Carlsbad Homes for Sale - The Bay Collection in Carlsbad California

Buyers looking for larger, upscale Carlsbad homes for sale will like the spaciouos homes at The Bay Collection in South Carlsbad California. 

READ MORE:

Carlsbad Village by the Sea

The Bay Collection - Carlsbad California (article written in 2007)  

The Bay Collection is adjacent to the resort residential community of Aviara, within about 1 mile of the Carlsbad beaches. These homes were built beginning in 2005 and all the homes available now are resales (there have been both short sales and REOs). 

A number of The Bay Collection homes offer ocean views, and lot sizes vary. Here's an update on the Carlsbad real estate market in The Bay Collection. 

Currently there are 6 Carlsbad homes for sale in The Bay Collection (2 of these are short sales), priced from $875,000 (short sale) to $1.675 million, with up to 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Living and entertaining areas range from 2964 SF up to 3709 SF. Some of these Bay Collection homes for sale have ocean views (less than 1 mile to the Carlsbad beaches). 

The Bay Collection is within a few miles of major amenities including shopping, dining, golf (at the Four Seasons Aviara and La Costa Resort and Spa), and the beaches. Folks can easily commute north and south on the 5 (less than 1 mile west) and on The Coaster (the commuter train stop is less than 2 miles, heading north to Oceanside and south to San Diego). 

Children living in The Bay Collection attend schools in the Carlsbad Unified School District. 

READ MORE: Carlsbad Real Estate - Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for November 2009  

Looking for great Carlsbad homes for sale in the higher end market? Check out The Bay Collection. Let me know if you would like to arrange a tour of any of the fine properties on the market.

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I was out running errands just before the holiday and stopped to take some winter photos at South Carlsbad State Beach. Folks were out walking, a family was all dressed up in red and white taking holiday photos, and the weather was in the mid 60s in the late morning - not bad for December 24th.

The cluster of life guard shacks, some old and some new (in blue), caught my eye.

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Buyers in the Encinitas real estate market seeking oceanfront homes and a substantial budget will undoubtedly explore the Neptune Avenue neighborhood.

Neptune Avenue runs along the bluff fronting the ocean, from just north of Moonlight Beach to Grandview Beach at the northern end of Leucadia. Given the location and ocean views (on the west side of the street), prices are a premium, although they have declined quite a bit in the last 4 years.

But compared to Del Mar and La Jolla oceanfront, Encinitas waterfront properties are a bargain. 

There are 3 major public beach accesses down significant stairs due to the bluff, all of which are popular vantage points for watching surfers and the sunsets - Stone Steps, Beacon's and Grandview. 

Homes vary from beach cottages to substantial contemporaries, some of which have stairs down to the beach (which adds significant value). Neptune Avenue is a fairly quiet one-way street that is great for walks, bikes and skateboards, and homes tend to be close together, but, of course with amazing ocean views.

While Leucadia is not known as a community with high end shopping and dining, many homes on Neptune are within walking distance to the shops and eateries along the Coast Highway 101 just 1 - 2 blocks away.

READ MORE:  

Leucadia - Surfer's Beach Community  

A Video Tour on the Historic Coast Highway 101 Through Leucadia (Encinitas) California  

Currently there are 9 Encinitas homes on the market along Neptune, ranging in price from $1.295 million to $5.5 million (the latter just had a significant price reduction); 2 of these homes are attached properties (a twin home with both units available for purchase), while the others are detached single family homes.

Enjoy the tour down Neptune Avenue!

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Hard to believe, but the end of another year is almost here and the First Night Celebrations are gearing up for the crowds. 

Here in San Diego, America's Finest City, with the weather being what it is, celebrating outdoors at First Night comes a little easier than in other colder climes. But I suspect that doesn't really stop folks from getting out there to enjoy what their respective cities have to offer on First Night. Times Square in NYC is a great example. 

Who hasn't watched the ball drop in Times Square, at least on TV?

There are far too many events going on here in San Diego on First Night 2010 to mention them all, but a few deserve comment. 

FIRST NIGHT 2010 in ESCONDIDO

Escondido has a reputation for having perhaps the best and largest First Night Celebration in the San Diego area, at least in North San Diego County. The Escondido First Night celebration is geared toward a broad spectrum of residents and visitors, and is held in the California Center for the Arts, the Grape Day Park, and Escondido City Hall with lots of music, fireworks and a wealth of fun stuff to see and do. 

TIMES SQUARE WEST at the HYATT REGENCY in LA JOLLA

San Diego's answer to Times Square in New York City takes place, for the 10^th year in a row, at the La Jolla Hyatt Regency at Aventine in the UTC area of La Jolla. Watch the ball drop San Diego style! 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Here's a great list of many of the opportunities to celebrate New Year's Eve in San Diego 2010. You can even purchase tickets on-line. Have fun, and be safe. 

And here are some other celebration suggestions from San Diego Magazine.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about San Diego 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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Today was a wonderful day, with my daughter and her new husband, and my other daughter and her long-time guy, all down from LA for a few days. We always cherish these times together, especially at this time of year where the traditions, new and old, are such an important part of being together. And that, really, is a big part of what it's all about. 

Technology has become such a big part of our lives, and today was no exception, In fact, it sorta hit me in the face when I noticed the dining room table. While most of it was covered with food and beverages to enjoy for breakfast as the holiday unfolded, one corner was, well, as you can see, a vivid reminder of how things have changed over the years. Clearly the Blackberry is a popular item in our house of 6. 

Skype played an important role today, with everyone getting into the act sharing holiday wishes with loved ones thousands of miles away. Even my wife's 87 year Mother was in on the scene - what a joy for all of us to be able to share our holiday wishes live and in person with each other. 

Text messages with well wishes flew back and forth from the younger folks, but the phone calls were fast and furious as well. And of course there were many well wishes from friends on ActiveRain. 

Laptop music (from AccuHolidays on Accuradio) was playing throughout the day, along with the traditional music on the Bose. 

The rum cake was created, with help from the Food Network on-line. 

Would things be the same without technology? No question. The gathering of family to enjoy this special time of the year would be joyful no matter what. But the contrast of the generations, from infants to octogenarians, connecting in powerful ways on this special holiday was fascinating to watch and listen to. 

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season, no matter how you celebrate, and in spite of whatever challenges you might be experiencing. It's hard to put into words how special AR is, and has become, to me. There are so many special people who have become friends, and I wish you all a very joyous holiday season and Happy New Year 2010.

A Video Tour on the Historic Coast Highway 101 Through Leucadia (Encinitas) California

Leucadia is a funky, laid-back beach town just south of Carlsbad on the North San Diego County coast, and one of my favorite communities.

Leucadia has a long surfing history, and as a seaside community retains much of the feel from days gone by - which most people like about the community.

This town is part of Encinitas but with a different feel and look. You won't find high end shopping here, nor 5 star dining (but check out Le Papagayo and Auggie's House of Crab for great eating and atmosphere), and folks like it that way just fine.

READ MORE:  Leucadia - Surfers' Beach Community

Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community

Despite the funkiness, and the presence of tattoo parlors, surf shops, trailer parks, lots of apartments and vacation rentals, Leucadia is not inexpensive, being located along the beach. Many homes and condos are within walking distance to the beach, and while you can buy mobile and manufactured homes for under $100,000, you can easily spend $3 to $8 million for a bluff top/ocean front home just a block or two away.

READ MORE:  Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Real Estate Market Report for November 2009

Enjoy the video tour down the historic Route 1010 coast highway through Leucadia. Unfortunately it was not a bright sunny Southern California day, but you get the idea. If you would like more information about the area, including Leucadia real estate, please let me know.

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Let's face it, life has become a bunch of abbreviations. In our personal lives, our business lives and on-line. Seems you can't get away without them. Or do w/o them.

Where would we be without abbreviations?

They certainly can save time in our writing, and acronyms for companies, organizations, places, and so on become part of the branding. And some abbreviations even serve the purpose of allowing us to swear without actually doing so.

Our real estate paperwork is CA is a good example - we have an RPA, RLA, DA, AD, CR, WO, AVID, BIA, SBSA, WP, SPQ, TDS, VP, to name just a few of our MANY forms. C.A.R. will have more, no doubt. N.A.R. won't care. WCR may. The AOR will make a big deal of them. That will drive my TC nuts. Not my VA. TS. That's the 411 on forms.

Plus real estate and the mortgage industry is loaded with abbreviations - LTV and COE (that has two meanings, U kno), PMI, PITI, CMA, RPA, NOD, VA, FHA, DU (not DUI), USDA, POF, FICO, HOA, PUD just for starters. We all kno BA and BR, LVRM, FM, W/D, SF, as do consumers. Buyers, R U OK w/ some TLC? U can DIY.

We don't like BOA, WAMU, USB (unless it's 4 UR PC), or WF. Do U kno what RE/MAX means?

Our CA MLS and MR/MLS listings often offer interesting acronyms - beware that B2VABCOE, but U must CLA4ATS in some cases 4 showings. Not with REOs, but often with SS. Just LMAG, use LB. U may need 2 CF.

RE designations are a hot debate - CRS, GRI, RMS, CRB, ABR, SRES, e-Pro, CDPE, FSP, RSPS, ALM, ABM, CCIM, CIPS, CRM,CRE, GAA, PMN, RCE, RAA, SIOR, RSPS, REPA, SFR, TRC, QSC, ABRM.  ENUF. Should I or shouldn't I? Will anyone know what they are? Or care? IDK. DU?

FYI U can call someone a PITA, but likely not F2F. MB U WD. We exclaim WTF. Or BFD. Or NFW. Although if someone has PMS that might be risky. So KMA! K?

We TM, RT, DM, EM, and leave VM. Some participate in FB on SM (no, not S &M), unless they C it as BS. Don't forget YEO.

Do U TIVO MTV or TNT? I don't. But if I did I would use HD. MB. No need with my SLR. There I worry only about my FS. And finding the USB.

Have U heard @ COM, US, NET, ORG? How @ TV, CA, JP, FR, INFO, MOBI, BIZ, MX, ME, IT, WS, TK, TW, TC, VW NL, NU, & JOBS?

Sometimes I find myself LOL, or ROTFL. Or even ROFLMAO or ROTFLMAO. Unless it's TMI, IMHO.

BTW, KISS when you blog on AR, BC peeps R asking WIIFM? Don't overdo the SEO. Just sayin'.

TGIF. Almost. TG. My brain burts. I could go on, but ENUF!!

MC & HNY!!

New Construction Homes at Rockrose at the Foothills in Carlsbad

Buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market looking for new construction homes should think about Rockrose at the Foothills in Carlsbad.

This eco-savvy collection of new construction homes is being built adjacent to the master planned community of Calavera Hills in east Carlsbad at Cannon Road and El Camino Real. No models are available for preview yet but construction has begun (see photos).

My guess is homes may be ready for occupancy starting in mid to late 2010 but time will tell - as I get more information I will pass it along.

Read More: Carlsbad Village by the Sea

My understanding is that Rockrose at the Foothills will feature 4 floor plans including a single story style (Read more if you are on the hunt for single story homes in the Carlsbad real estate market and nearby communities) ranging in size from 2116 SF up to 3167 SF, with pricing they anticipate to start in the $600,000s which is consistent with other new home communities.

There will be around 482 homes built in the 157 acre community that will feature a recreation center with pool, barbecue, and fireplace. Rockrose at the Foothills will have substantial open space preserved along with hiking trails, as is true in other Carlsbad planned communities.

The new Carlsbad High School is scheduled to be built across the street from the community, presumably breaking ground in late 2010 (there have been several lawsuits, two of which I understand have been settled) with an anticipated opening in 2013.

There is also a new 13+ acre community park that will be constructed between Rockrose at the Foothills and El Camino Real but this is not scheduled to be built until between 2013 and 2118.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of Rockrose at the Foothills in Carlsbad, more precise pricing, and photos.

Interested in other New Construction in the Carlsbad real estate market and nearby? Let me know - I've seen them all and will be happy to arrange a personal tour for you and guide you through the purchase process

La Costa Oaks - Rockledge (high $600s to mid $700s)

La Costa Oaks - CopperWood ($700s and $800s)

La Costa Greens - Viridian ($900s)

La Costa Greens - Trieste (high $600s to high $700s)

La Costa Greens - Avellino  (townhomes in the high $400s and $500s)

La Costa Greens - SolTerra (mid to high $500s)

53Melrose (mid $500s)

Quail Pointe in Encinitas (from the mid $900s)

READ MORE:

La Costa - A Great Residential Community in Carlsbad

La Costa Greens - Master Planned Community

La Costa Oaks - Master Planned Community in La Costa Carlsbad

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Why I LIKE Being Asked About the Carlsbad Real Estate Market

I like being asked about the market. Really, I do. I suspect you feel the same.

Unless of course you haven't made it your objective to be as informed about the local market conditions as you can and should be.

There isn't a day that goes by without someone asking me about the local market, or the market in general. Some recent examples:

(1) So what's going on in the market?

(2) How's the market there?

(3) What is the market doing?

(4) What do you think about the market right now? Is it a good time to buy?

The general theme, as it has been for several years now, is a concern about what is going on, as well as more recently, perhaps, a hopeful optimism that things may be getting better.  And for those interested in buying, or selling, there is a genuine need to know what really is happening in the market so they can make whatever decision they need to.

And certainly there are inquiries because of the media headlines and reports that provide inaccurate information or talk in generalities which misrepresent what is actually happening in local markets.

I keep close tabs on what's going on in my service area, by studying the MLS as well as creating monthly market reports in 9 communities (Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff, Oceanside, San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and La Jolla). Others among us do these reports regularly - Rita Burke, Bill Gassett, Donna Bigda, Lenn Harley, and Lynda Eisenmann to name only a few of the folks I follow (apologies to those not here noted). Clearly a number of us feel it is vital to keep a close look at what is going on, and I suspect many other provide this information to their prospects and clients even if they are not publishing these reports on-line.

READ MORE: 10 Ways to Use Market Reports to Your Advantage

I suspect most folks, when asking us about the market, expect some sort of general answer, or the response that it's great, or is tough, or something else that mirrors what they have read in the media. Perhaps they don't really even expect anything specific but are simply engaging in conversation.

However, I like the fact that I can quote specific statistics for different towns, including percentages of REOs and short sales, among other facts that clearly show I know my local market. That's impressive, I think, to many buyers and sellers, and perhaps a surprise, especially if what they hear from me and what they read are not the same. It helps to be a credible source of real estate information.

I also like getting questions I don't have a detailed answer for, since they inspire me to do the research so I do know.

We have a vested interest in providing accurate information to consumers when they ask. The media does not - their interest is not providing accurate real estate information to the consumer but selling their papers and periodicals. Headlines capture attention, but they do not correctly inform or give the individual buyers or sellers what they need to know so they can engage in informed decision making.

I like being asked about the market, and I like being able to talk about it intelligently. Don't you?!

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I snapped this photo, one of a series, after leaving a Open House in Cardiff by the Sea, California. I thought the light was particularly interesting with the layers of color, but it was not what one would call a spectacular sunset.

Watching the sunset is a popular activity here. People line the beaches, the bluffs, and other places where they can watch the sun set, then go their merry way. Enjoying an al fresco dinner on the beach is often part of the fun.

I wrote a post some time ago about popular places to gather to watch the sun set in my area in and around Carlsbad, California.

READ: Best Places to Sunset Watch in Carlsbad California and Nearby

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

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 © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits