Why Choose Encinitas?
The Surfing A beach community since the ‘60s, Encinitas has a long history of surfing. From Swami Beach- made famous by the Beach Boys- to all the surf shops on Pacific Coast Hwy, you can’t help but notice the laid-back, friendly vibe that makes this area so desirable. Encinitas has made it onto National Geographic’s World’s 20 Best Surf Towns …
View Post
Where to Shop in Encinitas
Ducky Waddles’ Emporium It’s hard to miss this place; not only is there a neon sign on the bright-orange building, there’s a large geometric metal duck sculpture planted right on the roof. Ducky Waddles is a groovy, independent bookstore that offers used and eclectic books, art, memorabilia, and kitsch. They also host Poetry Ruckus, an open-mic spoken word event, …
View Post
Why Open Houses Benefit Buyers
It gives you time to set the stage You’ll have more than enough time to prepare your home to be presented exactly how you want it—no last-minute showings when you’ve just gotten out of the shower, or before you’ve had time to wash the dishes. Open houses are great because they allow you to show off your beautiful home on …
View Post
Moving With Pets
Scope out the area Before deciding to purchase a new home, walk around the neighborhood yourself to make sure it’s pet-friendly, especially if you have a dog. If you have a puppy that’s still being house-trained, a home with lots of steps or no yard makes it difficult for them to get outside before making a mess. If you have …
View Post
6 Things New Homeowners Always Forget to Do
1. Check the Plumbing Inspect each toilet, under-sink plumbing, faucets, and visible pipes to make sure there are no leaks. If you find any, get it fixed right away—wasted water means wasted money. 2. Find the Fuse or Breaker Box These are generally located in the basement or the garage of a house, and sometimes in the closet or laundry …
View Post
Your Guide to Mortgage Loans
Fixed-Rate These mortgages have the same interest rates for the length of the loan, which means your monthly payment will also never change. Although this guarantees stability as payments will never raise over time, the downside is that your interest rate will also never lower with the market. Fixed-rate mortgages are available for 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30–year terms. …
View Post
Home Staging Tips and Tricks
If hiring a decorator isn’t in your budget, here are some creative ideas to make your home appear as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Simple is Good The décor should always complement the style of the home, not overwhelm it. Get rid of unnecessary chairs, side tables, file cabinets, paintings or art, and distracting rugs or carpets. If …
View Post
Guide to Encinitas Communities
In 1986, the city of Encinitas was incorporated from five communities. These neighborhoods still retain much of the old qualities that make each unique and charming—here’s the best that each has to offer: Old Encinitas This area, which many characterize as a relaxed beach community, is home to some of the oldest buildings in Encinitas. The historic downtown area hosts …
View Post
How Commission Works in Real Estate
Something to keep in mind is that sellers can negotiate the commission, but buyers cannot. It’s also tax deductible! Here’s a breakdown of exactly where that commission fee ends up: Paid by Seller When signing a listing agreement, the seller acknowledges the commission rate they will need to pay, which is typically 6 percent. This amount is generally split …
View Post
How to Handle a Last-Minute Closing Crisis
Crisis: Misplaced loan documents Sending your loan package overnight by express mail is not guaranteed to reach the seller’s agent on time. That’s why you and your realtor should stay in constant communication with the seller’s agent to make sure they have all the documents they need before your closing appointment. Call beforehand to confirm that all paperwork is ready …
View Post
