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Carlsbad, CA Real Estate News

Carlsbad Real Estate: Homes in La Costa, Aviara, Calavera Hills, Rancho Carrillo Real Estate, Carlsbad Condos, La Costa Condos, townhomes, Carlsbad Golf Course Homes for sale, Carlsbad Realtors, Carlsbad photos, videos and real estate agents.  Are you looking for Real Estate in Carlsbad Ca? If you are looking for a single family Home, Condo, Townhome,  lot or land in and around Carlsbad, I would love to help. The most popular areas of Carlsbad are La Costa, which includes homes around La Costa Resort and Spa, such as: La Costa Greens, La Costa Oaks,  Rancho Carrillo, and the many other desireable neighborhoods in North County San Diego. Just Contact a REALTOR now to discuss your real estate needs and to get a full list of homes for sale in the areas you may be interested in. It is prett...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
SELLERS in CARLSBAD - For those of you who have not sold your home yet and are vacating it to relocate....beware of your homeowner's insurance.This is a cautionary note to you to check on the status of your policy before you move out, or once you are no longer living in the home while it is for sale:•·        It is possible that your insurance premiums will increase since the home is not owner occupied•·        And you certainly cannot let the insurance expire (you are likely required by your mortgage company, unless the home is owned outright, to keep it properly insured), especially once you have written contract on the property.•·        It is also possible that the coverage levels will change since the home is non-owner occupied•·        Premiums can be much more costly for companie...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Buyers looking for Carlsbad homes who are interested in the La Costa area might well be interested in Alga Hills, a subdivision developed in 1989 that is just east of the famed Omni La Costa Resort and Spa on the hills overlooking the golf course, and south of Alga Road.   With easy access to the South Carlsbad State Beach, and plenty of shopping and other amenities along El Camino Real in South Carlsbad and Encinitas, residents in Alga Hills can enjoy an enviable lifestyle with temperate coastal weather year round.   The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort (with a terrific spa and golf course; formerly the Four Seasons) is 10 minutes away, and access to the 5 freeway is about 3 miles off La Costa Avenue. Travel time to Carlsbad Village is perhaps 15 minutes, with plenty of shopping, boutiques, r...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
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 ever...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
This is for you, Mr. and Mrs. Seller. I hope this does not describe you. But it might.I see a lot of Carlsbad sellers who are sabotaging their home sales in this market. I think of them as saboteurs, since they are doing things, either intentionally or not, that are making it hard, if not impossible, to sell their homes in a reasonable time frame and for top dollar. Or they are not doing the things they ought to do that would facilitate a sale.And they make other comparable homes look like a better value.So what might these sources of sabotage be? And if you are totally honest with yourself, are you, unfortunately, engaged in this behavior?PRICING - probably the biggest offender. No matter how nice the home looks, no matter how much marketing is done, if the price is too high the market...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Many Carlsbad buyers are interested in purchasing condos, for a variety of reasons:It's what they can afford in their marketThere is no need to worry about maintenanceSecurity issuesSecond or vacation homeInvestment (rental income)They want to live in the city or in other areas where detached homes are rare or don't existNo matter what the reason, there are some things to know about before you jump in and purchase so you make an informed decision. And condo ownership has pros and cons depending on your perspective.WHAT IS A CONDO?: A condo is a legal form of ownership where there is separate fee interest in a particular space (the unit) and an undivided interest in common or public areas of the development. You have a deed to the unit (unlike in a co-op) and pay property taxes on the co...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Recycling is an important service that is provided by Carlsbad, and other communities, in an effort to help protect the environment, save money, conserve water and much more. It's easy and something that every resident should participate in as much as possible. As concerns about the environment, global warming, and energy conservation have mounted, recycling programs have grown dramatically and just about any community has services that residents can use to do their part. (photo courtesy of Rajiv Patel on Flickr)Carlsbad's recycling program provides the following services, enabling residents to recycle a large number of products:Electronics or E-waste - things such as TVs, monitors, computers, cell phones. May be dropped off at the Waste Management facility at 5960 El Camino Real on Sat...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The largest master planned community in the La Costa area of Carlsbad, La Costa Valley is a fine example of residential planning on rolling hills along the Encinitas border. Located about 30 miles north of San Diego, La Costa Valley offers residents a beautiful community with a school, recreational facilities, landscaped trails and open space with excellent access to nearby amenities along El Camino Real in Carlsbad and Encinitas, a 15 minute drive to the beaches, and much more. La Costa Valley was built in 1998 - 2001 and consists of 1073 homes (detached) on about 482 acres. The first of the 4 La Costa Villages (also La Costa Oaks, La Costa Greens, and La Costa Ridge) to be built in Carlsbad after a long wait, this community has provided a model for future developments in the Carlsbad...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
I wrote an earlier post about the importance of knowing about building projects in your area, whether you are a buyer or a seller, since they may have an impact on someone's willingness to buy. And knowing what to disclose is also important.Carlsbad is a community known for its smart growth (see my earlier article on this) and managing its construction projects, especially residential - they even have a 20-year plan. This is good for residents as well as the town.There are several projects that are worth knowing about if you are thinking of buying Carlsbad real estate. Some are in process, while others are under review. There are other proposed and approved building projects listed on the Carlsbad website. (photo at right is the building project along Ranch Santa Fe Road in Carlsbad see...
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By Dusty Brazil- San Marcos CA Realtor San Marcos Bank Owned Homes Buyers Agent
(San Marcos Real Estate, Short Sales & Bank Owned Homes)
Looking for that perfect home for sale in Carlsbad CA, La Costa, Aviara, Rancho Carrillo? Contact a Realtor in Carlsbad CA now to get the job done right. See the best Carlsbad Neighborhoods, including virtual tours, neighborhood reports, area info, and things to do in and around Carlsbad California, such as go to LegoLand with the kids. (This is a photo of the Flower Fields and the Carlsbad Smoke Stack on a clear day)  Are you a First time Home Buyer in or around Carlsbad Ca? Check out all these cool tips on first time home buying.  Are you a Seller in Carlsbad Ca, La Costa, Rancho Carrillo, Aviara, or in other neighborhoods in Carlsbad CA? If you need representation to sell a home in Carlsbad, let me show you how I can get you your home top exposure online.  
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By Roberta Murphy, Carlsbad Real Estate and Homes
(San Diego Previews Real Estate)
I love the rich smell of coffee beans and their brew–and the hissing sounds of expresso machines at work. And what could be more fun than meeting a friend, finding a free table and spending a half hour or so catching up on the details of life? It's also a great way to relax with clients. Carlsbad is fortunate to have so many wonderful places to stop for a latte, double expresso or chai tea. And though many restaurants and bakeries also serve excellent coffee, this little report is dedicated to those whose business is built on the bean:  Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 2508 El Camino Real, Ste F (across from Carlsbad Mall) 760-720-1381 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 1935 Calle Barcelona (The Forum) 760-634-3268 La Costa Coffee Roasting 2525 El Camino Real, Ste 145 (Plaza Camino Real ) 760-434-3233 La Co...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The following is a summary of market conditions from the MLS for Carlsbad for the month of July. These data do not include information from any private sales or homes sold through builders that are not in the MLS.Homes for sale - 497 detached, 295 attached (down 1% from June)142 detached and 79 attached homes came on the market in July538 detached and 268 attached homes have sold in the last 6 monthsAbsorption (inventory) is 5.5 months for detached (a small decrease from June) and 6.6 months for attached homes (also a decrease)Average marketing time was 62 days for attached and 60 days for detachedMedian sales price for detached - $767,759, about the same as in JuneMedian sales price for attached - $450,500, up 1% from JuneOn average, homes are selling at 95% (detached) and 96% (attache...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
North County San Diego has a fine reputation as a retirement area, given the beautiful weather and the many amenities. Not surprisingly there are many 55+ (senior) communities in the area, offering a variety of options in terms of housing style, size, and price and the amenities available in the community. As of August 2007 there are 232 homes for sale in the age-restricted communities in Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos, Carlsbad and Encinitas; 215 of these offer single story living, which is generally highly desirable for this age group. There are 43 homes that are currently pending. Homes range from a 1 bedroom 600 SF condo priced at $163,000 to a 2808 SF 3 bedroom, 2-story home at $925,000. Amenities vary as well, with some communities offering little except what is in the larger commu...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Folks in Carlsbad have a couple of excellent choices for where to purchase their wines. Given how many wines there are being produced today here in California, as well as from France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, South Africa, Australia, Chile, Argentina and more, having someone you can trust, especially if you are not highly knowledgeable, is important. [note - photo was taken at J. Lohr Winery in Paso Robles]Which wines are the best, for you preferred type (Zinfandel, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, varietals and blends, reds, champagne)? How much do you need to spend to buy a good bottle? Which vintages are preferred? And so on.Carlsbad Wine Merchants, at 5814 Van Allen Way (small shopping center) off Faraday, is an excellent place to begin your journey, especially if you are new to wine o...
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By Roberta Murphy, Carlsbad Real Estate and Homes
(San Diego Previews Real Estate)
Aviara was Carlsbad’s first award-winning master-planned community. Located in South Carlsbad, just west of La Costa Resort and Spa, Aviara’s 5000+ residents enjoy a lifestyle that is almost idyllic. With 21 separate neighborhoods, Aviara offers homes ranging from luxury condos at Brindisi to luxurious custom estates at gated Aviara Point. In the midst of this beach-close community is the exquisite Aviara Four Seasons Resort and the adjacent 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed Aviara Golf Course. Laced throughout Aviara are miles of well-maintained trails and walkways, many of them overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon which borders Aviara to the south. Aviara is also fortunate to have its own public elementary (Aviara Oaks) and junior high schools. Those entering high school from Aviara would ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Living on the fairways at a golf course is the ideal for some buyers. And if you want to live in Carlsbad, what could be better than a home fronting the La Costa Resort and Spa golf course? Located at the southeast end of the course in South Carlsbad, The Fairways consists of about 145 homes in a gated complex on rolling hills, affording many residents views of the La Costa hills or the golf course (not all homes are frontage homes). The homes at The Fairways are attractive, 2-story properties, built between1993 - 1996, range in size from about 2000 SF up to around 2900 SF, with 3 to 5 bedrooms. Double-height ceilings in the living/or dining rooms and dramatic curved stairways are a hallmark of many of these Fairways homes. The yards are moderately sized, but there is room for a good s...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
I often find myself thinking about life here in the Carlsbad area as compared to my former life in Cambridge (across the Charles River from Boston) where I lived for about 20 years (well, all total in the New England area).  I've been here 27 months so things are much more familiar, but there are still times when I reflect on how different it is.This post is some of my musings on life here compared to back East (here's my East coast photo). I grew up in the East and lived most of my life there, except for about 7 years in the midwest at different time, so that persona is still strong. But this post is also intended to be educational, albeit a bit tongue-in-cheek, mostly for those readers who are not from this area and are thinking about moving here. I'm not going to explain my feeling, ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Buyers often have particular requirements for the home they would like to purchase, for any number of reasons. Having a good sense of what you want certainly will save you time and probably prevent you from buying the wrong thing.Here in my area of Southern California homes for sale are listed in the MLS as being either attached or detached (this is not a distinction between "single family home" (used euphemistically here) and condo, since either one can be attached or detached). Please don't be offended by the use of the term "single family home." This is commonly, but possibly inappropriately, used in the real estate world to distinguish homes that are not attached, or are not multi-unit dwellings, but it has nothing to do with the status of the buyer/resident. It can be a Fair Housin...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
I am often asked by prospective buyers about the availability of single story detached homes in Carlsbad and nearby areas.Some buyers require a single story home, because they prefer living that way, or must consider health or age-related issues either now or in the not-to-distant future. These are generally referred to as ranches in other parts of the country where I have lived, but I can't say the term is widely used here, although we do have the classic California custom ranch-style homes in the La Costa area. (photo is of a new construction single story home in La Costa Greens with 3700 SF of living space and priced at $1.392 million, with upgrades included).Other buyers state a preference for such homes but are willing to consider two story living as well, often with a requirement ...
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By Serri Yates Rowell, North San Diego Realtor
(Realty Executives)
Our corner of Carlsbad, Southeast, is going to get even better. The Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate Company has confirmed that the new Bressi Ranch Shopping Center located just off Palomar Airport Road and El Fuerte, has signed a lease agreement with Trader Joe's. Talks are still ongoing with a full-sized grocery store and possibly a drug store to move into this center, but have not yet been confirmed.Alga Norte Community Park is a 33-acre park located in the Southeast Quadrant, bordered by Palomar Airport Road, El Camino Real, and the La Costa Golf Course. The approved Master Plan includes baseball fields, a dog park, a skate park, 3 tot lots, basketball half courts, open space, a trail system, and an aquatics complex. The aquatics complex will include a competition pool, a 12-l...
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