Home prices are rising and have been doing so for the last three months.  According to Standard and Poor’s newest Case-Shiller index report, prices have actually showed a decline, but that fact has been disputed by other reports. In North San Diego, I agree that prices seem to be rising and market times, not including short sales, are decreasing.

The discrepancy between the Case-Shiller report and other reports that have studied markets across the country is that the other reports focus on when contracts are signed – it uses the prices agreed upon at that time, even though it could be months until the properties close escrow.  Case-Shiller uses the prices reflected at the close of escrow, so there is quite a bit of lag time, up to several months, which skews the results.

Market Trends: The general consensus is that if you focus on what is trending, rather than waiting until close of escrow down the road, you get a clearer picture of price increase. Of course, there is the possibility that some of these sales may not close escrow, or may not appraise at the agreed price, but there is still a valid argument that focusing on what people are WILLING to pay and do get into contract for is a more accurate measure of hyper-local market analyses.

North San Diego: From a personal standpoint, I agree that prices seem to be increasing in the North San Diego market. We are seeing a lot of multiple offer situations, especially in the lower price ranges (under $400,000) across the county. Also apparent is that that the days on market time seems to be decreasing. In Carlsbad alone the average market time (for all four zip codes combined) for detached homes is 76 days, but if you scroll through all the pending listings you will notice many that sold in under a week. For attached homes in all four Carlsbad zip codes the average market time is 84 days, but again, you will notice a handful of properties that went into pending status quickly.

Sales Time Trends and Short Sales: Another trend I am seeing is that short sales contracts are being presented and accepted faster, especially in the under-$400,000 price range, with both attached and detached homes. These sales go into contingent status (meaning an offer has been signed and accepted by the seller pending approval by the short sale lender(s)) much quicker these days, but the market times are longer because the parties await short sale lender approval. The wait time, which can take months, throws off the market time numbers and makes them longer, so that has to be considered when looking at the sale times.

All in all the news is positive that the market here in San Diego is improving,which is great news for homeowners and buyers alike. According to Altos Research, the statistics indicate that the tables have turned slightly in the condo market, making it a seller’s market for the first time in a long time; the detached home market is still a buyer’s market. Hopefully the road ahead will continue to bring us closer to a more “normal” market.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like any detailed market reports and statistics sent to you, and I will be happy to do so. Send your request to Rachel@LaMarRealEstate.org.

If you have ever considered a short sale, or would like to learn more about how they work, I have the seminar for you…and it’s free! Shortsaleopedia and I have collaborated to hold monthly seminars to help homeowners in San Diego, and the next one is this Wednesday, March 14, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Carlsbad Dove Library.

I have put together a phenomenal panel of experts – from real estate and credit attorneys to a CPA, short sale bank negotiator, mortgage professional, escrow and title professionals, who specialize and are trained in short sales. We will teach you all about the intricacies and ramifications (legal, credit and tax) of short sales, programs that may be available to help you, and how current and upcoming laws could make your sale easier or more challenging.

Please join me and my wonderful expert panel this Wednesday. Come learn, ask questions and get informed. You can sign up here:  http://shortsaleopedia.com/events/event-san-diego-shortsaleopedia-seminar/ The Carlsbad Dove (main) library is located at 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, just off El Camino Real North of Aviara Parkway.  If you are investigating options for distressed property, this event will be valuable.

Well, as surprised as I am, Chase has been kicked from the number one spot on my least favorite short sale lender list (but it is still a close second), making room for the new #1: Wells Fargo.

I work with many short sale buyers and sellers – some say I’m nuts to do so, but I think that you have to embrace reality, so that is what I do. I also thoroughly enjoy getting these sales closed, because it feels so good to accomplish a difficult task AND to know that I helped someone.

Along with working short sales comes frustration, mostly where the lenders are concerned. As a short sale agent, I and others keep hoping that one of these days these sales will become more uniform, easier to work and quicker. But, alas, sometimes they seem to be getting more challenging. The latest news is important for anyone who holds a loan with Wells Fargo, OR if Wells Fargo is the investor on your loan. Now this latter part is key, because some people have no idea who the investor (the one who actually holds the note) is on their loan(s).

Wells Fargo recently decided, in all it’s wisdom, to require agents to submit short sale offers 30 days prior to the auction date. This was not made public. While there could still be a chance that an offer submitted sooner might get approved for short sale, I implore you to not risk it. Wells sold a short sale listing of mine at auction this week, despite the fact that we had a well qualified buyer and had submitted a contract.

Please do not let this happen to you. It is a terrible feeling, and I am disgusted with Wells Fargo – so much so that I am considering pulling all my accounts with them. I have banked there for many years, but this leaves a very nasty taste in my mouth. While other lenders are trying to embrace short sales, Wells gets the stick for being uncooperative, uncaring, and plain ridiculous.

With short sale lenders constantly changing rules, it is very difficult to keep track of everything. If you are considering a short sale, make sure you find out who your investor is, as it is often not the same as the service provider.

If you are looking for a home that is bright, clean, close to the beach and has been recently upgraded to the hilt, I have the home for you! My new listing at 1477 Sapphire Drive in Carlsbad is in the wonderful gated community of Mar Brisa, just moments from the beach, dining, shopping, walking trails and in the wonderful Carlsbad school district.

Here are some of the amenities this home offers:

•4 bedroom plus optional bedroom downstairs (or den/office), 2336 square feet, great floorplan

•  Granite kitchen counters

•  New Travertine flooring downstairs with decorative inlays

•  New custom stone floor-to-ceiling fireplace in family room

•  New hardwood flooring in master bedroom – which has ocean peek-a-boo views and plenty of closet space

•  New carpeting upstairs

•  Surround sound system downstairs with recessed speakers, and the family room is wired for Apple TV

•  3 car garage with built-in storage

• Private, nicely landscaped backyard with fire pit

• Newer kitchen appliances, and refrigerator, washer and dryer convey with sale

• Gated community with community pool, two spas, tot lot and exercise lot

If you would like to schedule a showing for this home, please call me at 760-310-9466. For more information and to view more photos and see the virtual tour, please click here.

This coastal South Carlsbad view home has been exceptionally maintained. Nestled in the gated hilltop community of Mar Brisa, this home offers the largest and most popular floorplan and sits on one of the biggest lots. Open Sunday, October 16, from 1:00 to 4:00 – plus win gift cards and take home free goodies just for stopping by!

Features include:

• 4 bedrooms + loft/2.5 bathrooms, 2570 square feet, and ocean breezes
• Beautiful views of mountains, rolling green hills, canyon and
golf course, and peek ocean views from upstairs loft
• Largest floorplan in gated coastal community of Mar Brisa
• Northeastern exposure, with lots of sunlight throughout the day
• Travertine flooring with custom inlays downstairs and on staircase
• Chef’s dream kitchen with center island, breakfast area
• Cathedral ceilings
• Formal dining room
• Cozy family room with fireplace
• Master suite with endless views
• Sunken tub and walk-in closet in master bathroom
• Custom paint throughout
• Big, private backyard (8000+ square feet) with large patio area for
entertaining or dining al fresco.
• Lots of storage throughout
• 3 car garage with epoxy flooring
• Ceiling fans
• Upstairs laundry room with sink
• Great loft area for den/office/playroom/gym, or convert to
5th bedroom
• Short stroll to community pool/spa and tot lots
• Carlsbad schools!
• Low HOA fees, no mello roos taxes
• MLS #110049083

This home is truly exceptional…stop by and see it! I am hosting a gift card drawing just for visiting…plus, pick up some free environmentally friendly shopping bags and Halloween candy! For more photos and information please visit http://1452SapphireDrive.2seeit.com. If you have questions or would like to schedule a private showing please call me at 760-310-9466 or email me at Rachel@LaMarRealEstate.org.

This weekend one of my favorite events comes back to Carlsbad- Art Splash. Stop by on Saturday from 10:00-6:00 and Sunday from 10:00-5:00 on Armada Drive off Palomar Airport Road. The majority of the street is closed for this event, and you can park off Fleet Street. The event and parking are free.

Art Splash is a wonderful place to take the family and enjoy some of the finest local art. There are demonstrations, art vendors, performers, food, and my favorite – the street art. I am always amazed by the talent of our local artists. Your children can try their hand at street art too.

The list of performers for this year’s Art Splash is fantastic – Musicians, dancers, yo-yo and hula hoop demonstrations, cake decorating and chalk art…there is so much to see and do. So if you are looking for something fun to do this weekend that won’t leave your wallet empty, come on out and have some fun at Art Splash!

For more information and an events calendar visit the website at http://www.carlsbadartsplash.org/

It is rare that you see a time when all the neighbors are out walking around – I mean entire families and their dogs just strolling around, talking to each other. No televisions, no phones, no computers, no distractions. That is what it was like during the power outage in my neighborhood.

Sad that it takes a power outage to get neighbors together, but I have to say that it was something we should all do every so often. I played board games with my daughter by candlelight – completely cut off from the world. I had no phone access, no portable radio, no internet, and cell lines were down. I followed news updates on my iPad, but really that was the only connection to the outside world for seven hours. My neighbor came over and let me borrow his generator to cool my refrigerator down so food would not spoil. I saw so many neighbors in the street, it was almost a party!

The power outage, while a big inconvenience for most, really makes one think about things…like how important it is sometimes to turn off the phone and computer, get out and see your neighbors, and just sit with your kids doing something fun.  It was like going back in time, and yes it did make us all think about how vulnerable and dependent we are, which of course is another good thing to do every now and again. Most importantly, this little stray from the norm strengthens our sense of community, kindness and goodwill toward others.

LaMar Real Estate is proud to offer for sale this beautiful home located at 1452 Sapphire Drive. Situated in coastal Carlsbad in the gated ocean view hilltop community of Mar Brisa, this home has been impeccably cared for by the original owner. With 4 bedrooms, a loft, 2 and a half bathrooms and 2570 square feet, this popular “Venice” model offers the largest floorplan in the community. The seller will entertain offers between $699,000 and $719,000.

When you walk into the front door you are surrounded by natural light, cathedral ceilings custom paint throughout, and stunning travertine floors with custom inlays downstairs and on the stairs. The large living room and formal dining room look out to the beautiful backyard and views beyond. The family room has a stone fireplace and plenty of room, and the bright, spacious kitchen is fabulous for the chef and entertaining.

The large master suite has more views – out to the canyon, The Carlsbad Crossings golf resort, mountain ranges and rolling hills. With a sunken tub and big walk-in closet, the master bathroom fills all of your needs.

The upstairs loft – an optional 5th bedroom – provides a great space for a den, playroom, office or gym, and includes a peek view of the ocean. The upstairs laundry room provides convenience and a built in sink. Other features include an expoxy floor three car garage, ceiling fans, upgraded neutral carpeting upstairs, and custom drapery.

Aside from the many exquisite interior features of this home, the beautiful backyard is definitely something to brag about. Situated on a lot of over 8000 square feet, this is one of the larger lots in the neighborhood. The sellers created a large patio area for dining al fresco, and a path that circles the center lawn area (great for strolling or for small bikers). Mature landscape and flowers provide plenty of privacy. The views extend to the rolling hills and mountains, and out to the San Bernardino mountain ranges, plus golf course and canyon views. It truly is a personal oasis.

The Mar Brisa community features a resort like community pool and two spas, barbeques and tot lot, plus an exercise lot. HOA fees are very low and there are no mello roos taxes. Carlsbad schools too! 1452 Sapphire Drive is move-in ready and waiting for a buyer. To see more pictures and get more information on this home please visit http://www.1452SapphireDrive.2seeit.com. Please contact Rachel LaMar if you have any questions, or to schedule a showing, at 760-310-9466.

Art in the Village: This Sunday, August 14, the city of Carlsbad hosts the 13th annual Art in the Village in beautiful downtown Carlsbad Village, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you haven’t been to one of these fantastic events, I encourage you to drop by and have some fun.

The event includes artists, painters, mixed media artists, jewelry artists, sculptors, glass blowers and others. There will be food and live music, plus art demonstrations. The festival is held at State Street and Grand Avenue. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family. For more information visit the website at www.shopcarlsbadvillage.org or call 760-434-2553.

Snores and S’mores Family Campout: This weekend, August 13-14 this fun annual family campout takes place at Aviara Community Park, starting at 5:00 p.m. A great night of fun, food and adventures, sponsored by some of Carlsbad’s terrific family-friendly restaurants. You need to register for this event, so get your tents and sleeping bags ready and find all the details here: http://tinyurl.com/3ka64gz

Leo Carrillo Film Festival: If you are looking for something fun to do, something out of the ordinary and outdoors, this is the perfect suggestion. The annual film festival runs August through September, for five consecutive Fridays. Bring a picnic dinner, your lawn chairs, blankets and some warm clothes and watch a movie outdoors. Admission is free and tours of the historic ranch are offered before sunset as well. If you have never visited this Carlsbad gem I highly recommend it, as it is a wonderful piece of Carlsbad’s history. For more information on the film festival visit the website: http://tinyurl.com/3lahul7

The City of Carlsbad wants residents to attend the hearing on the future of the power plant. It will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn this Thursday, May 19, at 6450 Carlsbad Blvd. Public comments begin at 5:30 p.m.

The city opposes building a second power plant along the coast, but the California Energy Commission has approved doing so. If given final approval they will be built along the lagoon, across from the beach, and adjacent to the railroad tracks and interstate 5. This has been an issue of contention for a long time, and there are other locations in the state that would be safer and better suited to power plant construction.

If you are unable to attend the hearing the city encourages you to write a letter expressing your viewpoints. Please send to: Energy Commission Docket Unit, 1516 Ninth Street, MS-4, Sacramento, CA 95814. Identify all comments with “Docket No. 07-AFC-6.”

You may also comment via email to docket@energy.state.ca.us Also include “Docket No. 07-AFC-6.”

For further information please visit the city’s website at http://www.carlsbadca.gov. You can watch the video on the power plant here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzYjrS0ixlo&feature=youtu.be