San Diego Jurisdictions Embrace Backyard Home (ADU) Ordinances It's been a challenge met with mild to strong resistance, however, many if not most San Diego Jurisdictions, including the County, are coming to grips with California's newest laws on "Backyard Home" aka "Accessory Dwelling Unit" (ADU) ordinances. While some jurisdictions are still resisting or not embracing the new law in its entirety, there are others like the City of Encinitas who are leading the field with proactive and streamlined permit processing requirements and costs; Possibly even fee waivers.  In fact they are even considering fast tracking pre approved plans that meet their criteria in order to make the process even less burdensome, time consuming and costly to the property/homeowner. Before the new State Laws we... 02/09/2018

What’s my Encinitas Home Worth? Encinitas Market Report for January 2018 Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale.  Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for January 2018 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data are entered into the MLS system or change over time. READ MORE:Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside CommunityLeucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA In January there were 30 homes sold in Encinitas, down 37% from last month. Here’s the b... 02/08/2018

Don't miss out! Pristine townhome in a prime location! Feel like you are in an endless holiday mode in this highly upgraded, generously proportioned contemporary residence with ocean and sunset views, located a few minutes drive to the sand and surf.   Located in the prestigious Coast Point complex with only 38 units, this Encinitas townhome for sale is a rare opportunity.  It features 1,874 square feet of living space with 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 luxurious bathrooms, the best kitchen appliances, high-end finishes, and a private deck where you can enjoy a magnificent view. Well-maintained and move-in ready, it is perfect as a main home or as a holiday retreat. You will not want anything more from this home. Coast Point complex is in an ideal location.  Orpheus Park is right next door, per... 02/07/2018

2017 Year-End Market Report for Encinitas CA Here is an overview of what happened in the housing market for single family detached homes in Encinitas, a seaside community just south of Carlsbad, in 2017, plus a comparison to activity for 2016.  Encinitas homes are a broad mix of single family detached properties, from bungalows in the funky Leucadia area (an area at the north end of Encinitas), to multi-million dollar ocean-front homes along Neptune, to golf course frontage homes in Encinitas Ranch, to expansive homes and equestrian properties in Olivenhain, an inland rural area bordering Rancho Santa Fe.  There are also some new construction homes being built! 2017 Housing Market for Encinitas:438 detached single family homes sold in 2017, which was down by 11% from 2016 sales (and 6% ... 01/19/2018

Crest Backyard Home's ADU's On A Roll In North San Diego Coastal Area. See what 'Crest Backyard Homes' of Leucadia, CA has been doing with Accessory Dwelling Units aka ADU's in this quaint surf town on the North San Diego Coast for decades. Are you a property/homeowner looking for an extra income stream on the very dirt you're standing on? Do you need some private and secluded space for an adult child to live in while attending college, starting a career or raising a young family? Do you want an environment where all residents sharing the property have a sense of seclusion and independence?  Or perhaps a backyard home for your parents to age in place in and yet be close to loved ones and friends.Do you need a full time live in employee/s to help around your home and property?Many proper... 01/08/2018

Alien Fresh Jerky  Well I spied this today, a Thursday, in Encinitas and just a few hours ago so I guess it's a Throwback. I am not a jerky fan of any sort - but I've seen all kinds, like beef, goat, bison, ostrich, teriyaki and no doubt others I am not remembering. This signage was at a really cool fresh produce stand, La Costa Farms and Flowers at the corner of Saxony and La Costa Avenue, which offers different foods as well as fresh fruits, veggies, and flowers - fudge, great guacamole and chips, fresh herbs, and obviously Alien Fresh Jerky. Alien Fresh Jerky, I found, is based in Baker, CA between LA and Las Vegas. I won't be stopping on my next jaunt to LV.   01/04/2018

The Meditation Gardens in EncinitasThe Last Day of Fall 2017 I was out running some errands, including upgrading my Supra Key needed for a new listing in Temecula (a different county) in a couple of weeks, and stopped by the Meditation Gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas in my way home. The Gardens are beautiful, and being perched on the bluff above the ocean also offer spectacular views of the ocean far below. Steps leading to the Meditation Gardens It was a gorgeous day, the last day of Fall, and the gardens were pretty quiet, with only a few visitors. I don’t get to visit very often – it’s been a couple of years - but always come away with a sense of peace and tranquility after spending time wandering, taking photos, and just sitting for a few minutes. One might s... 12/22/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home? Encinitas Market Report for November 2017 Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale.  Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for November 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data are entered into the MLS system or change over time. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA In November 2017, there were 40 homes sold in Encinitas, down by 13% from las... 12/08/2017

Don't miss the Garden of Lights 2017 at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas CA  The holiday season is here, and there are tons of fun, and beautiful, things to see and do.  Sp put this on your calendar - the annual Garden of Lights opens Saturday, December 2nd  at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, CA.  While no one would deny the San Diego Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to enjoy at any time of the year, it’s especially magical during the holidays when the gardens come to life with 125,000 sparkling lights for their annual Garden of Lights event. You can view the garden and lights from December 2nd through the 23rd, and then again from the 26th to the 30th, from 5 – 9 PM daily (the San Diego Botanic Garden opens at 9 am).  We visited a few years ago and I can tell you... 11/24/2017

Something To Ponder On Whence Visiting With Family During The Holidays As a 72 year young SEASONED CITIZEN this is a topic I've been pondering for the past several decades. It will be interesting to see where this all ends up moving forward. No doubt, San Diego, like so many other  destination Retirement zones throughout the Country, will be put to the test trying to figure out how to deal with housing their growing share of 80 million Baby Boomers in the next 20+ years. This drives my point even further home (pun intended) for the need and timeliness to consider a BACKYARD HOME aka Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). I speak with Seniors daily about their desire to age in place and remain on the property and in the home they raised their families in.  Sure there is no doubt that an ever inc... 11/22/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home? Encinitas Home Sales in October 2017?  Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale.  Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for October 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data are entered into the MLS system or may change over time.  READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA  In October 2017, there were 46 homes sold in Encinitas, about the same as l... 11/04/2017

OK, Are You Gettin It Yet?  Is the language of REAL ESTATE finally getting the message? This is a million dollar estate finally heeding the needs of the real World.      Offered at $999,000 - $1,095,000. Stunning, single level Mediterranean estate located on 1.3 acre lot overlooking the peaceful canyons. Private, cul de sac location completely fenced and gated. Enjoy entertaining poolside on the large patio & huge ocean view deck. Light & airy floor plan features banks of windows in living/ dining/family rooms. A chef’s dream kitchen including breakfast nook, center island/bar with veggie sink, double ovens & walk-in pantry.  Adjacent family room has vaulted, open beam ceilings & cozy fireplace. Private master suite features French doors that open to the pool, in addition to a fireplace... 10/13/2017

Please Add Your Name To The ADU 2017 Interest List For a Video Link?     Should you like to be added to the interest list for the For The 2017 San Diego County Accessory Dwelling Unit Status Conference On October 30th in La Jolla, CA?  We've had a huge response from AR and several other social media platforms requesting to be placed on the interest list to receive a link to the video recording of the  2017 San Diego County Accessory Dwelling Unit Status Conference On October 30th in La Jolla, CA? Please send me an email to johnarendsen@crestbackyardhomes.com and I will be happy to send you a link. I will also be posting this on the AR blog as many members do not utilize the Q/A forum.  LIKE  BOOKMARK Report   Share: 10/13/2017

Please Join Us For The 2017 San DiegoCounty ADU Status Conference We would like to invite any/all ACTIVE RAIN members in the Southern California area or those from other States who might be visiting to participate in this event.    E-E-Easing into ADUs: Engage! Educate! Empower! Whether you call them granny flats, second units, in-law suites, or carriage houses, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a promising pathway toward meeting San Diego County's housing and livability goals. Register today to learn about recent state legislation that gives California cities more flexibility and latitude for allowing homeowners to build ADUs: SB 1069 (Wieckowski), AB 2299 (Bloom), AB 2406 (Thurmond), SB 229 (Wieckowski), and AB 494 (Bloom). The last two are awaiting the governor's signature. The Pro... 10/11/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home?Encinitas Market Report for September 2017  Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale.  Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for September 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data September be entered into the MLS system or September change over time. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA  In September 2017, there were 47 homes sold in Encinita... 10/04/2017

Classic Cars, Live Music & a Summer EveningThursday September 21, 2017 Summer is, sadly, drawing to a close (yep all the Halloween stuff is out at Home Depot and the signs for the soon-to-open Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch are up) and next Thursday September 21st is the last of the Classic Car Nights in Encinitas. Everyone seems to enjoy this annual series of Classic Car Nights that runs from May through September on the 3rd Thursday, and if you haven’t been, now in your chance. I’ve only attended a few times but you can’t help but be impressed by all the classic and vintage cars, Hot Rods, and Woodies, whether you are a car collector or just enjoy seeing them!  And hanging out in this classic beach town on a summer evening (the last day of summer, BTW) is not bad. The Classic Car Nights serie... 09/15/2017

What’s the Value of my Encinitas Home? Encinitas Homes for Sale in August 2017 Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale. Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for August 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data August be entered into the MLS system or August change over time. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA In August 2017, there were 63 homes sold in Encinitas, 21% more than ... 09/10/2017

The Difference Between An"RV", "Park Model", Tiny Home & Tiny Home on Wheels aka "THOW" We receive ongoing inquiries regarding the placement of a Travel Trailer,  Recreation Vehicle (RV), Park Model, and Tiny Home or Tiny Home on Wheels aka "THOW" on ones private property with the intention of using it as an ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) aka, BACKYARD HOME. The simple answer in a word?                    NO!To set the record straight I would like to clarify often touted, if not outright, mis represented and even fallacious  MISNOMERS regarding this subject. There is often some confusion in the Real Estate & lending Industry about the various definitions and distinctions between the "RECREATION VEHICLE"  aka "RV", "park model", "Tiny Home", "Tiny Home On Wheels" aka "THOW" and a "HUD Man... 08/10/2017

2017 Cardiff Dog Days of SummerComing August 13th  Cardiff (a.k.a. Cardiff by the Sea) has a perfect solution to give you and your weary owner a pick me up if you are both bored this August and looking for something fun to do.  It’s almost time for the 2017 Dog Days of Summer This very popular Summer event, the 12th annual, the Dog Days of Summer Festival , will be held in a NEW VENUE, the Encinitas Community Park which is by the Maggie Houlihan Dog Park, this coming Sunday August 13th from 12 noon until 6:00 pm.  Encinitas Community Park is located at 425 Santa Fe Drive.  This festival is now the largest and most popular canine-focused event in the San Diego area.  The Dog Days of Summer Festival in Cardiff could lure as many as 10,000 2 and 4-legged festival-goers, perhaps more given ... 08/07/2017

What’s my Encinitas Home Worth?Encinitas Homes for Sale in July 2017? Buyers and sellers in the Encinitas real estate market need to understand local market conditions in order to make informed decisions about what to do with regard to Encinitas homes for sale. Here’s what happened in the Encinitas housing market for July 2017 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured, mobile or multi-family homes). These data are deemed reliable at the time this was written, but are not guaranteed due to how data may be entered into the MLS system or might change. READ MORE: Encinitas – An Eclectic Seaside Community Leucadia- Surfers' Beach Community in Encinitas CA In July 2017, there were 52 homes sold in Encinitas, 21% fewer than in June. Here’s the breakd... 08/06/2017