An informational source for people who are relocating, with a particular focus on moving to the Carlsbad area of North County San Diego (and nearby coastal communities), with advice, guidance and true stories to help you on your way and make it a great journey, from a REALTOR� with plenty of personal (4 major moves, most recently from Boston to Carlsbad, California) and professional relocation experience. Are you running into problems selling your home? Need to find a new one quickly? Never moved before and haven't a clue? You'll find some great tips on how to solve your relocation issues here. Or ask me a question any time and I'll share some solutions or tell you where to get more information.
CA DRE License #01490977
Our country's largest one-day outdoor fair will be held next Sunday, November 4 (cool it's my birthday then too! Maybe I should treat myself). Read more about this event and plan to attend - what a great way to shop for the holidays, birthdays, or just to better enjoy your home.
Carlsbad has a terrific assortment of outdoor events for visitors and residents. This may be one of the best. Don't miss it!
Buyers and Sellers - Be Aware of Insurance Moratorium
Buyer and sellers - you may already have heard, but do to the fires here in San Diego County there in a moratorium by the insurance comapnies on writing new policies on homes that are being sold. This will be temporary but I learned about this yesterday. This also happened after the fires 4 years ago,
If your home is in escrow and closing is imminent, or you are buying a home that is due to close, please check with your insurance provider right away. Escrow cannot close if you cannot provide proof of homeowner's insurance, which I expect you already know.
I understand that California Fair Plan will write policies but these are not comprehensive and you would want to get a better policy after closing occurs.
I have also heard, though, that the moratorium MAY be lifted n Monday since they are making progress with the fires, so the impact may be minimized. We will see.
One thing for sure, rates are going to change in many areas of San Diego, and we may see some policies get canceled, or insurers may decline to insure in certain areas.
BTW if you need an insurance broker here in the San Diego area, please let me know.
I hope you are all well and safe if you are in this area.
As everyone knows around the country, and most importantly here in Southern California, the fires that are raging are top of mind for everyone. I'm sorry about not writing more but obviously there are more serious things to worry about.
Things continue to change hour by hour, with some improvements in some area and others where conditions are worsening rapidly.
One of the things that buyers often forget about when they buy a new Carlsbad home (not new construction) are the keys.
It is pretty common, as I'm sure you know as a homeowner, to share house keys with other people: a neighbor to check on your house when you travel, a housecleaner, and perhaps other vendors, friends or family. Do you get all those keys back when you move? Probably not.
As a new homeowner, keep this likelihood in mind when you move into you new home. It would be wise to quickly arrange for new locks to be installed, or you can install new door knobs and lock systems yourself.
You just don't know who might have keys to your new home and shouldn't.
Carlsbad Homes - New Work-Live Lofts Near the Beach
A new development, BluWater Crossing, near the beach in mid-Carlsbad is currently under construction.
This development will feature work-live lofts within walking distance to the beach and a two minute walk to the train station and bus stop.There will be a 21,700 SF commercial/retail complex adjacent to the condos providing services and some shopping to residents.
No pricing available yet but these homes are in the 2243 - 2743 SF range.
While I am addressing this specifically to sellers of Carlsbad homes, because I live here, it really is applicable anywhere. So, sellers, listen up.
The title, "Carlsbad Sellers, Cell Your Home," is NOT a typo. There is new technology out there, well, new to real estate, that you should be aware or (as should your listing agent - I am adding it to MY arsenal of services for sellers). That is, using cellular technology to transmit listing information (including photos and other information you will find on the MLS) to potential buyers who see your sign and call the telephone number that is provided along with an ID #.
It's a virtual brochure box, so to speak. (Note that phones MUST be capable of photo messaging, which is a majority of brands). Of course you can combine this with the standrard brochure box so you can appeal to buyers who love texting as well as those who want to hold something in their hand to read and review.
Call for Pics is one company providing this service but there are others.
Is YOUR Carlsbad real estate agent up on the technology to help "cell" YOUR home?
BUYERS - if you love text messaging you will love this when you are searching for a home.
With the Fall Season upon us and rainfall imminent, it's a good time to check up on preventative maintenance items around your home.
Gutters and Downspouts
The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to collect running water from the roof and move it away from the structure. When working properly, this function keeps walls, windows and sub terrain areas dry. And to keep a system working properly, it is imperative to keep both the gutters and downspouts free of debris. A visual check of your system should include observations for rust, dents or cracking. And downspouts should always terminate several feet away from the foundation.
Plants and Trees
Plants/Trees and other types of vegetation, that come into contact within a structure, can trap moisture against the structure and create a water intrusion problem. Wet buildings materials within a structure can lead to conditions conducive to mold growth. Serious consideration should be given to trimming the trees/bushes and other types of vegetation away from the structure. Plants and vegetation also allow easy access for rodents and insects.
Peeling Exterior Paint
Peeling paint observed on either siding or windows can be an indication of water getting into the wood. Exposed wood and other untreated building materials are highly susceptible to water intrusion. From years of inspecting homes, peeling paint around windows is one of the leading causes of water intrusion and subsequent mold. Areas of peeling paint or exposed wood should be repaired immediately.
A properly designed exterior will work well in keeping moisture outside the structure rather than inside where mold growth can occur. If you suspect a system is not working properly contact a licensed professional for repair and or further evaluation.
Andy Konopacki
President -
P 760-273-9728
P 949-269-3073 (Orange County)
F 760-683-3126
Selling your home involves a lot of challenges, especially in this market, and sellers tend to get pretty anxious about it, particularly when they are relocating and really NEED to sell. But in many markets conditions favor buyers, so you need to pay attention to a couple of things.
Sometime sellers are, or want to be, present when buyers come through the house. I don't recommend this. It makes buyers nervous, and they tend to not spend much time there looking and dreaming about being in YOUR house.
But there is also the chance that you may get asked questions, and you may reveal information that is best left to your agent, especially as it has to do with your anxiety about moving. Some information that might be shared, even inadvertently, might jeopardize your ability to negotiate the best price for your home. If you appear desperate, the buyers will know this and likely will offer less because they know you NEED to sell.
Since you have hired an agent to help you, and to represent your interests. it is best to let that person share information. They are a neutral party...you are not.
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One of the things that buyers often forget about when they buy a new Carlsbad home (not new construction) are the keys.
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A new development, BluWater Crossing, near the beach in mid-Carlsbad is currently under construction.
