San Diego North County Coastal Living blog

Stylish Kids’ Bunk Beds Done The North County SD Way!

alvinnewton39 — Fri, 25 May 2012 03:04:39 +0000

Gender-Neutral Design

A navy-and-white color scheme in this open kids’ room works for any gender. Interior designer Lauren Leonard placed two sets of bunk beds side by side for a built-in look. Simple labeled baskets underneath the beds add extra storage, and galvanized buckets hanging from thick rope bring a rustic element to the space.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Lap of Luxury

Luxurious elements fill this little girl’s room, from the purple velvet chair to the plush pink-and-zebra-print carpet tiles. The steps to the bed are drawers that hold toys and other items, and the space underneath the bed is an ideal spot for homework or play. Ambient lighting and pink velvet draperies add softness to the space. Design by JKC Designs

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

A Boy’s Palace

This entire kids’ room is fit for a king. The castle bunk bed is made with lightweight concrete and is the ultimate kids’ retreat, complete with a slide, drapes around the bed for privacy and plenty of lighting. Design by Troy Beasley

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Girly Yet Sassy

Nothing says sassy like bright hues of pink and green. The bottom part of this pink bunk bed works as a reading space and a place for overnight guests to sleep. Designer Jennifer Ellen Frank added a bold pink ottoman for extra seating. Shelving above the bed blends with the bunk bed design for a unified look.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Vintage Inspiration

Interior designer Vanessa De Vargas of Turquoise Interior Design modernized this bunk bed while still keeping its true vintage look. Wall decals and colorful patterned bedding bring a contemporary look to the space.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Hidden Bunk Bed

Placing a hidden bed above the closet allows for maximum space to play. A wooden ladder leading to the bed brings a treehouse feel to the room. A bold striped wall treatment and wall drawings add whimsy to the space. Photo courtesy of IKEA

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Loft-Style Bunk

This black-frame bunk bed is an ideal fit for the urban kid. The large desk and comfortable red leather chair provide a homework area under the loft-style, full-size bunk bed, allowing more space for other activities.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Sleeping Up High

Taking advantage of every nook is important in small rooms. Install your children’s beds in the space of a vaulted ceiling for maximum space. This castle bed by IKEA is every boy’s dream sleeping quarters. They can climb into bed using the ladder and come down on the slide.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Do you have specific questions about any homes in the North County San Diego real estate market? Contact Alvin Newton and the Newton3 team by email (Alvin@Newton3.com ), phone (858-876-5153), or on Facebook with your questions or to set up a viewing appointment. Our team can provide customized services, help you navigate the San Diego MLS and set up a customized email-based home search for you to track a specific North County Home, and other San Diego properties at your leisure. Thank you for visiting the San Diego North County Real Estate blog and we look forward to serving you and your real estate needs.

Why Now Is An Ideal Time for Buyers AND Sellers

alvinnewton39 — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:34:39 +0000

It’s a very unusual time in the San Diego real estate market because the current market is ideal for both buyers and sellers.

Most of the time, the market heavily favors one or the other.

Why NOW Is An Ideal Time for Buyers AND Sellers:

Sellers are able to sell their San Diego property with a lot of buyers in the marketplace (without a lot of competition), which means they are getting their prices.

For buyers, prices of San Diego real estate are still down, in some places at historically low affordability.

Some buyers, however, do have a hard time finding the perfect property for them unless they work with a real estate agent with enough experience, and leads to bring them the home that is perfect for them.

At Newton3 Real Estate, Alvin Newton and his TEAM are actually selling homes to our clients before the rest of the world even knows it might have been available.

Our business model gives our buyers an advantage in finding the home they want, and our sellers get their price.

Why not give us a call and try it for yourself? You’ll be amazed at how our Newton3 team works for you.

Confidence in Economy and Home Values Increasing

alvinnewton39 — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:24:30 +0000

Both the expectation for home prices and the percentage of those who think the U.S. economy is on the right path reached record highs in Fannie Mae’s April 2012 National Housing Survey.

Americans continue to expect home prices to go up, with the projection averaging 1.3 percent over the next 12 months, the highest value recorded.

At 71 percent, a high percentage of Americans still say it is a good time to buy while the percentage who said it is a good time to sell was 15 percent, a 1 point increase from March.

“Overall, consumer views of housing market conditions have become more supportive of home purchases, and sustained healthy hiring is required to help realize these improved expectations,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae chief economist.

Duncan also mentioned the recent figures on employment in April, which showed a decline in job growth.

“Friday’s report of a second consecutive setback in job creation supports the view that the housing recovery will remain uneven this year,” said Duncan.

The expectation for average rental prices decreased slightly to 3.6 percent; in March, respondents expected rent to go up by 4.1 percent over the next 12 months.

If respondents were to move, 32 percent said say they would rent while 64 percent said they would buy. The percentage of those who said they would rent increased 2 points and reached the highest level since November 2011.

The percentage of Americans who believe the economy is on the right track rose to 37 percent, a 2 point increase from the previous month and the highest level in the survey’s two-year history. Still, an even greater 56 percent believe the economy is moving in the wrong direction.

Also, 23 percent of Americans reported their household income is significantly higher than it was a year ago, while 36 percent said their household expenses are significantly higher since the same time period. Both categories rose 2 percentage points compared to March.

The percentage of those who think their financial situation will decline was unchanged from the previous two months at 12 percent, the lowest value recorded in over a year.

The Fannie Mae survey polled a nationally representative sample of 1,000 respondents aged 18 and older between April 4, 2011 and April 27, 2012.

New Listing – Las Olas Oasis in Carlsbad

alvinnewton39 — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:48:39 +0000

Las Olas will be on the market Monday the 7th! Who do you know that would like to view this property this week before we go live?

To view this property website, click the picture or visit: http://lasolas.IsNow4Sale.com

2970 Las Olas Ct Carlsbad, CA Las Olas Oasis In Carlsbad’s Villagio

Offered at $1,099,000

lasolas.IsNow4Sale.com

Welcome to Villagio in Carlsbad CA! NOT A SHORT SALE!!! NOT AN REO!!! Motivated seller can close quick! Private semi-custom Home in the exclusive enclave of Villagio, located on the border of Olivenhain / South Carlsbad. Among 28 Estate Homes, this 5 bedroom home in Villagio is on a cul-de-sac and has no neighbors in front or behind. Large Master Suite up stairs with views to the tranquil pool and spa with amazing dual water falls. This Villagio home features a full master bed and bath down stairs! Pictures and words do not do this amazing home justice. See it first, and then call it home! Parents enjoy piece of mind knowing your kids will be going to one of the top rated schools in the county. Features: 5 beds & 5 baths, spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, designer granite kitchen with built in deluxe frig, travertine flooring. Lush tropical landscaping surrounds a beautiful waterfall, pool and spa. Built in BBQ fully equipped fire ring, outdoor speakers, great for entertaining. Over 4000 Sq. Ft. of living space!

Alvin Newton Office: 619.987.6987 Mobile: 858.876.5153 newton3realestate@gmail.com www.newton3.com

01858045

Newton3 Real Estate | | San Diego, CA

California Sees Fewer Homes Going into and Getting Lost to Foreclosure

alvinnewton39 — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:47:02 +0000

California may have some rough patches in it, but overall, with the worst part of the housing crises appearing to be over, the state is seeing fewer delinquencies and losing a smaller number of homes to foreclosure, according to a San Diego-based real estate data provider.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

A total of 56,258 Notices of Default (NODs) were recorded at county recorders offices in California during the first quarter of 2012, the lowest level since the second quarter of 2007 when 53,943 NODs were recorded, according to DataQuick.

NOD filings peaked in the first quarter of 2009 at 135,431.

The number of NODs also decreased by 8.5 percent from the previous quarter, and by 17.6 percent from the first quarter a year ago, according to DataQuick.

“Foreclosure activity goes up when property values decline, and the worst of that decline was happening three years ago. Right now, property values in many areas appear flat,” said John Walsh, DataQuick president.

NOD filings were more concentrated in zip codes with median sale prices below $200,000. Those areas saw 8.9 NODs filed for every 1,000 homes, while zip codes with a median sales price from $200,000 to $800,000 had 5.6 NODs filed per 1,000 homes. For zip codes with even higher sale prices – above $800,000 – 2.3 NODs were filed for every 1,000 homes.

Fewer homes were lost to foreclosure, too, with the Trustees Deeds (TD) recorded totaling 30,261 during the first quarter, down 29.7 percent from the 43,052 TDs in the first quarter a year ago.

This year’s first quarter also recorded the lowest level of TDs since 2007.

“[R]emarkably, whole batches of presumed ‘toxic’ mortgages continue to perform,” said Walsh. “There’s no doubt that housing, especially negative equity, is one of the biggest drags on a struggling economy, but it’s not necessarily playing out the way some pundits thought.”

TDs were also concentrated in more affordable neighborhoods. In areas where the sales price was below $200,000, 5.9 homes were lost for every 1,000 compared to zip codes with $800,000-plus median prices that had 0.8 foreclosures per 1,000 homes.

The most active banks in the formal foreclosure process for the 2012 first quarter were Bank of America (10,419), Wells Fargo (7,577), Bank of New York (5,380), and JP Morgan (5,343).

The trustees who pursued the highest number of defaults last quarter were ReconTrust Co (mostly for Bank of America and Bank of New York), Quality Loan Service Corp (Bank of America), NDEx West (Wells Fargo), and Cal-Western Reconveyance Corp (Wells Fargo).

DataQuick monitors real estate activity nationwide and provides information to consumers, educational institutions, public agencies, lending institutions, title companies and industry analysts.

Bank of America Working to Streamline Short Sale Process

alvinnewton39 — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:48:24 +0000

Bank of America, one of the nation’s largest sellers of distressed properties, has taken steps to streamline their process of handling Short Sales. They claim that their new changes should help them respond to sellers’ offers in 20 days or less, rather than the 45 or more they have been taking lately. This is timely news for many buyers who feel stuck in the short sale process or captive to approvals that can take months to obtain.

The changes have been made to their Short Sale-handling software, but these are changes all prospective buyers of short sale properties in Santa Barbara should be aware of in the current climate. Along with any offer submitted for a Bank of America Short Sale property, the seller will also need to submit the following five forms:

Purchase Contract including Buyer’s Acknowledgment and Disclosure
IRS Form 4506-T
Bank of America Short Sale Addendum, which includes the Agent Certification form
Bank of America Third-Party Authorization Form
HUD-1

The first four forms can be found at Bank of America’s Short Sale Resource Center. Although there may be different versions of several of these forms, the bank’s new streamlined procedures require that buyers use their approved variant from the website. The last form can be found on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website. The changes outlined here were made effective on April 14th.

San Diego Outdoor Rooms on a Budget

alvinnewton39 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:58:30 +0000

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor retreat but money is tight, get some great design ideas from these lovely and thrifty porches, patios, decks and gardens. Cobbcottage took this porch swing to the next level by covering it with a quilt and adding a coffee table found by a curbside. Antique jars filled with flowers and plenty of candles give this sweet space ambiance and style.

San Diego Real Estate | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

My friend Jim wanted an outdoor canopy bed but didn’t have the space. He decided to convert an existing double lounger into a canopy. The result: a custom, focal-point piece for about $50.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Rate My Space contributor DeeSigning says she loves creating rooms that are almost free. She saved money on this Victorian restoration by doing a lot of the work herself, including making cushions out of tablecloths.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Thinking outside the box can save money. For this outdoor room, contributor mikedan1 implemented an inexpensive tarp for shade and closet doors for a decorative screen.

San Diego Real Estate | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

If you want a sense of peace and tranquility in your outdoor space, add a water feature. This lovely fountain was created using a solar water pump.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

When thinking about how to beautify outdoor spaces, don’t forget about your entryway. My friend Brent J. invested a little in his home’s curb appeal and increased his home’s value significantly.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Just because you rent doesn’t mean you can’t have a lovely outdoor space. Turn an empty apartment patio into a cottage garden using plenty of plants, accessories and linens.

San Diego Real Estate | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

What’s an easy way to save decorating dollars and help the environment? Reuse and recycle. Add character and comfort to your outdoor room with these chairs like these, which were headed to the landfill.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar

alvinnewton39 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:26:00 +0000

Having worked the front desk at the hotel formerly known as the Stratford Inn (Best Western) for 10 years, Barbara DuRand loves knowing the Del Mar hotel’s many regular guests — and their dogs — by name. Now, she’s getting a kick out of seeing their reactions when they enter to see the results of its multimillion-dollar renovation.

On April 12, the hotel announced its grand opening as Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar. Hotel Indigo is a boutique hotel brand that’s found in major cities worldwide. There will be a more formal opening event on May 14.

But even though the brand is internationally recognized and growing — the company plans to double Hotel Indigo locations in 2012 — it’s still a neighborhood hotel.

North County Del Mar Coastal Living

Each location is characterized by contemporary decor and is designed to complement the surroundings of the neighborhood. For example, each room at the Del Mar hotel has floor-to-ceiling murals of beach- and horse racing-related artwork, such as hooves in the sand or crashing waves. Even the food of each location is adapted according to the area. Del Mar’s “modern California coastal” breakfast menu features a Creme Brulee French Toast and Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict built upon potato pancakes. The breakfast burrito is also an area signature, and the kitchen boasts an in-house pastry chef.

In addition, the property offers a full-service day-spa, two pools, hot tub and sauna, among other amenities.

Del Mar Coastal Views | North County San Diego

When it comes to staying local, another motto of Hotel Indigo is to keep business local. For example, hotel staff members will suggest guests rent surfboards from Rusty’s or visit Dog Beach before sending them to La Jolla or Pacific Beach.

“We’re considered a local hotel with a neighborhood story, so we’re going to send guests places in Del Mar,” said Laura Wildeman, the hotel’s director of sales.

Hotel Indigo is fully pet-friendly and has no size or breed restrictions for dogs. Since many of Del Mar’s canine-loving guests therefore choose the hotel, the staff makes sure to have dog treats stocked at the front desk at all times. Wildeman said the hotel will also offer Hotel Indigo dog tags to inform people where the visiting dogs’ hotel is located in case the dogs get lost.

The Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar is the site of the original Stratford Inn, built in 1910. Pacifica Host Hotels owns and manages the Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group (www.ihg.com). Pacifica Host Hotels also manages the La Valencia hotel in La Jolla and several local Holiday Inns, among others.

Hotel Indigo Front Dest and Lobby

“Aligning with Hotel Indigo was a natural fit,” said Susan Knapp, the hotel’s general manager. “Not only does the hotel’s new design incorporate community staples like the beach and the racetrack, but the friendly service makes guests feel welcome in a neighborly setting.”

Make the Most of your San Diego Small Backyard

alvinnewton39 — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:37:56 +0000

For city dwellers and those who live in small spaces, creating an outdoor space that you can enjoy at home can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your small outdoor space.

Include Multifunctional Pieces

It’s important to treat an outdoor space just like you would any room inside of your home. And with small outdoor spaces, that principle should be carried even further. Look for multifunctional furnishings that address all of the needs and possible uses of your outdoor room. Interior designer Matthew Lanphier advises, ‘Multifunctional pieces are important in small spaces. Tables that can also be seating, stools that can also be tables. This coffee table spins, so it’s user-friendly when the space is packed with guests.’

San Diego Back Yards | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Marry Form and Function

The structure of your outdoor space can be a guide for the type of furniture and accessories you will need. Here, a dining table is nested next to a curved stair that can double as additional seating for large gatherings.

San Diego Back Yards | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Less Is More

In a small outdoor space, less can definitely mean more. Even a few key choices of furniture can have a big impact when furnishing a small lounge area or patio. ‘Don’t clutter small spaces with small objects. Less is more, as always. I only accessorize and furnish outdoor spaces with a few choice, properly scaled objects. This means easier maintenance too.

San Diego Back Yards | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Make Your Small Space Work Overtime

Just because your patio or terrace is small doesn’t mean that it can’t meet all your needs for outdoor living. This rooftop deck is only 11 feet by 7 feet, but it has enough room to seat six around the dining table and additional people in the adjacent lounge area. Use furniture that is slim with clean lines to accommodate a crowd without being crowded.

San Diego Back Yards | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Maximize Space

Look for pieces that can help you maximize your small outdoor space. This vintage bookshelf was turned into a full-service bar on a rooftop deck. It doubles as a storage shelf for tableware and serving pieces.

San Diego Back Yards | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Go Vertical

No room for a traditional garden? Think up! Vertical gardens add much-needed greenery to city spaces without taking up precious square footage.

San Diego Back Yards | By San Diego Realtor Alvin Newton

Stylish Walk-In Bedroom Closets

alvinnewton39 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:42:31 +0000

Masculine Design

The combination of bold green, stark white and rich brown cabinetry brings a masculine look to this spacious closet. Multiple levels of hanging rods add height to the space, and white storage bins bring a crisp, clean feel. The bold-green wall color is carried through to the cabinet doors for a unified look, and the delicate white chandelier adds the only feminine touch in the space.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors

Stylish and Colorful

Painting the walls in your walk-in closet can transform it from an ordinary space to a stylish, refreshing area. This closet by ClosetMaid features a cozy area rug, a comfortable bench and chic storage boxes. White shelving makes the space feel more spacious and open.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors

Crisp, Clean and Elegant

This space hardly looks like a closet, with its elegant lighting, open space and inviting accessories. Designer Julie Massucco Kleiner implemented the pattern from the plush area rug to the sliding door to create visual appeal. The luxurious closet seamlessly blends with the adjacent bedroom when the sliding door is open. A full-length mirror and vanity area provide a space to get ready for the day.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors

Boutique Chic

This Asian-inspired master suite closet features dual frosted-glass doors and cherry cabinetry. The drawers and hanging rod compartments provide different storage options, and recessed lights allow for different levels of lighting. Open upper shelving provides extra storage.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors

High-End Touches

This extravagant closet looks more like a high-end boutique. Crown molding, an elegant bookshelf and maple cabinetry by Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. bring a lavish, vintage touch to the space.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors

Spa-Like Closet

Wicker basket drawers keep closet essentials at hand in the master bedroom closet. The open shelving makes the small space feel more open, and wooden hangers, spa-like accessories and a few personal touches bring a luxurious, serene look.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors

Shoe Shelving

RMS user amessis wanted a combination closet and dressing room, so she turned her old bedroom into a large walk-in closet. Different compartments provide storage for a variety of items, and an entire wall of open shelving makes shoes easily accessible.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors

Dressing Room

Open shelving dominates this combination walk-in closet and dressing area. RMS user Homegurl chose bold storage bins to add a splash of color to the neutral space. A vanity area, complete with a magnifying mirror and plenty of lighting, provides a space to put on makeup. A dresser island with a granite countertop takes storage to the next level.

San Diego Homes | By San Diego Realtors