southern california: Opening Day at the Del Mar Races 2017 is July 19 - 07/11/17 04:26 PM
Opening Day at the Del Mar Races 2017 is July 19
 
It’s barely a week away and not too soon to plan for Opening Day at the Del Mar Races for the 2017 season.
 
 
Thoroughbred racing at the Del Mar Race Track opens Wednesday July 19 at the famed Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar California, and runs through September 4th, with the exception of Mondays (other than Labor Day) and Tuesdays.
 
 
 
Thoroughbred horse racing at Del Mar is a hugely popular event for residents and visitors alike, from all over Southern California, and the country. Thoroughbred racing has been popular at the Del … (15 comments)

southern california: Flowergeddon in Southern California - 03/31/17 12:13 PM
Flowergeddon in Southern California
 
Seems the rains we had during the winter are causing a bit of a problem.
 
We are all thankful for the improvement on the drought situation and reservoirs that are now more normal, plus loosening up on the water restrictions in many communities. There were some issues with flooding and landslides but now there is another issue…
 
FLOWERGEDDON
 
It seems that all the rain has caused a superbloom of wildflowers in many areas, especially in the Anza Borrego Desert, which only happens about once every decade or so. The small town of Anza Borrego has been particularly hard hit, although … (25 comments)

southern california: Happy First Day of Summer in Carlsbad - 06/20/16 10:13 AM
First Day of Summer in Carlsbad
 
Today is the first day of summer, and our summer weather arrive a few days ago, and fairly suddenly.
 
The marine layer has been conspicuously absent for the last 5 days and today it's in the low 80s. Not nearly as blistering hot as some other areas but for the coast it's pretty warm.
 
The heat and the dry air and vegetation is not a good combination and there is at least one significant fire in San Diego County near the Mexican border in a farming area. Predictions are for a more significant fire season in California.
 
The … (15 comments)

southern california: What’s My Rancho Santa Fe Home Worth? Market Report for August 2015 - 09/12/15 09:23 AM
What’s My Rancho Santa Fe Home Worth?
Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market Report for August 2015?
 
As a buyer or seller in the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market, having information about the current market conditions will enable you to make an informed decision regarding what to do with regard to Rancho Santa Fe homes for sale.
 
The Rancho Santa Fe housing market is very localized, and the most expensive community, on average, in San Diego County. Knowing what is going on in the market with regard to inventory and sales is important for making an informed buying or selling decision. Finding … (7 comments)

southern california: The SoCal Costa Mesa ActiveRain Meetup August 7, 2014 - a Huge Success - 08/07/14 02:12 PM
The SoCal Costa Mesa ActiveRain Meetup August 7, 2014 - a Huge Success
 
Our meetup today at Maggiano’s at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa was a huge success. And why shouldn’t it have been, given the crew that was there?

 
First of all many thanks to host Pete X, who coordinated the whole thing, posted about the event, was in touch with fellow Rainers about attending, AND provide some terrific entertainment. More on that shortly.
 
 
 
We had Rainers from as close as 5 minutes away (John Meussner), and as far as about 3000 … (41 comments)

southern california: Rural California Mailboxes - Before and Now - 07/01/14 02:13 PM
We've been driving by these rural California mailboxes on the way to the desert for almost 4 years now.
I drove by many times before I finally stopped to grab some photos.
 

We were shocked on a trip to the desert back in April to see that they were all gone, save this one (below). I stopped by today on my roundtrip to and from Palm Desert dealing with a for sale property to take a photo.
 

 
I miss those mailboxes!
I have to wonder what happened - home mail delivery now? Individual boxes at the … (14 comments)

southern california: A Visit to Crystal Cove in Southern California and Lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe - 03/12/13 12:42 AM
A Visit to Crystal Cove in Southern California and Lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe  
A visit to Crystal Cove is a step back in time, where the beach and the historic cottages remain much like they were in the 1920s and 1930s.
 
Now a state park (since 1979 with 2400 acres of woodland overlooking the ocean) and 12-acre historic site, north of Laguna Beach and south of Corona del Mar and the Newport coast, Crystal Cove is a special place to enjoy  - a gorgeous beach, a bit of history,and the Beachcomber Cafe.
 
Crystal Cove has been a … (0 comments)

southern california: The Beauty of Living in Carlsbad, Southern California - 12/19/12 07:55 AM
One of the things I really enjoy about living in Carlsbad, after having spent many years on the East Coast, particularly New England, and a couple of years in Minnesota, is a snowless winter.
And just about everyone else I talk to who has moved here says the same thing.
Oh, it can get pretty chilly, by our standards (perhaps even the low 30s at night in the winter along the coast) but certainly nothing to compare to other areas.
Want snow?
Well it's not that far way.

Indeed, on a clear day, like today, I can see the snow-covered … (3 comments)

southern california: Would You Paint Your House This Color? - 10/24/12 03:31 PM
Would You Paint Your House This Color?  
House colors have often created controversy, especially when it’s time to list.
 
As I drive around and note the range of styles of homes in my market, every now and then a home jumps out because of its style – perhaps uber contemporary in an otherwise traditional or homogeneous neighborhood – or when the color REALLY pops, as in these two examples.
 
No doubt homes painted strong colors raise equally strong emotions from neighbors. Some may think it’s fun, daring and creative.
 
Others may really hate it.
 
There was … (11 comments)

southern california: Rural Mailboxes in Southern California - 10/20/12 01:49 PM
Rural Mailboxes in Southern California  
I pass by this collection of mail boxes on my way to and from the California desert. On my most recent trip last week I had to stop and snap some photos. So different from the mail boxes, as far as groupings go, in our congested coastal area in Carlsbad.
 
And much more interesting!
 

 
I started noticing all sorts of mail boxes, rural and otherwise, as a result and may start a collection of mail box photos just for fun. Perhaps a Pinterest board?
 
 
 
Any favorite mail … (22 comments)

southern california: The Allure of Carlsbad California, from Beach to Desert to Mountains to Los Angeles - 10/02/12 03:21 AM
The Allure of Carlsbad California, from Beach to Desert to Mountains to Los Angeles  
There are lots of things that attract residents and visitors to Carlsbad California.
 
The beaches, the weather, golf, , the arts and the Southern California outdoor lifestyle are the top reasons you hear. 
 
Plus Carlsbad homes for sale, with many housing options.
 
Who could blame anyone from wanting to take advantage of all this and live in Carlsbad!?
 
Another appeal of being in Carlsbad is the proximity to other popular areas beyond the beach – the California desert (Rancho Mirage, Palm … (4 comments)

southern california: Lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach CA, and Another Wonderful Memory - 09/26/12 09:06 AM
Lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach CA, and Another Wonderful Memory  
The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove in Newport Beach California must be a place to making memories.
 
At least for me.
 
I had a 3-hour lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove on Monday with my cousin from Florida who I haven’t seen in over 15 years. We’ve been in touch, particular in the last 1 and a half years with my sister’s death and her father’s, but have lived some distance apart for years. Her business travels brought her to … (10 comments)

southern california: Earthquake and Survival Supplies - 09/04/12 03:32 PM
Earthquake and Survival Supplies  
I spied this Earthquake and Survival Supplies store on my way to an appointment in Los Angeles recently – I don’t even remember exactly where it was.
 
But the recent shakes and tremors in Southern California serve as a reminder that earthquakes happen here regularly and you just never know when more serious activity might result in a need for an earthquake or survival kit.
 
You can buy earthquake and survival supplies on-line (QuakeCare is one such site) but if you prefer bricks and motor and the ability to touch and feel, a store like this … (13 comments)

southern california: What You Should Know About the Southern California Freeways - Relocation Tips - 06/24/12 03:28 PM
What You Should Know About the Southern California Freeways - Relocation Tips  
If you are moving to the Southern California area, there are some things you might want to know about our freeways, especially if you have not experienced them. I am not a freeway expert, but I have logged thousands of miles and these are my thoughts and observations, for what they are worth. Plus a bit of useless trivia.
 
They are called FREEWAYS, not highways or turnpikes, terms I have heard in other parts of the country. People will correct you. I still let (highway” slip out now … (29 comments)

southern california: We Grow ‘Em BIG Out Here in California - 06/23/12 12:23 PM
  We Grow ‘Em BIG Out Here in California
  Cars are a big deal out here on the left coast, and we have lots of them, in all sizes, shapes, and costs. Indeed, I have heard, although I don’t that it’s true, that there are more cars in LA than there are people.
 
We grow big cars out here, too, as you can see. We saw this on the 5 freeway heading north from San Diego – it was easily more than 2 cars long. QUITE the party car. My guess is you could easily get 30 partygoers in … (11 comments)

southern california: Smog Tests – A California Treat - 06/21/12 11:45 AM
Smog Tests – A California Treat  
No, the smog test is NOT to test if we have smog in California.
 
We all know we do. In fact we may be famous for it although you find it lots of places these days.
 
But SMOG TESTS are a big deal here in California if you own a car.
 
First, know that if you are moving to California you will need to get a smog test in order to register your car.
 
You can read more about getting your license and
registering your out-of-state car … (11 comments)

southern california: Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 3 of a 3-Part Series) - 05/23/12 12:14 AM
 
Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 3 of a 3-Part Series)  
In this 3-part series we’ve discussing issues related to relocation – challenges to confront and some things to think about.
 

 
In Part 1 we talked about (1) searching for that new home; (2) using a qualified, knowledgeable REALTOR, and (3) doing your due diligence. If you missed this post, you can read it here >>> Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series)
 
In Part 2 we discussed (1) the disadvantage of house hunting from a … (7 comments)

southern california: Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series) - 05/16/12 01:20 PM
Serious Real Estate Challenges for Serious Relocation Buyers (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series)  
Serious relocation buyers to Carlsbad, or anywhere for that matter, must take a serious approach to their home searching and the overall process. After all, relocation is a tough job with a host of tasks to navigate successfully.
 
And if you are moving to an unfamiliar area, coupled with other moving challenges (e.g., jobs, family, pets, cars), on top of daily living and home searching remotely, at times it can seem insurmountable.
 
Here are some tips for your relocation and issues to keep … (11 comments)

southern california: Orange Peel on the Walls? Really? - 04/26/12 01:39 PM
Orange Peel on the Walls? Really?  
It’s a strange thing, particularly for someone coming from New England, but orange peel on the walls is pretty odd.
 
I’ve gotten used to it, but I still find it rather “unappeeling” (pun intended), but it sure is common in these parts. Indeed, it seems more common than smooth-surface walls which I am used to from back East. I don’t know why it’s so popular or if there are particular reasons for its use, except that it might be easier to deal with than seams and such from the drywall and applying a … (53 comments)

southern california: The College of the Desert SWAP MEET in Palm Desert, CA – A New Look - 03/30/12 12:54 AM
The College of the Desert SWAP MEET in Palm Desert, CA – A New Look  
The College of the Desert Swap Meet is an amazing array of vendors, selling their wares on Saturdays and Sundays year-round on the campus near the heart of downtown Palm Desert.
 
If you ever get a chance to visit this famous Swap Meet in Palm Desert, it is well worth it.
 
Picture a mobile outdoor mall of several hundred tents, with palm trees and mountains in the near distance, and the opportunity to spend hours browsing and shopping and probably not be … (4 comments)

 
Jeff Dowler, CRS, The Southern California Relocation Dude (eXp Realty of California, Inc.)

Jeff Dowler, CRS

The Southern California Relocation Dude

Carlsbad, CA

More about me…

eXp Realty of California, Inc.

Address: 2647 Gateway Rd. #105-545, Carlsbad, CA, 92009

Office: (760) 840-1360

Mobile: (760) 840-1360


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, unless otherwise noted. None of the information in this blog is intended to be, or should be construed as, legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate qualified professionals if such advice is needed.


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