Design Trend: Green Velvet

Green velvet is a beautiful shade that can really compliment a room if done properly.  Velvet is one of those materials that’s soft, sophisticated and instantly adds a touch of glamour to any room. It’s luxurious, yet versatile for every style, and creates an aesthetic that looks amazing in bright colors! Take a look at the photos below for more inspiration on how you can incorporate this design trend into your home:

All images via our Pinterest

Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket Wreath

What You Need:

• 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls
• 24 mini hot dogs
• 1/4 c. Dijon mustard
• Egg wash
• 2 tsp. poppy seeds
• rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
• Ketchup, for serving

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Slice crescent rolls lengthwise into thirds. Brush all over with dijon mustard. Place a mini hot dog on the thick end of each triangle and roll up.
3. Arrange the pigs in a blanket, side by side, in a circle on the baking sheet. They should be touching! Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crescents are golden. Let cool for at least 20 minutes.
4. Lay rosemary sprigs around the inside of the wreath and place a small bowl filled with ketchup in the center.

 

House 2 Home Success Stories: Overpark

We have discovered that the best way to sell a San Diego house quickly and for the best price is to turn it into a home.

We have aligned ourselves with the best in the business to do whatever it takes to prepare a house for sale and turn it into a buyer’s dream home. Whether it’s painting, replacing carpet or flooring, landscaping,cosmetic repairs, or staging, we know what to do to prepare your home to shine.

The House 2 Home Program was created as a way to showcase these seller services. Whether you’re currently still living in a home or are selling a vacant property, we will be happy to discuss our plan to prepare your home for the San Diego Market.

We’ll take you inside a few of the homes that have benefited from our House 2 Home Program. Real sellers, real homes, real measurable results. These are their stories:

Overpark

Days on Market With Another Broker BEFORE House 2 Home: N/A

Days on Market AFTER House 2 Home: 5 Days

What We Did: We cleaned the carpets, installed a new shower enclosure, painted inside including some cabinets, did outdoor landscaping clean up and spruce up, staged the home, and took professional photos.

Restaurant of the Moment: Pho Duyen Mai

5375 Kearny Villa Rd Ste 111
San Diego, CA 92123

Vietnamese Pho is a popular dish in Southern California and Pho Duyen Mai offers some of the most authentic and best tasting Pho in San Diego! They have an expansive menu which features different type of Pho, Bahn Mi sandwiches, noodle dishes, egg rolls, spring rolls, and more! Our favorite items were the Surf and Turf Spring Rolls, the Pho Dac Biet, House Special Pho, and the Nem Nuong.

All of the menu items are of excellent quality and taste very fresh. While it may seem like Pho Duyen Mai is just another hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the Convoy area, the elegant atmosphere elevates it above being just a casual eatery. Yet the prices are fair and affordable so you don’t need to relegate dining at Pho Duyen Mai to just a special occasion!

Like many places in the Convoy area, parking can be tricky so give yourself plenty of time to find a space, especially if you’re going on the weekend or around dinnertime. They are open from 9am-9am every day of the week.

November 2017 Real Estate Market in Review

November’s San Diego real estate market in review: As of November 2017, the median detached home in San Diego County sold for $605,000 up 7.1% from the previous year.

As of  November 2017, the median attached home (including condos, townhomes, and twinhomes in San Diego County sold for $395,500 up 6.8% from last year.

The average detached home in San Diego spent 17 days on the market.

Condos, twinhomes, and townhomes in San Diego spent an average of 13 days on the market.

As of November 2017, the average seller of a detached home in San Diego County receives 97.4% of the original list price at the close of the sale.

As of October 2017, the owners of attached properties (condos, twinhomes, and townhomes) retained 98.4% of the original list price.

The inventory of homes in San Diego County is still low, which is consistent with what we know that inventory is very tight and not predicted to dramatically improve as we move further into winter.

The supply of attached properties is also quite low.

Are you interested in seeing this breakdown for your San Diego community or zipcode? Let us know!

The Pinteresting 5: Festive Holiday Wreaths

Spice up your front door with a festive holiday wreath! These beautiful wreaths are the perfect way to welcome guests to your home and boost your curb appeal. We’ve collected some of our favorites below for inspiration!

All Images via our Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 San Diego Holiday Lights Guide

The Holidays are upon us! Here is your guide to all of the best holiday light shows San Diego has to offer!

North County Inland

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH, 92128
Fairway Village, east and west sides of Stoney Gate Pl. 80 homes decorated in “Holiday Magic”. Dec. 16-Jan1, 5:30-10:30 pm.

POWAY, 92064
12631 Stoutwood St. Off Twin Peaks Rd. & Deerwood St. Nicknamed “The Griswolds.” Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 5:30-10 pm weekdays, 11 pm weekends.

Hickory Ct./Hickory St., 12659 Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct. All off Twin Peaks Rd. & Silverset St. named “Candy Cane Lane.” Entire cul-de-sacs are lit up. Dec. 10-24, 6-9 pm.

RAMONA, 92065
23542 Bassett Way. “Happy Lights Ramona” with 30,000+ lights animated to music on 106.9 FM using 996 computer channels to control the lights. Nov. 24-Jan. 1; Sun-Th, 5:30-10 pm; and Fri & Sat, 5:30-11 pm.

RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS, 92129
Oviedo St. Off Black Mountain Rd. “Christmas Card Lane.” Also enter off Twin Trails Dr. & Carmel Mountain Rd. Dec. 9-31, dusk-10 pm.

SAN MARCOS, 92069, 92078
1639 Knob Hill. Off Nordahl Rd. Between Tam O’ Shanter Dr. & Augusta Dr.; 29th year of decorating. 100,000+ lights plus themed displays. Nov. 23-Dec. 30, 5-9 pm. See Santa Dec. 16-23, 6:30-8 pm. Visit them online here.

1145 Barham Dr. Festively decorated house with an electric train and snow machine. Nov. 26-Dec. 24, Sun-Th, 5:30-9 pm, Fri & Sat, 5:30-10 pm.

North County Coastal

CARLSBAD, 92009, 92011
7607 Romeria St. Nicknamed “The Carlsbad Christmas House”. Walk up to see the animated window display, swimming penguins, surfing Santa, Snoopy skating and three snow machines. Food drive donations accepted. Dec. 3-31, 5-10 pm.

3520 Corte Ramon. 5th year of decorating with a different theme every year: Sponge Bob Sings, Olaf Sings, Santa Sings. Tune into FM 95.3. Dusk-10 pm.

OCEANSIDE, 92056, 92057
1615 Quiet Hills Dr. Lights synchronized to over 10 songs on 87.9 FM.  http://ChristmasOnQuietHills.com

2329 Snead Dr. Lights, lights, lights, Santa arrives by hot air balloon, nativity scene, animated elves and Santa village light display. Walk up to see a Christmas scene in the garage. Dec. 5-31, 5:30-9 pm.

1562 Peacock Blvd. Rudolph, Christmas trees and lights. Dec. 10-Jan. 5. 5:30-10 pm.

San Diego Botanic Garden “Garden of Lights”. 125,000+ lights illuminating the Garden. Horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, holiday crafts, visits with Santa and marshmallow roasting. Dec. 2-23 and 26-30, 5-9 pm. Adults, $15-$20, children 3-12, $5. 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. For more info click here.

South Bay

CHULA VISTA, 91910, 91911, 91914, 91915
Whitney St./Mankato. Circle between First and Second Ave. off H St. & 1st Ave. “Christmas Circle.” 60th year of decorating 55+ homes. Dec. 9-26, 5-10 pm.

PARADISE HILLS, 92139
2160 Reo Dr. 14th year of decorating. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 6pm-midnight. On Dec. 17, free cookies, cocoa and smores at 6:30-9 pm!

CORONADO, 92118
Hotel del Coronado. America’s beachfront legend becomes a playful wonderland with pops of bright color at every turn against a backdrop of twinkling white lights. With the return of Skating by the Sea, The Del is truly a sight to behold with carolers, jingle s’mores, whimsical polar bears, lavish feasts and festive parties. 1500 Orange Ave. 619-522-8490. For more info click here.

Downtown San Diego

Luminaria. Trees, lamp posts, roofs and courtyards all decorated with lights. Along 30th St. and Fern St. from Juniper to Grape to Beech. Nov.17-Jan. 1. Click here for more information.

The Forward House in Bankers Hill. Experience the sight and sounds of the season at 108 Ivy St. (1st & Ivy). Built in 1905 for Mayor John Forward Sr, adorned with lights every season since 1998. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 5–10 pm. Click here for more info!

San Diego Central

BALBOA PARK
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo. Celebration of Lights and Carol of the Jungle Bells light experiences, Twinkle Light Trolley and live entertainment. Dec. 8-Jan. 1, 9 am-8 pm (til 5 pm Dec. 24). For more info click here.

CLAIREMONT, 92117
Lana Dr. & Jamar. Off Mt. Abernathy Ave. Circular street. “Clairemont Christmas Park”. 40+ homes decorated. Dec. 1-25.

5404 Mt. Burnham Dr. Features a 96-channel animated light display to 98.5 FM. North Pole village display, train and animated figures display in garage. Dec. 11-28, 6-10 pm.

5348 Channing St. Light display to music. Dec. 4-31, dusk-10pm.

MIRA MESA, 92126 
8866 Cassioepia Way. Decorated house with a snowman theme. Dec. 10-31, dusk-10 pm.

11505 Elbert Ct. Decorated house with a Smurfs theme. Dec. 10-31, dusk-10 pm.

SCRIPPS RANCH, 92131
Stonebridge Parkway and Merritage Ct. Nicknamed “Merry-tage Court”, entire street lit up with fun themes including Star Wars, minions, Cars and more! Dec. 1-31, 5:30-9:30 pm.

SERRA MESA/MISSION VALLEY, 92123
2002 Ainsley Rd. Features a 20 ft. snowman, multiple blow-ups and lights. Dec. 1-31, dusk-9 pm.

TIERRASANTA, 92124
5306 Belardo Dr. Off Via Valarta at Via Playa De Cortes. 100,000 lights and decorations all sequenced and animated to music at 106.1 FM. Nov. 25-Dec. 26, 6-10 pm. Click here for more info.

10927 Baroque Lane. A Winter wonderland with  shooting star display, animated ski village, miniature village, snowmen and more. Dec. 8-29, 6-10 pm.

East County

EL CAJON, 92020, 92021
Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Dr. Lights). Solomon Ave./Pegeen Pl. and surrounding area. Off 67 & Bradley. Dec. 7-26, Mon-Th, 6-9 pm, Fri-Sun, 6-10 pm.

11456 Pegeen Pl. “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, complete with Jack, Sally, Zero, the Mayor & Oogie Boogie. Santa may make a surprise visit. Dec. 1-Jan. 1, Mon-Th, 6-9 pm and Fri-Sun, 6-10 pm.

1838 El Pico Dr. Off Hacienda Dr. 53rd year decorating the 20-ft. star that’s 100 ft. up. Nov. 29-Dec. 31. Also see a 55-ft. train. Dec. 15-31, dusk-10 pm.

9777 Valley Ranch Rd. Cul-de-sac of lights programmed to 89.1 FM/87.9 FM. Giant dazzling trees, twinkling stars and a Winter Wonderland of computerized light and music shows. Nov. 25-Dec. 26, 5-10:30 pm.

1552 Cajon Greens Pl. Thousands of synchronized lights, yard decorations and music set to 97.7. Plus video of Santa delivering presents under the tree. Nov. 25-Jan. 2, Sun-Th, dusk-10 pm and Fri-Sat, dusk-midnight.

LAKESIDE, 92040
10248 Paseo Palmas Dr. 20+ houses nicknamed “Tinsel Town.” Dec. 5-25, 5:30-9 pm.

13518 Appaloosa Dr. 48 channels of lights dancing to 88.1 FM. Dec. 1-31, 5-10 pm.

LA MESA, 91941, 91942
6266 De Camp Dr. 22-ft tree of light and more. Lights dance to Christmas songs. Dec. 1- 25, 5-9 pm.

7817 Quince St.House lit up. Donations for Humane Society accepted. Dec. 6-31, dusk-10 pm.

LEMON GROVE/LOMITA, 91945
689 Meadowbrook Dr. Off Jamacha Rd. South of Lemon Grove. Occasional sightings of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dec. 8-Jan. 1, dusk-10 pm.

2618 Sheri Lane. Cul-de-sac turns into Santa Claus Lane. Light show at 6:30 pm and every 30 minutes on 89.9 FM. Dec. 1-25, 5:30-9:30 pm.

SANTEE, 92071
Starlight Circle/Sunburst Santee. Tomel Court, off Magnolia. Many homes lit up. Dec. 1-26, dusk-10 pm.

9325 Pebble Beach Dr. Displays on house and yard set to music. Dec. 1-31, dusk-10 pm.

9435 Saint Andrews Dr. Santee’s gingerbread house with over 13,000 lights. Nov. 25-Jan. 1, dusk-10pm.

9773 Roe Dr. 27,000 Christmas lights dance to 10 songs over 128 computer channels. Food Bank and St. Jude donations accepted. Dec. 3-Jan. 2. Sun-Th, 6-10 pm and Fri & Sat, 6-11 pm. Click here for more information!

SPRING VALLEY, 91977
4037 N. Bonita St. Lots of lights, music and decorations. Dec. 10-Jan. 5, dusk-11 pm.

Recipe: Peppermint Bark Brownie Cookies

What You Need:

• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract*
• 1 3.9 ounces instant chocolate fudge pudding mix dry (unprepared)
• 1/4 cup white flour
• 1 18.4 ounces fudge brownie mix**
• 1 3.5 ounces Ghirardelli peppermint bark bar
• 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/3 cup white chocolate chips, peppermint crunch sprinkles

How To:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl fitted to a stand mixer, bring together the cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. They must both be at room temperature — do not melt or soften in the microwave of your cookies will flatten more/ be less thick. Just leave out for about 45 minutes to an hour and they’ll be perfect!
3. Beat in the large egg and vanilla (OR peppermint extract to taste — see note).
4. Beat in the pudding mix (do not prepare), and flour.
5. Beat in the fudge brownie mix. It will be EXTREMELY thick and takes a while to get a dough to form. This is intended. Just keep mixing and it will all come together even though it seems like it won’t.
6. Coarsely chop the peppermint bark bar. Stir in the chopped peppermint bark bar (reserve a few pieces to press in the top), chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips (if desired).
7. Scoop out cookies using a cookie scoop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat liner.
8. Bake for 13-16 minutes. Slightly under-baking these cookies gives them an awesome taste and texture.
9. Optional: Make them pretty! Press a few pieces of the reserved peppermint bark bar or a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies right as they come out of the oven. Sprinkle the cookies with a bit of peppermint crunch sprinkles if desired (they stick to the melted chocolate chips).

 

Coastal Premier Properties Welcomes Sara Catania

Coastal Premier Properties is thrilled to welcome Sara Catania! Sara will be joining the Cook Team and working out of our 4S Ranch office!

About Sara:

Sara Catania was born in Pasadena, CA and grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a B.S. in Biotechnology. She also earned a Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology from UCLA. Sara spent five years in Chicago before relocating to the San Diego area where she spent the past nine years in the Rancho Penasquitos/Poway area.

Sara’s career in real estate was born out of a passion to help people. She enjoys the challenge of finding the best property for her clients’ needs. As a buyer’s agent for Amy Cook, she works hard to get her clients into their dream homes as quickly as possible.

She enjoys entertaining, gardening, music, birdwatching, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an active volunteer at her children’s school.

Click here to contact Sara! For more about Coastal Premier Properties, visit our website!

Design Trends: Textured Bathroom Walls

Nothing adds elegance and beauty like textured walls! 3-D wall tiles are a fantastic way to make a bathroom feel more luxurious, unique and original! These wall tiles come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles, and can be arranged in endless combinations to create original patterns completely unique to your space.  Take a look at a few examples of this design trend below!

All images via our Pinterest