Trigger Leads! Certain mortgage companies will pay top dollar to know exactly who is in the market for new financing. What's more, the major credit agencies not only allow files to be flagged whenever someone applies for a home loan, they actually sell this private information as leads to the highest bidders!

For a price tag of $25 to $100, names, addresses, phone numbers, mortgage histories, and even FICO score ranges are sold by the credit bureaus to mortgage companies, which then blindly solicit business.

Unfortunately, no legislation exists to prevent credit companies from profiting from this practice. As trigger leads, consumers are simply at the mercy of any number of solicitations designed specifically to discredit the mortgage professionals they've come to know and trust.

Remember, a limited number of sources exist for lenders to obtain mortgage money, and it's unlikely that a borrower will find an unbelievably low rate without an unbelievably high cost. That's why, prior to applying for any loan program, consumers should visit www.optoutprescreen.com to opt-out of credit bureau solicitations and avoid the problem altogether.

As consumers embark on what could be the largest financial transaction of their lives, it's important to work with a mortgage professional who clearly explains all available options and provides comprehensive solutions.

With little US economic news this week, investors focused most of their attention on Europe, where Greece is attempting to avoid a debt default. A lack of progress in Greece late in the week caused a minor flight to safety, and mortgage rates ended slightly lower than last week.

For most of the week, it appeared that Greek officials were on track to deliver a package of austerity measures required for Greece to receive additional aid. The negotiations took an unexpected step backward on Friday, however, as Greek political leaders agreed on an austerity package on Thursday, but European Union (EU) officials stated that Greece will not receive additional aid until the Greek Parliament passes the package.

Given the resistance among the Greek people, this is not a sure thing, and it extends the uncertainty about whether Greece will be able to avoid a debt default. As a result, investors shifted to relatively safer assets, including US mortgage-backed securities, which helped mortgage rates and hurt stocks.

In a light week for US economic data, the Jobless Claims report stood out. Weekly Jobless Claims unexpectedly dropped to 358K. Following several years of readings consistently above 400K, weekly claims have been mostly under 400K over the last couple of months.

In the past, readings in this range have been consistent with an improving labor market. In January, the Unemployment Rate dropped to the lowest level since February 2009, and the recent Jobless Claims reports provide additional evidence that the labor market is moving in the right direction.

Oceanview Homes for Sale at Haciendas de la Playa in Encinitas – Encinitas Haciendas de la Playa Oceanview Homes for Sale

Buyers seeking an oceanview home in Encinitas often need to pay a pretty penny. Add to that the convenience of walking to the train, and the downtown Encinitas shopping and dining area and you can end up with a tough search indeed, with little to choose from for under $1 million.

Haciendas de la Playa, a 1980s Mediterranean-style townhome community of 99 homes just east of downtown Encinitas offers both – walk to dining, shopping, Moonligh Beach and the train AND fabulous ocean views from some of the homes, depending on location, clustered on the hill.

Encinitas Dining and Shopping Extravaganza in Downtown Encinitas CA

Homes at Haciendas de la Playa in Encinitas are 1 and 2 bedroom units (1 and 2-story floor plans), from 750 SF to over 1700 SF. Some units have reverse floor plans to take advantage of the views, and access from the parking areas.

Ocean view homes at Haciendas de la Playa do not come up for sale very often; currently there is only 1 oceanview home for sale at Haciendas de la Playa, priced at $649K, and only 4 sold in all of 2011 at an average price of $676K.

There is a beautiful pool and spa for residents and ample parking, as well as garage parking for individual units.

The homes at Haciendas de la Playa can make excellent primary or vacation homes , and with the location would likely be a good investment property if the financials work.

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At the request of one of my readers, I am featuring the Encinitas Boat Houses. Residents of Encinitas recognize these two homes on Third Street in Encinitas. While they look very real, these two ship homes are not seaworthy. The homes, as you can see from the photo, are side-by-side. Each is about 15 feet tall and 20 feet long with a total living space of a little over 2000 square feet.

Perhaps the boat houses look so real because they have so many “ship” features. Each home has 19 portholes, two decks, large flat-roofed pilothouses, a galley, and even a bathroom below deck.

According to the Encinitas Historical Society, these homes are “the earliest and best examples of recycled architecture.” Built in the 1920s by Miles Kellogg (son of a sea captain), these homes were made from old timber from a popular nightspot that did not survive the Prohibition.

Owned by the Encinitas Preservation Association, these homes are currently rented in order to raise funds—the goal being to turn one of the two homes into a museum.

The Encinitas Boat Houses are just a block away from the Pacific Ocean and three blocks away from South Coast Highway.

Does this area of Encinitas pique your interest? Want to see some homes for sale in Encinitas? Check out the interactive map below. And, if you see anything you like, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The community of Encinitas Ranch is located in the city of Encinitas, sandwiched on a ridge between the 5 freeway and El Camino Real. It is conveniently located next to the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, the San Diego Botanical Garden, the Magdalena Ecke YMCA and all sorts of shops, transportations and schools.

Located in the 92024 ZIP code, the setting of Encinitas Ranch in Encinitas is extremely picturesque—with scenic ocean views and gorgeous westerly sunsets.

Homes in Encinitas Ranch Encinitas are in the distinguished Encinitas and San Dieguito Union School Districts.

Homes in Encinitas Ranch are quite large—many with spectacular upgrades and well-appointed installations. These homes may include granite countertops, custom cabinetry, high end flooring, and one-of-a-kind landscaping and swimming pools.

Check out the video below. Then, if you are interested in taking a tour of Encinitas Ranch or any of the other lovely communities in Encinitas, Carlsbad and beyond, please do not hesitate to contact the agents at Broadpoint Properties.

Want to see all the homes for sale in Encinitas Ranch (updated every two hours)? Bookmark this page or save it to your favorites, and check ‘em, out below.