Oceanside Real Estate

Buyers Ready to Snatch Bargains This Spring

April 15, 2011

Bargain prices on San Diego real estate combined with low interest rates below 5 percent may bring the San Diego real estate market its busiest spring season in years, economists say.

Distressed sales continue to put downward pressure on San Diego home prices, which may lure more buyers off the fence and ready to snag a deal during the typical prime-time buying season.

Some San Diego home builders are ramping up discounts on new homes as well as boosting commissions to brokers to try to spark more transactions.

Sellers of existing homes also are getting more competitive in pricing their homes.

“After three years of the housing downturn, people are becoming much more realistic in terms of valuing their homes,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®.

An improved job market with better income potential may also motivate more people to buy, says David Berson of the PMI Group.

“Household formations are also very important,” Berson says. “Kids may have moved back in with their parents, or two people may have moved in together, because of job concerns. Now they can move into their own place.”

While interest rates are sitting comfortably below 5 percent for now (30-year fixed rates averaged 4.76 percent last week), economists warn the attractive low rates won’t last long.

“Few think mortgage rates are going lower,” says Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics chief economist. “It’s more likely they will be 6 percent than 4 percent next spring. This lights a fire under buyers.”

Source: “Discounts Expected in Spring Housing Market,” The Wall Street Journal (March 22, 2011)

: Carlsbad Real Estate, Oceanside Real Estate, Real Estate News, San Diego Real Estate
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2 units up for sale in Pacifica Strand in Oceanside

April 6, 2011

A rare occurance in the Pacifica Strand condo communityin Oceanside CA. 2 units are currently available for sale in Pacifica Strand Oceanside. One 2br floorplan and one 3br floorplan. Both are clean and updated and they are both traditional sales so there is no fussing with banks or long waiting periods for responses to offers.

Pacifica Strand Oceanside is located west of the 5 freeway at 804 N. The Strand in Oceanside CA 92054. These ocean view condos in Oceanside boast unobstructed panoramic views and are within walking distance to the Oceanside Marina as well as all downtown Oceanside amenities. Enjoy whale watching, bike riding, swimming, boating, and fishing right outside your door!

Pacifica Strand in Oceanside is a 20 unit community built in 1981 that sits “on the sand”. If this community was any closer to the ocean, it would be floating in it!  These ocean view condos range in size from 1214sf to 1648sf and feature 1-3br floorplans, most of which are 2 story floorplans. Pacifica Strand condos in Oceanside CA is a gated community with a gated underground parking garage. Each of these Oceanside ocean view condos has 2 dedicated parking spaces and large decks for relaxing. Pacifica Strand HOA dues run about $465 per month and include common area maintenance, exterior building maintenance, limited insurance, sewer, trash pickup, and water.

Contact me for a list of available condos for sale in Pacifica Strand Oceanside.

: Oceanside Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
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5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help your San Diego Home Sell

March 23, 2011

To put the best face on you San Diego home listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.

1. Pay special attention to the front door of your San Diego home, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in your San Diego home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.

3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.

4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.

5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

Source: Sell Your Home Faster With Feng Shui by Holly Ziegler (Dragon Chi Publications, 2001)

: Carlsbad Real Estate, Home Selling Tips, Oceanside Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
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The Montego Condominiums

March 17, 2011

The Montego condominiums Oceanside are located at 100 Sportfisher Drive, and is only steps from Oceanside’s white sandy beaches and near both the Oceanside Marina and the site of an approved five square block hotel and gaslamp shopping area to be known as City Mark. All residences enjoy an unobstructed view of the Oceanside pier, white sand and ocean expanse.

There are 11 residences total in The Montego Condominiums building, The Antigua, The St Barths, The Grand Cayman, The St. Andrews, The Martinique, The St. Croix, The Barbados, The St. James, The St. Martin, The Montego Bay, and The Kingston. All of these ocean view condos in Oceanside CA are two or three bedroom floorplans and range in size from approximately 1,634 to 2,415 square feet, not including patio, balcony, and storage areas. Each unit is “smart ready” and features its own laundry room, three parking spaces and a parking – sized or larger enclosed storage unit. Fine finishes for these new Oceanside ocean view condos include Cambrian black granite, Viking appliances, Kohler fixtures, Woodmode-Brookhaven cabinets, and German hardwood floors. Each of The Montego condominiums in Oceanside has 1 or 2 ample sized patio areas where residents can enjoy ocean views and breezes. 

New units in The Montego Oceanside CA are currently available. Contact me via email to receive an updated list of available units and current pricing for these ocean view condos in Oceanside CA.

: Oceanside Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
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New Oceanside CA Row Homes

March 11, 2011

Looking for new Oceanside row homes that are walking distance to the beach? New Pointe Communities currently has 4 new construction homes in Oceanside for sale slated for June completion. These new Oceanside row homes are located just a couple of streets away from The Strand in Oceanside CA at 420 S. Cleveland. Enjoy ocean breezes, short walks to the beach, and all the great culture of living in downtown Oceanside CA. 

These new construction homes in Oceanside CA are one of the latest new construction projects in downtown Oceanside being built. The first of these row homes in Oceanside is a 2329sf 2 story residence with rooftop deck. This floorplan features 3 bedrooms (with and optional 4th) and 2.5 baths  and a 2 car attached garages. Basic amenities include granite, travertine & carpet flooring, 2 fireplaces, a full laundry room, and more. These Oceanside row homes are built with style & class with attention to all those ”little details”. Forced air heating and cooling is included in each model.

These Oceanside rowhomes do not have HOA fees or a Mello Roos payment! Prices for the new construction homes in Oceanside CA start in the low 700′s.

: Oceanside Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
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Brand new luxury beachfront condos in Oceanside CA

March 2, 2011

Live on the beach, not at the beach! Enjoy unobstructed ocean views from any one of these luxury beachfront condos in Oceanside CA. Residencia Oceanside features contemporary interior designs that take full advantage of the direct views of the Pacific Ocean. Residencia Oceanside boasts spacious oceanfront decks seamlessly transitioned from indoors by eight foot sliding walls of glass. These oceanfront condos in Oceanside feature imported Italian Snaidero gourmet kitchens by Pininfarina with Miele appliances included. Each unit in Residencia Oceanside is finely detailed and finished with natural stones, exotic hardwoods, imported cabinetry, and fully integrated audio systems throughout.

Residencia Oceanside is located at 400 South The Strand, near Pacific and Pine in the 92054 Oceanside zip code. These 8 exquisite oceanfront condos range in size from 1888-2228sf. 2 underground parking spaces are available in Residencia Oceanside private garage area.

Residencia Oceanside HOA fees run about $560 per month. New beach front condos in this community of 8 are currently available. Contact me for current pricing.

: Oceanside Real Estate
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Sellers: 5 Questions to Ask When Reviewing an Offer

September 13, 2010

You made the decision to list your home with a San Diego REALTOR®. You worked hard to get the house in tip-top shape, the curb appeal shines, and you’ve priced it well.

Some might say that’s the easy part. When an offer comes in, your San Diego real estate agent will review it with you. It’s important that you read and understand all of its terms – not just the purchase price. Here are five things to keep in mind when reviewing offers to help you choose the one that’s best for you.

1. What contingencies are involved? A contingency is something that has to happen before the contract is fully enforceable against the buyer and seller. If a contingency is not met, the party benefited by that contingency can walk away. Common examples include the buyer seeking a mortgage loan to purchase the home; selling the buyer’s current home; conducting inspections; and in a short sale, approval of the seller’s lender.

2. What’s the bottom line? Can you afford to cover everything the buyer is asking for? Your San Diego real estate agent can provide you with a “net sheet” that takes all of the financial terms – such as requests for closing costs and repairs – and calculates what the net proceeds will be, based on the offer price. This is especially important for owners who are short selling their homes.

3. What timeframes are involved? Be available for your San Diego real estate agent to present offers. Every offer has an expiration date, and it’s important to meet that expiration date or get an extension if you need more time to review the offer. When is the buyer proposing to close escrow? How long is the buyer asking for due diligence? The purchase agreement will have a “time is of the essence” clause, so it’s important to pay attention to all contractual deadlines.

4. What is most important? This is a question that only you as the seller can answer. If maximizing proceeds is most important, you’re more likely to stand firm on your financial terms, whereas if a quick closing date is most important, then you may be willing to compromise in other areas.

5. What are my options? The seller always has the right to accept, reject or counter every offer that’s made on the property. Selling a home can be a very emotional time for a homeowner. It’s important to stay flexible, look at it as the business transaction it is, and for each provision in the offer decide whether it’s a deal breaker or if you’d be willing to compromise. Working through the offer with your San Diego real estate agent, decide what course is best for you.

: Carlsbad Real Estate, Home Selling Tips, Oceanside Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
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Sellers in Distress: Know Your Options

August 21, 2010

San Diego homeowners facing financial difficulties have numerous options besides short selling your home. Options could include loan modification or a revised repayment plan; refinancing with your current lender or another lender; bankruptcy; or voluntary deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. These options may have adverse consequences and you must decide what is best for your individual situation.

To find out more, explore your options with your lender and other appropriate professionals, such as attorneys, accountants, and qualified San Diego housing and credit counselors. A list of HUD-approved housing counselors is available by Clicking Here. Even more local, state and national resources are compiled on the State of California Foreclosure Help website at http://www.hud.gov/local/ca/homeownership/foreclosure.cfm

: Carlsbad Real Estate, Home Selling Tips, Oceanside Real Estate, Real Estate News, San Diego Real Estate
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Small Projects Have Big Impact When Selling

August 9, 2010

It’s a buyer’s market, and even small things can set your San Diego home apart from the competition. The problem is, over time, homeowners no longer see small projects like fixing a hinge on a seldom-used cabinet door or cleaning scuff marks off the back door.

But in a home buyers eyes, those little projects put questions in their minds, not only, “how much will these repairs cost?” but also, “if the little things aren’t done, are there big things that haven’t been done as well?”

A clean and clutter-free San Diego home is a great start. But it’s important to take a more critical eye to your home before listing it for sale. If you can afford it, have a pre-listing home inspection to identify problems ahead of time. Fix the problems that you are able to, and be prepared to disclose and/or negotiate the ones you can’t fix up front. Here are five areas where a small fix can make a big impact on how a buyer sees your San Diego home.

Heating and cooling is a critical component to San Diego homes and one of the most costly repairs to make on a home. a heating and cooling system that appears to poorly maintained can raise concerns with potential San Diego home buyers. Be sure to replace the furnace filters to ensure optimal air flow to the HVAC system. Clean all the air vents and ceiling fan blades.

Electrical. Replace any burned out light bulbs in all fixtures inside and outside. Replace cracked or missing outlet covers and switch plate covers. These are simple, inexpensive items that improve the overall appearance of any home for sale in San Diego.

Walls and windows. Repair and touch up dings, scratches and holes in the walls, even small holes from picture hangers. Clean scuff marks off base boards, walls and doors. Clean the windows and vacuum the window tracks inside and outside to get rid of debris.

Flooring is an item that every San Diego home buyer immediately notices. Shampoo the carpet if it is still in good condition. Where possible, replace broken floor tiles or boards. If the carpet is looking worn or stained, get estimates to replace it so you will be armed with information if the buyer tries to negotiate a concession.

With all the recent news and health concerns about mold, it is important to have the plumbing in tip top condition. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes. Besides being clean, bathroom fixtures should function properly. Check the faucets for water flow and temperature. Make sure the toilets flush properly and don’t “run.”

Finally, if you started home improvement projects that you haven’t quite finished, finish it! Not only will it be one less thing on your to-do list, it could improve your chances of standing out to potential San Diego home buyers.

: Carlsbad Real Estate, Home Selling Tips, Oceanside Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
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How to get an offer on your home

August 6, 2010

Selling your San Diego home can be much easier if you follow a few basic guidelines. Even in a slow San diego real estate market you can get a good offer in a minimal amount of market time if you are a realistic seller.

The most important factor in getting a good offer on your San Diego home (in my opinion) is to price it right from the get go. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range. Pricing your San Diego real estate at the upper end of the property’s price range “hoping to leave room for negotiating” can deter potential buyers from viewing your property if there are similar lesser priced property’s in your neighborhood.

Prepare for visitors. Get your San Diego house market ready PRIOR to listing it in the MLS and showing it. You want your home to be ready to show the day it hits the market. Listing your San Diego home in the MLS and stating it cannot be shown for a week due to clean up will only frustrate potential buyers and lead them to believe the home  is in poor condition.

Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show at the spur of the moment but the more amenable you can be about letting people see your home, the sooner you’ll find a buyer. Having a lockbox on the property, even if you want to be present during every showing is also a big plus. A San Diego Realtor who is preparing a list of properties to show their client may choose to skip your property if they think it will be difficult to show due to not having a lockbox present. 

Anticipate the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable. A quick response back to the potential buyer will keep them interested in the property.

Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your San Diego home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, you should be prepared to at least consider lowering your asking price. Despite declining prices, there are still a lot of San Diego home buyers out there. If you have little to no showings and no offers with-in the first 30 days, your list price is most likely too high.

: Carlsbad Real Estate, Home Selling Tips, Oceanside Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
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