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Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360

Get WOWED at the Fountain of Youth Juice Bar in Encinitas- Owner Abdul Shares His Thoughts (VIDEO)

Encinitas Juice Bar Fountain of Youth Juice WOWs Customers

The best Encinitas juice bar, from what I've been told by lots of folks, is Fountain of Youth Juice on El Camino Real near Encinitas Boulevard. I know a number of folks who stop in religiously for various fresh fruit and organic vegetable juices, their famous 3-day cleanse, the very popular WOW juice combination, or to grab one of their terrific sandwiches.

You can read more about Fountain of Youth Juice here. And visit their Facebook page

I had the opportunity to talk with owner Abdul a couple of days ago (he and his wife, Tania run the show with only a couple of employees) and thought I would share his thoughts about why Fountain of Youth Juice is so popular and what makes it special. 

It's all about family and being healthy. Find out why and how from Abdul himself.

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If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

Search for Homes Community Information First Time Home Buyers Relocation Services and more How to get in touch with me

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Speechless Sunday - Yes we DO Have Fall in Southern California

Fall in Southern California - trees in San Elijo Hills, San Marcos

Fall in Southern California - trees in Escondido

Some folks claim there is only 1 season in California. I beg to differ. Yep, not the dramatic changes we saw in New England BUT Southern California DOES have seasons, and the fall leaves (those that DO change) can be quite spectacular. Just sayin'.

Queen Eileen’s: The Best Encinitas Gift Shop Around, in Downtown Encinitas, California

Lots of people feel that Queen Eileen's is the best Encinitas gift shop around to look for gifts of all kinds in downtown Encinitas California.

Queen Eileen's Gift Shop in downtown Encinitas California

A visit to this amazing store in the heart of Encinitas's shopping area near the beach will quickly show you why that's so.

READ MORE: Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community

Encinitas Gift ShopQueen Eileen's was established in 1989 by owner Eileen Burke, "Queenie," and the store has become somewhat of an institution among shoppers and Encinitas residents. Here's just a small sampling of what you can find at Queen Eileen's (take the virtual tour to see more):

  • Jewelry from Bali
  • Scarves
  • Pajamas
  • T-shirts (fun or serious, for all ages)
  • Glassware (the martini and beer glasses are very popular)
  • Holiday items - wonderful ornaments, decorations for Easter, etc
  • Magnets - some are hilarious (the one we have says "I Took the Road Less Traveled, Now Where the Hell am I?").
  • Gifts for all occasions - birthdays, retirement, weddings, get well, etc.

The list goes on and on and it is impossible to cover everything - you just have to visit!

A big selling item are the beautiful gift baskets which they will create for you, or you can pick what you want included in them. You can order these in the store, over the phone or on-line at the Queen Eileen's website. During the busy season they make as many as a hundred baskets a day.

And a huge part of her success is Queenie herself, and her friendly staff - Penny and Denise. You might not meet Rosario but she helps with making hundreds of gift baskets throughout the year (she and her husband own the popular Auggie's House of Crab in Leucadia which is a terrific casual seafood eatery for lunch and dinner).

Encinitas Gift Shop

Queen Eileen's also sponsors fun events - their Martini Fridays during the holiday season are very popular - bring a friend, have free martinis, and get discounts on your shopping (10% with 1 friend, 20% with 2 or more).

They also have pajama parties, and events for the guys too.

If you are attending the Encinitas Fall Street Fair this Sunday November 22, why not stop in - they'll be making fresh baked cookies all day.

Queen Eileen's is located at 548 S. Coast Highway just south of D Street.

Call them at 800.233.4386 (toll free) or 760.436.4845 (local).

Hours are 9 - 7 Monday through Saturday and 9:30 - 5 on Sundays.

You may already be a fan of the store, but you can become a Fan of Queen Eileen's on-line - visit their Facebook business page.

Enjoy the tour of Queen Eileen's. And check out my interview with Queenie herself.

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Follow Jeff Dowler on Twitter Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

Search for Homes Community Information First Time Home Buyers Relocation Services and more How to get in touch with me

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

San Marcos Real Estate - San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for October 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report header

The San Marcos real estate market continues to evolve, especially with the large number of distress sales. These data do not include any private sales nor manufactured housing; the numbers are derived from the MLS and are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed.

Media reports speak in general terms, rather than local, so that information may not represent the reality of our local San Marcos real estate market. Having data from a knowledgeable agent about the local market conditions benefits you as the buyer or seller.

In October 2009 there were 107 homes sold in San Marcos' 2 zip codes (92069 and 92078), just 1 more than in September. Here's the breakdown of overall activity.

TOTAL

DETACHED

ATTACHED

# Sold

107 (no change)

77 (up 8%)

30 (down 14%)

Ave. $

$378,022 (up 3%)

$441,897 (no change)

$214,076 (down 2%)

DOM

58

50

79

List $/Sale $

98% (77-131%)

100% (77-118%)

94% (78-131%)

There were 162 homes on the market at the end of October with a Contingent status, i.e., homes with offers awaiting approval from the short sale and REO lenders, down 12% from September. These homes are included in the overall Active stats since they are still considered active until the approvals are obtained.

At the end of October 2009 the San Marcos real estate market had 342 homes for sale (47% are contingent), a modest 3% more than the end of September. This represents an inventory of 4.1 months for attached homes (up from 3.9 in September)) and 3 months for detached (a slight decline from 3.1 months at the end of September) based on the current rate of sales over the last 6 months.

In October we saw 106 homes come on the market, a decrease of 7% from September (the 4th month of declines in new listings). However the number of homes going pending went up by 7% over September. Thus the San Marcos real estate market is not getting less competitive for buyers, and is a sellers market for the inventory priced under $400K which is a good portion of the housing market.

This overview of the San Marcos real estate market is based on information provided by the MLS for homes that went under contract in the last couple of months and closed in December. More details can be provided if needed with regard to current activity as well as within the specific zip codes of San Marcos (92078 and 92069).

READ MORE:

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for September 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for August 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for July 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for June 2009

San Marcos Real Estate Market Report for May 2009

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Follow Jeff Dowler on Twitter Subscribe in a reader

If I can provide more information about San Marcos real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

Search for Homes Community Information First Time Home Buyers Relocation Services and more How to get in touch with me

All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler "The California Relocation Dude" Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

San Marcos Real Estate - New Homes at Marketwalk in San Elijo Hills in San Marcos California

One of the 3 buildings of Marketwalk in San Elijo Hills San Marcos CABuyers in the San Marcos real estate market are facing a market that is quite different than at the beginning of the year.

The inventory is down (only about 3 - 4 months worth for both detached and attached homes) and a lot of competition. 

Those buyers seeking new home construction in San Marcos and who are looking for a village feel, with a short distance to a number of amenities including shopping should consider thenew homes at Marketwalk in the San Elijo Hills master planned community in San Marcos

San Elijo Hills is an award winning master planned community built on the hills of south San Marcos and is designed as a resident-friendly community with a vision back to the villages of the past that were popular for their town centers and community activities. 

READ MORE:  San Elijo Hills - Award Winning Master Planned Community in San Marcos California 

Take a VIDEO TOUR of the San Elijo Hills Town Center

One of the new retailers at Marketwalk is Dexter's Deli for Dogs and CatsMarketwalk is a series of 12 townhomes in the heart of the San Elijo Hills downtown area, around the corner from the Albertsons' Grocery Store (with Savon Pharmacy). These homes with 4 floor plans (in Italian, Colonial or Loft styles and finishes), are built above the retail establishments on the first floor along the main street with views of the park to the west.

These new construction homes are built on 2 levels, with separate garage parking (2 spaces).  The floor plans are: 

  • Plan 1 - 1200 SF with 2 BRs and 2.5 baths
  • Plan 2 - 1647 SF with 3 BRs (or 2 with office) and 3 baths
  • Plan 3 - 1824 SF with 3 BRs and 3 baths
  • Plan 4 - 2712 - 2734 SF with 3 BRs and 3.5 baths. There is 1 Plan 4 unit that has an optional ground floor that can be use for retail (could be leased) 

Current prices range from $385,000 - $714,000; 3 units are now reserved.

HOA fees are $337 to $410/month depending on the plan. There are Mello Roos fees of $50/month. 

The local community has two schools, a media center, auditorium, an 18-mile trail network, a 19 acre park (with ball field) with retail growing. 

The new homes in Marketwalk in San Elijo Hills in San Marcos, CA offer a terrific opportunity for those buyers seeking an in-town home without a yard to care for in a planned community that continues to grow yet remains focused on its residents.