Robin Borrelli

The 26th Annual Spring Home/Garden Show

robin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:02 +0000

Despite the torrential downpours that we have been experiencing this week, spring is right around the corner. And for many San Diegans, spring is gardening time! We love our gardens, whether cottage, Mediterranean, or xeriscape (low water, native plants), there is something for everyone at the Spring Home and Garden Show this March 4^th through 6^th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

From the Spring Home and Garden website:

[…] the event will take place on March 4-6, 2011, and will include hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the newest products and hottest trends for both inside and outside the home.

Spring is the season for renewal and fresh starts, and the Spring Home/Garden Show will provide visitors with everything they need to save time and money improving, refreshing or remodeling their home and outdoor surroundings. From appliances to garden lighting, from fencing to security systems, from baths to sunrooms—special pricing will be offered on a wide variety of goods and services available at the Show and attendees will have the opportunity to arrange for multiple bids on projects from exhibitors.

More than just a product marketplace, the Show will allow attendees to meet experts in all areas of landscaping and home improvement, and gain money-saving advice from hundreds of experts under one roof.

[…] the Spring Home/Garden Show will provide guests with outstanding value by also including a full schedule of free garden-related seminars throughout the weekend, providing priceless knowledge that more than offsets the low ticket price. Each day, the show will feature over 4 hours of professional advice on such topics as “How to Have A Beautiful, Water Smart Yard”, an information-packed program including instruction on such things as clearing the yard of thirsty plants, water-saving landscape design, more efficient water delivery hardware, information and visuals on recommended plant materials, and a docent-led walking tour of an impressive display garden containing many of the suggested plant materials.

In the “Garden Masters” area, visitors will enjoy over 20 theatrically lit and beautifully displayed gardens created specifically for this Show by professional landscape architects, designers and contractors. Emphasizing a “Water Smart” theme, the gardens will illustrate how to create strikingly attractive gardens, while at the same time conserving precious water resources. The Spring Home Garden Show will also include a “Garden Marketplace”, selling hundreds of varieties of plants directly from local growers, who will be present to give planting tips and advice. Local plant groups will also be on hand.

The show runs Friday, March 4, 11am-6pm; Saturday, March 5, 10am-6pm; and Sunday, March 6, 10am-5pm. For more information visit: www.sandiegohomegardenshows.com

Household Energy Savings at Your Fingertips

robin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:46:20 +0000

This article came out on January 20, 2012, in the New York Times. Great new initiative and energy monitoring devices–and SDG&E is on board!

The Tendril app

Pushing the Green Button for Energy Savings

By JIM WITKIN

The White House hopes that someday soon everyone will be able to monitor and control their home energy usage, and lower their monthly utility bills, with a few swipes on a smartphone app. At least that’s the vision of the Green Button initiative, a recent White House effort to bring together the nation’s utilities, energy consumers and private industry to develop Internet and mobile phone-style technologies and business models aimed at reducing energy consumption.

TendrilApps like Tendril Energize work with Green Button data to allow homeowners to manage their energy usage remotely.

At an event on Wednesday in Silicon Valley, California’s three major utilities – Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison – became the first in the nation to announce they now support Green Button. Together the utilities serve about 10 million households.

The companies have worked together to make this data available to homeowners since Aneesh Chopra, President Obama’s chief technology officer, issued the challenge last fall. Mr. Chopra, who delivered the keynote address at Wednesday’s event, predicted that other major utilities around the country would follow California’s lead.

Through its Green Button program, the government hopes to coax all utility companies across the country to collect and produce energy usage data for homeowners in a standard format they can download at any time from a utility’s Web site.

Making this data available to the public would in principle lead private-sector companies to develop technologies like energy management systems and smartphone applications that can interpret and use the information. Homeowners in turn would seek out the applications that enable them to gain greater control over their home energy usage and save money, the thinking goes.

Mr. Chopra described the government’s involvement in this effort as a “cheerleader and impatient convener,” but emphasized that the endeavor would depend on private industry. Many of those players were represented at the event. Energy technology companies like Opower and Tendril described Green Button-compatible products they are building.

Tendril’s chief executive, Adrian Tuck, said his company had created a set of software development tools that had already attracted 150 app developers. His company also plans to set up an online marketplace, similar to Apple’s iPhone App Store or Google’s Android Market, where homeowners could download energy-related applications.

Simple Energy demonstrated its online game program that turns energy management into a competition. The company recently began trials of the game, along with Tendril’s energy monitoring device, with 200 residential energy customers in Texas and the San Diego area. Among San Diego Gas & Electric customers who took part in a three-month energy savings contest last fall, the average monthly savings was 20 percent. The winner, called the Biggest Saver, reduced her energy usage by about 45 percent, according to the company, and won a laptop computer.

Providing the data in standard formats according to industry-accepted guidelines will be fundamental to expanding this market, Mr. Chopra said. A standard format allows software developers to create one version of their product that will work for all utility customers across the country. In this case, Green Button has adopted a standard developed by the North American Energy Standards Board, an industry-led group.

Building a smart electric grid, needed to support programs like Green Button, will also rely on consumer uptake of technologies like smart meters and appliances that offer up timely and detailed information on home energy use. Widespread adoption of these technologies is still some time off. According to recent studies by Pike Research, a clean tech research firm, only 22 percent of homes in the United States have smart meters. And privacy concerns have prompted some homeowners to block installation of these meters.

Still, Mr. Chopra is confident that Green Button will gain momentum with consumers and drive forward the other players in this market. At Wednesday’s event, he cited the success of Blue Button, a similar government program that allows military personnel to obtain their medical records maintained by Department of Veterans Affairs. Since Blue Button was offered in October 2010, more than 500,000 veterans have downloaded their records, and a growing portfolio of health care-related companies are building products to use this data, he said.

First-Time Homebuyers—Avoid These Mistakes!

robin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:34:45 +0000

Buying your first home is an exciting process, but it can be a complex and frustrating, too.

As a professional real estate agent, I am here to make sure that together we navigate the sometimes murky waters of home buying so that you can land your dream home with little to no stress. As a seasoned agent, I have witnessed first time buyers make similar mistakes. Following is a list of the top three mistakes newbies can make—before you start searching for your castle, be sure you don’t make these mistakes, too!

Add it Up: It’s More than Mortgage Payments

Many first-timers make the mistake of checking their finances to be sure they can afford a mortgage, but they haven’t determined if they can afford a house. Along with the mortgage payments, there’s property insurance, taxes, maintenance and repairs; homeowners association (HOA) dues (if in a condo or townhouse), and fluctuating electric and water bills are all a part of owning a home. It’s important to factor in rising costs, too—insurance, HOA dues, and property taxes often rise, or at least are subject to increases.

Don’t Find the Loan before the Home

One of the most exciting, and fun, parts of buying a home is looking at available homes for sale. Many first time buyers get caught up in this excitement and while casually looking they find a home they want to bid on. Then they realize they don’t even know home much of a mortgage they can qualify for, or if they even qualify. Don’t let this stop you in your tracks—talk to a qualified loan officer, I can help you select someone who you can trust, and find out exactly how much money you can afford to spend on your dream home before you find the home!

Neglecting to Work with the Pros

If you are new to home buying, even if you are not, you take many risks by not engaging with professionals. A real estate agent works on your behalf, he or she has your best interests at heart and can negotiate the best deal for you.

I am here to help you if you are new to San Diego, home buying, or if you are just looking to size up (or down). I can help you with all stages and phases of the home buying process. For a no obligation get acquainted conversation to determine if I can help you find your dream home in North Park, South Park, Hillcrest, or any other of the many neighborhoods in San Diego, please contact me at (619) 325 4134 or (619) 368 9373 (mobile).

Let’s make 2012 the year you move into your dream San Diego home!

What Will Be Hot in Home Interiors in 2012?

robin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:25 +0000

This article, by Melissa Dittmann Tracey in REALTOR® Magazine, outlines some of the hot design trends for 2012. Watch for sunny yellow mixed with cool grays–a fresh new color combo!

The design forecasts are rolling in for the new year and the predictions of what’s going to be popular in interior decorating in 2012. According to Beasley & Henley Interior Design in Winter Park, Fla., here are some interior design trends to be on the lookout for in the upcoming year:

Photo Credit: Beasley & Henley Interior Design

Homes go gray: All shades of gray will be making up more households, from warm grey to charcoal gray, through furnishings, window treatments, and artwork.

Yellow pops: Yellow can lift practically any room, according to Beasley & Henley Interior Design. Pairing yellow with gray can bring a trendy look to a home in 2012.

Rustic: Furnishings from natural, reclaimed, and rustic wood are expected to catch on. “Finishes on these rustic pieces will range from wire-brushed to bleached oak to gray washes,” according to Beasley & Henley Interior Design.

Re-purposed lighting: Reclaimed pieces that are turned into lamps and lighting pieces is expected to continue its wave of popularity in 2012.

The industrial look: The industrial look is also gaining traction, such as re-purposed, industrial occasional tables or side carts.

Lower seating: Chairs and sofas are sitting lower to the ground. More home furniture manufacturing companies are debuting lounge chair seating lower than the standard 20’’ off the floor. They’re introducing more products at 17-18’’ off the floor–possibly to fit in smaller homes.

Supersized artwork: Artwork continues to get bigger with oversized photography dressing up interiors with black and white, Sepia, or standard pictures.

[Source: December 5, 2011, in Home Trends, by Melissa Tracey]

Dog-Friendly San Diego

robin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:25 +0000

With San Diego’s sunny, perfect climate, beautiful natural environment, and unique neighborhoods, it’s no surprise that this is a dog lovers paradise. Mountains, beaches, the desert, and numerous dog parks beckon dog owners and their pooches out to enjoy all that San Diego has to offer.

The neighborhoods I specialize in: North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, Normal Heights, Hillcrest, and others are particularly popular with pet owners. Here are a few dog-friendly things to do with your favorite pooch:

Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed at the outdoor dining areas of the following restaurants and cafés. As policies allowing dogs may change, please call the restaurant to confirm they are still pet-friendly.

New Leaf Restaurant – Hilton Gaslamp Quarter
Acqua – Hilton San Diego Resort
City Delicatessen
Parkhouse Eatery
Doggie Café at the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA – Outdoor café open to dogs and people every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited and – reservations are required

(source: San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau)

In addition, San Diego is home to many dog parks, here are just a few in and around the neighborhoods bordering Balboa Park:

Balboa Park, 24 hours a day at:
- Nate’s Point – Balboa Dr. at El Prado, south side of Cabrillo Bridge.
- Morley Field northwest of tennis courts.
Grape Street Park
Located at Grape Street and 28th Street this site is unfenced and is available for off leash use during the following designated days and times:Posted Leash Free Hours:
- Monday thru Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- For more listings, check out the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation website.

I love taking my two bulldogs to our local parks and eateries, and in San Diego, we can do this year ’round! Please contact me at 619.368.9373 for more information about how you, too, can live the active San Diego lifestyle (dogs definitely allowed!)

Gorgeous Craftsman Home for Rent near Morley Field

robin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:49:17 +0000

Are you looking for a home in the stylish neighborhood of North Park?

This house has everything for the busy professional. Lovingly cared for and highly upgraded, this home includes:

Viking Range,
Miele dishwasher,
Borrelli Design interior,
hardwood floors,
fireplace,
deck with spa,
charming and magical courtyard!

Please contact me at 619.638.9373 for a personal viewing–don’t wait, this unique rental won’t last!

Top 5 Tips for Selling your Home

robin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:20 +0000

Staging by Robin Borrelli, Del Mar, CA

Making preparations to sell your home can be challenging. So many things to do before you can even think about moving into a new home. Packing, cleaning, donating and recycling unwanted goods, making repairs, and sprucing up landscaping are important tasks for your to-do list.

So, before you get overwhelmed with all there is to do, here are my top 5 tips for preparing your home for selling success!

De-clutter! Knick-knacks, family photos, travel souvenirs, and refrigerator magnets may give you joy, but they are not the first things a potential buyer wants to see. Potential buyers want to be able to imagine their mementos in the house, not see yours. The best thing to do is to box these items up and store until you set up in your new home.

Create a sense of calm with color. Maybe your kids love the lime green walls they painted last year, or that red dining room is your idea of a romantic color to enjoy meals with your significant other, but like personal mementos, color is quite subjective.

Most buyers can envision a space that is painted in neutral tones of creams, tans, off-whites, and other versatile tones. Consider painting over the bright and bold walls, it will pay off in more buyers who show interest in your home!

Let in fresh air, lots of light! Open those curtains (do they need laundering?) and blinds to let in the light and the windows to let in fresh air. If you have pets or a smoker in the home, this is imperative—and if you have carpets and upholstered furniture, have them professionally cleaned. Good deals can be found, check your local weekly paper for these services. It’s important that your home smell fresh and look light and bright for prospective buyers.

Clean, clean, and clean again. Check behind and under furniture, grout and tile in bathrooms and kitchens, and baseboards. Ask a trusted friend to walk through your home and see it through their eyes. Often, we are so used to living in our homes, that we are no longer objective about the details. And remove those cobwebs!

Curb Appeal. This cannot be overstated—the first impression potential buyers have of your home is when they pull up to it. Some potential buyers will drive away if the exterior home looks unkempt. Are yard debris, dead plants, broken pavers, toys, and other clutter keeping your home from enticing people in the front door? If so, clean up, trim, mow, and plant a few inexpensive, but colorful shrubs and flowers. Touch up, or completely repaint the exterior—especially the window trim.

Of course, the trick is to keep your home and yard in tip-top shape as you wait to sell your home—but it’s so much easier to maintain once you complete all five tips above.

I offer complimentary home staging to all my clients and I know several qualified service providers that can help you get your home show ready. Contact me today and let’s get your home sold!

A New Year, A Fresh Start

robin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:25 +0000

For many people, 2011 has been a challenging year. The economic crisis has had a significant impact on the real estate market. More than just statistics and percentages, the economic woes have pushed people out of their homes as they struggle to retain their homes and jobs.

We have learned many lessons from the past year and we look forward with realistic optimism about 2012. With record low interest rates and historic low home prices, there truly has never been a better time to buy a house in San Diego County.

If a new home in one of San Diego’s unique neighborhoods is a part of your plan for 2012, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I can be reached at 619 325 4134 (direct) or 619 368 9373 (mobile)—no obligation; I am here to help you navigate the home buying (or selling) process.

Wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours

robin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:10 +0000

Vinne & Indy

The holiday season is a time of reflection; I look back on the year and assess what worked well, what didn’t work so great, and ways to improve in the New Year.

It’s also a time when I feel especially grateful for my friends, family, and my amazing clients. Because of my clients, I am able to have the best job in the world—helping you find your dream house in San Diego!

I look forward to our continued association in 2012 and beyond.

From my family: Michael (my husband), our bulldogs Vinnie (Vinnie Bag-O-Donuts) and Indy (Indianabonz), and me, to yours we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright new year!

Homeowners’ Insurance: Are you Covered?

robin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:57:14 +0000

Accidents and unforeseen events can cause stress and expense that could have been avoided with a good homeowner’s insurance policy. I can help you navigate the world of home protection—I have several resources to share with you.

Here are a few good tips to get you started – call me at 619-368-9373 to discuss this topic and discover how I can help you find the San Diego County home that’s right for you!

Homeowners’ Insurance:

Do You Have Enough Coverage?

By Barbara Pronin, RISMedia Columnist

Homeowners’ insurance protects you from loss after major damage or calamity. Every now and again, say finance consultants from USA Today, it is a good idea to review your policy to be sure you have enough coverage to meet your needs.

A standard homeowners’ policy includes:

Hazard insurance covers physical damage or loss to property and possessions caused by fire and smoke, wind, hail, lightning, explosions, volcanoes, riots and vandalism, theft, water damage and similar events. Flooding, earthquakes and some other disasters are commonly excluded, so check your policy for exclusions and add coverage if necessary.

If your house is destroyed, the amount you receive to rebuild under a standard policy with “replacement cost” coverage will be a set dollar figure, which was calculated in advance using information you provided to the insurance company about the house’s size, location, number and type of rooms, etc. If disaster strikes, this figure could be low, particularly if you have made improvements.

Also, if your policy pays the “actual cash value” of your house, you get the house’s replacement cost minus any depreciation or wear and tear- which means you are almost guaranteed not to have enough to rebuild. If this is the way your policy reads, start looking for new coverage. Be sure it covers living costs while your home is being rebuilt and replacement costs for possessions destroyed.

Liability insurance – covers accidental injuries to people on your property or caused by members of your household (including pets). This includes medical payments as well as personal liability covering legal fees if you are sued.

Standard homeowners’ policies traditionally provide around $100,000 in liability coverage. You can imagine how someone’s medical bills could top that amount and if you’re sued, you could end up paying even more. Rather than putting your house at risk of being sold to pay a court judgment, make sure your liability coverage is at a realistic level- between $500,000 and $1 million.

Last but not least, check your deductible - the amount you must pay after a loss before your insurance company steps in. Most homeowners agree to a $500 deductible (for the hazard portion; liability insurance doesn’t normally carry a deductible). Raising your deductible will allow you to reduce your premium costs and may keep you from being too quick to call your insurer for coverage. The more claims you make, the more likely the insurer is to raise your premiums or cancel your policy.