APRIL 24th AND 25th 2010, from 9am to 5pm on Highway 101 between D and J Streets in Downtown Encinitas featuring 450 arts and craft vendors, four live stages, rides for children and a beer garden. Over 100,000 shoppers are expected to visit, shop and dine at the two day Encinitas Street Fair. The 27th Annual Encinitas Street Fair is a great opportunity to visit Encinitas and discover a National award winning, traditional So-Cal beach town, on historic Coast Hwy 101. A few tips on transit and parking: Saturday only: The very best way to get to the Encinitas Street Fair is to take the NCTD Coaster. Avoid parking problems altogether and the Coaster station at D Street and Vulcan, is just steps away from the Encinitas Street Fair. For Coaster schedule go here: http://www.gonctd.com/coaster_... 04/19/2010

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES The median list price in ENCINITAS,CA this week is $1,150,000. The 213 properties have been on the market for an average of 173 days. Demand measured by the Market Action Index is increasing and dayson-market is trending downward. Even as more properties come available, these are positive trends for the market. CONDOS The median list price in ENCINITAS, CA 92024 this week is $467,450. The Market Action Index has been climbing lately while days-on market are trending down, these point to a positive near-term outlook for the market. Condo sales have been exceeding new inventory for several weeks. However because of excess inventory, prices have not yet stopped falling. Should the sales trend continue, expect prices to level off soon and potentially to resume their clim... 04/18/2010

The rain subsided, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming... Spring is here!  And time to think about that annual "Spring Cleaning"... From Accountable Solutions newsletter: Spring is a great time to clean out that growing mountain of tax and financial papers that clutters your home and office. Here's what you need to keep and what you can throw out without fearing the wrath of the IRS. Let's start with your "safety zone", the IRS statute of limitations. This limits the number of years during which the IRS can audit your tax returns. Once that period has expired, the IRS is legally prohibited from even asking you questions about those returns. The concept behind it is that after a period of years, records are lost or misplaced and memory isn't as accurate as we would hope. There's... 04/16/2010

I'm a resident of Encinitas, a beach town about 20 miles north of San Diego. I've lived on the East Coast, and I have lived in the Los Angeles area, but Encinitas has grown on me and it's where I hang my hat. To me, Encinitas is a nice mix of city and country. We are close enough to all of the things that we need, but we do not have the vast numbers in our population the way Manhattan, Boston, and Chicago do. What's great about Southern California right now are all of the blooming flowers. While the cherry blossoms are out in full force in Washington, DC and the crocuses are out in New England, our roses are blooming-and don't they look great? When searching for a home in Encinitas, Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad and Vista, home buyers will see great gardens and spectacular flowers. He... 04/07/2010

Encinitas VA Loans and FHA Home Mortgage Loans - VanDyk Mortgage - VA Lender & FHA Lender.VanDyk Mortgage is your source for VA Loans and FHA Loans in Encinitas.  We have been making FHA, VA, Conforming, and Jumbo loans since 1987. VanDyk Mortgage is a Direct Lender.  We offer many loan programs for Encinitas Homebuyers and Encinitas Homeowners to Purchase and refinance homes in Encinitas. FHA & FHA Jumbo (aka High Balance) VA & VA Jumbo (aka High Balance) Conforming & Conforming Jumbo (aka High Balance or Super Conforming) Jumbo Loans to $3m Encinitas FHA Loans are available up to $697,500 with just 3.5% down payment. The FHA 2011 Loan Limit for Encinitas is $697,500. Encinitas FHA Loans that are over $417K up to $697,500 are called FHA Jumbo or FHA High Balance loans. Encinitas VA Loa... 04/04/2010

Data just released from the California Association of Realtors:  February 2010 Regional Sales and Price Activity*Regional and Condo Sales Data Not Seasonally Adjusted February-10 Median Price Percent Change in Price from Prior Month   Percent Change in Price from Prior Year    Percent Change in Sales from Prior Month Percent Change in Sales from Prior Year    Feb-10 Jan-10   Feb-09   Jan-10 Feb-09 Statewide                 Calif. (SFR) $279,840 -2.4%   14.1%   -2.2% -11.7% Calif. (condo) $251,990 -1.0%   10.3%   2.3% 22.2%                   C.A.R. Region                                  High Desert $122,580 -1.5%   0.5%   3.9% -23.1% Los Angeles $327,020 -1.6%   6.0%   -5.0% 0.0% Monterey Region $314,100 8.1%   30.3%   -3.6% -17.7% Monterey County $255,000 3.4%   21.4%   -3.8% -23.4% Sa... 04/02/2010

This is a follow up to my blog post on the community of Encinitas Ranch. (By the way, the title is a play on words. The ocean vistas in Encinitas Ranch are amazing!) Encinitas Ranch is an upscale neighborhood composed of approximately 500 homes ranging from 1800 square feet up to nearly 6000 square feet. Some of the homes are situated on large lots up to approximately .5 acre. Homes in Encinitas Ranch (all of whom belong to the same Homeowner's Association-Encinitas Ranch Community Association) were made by various different developers-and all of which were built over an eight year period beginning around 1999. Here's a quick overview of North San Diego County and Encinitas Ranch home sales: There were 3873 (active and contingent) single family homes listed for sale in North San Diego C... 03/31/2010

Encinitas, California has been recognized as the flower capital because it is the largest supplier of poinsettias to the resent of the world. Perhaps, Encinitas, California should also be called the skateboard capital of the world because it is an extremely large supplier of professional skateboarders as well. Such famous skateboarders as Tony Hawk, Danny Way, Mike McGill, Bucky Lasek, Bob Burnquist and Shaun White all consider Encinitas and more specifically, the Magdalena Ecke YMCA Skatepark as their home. The Ecke YMCA Skatepark boasts a street course with multiple ledges, rails, boxes, and mini ramps, and four stairs designed for both beginner and expert street skaters. If you want to see Shaun White or Tony Hawk, you will have to head over to the vert ramp-the 120' vert used at the... 03/28/2010

The city of Encinitas (population approximately 60,000) is flanked by Carlsbad on the north, Cardiff-by-the-Sea on the South, Rancho Santa Fe to the East, and the gorgeous Pacific Ocean to the West. It is comprised of several smaller enclaves, most commonly known by the name of the development itself. Once such area is Encinitas Ranch, famous for its golf course and spectacular ocean views. Encinitas Ranch is also an upscale neighborhood composed of approximately 500 homes ranging from 1800 square feet up to nearly 6000 square feet. Some of the homes are situated on large lots up to approximately .5 acre. Homes in Encinitas Ranch (all of whom belong to the same Homeowner's Association-Encinitas Ranch Community Association) were made by various different developers-and all of which were ... 03/28/2010

Encinitas Homes are For Sale at Willowcreek in Encinitas California Buyers in the Encinitas real estate market seeking detached homes in a residential area near shopping and amenities will find the Encinitas homes for sale in Willowcreek appealing.    READ MORE: Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Town in San Diego's North County Willowcreek is a modestly sized residential community built in the late 1980s, hidden away off Olivenhain Road on the east side of El Camino Real. The location of these Encinitas homes in Willowcreek is ideal for folks who want to live in a smaller subdivision but near shopping, dining and services.  Willowcreek is close to the El Camino Real shopping corridor with just about every service or shop you might need, and less than one mile from the Home Depot (what hom... 03/28/2010

Encinitas events, search for a home and loan, or request relocation infomation for Northern San Diego.   Encinitas history and amenities:  Encinitas was incorporated in 1986 and it's single largest industry is growing ornamental flowers, particularly poinsettias.  The beautiful temperate climate is a perfect location for growing flowers. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is the largest coastal wetland in San Diego county with over 900 acres of hiking trails in which to view hundreds of plants and birds.  It is open to the public.   Request relocation information or feel free to email us your questions.  We won't share your information nor will we pressure you.  We will just answer your questions. You can contact us when you're ready to.  We have found our success in being helpful rat... 03/26/2010

  LOOKING FOR EASTER EGG HUNTS IN ENCINITAS?? THE ANNUAL CITY OF ENCINITAS EASTER EGG HUNT TAKES PLACE Saturday, April 3rd, 2010  10:00 AM - 1:00 PM  Ecke Sports Park   728 Saxony Rd. THEY WILL BE HIDING 24,000 EGGS SO THERE IS PLENTY FOR AGES 2 TO 9 TO FIND THE EASTER BUNNY WILL BE THERE FOR PICTURES WITH YOU CHILDREN FOR A FEE, OF COURSE THERE WILL BE BOUNCE HOUSES, FACE PAINTING, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE!! COME TO THIS FREE EVENT AND ENJOY ARE BEAUTIFUL ENCINITAS WEATHER! 03/25/2010

There is always something going on at Queen Eileen's, Encinitas's BEST gift shop in the heart of downtown Encinitas on the Coast Road.  Yesterday it was the new arrival of a shipment of 8000+ jewelry items from Bali, just off the plane and through customs. I caught Queenie herself unpacking and getting bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces ready for sale last night in time for a networking group that was due to come by.  Check out this inventory!!     The Bali jewelry at Queen Eileen's is wildly popular and a great value, at least to my untrained eye - the Bali jewelry is usually priced at $5 with discounts for multiple purchases. I guess with 8000+ items just in this shipment you gotta find something you love, or would love to give to someone.  READ MORE: Queen Eileen's: The Best En... 03/23/2010

AWESOME!  The eagerly awaited "unofficial" opening occurred last night for the EAST VILLAGE ASIAN DINER, located between E & F Street at 628 S. Coast Hwy 101 right next door to HONEYS BISTRO & BAKERY, absolutely one of our favorite breakfast/lunch restaurants in the village. While they were still getting some of the bugs out (not those kind), the atmosphere was quaintly modern, the staff friendly and helpful, and the cuisine was deliciously unique and flavorful, ranging from traditional Korean-style Short Ribs and spicy Kimchi to steaming hot Shrimp, beef, pork & exotic vegetarian dishes. We opted for the sweet and sour shrimp and a vegetarian dish called Monks Bowl.  It was extremely tasty and like nothing we've tasted before.   They also have many wine and beer choices, offering the p... 03/20/2010

Encinitas Homes for Sale - High Country Villas, 55+ Community in Encinitas CA  Seniors in the Encinitas real estate market have several options, perhaps most notably the homes at High Country Villas, a 55+ (age-restricted) community in Encinitas CA.  READ MORE: Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community  Encinitas Dining and Shopping Extravaganza Many of the senior communities in North San Diego County offer manufactured and mobile housing, and for those senior buyers looking for stick-built homes, the options are far fewer. High Country Villas in Encinitas are one popular option, and with the adjacent golf course (including pool, club house, spa and numerous activities), offers a resort-like environment with walking trains and lots of green space sought by many senior buyers.     High C... 03/13/2010

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 February 2010 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  In February 2010, 35 homes sold in Encinitas, 1 more than last month. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.    TOTAL HOMES Detached Attached Number 35 (up 3%) 25 (up 19%) 10 (down 23%) Days on Market 80 78 88 Average S... 03/09/2010

 Encinitas Orchids was born from a live-long love of flowers, a keen sense of design, a creative and artistic sensibility, and a bit of serendipity - neighbors and friends asking for creations as gifts.  The business just sorta happened - but listen to the video to hear more.  Don Doerfler comes by his creative, artistic talents naturally. How can one avoid it, with both parents being animators - his mother worked for Disney and his father worked for Warner - and a grandmother, Florence Davis, with a well-established reputation in the San Diego art community as an Impressionist and Plein Air painter?  Don's newest orchid creation is a beautiful example of his design esthetic and eye for the beauty of nature - check out the "Drift-ePhyte" in the photo, a new living orchid arrangement tha... 03/07/2010

Encinitas Sandwich Shops - Froots in Encinitas California 92024   I am not a fast food fan. But a good sandwich shop with great food and value strikes a chord with this foodie.    Of the Encinitas Sandwich Shops I've seen, Froots in Encinitas is a hit. Here's why:  BROAD SELECTION Wraps and Specialty Wraps, salads, great grillers (on ciabatta bread), ACAI bowls, Tropical Smoothies, ACAI Berry Smoothies, Shakes, Fresh Squeezed Juices, and Red Bull smoothies  LOCATION In the Encinitas Village with Trader Joe's, Ralph's, a marvelous French Bakery  OUTDOOR DINING FRIENDLY EFFICIENT SERVICE   I've been a couple of times just in the last week and have NOT been disappointed. And they offer a variety of coupons on-line from time to time. Getting a regular size wrap for about $5 is a real bargai... 02/27/2010

After writing about the Arts Alive Banner Project 2010 in Encinitas (the 11th year) the other day, I had to stop in at the actual unveiling to see it for myself this afternoon.  The 101 banners (get it? The Coast Highway is Route 101) were hanging on the railings, windows and walls of the now-empty Cabo Grill atop the bluff in Leucadia (Encinitas) with terrific ocean views - prime real estate for sure. The kick-off was at 2 so I arrived early - good thing, since the parking lot was almost full and I walked into the restaurant filled with folks milling around, easily 200+.    The banners were all covered as you can see in the photos, and I caught the actual unveiling on video. Danny Salzhander, President of the 101 Artists'Colony who spearheads this annual fundraising event, was the MC. ... 02/20/2010

ENCINITAS ARTS ALIVE BANNERS 2010 UNVEILED TOMORROW Join the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association tomorrow, February 20, 2010, for the unveiling of the Arts Alive Banner Project at the old Cabo Grill site on La Costa Avenue and Coast Highway 101.  This year marks the 11th year of the banners.  Originally there was 25-30 pieces of art and has grown to over 100 over the past years. These banners are created by local artists and hung on lampposts on Coast Highway 101 from Leucadia down to Cardiff until May.  Each year these banners are auctioned off in May and the proceeds are split 50/50 between the artist and the three presenting groups which are the 101 Artists Colony, Cardiff 101 Chamber of Commerce and Leucadia 101 Mainstreet.  This year the auction will be held on May 23rd at th... 02/19/2010