Lemon Zesting Your Home

Lemon has become increasingly popular over the last two years in home design. With more bold, modern trends showing up in homes, designers have taken the traditional "yellow" and modified it when zesting up homes for Spring and Summer.

While yellow can be overwhelming if not done correctly, it creates the perfect accent color when creating that modern living room. And if you decide to keep it a little more traditional, look at more traditional fabric patterns that have a hint of lemon.

If you're still on the fence about adding lemon to your living or dining rooms, try adding just a small accent fixture in the room like a yellow pillow, or table lamp with a decorative yellow shade. And if you're not ready to go yet but want to add some cheer to your room, try adding sunflowers on your dining room table. It's sure to add color to any room, and bring rays of sunshine, too!

For more lemon zest inpsiration, follow our Pinterest board! http://www.pinterest.com/nissourealty/lemon-zest/ 

Happy decorating!

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,

Famous Homes in the USA

We’ve all seen those homes that make us do a double-take when passing by. We're mesmorized by their vast beauty, the marble pillars, and the giant lion statues in the driveway. 

Here’s a list of some of the most unique homes that truly stand out—one if our very own San Diego backyard!

White House:

Inspired by an Atlanta home builder in 2001, this Atalnta White House is a replica of the famous Washington D.C White House, with 16,500 square feet of space, 36 rooms, and an Oval Office.

Guitar Home:

 From the street, this house might look like any ordinary Georgia ranch style home. But from above, it’s in the shape of a guitar, complete with electrical wires to mimic strings.

  

Shoe Home:

Located in Pennsylvania, this 1948 landmark home, built by shoe store tycoon Mahlon Haines built this home as a marketing gimmick. The home features a stained-glass portrait of the owner himself.

Rotating Home:

Right in our very own backyard- this “rotating home” right in the heart of Mt. Helix generates 80% of it’s own power using solar panels and a floodable roof. The house can be rotate in either direction while still being connected to all of it’s utilities and has two turntables in the garage so that cars never have to back out. The house even has it’s own website, www.rotatinghome.com!

Skinny Home:

Built in 1890, this house in Boston’s North end is just over 10 feet wide. The front door is positioned in the side ally and was allegedly built to obscure a neighboring houses view.

Airplane Home:

This retired Boeing 727 sits on a wooded lot in Hillsboro, Oregon. The aircraft provides 1,066 square feet of living space. 

Have your own unique home? Send us a photo and we'll feature it on our blog!

Your Local Real Estate Agent,

Top 5 Reasons for Buying 2013

Curious to know why Californians purchased their homes in 2013? The California Associates of Realtors breaks it down for us here:

Let us know - Did you buy a home in 2013? If so, what was the reason for it! Leave a comment below and let us know!

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

Helping You Stay On TOP of Your Transactions!

Will any of these situations affect your transaction?

- Is this a short sale?
- Is this a REO?
- Are your principles exchanging (1031) this property?
- Will your principals be using a Power of Attorney?
- Are any of the parties on the title deceased?
- Has there been a change in marital status?
- Is there, or will there be a new entity formed? (i.e partnership, LLC, or any other type of corporation)
- Are the sellers of this property a non-resident of California?
- Is the property held in a trust?
- Has the statement of information been returned to Escrow?
- Will the property be sold in 2-4 years?
- Has a bankruptcy and/or discharge been filed?
- Are there loans showing on the prelim that should have been reconvened?
- Do all parties signing the documents have a valid photo ID or Drivers License?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please call me today to see how I can help you to stay on top of your transactions and help you answer any questions you might have regarding any situations that could possibly affect your transaction.

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

Four Bold Housing Predictions for 2014

Ending the fourth week of the new year with a kick, it's still a little early to see how 2014 will shape the housing market. Currently, San Diego is 8th of 10 on the "Hottest Housing Market" for 2014. 

Here's four bold housing predictions for 2014:

1- The United States Housing Values will increase by at least 3 percent this year.
2- Mortgage rates will reach about 5 percent by the end of the year.
3- It will be easier for borrowers to get a mortgage in 2014.
4- Homeowner rates will fall to their lowest point in nearly two decades - more people will end up renting instead of owning.

If you're ready to sell or buy a home, or even begin investing in Real Estate, this is the year to do so. Of course, predictions are just that - predictions. This could always change throughout the year. 

Give me a call and let me know how I can help you today with any Real Estate needs. And don't forget - post a comment and let me know if you agree with these predictions or not!

Your Local Real Estate Expert,

Top Five Home Design Trends for 2014

Now that we've begun to establish ourselves into the new year, many begin re-decorating their homes with the latest trends. After doing days of research, I've come up with the top five predicted home design trends for 2014. 

1. KITCHEN DESIGN: In the last 25 years, kitchen designs have become a fundamental approach to the "open kitchen" concept. In the past, kitchens were put into one disconnected back room in your home. Today, kitchens are typically being built to open up into living spaces in your home, such as your living room, family room, or formal dining area. Walls are continuing to come down and allows focus on entertaining house guests and spaces that are maximizing your ability to gather and relax with family and friends.

 -- Here's a tip: Use different finishes to help blend your kitchen into the family and dining rooms. 

2. NEUTRAL vs. BRIGHT: Ten years ago, we would walk into homes and they would be bursting with bright and bold colors all over the place. Neutral palettes are beginning to dominate the home design trends for 2014. Although color has always been popular, 2014 trends are to paint walls white, beige, and gray. 

---Here's a tip: Allow bold colors to pop into small details, such as lighting, throw pillows, or decorative art. Or paint just one wall in a room a bright and bold color. 

Living Rooms from 1990s and Early 2000

2014 Predictions

3. CABINETS AND STORAGE: Drawer appliances have come little changes that people are incorporating into their homes to make them more accessible. Microwave drawers and warming drawers are being hidden away in cabinets, underneath counter tops, and aren't hanging above a stove. 

4. HONEY-TONED WOODS: A big 2014 trend that is predicted to pop up this year and make a statement are honey-toned woods, such as walnut, oak, and cherry. We used to see that dark wood always used to dominate homes, but honey-toned woods are making their appearance again, and we couldn't be happier!

5. TURQUOISE: It's everywhere. 2010-2013 was the beginning of seeing a culmination of blues and greens in every shade and hue. Now, turquoise is beginning to show up in upholstery, wall coverings, and on furniture. And we're not just talking pale and wimpy turquoise, but the beautiful deep and saturated turquoise.

2014 is the year of Turquoise

Let me know- Do you agree with the predictions? What is your favorite home design? Post a comment and let us know!

Your Local Real Estate Expert,