Happy New Year 2012 from Carlsbad – There’s Still Time to Make Plans to Celebrate

It’s true, there are still places where you can make plans to celebrate bringing n the New year 2012 (I cannot guarantee which of the following still have room).

Here’s a list of things you might be interested in, unless you are going to hunker down at home, like me, and watch the ball drop in NYC Time Square. I LOVE that I can bring in the New Year here on the Left Coast at 9 PM!!

Here are the happenings here in CARLSBAD:

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort

Enjoy the fireworks from Legoland right next door at their New Year’s Eve Bash. There fun for adults AND kids, plus food for both. Check out their website for more details – Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa. Tickets range from FREE (for those under 3) to $115 for adults. And they offer room packages, too.

Park Hyatt Resort Aviara

Enjoy a special 5-course dinner at Vivace (been there – it’ great) for $120 which also admits you to their Lobby Lounge New Year’s Eve Celebration. There are other dining options and prices, too, and of course room packages are available (if not sold out). For tickets and reservations call (760) 448-1234 or visit the Park Hyatt Resort Aviara website.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland

Kids can have a fabulous New Year’s too, at the world-famous Legoland in Carlsbad, with midnight at 6 PM and a LEGO Brick Drop, musical performances, and games, capped off by the popular Legoland Fireworks. Call (760) 918-LEGO or visit the Legoland website.

No doubt many Carlsbad Restaurants will be having special menus and events but be sure to plan in advance.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

6 Things You Should Know About Mello Roos in Carlsbad Real Estate

There are 6 things you, the buyer, should know about Mello Roos.

First, let’s talk about what Mello Roos are, for those who are not familiar with real estate in California where these taxes exist. I know I didn’t have a clue when I was doing my home search for Carlsbad from my former home in Boston.

Mello Roos are named after the creators, Senator Henry Mello and Assemblyman Michael Roos, of the 1982 bill that was passed to allow local governments and builders to form Community Facility Districts where new subdivisions are/can be built.

Tax-exempt bonds are sold in these CFDs to fund the cost of public improvements, which can be roads, schools and a host of other things, and repayment of these bonds (which can be over 20 years or more) is the responsibility of the residents in the form of Mello Roos.

Mello Roos are, thus, a type of community financing and a property tax.

1. Mello Roos are found in new housing communities built since 1982 and are different from California state property taxes and HOA fees.
2. Mello Roos may have tax consequences – consult your CPA to determine how to handle Mello Roos taxes
3. Mello Roos can run from several hundred dollars to over $5,000 per year depending on the community, the cost of house, and other factors, and the amount can vary from house to house within the subdivision
4. Some new home builders in my area of Carlsbad are paying down a portion of the Mello Roos, especially in the early phases of a development, but this is the exception
5. You will typically hear the total of Mello Roos and property taxes quoted as a percentage of the purchase price, say 1.35%, in new home communities (some areas of San Diego County they are as high as 1.9%).
6. It is possible that a paydown of the Mello Roos could be negotiated as part of an offer package with a willing seller depending on the payoff amount owed, the specifics of the offer including cash down, and other factors. And it financially may not make sense for the seller to do this.

When looking for a home, be sure to watch for these expenses since they can be substantial and must be factored into your loan approval, as well as your personal budget.

What Happened in the Escondido Real Estate Market in November 2011?

Escondido is an inland community, about 15 miles from the coast adjacent to San Marcos. Like its neighbors, San Marcos, Vista and Oceanside, Escondido has seen fairly significant shifts in the real estate market with a large number of short sales and foreclosures.

READ MORE: A Tour of Escondido – A Diverse Inland San Diego Community

As a buyer or seller in the Escondido real estate market, understanding recent trends and current market conditions is essential so you can make informed decisions; media reports focus on general market conditions and therefore will not provide an accurate picture of the local Escondido real estate market.

The following data are taken from the San Diego MLS (private sales are not included in these statistics, nor are multifamily properties or mobile/manufactured homes). The data are believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed.

In November 2011 there were 141 homes sold in the Escondido real estate market, up 7% from October. Sales were up as were average prices, and buyers are not negotiating much on the prices from list price – about 2% on average.

Here’s the breakdown of overall activity.

There were 214 Escondido homes (30% of all active properties) on the market with a Contingent status, i.e., short sale or REO homes that have offers being considered by lenders. These are included in the statistics below.

At the end of November 2011 there were 711 Escondido homes for sale, about 6% fewer homes than in October, the 4^th month of decline although small. This represents an inventory of 4.9 months for attached homes (up from 4.5 months in October) and 4.8 months for detached homes (down from 5.2 months in October), based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.  Thus the market remains tight for buyers.

READ MORE:   How Important is Inventory when Buying or Selling? Very!!

In November 163 homes came on the market, 18% fewer than newly listed homes in October, the 2^nd month of decline; the number of homes going pending (118) also decreased 11% from October pendings (132).

I am happy to provide more information about current real estate activity in the Escondido real estate market and answer any questions that you may have about current market conditions.

Search for Escondido Homes for Sale

READ MORE:

Escondido Homes for Sale | Escondido Real Estate Market Report for October 2011

Escondido Homes for Sale | Escondido Real Estate Market Report for September 2011

Escondido Homes for Sale | Escondido Real Estate Market Report for August 2011

Escondido Homes for Sale | Escondido Real Estate Market Report for July 2011

Escondido Homes for Sale | Escondido Real Estate Market Report for June 2011

Escondido Homes for Sale | Escondido Real Estate Market Report for May 2011

The End of Christmas Day, and I'm Pooped

Man oh man, it’s been a tough day.

So much to do. Presents to unwrap, food to cook (smoke tri tip, grilled salmon with dill mustard sauce, roasted cauliflower with raisins, breadcrumbs and capers, sautéed asparagus in garlic and truffle oil), family to enjoy, especially that grand-daughter getting exposed to her first Christmas. You can guess who the center of attention was! There must be at least 200 photos and few vids and the night is not over.

Hard to believe Christmas has come and almost gone, and there wasn’t even any time for a nap.

Well, some people got a nap.

Hope your holiday was spectacular and everything you hoped for!

Ooops There He Goes – MERRY CHRISTMAS from Carlsbad

I’ve driven by this scene in our neighborhood several times before I finally got around to stopping to snap a photo.

The first time I saw it was on the way back from the gym early one morning, and it sure made me laugh.

Seems to me Santa is laughing too. Hope it makes you smile as well.

I can’t imagine they have just left it this way – I suspect the snowman keeps falling off. Or maybe they have just given up.

Have a wonderful holiday season, a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a very happy New Year!

Favorite Fish Markets in Carlsbad CA

One of my favorite foods, next to chocolate, is fish and seafood. I can’t get enough, whether it’s raw (sushi) or cooked. There are plenty of places here in Carlsbad and nearby to buy good seafood and fish, but I have a couple of favorite fish markets in Carlsbad, plus one in Cardiff that is worth mentioning.

FISH HOUSE VERA CRUZ

Fish House Vera Cruz is a family style seafood eatery in Carlsbad Village that is very popular with residents and vacationers alike. But they also have a fabulous fish market as you walk in the door, with items you won’t find in the big stores, and the prices and quality, in my opinion, are the best.

At the peak of the tourist, and grilling, season you will always find people in line here. Definitely worth a visit. And the restaurant serves great fresh seafood simply prepared in a casual atmosphere. Expect crowds in the summer.

PELLYS FISH MARKET AND CAFE

Another favorite place, both for eating and carrying out is Pellys Fish Market and Café. This is a no-frills place – very casual, with both indoor and outdoor dining – but the food is top notch with great selection.

Their fish tacos are to die for. I’d say their fresh seafood and fish is a little pricier than Fish House Vera Cruz and they don’t have some of the more unusual fish you find there, but this place goes on my faves list without reservation.

SEASIDE MARKET - CARDIFF

The fish and seafood at the Seaside Market in Cardiff is worth driving for. While I don’t frequent it often, I know folks who drive miles to buy their fresh seafood and fish. Their salmon selection is killer.

The market, itself, is amazing, given the relatively small size, and a great place to shop – Cardiff does not have a big grocery store, and this place rocks and is a local favorite. Plus you can eat outside in a casual seating area with peaks of the ocean a couple of blocks away.

Not to diss SoCal seafood and fish since it really IS good, and there is a lot of variety, but my overall fave place for seafood remains New England, especially Boston. And the best crab cakes are in the Chesapeake Bay area (although I will say mine, and even more my wife’s, rival them. LOL).

What Happened in the La Jolla Real Estate Market in November 2011?

The La Jolla real estate market is one of the most expensive in San Diego County. A visit to La Jolla on-line, or better yet in real life, will quickly give you a good sense of why this is so.

La Jolla, “The Jewel,” is an extraordinarily beautiful coastal community with many homes offering fabulous views of the ocean from the hills, and a trendy, very up-scale village offering the finest in shopping and dining. La Jolla is often compared to the French and Italian Rivieras with wonderful ocean and coastline vistas from the hills, amazing homes, beautiful architecture, and a terrific year-round climate, attracting visitors from around the world.

READ MORE:

La Jolla Real Estate – A Jewel on the San Diego Coastline

La Jolla California - VIDEO Tour of this Jewel by the Sea

Mt. Soledad in La Jolla California – Forever Views of San Diego and La Jolla

Walkable Neighborhood Series – Real Estate in Upscale, Affluent La Jolla Village

Having current, local information on the La Jolla real estate market is essential so you can make informed decisions about your home buying and selling in La Jolla. Like other communities, La Jolla has been hit by the downturn in the market. Despite the shift in prices, La Jolla remains an expensive real estate market, particularly for ocean view and ocean front homes.

The La Jolla real estate market saw 36 homes sell in November 2011, down 31% from October sales. Here’s a summary of the real estate activity (these MLS summary data do not include private sales, and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed).

The volume of sales in the La Jolla real estate market declined by 31% from October sales, which contrasts to the pattern of increased sales we saw in many North County communities in November. Interestingly this is just about the same volume as in November 2010.

Average sales prices also increased, especially for detached homes, no doubt due to the sale of 2 expensive homes at $7M and $12M which drove up the average. The overall average price of a La Jolla home is THE SAME as in November 2010. However, the average price of a detached home was significantly higher, in part due to those 2 high end sales this past month. Buyers are still negotiating for their homes, off list price by 5 – 8% on average.

36 La Jolla homes (9% of the total) had a contingent status at the end of November (these homes are still considered active, but have offers that are being considered by either the short sale or REO lenders).

There were 384 La Jolla homes on the market at the end of November, a drop by 10% from October, the 3^rd month of decline, again a pattern we are seeing in other communities. This translates into an inventory of 9.9 months for detached homes (down from 10.3 last month), and only 6.7 months for attached (down from 7.3 months in October), based on the rate of sales over the last 6 months. Thus the La Jolla real estate market continues to become more competitive for buyers.

READ MORE:   How Important is Inventory when Buying or Selling? Very!!

58 homes entered the La Jolla real estate market in November, 24% fewer than in October, perhaps not surprising given the holiday season, with 38 homes going pending, half the number of pendings as in October (down 49%).

If you would like more detailed information about the La Jolla real estate market, or would like to know more about specific residential areas and their market conditions (the Village, Muirlands, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Farms, Bird Rock, Mt. Soledad, Windansea) please let me know.

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN LA JOLLA CA

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN BIRD ROCK, LA JOLLA CA

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN WINDANSEA, LA JOLLA CA

READ MORE:

La Jolla Homes for Sale | What Happened in the La Jolla Real Estate Market in October 2011?

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for September 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for August 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for July 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for June 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for May 2011

Buyers and Sellers: How to Use My Blog to Benefit YOU (Part 2 of 2)

Congratulations. You’ve been searching on-line for real estate information in or around the Carlsbad CA area and found your way to my blog. Thanks for visiting!

This is Part 2 of my 2-part series, “a guided tour of my blog” and how to use it to your advantage and get the information YOU want and need.

You can read PART 1 about using the Navigation Section of my blog (the right hand side)

As I said previously I expect you are pretty comfortable navigating around websites, but I’d like to point out some things to help YOU get the most from your visit – now and when you return.

*       *       *       *       * 

In Part 2 my guided tour is about the individual posts and how to use the signature section below each article. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Articles are in chronological order, the newest at the top of the page. I write A LOT so there is always new content. There are over 2000 articles on my blog written in the last 5+ years, covering a wide range of topics – community market reports, new housing, information about neighborhoods, beaches, things to do, dining, shopping, and information buyers and sellers need to know, just to name a few. 

2.  Once you reach the bottom of the page simply click NEXT to be taken to the following page. You’ll find about 10 articles per page depending on how long they are, your browser, and your screen settings.

     NOTE: Here’s a time saver – use the TAGS on the lower right hand side of the page (a pull down menu) to help you find articles in particular categories that interest you, for example due diligence, inspections or La Costa Greens.

3. The SIGNATURE SECTION below each post is filled with important links to information that may assist you, depending on your needs and interests. This section is identical under each post so no matter which article you are reading you have access to the same links.

FIRST:  Click the left button to visit my 365 Things to Do in Carlsbad Facebook page, or to the right search for homes using a very cool LIFESTYLE SEARCH where you can use lifestyle criteria (e.g., distance to a particular school or shopping mall) in your search for a Carlsbad homes.

You will also see a series of Social Media buttons – click to follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr (photos), Twitter, YouTube (videos) and more, plus Subscribe to My Blog in an RSS feed.

SECOND: Further down you will see a series of buttons that link to websites with great information for buyers and sellers – Search for Homes in Carlsbad and around San Diego (a standard IDX), Relocation (for anyone who is moving, near or far) and First Time Buyers (great for experienced buyers, too).

If you need more information about doing a SHORT SALE and what this means for you, click on the Homeowner Short Sale Guide Button.

THIRD: In this area is a link to information about my Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation where you will learn more about the value of working with a CRS. I am with a small brokerage in Carlsbad called Solutions Real Estate – that button links to my recently created website, @HomeInCarlsbad, where you can read all about Carlsbad and search for homes for sale in Carlsbad or anywhere else in San Diego.

Read more About Me…my more personal side…on my California Relocation Dude page.

LAST: These are links to community information that may interest you. You will also find community profiles for these and other neighborhood on THIS blog – simply use those tags I mentioned a moment ago.

You will also see 3 “breaking news” sites with up-to-the-minute information 24/7 on happenings in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside.

*       *       *       *       *

Thanks for taking the tour. I hope you find the information helpful. If I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Is There Mold in Your Carlsbad Home?

~ Part 5 of 5 ~

If you missed the first 4 articles in this series you can read them below:

Is there Mold in Your Carlsbad Home (Part 1 of 5)

Is The Mold in Your Carlsbad Home (Part 2 of 5)

Is There Mold in Your Carlsbad Home (Part 3 of 5)

 Is There Mold in Your Carlsbad Home (Part 4 of 5)

This series has been written by Andy Konopacki, Founder and President of Vm3 Environmental in Carlsbad, who I know personally and who graciously agreed to be a guest contributor on this blog.

*       *       *       *       *

With the Fall Season upon us and rainfall imminent, it's a good time to check up on preventative maintenance items around your home.

GUTTERS and DOWNSPOUTS

The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to collect running water from the roof and move it away from the structure. When working properly, this function keeps walls, windows and sub terrain areas dry. And to keep a system working properly, it is imperative to keep both the gutters and downspouts free of debris.

A visual check of your system should include observations for rust, dents or cracking. And downspouts should always terminate several feet away from the foundation.

PLANTS and TREES

Plants, trees and other types of vegetation, that come into contact within a structure, can trap moisture against the structure and create a water intrusion problem. Wet buildings materials within a structure can lead to conditions conducive to mold growth.

Serious consideration should be given to trimming the trees/bushes and other types of vegetation away from the structure. Plants and vegetation also allow easy access for rodents and insects.

PEELING EXTERIOR PAINT

Peeling paint observed on either siding or windows can be an indication of water getting into the wood. Exposed wood and other untreated building materials are highly susceptible to water intrusion. From years of inspecting homes, peeling paint around windows is one of the leading causes of water intrusion and subsequent mold.

Areas of peeling paint or exposed wood should be repaired immediately.

A properly designed exterior will work well in keeping moisture outside the structure rather than inside where mold growth can occur. If you suspect a system is not working properly contact a licensed professional for repair and or further evaluation.

 Andy Konopacki
President - VM3 Environmental, Inc.
760-273-9728 (San Diego County - Carlsbad)
949-269-3073 (Orange County)

310-295-1099 (Los Angeles County)

      TOLL FREE: 866-513-MOLD     

What Happened in the La Jolla Real Estate Market in October 2011

The La Jolla real estate market is one of the most expensive in San Diego County. A visit to La Jolla on-line, or better yet in real life, will quickly give you a good sense of why this is so.

La Jolla, “The Jewel,” is an extraordinarily beautiful coastal community with many homes offering fabulous views of the ocean from the hills, and a trendy, very up-scale village offering the finest in shopping and dining. La Jolla has often been compared to the French and Italian Rivieras with wonderful ocean and coastline vistas from the hills, amazing homes, beautiful architecture, and a terrific year-round climate, attracting visitors from around the world.

READ MORE:

La Jolla Real Estate – A Jewel on the San Diego Coastline

La Jolla California - VIDEO Tour of this Jewel by the Sea

Mt. Soledad in La Jolla California – Forever Views of San Diego and La Jolla

Walkable Neighborhood Series – Real Estate in Upscale, Affluent La Jolla Village

Having accurate information on the La Jolla real estate market is essential so you can make informed decisions about your home buying and selling in the community. Like other communities, La Jolla has been hit by the downturn in the market. Despite the shift in prices, La Jolla remains an expensive real estate market, particularly for ocean view and ocean front homes.

The La Jolla real estate market saw 52 homes sell in October 2011, up 18% over September sales. Here’s a summary of the real estate activity (these MLS data do not include private sales, and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed).

The volume of sales in the La Jolla real estate market rose 18% over September sales, especially for detached homes. In contrast, a pattern we often see, average sales prices declined across the board. Buyers are still negotiating a bit for their homes, off listing price by 5 – 8% on average.

35 La Jolla homes (8% of the total) had a contingent status at the end of October (these homes are still considered active, but have offers that are being considered by either the short sale or REO lenders).

There were 427 La Jolla homes on the market at the end of October, a drop by 14% from September, the 2^nd month of decline, also seen in other communities. This translates into an inventory of 10.3 months for detached homes (down from 11.4 last month), and 7.3 months for attached (down from 7.6 months in September), based on the rate of sales over the last 6 months.

READ MORE:   How Important is Inventory when Buying or Selling? Very!!

76 homes entered the La Jolla real estate market in October, about the same as in September (down by 2), with 76 homes going pending, an increase in pendings of 46%.

If you would like more detailed information about the La Jolla real estate market, or would like to know more about specific residential areas and the market conditions (the Village, Muirlands, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Farms, Bird Rock, Mt. Soledad, Windansea) please let me know.

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN LA JOLLA CA

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN BIRD ROCK, LA JOLLA CA

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN WINDANSEA, LA JOLLA CA

READ MORE:

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for September 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for August 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for July 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for June 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for May 2011

La Jolla Homes for Sale | La Jolla Real Estate Market Report for April 2011