Carlsbad Real Estate Advice

Rental Property Cost Analysis for Investors – Real Estate Investing 101

Have you considered buying a rental property, or converting your current home into a rental? Here’s a rental property cost analysis guide to help you get started. If you’re thinking of converting your current home into a rental, read my article about converting residences to rentals. You can count 75% of market rent toward your income qualification for the purchase of your next home. Rental Property Cost Analysis – Collect the Data Here’s what you

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – July 2026

The summer season has been flat, but consistent. Even though rates are high and sales have slowed, sales prices haven’t decreased. There was virtually no change in inventory between late June and mid-July. You can see in the graphs below that inventory is also much lower than one year ago. During the month of June, no new sales price records were set. Still, you can see in the graphs below that the prices are holding

521 Orange Avenue, Space 99 in Orange Tree Mobile Home Park in Chula Vista is IN ESCROW

UPDATE: Offer accepted, and we are scheduled to close escrow in August! Welcome to Orange Tree Mobile Home Park, a private gated 55+ community where you own both home and land—an incredible opportunity for low-maintenance living at a great value! This lovingly cared-for home has been in the same family since it was purchased new, and reflects true pride of ownership throughout. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan featuring a spacious living room,

Testimonial for Mylene Merlo – Patti J.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Mylene and the outstanding job she did helping sell my home. Selling a home is stressful under any circumstances, and the process can be emotional and complicated. Throughout every step, Mylene was a steady source of knowledge, professionalism, honesty, and support. Her understanding of the local market was exceptional. She developed an insightful pricing strategy, provided detailed net sheets and market analysis. She gave honest and accurate input

4025 Canario Street #223 in Ocean Pointe, Carlsbad is IN ESCROW

UPDATE: After only 9 days on the market, we are in escrow, scheduled to close later this month! Welcome to Ocean Pointe’s premier penthouse residence! Here’s your opportunity to live the dream, with spectacular whitewater ocean and Agua Hedionda Lagoon views, and a central location close to everything. Video coming soon! Check out Zillow 3D tour HERE This rare single-level home offers a wraparound balcony, direct access to the lagoon trail leading to Tamarack Beach,

1973 Felicita Road in Escondido – SOLD

UPDATE – SOLD on 7-1-26 for $1,420,000. Finally on the market—the rare property that truly checks every box! Tucked away on a peaceful private road, this exceptional .6-acre estate offers not one, but two single-story residences. This creates the perfect setup for multi-generational living, rental income, or a private guest retreat. The main home is a beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom residence designed for both comfort and efficiency. The remodeled kitchen and bathrooms blend modern style with

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – June 2026

Even though rates are high and sales have slowed, the real estate market continues to remain consistent. Since the beginning of the year, we have more inventory, more buyer activity, and stable prices. What came as a surprise was the decrease in inventory between late May and late June. You can see in the graphs below that inventory is also much lower than in 2025. During the month of May, no new sales price records

6687 Corte Eduardo in Meadowood, Carlsbad is FOR SALE

Welcome to Meadowood! This beautifully maintained cul-de-sac home offers exceptional space, comfort, and energy efficiency. The highly functional floor plan features five bedrooms and three full baths, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath. The kitchen and baths have been updated with quartz and marble. Powered by a 10.9 kW solar system and two Tesla Powerwall batteries, which are backed by a 25-year warranty, you can enjoy outstanding energy savings, and run the central

Testimonial for Mylene Merlo – Bonnie B.

What a blessing to be able to work with someone as brilliant and compassionate as Mylène, right in the middle of an ugly divorce. Of course being generous and kind is just who she is, but it feels like a miracle during a difficult life change. Whether your transition is easy or hard, you definitely want her on your team. She is the best! Bonnie B.San Diego, CA

2658 Worden Street #223 in Point Loma Tennis Club is IN ESCROW

UPDATE: We are back in escrow, scheduled to close later this month! Welcome to resort-style living, only 2 miles from Ocean Beach! Point Loma Tennis Club offers the best of San Diego – ocean breezes, easy beach access, low maintenance, and a central location close to everything. Check out Zillow 3D tour HERE This two-bedroom residence features no neighbors above or below, providing the privacy and feel of a single-family home. Inside, you’ll find in-unit

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – May 2026

Even though rates are high and sales have slowed, the real estate market continues to remain consistent. Since the beginning of the year, we have more inventory, more buyer activity, and stable prices. Usually, inventory rises gradually during the first few months of the year. Detached inventory in North County increased 8% between late April and late May. During the month of April, a NEW sales record was set. The median sales price for detached

Rent increase limit – San Diego County rent cap law – 2026 Update

Rent Increase Limit in San Diego County – updated for 2026 2026 UPDATE: Includes the updated CPI, which was released April 10, 2026. Also, Fox 5 News interviewed me about the rent cap law – check out the interview here. The rent increase limit, or rent cap, became effective on January 1, 2020. And, even though this happened over SIX YEARS ago, I have trouble finding accurate information, or even a decent guide explaining what

SDGE Rebate Programs – Get Paid to Upgrade!

Did you know you that San Diego Gas & Electric will pay you to make your home more energy efficient? SDGE Rebate Programs can give you rebates for energy upgrades, and even provide an energy assessment with no-cost upgrades. What SDGE Rebate Programs are available? As of May 2026, I found four SDGE rebate programs that are currently active. Golden State Rebates offer coupons online, where you can shop for certain products: Amazon Smart Thermostat

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – April 2026

Even though rates are high and sales have slowed, the real estate market continues to remain consistent. Since the beginning of the year, we have more inventory, more buyer activity, and stable prices. Usually, inventory rises gradually during the first few months of the year. Detached inventory in North County increased 12% between late March and late April. During the month of March, no new sales price records were set. Still, you can see in

Home Buyer Mail Scams – Junk Mail Alert!

Buying a home is exciting – you finally have a home, and a mailbox, of your very own! Now… the sale is public record, and that the mailbox will be filled with junk mail. While most junk mail looks harmless, there are mail scams for new home buyers that look like legitimate bills. Many pretend to come from government agencies. These “bills” are from companies who are trying to take advantage of you. When you purchase or refinance

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption – How to Apply

The Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption is for certain military veterans, or their unmarried surviving spouses. Who is eligible for the tax exemption? Basic vs. Low-Income Exemption – what are the income limits? When do I file for the exemption? If I miss the deadline, can I still file late? How do I file? Who is Eligible? This exemption is for veterans who, because of injury or disease from military service, are: blind in both

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – March 2026

As we enter the spring season, we are experiencing more inventory, more buyer activity, and stable prices. Usually, inventory rises consistently during the first few months of the year. I was surprised to see that detached inventory in North County has increased 13% between late February and late March. During the month of February, no new sales records were set. You can see in the graphs below that the prices are holding steady, relative to

What are Home Seller Closing Costs in California?

How much does it cost to sell a house, besides agent commissions? Ever wonder how they calculate title fees, escrow fees, and other home seller closing costs? The cost to sell a house depends on a number of factors, including the final sales price, the type of property, and the terms of the purchase agreement. It’s impossible to know exactly how much you will need to pay ahead of time. The final closing costs aren’t calculated

Testimonial for Mylene Merlo – Kirk B.

Mylene helped us sell one home in 2016 … and 6 years later, when we were ready to move back, there was no one I would trust more to help us buy a new home. She did FaceTime walkthroughs with us, communicated all important information to the selling agent, but also buffered the agent and the seller from us for a smooth transactions. Delays in our contingent sale did not phase her. She knows real

Testimonial for Mylene Merlo – Henry S.

Thanks again for all your help Mimi. Thank you for being a friend and good neighbor to my father and helping me navigate getting the house fixed up and sold. Really appreciate you! 🙏🏻❤️ Henry S.San Marcos, CA

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – February 2026

Two months into 2026, we are still waiting for the market to warm up. Usually, inventory rises consistently during the first few months of the year. I was surprised to see that inventory of North County has decreased, albeit very slightly, between late January and late February. During the month of January, no new sales records were set. Listings are taking longer to sell: the number of Days on Market for sales is higher than

San Diego Native Plants – CNPS 2026 Native Garden Tour

I am super happy to be a sponsor of the 2026 CNPS Native Garden Tour! Have you thought about ditching your lawn for a more waterwise garden? If you’re looking for inspiration, come check out this year’s California Native Plant Society (CNPS) San Diego Native Garden Tour. Why Native Plants? Here are some reasons I love native plant gardening, and I want more native gardens in my community: As a real estate broker, I love

AB 628 – Stove and Refrigerator – NEW Landlord Law for 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, California landlords need to provide a stove and refrigerator for their tenants.(Link to the text of the Assembly Bill here.) Here’s everything you need to know about this new California law, AB 628: Who Has to Follow AB 628? Any landlord who amends or extends a residential lease after January 1, 2026, is subject to AB 628. If you currently have a tenant on a month-to-month lease, and you haven’t amended

Testimonial for Mylene Merlo – Manuel S.

I had the pleasure of working with Mylene during an Estate Sale of my father’s house. The sale presented many challenges as conflicting parties could never come to an agreement; however, throughout the entire process, Mylene was extremely patient, responsive and very communicative. I have worked with many agents buying and selling multiple properties, and I can say she was one, if not, the best I have worked with. On top of it all, she