Carlsbad Homes & Real Estate Tidbits >> Carlsbad RE/MAX Associates REALTOR Talks

The NEW Scripps Health Medical Facility in Carlsbad Opening Soon

2008-10-13T20:30:51Z

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 medical facility to be built in the same general area on a 5-acre parcel and expected to be completed in about 3 years.

The wall, above, is an ineresting sight, at the entrance road to the office park. This was built at the edge of the hilly land along El Camino Real - I imagine there are some environmental/erosion issues at stake here. It's pretty impressive.

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If I can provide more information about Leucadia, 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.

A Fall Afternoon in Southern California - A Jaunt to Julian, California

2008-10-12T23:20:14Z

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).

Yesterday was a spectacular day and time for our annual jaunt to Julian, California for fresh apples (if you know anything about New England, or live there, you know the passion we New Englanders have for everything apple in the fall and getting them from an orchard is part of life in New England in October). As a transplant from New England, the need for apples from an orchard in fall doesn't go away, and Julian is THE PLACE for applcs. The trip is always fun and we get to enjoy the inland empire and different sights and topography than we are accustomed to here along the Carlsbad coast (and I get to take a few hours off from work...well, not totally since I get emails on my Blackberry).

I always discover something new, and you might too...so let's go

The route from Carlsbad to Julian is state route 78, heading east from the coast into Escondido. The road becomes a bit more rural once you leave Escondido (lots of fast food, apartments, rural housing, car dealerships, orchards along the way). The mountains and valleys are dramatic, with a few good sized orchards along the way, past the San Diego Wild Animal Park (great place to visit BTW) and into the San Pasqual Valley. You climb into the hills with terrific views of the barren mountains and the valleys far below on a winding 2-lane road until you reach Ramona.

After leaving Ramona you drive for a number of miles through some gorgeous countryside with ranches, orchards, a large egg farm and other interesting sights. The road also wends its way through the Witch Creek area where we had the devastating fires, which is not so pleasant, and sobering reminder of last year's disaster.

The next real town is Santa Ysabel (population 430). There is a cool art gallery here, a great antique shop, a Julian Pie Factory and Store, a wonderful hand-loomed gifts store, and if you head left you reach Mt. Palomar in about 20 minutes (you will pass, just past the heart of this tiny town, the Santa Ysabel Asistencia, a small mission that is worth stopping by.

About 7 miles past Santa Ysabel up the mountain to about 5000 feet you hit Julian. Before the town center you will come across a retail area, with a wine tasting place, some markets, and touristy stuff. About 1 mile from town we ran into traffic backed-up, not a big surprise given the Julian Apple Days Festival which runs from September 15 through November 15. LOTS of folks in town, so be prepared if you decide to go on the weekend.

Before reaching town we took a side road to go grab some apples - we were lazy so we just handpicked from the bins rather than opting to pick from the trees as a bunch of other folks were doing. I've done enough apple picking in my life with the kids that it didn't matter.

Lunch was at The Julian Grille, just to the left of the town center. Definitely worth a visit (we have been there several times, both lunch and dinner) - there is indoor and outdoor seating - and the menu is admirable. It was really crowded, as were all the food places, with waiting lines everyone we went (especially at the Julian Pie Store and Mom's where folks waited for pie).

After waiting 25 minute the couple at the miniscule bar left and we secured a seat there (it seats 4) and had a good chat with Michael, the bartender, and some terrific fall salads and we enjoyed the people watching.

There are some fun shops in this ex-gold-rush town, a bunch of eateries, some popular B and Bs, and it's a pleasant place to spend the afternoon. If you have time tour the nearby mines. The weather was chilly and they were expecting temps in the 30s that night...just like New England in October. Across the street from The Julian Grille is a very cool shop with home made candles (one of our annual holiday gifts) and soaps, some antiques, and other collectibles - a constant flow of folks was testimony to the popularity of this small but eclectic shop. The owner has now turned part of her home into a gallery, Julian Images, which was an impressive collection of small paintings, and photographs by Graham Wilder.

Despite the traffic and waiting for lunch I was a fun day, with some memorable sights and time to enjoy some of what Southern California has offer from the mountains on a fall afternoon.

Enjoy the tour!

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If I can provide more information about 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.

The Original Old Town Ramona Antique Fair in Ramona, California

2008-10-12T15:11:02Z

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 countryside, and Ramona is about 2/3s of the way. The drive is beautiful through the mountains and the valleys, and the landscape is quite different from what we see along the coast

It was a bit of a sobering ride part of the time as the road cuts through the area where the Witch Creek fires from last year started - the devastation was still readily apparent despite lots of new growth and greenery - and burned areas were visible for many miles.

The Original Old Town Ramona Antique Fair, voted THE BEST in Ramona for 2008, is an antique lover's dream. Over 50 vendors have stalls under 1 roof, and you can easily spend hours checking it all out. Just about everything you can imagine can be found - jewelry, dishes, glassware, furniture, clothing, linens, painting and prints, all sorts of collectibles, and the list goes on and on. Absolutely worth a stop in if you are in the area, or make a special trip to enjoy the town and the other antique stores nearby.

The Original Old Town Ramona Antique Fair

734 Main Street, Ramona

(760) 789-0574

Interested in real estate in and around Ramona? Let me know I know several great agents there who can help you find the right home.

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Leucadia Things to Do - The NEW Andrews Gallery

2008-10-10T22:45:16Z

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 Carlsbad) and having another terrific addition to the community is pretty exciting.

The gallery is in a very cool part of Leucadia (the funky, eclectic north end community of Encinitas), in the same block as my FAVORITE restaurant, Le Papagayo, and next door to a very neat shop, Sanctum. The space has been beautifully transformed and will feature the gallery space as well as studio space for the artist/owner where you can catch a glimpse of work in progress (and perhaps sneak a peak of him working).

Take a moment to visit his website, The Andrews Gallery, for a quick preview.

Drew has exciting plans for featuring some other artists, offering painting classes, and much more to enhance the arts in Leucadia. And being in the heart of Leucadia is certainly not a bad thing for an artist or gallery, given the growing art community here. It's a challenging time to open a gallery but Drew is off to a great start, with good company close by.

Understand that The Andrews Gallery is not quite in full operation...but October 17 is just a week away! Lighting is in place, signage is up, and the website is fully functional, but the work has not been hung on the walls (but you can enjoy it any way so stop in to chat).

I had a few moments to chat with Drew, and his enthusiasm and excitement about opening his gallery AND being located in funky Leucadia was contagious. I'll leave you to discover the rest on your own.

So why not stop by next FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 at 7 PM for the opening and reception. I'll see you there.

Plus you can also visit Sanctum, right next door AND dine at Le Papagayo. What a great way to spend Friday night in Leucadia (Encinitas).

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I'm NOT #1 and I Don't Care!

2008-10-10T19:21:35Z

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.

Does it really matter? And does the consumer really care? Maybe, maybe not.

Undoubtedly there are some buyers and sellers who DO want to work with someone who is #1. Whether or not the claim is based in reality. #1 agent, #1 in the area, #1 in the brokerage, Top Producer, the list goes on and on. I saw one the other day...#1 agent in 2005. So what?!

I'm #1

Clearly some agents feel it IS important, since they claim so. But I wonder how many consumers pick their agent BECAUSE they are #1. How many say "I want to work with you because you are #1."

And further, does being #1 on AR, however you define it (by community, county, state), make a difference? Do homeowners tell you they want to use you for selling their home because you have the most points? Hardly.

Granted, having a good number of points has value, or more accurately having written a lot to get those points does (provided it's good stuff and not. There is increased visibility, IF someone happens to search for agents by a community, county or state. But more importantly there is the Google visibility from having written great articles with keyword-rich content, and by having folks find you through their searches. I love when a caller says they found me on the Internet and that they see me all over the place. That that they like what I have to say and want my help. I'm sure many of you have had the same experience.

Now there's nothing wrong with being #1 in your client's eyes. Heck, we all strive to do that, don't we? Not by stating it's so, but by our actions, service, attention to details, taking our fiduciary responsibilities seriously, and simply doing our jobs as agents.

In the same vein it seems to me we can become #1 in consumers' eyes by the articles we write

the content
the topics
our voice and our transparency
the photos and videos we share

and the manner in which we advertise our listings on-line.

Our visibility through social networking, blogging, and websites yields results in the search engines, which in turn convey a sense that we may be THE person to contact in the area of interest. We DON'T need to proclaim we are #1 or other such nonsense. I certainly know a bunch of bloggers here that I would consider #1 in their business. How about you?

I'm NOT the #1 agent in San Diego County, or the 2008 MLS, or whatever. And I don't care. I've had a number of listings this year, as well as a bunch of buyers, where I was the only person they called, or so they told me. That's being #1 enough for me.

READ MORE: Are YOU the Neighborhood Expert?

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Mission Beach Real Estate - One of San Diego's Terrific Beach Communities

2008-10-09T23:33:30Z

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 west and the serenity of Sail Bay (and extension of Mission Bay) including San Juan Cove, Santa Barbara Cove on the east. Indeed, one can stand in the middle of Mission Boulevard (well, not recommended except on the median where it exists) and easily see both.

Because of this narrow piece of land sandwiched between Mission Bay and the ocean, Mission Beach is the most densely developed community in San Diego, and it has the smallest lot sizes. Many of the original properties were built as summer cottages in the 1930s and 1940s, but there is plenty of new contemporary architecture, recently built as well as under construction. Most of the streets are small narrow one-way road through the residential area, and some are literally pathways for residents. Mission Boulevard is the main road heading north and south roughly cutting the community in half.

Shopping, restaurants and bars/nightlife tend to be located more toward the south end of town, with the hub about in the middle where Belmont Park (the amusement park) is located and across the street from Mission Bay Park. Much more shopping and dining is located just a short distance up the road in the heart of Pacific Beach, a much larger community of about 40,000.

The Mission Beach real estate market is eclectic, and many homes have water views or are within a stone's throw of the water. Not surprising, prices are steep and homes are small, in general.

Currently there are 88 Mission Beach homes for sale on the market (29 detached homes, from $695,000 up to $6,745,000. The most expensive home has hydraulic lifts in the 2-car garage allowing you to park 4 cars; there are 59 attached homes for sale, ranging in price from $594,900 to $3,750,000). The average price of an attached home sold in 2008 is $1,288,636; interestingly, for the 9 detached homes the average sold price is less at $1,074,777.

Students in Mission Beach attend schools in the San Diego Unified School District (Crown Point Elementary, Pacific Beach Middle, and Mission Bay High School).

READ MORE ABOUT SOME OF SAN DIEGO'S BEACH COMMUNITIES:

Carlsbad

Encinitas (including Leucadia)

Cardiff (a.k.a. Cardiff-by-the-Sea)

Solana Beach

Del Mar

La Jolla

Pacific Beach

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If I can provide more information about San Diego, including 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.

Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages in Pacific Beach - A Very Cool Place to Stay

2008-10-08T19:24:08Z

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 Pacific Beach real estate and homes for sale, give me a call.

A Video Tour of Pacific Beach

If you are looking for a very cool place to stay (perhaps a vacation or just a special night away), and a bit of history, why not camp out at the Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages.

You can, literally, sleep over the crashing waves and the beach right in the heart of Pacific Beach.

Historic Crystal Pier was created in 1927 and offers studios (with kitchen, deck and parking), and 1 or 2 bedroom units (with kitchens and deck plus room to park 1 car) over the beach and ocean, with suites in the building on shore.

The pier units are all, literally, separate cottages, and you can enjoy fantastic views of the ocean, the coast, sunsets and all the goings-on on land from your private deck. And given the central location you can walk to lots of restaurants and shopping, or bring home take-out and hang on the deck while the sun sets, and the tides rolls in or out below. How cool is that?

Prices range from $165 - $365 on weekdays per night in winter, and $175 - $400 per night on weekends; summer rates, as expected, are higher from 6/15 through 9/30 and range from $205 - $500. This is a non-smoking hotel.

For more (and better) photos and information, stop by Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages website.

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If I can provide more information about Pacific Beach, 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.

Belmont Park in Mission Beach, San Diego - A Step Back in Time

2008-10-08T00:58:42Z

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 dressed for showing houses so I didn't take a ride, but I can imagine doing so in the future.

There are a bunch of other rides, too, as well as the kiosks selling cotton candy, a zillion necklaces, the bumper cars, and of course the pinball machines and similar games.

For the younger kids there is the classic merry-go-round, called the Liberty Carousel (an antique reproduction), a submarine ride, and more.

Folks of all ages will enjoy The Plunge, San Diego's largest indoor heated swimming pool. Those into wave activities will appreciate the FlowRider endless wave at The WaveHouse.

The park is small so it's easy to spend several hours and get to see and do everything you want, and still have time to enjoy the beach or catch the sunset.

You can shop too, for beach wear and accessories, jewelry, sweets and grab a henna tattoo. At this time of year the crowds are gone, so it's a good time to visit.

Admission is free (but of course you pay for rides, etc.). Tickets for rides are $1.00 - rides run anywhere from $2 - $6. Or buy a Bonus pack ($30, which is 34 $1.00 tickets) or get a wristband for unlimited rides ($22.95 for 50"+, $15.95 for under 50"). Be aware there are some height restrictions on some rides.

Take a step back in time and enjoy one of the best beachfront amusement parks in Southern California.

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If I can provide more information about the San Diego area, including Carlsbad and surrounding communities, 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 Ortega Highway and Lake Elsinore, California

2008-10-07T01:53:59Z

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 Juan Capistrano (site of one of the many California missions).

The winding two-lane road, which was constructed beginning in 1929 and took 4 years to complete, offers dramatic vistas of the mountains and the valleys after leaving the cluster of beautiful upscale gated communities at the San Juan Capistrano end

READ MORE:

The Ortega Highway

Mission San Juan Capistrano and the California Missions

Be aware the area is a high fire risk area due to the brush and the on-going drought that we have in Southern California.

The highlight of the trip was the edge of the mountains overlooking Lake Elsinore thousands of feet below, along with incredible views of the valleys and mountains for miles, before descending the windy road to the valley and the lake. Since I carry my camera everywhere I was prepared, so stopped and took in the views for a few moments. It was just another reminder of how easy it is to visit and enjoy Southern California's marvelous topography.

Enjoy the show. Perhaps it will inspire you to take a trip to this wonderful recreational area. And nearby Temecula offers a wealth of vineyards to visit in their wine country near San Diego. Wine tastings are a very popular activity in the area, especially on weekends, so be prepared for some crowds. But it's well worth the trip.

Interested in Lake Elsinore real estate, or Temecula homes for sale? Let me know, I have some great connections there and can help you find the right REALTOR to assist you whether you are buying or selling.

Cardiff Real Estate - Cardiff, California Market Report for September 2008

2008-10-06T21:25:43Z

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 deemed reliable but are not guaranteed.

In September 2008 there were only 4 homes sold in Cardiff so any analysis is rather limited. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.

	TOTAL HOMES	Detached	Attached
*Number*	4	3	1
*Days on Market*	43	53	13
*Median Sales Price*	$755,000	$990,000	n/a
*Average $/SF*	$357/SF	$387/SF	$266/SF
*Average Sales Price*	$736,250	$870,000	n/a
*Average Sale $/List $*	96%	95%	110%

At the end of September 2008 there were 60 Cardiff homes for sale (39 detached homes, and 21 attached homes). This represents an inventory of only 5.7 months for attached homes and 8.7 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales (based on a 6-month period).

The price range of detached homes on the market as of September 30, 2008 was $499,800 to $3,499,900 million (59% of these homes were over $1 million); prices for attached homes ranged from $260,000 to $1,599,000 million with 33% priced in the $1 million+ range.

6 Cardiff homes came on the market in September, all detached, with 8 going pending during the same time period (4 detached, 4 attached).

Looking at the average sales price for detached homes YTD, we see that it is $1,030,401, essentially the same as it was at this time last year. The average price of attached homes sold thus far this year is $602,673, a decrease of 10% from 1 year ago.

Data are based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months. More details about the Cardiff real estate market can be provided with regard to current activity as well as the specific areas such as the Walking and the Composer Districts.

Watching the trends over time, as opposed to focusing on the data for one particular month, are more revealing and informative, and will provide a better sense of what is happening in the Cardiff real estate market. If I can provide more information, please let me know.

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If I can provide more information about 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.

Encinitas Real Estate - Encinitas Market Report for September 2008

2008-10-05T20:14:39Z

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 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed.

In September 2008 there were 42 homes sold in Encinitas. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.

	TOTAL HOMES	Detached	Attached
*Number*	42	28	14
*Days on Market*	75	69	88
*Median Sales Price*	$755,000	$943,000	$390,000
*Average $/SF*	$374/SF	$364/SF	$394/SF
*Average Sales Price*	$830,939	$984,821	$523,175
*Average Sale $/List $*	95%	95%	95%

At the end of September 2008 there were 257 Encinitas homes for sale (188 detached, excluding mobile/manufactured homes, and 69 attached homes), a decrease of 18% since July of this year. This represents an inventory of 12.5 months for attached homes and 12.7 months for detached homes at the current rate of sales (based on a 6-month period).

The price range of detached homes on the market as of September 30 was $475,000 to $7.9 million (71% of these homes were over $1 million); prices for attached homes ranged from $209,900 to $5 million with 20% being priced in the $1 million+ range.,

53 Encinitas homes came on the market in September (40 detached and 13 attached), with 38 going pending during the same time period (29 detached, 9 attached).

The average sales price for detached homes is 13% lower than it was a year ago, with a decrease of only 2% for attached homes.

Keep in mind these data are based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months. More details about the Encinitas real estate market can be provided with regard to current activity as well as within specific areas such as Encinitas Ranch and Olivenhain

Watching the trends over time, as opposed to focusing on the data for one particular month, are more revealing and informative, and will provide a better index of what is happening in the Encinitas real estate market. If I can provide more information, please let me know.

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Paper or Plastic? Encinitas Takes on the Debate

2008-10-05T10:59:09Z

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 to Carlsbad).

Read Paper vs. Plastic - The Shopping Bag Debate for more information on the pros and cons.

The Coast News covered this issue with regard to the pending proposal in Encinitas.

Some support the notion of an outright ban of plastic with fee for paper (so folks might bring their own bags), but more are in favor of a phase in, whereby stores would begin by charging a fee for plastic, with the money used for education, and ultimately eliminating the single-use point-of-sale plastic bags.

Personally I think using your own bags is the best option, and recycling the paper ones being another viable choice. I often don't get a bag at all unless I have a lot to carry, which is rare.

We use Envirosax, which are strong, hold a ton of stuff, easy to carry, and fold up for easy storage. We keep them in the car so they are always ready for use.

My wife says she gets comments on them EVERY TIME. They are great for the environment and very functional. One of the best Christmas gifts we received (from our older LA daughter!).

I suspect there will be many more communities pushing for a shift in plastic bags; perhaps there are already some in YOUR area. One of our issues is that many end up in the ocean and lagoons creating major problems for marine life.

So consider re-using bags, using only paper, not using a bag unless you REALLY need to (I applaud those stores that ASK if you need a bag) or try out the Envirosax. What a great gift idea. And they are adding a corporate label so folks could personalize. MUCH better than a calendar or refrigerator magnet, don;t you think?

NOTE: Credit for this post goes to friend and AR member Kathy McGraw, who took a moment out of her busy life to email me about the proposal she read about in the San Diego Union Tribune. I had heard a little about it but her email was the inspiration to talk about it. What a good friend! And a terrific blogger herself!

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Fall is in the Air in Carlsbad, California

2008-10-05T01:07:32Z

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 mountains from Carlsbad.

As a former New Englander, accustomed to 90+ degree temps and humidity in the summer, and 20s and below in the winter (which lasts 6 months it seems) with lots of snow, sleet and slush, moving to a place where temps typically range from the 50s to the high 70s year-round was a huge adjustment...in a good way for me. Greenery year-round is one of the side benefits. Be able to go barefoot much of the year is another.

The signs of fall include the changes in the temperatures with fewer "hot" days, although we just had 2 days of 85 degrees, and cooler nights. The bird-of-paradise flowers are blooming again, with fall being their second season, and leaves are turning colors and starting to fall.

Yes, it's true - while we don't go through the dramatic foliage changes of the Midwest and New England, we do have trees here in Southern California that turn colors and end up on the ground.

The grasses start spouting interesting flowers as well, and berries begin to appear on certain bushes. Of course there are lots of pumpkins for sale, especially with Halloween approaching, along with plenty of Halloween events to attend.

And apple season has come to Julian, the Apple Capital, known for its famous pies and the Apple Festival (read William's post about Julian Apple Days Festival). There are more chrsyanthemums, in vivid colors, although they are more plentiful durng the year here than being fall flowers as they were in New England.

Folks start thinking about their fireplaces in the evenings, more and more heat lamps are in use for outdoor dining in the evenings at home and at restaurant. We start thinking about wearing socks, and long sleeved shirts, from time to time. And more and more wet suits make their appearance on area surfers.

And, WOW, it's even raining at the moment. Unusual at this time of year - we haven;t had rain seince March.

Carlsbad has its own brand of fall.

The light is different, the air changes, the days are shorter, and the holidays are fast approaching. Where did summer go?

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Encinitas Real Estate - Pacific Station Construction is Under Way

2008-10-02T10:39:57Z

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 F Streets along the east side of the Coast Highway (Route 101) in downtown Encinitas, right next door to Tastes, a popular wine store retailer and restaurant. The older metal warehouse that formerly occupied the side was taken apart and donated to a church group in Mexicali.

There will be about 40,000 SF of retail space which includes the Whole Foods Market (reportedly 25,000 SF), restaurants, public plazas and small shops, 9000 SF of office space, and 47 condos (from 600 to 2400 SF and including low income housing), with 2 floors of underground parking.

Pacific Station is in the heart of the dining and shopping district of Encinitas, along a major thoroughfare, easily accessible to folks in adjacent Carlsbad and Cardiff, and about 1 block from the commuter rail station. Developers are pleased to say there are many "green" design features in this project. Plans are for completion in late 2009 or early 2010. Stay tuned for more updates on the construction.

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Carlsbad Market Report - September 2008

2008-10-01T23:02:07Z

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 homes sold in Carlsbad's 4 zipcodes. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.

	TOTAL HOMES	Detached	Attached
*Number*	101	70	31
*Days on Market*	61	72	50
*Average $/SF*	$302/SF	$283/SF	$322/SF
*Average Sales Price*	$663,081 (no chng)	$745,362 (down 9%)	$427,054 (up 6%)
*Median Sales Price*	$639,825	$750,000 (up 5%)	$381,000 (down 4%)
*Average Sale$ / List$*	96%	96%	97%

The number of sales rose 2% from August to September. The average price of detached homes dropped 9% (and is just about 9% lower than 1 year ago) but rose 6% for attached homes (but is 5% lower than 1 year ago).

At the end of September 2008 there were 660 Carlsbad homes for sale (449 detached and 211 attached homes), a 4% decrease in inventory over August. This represents an inventory of 11.9 months for attached homes, and 12 months for detached at the current rate of sales over the last 6 months. YTD the average sold price of a detached home is $789,802 (DOM = 68 days); attached is $431,581 (DOM = 73 days).

The market data for the 4 different Carlsbad zip codes vary; for September, the average sales prices for detached homes were $646,160 for 92008, $795,432 for 92009 (La Costa area), $401,375 for 92010, and $811,768 for 92011 (Aviara area).

Keep in mind that this is an overview for Carlsbad as a whole, and based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months and closed in September. More details can be provided if needed with regard to current activity as well as within the specific zip codes of Carlsbad.

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Encinitas, California Celebrates Fire Prevention Week with an Expo

2008-10-01T09:31:08Z

The week of October 5^th through the 11^th 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 (3^rd 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 home - cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and smoking.

There will be a number of exhibits of fire and rescue equipment including a helicopter, an interactive fire safety trailer, free safety information, fire extinguisher demonstrations and much more.

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Oceanside Real Estate - South Ridge Estates: A Gated Residential Community

2008-09-30T19:46:37Z

Oceanside real estate buyers have lots of opportunities these days, and pricing is lower on average here than in any other North County coastal community.

Oceanside (the 2000 census puts the population at 160,000) is sandwiched between Camp Pendleton, the northernmost "community" in San Diego County, and Carlsbad, with several miles of coastal frontage. The community extends inland to Bonsall and also borders Vista.

Buyers who are seeking a detached home in the $500K and under range will find the gated community (2 gates, one for residents only) of South Ridge Estate appealing. This community, built around 1990, offers both single story and two story homes in a Spanish style with tile roofs. Homes are located along 4 meandering streets on rolling hills not far from the Calavera Hills area of Carlsbad.

There are 5 Oceanside homes for sale in South Ridge Estates as of this writing, ranging in size from a little over 2400 SF (single story) to about 3200 SF, with 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2.5 to 3.5 baths. Prices range from $460,000 to $525,888 (top of variable range). Only 3 homes have been sold thus far in 2008 at an average price of $523,633 ($176/SF). HOA fees are approximately $110/month; there are no Mello Roos fees in this community.

There is ample shopping within 2 miles or less, and residents have easy access to the 78 freeway to head inland to the I-15 or west to the 5 along the coast. Beaches are about 20 minutes.

Visit the Oceanside website for more details on the city. Children attend the Vista Union Schools.

A Stroll on the Oceanside Pier in Oceanside, California

For condo living along the ocean in Oceanside (some homes with views), read about North Coast Village Condos by the Sea.

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Extremes in the San Diego Real Estate Market

2008-09-30T00:03:19Z

I thought it might be fun to look at some of the extremes in the San Diego real estate market. I often gasp at some of what I see but looking formally at the wide range of properties throughout our county is not something I normally do. I'm procrastinating.

There really is no point to this except to share how diverse our market is. So here goes.

Second Longest active listing - a beach cottage for $1.4 million was listed 9/8/2004 (priced at a whopping $1828/SF), ‘bout 1486 days. Boy, does that skew the DOM calculations in that community
Longest active listing - a manufactured home (no photos, mind you) listed on 4/17/02
Longest DOM for a SOLD property - 4,438 days. Yikes, that's one heckuva listing contract.
Least expensive home - a mobile home for $11,000
Most expensive - a home in Del Mar for $76,000,000 (but there are several homes over $100 million in the US right now)
Impressive variable range (a mistake, no doubt) - $49,000 - $490,000, but I have seen VRs of over a $1 million.
Largest home - 18,000 SF for $1.3 million inland in the mountains (but a home sole in Rancho Santa Fe a few years back with 25,000 SF)
Smallest home - a 290 SF condo (mobile homes don't normally list SF and some of these I suspect are even smaller)
Most bedrooms - 15, in a $4.3 million home (but there is a home with a combo office and medical space too with 31 bedrooms, for $16.5 million)
Most bathrooms - 16, in a $19.9 million home in Ranch Santa Fe
Oldest home - seems to be the one in Chula Vista built in 1850
Largest lot with a home - 16.62 acres
Largest lot for building, etc. - 800 acre ranch in Escondido
Highest $/SF - $20,917/SF for a 1200 SF 2/2 home on 16.5 acres (THAT'S the value) in Rancho Santa Fe priced at $25,100,000.

I didn't bother looking for the listing with the most typos, or the ugliest property, or worst photo. I'm sure there are many.