Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views: December 2007

If you are on the hunt for anything electronic or containing a microchip, a household appliances or other consumer products, you will likely find it at Fry’s.

I first heard about Fry’s when I moved to Carlsbad as being THE PLACE to go for electronics and related products, but only recently ventured in. It was truly amazing.

This mega store, sort of the Home Depot of electronics and one of the chain of 30 stores, in San Marcos just off San Marcos on Bent Avenue, seems to have anything and everything you could possibly want.

What was impressive was the number of sales people running around in every aisle. I had visions of not being able to find what I needed, despite the signage (which is pretty good) as so often happens in these big stores. Not a problem.

I was asked at least 3 times if I need helped right after I started looking; the items were procured quickly, the sales slip provided, and off we went to checkout.

    

I can imagine how crazy Fry’s gets during the holidays (the lines are probably horrible), or if there are sales, given there are 35 checkout stations. And they were all open and busy. But the whole operation seems to be well coordinated and planned, and it worked. I can imagine that with the size of this place there must be issues at times with customer service or returns, but my first experience was a gem. I generally shy away from superstores but this one is a keeper.

    

If you need something electronic, this seems to be the place to go in North County San Diego. Certainly lots of folks know about it and it’s only about 15 minutes from the La Costa area of Carlsbad where I live.

I am just finishing a transaction today with some terrific buyer clients who are relocating to the Encinitas area. Recording is supposed to happen in a few hours, and they are thrilled with their new home and community just a few hours from their old place. (pic courtesy of rdesai on Flickr)

The process began just 2 months ago, on Oct 31, with an email from my buyer via ActiveRain, where he found my profile which prompted him to email me. Things moved very quickly. Lots had to happen – completing the job interviews and getting the offer, coordinating with the relocation company on both the buy and sell sides, finding a new home HERE during several house hunting trips (knowing little about the area) while selling the current home in a slower market, and of course the normal transactional stuff – getting the offer accepted (with a competing offer already in place), the home inspection, the timing of the home sale, obtaining the loan and much more.

This has been a terrific process in terms of things falling into place as, and when, they should. The clients have been ideal players throughout in so many ways, and it occurred to me that real estate really is a team sport.

Winning the game means getting to the closing table, with both buyer and seller pleased to have reached the end – a successful property transfer. It’s not MY BUYER won, or THE SELLER won, but the team that was assembled working together in harmony.

Having a good team that plays together well means a winning game. One “bad” player can jeopardize the transaction, and certain players (say the buyer or the seller) can prevent it from happening at all.

For a successful team the players:

• Understand their respective positions (buyer, seller, listing agent, buyer agent, escrow officer, title company, relocation professional in this case, home inspector, transaction coordinators, loan officer) and follow the requirements of those positions
• They set expectations with each other and explain the rules
• Communicate as they should in a timely manner so the other players know what is happening, or what is going to happen and when
• Are willing to switch gears, take alternate routes, or modify their decisions when unexpected things happen
• Do what they say they are going to do and when, and don’t break the rules
• Make decisions when needed, and let others know what those decisions are
• Focus on the end result without letting their egos and personal agendas get in the way or sidetrack them

It really all boils down to the people involved in the game, playing fairly, and staying focused on the end result.

This has been one of the smoothest transactions I have had for some time, and there were plenty of opportunities for things to go awry. But they didn’t. The team that was assembled played the game together well and they won. Congratulations to all!!

The community of La Costa, in South Carlsbad, is anchored by the world renowned La Costa Resort and Spa. The area of La Costa was formerly a town in and of itself but was annexed by Carlsbad a number of years ago. Many folks, however, refer to the area as La Costa, and most people in the area know of this upscale residential neighborhood. The area was vacant prior to the building of the golf course and resort back in the early 1960s (the course was built in 1965 and the Rancho La Costa Inn was added soon after, as was the Spa) and the Carlsbad homes that sprung up around the golf course form a unique and charming community unlike any other in Carlsbad. This area is bounded on the west by El Camino Real, on the north by Alga Road, on the south by the resort, and on the east by Almaden.   The La Costa Resort had a reputation in its early days for being a playground for the rich and famous, including celebrities from Hollywood, and the Rat Pack is known to have partied here, allegedly at the “Hollywood House” (and at the nearby Del Mar Race Track). The A-list of names (some perhaps rumors, others are supposedly reliable) include Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, Lucille Ball, Dustin Hoffman and many others (one can imagine, knowing the many entertainers who partied together during the 1950s and 60s according to Hollywood lore and gossip). Robert Anderson (from TV’s “Father Knows Best”) had a home here (it recently sold), as did the former owner of Caesar’s Palace in La Vegas. The “No Fear” estate borders the golf course and is currently for sale; one home close to the resort is known to have been used by “problem” gamblers who were not allowed to gamble at the resort itself. The resort reportedly also appealed to members of the mafia, some of whom allegedly maintained homes in the area years ago. Carlsbad homes immediately on or near the La Costa golf course are primarily detached homes, although there are a few condo complexes (e.g., Casitas de la Costa) along some of this neighborhood’s streets that were formerly part of the resort. Many homes are single story and despite what you see from the street, many are quite large with expansive courtyards hidden behind walls. The majority were built in the late 1960s and 1970s (there is a handful of new homes on a couple of the streets) and some original owners remain, although many home has been sold at least once. Remodeling is fairly common, and a good number of homes are single story, with dramatic golf course and La Costa hills views. Golf carts on the streets are a common site as the resort is within walking distance of many homes. The La Costa area has a reputation for being fairly expensive, and this neighborhood is no different. You will be hard pressed to find anything for sale under $1 million (even a fixer), and recent sales in 2007 (a total of 8) have ranged from $1,000,000 to $2,100,000. Currently there are 3 detached La Costa homes on the market on the handful of streets and cul-de-sacs along the golf course. Prices range from $997,000 to $2,695,000 (the “No Fear” estate, originally built by the CEO of No Fear action sports wear, is priced at $2,595,000 for the 5700 SF golf-course frontage contemporary home). This La Costa neighborhood is desirable not only for the location, the views and the proximity to the famed resort, but also the ready access to shopping and restaurants (why not dine at the upscale BlueFire Grill at the La Costa Resort?) and the fabulous beaches of South Carlsbad and Encinitas, just 15 minutes away. Children in the neighborhood on the west side of the golf course attend the schools in Carlsbad (Aviara Oaks Elementary and Aviara Oaks Middle School); those on the other side attend San Marcos Schools. Perhaps YOUR next Carlsbad home will be in this La Costa neighborhood! Please let me know if I can provide more information, answer questions, or otherwise assist you in your search for the perfect property. *************************************** Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Encinitas and San Marcos homes) Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

In Part 1 of this series for non-dummies who are relocating, we talked about the emotional and psychological stuff that goes on. Something you often don’t hear much about, and yet it can be such a major issue with folks who are moving to a new locale, such as Carlsbad.

Here in PART 2, we focus on some of the more practical, but critical, issues when relocating – things to think about when selling your current home.

In many ways selling your home when relocating is no different than selling a home to move to the next town, or to upgrade to a larger home in the community. But there are some other issues you must deal with, because of time pressures, and the practical realities of such a move. But any seller will likely benefit from reading this section.

First, you might start by reading about some general issues to consider when selling your current home. You may have already considered these matters, but it never hurts to make sure you are not missing the boat.

 

Should I Buy or Sell First? This is such a common question, and one you must NOT take lightly. So many make the wrong decision and find themselves trapped with two homes and mortgage. Considering the time pressures in many relocations, you cannot really afford to do the wrong thing, at least not intentionally. I’d recommend reading this before you get too far along down the wrong path.

 

Certainly you will need to hire a good listing agent to help you (but if you are considering selling your home yourself, check out my series Are You Thinking of Selling Your Home Yourself FIRST – it might not be a prudent decision in your market and with the pressures of trying to relocate). Hopefully your listing agent will do a stellar job for you. But be on the lookout to see in case Your Home Sale is Being Sabotaged.

 

Want Some Ways to Increase Salability and Create a Good First Impression? This post should give you some tips.

 

  

And you probably already know that when Selling Your Current Home, Pricing Correctly is essential, particularly when there is lots of competition. And it is even MORE important when you need to sell quickly so you can relocate and not waste time and money. Each week your house sits there on the market is costing you dollars – taxes, your mortgage payment, and utilities.

If your home is not in pristine condition, and there is lots of personal stuff around, I would encourage you to consider Staging your House to Sell. Getting rid of clutter is a critical thing to do, and since you are moving anyway, you really have no excuse to not pack it away.

 

Whether you are a first time seller, or experienced, you want to avoid making serious errors in your sale, or doing things that might jeopardize the sale, since time is precious. And money is, too, as relocating WILL cost you, even if there is a relocation package provided by your employer. Here are Some Mistakes to Watch for When Selling Your Home.
 

Come back to visit soon as we explore some practical issues you will need to contend with when house hunting from a distance.

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Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Encinitas and San Marcos homes)

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

 

There are lots of “for Dummies” books out there – Math For Dummies, HTLM for Dummies, Cooking for Dummies ,and on and on.

I haven’t seen a book on relocation for dummies, and I thought there really OUGHT to be one. Having spent the last year writing lots of articles about relocating on my Carlsbad Relocation A to Z blog, based on my own experience and from helping others through the process, I decided to summarize, in one place, some of the things YOU should know if you are planning to relocate.

In my humble opinion, relocation is NOT for dummies. You really need to know what you are doing on a number of fronts – selling your home, buying a new home at a distance, dealing with movers, learning about a new community far from your old one, possibly having to coordinate with a relocation company and understanding their relocation services, coping with kids and pets, and much more.

It can get expensive, it cause lots of anxiety and hand wringing, and things often happen that you don’t expect despite your best intentions.

Can I make your relocation seamless and anxiety free? Heck no.  Sorry, but it’s just not possible.

BUT I can give you some tips that may help you along your way, and start you thinking about some issues you may not have considered.

There’s lots to review, even in this summary, so here’s PART 1.

Let’s begin with some of the psychological and emotional stuff:

Are you feeling good about the move?  Or Perhaps Not? It’s normal. Even if you have made the conscious decision to relocate (what are YOUR reasons to relocate?), sometimes the feelings that crop up aren’t so pleasant. I can tell you from personal experience, and from those who I have worked with, that there will be a psychological and emotional impact of relocation.

 

Having made 4 significant moves myself, I find that there are things that I enjoy about relocation. And you will too, if you put your mind to it. It’s really taking a “glass half full” approach vs. “omigod it’s going to be awful, why am I doing this?”

 

I think it’s important to tune into your feelings, no matter what they are, so you can deal with them more effectively. And perhaps understand why you are feeling the way you are. Is it the unknown? What things are you afraid of? Do you regret making the decision? Is there sadness around leaving loved ones behind? Are you feeling some excitement about the new adventure?

 

Why not make your relocation memorable? Even though you may have mixed feelings, there are ways to make it a pleasurable experience, and perhaps one you will remember for many years.

 

 

Come back soon to read more about some of the more practical things you must deal with when selling your home in order to relocate.

Carlsbad home buyers have much to be thankful for.

Let's count the ways...

726 homes on the market as of 12/21/07

While the prices here are high compared to other parts of the country, they are, relatively speaking, better than many of the other coastal communities (except for Oceanside to the north).

The inventory has remained fairly stable (less than 8 months worth), and prices have not shifted much this year (see the November Carlsbad Homes Market Report).

Carlsbad has a highly rated school system (do a Google search and you'll find out more) with a number of schools winning awards in California in recent years.

Interest rates (as of this writing) are BELOW 6% for conforming mortgages - the best we have seen in about 2 years.

  

There's lots to like about this town, such as golf, the beaches, tourist attractions, and 101 things to do along the coast highway (not ALL in Carlsbad)  - Read Carlsbad, California: Top Things to Like about Living Here.

The weather is fabulous, as are the beaches, so you can be outside most of the year enjoying the Southern California lifestyle. Why NOT buy here, especially if you have been suffering with the wintry storms throughout much of the US and have been thinking about a move to a warmer climate.

  

There is a diversity of housing - something for just about everyone:

• detached and attached homes
• single, two story and townhouse
• water front homes, homes on the hills and golf-course frontage properties
• new construction, older homes, homes being built and homes being planned
• pristine properties and fixers
• fractional units and time shares
• primary, vacation and investment properties
• master planned communities (La Costa Greens, La Costa Ridge, Bressi Ranch, Calavera Hills, La Costa Valley, La Costa Oaks) and resort-like neighborhoods (Aviara)
• gated and non-gated complexes
• homes for seniors 55+ and assisted living facilities
• apartments and corporate housing
• affordable housing (apartments AND homes to purchase)
• condos and fee simple properties
• homes for under $250,000 and a bunch over $2,000,000
• mobile and manufactured housing
• short sales and foreclosures (but not many)
• Just about every style you could want - Italian, Mediterranean, traditional, contemporary, bungalow, Spanish, California ranch, Southern colonial, and so on.

So what do you think? Are there enough good reasons to move to Carlsbad? And enough choices of Carlsbad homes?

  

Let me know if you have questions and I will get you what you need to make the right buying decision in Carlsbad in 2008!

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Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Encinitas and San Marcos homes)

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

 

WHAT?! You can live in a Carlsbad waterfront home at an affordable price? How is that possible?   Yes, it's true. There are waterfront homes in Carlsbad that are, relatively speaking, affordable. No, it's not on the ocean. Are you surprised? But it's not on a small creek either (you can find more information on Carlsbad waterfront homes here). Bristol Cove is located off the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon a short distance south of Carlsbad Village. This community is directly on an inlet (a cove) off of the lagoon, AND there is dockage for boats at a number of the homes. This is a residential cove and use is restricted to owners and tenants. Resident children attend the Carlsbad Schools. There are a number of water activities at the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon, the ocean and Carlsbad beaches are nearby, and there is plenty of shopping and restaurants a short distance away in Carlsbad Village to the north. Popular Legoland is not far either.    The area surrounding Bristol Cove is a mix of detached homes, condos (both townhouse style and flats) and twin homes. The area can be described as eclectic - housing styles vary quite a bit - and homes range in age from new (in the last year or two) to early 1970s. Some homes are directly on the water and have terrific water views, as well as dockage for small boats (both private and semi-private dockage), and you can take your boat out from Bristol Cove to the main lagoon. Carlsbad Homes in the Bristol Cove neighborhood are primarily attached properties, located along Marina and Cove, and complexes include the Bristol Cove Condominiums, Tu Casa (another small condo complex on the water) and Paradise Cove, among others. Some of the homes in the general area are large custom homes (on the opposite side of Park Drive) but are not waterfront.             Adjacent to Bristol Cove are two small gated complexes. Bayshore, a complex of newer (2002/2003) and larger (more than 2000 SF) attached homes just steps from the lagoon. Two Carlsbad homes are on the market in Bayshore priced at $649,500 and $699,000; a home priced at $718,000 on the water is under contract. Laguna Shores is just to the south on the lagoon, with twin homes built in the early 1990s. A current listing with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2194 SF is priced at $875,000. Currently there are attached 4 Carlsbad homes for sale in Bristol Cove, priced from $369,000 (782 SF, 1 bedroom 1 bath) up to $670,000 (2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1453 SF). The latter unit has incredible lagoon views. For those with a bigger budget, across the street from the cove is a large custom house of 4000 SF on the hill with over 2 acres, priced at $1,799,000.

 

The master planned community of La Costa Greens, in the La Costa area of Carlsbad, has been developed over the last couple of years and includes 7 neighborhoods by 5 well-known area builders. The La Costa Greens community has appealed to Carlsbad home buyers and has prospered, and several of the neighborhoods are sold out, with others very nearly so. Just a handful of homes remain, for example, at the gated community of Balearas, the most expensive (in the low to mid $1 millions) of the La Costa Greens villages. Viridian, being built by Davidson, is the most recently built community offering homes for sale. Residents will have access and use of the private club, The Presidio (photo below left), and use of the tennis courts and miles of walking and hiking trails. There is easy access to all that Carlsbad has to offer, including shopping and restaurants, golf at La Costa Resort and Spa (less than 2 miles away) and the Four Seasons Aviara, and of course the beautiful beaches, perhaps 15 minutes away. Children will attend the Carlsbad Schools; Poinsettia Elementary for grades 1 to 5; Aviara Oaks Middle School for grades 6 - 8, and Carlsbad High School. Viridian is being built in 8 phases including the model homes (there have already released phase 2), and homes are selling well; a total of 91 homes will be built. There are 4 floor plans to choose from; 3 are two-story and the 4th is single story (no model home of this plan). Some of the homes will border open space, a common trait of La Costa Greens neighborhoods, and a handful will have terrific golf course views from their location atop a hill. As with the other La Costa Greens homes, residents pay Mello Roos fees as well as HOA fees. Viridian homes are priced beginning in the $900,000s, with the most expensive a bit over $1 million. These homes range in size from 2823 SF (for the single story home) up to about 4600 SF. There are 3 - 5 bedrooms, depending on the plan, with 2.5 to 4.5 baths. If I can provide more information about the Viridian homes at La Costa Greens, or the Carlsbad area in general, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or text message at (760) 840-1360 or by email at JDowler@remax.net.

Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Encinitas and San Marcos homes)

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The Four Seasons Resort Aviara is an extraordinary hotel in Carlsbad, and always a beautiful sight for the eyes no matter what time of year you visit.

The Festival of Trees is a highlight of the holiday season, where the hotel lobby and halls are decorated with amazing trees that are theme decorated by various organizations in the local area.

Not only are they gorgeous to view, but they are part of a silent auction, with bidding starting at $500, to raise money for a very worthy charity - the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. This charity benefits the families of injured soldiers.

Of course after a stroll through the halls to take in these beautiful trees, why not enjoy a fabulous dinner in Vivace, the Four Seasons' signature Italian restaurant? Sitting by their fire and dining on incredible selections from their every-changing menu - what better way to pamper yourself during the holidays?

Enjoy the show and the holiday music!

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Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Encinitas and San Marcos homes)

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Achieving maximum exposure in today's market is key to selling your Carlsbad home. Of course if it is not priced well no amount of marketing and advertising will sell it.

Assuming the price is right, signage can go a long way toward gaining that exposure, if used correctly and you employ a variety of media to meet the needs and interests of the broadest range of buyers. However, gone are the days when the market was so crazy that ALL you needed was signage. Some agents still think that will do the trick.

Here's the sign I just installed on a new Carlsbad listing. Decorating for the holidays is eye catching, and unique, and helps to draw attention. This sign will capture the attention of drive-bys. Yes, it's true most homes don't sell that way, but it does happen. And people who find the listing on the MLS can easily drive by to see where the home is located.

MY DIRECT PHONE NUMBER is on the sign so if buyers wish, they can call, and REACH ME promptly, rather than having their call answered by an office administrator or ending up in a voice mail, never to be heard from again as so often happens to buyers.

But there are some others features to the signage that further illustrate my point.

ONE:  There is a brochure box with flyers containing relevant information and photos. Some people like to hold something in their hands and are very visual, plus it's an immediate take-away. Great for folks who are driving around looking at homes in the neighborhood and want or need a reminder of places they saw and liked.

TWO:  There is a sign with my website address (http://jeffdowler.com/San_Diego_listings/BF96AFC7-0569-CBD7-997F03541513D063.shtml) where folks can look at the actual listing on line, with photos and information (and search for ALL active listings on a great IDX system, download free reports, and take virtual tours). Plus that listing on my site has a link to the customized blog I set up for this listing (http://www.3002lacostaavenue.com/). Since most buyers are looking on-line for homes, here are two great ways for them to read more about this listing.

But there's more...

THREE:  I have a 24-hour InfoLine at 800-364-5719so people who stop or drive by can call, on the spot, to find out more about this listing, rather than waiting until they get home to their computers. And since the hotline captures their phone number, I can always follow-up with any callers who have an interest in your home.

FOUR:  Finally, there is the NEW cell signage. Anyone with a cell phone that can receive photos can call 1-866-383-9119 and enter ID# 22421 (go ahead, try it) and they will, in a short period of time, receive a text message on their cell with some listing information and 4 interior photos.  Practically immediate gratification!

Of course signage is just a small piece of the overall marketing and advertising needed to maximize exposure of your Carlsbad home for sale, and capture the right buyer for a listing in this market. But it's an important strategy in gaining the attention of the serious buyer.

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Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Encinitas and San Marcos homes)

Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits