Carlsbad Real Estate

Storm Waters

2007-01-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some useful tips from the City of Carlsbad :

Call 602-2799 to report a potential storm water violations.
Provide Who, What, Where, When and Why (if you know it). The more details you can provide (exact address, license plate number, etc.) the better the city can respond.
Call at the time you see something happening, if possible. It is okay to leave a message. If it is the dumping of hazardous materials, calling the outline after business hours will connect you to Police Dispatch.
If the discharge is coming from a new construction site, please call 602-2780.

The city will follow up on all calls they receive on the outline, and greatly appreciate those who call to help prevent pollution from getting into our waterways and ocean.

Mortgage Insurance/ aka PMI

2006-12-19T11:41:00.000-08:00

Congress approved a bill Saturday, Dec. 9, to make mortgage insurance premiums tax-deductable.

Mortgage insurance premiums will be 100% deductable for housholds whose adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less.

The bill, awaiting a final signature, is effective for the 2007 tax year on loans closed on or after Jan. 1, 2007.

Financing with MI simplifies the mortgage process for your borrowers, increases their buying power, broadens their cash-flow options and allows for tapping into equity and refinancing more easily. Now that it's tax-deductable, you have one more good reason to make MGIC MI an option for them.

Is the Worst Over for the Housing Bust?

2006-11-29T11:44:00.000-08:00

According to a Wall Street Journal online article- economists are saying "yes."

"The worst of the housing bust is over, economists said by nearly 2-to-1 in the latest WSJ.com economic forcasting survey," according to the article. "We're nearing the end of the slowdown for most markets," said Ethan S. Harris at Lehman Brothers. Prices still have some ways to fall before they'll stabilize, but there are signs that the most drastic parts of the downturn....are over."

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, the Houston Team can get your goals met. Just give us a call! 760.436.6484.

Non-Traditional Real Estate

2006-11-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what happens in a Short Sale or Forclosure? Do you know how a 1031 Exchange could benefit you? Ever wonder why you would want to use a Realtor for New Construction or Rentals? If you have- check out our website at www.houstonteam.com or give us a call 760-436-6484. No matter what your real estate needs and goals, we are here to help!

What did you walk in with?

2006-11-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

There was an article on SignOnSanDiego.com that stated the for all the concern about declining prices, recent San Diego County home sellers and still making hugh profits. I really liked the quote, “if you’re up $2000 in the casino and you walk away with $1500, you’ve lost $500”, “But, wait a second what did you walk in with?” Please see the article from Roger M. Showley, dated Nov 14, 2006 for more information.

You Gotta Have a Plan...

2006-11-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

It's tough to be a seller in our current market. Buyers are looking for "a great deal" and they have a great deal of homes to choose from. So how do you stand apart from the competition in your area? Of course you need to choose the right agent to represent you in the sale...But what does that mean?

Greatness Begins With A Great Idea Followed By A Plan: True, professional, Realtors know that different homes appeal to different buyers. So we at the Houston Team treat each property listed as a separate business. Each one needs its own marketing plan. You wouldn't advertise a property in Teen Magazine if you are trying to reach the 55 and up crowd, so why would you market different properties in the same way? We taking the time to sit down to write your plan of attack will keep you consistent with your goals and your marketing model.

For more information on how the Houston Team can help market your home, please call! 760-436-6484.

The Crystal Ball

2006-11-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I was asked yesterday from a client of ours "What are you (the experts) forecasting on housing price movement in the segment/locations that we're looking?". I let our client know that unfortunately we or no one else has a crystal ball on the future of where prices will go. The only thing I can do is look back to the past to be able to understand the future. The future market is unpredictable but if the past tells us anything, is that home values will always rise.

To Believe, or not to Believe?

2006-11-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

In San Diego, Real Estate is always a hot topic. You read about it everyday in the newspaper, hear advice on the radio, and people talk about it at Starbucks and the gym. But how do you know who is right, and who is wrong? How do you sort the truth from the hype? The wisdom from the panic?

It's not easy. But just like most things in life; you need to give yourself perspective. Get information from many different sources. Don't just listen to the national reports-make sure you understand your local market. News that is bad for one area of the country could easily have nothing to do with San Diego! And understand that Real Estate is cyclical. What has happened in the past, will happen again. So if you watch, read, and listen long enough- you'll start to hear repetition. Educating yourself by using different sources is the key.

And never underestimate the power of a relationship with a good Realtor. They are, after all, professionals in the business and should be a PRIMARY source of information and counsel. It may seem like everyone and their uncle's brother's neighbor are Realtors these days. But talk to a couple- you will quickly identify the ones that are in it part-time and the ones who are dedicated to the business. Because real estate is so cyclical; any Realtor worth a darn knows that their reputation is built on trusted relationships with their clients. And building trust takes time.

Whether you are thinking of buying or selling; do your homework. Talk to friends. Read up on current market conditions. Understand your financial position. Use a professional Realtor to help get you the information you need to make a good decision. And by the way....there is lots of good information and helpful tool on our website www.houstonteam.com. Check us out!

Hot Tip For Home Sellers!

2006-11-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

Getting the House Ready to Sell...Remove the Clutter!

The kitchen is a good place to start removing clutter, because it is an easy place to start. Everyone loves the kitchen - this is usually where the entertaining starts so people naturally migrate to this part of the home...so the kitchen means everything to homebuyers!
First, get everything off the counters. Everything. Even the toaster. Put the toaster in a cabinet and take it out when you use it. Find a place where you can store everything in cabinets and drawers. Of course, you may notice that you do not have cabinet space to put everything. Clean them out. The dishes, pots and pans that rarely get used? Put them in a box and put that box in storage.
You see, homebuyers will open all your cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen. They want to be sure there is enough room for their "stuff." If your kitchen cabinets, pantries, and drawers look jammed full, it sends a negative message to the buyer and does not promote an image of plentiful storage space. The best way to do that is to have as much "empty space" as possible. Remember - buyers are not buying your house they are buying your home!

Good luck!

GREAT TIME TO BUY PROPERTY

2006-11-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. For Buyers who are waiting, the timing RIGHT NOW is GREAT to make an offer on the property of your choice. With Sellers having more and more competition from increased inventory and the holidays approaching, NOW is a GREAT window of opportunity. You can still make your purchase for the year 2006.
Please check out our listings by going to our Houston Team web site. The values are there for a wonderful holiday purchase. Visualize your Christmas Tree in your new living room.
With 30 years experience as a CA Real Estate Broker, I am here to assist you with your Real Estate needs. Please give me a call and we can work together, finding you your dream home.
Carolyn Graysen, GRI
Direct line: (760) 889-0777

What's ahead for finances in 2007?

2006-11-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Check out www.bankrate.com for forecasts on interest rates and taxes in 2007 and learn how these developments will affect you. For more information, contact The Houston Team at 760-436-6484.

What makes the Houston Team so Different?

2006-10-31T12:03:00.000-08:00

Exclusive Buyer Representation- You get the advantage of personal service, independent counseling, trust, loyalty and confidentiality.

Mortgage Express- 24-hour Approval Program through our valued, strategic lending partner.

Guaranteed Sale Plan- We will buy your present home so you can purchase your next home non-contingent.

Happiness Guarantee on your new home or we will sell it for free in the first 6 months.

Contact the Houston Team today at 888.837.0718 or 760.436.6484 to hear more details!

Beautiful Sunny San Diego

2006-10-31T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, Just another beautiful day in sunny San Diego. Hope to help you soon. - Michael Jacobo 760-436-6484.

Welcome and Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

Check back to our blog frequently to see what The HoustonTeam can do to make your Real Estate Experience SUCCESSFUL, not SCARY!

Welcome to The Houston Team Blog

2006-08-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

Carlsbad Real Estate

And North County Real Estate Information

The Houston Team are going to provide you with the latest information on Carlsbad Real Estate and all north county San Diego Real Estate.

The Carlsbad Real Estate Blog by the Houston Team brings great information on San Diego County Real Estate including Carlsbad Real Estate, Encinitas, Olivenhain and Oceanside Real Estate.Looking for homes? Search everything the web has to offer, on one of our websites! Don't miss our Featured Homes, our interactive satellite map and more.

We specialize in Carlsbad real estate, Encinitas real estate, Del Mar real estate, Oceanside real estate, San Marcos real estate, Rancho Bernardo and in all other areas of San Diego.

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