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Carlsbad, CA Real Estate News

By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Carlsbad Flower Fields Up Close I attended a CRS Networking Event with 25 other Southern California Realtors this past Thursday for a couple of hours at the Carlsbad Flower Fields.  It was fun to see my CRS friends as well as to meet other agents I didn’t know. There was time to talk with each other before taking a tour. After the group photo we split up into small groups to leisurely walk through the gardens, and of course take lots of photos.  While I have often driven by the Flower Fields on Armada Drive on the hill above to the east which offers great panoramic views of the flowers and the ocean, I haven’t seen the flowers and the venue itself up close for years.   It was a sunny day with a cool ocean breeze, although the marine layer moved in before the event was over so it was pre...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
2024 Carlsbad Village Street Faire is May 5 One of our more popular arts and craft fairs returns to Carlsbad Village on Sunday May 5, 2024. The Carlsbad Village Street Faire is reportedly the largest outdoor 1-day fair in the US, other than its counter-part, the Carlsbad Village Faire in November. This is the 50th year for this fair! The Carlsbad Village Street Faire takes place from 8 am until 5 pm, so there is ample time to enjoy over 900 vendors and shop all you want. The Carlsbad Village Faire takes place in the heart of the Village, along Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson. The Faire spills over onto side streets, too. (photo is from another art fair in the Village in the same area).  Given the number of vendor booths much of the public parking will not be available ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Our Monarch Caterpillar Nursery The nursery is doing well and so are the 10 Monarch Caterpillars, doing what caterpillars do. The Monarch Butterfly visited our back patio several weeks ago and spent quite a bit of time landing on the milkweed plants repeatedly. We didn't see any eggs left behind but that may simply have been our vision as Monarch eggs are supposedly quite small. A couple weeks ago my wife saw a couple of very small caterpillars on one of the milkweed plants and now there are 10 (there were a couple others but they didn't make it for long). They have grown pretty substantially which we hope will help at least some of them survive and move into the next phase (chrysalis), and not become a tasty meal for one of the many birds in our yard. I suspect the mortality rate for c...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
 Carlsbad – Finding a Place to Live with Great Walkability (Walkable Neighborhoods Series) Carlsbad buyers often are looking for a property where they can walk to shopping, bookstores, small business services, restaurants and other amenities. And of course the beach. Being close to amenities IS often high on the list, and for some it is the MOST important quality of the home, whether it is a move-up, down-size or second home buyer.  For many, higher gas prices and less reliance on a car are incentives for living in an area where many errands can be accomplished on foot. And certainly some folks don't own cars and rely on other means of transportation. Since these requests are fairly common, I thought buyers may be interested in those areas of Carlsbad that are really walkable, so I will...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Like other areas, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff and other coastal communities have their own share of distress sales - short sales, foreclosures, and REOs (bank owned properties). The short sales in particular seem the most challenging, the more time consuming AND the least likely to close. On the other hand there are a good number of REOs out there at terrific prices (some prices remind us of 2005 - can you imagine?!) and since you negotiating with the bank owner directly, there is generally a faster response time, and a quicker close. Mind you, there are some things to keep in mind. So before I share my thoughts on some great REO real estate buys in Carlsbad, Encinitas and Cardiff, let's talk business: The bank is looking to get close to market value, so a low ball offer won't cut it. ...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
If you are a Carlsbad real estate seller, everything you need to know to sell your home for the best price and in a reasonable time frame is right here...in the pre-listing kit you see in the photo. Am I gloating a bit? I don't think so. Consider that as a Carlsbad seller you have some critical things to do: Commit to selling your home, not just testing the market Find the right REALTOR to help you Set the right price in line with recent sales and current market conditions and demand (here's the most recent Carlsbad real estate market report) Educate yourself about the Carlsbad real estate market, the selling process, and due diligence Prepare your home for sale and showings All that you need is in this package, and it's yours for the asking WHEN YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING (by the wa...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Voting in Carlsbad November 4, 2008 - RAIN (what a shock) and NO LINE (Better shock)  
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The Carlsbad real estate market continues to evolve, and the data for October 2008 show a number of changes from September. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed. Because the media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, the information you hear in the media may not represent the reality of our local market, so having data from a knowledgeable agent about your local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller. Don't hesitate to ask for more information on the San Diego real estate makret  that interests you. In October 2008 there were 100 homes sold in Carlsbad's 4 zipcodes, as compared to 101 for September. Here's the breakdown of overall act...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
 Carlsbad has no lack of good restaurants to enjoy, with a wide range of food styles, prices, and atmospheres, from high end at the Four Seasons in Aviara, to casual. Being a coastal town, enjoying ocean views while dining is desired by many, and a number of Carlsbad restaurants offer that opportunity. Dini's Bistro has been a Carlsbad landmark for 21 years, and a popular one at that. Dini's is located right on the Coast Highway/Carlsbad Boulevard (historic Route 101 - you can take a video road trip here) at the Tamarack Beach Resort, just a couple of blocks south of the main part of Carlsbad Village. Dini's offers a casual, fun, lively atmosphere to appreciate an eclectic menu, watch people walk or ride their bikes along the coastal road, and enjoy terrific ocean views and sunsets.  Lu...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Many folks are not aware that a second power plant has been proposed for the Carlsbad coast, in addition to the new desalination plant. The California Energy Commission is responsible for making the final decision about the power plant being proposed by NWG West (they also developed the power plant on the coast in El Segundo south of Los Angeles AND own the existing Encina Power Plant), not the City of Carlsbad, on approximately 100 acres immediately behind the existing plant along the coast highway. This does not mean the existing plant is to be torn down; it is expected the current plant will continue for another 10 - 15 years. Power plants, with the new technology, do not need to be built along the coast since cooling by ocean water is not needed. Thus the plant could be built at a m...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Buyers who are seeking to acquire a short sale deal here in the Carlsbad area (or nearby, or what is perceived as a deal...listen up. You need a checklist before you get started, so you can be sure you WANT to jump through all the short sale hoops. And thinking that possibly you don't have one, here you go. 1. Determine your patience level? (know that getting a response on a short sale can take weeks or longer; how long are you willing or able to wait?) 2. Hire a knowledgeable agent (always a smart idea but work with someone who has some experience with short sales - what they are, how they work, etc.) 3. Get pre-approved (again, always a good idea, but know that some short sale listings will mandate you provide a pre-approval from a specific lender, namely the one who is the primary lo...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
It's hard to believe that another year has gone by and it's time again for the Carlsbad Street Faire. And the quiet streets of carlsbad Village (below) will become a throng of people and booths. The Carlsbad Street Faire takes place semi-annually (March and November) and the fall version is upon us in just 1 week. This is one of the largest outdoor street fairs in the country, and the fall weather in Carlsbad is usually perfect for shopping for those holiday gifts. This event is sponsored by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce which will feature 2 international food courts (more than 50 booths) serving all kinds of edibles. There will be the wine and beer garden sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carlsbad, and a pancake breakfast at the railroad depot (served from 7 am until noon) sponsored b...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Yep, these are some scary times here in Carlsbad, California, and nearby too. It's all over the media, and it's visible just about any place you drive. Halloween is just around the corner, and once again there are a boatload of things to do to enjoy our scariest holiday. Here in Carlsbad we have our very own House of Horror at 6994 Blue Orchid Lane, for the 3rd year in a row. There are all kinds of scary tales about happenings in this House of Horror. Check it out Halloween Night from 7 until 11 PM. You can visit the website too, Carlsbad House of Horrors. And at Legoland you can enjoy Brick or Treat today and tomorrow from 10 am until 5 pm. There are costume contest for kids and parents,  and safe trick or treating along Brick-or-Treat Trail (with, of course, a lego theme, lots of cand...
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With a number of aquariums already existing in Southern California, this is the first Sea Life aquarium in the United States and it is unlike  the others in that it has some very unique features. "What really sets this aquarium apart from any other is the fact that it's entirely geared towards children ages two to 12 and has more Lego elements throughout than any other aquarium in the world" says Legoland California resort president and general manager John Jakobson . One of the very cool features of the aquarium are the pop-up bubbles right in the middle of the displays were children and parents can literally pop up in the middle of the tank for a look see around. The experience is not unlike what the species themselves encounter in their own environment. A bit like snorkeling in the o...
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By Dusty Brazil Carlsbad Real Estate
(Carlsbad Real Estate Homes Condos and Townhomes Realtors)
Want to find Carlsbad Condos for sale? Why not let that Carlsbad Condo for sale find YOU? Sign up to let the next Carlsbad Condo or Carlsbad Home just-listed, FIND YOU? If you are not a believer in making your Carlsbad Real Estate Searching easy, then you can also search the current Carlsbad Homes for sale here.       
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
It's now official. What was feared by many, and hoped for by some, has now been decided. The proposal was to split the 760 area code in California, which includes a large portion of North San Diego County and many communities to the north and east. The concern was that changing the area code from 760 to 442 in a large area (including Carlsbad and nearby communities) would cost business owners millions. 760 versus 442 The new plan, an overlay, has now been voted on and the results are in. There will NOT be a 760/442 area code split. Those with the 760 area code will retain it but new customers will be assigned the 442 area code. The other change, a little bothersome but having gotten used to it back East, is that folks will now have to dial ten digits (760 - XXX-XXXX) instead of the usua...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
Best Places to Sunset Watch in Carlsbad California and Nearby Watching the California sun set over the ocean is a breathtaking experience...at least when the sky has not covered up the sun.   While a completely clear sky and a setting sun is beautiful, seeing the sun sink below the horizon on a day with some clouds can result in incredible colors. I have yet to actually see the green flash that can occur on a clear day at the horizon just as the sun dips below the water, but have it from reputable folks that it DOES occur and it IS amazing to see. Some day perhaps! So where do you go to watch the sun set in Carlsbad, or nearby? Here are my favorites. Mind you, this is my opinion, and I certainly haven't seen every spot along the North San Diego coastline. But we're working on it. The wa...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
This post was inspired by sushi. You'll find out how in a moment. Front porches are found in many areas, and for me bring back memories of relaxing, enjoying the views, meeting neighbors and just watching the world go by. Classic New England and Southern colonial homes have front porches or wide verandas with rocking or Adirondack chairs to take in the sights in front of the home and they became popular gathering places. Front porches were where folks met their neighbors, gossiped about the community, enjoyed a summer beverage with friends, kept an eye on the kids playing in the street, and simply socialized. I think of Cambridge, Somerville, South Boston ("Southie") and similar communities. What communities come to your mind? In many communities new housing had ignored the allure of th...
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By William Johnson, Retired
(Retired)
The literacy programs directed by the Carlsbad City Library has some new specialized digs in its new space recently opened as part of the Carlsbad City Library System.. Previously, the literacy program was operated out of rented quarters that limited its offerings as well as the number of students and adults it could serve. Now with the new space that the city spent over $6.1 million on, is a testament of the commitment of not only the city of Carlsbad but of its citizens and especially the remarkable library system. The adult literacy program was founded in 1984 and was coupled with the Centro de informacion for library and language education founded in 1991. These two programs will operate in its new building. The Centro de Informacion has a number of computers, a reading and audiovis...
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By Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
The new Scripps Health Medical Office Building is set to open in Carlsbad on October 20, 2008, joining the facility that already exists in Encinitas. This multi-story 40,000+ SF building set high on a high (with fab views I might add) is just off El Camino Real north of Faraday at 2176 Salk Avenue (appropriately named, I assume, after Jonas Salk, the polio vaccine guy). Carlsbad doesn't have a hospital so this is viewed as a positive addition despite some concerns about traffic in the office park area.     The Carlsbad Planning Commission has recently approved a second Scripps medical facility to be built in the same general area on a 5-acre parcel and expected to be completed in about 3 years. The wall, above, is an interesting sight, at the entrance road to the office park. This was ...
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(Elite Apostille - San Diego Apostille & Notary)
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By Lela Hankins, CDPE, CRS, e-PRO, GRI
(RE/MAX UNITED)
When I lived in North LA County in the area known as Valencia, I often enjoyed their Bella Via festival in which spectacular chalk artists created replicas of masterpieces on the pavement.  Unfortunately, outdoor these works of art lasted for just a few days.  The closest thing I've seen to that here in San Diego County is the Carlsbad Art Splash.  The setting is in a beautiful spot -- overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  As soon as you walk in the entrance, a Starbucks booth is set up to give you a free cup of robust coffee.   The sky was that wonderful blue that we so often see in Southern California.  There were squares drawn on the pavement available for  purchase for your favorite kids to use to create their own work of art.  Some of the "larger square"  artists were outstanding -- some...
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By Marc Von Musser, MBA, CFS, CSP
(Allison James Estates & Homes)
My phone rings daily with the same question, "Marc, I can't afford my house and I have no equity, what do I do?" Well, there are several options available to you. The main thing is to take action! 60% of North San Diego Homeowners, and all homeowners for that matter, will do nothing. This leads directly to a foreclosure!!! A proactive plan of action can often times help keep a homeowner in his home!! It's important to note, that 80% of homeowners want to KEEP their home, so you must make some changes and take intelligent action IMMEDIATELY! When I meet with a client in this situation, here are a FEW of the things we cover: 1) Do you want to keep the home? Can you afford the home? Are you willing to make changes? 2) Let's look at your expenses and look for places to save money! We can no...
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