Want to get inside some of the most elegant homes in San Diego’s north county?  Looking to find fixer North County homes for profit?  How would you like to have a couple of local real estate pros show you some of the hippest, coolest places to hang out, enjoy the arts, put you feet into the sand, or just relax in this paradise we call home?

 Spend three minutes with two guys……

Click here to view the embedded video.

Where exactly ARE North County Homes?

The actual history of North County being called North County is pretty difficult to pare down to one day or person.  As San Diego grew, and population areas in Escondido, Fallbrook, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas took on new looks and occupants, this area slowly became known as North County San Diego.  Probably because Camp Pendleton separates this area geographically from Orange County, we were assimilated into the best of what San Diego has to offer….and a whole lot more.

 North County Homes – Coastal, Inland, Mountain

Finding North County homes isn’t easy, since as you see above the area we refer to as North County is actually quite a large area.  Bounded in the South by Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside along the coast, the North County San Diego area stretches northward from Poway, Escondido, and Valley Center to the east, and surrounds Fallbrook, Bonsall, San Marcos and Vista.

Here’s information on these north county cities from their respective city pages:

Bonsall – Country Elegant Homes

Carlsbad – Coastal Upscale Living

Encinitas – Coastal Upscale Living

Escondido – Inland Estate Homes

Fallbrook – Estates, Farms and Avocados

Oceanside – Coastal Upscale Living

Poway – The City in the Country

San Marcos – Cal State San Marcos bedroom community

Valley Center – Open spaces, elegant homes

Vista – Country Estate Homes

We’ve introduced ourselves, so let us meet you and see if we can help.  Just tell us what you need or want, and we’ll introduce you to the best of North County Homes.

Realtor Don Reedy

Home Disaster?

Your home is a place or safety and security, a refuge from the storms of life.  However when and if disaster does strike, you may need a little know-how to get through the process of filing an insurance claim and you will likely be surprised at the amount of time consumed with such a process.  Obviously, you will have as one of your key concerns the costs involved with the restoration of your home in regards to what your homeowner’s insurance may cover.

While this process is one you can research on your own or with the help of an adjuster from your insurance company, you may find that turning to an additional public adjuster for aid in documenting your insurance claim to be very helpful. A public adjuster works independently from your insurance company and can evaluate your home and damage and coverage to determine the best means of reporting your loss.

Home Disaster Tips | Should You Use an Adjuster?

Here are some steps to follow when hiring a public adjuster:

1. Only interview and hire an adjuster who is licensed and ask about their level of experience.
2. Make sure you speak directly to the adjuster who will be evaluating your loss each time you call regarding your property, to lessen the risks of misunderstandings.
3. Question the adjuster’s experience and credentials and call past client referrals and ask for details. Your adjuster should be willing and able to supply you with this information easily.
4. Double check that the adjuster you are working with is local and will work with any contractors you want to hire, if necessary.  Ask if they will help you in calculating living expenses, if applicable, or just with damage estimation.
5. Educate yourself.  Since public adjusters work on contingency fees ranging from 5% to 15% of the insurance proceeds, it is wise to negotiate these fees and have them defined in a signed contract.

If you want to learn more, click here.

Realtor Don Reedy

Saving Energy and Money in Your Home

When you purchase or consider purchasing a new home, there are lots of costs to think about.  One of these is utilities.  While they may not represent a large portion of your expenses on a month to month basis, the regularity of cost can add up over time.  Once you have purchased your new home (and every few years thereafter), it is wise to request an energy audit from your power company to find ways that you can reduce your monthly expenditures.  Once you know what creates the bulk of the expense, you can use the following tips to reduce your utility bills in your new home.

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

• Update your appliances and fixtures to energy efficient models bearing the “Energy Star” label to save on water and energy bills.
• Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.  This can provide up to 75% savings on your lighting costs and keep your home cooler during the summer months.
• Be aware of your thermostat use. A programmable thermostat is a great idea during the winter, so you can allow cooler temperatures while you are away from your home.
• Lowering your hot water heater temperature ten degrees or shortening your shower times can results in savings.
• Adding insulation to your attic or attic door and replacing caulking over cracks around windows and in exterior walls can also reduce your energy costs.  You may even consider insulating your garage or garage door if possible.  Replacing or installing weather-stripping kits on drafty doors will also decrease your costs.
• Planting deciduous shade trees and shrubs can provide more even temperatures in your home, as can appropriate window coverings.

Energy Saving Resources for San Diego

San Diego Gas and Electric has a whole site on just energy saving ideas for your home.

San Diego County provides lots of information on energy saving ideas, and also green building information.

Want more information?

Buying a Home Compared to Renting

Owning a home still has more appeal than renting for Americans, according to Fannie Mae. A sign of stability, safety, family and community, home ownership is an essential component of the “American Dream” of success and happiness and has been for many generations. The recent National Housing Survey (Q4, 2011) conducted by Fannie Mae found that this is still true.

The majority of those surveyed (at all education and demographic levels) still believe that owning a home is preferable to renting. The study, conducted from over 3,000 interviews, also showed that 64% of the renters surveyed planned on a future home purchase. Most of the survey participants listed high-ranking schools and safety as prime concerns when considering the location of that future home.

About 34% of those interviewed felt that “now” is a very good time to buy a home, but only 5% felt it was very likely that they would be purchasing a home in the next 12 months. The majority of survey participants (53%) felt that the housing market was likely to stay the same in the next year, but nearly all realized that the possibility of rental prices decreasing was unlikely. In fact many of those surveyed recognized the possibility of rental prices increasing, with 43% believing rents would increase and 47% believing they would stay the same. The majority of the respondents listed income, amount of down payment or job security as the largest obstacle to home ownership.
Click here to review the entire survey.

San Diego Statistics Compare Buying a Home to Renting

Great article from one of San Diego’s best mortgage brokers:

“Take note of this figure.  In many San Diego sub-markets, (mostly the beach cities), housing prices will never reach parity with today’s rents.  Like the La Jolla example, inlaftion may cure that in 2-3 years.  Still, some San Diego County markets have already reached parity meaning, it’s cheaper to own rather than rent.  Even in some beach cities, like Oceanside or Imperial Beach.

I searched active Oceanside homes for sale and found one which is listed for $189,000.  With about $7,000 down payment,  and an FHA loan with a 4.88% APR, the monthly mortgage payment would be $1250, some $50-$100 below what it might fetch in rent.  That’s one of many Oceanside properties which are at or below parity for the rent V own model.”

Go ahead and let us know if you’d like more information.

Realtor Don Reedy

Oceanside CA – Buy A Home here While You Can

I’m hoping that if you were lucky enough to visit Oceanside at some time in your life you’ll stick around to hear a few reasons why coming back, settling in, and buying a home here in beautiful Oceanside CA is pretty much a great idea.

Visit Oceanside Map

Click on Map to See More Oceanside

When you visit Oceanside you’ll immediately understand why so many people who have come here…stay here.  Located between Orange County and San Diego (and therefore right in the middle of more things to do than you can almost imagine), Oceanside CA has it all.

• Beaches and Pier
• Museums and Missions
• Sailing and Flying
• Schools and Arts
• Diversity
• Luxury
• A bit of country
• And a little bit of rock n’ roll

Visit Oceanside.Org

We want you to stay here in Oceanside, put down roots, and buy a home.  It’s so easy for us to love this community, but first you have to get here, explore, and yes, Visit Oceanside.  One of the finest community oriented organizations in the country stands ready to help you learn about Oceanside CA, our people, and everything that makes us unique.

• Where to stay in Oceanside
• What to do in Oceanside
• Getting Around Oceanside

I’m a member of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, and one of the jewels in the crown of Oceanside CA is the Visit Oceanside volunteers and staff that work so hard to get the word out to all who want to come and explore Oceanside.  Once a part of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, Visit Oceanside is now operated totally on behalf of everyone in Oceanside, and everyone who would benefit and find joy in what the City of Oceanside has to offer.  Check out Visit Oceanside on Facebook.

Want to Buy A Home in Oceanside?

We want that, too.  You see, there are so many wonderful communities and secret neighborhoods in Oceanside it’s just about impossible to describe them all.  But, check out the homes below, and if you want to narrow down your search for a home on the beach, in the mountains, in a gated community, condo living, or in a live/work space, then register and explore to your heart’s delight.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 500+. See more city of Oceanside real estate.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $435,000 : 2357 Bliss Cir, Oceanside
   
   5 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,868 sq ft

   Year built: 2001

   Days on market: 2
2. $376,500 : 4601 Marblehead Bay Dr, Oceanside
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,791 sq ft

   Year built: 1989

   Parking spots: 6

   Days on market: 2
3. $138,999 : 906 Sea Cliff Wy, Oceanside
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 780 sq ft

   Year built: 1990

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 2
4. $399,900 : 725 Mosaic Cir, Oceanside
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,254 sq ft

   Year built: 1991

   Days on market: 3
5. $335,000 : 2274 VALLEY Rd, Oceanside
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,699 sq ft

   Lot size: 9,888 sqft

   Year built: 1980

   Days on market: 3

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Realtor Don Reedy

Map of Carlsbad Provided by City of Carlsbad

Carlsbad is an affluent, coastal resort city, that occupies seven miles of coastline along thePacific Ocean in San Diego’s North County region of Southern California. Carlsbad is located 87 miles (140 km) south of Los Angeles and 35 miles (56 km) north of downtown San Diego. High property values, a coastal location, award winning schools, and very high median family incomes have made Carlsbad one of the wealthiest communities in California and in the United States. A majority of San Diego County’s top twenty-five employers have their locations closer to Carlsbad than San Diego.^[2] The city is mainly known for shopping, tourism, a booming high-techindustry, and resort living. The population was 105,328 at the 2010 census. The city has draftedordinances protecting sensitive wildlife habitat, becoming one of the first municipalities in thestate of California to do so. The city has also pledged to protect a specified amount of land within the city limits from development of any kind and spends significant funds to restore habitats destroyed by newer development projects.Check out these Carlsbad homes under $200, 000.

These homes are active and could be yours!

Showing properties 1 - 20 of 500+. See more city of Carlsbad real estate.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $69,999 : 7114 SAN BARTOLO St 5, Carlsbad
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,440 sq ft

   Year built: 1972

   Days on market: 53
2. $84,900 : 7003 San Bartolo St 31, Carlsbad
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,440 sq ft

   Year built: 1975

   Days on market: 91
3. $90,000 : 2360 Hosp Wy 232, Carlsbad
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 690 sq ft

   Year built: 1975

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 115
4. $99,990 : 7306 San Luis St 278, Carlsbad
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,644 sq ft

   Year built: 1977

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 136
5. $105,000 : 6550-36 Ponto Dr 36, Carlsbad
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 960 sq ft

   Year built: 1974

   Days on market: 3
6. $105,000 : 2350 Hosp Wy 350, Carlsbad
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 690 sq ft

   Year built: 1976

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 11
7. $105,000 : 7328 SAN BARTOLO St 221, Carlsbad
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,440 sq ft

   Year built: 1976

   Days on market: 31
8. $109,000 : 2362 Hosp Wy 333, Carlsbad
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 690 sq ft

   Year built: 1975

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 26
9. $119,000 : 7117 Santa Barbara Rd 108, Carlsbad
   
   2 beds, 2 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 1,440 sq ft

   Year built: 1973

   Days on market: 24
10. $125,000 : 2334 Hosp Wy 110, Carlsbad
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,029 sq ft

    Year built: 1975

    Parking spots: 1

    Days on market: 8
11. $129,900 : 7311 San Luis Street St 237, Carlsbad
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,359 sq ft

    Year built: 2005

    Days on market: 136
12. $131,500 : 4973 Cindy Ave T, Carlsbad
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,600 sq ft

    Year built: 1972

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 223
13. $134,900 : 7305 Santa Barbara St 298, Carlsbad
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,440 sq ft

    Year built: 1977

    Days on market: 229
14. $136,000 : 2340 Hosp Wy 118, Carlsbad
    
    2 beds, 1 full bath

    Home size: 810 sq ft

    Year built: 1975

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 148
15. $145,000 : 2344 Hosp Wy 328, Carlsbad
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 944 sq ft

    Year built: 1975

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 3
16. $145,900 : 577 Laguna Dr SW, Carlsbad
    
    1 bed, 1 full bath

    Home size: 783 sq ft

    Year built: 2006

    Parking spots: 9

    Days on market: 191
17. $146,500 : 6903 Quail Pl D, Carlsbad
    
    1 bed, 1 full bath

    Home size: 752 sq ft

    Year built: 1980

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 99
18. $149,000 : 7392 Altiva Pl, Carlsbad
    
    1 bed, 1 full bath

    Home size: 723 sq ft

    Year built: 1990

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 178
19. $149,000 : 6550 Ponto Dr 89, Carlsbad
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,040 sq ft

    Year built: 1966

    Days on market: 196
20. $154,900 : 2380 Hosp Wy 337, Carlsbad
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 944 sq ft

    Year built: 1975

    Parking spots: 2

    Days on market: 240

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

What made the following Oceanside homes sell for what they did?  Were they priced correctly?  Were they clean and well staged?  Did everyone work for the benefit of both the home buyer and home seller?  Or were these homes abandoned, bank owned, REO homes that required an artist’s eye to see the value?

When you buy or sell Oceanside Real Estate you’re going to need to pay attention to each of the details above.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that your home will sell for so and so just because you’ve provided maintenance and loving care to your home for many years.  And don’t think that if you’re a buyer of Oceanside Real Estate that you can steal a home right out from underneath a seller.  Explore the homes below, compare them to your own home, and then do the right thing.  Call me to talk about how the sale of your Oceanside real estate home can net you everything you want, while at the same time bringing in multiple buyers who will be willing to pay what you need.

Real Estate Market Activity

Recently sold Oceanside homes

239 Del Mesa St, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $340,000

3 beds, 0.0 baths, 1,950 sq ft

5124 Maplewood Cir, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $290,000

3 beds, 2.5 baths, 1,327 sq ft

615 Vine St APT 27, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $92,000

1 beds, 1.0 baths, 525 sq ft

1005 Glendora Dr, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $365,000

4 beds, 3.0 baths, 2,660 sq ft

253 Asilado St, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $155,000

2 beds, 1.0 baths, 820 sq ft

461 Avenida Canora, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $330,000

3 beds, 2.5 baths, 1,760 sq ft

609 Kumquat Way, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $140,000

3 beds, 2.0 baths, 1,269 sq ft

4410 San Joaquin St, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $395,000

5 beds, 3.0 baths, 2,274 sq ft

3621 Vista Campana S UNIT 110, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $166,000

2 beds, 2.0 baths, 1,585 sq ft

241 Bluebird Ln # T, Oceanside, CA

Sold 05/04/2012 for $22,500

2 beds, 0.0 baths, 1,200 sq ft

See Oceanside real estate and homes for sale
View Oceanside, CA mortgage rates on Zillow

Realtor Don Reedy

Fun with Buying a Home

The adage “one shoe fits all” does not work when a buying home.  It doesn’t work when shoe shopping, either, for that matter!  Homes, like shoes, are very personal, and often emotionally-based purchases.

For example, if you’re buying a home in Oceanside, CA, check out the pictures and descriptions of these very different homes.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 97. See more city of Oceanside real estate.
(all data current as of 5/18/2012)

1. $528,000 : 263 Neptune Wy, Oceanside
   
   2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,562 sq ft

   Year built: 2003

   Parking spots: 2

   Days on market: 3
2. $569,000 : 4976 Lassen Dr, Oceanside
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,006 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,229 sqft

   Year built: 1998

   Parking spots: 6

   Days on market: 4
3. $3,649,000 : 933 SOUTH PACIFIC STREET, Oceanside
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,526 sq ft

   Year built: 2008

   Parking spots: 5

   Days on market: 9
4. $1,100,000 : 704 N The Strand 24, Oceanside
   
   3 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,512 sq ft

   Year built: 1935

   Parking spots: 6

   Days on market: 9
5. $850,000 : 4871 Marathon Way Wy, Oceanside
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,002 sq ft

   Year built: 1997

   Parking spots: 4

   Days on market: 9

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Try as they might to create a home that will meet every need and every taste, home builders are aware that it just can’t be done.  As with shoes, versatility lies in key components – simple design, elegant tones, and a combination of shine, style and comfort.

Buying a Home Real Estate Tips

As with your shoe purchase, buying a home requires you to consider what is most important to you and your future plans.

• Open design vs. cozy comfort?
• Modern storage options vs. vintage style?
• Planned, pre-designed landscaping vs. creative gardening?
• Modular vs. eclectic structure?

You should also consider how and who will be using the home.  Should it be tailored to you or is it an investment property?

• Primary residence or vacation home?
• Adults only? Adults and pets? Adults, children and pets? Renters?  College students?
• Will it be used to entertain often and is parking sufficient?  Do you need a guest room?

Of course, there are many other questions to be considered, so take your time with your home purchase. Enjoy the journey as you find the home that is the perfect fit for you and your circumstances. And when you find the home that makes you want to click your heels so you can return?  Make an offer!  As to shoes?  If the shoe fits… buy it in every color!

Want Help Buying a Home?

 
Realtor Don Reedy
 

Actual national home inventory (although inventory in the San Diego housing market was way down) displayed an increase between February 2012 and March 2012, as well, and the average days on the market for a home decreased from 111 days to 89 days in that same month span, which are other positive indicators.  While median list prices vary across national markets, the data collected by Realtor.com indicated a slight upward swing, causing many a home owner to take note.

If you are considering buying a home or selling your current home, these statistics can provide insight into the current real estate market.  Combining these statistics with historically low interest rates (3.88% for a conventional 30 year mortgage last week), could help you in determining your decision. To get more details on the study and comparisons to previous months and years and see the actual graphing trends, please click here.

Realtor Don Reedy

Fidelity National Title is a great title insurance company here in the San Diego area.  Experienced title representatives like Brian Olenik make Fidelity National Title a leader, educator and guide, and you’ll want to follow along with us as we show you how to get the most from your title insurance.  Hiring a great title insurance company means a lot more to you than is known to most, and if you spend a few minutes watching the educational video on Fidelity National  Title and how they do what they do better than everyone else, your home purchase or sale will be much more successful.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Don Reedy and Brian Olenik – Real Estate Professionals

You can see that Brian Olenik not only knows title insurance, but as a member of Fidelity National Title‘s team of professionals he demonstrates a passion and understanding of this most important aspect of buying or selling a home.  Did you realize that the title insurance company actually handles both the money and the title?  This fiduciary, very important part of your home purchase or sale, should only be trusted to the hands of the most experienced title professionals, and Brian Olenik and Fidelity National Insurance are not just good….they are a great title insurance company and team.

Don Reedy is likewise a real estate professional who understands that all real estate transactions are complicated, filled with emotion, and always involve legal and ethical obligations that only the best Realtors and title insurance companies should manage for you.

It’s simple.  We recommend Fidelity National Title, Brian Olenik and his staff, and the other professionals at this great title insurance company.  If you’d like to have more information on any of the items Brian mentioned in the title insurance video please just fill out your question below.  We’ll get you an answer ASAP, and it will be well worth your investment in time.

By Don Reedy