There are many possible reasons for smaller homes:
1. Aging boomers: As people are living longer, more Carlsbad couples are selling the big houses in favor of a smaller, single story home with less yard (and maintenance). We are finding that La Costa and Carlsbad single story homes are often on the market for a fraction of the time as a similar square footage two-story. The demand for these homes are increasing dramatically! Also as baby boomers are becoming empty nesters, many are choosing to trade in their big home for an RV or more vacations.

2. Affordability – We often find that Carlsbad real estate buyers stretch to buy the biggest, best house they can afford. In times of economic distress – layoffs, declining property values, decreasing wages, people just can’t afford the big house any more. Factor in increases in San Diego energy and water costs, more homeowners are realizing that maybe they need to revisit their monthly housing expenses.

3. Tight credit markets – Any loan above $417k is still a jumbo loan. Even though homes within the expanded limits are often called high balance conforming loans – these and other jumbo mortgages are harder (and more expensive) to get. As Carlsbad interest rates rise, home buyers will be able to afford less and less.

If you have any questions Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, and other north county coastal San Diego real estate or mortgage topics, please contact us. We are always happy to answer your questions.

This past Saturday was the opening of Rockledge in La Costa Oaks, in Carlsbad, CA.  We stopped by Saturday morning just to see the traffic.  It wasn’t nearly as busy as the grand opening of Copperwood in La Costa Oaks about a month ago.  So, we wondered about the potential immediate success of the development.  It seemed to me that given the AMAZING price range for being part of my much loved La Costa Oaks subdivision, that the community would be much busier that morning.

HOWEVER – we happened to stop by again on Sunday evening about 4:00 pm on our way to The Carlsbad Outlet Mall and Ruby’s.  And although, the traffic still wasn’t bustling, it was steady.  And imagine out surprise when we spoke to the sales representative and found that FOUR OF THE NINE homes that had just been released the day prior were already sold!!!!

As a real estate agent – that is GREAT news.  It reinforces some of the trends we are seeing with our clients – if you find a great home at the right price – you better be ready to act.  They are often selling on the first day on the market – at ABOVE asking price.  Does that mean the booming market is back – not necessarily.  But in a price range under $500k to $600k – homes are selling, and often selling quickly!

As for Rockledge at La Costa Oaks – Colrich expects to build 43 homes – many with canyon and ocean views.  The schools are the very highly rated and desirable – Mission Estancia Elementary, Diegueno Middle, and La Costa Canyon High School.

Rockledge at La Costa Oaks have homes between 1,913 and 2,463 square feet.  The property tax base is 1.3%.  As a La Costa Oaks homeowner, you will have access to The Oaks Club (which includes a gathering room, catering kitchen, swimming pool, bbq areas, and fully equipped exercise facility).  You will also have access to the coming La Costa Oaks Splash – a second pool and bbq area scheduled for completion in late 2009.

There are $10,000 of incentives offered if you use the preferred lender.  If you choose to use our services, the Mewborn Team is also offering a $4,000 incentive toward closing costs.  You ALSO have up to possibly $18,000 of tax credits available.   The financial incentives are HUGE!  ASK US HOW!

If you have any questions about Rockledge, La Costa Oaks, or any other local real estate communities, please contact us.  We are always happy to answer your questions.

I love the Carlsbad, Del Mar, and San Marcos Sammy’s because of the gluten-free pizza. Although not quite as soft, fluffy, and chewy as its typical wheat filled counterpart, it is a wonderful pizza – especially for those of us who really love a great pizza and try to limit the amount of gluten in their diet.

If you have any news about your favorite Carlsbad or La Costa businesses, please contact us. We always want to keep the community up to date on favorites or community news!

Very near La Costa Ridge, and La Costa Greens, we now have the new La Costa Grill.  It is a bit more upscale – both in environment and menu than the nearby La Costa El Torito, focusing a bit more on seafood with a mexican flair.  But it’s not nearly as upscale – in either environment or menu – as the fabulous Blue Fire Grill at the La Costa Resort.

So, if you are in Carlsbad and happen to be driving by the corner of El Camino Real and Alga / Aviara Parkway, you may want to give the new La Costa Grill a try. 

If you see something in La Costa or Carlsbad that you would like us to research and cover, or have any community or real estate questions, please contact us!

When I first moved to my La Costa home, I didn’t fully understand how great it was to have The La Costa Resort and Spa so close.  I expected La Costa’s resort to be just another high end resort that was too close to my home to ever really enjoy.  Was I ever wrong!

The La Costa Resort’s Spa Under The Stars is designed FOR the Carlsbad and La Costa communities.  It is a discounted evening to encourage you to come use their facilities.

This year, the La Costa Spa Under the Stars program runs from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursday evenings throughout the summer.

The event offers treatment specials, spa cafe happy hour with discount appetizer plates, wine and champagne.  They host different speakers each week.

La Costa Resort’s Spa Under The Stars admission is $45, but waived with the purchase of a treatment.  Gather your Carlsbad girlfriends and plan a girls night out!  Visit La Costa Resort  for more information.

If you ever have any questions about La Costa or Carlsbad real estate or community events, please contact us.

The pro/ameteur surf competition begins on Saturday, June 27th at 7 am. After the surf competition, there is a concert by Switchfoot and their guests, with the day ending around 5 pm. There is an after party at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. The event is completely free, but all proceeds from the auction, the vendors, and the after party will go to Stand Up For Kids.

For more information, see Switchfoot Bro-Am.

If you are looking for something to do with your spouse or family in or around your Carlsbad or La Costa home, try Bellefleur in the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. They serve Sunday Brunch from 10-2 for $21.95 per adult. The juice and champagne are free flowing and the food is great. And maybe you can do some shopping while you are there.

If you have any questions about life around our Carlsbad or La Costa homes, or any other coastal communities, please contact us.

Mahogany New Construction

If you are looking for a large, luxury home with more amenities than you can imagine at prices that you wouldn’t believe, look no further than Mahogany in San Marcos. Mahogany is right off San Elijo Road, really at the entrance to San Elijo. It is also less than 1/4 mile from the very desirable homes of La Costa Oaks.

The homes range from almost 3100 square feet to almost 3900 square feet – with prices starting AS LOW AS $618,900!  That is UNHEARD of for new homes in the La Costa, Carlsbad, and San Marcos areas!

These homes come with air conditioning (often not standard in San Diego homes) maple cabinet, stainless appliances, family room fireplace, granite countertops, and front yard landscaping. If you are looking for an AMAZING Carlsbad or La Costa home, consider Mahogany. It has a San Marcos address, but you can’t beat the value!

TGIF – Friday Night Carlsbad Summer Jazz Series From 6-8 pm

Stagecoach Park  – 3420 Camino de Los Coches
June 19 – Canned Heat (boogie blues)
June 26 – Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas (zydeco)
July 3 – Big Time Operator (big band swing)
July 10 – Bill Magee Blues Band (southern blues)

Poinsettia Park 6600 Hidden Valley Road
July 17 – Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (afro-cuban)
July 24 – Lowrider Band (latin/funk)
July 31 – Roddie Romero& the Hub City All-Stars (cajun)

Calavera Hills Park 2997 Glasgow Drive
August 7 – The Screamin’ Primas (jump jive swing)
August 14 – Tinsley Ellis (electric blues)
August 21 – Coco Montoya (rockin blues)