Vacations can get very expensive. And when you constantly have to worry about money during the trip, this may spoil the fun of your most anticipated getaway.
The good news is there are easy saving hacks that can get you financially ready for your dream destination. Whether you have less than a month left to prepare or have the whole year to save, there are tips that will work for you right here:
For more travel tips or if you have any questions regarding buying or selling homes in Carlsbad CA, call me, Dennis Smith - REALTOR®, at 760-212-8225.
It has often been said that a meaningful life isn’t found but created through our actions. And one of the best ways to lead a life of significance and fulfillment is by giving to others.
Research shows that giving results in greater happiness for the giver. And no matter how much or how little you can give, giving gives you the power to touch the lives of others.
Whatever you decide to give, know that you are contributing to making the world a nicer place.
Please call Dennis Smith at 760-212-8225 for more information or assistance in buying, selling, or investing in Real Estate.
Homes for sale with guest house are more prevalent now than ever in the U.S. As home prices continue to rise, more and more families choose to share a two or three-family house, where grandparents get to live with their children and grandchildren.
Finding a property that is able to meet the needs of multiple generations is tough, and it takes a lot of patience and some luck to find the home that is perfect for you. With proper research and preparation, however, it can be done.
Here are some tips from families who are now living happily together in multigenerational homes:
Before You Begin Your Search
Be realistic with your goal as a family. Making the decision to buy a home where you can all live together is not easy. To avoid future misunderstandings, make sure you talk things out before getting started with the home buying process.
Create a list of property requirements and make sure that you discuss with every family member the absolute must-haves in the home that you are going to buy.
Make sure everyone agrees on sharing the work of house hunting.
During Your Search
Look for a broker who knows the area well. If you are looking for homes for sale with guest house in San Diego CA, find a broker in that area who is familiar with the multifamily market there. He will help you decide on which type of home to buy.
Before You Sign
Find a lawyer who can help you figure out potential zoning issues. Since multifamily homes often come with tricky regulations when it comes to zoning, insurance and taxes, it’s better if you have a lawyer to discuss these things with you before you sign anything.
As You Move In
Discuss with your family members how you are going to divide among yourselves the administrative work that comes with your home purchase. This will help you avoid having only one party doing all the work.
Know where to invest more money during remodeling.
In the Long Term
Always choose to live together happily by actively looking for ways to make life harmonious for all.
Make sure that everyone feels comfortable in their own space, and that everyone has the freedom to do whatever they want with their own space. Establish boundaries early on so the parties know which part of the property they own.
While living in a home with your parents may sound stressful, living a happy life in this type of home is possible if you apply these tips. As you look for homes with granny flats for sale in San Diego CA, talk with all the parties involved and discuss among yourselves the ground rules to avoid future troubles.
Looking for homes for sale in San Diego or Carlsbad CA? Call me at 760-212-8225 and I’ll help you find the property that suits you and your family best. I am Dennis Smith, your top real estate agent in San Diego and Carlsbad CA.
Have you made up your mind about buying your home as you retire in Carlsbad, CA?
They call this paradise for a reason and it keeps getting better and better. The popular coastal community of Carlsbad is known for many things which make relocating and retiring to this place so easy.
Let me highlight why the single story homes of Carlsbad are so desirable, give you info about this city, and make an informed decision on your purchase as you spend your best retirement years in this city.
Why would you want to retire in Carlsbad?
The weather here is not too hot or too cold. It’s possible to get into the 40s at night in the winter but you will also get temperatures of 60s or even 70s. This kind of weather is perfect for a walk on the beach. The 7-mile sea stretch is well-kept and developed for more water activities. This means that a weekend activity with your friends can be spent here without a time limit or a pending work tomorrow.
You can always enjoy an afternoon of kite flying, swimming or just lounging by the sea, and sunbathing while reading your favorite classic novel.
For boomers and senior citizens who want to maintain an active lifestyle, I can recommend at least three golf clubs in the area with higher than a 4 star rating. The Aviara Golf Club, The Crossings and Rancho. It’s time to get into practice!
Carlsbad is also an art nouveau haven. So if you’re a Monet or Van Gogh follower, go for it! The Cannon Art Gallery, and Museum of Making Music both hold exhibits all throughout the year.
Food won’t be a challenge because the options are unlimited when it comes to restaurants, whether it’s affordable or luxurious choices found in several malls in Carlsbad.
For retirees who bring their grandchildren, if they decide to study in Carlsbad, there are 23 K-12 public schools, 12 private schools and a couple of colleges or universities with an average A rating from Homefacts.
And finally, bring them to Legoland California on holidays. Or if you want to go solo, reminisce the good old days in Carlsbad Flower Fields. Visit the Orchid Greenhouse as well as the Poinsettia Greenhouse exhibit. Revive your love of flower arrangements!
Everything’s coming up roses here!
Scout no more for a single story home, I have your back!
We have a striking view nowadays since there are several listings for single story homes for sale. Some of the samples are:
A property with 2 beds, 2 baths, and 1,994 sq. ft. is being listed at $409,000. This turn-key house features high-end laminate flooring, granite counters, walk-in closets and a peak canyon view. It has a quaint, homey feeling!
There are also more options for you for single story homes lower than $400,000. The current median price is $727,500.
On the other hand, a breathtaking house with 3 beds, 5 baths, 3,779 sq. ft. is priced at $1,449,000. These homes are near the beach, Batiquitos Lagoon walking trails, shopping centers and restaurants. It’s perfect for empty nesters whose kids decided to move back in when they grew older.
Retire to Carlsbad! I can show you more listings once we have our first meeting and you can tell me what you want in a retirement home.
It’s natural for me to endorse living here in Carlsbad because I live here. I witness this growing and beautiful city everyday. I made a choice to spend my retirement years in the best city where the views are awesomely extensive. What do you do when you have something special? Share it, right?
I have an unbeatable partnership with my wife, Sunshine Smith, as we work side by side helping people buy or sell their property. We have earned the ABR Designation (Accredited Buyers Rep), the SRES Designation (Senior Real Estate Specialist) and e-PRO, an internet professional certification program approved by the National Association of REALTORSⓇ (NAR) for its members.
Call me today, Dennis Smith, at 760-212-8225. I’d like to help you find your perfect home as you retire. A home where you can be happy and feel young again!
There is no more satisfying feeling than retiring in your dream home.
You have looked forward to being able to own one. You have worked a long time to make it happen! When you have a chance to turn it into reality, don’t shift your focus! Reach for your goal and make it happen.
If you have been dreaming of owning a resort-like home, one of the best places to look at is Carlsbad.
Why move to Carlsbad CA?
Carlsbad is called the seaside resort city. It has seven miles of coastline, world-class resorts, great and accessible shopping centers, private and public schools, jaw dropping scenery, wonderful golf courses, awesome restaurants and more.
It is conveniently located in North County San Diego, 40 miles South of Orange County and 35 miles North of Downtown San Diego.
With LEGOLAND California Resort in the heart of Carlsbad, you can enjoy its magnificent rides, shows, and attractions, whenever you want, anytime your heart desires.
Carlsbad is also ideal for those looking for employment, it has many great companies to work for.
There are several Carlsbad homes available for sale right now. It’s a great chance to make your dream happen.
Carlsbad homes for sale offer stunning ocean views.
There is nothing more spectacular and breathtaking than living in a home by the ocean. Watching the sunrise over the crystal blue ocean and feeling the cool breeze is one of the best feelings in the world.
It is awe-inspiring and relaxing.
Cool ocean breeze.
Retiring in a home where the air is fresh and clean is one of the benefits of living in a home by the sea.
Not only is it relaxing, it is also excellent for your health. The salt air from the sea is healthy and refreshing.
The sound of the crashing waves paired with the night ocean breeze will give you the best sleep of your life, and you get to enjoy it daily!
Increased privacy.
A home by the ocean not only provides comfort and relaxation, it also offers the highest level of privacy.
Your mind becomes free from the distraction and white noise of the city. Instead, you have the relaxing sound of the waves as your company.
Unlimited fun, anytime!
Probably the major reason people are drawn to the ocean is for the fun it brings.
When you live in a home in Carlsbad with an ocean view, you have the sand right at your doorstep.
You can go swimming anytime. You can enjoy all the watersports whenever your heart desires. You can even get yourself a boat, or a yacht, so you can explore and enjoy more of what the ocean can offer.
A great investment.
Carlsbad homes with a view keep their value. These are the types of home with less supply that are highly sought after. This is a great investment if you are thinking of reselling it someday or for the future use of your family.
Call me now, Dennis Smith, your REALTOR®, at 760-212-8225. Let me help you find your dream beach home, where you can enjoy the active lifestyle you have long been dreaming of.
Are you looking for the perfect solution for your older loved ones who hate the idea of moving into a rest home?
A home with a granny flat might just be the answer you need!
Our grandparents and relatives are important. No matter what you do in life, who you become, where you live, who you are with —their role in our life is unquestionable. They nurture us and take care of us. That is why we have to make sure they are provided with care and comfort as they age.
A home with a granny flat is a perfect alternative for those who want their elderly relatives to live with them.
The home is called a granny flat because it is a popular way for families to accommodate their aging parents. It is also sometimes called a granny pod, mother-in-law unit, in-law apartment, bonus unit, casita, and carriage unit.
It is a self-contained living space usually situated on the grounds of a single-family home. It is normally designed for one or two persons and can be detached, or attached to the other home. It is known as an accessory apartment or accessory dwelling unit in the building industry.
A granny flat has many other uses aside from being a residence for older loved ones. It can be used as a home office, especially if you can’t work inside your main home.
It can also be used as temporary residence for adult children. Rather than waste money on rent, you can let your adult kids stay in your granny flat as they make arrangements to buy their own homes.
A granny flat can also be a source of extra income.
If no one is going to use it, you can rent it out and make extra cash.
If you want a home with a granny for your elderly relatives, here are several things that you should consider:
The budget
Just like with any other purchase, you need to start with your budget. How much are you willing to spend on a property with a granny flat? Determining your budget will save you time and energy because you don’t have to look at properties that are out of your range.
Comfort
The comfort of your elderly relatives should be your major concern when looking for homes with granny flat in Carlsbad. You should know their needs and priorities. In fact, it is best if they are consulted before making a decision.
Ideally, you will want a home that is user-friendly. Some granny flats include grab handles in the bathroom, wider doorways for wheelchairs, or ramps at the entrance.
Size
Another thing you should consider when buying a Carlsbad home with granny flat is the size. Granny flats typically consist of one or two rooms and a small living room area.
Prospective buyers are usually advised to choose a smaller flat. The advantage of choosing a smaller flat is that it will be easier to maintain, both for the families as well as the elderly. We know that as we age, it becomes more difficult for us to maintain and clean our houses.
I believe taking care of one another is what makes family special. That is why I want to help you make the most of your time together. Let me help you find a living arrangement that suits everybody’s needs.
Call me today, Dennis Smith, at 760-212-8225. Let’s talk!
In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What You Need to Consider When Buying Carlsbad Homes for Sale with Granny Flats on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uttfZskOBJI&feature=youtu.be
Why is a home with a guest house the right choice for you?
The “guest house” in a home is also called by many other names, technically, it’s an accessory dwelling unit. To the family-oriented, it’s a “granny flat” or an “in-law suite.” To some, it’s more popularly known as a “casita,” which means a small house.
What makes buying a Carlsbad home for sale with a guest house compelling is that it has its many perks. Not only does it meet your present needs, but it also provides room for future expansion and potential business ventures.
Reasons why you should choose a home with a guest house
Of all the residential units out there, you may be wondering why you ought to buy a home with a guest house. Look at our list below and know the advantages of living in this type of home.
1. Keep your family close
A guest house or a granny flat is not only for grandparents. Extended family or adult children can also occupy this space. It’s a great way to keep the family close enough to be involved in one another’s lives. It also offers enough space to maintain peace among family members.
2. Save on overhead expenses
If you are a grandparent, you can take care of your grandchildren with this set up while your adult children are at work. This is a great way to save money on childcare. It also opens doors in fostering a good relationship with the younger generation.
If you are someone who wants to take care of your parents, allowing them to live nearby makes this possible. It makes monitoring their condition and handling emergencies easier and faster. You will also save on costly adult accommodations.
3. Work from your home office
If you’re used to going to the office everyday, convert your Carlsbad guest house into a home office. With today’s technology, doing and managing your business online is possible. You can even hire a team of virtual assistants and delegate some of the not-so-important tasks. With this opportunity, you can focus on growing your company without having to leave your property.
4. Impress your guests
With a guest house on standby, you don’t need to worry about looking for a nice place for your guests. You can create an extraordinary experience for them. Bond and connect with your guests during their stay. Make sure they have all they need as they retire at the casita.
5. Earn consistently and passively
If you think you can’t earn passively, look out the window and think again. Depending on the space you need, you have the option to have your guest house or the main house rented out. If you love your home and your community, give others the chance to do so as well by accepting tenants.
Regardless of your age, even if you’re in your golden years, you can always start anew. Buy a new house. Start a new project. Launch your own business. This can be made possible by having your very own Carlsbad home with a guest house.
Wait no more and make that fresh start!
Call me, Dennis Smith, at 760-212-8225, today. I guarantee you a satisfying experience on your home buying or selling journey as I live out my motto “Making a difference for you.”
In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Reasons for Buying a Carlsbad Home with a Guest House on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/vfgkDirRrjQ
Buying a home in Carlsbad CA is just like falling in love with the love of your life!
There are three major decisions one needs to make in his life: Our choice of career, partner and where we live. The third one plays a crucial part, because it helps us figure out the career opportunities that suit our skills. It will also determine the people we will meet, go out with and possibly become our lifetime partners.
Let’s focus on our third major decision: where we live.
When I purchased my first home 45 years ago, I was a young bachelor living on a ship and ready to have success and make a difference in San Diego. I remember, I was excited to create my future in a place that offers endless positive possibilities.
I would like to share the same spirit that I felt once, by helping you look at the different homes for sale in Carlsbad.
What makes a place so inviting, that all you see and feel when you set your foot on its ground is a bright and hopeful tomorrow?
If your single family home is located in Carlsbad, it would not be difficult to absorb its dynamic spirit. It’s a dream place or what millennialscall it nowadays, “home goals!”.
Carlsbad is called the seaside resort city or the village by the sea. It occupies 11 kilometers section of the Pacific Coastline. It’s 87 miles south of Los Angeles and 35 miles north of downtown San Diego, making it the 5th largest city in San Diego County. The population is 109, 333.
If you have kids and are looking for Carlsbad Homes for Sale:
School is not an issue. There are 23 K-12 public schools, 12 private schools and 2 colleges or universities in Carlsbad with an average Homefacts rating of A. Now, that’s the vision that I have as your REALTORⓇ. Whether you’re selling your single story home in Carlsbad or looking to buy one, I want you to have an A-rated experience.
Have you ever heard of the term “Place Attachment”?
Place attachment is said to be the emotional bond between the place and whoever lives in it. This bond usually starts and develops through the experiences we have.
When you buy your single story home in Carlsbad, you will also have the access to what I call the wonderland. Legoland California Resort is here, aquariums, campgrounds, at least four golf courses, three lagoons, museums and my wife’s personal favorite, The Flower Fields right exactly in Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is called seaside resort city or the village by the sea becauseCarlsbad State and South Carlsbad State beaches are just walking distance away. You can hold summer and all year round activities including swimming, fishing, skin diving, picnicking and surfing.
After exploring the place, you can always go home to your own!
In 2014, 283 building permits were issued in the city of Carlsbad. All permits issued were for Single Family Homes. There are currently 44 homes for sale in Carlsbad, of which 109 are single story homes.
Their 3 bath, 4 bed homes are priced at around $638,000 with approximately 2,019 sq. ft., while their 6 beds, 5 bath single family homes range from $1,200,000 to $1,795,000 with 3,328 to 4,745 sq.ft living space. The median sales price is $630,000.
But don’t be confused with the numbers because I have the efficient knowledge and experience to listen to your budget and explain what cando with it. For now, it is important to know why your single story home should be from Carlsbad.
The homes here have pools, garages and yards ready to be customized. They are spacious, stylish and are ready for viewing. Log on to https://carlsbadhomesforsalenow.com/ to know more about what I’m talking about.
Making a difference for you!
That’s right! That’s my life motto and that’s what I do for each seller and buyer I meet.
My style is easy going, yet very knowledgeable. My goal is to find the home you want at a price you can afford or to help you sell your home at the price you want.
Making a difference is how I show my respect, dedication and commitment to my craft as a REALTORⓇ. Let me listen to your plans about moving to Carlsbad.
Call me today, Dennis Smith, at 760-212-8225. Let’s talk!
Have trouble getting your Encinitas home sold? Let me help you!
This charming and comfortable home in Encinitas is now officially off the market.
Located at the beginning of a cul-de-sac and with a living space of 2,175 square feet, the home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car attached garage.
The sellers are overjoyed with finding the right buyer for this well-loved home. On top of it, the property got sold for $920,000. That’s $21,000 more than the asking price!
What’s the secret?
Well, to start with, nobody puts their house up for sale hoping for an average offer. Every seller wants a great offer!
If you want to get top dollar for your property, make sure it stands out from the rest of the competition.
You can also make some upgrades to boost the value of your home. Just make sure to pick renovations that offer a high return on investment.
Before putting this home on the market, the sellers renovated the kitchen. It now has quartz counters, farmhouse sink, custom cabinets, and black appliances. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a well-spaced, updated kitchen?
With a home like this, it wasn’t a surprise when the sellers received multiple offers. All they had to do was evaluate the offers and select the best one.
If you want to sell your home fast and for the top dollar, you need the assistance of an expert.
With my experience in dealing with homes for sale in Encinitas, I can also help you get a quick sale for the best price.
Simply elegant single story homes for sale in Carlsbad
Most people go through life wondering if they will ever find a home perfect in all aspects, unfortunately, these people haven’t seen these single story homes for sale in Carlsbad.
Imagine coming home daily from work and you see the low stone wall combined with a picket fence and lots of green landscaping, it will surely set you up for a relaxing mood.
Single story homes for sale in Carlsbad provide easier access compared to other types of homes. It is also safer for families with kids because it reduces the chance of little ones falling down the stairs.
Most single story homes for sale in Carlsbad comes with a yard where you can put your jacuzzi and some even come with a pool already. This makes it easier to relax after a long day at the office.
With a budget of approximately $675,000, you can get a nice 3-bedroom, 1,618 sq.ft. home with solid oak floors, cozy fireplace, formal dining and storage.
If you want to go up a notch, a 4-bedroom single story with a home area of 1,630 sq. ft. can be yours for around $749,000.
For somewhat greater pricing, you also have a choice of getting a property with more rooms but slightly smaller lot area.
Some single story homes in Carlsbad havegranite countertops, solid wood floors and cabinetry.
Tips for Buying a San Diego CA Home with Your Parents on my YouTube channel: 
