I’m Off to Preview Homes for Relocating Buyers, and I’ve Got My Preview Kit with Me

I do a fair amount of previewing of homes, especially for relocating buyers who do not know the area and are not nearby to explore.

I expect you do the same, even for clients in your area.

So often what sounds great to the buyers in the MLS turns out not to be quite what they want, because of location, views, interior configuration, or other issues. I don’t want to waste their time when they are in town for a house-hunting trip.

And I like to be prepared, if time permits, so we don’t walk into a home based on MLS info and find it not at all like it is described, or to find some other condition that is conveniently not mentioned – the autobody shop next door, the room called a bedroom without a window or closet.

Previewing helps me better understand my clients’ needs and I can provide feedback to them. I also get to know the neighborhood.

So what do I take in my House Preview Kit?

MLS SHEETS WITH ALL THE DETAILS – I can verify accuracy of information, like number of bedrooms and baths, and other details.

CAMERA – a must, as I always take a bunch of photos to share with buyers who are out of the area (I ask permission). So often the MLS has only a few photos that really are not helpful. And I take photos of the exterior, the yard, the neighborhood, and views (if any).

VIDEO CAMERA – my new camera takes great HD video but I still like my Flip camera in terms of ease, and the size of the video file. Buyers enjoy getting a video tour of the home and of the nearby area.

MEASURING TAPE – you never know when you might need it, and some buyers have had very specific size requirements that are not addressed in the MLS – the width of a hallway or a particular door. I always remind them that they should check this out themselves, too.

DROID – there are several reasons. First, if I want to quickly upload a photo or video I can (and it helps if my brain goes dead and I forget the digital and video cameras).

Also, have YOU ever walked a potential buyer through a home on the phone? I have, many times. I have found it useful to get the buyer(s) on the phone while I am touring so I can describe things as I see them and answer their questions in real time.

Lastly, there are sometimes important questions that often come up that require a quick call to the listing agent.

BUYER FILE – this has all my notes, copies of MLS sheets, and in particular those details the buyers have told me are a MUST HAVE that may be something I won’t necessarily remember. And if the buyers have completed the Lifestyle Questionnaire or What’s Important in Your Home Search Questionnaire I have those bits of information to check out while previewing.

NOTE PAD – gotta have something to jot notes down, questions, or to sketch out a rough floor plan.

On my way now to see a few things for several sets of out-of-state buyers. Thanks for stopping by!

2/12/12 NOTE: I just downloaded a COMPASS and LEVEL app for my Droid. I have gotten a number of questions from buyers about "what direction does this house face?" Now I can offer an answer that is hopefully better than a guess.

Carlsbad Arts – A Winter Visit to the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden 2012

The Carlsbad Sculpture Garden is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. I took a brief walk through the other day when dropping off some books at the library.

The Sculpture Garden features a changing collection of large scale sculpture by local and regional artists in an intimate setting next to the Carlsbad's Cole Library near Carlsbad Village.

The Carlsbad Sculpture Garden is a program funded by the Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office.

An exhibit at the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden may feature one artist, as it does in the current show, or may showcase the works of several local artists. The garden is open during business hours (Monday through Friday from 9 until 5 pm) and is free to the public.

The Carlsbad Sculpture Garden is located at 2955 Elmwood Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Enjoy your winter stroll!!

Carlsbad Homes for Sale - What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in January 2012?

The Carlsbad real estate market continues to shift, and the statistics for January show a number of changes from last month. These data do not include private sales or manufactured/mobile/multi-family housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.

READ MORE ABOUT CARLSBAD:

Carlsbad Village by the Sea

101 Things to do In and Around Carlsbad

Carlsbad California and Historic Route 101 - The Coast Highway (a VIDEO)

Media reports speak in general terms, so information may not represent the reality of our local Carlsbad real estate market. Having data, and knowledge, about the local market conditions benefits you as a buyer or seller so you can make informed purchase and sale decisions.

In January 2012 there were 102 Carlsbad homes sold (92008, 92009, 92010 and 92011), the same as in December. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.

	TOTAL HOMES	Detached	Attached
Number	102 (no change)	60 (down 13%)	42 (up 27%)
Days on Market	95	77	121
Average Sales Price	$485,597 (down 6%)	$601,362 (down 2%)	$320,218 (down 2%
Average Sales$/List$	97%	96%	92%

The number of Carlsbad home sales remained the same, but with fewer detached homes sold in January than in December, but the opposite for attached. Overall average sale prices declined modestly. There is still some negotiation going on and buyers, on average, are getting their homes for 4 - 8% off the asking price.

There were 118 properties (20% of the total) in Carlsbad at the end of January with the CONTINGENT status, 6 more than last month (i.e., homes with offers being reviewed for approval by short sale and REO lenders).

There were 597 Carlsbad Homes for sale at the end of January, the 7^th decline in inventor, by 4%, and the lowest inventory in over a year! This represents an inventory of 5.8 months for attached homes (down from 6.3 months last month) and 4.8 months for detached (up from 4.5 last month) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months. The real estate market in Carlsbad continues to be competitive and is getting more so.

READ MORE: How Important is Inventory when Buying or Selling? Very!!

In January the number of new homes coming on the market increased, with 141 new listings (up 54%) hitting the market. This is likely due to the fact we are past the holidays and heading into the spring market. The number of homes going pending rose significantly, up 22% to 118, from December pendings. People were buying in January, and late December!

This overview of the Carlsbad real estate market is based on information provided by the MLS. More details can be provided with regard to current activity as well as within the specific zip codes of Carlsbad.

Watch for my 2011 overview of the Carlsbad real estate market!

SEARCH FOR CARLSBAD HOMES FOR SALE

SEARCH FOR HOMES WITH VIEWS IN CARLSBAD

SEARCH FOR WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN CARLSBAD

READ MORE:

Carlsbad Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in December 2011?

Carlsbad Homes for Sale – What Happened in the Carlsbad Real Estate Market in November 2011?

Carlsbad Homes for Sale | Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for October 2011

Carlsbad Homes for Sale | Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for September 2011

Carlsbad Homes for Sale: Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for August 2011

Carlsbad Homes for Sale: Carlsbad Real Estate Market Report for July 2011

What are San Diego's lowest mortgage rates today? What can we expect from mortgage rates in the 1st quarter of 2012? All Real Estate Professionals & Consumers are advised to stay informed about interest rates and learn THE TRUTH BEHIND MORTGAGE QUOTES to insure the best financial decisions are being made without the distraction of marketing gimmicks. Whether you're a newbee, market analyst (or somewhere in between), keep yourself informed of where mortgage interest rates are going (and why) by subscribing to this daily update.

The Mortgage Street Smarts of where mortgage interest rates are going (and why):

The following information is current as of Tuesday 2-7-2012 and will help you understand todays best mortgage rates. If you are a Buyer/Borrower who is still on the fence (or if you are a Real Estate Agent attempting to educate your "on the fence" Buyer), please review these trends and secure an historically low interest rate before it is too late.

The market closed Monday with an IMPROVEMENT to pricing (and will typically warrant a pricing adjustment by most Lenders). Monday's IMPROVEMENT resulted in a change of 3 basis points (bps).

The following chart shows the market activity for today (hint: upward activity is good, downward activity is bad):

The following chart shows market activity over the past 10 days (hint: green is good, red is bad):

The following chart shows market activity over the past 1 month:

Daily Interest Rate Snapshot (sample of rates from one of the country's largest Lenders...individual pricing will vary based on specific Borrower qualifications): NOTE: This Lender has quoted a 1.00% Origination Fee (1 Point) to accompany this pricing. It bears noting that this chart does not necessarily represent todays best mortgage rates.

Market Commentary

Analyst: Neil Trenerry

FNMA 30-Yr 3.5%

Previous close 103.781

Opened Flat @ 103.781

Key Economic Data:

EUR / USD 1.3176 Up 0.0046
USD / JPY 76.400 Up 0.1900
GBP / USD 1.5824 Up 0.0003

Oil 96.10 Down 0.81

Gold 1,721.30 Down 3.60

Key Economic News:

Chain Stores

Week on week: Actual: +1.8% Last: +0.1%.

Year on year: Actual: +3.5%. Last +3.9%.

Redbook

Month on month: Actual +1.2%. Last -1.8%.

Year on year: Actual +2.5%. Last +2.0%.

12:00est Consumer Credit for Dec

Consensus: 7.70b. Last: 20.37b.

Advice:

Greece still looming on the horizon, I believe this will outweigh some of the positive news we have seen today. I expect the range 103.625 – 103.875.

My position on MBS stays Long.

Trusted Industry Advisor

The above information was compiled and distributed by San Diego Residential Mortgage Specialist, Jason E Gordon. As a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (CMPS) Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and Certified Mortgage Coach (CMC), Jason E Gordon utilizes his advanced training to examine a prospective Client's complete financial picture, while carefully listening to their overall goals. If it is mutually agreed that a new loan makes sense to pursue, Jason strives to make the entire loan process as seamless as possible. He truly believes that providing open communication and patient educational guidance to his Clients and Business Alliances has been a pivotal component to building his business, while enhancing his reputation in the Mortgage Industry as a Trusted Advisor. Visit www.jasonegordon.com or www.ApprovingSD.com or more information.

Click here for daily mortgage interest rate updates and projections for San Diego's lowest mortgage rates

Carlsbad Arts – The Cannon Art Gallery 2012 Invitational Art Exhibit in Carlsbad CA

The Cannon Art Gallery continues its reputation for exhibiting outstanding works of art at the newest exhibition, the winter 2012 Invitational show running from January 22 until March 11, 2012.

Carlsbad has garnered quite a reputation as an arts community and the Cannon Gallery, a City-owned gallery, is certainly a vital part of that tradition, with multiple shows and events related to those exhibits (e.g., family open studios, live performances) throughout the year.

The Cannon Art Gallery 2012 Invitational showcases a wide range of work by Robert Ecker, Becky Guttin, Roy Jenuine, Robert Nelson, and Sasha Koozel Reibstein. Artists were selected by gallery director/curator Karen McGuire from the 2011 Juried Biennial exhibition.

While wandering through the Cannon Gallery the other day I was struck by the diversity of these works of art, and the talent displayed in their execution. And Director Karen McGuire, as always, has such a talent for assembling the Gallery’s exhibits in a meaningful, cohesive manner that is pleasing to the eye and the emotions.

The Cannon Art Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 – 5; Sunday 12 – 5; Closed on Monday

Cannon Art Gallery

1775 Dove Lane (adjacent to the Carlsbad Public Library)

Carlsbad, CA 92011

(760) 602-2021