Carlsbad Real Estate Advice 10 - Mylene Merlo - North County San Diego Real Estate Advisor

SDG&E Smart Thermostat Program – Get $50 for Upgrading Your Thermostat

UPDATE: The Reduce Your Use Program will end on December 31, 2018. You may still be able to take advantage of rebates on smart thermostats. Check with SD&E for the latest programs. SDG&E Reduce Your Use Smart Thermostat Program You will need: An SDG&E approved smart thermostat. An SDG&E account with a smart meter. Wi-Fi network compatible with your smart thermostat. Working central air conditioning unit controlled by your smart thermostat. No current participation in

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – April 2018

This monthly Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. What’s Happening in the North County San Diego Real Estate Market? Fortunately for home buyers, inventory has increased since February. Fortunately for home sellers, sales prices also increased overall between January and February. [widget id=”text-31″] In Carlsbad, inventory for both detached and attached homes has increased a whopping 30% over

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – March 2018

This monthly Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. But first, a friendly reminder…. Property Tax Bills are Due by April 10th In response to the 2018 tax code changes, some San Diegans paid all property tax for 2017-2018 in 2017. Most homeowners still owe their 2nd installment of 2017-2018 property taxes. If your lender doesn’t

4254 Mesa Vista Way #7 in Oceanside – SOLD!

4254 Mesa Vista Way #7 – Quail Ridge, Oceanside UPDATE: Multiple offers received, ESCROW CLOSED at $330,000! Welcome to Quail Ridge! 4254 Mesa Vista Way #7 is a perfect starter home or residential income opportunity. Quail Ridge is located between Mission San Luis Rey and Rancho del Oro. You can live only 5 miles to the beach! It’s a short 10-minute drive to Camp Pendleton’s Main Gate. This condo complex is FHA and VA approved. All buyers are welcome!

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – February 2018

This monthly Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. But first…. 2018 Tax Code Changes I am receiving many questions about tax code changes and homeownership. Please check with your tax advisor to determine how the 2018 tax code will affect you. Here are some of the big changes: Mortgage Interest Deduction for 1st and 2nd

Buying Short Sales – A Guide for San Diego County Home Buyers

If you’re shopping for a home in San Diego County, you might consider short sales and foreclosures. Here’s what to expect when shopping for and buying short sales. What is a Short Sale? When a seller owes more on the mortgage than the home is worth, the seller’s mortgage servicer needs to give permission to sell it. In a traditional sale, the seller pays off the mortgage balance from the net proceeds of the sale.

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – January 2018

This monthly Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. But first… 2018 Mortgage Limits Have Been Announced Effective January 1, 2018, the mortgage limit for conventional, VA, and FHA loans in San Diego County is $649,750. The conforming loan limit is $453,100. Loans at or below this amount usually offer the lowest interest rates. Loans between $453,100 and $649,750 are called super

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – December 2017

This December 2017 Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. But first… First Installment of 2017-2018 Property Taxes is Due Property tax bills for 2017-2018 were mailed to homeowners in September. The first installment is due in November, and must be paid by December 11 to avoid late charges. If you want to apply for the Property

FREE Irrigation Checkup for San Diego County Residents – program ends in December!

San Diego County residents are eligible for a FREE Irrigation Checkup. Both homeowners AND renters are eligible! A professional will come to your home and help you increase your system’s efficiency, and check for any leaks or other issues. You could save $$$ on your water bill. WaterSmart’s Free Irrigation Checkup WaterSmart San Diego currently offers free irrigation checkups. Certified irrigation specialists will come to your home and test your irrigation system. They can make site-specific recommendations, increase

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – November 2017

This October 2017 Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. But first… Programs that are ending next month – Apply Now! Both homeowners and renters in San Diego County are eligible for these free programs. Unfortunately, funding is supposedly ending next month… so please apply right away! Free Solar Analysis from Center for Sustainable Energy Anyone considering

Reverse Mortgage Assistance Pilot Program for Seniors – RevMAP

If you are over 62 and have an FHA reverse mortgage, you may be eligible to receive reverse mortgage assistance. The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers a mortgage assistance program called the Reverse Mortgage Assistance Pilot Program (RevMAP). UPDATE: This program ended in November 2017. To qualify for RevMAP: You must have a Federal Housing Adminstration (FHA) insured reverse mortgage, called an FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). Read my article about Reverse Mortgage Costs and the FHA HECM. You

FREE Home Energy and Water Tune-Up for San Diego County Residents

Sign up for your FREE Home Energy and Water Tune-Up, before the program ends on December 31! I just had my tune-up done on my home, and I’m amazed that I didn’t pay a penny for it! Who Is Eligible for the Home Energy and Water Tune-Up? This is a FREE program, funded by the Center for Sustainable Energy. You don’t have to own your home. Renters and homeowners alike are eligible for the Home

2140 Silverado Street in Larkspur Heights at Old Creek Ranch – SOLD in Only 4 Days!

2140 Silverado Street in Larkspur Heights at Old Creek Ranch – SOLD after only 4 days! UPDATE: After 3 open houses and multiple offers, 2140 Silverado Street SOLD for full asking price of $535,000, in only 4 days! Here’s your chance to live in the Larkspur Heights/Calico Bluffs community of Old Creek Ranch! 2140 Silverado Street is a corner-unit tri-level townhome on a quiet street, built in 2006. There is only one shared wall, and views of protected open

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – October 2017

This October 2017 Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. What’s Happening in the North County San Diego Real Estate Market? The fall season has brought us lower inventory, and similar sales prices. The San Diego real estate market enjoys a large pool of well-qualified buyers, who continue to compete for a limited inventory. This has kept

Short Sale Basics for Home Sellers – Where to Begin

Are you considering a short sale, but don’t know where to begin? Here’s a quick overview of short sales, how they’re different from foreclosures, and how to start the process. As a Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®), I welcome your questions anytime. Contact me, and let’s figure out the best solution for you. What is a Short Sale? There are 5 basic elements of a short sale: The homeowner is the seller. The homeowner

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – September 2017

This September 2017 Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. What’s Happening in the North County San Diego Real Estate Market? As summer winds down, we have seen a very consistent season of low inventory, and slowly increasing prices. The large pool of well-qualified buyers, along with limited inventory and stable prices, all indicate a strong, steady real estate

Mortgage Relief Programs – HARP, HAMP, HAFA

Making Home Affordable – Mortgage Relief Programs The Making Home Affordable Program (MHA) ® was launched in 2009 by the Obama Administration. MHA is managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The MHA’s mortgage relief programs help homeowners prevent foreclosure. If you are having trouble affording your mortgage payments, the MHA may offer a solution. UPDATE: As of August 2017, HARP has been extended through December 31, 2018. HAMP expired on December

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – August 2017

This August 2017 Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. What’s Happening in the North County San Diego Real Estate Market? Not much has changed this summer. Inventory is still low – there’s a HUGE buyer demand, and little seller supply. Prices have also remained stable – higher in some areas, lower in others. The large pool

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – July 2017

This July 2017 Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. What’s Happening in the North County San Diego Real Estate Market? Inventory is still at historically low levels, but it has gone up since June. Prices have also remained stable – higher in some areas, lower in others. The large pool of well-qualified buyers, along with limited

4228 Vista del Rio Way #3 – Quail Ridge, Oceanside – SOLD in 11 Days!

4228 Vista del Rio Way #3 – Quail Ridge, Oceanside UPDATE: This property went into escrow 11 days after being listed on the MLS – and closed escrow two weeks later, on June 27, for $320,000. Congratulations to the happy buyers and sellers! The Oceanside community of Quail Ridge is located between Mission San Luis Rey and Rancho del Oro. You can live only 5 miles to the beach! It’s a short 10-minute drive to Camp Pendleton’s Main Gate.

Why You Should Consider a Heat Pump Water Heater

If you need to replace your water heater, you should consider an electric heat pump water heater. I used to think that they were too expensive, but things have changed. This is an especially awesome choice if you have solar panels to power it. Hot water production, on average, accounts for 18% of your utility bill. You could save $$$ by upgrading to a more efficient water heating system. Get $ Back When You Buy a Heat

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – June 2017

This June 2017 Real Estate Market Report describes the real estate market conditions in Coastal North County San Diego, and how they have changed over the past month and year. What’s Happening in the North County San Diego Real Estate Market? Summer is just one week away. Lucky for home buyers, inventory has also increased, if only a little. Most listings are still selling very quickly. My recent listing at 4228 Vista del Rio Way went into escrow within 11 days

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GSFA Platinum Down Payment Assistance Program – Up to 5% Grant for Home Buyers

Are you a low- to median-income home buyer? You may be eligible for a non-repayable grant from the GSFA Platinum Down Payment Assistance Program. The GSFA Platinum Down Payment Assistance grant program provides money to help home buyers pay for their down payment and closing costs. The grant is up to 5% of the loan amount. The loan can be FHA, VA, or conventional. The program can also be used to refinance your home, if you are

8661 Encino Avenue – SOLD before listed in the MLS!

UPDATE: 8661 Encino Avenue was sold for $550,000. The Sellers accepted an offer before it was listed in the MLS. It’s a hot seller’s market, and many offers are happening before a “For Sale” is even installed in the front yard! In this case, the Sellers were planning to list this property in the MLS, but an offer was submitted ahead of time, and we negotiated a sale off the market. 8661 Encino Avenue is located