la jolla

5 Things to Consider Before You Downsize

April 1, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

No matter how much you love your home, there will come a time when your house simply won’t fit your needs anymore. Perhaps your home feels too roomy now that your kids have gone off to college. Or maybe you’re just tired of lugging the vacuum cleaner up the stairs and are ready to purchase a smaller, single story home. Whatever your reasons, here are 5 things to consider before you downsize.

1) Know Your “Why”

It pays to keep your “why” firmly in the front of your mind. For most people, downsizing is not an easy task. You’ll likely need to spend a considerable amount of time decluttering and going through all the things you’ve accumulated after years in your current home. Having a strong reason to get to the finish line will keep you motivated when you’d rather throw in the towel.

2) Separate Yours Wants and Needs

As with any other home shopping experience, you’ll need to separate your needs from your wants before you start looking. This will allow you use your time more efficiently and help you avoid buyer’s remorse down the line. For tips on separating your wants from your needs, check out my recent blog.

3) Know How Small is Too Small

It’s important that you don’t get too hung up on purchasing the smallest possible home. Take time to think about the spaces you most enjoy in your current home, your hobbies, and how much time you plan to spend in your new house. You may find that “downsizing” really means downsizing on your monthly costs, not square footage.

4) Consider Your Costs

It seems simple on paper: smaller house = cheaper mortgage = more money in your pocket. But that’s not always the case. Particularly if you’re moving to a condo community, make sure you’ve factored in HOA and mello-roos fees. If your primary reason for downsizing is to save money, you’ll want to keep track of these “hidden” fees to ensure your monthly housing costs will truly be reduced.

You should also take into account how much it will cost to move and furnish a new space. Many times, people who downsize find themselves having to purchase all new furniture that will actually fit into their new space. A visit to a local furniture store can help you estimate your costs.

5) Explore Neighborhoods

San Diego truly has a neighborhood to fit every lifestyle. Just because you’ve spent the last twenty years in the same location doesn’t mean you have to buy another property in the same area. Imagining the possibilities is part of the fun of house hunting. Spend some time checking out communities before narrowing your list down to a couple to focus on during your search.

While it can be difficult to say goodbye to a beloved home full of wonderful memories, downsizing can be a fun and exciting adventure! If you’re thinking of making a change, I’d love to help you through this next step – give me a call to get started!

3 Reasons to Sell Your Home in 2018

March 20, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

“It’s a seller’s market!”

“Now is a great time to sell!”

As a San Diego homeowner, you’ve probably seen this phrase on one piece of real estate marketing mail after another for the last few years. It can be hard to discern if it actually is a great time to list your home or the Realtors who mail in your neighborhood are just saying that to get you to call them.

While it is a seller’s market and a great time to sell, it helps to have context for those statements:

In my last blog post, I took a look at the median sales price of homes in a few different San Diego housing markets. Many local markets are reporting prices we haven’t seen in ten years or more. In some areas, the median price for a detached home has far surpassed its 2006 pre-recession peak. But home values can’t continue to rise indefinitely. I believe we will see a decline in home values in the months to come as interest rates rise and the housing market peaks.

Interest rates have steadily risen nearly every week since the beginning of the year. Bankrate.com shows current interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage hovering around 4.5%.

As interest rates rise, they limit buyer purchasing power. According to a recent article from Rismedia, “If interest rates rise 1 percent and all other economic factors remain the same, purchasing power for homebuyers will decrease by just over 11 percent; therefore, every quarter-percent (0.25 percent) rise of interest rates reduces homebuyer purchasing power by 3 percent.” This means that someone who might have been able to purchase your home a few months ago might no longer have the buying power to do so, shrinking the pool of potential buyers for your home. The higher the value of your home, the more you will likely feel the effects of that shrinkage. Rising interest rates will help bring down prices at the top end of the market, as homeowners who are serious about selling might find themselves making concessions on price to get their home sold.

Once your home sells, you will likely need to purchase a replacement property. If you wait too long to sell your home, you might find yourself conceding on your sale price AND entering the market with less purchasing power that you would have had just a few months ago.

Finally, if your home is aging, you should keep in mind that you likely have some big-ticket repairs on the horizon. Depending on its composition, your home’s roof will need to be replaced every twenty to thirty-five years. The lifespan of a furnace is about fifteen to twenty years. Most appliances last no more than fifteen years. Waiting to put your home on the market means you could end up footing the bill for these repairs in order to sell the house, taking a hit on price to get your home sold, and then entering the marketplace with a lighter wallet and reduced purchasing power.

There’s one other point you should also keep in mind: the new tax law lowered the mortgage interest deduction from $1.1m to $750,000. In 2018 and going forward, your state, local, and real estate taxes are put into one pool for deductibility purposes. Between the three of them, you only can deduct up to $10,000 total. It’s hard to predict how these tax changes will impact the real estate market, but they do cumulatively place a heavier financial burden on the buyer.

If you’ve been on the fence about selling, it might be time to get off the fence and put a “For Sale” sign in your yard. I’d be happy to meet with you to discuss the specifics of your situation. Give me a call or send me an email to set up an appointment!

What to Consider When You Have Multiple Offers For Your Home

March 4, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

The current San Diego real estate market is extremely competitive. With more buyers than homes for sale, listing your home in this market could result in multiple offers for your house. While this is a great position to be in as a seller, make sure you look beyond price when weighing the offers you receive. Here a few other things you should consider:

Length of the Escrow

A 30-day escrow is pretty standard in San Diego, but can go longer or shorter if all parties (including the lender) are willing and able.

If you need a quick close, a cash buyer is going to be your best option. Since there’s no loan involved, all the buyer needs to do is verify and inspect their purchase. A 10-14 day close is not outside the realm of possibility for a cash buyer.

But if you need a quick close, cash buyers aren’t your only option. Buyers need to specify the length of the escrow on their offer so make sure you look at what each buyer has offered you.

If you’re not in a hurry to close or are asking for a rent back anyway, a strong offer at the price you want with a 45 day or more escrow could be just as attractive as a cash buyer.

Funds

How much is the buyer putting down and how much of that are they offering as their Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)? These numbers not only paint a picture of the buyer’s financial stability, it also indicates how serious they are about buying your home. The larger the EMD, the more “skin” the buyer is putting in the game.

Contingencies

If an effort to stand out in a competitive marketplace, a buyer might offer to waive the normal contingencies – like the appraisal contingency. This is a bold move for a buyer to make and shows how serious they are about buying your home. As a seller, you want to work with a committed buyer who is unlikely to back out during escrow – leaving you with a house you still have to sell.

Buyer Extras

You should also consider the allocation of closing costs. What is the buyer offering to pay for? Are they covering all of the items that are typically covered by the buyer or are they asking you to pay for any of those items? Maybe they’re offering to pay for some of the items that are typically covered by the seller – which would save you some money.

Contingent Offers

Sometimes you will get offers that are contingent on the sale of the buyer’s current home. If you have multiple offers on the table, it could be tempting to immediately disqualify the contingent offers. But before you do, make sure you have considered the rest of the offer and how well it aligns (or doesn’t align) with your own goals. If you’re not in a hurry and the offer otherwise looks strong and offers the price you want, you might want to seriously consider that contingent offer.

Your agent should be able to tell you how long they think it might take the buyer to sell their home based on the market conditions. Though your agent can’t tell the future, they should be knowledgeable and experienced enough to give a rough estimate of how quickly that home might get into escrow. Your agent is also responsible for communicating with the buyer’s agent to see if there has been any activity on the home or if they might be close to accepting an offer. These are all important things to know when considering a contingent offer.

If you do decide to go with the contingent offer, your agent will talk to you about countering back with a specific timeframe for the buyer to get their current home into escrow. If you give the buyer two weeks to sell their home and it doesn’t happen, you’ll be free to move on to another offer.

You also might find that the contingent buyer’s home is already in escrow – which means less risk to you if you go with their offer. They’ll be motivated to see the deal through since they’ll need somewhere to live when their current home closes.

The Buyer

Finally, it’s important to consider the buyer behind the offer. You should look at both their financial situation and who they are personally.

On the financial side of things, you should make sure the buyer has been pre-approved for a loan. You should also look at what amount they were pre-approved for. If your home is at the top end of the budget, they probably won’t have any more room to go up in price or cover any additional costs that might come up during the escrow. If your home is comfortably within their budget, they might have more capital to play with to close the deal.

On the personal side, who is the buyer? Are they a family? A young couple? An investor? While it might not make financial sense on paper to let your personal opinion of who should buy your home guide you when deciding between offers, at the end of the day, it’s your home and you can choose any of the offers on the table. If you’d rather go with a family who is offering you a little less than a cash investor offering full price, you can do that.

Your agent is there to help you evaluate and decide between the offers you receive. This is where working with an experienced, knowledgeable agent can really benefit you. I have successfully helped many San Diego sellers sell their homes – with and without multiple offers. If you’ve been thinking of listing your home for sale and would like a free consultation, give me a call!

18 Things to Evaluate When Touring a Home For Sale

February 25, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

If you’re searching for a new home in San Diego, you might see five homes or fifteen before you find “the one”. While it’s important to consider whether you like the home or not, there are other things you should consider as well. Here are 18 things you should evaluate before moving forward with the purchase:

How’s The Neighborhood?

When you buy, you’re not just getting a house. You’re buying the neighborhood, too. Make sure it’s somewhere you can see yourself living. You should also check if the house you’re touring is the best house on the block…which could be a problem when you go to sell it.

How Many Homes Are For Sale on the Same Street?

Neighborhoods turn over all the time, but if there’s a sign in almost every front yard, it could mean there’s something wrong with this location.

What’s the Parking Situation?

This isn’t such a big deal if you’re buying in a suburban area, but you’re looking to live in an urban area or near the beach, you’ll want to check out the parking situation. Does the home or condo have its own dedicated parking spaces? If so, where are they in relation to the property? If there’s a garage, will your car(s) actually fit in it? How about the driveway? Is it long enough or wide enough to accommodate your vehicles?

Are There Exterior Signs of Neglect?

When you walk up to the home, pay attention to its curb appeal. Are there weeds? Cracks in the driveway or walkways? Is the paint peeling? If the home shows exterior signs of neglect, chances are the home as a whole hasn’t been well cared-for. Most problems will be uncovered during the home inspection, but the home might have up-front maintenance issues after you move in.

Is the Roof in Good Condition?

Roofs can be pricey to repair or replace. And if the roof isn’t in good condition, there could be water damage or rot underneath. Ask your agent about the age of the roof and take note of any missing shingles or tiles.

Is the Lot Level or Steep?

When viewing a home, you should also be thinking about what you might like to do with your property in the future. A level lot will afford you the most options for the least amount of money. A steeper lot might take some creative engineering (and a lot of cash) to make your dreams a reality.

How’s the Layout?

Once you get inside the home, you should take note of the floorplan of the home. Does it flow naturally from one space to the next? Or does it feel choppy and awkward? The latter might not necessarily be a dealbreaker, but you should always have the property’s resale value in the back of your mind.

Does the Home Receive Adequate Natural Light?

If you can, view the property at different times of the day and note how much light comes in. You can combat poor natural lighting with artificial lamps, but your energy bills will likely go up as a result.

You should also consider the home’s orientation. In the summer, any rooms that face west will be warmer than the rest of the house. If the home doesn’t have A/C, those rooms might be too hot to use. That could be a problem if they are ones you plan to spend a lot of time in – like the living room, home office, or kitchen.

What’s the Condition of the Appliances?

You can ask your agent to find out the age of the appliances in the home, but you should also inspect them yourself for signs of aging. Look out for rust, mold, or other evidence of neglect. If the appliances in the home you’re considering buying are older, you’ll probably need to budget to replace them in the next couple of years.

Are There Interior Signs of Neglect?

It’s easy to tell at a glance if a home has been well-cared for. Is the paint peeling or discolored? Are the baseboards scuffed? Is there a layer of dust in the corners of the room? Any unidentifiable stains on the floor? Yes, these are all superficial issues, but there are likely other, deeper problems hiding beneath the surface.

Does the Home Have a Musty or Odd Smell?

If the home smells damp or musty, there could be mold somewhere. If the home smells like pets or smoke, you’ll likely need to replace the carpet and flooring to get rid of it.

Do the Doors or Windows Stick? Are There Cracks Around the Windowsill?

Unless the sellers have explicitly designated an area as off-limits, don’t be shy about opening and closing the doors and windows. Sticking can be a sign of poor installation or foundation issues. Either one presents a costly problem to fix. You should also look for visible cracks around the windows. This can indicate that the home has foundation problems.

Is There Ample Closet Space?

Make sure you check out the closet space in the home. Even a small house will feel spacious if there’s enough room to store your things.

How Are the Pipes?

Plumbing is such an integral part of the house that it can be costly to repair. Discretely check under the sinks and around the showerheads and toilets. Is there any discoloration or spots of mold? These could be signs of a leak. You should also turn on the water and flush the toilet to check the water pressure. Poor water pressure could indicate a plumbing problem.

What’s the Privacy Like?

While you’re looking at the home itself, don’t forget to look out the windows. Can the neighbors see straight into your bedroom or bathroom? You may be able to build a higher fence or add hedges, but you’ll have to budget for these modifications and live with the situation until the work is done.

How’s the Noise Level Inside the Home?

Make sure you use your ears when viewing a home. Can you hear the road? The neighbor’s dog? The playground nearby? You may think you can live with the noise…but it also might drive you crazy after moving in.

Is There Water Damage on the Ceiling?

Don’t forget to look up as you walk through the home. Stains or discoloration on the ceiling could be a sign that the roof leaks. If this issue has been going on for awhile, the repairs could be costly.

How Much Maintenance Will the Yard Require?

Everyone wants a big, grassy backyard until they realize how much time and energy is required to keep the grass green and neatly trimmed. Same with a pool. If you don’t see yourself spending a lot of time enjoying that pool or patch of grass, you’ll probably like taking care of it even less.

If you’re ready to start touring homes in San Diego or have found “the one”, I would love to represent you!

What Propositions 60 and 90 Mean For You

February 18, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

If you are age 55 or older and live in San Diego County, you need to know about Propositions 60 and 90 and how it can benefit you! If you’ve been thinking of selling your current home and downsizing or moving to a different home, these propositions can make moving easier on your wallet.

What is Proposition 60?

If you’re age 55 or older, Proposition 60 allows you to move within the same county (in this case, San Diego) and transfer your base year value. Your property’s base year value is tied to Proposition 13, which was established to protect buyers from increases in property taxes by setting a base year value on a property. If the property was acquired in 1975 or earlier, the base year value is set for the property’s assessed value in 1975. If the property was purchased after 1975 then the base year value is set by the market value of the property at the time of purchase. Under Proposition 60, when you purchase a new property you can transfer that base year value to the new home!

What Are the Restrictions of Proposition 60?

-You or your spouse must be 55 years of age.

-You must sell your home and purchase a new property within two years.

-The value of the replacement property must be equal to or less than the value of your current home.

-Proposition 60 only applies to primary residences, not investment properties.

-Proposition 60 can only be utilized one time unless you become disabled and need to move again to a property that fits your needs.

What is Proposition 90?

Proposition 90 is similar to Proposition 60, except for that it allows you move from one participating county to another in the state of California and still receive the same benefits of Proposition 60. The participating counties are as follows:

Alameda County
El Dorado County
Los Angeles County
Orange County
Riverside County
San Diego County
San Mateo County
Santa Clara County
Ventura County

Where Can I Find More Information on Propositions 60 and 90?

To learn more about Propositions 60 and 90, you can read the FAQ page on the California State Board of Equalization website here.

I’ve Decided That It’s the Right Time For Me to Make a Move – What Should I Do Next?

If now is the right time for you to sell your current home and purchase another, give me a call to get started!

Home Improvement Projects With the Best ROI in the San Diego Area

February 12, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

Most San Diego homes could use a few updates before going on the market. But you want to make sure you’re investing in the right home improvement projects. In my experience, these are some of the best updates you can make to your home to maximize your ROI:

Necessary Updates: Before getting into more cosmetic and trendy choices, you should make sure your house is in good condition. If the roof needs repairs or the windows need replacing, you should take care of those things before remodeling the kitchen or bathrooms. These updates may not be glamorous, but most buyers want to purchase a home that isn’t going to need immediate maintenance.

Curb Appeal and Landscaping: First impressions are lasting. Paint or replace the front door, get new house numbers, install outdoor lighting, and plant some colorful flowers to help your home make a great first impression on potential buyers!

Interior Paint: Painting the interior of your home is one of the cheapest and easiest updates you can make. Choosing a trendy color like white or grey and applying it to the walls, ceiling, trim, baseboards, railings, and cabinetry can dramatically makeover your home!

Flooring: You might not need to necessarily replace your home’s flooring, but it could probably use some TLC!

-If you have carpets, replacing them is your best bet. Carpet is made to last anywhere from 5-15 years, but most homebuyers will look skeptically at any stains. If replacing carpet is not in your budget, then hire a professional cleaning service.

-If you have hardwood floors, consider having them refinished before putting your home on the market. This will take care of any scratches or gouges in the wood.

-If you have laminate wood floors that appear worn out or scratched, you should replace the flooring. Laminate wood floors cannot be repaired or refinished like hardwood floors.

-If you have tile floors, hire a professional to repair any cracked or broken tiles.

Exterior Paint: If the paint is cracking and peeling, you should definitely consider repainting your home – it will give buyers the impression the home has been well cared for. If the paint is in good condition, you may be able to get away with just power washing the exterior.

Minor Kitchen Remodel: Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. In fact, minor kitchen remodels tend to offer better returns that major remodeling jobs! In a minor kitchen remodel, cabinets are usually replaced, repainted, or refinished. Old hardware and appliances are swapped out for new ones. New countertops may be installed. But in contrast to a major remodeling job, no structural changes will be made and the layout of the kitchen will remain the same.

Garage Door Replacement: Replacing your home’s garage door might not seem like a big deal, but it is one update that consistently tends to yield a great return on your investment at the time of resale!

Every home’s remodeling needs are different. If you’re not sure what investments will offer the best ROI, give me a call! I’d be happy to discuss how the House 2 Home program can get your home ready for market!

9 Pieces of Open House Etiquette You Should Know

February 4, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

An important part of the home buying journey is to check out houses for sale in the neighborhood where you want to buy. While your agent can take you on a private showing, sometimes it just makes sense for you to go to the open house by yourself. But before you walk through the front door, make sure you’ve brushed up on your open house etiquette!

Do Say Hello to the Host

It’s not only polite to greet the agent holding the open house, it’s important to let the agent know you are there. Some agents will let you move freely through the house while others will insist on giving you a tour. No matter how much you might want to wander around on your own, if the agent insists on going with you, let them. They may have received specific instructions from the seller to accompany buyers through the house. While the agent is holding the home open so buyers can view the property, they also have a responsibility to watch over the home and the seller’s belongings.

The agent will also usually ask you if you’re working with an agent. If you are, don’t be afraid to tell them. If you have one of your agent’s cards, you can give it to the Realtor at the open house. They will then contact your agent to follow-up after the open house instead of you.

Don’t Keep Your Shoes On If Asked to Remove Them

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove when you visit an open house. If the agent on duty asks you to remove your shoes or wear slip-on booties, follow their instructions. There will usually be a place designated for you to take your shoes on and off.

Do Sign In If the Agent Asks You To

You may be reluctant to sign the guest register, but if asked, please comply. Yes, you’re providing your personal information to yet another real estate agent, but they also need to keep a record for the seller of who was in the home in case of any issues. If you don’t want the agent to contact you, just tell them or leave a note in the register. Most agents will respect your wishes.

Don’t Open a Closed Door Without Permission

Always ask before opening a closed door. If the seller has pets, they may be behind the door. Or the seller might have designated a certain room or closet as an off-limits area. Be polite and ask before opening!

Do Ask Before Taking Pictures or Video

You may be tempted to takes pictures or videos to help you remember what you liked about the house. Ask the Realtor on duty if it’s okay to do so. Remember: the house is likely still the seller’s home and you would want someone to ask before taking pictures in your home!

Don’t Make Negative Remarks About the Home or Seller

Keep your private opinions about the home or seller to yourself. You never know if a friend or neighbor of the seller might be listening. And in a multiple offer situation, it’s not uncommon for the agent to share their impressions of potential buyers to help the seller make a decision about the offers on the table.

Do Ask Questions

The agent on duty is there to answer your questions. They want you to fall in love with the home and make an offer. Anything you want to know, just ask! If they don’t know the answer to something, they should offer to find out and follow up with you.

Don’t Rush Through the Open House

Don’t feel you have to rush through or can only take a quick glance at the home. Take your time, look around, and imagine yourself living there. Is this home the one? Or does it have the potential to be the one with a little work and your personal touches? Unless the Realtor has stated that they need to close up, feel free to stay as long as you want.

Do Give Yourself Permission to Fall in Love

It’s okay to walk into a house and immediately fall in love. As much as I advise my clients not to get too attached to a particular home, sometimes you just know that the search is over.

If you have questions about the home buying process or want to see some homes in San Diego, contact me and I will be happy to help you!

What to Consider Before Making an Offer on a Home

January 28, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

It happened – you walked into a house and fell in love! But before you submit an offer on that home, there are a few things you should consider:

Location

No matter how much you might love a house, you can’t do anything about its location. Drive through the neighborhood and check out the local amenities. Can you imagine yourself living in this neighborhood? Raising your kids here?

You should also investigate any potential plans for development in the area where you want to buy. This is particularly important if the home you’re looking at backs up to open space or empty land. You will want to know if there are future plans to develop the area.

Layout

Many homes in San Diego are custom built or have been updated/expanded over the years. Sometimes that means the home has a strange or awkward floorplan. It also might mean that the functionality of the home has been conventionally reduced (a garage that has been converted into an extra room is a good example of this type of update). The home may also
have unpermitted square footage which may be a resale hindrance.

Maybe the quirks of your future home don’t bother you, but it’s important to consider the resale value and how others might view the home. If the house has been on the market for awhile, that can be a good indicator that others buyers find the home offputting in some way.

Proximity to a Busy or Noisy Road

It’s a fact that no matter how desirable a home is, most buyers don’t want to live near a busy or noisy road. This could be because they have kids or pets or just don’t want to hear the sound of traffic.

When touring the house, you might not have found the road’s proximity to be an issue. Maybe you can’t really hear it when the doors and windows are closed. But if you need to sell the home in the future, it’s important to realize that other buyers might be turned off by your home’s location.

Schools

Even if you don’t have kids and don’t plan on having any, homes located in good school districts are more desirable than homes with average or sub-par schools. A home in a good school district is more likely to appreciate over time.

Why the Current Owner is Selling the Home

It’s always worthwhile to ask the seller’s agent (or the sellers themselves) why the home is up for sale. They might not tell you the whole truth (unless there’s a problem they must disclose by law), but it never hurts to ask. You might get lucky and find out a useful piece of information – such as that the sellers don’t get along with the neighbors or there is a barking dog.

Talk to the Neighbors

If you can, talk to a few of the neighbors around the home you’re considering buying. They can provide you with insights about the neighborhood and give you a sense of the community surrounding your future home.

Crime Reports

Crime statistics are easy enough to find online. The City of San Diego website has resources to help you view crime statistics and crime maps in San Diego County.

Ultimately, the decision to make an offer on a home is entirely yours. You just want to make sure you’re thinking not only with your heart, but also with your head.

If you’re in the market to purchase a home in San Diego, I would be happy to help you – contact me to get started!

18 Things to Do Before You Close Escrow

January 21, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

There are so many moving parts during the escrow process, it can be hard to keep track of everything you need to do before you close. Here are 18 essential things you should take care of before picking up your keys!

File a Change of Address Form With the Post Office
Schedule a Professional Mover 2-3 Weeks Before You Need to Move
Contact SDG&E to Schedule When You Will Need Gas and Electric Services Turned Off at Your Old Residence and Turned on At Your New Home
Contact Your Water Company to Schedule When You Will Need Water Turned Off at Your Old Residence and Turned on At Your New Home:

City of San Diego

Carlsbad Water District

Olivenhain Water District

San Dieguito Water District

Santa Fe Irrigation District

Update Your Address on Your Credit Cards and Bank Accounts
Update Your Address on Any Magazines or Subscriptions You Receive in the Mail
Give Your Church, Doctor, Veterinarian, Etc. Your New Address
Notify Any Government Offices of Your Move
Contact Your Cable/Internet Provider to Schedule When You Will Need Their Services Turned Off at Your Old Residence and Turned on At Your New Home

AT&T

Cox

Spectrum Time Warner

If Your Children Are Staying in the Same Schools, Notify the School With Your New Address
If Your Children Will Be Changing Schools, You Will Need to Get Them Registered:

Carlsbad Unified School District

Del Mar Union School District

Encinitas Union School District

Rancho Santa Fe School District

San Diego Unified School District

San Dieguito Union High School District

Solana Beach School District

Update Your Address at the DMV
Update Your Auto and Health Insurance
Ensure Your Home Warranty Coverage Will Start on the Day You Close Escrow
Notify Your Landscaper of Your New Address and Arrange to Have Them Start at Your New Property
Notify the Newspaper of Your New Address
If You Pay For Trash and Recycling Services, Notify Them of Your Change of Address
Provide Friends and Family With Your New Address

If there’s anything you need help with that is not on this list, please let me know!

San Diego’s Most Anticipated New Restaurants of 2018

January 14, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

Dozens of new restaurants are slated to open in San Diego in 2018! Here are 50 of the most anticipated restaurant openings across the county:

An’s Dry Cleaning, North Park
This spring, the historic dry cleaning store will be transformed into an artisan gelato shop, but it will retain its retro name. Seven flavors of fresh-made sweet and savory gelato will rotate daily, with ingredients like gorgonzola, cactus and wasabi flowers in the mix. 3017 Adams Ave., North Park. adcgelato.com

The Bell Marker Brewery & Kitchen, Downtown
The Artisanal Brewers Collective has named this 200-seat American brasserie and craft brewery after the famous Mission bells along El Camino Real. The menu features pizza and modern California cuisine. A winter opening is planned. 602 Broadway, downtown. thebellmarker.com

Bar Meets Grill, Pala
In the early morning hours of Jan. 2, Pala Casino Spa & Resort closed its upscale Mediterranean dinnerhouse CAVE Restaurant & Lounge and reopened it 10 hours later as Bar Meets Grill, a “California casual” restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The resort is in the midst of a $170 million expansion plan that has shuttered some of its daytime eateries and needed another lunch spot with a more accessible menu. Chef Anila Kurti ‘s wide-ranging lunch menu features appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and salads. The dinner menu will include popular Mediterranean dishes from the former CAVE menu like Chicken Milanese and Lobster Oscar, as well as pastas made in-house. palacasino.com

Better Buzz Coffee, Hillcrest
San Diego-based Better Buzz, with seven retail outlets countywide and a roasting warehouse in Vista, expands this winter with a 7,500-square-foot retail/office center in Hillcrest. The ground floor will be a coffee bar and special events space and the upstairs will serve as Better Buzz’s new headquarters. 801 University Ave., Hillcrest. betterbuzzcoffee.com

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, Ocean Beach
Brothers Matt and Judd Braun will open the second location of their Mission Hills-born seafood eatery this spring in Ocean Beach. They plan to update the location with a new stage for live music. 5083 Santa Monica Ave., Suite B, Ocean Beach. bluewaterseafoodsandiego.com

Breakfast Republic, Carlsbad
In the spring, Rise & Shine Restaurant Group will open the eighth location of this brunch-centric restaurant chain at The Shoppes at Carlsbad shopping mall. Another location opened at the end of 2017 in Pacific Beach in the former Miller’s Field location.The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad; 4465 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach (now open). breakfastrepublic.com

Buona Forchetta, Encinitas
Matteo Cattaneo and Alexa Kollmeier’s popular South Park-born Italian eatery will soon open its third location in Encinitas. The rustic restaurants are known for their authentic Italian pizzas, which are cooked in wood-fired ovens imported from Italy. The new location will take over the vacant space once occupied by the former Bird House restaurant. A Coronado location is also planned in 2019. 250 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. buonaforchettasd.com

Chloe at Scout, Liberty Station
This winter, the owners of Café Chloe will open a European-style catering and special events venue serving French Provencal food, wines and garden-inspired cocktails. 2675 Rosecrans St., Liberty Station. cafechloe.com

Ciao Plaza Restaurant, Vista
The 20-year-old north Vista restaurant is building a massive 10,000-square-foot expansion at its current location, with plans for completion later this winter. The 300-seat location will add a bakery, deli, gelateria, enoteca and large banquet hall. 2015 E. Vista Way, Vista. (760) 630-7333, ciao2.com

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Embarcadero
The Texas-based luxury steakhouse chain will open its first California location next fall in the two-story BRIC development planned in downtown’s North Embarcadero area. The two-story eatery will serve Del Frisco’s signature 45-day dry-aged steaks and other hand-cut meats. Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway, downtown. delfriscos.com

Din Tai Fung, Westfield UTC
The popular Taiwan-based mega-chain will open its first San Diego outlet this winter at the Westfield UTC mall. The shop will offer a variety of dumplings and noodle dishes. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. dintaifungusa.com

Dog Haus, Vista
The Pasadena-based fast-casual hot dog chain will open its second San Diego County location in downtown Vista this winter. Dog Haus specializes in gourmet dogs (served on grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls), burgers and more. The location will also have a beer garden serving up to 20 brews on tap. 227 E. Broadway, Vista. doghaus.com

El Jardin, Liberty Station
“Top Chef” competitor Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins (formerly of Bracero Cucina) is developing the menu for this latest entry from Johan Engman’s Rise & Shine Restaurant Group. Zepeda-Wilkins, who grew up on both sides of the Mexican border, is planning a contemporary, refined take on regional Mexican cuisine in a colorfully decorated indoor/outdoor space. It’s scheduled for an early 2018 opening. 2885 Perry Road, Liberty Station. riseandshinerg.com

Empanada Kitchen, Downtown
This popular Argentinean empanada vendor at the North Park and La Jolla farmers markets will open its first fast-casual storefront this winter. 819 C St., downtown. (619) 988-7265, empanada-kitchen.com

Fourpenny House, La Mesa
Partners Peter Soutowood and Khalid Kyler plan to open this La Mesa brewpub this winter. The specialty will be house-made breads, local beer and spirits. Fourpenny House will feature a rotating seasonal menu and beer brewed in-house, as well as local and national beers and a collection of rare and craft whiskeys and bourbons. 8323 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. (619) 606-2028, fourpennyhouse.com

Frost Me Café & Bakery, Little Italy
Frost Me Gourmet, the Seaport Village cupcake shop that came up a winner on Food Network’s ninth season of “Cupcake Wars,” will open its second shop this winter in Little Italy. Located on Little Italy’s new pedestrian Piazza della Famiglia, the outlet will serve desserts, sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, coffee drinks, beer and wine. 523 W. Date St., Little Italy. frostmegourmet.com

Gravity Heights, Sorrento Valley
Whisknladle Hospitality, Alesmith co-founder Skip Virgilio and brewer Ryan Trim are collaborating on this enormous project that will combine a 7,000-square-foot restaurant and tasting room and 5,000-square-foot beer garden. It aims for a late 2018 opening. 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd., San Diego. gravityheights.com

Great Maple, Westfield UTC
Offering modern American fare in a mid-century modern atmosphere, Great Maple has been packing in hipster crowds at its Hillcrest location since 2013. Brunch is as popular as the maple bacon doughnuts that are served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The company’s fourth location at Westfield UTC will open this winter. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. thegreatmaple.com

Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market, Carlsbad
This new concept from the owners of Señor Grubby’s will feature poke bowls, fresh fish entrees and locally caught sushi-grade fish sold by the pound. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. grubbyspoke.com

Haru Mama, Little Italy
This winter, Jenny and James Pyo, who own Love Boat Sushi, Pokewan and several other local Asian eateries, will open this contemporary ramen bar, featuring steamed buns, bowls, noodle dishes and salads. 1901 Columbia St., Little Italy. (619) 564-8970.

Javier’s Cantina, Westfield UTC
Founded in Laguna Beach in 1995, Javier’s serves elevated Mexican cuisine and a vast selection of tequilas in luxurious surroundings. Traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes are prepared with prime Nebraskan Angus beef, Mexican prawns, Maine lobster, Dungeness crab and natural chicken. The location will open this winter. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. javiers-cantina.com

The Kitchen, Rancho Bernardo
Bernardo Winery owner Ross Rizzo Jr. will open this Italian-American wine-themed restaurant on the winery property in the spring. Rizzo’s restaurant will use recipes that have been in his family since the 1920s. The Kitchen replaces Café Merlot, which was set to close on Dec. 31. 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, Rancho Bernardo. (858) 487-1866, bernardowinery.com

Lola 55, East Village
Owner Frank Vizcarra and Chef Drew Bent are planning an early spring opening for this fine/fast-casual restaurant serving a Mexican-inspired healthy menu of gourmet tacos with a full bar program. 1290 F St., East Village. lola55catering.com

Lucha Libre Taco Shop, Carlsbad
The family-run, Mission Hills-born taqueria celebrates its 10th anniversary this winter by opening its third location in the Shoppes at Carlsbad mall. The colorful eateries are as well known for their Mexican wrestling-inspired decor as their award-winning burritos. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Suite 218-C, Carlsbad. tacosmackdown.com

Maestoso, Hillcrest
Celebrated New York chef Marco Maestoso will partner with Dalila Ercolani and local Italian ex-pats Christopher Antinucci and Giulia Colmignoli (owners of the Napizza chain) to open a 90-seat modern Italian restaurant this winter in The Hub Hillcrest Market. Maestoso’s four-part menu will feature pinsa (an ancient form of pizza), build-your-own pasta dishes, traditional plated entrees and a chef’s whim option called passaggi. 1040 University Ave., Hillcrest. casamaestoso.it

Mavericks Beach Club, Pacific Beach
The former PB Bar & Grill is being remodeled and will reopen this winter as a 15,000-square-foot restaurant and bar. 860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. maverickssd.com

Menya Ultra Ramen, Mira Mesa
Japanese diners have been celebrating this house-made ramen chain for more than 20 years, but it was unknown to Americans until the company opened its first U.S. outlet in Clairemont Mesa last summer. A second is planned in Mira Mesa later this year. 8141 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa. menya-ultra.com

Monzu Fresh Pasta, East Village
Italians Aldo de Dominicis Rotondi and Serena Romano are planning a restaurant/retail pasta shop in East Village later this winter. A wide range of house-made, fresh pastas will be made daily, along with a variety of sauces from different regions of Italy. 455 Tenth Ave., East Village. monzufreshpasta.com

North Park Breakfast Company, North Park
This new concept from Rise & Shine Restaurant Group will focus on lighter breakfast items to meet the needs of health-conscious brunchers. Items will include quinoa blueberry pancakes, guava-infused pancakes and stuffed potato breakfast bakes. A winter opening is planned. 3131 University Ave., North Park. breakfast-company.com

Parana Empanadas, Westfield UTC
This family-owned company, offering Argentinian empanadas developed from family recipes, will open its second storefront this winter at Westfield UTC. The family project started in farmers markets around San Diego then expanded to its location at Liberty Public Market. Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla. paranaempanadas.com

Park Commons, Sorrento Valley
Whisknladle Hospitality is taking over the former San Diego Tech Center building to create a 10,000-square-foot food hall and event space. Chef Ryan Johnston will oversee the multi-concept food stations that will serve salads, Middle Eastern wraps, street tacos, poke, sandwiches and coffee, plus an evening bar. A summer opening is projected. The Park, 9645 Scranton Road, Sorrento Valley. whisknladle.com

Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria, Carlsbad
Sami Ladeki, founder of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza chain, launched this Peruvian restaurant concept last summer. Pisco has a rotisserie and ceviche-centric menu developed by Emmanuel Piqueras, a chef and Peruvian cooking show producer. The first location opened at Liberty Station, with a second location scheduled to open in January at a former North County’ Sammy’s location. 5790 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad

Pizza Republic, North Park
Rise & Shine Restaurant Group does more than just breakfast. Restaurateur Johan Engman is branching out, reaching into the dinner hour with an Italian-style, artisan-wood-fired-pizza concept this winter. 2726 University Ave., North Park. pizzarepublicca.com

Point Loma Fish Shop, Point Loma
Billy Ramirez will open the fourth location of his 8-year-old Fish Shop casual seafood chain this winter in Point Loma. Like the other locations, the eatery will serve a variety of fresh-caught seafood in soups, sandwiches and grilled platters. 1110 Rosecrans St., Suite 100, Point Loma. facebook.com/plfishshop

Punch Bowl Social, East Village
One of America’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, Punch Bowl is poised to open nine new outlets in the U.S. in 2018, including a 24,000-square-foot venue in East Village. Billed by Inc. magazine as the “boozy utopia of fun,” Punch Bowl will combine a casual Southern-style restaurant with a bowling alley, bar, arcade and karaoke center. 15th and E streets, East Village. punchbowlsocial.com

Queenstown Bistro, Westfield UTC
This winter, the owners of Queenstown Public House in Little Italy will open Queenstown Bistro (formerly known as Arbor), serving wine and craft beer, shareable plates and organic sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner. Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. (619) 546-0444, queenstownbistro.com

Raised by Wolves, Westfield UTC
This winter, CH Projects will open this $2 million spirits-themed retail shop and speakeasy-style cocktail tasting room at Westfield UTC mall. The shop will offer a 1,500-square-foot shop selling books, barware and CH-branded products with a hidden cocktail bar for onsite tastings. Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., Suite 4301, La Jolla, consortiumholdings.com

Raising Cane’s, Vista
San Diego County’s first Raising Cane’s chicken fingers outlet will open this year in Vista Village. The drive-thru fast-food eatery will replace the shuttered Famous Dave’s barbecue restaurant. 303 Vista Village Drive, Vista. raisingcanes.com

Rio Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse, San Marcos
This Brazil-inspired restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled meats as part of a 20-item buffet. It replaces the shuttered Elephant Bar restaurant in Grand Plaza later this winter. 105 S. Las Posas Road, San Marcos. (760) 539-7878.

Sisters Pizza, Bankers Hill
Emily Green will open an East Coast-style pizzeria this spring in a former beauty salon space in Bankers Hill. It’s named for her late sister, Kate, who died in 2016. Chef Alex Carballo (former chef/owner of URBN Coal Fired Pizza) is helping Green develop the menu, which will include pastas, salads, sandwiches and more. 3603 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill. (858) 228-6822, sisterspizzasd.com

Swami’s Cafe, Vista
The healthy-foods café chain will open its 10th San Diego County location in Vista this winter. Expect a healthy, fresh menu of açai bowls, pastries, smoothies and sandwiches in the Vista Village spot formerly occupied by El Callejon Mexican restaurant. Vista Village Center, 1 Main St., Vista. swamiscafe.com

Sweetfin Poké, Westfield UTC
This Los Angeles-born, build-your-own-bowl poke chain, founded for “Top Chef” alumnus Dakota Weiss, specializes in selling only sustainable raw fish for its hearty quick-service bowls. The La Jolla location, opening in January, will be the chain’s eighth. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego. sweetfinpoke.com

Table Food + Drink, Rancho Santa Fe
On Jan. 6, the former César RSF will reopen as Table Food + Drink, serving a more contemporary, American-style menu. Opened in summer 2016 by Bay area restaurateurs Richard and Terumi Mazzera, Cesar was a Southern California version of their popular Spanish tapas bar, which has operated in Berkeley for more than 20 years. Besides a newly remodeled dining room, the restaurant has a new chef, Jon Hearnsberger, whose menu includes buttermilk-fried chicken, grilled wedge salad and panko-crusted sole. 16089 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe. (858) 771-1313 or tablefooddrink.com

Texas De Brazil, Carlsbad
This Brazilian-style churrascaria will open in late 2018 in The Shoppes at Carlsbad mall. The 20-year-old Texas-based chain’s restaurants serve all-you-can-eat grilled and roasted meats served tableside. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. texasdebrazil.com

Volcano Rabbit, Gaslamp Quarter
Don Chido, a 3-year-old modern Mexican eatery shuttered in November for an overhaul and rebranding that will finish up later this winter. Owner RMD Group says the new restaurant/bar, renamed Volcano Rabbit, will be more nightlife-focused with an elevated lounge, music, dance floor and improved menu featuring craft tacos by Chef Andre Alto. 527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. (619) 232-8226, donchido.com

Ways & Means Oyster House, La Jolla
This spring, the Orange County restaurant company will open its first San Diego County location in the former Alfonso’s space in La Jolla. Ways & Means, with outlets in Huntington Beach and Tigard, Ore., is known for its vast menu of fresh raw oysters, including a brand of its own. 1251 Prospect St., La Jolla. wmoysters.com

West Pac Noodle Bar, Coronado
Blue Bridge Hospitality’s culinary tribute to San Diego’s naval history features the cuisine of eight Pacific Rim countries. It should open this month. 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado. westpacnoodle.com

When Pigs Fly, Vista
Dale and Tommy Ginos, who have run their award-winning barbecue restaurant for the past four years at a Chevron gas station in North Vista, are relocating their eatery this month to a newly renovated storefront in Vista Village. 230 Main St., Vista. (760) 945.7828, whenpigsflybbq.com

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Westfield UTC
This Orange County-based wine-country-themed restaurant will open its third Southern California location this winter at Westfield UTC. Its opening chef is Yvon Goetz, the former executive chef at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant will have a quick-service 1,000-square-foot wine bar and a wine list with more than 650 labels. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. thewinerytustin.com

Wokcano, Carlsbad
The L.A.-based chain will open its first San Diego location later this winter in The Shoppes at Carlsbad shopping mall. The Asian fusion restaurant offers a contemporary take on Japanese and Chinese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, noodle dishes and Asian-inspired cocktails. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. wokcanorestaurant.com

(Article originally appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune)