Carlsbad Real Estate Advice 11 - Mylene Merlo - North County San Diego Real Estate Advisor

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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

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – May 2017

This May 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? Can you believe that summer is only one month away? As the school year winds down for summer vacation, more people are looking for homes, and many homeowners are planning to put their homes on the market.

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – April 2017

This April 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 spring season usually means a hotter real estate market. In San Diego, however, it stayed hot through last winter! Inventory is still low, prices are slowly climbing, and buyers are often competing for homes. Home sellers

2274 Flatiron Way in Laurel at Old Creek Ranch, San Marcos – SOLD in Only 7 Days!

2274 Flatiron Way – Laurel at Old Creek Ranch, San Marcos – SOLD Within 7 Days! UPDATE: After only 7 days in the MLS, 2274 Flatiron Way was sold for a Laurel neighborhood record high of $561,000! Congratulations to the Seller and to the lucky Buyers! Here’s a great home in the Laurel community of Old Creek Ranch! 2274 Flatiron Way is an end-unit twinhome on a quiet street, built in 2012. 2274 Flatiron Way has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2

$250 Off HERS Home Energy Audit for Home Buyers

“Most people would never buy a car without knowing the mpg ratings, yet many buy and live in their homes with no idea how efficient their home is, or how easily efficiency and comfort can be improved.” – Mark Pulis, HERS rater

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – March 2017

This March 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 I’m writing this report, we’re only 10 weeks into 2017, and it’s already looking like it’s going to be a very competitive spring season. Inventory hasn’t increased much over the past month, so we’re starting off March and

Recycle Batteries and CFL Bulbs – Hazardous Waste Disposal

Why Should We Recycle Batteries and CFL Bulbs? Keep Mercury Out of the Trash Mercury is a heavy metal that is found in many rocks. When we break down fossil fuels, such as burning coal at a power plant, we release large amounts of mercury into the atmosphere. When we throw a battery or bulb containing mercury into the trash, rain leaches mercury from the landfills into the oceans. Once in the oceans, the fish eat it.

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – February 2017

This February 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? Coastal North County real estate, no surprise, is still high in demand. Inventory has increased some since early January, thankfully. February is usually the dip before the high spring season, but we haven’t witnessed much decrease in

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – January 2017

This January 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? Coastal North County real estate is still high in demand, and the inventory is much lower than in early December. Even though we’re in the middle of what is usually considered the “slow season,” prices have not decreased

1070 & 1072 Arcadia Road - Investor Special Encinitas

1070 & 1072 Arcadia Road in Encinitas – Duplex Investor Property – SOLD in 3 Days!

1070 & 1072 Arcadia Road – Encinitas UPDATE: After a two-hour open house, we received multiple offers and closed escrow at $1,090,000! Here’s a fantastic investment opportunity in the high-demand rental market of coastal Encinitas. Built in 1962, this duplex is ready to remodel for investment property. Or, you could redevelop and build your dream home! 1070 & 1072 Arcadia are situated on a large ⅕ acre lot on the west side of Arcadia in Avocado Acres. The two

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – December 2016

This December 2016 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? Coastal North County real estate is still high in demand, and the inventory is lower than from one month ago. December is typically the “slow” season in real estate, but we have not seen a dramatic change in

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – November 2016

This November 2016 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? Coastal North County real estate is still high in demand, and the inventory is the same or lower than from one month ago. November is typically the “slow” season in real estate, but we have not

1141 Oliver Avenue in Pacific Beach – Another Listing SOLD!

1141 Oliver Avenue – Pacific Beach UPDATE: 1141 Oliver Avenue was SOLD for $750,000. Congrats to Seller and Buyer! Oliver Avenue is a quiet, charming street in Pacific Beach. Oliver Avenue Condominiums RARELY come available on the market. 1141 Oliver Avenue has a 1309 square-foot floorplan with three bedrooms and two full baths, all on one level upstairs. Live only two blocks to Mission Bay, and 1/2 mile to the Pacific Ocean! The condo includes a

1823 Saint Thomas Road in Shadowridge – SOLD in 10 Days!

1823 Saint Thomas Road – Heritage Legends, Shadowridge UPDATE: After only 10 days on the market and multiple offers, 1823 Saint Thomas Road SOLD for $459,000! Welcome to the BEST of Heritage Legends at Vista Largo! 1823 Saint Thomas Road is a detached home with 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, BONUS loft with built-in office, and 1400 square feet. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy Shadowridge living, at an excellent value. This home stands out from the rest in the area. Its bright

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – October 2016

This October 2016 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? Coastal North County real estate has experienced a very low inventory, and high buyer demand all year. There isn’t much difference in price and inventory between September and October. On average, the number of days on market has increased

3790 Florida Street #A112 in North Park – SOLD After Only TWO Days!

3790 Florida Street #A112 – SOLD After Only TWO Days! UPDATE: 3790 Florida Street #A112 closed escrow on September 14, 2016 for $215,000. It sold after only 2 days on the market. Here’s your opportunity to live where North Park and Hillcrest meet! 3790 Florida Street #A112 is located in North Park’s Coral Ridge complex. This end-unit condo is located on the top floor of Building A. This studio has a 520 ft2 floorplan, which includes a

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – September 2016

This September 2016 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. Homeowner Tips: There’s still time left to lower your water bill! For a limited time, you can apply for a FREE irrigation system checkup. This free service will offer tips to reduce both outdoor and indoor water usage. Also, if you have central air conditioning, but haven’t yet upgraded

4262 Mesa Vista Way #2 – SOLD after Only 6 Days on the Market!

4262 Mesa Vista Way #2 – Quail Ridge, Oceanside After 2 open houses and multiple offers, 4262 Mesa Vista Way #2 SOLD above asking price – for $282,000 – after only 6 Days on the Market! Welcome to Quail Ridge! 4262 Mesa Vista Way #2 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

North County San Diego Real Estate Market Report – August 2016

This August 2016 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. Homeowner Tips: Are you ready to lower your water bill? For a limited time, you can apply for a FREE irrigation system checkup. This free service will offer tips to reduce both outdoor and indoor water usage. Also, if you have central air conditioning, but haven’t yet

7616 Marker Road in Torrey Del Mar – SOLD After Only 6 Days on the Market!

7616 Marker Road – Torrey Del Mar UPDATE: After only two open houses and multiple offers, 7616 Marker Road SOLD for $900,000! Welcome to Torrey Highlands! Come see Carmel Valley’s best value at 7616 Marker Road, in the Villamontes community of Torrey Del Mar. 7616 Marker Road is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath detached home. Built by DR Horton, this home features vaulted ceilings, generous windows, plenty of natural light, and custom window treatments. The 2,712 square-foot floor

San Diego Native Plants – Garden Native Tour 2016

Ready to add San Diego native plants to your landscaping? Learn about how to go native at the California Native Plant Society’s 2016 Garden Native Tour in San Diego on April 2-3. Here are 5 reasons: Why Native Plants Are Awesome They need very little water. They require very little maintenance. No weekly mow-and-blow service. They attract wildlife, including songbirds. No need for pesticides or fertilizers in a native garden. They can help protect your home from wildfire. San Diego native plants

912 La Fiesta Place in Lake San Marcos – SOLD!

912 La Fiesta Place – Lake San Marcos SOLD for $355,000, escrow closed January 2016. Are YOU thinking about selling your home? Here’s how I prepare your home to be listed in the MLS. 912 La Fiesta Place is a single-story detached home with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, you can enjoy the quiet and privacy of a 55+ community. This home features an expanded master suite with sitting area,

The Meditation Initiative – A Donation with Every Commission

Why I Support the Meditation Initiative As a San Diego County real estate agent, I donate 10% of every commission to The Meditation Initiative, a non-profit organization based in San Diego. Since January 2009, the Meditation Initiative’s Meditation Outreach Program has provided FREE meditation classes to more than 25,000 people. The classes are secular, meaning they have NO religious basis. They are for everyone, regardless of religious or spiritual background. You can read about their mission on The Meditation Initiative Mission Page.