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 If you are dreaming of a cottage at the beach, The Sands on the Coast Highway in Leucadia (Encinitas) may have just what you are looking for, especially if your budget is limited.
Leucadia home (cottages) at The Sands (hmm, is it named for being near the beach or after the famous Sands Hotel which used to be on The Strip in Las Vegas?) are fairly small, as are the lots, but consider this community is within a 5 minute WALK to some of the area’s nicest beaches (Grandview - see photo below; Beacon’s) where you can enjoy terrific surfing, walks, and great sunsets. A number of restaurants are within walking distance (my favorite is Le Papagayo) as is some shopping, small business services, a number of surf shops, and the well known Leucadia Donut Shop.
 Currently there are 5 Leucadia homes for sale in this small community, ranging in price from $69,000 to $189,900 for 1 - 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom. Negotiations are underway that MAY allow ownership of the land.
Now before you gasp at the prices:
- please be aware that these properties are unique in that you own the home but not the land, which is leased
- they are mobile (manufactured) housing with wood skirting and other add-ons, built primarily in the 2002 – 2004 period
- These are land lease properties, thus you own the unit but not the land, which is leased from the mobile home park for around $995/month (this includes water, trash and sewer)
- Financing for mobile homes can be difficult to get and expensive since the homes are not attached to a foundation and could, theoretically, be readily moved. Lenders may charge more for loans, or even not loan on this type of property, so cash is the best way to go. There are a couple of banks in the area that were lending in 2008 but things may have become more restricted in the current mortgage market.
These facts contribute to the amazing prices for being so close to the beach. But as a second home (or even using it for a rental, which is permitted – a current lease is $1100 on one unit), who cares?
  
An application is before the Department of Real Estate in California (DRE) to hopefully obtain approval for the lots to be sold (estimates of pricing are $170,000). Current owners will have the opportunity to buy their land if they wish to continue renting.
 
If you would like more information about these Encinitas homes in funky Leucadia just a few minutes from one of the best beaches in the area, please feel free to call or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
NOTE - UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 2009
There are 6 homes for sale in this complex now, ranging from $54,900 (for a 1 bedroom 1 bath) to $142,000 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath home. PRicing has not been established for the lost and the final approval process, to the best of my knowledge, has not
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
Visit Torrey Pines State Reserve in La Jolla CA
Carlsbad, and much of California for that matter, is blessed with a gorgeous coastline – the edge of our continent amidst a sea of urban life. (see a past article on the California Central Coast and Nepenthe, along the Big Sur coast for more amazing scenery).
But just a few miles south is an isolated, wilderness area that is breathtaking for the vistas of hills and rocks meeting the sea, and home to our country’s rarest pine tree, the Torrey Pine.
Torrey Pines State Reserve is home to incredible and dramatic scenery, and this rare tree which only grows at the reserve and on Santa Rosa island off Santa Barbara’s coast.
The state reserve is a wonderful place to capture a glimpse of what the Southern California region was like prior to the encroachment of humankind and development, although this area has suffered from erosion and other natural hazards over the year.
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Entering the park at the north end (at the south end of Torrey Pines State Beach), you may either park at the base of the hills and enjoy a vigorous walk up, or drive to the summit and visitors center/museum. There are a number of hiking trails, which are fairly easy and offer panoramic views of the ocean and hills, and the opportunity to enjoy trees, wild flowers, chaparral and cactus. Parking is $8; the reserve opens at 8 am and closes at sunset. You can easily access the park from Route 101/Coast highway or from the 5 freeway (exit at Carmel Valley Road and head to the beach).
This amazing coastal wilderness is well worth the trip, whether you enjoy hiking or not. Be sure to take water and your camera, and wear comfortable hiking shoes (unless you decide to not get out of your car, which would be a shame but the views are still amazing).
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
 The NEW YEAR is here, and it’s time to get organized.
Sound like another new year’s resolution? Well, perhaps. But if you are planning to sell your Carlsbad home and move into a new one, your success, and happiness, depends on being organized. Most of us probably aren’t as organized as we would like. And as my friend Linda Scanlan asked so poignantly in her recent, and popular, article, is your life organized? I had to say no. Perhaps you do too. Selling your home, moving, and getting settled in a new one can be a Herculean task, enough to challenge the most organized obsessive. And, admittedly, no matter how organized you might think you are, things will just not go the way they should, or clutter and confusion will take over. Life is just that way sometimes. I know, I’ve been there. So, making the assumption that you might be in need of some assistance, if you are planning a move, here are some tips to help you on your way. And if you are sticking around the homestead but really need to apply a bit of organization to your home and life, this may benefit you as well. While I have my own ideas on the subject, I thought I would ask Encinitas business owner and Founder of addSpace to Your Life!, Kathi Burns, to help us out. Kathi's expertise, and business, is all about organization. You can tell the minute you talk to her or visit her website. Read the full article on my relocation blog...
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
 Controversy is brewing in Rancho Santa Fe, the most expensive community in San Diego County (median home price as of 12/31 07 was about $2.9 million) and one of the priciest in the US.
Seems the community, some of it that is (primarily the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant), is pushing for the area to become incorporated as a Town and to include 8 surrounding HOAs. This is a long process, perhaps 18 months to 2 years for review, and requires voter approval (25% must approve the petition, which is then forwarded with an application to the San Diego Local Area Formation Commission [LAFCO] for review, environmental studies, hearings, and ultimately a general election). It costs money, too…about $500K, which will be forgiven if the incorporation does not get approved. There are supposedly some advantages to being incorporated, which have to do with government, for one. Instead of San Diego County, Rancho Santa Fe would have its own government, and responsibility for the services that are currently maintained by the county. Other purported advantages, according to the Citizens to Protect the Ranch (CPR – cute, huh?) website who favor the change, include: - Improvement of the roads and traffic management – making their own decision about roadways, speed bumps, speed limits and signage, and improving some of the area roads (to include sound deadening asphalt)
- Improvement of law enforcement and public safety – increase patrols, faster response time
- Protect the rural environment that currently exists and is so appealing about the community
 There are presumably other benefits that tie into the use of taxes and related matters (see their website for more details).
Now I don’t live there so I am looking at this as an outsider, but what I find particularly interesting in who is to be included in this incorporation and who is not. Rancho Santa Fe is a very prestigious and expensive town, and people pay big bucks to live there. It IS buying location, location, location. Some areas have a reputation for being pricier than others, and perhaps more desirable – it’s all relative, though. The areas to be included are the covenant (a large portion of the proposed town, including the village, which was originally established as the Rancho Santa Fe Protective Covenant by the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company and some local landowners in 1928) and 8 adjacent areas - South Pointe Farms, Stonebridge, Rancho Serena, Horseman’s Valley, Sun Valley, Hacienda Santa Fe, Rancho del Rio and The Summit. The town would be about 6500 residents. Now here’s the fun part. And if I were a resident in one of these excluded areas I might be a bit perturbed – they won’t be able to use the RSF address and their kids, unless in private schools, will go to neighboring schools. And access to current services will change. Hmm, wonder if folks are thinking about their potential property values declining. The areas to be excluded include Fairbanks Ranch (possible even more exclusive and prestigious, and pricey, than the Covenant so maybe it won’t make a difference), Cielo, The Bridges, The Crosby Estates, and Whispering Palms, areas that are now considered Rancho Santa Fe. The other tidbit, as I understand, is that the voters (25% must approve the petition, remember?) are those in the areas to be incorporated; those in the area to be excluded have no say. Hmmm. It will be interesting to see what happens, and if approved, what impact this might have on the excluded communities. ***************************** If I can provide more information about this area 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 © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
 National Geographic has entranced millions of readers for decades…from school children to seniors.
And Carlsbad’s Cannon Art Gallery is the very fortunate host of a traveling exhibit of 56 of the most memorable National Geographic photographs by some of their best known photographers. This show is a joint effort of National Geographic and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. “IN FOCUS: National Geographic Greatest Portraits” is a stunning show, remarkable for the breadth of the subjects, the time span (1911 to 2003), and of course the artistry of the individual photographers. The photos capture people from around the world over many years, providing glimpses of, and insight into, cultural lifestyles and humanity itself from faraway places like Sri Lanka and Mongolia, but also represent a journey in time of the photographic process and technological change that has occurred.  
Steve McCurry’s photo of the Afghan Girl is perhaps one of the most recognizable and seen by millions over the year, was stunning, and wonderful to see in person. This show is a “must see” for anyone in the area. Whether you love photography or not, this is a rare opportunity to see some of the greatest portraits of the National Geographic. The Cannon Gallery is located in the Carlsbad Library Complex at 1775 Dove Lane, just north of the El Camino Real and Alga Road intersection. (760) 602-2021; Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 – 5 and Sunday from 1 – 5. Enjoy the show (there is music so turn on your speakers)
Some articles on previous shows at the Cannon Art Gallery: The 6th Annual Plein Air Brunch Fundraiser The November/December 2007 Show ****************************************** Start YOUR CARLSBAD AND ENCINITAS HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, San Marcos and Oceanside homes) Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
 The annual Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon will be held in Carlsbad, California this Sunday, January 20, beginning at 5:30 am (first set of runners). There are three start times depending on how fast a pace you can keep.
The Carlsbad Marathon is well known for the gorgeous views that runners (and viewers) can enjoy along the course, some of which is along the Coast Highway (Route 101). This means, of course, that some areas will not allow traffic, or it may be significantly restricted, for a part of the day, until early afternoon (signs are already posted) so beware if you normally travel along the coast road (I’ve got a note in my calendar since I am showing property that day in Carlsbad). The marathon starts at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real (at Marron and El Camino Real in North Carlsbad) and runs along the coast road from Carlsbad Village south to La Costa Avenue, also taking in a portion of Palomar Airport Road and finishes back at the Westfield Plaza. BTW the race is SOLD OUT. ********************************** Start YOUR CARLSBAD AND ENCINITAS HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, San Marcos and Oceanside homes) Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
Carlsbad and Encinitas homes, along with those in towns like Del Mar and Solana Beach, are often described as being only steps to the beach. It’s a real estate marketing ploy. Sometimes STEPS to the beaches means that literally.
So here are some steps at the beaches.  
In some cases you may be getting more than you bargain for.  
Just steps to the beach in many areas means real steps, and quite a lot of them in some cases. Encinitas has the most that I have seen, at beaches like Grandview, Stone Steps, Beacon’s and Swami’s.  
The bluffs offer dramatic coastal views, but getting to the beach below means navigating the steps down, and then, of course, your own stair master on the way back up. Not for those who have leg or breathing problems. But think of the good exercise. And since the surfers hike their boards up and down, you can certainly make the journey. 
And some private steps end up not being very useful due to erosion. 
****************************************************** Start YOUR CARLSBAD AND ENCINITAS HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego including Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, San Marcos and Oceanside homes) Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
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ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
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Selling a house is a lot like baking a cake. 
BUT some folks DO try to sell a house this way. No thought, no planning, nothing to it. Problem is, when you bake a cake this way at least you get the cake. Selling a house this ways yields nothing most of the time except long marketing time and frustration, although you may luck out in a seller’s market. You’re better off baking a cake out of a box. 
Now here’s the critical part (same with cakes). The temperature has to be correct. Otherwise it mucks up the cake, even if you use all the right ingredients and the correct pan. Same is true of selling a home. Think of the temperature as the price. You use the wrong price, it fouls up the sale. Just like your cake. They don’t bake my themselves, do they?
Carlsbad home sellers: Here you can start your journey toward getting more organized in your plans to sell your home and move.
It’s a tough market out there for Carlsbad sellers:
Case in point. I have been previewing homes for some out-of-area buyers who have cash to buy. I’ve tried to get into one home that I am confident they would like TWICE – the first time was not a convenient time (but they only ask for 1 hour notice and I called well in advance); just a day ago, same response – today is not a convenient time. Now, these folks have had their home on the market for 180 days where average market time is about 68 days (and this is the 2nd agent), a big price reduction, and they’ve received two offers, one that was at the bottom of the price range but they still said no. Their agent is frustrated and ready to say good-by when the listing expires. They want to move up to a new subdivision that is more expensive. Doesn’t sound like that is going to happen very quickly. Maybe never. Why bother?
To a certain extent we can help our clients “get it” by understanding our local market, the conditions that impact it, and conveying this information effectively so that the home gets priced appropriately, and presented to the market in as positive a manner as possible by proper preparation. 
