20 Ways to Save Money and Stretch Your Household Budget

20 Ways to Save Money and Stretch Your Household Budget

These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to save money and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month.

Here are 20 things you can start doing today to lower your bills, secure better deals, and begin working toward your financial goals.

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May Gardening Tips 2020

May Gardening Tips vegetable garden

It’s time to plant and prepare your garden for summer. Check your irrigation systems, get rid of those pesky weeds that sprouted after April’s heavy rains and plant heat loving subtropicals, vegetables and herbs.

Here are some May gardening tips to keep your yard bountiful and blooming.

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North County and San Diego Events May 2020

North County and San Diego Events May 2020

NORTH COUNTY AND SAN DIEGO EVENTS FOR MAY

North County and San Diego events in May look quite different than in the past. Because of the pandemic, there are no concerts, festivals or other gatherings to attend. But things are starting to open up a little throughout San Diego County. Below are links to city and county websites with COVID-19 updates letting you know what’s open and what’s not along with ideas on how you can create your own North County and San Diego events this month.

County Parks

County parks have relaxed restrictions as of May 1, but the situation is fluid and may change. They are permitting passive recreation like Continue reading North County and San Diego Events May 2020

April 2020 North County and San Diego Real Estate Markets

April 2020 North County and San Diego Real Estate Markets

North County and San Diego real estate markets were heating up in March with little inventory and short market times. Then COVID-19 requirements shut down many businesses. This is definitely slowing down home sales and making it difficult to view homes, but it’s not 2008. Back then we had a large number of homes on the market. Now we have entered this pandemic with few homes for sale and a housing shortage.

There has been a decrease in the number of homes that are selling, but that’s been balanced by homeowners taking their properties off the market and a drop in new listings. If you compare March’s pending sales and new listings with the previous years’ markets, you’ll see that both have dropped by close to 20 percent.

North County and San Diego Real Estate Markets

Year-over prices were up 6.9 percent countywide and 2.9 percent in North County. Inventory dropped by over 33 percent compared to the previous year, and market times were shorter. New listings and pending sales all dropped by close to 20 percent in both markets.

See below for this month’s statistics and daily interest rate updates.

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Coronavirus: Staying Home and Staying Sane

Staying Home and Staying Sane

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to stay home, avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make the best of this difficult situation.

Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. I also share some favorite ways to stay connected as a community because we’re all in this together. No one should face these trying times alone.

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April Gardening Tips 2020

April Gardening Tips 2020 bougainvillea

April is a wonderful time to be in your garden, and that’s true now more than ever. The garden can be a calming, peaceful place during this stressful time. Hopefully you can use some of your “stay at home” time to start seeds, plant, trim and relax.

Here are some April gardening tips to keep both you and your yard healthy and happy.

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April 2020 Events for North County and San Diego

April 2020 Events for North County and San Diego

March 2020 North County and San Diego Real Estate Markets

March 2020 North County and San Diego Real Estate Markets

February brought continued price growth to North County and San Diego real estate markets. Because of the coronavirus, the California Association of Realtors® is planning on revising this year’s forecast lower, but say the changes will be modest. The uncertainty the virus has brought to financial markets has also led to lower interest rates. Those low rates are spurring on home purchases and refinances.

North County and San Diego Real Estate Markets

Year-over prices were up 8.1 percent countywide and 5.0 percent in North County. Inventory dropped by over 40 percent compared to the previous year, and market times were shorter. We continue to see fewer new listings but more pending and closed sales.

See below for this month’s statistics and daily interest rate updates.

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Top Design Trends for 2020

Top Design Trends for 2020

Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a full-scale renovation, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the top design trends for homes. Sellers who make tasteful updates can generate increased buyer interest and, in some cases, a premium selling price. And buyers should consider which features of a home will need updating immediately (or in the near future) so they can factor renovation costs into their overall budget.

Even if you have no immediate plans to buy or sell, I advise my clients to be thoughtful about the colors, materials, and finishes they select when planning a remodel, or even redecorating. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular options could hurt a home’s value when it does come time to list your property. And selecting out-of-style or overly-trendy elements could cause your home to feel dated quickly.

To help, I’ve rounded up five of the hottest home design trends for 2020. Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate your property, give me a call. I can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

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March Gardening Tips 2020

March Gardening Tips 2020 azalea in bloom Pam Fraser

Spring is coming, and next to fall, early spring is the best time to plant. The cool weather is great for gardening, and the rainy season is almost over. Although December was wet, we didn’t get much rain in January and February. So if you haven’t already, it’s probably time to start watering.

Here are some March gardening tips to keep your yard healthy and happy.

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