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July 30th, 2014 at 9:00 am

painting wallWhether you just started thinking about selling your home or you home is already on the market, completing a few home improvement projects can go a long way to increase the value of your home. In fact, a recent study by RIS Media showed that 32% of consumers planned to spend money on improving their home; 20% of those respondents planned to sell their home after renovations.

When considering home improvements it’s important to remember that bigger does not always mean better. There are a number of high-cost projects that can help you sell your home, but there are also a number of budget-friendly projects that can go a long way. Keep in mind, the goal is not to focus on luxury updates, but rather home functionality updates. Below is our list of home projects that have a direct correlation with resale value.

High Cost, High Payoff Projects

  • Windows – these can be expensive to replace, but buyers expect windows to be in good condition. If your windows are old and in rough shape consider replacing. However, if your windows are in good condition, replacing them will not dramatically increase the value of your home.
  • Roof – like windows, this is an expensive replacement. Use the same mentality, if your roof is in good shape no need to replace.
  • Kitchen updates – depending on the upgrade, these can also come with a hefty price tag; although, these types of updates also tend to have a big payoff. Readers frequently see mentions of kitchen upgrades in listings for a reason, these types of upgrades are selling points.
  • Bathroom updates – like the kitchen, consumers prefer to see a modernized bathroom. Update this room to ensure a better selling price.

Low Cost Projects

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July 29th, 2014 at 8:30 am

Water/RecycleIt’s no secret that California has been experiencing a record breaking drought. In fact San Diego County and parts of Orange County are currently classified as D3 on the drought scale and parts of Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are classified as D4. According to The National Drought Mitigation Center a D4 is considered the highest drought level possible.

In an effort to conserve water and prevent excessive waste the Governor asked California residents to reduce their water use by 20%; however, that goal remains unmet. To further conservation efforts The State Water Resources Control Board drafted emergency regulations. The new regulations prohibit the following water-related activities.

  • Overwatering of lawns (any watering that produces runoff onto sidewalks or streets)
  • Washing sidewalks or driveways
  • Using a hose to wash a vehicle without a shut-off nozzle
  • Using drinking water in a fountain or decorative water feature unless the water is recirculated

These regulations come with a fine of up to $500 per day and tickets will be distributed by law enforcement personnel. (more…)

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July 28th, 2014 at 4:21 pm

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices announced recently that the La Jolla office is ranked #1 nationwide for sales production through the first quarter of 2014. The announcement caps off more than a decade of success for the La Jolla office, as it has ranked #1 for sales production for nine of the last 11 years, out of the company’s vast network of offices in North America.

“La Jolla is a beautiful area with a great climate and incredible work opportunities, so people will always want to live here,” explained Nicki Marcellino, manager and vice president of the San Diego County region. “What sets us apart is our agents, and the quality of the support that they provide for their clients.”

The results speak for themselves, as the La Jolla office has been #1 in La Jolla and San Diego for its sales for 14 consecutive years, for all brokerages providing residential services. “When people have a good experience, they want to go back and they want to tell their friends about it, so we are very proud of this accomplishment,” added Marcellino.

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July 25th, 2014 at 11:42 pm

Planning your weekend? Check out our upcoming open homes! Click on the magazine below to find out what properties you can see in Los Angeles, Studio City, Orange County and San Diego.

07-25-14 SD eMag FINAL

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July 25th, 2014 at 11:05 pm

With nearly $29,000 raised for a new bike for Lance Weir, a Marine Corps Reservist who was paralyzed in a diving accident, the Lancelot Ride supported by Carlos Gutierrez of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, The Charitable Foundation, Hall of Famer Bill Walton and many other volunteers was a tremendous success. A picturesque, two-day cycling tour through Temecula’s wine country, the event featured a free wine tasting, live music, dinner, and a massage for each participant.

Weir is known for his tireless efforts to serve the community. As a part of Operation Rebound, he often participates in events such as the Million Dollar Challenge, a 600-plus mile bike ride down the California coast to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation. This fall will be the third consecutive year that he will be competing in the event with Team Lori and Bill Walton.

In spite of the almost constant difficulties presented by Weir’s 70 pound tandem bike, Team Lori and Bill Walton never failed to complete the race or serve as a constant source of inspiration for everyone involved. Last year they were the top fundraiser, with over $160,000; they are hoping to exceed that total this year.

The need for a new bike for Weir was reinforced when his current bike met its doom 25 miles into the first day of the event. Luckily the totals for the event surpassed the funds required, so Jose Doval and Matt Hoffman, with help from Holland Cycles, will now be proceeding with the building of new custom bike for Weir.

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