For a city that has $100 million-plus in the bank and paid $16 million in 2001 for the Farmers Insurance building that still sits vacant, spending $3 million on this must be seen as pennies?
CARLSBAD — Questions about safety, costs and the possibility of flooding appear to have stalled plans to dig a pedestrian tunnel beneath Carlsbad Boulevard to connect the Tamarack State Beach parking lot with trails along Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
The Carlsbad City Council agreed last week to proceed to the next stage of work on a proposal to build two access ramps to the beach, but they decided to hold off on the $3 million tunnel portion of the project until they have more information about other options.
Councilwoman Cori Schumacher said she was “uncomfortable” with the tunnel. Over the years, it could be affected by storms and sea-level rise, she said, and she asked whether a road-level pedestrian crossing would require less long-term maintenance.
Other council members also had questions about including the tunnel in the beach access project.
“My main concern is the maintenance,” said Councilman Keith Blackburn, who asked about lighting, public safety, graffiti and trash in the passageway.
For every tech platform that sets out to disrupt real estate, there’s a story of slow evolution to working with brokers and agents. And while companies like Zillow, Opendoor, and Offerpad have brought about minor changes to the home buying process, they always end up morphing into our traditional system. Why is it that these so-called disruptors just can’t change the way we do real estate?
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg are exploring why would-be disruptors have such a hard time changing real estate. Greg walks us through his five-stages-of-grief analogy around how tech platforms always end up working with brokers and agents, and Rob compares real estate with the auto industry, reflecting on how little buying processes have changed despite advancements in technology.
Rob and Greg go on to introduce the idea that the human connection is what prevents tech disruptors from succeeding in our industry, speculating that agent teams have been the biggest disruptor in real estate in recent years. Listen in for insight on how human knowledge and connection factor into making tech platforms successful and learn why the human need for approval is not disruptable.
Alvarado Estates is a gated community west of SDSU, on the way to Kensington. For those who like older one-story homes on some acreage, here’s a sample of what you get there:
What do you think about the length – the YouTube is only 54 seconds long. Just enough?
The listing agent Seth joined Compass recently – welcome!
Did sheltering in place have any effect on home improvement rates? Our data says yes.
Over half of American homeowners (55%) said the pandemic and associated disruptions gave them time to improve their homes, while 59% admitted that spending more time inside due to lockdown inspired them to renovate their place of residence.
What’s the stated reason? “Finally having the time” was the top motivator, with 25% of homeowners saying that’s what drove them to go ahead with their improvement and remodeling projects.
Impressively enough, it ranked above the more typical drivers of home improvement, such as adding value to a home (21%) or making a home feel more comfortable and cozy. (21%).
Reader AI said that “Eventually the big guys will own the entire process from beginning to end and the consumer will suffer, and pay more to do so”. Zillow is on the verge of owning the entire process, but they aren’t the only ones trying. Here’s another example:
In addition to resuming iBuying across 800 markets, Offerpad is now offering to list and sell homes for their customers.
According to Offerpad, “We aren’t a discount brokerage. Actually, we provide more services when listing than anyone else can. We’ll maximize home values in the end and get the home to sell for more so the customer can earn 3x, 4x, 5x, more than the difference of our commission fees and those of discount brokerages. Fees could be 5.5% – 6% depending on the market.”
Because the definition of real estate service has never been established, newcomers make any claim they want. They hope that in the end, the winner will be whoever advertises the most – truthful or not.
Compass is the last bastion of old-fashioned realtors. The company is hiring successful listing agents, and supporting them with additional tools in order to build market share that will survive the disrupter onslaught. We’ll see if it works, but it will probably include expanding into the mortgage/escrow/title business too, just to keep up.
The rest will claim to be top-notch professional realtors, but will consumers know the difference? Or care?
COASTAL LIVING AT ITS FINEST. Gorgeous Davidson-built executive home with almost 4700 sf home on a very secluded large 11,166 sf private lot. 4 bd/4.5 bths/loft/office in the main home; detached 2 story casita with 5th bd/ensuite bth/bonus room. The backyard is an entertainers delight w/total privacy. This home went through a complete transformation in 2018, it’s been updated with a contemporary flare. Stroll around Bressi Ranch; Carlsbad schools.
Original owners charming one level home first time on market. 12800 sq.ft.lot with lush landscaping and westerly views. Beautifully maintained home is close to beach, shopping, dining and fwy. access. Quiet street in the heart of Encinitas. We represent the buyers.
