Danielle Negroni

San Diego Give Back Guide 2018

November 13, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

As we head into Thanksgiving ready to reflect on all we have to be grateful for, I’ve put together a guide to help you give back to those who are not so fortunate in the local San Diego community. In light of the recent fires in California, I’ve also included ways you can help victims of the Camp, Woolsey, and Hill fires. In the coming weeks, I hope you’ll donate or plan some time to give back to others in San Diego and beyond.

Giving Back to Victims of the Camp, Woolsey, and Hill Fires

North Valley Community Foundation Evacuation Relief Fund

This fund is to support the operations of organizations that are sheltering evacuees from the Camp Fire.

Click Here to Give

United Way of Northern California

Those who lost their homes in the Camp Fire can get emergency cash assistance from the United Way of Northern California to help replace urgent basic necessities.

Click Here to Give

Ventura County Community Foundation

The Ventura County Community Foundation has set up a fund to collect donations to cover urgent needs for the victims of the Hill and Woolsey Fires.

Click Here to Give

Humane Society of Ventura County

The Humane Society of Ventura County needs donations to continue to house and feed the evacuated animals it has taken in from the fires.

Click Here to Give

Giving Back in North County San Diego

Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito

The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego serve more than 24,000 San Diego kids annually. They help inspire disadvantaged kids to achieve academic success, make healthy choices, and grow up to become responsible adults.

Click Here to Learn More

Casa de Amparo

Since 1978, Casa de Amparo has been working to treat and prevent child abuse in San Diego County. They work with foster children as they age out of the system and help facilitate their transition into adulthood.

Click Here to Learn More

Helen Woodward Animal Center

HWAC is very active in finding homes for displaced animals due to fires.

Located in Rancho Santa Fe, HWAC has been operating its no-kill facility for 40 years. They place adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens in homes and also operation a therapeutic riding school and various animal education programs.

Click Here to Learn More

Solutions for Change

The mission of Solutions for Change is to help end homelessness through programs that permanently transform lives and communities.

Click Here to Learn More

Giving Back in the City of San Diego

ElderHelp

ElderHelp is a non-profit that works to help seniors remain independent and stay in their own homes through its unique services.

Click Here to Learn More

Father Joe’s Villages

Father Joe’s Villages is San Diego’s largest homeless services provider. They prepare up to 3,000 meals and provide care for almost 1,800 individuals in San Diego each day. They help babies, children, adults, veterans, and seniors.

Click Here to Learn More

Make-a-Wish San Diego

Make the holidays a little brighter for children with critical illnesses by helping a child’s wish come true!

Click Here to Learn More

Meals on Wheels San Diego

This is a great service that provides meals to seniors in need across San Diego.

Click Here to Learn More

San Diego Humane Society

The San Diego Humane Society is one of the largest non-profit animal welfare organizations in the region. They care for up to 50,000 animals over the course of a year. They are a no-kill shelter and also help injured and orphaned wild animals with the goal to return them to the wild.

Click Here to Learn More

United Way of San Diego County

The United Way of San Diego is working to help San Diego families and children grow stronger together.

Click Here to Learn More

2019 Color Trends: 7 Interior Paint Colors for the New Year

November 8, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Painting the interior of your home is one of the best ways for a home refresh. A new paint color instantly changes the tone of the room- literally! With a new year approaching, new color trends come too. Be sure to keep reading for a complete list of my favorite paint color trends for 2019.

Behr: Blueprint

Behr describes Blueprint as a “honest, approachable color” and I agree! Blueprint is a warm shade of blue that crosses between denim blue and classic navy. It is a great color for a bedroom, bath, or kitchen. Blueprint also looks great mixed with other shades of blue, for a sleek monochromatic look.

Benjamin Moore: Metropolitan

Benjamin Moore has a 15 shade color palette released for 2019. The Metropolitan palette features “calm, composed, and effortlessly sophisticated shades.” The colors are neutral and understated, and are classic colors that can be used in any room in any way.

Sherwin Williams: Cavern Clay

Sherwin Williams has announced their 2019 color of the year, Cavern Clay. The company describes the hue as a “warm terracotta color with ancient, elemental roots.” Cavern Clay is a warm, earthy tone and can be used in any room in your home. It pairs wonderfully with soft neutrals and earthy toned accents.

PPG Paints: Night Watch

PPG Paints has announced their 2019 Color of the Year- Night Watch. Night Watch is a rich shade of dark green that truly pops. According to PPG Paint, “Night Watch’s versatility allows the paint color to be used in a variety of rooms and design segments – from healthcare to commercial and residential design.”

Pratt & Lambert: Earthen Trail

Pratt & Lambert chose a softer shade for their Color of the Year. Earthen Trail is described as a soft, elegant terracotta. They suggest combining it with neutrals that brings out the sherbet side of the color. Earthen Trail is a fun color that can go in just about any room of the house.

Dutch Boy Paints: Garden Patch

If you couldn’t tell, Garden Patch is inspired by nature!”All of our colors for 2019 have a happier tone and reflect an upswing in how people are feeling,” said Rachel Skafidas, color and design manager, Dutch Boy Paints. It may look intimidating but remember- you don’t have to paint your whole house green! Use Garden Patch on a patio door. It’ll brighten the space with just a touch of color.

Dunn-Edwards Paint: Spice of Life

The Spice of Life has been named Dunn-Edwards Paint Color of 2019. This rich, warm, shade of red is described as “warm, inviting, adventurous, strong, and life-affirming by Dunn-Edwards. Use this shade throughout your home, especially in a living room or dining room for a cozy, welcoming appeal.

If you’re ready to pick a paint color and get started, I’d be happy to provide you with a few local professionals in San Diego. If you’re updating your home in hopes of putting your home on the market soon, give me a call so we can discus which improvements and paint colors will appeal to buyers today!

Best Brunch Spots in San Diego 2018 North County Guide

October 25, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Is there a better way to kick off a great weekend in San Diego than with a fantastic brunch?

After a Saturday morning hot yoga class or surf sesh, there’s nothing better than a delicious brunch with friends or family. There are so many great brunch spots in San Diego so it can be hard to choose where to eat! Below are some of my favorite brunch places in North County San Diego – I hope you give them a try and maybe find a new favorite on this list!

Claire’s on Cedros

246 N. Cedros Ave

Solana Beach, CA

Located in the heart of Solana Beach, Claire’s specializes in homemade California-style comfort food and fresh bread and pastries! They serve breakfast and lunch every day and dinner on Friday and Saturday. You can’t go wrong if you order the Clairecakes, any of the eggs benedicts, or the French toast. And despite billing itself as “Solana Beach’s Best Kept Secret” the word is definitely out about this place as you almost always have to wait for brunch on the weekends. But it’s well worth the wait!

Better Buzz Coffee in Encinitas

578 S. Coast Hwy 101

Encinitas, CA

If you’ve lived in San Diego for any length of time, I’m sure you’ve been to Better Buzz at some point or another. But while they are known for their delicious coffee, did you know their food menu is just as amazing? At the Encinitas location they serve a variety of grilled sandwiches, two varieties of avocado toast, acai bowls, pastries, and more! This is one of my go-to spots for a quick breakfast and coffee!

Beach Break Café

1802 S Coast Hwy

Oceanside, CA

This café has been in business since 1988 and is still locally owned and operated to this day! The décor is surf-inspired and feels like a true Californian institution. Beach Break Café serves breakfast and lunch all day, every day from 7-2pm. They offer all your favorite breakfast dishes and some California specialties like breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros. They don’t take reservations so come early or be prepared to wait a bit.

Pacifica Breeze Café

1555 Camino Del Mar Ste 209

Del Mar, CA

Fancy brunch with an ocean view? Pacific Breeze Café is located just down the stairs from Pacific Del Mar in the Del Mar Village, making it the perfect stop after surfing or a visit to dog beach. The patio seating overlooks the village and offers gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. They have an extensive menu, but the sugar spiced salmon hash, Del Mar power breakfast, and breakfast burrito shouldn’t be missed!

L’Auberge Del Mar

1540 Camino Del Mar

Del Mar, CA

If you feel like treating yourself, the Coastline at L’Auberge Del Mar is the way to do it! This upscale restaurant at the L’Auberge Hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not only is the menu amazing, but you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean while you dine.

Café Topes

3091 Roosevelt

Carlsbad, CA

Café Topes is a delicious little spot located in Carlsbad. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu, as well as fresh baked cinnamon rolls that are to die for! Be sure to allow time to wait for a table as it can get busy on the weekends!

Naked Café

106 S. Sierra Ave

Solana Beach, CA

This is one of my favorite brunch spots in North County, San Diego! The menu is large, but simple. They offer all your breakfast and lunch favorites, but with a healthy twist. Some of the best items on the menu are the coconut French toast, the Yin & Yang, and the Calexxxican.

I hope you enjoyed this list of all my favorite brunch spots in North County San Diego. Let me know what your go-to San Diego brunch spots are in the comment below – I’m always looking for a new place to try!

The 2018 Guide to North County San Diego Pumpkin Patches

October 1, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

A visit to the pumpkin patch is a great way to get the whole family into the fall spirit! While our weather might not be very fall-like, you can still embrace the season by grabbing a PSL from Starbucks and planning a visit to one of North County San Diego’s many pumpkin patches:

Del Mar Pumpkin Station

Where: 1555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014

When: September 28th– October 31st

Hours: Sun- Thurs 9 am- 7 pm | Fri & Sat 9 am- 9 pm

The Pumpkin Station is so much more than a pumpkin patch! The Pumpkin Station features an antique carousel, petting zoo, giant slides, train rides, and so much more. Take the whole family for a full day of fun in the sun!

Carlsbad Strawberry Fields Pumpkin Patch

Where: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008

When: Mid September- October

Hours: 9 am- 4:30 pm everyday

If you’ve never been to the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, make this year your first (and definitely not your last) trip! This field sits just off the 5 freeway in Carlsbad, for easy access. Depending on the weather you can also pick your own strawberries!

Tom’s Adventures Pumpkin Patch

Where: 105 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd Encinitas, CA 92024

When: Mid September- October

Hours: Mon- Thurs: 11 am- 8 pm | Fri 11 am – 9 pm | Sat 9 am- 9 pm | Sun 9 am- 8 pm

Tom’s Adventures Pumpkin Patch is a great place to bring the whole family! Besides Encinitas, they also have locations in Mira Mesa, Vista, and San Marcos. Each pumpkin patch offers different attractions, but you’re sure to find something for everyone (including the perfect pumpkin!)

Bates Nut Farm

Where: 15953 Woods Valley Road Valley Center, CA

When: September 22nd– October 31st

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 am- 5 pm | Sat & Sun 8:30 am- 6 pm

This historic farm in North County San Diego has been open since the 1920s! There are many events hosted here throughout the year, but their fall activities take center stage. Besides the pumpkin patch there is a straw maze, pony rides, face painting, hayrides, petting zoo, local food vendors, and more. Make a day out of it and head out to Bates Nut Farm in beautiful Valley Center!

Lavender Hill Pumpkins

Where: 1509 E Mission Rd Fallbrook, CA

When: Opens September 28th

Hours: Fri 2 pm- 5pm | Sat & Sun 10 am- 5 pm

The Lavender Hill Pumpkin Patch has over 10,000 pumpkins for you to choose from! All the pumpkins are organically grown and watered with the farm’s own well water. Also, if you visit their website, it’s obvious these people really love their pumpkins – some even have names! So come to Lavender Hill, pick out a pumpkin (with or without a name), and enjoy a warm weekend day in Fallbrook.

Mr. Jack ‘O Lantern’s Pumpkins

Where: 6710 La Jolla Blvd. San Diego, CA

When: Open October 1st

Hours: Mon- Thurs 11 am- 8 pm | Fri- Sun 11 am- 9 pm

Mr. Jack ‘O Lanterns Pumpkins is conveniently located in La Jolla and offers plenty of family friendly activities like pumpkin bowling, a spooky maze, photo station, and more!

Do you have a favorite pumpkin patch in San Diego? Let me know in the comments below!

San Diego Real Estate Market Report: Summer 2018

September 24, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, I published a blog speculating on whether home prices in San Diego County were about to peak. If you missed the blog, you can check it out here. As we head into fall, there are warning signs that home prices in San Diego have now indeed peaked. Homes are staying on the market for longer, many don’t receive multiple offers, and many sellers are forced to reduce their price in order to get the home under contract.

While prices in many cities have statistically increased in 2018, moving forward, it’s unlikely the steady growth on the graphs below will continue.

So what does that mean for you as a San Diego County homeowner? It means that if you’ve been waiting to sell your home, now may be the time to prepare for a sale. It’s anticipated that our inventory will reflect a Buyer’s market by 2020 and this leaves one more strong selling season before prices reflect such a change. If you want to maximize the sales price of your home, call me at (858) 735-5767 to get started!

San Diego County

In San Diego County the median sales price for a detached single family home is up 7.1% from August 2017, making the median price now $637,000. The median price for townhomes and condos has also increased by 7% from last year, making the median sales price $417,250.

Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley has seen significant increase in the median sales price of homes over the last year as well. The median price for a detached single family home is now $1,315,525. This increase is up 7.8% from August 2017. Townhomes and condos are now selling for an average price of $615,500, an increase of 4.3% in the last 12 months.

Del Mar

The median sales price for a home in Del Mar is $2,000,000. This is a 7.5% increase from August 2017! A condo or townhome in Del Mar now sells for an average price of $1,080,000. This is up 4.9% from the previous year.

La Jolla

La Jolla has also seen an increase in home prices since this time last year. The price of a detached home has increased by 5.9%, making the median sales price $2,150,000. Townhome and condo prices have also gone up 4.8% since August 2017, bringing the median sales price to $712,750.

Solana Beach

Home prices in the city of Solana Beach are up 3.9% from last year, making the median price for a detached single family home now $1,535,000. But townhome and condo prices in Solana Beach have really skyrocketed! The median price for a condo has increased 13.5% since August 2017, making the average sales price $952,500.

[All data sourced from Sandicor MLS on September 13th, 2018]

5 Great San Diego Hikes

September 4, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

With cooler fall weather on the way, now is the perfect time to try out a new hiking spot in San Diego! We have so many great trails to choose from, but these five include some of my personal favorites that I’ve done with my family and friends:

Torrey Pines State Reserve

(La Jolla)

Does it get more San Diego than hiking by the beach? But unlike other beach “hikes”, the trails at Torrey Pines are actually challenging and you will definitely work up a sweat. While spending time in the reserve, you’ll be treated to views of the ocean, maritime chaparral, and the rare Torrey Pine.

The most popular trail in the reserve is the Beach Trail, which offers beach access via a flight of stairs. Once on the sand, you can climb in and around the rocks to explore tide pools filled with living sea creatures.

For an easier hike, the Guy Fleming Trail and Razor Point Trail meander through the coastal vegetation near the top of the cliffs and offer great scenic views.

Mt. Woodson

(Poway)

Mt. Woodson is more commonly known as Potato Chip Rock – named for the peculiar rock formation that sits at the top of the mountain.

Most people access the trail from the Lake Poway side. If you go on a weekend or holiday and you are not a resident of Poway, you will need to pay to park in the lot. The trail itself is an out and back trail that is 6.9 miles round trip. It is long, strenuous, and rugged so make sure you are dressed appropriately and bring plenty of water!

There’s usually a line at the top to take pictures on Potato Chip Rock so go early or be prepared to wait. Getting on and off the rock can also be a bit difficult and is not recommended if you are afraid of heights.

For a shorter hike to Potato Chip Rock, you can also access Mt Woodson from Highway 67 going toward Ramona.

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

(Poway)

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is also located in Poway. Situated north of Lake Poway, it offers access to the Mt Woodson trail and also to Lake Ramona.

This is another out and back trail that only has one access point from Espola Road. You will start on the Green Valley Truck Trail, which takes you all the way out to a sign for the Ramona Dam. If you turn left at the sign for the dam and go up the hill towards Lake Ramona, the entire route will be 4.8 miles round trip.

Along the Green Valley Truck Trail you will also have the option to turnoff for the Mt Woodson trail. Going this way adds about another mile onto the Mt Woodson hike.

Finally, there is a third small trail called the Creekside Trail that branches off near the trailhead and parallels the Green Valley Truck Trail. If you take this route, know that it is off-limits to dogs and horses.

Mission Trails Regional Park

(San Carlos)

Mission Trails Regional Park offers visitors more than sixty miles of trails to explore. They also the host the 5-Peak Challenge which encourages hikers to climb to the summits of Cowles Mountain, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, South Fortuna, and North Fortuna.

The most famous of all the trails in the Mission Trails system is Cowles Mountain, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, mountains, Lake Murray, and the ocean from the peak. This trail is normally very busy so come early to find parking. Or for a fun change of pace, bring a flashlight and hike to the peak under a full moon!

Double Peak

(San Marcos)

If you live further north, Double Peak in San Marcos offers a nice challenging hike with breathtaking views from the park at the summit! Round trip, you will cover more than 4.5 miles from the parking at Discovery Lake.

This is more of a residential hike as it brings you along the back of some of the neighborhoods in San Marcos, but it is still a real trail that offers a great workout and it’s not that crowded. There’s no shade on this hike though, so start early and bring plenty of water!

Which hike in San Diego County is your favorite? Leave me a comment below!

3 Common Inspections You’ll Have When You Purchase a Home in San Diego

August 20, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Once your offer has been accepted and you’re in escrow to buy a home, you’ll have a certain amount of time to inspect the property and remove contingencies. Your agent will guide you through what inspections are necessary depending on your unique situation. There are some inspections that are common to almost all home purchases in San Diego and should be completed for peace of mind.

Home Inspection

A home inspector will review the structure of the home and all of its associated systems. The home inspector is often the first person to inspect the home during the escrow process, as they often identify potential problems in the property that will require a follow-up inspection by a specialist. For example, a home inspector may feel that there’s an issue with the plumbing and recommend you call a plumber to see what the problem is, how to fix it, and what it will cost.

The home inspector will give you an inspection report for your review and records. Following the inspection, you have the option to negotiate with the seller the completion of any of the repairs, a credit for the work, or in the alternative pay for the repairs yourself. If none of these options are acceptable, you can elect to cancel the escrow.

If you are securing a loan, on the property, there are some issues a lender will require to be addressed and fixed prior to closing. It’s important to have strong representation at this time of the transaction because many repairs are costly and you don’t want them overlooked.

Termite Inspection

All homes in San Diego should have a termite inspection, unless waived on the purchase contract. If you are getting a loan, most lenders will require a termite clearance (meaning any problems on the property have been addressed and treated) prior to closing escrow.

The seller typically pays for the cost of the termite inspection. The buyer will receive a copy of the termite report, which will be divided into Section 1 and Section 2 items. Section 1 items will need to be addressed in order for the home to close escrow and the seller usually pays for these Section 1 items. Section 2 items are usually covered by the buyer as they are not a requirement for the home to close escrow, but may be something the buyer wants to address in the future. The main difference between Section 1 and Section 2 items is that Section 1 usually refers to remedying active termite infestation or repairing dry rot or damage from termites. Section 2 items usually refer to conditions present in the home that could lead to a future infestation of termites, damage, or dry rot.

Septic/Well Inspection

Some homes in San Diego County have a septic system and/or a well on the property. If the home you are buying has either or both of these, you will want to get them inspected.

When the septic system is inspected, any known issues will need to be remedied by the seller in order to receive a septic system certificate that it is in good working order.

If there is a well on the property, a well inspection company will need to come out and review how the system is functioning. They will also test the water for coliform bacteria and certain metals and minerals that could be harmful to the health of your family or your home. You will receive a copy of all test results.

There are many other inspections available for a home (roof, pool, foundation, mold, sewer lines, roof, windows, etc) but these are three of the most common ones to consider. Every property is unique so it’s important that you work with an agent who has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the escrow process.

Thinking of buying a home in San Diego County? I would be happy to put my expertise to work for you – call (858) 735-5767 today!

3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Downsizing

August 5, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

For almost every homeowner, there will come a time when you’ll be faced with the decision to downsize or hang onto your current home. This decision is often filled with emotions, as many times the home you’ll be selling the home is where you raised your family and made a lifetime of memories.

As you start to think seriously about whether you should downsize now or stay in your home for a little while longer, take time to ask yourself a few questions to help make your decision easier.

1) What Do I Hope to Accomplish Through Downsizing?

If you’re even thinking about downsizing, chances are it’s because your current home feels wrong for you in some crucial way. Maybe it’s too large now that your kids have all left the house. Maybe you’re still paying a mortgage and the monthly cost is keeping you up at night. Maybe your current home has too many stairs, too much grass in the backyard, or a pool that requires too much of your time and attention.

Knowing what problem downsizing would solve in your life can help you when you’re sorting through your feelings about a possible move. Sometimes, you may be able to find an alternative solution to your current homeownership woes without putting your house up for sale. If your home is too large or the mortgage too high, maybe you can have another family member or roommate move in with you. If you hate taking care of the pool, maybe you can hire a pool maintenance company to come once a week to service it.

Sometimes downsizing really is the best solution! In this case, you’ll want to consider the following:

2) How Much Time Should I Give Myself to Move?

Sorting through a lifetime of stuff takes time. Be honest with yourself about how long it will realistically take you to sort through everything you have, get your home ready for market, purchase a new property, pack, and move.

While no one can predict the future, if you have general deadlines you’ve set for yourself like, “In a few years I want to move closer to my kids” or “Before I retire, I want to purchase a condo by the beach”, take these into account now. Tomorrow always comes much sooner than we expect.

Most experts advise that you should give yourself at least six months to prepare to list your home. During this time, you’ll want to be ruthless in your editing. If you’re at a loss with where to start, grab my free download “101 Things to Get Rid of When Downsizing” to help you figure out what to keep and what to toss!

3) How Do I Want to Feel When This Process is Over or What’s the End Goal?

This is a great question to ask yourself because it helps you discover what’s most important for your next home. For example, if you want to feel “Free” when the downsizing process is over, you’ll want to look at condos, townhomes, or low-maintenance homes that will easily allow you to travel, visit family and friends, or just generally not tie you down with a lengthy home to-do list. If you want to feel “Peaceful,” look for a home in a quiet location or with tranquil spaces that encourage you to relax.

If you ultimately decide that now isn’t the right time to begin the downsizing process, still grab my free download “101 Things to Get Rid of When Downsizing” to have on hand for when you are ready to start simplifying your life. Even if your move is more than a year away, it’s never too soon to start sorting through your possessions now.

If a move is in your future, contact me to get a free estimate of your property’s current value – you might be surprised about what your home is worth in today’s market!

3 Tips to Help You Understand What Stays With the House When You Move

July 5, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

There’s so much to do between getting your home ready for sale, entering escrow, and ultimately packing up and moving out. It’s easy to make assumptions about what’s yours to keep. After all, you may have selected the window coverings and designed the built-in cabinetry. It’s essential, however, to know what contractually remains with a home upon its sale before you fill up a single box. Trust me when I say you don’t want a dispute to arise during the final walkthrough and delay closing until the issue is resolved.

Use the three tips below to avoid a misunderstanding with a buyer about what contractually remains in the home and is part of the sale:

What is Real Property?

Real property is defined as land and any property attached to it. Under the terms of a real estate contract, and in the context of a home sale, this means anything that’s nailed, bolted, screwed, anchored, built-in, or otherwise attached to the house.

Examples of real property include doors, windows, ceiling fans, most light fixtures, plumbing, fences, landscaping, built-in bookshelves and furniture, storage sheds, curtain rods, blinds, and so much more. The most commonly disputed items I’ve encountered are TV wall mounts, light fixtures, appliances, and window treatments. If you’re not sure what constitutes real property, ask your Realtor!

Write It In the Contract

One of the best ways to avoid a misunderstanding with a buyer of your home is to put it in writing. If there is a family heirloom, a light fixture, or an appliance you want to take (i.e., the high-end wine refrigerator) write in the contract that these specific items do not convey with the sale of your home. These so-called “fixtures” will otherwise be included in the contract and legally must remain with the house.

If You Want It, Swap It Out

I advise my Sellers if they have purchased expensive items for the home and can’t live without them, replace them before going to market. It’s important to note, however, these upgraded items are likely the reason the home may sell for more money. I wouldn’t strip the house of every upgraded fixture but instead, focus on just one or two items that may work well in your next home. After careful consideration, most of my Sellers realize that most of the things should stay.

If you’re thinking of selling, I would be happy to put my expertise to work for you! I’ve helped many sellers successfully navigate the sale of their home in San Diego County and am available to answer any questions you may have about real property, moving up, downsizing, and more. Please give me a call at (858) 735-5767!

8 Can’t-Miss Summer Activities in San Diego

June 24, 2018 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

One of the perks of living in a tourist destination is that there’s always something to do, no matter what month it is. But summer is especially packed with activities that will take you from one end of the county to the other. Besides the obvious like the San Diego Fair, racetrack, and 4^th of July celebrations, here are eight of my favorite activities that should be on your bucket list to experience during summer in San Diego.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

No summer is complete without taking in at least one concert at Humphrey’s. This outdoor concert venue is situated on San Diego Bay between Humphreys Restaurant and Humphreys Half Moon Inn. The concerts generally take place from April to October, but summer is the ideal time to take in a musical experience at this beautiful venue. The sound is fantastic and because it’s a smaller venue, every concert feels intimate. Check the Humphrey’s 2018 concert schedule and buy tickets here.

Summer Nights at the San Diego Zoo

During the summer, the San Diego Zoo stays open late into the evening. From now through September 3^rd, you can enjoy special after-dark experiences and entertainment that you won’t get during the day. And you’ll also get to see animals that are only active at dusk or after dark. This year’s theme is Africa. Learn more about the Nighttime Zoo here.

Hyatt Rooftop Cinema Club

Want to enjoy a movie in style? The Manchester Grand Hyatt’s Rooftop Cinema Club is a film experience like no other! Take in an iconic movie from your comfy deck chair and don’t worry about the noise from downtown San Diego – all guests are given wireless headphone to use during the film screening. If your attention wanders during the movie, you can take in spectacular views of America’s Finest City and San Diego Bay. Click here to see the full schedule of movies.

Summer Pops

During the summer, the San Diego symphony takes their concert experience outdoors! Enjoy great music while taking in views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. The Start Spangled Pops is the series kickoff event and it concludes with a fireworks display. Or if you prefer classical music, check out Beethoven by the Bay on July 29^th. Most concerts begin at 7:30pm. Click here to see the full schedule of upcoming concerts.

Carmel Valley Rec Center Movies in the Park

Each year, the Carmel Valley Recreation Center offers movies in the park with fun for the whole family. The games, food, and fun start each night at 6pm. On July 21^st, you can enjoy the animated feature film, Coco. On August 19^th, the rec center will be screening Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Movies start promptly at dusk each night. For more information about the movie nights, contact the rec center.

Sleepovers at the Zoo and Wild Animal Park

While you can spend the night at the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park at other times of the year, there’s no better time to plan a family sleepover than during the summer. You’ll get to learn about the animals, go behind the scenes, talk to the zookeepers, fall asleep to the sound of wild animals, and more. You’ll need to make a reservation for both the Zoo and the Safari Park sleepovers so visit their websites for more information on how to book your overnight.

Cinema Under the Stars Hillcrest

Love classic films? Then you have to check out Cinema Under the Stars in Hillcrest! Films are screened beneath a retractable dome and if the night is a little chilly – they have infrared heating to keep you warm. The next film they are showing is Raiders of the Lost Ark, which will be shown on June 28^th, 29^th, and 30^th and again on July 1^st. All film screenings begin at 8pm. Click here to see the rest of the summer’s schedule.

Del Mar Powerhouse Park Summer Concerts

For one of the most unforgettable concert experiences in San Diego, mark your calendars for one of the upcoming Summer Twilight Concerts at Powerhouse Park. Bring your chairs, blankets, and beach towels and get ready to sing and dance the night away. There are concerts planned for July 10^th, August 7^th, and August 21^st. Opening acts start at 6pm, with the headliners scheduled to come on at 7pm. Learn more here.

What are your favorite things to do during the summer in San Diego? Leave me a comment below!