Having sold real estate in the city in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and now in Southern California in the Carlsbad area, NOISE has taken on a lot more meaning than it used to. [photos courtesy of Flickr. Highway photo is NOT of the freeway in Carlsbad]
I have been asked many times by buyers about noise. Or they have commented on it, or have inquired if a particular area is "noisy." Unfortunately I don't know what that means.
Let me rephrase that - I don't know what that means for you, Mr./Mrs./Ms. Buyer. I do know what it means to me, what I am willing to tolerate, and what noises I find more objectionable.
While I focus here on Carlsbad real estate and neighboring areas, the issues are much the same in area areas around the country, and my suggestions for due diligence are applicable everywhere, in my opinion, biot just here in Carlsbad. So read on.
Here in the Carlsbad area (and other coastal towns of North County San Diego), noise is an issue, or it can be. It's pretty crowded here, traffic is a problem, and noise from the freeways is probably one of the bigger concerns many buyers have, aside from price. The 5 freeway runs north and south along the coast through all the coastal communities, so depending on where you are, you will get more or less noise.
It's an interesting phenomenon. Because of coastal breezes, noise tends to be less if you are west of the 5 (and thus closer to the ocean and, as expected, you will see higher prices. But if the wind shifts, say with Santa Anas blowing from the east, the noise will increase.
Being on a hill can also have an impact. If you are on the hill facing the freeway, yep you get noise. But on the other side, perhaps little or nothing. The air also affects the noise level. When it's particularly dry, and during the winter, you might notice differences in noises levels.
The train tracks run north and south as well, much closer to the ocean in many areas, and trains themselves, and the train whistles, may trouble some folks.
The other issue, in a few areas, is proximity to airports, such as Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. Flight patterns (especially take-offs) might be close enough to create some noise - you have to decide it periodic airplane/jet noise is an issue or not.
So are you concerned about noise? If yes, then you need to do your due diligence, since annoying noise levels are very personal. Here's what you should do?
- You cannot rely on maps completely, but checking on house locations on the map (Internet) will show if busy roads or other noise sources (RR tracks, airports) might be present. But you will need to check further in person.
- Drive around neighborhoods of interest before you look at homes to see if you discover noise sources that would trouble you
- Take your time at the homes that interest you, both inside and out, to listen for a while to see if noise is present, and if so, if the level is tolerable (keep in mind that many folks use water features to mask minor noise and that‘s fine with them - if they have such a thing, keep that in mind - perhaps it can be turned off while you are touring the home).
- When indoors, open windows or doors, especially in rooms where you might be spending time, in the bedroom, etc. Consider if you are a light sleeper, or need to sleep during the day or on weekends due to your job.
- Visit homes of interest at different times of the day, say morning and evening rush hour and on weekends. Noises, especially from the freeways and busy roads can vary quite a bit at different times. A busy road by your house might only be bothersome at rush hour, and you might be on your way to work too.
- Consider that noise levels are likely to increase, especially with freeways. If it bothers you some now, it will likely only get worse as traffic worsens.
- Consider that vacant areas near the home might become new building projects, or that a new phase of homes may be built in that nice quiet subdivision. (READ - Why You Should Know About Building Projects in Your Area)
- Check out where the trains blow their whistles (intersections in Del Mar, in Cardiff, in Encinitas at Leucadia Boulevard). You can also visit the website for the Coaster and Amtrak to see the train schedules.
I know you want to ask your agent if the area is noisy, but we really can't say. Yes, we can share that the freeway is near, there is an airport, or there is new construction being planned. But what is bothersome noise for some doesn't trouble other folks. If it's a concern, you really need to satisfy yourself that the noise is tolerable, and the home worth it, or that the noise levels rule out your buying the property.
We can only provide objective data about what is near. Make the investigation of noise levels part of your due diligence plan.
AND SELLERS!! If your home is one where noise is likely an issue (near the freeway, airport, trains, mall, manufacturing facility, etc), you can expect there will be people who are troubled by this, so your pool of buyers will likely be less. Expect this...and price accordingly. Don't expect a premium price if your home is on a noisy street, overlooks the freeway, or has a terrific view of the jets taking off overhead.
If I can provide further assistance in your home search for Carlsbad and surrounding coastal communities or answer any questions, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or by email to JDowler@remax.net.
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Hi Jeff, Great Subject. It does make you wonder (when the noise was freeway, neighborhood street, etc-as opposed to dogs or children playing) what the seller thought when they were buyers. It either was not disclosed or it wasn't important to them.
I remember selling a home in the Sabre Springs area last year on a cul-d-sac. Tree laden and end of the street location with average number of pets and children. There was no disclosure on any noise as it was a Trustee Sale but fortunately on a day during our due diligence period, I discovered that the cul-d-sac was where children would come from all around a play. Their parents sent them there intentionally as it was considered a safe play area.
I went to the property and saw what must have been at least 10 kids on skateboards, and various other things likes bikes and I stopped to talk to them.
It seems that the older lady that used to live there was either hard of hearing and at least didn't mind because she allowed them to play there. I spoke to the kids directly and it was amazing what they told me. That their parents searched out the place and said they could only play there, not where they lived.
I spoke to the buyers and surprisingly they didn't even mind. Here I thought that was going to be the end of the deal only to discover that they didn't mind. Ya just never know but I know I did the right thing in disclosing it.
It'a all relative. I moved from a very populated neighborhood to the country recently. When friends come to visit, they can't believe that I don't mind the coyote's howling. But for me it's nicer than traffic or sirens. To each his own.
Good post!
LOL, Linda. I worked it the other way. Used to live in the "forest" adn got used to racoons sceaming, bullfrogs across the street, squirrels on the roof chewing, and more. The city was a huge change, but you get used to it.
Jeff
William- good story. You just never know. Some people want to be in subdivisions near the tot lots and others don't. Folks with trade a fabulous ocean view for having to look at and listen to the freeway. It's up to the buyers but they should know about it.
Jeff
Tracey - that is so true. Sometimes I am amazed at what people will put up with...but also how sensitive others can be.
Jeff
Brookline Mass on Commonwealth Avenue; the bldg shook when the MTA went by; took a while, but I got used to it; can't think of any other noise that ever bothered me except a loud television in an apartment I once lived in (or the one my mother played in the house, but I digress lol)
These are good points Jeff. A niche exists for those who want to be the last house before the train track...but it's a small niche.
I think screaming squirrels are fun lol
Carole- oh yes, I had friends who lived in properties along the T - not only the noise but some shaking. Lots of fun. When we lived in the boonies the bullfrogs were actually the worst, since there were dozens, they wend on all night, and the bullfrog season went on for weeks. Although the squirrel or mouse in the attic above the bed chewing all night and running around with acorns was not much fun. No problems like that here!! Just the coyoes on the golfcourse from tiem to time. :)
Jeff
Marlene - I think your statement is so true. That's why I never try to tell anyone my opinion about the noise adn my tolerance, or not, of it. I love the sound of the ocean....
Jeff
Elaine - I don't mind trains either. Use to live by one in fact. The freeway noise would drive me crazy. I am also surprised at time with what people will live with.
Jeff
Hmmm, interesting, Irina. To each his/her own.
Jeff
Jeff - I have had a few experiences like that. Just goes to show you cannot prejudge.
Jeff
Paula - yep, we all seem to be in agreement. That sort of noise would annoy me as well. Thank you for commenting.
Jeff