west), camping facilities, the Flower Fields (off Palomar Road, top right photo), the Museum of Making Music, Legoland, and the historic Rancho Carrillo.

If you are searching for that Southern California home near the ocean, with golf, tennis, shopping and restaurants in and around the area, in a primarily residential community, but with easy access to the city and other coastal amusements, then the La Costa area of Carlsbad may be the ideal choice for you.

The diversity of La Costa homes offers many options for first time, move-up, downsizing, and vacation-home buyers.

And for those of you in other parts of the country, relocation to La Costa may give you the year-round lifestyle you are seeking, away from the cold and snow.

By the way, I have lived in La Costa and know the area very well, so I can provide you with much more information and photos of the area if it appeals to you. I'd love to hear from you if I can assist in any way.

So, you are meeting a new real estate or mortgage client from another country and you wonder - do I kiss, bow, or shake hands? How do you know? What if you do the wrong thing?

This is a weighty question, and one you should not take lightly. The correct answer can have tremendous impact on your relationship with that client, or determine even IF there is a relationship. Any of your who have dealt with the business worked in other countries are well aware of this, I'm sure.

I am reading a terrific book on the subject of doing business in more than 60 countries (nope, I probably won't read it all and certainly won't be able to remember most of it) which I know can have strong applicability to our business. Some of you may have heard of it. Clever title, with far-reaching consequences.

We have heard from a number of people on AR about business with international buyers and sellers, and understanding cultural differences and being sensitive to them, is critical to your success. It's all about the relationship you establish, and how you handle it can make or break you. Just one example - do you know how and when to hand a business card to someone from Japan? (this was discussed somewhere on AR but darned if I can find it).

I don't necessarily suggest reading the entire book simply because it is overwhelming and addresses issues from 60 countries. However, a careful reading of the introduction and then selecting a number of countries to review (perhaps of clients you have, have had, might have) will help you gain a better understanding of the many differences and issues you must be sensitive to.

Each country is addressed using the following topics:

What's Your cultural IQ? - 3 questions to gauge your knowledge

Tips on Doing Business in ___ - several highlight to keep in mind

Country Background - History, government, language, etc.

Know Before You Go - natural and human hazards (may not be applicable to your real estate situation here)

Cultural Orientation - cultural anthropology view of that country

Business Practices - being on time, appointments, negotiation, etc.

Protocol - greetings, titles, forms of address, gestures, gifts, dress

As pointed out several times, there are always exceptions, and not everyone from a particular country behaves like every others (we don't in the US, do we??!!). And some characteristics are more enduring than others, while others may be altered by living in a different country (say someone from Brazil who has lived in the US for an extended time).

The book also talks in depth about:

• different ways that people organize and process information (closed vs. open minded)
• how they think (abstractive vs. associative)
• the basis of their negotiation strategies
• the manner in which people reduce anxiety
• issues of equality and inequality

and much more.

Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands is a great resource and fascinating reading. A good one to add to your expanding list so you are prepared for your next international client! BTW they have a new book out focussed exclusively on business with Asian countries.

Anyone have particular experiences they would like to share?

Here are the summary statistics from the MLS for the month of December 2006 for Encinitas.

The data show a 25% drop in inventory from the end of November. While the median price for both detached and attached homes dropped as compared to 1 year ago, the median rose from the previous month for detached homes (but showed a drop for attached homes). The holiday season likely played a role in the change in inventory, and the next few months should provide some insight as to the direction of the market in Encinitas.

If I can answer questions or provide more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Here is a summary of the housing market, based on statistics from the MLS, for Carlsbad, CA for the month of December. This is a standard report I provide past, current and prospective clients each month.

The statistics show a drop in the inventory since the end of November of 15%. The median prices are holding steady, as compared to the previous month, however they have dropped by about 6% for detached homes. Overall inventory is about a 6-month supply of homes at the current rate of sales, which is a drop from the previous month. It is likely that the holiday season has contributed to the overall drop in inventory. The next month or two should provide a good look as to the direction the market is going as we enter the spring market.

If I can provide other information, or answer any questions, please let me know.