Recent Carlsbad Blogs and Posts
Carlsbad Real Estate – December, 2010 Statistics
The median home price in San Diego started 2010 at $330K, rose to $340K in May and ended the year at $333K. Up for the year, but only an inch. Also, up slightly, .9%, from November. It would be nice if the whole year ramped up consistently but in this market we can appreciate that any improvement at year’s end is a ray of sunlight, even though the storm clouds remain unsettled.
There was good news and bad news with the monthly sales volume in December. Sales volume was up 24.4% from November. A typical November to December increase in recent years is 18.6%. That’s the good news. The bad news was that December’s 3,191 transactions were still down 12.6% from December ’09 and ranked it as the second lowest December in the 23 years since DataQuick began tracking these numbers.
There were median sales price increases for all 4 of the Carlsbad zip codes when compared with December ’09 numbers. 92008 was up 5%, 92009 was up 3.2%, 92010 was up 19.1% and 92011 was up 16.4%. When you look at year-to-year appreciation or depreciation on a monthly level, they fluctuate quite a bit, but December was definitely a bright spot for Carlsbad home prices.
There were a couple really interesting pieces of news over the last few weeks. On January 21, Forbes came out with an article, “Best and Worst Cities for Home Values in 2011.” On the “Best” list, San Diego ranked 5th out of 315 markets with an appreciation of 2% projected for 2011 and 2% annualized for the next three years. And, on February 10, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate crept above 5% for the first time since May, 2010. With rates seemingly on the rise and sources like Forbes predicting our market to be one of the best positioned for a recovery, this creates more of an urgency for buyers to engage in our market. It’s another ray of sunlight.
(Data from DataQuick and Jan. 17, 2011 UT article, “San Diego County Home Sales Up, But Prices Fall”)
Carlsbad Walkathon Fundraiser January 22, 2011
As a father of three young children, nothing strikes a nerve with me more than when I hear about a child suffering from a life-threatening illness. And, I know that I learn of these situations for a reason and not just by chance. I recognize the amazing power of prayer and that even complete strangers can provide spiritual assistance to those in need.
These children and their families are my heroes for what they must endure. Knowing how the most minor of hurdles, like getting a child off of training wheels, can consume my mind; I can’t even fathom what their experiences are like. In addition to prayer, here’s another way you can assist families like this in our community. On January 22, the 2nd annual Mitchell Thorp Walkathon will be held at Carlsbad’s Poinsettia Park to raise funds for The Mitchell Thorp Foundation, a non-profit that was started by the Thorp family in memory of their son, Mitchell, who died in 2009 at the age of 18 after a long fight with an undiagnosed illness.
The Mitchell Thorp Foundation “supports families, whose children suffer from life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders. MTF ‘cares for the caregiver’ by providing both financial and emotional support to these families in their time of need.” Please visit their website, www.mitchellthorp.com, for more information on the walkathon or how to donate to the foundation. Again, it is Saturday, January 22, rain or shine, with 9am sign-in and 10am walk start. When on the website, please take the time to read “Mitchell’s Story.” You will realize that not only are you assisting families in need, but you are also honoring a true hero.
Carlsbad New Homes
If you like to buy brand new, there are many new housing communities you can currently visit in Carlsbad. Some are selling their very last units and some are just getting started. Before visiting any of these, remember it is in your best interest to contact a Carlsbad Realtor before because we can help you negotiate on the property and also be there for you throughout your escrow to make sure the builder is looking out for your best interests. To take advantage of this free service, since the builder pays the Carlsbad Realtor directly, you will usually need us to accompany you on your first visit to the sales office.
Here’s a list of Carlsbad New Home communities from the December 18,, 2010 San Diego Union Tribune New Home Directory, plus some additional research on my part. I’m happy to provide further information on each along with an update on what inventory is still available. Tim Holsten, Windermere Exclusive Properties, 858-922-708.
Dolcetto at La Costa Ridge – City Ventures – only 1 model left as of 12/21/10. 3573 square feet, 3-4 bedroom at $649,900. 3263 Sitio Avellana.
CopperWood @ La Costa Oaks – Colrich – 3,189-3,884 square feet, 4-6 bedrooms from the high $700’s. 7143 Sitio Bahia, 92009
RockLedge at La Costa Oaks – Colrich - 1,913–2,463 square feet, 3-5 bedrooms from the high $500’s. 3618 Corte Casera, 92009
SolTerra at La Costa Greens – Colrich – 1,989-2,196 square feet, 3-5 bedrooms from the mid $500’s. 6448 Cinnabar Way, 92009
Mirasol at La Costa Greens – William Lyon Homes – 3,066-3,314 square feet, 3-5 bedrooms from the high $600’s. 2346 Geode Lane, 92009
Viridian at La Costa Greens – Taylor Morrison – 2,823-4,601 square feet, 3-5 bedrooms from the low $900’s.
Avellino at La Costa Greens – KB Home – 1,615-2,216 square foot attached homes, up to 4 bedrooms from mid $400’s. 6970 Feldspar Place, 92009
53 Melrose – DR Horton – 2,025-2,411 square feet, 3-5 bedrooms from the low $500’s. 3466 Fioli Circle, 92009
Alcea @ Foothills – DR Horton – 1,753-2,052 square feet, 3-4 bedrooms from the upper $400’s. 3675 Glen Avenue, 92010
Rockrose @ Foothills– Brook field – 2,116-3,167 square feet, 3-4 bedrooms from the high $500’s. 3538 Glen Avenue, 92010
Blossom Grove @ Foothills – William Lyon Homes – 1,992-2,840 square feet, 3-5 bedrooms from the mid $500’s. 3710 Glen Avenue, 92010
Crescent Del Sol – Lagoon Breeze Development – 3,258 to 4,307 square feet, 3-4+ bedrooms from the $1,800’s. 234 Date Avenue, 92008
Emerald Pointe Estates – RWR Homes - 3,777 to 4,734 square feet from the high $900’s. 1380 Sapphire Drive, 92011