Short Sale

Save time . . . outsource annoying administrative tasks including the negotiation of your latest short sale listings. Our office is available to help with the paperwork, obtain the approval letters, and relieve you of the headaches so that you can focus on what you do best—real estate, including the listing and selling property!

Visit our website because all the commission checks you could ever want are just a click away.

If you are considering buying a condominium in San Marcos, Escondido or beyond, then you may be looking at short sales. There are many, many condos on the market right now in North San Diego County, and many of them are short sale listings. These are wonderful deals. If you can afford it, you can get a condo and your mortgage payment would probably less than your monthly rent.

But . . . there’s a little something that I’d like to make you aware of . . . especially if you are a first-time buyer with an FHA loan: there are many guidelines with regard to FHA loans. One specific guideline is with regard to the percentage of owner occupancy in the condominium complex.

Say, for example, 76% of the condominiums in the complex are owned by investors who rent them out to tenants. Well, buyers obtaining FHA lender financing may not qualify for specific complexes due to the high percentage of non-owner occupied units.

For this reason, it is vital to work with a buyer’s agent who has experience and can identify condominiums that will qualify.

Short sales usually take a fiar amount of time to get approved. It would be a shame to wait until the transaction is approved by the seller’s lender and then suddenly learn that you, the buyer, cannot qualify to purchase a unit in that complex.

Before you hire another agent to represent you, contact my office to learn about the specialized services that we can provide to buyers and sellers of short sales in San Diego County.

Buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market will find there’s a lot for sale in Carlsbad and the surround communities.

If you are interested in building your own home and have the time and the budget you will find many lots in the area in a wide range of prices, views and sizes. Of course it’s important to determine if the lots ARE truly buildable and what you can put there (some may have restrictions either in the deed or from the town), any size limitations, access to utilities, and other matters.

It’s also important to find about the building permit process – what approvals are needed, and how long you can expect to wait for approvals. And if you are building near the ocean and may block or change abutters’ views, you can expect a lengthy approval process where your potential neighbors can attend the public hearing to air their concerns. C-Story poles will likely be used to show the dimensions of what is being built.

If you plan to build on one of the few ocean-front lots you can expect a lengthy wait for all the approvals, in particular from the California Coastal Commission. Geologic and engineering reports will be important if you plan to build on the bluff or on a hillside as some areas may be prone to shifting ground and erosion.

Here’s a summary of the available lots per the San Diego MLS (no representations are made here as to ability to build a home or any other issues related to purchasing land and developing it). Some of these are large enough for grand estates, or to subdivide if you are interested in development.

CARLSBAD – lots from 3,999 SF to 60 acres (occupants on one lot – rabbits. On another – Jack Rabbit), priced from 5,000 to .95 million

ENCINITAS – lots from 3,920 SF to 6 acres, priced from 5,900 to .695 million (an ocean bluff lot of about ½ acre is priced at .95 million)

CARDIFF – 3 lots, from 9,000 to 5,000, 5000 to 8062 SF

SOLANA BEACH – 7 lots priced from 9,000 to .7 million, with 9025 SF to 31,096 SF

DEL MAR – 7 lots priced from 0,000 to million (the latter a large parcel of almost 6 acres on an oceanfront bluff with an existing house, and the priciest piece of property in San Diego), with 5141 SF up to almost 6 acres

SAN MARCOS – there are 27 lots available from ,000 to .7 million, from 8900 SF to 25 acres

RANCHO SANTA FE – prices from 0,000 to .1 million for lots from .68 acres to about 30 acres

In San Diego County there are a total of 1752 lots available, 10 of which are priced at over million. In contrast there are almost a dozen lots priced at less than ,000 in some inland areas.

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If I can provide more information about San Diego real estate 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.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler “The California Relocation Dude” Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

A very successful and enjoyable second annual Brasil Jazz Festa was held last Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at the Encinitas Public Library in Encinitas California. 

While last year’s Brasil Jezz Festa was a tribute to Brazilian composer and guitarist Chico Pinheiro, this year’s offering was a more eclectic tribute to other Brazilian composers like Antonio Carlos Jobim. 

Local jazz artist Allison Tuckers Adams, who lives in Leucadia, and San Diego musician/flutist Louisa West co-founded the first festival, inspired by West’s inspirational participation a couple of years ago in a Brazil jazz camp held annually in the Sonoma area for the last 11 years.  

Other local jazz musicians who participated included include pianist Danny Green; guitarist Jimmy Patton; bassists Grant Clarkson, Evona Wascinski (bass), Justin Grinnell (bass); guitarist and singer Andy Villas-Boas; and percussionists/drummers Enrique Platas, Mark Lamson and Ruben Mello. Three ensembles performed  during the 2 hour concert to the delight of the audience. 

Enjoy the video (it’s 6 minutes).

These musicians started the event with an interesting percussion entrance – as they did last year.

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas and Leucadia real estate 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.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler “The California Relocation Dude” Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Blogging provides an opportunity for us to share a wealth of knowledge about a wide array of topics, much of which, hopefully, is of interest to consumers. 

And if we are doing it well, with the right keywords, folks will find those pearls of wisdom you have created and come back repeatedly to learn more, and ultimately will perhaps call you to help them buy and/or sell.

Some readers will stumble on your writings in ways you don’t expect, or even know about…the long tail approach. That’s good, too. 

But do you take a proactive approach and also actually share your posts with people you know (current and past clients), prospects that sign up for listings on your website, people you meet at open houses, referrals, and so on?

You should.

Why just wait for consumers to find your wonderful articles? Why not pass them along as part of your campaign to be helpful?

Here are just a few ways those articles can be used: 

• Answering buyer and seller questions
• Sharing information buyers and sellers ought to know in this market
• Updates on real estate laws and regulations
• Updates on mortgage programs
• Providing market information
• Providing information about housing options in your market
• Things to do, restaurants, tourist stuff, shopping and more for relocation buyers 

I’m sure you can think of more. 

Just think – you can share great articles at open houses, in your individual emails to clients and prospects, in your email drip campaigns, in your buyer, seller/pre-listing and relocation kits, in your newsletters, and on postcards. Or how about setting up separate sites or summary articles where you can direct people who will be interested in what you have to say? 

Share Your Friends’ Blog Posts, too!

How about all those wonderful posts you find here on ActiveRain and elsewhere. Do you share links to those articles too, even though you aren’t the creator? 

I know some of you do, since I have had requests for permission to share, and some articles have been reblogged. But think about this – why NOT share great articles that you find as a further way of demonstrating your role as a knowledgeable agent who knows where to find information useful for consumers in your market. 

You can simply put a link to the articles that you wish to share, but make sure it is clear they do not appear to be YOUR material but are clearly the work of other writers. Including a comment about why you selected that article by that writer and giving them credit is a smart thing to do. 

Better yet – why not touch base with the writer as a way to begin a relationship, ask permission, and then let them know what you plan to do. They will likely appreciate your thoughtfulness and return the favor. 

So not only do you get to share great material from fellow bloggers, there is the added bonus of relationship building.

And why not SUBSCRIBE to that person’s blog if you like what you are reading.

Recently I wrote a blog post about how negotiating a short sale was kind of like eating this strange concoction I read about on msn.com-a chocolate bacon cupcake. It was in one of the comments on the post-a comment by AR blogger Dan Tabit of Washington that I came upon this idea. You see, Dan pointed out that a short sale is kind of like a the everlasting gobstopper (the neverending jawbreaker of a candy) made in Wonka’s factory.

It was then that I began to ponder how many of the confections and concepts Roald Dahl’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and the Willy Wonka movie starring Gene Wilder) really parallel things that are going on in the distressed real estate market in California and beyond.

First, I’ll start with the most obvious: the candy.

A short sale is frequently like an everlasting gobstopper. Short Sales frequently take forever to complete-just like Wonka’s candy.

A short sale can also be like the gum Wonka is creating in the factory-the one that Violet chews that the one that tasted like a 3 course meal: tomato soup, roast beef, and blueberry pie. You see, short sales constantly change directions (like the gum changes flavor).

In the film, all of Charlie’s four grandparents share a bed and a one room shack. This is no doubt due to the recession, the lack of stimulus money, and the general poor economy.

While the book was written in 1964, it really applies to lots of things going on today. While short sales are frequently hard to digest, it’s much more fun to think about all of the delicious confections in a chocolate factory!

Short Sales in East Escondido are closing, and buyers are getting fantastic deals! Check this out:

Bedrooms: 2

Baths: 2

Square Footage: 1104

Cross Street: Bear Valley Parkway

Sold Price: 0,000

This charming single level home has skylights, vaulted ceilings, a tiled entry, a large living room with fireplace, separate dining area and a wonderful kitchen.

There are great deals on short sales in East Escondido. If you are a buyer who is interested in participating in a short sale, know that you need to have patience. Just like this wonderful property, there are many more.

If we can help you to buy or sell your property in Escondido, San Marcos or beyond, please do not hesitate to give us a call!

I suspect many a real estate mogul got their start playing the board game classic Monopoly. It has a new look this year. This time rather than just houses and hotels, players can also build industrial buildings, railroads and sports stadiums, many in 3D versions in the center of the board.

This being a game, players can also put up bonus buildings that protect their properties or “hazard buildings” that lower the value of opponent’s properties. Not sure what the real world equivalent of those would be, maybe a night club.

Parker Brothers launched Monopoly during the Great Depression and it was a huge hit in those tough times. This year though, going bankrupt and losing property seems a little too close to home.

TheAviara area of Carlsbad bordering the Batiquitos Lagoon is a beautiful resort residential community anchored by the Four Seasons Aviara Resort, and buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market seeking a detached view home should well consider the homes at Mar Fiore in Aviara.

READ MORE:  

Carlsbad Village by the Sea

Aviara – A Beautiful Resort Residential Community in Carlsbad 

Mar Fiore is one of the 16 communities in the Aviara master homeowners association. This ungated community of 137 homes (mostly two story but with a few single story homes) is built on rolling hills overlooking the lagoon and the popular Four Seasons Aviara golf course.

Lush vegetation with eucalyptus trees and styling reminiscent of Old Santa Barbara are hallmarks of this upper end community with close proximity to the walking trails of the Batiquitos Lagoon preserve. Views might include the golf course, the ocean, the lagoon or the community itself. 

There are 4 Carlsbad homes on the marketat Mar Fiore ranging in size from 3328 to 3942 SF with 4 or 5 bedrooms and 3 or 4 baths. Prices run from 5,000 to ,150,000.

These homes are characterized by high ceilings, large windows, private yards, fine finishes (granite, travertine) and a variety of floor plans. There is a wonderful hiking trail through the eucalyptus grove as well.

Children attend the nearby Carlsbad Unified Schools – Aviara Oaks Elementary and Aviara Oaks Middle School. 

HOA fees vary depending on the home, from about /month to /month. Residents also pay Mello Roos fees which are fairly modest compared to some communities, from 0/year to 5/year. 

In 2009 there have been 4 Carlsbad homes sold in Mar Fiore, from 5,000 (a bank-owned property) to 5,000, with sizes from 3112 SF to 3445 SF. 

The beautiful spacious detached homes in Mar Fiore offer a terrific opportunity for buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market who want a residential area near the ocean yet with easy access to a variety of amenities including shopping, dining, and the Carlsbad beaches.

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and Aviara real estate 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.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler “The California Relocation Dude” Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

TheAviara area of Carlsbad bordering the Batiquitos Lagoon is a beautiful resort residential community anchored by the Four Seasons Aviara Resort, and buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market seeking a detached view home should well consider the homes at Mar Fiore in Aviara.

READ MORE:  

Carlsbad Village by the Sea

Aviara – A Beautiful Resort Residential Community in Carlsbad 

Mar Fiore is one of the 16 communities in the Aviara master homeowners association. This ungated community of 137 homes (mostly two story but with a few single story homes) is built on rolling hills overlooking the lagoon and the popular Four Seasons Aviara golf course.

Lush vegetation with eucalyptus trees and styling reminiscent of Old Santa Barbara are hallmarks of this upper end community with close proximity to the walking trails of the Batiquitos Lagoon preserve. Views might include the golf course, the ocean, the lagoon or the community itself. 

There are 4 Carlsbad homes on the marketat Mar Fiore ranging in size from 3328 to 3942 SF with 4 or 5 bedrooms and 3 or 4 baths. Prices run from 5,000 to ,150,000.

These homes are characterized by high ceilings, large windows, private yards, fine finishes (granite, travertine) and a variety of floor plans. There is a wonderful hiking trail through the eucalyptus grove as well.

Children attend the nearby Carlsbad Unified Schools – Aviara Oaks Elementary and Aviara Oaks Middle School. 

HOA fees vary depending on the home, from about /month to /month. Residents also pay Mello Roos fees which are fairly modest compared to some communities, from 0/year to 5/year. 

In 2009 there have been 4 Carlsbad homes sold in Mar Fiore, from 5,000 (a bank-owned property) to 5,000, with sizes from 3112 SF to 3445 SF. 

The beautiful spacious detached homes in Mar Fiore offer a terrific opportunity for buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market who want a residential area near the ocean yet with easy access to a variety of amenities including shopping, dining, and the Carlsbad beaches.

********************************

     Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and Aviara real estate 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.

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler “The California Relocation Dude” Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits