Crystal Friesen-Your Local Expert

Your home value? What is it worth to you?

If only your home could be priced on this premise. Knowing the current value of your home will help you make the best possible decision on how to move forward in today's market.

How is your home value figured? What is your home worth? An agent has extensive knowledge in the housing market as well as the current trend for buyers and sellers. In addition, they know what factors appraisers look at when they appraise your home. Please Click here for the government appraisal standards.

Below are just some of the factors that are considered when an agent presents you with your current value of your home:

•· Are there REO (bank owned) properties in the area

•· Physical features and condition of property

•· Desirability of property and area

•· Sq footage of other like homes in your area

•· Availability of other homes like yours

•· Sold price of homes in your area

•· Your specific circumstance

Knowing your current home value may help you make a decision on whether to sell now, stay, pull your equity, or upgrade. Contact me today for a free assessment of your home's value or go to my website and view other homes for sale in your area.

Crystal Friesen

Real Estate Agent

Keller Wiliams

Pumpkins in the pool? Oh, its the annual Pumpkin Plunge in Carlsbad!

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009
noon to 3 p.m.
Monroe Street Pool
3401 Monroe St.

Purchase tickets online

200 tickets will be available the day of the event, but get there early as door sales will be based on availability.

Tickets at the door are $10.

Splish, splash; come to the Halloween bash! The entire family is welcome to join in ghostly games and creepy contests like bobbing for brains, fishing for sea monsters, climbing the Wall of Doom, and plunging off the Tower of Terror. Enjoy creepy crafts, a giant waterslide, and carnival games. The San Dieguito Synchronized Swimmers and Dive San Diego have created a Halloween show just for this event.

Don't forget to bring a bathing suit for swimming activities, a costume and a bag for trick-or-treating. Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult when in the water.

Food and drinks are available for sale.

Sponsorship, donations and vendor opportunities

Please contact Stephen Miller, 760-602-7512, stephen.miller@carlsbadca.gov.

Brought to you by your North County Real Estate and community expert! Click here to be redirected to a list of other fun things to do in Carlsbad.

Crystal Friesen
Real Estate Professional
Keller Williams North County
Cell: 760-274-7333
DRE Lic # 01710884
Check out my website

Message and Photo is courtesy of: City of Carlsbad Website of Events

Consider these tips when searching for your home

1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence. Keep in mind what distances and routes to each of these places are acceptable and what are not.

2. Determine what the best features of the neighborhoods are. This is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods.

Are there parks nearby?
Is it scenic and visually appealing?
Are there quiet areas, streets, cul-de-sac?
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?
Is the neighborhood clean? Yards, streets, parks?
Are there nice trees and foliage?
Do the lots have large or small yards?
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?
Is it a safe neighborhood?
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
Are there many houses for sale?
How long ago was the community developed?
What is the average age of the people in the area?
Are there families with small children in the area?
What is the proximity to schools?
Are there community events or organizations?

3. Walk around in the neighborhood. The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents.

I specialize in Carlsbad, San Marcos, San Elijo, Oceanside, or anywhere in the North County San Diego! Contact me or check out my website if you would like more information about any of these areas.

Crystal Friesen

Realtor

Keller Williams North County

760-274-7333

Crystal.home4u@gmail.com

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Ladies and Gentleman...we have cooled down! The weather has been sweatshirt-worthy the last couple mornings. I wouldn't go so far as to say it is cold, but it is getting there! With the cool mornings and shorter days, it is time to get ready for winter. When it comes to weatherproofing our homes, here in San Diego we have it pretty easy. Here are a couple tips to get ready for the winter:



1. Clean out rain gutters- Visually check to make sure they are clear.

2. Walk around the outside of the home- Any low spots near your foundation? Does your trim need to be touched-up?

3. Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors- Replace the batteries. Did you know that there are hundreds of deaths every year from carbon monoxide poisoning? For more info: http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com/placement.htm

4. Furnace-Have a heating professional check your heating system (yearly).

5. Chimney- Have a certified Chimney Sweep clean and check your flues, vents, and fireplace damper.

6. Air Filter- Replace it!

7. Fire Escape Plan- Do you have one? Make sure everyone in the family is aware of the plan. For tips on fire escape and emergency plans: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/fswy9.pdf

8. Ceiling Fans-Clean and oil the motor. Switch the blades to push warm air down.

9. Windows and Door Locks- Check for proper Operation.

10. Inspect your Roof- Have a licensed roofer come out and check your roof for missing shingles, missing or damaged flashing, seals around vents, and damage to boards around the eaves.

Lastly, you should always know the current value of your home. If you're considering selling or upgrading, contact me for a no-obligation, real-time evaluation of your homes current value.

Crystal Friesen
760-274-7333
Email: crystal.home4u@gmail.com

Struggling with your mortgage payment? You are not alone! The economy and declined value of real estate has taken a toll on everyone! Home owners are continuing to struggle with their mortgage payments. I've seen evidence of some so burdened by their declined home value and mortgage stress that they have decided to walk away from their homes! The Statistics below are an accurate measure of how prices have changed since last year!

Despite the hopeless feeling that financial strain can carry, there are options available!

If you or someone you know is considering a loan modification, short-sale, or foreclosure because of a hard-ship, please call or email me. Together, we can make a plan by thoroughly exploring all short and long term effects of these options.