North County School Site Needed
June 23rd, 2008 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Diego Real Estate, Schools
Sometimes it is good to write about something other than San Diego real estate, Rancho Santa Fe news or La Costa condos. Sometimes, it just feels good to see if there is a way to lend a little hand to the community.
This morning, for example, I heard Sanderling Waldorf School in Encinitas and Cardiff is losing its lease and needs a new location somewhere in North County.
Any ideas?
This north San Diego County private school currently needs around 4500 square feet, with room for 7 classrooms, a kitchen, offices and storage. It is anticipated that over the next four years, there will be a requirement for 6300 feet and 10 classrooms.
The ideal site would have room for two playgrounds: The preschool would be fenced with around 2400 square feet, while the elementary playground would have at least 4000 to 6000 feet.
Location?
Their current school community resides in the Encinitas area. Sanderling Waldorf School would consider sites from Del Mar,Carmel Valley or Encinitas in the South; to Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, or San Marcos in the North; and Elfin Forest, Olivenhain or Rancho Santa Fe in the East.
There is a current budget of $7000 per month. The ideal site would have a natural setting, with zoning and permits in place for a school.
Perhaps a church? Or perhaps a public school that is closing its doors in Oceanside? Hmmm…..
Think I’ll place a few calls–starting with Sanderling Waldorf School, Villa Sotheby’s agent Sandy Mirisch, and Main Street Oceanside.
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Short Sale Home Warranty? Absolutely!
June 12th, 2008 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, Oceanside, Real Estate News, San Diego Real Estate
We have negotiated a number of San Diego short sales, and have yet to have one shorted lender or seller agree to fork over several hundred dollars for a one year home warranty.
And why might the buyer of a short sale need a home warranty?
Consider that homeowners in dire financial straits tend to ignore routine maintenance–and remaining appliances may or may not be in the best condition. Additionally, many of the homes may be vacant or have been tenant-occupied, and seller disclosures may be somewhat meaningless.
What to do if the seller or lender refuses to pay for a one-year home warranty–which we always demand for our San Diego home buyers?
Either negotiate with your Realtor or the seller’s representative to assist with the cost (or pay it in full)–or purchase the coverage for yourself.
This insurance can provide protection if the hot water heater goes cold, if the dishwasher doesn’t, or the air conditioner just blows hot air. There will almost always be a reasonable deductible for service calls, but the protection can be invaluable–especially with neglected homes.
And in case you are wondering, we always insure that our buyers are provided with this coverage–even if we have to pay the cost ourselves.
It is coverage we wouldn’t be without.
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Carlsbad Forum: Fine Shopping in Carlsbad
June 2nd, 2008 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, San Diego Real Estate
When Carlsbad real estate clients ask where to find good shopping in the Carlsbad, I offer one of two answers:
If they are local, all I have to say is, “The Carlsbad Forum,“and most will know what I mean. On the other hand, if they are from out of town, the directions to the Carlsbad Forum sound like a field trip:
….As you approach from the freeway, you will note the ocean to your west. Exit Leucadia Boulevard and you will pass Encinitas Ranch Golf Course on your left and at the bottom of the hill at the light, you will turn left on Garden View and will see Home Expo on the right.
Immediately after passing Home Expo, turn into The Carlsbad Forum on your right. Depending on the season and day of the week, you should be able to find a conventient parking place. Local residents are delighted to have so many of the shops, restaurants and stores situated there.
. Jimbo’s Market is an absolute favorite. Their produce and foods are organic, and their deli offers delicious alternatives to other carryouts.
.In the mood for Italian or Southwestern cuisine? Buca di Beppo offers casual family Italian; and The Yellow Coyote serves well-seasoned Southwestern fare. Want sandwiches, salad or soup? Panera Bread offers tasty selections for all three, along with outdoor seating.
.Shopping for clothes? At The Forum, you will find Chico’s, Talbots, Anthropologie, Victoria’s Secret, Coldwater Creek, Draper & Damons, Jos A Bank, and other small and upscale boutiques.
.For the home? Shoppers love Z Galleries and Sur la Table, as well as design and flooring companies.
.For the body? There’s the Bali Salon and Spa, a med spa, slow exercise facility and shoe stores that cater to the athlete.
The Carlsbad Forum is a favorite with Carlsbad and North San Diego County residents–and has become a travel stop for many visitors to the area.
For additional research:
Carlsbad Community Information
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Shhh! San Diego Real Estate Commissions Revealed
May 30th, 2008 Categories: At Home in Del Mar, Carlsbad Real Estate, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe
It’s a taboo of sorts to discuss real estate commissions, not because it’s an impolite topic (like discussing one’s salary or bowel habits at a social gathering), but rather, it could land a real estate licensee in jail (or so we are warned). Of course, it is legal and necessary to discuss commissions with a home seller–and as we all know, this is a negotiable fee. But to publicly discuss real estate commissions is insane, unless, of course….
the courageous San Diego real estate blogger is quoting a bigger mouth.
So what can I say about San Diego real estate commissions? Well, according to HomeGain (the bigger mouth), San Diego real estate commissions during the month of December, 2007 (time for an update?) averaged 5.1 percent across the board, whether it was a $300,000 Oceanside condo, a $500,000 San Marcos home, a $750,000 Carlsbad home–or a $1,000,000 or more Del Mar or Rancho Santa Fe mansion.
I don’t suppose this is earth rattling news of any sort, and it feels about right to this writer and real estate broker–except for those San Diego sellers who overprice their homes and think that a 9 percent commission and a paid trip around the world will enable or convince us to sell this overpriced property to some unsuspecting buyer. Not a chance.
Home Gain says this figure is based on historical commission averages for San Diego real estate sellers who found their agents through Home Gain. And they, too, disclose that real estate commissions are negotiable.
(Note to myself: Yippee! I crossed that real estate minefield and am still in one piece).
Have a nice weekend–and enjoy all the graduations and celebrations in our midst!
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La Costa Canyon: Break Up with Bottled Water
May 27th, 2008 Categories: Carlsbad Real Estate, Encinitas, Hot Market Trends, San Diego Communities
Trash cans at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, CA are emptier now that students, faculty and staff are switching to reusable water bottles.
And that is all because students with LCC’s Social Justice Project came up with a plan that is succeeding beyond all expectations, according to students and Christopher Greenslate, the LCC Social Justice teacher who also teaches journalism and English at the school.
Students sent out emails and made posters on recyclable paper to educate fellow students on the hazards of plastic water bottles, which are disposed of at the rate of 60 billion per year–and is the leading source of plastic pollution in the United States. They also sold recyclable bottles, which student and faculty quickly bought.
When that supply sold out, reformed plastic bottle users found other off-campus sources. It is hoped that the ubiquitous plastic water bottle will be replaced with reusable ones that won’t trash our planet so needlessly.
As a result of this successful effort, La Costa Canyon High School’s video about their breakup with bottled water has been selected as a finalist in Quantum Shift’s $50,000 contest for best environmental project.
Please visit the site and cast a vote for La Costa Canyon’s Social Justice. Perhaps their efforts will spread to other area schools, colleges and workplaces. In addition to lessening environmental impact, there will be significant cost savings. Home filtered water put in glass bottles is not only healthier, but runs just 1/10 the cost of bottled water.
All of San Diego and the neighboring communities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff, and Rancho Santa Fe should be proud of La Costa Canyon High School and their very green project.
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