Blog | At Home In Carlsbad

Housing Market Trends from Q1 2012 to Q1 2013 in North San Diego County
May 23rd, 2013 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Reports, Uncategorized | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
We all know the market has shifted significantly around the country in the last 6 months, with many communities in the North San Diego County area becoming markets that favor sellers with LOW INVENTORY and HIGH BUYER DEMAND. Of course that does not mean that EVERY home has appreciated to the same extent, and we [...]
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Are You Waiting to Buy or Sell? Mortgage Rates Projected to Increase
May 22nd, 2013 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Reports | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Fannie Mae, the National Association of REALTORS, and the Mortgage Bankers Association are all projecting that INTEREST RATES are going to increase this year, reaching around 4% by 2013 year end, or more. So what does this mean for BUYERS and SELLERS who are waiting? Very simply, this means the cost of your MORTGAGE PAYMENT, [...]
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Thinking of Selling Your Home Without Representation?
April 26th, 2013 | For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Everyone knows the market has gotten very busy, with limited inventory and increased buyer demand…which means rising prices, multiple offers,some bidding wars, and homes selling quickly. Some SELLERS may be thinking…”OH, I can do this myself, with so many buyers looking for homes.” The reality is that this might be the worst time to try [...]
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6 Keys to a Successful Sale
April 24th, 2013 | For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Did you know… CORRECTLY POSITIONING YOUR HOME IN THE MARKETPLACE TO SELL IS ESSENTIAL. It’s not about just the comparables, it’s about the competition!! Buyers are looking at all the competition, not just the homes that are comparable to yours. There may be 50 or more homes the buyers could consider that are in their [...]
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Carlsbad Area Housing Market Update for March 2013
April 20th, 2013 | Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, For Buyers, For Sellers, La Jolla, Market Reports, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Solana Beach | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Here is a look at the CARLSBAD AREA housing market (including other North San Diego Communities) for March 2013. As you can see CARLSBAD is in a SELLER’S MARKET, as are all other nearby communities, except Rancho Santa Fe, having low inventory and buyer demand that means the market favors sellers. Carlsbad homes are selling [...]
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Carlsbad Home Sellers, Get Prepared for Your Home Inspection
April 17th, 2013 | For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
I’m not talking about YOUR home inspection, unless you are having one done as a precursor to listing your home so you know what deferred maintenance and defects to fix. I’m talking about getting prepared for the BUYER’S HOME INSPECTION once you have an accepted offer and are in escrow. The HOME INSPECTION tends to [...]
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The Real Estate Market is BACK in 2013 (Infographic)
March 11th, 2013 | For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Reports | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it (as will probably any other licensed real estate professional)…do not listen to the media to get the true picture of what is going on in the real estate market in 2013. Oh, you see reports about it being a seller’s market, with bidding wars, [...]
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Realestate-ese – What is the LAD?
March 8th, 2013 | For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
The LAD, or the LOCAL AREA DISCLOSURES, is a lengthy document outlining a number of general and specific conditions in various parts of San Diego County that may impact a home you are buying and thus might influence your decision to buy, or not. General disclosures include things like the potential presence of fairs and [...]
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Why You Should Stage Your Home for Sale in Carlsbad
March 5th, 2013 | Carlsbad, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Staging a Carlsbad home for sale often conjures up notions of spending tons of money, or doing something to a home that sounds artificial. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are a host of advantages to staging your home for sale, even if it is beautifully decorated. Keep in mind – you are [...]
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Realestate-ese: What is a CMA?
January 24th, 2013 | For Buyers, For Sellers, Realestate-Ese | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH? Sometimes our profession is guilty of tossing around abbreviations used commonly in the business and forgetting that those who are not licensed real estate professionals may have no clue what we are talking about. CMA is one of those common terms. A CMA, also known as a Comparative Market Analysis, [...]
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Carlsbad Marathon will be on Sunday January 27, 2013
January 17th, 2013 | Carlsbad, Things To Do | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
The popular CARLSBAD MARATHON will take place on Sunday January 27, 2013 including a HALF MARATHON and a Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND on Saturday. You can read more about the CARLSBAD MARATHON in this longer article. You can’t register to run since it’s sold out, but the venue along the coast road (in part) [...]
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Carlsbad Homebuyers – Are YOU Using Buyer Protection – Part 2?
January 3rd, 2013 | For Buyers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
The market is getting increasingly competitive and having a good strategy as a buyer in Carlsbad is essential to reach your goals. One KEY STRATEGY is using BUYER PROTECTION…having YOUR own buyer representative to help you through the complete process from identifying the home you want to buy until you close. In Part 2 of [...]
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How About the Luxury Housing Market Over $1 Million?
January 3rd, 2013 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers, Luxury Homes | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
There is a lot happening in the housing market, with dwindling inventory in our area (stay tuned for more updates on that), increased buyer demand, multiple offers and homes that are moving off the market quickly, especially at the lower price points. The luxury housing market, over $1 million, has also suffered many setbacks and [...]
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Carlsbad Homebuyers – Are YOU Using Buyer Protection (Part 1)?
December 22nd, 2012 | For Buyers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Some home buyers do not realize the value of BUYER PROTECTION, i.e., USING A BUYER AGENT to help in the purchase of your home. There are lots of reasons, but some key ones are to have someone who is YOUR coach and guide, someone to help you through the home search process, and a person [...]
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Housing Market Showing Signs of Improvement
December 21st, 2012 | For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Reports | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
There are a number of indications that the housing market is showing signs of improvement. First, the number of PENDING HOME SALES has been increasing, AND the overall trend of pendings for 2012 is well above that of 2011 Also, SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES across the country have increased in each region (2012 versus 2011) [...]
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The Social Benefits of Homeownership
December 21st, 2012 | For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
I happened upon this INFOGRAPHIC on the SOCIAL BENEFITS OF HOMEOWNERSHIP and thought I would share it. Lots of home owners think about the financial side of owning a home but may not be aware of the impact having a home can really have.
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Most Affordable Counties in California for Housing
November 19th, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Reports | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Affordability of housing has changed in a positive direction for many, if not all California counties. Some still remained less affordable based on average income and median housing prices, but many counties have become much more affordable, relatively speaking. Here is an infographic from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) that summarizes current affordability. Not [...]
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Carlsbad Smoking Ban Takes Effect November 2, 2012
October 24th, 2012 | Carlsbad, Carlsbad Village, News | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
In case you haven’t heard, the City of Carlsbad has expanded its ordnance regulating smoking in public places. The SMOKING BAN goes into effect on November 2, 2012. The original ordnance regulating smoking in public places was adopted in 1983 bu CARLSBAD, and CALIFORNIA enacted a law in 1988 prohibiting smoking in all enclosed places [...]
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Carlsbad Homes for Sale under $500,000
October 23rd, 2012 | For Buyers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Yes, you CAN buy a CARLSBAD HOME FOR SALE for under $500,000 these days. Even with the current entry point of around $360,000 for a single family detached home, you will be able to find both detached homes and condos in this price range. While many of the detached Carlsbad homes for sale under $500,000 [...]
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Realestate-ese: What is ABSORPTION RATE?
October 22nd, 2012 | For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Real estate agents often talk about what’s going on in the market, using realestate-ese. It can be confusing to buyers and sellers. One term often used ,which is important for both buyers and sellers to understand, is ABSORPTION RATE. Simply put, ABSORPTION RATE is the amount of time it would take for the current inventory [...]
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Here are Some Great Buys on Carlsbad Homes for Sale
October 10th, 2012 | Carlsbad, For Buyers, Market Reports, Things To Do, Waterfront Homes | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
I was asked to do a guest post a few months ago on GREAT BUYS ON HOMES FOR SALE IN CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA for RealEstate.com. That article about the Carlsbad area (things to do, etc.) plus some great buys in our diverse, but competitive, real estate market was just published. Take a look. * * * [...]
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The Cost of Housing Over the Last Decade
October 4th, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Here is an interesting and informative graphic showing the impact of today’s interest rates on the cost of homes over the last decade. No question buying a home is much more affordable these days
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Do You Think This Information MIGHT Be Important to You as a Buyer or Seller? I Do!
September 26th, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers, Market Reports | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
You have to pardon the media. They can’t or won’t keep up with local housing data when reporting how the real estate market is faring. I get that. But consumers read that information and gain an inaccurate picture of what is happening in the local market where they might be thinking of buying or selling. [...]
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Buyers and Sellers – Are You Relying in Zillow? I wouldn’t, and Here’s Why
September 23rd, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
There is a wealth of information on the Internet, but just because it’s there in writing DOES NOT mean it is accurate. As a buyer or seller, if you are relying on Zillow, I wouldn’t, and here’s why. If you want to make a sound buying or selling decision you need to have accurate information [...]
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Carlsbad and Surrounding Communities Market Report, 2012 vs. 2011
September 2nd, 2012 | Cardiff, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, For Buyers, For Sellers, La Jolla, Market Reports, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Solana Beach | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
This review of the housing market in Carlsbad and nearby North San Diego communities for the first half of 2012 as compared to the same time is 2011 is quite telling, with some significant changes. But it’s also quite clear each community is different, and the axiom that all real estate is local is obvious. [...]
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Day 68 – Have Lunch At BOXD and Enjoy the Park
August 28th, 2012 | 365 Things, Carlsbad Village, Dining | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
BOXD is a new eatery in the heart of Carlsbad Village on Carlsbad Village Drive. This unique restaurant offers a small park created on the large lot with tables, umbrellas, chairs, artificial turf so it’s always green, and a black wrought-iron fence that will remind you of Central Park and other city parks you may [...]
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The Encinitas California Lifestyle – Video Slideshow
August 8th, 2012 | 365 Things, Encinitas | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
If you aren’t familiar with the ENCINITAS LIFESTYLE, or even if you are, you might enjoy this glimpse into what it’s like to live in this eclectic Southern California coastal town – beaches, shopping, dining, art, fairs and festivals, and so much more. ENJOY!
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Day 67 – Take your Pooch to the Dog Days of Summer Festival in Cardiff by the Sea
August 4th, 2012 | 365 Things, Cardiff, Fairs and Festivals | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Is your pooch looking for something fun to do? Why not take him/her to the 7th ANNUAL DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Canine Festival and Contest in Cardiff by the Sea. This popular dog-focused festival attracts thousands of 2- and 4-legged festival goers and had become one of the more popular canine events around. The DOG [...]
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DAY 66 – Attend the Carlsbad Art in the Village Faire on August 12, 2012
August 3rd, 2012 | 365 Things, Art, Carlsbad Village, Fairs and Festivals | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
The Annual CARLSBAD ART IN THE VILLAGE FAIRE is coming Sunday August 12 in Carlsbad Village. I include this because it’s great fun and it happens every year. The CARLSBAD ART IN THE VILLAGE FAIRE is an amazing array of art work from well over 100 artists and crafts people – paintings in all mediums, [...]
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Realestate-ese: The 4506T Request for Transcript of Tax Records
August 1st, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers, Uncategorized | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
First off let me say I am NOT a mortgage professional, so I do not know all the ins and outs of the 4506T Request for Transcript of Tax Records form and how it is used, so if there are specific questions check with your lender. But here are my thoughts from several recent experiences. [...]
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Housing Market Trends from Q1 2012 to Q1 2013 in North San Diego County

Are You Waiting to Buy or Sell? Mortgage Rates Projected to Increase

Thinking of Selling Your Home Without Representation?

6 Keys to a Successful Sale

Carlsbad Area Housing Market Update for March 2013

Carlsbad Home Sellers, Get Prepared for Your Home Inspection

The Real Estate Market is BACK in 2013 (Infographic)

Realestate-ese – What is the LAD?

Why You Should Stage Your Home for Sale in Carlsbad

Realestate-ese: What is a CMA?

Carlsbad Marathon will be on Sunday January 27, 2013

Carlsbad Homebuyers – Are YOU Using Buyer Protection – Part 2?

How About the Luxury Housing Market Over $1 Million?

Carlsbad Homebuyers – Are YOU Using Buyer Protection (Part 1)?

Housing Market Showing Signs of Improvement

The Social Benefits of Homeownership

Most Affordable Counties in California for Housing

Carlsbad Smoking Ban Takes Effect November 2, 2012

Carlsbad Homes for Sale under $500,000

Realestate-ese: What is ABSORPTION RATE?

Here are Some Great Buys on Carlsbad Homes for Sale

The Cost of Housing Over the Last Decade

Do You Think This Information MIGHT Be Important to You as a Buyer or Seller? I Do!

Buyers and Sellers – Are You Relying in Zillow? I wouldn’t, and Here’s Why

Carlsbad and Surrounding Communities Market Report, 2012 vs. 2011

Day 68 – Have Lunch At BOXD and Enjoy the Park

The Encinitas California Lifestyle – Video Slideshow

Day 67 – Take your Pooch to the Dog Days of Summer Festival in Cardiff by the Sea

DAY 66 – Attend the Carlsbad Art in the Village Faire on August 12, 2012

Realestate-ese: The 4506T Request for Transcript of Tax Records

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