Hottest Real Estate Markets

If you are wondering what will be the hottest real estate markets in the next 18 months, I will share with you CNNMoney’s opinion.  Sorry to say that San Diego real estate and North County real estate were not included.  In fact, only one California city was mentioned, Madera, California.  Even though local markets are not in the list, we know that San Diego North County real estate inventory is very low and decreasing.  This should start to cause our home prices to increase.  Waiting on the bottom of the San Diego home market, better get on board.

The 10 cities in which home values may rise fastest are :

  1. Madera,  California (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  2. Medford,  Oregon (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  3. Yuma,  Arizona (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  4. Corvallis,  Oregon (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  5. Eugene, Oregon (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  6. Olympia, Washington (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  7. Boise, Idaho (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  8. Billings, Montana (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  9. Lewiston, Idaho (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)
  10. Sante Fe, New Mexico (Forecasted 21.5% gain through 2013)

To get a personal tour of San Diego North County homes, contact Gary Harmon, you military off base housing expert.

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Ocean Hills

Ocean Hills is a 24 hour guarded and gated senior community in San Diego North County.  Below the photo are links to the most inportant information relating to Ocean Hills.

 Current Listings of Ocean Hills Country Club Homes for Sale

 

The links above provide the most comprehensive information about Ocean Hills Country Club on one website.  Contact Gary Harmon, your Ocean Hills senior specialist, for more information or to get your personal tour.

Rancho Carrillo Homes

Rancho Carrillo homes are part of the Carlsbad real estate area located inland from the coast about five miles on the south side of Palomar Airport Road. Snuggled in the valley and hills of South East Carlsbad, these homes are in historic Leo Carrillo Ranch (Rancho De Los Kiotes, on the National Register of Historic Places).  This Carlsbad homes community of Rancho Carrillo homes consists of 18 Rancho Carrillo Villages which are home to 1548 residences. Rancho Carrillo homes boasts beautiful nature trails, a swim center, clubhouse, excellent schools, and great neighbors.  
 
The Rancho Carrillo homes community features a swim center reserved exclusively for residents and their escorted guests.  The Swim Center features a 57 foot swimming pool, spa, picnic areas with barbecues, outdoor showers, restrooms and a beautifully furnished clubhouse with kitchen facilities.
 
Another great ammenity enjoyed by Rancho Carrillo home owners is the many miles of walking trails.  The City of Carlsbad maintains the 4.3 mile network of trails accessible from  Rancho Carrillo   The trails connect to the San Marcos homes trails to the East and to the Bressi Ranch trails to the West of the canyon. 
 
The Rancho Carrillo real estate area has some of the best schools in San Diego North County with their elementary, middle school, and high school all earning A+ ratings with Homefacts.com. All of Rancho Carrillo community schools are within the San Marcos School District, one of the fastest improving districts in San Diego County.
 
Rancho Carrillo homes are the epitome of the San Diego North County homes Real Living Lifestyle. Once you experience the spectacular views, open spaces, walking trails and the cool Pacific breezes, you’ll know instantly that this is where you want your home. See current real estate listings of  Rancho Carrillo homes and nearby Bressi Rancho homes below.

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[idx-listings tract=”Bressi Ranch” propertytypes=”343″ orderby=”Price” orderdir=”ASC” count=”25″ showlargerphotos=”true”]

Remodel Your Bathroom to Get Top Dollar

Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom Vanity

Improve your chance of selling with a bathroom remodel.

The Bathrooms in Carlsbad homes for sale are one of the most important rooms to have looking good. The following should help:

  • It must be kept odor free. Carlsbad real estate that has a smell is Carlsbad real estate that doesn’t sell.
  • Check out leaking faucets or corroded faucets. Don’t try to repair since replacements aren’t expensive.
  • Check the toilet stool. Cleanliness is next to Godliness in this room. Also make sure it is securely fastened to the floor.
  • If the toilet stool seat is chipping or worn, replace it.
  • Make sure towel racks and toilet paper dispensers of your Carlsbad home are secured to the wall.
  • If there is clutter on the vanities, put it away or in baskets.
  • Clean all the soap scum from the shower glass and floor of your Carlsbad home.
  • Caulk around sinks, tubs, and showers in your Carlsbad house.
  • Make sure the mirror is clean. If it is old and peeling, replace it.
  • Add pretty towels to all the towel racks.
  • Remove any unnecessary rugs in your Carlsbad property.

The bathroom of your Carlsbad home is one of the areas you can improve to make a big impact on the potential Carlsbad home buyer. You can find other great bathroom tips in a previous post, Preparing Your Escondido Home for Sale. For more information, contact Gary Harmon, Real Living Lifestyles, Hadley Home Team, Carlsbad Realtor.

Enjoy San Diego's Real Living Lifestyles!

San Diego North County Home Purchase – A Win-Win

It is now time to enjoy San Diego’s real living lifestyles.  Whether San Diego ocean view homes or inland communities like Vista homes, San Marcos homes, or Escondido homes, the San Diego lifestyle is awaiting you.  San Diego homes offer real living at its best.  Once you have found the San Diego North County home of your dreams, writing the offer becomes very important. You don’t want to pay too much, but you want to be successful in buying that San Diego North County real estate. It is time to set down with your San Diego North County Realtor, contact Gary Harmon, and write the purchase offer.

Most things are negotiable in the offer, but when buying San Diego County homes there is a standard to follow on most items. A good rule of thumb, using an old clicke, is to make any offer a win-win for everyone. Your Realtor will know how to advise you.

Keep it Simple

Keep the purchase offer on the San Diego North County home for sale as simple as possible. For example, don’t ask for closing cost back unless you need the cash. San Diego North County sellers will only be looking at the net price. Don’t ask for repairs up front. You can handle those later in the request for repairs. Structure you offer to keep things simple and clear for everyone to understand. If there are any items of personal property you are requesting that don’t normally come with the home, do them separately after you have an acceptance on the home. Don’t forget the big picture which is to buy your San Diego North County home, not to get a good deal on a refrigerator, etc.

Focus Only on What is Important

The first important thing is the sales price. Your San Diego North County Realtor, Gary Harmon, can provide you with comps of other San Diego North County homes to help you pick the right offer price. In this current San Diego North County real estate market, homes are selling at or above listing price. Many times you won’t get a counter offer, so put your best foot forward. The deposit, usually at least one percent of the purchase price, is the next important item. How long an escrow will you need? It takes at least 30-45 days to get all the loan details worked out. Other items to consider are who pays escrow, title, and other closing cost. Ask your Realtor what is customary in the San Diego North County area.   Gary also has  great winning team members, in California Title Company (Caltitle), HomeServices Lending and Pickford Escrow.

In cost no more to use the best, contact Gary Harmon and Prudential California Realty.

 

Americans Confident in Real Estate Market Recovery

New national survey shows belief in real estate as a good investment is unshaken.

Newark, N.J. — The majority of America’s potential homebuyers and sellers — 68 percent — believe that the real estate market and property values will recover in the next year or two, according to a survey released today by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc.  [NYSE:PRU] company.

 This exceeds the 47 percent of Americans who expected house prices would rise in a similar survey conducted in April 2010, underscoring a more bullish outlook for the real estate market today. In addition, 86 percent of Americans believe real estate is a good  nvestment despite the market volatility of the past few years. The Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey of 1,253 Americans between the ages of 25-64 in the market for buying a home was conducted Jan. 20-27, 2011. The survey reveals that six in 10 respondents are more interested in buying real estate (58%) and are optimistic about buying given the momentum of the economic recovery (59%). It also shows that although the price of many Americans’ homes declined during the recession, 89 percent recognize they can also buy a new house at a lower price. “This survey clearly demonstrates that Americans continue to be optimistic about the real estate market and believe that home prices will rise,” said James Mallozzi, chief executive officer of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. “A key take away from the survey is although consumers recognize that it is a good time to buy, they are concerned about their ability to sell their homes. This is one of the reasons the market is still struggling to recover.”  For those on the fence about buying, uncertainty about selling an existing home (77 percent), concern about getting a fair price for the home (67 percent) and emotions (58 percent) are holding them back. For those who have sold homes in the past year, despite the down market 78 percent report that they were satisfied with the sale. Of these, 32 percent were very satisfied with the final price of their home and 46 percent were grateful they were able to sell given market conditions. A relatively small number, 22 percent, indicated that they were disappointed or resentful about the price they received for their home.

The survey highlighted Americans’ interest in trading up their homes. Of the 45 percent looking to trade up, 64 percent wanted more space or property, 49 percent a nicer house and 41 percent a better
neighborhood. Only 21 percent surveyed said they were looking to scale down, and 34 percent said that they wanted a similar home. The survey highlighted the importance of getting the right price in today’s market —74 percent of buyers believe that many homes could meet their needs and that price is a significant differentiator, while 26 percent stated that they were willing to pay top of market for a home that specifically suits their needs. In setting the right price, however, sellers were split—with 53 percent wanting to price right at or slightly below market to attract more bids and 47 percent wanting to price slightly higher than market and hoping to find a buyer willing to pay more. The majority of respondents highlighted the importance of real estate agents in the process of buying
or selling their home. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed said that an agent is very important or essential to this process, with only 24 percent saying agents are helpful but not imperative.
“Americans continue to see real estate agents as having a very important role in helping them price, buy and sell their homes,” added Mallozzi. “Although the data underscores the value real estate agents provide, it also shows that the industry needs to continue to work hard to meet clients’ unique needs.” The Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey was conducted online. The margin of error is +/- 3 percent. A more detailed breakdown of the data is available, as well as supporting charts and visuals, at www.news.prudential.com.  Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. is Prudential’s integrated real estate brokerage franchise and relocation services business. Prudential Real Estate franchises are independently owned and operated. Companies are selected based upon outstanding performance records, high levels of customer service and shared business values with those of Prudential. Prudential Real Estate is one of the largest real estate brokerage franchise networks in North America, with more than 1,600 franchise offices and 54,100 sales professionals in the franchise Network as of Dec. 31, 2010.  Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with approximately $784 billion of assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2010, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. In the U.S., the company’s Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential’s businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services.  Article dated March 10, 2011 and furnished by Prudential Financial, Inc.

Strength in the local San Diego market can be seen in my blog article San Diego Home Prices Going Up?  To get information on San Diego North County homes, contact Gary Harmon, Prudential California Realty.

Wall Street Optimisim – North County Home Values?

Optimisim has spiked the water on Wall Street.  Has this optimisim spilled into Southern California?  Will it change the way San Diego North County buyers are looking at real estate here in San Diego County?  Will it have any effect on the prices of North County property?

Optimisim has spiked the water on Wall Street with a cocktail of the GOP taking back the House, QE2 and the employment numbers.  So what’s the smart money banking on as we rapidly approach the end of 2010?

Read this from Lori Ann LaRocco CNBC Sr. Talent Producer.

With record low interest rates and San Diego North County property values at historic lows, we are seeing a large number of investors buying distressed properties in select Southern California markets.

Of the San Diego homes that recently sold, foreclosures were down from a year ago but still a significant part of the North County home market.

Need help understanding the implications of a distresses property sale?  The button link at the top of this blog labeled “Foreclosures” will help you find current short sale information and the free forclosure search will help you find other North County distressed homes.

To get more information about San Diego North County real estate, including Carlsbad homes, Oceanside homes for sale, Encinitas homes, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido real estate, contact Gary Harmon.

Caution When You Lock Your Car

As your North County Realtor, I like to pass along consumer protections tips when I run across worthy material.  After reading the article below,  I don’t plan on changing how I lock my car, but I plan to be more aware of my surroundings.  If there is any question, lock your car manually.  Read the info below the photo.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

How to Lock Your Car and Why……Not a Joke!

I locked my car.  A s I walked away I heard my car door  unlock.  I went back and locked my car again  three times.  Each time, as soon as I started  to walk away, I would hear it unlock again!!  Naturally alarmed, I looked around and there  were two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next  to the store. They were obviously watching me  intently, and there was no doubt they were somehow  involved in this very weird situation.  I quickly chucked the errand I was on, jumped in my car and sped away.  I went straight to the police station,  told them what had happened, and found out I was part  of a new,  and very successful, scheme being used to gain entry  into cars.  Two weeks later, my friend’s son had a similar happening.. 

While traveling, my friend’s son stopped at a roadside rest to use the bathroom.  When he came out to his car less than 4-5 minutes later, someone had gotten into his car and stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator, briefcase…you name it.  He called the police and since there were no signs of his car being broken into, the police told him he had been a victim of the latest robbery tactic — there is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your key-chain locking device.

They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are  going inside of the store, restaurant, or bathroom and  that they now have a few minutes to steal and run. The police officer said to manually lock your car door-by hitting the lock button inside the car — that way if there is someone sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim, it will not be you.   

When you hit the lock button on your car upon exiting, it does not send the security code, but if you walk away and use the door lock on your key chain, it sends the code through the airwaves where it can be instantly stolen.       
This is very real.   

Be wisely aware of what you just  read and please pass this note on.  Look how many times we all lock our doors with our remote just to be sure we remembered to lock them — and bingo, someone has our code….and whatever was in our car.   

Other consumer protection articles for your review:

Identity Theft in San Diego – Avoid It – Report It

Identity Theft – Don’t Get Scammed

Identity Theft – You Made It, Now Keep It!

When looking for a great North County real estate agent, contact Gary Harmon, I care about you!   Gary specializes in Encinitas homes, Oceanside homes for sale, Carlsbad homes for Sale, San Marcos real estate and Escondido real estate.  Gary also specializes in San Diego Ocean View homes.

Minimize Identity Theft

North County, San Diego, and Southern California Open Houses

This Weekends Open House Listings

If you are considering buying a San Diego North County home in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, or Escondido, you should be looking at open houses each weekend.   Below is posted current open house links to San Diego real estate open houses, Orange County open houses and real estate open houses in Santa Barbara, Murrieta, Temecula, and Los Angeles.    Open houses are what you should be doing in the very preliminary stage of buying your San Diego North County home.  When you are getting serious about your home purchase, you need to be working with a real estate expert like Gary Harmon of Prudential California Realty.  Contact Gary Harmon, and put his  20 years of experience to work for you.  See this weekends Prudential California Realty open house listings below.  (No longer available)

  • San Diego Real Estate
  • Santa Barbara Real Estate
  • Los Angeles Real Estate
  • Orange County Real Estate
  • Murrieta and Temecula Valley

Need to know more about the communities in San Diego North County real estate.  Click on the blue buttons.

Building Real Estate Wealth with Carlsbad Investment Properties

Build Carlsbad Real Estate Wealth – Follow these steps.

San Diego North County real estate investing has probably made more millionaires in San Diego than any other thing.  One of the most popular areas is Carlsbad homes.  The current Carlsbad homes market is in turmoil to be sure.  However, this just may be the right time  to start building real estate investment wealth by investing in Carlsbad homes for sale.  Prices of Carlsbad investment properties are low and interest rates are also favorable.  If you want to start building your North County real estate investment portfolio, you may be at the right place at the right time, especially if you plan to invest in Carlsbad real estate.  Carlsbad investment properties have most always been a good investment, but when you buy them for depressed prices your chances for gain are great.

  • Save, save, save your money.  You need a downpayment for most Carlsbad property investments.
  • Clean up your credit scores.  This helps you get better interest rates for Carlsbad real estate.
  • Buy San Diego North County investment homes.  Choose Carlsbad homes.  Location, location, location.
  • Shop around to get the right Carlsbad real estate at a good price. Gary Harmon, your Carlsbad Realtor can help.
  • Don’t try to save too much money by doing everything yourself.
  • Know the current rates for Carlsbad property investment homes.
  • Refinance everytime it makes sense. See Home Services Lending.
  • Upgrade tenants for your Carlsbad home with better tenants when possible
  • Consolidate or upgrade to larger investment properties when possible.

Find Carlsbad Investment Properties

For more information and to get great personal service, contact Gary Harmon, your top Carlsbad Realtor.  Gary also specializes in Carlsbad Ocean View homes and Carlsbad Ocean Front Homes.