Considering Renovation? Why Not Spend Less?

Here in the historic community of Rancho Santa Fe, many homes were originally built decades ago, even as far back as the 1920's!  Renovations - both partial and complete - have allowed these homes to keep their charming, ranch-style look and feel while gaining all the sleekness and convenience of the 21st century. Are you thinking of renovating your home, but putting it off?  Maybe you don't have enough cash to do the whole kit and caboodle at once, or maybe you just can't face the idea of your home becoming a disaster area for who knows how long!

If you're looking for some low-budget changes that can revitalize your home, look no further! This article has great suggestions for big-impact changes with a much lower pricetag than full-scale renovations. Good luck!

http://blog.allstate.com/5-best-home-renovations-for-under-5000/#.UJAva4bsbU1

Have more questions about renovations or home improvement? Call Katie at (858) 922-2226 or Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

San Diego Farmer's Markets!

Did you know that San Diego County has more small farms than any other county in the nation?  Their fresh and year-round available produce is just one more reason that Rancho Santa Fe is such a wonderful place to live, and why Rancho Santa Fe real estate is such a hot commodity!  On any given day of the week, no matter where you live in San Diego, there is probably a farmer's market selling fresh, seasonal, home-grown produce, honey, baked goods and other edibles within mere miles of you.  Take a look at this list of the farmer's markets, divided up by county regions.  The markets closest to Rancho Santa Fe include one in Del Rayo Village (in Rancho Santa Fe itself), as well as markets in Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Leucadia, and Solana Beach.  Most of them operate year round, so go grab some fresh produce and enjoy the season today!

http://www.sandiego.org/articles/shopping/san-diego-farmers-markets.aspx

If you have any other questions about life, lifestyles and activities here in Rancho Santa Fe, feel free to call Katie Hawkes with questions (858 922 2226) or visit her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Buying a Home is Good....AND the Government Pays You For It

Buying a home is part of the American dream - it's a home for your children, a place to make a lifetime of memories.  But buying a home is also a great investment - and one that the government subsidizes!  Check out this quick article on why buying a home makes great financial sense.

http://www.realestateabc.com/homebuying/goodidea.htm

If you'd like more information about buying or selling your home, check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

First Impressions are Everything

If you're getting ready to sell your home - or even if you're just getting ready to host a dinner party - the effect of a first impression cannot be underestimated. How can you help its beauty and potential shine through?  Here is a great list of suggestions, tips and tricks to easily - and inexpensively! - make sure that your home wows family, friends, and potential buyers.

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/real-estate/sellers/selling-home-first-impression.aspx

If you would like more information on buying or selling a home, especially in Rancho Santa Fe, Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Building a Man Cave!

Even a Man Cave needs a little bit of TLC, and there's more to man caves than just mini-bars and tv's (although both of those, of course, are important)! Check out these tips on how to create the best boys' clubhouse for you or the man in your life! 

http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/decorate/interiors/buildingthebettermancave.aspx?source=web

Don't forget to Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Bright Ideas for Your Bathroom

Lighting is one of those things that often ends up an afterthought in many rooms - especially the bathroom! But if you're remodeling, fixing up, or just ready for a change, lighting can be one of the most important aspects of any room.  If you're selling your home, lighting is one of the MOST important things - well-lit rooms, with lights in the right places, make your home warm and inviting. This article offers some great ideas on where to place lighting in your bathroom, what to highlight, and what types of lighting might go best in a small bathroom, large bathroom, or powder room.

http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/home-maintenance/spring-maintenance/bathroom-lighting.aspx

If you'd like more tips on putting the best face on your home before selling, give Katie a call or visit her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Rancho Santa Fe School District Does It Again!

If you're a resident here in Rancho Santa Fe, you are probably familiar with the Rancho Santa Fe School District's historically stellar academic record.  Well, it looks like they have surpassed themselves yet again - the Rancho Santa Fe School District achieved its highest API (Academic Performance Index) scores EVER this year! Congratulations, Rancho Santa Fe students and teachers!

http://www.ranchosantafereview.com/2012/10/15/rancho-santa-fe-school-district-api-scores-at-an-all-time-high/

If you're interested in learning more about elementary, middle and high schools near Rancho Santa Fe, give Katie a call at (858) 922-2226 or visit her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

What's Your "Homestrology"?

What do the stars have to do with your sofa?  This page on "Homestrology" can tell you!

If you're a Libra, you might want to go with a light and airy design theme.  Sagittarius?  Think big.  Lots of sunlight should flood a Leo's home.  What design elements and themes would make you and your home cosmically aligned?  Check out this page and find out!

http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/decorate/homestrology/?source=web

And Don't Forget to Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Short Sales for Dummies!

Looking into buying or selling, but lost in the real estate lingo?  Well, you're not the only one!  Here is a quick article to get you up to speed on one type of selling option, the Short Sale. If you have any questions or would like to discuss things in a little more detail, feel free to give Katie a call at (858) 922-2226, and check out her Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

http://www.realestateabc.com/insights/what-is-a-short-sale.htm

What should be YOUR listing price?

If you're thinking of selling your home, you might be doing some research into probably your most important variable: how much you'll sell it for.  Unfortunately, determining this price is far from straightforward - it depends not only on the actual value of your home but on the current real estate market and the prices of comparable properties in your area.  For a quick breakdown of some of the things you'll need to think about when determining your listing price, check out this article:

http://www.realestateabc.com/homeguide/pricing.htm

If you'd like more information and live in the Rancho Santa Fe or larger San Diego area, check out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website or call her for a chat!

Closing a Mortgage Loan? Things You NEED To Know

Even with the housing market, real estate and economy recovering, banks are extremely cautious about mortgage loans.  Even approved loans could hit obstacles before closing. Don't let last minute slip-ups ruin your chances!  Check out this article for tips that are easy - and essential - to follow!

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=26146302

And Don't Forget to Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Feeling Anxious and Don't Know Why? Might Be Your Dirty Dishes

Study Finds Link Between Clutter and Depression

Is that messy kitchen making you crazy?  Do toys flung all over your living room drive you nuts?  Well apparently it's not just you!  A study by UCLA researchers has found that clutter has "a profound effect on our mood and self esteem."  Here is a short summary of what those researchers discovered, and the effect that clutter could be having on your life:

http://www.houselogic.com/blog/home-improvement/clutter-depression/?nicmp=hlim&nichn=link&niseg=rc

It also lists a few easy ways to de-clutter, if you feel you can relate!

 

Now go put something away and be happy!
And Don't Forget to Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Native Species - Your Gardening Solution!

Have you ever stopped to take a look at our beautiful Rancho Santa Fe scenery?  Walked around Torrey Pines State Park and admired everything from delicate red monkeyflowers to the large, graceful flowers of the yucca?  Ever seen the little sunburst-shaped succulents (a group of plants called Dudleyas, many of which live only in Southern California) that seem to burst from sheer rock faces like miniature miracles?  Many people have taken the time to appreciate the sages, manzanitas, wildflowers and other unique species that create our one-of-a-kind landscape, but most don't realize that, with a little thoughtful arrangement, these species can create a home landscape that is easy on the wallet, good for the environment, and beautiful year-round!

Because we live in an area where water is scarce (and getting more expensive by the day!), landscaping with Southern California native species can carve a serious chunk out of your monthly water bill.  Planting certain of these species - including hedge species such as laurel sumac, sugarbush and lemonadeberry - can create a fire-resistant area around your home.  Native flowers, bushes and trees attract hummingbirds, songbirds and butterflies much more effectively than ornamental species that native animals don't recognize.  And although many people think that native species only encompass the sagebrush-type plants that cover our hillsides, this could not be further from the truth.  Native plants include a wide variety of wildflowers, ground covers, hedge-type bushes, sages, and small trees.

Whether you're thinking of nixing that water-intensive lawn and unremarkable front garden, adding a few bird-and-butterfly plants to your greenery, or just trying out something new and beautiful, check out what Southern California natives have to offer. 

Below are some websites to get you started!

A list of local nurseries that carry native plants:
http://www.cnpssd.org/horticulture/nurseries.html
(Many of these also offer classes, articles, consultations and other help to get you the garden of your dreams!)

A couple websites with great articles to help you become an expert native-species gardener:
http://www.californianativeplants.com/index.php/resources/sage-advice
http://www.laspilitas.com/easy/easyeasy.htm

Good luck, and have fun!

And Don't Forget to Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!

Does Your Water District Owe YOU Money?

SoCal Water$mart Rebate Program

Did you know that if you live in Rancho Santa Fe (or anywhere in Southern California) and have installed certain water-saving devices in your home, you may be eligible to receive a rebate from your water district?  These devices include:

• High-Efficiency Clothes Washers
• High-Efficiency Toilets
• Rotating Sprinkler Nozzles
• Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers

There are also rebates available for commercial enterprises!  Check out this website to use the "Estimate My Rebate" tool and find out how much YOU could save!  Or, if you're in the market for a new washer, toilet, or irrigation system, check out the products listed.  They'll save you money on your water bill every month, AND they could get you a direct rebate!

http://socalwatersmart.com/index.php/programfaqs

Don't Forget to Check Out Katie's Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Website!