La Jolla, California - VIDEO Tour of This Jewel by the Sea - 10/31/08 07:48 PM

La Jolla, California, a few miles north of San Diego, is an incredibly beautiful community nestled along the blue Pacific, with terrific views of the ocean and the Southern California coastline. The town has been compared to the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy, with homes cascading down the hillsides to meet the sea, but with its own Southern California caché.
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La Jolla Real Estate
Visit Mt. Soledad in La Jolla, California - Forever Views of San Diego and La Jolla
In addition to the beautiful, and expensive, ocean-view homes (the median price is over $1.5 million) clustered … (9 comments)

Second Power Plant Proposed for Carlsbad, CA - Get the Facts - 10/31/08 09:31 AM
Many folks are not aware that a second power plant has been proposed for the Carlsbad coast, in addition to the new desalination plant.
The California Energy Commission is responsible for making the final decision about the power plant being proposed by NWG West (they also developed the power plant on the coast in El Segundo south of Los Angeles AND own the existing Encina Power Plant), not the City of Carlsbad, on approximately 100 acres immediately behind the existing plant along the coast highway.
This does not mean the existing plant is to be torn down; it is expected the … (8 comments)

Carlsbad Short Sale Buyers - Get out Your Checklist BEFORE You Start Your Search - 10/29/08 09:36 PM
Buyers who are seeking to acquire a short sale deal here in the Carlsbad area (or nearby, or what is perceived as a deal...listen up.
You need a checklist before you get started, so you can be sure you WANT to jump through all the short sale hoops.
And thinking that possibly you don't have one, here you go.
1. Determine your patience level? (know that getting a response on a short sale can take weeks or longer; how long are you willing or able to wait?)
2. Hire a knowledgeable agent (always a smart idea but work with someone who … (9 comments)

What I've Learned about REOs - 10/29/08 10:53 AM
Before we get started, let me say for the record that I am NOT an REO expert. Far from it. But I am working on it. So any of you out there who have pearls of wisdom to share regarding your REO experiences, please share. We can all (and should) learn more.
Folks here in Southern California have a ton of REOs to deal with. Many folks don't have a good grasp of how to handle them effectively as listings, or as buyer agents. Our Southern California CRS Chapter, having heard from our membership that REOs are at the top of … (42 comments)

Mini-Dorms are becoming a Bigger Problem in San Diego - Are Distress Sales to Blame? - 10/27/08 02:21 PM
There have been many issues that have arisen as the result of the increasing short sales, foreclosures, and REOs in communities throughout the country.
Property values have dropped Appraisals come in low resulting in deal falling apart or needing renegotiation "Stephen King" pools are common leading to health concerns such as West Nile Virus Neighborhoods once attractive and well-kept take on a rather disheveled appearance with multiple vacant homes on the block Vandalism of vacant homes has increased Folks break into vacant homes to have parties Squatters sometimes take over vacant properties You get the idea.
The other issue that is … (10 comments)

So you Think YOU Have Challenges? A Day of Inspiration in La Jolla, California - 10/26/08 08:37 PM
Imagine missing one leg, or both.
Or an arm, or both.
How about both arms and legs?
What if you were confined to a wheelchair, partially paralyzed?
Can you imagine what life might be like?
There are lots of folks who DO know what it's like. And they don't let it stop them from enjoying life and being active. Some are incredible athletes. I saw some of them today in La Jolla.
La Jolla was the site of the Tour de Cove and the San Diego Triathlon Challenge to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).
 And many of the folks I … (20 comments)

Things to do in Carlsbad - Attend the Carlsbad Street Faire on November 2, 2008 - 10/25/08 08:10 PM
It's hard to believe that another year has gone by and it's time again for the Carlsbad Street Faire.
And the quiet streets of carlsbad Village (below) will become a throng of people and booths.

The Carlsbad Street Faire takes place semi-annually (March and November) and the fall version is upon us in just 1 week. This is one of the largest outdoor street fairs in the country, and the fall weather in Carlsbad is usually perfect for shopping for those holiday gifts.
This event is sponsored by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce which will feature 2 international food courts … (3 comments)

Scary Times Here in Carlsbad, and Nearby - 10/25/08 04:02 PM
Yep, these are some scary times here in Carlsbad, California, and nearby too.
It's all over the media, and it's visible just about any place you drive.
Halloween is just around the corner, and once again there are a boatload of things to do to enjoy our scariest holiday.

Here in Carlsbad we have our very own House of Horror at 6994 Blue Orchid Lane, for the 3rd year in a row. There are all kinds of scary tales about happenings in this House of Horror. Check it out Halloween Night from 7 until 11 PM. You can visit the … (8 comments)

Tour de Cove in La Jolla This Sunday October 26th - 10/23/08 04:19 PM
This Sunday in La Jolla California is a very special day. It's the Tour de Cove.
The Tour de Cove is a significant fund raising event for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). Monies raised benefits CAH who helps folks with physical challenge pursue active ifestyle through physical fitness and atheltics. The funds are used to purchase prosthetics (which can cost $15,000), wheelchairs and handcycles (about $2000) for these athletes, many of whom compete locally, nationally and internationally in a host of events.
[graphic is a link to the website]
The Tour de Cove is held every year at La Jolla Cove, … (9 comments)

Calling Seth Godin!!! - 10/23/08 10:51 AM
Where in the world is Seth Godin? Only he knows for sure. But perhaps, with all the reblogs of this post he'll drop by to review our very own Margaret Rome's book. And now with 18 or so reblogs...must be an AR record
Via Bryant Tutas Broker/REALTOR(R) Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:
Hi folks. My good friend and fellow ActiveRainer, Margaret Rome, is getting close to launching her first book "Real Estate the Right Rome Way". I'm sure most of you know Margaret but if not....stop over and check out her profile.
Margaret and I joined AR at just about the same time, July … (4 comments)

Who am I? I am an Internet Lead! - 10/22/08 02:27 PM
Do you know who I am? I'm an Internet lead.
Much has been written about me. I seem to get talked about in every real estate seminar and keynote speech, big and small. I'm pretty popular these days. Cool beans.
Many of you seek me out, or try. SEO experts pound the pavement and make big bucks with suggestions on how to capture me, even though I don't want to be "caught," and won't.
There are scads of polls out there claiming to know who I am, that categorize my behavior, and characterize me, in order to shed light on my … (6 comments)

The Beaches of Encinitas California - A VIDEO Tour - 10/21/08 08:23 PM

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 … (11 comments)

San Diego Real Estate Sales up 56% in September...So What!? - 10/21/08 01:59 PM
Dataquick is reporting that the home sales for September 2008 in San Diego climbed a whopping 56% over September 2007. This is great news. Or is it?
They also report that in the Southland (Southern California) sales rose an unprecedented 65% over 1 year ago (the 6 counties in this analysis ALL reported substantial sales increases in September). And home sales were up over August of this year as well.
Here's the full article in case you are interested

Now I am certainly pleased to hear some good news, and this was on the radio this morning...and I suspect we … (9 comments)

What Does $1 Million Buy in Carlsbad and Nearby? How About $5 Million? - 10/20/08 07:12 PM
                  
A million bucks just isn't what it used to be.
It's still a heckuva lot of money, especially in terms of annual salary, but with regard to housing, at least here in California, a million dollars just doesn't buy what it used to. In some of the more expensive communities like La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and Coronado you can hardly buy any sort of detached home for under a million.
But with housing prices dropping in the last couple of years, one can certainly get more for a million dollars in my area than in … (13 comments)

Art Work at the Beach in Encinitas, California - By Man and By Mother Nature - 10/19/08 09:59 PM
Folks who know me know that I am particular fond of the beach. Always have been. And being here in Southern California presents wonderful opportunities to enjoy beach life and to appreciate the beauty of the sun, sand, shoreline and water.
In between open houses and errands, I stopped by Stone Steps Beach in Encinitas, one of my favorites (more about the beach in another post). I was fortunate enough to be there when the local beach artist came by and so I spent time watching him create his living artwork on the beach, while the tide did its part of … (10 comments)

760 Area Code to NOT Occur in Carlsbad and North County San Diego - 10/18/08 09:51 PM
It's now official.
What was feared by many, and hoped for by some, has now been decided.
The proposal was to split the 760 area code in California, which includes a large portion of North San Diego County and many communities to the north and east. The concern was that changing the area code from 760 to 442 in a large area (including Carlsbad and nearby communities) would cost business owners millions.
760 versus 442
The new plan, an overlay, has now been voted on and the results are in.
There will NOT be a 760/442 area code split. Those … (7 comments)

Best Places to Sunset Watch in Carlsbad California and Nearby (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 10/18/08 03:45 PM
Watching the California sun set over the ocean is a breathtaking experience...at least when the sky has not covered up the sun. While a completely clear sky and a setting sun is beautiful, seeing the sun sink below the horizon on a day with some clouds can result in incredible colors.
I have yet to actually see the green flash that can occur on a clear day but have it from reputable folks that it DOES occur and it IS amazing to see.
So where do you go to watch the sun set in Carlsbad, or nearby?
Here are my favorites. … (35 comments)

Front Porches are for Meeting Neighbors - 10/18/08 02:35 PM
This post was inspired by sushi.
You'll find out how in a moment.
Front porches are found in many areas, and for me bring back memories of relaxing, enjoying the views, meeting neighbors and just watching the world go by.
Classic New England and Southern colonial homes have front porches or wide verandas with rocking or Adirondack chairs to take in the sights in front of the home and they became popular gathering places.
Front porches were where folks met their neighbors, gossiped about the community, enjoyed a summer beverage with friends, kept an eye on the kids playing in … (3 comments)

Official Opening of The Andrews Gallery in Leucadia (Encinitas) California - 10/17/08 11:51 PM
Tonight was the official opening of The Andrews Gallery in Leucadia. I wrote about this just recently but wanted to share the festivities of the opening and reception.
There was a eclectic, lively crowd enjoying the band(our favorite owners of Sanctum, next door, were there), the gallery looked stellar, and the food was wonderful (of course, being catered by our fave restaurant, Le Papagayo). Drew's paintings looked even better than when I was last in, now that they are hung and the lighting is complete, and the gallery space is inviting and warm, minus the stark minimalism one sees so often … (2 comments)

Oceanside Real Estate - 55+ Community at Oceana - 10/17/08 10:56 AM
Buyers interested in Oceanside real estate, in particular those seeking a 55+ (age-restricted) community, have a number of choices. Oceana is just one of them.
Oceanside is the northern-most coastal community in San Diego County just south of Camp Pendleton, and the 3rd largest city in San Diego County. With an area of around 41 square miles, rolling hills, and several miles of coastline, Oceanside offers a diverse geography to the 170,000 residents. There is a broad mix of housing, including multiple 55+ communities, and the rapid growth of the community since the 1970s has transformed it into a city of … (2 comments)

Encinitas Restaurants - Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and Pizzeria - 10/16/08 10:59 AM
Another foodie alert for Encinitas.
When I am up for pizza, Domino's and similar places just don't cut it for me. I'm spoiled I guess.
The Sammy's Woodfired Pizza chain is good, but for something local to South Carlsbad and for folks in Encinitas, head to the Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and Pizzeria.
The Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and Pizzeria is located in a shopping center, as many restaurants are in Southern California.
That doesn't mean they aren't worth a visit, although the image of malls and dining conjures up the classic food court. Yuck.
The Tuscan Sun Italian Deli and … (8 comments)

Learnings from the California Association of REALTORS Tech Tuesday - 10/15/08 09:51 AM
I wasn't on AR most of yesterday due to attending the first day of the C.A.R. (California Association of REALTORS) in Long Beach, California.
I always come away from these events with new learning, and many thoughts about what to implement in my business. Some I get to some I don't. And I always run into folks I know or meet new ones.
Yesterday I spent some time with Irina Netchaev, Ted Mackel (who I met off-line for the first time last month at REBlogWorld08 in Las Vegas), Mana Tulberg, and Elaine Hanson (who I know on-line but met for the … (5 comments)

The NEW Scripps Health Medical Facility in Carlsbad Opening Soon - 10/13/08 08:30 PM

The new Scripps Health Medical Office Building is set to open in Carlsbad on October 20, 2008, joining the facility that already exists in Encinitas.
This multi-story 40,000+ SF building set high on a high (with fab views I might add) is just off El Camino Real north of Faraday at 2176 Salk Avenue (appropriately named, I assume, after Jonas Salk, the polio vaccine guy). Carlsbad doesn't have a hospital so this is viewed as a positive addition despite some concerns about traffic in the office park area.
   
The Carlsbad Planning Commission has recently approved a second Scripps … (5 comments)

A Fall Afternoon in Southern California - A Jaunt to Julian, California - 10/12/08 11:20 PM
If you are up for learning more about the Southern California area and things to do on a beautiful fall day...read on. If not, well you know where the delete key is by now.
Fall is here in Carlsbad, and despite what those of you in colder climes think, we DO have a change of seasons. It is NOT always sunny and 80 degrees in San Diego. Indeed, we are having dinner in front of the first fire of the season in the living room (yes, it's gas).
READ MORE: Fall is in the Air in Carlsbad, California
Yesterday was a … (10 comments)

The Original Old Town Ramona Antique Fair in Ramona, California - 10/12/08 03:11 PM

A favorite pastime, besides dining and visiting art galleries, is haunting area antique shops. Sometimes it's to seek out something specific, but often it is just the fun of looking and perhaps finding a real treasure or a great gift.
   
Ramona, California, has gotten quite a reputation as a hub of antiques in the San Diego area, and a drive down main street (Route 78) readily reveals why this is so. We took a trip yesterday to Julian for apples and lunch, and the 60-mile trip out the 78 from Carlsbad to Julian takes you through the inland … (6 comments)

Leucadia Things to Do - The NEW Andrews Gallery - 10/10/08 10:45 PM
The word is out and it's good!
Leucadia has a terrific new gallery, officially opening on October 17, 2008 (but you can grab a sneak peak here, or just stop by).
The Andrews Gallery is already receiving quite a bit of attention, and it's not even officially open. I stopped by the other day to meet Drew Snyder and get a first hand look at his new space and his art work. Being an art collector (and past gallery owner myself), my interest was, well, more than passing interest. I love this part of town (and it's right next door to … (9 comments)

I'm NOT #1 and I Don't Care! - 10/10/08 07:21 PM
I am not #1 and I don't care.
The reverse sentiment might be - I AM #1...So What?
Being #1 is pretty important for anyone who is competitive. The real estate field is filled with competitive folks. And a good number of them claim to be #1. How many #1s can there really be?
Being #1 can be defined in so ways, and plenty of flyers, ads and signage can make this claim depending on how it is defined, or even if the notion exists in the eyes of the would-be beholder. Ho hum. Being #1 seems a bit, well, meaningless.
… (108 comments)

Mission Beach Real Estate - One of San Diego's Terrific Beach Communities - 10/09/08 11:33 PM
San Diego has a number of beach communities north of downtown along the edge of the continent, each with its own feel, personality, and temperament. While they share the coast line, beach, and sunset views, they each have qualities that endear them to residents and visitors alike.
Mission Beach is a unique community. It is a narrow spit of land - a sandbar - just south of Pacific Beach and trendy, affluent La Jolla, much longer (perhaps 2 miles) than it is wide (about 700 feet at its narrowest). And Mission Beach water views comprise both the blue Pacific to the … (4 comments)

Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages in Pacific Beach - A Very Cool Place to Stay - 10/08/08 07:24 PM
Pacific Beach is a very cool beach town just south of trendy, affluent La Jolla and in the city of San Diego.
I am getting to like this San Diego beach community more and more as I learn about it and spend time there (I have a 4-plex listing there so the side benefit is time in Pacific Beach, about 20 miles from Carlsbad). I am watching the market for some friends who are interested in buying, too, so hanging out and getting the lay of the land, so to speak, is a good thing. So if you are interested in … (12 comments)

Belmont Park in Mission Beach, San Diego - A Step Back in Time - 10/08/08 12:58 AM

A visit to Belmont Park in the south end of the funky beach town of Mission Beach in San Diego is like a step back in time. This beach front amusement park is a gem, with good parking and a location right off the main drag.
They have a wooden roller coaster, for one - The Giant Dipper. Brings back the memories of Coney Island (The Cyclone Roller Coaster) and places on the boardwalk on the New Jersey shore. Their coaster (built in 1925) is only one of two original beachfront roller coasters operating on the west coast. I was … (11 comments)

The Ortega Highway and Lake Elsinore, California - 10/07/08 01:53 AM
I recently taught a blogging class in Orange County and then needed to make a trip through the mountains to Temecula for a meeting. I decided the take the Ortega Highway from San Juan Capistrano, a distance of about 30 miles. For folks who have not traveled through this area, you are in for a visual treat.
The Ortega Highway has an interesting history worth reading about, either before or after taking a journey through the Santa Ana Mountains (through the Cleveland National Forest) in either direction from Lake Elsinore (both a lake and a town) to the sea in San … (11 comments)

Cardiff Real Estate - Cardiff, California Market Report for September 2008 - 10/06/08 09:25 PM

As a buyer or seller in the Cardiff real estate market, having data about the market conditions will enable you to be an informed decision regarding what to do with regard to buying a home in Cardiff, or selling your Cardiff home.
The media reports report data on a regional basis, rather than locally, and having data from a knowledgeable agent about the Cardiff market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller.
Here is a summary of the Cardiff real estate market for September 2008 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included). These data are … (3 comments)

Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Market Report for September 2008 - 10/05/08 08:14 PM


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 
Because the media reports report data on a regional basis, what you see may not at all represent the reality of the local market, so having data from a knowledgeable agent about Encinitas market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller.
Here is a summary of the Encinitas real estate market for September 2008 … (6 comments)

Paper or Plastic? Encinitas Takes on the Debate - 10/05/08 10:59 AM
How often do you hear that question?
It's a seemingly simple question, with 2 choices...and profound implications. Depending on what you need them for at home, one choice may be preferred over another.
The choice USED to be bag (paper) or no bag.
And it is becoming that choice again in some places.
San Francisco already has a ban city-wide that restricts plastic bag availability. So do Oakland and Malibu. And I understand that Santa Monica (near LA) is also considering it as well.
And now the options around plastic and paper are being bantered about in ENCINITAS, California (next door … (12 comments)

Fall is in the Air in Carlsbad, California - 10/05/08 01:07 AM
Fall is in the air in Carlsbad, California. Some folks who don't live here think we don't have seasons, and that it is sunny and warm all the time. Well, it is that way much of the time, but we certainly do have seasons, although they are less dramatic than many parts of the country. If you do not enjoy cold winters and hot, humid summers, Carlsbad offers the perfect alternative. 

And you can escape to the desert for heat, or head to the mountains for snow just a short distance away. You can even see the snow on the … (7 comments)

Encinitas Real Estate - Pacific Station Construction is Under Way - 10/02/08 10:39 AM

I wrote an article some time ago about the exciting plans for the new Whole Foods Market coming to Encinitas. At the time there was still lots of debate (and there are still many folks that are not in favor, for a variety of reasons) and concerns remain about the impact on traffic, and the changing landscape of this popular coastal town.
A drive by just the other day indicates that Pacific Station construction is under way, at least getting the ground prepared and utilities in place.
Pacific Station is a $40 million dollar mixed use facility between E and … (1 comments)

Carlsbad Market Report - September 2008 - 10/01/08 11:02 PM

The Carlsbad real estate market continues to evolve, and the data for September show a number of changes since August 2008. This does not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.
Because the media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, the information you hear in the media may not represent the reality of our local market, so having data from a knowledgeable agent about your particular market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller.
In September 2008 there were 101 … (4 comments)

Encinitas, California Celebrates Fire Prevention Week with an Expo - 10/01/08 09:31 AM

The week of October 5th through the 11th is Fire Prevention Week - a sad, but important reminders of the disastrous fires we experienced in San Diego County last year beginning in mid October.
READ MORE:
San Diego Fires Oct. 22 - 26, 2007
On October 4, Encinitas will host a Fire Prevention Expo as part of National Fire Prevention Week from 10 am until 2 pm at the Moonlight Beach parking lot (3rd and C Streets).

The focus for the 2008 campaign is prevention of home fires, and raising awareness around the leading causes of fires in the … (4 comments)

 
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Jeff Dowler

Carlsbad, CA

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