San Diego Fires - Submitting an Insurance Claim: Providing Documentation - 10/29/07 09:24 PM
Many folks in San Diego County (and north of us) have lost their homes, or had significant damage due to the fires that are continuing to burn. Now the "fun" begins -  trying to submit a claim and receive some reimbursement for your losses from your insurance provider. AND providing some documentation for your claim.
It was strongly recommended at the time the fires were burning for homeowners to take digital photos of all the rooms in their houses, outdoors, inside closets and garages, etc. in order to provide documentation in the event of a loss. I found myself doing this...but it … (18 comments)

San Diego Fires – Tax Relief for Homeowners of Damaged or Destroyed Homes - 10/28/07 06:57 PM
The fires in San Diego County have been devastating for many...over 1600 homes destroyed thus far and many hundreds more damaged.
For those homeowners whose properties have been damaged or destroyed, you should know about the important temporary tax relief and calamity claim you may be permitted by state law here in California.
The Assessor's Office can TEMPORARILY reduce the assessed value on your home if it was damaged or destroyed through no fault of the owner, and the damage exceeds $10,000. A claim MUST be filed within 12 months of the date of the damage or loss of the home. Once rebuilt, … (26 comments)

Carlsbad Things to Do - The Carlsbad Village Faire in Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad CA - 10/28/07 10:58 AM
It's coming to you live in just 1 week!
It's the Carlsbad Village Faire, the largest outdoor street fair in the country, and it's being held next Sunday, November 4, 2007 on the streets in downtown Carlsbad Village from 8 AM until 4 PM., and centered around Grand Avenue. (photo at left from Carlsbad Village Faire page on Chamber of Commerce website)
This is an amazing event, and just one of many outdoor events that Carlsbad offers (I previously wrote about ArtSplash). There will be over 900 exhibitors, which is mind-boggling in itself. Lots of arts and crafts, a pancake breakfast, … (10 comments)

URGENT Insurance News that may Affect Southern California Buyers, Sellers and Agents - 10/26/07 02:27 PM
The fires are causing a multitude of problems, as everyone knows. And there are some other real estate-related implications of this.
I understand from my insurance broker (due to a closing I have next week) that there is a moratorium through the insurance companies to not issue any homeowner's insurance policies until the fires are under control. What this means is that buyers will not be able to provide an insurance binder here in California to satisfy the lender's requirements for insurance, which in turn means their escrow may be delayed.
NOTE: I assume that this only affects those counties in Southern … (14 comments)

San Diego Fires - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - 10/26/07 10:48 AM
There is probably no one in our country who is not aware of what is going on here in Southern California and, in particular, San Diego. The media has converged on our county, and countless hours and people have been reporting on the disaster 24/7, becoming lead stories on every radio and TV station, on the Internet, and in numerous blogs.
The devastation is horrific, as the many photos and videos attest (the NBC site has many). The numbers of people impacted are staggering, and the stories of loss, and death, are heart-wrenching. We know it WILL come to an end, and people … (8 comments)

What Lens are YOU Looking Through? - 10/25/07 03:35 AM
Each of us looks at things through a different lens...our perspective, our viewpoint. And at times even several different lenses.
Those of us who are parents look at our children's behavior through a different lens than does our child. We might wonder "why did they do that?" Or we make assumptions about their behavior, or ignore it. The child, of course, has a very different view on the situation - they are upset, or scared, or something else.
If you have been employed in the corporate world you have likely had a variety of lenses to look through in different situations...as an employee, … (98 comments)

San Diego Fires - Oct. 22 to Oct. 26, 2007 - 10/22/07 06:33 PM
UPDATE Wednesday 10/24/ 11:00 AM For more updates on local news, photos and vides (especially for those out of the area where news covereage is not as complete, visit the San Diego NBC site.
There are various updates over the last couple of days in the comments themselves, rather than here in the post itself.
*******************************************
OCTOBER 22:
I have been pondering what to write. It was an easy decision to focus on much more important things, the significant fires burning here in San Diego. All else pales in comparison.
What many have feared for months is occurring - the Santa Ana winds have blown … (194 comments)

Things to Do in San Diego - Visit the San Diego Zoo - 10/21/07 04:40 PM
The San Diego Zoo, located northeast of the downtown area, is one of the more well-known zoos in the world. And a terrific place to visit with friends, family, out of town guests, or just to have fun. And it's only a 30-40 minute drive from Carlsbad!
It's easy to spend 4 -5 hours and not see everything there is to enjoy (they hand out maps, which are essential, although there is good signage). Walking on foot is best, and there are several areas where escalators are provided due to the steep terrain.
There is an aerial tram to enjoy a bird's-eye … (23 comments)

Are You Asking Your Buyers the RIGHT Questions? - 10/19/07 07:54 PM
Determining the needs of our clients in paramount in order for us to be effective helping them find the home that meets their requirements. While experienced buyers may have a much better idea of what they are looking for, first time buyers often do not.
It is critical that we ask the right questions to make sure we obtain information that will be helpful to us so we can, in turn, assist our clients. And certainly it is true in other areas of our business (mortgages for example) that the right questions must be asked.
I think many folks assume that buyers … (26 comments)

Carlsbad Homes - Seaside Work-Live Condos at Bluwater Crossing - 10/18/07 05:33 PM
Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego)
Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods
Request FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS HERE
 
MORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION:
Fans of Coastal San Diego - a fun blog about living in the San Diego area, including Encinitas and Carlsbad. I would love to have you stop by and add your own thoughts and recommendations.
Relocation A to Z - everything buyers and sellers need to know about relocation to Encinitas, Carlsbad, or anywhere else.
First Time Buyer Central - for new AND experienced buyers
All content … (10 comments)

Short Sales and Bank Owned Properties in North County San Diego - 10/17/07 06:45 PM
The media shouts it out often - in the news on TV and radio, the headlines, the talk shows, and on-line. Filings for foreclosure are at the highest rates ever, and so on.
It is true there are a lot of bank owned properties out there. And even more short sales. Some states are particularly hard hit - Florida, Colorado, Michigan, California, among others.
Short sales and bank owned properties, like other aspects of the industry (median prices, appreciation) are often very localized, although the impression a consumer might have from the media is that the housing market is dismal just about everywhere, … (0 comments)

Carlsbad Homes - Short Sales and Bank Owned Properties - 10/17/07 09:30 AM
Everyone knows that the market has become flooded with short sale properties and bank owned properties. Some states, and markets, are suffering more than others.
Buyers are looking for deals, because of the large inventories that exist in many areas. Having been at the mercy of escalating prices and bidding wars in the past in the sellers market, now many buyers are staking their claim and holding out for the best deals they can find. As said in a previous post, the battle cry of buyers is "I want a deal."
For some buyers, buying a short sale or a foreclosure IS … (11 comments)

Rancho Santa Fe Homes in Rancho Santa Fe California - Idyllic New Estate Homes at The Lakes - 10/16/07 11:48 PM
Start YOUR RANCHO SANTA FE HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego)
Request FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS HERE
 
MORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION:
Fans of Coastal San Diego - a fun blog about living in the San Diego area, including Encinitas, Cardiff and Carlsbad. I would love to have you stop by and add your own thoughts and recommendations.
Relocation A to Z - everything buyers and sellers need to know about relocation to Encinitas, Carlsbad, or anywhere else.
First Time Buyer Central - for new AND experienced buyers
All content copyright © 2007  Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits … (6 comments)

YOUR "Fresh Air" is Ruining MY Fresh Air - BLog Action Day Plea - 10/15/07 11:28 PM
Stop it right now. Please.
All that fancy air freshener stuff you are spending billions on is ruining my fresh air...and may be causing other problems as well.
Americans spend over $1 billion on purchasing air fresheners to make their homes smell good, and cover up nasty odors (yeah, some of you agents do that too, don't you, so your listing will sell).
It is probably all innocent, which is due to the last of regulation by the US FDA and lack of communication about harmful effects. The problem is that these products contain products that degrade indoor air quality and potentially affect hormones … (22 comments)

A Photographic Journey of Southern California - 10/15/07 10:21 AM
WARNING - this is a long slideshow, about 100 photos, but it represents much of what I enjoy about Southern California and some snippets into daily life.  Sometimes photos say it better . Enjoy! (no points here!)
 
… (24 comments)

Cardiff Homes for Sale at Park Place - A Community of Attached Homes at Park Place in Cardiff-by-the-Sea - 10/13/07 03:09 PM
Start YOUR CARDIFF HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities in San Diego)
Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods
Request FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS HERE
 
MORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION:
Fans of Coastal San Diego - a fun blog about living in the San Diego area, including Encinitas, Cardiff and Carlsbad. I would love to have you stop by and add your own thoughts and recommendations.
Relocation A to Z - everything buyers and sellers need to know about relocation to Encinitas, Carlsbad, or anywhere else.
First Time Buyer Central - for new AND experienced buyers
All … (10 comments)

We Have Seen The Enemy and it is Technology! Or IS It? - 10/13/07 12:07 AM
Do you ever feel this way? That technology and you are in a constant battle? And technology is winning?
I know I do from time to time.
Sometime everything goes along as it should, there is no battle, and life is good. Other days, I am on the losing side. I expect it, so for the most part I can get past it. But there are those days when my laptop and I (or some other techie thing) are worst enemies. But I refuse to throw up the white flag.
Drinking helps. So does cussing. Sometimes I must resort to a call to … (75 comments)

Encinitas Homes - Market Report for September 2007 - 10/11/07 09:45 PM
Here are the Encinitashome sales statistics from the MLS for September 2007 (private sales and new construction development sales that are not in the MLS are not included here).
Homes for sale - 222 detached, 75 attached (about the same as in August)50 detached and 18 attached homes came on the market in August (7 of these homes or 10% went into escrow in the month they came on the market)214 detached and 82 attached homes have sold in the last 6 monthsAbsorption (inventory) is 5.4 months for detached (a decrease from August) and 4.9 months for attached homes (a slight increase)Average … (8 comments)

Carlsbad Homes - New Construction Flooring Decisions - 10/07/07 05:14 PM
Buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market have a variety of options regarding their housing. They can choose to buy either one of the hundreds of resales or new construction. And within the resale category particularly, one can choose between attached and detached homes, condos or single family residences, and single level or multistory. And there are some larger mid-rise building around that offers condo as well.
Buying new construction in this area seems to be popular, and some do this every few years (perhaps that may sift a bit with the correcting market). Home builders here offer a broad range of … (10 comments)

Carlsbad Real Estate - September 2007 Market Report - 10/06/07 06:38 PM
Here is an overview of the MLS housing statistics for Carlsbad for September 2007 (this information does not include private sales or homes sold through builders that are not in the MLS).
Homes for sale - 541 detached, 281 attached (same as August)134 detached and 67 attached homes came on the market in September533 detached and 252 attached homes have sold in the last 6 monthsAbsorption (inventory) is 6 months for detached (slight increase from August) and 6.6 months for attached homes (same as August)Average marketing time was 61 days for attached and 66 days for detachedMedian sales price for detached - … (11 comments)

Move Over, Cannes; Step Back, Sundance - San Diego is Here! - 10/05/07 01:05 AM
In terms of film festivals, San Diego is probably NOT on your list of places to go to see the best films, catch a glimpse of the stars, or be part of the paparazzi. It does neither the allure of the south of France nor the backing (yet) of Redford.
But all that is changing. While Cannes may be the granddaddy of film festivals, and Sundance, in Park City, Utah, probably the best known here in the US, there seems to be a new upstart. (photo courtesy of /nicoon Flickr).
San Diego is getting a fine reputation as a film festival destination. And why … (4 comments)

Slip Sliding Away in San Diego - La Jolla Homes Collapse - 10/04/07 09:27 AM
California has a reputation for land slides, earthquakes, and shifting earth. San Diego is no exception. We have not suffered the significant damage from earthquakes that has occurred elsewhere in California (e.g., San Francisco), nor have we has the serious landslides that had hit the state in the last few years apparently due to heavy rains
many will recall the slide in Laguna Beach in Blue Bird Canyon in 2005, causing a bunch of multi-million dollar homes to slide down the hill; 15 homes were destroyedsevere rains in the winter of 2005 caused, once again, a signifcant landslide in La Conchita, killing … (20 comments)

Carlsbad Homes - There are LOTS in Carlsbad California - 10/03/07 06:18 PM
Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities)
Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods
Request FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS HERE
MORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION:
Fans of Coastal San Diego - a fun blog about living in the San Diego area, including Carlsbad. I would love to have you stop by and add your own thoughts and recommendations.
Relocation A to Z - everything buyers and sellers need to know about relocation to Carlsbad, or anywhere else.
First Time Buyer Central - for new AND experienced buyers
JEFF DOWLER, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, SRES, Ph.D., REALTOR
RE/MAX Associates - Encinitas  (760) 840-1360 direct or … (4 comments)

Carlsbad Homes - What Can I Afford in Carlsbad? - 10/03/07 10:44 AM
I often get asked about Carlsbad home prices. Many buyers realize the costs of living in Southern California, but don't always have a good understanding of the actual market values.
It is true that the Carlsbad area IS expensive, although it is less so than many coastal communities. You can buy a good sized house with 4 bedrooms and a 1/2 acre of land in some areas of the country for what you pay for a 1 bedroom condo here. And the media certainly contributes to the perception that California real estate is expensive.
However, there are some good deals to be had … (4 comments)

What Does it Cost to Own an Oceanfront Carlsbad Home? - 10/02/07 10:43 PM
Buyers who are interested in waterfront living should certainly be asking this question. The emphasis here is not so much on the actual cost of the home itself (here in the Carlsbad and Encinitas area you can expect to pay $2 million - $8 million for the privilege of owning a 2000 - 3000 SF home on the water, and even more in Solana Beach, Del Mar and La Jolla) but more in terms of the costs of ownership.
Those who have owned oceanfront property are well aware of the added costs, apart from the purchase price. But for those for whom … (19 comments)

Agents Helping to Build Homes - 10/02/07 01:00 AM
Real estate agents around the country participate in different ways to give back to their communities, either as individuals or as a group.
I'm proud to be a member of our Southern California Chapter of the CRS (Council of Residential Specialists), in part because of the great learning and networking that occurs at our quarterly membership meeting, but also through our fund raising.
Part of the mission of the national CRS organization is community service, and the local chapters can choose what they wish. Our chapter, known as SoCalCRS, has chosen to support Habitat for Humanity for the last several years and … (14 comments)

Things to do in Encinitas - Visit the Farmer's Market in Leucadia - 10/02/07 12:25 AM
Start YOUR CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH HERE (and other area communities
Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods
Request FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS HERE
MORE REAL ESTATE INFORMATION:
Fans of Coastal San Diego - a fun blog about living in the San Diego area, including Carlsbad. I would love to have you stop by and add your own thoughts and recommendations.
Relocation A to Z - everything buyers and sellers need to know about relocation to Carlsbad, or anywhere else.
First Time Buyer Central - for new AND experienced buyers
JEFF DOWLER, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, SRES, Ph.D., REALTOR
RE/MAX Associates - Encinitas  (760) 840-1360 direct or … (4 comments)

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

Jeff Dowler

Carlsbad, CA

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Solutions Real Estate (CA DRE Lic. # 01490977)

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