Contact The Lawhead Team if you or someone you know may want to call this lovely property in Aviara home.

The Lawhead Team would like to share our latest listing we have in La Costa.

Located at 7210 Plaza de La Costa, this beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is located in a gated community and is priced at $410,000.

View the virtual tour of this gorgeous La Costa property here.

When The Lawhead Team isn’t busy helping people find their dream homes, we love to take a break and play golf. We would like to share some helpful tips from the PGA:

• To many people think that a sand wedge is just for bunker shots. The sand wedge should be used for sand shots as well as most pitch shots to the green.  The sand wedge whether a 54-degree or 58-degree has “bounce” on the sole of the club.
• A carpenter’s chalk-line and a CD disc are great putting aids to have in your golf bag. The chalk-line is useful to help you with your alignment and stroke. Find a straight six to ten foot putt on a practice green. Snap a chalk-line from the hole back to desired distance.
• A pitch short or short chip shot from short grass or a tight lie can be a challenge even for the very best players. Make a few practice swings and brush the ground in a way you would do it if the ball was there.
• If you miss the green and your ball ends up in a closely mown area don’t forget about the hybrid putt.  Approach the shot just as you would a putt.  Use your putting grip, stance, pre-shot routine and stroke.  You will find that with a little practice you will start getting up and down.
• When the wind picks up you want to choose a club that is more than what you would normally choose.  Go through your normal pre-shot routine and then swing easy.  The windier it gets the easier you should swing.  You will quickly find that your golf ball is boring through the wind and not ballooning.
• With over 60% of your strokes coming from inside of 100 yards, it is essential that you spend a proportionate amount of time on your short game as you practice.  You should devote most of your short game practice to putting and chipping.  These two shots make up the majority of your short game strokes.
• Is your golf bag organized?  Having your golf bag organized will help you greatly as you improve your skills.  Knowing where each club is within the bag, you will not lose focus on the shot you have planned, while you search for the proper club.
• A greenside bunker shot is so much easier than most think. It is nothing more than a “fat pitch.” In a greenside bunker we want to hit the sand first.
• The easiest way to learn the golf swing is to relate it to another learned movement. The golf swing is a rotary movement; it contains a throwing element similar to baseball. For the non-athletes, it would be like skipping a pebble.

golf tips are from the PGA‘s website.

The Lawhead Team would like to share the latest trends this month in housing affordability for both single family detached and attached homes.

Housing Affordability – Single-Family Detached Homes

• The monthly payment – including principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance – for the median-priced SFD home in North San Diego County increased, to $2,891 in September 2013 (based on a conventional mortgage) from $2,758 in August 2013. The monthly payment for the median-priced SFD housing homes in non-North San Diego County increased, from $2,279 in September 2013 from $2,086 in August 2013.
• The percent of San Diego County households that could afford the median-priced SFD housing home in North County decreased, to 25 percent in September 2013 from 27 percent in August, according to the North San Diego County HomeDexTM; the housing affordability percentage in non-North County Zip Codes was 36 percent in September 2013.
• In September 2012, the housing affordability percentage was 34 percent in North San Diego County and 47 percent in non-North San Diego County.
• The HomeDexTM affordability percentage for all homes in North San Diego County – single-family detached and single-family attached together – was 30 percent in September 2013.

Housing Affordability – Single-Family Attached Homes

• The monthly payment – including principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance – for the median-priced SFA home in North County increased, from $1,631 in August 2013 to $1,800 in September 2013.  The monthly payment for the median-priced SFA home in non-North San Diego County zip codes increased, from $1,415 in August 2013 to $1,450 in September 2013.
• The percent of San Diego County households able to afford the median-priced SFA home in North County decreased, to 47 percent in September 2013 from 51 percent in August 2013.
• The SFA home housing affordability level for non-North San Diego County zip code decreased, from 58 percent in August 2013 to 57 percent in September 2013.
• 60 percent of county households were able to afford the median-priced SFA home in North San Diego County in September 2012, and 69 percent were able to afford the median-priced SFA home in non-North County zip codes.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The Lawhead Team has compiled some fun events that can fit anyone’s age that are right in your own backyard in North County San Diego!

1. Cruise around Downtown Carlsbad: California’s coast of Carlsbad is home to many cute little shops, countless restaurants and exciting beach clubs. The historical Carlsbad village theater also provides a variety of live performances on its historical stage.
2. Legoland in Carlsbad: If you have kids this is an ultimate destination for the family right here in North County! Rides and attractions for every age, Legoland is one of the newest theme parks in California.
3. Del Mar Racetrack: Now that the fair is over, the horse races will be opening soon. Don’t forget every Friday the Del Mar Racetrack hosts free concerts.
4. Flower Fields: North County’s flower fields of Carlsbad sit on the corner of Palomar Airport Rd and Paseo del Norte and are a treat for any springtime visitor. There is a small entrance fee but well worth it!
5. Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside: In the 1770’s Father Junipero Sierra, a missionary from Spain, sailed to California to convert the native population to Catholicism. During his time here in California, Fr. Sierra built 21 missions with the assistance of the local native people. It was during that time that the Mission San Luis Rey was built in North County’s Oceanside. The mission is a working Catholic church that is open for tours throughout the year.
6. Buena Vista Adobe in Vista: This is one of the original ranchos in North County. Owned by the same family for over several generations, it was also home to one of Hollywood’s leading ladies during the 1940’s. The Buena Vista Adobe is open daily for tours and legend has it the Adobe is haunted so watch for ghosts!
7. Wild Animal Park: A wonderful attraction for North County located in Escondido, the Wild Animal Park originally began as a breeding facility for the San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park. In the 60’s the park was opened to the public. There are many exotic animals at the Wild Animal Park such as Lions, Tigers, Cheetahs, Gazelles, Giraffes and more.

The latest key points from the HomeDex Report for May for North County San Diego provided to you by The Lawhead Team.

• The median price for all North County San Diego home sales – attached and detached – increased to $470,000 in April 2013 compared to $448,000 in March 2013.
• Detached homes in North County increased 1.9 percent in April 2013 to $535,000 compared to $525,000 in March 2013. Year-over median price for SFD in North San Diego County jumped 27.38 percent, from $420,000 in April 2012, continuing a nine-month trend of year-over median price increases (the last two months exceeding 25 percent). April 2013 reported the highest median price in North County since mid-2008.
• Detached home prices OUTSIDE North County increased 1.27 percent to $400,000 in April 2013 compared to $395,000 in March 2013. Year-over non-North County median price jumped 17.73 percent compared to $339,750 in April 2012, making a 13-month trend of year-over median price increases.
• Attached home prices in North County San Diego increased 4.1 percent to $330,000 in April 2013 compared to $317,000 in March 2013.
• Non-North County attached home prices remained constant at $265,000 in April 2013.
• The number of North San Diego SFD listings (active and contingent) rose 0.76 percent from March 2013 to April 2013, but decreased 38.83 percent year-over from April 2012 – the 20^th month of year-over declines in listings.
• The number of sold North San Diego County SFD units increased 9.03 percent in April 2013 compared to March 2013. Year-over sold SFD units increased 8.91 percent compared to April 2012.
• Median days-on-market for single-family detached homes sold in North County fell to 19 days in April 2013 compared to 26 days in March 2013.
• The HomeDex affordability percentage for all homes in North San Diego County – attached and detached – decreased to 36 percent in April 2013 compared to 39 percent in March 2013.

The Lawhead Team would like to share some helpful tips to buying a home in a sellers market.

One of the most important things a home buyer can do when buying in a sellers market is to trust his or her real estate agent’s advice on the market conditions. Since buyers usually do not have an interest in the housing market until they are looking to buy or sell a home, they won’t always know how the market is moving from one season to the next.

With today’s changing market, a home buyer’s strategy must be flexible and they should see the guidance of a well-informed real estate agent. Call The Lawhead Team for expert advice!

As you probably know, multiple offers happen a lot more frequently in a seller’s market. We will share with you 5 important tips you must know when buying in a sellers market.

1. First and foremost, you need to get pre-approved. The mortgage process is much more elaborate now and you need to get all your ducks in a row. In a sellers market, a pre-approval will help let the seller know you are a serious buyer.
2. A larger earnest money deposit will look very attractive to a seller. Talk to your agent about doubling your earnest money since you will be paying it at closing anyway.
3. Unfortunately in a sellers market, low-ball offers don’t work. Although price isn’t always the most important factor, you don’t want to offer less than list for a home. You may even need to offer more than the amount the seller was asking.
4. Avoid asking favors from the sellers. Asking to include the washer and dryer or to repaint the front door may be a deal breaker when it comes to the seller accepting your offer.
5. Allow the seller to move out of the home a few days after you are able to take possession. If you are competing with another buyer and he doesn’t think of this offer, the seller may look more fondly upon you.

Looking to buy in today’s sellers market? Call The Lawhead Team to have expert advice on your side! “Because Two Lawheads Are Better Than One!^TM”

Summer is just around the corner and it is time to break out those bathing suits and enjoy your pool!

Be the envy of your neighbors with the most sparkly pool on the block!

• When your pool is getting a lot of use, you should check your pool’s chemistry multiple times a week to make sure it has the correct balance.
• Clean your pool out with a skimmer basket. During the summer you may have to do this a little more. Make sure to check the lint pot inside the pump every couple weeks and clean it out as necessary. Turn off the pump in order to do this.
• When you pool is in heavy use, you may have to water more frequently. Check the water levels on a monthly basis and add water as needed.
• The chlorine dispense should be checked every week to make sure it is operating properly.
• Filters in the pool should be checked every 4-6 months. If your pool’s cleaning system isn’t working as it should, your filters may need to be cleaned.
• Water in the pool needs to circulate in order to maintain the correct chemical balance. Run the pump for 8-10 hours a day to move water and maintain the balance.
• Never overfill your swimming pool.  The water level should come up the level of the skimmer opening but no more, since anything over the skimmer opening will mean a poor skimming job.
• Vacuum often.  This will remove heavy debris from your swimming pool so your filter is not clogged or overworked.
• Shower before getting in the pool and be mindful of lotions, hair dyes and chemicals, and elements such as these.

This day in age, more and more people are working from home. While it is convenient for most, it is important to make sure you separate the productivity of your home office from your home.

Creating a productive work space away from distractions will help you use your time constructively. Check out the tips for creating a productive work space:

• Separate your work space – create a home office space that has everything you need away from outside distractions or noise. If possible, make sure you can close your door and have everything you need right in your office.
• Clean out any extra clutter – how much of the contents in your home office space are you using continually? Determine what office supplies you need and give away any other supplies you don’t need.
• Organize your area – once you’ve cleaned out the clutter, it is time to make your home office productive. Look at various storage options, start a good filing system, only keep what you use every day on your desk.
• Ensure your technology is up to date – If you’re going to be working at home most of the time, you’ve got to make sure that technology is your best accomplice. Chances are that you are holding on to your old devices and gadgets because they still work and you don’t find it economical to pay for an upgrade. Well, think about how much time you’ve wasted instead, trying to troubleshoot and fix them, plus the opportunity cost you’ve lost.
• Make sure your home office space is well lit – set up your home office space in an area that gets a lot of light. Make sure the lighting is over your desk and not shining on your computer monitor.
• Invest in a nice chair – if you aren’t comfortable in your chair at your desk, it will be hard to concentrate on getting your work done. Productivity can be achieved when you’re organized and happy in your setting.

The Lawhead Team would like to share the latest statistics from the HomeDex Report for North San Diego County’s single-family attached homes.

Single-Family Attached Home Prices

• The North San Diego County median-priced single-family attached (SFA) home increased 1.4 percent from $285,000 in January 2013 to $289,000 in February 2013. Non-North San Diego County SFA home median price decreased 1.32 percent to $224,000 in February 2013, from $227,000 in January 2013.
• North San Diego County single-family attached median price jumped 30.18 percent year-over from $222,000 in February 2012. Non-North County SFA median year-over price increased 21.08 percent from $185,000 in February 2012.
• San Diego County single-family attached home median price increased 2.04 percent to $250,000 in February 2013 from $245,000 in January 2013. Year-over county median price increased 29.53 percent from February 2012.
• The median number of days-on-market for North County single-family attached homes sold decreased to 37 days in February 2013 from 48 days in January 2013. The average number of days-on-market decreased to 68 days in February 2013 from 74 days in January 2013.
• The number of sold single-family attached units increased 21.2 percent in February 2103 from January 2013; the number of sold SFA units in non-North County Zip Codes increased 4.35 percent in February 2013 from January 2013.
• Year-over SFA sales in North San Diego County increased 6.48 percent, compared to February 2012. Non-North County year-over sold units decreased 6.17, compared to February 2012.
• Single-family attached listings (active and contingent) in North San Diego County decreased 2.3 percent from January 2013 to February 2013, and dropped 50.75 percent year-over from February 2012. San Diego County SFA listings (active and contingent) decreased 3.5 percent in February 2013 from January 2013, and decreased 43.83 percent year-over from February 2012.

Housing Affordability – Single-Family Attached Homes

• The monthly payment – including principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance – for the median-priced single-family attached home in North County increased to $1,344 in February 2013 from $1,321 in January 2013. The monthly payment for the median-priced SFA home in non-North San Diego County zip codes decreased to $1,041 in February 2013 from $1,052 in January 2013.
• The percent of San Diego County households able to afford the median-priced single-family attached home in North County decreased from 60 percent in January 2013 to 59 percent in February 2013.
• The SFA home affordability level for non-North San Diego County zip codes increased from 70 percent in January 2013 to 71 percent in February 2013.
• In February 2012, 62 percent of county households were able to afford the median-priced SFA home in North San Diego County and 70 percent were able to afford the median-priced single-family attached home in non-North County zip codes.