I Don’t Mean to Question Your Lifestyle, But I Must!!
Perhaps that sounds like an intrusive question, but it’s an important one when searching for a new home in Carlsbad, or nearby.
I work with a lot of buyers who are relocating here from other parts of California, or other states. Typically, there are some pretty important things they are seeking when moving to Southern California, either to Carlsbad or other nearby communities in North San Diego County.
Of course there are important things about the house that you want and need because of your personal situation, and the lifestyle you lead, or maybe hope to lead.
It’s critical to make some decisions about the must-haves versus the amenities that are not so important when you are searching for a home so you don’t waste time seeking something that doesn’t exist, or isn't in your budget. For example:
Do you need to have 4 bedrooms or can 3 work?
Are 2 full baths essential or will 1 full and 1 half bath work?
Do you need a yard and does it have to be fenced?
Can you get by with a 2-car garage instead of 3?
Are you OK with a 2-story home or must it be single story, or would a 2-story with a first floor bedroom or master bedroom be OK?
Do you need a dedicated home office or can you use an extra bedroom as one?
In our Carlsbad market inventory is limited, and prices have been rising. So it’s important to have a good sense of what you need as it relates to the available inventory. It may or may not be difficult to find exactly what you want for the budget you have. Keep in mind there are always trade-offs when buying a Carlsbad home so it best fits your desired lifestyle.
But the other essential component, perhaps even more important, is the community and the lifestyle it affords you. I have yet to have a buyer say that the community was not an important factor, and in some ways it may be the most meaningful. The right house in the wrong area will typically not work!
Southern California offers a different lifestyle for many because of the great weather we have most of the time. And a big part of what most Carlsbadians like about being here is the fact that they can enjoy the outdoors most of the time, if not all year – with a wide range sports, recreational options, dining and much more. And for those moving from colder climes, like the Midwest or New England, the change in lifestyle can be most welcome but also very different! And that’s often a big part of what buyers are looking for when they move here.
Want to know a little bit more about out outdoor lifestyle in Carlsbad and nearby?
READ MORE:
Carlsbad Homes – Outdoor Living, Dining and Cooking
Carlsbad – Outdoor Living at Its Best in Southern California
Things to Do at the Beach in Carlsbad
In addition to finding out what is most important for your new home, it’s very useful for me to understand how you live and what you are seeking when you move here so I can guide you in the right direction. Here are a few examples.
Some neighborhoods will not work if you want to be within walking distance to the beach, or directly on the beach
If you want to live or near a golf course, that will eliminate many neighborhoods and narrow the search to specific areas and price ranges, which means there is a more limited pool of available properties
Do you want to be able to walk to amenities like shopping and dining or is a car drive OK
Pools and spas are more prevalent here (it’s a weather thing!) so if that’s important your search criteria should include that, or perhaps a willingness to install a pool or spa if space permits. Or will a community pool work (it may even be preferable)?
I created a questionnaire to target buyer’s home search criteria they are seeking and ask buyers to complete this. This helps guide them in their thinking about what’s most important for their new house, but also helps me better understand your needs. If you would like a copy please get in touch with me directly or via text at (760) 840-1360 or send me an email.
Because lifestyle is such a key issue for buyers, I created a second questionnaire focused on lifestyle questions. I have found many buyers have fairly specific expectations of what they are seeking in their move to Southern California and they vary quite a bit. These expectations impact the type of home, location, neighborhood, access to amenities and many other factors that we need to sort through to find the right property for you that fits your budget.
It's not unusual for buyers to have questions about schools, crime and safety, the "best" neighborhoods and similar issue. Please understand that I cannot answer questions such as: where are the best schools? Is this a safe neighborhood? Who lives in this neighborhood? But I can provide guidance as to resources and ways to gather this information so you can satisfy yourself.
Here’s to your new lifestyle in Carlsbad or elsewhere here in coastal North San Diego County.
Why not give me a call (760-840-1360) or text me, or send me an email at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com so we can discuss your hopes, dreams and budget and get started finding you the right home here in Carlsbad, or nearby.
Check out the Carlsbad Lifestyle in the slide show below.
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