Pricing Your Carlsbad Home to Sell

Listing  Carlsbad homes for sale at the right price is crucial to their eventual sale.  Follow the tips below to maximize the chances of selling your Carlsbad propery.

If you want to sell quickly, your asking price should be very near the correct fair market value.

If your Carlsbad home is listed at a price that is above market value, you will miss out on prospective San Diego North County buyers who would otherwise be prime candidates to purchase your Carlsbad home. If you list at a price that is below fair market value, you will ultimately sell for a price that is not the optimum value for your North County home.

By pricing your Carlsbad property at market value, you expose it to a much greater percentage of prospective San Diego buyers. This increases your chances for a sale while ensuring a final sale price that properly reflects the market value of your North County home.  Generally, the price should not exceed the value by more than 5% or potential buyers may not even make offers.

For example, if you price your Carlsbad home at fair market value you will get 60% of Carlsbad buyers looking at your home.  If you price your Carlsbad home 15% below fair market value, you would get a potential of 90% of potential Carlsbad buyers look at your property.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about pricing:

  • Realistic pricing your Carlsbad home will achieve maximum price in a reasonable time.
  • Your cost or profit desire is irrelevant; the San Diego North County real estate market determines the price.
  • The cost of improvements are almost always more than the added value.
  • Carlsbad houses that remain on the market for a long time do not get shown.
  • A Carlsbad house that is priced right from the beginning achieves the highest proceeds.

To price your Carlsbad home correctly you need professional real estate help.  Contact Gary Harmon, your Carlsbad Real Living Lifestyles Realtor.  Gary will provide you with a comparative market analysis of your home.  You will no longer need to guess.  With proper pricing, your Carlsbad home will sell fast and for the most money.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A NEW SAN DIEGO HOME

In this tough economic atmosphere, the prospects of getting a great deal may lure your San Diego clients toward buying a short sale or REO.  But while up-front costs may seem lower on an REO or short-sale, Carlsbad and Oceanside buyers often end up paying in other ways.  Below the photo are five advantages of buying a new Carlsbad home, Oceanside home, or other San Diego North County home:

Elise Nicole

1. NO REPAIRS. With a short sale or REO, the previous owner may have stopped maintaining their Oceanside or Carlsbad property. That means your client could end up with expensive repair bills. But new Carlsbad home purchases often include builder warranties for workmanship, materials, and structural problems to help protect your client against large out-of-pocket repair expenses.

2. NO SURPRISES. With a new Carlsbad or Oceanside home, what you see is what you get. With an REO or short sale, what you might not see is what you get. New San Diego North County home purchases often come with many disclosures from the seller, though in reality, very little may actually need to be disclosed. For REO transactions, not only is the bank exempt from some of the disclosure requirements for sellers under California law, but the previous homeowner may be long gone.

3. GUARANTEED QUALITY. New San Diego North County homes are usually built with modern conveniences and energy-efficient technology. They may also come with warranties for craftsmanship, appliances and more, to give the buyer peace of mind. Short sale and REO properties may not come with warranties or upgrades and may not be available for inspection prior to purchase, so your client could be in for some expensive surprises after purchase.

4. FRIENDLIER FINANCING San Diego homebuilders often have relationships with lenders that help North County buyers obtain financing for new Carlsbad homes or Oceanside homes with relative ease. For short sales and REOs, the property may have a lower price tag, but some buyers may run into difficulty getting financing.

5. SHORTER PURCHASE PROCESS. North County homebuilders usually have homes available for immediate occupancy or on a move-in schedule that’s convenient for your clients. Negotiating a short sale can take several months — and there’s no guarantee your client’s offer will be approved.  Tips courtesy of CAR.

Your North County Realtor, Gary Harmon, can help find the right San Diego, new home for you.  Contact Gary Harmon, for a personal tour of new San Diego North County homes today.

Carlsbad Homes Neighborhoods

Strong Sense of Community

Dawn Patrol by Elise Nicole - OceanGirlArt.comCity survey shows the importance of a strong sense of community in Carlsbad homes neighborhoods.  The resutls below are from a recent Carlsbad city resident-satisfaction survey.  And once again, the city of Carlsbad received high marks for everything from quaslity of parks, streets, public safety, libraries, and confidence in Carlsbad government.

Perhaps the most important thing measured in the survey is the Carlsbad Homes Neighborhoods residents’ sense of community.  This comes from the ability to enjoy a healthy real living lifestyle, rich with culture and learing of all ages.  Here’s what the survey reveiled:

  • 80 percent of Carlsbad homes residents feel it is very important to feel a sense of community with other Carlsbad residents.
  • 76 percent feel if there were a problem in their Carlsbad neighborhoods, people who live there could get it solved.
  • 75 percent of Carlsbad residents say they can recognize most of the people who live in their immediate neighborhood.
  • 76 percent feel that their Carlsbad neighbors want the same things from the Carlsbad homes community.

The survey found that residents 35 to 54 years of age were the most likely to have a high sense of community.   Carlsbad resident who have lived in their Carlsbad homes neighborhoods for more than five years also had a higher sense of community.  Residents with children in their homes had a higher sense of community than those without children.

To see some great Carlsbad homes neighborhoods, contact Gary Harmon, your Carlsbad neighborhood Realtor.

Search all listings of Carlsbad Homes for Sale now by area:

For the Carlsbad Buyer – How North County Realtors are Paid

When A Carlsbad Home Buyer Works With A North County Realtor

We are not paid unless you choose to, and do successfully, purchase a Carlsbad property. When we accomplish your goal, we are reimbursed for the time, talent, expense and effort we spent in working with you to find that perfect Carlsbad home.  Sometimes, despite much time and energy, a successful purchase does not come together and, in those cases we are not compensated for our efforts.

Our compensation is only paid when we are successful in meeting your goal. The most common scenario is that the Listing Broker will pay a pre‐determined amount (the “offer of compensation”) of the total Listing Commission to the Selling Broker, for “securing a ready, willing and able buyer”. 

Services may include:
 Providing background information that buyer wishes to be given to the seller regarding terms of the offer
 Referral Services
 Buyer focused web and mobile technology tools
 Explaining the home buying process to buyer
 Providing information on available financing and determining financial ability of a buyer
 Reviewing clauses in the Purchase Agreement
 Assisting in the transaction until closing

Additional services may be provided by a limited buyer agent, including providing a buyer’s estimated costs sheet, showing multiple properties and other transaction specific services and advice.

If you are a Carlsbad home buyer and need help in finding that special Carlsbad property, contact Gary Harmon, one of the top North County Realtors.

Why Gary Harmon recommends HomeServices Lending

Customer service is my number one goal in any Carlsbad real estate transaction.  And studies have proved that consumers who use one-stop shopping consistently report higher satisfaction levels more frequently than those who use multiple sources.

Photo by Kyle CanonI can count on Home Services Lending to help you get the financing needed to complete your Carlsbad purchase.  Your success is their success!  No other lender is more committed to providing you with outstanding service. HomeServices Lending can provides the highest level of communication during our transaction. I can deliver a superior Carlsbad home buying experience more consistently when working with a cohesive in-house team.

Purchase transactions are the majority of Home Services’ business. With HomeServices Lending, you can expect depth of knowledge, and clear and honest communication throughout the entire Carlsbad purchase transaction.  They will help you make informed Carlsbad real estate decisions about the loan options available.

HomeServices Lending is a safe and reliable financial choice. As a joint venture between Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and HomeServices of America—a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate—it is a well-capitalized company. Home Services will continue to provide a comprehensive selection of loan programs, competitive pricing, and high-quality services. They hold fast to long-standing responsible lending principles.

HomeServices Lending has access to many nationally recognized lenders and housing programs. With access to brokered-out and correspondent lending programs—as well as access to the Wells Fargo Home Mortgage product
portfolio—they can provide a wider array of innovative loan packages to help meet your individual needs.

Other members of Gary’s team that will help you have a smooth Carlsbad purchase are

  • Prudential California Realty
  • California Title Company
  • Pickford Escrow
  • Prudential Relocation

Contact Gary Harmon to see Carlsbad homes for sale and let him hook you up with his outstanding winning team.

Panoramic Views – Carlsbad Ocean View Home

3537 Ridgecrest, Carlsbad, CA 92008

3537 Ridgecrest, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Remarks: Stately French Provincial custom Carlsbad home in exclusive Seacrest Estates of Old Carlsbad. 180 degree panoramic Carlsbad ocean view home. Views from entryway, living room, master bath and master suite and deck. Ocean views from every room. Large Chef’s kitchen with two breakfast bars and plenty of room for all to gather. Four beautiful fireplaces in this Carlsbad home.  Large pebble-tec pool with slide. Corner lot, room for RV, close to award winning Carlsbad schools. No HOA or Mello Roos. Qualified buyers only. See Supplemental!!! Located on Ridgecrest Drive in a quiet enclave of custom luxury homes. The stone paver circular driveway sets the tone for this 2 story elegant home. Arched 8′ solid wood double hung windows provide views from La Jolla to Catalina Island. Enter the home through the double 9′ doors with leaded glass sidelights and step into the elegant foyer with grand staircase, 30′ ceiling and dramatic chandelier. Interior features: 9′ and 10′ ceilings throughout. Solid wood, 6 panel double doors to each bedroom. Polished travertine throughout much of the first floor. Near the Butler’s pantry is a formal dining room with black marble fireplace. The step-down formal living room features 10 foot ceilings, a black marble fireplace and custom wood mantel. The family room features custom shutters, built in cabinetry and shelves, large wet bar with travertine counters and a fireplace with matching travertine surround. The breakfast nook looks out onto the pool area through a custom 8′ door and sidelights. The large Chef’s kitchen includes double sinks plus a separate vegetable sink in the large island; granite counters, island and backsplash; stainless steel 5-burner Jenn Air range, Jenn Air M/W oven combination; quiet Bosch dishwasher; trash compactor; built in 36″ refrigerator with matching cabinet panels. The large master suite has a sitting area, fireplace and custom walk-in closet. Ocean views from every window in master suite. French sliding door opens to the 180 sq. foot custom deck that provides 180 degree ocean panoramas. The custom deck includes built-in speakers and subdued lighting to provide a relaxing backdrop. The master bath features ocean views, separate his and her cherry wood vanities, travertine and granite throughout with a soaking tub and a private custom travertine shower. Elegance and class embody this wonderful Carlsbad  home. $250,000 IN UPGRADES.

Due to the hilly terrain of the beach towns along San Diego’s North County coast, many residential Carlsbad homes and condos boast of spectacular Ocean views and whitewater views. This location and geography has created the perfect place for spectacular Carlsbad ocean view homes. Much of  San Diego North County is ideally located to offer an impressive selection of ocean view homes for sale. Ocean view real estate ranges from small condos and townhomes with seaside views, to estate-sized properties boasting sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean.  The searches on this site are for homes above $1,000,000.  If you would like to see 3537 Ridgecrest, Carlsbad, CA 92008 or  a list of ocean view homes or condos at “ANY” price, just call 760-745-1220 or shoot me an email to garyharmon@prusd.com and tell me what you are looking for.  You will get an immediate response.

Gary Harmon blogs on individual neighborhoods:

Poinsettia Cove Homes – Carlsbad Ocean View Homes

Carlsbad Whitewater View Homes

Listing of the Day – My Favorite Carlsbad Ocean View Home

San Pacifico – Carlsbad Ocean View Homes

Carlsbad Ocean View Homes Video

See other Prudential California Realty Listings.  See  Hadley Home Team Listings.

Home Warranty – Who Does it Benefit?

Home Buyers Protection

By covering major home systems and appliances, a Home Protection Plan can help make buying or selling a San Diego North County home a more rewarding experience.   See reasons below photo.

Home Warranty - San Diego North County Home

San Diego Home buyers benefit:

  • Coverage for unexpected repair or replacement costs of many of your North County home’s major systems and appliances.
  • Convenience with access to our network of local certified contractors through our service representatives available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
  • Budget protection by only paying a nominal service fee per trade call in most situations.

San Diego Home sellers benefit:

  • Competitive edge for a faster sale.
  • Potential additional negotiating power to sell your San Diego home at a higher price.
  • Reduce after-sale liability.

When representing you as your North County Realtor I work with First American Home Warranty, one of my Winning Team Members.  When you buy a San Diego North County home, I suggest you also purchase a home warranty on your new home.  First American Home Warranty has been on the my winning team for many years.  First American has provided over 1,000,000 homeowners with high quality service since 1984.  It has an “A” rating by A.M. Best which stands for excellent.  I carry a home warranty on my own personal residence provided by First American Home Warranty.  For more information on home warranties, contact Gary Harmon, your North County Realtor.

  To find your San Diego North County home, contact Gary Harmon.

Are San Diego County Short Sales Increasing?

Short sales – transactions where the sale price fell short of what was owed on the property – made up an estimated 18.9 percent of resales last month. That was up from an estimated 18.7 percent in January, 17.6 percent a year earlier, and 11.2 percent two years ago.

The short sale option provides a way for financially distressed San Diego North County sellers to prevent foreclosure.   But, what exactly is a short sale?  See answer below.

A short sale is an agreement in which the mortgage lenders or other lien holders agree to accept a payoff on the loan for less than the current balance. Many lenders agree to a short sale because they receive more of the loan balance in comparison to the amount from selling the North County home under foreclosure. The short sale process also aids in maintaining San Diego North County homes values in the community and helps the seller maintain better credit compared to foreclosure. In most instances, homeowners considering a short sale must meet specific criteria to qualify.

A short sale is not a typical real estate transaction, San Diego North County  home owners should consult a tax expert, obtain advice from an attorney and hire a qualified and experienced Prudential California Realty Realtor® like Gary Harmon.  Gary can help guide you through the process and act as a liaison between all the parties involved.

If you think a short sale might work for you, contact Gary Harmon.  Gary Harmon has completed Prudential’s short sale training program and has been certified as a “Short Sale Specialist.”  To learn more about “short sales” check out these instructional short sale  videos.

Carlsbad Homes Online Seller Advantage

For the best in Carlsbad real estate service, contact Gary Harmon, your Prudential Carlsbad Realtor.

If you’ve been thinking about listing your Carlsbad home for sale but aren’t sure about what’s happening with Real Estate in your Carlsbad neighborhood, I’d be happy to send you a customized Online Seller Advantage report.

This report will let you know what’s going on in your Carlsbad neighborhood with up-to-date information that includes:

     • how many people have searched for a Carlsbad property like yours,
     • how many new  Carlsbad home listings have come on the market, and
     • how many listings in Carlsbad have changed status or price.

Prudential’s Online Seller Advantage is unique in our marketplace and keeps you up to speed on San Diego North County market activity.  You will have the option to receive daily or weekly insight on Carlsbad homes listed for sale in your area; whether it sold, has a change in price or updates on new competitive Carlsbad home listings. 

To see an example of an Online Seller Advantage – click here.

If you’d like to see a custom report prepared specifically for your Carlsbad home and your Carlsbad neighborhood, I’d be happy to set it up for you.  Contact Gary Harmon, Hadley Home Team.

San Pacifico Floorplans – Carlsbad Homes

San Pacifico Homes

San Pacifico homes are in four nieghborhoods in South Carlsbad right near the beach.  You can walk or bike to Ponto Beach in just a few minutes or enjoy a stroll along Batiquitos Lagoon.  San Pacifico homes offer some one story homes that are not available in nearby Hanover Beach Colony, Waters End, or Poinsettia Cove.  Shopping, easy freway access, the Coaster, and great schools are other things that make this the perfect beach community.  For more information see San Pacifico – Carlsbad Ocean View Homes.

Floor Plans of San Pacifico Homes 

  • 1691 esf     2 bedroom/3 bath
  • 1699 esf     2 bedroom/3 bath
  • 1868 esf     2 bedroom/3 bath or 3 bedroom/3 bath
  • 2031 esf    4  bedroom/3 bath
  • 2220 esf    4 bedroom/3  bath
  • 2547 esf    4 bedroom/3  bath
  • 2996 esf    4 bedroom/3  bath
  • 3671 esf    5 bedroom/4  bath  or 4 bedroom/4  bath

Amenities

San Pacifico homes offer resort style community amenities.  These include a community pool and spa with indoor and outdoor showers, bbq’s, picnic tables, tennis courts, basketball courts, a grass volleyball court, walking trails, small parks and much more.   See more in the Youtube video below.

Other great beach communities in the area that have Carlsbad ocean view homes are Hanover Beach Colony homes and Ponsettia Cove homes.      Another top beach community nearby is Waters End homes.  To see any of these great Carlsbad homes please contact Gary Harmon, you Carlsbad Realtor.