[quote=Andrew32]Appreciate the ongoing info Sdrealtor. We’re looking at S. Carlsbad for early 2021. Currently renting in PQ to test the area before buying and want a neighborhood that has more younger families and closer to the coast. In late 2017, we bid above asking in Encinitas and countered but the owner took an all-cash, no inspection, no contingency offer from someone else at the same price. Felt defeating and so we are only now exploring going for it again. And as a result, that has pushed us a little further north than we were originally looking.[/quote]
Happy to help! Ive been in my home on the S Carlsbad/Encinitas border since it was built in 99 and Encinitas a few years before that. My guess is you were bidding on a 1 story in Encinitas. There are a lot of them and its one reason Encinitas has become such a magnet for downsizers and retirees relocating here as its also close to the beach and such a charming town. Here are a few tips.
Along the NCC 60 to 70% of what you are buying is land value. When you see a crappy old house on a nice lot in a nice location remember this.
92009 is actually complicated with a wide variety of neighborhoods nearly all good but feeding into the 3 different school districts. Take the time to become familiar with that. The good news is when I moved here the differences were much substantial than they are now and all are exceptional now IMO.
That leads to next point which is to consider southwest 92078 which borders Carlsbad, has some great neighborhoods with great homes and is more affordable.
Next point, consider moving up your timeline. Things are quietest between Mid October and Mid Jan. Thats is your best chance to get great home with less competition. What I consider my best sale ever and would put up against any sale along the NCC in the last 10+ years as the single best home and deal purchased on the open market by any agent was put together in late November.
Last point, we are blessed with a lot of very good, knowledgeable and ethical agents here. We also have a lot who arent. These are shark filled waters. Make sure you know who you are dealing with and that they are familiar with the agents they are dealing with.
With that said this is a phenomenal place to live and raise a family. I hope things work out well for you. Feel free to ask questions on this thread or privately if you prefer.
