Buyers in the San Marcos real estate market are facing a market that is quite different than at the beginning of the year.
The inventory is down (only about 3 - 4 months worth for both detached and attached homes) and a lot of competition.
Those buyers seeking new home construction in San Marcos and who are looking for a village feel, with a short distance to a number of amenities including shopping should consider thenew homes at Marketwalk in the San Elijo Hills master planned community in San Marcos.
San Elijo Hills is an award winning master planned community built on the hills of south San Marcos and is designed as a resident-friendly community with a vision back to the villages of the past that were popular for their town centers and community activities.
Marketwalk is a series of 12 townhomes in the heart of the San Elijo Hills downtown area, around the corner from the Albertsons' Grocery Store (with Savon Pharmacy). These homes with 4 floor plans (in Italian, Colonial or Loft styles and finishes), are built above the retail establishments on the first floor along the main street with views of the park to the west.
These new construction homes are built on 2 levels, with separate garage parking (2 spaces). The floor plans are:
Plan 1 - 1200 SF with 2 BRs and 2.5 baths
Plan 2 - 1647 SF with 3 BRs (or 2 with office) and 3 baths
Plan 3 - 1824 SF with 3 BRs and 3 baths
Plan 4 - 2712 - 2734 SF with 3 BRs and 3.5 baths. There is 1 Plan 4 unit that has an optional ground floor that can be use for retail (could be leased)
Current prices range from $385,000 - $714,000; 3 units are now reserved.
HOA fees are $337 to $410/month depending on the plan. There are Mello Roos fees of $50/month.
The local community has two schools, a media center, auditorium, an 18-mile trail network, a 19 acre park (with ball field) with retail growing.
The new homes in Marketwalk in San Elijo Hills in San Marcos, CA offer a terrific opportunity for those buyers seeking an in-town home without a yard to care for in a planned community that continues to grow yet remains focused on its residents.
The annual Encinitas Fall Street Fair will be held this Sunday, November 22, 2009 in the downtown area from 9 until 4 pm. As we are getting closer to the holidays this is a terrific opportunity to get your holiday shopping done.
The Encinitas Fall Street is very popular, and as an annual event for two decades, folks have come to known that this festival is the place to be the weekend before Thanksgiving, just 3 blocks from the ocean in the heart of downtown.
The Encinitas Fall Street Fair is large, with over 450 vendors scattered along main street (the Coast Road/101) with arts, crafts, plenty of food. You can also visit the 200 or so shops along the route or dine in one of the 40+ restaurants between D and J Streets. They will have live music at The Lumberyard (the large shopping strip mall to the South) and at a Community Stage set up by F Street. My favorite local latin music band, Luna Llena, will be playing from 1:30 - 3:30.
The main road will close beginning at 6 but there is plenty of parking along the side streets as well as parking lots including the one at the Coaster Station just 1 block over from the Coast Road (why not take the train?).
If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate 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.
The town center is growing in leaps and bounds now, after a bit of a stall for quite some time (lots of contro ersy about that). The Albertsons' grocery was added last year (with its Savon Pharmacy) and slowly but surely there are other retailers moving in as space is available.
Here's a partial list:
Alberstons and Savon Pharmacy
Hometown Realty
Postal Annex
Dexter's Deli (for pets, not YOU!)
Yogurt Utopia
French's Color and Nails
Windmill Dry Cleaners
The French Bakery/Cafe has left recently and there is a new place in town but I don't recall the name. My bad. Plus there are some other business services including an attorney and the Visitors' Center in town, with room for more.
The MarketWalk condos are now selling (12 unique townhomes in the heart of town - stay tuned for my article).
Two schools - elementary and middle - plus an auditorium and media center are within walking distance as is a huge ball field and of course the park with a beautiful fountain. It really does make one think of some of the towns we have all seen and loved.
If I can provide more information about San Marcos and San Elijo Hills real estate 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.
Solana Beach is an affluent coastal town south of Encinitas and Cardiff, and among the more expensive coastal communities in coastal San Diego. Despite changes in prices over the last several years the Solana Beach real estate market has seen less dramatic changes than some other nearby towns further inland.
As a buyer or seller in the Solana Beach real estate market, understanding recent trends and current market conditions is essential in order to make informed decisions; media reports focus on general market conditions and therefore will not provide an accurate picture of the local Solana Beach real estate market.
The following data are taken from the San Diego MLS (private sales are not included in these statistics, nor are multifamily properties or mobile/manufactured homes). The data are believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed.
In October 2009 11 homes sold in the Solana Beach real estate market, the same as in the previous month. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.
TOTAL
DETACHED
ATTACHED
# Sold
15 (up 27%)
3
12
Average $
$893,440 (up 5%)
*$1,933,333 (up 67%)
$633,446 (up 32%)
Days on Market
84
72
82
Sale Price/List Price
93%
91%
94%
*There were only 3 homes sold, ranging from $750K to $3.3 million which accounts for the large increase in the average sales price.
There were 7 Solana Beach homes on the market with a Contingent status (1 less than last month), i.e., short sale or REO homes that have offers being considered by lenders. These are included in the statistics below.
At the end of October 2009 there were 112 Solana Beach homes for sale, down 7% from last month (following a 12% decline from August). This represents an inventory of 6.1 months for attached homes (compared to 7.4 months in September) with another respectable decrease to 10.7 months for detached homes from the 11.4 months last month,based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.
In October 42 homes came on the market, over double the number in September, and 17 homes went pending, 2 less than last month.
I am happy to provide you with more information about current real estate activity in the Solana Beach real estate market.
If I can provide more information about Solana Beach real estate 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.
Del Mar is a small coastal town in North San Diego County with a reputation as one of the most expensive towns in the county. Indeed, the Del Mar real estate market currently has two of the most expensive homes for sale in San Diego County (at $76M and $50M), and still holds the record for the most expensive property sold (at about $48,000,000).
Having up to date information on the local Del Mar real estate market is important to make informed decisions about buying and selling property. Here are the statistics obtained from the MLS for Del Mar for October 2009 (the data are believed accurate but are not guaranteed, and do not include private sales).
18 homes sold in the Del Mar real estate market in October, down 22% from September. Here's a summary of the activity:
Total
Detached
Attached
# Sold
18 (down 22%)
13 (down 19%)
5 (down 29%)
Average Price
$1,716,004 (up 20%)
$1,937,060 (up 11%)
$1,141,260 (up 65%)
Days on Market
105
98
123
Sale Price/List Price Ratio
91%
91%
91%
Sales volume decreased over the prior month with another upward shift in the average prices of homes across the board. The dramatic rise in average sale price for attached homes was due to the sale of 1 unit for $2.8 million. There was also an $8.5 million detached home which led to another increase in average sales price.
There were 7 Del Mar homes on the market at the end of October with a Contingent status (i.e., homes with offers being reviewed by short sale and REO lenders). These are included in the overall Active statistics below.
20 homes entered the Del Mar real estate market in October 2009, 57% fewer than in September.
There were 181 Del Mar homes for sale at the end of October 2009, about the same as last month. At the current rate of sales over a 6-month period, this represents an inventory of 10.9 months for detached homes (down from 12.4 in September), and 10 months for attached properties, almost the same as last month.
13 Del Mar homes went pending in October (12 of them detached), down 57% from September.
As with any statistic, 1 month of numbers are not a trend, so it is important to watch what is and has been happening over a period of time. One should not draw any firm conclusions regarding pricing because of the extremes in the Del Mar real estate market, however there are some encouraging numbers regarding a more stable inventory with fairly consistent sales.
If I can provide more information about Del Mar real estate 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.
I took a walk around Double Peak Park in San Elijo Hills, as master planned community in San Marcos, California. This newly created park (less than 1 year old) has incredible views in all directions, south to San Diego, north to Orange and Riverside Counties and of course of the ocean.
It was a bit hazy and breezy and with the sun there are some moments when the visibility is not the best. It's well worth checking out if you are in the area.
If I can provide more information about San Marcos real estate 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.
Buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market have yet another round of choices for new homes at 53 Melrose in southeast Carlsbad California.
The newest subdivision in Carlsbad over the hill from La Costa and just north of La Costa Oaks is starting construction, with the first wave of new homes at 53 Melrose scheduled for occupancy around the April 2010 time frame. This subdivision is located at the corned of Melrose (hence the name) and Rancho Santa Fe Road, with a total of 53 homes being built - thus rest of the name.
53 Melrose offers 3 floor plans, ranging from 2025 SF to 2411 SF with 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3 or 3.5 baths. All homes are two-story and one plan offers a downstairs bedroom. Beginning prices will be in the $520,000 to $540,000. Given the activity we area seeing in the other new construction communities in Carlsbad, these homes will likely not sit around for long.
The builder, D. R. Horton, has an excellent reputation (builder of Villareal in La Costa Greens) and Carlsbad buyers interested in new detached homes under $600,000 have a rare opportunity - the large parcels of land to be developed as subdivision as about gone, with the only other area being Robertson Ranch.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate 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.
Carlsbad Property Taxes - Do you need to appeal your assessment?
My guess is that you do.
If you don't know the answer, you do.
The assessed values of many homes in Carlsbad (and certainly elsewhere in San Diego County) have declined due to the housing market. So too have the assessed values which the San Diego County Assessor's Office uses to determine your property taxes.
If you believe your property's assessed value has declined, there IS something you can do - file an APPLICATION FOR CHANGED ASSESSMENT before November 30, 2009 for this current tax period to request a reassessment.
You simply complete the appropriate sections of the form, sign and date it, and be sure to include the CURRENT value of the land and the structures (from your tax bill), PLUS YOUR estimate of value for these items, and you're done.
While there is no guarantee that your request will be honored, given the decline in values it is well worth a few minutes of your time. What do you have to lose but a few minutes of your time and the cost of a stamp?
Note that this is for 1 YEAR ONLY, and it is critical to still pay your current property taxes as billed on time.
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate 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.
I took this photo from the balcony of our room at the Westin Lagunamar Resort in Cancun Mexico one evening (Monday Nov. 2, 2009) as we were enjoying a glass of wine before dinner, watching the full moon rise. I didn't have my tripod so the photo was a little shakey, but catching the cruise ship coming past the edge of the hotel added some interest. Not quite as good as the real thing but you get the idea.
The Oceanside real estate market has undergone many shifts and continues to evolve, especially with the number of distress sales. This report does not include any private sales nor manufactured or mobile housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.
Media reports speak in general terms, so information may not represent the reality of the local Oceanside real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller for making informed decisions about a purchase or sale.
In October 2009 there were 201 homes sold in Oceanside's 4 zip codes (92054, 92056, 92057, 92058), as compared to 219 in September (a decrease of 8%). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.
TOTAL
DETACHED
ATTACHED
# Sold
201 (down 8%)
136 (no change)
65 (down 23%)
Average $
$291,254 (down 1%)
*$339,247 (down 4%)
** $191,880 (down 4%)
Days on Market
60
63
55
Sale $/List $
100%
100% (77-118%)
101% (85-122%)
* One home was reported as selling for $208 when in fact it sold for $280K. This average has been corrected to make the adjustment for the error in reporting on the MLS.
** One home was reported as selling for $206 when it actually sold for $206,000. This average has been corrected to make the adjustment for the error in reporting on the MLS
In Oceanside there were 295 homes with a contingent status at the end of October, 4% fewer than at the end of September. This represents 63% of all the homes for sale. Buyers entering the Oceanside real estate market are seeing almost 2/3s of the inventory already with offers in for approval for short sales and REOs. (Note: these are not the only short sale and REO homes for sale). These contingent homes are included in the overall Active stats below.
At the end of October 2009 the Oceanside real estate market had 763 homes for sale, up 6% from September. This represents an inventory of 3.1 months for detached homes (down from 3.1 month in September)and 4 months for attached homes (up slightly from September) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.
In October 164 homes came on the market, 59% fewer than last month. During October 177 homes went pending, 25% less than last month.
More details can be provided with regard to current activity in the Oceanside real estate market as well as within the specific zip codes or subdivisions.
If I can provide more information about Oceanside real estate 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.
DISCLAIMER: I must disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of, or reliance on, any information contained in this blog, or for the accuracy of comments or opinions expressed by visitors to my blog. The information contained in the articles is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions expressed in these articles are mine.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Buyers in the San Marcos real estate market are facing a market that is quite different than at the beginning of the year.
Marketwalk is a series of 12 townhomes in the heart of the San Elijo Hills downtown area, around the corner from the Albertsons' Grocery Store (with Savon Pharmacy). These homes with 4 floor plans (in Italian, Colonial or Loft styles and finishes), are built above the retail establishments on the first floor along the main street with views of the park to the west.
Posted by 
The newest subdivision in Carlsbad over the hill from La Costa and just north of La Costa Oaks is starting construction, with the first wave of new homes at 53 Melrose scheduled for occupancy around the April 2010 time frame. This subdivision is located at the corned of Melrose (hence the name) and Rancho Santa Fe Road, with a total of 53 homes being built - thus rest of the name. 
The builder, D. R. Horton, has an excellent reputation (builder of Villareal in La Costa Greens) and Carlsbad buyers interested in new detached homes under $600,000 have a rare opportunity - the large parcels of land to be developed as subdivision as about gone, with the only other area being Robertson Ranch. 
The assessed values of many homes in Carlsbad (and certainly elsewhere in San Diego County) have declined due to the housing market. So too have the assessed values which the San Diego County Assessor's Office uses to determine your property taxes.
;)
;)
