A Winter Walk Through the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas CA

I had a few minutes the other day while out previewing homes for several sets of relocating buyers and running errands and found myself in south Encinitas at the Self Realization Fellowship.

The Meditation Gardens are a wonderful place to take a few minutes to relax and step away from the world while strolling through these beautiful gardens that sit atop the ocean bluff. The peaks of the ocean area spectacular, as is the beauty within, and even in the dead of a Southern California winter, the Meditation Gardens offer incredible beauty and tranquility, as they are clearly intended to do.

There is even a guard who walks around to remind those who are a bit too talkative or loud and disturbing those who are there to enjoy the peace and quite, or meditate.

It's hard to believe, while there, that you are only steps away from bustling downtown Encinitas. Enjoy!!

The area adjacent to the Meditation Gardens is also a wonderful residential neighborhood with an eclectic mix of single family homes and condos, just steps away from downtown Encinitas shopping and dining, and the world famous Swami's surfing beach. Another Encinitas landmark, the Boathouses, are just down the street.

There is not a lot for sale in this immediate area typically But you can live on the bluff with fabulous ocean views just steps from Swamis and the Meditation Gardens  for about $3.6 million in a gorgeous single story 4-bedroom home. Or live on the water (bluff top) about 3 blocks to the south for $7.9+ million. Or if your budget is a bit less, you can own an oceanfront 1-bedroom condo for $689,000.

Looking for Encinitas homes for sale on the water or near downtown Encinitas? Use the links below to find that perfect home.

SEARCH FOR ENCINITAS HOMES FOR SALE

SEARCH FOR WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN ENCINITAS

SEARCH FOR TOWNHOMES FOR SALE IN ENCINITAS

Encinitas Condos for Sale at West Hampton Cove in Encinitas CA

Encinitas condo buyers – want to be close to the beach (some might even consider it walking distance?), near downtown Encinitas shopping and dining, and even get an ocean view?

Well, you can, and for under $350,000 at West Hampton Cove in Encinitas.

It’s a little hard to believe there are Encinitas condos for sale at West Hampton Cove for under $350,000 (and even under $300K) anyhow, but having this sort of proximity is pretty special.

Of course at these prices there is a trade-off, as you might expect if you have been paying attention to pricing in Encinitas.

What Happened in the Encinitas Real Estate Market in December 2011

West Hampton Cove is located just east of the 5 freeway, on a high bluff which affords some residents with distant ocean views.

But the nearby freeway means cars and trucks, which means noise.

There are 4 West Hampton Cove condos for sale in Encinitas for $325K or less, 3 of which are short sales; 1 unit (in need of some fixing) is at the edge of the bluff with ocean (and freeway) views. Yep, it’s a trade off. But it might be worth it depending on your perspective and budget. HOA fees are approximately $275/month currently.

6 West Hampton Cove condos have sold in Encinitas in the last 6 months at an average price of approximately $275,000 (99% of list price).

SEARCH FOR WEST HAMPTON COVE CONDOS FOR SALE

SEARCH FOR ENCINITAS HOMES FOR SALE

SEARCH FOR WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN ENCINITAS

SEARCH FOR TOWNHOMES FOR SALE IN ENCINITAS

4^th Annual Brasil Jazz Festa to be held February 26, 2012 in Encinitas CA

The 4^th Annual Brasil Jazz Festa 2012 will take place at the Encinitas public Library in Encinitas on Saturday February 26, 2012. Having been to all the prior concerts, I can tell you it’s great fun and the music is terrific.

Read More – Brasil Jazz Festa 2009 in Encinitas CA (check out the videos)

You can also learn more about the 4^th Annual Brazil Jazz Festa on their Facebook page.

The Brasil Jazz Festa 2012 will begin at 1:30 and last until approximately 4:15 pm.

The Festa will feature a number of San Diego notable jazz musicians/artists, including Allison Adams Tucker, the Danny Green Group, and the David Scheid Group featuring Mark Lamson.

Tickets are only $20 (and worth it) and can be reserved on-line. This is a small and intimate venue so you can really enjoy these musicians up close. And the views of the ocean in the distance aren’t too shabby.

Don’t miss the 4^th Annual Brasil Jazz Festa on February 26, 2012.

Encinitas Public Library

540 Cornish Drive

(a couple blocks east of downtown and Coast Road/Route 101)

Encinitas, CA

What Happened in the Encinitas Real Estate Market in December 2011?

As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, you need to understand the market conditions so you can make a more informed decision about what to do with regard to buying or selling your Encinitas home.

Here’s what happened in the Encinitas real estate market for December 2011 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed due to how data may be entered into the MLS system.

READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community

Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA

In December 2011, 49 homes sold in the Encinitas real estate market, 9% more than in November, the 2^nd month of increased sales. Here’s the breakdown of overall activity.

Home sales in December increased overall, but with a large jump for detached sales with a significant drop in attached sales. The same pattern emerged for average sales prices -  home sales prices shifted significantly upward for detached homes, but fell for attached homes (last month’s attached home average price was up significantly due to the sale of an ocean-front short sale at $1 Million). Buyers in the Encinitas real estate market can expect, on average, to negotiate about 2 - 4% off the asking price based on recent sales.

There were 26 homes with a Contingent status at the end of December (i.e., short sale and foreclosure homes having offers that are being considered by the lenders), about the same as last month. These homes are considered Active and are included in the overall statistics.

For December 2011 the Encinitas real estate market saw a 10% decrease in inventory, with 221 Encinitas homes for sale at the end of December (versus 246 last month), the 2^nd month of decline. It’s likely this is due to the inventory selling well this month coupled with the holidays.

This represents an inventory of 4.3 months for attached homes, down from 4.7 months in November, and 4.9 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales, down from 5.4 months in November (over a 6-month sales period). The Encinitas real estate market remains competitive for buyers and is trending toward more of a seller’s market overall at the current time.

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

44 Encinitas homes came on the market in December as compared to 56 last month; we also saw a decrease, although modest, in the number of homes going pending in December (excluding homes that actually sold in December), from 34 to 28 (down 18%).

These data are based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months. More details about the Encinitas real estate market can be provided with regard to current activity as well as within specific areas such as Encinitas Ranch, Leucadia and Olivenhain.

Watching the trends over time, as opposed to focusing on the data for one particular month, are more revealing and informative, and will provide a better sense of what is happening in the Encinitas real estate market. If I can provide more specific information or answer any questions, please let me know.

Search for Encinitas Homes for Sale

Search for Waterfront Homes for Sale in Encinitas

Search for Townhomes for Sale in Encinitas

READ MORE:

Encinitas Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Encinitas Real Estate Market in November 2011?

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, you need tounderstand the market conditions so you can make a more informed decision about what to do with regard to buying or selling your Encinitas home.

Here’s what happened in the Encinitas real estate market for November 2011 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed due to how data may be entered into the MLS system.

READ MORE:

Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community

Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA

In November 2011, 45 homes sold in the Encinitas real estate market, 18% more than in October, following 2 months of sales decline. Here’s the breakdown of overall activity.

Home sales in November increased overall, but this was due to the significant increase in attached home sales – the number of detached homes sold was about the same, just down by 1. Average home sales prices also shifted downward for detached homes, but rose fairly significantly for attached homes, in part due to an ocean-front short sale at $1 Million. Buyers in the Encinitas real estate market can expect, on average, to negotiate about 4 or 5% off the asking price.

There were 29 homes with a Contingent status at the end of November (i.e., short sale and foreclosure homes having offers that are being considered by the lenders), about the same as last month. These homes are considered Active and are included in the overall statistics.

For November 2011 the Encinitas real estate market saw a 2% decrease in inventory, with 246 Encinitas homes for sale at the end of November (versus 252 last month). It’s likely this is due to the inventory selling well this month. This represents an inventory of 4.7 months for attached homes, up from 4.5 months in October, and 5.4 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales, the same as October (over a 6-month sales period). The Encinitas real estate market remains competitive for buyers and is trending toward more of a seller’s market overall at the current time.

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

56 Encinitas homes came on the market in November as compared to 46 last month, a bit surprising given we are now in the holiday season; we also saw an increase in the number of homes going pending in November (excluding homes that actually sold in November), from 24 to 34 (up 42%).

These data are based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months. More details about the Encinitas real estate market can be provided with regard to current activity as well as within specific areas such as Encinitas Ranch, Leucadia and Olivenhain.

Watching the trends over time, as opposed to focusing on the data for one particular month, are more revealing and informative, and will provide a better sense of what is happening in the Encinitas real estate market. If I can provide more specific information or answer any particular questions, please let me know.

Search for Encinitas Homes for Sale

Search for Waterfront Homes for Sale in Encinitas

Search for Townhomes for Sale in Encinitas 

READ MORE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Encinitas Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 3, 2011 in Downtown Encinitas

It’s time again for the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Encinitas, CA. This has been an Encinitas staple for over 50 years and crowds typically number around 20,000!

The Encinitas Holiday Parade, with lots of floats and bands, will take place along the Coast Road/Route 101 between D and J Streets, on Saturday December 3 beginning at 5:30 pm.

And don’t forget the tree lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard near Starbucks that starts at 5 pm.

The theme of the Encinitas Holiday Parade is “Encinitas 25 – Celebrating our Beginning,” a celebration of the City’s incorporation in 1986.

Be prepared for crowds…so come early and enjoy some shopping, then stay for dinner at one of Encinitas’ numerous restaurants along the Coast Road. Read more below

Encinitas Shopping and Dining Extravaganza

Are you interested in living in Encinitas near all the action? Near the beaches? Adjacent to a golf course? There are lots of detached single family homes and condos AND now is a good time to buy (this article is REALLY worth reading).

SEARCH FOR ENCINITAS HOMES FOR SALE

SEARCH FOR WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN ENCINITAS

SEARCH FOR TOWNHOMES FOR SALE IN ENCINITAS

Encinitas Real Estate Market Report – October 2011

As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, it is important to have information about the market conditions in order to make a more informed decision about what to do with regard to buying or selling your Encinitas home.

Here is a summary of the Encinitas real estate market for October 2011 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured and mobile homes). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed due to how data may be entered into the MLS system.

READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community

Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA

In October 2011, 38 homes sold in the Encinitas real estate market, 17% fewer than in September, the 2^nd month of sales decline. Here’s the breakdown of overall activity.

Home sales declined in October across the board in the Encinitas real estate market. Average home sales prices also shifted downward for attached homes, with a large number of lower-priced homes selling, but rose modestly for single family detached homes. Days on market also increased for detached homes, but remained about the same for attached.

There were 30 homes with a Contingent status at the end of October (i.e., short sale and foreclosure homes having offers that are being considered by the lenders), about 15% more than last month.  These homes are considered Active and are included in the overall active statistics.

For October 2011 the Encinitas real estate market saw an 8% decrease in inventory, with 252 Encinitas homes for sale at the end of October (versus 274 last month). This represents an inventory of 4.5 months for attached homes, down from 5.2 months in September, and 5.4 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales, down from 5.6 months in September (over a 6-month sales period). The Encinitas real estate market remains competitive and trending toward more of a seller’s market overall.

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

46 Encinitas homes came on the market in October as compared to 86 last month, leading to a likely more competitive market with fewer homes; the number of homes going pending declined from September pendings, from 45 to 24 (down 47%).

These data are based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months. More details about the Encinitas real estate market can be provided with regard to current activity as well as within specific areas such as Encinitas Ranch, Leucadia and Olivenhain.

Watching the trends over time, as opposed to focusing on the data for one particular month, are more revealing and informative, and will provide a better sense of what is happening in the Encinitas real estate market. If I can provide more specific information or answer any particular questions, please let me know.

Search for Encinitas Homes for Sale

Search for Waterfront Homes for Sale in Encinitas

Search for Townhomes for Sale in Encinitas

READ MORE:

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

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

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

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

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

Encinitas Homes for Sale | Encinitas Real Estate Market Report for April 2011

Homes for Sale in Olivenhain - Olivenhain Homes for Sale in Encinitas CA

Olivenhain is a community within Encinitas, about 5 miles inland from the ocean, and bordering the afflluent town of Rancho Santa Fe.

Olivenhain has a reputation as an equestrian community and is primarily residential, with rolling hills, plentiful vegetation and a town policy of "dark skies." The more expensive homes are in gated communities with gorgeous pastoral views on rolling hills.

If you are seeking a horse property, it's important to check the zoning to make sure a property can support horses, anod how many, if it is not already a horse property

Olivenhain is also the home of the popular Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair, held every November at the Old Town Meeting Mall.

READ MORE:

Olivenhain - Rural Residential and Equestrian Community in Encinitas

Homes for sale in Olivenhain tend to be expansive (some in excess of 6000 SF) and often on lots in excess of an acre. There are currently 21 homes for sale in Olivenhain ranging from $699,000 to $3.15 million.

27Olivenhain homes have sold in 2011 at an average price of $1.14 million with an average DOM of 65 days and at 94% of list price.

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN OLIVENHAIN

SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN ENCINITAS

Celebrate Howl O’Ween in Encinitas – Has Halloween Gone to the Dogs?

The 3^rd Annual Howl O’Ween is being held in Leucadia (the northern-most community in Encinitas) October 29^th for the benefit of the Rancho Coastal Human Society.

Howl O’Ween will be held from 3 to 6 pm (earlier than in the past) with a Pet Parade and a Pet Costume contest, with participating businesses doing the costume judging.

The results will be announced after people and the pets finish parading along the Coast Road/Route 101.

There is a $5 entry fee is donated to the Rancho Coastal Human Society.

All you have to do is sign up, then bring your pooch in costume with their “trick or treat” bag to all of the participating business (about 16) for judging and collect tickets indicating your pet’s costume is a 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd place winner.

Howl O’Ween winners will be announced at The Leucadia Floral and Plant Lady at 1114 N. Coast Highway/Route 101 in Leucadia (Encinitas).

Pick up Howl O’Ween forms and Trick or Treat bags at the following locations from now until the 29^th: And may the best costumed pooch win!!

• Pup Planet and Leucadia Floral & Plant Lady, both located at 1114 N. Coast Hwy 101
• Pink Peloton, 466 N. Coast Hwy 101 (in Gold Coast Plaza)
• Leucadia 101 Main Street, 386 N. Coast Hwy 101

Judging by past reports and photos, this year’s Leucadia Howl O’Ween should be another winner for pooches and their owners.

Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair 2011 – November 12, 2011 in Encinitas

Olivenhain is a residential community in Encinitas on the east side bordering Rancho Santa Fe. Olivenhain has a reputation for large properties, horses, dark skies, AND the annual Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair.

Read More:

Olivenhain – Rural Residential Equestrian Community in Encinitas

The Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair is held every year on the grounds of the Olivenhain Old Meeting Hall built in 1895 by the German immigrants that established Colony Olivenhain) on Rancho Santa Fe Road at 7^th Street. In 2011 the Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair is Saturday November 12 from 9 am until 4 pm.

This fair is generally well attended although it often competes with other area events, and the range of vendors offering the arts and crafts they have created is pretty impressive for the allotted space. Some participants have attended for years.

The local 4-H Club is always present, there are lots of food items (e.g., home canned pickles) and the setting if quite charming clustered around, and in, the Olivenhain Old Meeting Hall beneath the grove of eucalyptus trees.

So mark your calendar for Saturday November 12 for the Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair.

And if you would like to be an exhibitor, here’s a link to the Olivenhain Arts and Crafts fair exhibitor information.