Home Owners

Buy, Sell or Wait? Coronavirus’ Impact on the San Diego Real Estate Market

April 7, 2020 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Close-up Of Mature Couple Looking At House Photo On Digital Tablet

Over the last few weeks, my clients have had a multitude of questions and concerns during these uncertain times. I would like to address them here, and answer as many questions as possible with the most reliable information available to date.

First and foremost, my top priority is the health and safety of my clients, fellow Realtors, and our amazing community. I will continue to follow all CDC, WHO and California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) guidelines and incorporate these parameters into my day-to-day business.

Secondly, although the federal government has funded an economic stimulus package, it will take time to unravel the economic ramifications on our local real estate market. This unprecedented health crisis is unlike any real estate market disruption we’ve experienced before. Unlike the S&P 500, the real estate market is not summarized in a daily snapshot.

As our social distancing restrictions ease, the real estate market will return to business as usual. Until then, buyers, sellers, Realtors and everyone else in the real estate industry will continue to conduct business the best they can while following all pertinent rules and guidelines. Below is a brief summary of what’s happening in the San Diego real estate market as of April 2020:

Today’s Market:

Real estate transactions are still ongoing. Escrow, title, lenders and notaries are working. Existing transactions will still close although there may be some delays. Appraisals, home inspections and photography is delayed so new escrows will most likely extend beyond the traditional 30-day escrow

Mortgage rates are historically low, and may go lower.

Virtual showings and tours are allowed.

Today’s virus conditions are different than the factors that led to the housing decline in 2008. It’s anticipated the housing market will remain strong with low inventory and interest rates. People still want to buy homes, as real estate is historically a solid long-term investment.

Investors are investing money into real estate in lieu of the stock market.

Buyer and Seller Tools Available to you in the Current Market:

I’m using a digital platform to schedule virtual tours of homes. If you are interested in looking at homes, please reach out to me to discuss how best to views properties that are still on the market.

I am sending regular market updates to my buyers, sellers, and anyone who’s interested. Just reach out if you’d like to receive these reports!

I’m assessing market data on a weekly basis to assess current valuations and pricing. Even in these uncertain times, I want to be sure my sellers are pricing their homes competitively and my buyers are making informed decisions.

Buyer Considerations:

Review your financial qualifications with a reputable lender as lending terms have changed in the past few weeks.

Compile a list of target homes and investigate the Seller’s motivation and reasons for a sale.

Take virtual tours, but rely on my experience and market knowledge for invaluable input.

Seller Considerations:

Serious buyers are still in the market. Don’t panic and take a “low ball” offer out of fear.

Realistically it may take longer to sell your home so exercise patience as buyers pivot to virtual platforms.

Use the extra time to do repairs, organize closets and other home DIY projects to ensure your home is in ideal showing condition.

I realize many of you will have additional questions that are specific to your needs. Questions like:

How will the new C.A.R. Corona Virus Addendum impact my current or new escrow?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have eased their standards for property appraisals and verification of employment – how does this affect me?

Are jumbo loans now more difficult to secure?

How does the mortgage forbearance program and moratorium on evictions impact me?

I’m available to answer these questions and other concerns you may have at this time. Please feel free to reach out at your convenience and we can discuss how I can best serve you. Stay safe and healthy!

20 ACTIVITIES TO DO AT HOME WITH YOUR KIDS

March 26, 2020 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Are your kids starting to get cabin fever? With beaches, hiking trails, and parks now closed in San Diego County, it can be tough to find ways to keep your kids entertained. Luckily, there are plenty of activities you can do at home with your kids!

Stay Active

1. Build a Fort: Get their engineering brains going with a pillow fort. Prop up the living room cushions, hang some sheets, and bust out the flashlights for some indoor camping.

2. Camp Outdoors: Pitch a tent in the backyard! Take advantage of the wonderful spring San Diego weather to get your kids outdoors without leaving the neighborhood.

3. Make an Obstacle Course: Set out things for your kids to jump over, crawl under, or tiptoe around. Just don’t forget to put away anything fragile first!

4. Hold a Scavenger Hunt: Hide some objects around the house, make up some clues, and watch your kids entertain themselves for hours!

5. Play Hide-and-Seek: It’s a classic for a reason. Get your kids occupied with a good game of hide-and-seek! Or switch it up with Sardines, a variant where one person hides and when they’re found, the finder hides in the same place as the hider.

Arts & Crafts

6. Vegetable Stamps: Get your kids creating their own art with vegetable stamps. Just cut some vegetables or even fruit in half and get them stamping away. Learn more about how to do it here.

7. Finger Knit: Don’t trust your kids with pointy needles? Get them finger knitting! Find instructions here.

8. Hold a Coloring Contest: Search for coloring pages online, print them out, and get ready to color! Give out prizes for the most colorful, most creative, or prettiest drawing.

9. Have a Shaving Cream Bath: Make bath time fun bysquirting some shaving cream on the walls of the bathtub. Kids will have fun creating their own art or playing with the foam. You can even add a few drops of food coloring beforehand to create different colored “paints.” When you’re done, just rinse down the shower (and your kids) for easy cleanup!

10. Fold some Origami: Give your kids some paper and teach them some patterns from the internet, or let them go wild with their own imagination! After they’re done with the activity, you can showcase their work around your home.

Family Time

11. Movie Night: Rent a movie digitally or put on a DVD. With some homemade popcorn and cozy blankets, your kids will love movie night with the family.

12. Solve a Puzzle: Grab a puzzle and sit down for some family time. You can order puzzles online or from many local stores. Pick a theme your kids are sure to love like dinosaurs, outer space, or Disney. Remember: the more pieces, the tougher the puzzle!

13. Play a Board Game: Board games are all the rage today, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options on the shelves. Revisit your own childhood by playing the classics like Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, Candy Land, and more. Or pick out more modern games like Monopoly Deal, Blokus, or Taboo. If you don’t have any games on-hand, check out your local game store and ask if they’ll ship to your house.

14. Blow Bubbles: Mix together some dish soap and water, and use wire hangers to make custom bubble wands for a day of fun.

15. Read Aloud Together: Discover a new book together or read one of your favorite childhood books aloud!

Food and Drink

16. Bake Something: Pull up your favorite recipe and get baking! Kids can help measure ingredients and mix. As a bonus, you get to enjoy your baked goods at the end.

17. Make S’mores: You don’t need a campfire to enjoy some s’mores. Toast some graham crackers and chocolate in a toaster oven for an easy homemade version of this gooey goodness.

18. Build Your Own Hot Chocolate: Set up a hot chocolate station with peppermint sticks, marshmallows, and more. Let your kids decorate their own hot decadent chocolate mugs!

19. Make Fresh Lemonade: Lemonade is easy to make in your own kitchen.With plenty of vitamin C, lemonade will help keep your kids’ immune systems going strong.

20. Cook a Meal Together: Now that your kids are home more, it’s a great time to get them involved in learning how to cook. Get them involved in hands-on activities, such as washing fruits and veggies, forming meatballs, and mixing sauces and dressings.

These are just a few kid-friendly home activities to try. What fun things are you enjoying with your kids? Let me know in the comments below.

How to Buy a Home in 2020

January 14, 2020 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Want to buy a home in 2020? Consider these six easy steps to ensure a smooth and successful purchase.

1. Check Your Credit

A good credit score is critical. A high credit score makes it easier to qualify for lower interest rates and offers more affordability. Be sure to check all three credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. The right lender can often make quick and easy recommendations to raise your credit score those few extra essential points.

2. Save, Save, Save

You’ll need cash to buy a home, but saving goes beyond a down payment. The best interest rates often require a 20-25% down payment. Also, a lender will require up to six months of cash reserves in a liquid account. Lenders want to know you can afford the PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) during work transitions.

3. Get in Touch with a Lender

Take the time to interview a few lenders and learn about the different mortgage programs available. They change frequently and are competitive with other banks. Ultimately you want to work with a lender you trust and one who has invested the time to generate a pre-approval letter and not just a pre-qualification.

4. Look at Neighborhoods

In addition to getting your finances in order, take a look at different San Diego neighborhoods to decide where you want to live. Some factors to consider are commute times, school ratings, friends who live nearby, curb appeal, and local shopping and restaurants. Often, spending a few weekends driving around a community will provide clarity.

5. Visit Open Houses

Even if you aren’t planning on buying a house immediately, visit some open houses. Open houses allow you to explore neighborhood floor plans, learn about standard upgrades many homes may need, the importance of natural lights and yard sizes. Due diligence is just as necessary when searching for a home as the actual buying process.

6. Interview Real Estate Agents

If you’re buying a home, it pays to use a Realtor. In San Diego, the Seller pays all commissions. That’s right! As a Buyer, you pay no commission. A Buyer’s agent is your advocate and works with you every step of the transaction. Like any profession, take the time to interview a few different agents as it’s essential to work with someone you trust and has experience.

Are you planning on purchasing a home in 2020? I would love to chat and answer any questions about the above and the ideal next steps! (858) 735-5767

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2020

January 3, 2020 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

With the start of a new year and a new decade, you might be thinking of renovating or redecorating your home. While you might want to stick to tried-and-true classic styles for larger projects, it can be fun to incorporate some newer design trends into the mix. Check out this list of hot interior design trends for 2020 to help inspire your home projects for the year ahead!

Tip 1: Add Meaningful Pieces.

Add some personal flair to your home by mixing old and new pieces. Display a piece of art that’s been in your family for generations or throw a vintage quilt over a modern chair. 2020 is all about getting that personal touch by including meaningful pieces in your home.

Tip 2: Dark Doors

There’s nothing so statement making like an interior door painted in a rich color. By painting a door a bold dark color, the door itself becomes a statement piece. This trend is especially great for smaller rooms.

Tip 3: Dramatic Prints

Prints are in, and nothing is more exciting than a dramatic print from floor to ceiling. Find a bold patterned wallpaper to add some drama to your home in 2020.

Tip 4: Fun Bathrooms

Gone are the days of sterile bathrooms. Bathrooms are becoming a place of fun designs. Experiment with color, materials, or wallpaper to take your bathroom to the next level. If you’re not sure about this trend, try it first in a powder or guest bath!

Tip 5: Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops have been trending for a while, but they’ll keep going strong in 2020. These countertops are durable, easy to maintain, and beautiful. Quartz is a great choice for active families or those with small children. It resists stains better than granite and doesn’t chip or crack easily.

Tip 6: Growing Plants

Faux plants are out, and real plants are in! To start the new decade, put that green thumb to use and add some life to a space by growing your own indoor plants in the kitchen or living room. With so many hardy plants to choose from like succulents, cacti, or air plants, even the least gifted gardeners can get in on this trend!

Tip 7: Natural Materials and Shapes

A hot trend for the past few years, in 2020 we’ll continue to see natural materials and shapes taking center stage in homes. Reclaimed wood, natural stone, and natural woven textiles add easy warmth and earthiness to any space.

Tip 8: Use Some Classic Blue

Pantone has named its color of the year for 2020, and it’s classic blue. This color is rich, but easy to work with! Use a classic blue vase or throw to spruce up your home for the new decade!

What design trends are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below!

6 Tips to cozy up your home this holiday season

November 12, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

This sunny San Diego weather is no reason to overlook making your home cozy for the holidays! While it may be too warm to light a fire in the fireplace, there are plenty of ways you can decorate your home to make it comfortable and inviting.

Tip 1: Add Faux Fur Throws and Chunky Blankets

Nothing says cozy like a thick plush blanket. Try a faux fur throw for a luxurious look, or pick up a knit blanket made of wool for something a little more rustic. Whatever your style, a warm blanket thrown invitingly over a chair or the back of a couch invites family and friends to stay and snuggle up!

Tip 2: Light Some Candles

Candles instantly add a warm ambiance to any room. Try a festive candle in scents that evoke the holidays like pine, pumpkin, spiced cider, cedar, or wood smoke!

Tip 3: Add Reclaimed Wood

Wooden furniture and decorations can help recreate the feeling of being at a ski lodge. The warm color and texture instantly adds interest to a room! Look for items that include reclaimed wood, like a footstool, bench, or side table. If buying new furniture isn’t in your budget, try a basket of chopped logs or a piece of reclaimed wood art.

Tip 4: Add New Artwork

Artwork serves the dual purpose of covering up any blank walls while adding some visual interest. Street fairs are a great opportunity to pick up a piece or two from local artists. But for new artwork on a budget, look for pieces at flea markets or thrift stores. Family photos can also add a cozy lived-in look, especially when paired with wooden frames.

Tip 5: Layer with Rugs

A great rug can instantly warm a room and add some texture and color. If you already have an area rug, try layering in smaller rugs made out of faux fur or wool to get that cozy, holiday vibe.

Tip 6: Swap Your Pillows

To update your space without going overboard on the holiday decorations, swap out the pillow covers of any decorative or floor pillows you already own. Look for holiday colors, patterns, or textures like cable knit or faux fur.

How do you make your home cozy for the holidays? Let me know in the comments below!

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FROM 2019

October 30, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Interior design trends are constantly changing; it can be hard to keep up with what’s popular! If you’re preparing to stage your home to sell, or just want some ideas to refresh your home, here are some of my favorite current trends from the last year:

Natural Materials and Patterns

From light pendants made with woven branches to tables made of petrified wood, people are turning to natural materials and patterns for inspiration. Medium-tone woods are more popular than dark or light woods. For a warm and cozy kitchen, try using a mix of different woods instead of the go-to tile or stone.

Artisanal and Handmade Details

Want to make your home stand out from every other home on the block? Search selections of handmade goods to add unique pieces of decor that no one else will have! From personalized wall art to hand-woven rugs to custom drawer pulls, adding artisanal details is an easy way to personalize your home.

Color

Color is making a comeback. While in the past, interior design trends have tended to the minimalistic and clean, people have started to reject the all-white trend in favor of a little color. Just be careful that if you’re planning to list your home soon, you don’t overdo it! While homeowners are craving more color in their homes, buyers still need to be able to imagine themselves living in your space.

Bold Wallpaper

It might seem old fashioned, but wallpaper is making a comeback in homes across the country. Though today’s wallpaper is modern, colorful, and on-trend! Gone are the tiny flowers and damask. In their place are stripes, palm leaves, animals, abstract designs, and almost any print you can think of! Whether it’s used on an accent wall or just to add some interest in a small bathroom, wallpaper can really pull a space together.

A Touch of Blush Pink

If there’s one color that seems to be here to stay, it’s blush pink. Benjamin Moore even chose First Light, a pale rosy pink, for its 2020 Color of the Year. Pale pink is considered to exert a calming and relaxing effect, making it the perfect choice for most spaces in the home. Use it in upholstery, drapery, or rugs for a pretty burst of color in a room.

Mix and Match Metals

A kitchen trend that’s been making a splash in recent years is the use of different metals throughout a room. Mixing and matching hardware, light fixtures, and drawer pulls can add some visual interest to a kitchen or a bathroom. And if you get bored of this trend or want to achieve a uniform look before listing your home, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to change these items again in the future.

Performance Fabrics Everywhere

Durability is on the rise. Gone are the days where performance fabrics were scratchy and uncomfortable. Now, performance fabrics are softer and more comfortable than ever which means they’re showing up in indoor AND outdoor furniture. Stain-resistant and easy to clean, performance fabrics are the ideal choice for active families with kids and pets. Click here to learn more.

What were some of your favorite interior design trends from 2019? And what trends are you hoping fade away in the new decade? Let me know in the comments below!

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

September 27, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Summer is coming to a close. Even in a place without drastic seasonal changes like San Diego, there’s still plenty of maintenance tasks to do, and the change of seasons marks a good time to get them done! Here are some home maintenance tasks to do as the season changes.

Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters during rain can cause water to pool and damage your roof or sliding. To prevent damage, clean out gutters in the fall, before rain comes. If you’re worried about falling, consider hiring somebody to help. Be sure to check your gutters again after leaves have fallen to make sure that they haven’t become clogged.

Service Furnace and Chimney

Make sure your furnace and chimney are cleaned, maintained, and working properly before you need to turn on the heat! Schedule an appointment for an inspection and replace any dirty filters. Additionally, check to make sure you have a chimney cap to prevent small animals from crawling into the fireplace. As you start to use your furnace and chimney, it’s important to make sure that they are working properly.

Seal Gaps

Sealing gaps serve a double purpose. First, sealing any small gaps prevents drafts from making the house too cold. Additionally, as cold weather comes, small animals might sneak into a warmer house to make a home. Seal small gaps with caulk and weather stripping to prevent drafts and small animals from coming in. Cover any larger gaps with heavy-duty hardware cloth. When doing so, take the time to measure your insulation and audit energy waste to see if you need to make any changes to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Exterior Repairs

In the same vein, take the time to do any exterior repairs that need to be done. Take the time to perform any roof repairs before winter rains come. Make sure that any crumbling mortar is replaced before the weather gets too cold. Taking the time to finish exterior repairs in the fall will keep your home safe and warm when winter comes.

Wrap up Seasonal Lawn Care

There’s plenty to do in the yard as fall comes. Trim dead growth from the trees and rake the leaves. Dead growth can lead to mold growth and breed pests. So, take the time to clean up the yard. Additionally, pull weeds and put down weed preventative on your lawn to ensure a green lawn next year.

Clear Deck and Patio

Clean the deck and patio after a summer of use. Clean and store away any furniture that you no longer plan on using to keep them from getting damaged by the weather. Then, after cleaning the deck, consider performing a deck safety inspection to get the deck ready for the next summer. Look for missing or rusted bolts, as well as boards that need to be replaced. Getting the deck inspected in the fall, when deck companies aren’t as busy, will save time for next year.

Take Stock of Garage

The season change is a great time to do some checking and organizing. Take the time to inspect your garage door: adjust springs and cables, lubricate moving parts, tighten hardware, track, and hinges, and inspect safety sensors and opening gears. Also take the time to organize your garage so summer items are put away properly and any winter items can be found on short notice.

Protect Plumbing

Fall is a good time to clean your water lines. Check your plumbing for clogs and clear them out. Take the time to shake out any hoses that you might have used in the summer. Finally, take the time to drain your water heater to prevent sediment buildup.

Safety Check

Take the change in seasons to check your safety devices. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if needed. By performing seasonal maintenance, you can keep your house safe!C

These are some fall maintenance tasks that I always check off as the seasons change. What tasks do you do? Let me know in the comments!

New FHA Guidelines Introduced for Condominium Mortgages

August 27, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Summer might traditionally be the time to buy, but if you missed out this summer, don’t worry! The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just released new guidelines to promote homeownership, especially among first-time buyers. These changes will be in effect later this fall which means that the best time to start looking for your new home is right now!

What Changed?

The FHA released new guidelines on August 15, 2019 on how FHA mortgage insurance impact condominium units and projects. Here are some of the changes:

Individual condo units are eligible for FHA mortgage insurance even if the condo project itself is not FHA approved.
FHA approvals for condominium projects have also been extended from two years to three years.
Condominium projects no longer have to submit all project information to be recertified, just update new information.
Commercial space restrictions are eased to allow more mixed-use projects.
Condominium projects owner occupancy rates are lowered from 50% to 35%.
The FHA will insure up to 75% of condominium unit mortgages within a project.

These changes go into effect on October 15.

Why It’s Good News

The changes make it easier for condos to get approved for FHA mortgage insurance, especially individual units! This means that you can be approved for an FHA loan even if the condominium project itself is not FHA approved.

With more units qualifying, this means more options for first-time homebuyers who want to buy with an FHA loan. According to the LA Times, “just 6.5% of the 150,000 condominium developments in the United States were previously eligible for FHA-backed mortgages.” FHA loans allow down payments of as little as 3.5% for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. You can see how these changes will add many homes into the housing market – so you can find a home at an affordable price!

How Can It Help Me?

Here in San Diego, home prices have been on the rise. But condos remain an affordable choice for first-time home buyers! The median price for a condo in San Diego County is only $425,000. With an FHA loan limit of $690,000 in San Diego County, more FHA-approved condos means more options for first-time home buyers. Interested in looking at condos in San Diego County? You can start your search right on my website by clicking here or give me a call at (858) 735-5767!

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

May 20, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, your to-do list never really ends. There’s always something that needs to be cleaned, repaired, or updated. Which makes it easy to fall behind when life gets busy or overwhelming. If you can’t remember the last time you dusted your blinds or checked your smoke alarms, spring and early summer is a great time to catch up on any chores or annual maintenance tasks you may have missed over the winter. Not sure where to start? Check out my list of the top ten tasks that should be at the top of your spring-cleaning checklist:

Test and Dust Safety Detectors

Many homeowners take it for granted that their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. But you don’t want an emergency to be the time you find out you have a problem! Instead, take some time to replace the batteries, wipe down the metal contacts to remove any accumulated dust, and test each detector to make sure it’s working as expected.

Clean or Replace Your Exhaust Hood Filter

Take a look at the filter on the exhaust hood in your kitchen. These should be cleaned periodically throughout the year. If you haven’t cleaned yours in awhile, you’ll want to take care of this chore ASAP! The purpose of this filter is to collect grease and over time it can become too clogged to do its job properly. Depending on your filter, you may be able to run it through the dishwasher, but you should attempt to clean it with hot water and de-greasing soap first to get the worst of the grime off. If your filter is beyond hope, you can also just replace it.

Dust Your Blinds

When it comes to regular dusting, blinds are often overlooked and ignored. Use a microfiber cloth to thoroughly dust your blinds, taking note of any that need to be replaced. You may also want to use an all-purpose cleaner to spot clean any particularly soiled areas. Just be to sure use a cleaner that’s formulated for the material of your blinds.

Stop Squeaky Doors and Cabinets

Have you been living with a squeaky door or cabinet? Now is the time to take care of it! Simply pick up a can of WD40 or other lubricant at your local hardware store. If the hinges have become rusted, you’ll want to use steel wool to get the rust off first.

Service Your Air Conditioning Unit

Spring is the time to get your air conditioning unit checked before summer comes. The last thing you want to do is put this off until you really need it! If you need a referral for a local specialist to come and check your AC unit, give me a call – I’ll be happy to provide you with a referral.

Clean Your Ceiling Fans

It’s easy to forget to dust your ceiling fan when you’re not using it. But dust and lint can quickly build up on the fan blades. Before you turn your fans on for summer, make you give them a thorough cleaning. Use a pillowcase or micro fiber cloth to remove the dust from the blades and don’t forget to wipe down the rest of the appliance – pull chain, motor housing, light bulbs, and any glass fixtures.

Prepare for Outdoor Entertaining

With warmer weather on the way, now is the time to tackle your outdoor entertaining spaces. Whether you have a large deck or a small patio start by sweeping up any debris before power washing the space. Be on the lookout for rodent or insect damage as you go. Once done, you may consider resealing or repainting your outdoor surfaces to protect them from the elements. And if your patio furniture has seen better days, replace it with something new – your guests will thank you!

Re-Energize Your Garden

If your garden is looking a bit worse for wear, it’s not too late to bring it back to life! Start by pulling weeds, removing dead plants, and clearing away any rocks or debris that have blown in over the winter. Once you have a clean surface to work with, spread new soil and plant seeds or flowers. With care and attention, your garden will soon be thriving again!

Inspect Your Roof

With all the rain and storms we had this winter in San Diego, it’s a good idea to check your roof for damage. Look for missing shingles, holes, or signs of termites. If something doesn’t look right, call a professional. Roof damage should be taken care as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the rest of your home.

Gutters

While you’re checking out your roof, make sure to take a look at your gutters, too. Clear any debris and check for signs of damage over the winter. You should also check around your gutters for water stains and other signs that your roof may have leaked.

If you need any referrals for local professionals or inspectors in the San Diego County area, I would be glad to provide them for you. Just give me a call! It’s important to stay on top of any needed repairs to preserve the value of your home.

And if, after you get done cleaning, you decide that now is the time to sell, I’d be happy to share how I’ve been able to get great results for my sellers in the San Diego area and how I can help you too.

Interior Design Trends 2019

January 19, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Home design is constantly evolving and a new year always brings new trends. Sites like Houzz and Realtor.com have published their own lengthy trend reports for the year ahead, but I’ve distilled those down to this short list of some of my favorite interior design trends for 2019!

Quartz Countertops

Quartz was a popular countertop choice in 2018! So much so that prices have risen over the last year. If you really love the look of quartz countertops and plan to install them in 2019, make sure you budget accordingly for the expense!

Statement Tile Backsplashes

Tile backsplashes for the kitchen and bath are nothing new, but this year, the backsplash is getting an upgrade. In 2019, expect to see lots of full-wall tile backsplashes in the kitchen and bathrooms. Want to try this at home? Create a feature wall using geometric patterned tiles to give your kitchen a fresh and on-trend look.

Mixing Fabrics

Mixing fabrics, patterns, and textures makes a room look cozy, lived-in, and even a bit eclectic. Not sure about this trend? Try adding pillows with different patterns and fabrics. If you end up not liking the look, you can easily change out the pillows. And if you do love the mixed fabric look, purchase a small love seat or armchair in a fun print. The key to making this trend work is to use a similar color palette throughout the space to keep everything cohesive.

Colored Shiplap

Shiplap has been popular in recent years thanks to Joanna Gaines, and it isn’t going anywhere in 2019. Though it is getting a fresh, colorful update – white shiplap is being edged out by other color options like navy blue, sage green, and even grey. Fortunately, if you’ve got shiplap in your home, all you need to update it is a can of paint!

Updated Subway Tile

Subway tile continues to remain a popular trend for homes, but as with most trends, designers find new ways to update and improve it as time goes on. Designers are now gravitating to large-format subway tiles arrange in unique patterns. Think herringbone, chevron, and basket weave patterns.

Natural Wood

After years of white kitchens and painted wood furniture, people are increasingly choosing wood in natural stains to create a warmer, more welcoming space. This trend is easiest to incorporate in the form of furniture, but if you’re going to be installing new floors in your home, consider a lighter, more natural shade of wood rather than one that has been heavily stained.

Wallpaper

While this isn’t the wallpaper of decades past, use a fun print in the bathroom or laundry room to bring a little color into your space. There are hundreds of designs on the market so you’re sure to find the perfect pattern for your home. You can also use wallpaper to fake the look of wood or brick, which can add major style points to your home for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re planning on doing any home remodeling projects this year, I highly recommend you spend some time checking out the model homes in your area – this is the best way to see how the latest trends are being implemented. And if you’d like any design advice, give me a call – I’m happy to offer suggestions and refer you to local contractors to get the work done!