As our market has shifted in the last several years, especially with more REOs and short sales, there has been an influx of out-of-area agents, especially on the listing side. 

This change has complicated the showing process from a Buyer Agent's (and buyers!) perspective, for a host of reasons - limited or inaccurate information, lockbox issues, poor communication, and so on. 

We really do want to help your sell your listings and work hand in hand with you, so here are some suggestions to improve the process. If everyone would play by the rules, life would be so much simpler.

FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE LOCAL MLS

If you list your property on our MLS (and you should so your clients gain from maximum exposure - having it listed only on your MLS could put your client at a disadvantage) it's a good idea to play by the rules, which may differ from your local MLS. Add the photos (it's required here) and make sure the information is accurate. Not seeing the house because you are 100 miles away is NOT an excuse. If you are listing the property, then do your job.

INSTALL THE RIGHT LOCKBOX

That's part of following the rules. Or at least use one we can gain access to. If it has to be a combo box let us know that it is (and tell us how to get the combo) rather than having us find out when we get to the home. 

USE THE RIGHT LINGO

If it's a short sale you are required to state so here. And you should for an REO also. And in our area when you have offers being reviewed by either the short sale or REO lenders you are required to indicate that, and use the Contingency Status. And when it goes Pending, change it ion the MLS. It's pretty annoying to make calls to try and show buyers property only to find out that you already have it in escrow. That's also playing by the rules, and a courtesy. 

COMMUNICATION

This seems to be a problem these days with agents not returning calls or emails. It's often a big issue with out-of-area agents. Yeah, it may be a long distance call but that's your doing, not ours. If you are going to be the listing agent, then please help us by communicating so we can get the info we need or arrange to show the property. 

AVOID PUFFERY AND MISREPRESENTATION

First of all it could be an ethics violation, depending. But it really does buyers and their agents a disservice. Calling a home "move in condition" when it is a pigsty is pretty darned annoying (and since you don't include any photos we can only rely on your remarks). Happens all the time. Or not correctly stating the rooms - had one recently where the agent claimed there was a family room plus a living room. Nope, Nada.  We know you may not bother to check the home out - it's pretty obvious from your written descriptions - but don't be deceptive. 

I know it can be hard managing a listing from a distance, but that's part of the job. We would appreciate you playing by the rules even though you are an out-of-area agent. If you can't, well, perhaps you shouldn't be listing in our area.

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Of the San Marcos Restaurants I have enjoyed, the Market St. Café and French Bakery is a winner.

I was introduced to the Market St. Café a year or two ago by good friends, and we had several wonderful meals there...a pleasant surprise given what seems to be a wealth of chain and fast food San Marcos restaurants. Their half price wine night is a real treat and a deal! I took some clients there for lunch and they, too, thoroughly enjoyed the food and the atmosphere on their outdoor patio. 

San Marcos Restaurants - The Market St. Café in Old California Restaurant Row 

We heard recently from our friends that the Market St. Café had a new chef, who happened to have come from a restaurant we thoroughly enjoyed in La Jolla. So naturally we had to try it out. 

They did NOT disappoint! In fact, it's better than ever, with a Mediterranean style French bistro menu with what I think of as comfort food. At least it's comforting to me...Coq au Vin (read this article by Chef Matt Richman) and Bouillabaisse, to name a few items on their dinner menu. 

Fortunately we made reservations, as the place was packed when we arrived. I usually find that to be a good sign. Our dinner was wonderful - I had the Bouillabaisse, and topped it off with a scrumptious three-layer chocolate mousse cake - and our server, Julie (who we remembered from at least one prior visit) was terrific, with just the right amount of friendliness and efficiency coupled with substantial knowledge about the menu and food preparation. What more could you ask for? 

My next visit may have to be at the Bakery to try out some of their pastries, since I drive by frequently when out showing property.

Visit the Market Street Cafe on Facebook to stay on top of happenings. 

Check out their other restaurants - Café Bleu (Mission Hills) and The Red Door Restaurant and Wine Bar (San Diego) 

If you haven't been to the Market St. Café, I recommend you try it out. And if you have, perhaps it's time for another visit to test their new menu. They are located in the Old California Restaurant Row on San Marcos Boulevard in San Marcos.

1080 W. San Marcos Blvd., #104

(760) 471-7646

Hours

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The main purpose of this article is to generate discussion and debate, with advice offered by fellow agents, and a sharing of good, and bad, experiences. 

The issue?  When does the buyer get to move into the new home? 

In general, once escrow has closed, or settlement occurs, the new home owners are given the keys to their new home and can move in. Occupancy is specified clearly in the Offer to Purchase Contact here in California and is part of the negotiation and contract. But there are a number of scenarios that can occur. 

Is occupancy by the end of the day at Close of Escrow? Maybe.

•  What if the seller wants or needs some more time (e.g., buying another home at the same time, relocation)?

• What if the seller wants to be SURE the closing has occurred and recordation has as well before moving out?

• What about liability for the new home owner if the seller remains for a few days after closing?

• What terms and conditions should be negotiated if buyer occupancy is not immediate? 

• What if closing does not occur as planned at the last moment?

What is the normal practice in your area? I talked to a friend in Orange County and there it is pretty standard for occupancy to be COE (that's close of escrow, or settlement in some part of the country) plus 3 days for homes that are occupied. 

I'm not in favor of letting sellers stay on once recording has occurred - it's now the buyer's home, let the buyer move in. BUt there are times when an alternative must be negotiated.

And I am really not in favor of letting a buyer move in early, before closing. But there are many circumstances where these, and other, scenarios might be entertained. And folks ask about this stuff, especially if a home is vacant, they are relocating and need a place to live, or for other reasons. 

So share your thoughts. 

When does the buyer get to move into the new home?

Morning musings, over a cup of coffee, can sometimes lead to interesting thoughts. Or generate ideas for a post.

Such was the case just now, after getting a comment from fellow blogger and CRS Sam Miller. Sam is a very successful agent and blogger in the Knox Country real estate market in Ohio, and he knows about the power of the Internet in his business. 

I wrote a short article recently about Lake San Marcos and included a couple of photos (one shown above) I had taken plus a video. Sam's simple, but powerful comment a short time ago was "As soon as I saw the lake photo on your post I was hooked."

Think about that simple statement. 

Yes, it could be that Sam is particularly fond of lakes and, upon spying one, was inspired to take a look. Perhaps he wouldn't have if the photo had not been the hook that dragged him in. 

I think this is a profound example of the power of using a good photo in your blog posts to grab the attention of readers - something that MAKES them want to read your article.

Something that is highly relevant, and speaks volumes about what the article is about. And, perhaps, says more than the content itself...a photo blog can send a powerful message and generate emotions in ways simple words might not. 

Are YOU taking advantage of the hook of using a good photo?

The Carlsbad real estate market offers upscale attached townhomes in Portico, a gated neighborhood in the master planned community of Rancho Carrillo in Carlsbad. 

READ MORE:

  Carlsbad Village by the Sea

Rancho Carrillo - A Master Planned Community in Carlsbad  

Portico is located off of Melrose at the south end of Rancho Carrillo, about 5 miles inland from the ocean and beaches, and just up the street from the private residents club with swimming pool, tennis courts and more. The Carrillo Elementary School (in the San Marcos Unified School District) is less than ½ mile from Portico, and the Leo Carrillo Historic Ranch Park. 

Carlsbad real estate options in Rancho Carrillo are diverse, with both attached and detached homes for sale. Portico homes, built around 2002, are all attached townhomes in a cluster formation of 3 homes each, some with terrific views of the neighborhood, the hills, and the canyons. There are 105 town homes, and there's a private swimming pool and spa within this gated complex. 

There is only 1 Carlsbad home for sale as of this writing, with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 1538 SF on two floors. There's a small private yard to the rear. This Portico home is priced in the $399K - $439K range and is a short sale. 

4 homes have sold in the last 6 months at an average price of $421,750. 

Carlsbad buyers should know that homes in Rancho Carrillo, including Portico, have HOA fees and Mello Roos. The HOA fees in Portico are around $$156/month, with Mello Roos bringing the total monthly fees to approximately $351 monthly. 

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

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

California is a land of many things - fruit and nuts, as folks say jokingly, beaches, celebrities and celebrity wannabees, and agriculture. 

We've all heard "you are what you eat," and with the increasing health awareness and the focus on diet this seems to be truer than many believe. And California, with the wealth of agricultural produce, is a great place to be for year-round fresh fruit, vegetables and more. 

I read an interesting article recently in California Country magazine about Superfoods, foods which "have health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition," according to food expert and international superfood authority Clare Hasler. She goes on to say that superfoods "...also provide specific health benefits that may reduce the risk of chronic disease such as heart disease or cancer." 

Read the FULL ARTICLE on CALIFORNIA SUPERFOODS here. 

So what are the top Superfoods here in Cali according to Hasler?

Olive Oil  ~  Blueberries  ~  Tomatoes  ~  Spinach

Almonds  ~  Whole Grains  ~  Mushrooms  ~  Yogurt  ~  Broccoli  ~  Salmon 

Need to find a Farmer's Market near you? Check out this Farmer's Market Search. 

I guess I feel pretty healthy, since I like all this stuff and eat it pretty regularly. Is chocolate a superfood? I'll have to check with Dr. Hasler.

This list of tips, admittedly, is a bit tongue-in cheek. But I think some folks can use the help. Perhaps they do know but just don't care, or are lazy, forget or for some other reason don't bother. Regardless, some help is needed.

I hope if these apply you take these suggestions to heart. 

Some of this seems so obvious and common sense. But clearly it's not. And it is certainly not doing clients any favors and getting their home sold. 

TAKE SOME PHOTOS

Don't be so lazy. Buyers want to see them. REO agents are the worst. Guess they figure there will be enough interest so no need to bother. And if they are in another county they certainly don't want to drive a distance to get photos. 

MAKE SURE YOUR MLS LISTING INFORMATION IS ACCURATE

And for heaven's sake at least include some information that might appeal to potential buyers. Have you heard of remarks? Don't blame your mistakes, or your lack of or inaccurate information on your assistant (how many times have I heard that one). You are responsible.

UPDATE YOUR LISTING WHEN INFORMATION CHANGES

It's nice to know that there is now a tenant with a dog instead of the home being vacant. You DID know didn't you? Oh, and if it can't be shown because the sellers are moving, put it in the MLS. Ah, so it's now in escrow and not available. The listing is a convenient way to let folks know these things. Are you sensing some sarcasm? 

MAKE SURE THE KEY IN YOUR LOCK BOX WORKS

Some don't. And make sure if you say there is a lockbox that you install it when the home is available to show. It helps. 

PUT THE COMBO CODE IN THE LISTING

And let us know it IS a combo. I hate having to call from the front door when I discover the lockbox is a combo. Especially when you don't answer your phone. That's another tip, by the way.

 LABEL YOUR LOCKBOXES

if they are on a gated complex, especially a condo. This is a common problem. Case in point...I showed property in La Jolla yesterday. There were 21 lockboxes on the entrance gate. 2 had labels. The one I needed did not. How the heck can I figure out which one to use if it isn't labeled with the unit # and your name? I'm not a mind reader. OK so 7 of them were Sentrilock as your listing stated. That helped. NOT.

MAKE THE HOME AVAILABLE TO SHOW

Yes, sometime sellers themselves sabotage their sale and make their homes hard to show with limited hours. But our job is to make sure they understand the risks of limiting showings or making it hard to do so. And making your showing instructions CLEAR and ACCURATE in the MLS listing is key. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to follow them and can't figure them out, or what they say and what you are told by the agent, or the sellers, is very different. And if the instructions are to call you, well, then YOU need to answer the darn phone, or call back. Or email or text. 

PRICE YOUR HOME CORRECTLY AND IN LINE WITH THE MARKET

Get your head out of the clouds and stop mispresenting the value of the listing so you can get the contract.

Following a few simple suggestions makes a home so much easier for us buyer agents to show them. We appreciate it, as do our buyers. I suspect most sellers will as well.

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The first and only PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE will be held this Sunday January 17th at 1136 Hubbard Avenue in Escondido

Come PICK ORANGES and enjoy a personal tour of this unique property:

5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths (2 masters, 1 up and 1 down)

24 x 28 Detached Workshop

Citrus and Avocado Orchard

Separate Rental Unit at $850/month

2-Car Garage with Extra Storage Bay and Private Office

Fabulous Mountain Views

SUNDAY JANUARY 17th from 1 until 4 pm

Visit 1136 Hubbard for more information, photos and videos

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I mentioned not long ago a new community, Rockrose at The Foothills in Carlsbad, being built. 

Well, here's the newest scoop on the latest master planned community in Carlsbad (and perhaps the last, given the land availability, or lack thereof) being built at the junction of Cannon Road and College Boulevard just south of another planned community, Calavera Hills. 

READ MORE: Carlsbad - Village by the Sea

The Foothills at Carlsbad will feature homes by 3 area builders at Rockrose, plus Alcea and Blossom Grove in this 157 acre community with clubhouse, pool, park, trails and more. Models are not yet available (we expect them in late February at the earlier from what I have heard) and with some homes reportedly available for move in by June 2010. 

• Alcea - 2-story detached condominiums (cluster homes with courtyard) with expected prices in the low $500,000s with 1747 SF to 2052 SF, 3 - 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. 
• Rockrose - detached single family homes, 2116 SF to 33167 SF with 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2 to 4.5 baths. Anticipated pricing in the $600,000s. 
• Blossom Grove - also single family detached homes priced (expected) in the $600,000s, with 3 - 5 bedrooms, 2 - 3 baths, and 1992 SF up to 2420 SF
  

Stay tuned for further updates as the models go live and pricing is finalized. I am happy to arrange a tour for you of the newest new construction homes in this area of Carlsbad.

Are you 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. Keep in mind that availability has likely shifted since these articles were written just a few months ago; prices may be different as well.

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) - final release recently happened

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

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

53 Melrose (mid $500s)

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

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All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

The poplar and well-known (perhaps even world famous) Carlsbad Marathon will be taking place on Sunday January 24^th 2010 in Carlsbad California.

Runners from around the country and the world will be participating in the ___running of the Carlsbad Marathon course which takes them along our beautiful beaches as well as on some of the more popular areas roads, some of which have great views of the area. There will also be a half marathon (both marathons are sold out).

A number of roads will be closed at various times on the day of the marathon, so expect potential issues between 5 am and 2 pm. Signs are posted to make motorists aware of road closings. 

The Coast Road/101 (Carlsbad Boulevard) is a great place to watch along South Carlsbad State beach just north of La Costa Avenue. 

Having the marathon that Sunday seems a bit ironic, given San Diego Restaurant Week wraps up on Friday January 22 - perhaps this is a good time for carbo-loading!

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