Looking for a Good Listing Agent? - 12/31/06 12:22 PM
If you are a serious seller and are setting out to hire a good listing agent, I would encourage you to consider the following. Hiring the right person will help you avoid the things I discussed in my earlier posts (Part 1, Part 2), and probably avoid a long drawn-out sale...or worse, having your home rejected by the market.
Some suggestions:
•·        A good listing agent is not the agent who promises a particular price or the highest list price (don't forget - the market determines the sales price, not you or the agent)
•·        Look for evidence of a strong marketing plan, … (2 comments)

Help! My Agent isn't Doing the Job! (Part 2 of 2) - 12/31/06 10:27 AM
Now that you have that nagging feeling your agent is NOT doing the job, what can you do about it?
Since you are already in a contract (I'll talk more about prevention in another post) you will have to confront the issues. But make sure you have really thought it through and are not just responding to the fact that your home hasn't sold within days of being listed - that's probably not realistic in most markets these days unless you are really underpriced. Are you really being realistic about your expectations of your agent? If so, then your concerns need to … (5 comments)

Help! My Agent isn't Doing the Job! (Part 1 of 2) - 12/30/06 08:23 PM
As a seller, what do you do when you get that sinking feeling the agent you hired to help sell your house isn't cutting the mustard? What are the tell-tale signs and what should you do about it? Let's talk about the job not getting done first.
Let's face it...in this market many houses are not going to sell right away. It will likely take some time even if the home is priced well and shows beautifully. So let's assume you have priced your home competitively and are getting some showings. Just because the house didn't sell in a week does not, … (1 comments)

Humanitarian Thoughts for the Day - 12/29/06 11:06 AM
I read Randy Prothero's inspiring post the other day, and it got me thinking more about how I contribute to my community currently, but also how I could do more. But rather than talk about the volunteering, I wanted to comment on the importance of sharing financially in ways that can benefit others, either locally in our community or on a more regional, national or global basis.
My brokerage, as do many others, has several charities that it contributes to as a corporation, and encourages agents on a local level to do the same. The Susan G. Koman Foundation is a fabulous organization dedicated … (2 comments)

Market Data for NOVEMBER 2006 - Oceanside, CA (932054, 92056, 92057) - 12/29/06 10:28 AM
Here is a summary of the market statistics from the MLS for Oceanside for the month of November.
The data show a drop of 10% in the inventory since the previous month, likely due, in part, to the time of year. Again we see that the median price for attached homnes is down 2% from 1 year ago, whereas the median was 1% higher for detached homes than a year ago. There was about a 7-month inventory for attached homes as of Nov. 30, and approximately an 8-month supply for detached.
If you have any questions or need further information, please let me … (0 comments)

Market Data for OCTOBER 2006 - Oceanside, CA (932054, 92056, 92057) - 12/29/06 10:21 AM
Here are the summary statistics from the MLS for Oceanside for the month of October.
The statistics show a drop in inventory since September, and a small drop in Median price for attached homes from 1 year ago, but no change in MEdian from the prior month for either attached or detached homes.
Please let me know if there are any questions or I can provide more information.
… (0 comments)

Mortgage Insurance Premiums Will Now Be Tax Deductible - with exceptions - 12/20/06 02:24 PM
I just learned this a short time ago and wanted to share the information for those who may not yet know.
The President just signed a new bill that goes into effect in 2007. This bill will allow for mortgage insurance premiums to be deducted - potentially a great savings for some individuals.
The deduction is for households whose adjusted gross income is $100,000 or lessThe bill covers purchases and refinances that occur after January 1, 2007This is good news for lots of people. Many who are in the lower income brakets have less cash for downpayments and, therefore, are required to … (6 comments)

You Wanna Sell Your Home or Not? (Are You Testing the Waters?) Part 2 of 2 - 12/19/06 01:09 AM
Here's part 2 of my short series on strategies for SERIOUS SELLERS (if you missed Part 1...).
Consider a home inspection before you list - It's important to learn about problems your home might have (especially if you have owned your home for more than a few years) and take care of these issues, particularly defects that are obvious. Defects that are noticeable are troubling to buyers and often convince them there are other unseen issues, which will translate into a lower offer...or no offer.
Be flexible - You certainly don't need to allow showings 24/7 but don't restrict them to just a few hours … (4 comments)

You Wanna Sell Your Home or Not? (Are You Testing the Waters?) Part 1 of 2 - 12/18/06 06:50 PM
If you are thinking about putting your house on the market to see what might happen (testing the waters, so to speak), this article is NOT for you.
I writing for serious sellers (e.g., those who REALLY need to sell due to family situation, divorce, relocation) who are truly committed to doing what they need to do to sell quickly and at the best price. This is especially important now that the market has shifted to become much more buyer friendly in many areas.
Here are some things you need to do:
Price your home competitively - Most people will tell you this is THE … (5 comments)

Market Data for OCT. and NOV. 2006 - San Marcos, CA - 12/11/06 09:47 AM
Here are the market statistics from the MLS  for October and November 2006 for San Marcos. As in other North County communities the inventory dropped a bit from October to November. In San Marcos the absorption rate also dropped. There was a small drop off in median price in November for both attached and detached homes. Prices are fairly similar to those of 1 year ago.
Being aware of trends is helpful, but be careful to not draw any firm conclusions based on a given month, as data change from month to month.
If I can provide further market information or answer any … (0 comments)

Carlsbad REALTOR - How To Search for a Home On-Line - 12/10/06 10:17 AM
For those of your who are looking for a new Carlsbad home, searching on-line is probably the most efficient strategy you can employ. Recent studies by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in 2005 found that about 79% of buyers were using the Internet to search for a home, and many do this even before they contact any agent. It is likely that this percentage has grown since that study was done. (While my focus here is on Carlsbad, the strategy is the same no matter what area you are looking in).
The advantages to searching on-line are many. Most properties that are … (4 comments)

Market Data for OCT and NOV 2006 - Cardiff, CA - 12/08/06 10:57 AM
Here are the market data for October and November from the MLS for Cardiff, CA. Of the coastal communities Caradiff has the tightest market, with the least inventory. In addition, prices here are remaining stable or increasing from month to month for the most part, although slowly.
However, keep in mind that due to the small inventory (and fewer sales proportionally), the data are more subject to fluctuation based on what happens from month to month. Again, it is best to watch the trends over longer periods of time rather than drawing firm conlusions from any given month.
… (0 comments)

Market Data for OCT. and NOV. 2006 - Encinitas, CA - 12/06/06 01:44 PM
Here are the last two months of summary statistics from the MLS for Encinitas, CA. The biggest change is the drop off in inventory from October to November, which is not unusual as we enter the holiday season. Prices have dropped a little but only 1% when comparing November to October.
If I can provide more information or there are any questions, please let me know. As always, one should not draw any firm conclusions from monthly data as things change from month to month, but the trends are helpful to watch.
… (1 comments)

Market Data for NOVEMBER 2006 - Carlsbad, CA - 12/05/06 07:13 PM
Here are the summary statistics from the MLS for the month of November for Carlsbad, CA.
Some interesting things to note - inventory dropped 9% from last month. There was no change in the median price for attached homes from the previous month, but an increase of 1% for detached homes. However, both showed a decline in median price as compared to 1 year ago. We may be starting to see a slowing in the market over the next month or so which is typical during the holiday season.
If I can provide more information, or otherwise be of assistance, please let me … (2 comments)

FSBO First Aid Kit - 12/04/06 05:25 PM
If you have read any of my 5 part series on "So You Are Thinking About Selling Your Home Yourself' (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5) you now know that you are up against some significant challenges. Selling a home in this market that is favoring buyers in most parts of the country is tough, and doing so on your own takes it to another level.
But if you have decided to forge ahead anyhow, let me give you some suggestions that may assist you in the process. And if you have any questions, or get frustrated and … (2 comments)

Tips on Becoming a Good Buyer (Part 3 of 3) - 12/04/06 09:43 AM
Here is the last post in my series on how to become a good buyer, whether you are looking for a Carlsbad home or searching elsewhere.
Now that your offer has been accepted, you are on to the mechanics of the transaction. This is what you have been waiting for, so do it well!
Here are Part 1 and Part 2 in case you missed them.
Conduct home inspection- This is the time to learn everything you can about the property and to determine if there are substantive mechanical, structural or other defects that might result in your changing your mind about proceeding … (2 comments)

Tips on Becoming a Good Buyer (Part 2 of 3) - 12/03/06 09:14 AM
Here is the second in the series on some tips on becoming a good buyer. This is particularly important in this market. (Here's Part 1 in case you missed it).
Do your home search- Using the Internet (more than 80% of buyers are using the Internet to do their home searching), your agent, newspapers (may or may not be helpful in your area), driving around neighborhoods, going to open houses, etc. The more strategies you use the better educated you will become about the market and the type of home you like. Being educated about the marketis so important so you will … (1 comments)

Tips on Becoming a Good Buyer - 12/02/06 08:49 PM
This is the first in a series of 3 posts on becoming a good buyer. Becoming a good buyer is probably the most important thing you can do as part of the home buying process, especially if you are buying for the first time. So, what is a good buyer and how do you become one?
Being a good buyer means becoming as educated as possible about the home buying process, understanding the local market conditions, and having realistic expectations of what your needs are relative to the amount you can afford to spend. Regardless of the amount you are planning to … (4 comments)

I Need to Sell My house - Calling all Order Takers - 12/02/06 07:47 PM
In recent months I have heard our profession referred to as order takers. While I found it a somewhat humorous characterization, I realized how compelling, and disturbing, a comment this really is, particularly when it comes from more than one person. While this post may be a bit tongue-in-cheek, I expect none of us think of ourselves that way. So, how is it that we are perceived in this fashion?
Upon arriving at the seller's, you introduce yourself with lots of enthusiasm (just like in those restaurants where some starry-eyed waitstaff member stops by, says "Hi, I'm ___ and I'll be your server!"). You proceed … (8 comments)

244-246 Hillcrest Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 - SOLD 2/14/07 - 12/01/06 01:18 AM
This updated and well-maintained Duplex is a terrific opportunity for a buyer wanting an additional source of income or a savvy investor wishing to compliment his or her portfolio.
Offering 2 units, up and down, each provides 2 bedrooms and 2 bath (one in the master), a good sized living room and dining area, kitchen (with newer appliances), and about 1080 SF of living space. Each unit also has a single car garage with attached lockable storage room with laundry hook-ups (washer and dryer included for first floor unit).
The first floor unit has a large separate yard with new landscaping and drip system; upper unit has … (4 comments)

 
Jeff_prof Ambassador_large

Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360

Jeff Dowler

Carlsbad, CA

More about me…

Solutions Real Estate (CA DRE Lic. # 01490977)

Address: 6005 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 280, Carlsbad, CA, 92011

Office Phone: JUSTMYCELL

Cell Phone: (760) 840-1360

Email Me

 Subscribe in a reader


HOW TO USE MY BLOG (video)


Get Follow Me Buttons

Btn_blue_122x44


Feedjit Live Blog Stats




Locations of visitors to this page
Jeff Dowler's Profile
Jeff Dowler's Facebook profile
Create Your Badge
Get great free widgets at Widgetbox!

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.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog