Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views: January 2009

The Carlsbad real estate market offer buyers a number of choices of new construction housing, including resales of newly built homes. The La Costa area in South Carlsbad has a couple of planned communities that still have new homes for sale. The most dramatic is La Costa Ridge, a gated community built on the highest point in South Carlsbad.

La Costa Ridge consists of 4 neighborhoods (Fiori, Messina, San Vincenzo, and Dolcetto), each by a different builder, a variety of home styles, sizes, and price ranges, and some terrific views of the back country, vistas to the north and south, views of the La Costa area, and in some cases the distant ocean and lagoon.

READ MORE (an early post from 2007):

La Costa Ridge: Master Planned Community at La Costa in Carlsbad

Current Homes for Sale and Pricing: Currently there are 13 Carlsbad homes for sale in La Costa Ridge in the MLS (NOTE: builders may have others that are under construction and ready at a future date TBD); several of these are resales, the rest are newly built and ready to go. Prices, which have moderated since La Costa Ridge first started selling, are very favorable given the size, location, and views: $781,341 (in the lowest priced area) up to $1,475,000, ranging in size from 2844 SF up to 4873  SF (3 to 5 bedrooms and 4 to 6 baths), some with incredible views, including the mountains and the ocean. 

Enjoy the video tour of this beautiful residential area

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The new Trader Joe's will be opening in Carlsbad on or about February 19^th. The opening of this popular store has been much anticipated by area residents, probably mostly by those living in Bressi Ranch, the location of this and other stores, including a Stater's Brothers and the Rubio's restaurant chain. As folks in the area know, Bressi Ranch is a recently built and popular master planned community just north of La Costa.

 Just a small aside - when my wife and I owned our art gallery in Cambridge, MA for 2 years we used to have 5-6 new art exhibits per year, with an opening reception. We always bought the wine, cheese and other prepared and packaged goodies from Trader Joe's hence the name Cater Joe's. Other friends referred to it similarly, and with good reason.

 Cater Joe's, I mean Trader Joe's and the other stores will be located in Bressi Village Shopping Center, within walking distance of some of the stores and corporate offices that have also been built. As the first Trader Joe's in Carlsbad (the next closest is in Encinitas), I would expect this to be very popular - I know I will be a happy, and frequent, customer.

[Note - photos are of work in progress a few weeks ago]

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

There is some great news for buyers in the Encinitas real estate market who are looking for new construction near the Encinitas beaches.

The Lofts at Moonlight Beach are nearing completion and they are ON SALE. While they have been marketed for some time, the developer has recently announced a significant price reduction of all units of approximately 15% - 19% 

Prices for this high-end condos 3 blocks from Moonlight Beach and a block from the downtown area of Encinitas range from $1,209,465 (there are 2 at this price, with 1561 SF of living space) up to $2,143,679 for the largest unit (about $743/Sf to $857/SF).

Two of the residential units are now reserved and units are available to show. Give me a call and I will happy to assist you with these new condos, or other Encinitas real estate that meets YOUR needs and requirements. 

READ MORE:  

Buying a Loft - Make Sure It's What you Want

Encinitas Real Estate - Updates on the Lofts at Moonlight Beach

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I spent the day today as a consumer.

Somewhat urgent family issues called me to Philadelphia for several days - seemed like an interesting opportunity to pay attention to the consumer experience, especially since traveling these days can be such a nuisance. Perhaps there would be some lessons and reminders about customer service. 

Lesson 1 - PROVIDING UNNECESSARY SERVICE UNEXPECTEDLY.

A quick drive early in the morning before rush hour brought me to the Long Term Parking facility I have used before - Park Shuttle and Fly off Harbor Drive. I was greeted at the automatic gate in the rain by a friendly young woman offering me the newspaper. She got me my ticket and asked if I had been there before. I had. She wished me a good day. I was impressed.

There was a waiting shuttle in the aisle where I was asked to park; the driver appeared at my car before I had even gotten out asking if I needed help with any luggage.  I was impressed. 

There were 2 guys on the shuttle, one has clearly asked about a newspaper, so when we pulled up to the exit on the way to the airport the same young woman who had greeted me appeared with a paper for this passenger - the shuttle driver had clearly called ahead. Politeness, smiles, and doing things I didn't expect made for a very impressive customer experience early in the morning. Would I use this company again? You bet. I think they made a great first impression. Something to keep in mind. 

Lesson 2 - PLEASANTNESS IN UNPLEASANT PLACES.

Airport security was the next stop. I always expect this to be a pain, since it usually is. I always feel like part of a cattle drive, at the mercy of some ambivalent TSA employee. The day was going well - no line at all. Got everything unloaded, including the shoes (I hate that); the TSA agent politely reminded me to please also include my cell phone. Not a big deal but she was polite about it and gave me a smile. I suppose on busy days things are not so nice. I don't envy these folks these days. We don't have a choice of providers here, but at least the experience can be made a bit better with a little effort. 

Lesson 3 - GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

I upgraded my outside blog on ActiveRain last night...finally. I ran into a couple of issues so I sent Brad Andersohn a late night note. Checked my email on my Blackberry this morning while waiting to board the plane and saw one from Brad (no surprise). I decided to call to chat about the issues...my new domain, and a problem with my theme.

True to form, Brad took charge, changed my theme, and fixed the issue with the new domain that I could not resolve the night before. Since I was having problems with Internet access at the airport, Brad's willingness to fix things on the spot so as to not inconvenience me was a blessing. I give Brad an A+ for service. Sorta what we see regularly on AR. Providing a solution that worked without having to be asked is a good reminder, don't you think?

Brad also said something I thought we should all keep in mind when I complimented him on his service "I enjoy it and it's my job." My retort? Yes, but it is often someone's job but they DON'T do it. (see #5 for a good example).

Lesson 4 - STUCK IN A RUT

I flew US Airways using frequent flyer miles. So I didn't REALLY have a choice. All in all the experience was good. Not great. But then flying these days rarely is (exception -two different flights to San Francisco via Virgin America last year that MADE we tell others about trying them out). Everyone was pleasant, the flight was comfortable and on time (that was a pleasant surprise), but it sure didn't wow me in any way. And now they are charging $1 for coffee? Give me a break. Maybe being stuck in a rut is what happens when some companies don't care about setting themselves apart, or feel there is no competition to worry about. So the service is adequate. But that's it.

Lesson 5 - UNIMPRESSIVE SERVICE

I rented an SUV from Budget Rental to get from the airport to my destination about an hour west of Philly. The shuttle service was efficient - I was lucky and waited less than 2 minutes. The driver was polite. At the rental counter the fellow who helped me did what he was supposed to do. I got what I expected. But the attitude was lousy. Apathetic, no smile, and a total disinterest in what he was doing. Sure the service WAS provided but I felt like I was interfering with his day. He clearly was not enjoying his job and didn't seem to care what I might think. My first impression at this Budget Counter? Lousy. Makes me thinking twice about returning. We'll see what happens when the car is returned on Monday. But they have already blown their chance to impress this consumer. Did I feel special or welcome? Nope, not a bit.

There are too many opportunities in our business to provide excellent service that goes beyond what the client wants, needs or even expects. But also many chances to really blow it. And there is plenty of competition if we do.

Are you seeking opportunities to shine in your service? And mindful of the times when you are not doing the best you can? Sometimes there are things we have to do that one might label drudgery. And clients don't have a choice because it's part of the process. But we can make the experience better if we choose.

NOTE: I just realized that this is POST #1000 on AR. Amazing. Whoda thought I could yap so much.

La Costa Greens is a large planned community in South Carlsbad near the famed La Costa Resort and Spa. There are 9 neighborhoods with homes constructed by different reputable builders; Trieste and Viridian are currently under construction with a good number of homes available, but properties in the other neighborhoods are primarily resales with a few model homes available.

A new village, Solterra, is coming soon. 

READ MORE: 

La Costa Greens - Master Planned Community in Carlsbad 

La Costa - A Great Residential Community in Carlsbad

Here is a short video tour of the community, the private residents' club (The Presidio) and the views.

Enjoy the video!

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Erosion is a common theme, and concern, along our coastal beaches here in Carlsbad, as it is elsewhere here in Southern California.

READ MORE: Erosion in Carlsbad and Nearby Southern California Communities

A new 3 - 4 week project is currently in progress to replenish the sand at Ponto Beach (often referred to as South Carlsbad Beach). Approximately 37,000 cubic yards of sand are being trucked in from an excavation site in Encinitas at Pacific Station (the future site of the Whole Foods Market) during low tide over the next month.

The sand is being donated by the developer, a project set in place more than a year ago, and significant hurdles had to be overcome to gain approval for the project from multiple agencies (e.g., EPA, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Services, the California Coastal Commission). Not everyone is pleased about the replenishment.

Some residents feel it may further disturb existing beach and ocean life, and others see it only as a temporary measure that ultimately will have little or no impact. Fortunately, while the sound and sight of large dump trucks (they say about 100 per day) roaring up and down the beach is disruptive, it is only for a short period and during the winter time when beach visitors are minimal.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Things are moving along at the Bluwater condos in terms of construction, and I understand they are getting close to being able to release the pricing.

Here is some updated information for folks interested in the innovative and exciting condo townhomes at Bluwater Crossing. As you may know from my previous article, this complex is within walking distance to the Carlsbad beaches and adjacent to the Poinsettia Coaster Station:

• The majority of the homes are designed at live-work lofts ( some townhomes without the work space option will be part of a later phase) with the work space on the 1^st floor, with front and rear access to your business.

• You are not required to have a business to live there and can use the 1^st floor work space for personal purposes.

• Folks who do own or want to start up businesses must meet the Carlsbad guidelines for appropriateness (full information is in the CC and Rs; the town will issue permits for businesses that meet the requirements - no restaurants, bars, tattoo parlors, medical or dental facilities, but an interior design business, CPA, attorney or similar would be considered appropriate)

• Business owners MUST live in the residence space upstairs for 1 year. Leasing possibilities exist beyond that time frame

• There will be established business hour guidelines (limits) to be followed for the entire week (e.g., no earlier than 7 am or later than 7 pm Monday through Friday)

• The development anticipates a release date for Phase 1 in approximately late February but that is subject to change.

As noted before, there are additional buildings on site that will be dedicated to retail. The vision for these businesses includes child care, a "green" dry cleaner, a restaurant and similar enterprises that will enhance the quality of life in this innovative complex. Affordable housing (apartments) will also be available.

I will continue to post information as I learn of it, including the pricing - feel free to call or email with questions.

READ MORE: 

If you are considering buying a loft, make sure it's what you want. All lofts are NOT the same and may not meet your lifestyle requirements. 

Previous update article on the Bluwater Crossing Live-Work lofts

SPECIAL NOTE: As readers may know, the Carlsbad Marathon is next Sunday January 25 beginning at 6 am (this includes a half marathon). The sale staff for Bluwater Crossing will host an informational booth on Friday (2 - 6), Saturday (10 - 5) and Sunday (7 - 12) at the Carlsbad Mall where the marathon starts.  Stop by for some information and get a free keychain (while supplies last).

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

This may sound like admonishment from your Mother, but it's really a warning for those of you showing distress sales to buyers. Don't open that refrigerator.

I learned the hard way, and a showing today brought home the lesson loud and clear once again. 

I was taking new buyers around short sales last year in San Marcos, CA - fortunately he was the son of our good friends and neighbors, who were also present, so we all had a good laugh. Well, more of a gag. 

The home was beautiful, practically new, with gorgeous kitchen and stainless appliances. And a fabulous price. Who would have thought such an attractive scene could harbor such, well, not sure what to call it.

I have a habit, a bad one I suppose, of opening the refrigerator, the dishwasher, and cabinet doors in vacant homes. And I did here as well. Hopefully you are not eating right now, for the smell that emerged from that innocent looking refrigerator was beyond description. Truly. And of course it permeated the house (it was a warm day) within seconds, so the remainder of the house tour was a tad bit shorter, accompanied by lots of laughing, gagging, and ribald comments, and a continuous reminder of the toxic mess left behind. I pity the next bloke who opened that door.

Lesson learned...DO NOT OPEN A REFRIGERATOR DOOR IN A SHORT SALE, FORECLOSURE OR REO.

I was reminded of this today, where thankfully I headed the silent warning to myself. This time, however, the refrigerator was clearly full of something that had gone beyond a simple science experiment and was leaking out on to the floor and...well, nuff said.  A clear warning to NOT open that door.

Too bad I did not have my camera with me to show you the floor in front of that frig. I won't go into a description for fear of insulting your sensibilities. It was perhaps the worst refrigerator scene I have witnessed.The bank will need the EPA on this one.

Should there be warning in the MLS listing?

Or maybe a prudent and thoughtful agent should post a notice on the door ‘WARNING, Hazards may exist within. Proceed at your own risk"

All kidding aside, there are homes out there that possibly contain toxic hazards, or certainly unhealthy conditions (e.g., swimming pools, dishwashers, sinks, toilets, dirty carpets) and it pays to be careful. Truly bad smells don't arise innocently.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Regardless of your political persuasion, tomorrow is a historical day.

It's an Inauguration, but a history making one as well. And for most folks it is taking place in one of the most difficult economic situations the US has faced in decades.

Historical also for blogging and bloggers, since so much of what has happened with blogging has occurred since the last Inauguration. When one considers the potential flow of information and photos throughout the blogosphere and various social media sites, especially Twitter, that will occur tomorrow, it is mind-boggling. 

Thousands of folks have descended on Washington, DC to participate in this historical inauguration and all the festivities. But those of us who cannot partake will likely be participating, and celebrating, in other ways. 

The 2009 Inauguration is a historical event, so let's party 

What will YOU be doing on this HISTORIC OCCASION?!

We are going to our neighbor Inauguration "ball," a small gathering of friends who have been watching all the debates and the election together. Some will dress up (perhaps some formal wear, but being California, maybe downplayed a little). Champagne, lots of great food, and the opportunity to witness an incredible event on a huge screen. [photo courtesy of jetheriot on Flickr]

Why not share what you will be doing?? And where? And with whom?

• You can share your community event on-line too, as many have done already. Here's what's going on within 50 mile of Carlsbad, CA tomorrow.
• Share YOUR event and the festivities on Twitter - use the hashtag  #InaugParty
• Why not follow the fun on Twitter.
• Post your pics on Flickr or upload to the Official Inaugural Photo Project.
• Upload your photos to YouTube
• Bring the Inauguration to YOUR community

Join the NEW AR group Inauguration 2009 and post YOUR article(s) and photos about the Inauguration.

ActiveRain's very own Patricia Kennedy will be on hand as a volunteer in parade duty in DC. Have fun and be safe, Pat. Check out her blog for other articles about the inauguration from this Washington, DC expert.

Anyone else going to be in DC for this historical event?

There seems to be a certain cache about lofts these days, and they are gaining in popularity out here in the Carlsbad real estate market and in other So Cal communities, especially urban areas.

Having come from the Northeast, I was used to the idea of lofts, which have been around for a while. Lofts there are generally converted industrial buildings of one sort of another - manufacturing facilities, mills, factories, etc. - and they were usually in fairly urban settings.

Open spaces (no doors or even walls), high ceilings, exposed pipes, beams and brick, and large windows are typical. As they grew more popular, builders began to build new buildings in a loft-style, although they never quite capture the feeling of a true urban loft. 

Lofts are getting popular here now. Work-Live lofts are becoming commonplace as part of the New Urbanism movement, and a convenient way for folks to combine working and living space, and save commuting time (and carbon footprints). Oceanside has them in the heart of downtown on the Coast Highway, as does Carlsbad (the Bluwater Crossing condominiums being built adjacent to the Poinsettia Train Station on Avenida Encinas), and Encinitas (in Leucadia and the new Lofts at Moonlight Beach).  Keep in mind these are all new developments, not converted space.

NOTE: Pricing has not been set for the Bluwater Crossing community but should be soon. I will post the information once I have it.

Don't be fooled by the use of the word "loft," if that is the style you really want, since many of the homes I have seen are really just upscale/high tech and contemporary spaces with lots of light, but not true lofts. And perhaps that doesn't matter unless you are a purist. Some offer very open living, dining and kitchen space, but not true openness found in the classic loft. And that may suit your style.

On the other hand, be sure a loft, with open space, no doors, and other similar characteristics of the classic urban lofts, is really what you want.

• Will it fit your lifestyle, especially if you have children? 
• It may sound really cool, but can you live there?

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad 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 © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits