I relocated to Carlsbad with my my family from Washington, DC back in 2006 so I know exactly what you're going through! It was a scary prospect leaving my house hunt in the hand of a stranger. was working with a local Realtor for many months.

The best place to start is to find an agent you feel comfortable with who totally understands your lifestyle and what your family's needs are. Good luck with your move! You will LOVE it here!

Hi:
when are you moving here? Is it possible to take a week off and explore Carlsbad?
I live in Carlsbad, and I love it! If you have little kids, they will love Legoland too!!

Moakeoni,

We specialize in helping folks relocate to San Diego. Please review our website and let us know if we can help. Our photographic and videographic services are the best way to find the right neighborhood and property and streamline the whole home selection process. All the best!

Regards,

Daniel
CEO, Neighborhood Photo, Inc.

If you've never lived here, I would suggest renting for a while before making a purchase. If you do jump into a purchase, why not get a property that will work well as an investment just in case you want to change areas. I think bottom line, you have to know where you want to go first. No Realtor can tell you what's right for you and your family. Good luck.

I guess I might take a slightly different approach, which probably will have less stress involved. Why not rent for 6-12 months in Carlsbad? Not only will it avoid the coordination difficulty of a sale (or rental) of your current home tied in with a move across country and a purchase, but it will also give you time to learn more about neighborhoods you would prefer. I'm not sure what the market is like in your area, but depending on your price range and location preferences, buying a house around here right now can be quite difficult and time consuming.

Moakeoni,

I would suggest you start with consulting a REALTOR in your area to discuss the sale of your current home so that you get a sense of the reality of how fast it may or may not sell. Next consulting with a mortgage broker to see what your options are financially with the new home (It is more expensive to live here in Southern CA). . Lastly, find a REALTOR in San Diego who can set you up for the property alerts mentioned earlier and speak with you about your preferences in a home. The MLS property alerts are a great way to get a feel for what is out here. It would be worth a visit and tour around Carlsbad and surrounding areas if you are able to come out. Any of the Trulia agents would be happy to work with you.

Kind Regards,

Marcie Sands, REALTOR
Simply The Best Real Estate Company, Inc.
760-644-1562

The best way to start looking for a home is to get in touch with an experienced agent who really knows Carlsbad. He or she can help you narrow down your search and tell you about different neighborhoods that will meet your needs and price range. Then your agent can send you properties that fit your requirements. i would also suggest setting up a search on a website that enables you to save the criteria so that you can receive new listings when they come on the market.

Being far away does not have to be a disadvantage--while you are there you can spend the time getting to know the different parts of Carlsbad and what it has to offer.

If you would like my assistance I will be happy to help. I have lived in Carlsbad for 16 years and know the area very well. My website is updated twice daily so all the listings are current. I can help answer questions about various neighborhoods and floorplans and schools, if you have children or plan to in the future.

The internet. If you go to http://JoanWilson.PrudentialCal.com you can see home for sale...and pictures too. Be sure to get pre-approved with a well known lender as soon as possible. If you want, call Karen Barberio at US Bank 760-720-2449. she will call you baqck, and you can be ready to go when you get here and can look at homes.

Let me know if I can help you in any way,
Joan Wilson (Realtor, SRES, Ecobroker)


California Cool 4 Sale
Prudential California Realty
Direct Phone: 760-757-3468
Fax: 760-946-7894
JoanWilson@prusd.com
License # 01341483

It is my Goal to Increase the Success and Profitability of Those I Serve

We can create a custom real-time home search for you. Your search criteria will be entered into the San Diego MLS and you will be emailed a personalized real estate website. The email contains all properties that meet your search parameters in an easy to preview format. After you review the details you can request additional information or add the property to your Favorites or Possibilities for easy future reference, or simple delete the ones you don't like.

Once you receive the initial list of properties, you're automatically set up to receive emails the minute any acitivity occurs in your search area.

You will receive property alerts when:

New listings come on the market
Price changes to existing listings occur
Property is moved into contingent or pending

You can contact me at (858) 213-9999 or visit my website at http://www.QuestStarRealty.com and click on "property alerts."

Hello Moakeioni,
I'd suggest working with a local Realtor in Carlsbad and use their Carlsbad Real Estate website, like mine, http://www.CarlsbadNeighborhoods.com . Feel free to contact me direct if you'd like to discuss your situation in more detail.

Thanks! http://www.DustyBrazil.com
Real Innovate Realty
760 207 7245 cell