As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, it is important for you to have data 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 December 2008 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. In December 2008 there were 24 homes sold in Encinitas (a 33% increase in sales over November). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.   TOTAL HOMES Detached Attached Number 24 15 9 Days on Market 64 61 69 Median Sales Price   $520,000 (down 24%)    $650,000 (down 16%)    $315,000 (down 16%)  Average Sales Price $640,725 ... 01/07/2009

Environmental and internationally-known artist Kirkos (Kirk Van Allyn, a long-time Leucadia resident) is known for his elaborate designs in the sand along the Encinitas/Leucadia coastline, usually at Stone Steps Beach. Today's event was especially interesting - a meditation labyrinth at the base of Stone Steps beach drew a large crowd on a misty, foggy, cool wintry New Year's Day. There was an article on-line announcing the creation in process encouraging folks to stops by and bring environmentally sensitive/biodegradable objects (e.g., flowers) to add to the maze. Visitors also brought candles (hard to see in the photos) that will be removed before the tide washes the labyrinth away. We elected to stay up top to look, but you can enjoy the photos. READ MORE: Art on the Beach in Leucad... 01/01/2009

This isn't intended as a joke, just a clever title to catch your attention. You're reading this so it worked. Gotcha. The railroad tracks run roughly parallel to the ocean through North County San Diego (Carlsbad, Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff) and as a result provides a bit of an obstacle for folks wanting to get to one side to the other, especially surfing enthusiasts who either live there or park on side streets. The problem, apart from it being a safety issue, is that crossing the tracks is a form of trespassing, which, if caught, can result in a fine of up to $1000. Encinitas is doing something about this issue. The town now has approval from the Planning Commission to go ahead and build 3 railroad underpasses, thus creating an even more pedestrian friendly community in Encinitas. T... 12/27/2008

Leucadia is a community in the northern part of Encinitas, clustered along historic Route 101 (the Coast Highway), right next door to Carlsbad. The community stretches for over a mile along the road (on the west side only; to the east are the railroad tracks) with retailers, business services and other commercial enterprises bordering the densely built residential area between the 101 and the ocean just a couple of 2 blocks away  READ MORE: Leucadia - Surfers Beach Community Leucadia offers an eclectic mix of retail and dining, the sort one would expect in a small beach town with a strong surfing history and a resistance to becoming gentrified and upscale.  Want a tattoo or need acupuncture? No problem. Places to buy pet food or have your dog groomed. Got it. Mexican markets and Hair sa... 12/27/2008

Pannikin Coffee and Tea is a popular coffee shop on the Coast Road (Route 101) in the Leucadia area of Encinitas. This place always seems to have a crowd both inside and out (on the patio or upstairs on the porch) in this gathering spot where you can have all sorts of goodies (pastries, muffins, pie, cookies, egg bagels) along with your coffee or tea in an cozy, eclectic eatery and country store/gift shop (tea, coffee and tea cups and all sorts of assorted knick knacks). Because of its popularity the Pannikin can get quite crowded and reviews on Yelp give it rather a mixed review. The food is not outstanding but the ambiance as a place to hang out seems to be the big draw, and has for 40 years.     The Pannikin is housed in the old 19th century train depot in Leucadia where it fits rig... 12/24/2008

Encinitas Discount Mobile Notary & Apostille Service- I COME TO YOU!!!!!!!! Need a Notary done in Encinitas ASAP? Call now I come to YOU Please add my cell number760/271-9242to your cell phone under Notary.You never know when you need meI meet you any place - any time!     to email us:     Member National Notary AssociationBonded, licensed and insuredfor your protection!                         SAVE GASOLINE SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY I COME TO YOU !!             RATES FROM $5.00/SIGNATURE WE ALSO OFFER APOSTILLE SERVICE - FAST AND DISCOUNTS       I KNOW I CAN SAVE YOU MONEY PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN ESTIMATE   Background checked Discount for multiple signatures Thousands of notarizations performed Available 24/7 Apostilles - many times same day (notary fee usually included) Most documents... 12/19/2008

In this article we'll explore the residential areas surrounding the downtown commercial area of Encinitas, which, happily, is also just a few blocks to the beach. Thus Encinitas buyers in this area can acquire a home that offers walking distance to the downtown area with more than 40 restaurants and 200+ eclectic stores, as well as a short jaunt on foot to the beach - Moonlight Beach in this case at the north end of town, but some folks may walk south to famous Swami's Beach, the best surfing beach in the area (so I've been told). Downtown Encinitas offers a wealth of shopping (clothing, home and garden, second hand clothes, galleries, jewelry, gifts, bookstores, etc.) and dining, with a broad mix of eateries - Italian, Japanese, Thai, California, to name a few - with a trend toward the... 12/07/2008

As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, it is important for you to have data 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 November 2008 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed. In November 2008 there were 18 homes sold in Encinitas (less than half the number that closed escrow in October). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.   TOTAL HOMES Detached Attached Number 18 12 6 Days on Market 53 63 33 Median Sales Price $680,500 (up 7%) $777,000 (up 18%) $417,750 (down 5%) Average Sales Price   $948,750 (up 19%)    $1,231,250 (up 42%   ... 12/07/2008

New construction in the Encinitas real estate market, especially near the beach, is rare. I first wrote about these new condos being built in Encinitas just around the corner from one of the nicest beaches in the area, Moonlight Beach. Here are some recent photos from a few days ago.     READ: Encinitas Real Estate - The Lofts at Moonlight Beach Here is some updated information. Homes will be ready for occupancy around the end of January 2009 (residential and commercial). There is a list of folks who are waiting for spaces to lease An investor can buy a group of spaces of all, depending on negotiations with the builder  Seller financing is available (10% down is required) Projected lease rates for the commercial spaces (15 of them, on the first floor) are about $3.50/SF triple net. Pric... 12/06/2008

Need a special fun gift for the holidays? Heading to a party and want to take along something for your hosts? Want to show clients or employees how much you care by sharing a gift basket over the holidays? Queen Eileen's IS the place in Encinitas to visit. Here's why. GIFT BASKETS - They make them right there (yep, I was there to grab a few pics and chat with Queenie [Eileen] herself in the midst of creating - see the show) and there are many choices for all occasions. They ARE impressive and beautiful! The holidays are especially popular for these baskets -  choose one of their pre-arranged baskets or, better yet, customize your own. From $25 and up. Locals can bring in their own special wine to include or Queenie will select for you. Order on line from anywhere in the country but plea... 12/02/2008

I am a big fan of things Brazilian, and an 8-day trip some years ago led to a love of its music, food, beaches, and caiparinhas, the Brazilian version of mojitos I'd say (@Ines and @MrMiamism - stay tuned for my video on how to concoct the perfect caiparinha...my opinion of course - perhaps it will compete favorably with your mojito video). And San Diego is becoming a place where you can find more than a taste of Brazil. There was a terrific concert yesterday at the Encinitas Library (and more are planned) overlooking the ocean featuring 3 sets of Brazilian jazz by a mix of musicians, some Brazilian, some not, but all lovers of this wonderful, sultry music style that grabs your heart, and somehow steals you away to a place you never knew existed. The theme? A tribute to music by Brazili... 11/24/2008

Another one of the numerous outdoor street fairs in the North San Diego County coastal communities is here. The Encinitas Holiday Street Fair takes place this coming Sunday, November 23, 2008 in the downtown area of Encintias along historic Route 101 (the Coast Highway), between D and J Streets. The fiar runs from 9 am until 4 pm and will have something for everyone. Hard to believe the holidays are upon us again. Given the economy, perhaps this will be a great place for you to find some terrific bargains and enjoy our beautiful fall weather. The Encinitas Street Fair is smaller than the monster in Carlsbad that happened just a few weeks ago, but will have about 450 vendors, with 40+ restaurants and 250 stores in the local area taking part. As you always find at these events, there will... 11/18/2008

The landscape in funky Leucadia is going to be changing (along with Encinitas). It has already changed over the years, but still retains much of the funky, surfing atmosphere that endears it to so many residents and visitors. A streetscape project was initiated this year in Encinitas to change the landscape, so to speak, along the 2-mile stretch of Historic Route 101, the coast, that runs along the coast through downtown Encinitas and Leucadia - the affected area is from A Street in downtown Encinitas to La Costa Avenue at the north end of Leucadia at the Carlsbad line. The changes are significant - beautification, adding landscaping, parking and circulation of traffic improvements, and much more. The city is getting residents involved to help with design concepts regarding plants, stre... 11/15/2008

In case you aren't aware... SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15th is AMERICA RECYCLES DAY. Spread the word - Reblog - Tell your Clients - Put it on your calendar Awareness about recycling, and using recycled products, is key to success, and reminding folks about all that they can do WILL make a difference. Encinitas, California, in conjunction with California Recycles Day and Amercia Recycles Day will be sponsoring a FREE e-waste drop off at the Solana Center from 9 until Noon at 137 N. El Camino Real. The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (760-436-7986) has been a pioneer in recycling, establishing the first curbside recycling in San Diego 25 years. E-waste (batteries. monitors, cell phones, etc) is particularly hazardous to our environment with toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cad... 11/12/2008

Folks who know me, and those who have chanced upon my blog, know that I am a dedicated foodie (there is no doubt after seeing this pic I suppose). I really appreciate good food, enjoy finding new places to eat, and love to share what I find with others. As you can see, eating good seafood can be a real hands-on affair. Some of the best seafood is eaten in casual surroundings with the fingers, a bunch of utensils, a pile of paper towels, and good wine (or beer). I wrote about Auggie's House of Crab in Leucadia before so you can read more about it there, and enjoy some photos and a slide show. This was a serious dinner (the "big feast for two" - and yes, I shared it) which arrived in a gigantic bowl and was emptied on the paper on the table. Snow crab, Alaska king crab legs, mussels, clam... 11/11/2008

I discovered another Encinitas restaurant over the weekend. Perhaps discover is not quite correct. It is not a new restaurant, I just hadn't been there. Now that I have, I'd recommend you check it out some time if you are in the Encinitas/Carlsbad area. Robbie's Roadhouse is on the coast highway (historic Route 101) in Encinitas between Encinitas and Leucadia Boulevards in the west side of the road. Robbie's Roadhouse is part of the Vigilucci's Restaurant Group, with locations in Carlsbad (downtown and on the Coast Road at Tamarack), Encinitas (downtown), Oceanside, La Jolla (in the village on Prospect Street) and soon to be in Coronado downtown. Each restaurant has a different feel, menu and ambiance.   After helping my wife (Something Old Linens and Vadiar Designs) and good friend Na... 11/10/2008

Here's a phototour of the Olivenhain Crafts Fair (Encinitas, California) held on Saturday November 8, 2008. You can read more about the Olivenhain Crafts Fair here. ************************ If I can provide more information about Olivenhain (Encinitas), Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net. All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits 11/10/2008

As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, it is important for you to have data 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 2008 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed. In October 2008 there were 42 homes sold in Encinitas (essentially the same number sold in September). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.                                        TOTAL HOMES         Detached        Attached    Number 41 33 8 Days on Market 50 52 44 Median Sales Price $635,000 $659,700 $438,700 Average $/SF $389/SF $386/SF $396/SF Average Sal... 11/07/2008

The fall is a time of many arts and crafts fairs in North County San Diego. Most recently we had the largest in the area, the Carlsbad Art Fair on Sunday November 2 (a semi-annual event). On Saturday, November 8, Olivenhain, a beautiful rural equestrian community within Encinitas, will hosts its annual arts and crafts fair at the Olivenhain Meeting Hall on Rancho Santa Fe Road at 7th Street, just a short distance north of the heart of town (Rancho Santa Fe Road and Encinitas Boulevard). READ MORE: Olivenhain: Rural Residential Equestrian Community Olivenhain Arts and Crafts Fair in Encinitas (2007) The fair is in a beautiful part of town amidst the trees and surrounding the Old Meeting House, and with dozens of vendors is always well attended. This is another great place to start your ... 11/05/2008

Living next door in Carlsbad as I do, and being the beach lover I am, I try to visit the beach now and then, or to at least drive by. Seems I never have as much time as I'd like but the intention is there. I have had a number of recent buyers with an interest in the areas in and around the beaches of Encinitas. So this was a perfect opportunity to grab my video camera while I was out touring Open Houses and create tours of my fave Encinitas Beaches. You can buy a condo for under $500K within less than 10 minutes to the sand, as well as some manufactured homes (with monthly land leases) for under $100K. Or spend $2 - 8 million for bluff views like the ones in the videos.     Each one is different, but they all offer great views, terrific surfing, gorgeous sunsets, and a bit of exercise ... 10/21/2008