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What You Should Know About Down Payments
2008-05-28 15:34:00
I recently wrote about the importance of considering your overall financial status and goals when making a Carlsbad home purchase. It's a big decision and there can be huge financial implications, both in the near term and down the road. Most buyers, unless they qualify for 100% financing or obtain gift money, will allocate a large chunk of cash to the down payment (up to 20% or more of the purchase price; with detached homes starting around $500K in Carlsbad we are talking $100,000!). And the decision of how large a down payment to make on your home purchase is not just about making a competitive offer, but may have huge implications on your big-picture financial situation. This decision requires a careful analysis and depends on your unique set of circumstances. So I got some information from a friend of mine, Paul Parotti, a financial planner, and wanted to share this. With the help of a qualified real estate agent, financial planner, mortgage profe...

First Time Home Sellers - Are You Worried About Security and Your Possessio
2008-04-24 16:34:00
A common concern of sellers when they list their home, especially if it is for the first time, is security. Sellers worry that something may get taken, or damaged, during an open house. Or when the home is being shown by another agent. This is a normal concern and is to be expected. Buyers will not see your home on their own (except during an open house, but your agent will be there) and will need to be accompanied by a licensed agent who can access the lockbox. So this adds some measure of security. While I do not believe it happens often, there are times when a homeowner has had an item taken or damaged. The best way around this is to make sure that any items that are valuable, precious, easily broken, personally meaningful, or irreplaceable are packed away. Since you should de-clutter or de-personalize your home in order to have it show its best (even if it makes it feel that it is NOT your home anymore), putting away those things that are important to you will give yo...
More About: Security , Time , Home , First Time

Wow - Busy Market, at Least for Me
2008-04-17 05:34:00
Whew, it has really gotten busy. That's good news, which is why I bring it up. I have been talking with friends of mine in the business, as well as home inspectors, mortgage folks, and escrow companies, and they all say the same thing. It HAS gotten busier. Not sure that is true everywhere but here in Southern California there is a noticeable difference. And I have to apologize that I have not been able to keep up the same pace with blogging here about relocation. I just have not been able to keep up with it all. Ironically most of the business that has kept me so busy with working with folks who are relocating here, or investigating the possibilities. I am working on a few other articles to be posted soon that should be of interest. So stay tuned. If you are coming to San Diego (due to relocation, or just a pleasure trip), check out my blog on the San Diego Airport - Lindberg Field.
More About: Market , Busy

Researching Schools When Relocating - How to do it
2008-03-31 16:56:00
Area schools are often one of the major criteria buyers are concerned about when searching for a new Carlsbad home (and elsewhere), and it's not only those with school-age children. This is particularly important for those who are relocating and are not familiar with the schools in the community. So how do you find out about the schools in the communities you are thinking about for your new home? You can read more here about School Digger, School Matters, School Data Direct, and Great Schools . *********************** If I can provide more information about this community 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.

50 Largest Cities in the US - Information for Relocation Home Buyers
2008-03-27 14:54:00
Recent statistics indicate that lots of people are continuing to move, especially to the south (such as Texas) and the west. Some cities are growing while others are losing population. Detroit, for example, has lost many of its population, perhaps due to the economic situation they have been experiencing for some time. As part of your due diligence, you may be wondering about that new city you are moving to. Or perhaps you are considering several places but don't know much about them, and want to know more. I can tell you quite a bit about San Diego, as I live here, but not necessarily a great deal about some other cities. Here are the profiles of 50 of the largest cities in the United States to help you on your way. And if you are curious about the rank order of the largest 50 cities, here's the list. ************* If I can provide more information about the Carlsbad area or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please ...
More About: Information , Research , Home Buyers , Home , Cities

Vacating for Relocating? Protect Your Home
2008-03-17 16:26:00
In today's market it is not unusual for sellers who are relocating, especially for a new job, to reach a point where they NEED to move to the new location but still have not sold their current home. How can you best handle this situation, and protect your investment? Discuss the situation with your REALTOR and reach an agreement regarding him/her checking the house regularly, especially after bad weather (say, at lest once per week or more). They ought to do this without you asking but better to be sure. Entrust a good friend or neighbor with a key to also check in, in case your REALTOR gets busy and is not available, or forgets to check in. Have them check the bathrooms in case they have been used by folks touring the home, and watch for leaky pipes and sinks. They can also check the heat and AC in case buyers or agents turn them on and forget to turn them off. Turn off the water to the washer if there is one in the house. Keep ...
More About: Home

Relocating with your Pets
2008-03-15 15:52:00
Many folks need to be concerned about their pets when relocating, in addition to the kids, furniture and a myriad of other issues. Moving short distances are easier to contend with, in general, but there are some things to consider so your pet can make the transition as easy as possible. Some time ago I shared some information on moving with pets based on personal experience as well as conversations with folks who has dealt with these issues. You can read about moving with pets here. There is a new service that is available to those who have pets to move, or perhaps will be traveling and want to take them along. PetRelocation is a new service that can provide door-to-door assistance for your pet, whether in the US or around the world. With a network of transportation carriers and route, the company can provide help to a wide range of pets and their owners. There is also local information about vets, dog parks and vaccination requirements (which can vary quite a bit when travel...
More About: Pets

New Conforming Loan Limits
2008-03-15 15:32:00
The conforming loan limits for loans funded by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae now have temporary new limits. In the past, buyers who needed a loan larger than the conforming limit (i.e., the JUMBO loan) of $417,000 paid a higher interest rate. For many, the significant increase in the monthly payment was enough to keep them out of the buying market, especially in areas like Carlsbad (and San Diego in general) where median home prices generally exceed this limit. The new limits, in place for loan that originated between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008, are $697,500 for a 1-unit dwelling, and up to $1,341,350 for a 4-unit property. These changes are expected to bring more buyers into the pricey Carlsbad and San Diego housing markets, and coupled with the declines in prices we have seen in the last few years, increase the affordability level for many.
More About: Loan , Limits , Conforming

Why is That Circus Tent in Your Yard?
2008-02-14 17:18:00
If you are relocating to the Carlsbad, California area, or elsewhere in Southern California, you may see an occasional "circus tent" over a house in the neighborhood as you are driving around. As a buyer of Carlsbad real estate, you should know about this and what it means. Termites are a common problem here and inspections for termite infestation and dealing with getting rid of these critters is a part of most real estate transactions involving residential property. How this is handled by the buyer and seller is subject to negotiation, but there are some common practices. You can read my recent post on termites on my Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits blog. ************************** If I can provide more information about this community 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.
More About: Yard , Due Diligence , Tent , Circus

How to Relocate Speciality Items
2008-02-10 19:30:00
Some folks have specialty items they need to move when they are relocating. This can include a wide range of items - boats, tractors, snowmobiles, canoes, kayaks, motorcycles, dirt bikes, large kids playground equipment, golf carts and so forth. Transporting these recreational items in a relocation can be a challenge. If you are used to moving you equipment around anyhow, such as a boat or snowmobile, then you are all set provide you are willing and able to DRIVE to your new location. And that may be the most economical thing to do. When investigating movers, you will want to also check on their policies and costs for moving specialty items. Some movers may not be willing to move these things or not be able to accommodate them, so you may need to arrange your own transportation. There may be premiums you will have to pay for these things, and the mover's insurance may have restrictions (or additional costs). Moving companies these days are pretty sophi...
More About: Items

Getting Organized - The Move Itself: Moving Day
2008-02-07 16:57:00
We just talked about moving day a bit - all the emotions, seeing your life go into boxes. It's part of the reality but even though you might know this is coming, the reality is often a shock. Being organized on moving day will help you tremendously. Kathi Burns has been helping us all get organized in preparation for the big moving day. Here's she helps us COPE with moving day itself. If you missed part 1 of this section you can read it here: Organizing for Your Move Here's Part 2 - Packing to Move Here are the posts in the first part of the series on Preparing Your House for Sale: Part 1 - Get Organized: Preparing Your House for Sale (Getting Started/Space Clearing 101) Part 2 - Get Organized: Preparing Your House for Sale (Donate and Recycle/Trash) Part 3 - Getting Organized: Preparing Your House for Sale (Reload your closets, and Help) **************************************** Moving Day ...

Communities and Subdivisions in Coastal North County San Diego
2008-02-06 23:47:00
If you are considering homes in the North County San Diego area, here's a summary table of some of the coastal communities, and some neighborhoods and subdivisions within them. Happy home searching. If I can help in any way, please feel free to call or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net. COMMUNITY PROFILES and NEIGHBORHOODS CARLSBAD Aviara, La Costa, Rancho Carrillo, Calavera Hills, Brookfield, La Costa Greens, La Costa Oaks, La Costa Ridge, The Bay Collection, La Costa Meadowridge, Azure Cove/Isla Mar/Tramonto, La Costa Condos, Avocet, Sea Point Tennis Club at La Costa, Bressi Ra...
More About: Communities

Getting Organized - Preparing Your Home To Sell
2008-01-25 16:37:00
Here's the first installment in our series on Getting Organ ized before, during and after your RELOCATION. You are in for a treat - there is a ton of great stuff here, so get ready to get organized and addSpace to your life! Kathi Burns will guide you on your journey to organization. The first 3 articles will focus on PREPARING YOUR HOME TO SELL. And even if you are NOT moving, these tips will help you get YOUR HOME more organized. Know someone who could use this help too? Please pass along the link to this article. *********************** Prep aring Your Home to Sell Your home is your castle. Unfortunately, with the abundance of closets and cabinets, you probably have no idea how many treasures you actually have tucked away into the nooks and crannies. The best way to prepare to sell your home is to begin by methodically taking inventory of your possessions and pu...

Don't Let Disorganization Ruin YOUR Relocation
2008-01-21 20:45:00
The NEW YEAR is here, and it's time to get organized. Sound like another new year's resolution? Well, perhaps. But if you are planning to sell your home and move into a new one, your success, and happiness, depends on being organized. Most of us probably aren't as organized as we would like. And as my friend Linda Scanlan asked so poignantly in her recent, and popular, article, is your life organized? I had to say no. Perhaps you do too. Selling your home, moving, and getting settled in a new one can be a Herculean task, enough to challenge the most organized obsessive. And, admittedly, no matter how organized you might think you are, things will just not go the way they should, or clutter and confusion will take over. Life is just that way sometimes. I know, I've been there. So, making the assumption that you might be in need of some assistance, if you are planning a move, here are some tips to help you on your way. And if you are...
More About: Ruin , Organ , Relocation

Do YOU Pick or Shall I?
2008-01-18 16:09:00
As a home buyer, you likely have some thoughts on what homes interest you. Perhaps things are a bit cloudy... OR you may have some very definite ideas about what you want AND the homes you want to see on your house hunting trip. I personally feel it's better if the home buyer makes the choices about homes they want to see. After all, it's your decision as to what to buy, not mine. So for me to create the list of homes that I think you should see, rather than you deciding doesn't make sense. IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU! And until I get to know you and what you are looking for, I cannot reasonably make those decisions. That being said, however, some Carlsbad home buyers who do not know the area find it hard to even make a decision about what homes to tour based only on the listings from the MLS (some listings are rather misleading, unfortunately), particularly if it is their first visit to the area and they are trying to learn more about the Carlsbad community or other coast...
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January 2008 Special Edition of the San Diego Beat
2008-01-18 15:55:00
The January 2008 Special Edition of The San Diego Beat is out and ready for readers. This blog has a great collection of articles about the San Diego area (my recent article on the LUX Art Institute in Encinitas was one of the posts included in the special edition, along with articles about the housing market, area attractions and much more). Take a look.
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The BEST Way to Learn About Neighborhhoods When Relocating
2008-01-17 17:37:00
I am often asked "what is the best way to learn about neighborhoods?" To some extent, the answer depends on YOU and what information you need in order to determine what neighborhood you like. Home buyers often have different ideas of what is important to them in a neighborhood. Here's why... some things are rather tangible (the way it looks, the size, the type of housing, traffic, proximity to shopping) other attributes are less obvious (is it friendly, what are the demographics of the residents, noise) and have different meaning to different folks. So, it is really UP TO YOU to determine what things ARE important so you can decide where to live. Sometimes price will determine what neighborhoods will be suitable (this may be true in expensive areas, like Southern California, or if your budget is limited), or access to certain schools or other amenities. When relocating, you should do extensive research on-line to learn more about the neig...
More About: Learn

Will 2008 be YOUR Year in Real Estate?
2008-01-09 16:27:00
2007 was a tough year in many parts of the country for real estate. No question. And 2008 is not expected to be a banner year although projections are for some improvement. No one has a crystal ball so despite these predictions NO ONE knows for sure what will happen. The media, of course (radio, TV, newspapers), tends to portray the real estate situation as pretty dismal all over, with dire predictions of doom and gloom, and headlines screaming about the drop in sales. Yes, there have been significant changes in many markets, but unfortunately what you see in the media are the averages, the summary, the more unpleasant news, without paying much attention to what is the reality in many areas. Some market ARE doing well, with low inventory, buyers actively buying and so on. The media seems to ignore the fact that REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. And general market conditions from a county, state or national perspective do NOT accurately reflect what is going on in the local economy, such as a ...
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real , Year

A Summary of Relocation Tips (Post #3)
2008-01-09 15:59:00
Here's my next summary article on relocation tips, Relocation is NOT for Dummies. 1. Relocation to another state or across the country is a challenge, and there is so much to coordinate. Making a list is a smart idea to keep things on track and not miss anything. There is packing to do, movers to hire, possibly kids and/or pets to worry about, and so much more. Get the lowdown on these issues here. 2. Some of you who are relocating may have a RELOCATION PACKAGE from your current or new employer. I would suggest reading this summary of the things you should consider. In case you missed the earlier summary articles: Summary of Relocation Tips (Post #1) - Emotional and psychological stuff Summary of Relocation Tips (Post #2) - Selling your home and house hunting If I can help in any way with YOUR relocation, please don't hesitate to give me a call or TEXT ME at (760) 840-1360 or email me. ***************************************** ************************* Sta...
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A Summary of Relocation Tips (Post #2)
2008-01-04 07:40:00
Here's the next summary post in my Relocation is NOT for Dummies Series, where I focus on house hunting. Finding a new home is tough, and even tougher when doing a search from a distance, and when you don't know the area. You need to find a good REALTOR, and utilize the resources available to you to learn more about communities, housing costs, and more. And a house hunting trip is likely to be part of your game plan - here's how to make the most of it. Using the Internet is, of course, essential in gathering the information you need. But once you have decided on a REALTOR to help you, phone conversations are important, too. You can have a more effective dialog, get quick answers to questions, and work on the relationship with your agent, which can be tough from a distance. You may be a big tech junkie, but don't rule out the good old fashioned telephone. It's also a good way to check out how responsive your agent is...something you need to be concerned about when making a b...
More About: Tips , Post , Summary , Loca

Become an Expert: HOW TO Videos
2008-01-03 15:37:00
I found a cool site I wanted to share with you. Are there things about your house that need fixing. Need some home improvement suggestions? Want to pick a plant color for your family room to spruce it up for selling? Expert Village has thousands of HOW TO videos from experts on numerous topics - home and garden, beauty, pets, automotive, music, food and drink, and much more. Check it out and become an expert.
More About: Videos , Pert

In This Age of the Internet, Don't Forget the Phone
2007-12-31 17:48:00
Most consumers these days are using the Internet - for reading (newspapers, for example), shopping, making reservations (cars, hotels, air, restaurant), general research on just about any topic, and much more. You, since you are here, are using it for your house hunting and relocation. Recent studies suggest 70% are doing so - my personal thought is more like 80-85%. It's a great way to learn about a new area that you are thinking of moving to, finding a home, researching schools, and more. I'll be the first one to tell you that using the Internet as part of your house hunting strategy is essential. But in this age of the Internet, don't forget the phone. Sometimes the best way to get information is to call someone and ask. You can have a dialog, ask specific questions, and sometimes learn more than if you were to only use the Internet. And who knows, you might hook up with the right person to help you in your purchase. Over the weekend I had calls from some folks in Florida w...
More About: Phone , The Internet

Do You Know What Your Relocation Company Does for You?
2007-12-20 19:03:00
If you are relocating, or may do so in the future, and a relocation company will be involved, it is essential that you understand the role that they will play in your relocation and how this will impact you, financially and otherwise. Relocation companies operate in different ways, and programs that are offered to transferees will vary depending on the employer and what they authorize, and the specific services the relo company is able to provide. For example: Are they paying closing costs on either the buy side, the sell side or both? Are these costs paid up front by the transferee and then reimbursed, or does the relocation pay these fees directly? What additional paperwork does the relocation company require during the transaction (e.g., a copy of your signed offer on your current home, the contract on your new home); what records should you keep (e.g., receipts for temporary housing)? Is the relocation company doing any direct b...
More About: Company , Loca

The Value of Signage When Selling Your Home
2007-12-19 05:01:00
While signage is not the most critical part of selling your home, it certainly is an essential part of the strategy. I know I have said multiple times that if the price is not right, all the marketing and advertising will not make up for it. Having effective signage, is, however, necessary in order to gain exposure in this competitive market, and to appeal to as broad a buyer pool as possible. I just posted an article about using signage effectively, using my most recent Carlsbad home listing as an example, using a multimedia approach to "grab" the attention of buyers and provide information. You can read more about the value of signage here. ***************************************** * Start your CARLSBAD HOMES SEARCH here (and other San Diego communities) Download FREE BUYER AND SELLER REPORTS here Visit CARLSBAD COMMUNITY REPORTS for profiles on communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods (incouding other areas)
More About: Selling , Home

Putting Photos on a Map for Buyers and Sellers
2007-12-18 02:00:00
I have started to use a new application that I believe will be helpful for both buyers and sellers. Map My Pix allows me to put photos on a map that are easily viewed by clicking. The viewer not only sees the photo (or a tourist site, home, etc.) but also the location. I see some great utility and plan to use this is a number of ways for clients. I will include the map with relevant photos in my on-line listings (check out the first one here to see the Mapping with Photos in action) for buyers to learn more about my listings I'm going to start using the mapping in my listing presentation so sellers will see yet another way in which I use technology, and how will use it when I list their home! My relocation buyers will receive a map with the photos of the homes they will be touring when they meet with me for their house-hunting trip. I will also share copmmunity profiles and a map with photos of the areas my relocation clients are i...
More About: Putting , Sellers , Buyers

Are You Ready to Make an Offer?
2007-12-17 17:38:00
So you are ready to make an offer on a Carlsbad home (or elsewhere). Are you new at this? Or do you already know the drill? Heere are some thoughts on what to expect (keep in mind the process may vary a little bit in different states - but this is how we do it in California). First, decide on an offer price, perhaps the most important thing you need to do...read more on making an offer here.
More About: Make , Ready , Offer

Another Carlsbad Neighborhood to Consider - Serenata at Aviara
2007-12-15 04:39:00
Carlsbad home buyers If you are considering homes in the Aviara area of Carlsbad, one neighborhood you might want to visit (only if you are looking in the $900K and up range, however), is Serena ta . You can read more about this Aviara neighbood here. And you might want to look at the most recent Carlsbad Market Report for the latest on what is happening with prices and inventory.
More About: Neighborhood

Carlsbad Home Sellers - Your FIRST Open House is On-Line
2007-12-03 16:23:00
Maybe you already know this. But I bet many of you have not thought about it in this way. As a seller of a Carlsbad home (or anywhere, for that matter), your FIRST open house is on-line...don't forget it, OR underestimate the power of what I just told you. In this day and age of Internet marketing, unless your agent is in a cave, you should have plenty of exposure to the buying public on-line. It's the first place buyers generally look for homes, and so it is where they will gain a FIRST IMPRESSION of your home. Is your Carlsbad home really ready for that open house? I wrote an article directed more toward agents, but the same information applies to sellers. You and your agent have to work as a team to prepare for that FIRST OPEN HOUSE (as an example, some of the photos I have seen on-line for homes are pretty scary - who would want to go see THAT house?!). Read more here to find out if you are ready for your first open house!
More About: House , Home , Open , Open House , On-line

Does Your Relocation Package Include a Buyout?
2007-11-22 15:37:00
If you are getting a relocation package from your new employer there will likely be a number of services provided to you, including relocation assistance, temporary living expenses, and if you own a home, possibly a buyout. A buyout may be structured in a number of ways depending on the company, it's relocation practices, and the level of your position. In general, this means you will be given an opportunity to sell your home using an agent (and the relocation company may choose who that person is for you) for a period of time, but if the home does not sell (say within 90 days), the relocation company will buy it. They will typically conduct an appraisal to determine market value, and then the buyout will be a percentage of the market value (maybe 100% if you are an executive, but likely less). Specific terms and conditions will vary from situation to situation. It is essential to understand the specific terms and conditions of a buyout s...
More About: Package , Loca , Relocation

Carlsbad Homes - Short Sale Questions and Answers (Part 4)
2007-11-21 15:16:00
Another commonly asked question about short sales (and it's a relevant question for any buyer trying to purchase a home) is the following: I OWN ANOTHER HOME I NEED TO SELL - CAN I MAKE AN OFFER ON A SHORT SALE? The short answer (sorry about the pun) is YES. Certainly you can make an offer any time you want. But the more important question is whether this is a prudent thing to do. Many sellers in this slower market with lots of inventory will accept an offer contingent on the buyer selling their current home. Not all, but some. Certainly more than in a seller's market. And there will likely be a 48-hour or 72-hour first right of refusal clause in case another buyer comes along with an offer, and you will have that time frame to remove your contingency or withdraw your offer. A short sale is different, since you are dealing with the bank. The bank wants the best offer, and the cleanest one, i.e., with a minimum of contingencies., so the...
More About: Questions , Sale , Answers , Homes , Part