For Buyers | At Home In Carlsbad

Posts from the ‘For Buyers’ Category

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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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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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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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 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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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 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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An Interesting Interest-Rate Infographic
October 23rd, 2012 | Featured, For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Just to put it all in perspective, here is an infographic from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) depicting the history of interest rates. We have it pretty good right now, with interest rates below 4% – is it time to think about the affordability of getting a mortgage NOW??
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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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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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New National Flood Insurance Program Extension Authorized in July 2012
July 27th, 2012 | For Buyers, For Sellers, Legal | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
There is some excellent news for potential homeowners who would need to purchase FLOOD INSURANCE required by their mortgage company in many communities throughout the US. This new bill, the Surface Transportation Bill (H.R. 4348), re-authorizes the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through 2017. The prior program was set to expire, again, after several lapses, [...]
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Realestate-ese – EMD (Earnest Money Deposit)
July 27th, 2012 | For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
EMD, or EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT, is an important part of the offer process. You will often hear this called simply a DEPOSIT or EARNEST MONEY but you will see EMD in MLS listings or instructions from escrow. The California Residential Purchase Agreement (offer) refers to it as INITIAL DEPOSIT. As a buyer when you submit [...]
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Realestate-ese: POF (Proof of Funds)
July 25th, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
POF stands for PROOF OF FUNDS. Providing Proof of Funds is essential in a real estate transaction, especially for foreclosures and short sales where this will be demand up front with your offer. POF demonstrates to the seller that you DO have the necessary funds to purchase the property. This is particularly important if you [...]
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Realestate-ese – A Series for Buyers and Sellers
July 25th, 2012 | For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
Having worked in a couple of different industries I have come to realize that the lingo used in a particular field can be confusing. This is especially true in REAL ESTATE, which seems to have more than its share of ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS and HARD TO DECIFER WORDS that no doubt cause tremendous confusion for buyers [...]
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Using Electronic Signatures with Docusign – A Tutorial
July 17th, 2012 | For Buyers, For Sellers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
I am using ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES more and more (except for REOs and short sales where they are typically not accepted by the banks) since it makes life easier for both buyers and sellers. Being able to sign on any device, without printing out, signing, and then faxing or scanning is a big relief, especially with [...]
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Repair Requirements for FHA Loans
July 16th, 2012 | For Buyers | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
If you are considering using an FHA loan to purchase your new home, or are already qualified, it’s important as a CARLSBAD BUYER to understand that there may be certain repairs that may arise in the course of an FHA appraisal and which may be REQUIRED to be fixed as a condition of the loan. [...]
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When You Snooze You May Lose in Today’s Housing Market
July 10th, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers | Jeff Dowler | 1 Comment
This seems to be becoming more and more true in this increasingly competitive real estate market in our area, and around the country. I shared my thoughts on this issue on my CARLSBAD REAL ESTATE NEWS blog and the post, which got featured, generated some interesting commentary from other agents. The market has changed fairly [...]
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8 Tips for Your Relocation (Part 3 of a 3-Part Series)
June 12th, 2012 | Financial, For Buyers, Relocation | Jeff Dowler | 1 Comment
In this last article in the series on RELOCATION TIPS we talk about 3 important issues – (1) flexibility; (2) financial issues; and (3) lifestyle changes Read the full article >>> SERIOUS REAL ESTATE CHALLENGES FOR SERIOUS RELOCATION BUYERS (Part 3 of a 3-Part Series) A big key to a successful RELOCATION is being flexible. [...]
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8 Tips for Your Relocation (Part 2 of a 3-Part Series)
June 2nd, 2012 | For Buyers, For Sellers, Relocation | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
In Part 2 of this series of RELOCATION TIPS for your move to Carlsbad or elsewhere in Southern California, we talk about (1) the disadvantage of being at a distance, and (3) timing issues -coordinating buying and selling when moving a distance. Read the FULL ARTICLE: SERIOUS REAL ESTATE CHALLENGES FOR SERIOUS RELOCATION BUYERS [...]
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8 Tips for Your Relocation (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series)
May 31st, 2012 | For Buyers, Relocation | Jeff Dowler | No Comments
A RELOCATION is always a challenging proposition, with many tasks to be accomplished in order to make it all happen successfully. Having moved a bunch of times both locally as well as across significant distances, I’ve found that while the general process is similar, the challenges of home buying and moving a substantial distance are [...]
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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

Carlsbad Area Housing Market Update for March 2013

The Real Estate Market is BACK in 2013 (Infographic)

Realestate-ese – What is the LAD?

Realestate-ese: What is a CMA?

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

Most Affordable Counties in California for Housing

Carlsbad Homes for Sale under $500,000

An Interesting Interest-Rate Infographic

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

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

New National Flood Insurance Program Extension Authorized in July 2012

Realestate-ese – EMD (Earnest Money Deposit)

Realestate-ese: POF (Proof of Funds)

Realestate-ese – A Series for Buyers and Sellers

Using Electronic Signatures with Docusign – A Tutorial

Repair Requirements for FHA Loans

When You Snooze You May Lose in Today’s Housing Market

8 Tips for Your Relocation (Part 3 of a 3-Part Series)

8 Tips for Your Relocation (Part 2 of a 3-Part Series)

8 Tips for Your Relocation (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series)

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