RISMEDIA, December 31, 2009—(MCT)—Most homeowners are unlikely to be building, remodeling or decorating with abandon in 2010, given the slow recovery from the recession. But if you do plan to update your home or garden, here are some trends to keep in mind.

Home decor. The sleek, sophisticated but comfortable style known as “soft contemporary” will be a key look for the New Year, said Kris Kolar, vice president of interior design at Robb & Stucky Interiors. Instead of the eclectic clutter that has been popular for a while, there will be a move toward using just one or two eye-catching accents. These “punctuation-mark pieces,” featuring hand-worked techniques that give a custom look, may include special materials such as mother-of-pearl, flame mahogany and stainless steel.

Furniture. The environmental movement is getting stronger, said Jackie Hirschhaut, spokeswoman for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. Increasingly, furniture is being built using natural-fiber fabrics, recycled metals and sustainable woods. Red will be the trendiest accent color for furniture, she predicted. And home offices will continue to boom as growing numbers of Americans work from their residences.

 Color. Classic neutrals and pops of exotic brights are the key shades at Pittsburgh Paints, which recently announced four color palettes for 2010.

The “Canvas” palette includes deep gray-browns and gray-blues, muted beige and chalky white. “Pink City” offers vibrant pinks, spicy oranges, grays and chocolate-brown. “Grace” includes elegant hues such as pale butter, bronze-gold and sea foam. And “Zest” reinvents the style of Palm Springs circa 1950, mixing high-energy yellows with gray, white and black.

 Landscaping. Organic vegetable gardens, like the one installed at the White House are likely to be a huge trend in 2010, said Orlando, Fla., horticulture expert Tom MacCubbin. Community gardens are a growing trend, especially those that involve children. Of all vegetables, he predicts tomatoes will be especially popular. In the landscape, perennial plants that last longer than annuals and need less care are a strong trend, he added. Trendy plants include gold mound duranta, a shrub with acid-green foliage, and perennial bulbine, which sports spikes of yellow blooms. New-home construction. The era of the extravagant McMansion is over, said Nathan Cross of NWC Construction in Orlando. When building new homes, people are increasingly budget-conscious. “It’s back to basics. Even the pool is a no-frills deal,” he said. About the only area where homeowners may be prepared to splurge a little is the master suite. Energy-efficiency will be important. So will going green: “So long as it’s a green trend that doesn’t cost too much.” Outdoors, some homeowners will be installing fireplaces, fire pits and summer kitchens. Remodeling. The trend toward making minor improvements to home exteriors is likely to extend into next year—for good reason. It gives homeowners the biggest bang for their bucks when it comes to selling their homes. In terms of costs recouped, eight out of the top 10 home-improvement projects this year were exterior upgrades that cost less than $14,000, according to Realtors Report’s annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. A steel entry-door replacement topped the list, recouping 128.9% of costs, followed by upscale fiber-cement siding replacements (83.6%), wood deck additions (80.6%), and several types of window replacements (more than 70%). The two interior projects that landed on the top-10 list were attic-bedroom additions (83.1% recouped) and minor kitchen remodels (78.3%). The least profitable remodeling projects in terms of resale, and therefore not likely to be popular in 2010, were home-office remodels and sunroom additions.

(c) 2009, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.).

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

 Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-12-30/home-improvement-trends-for-the-new-year/#ixzz0bfsxnfa9

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 9752 Villa Woods in Villa Park. This Single-family property has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. Rebuilt just five years ago, this exceptional home isituated on a huge acre level lot boasts 4,783 square feet of gorgeous and practical living space. The improvements are countless such as Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring, a kitchen with slab granite countertops and top of the line appliances, plus French doors opening up to a lovely yard with half basketball court, putting green & bunker, built-in BBQ and a refurbished pebble tech salt water pool with a slide, waterfall and spills. There are five bedrooms including two master suites, (one up and one down) four fireplaces, an inviting nook a bonus/game room with home theatre, billiards area and a wet bar, a Great Room and formal living and dining rooms. Adding to the property s appeal, is a quiet cul-de-sac setting. This is truly a sensational find! .

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 21635 Stonehaven Dr in Yorba Linda. This Single-family property has 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Fabulous One of a Kind Yorba Linda Property on almost one acre of usable landscaped grounds with View, Pool & Spa. This two story home proudly sits on a knoll with handsome stone facade, offering great privacy, a pool, spa, built in BBQ and serving island, huge lawn area, putting greens and beautiful views of hills. Built in 1990 this five Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, two staircases, Living, Dining and Family rooms, plus a sitting room upstairs for a total square footage of approximately 3,664. The galley style kitchen offers handsome cabinets with granite counters, plus top of the line KichenAid stainless appliances, including a Refrigerator/Freezer, Gas Range, Convection Ovens and Microwave, and Dishwasher. The main staircase leads to a landing and the Master suite an oversize bedroom with fireplace, retreat, huge bathroom with separate shower and oversize tub, cedar-lined walk-in closet, and access to the outdoor balcony and VIEW! .

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 1770 Mount McKinley Blvd in Orange. This Single-family property has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Much sought after single story home in Mabury Ranch. Optimum location for privacy and views of hills and park. Great curb appeal & a large lawn area make this home stand out. Gorgeous backyard with (re-furbished) pool, an above ground spa, plus separate fenced side yard with sports court. 4th Bedroom is used as office and can be converted back to bedroom with closet. Master with retreat and large walk-in closet, and recently remodeled bath. Great floorplan with Kitchen adjoining family room, all bedrooms on one side of house. Very open, light and bright. Property is right next to a park–walk rigt outside and take a ‘nature’ walk or hike. Close to major freeways, schools, shopping and dining.

Check out this new Single-family property that I just posted on my Web site. It is at 7095 Country Club in Orange. This Single-family property has 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Spacious two-story home with peek-a-boo views. Located in the quiet community of Hunters Pointe in Anaheim Hills. Inviting front patio leads to beveled and leaded glass double door entry opening to the foyer complete with hardwood flooring. Kitchen has a green-house window, built-in Sub Zero, double stainless sinks, Thermador 4 burner range, hood and stainless double ovens. Oversize Master Suite features laminate wood flooring, vaulted ceiling, a retreat/sitting area, large bath with separate spa tub and shower, new sink and fixtures, plus several mirrored closets. Large lot with both front and back yards for play, close to schools, dining and shopping. Freeways and toll road only minutes away. .

Lesslie, I’ve noticed that some of the new homes are a bit smaller than they were a couple of years ago. Is this a trend?  James Kim Hello James, Yes, it is a new trend.  This is what Marketwatch.com just published about downsizing: Since 1983 housing size has been edging upwards.  Many New Home buyers today have responded to tough times in 2009 by opting for smaller houses, driving down the average size of a house built in the United States for the first time in 27 years.  The new mantra is ’small is the new big’, and ‘downsize me’!  Other information in the article provided by Marketwatch is below. “Data recently released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found the average size of a new home that was completed in 2009 fell to 2,480 square feet from 2,520 square feet in 2008. The last time the average completed-home size fell by a statistically significant amount was 1982. Homeowners surveyed by Better Homes and Gardens magazine said downsizing was becoming a bigger priority: 36% said in November 2009 that they expected their next home to be “somewhat smaller” or “much smaller” than their current home, Not surprisingly, we see a ‘cents and sensibility’ approach when it comes to buying or improving a home, with practicality and price being the top priorities,” said Eliot Nusbaum, the magazine’s executive editor of home design. While the small-house movement in the United States has been gaining steam for a number of years, the recession has accelerated it and home builders have responded.  “The era of easy money is over. You really have to think before you go out and decide you need that five-bedroom, five-bath home,” said Rose Quint, the NAHB’s assistant vice president for survey research. “Couple that with the energy cost concerns of consumers today and I think we will continue this trend. Houses will not shrink drastically, but they will shrink.” Although actual square footage of homes didn’t fall until 2009, the percent of homes with four or more bedrooms in them has been falling since 2007, NAHB data show. And in 2009, the number of homes with three or more bathrooms fell for the first time since 1992. Two other trends in home construction are contributing to the declining square footages: The prominence of first-time buyers in the housing market and the increasing number of households with members 55 and older who are buying homes. First-time buyers, driven into the market in good part by the availability of an $8,000 tax credit, are more likely to compromise on home size in exchange for a lower price. And the 55-plus crowd tends to purchase single-story homes, which generally are smaller because of the land costs that favor the more-efficient two-story plans. “Barely over half of new homes today are built with two stories or more,” Quint said. Two-story homes peaked at about 55% of the market in 2006. For 2010, home builders say they will focus on lower-priced models and smaller homes. More than 95% of builders surveyed by NAHB in January said that was the way they saw their business evolving this year. The penchant for smaller homes will necessitate some design changes. Builders, attempting to respond to those consumer demands as well as hold the line on prices, told the NAHB surveyors that they were most likely to include these features as standard in their houses this year: 

-Walk-in closets in the master bedroom.
-Laundry rooms.
-Insulated front doors.
-Great rooms.

-Energy-efficient windows.
-Linen closets.
-Programmable thermostats.
-Energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
-Separate shower and tub in master bathrooms.
-Nine-foot ceilings on the first floor. Among the things that builders said they were least likely to add to houses in 2010:-Outdoor kitchens.
-Outdoor fireplaces.
-Sunrooms.
-Butler’s pantries.
-Media rooms.
-Desks in kitchens.
-Two-story foyers.
-Eight foot ceilings on the first floor.
-Multiple shower heads in the master bath.
-Smaller kitchens.“You can see that builders are concentrating heavily on energy-saving features,” Quint said. “But a lot of the luxury items are on the chopping block or on hold as builders try to lower costs.”  (c) 2010, MarketWatch.com Inc.Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

You can find out by asking yourself some questions.

Do I have a steady source of income (usually a job)?  Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3 years?  Is my current income reliable?

Do I have a good record of paying my bills?

Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?

Do I have money saved for a down payment?

Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional costs such as food, clothing, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, car, utilities, cell phone /cable, and a reserve?

If you answered “YES” to these questions, you are most likely ready to buy your own home.

 In addition, keep this in mind…if you have a contract to purchase signed by April 30^th, 2010, you most likely will qualify for the $6500 tax credit for first time buyers.  Most people are buying with FHA insured loans—and today that means a credit score of 640.  Make sure you check with your own CPA to verify your own situation.

The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, December 11, 2009.

Single Family Residences

Total Homes on the market, detached and attached is 102

All other statistics for Single Family Residences are for detached homes only

 Median List Price:

92807- $682,000 with the average price being $1,260,383

92808- $794,450 with the average price being $1,185,921

Total Houses Available for both zip codes: 84

 Least Expensive:

$439,900 for a single-story home of approximately 1,319sq.ft. off of La Palma and Emogene.  This 3BR, 2BA was built in 1977 and has a lot size of 6,240sq.ft.  This home has newer roof, all new vinyl windows and well maintained.  This home has been on the market for 32 listing days.

 Most Expensive:

$4,995,000 for an extraordinary built custom estate high in the hills.  This magnificent estate is comprised of a single level main house, separate bonus room with bedroom and bath, and a private guest house with bedroom and bath; approximately 8,284sq.ft. of living space on 95,007sq.ft. of sprawling grounds.  This home is complete with separate family and living rooms, great room with built in wet bar, putting green, 60’ infinity pool, built-in BBQ, double island chef’s kitchen, 8-car garage, complete indoor/outdoor surround sound system, private road with gated entry at the bottom of 400’ drive and panoramic views of the city.  This home has been on the market for 149 listing days.

Price ranges of available detached houses:

$400,000-499,999: 4

$500,000-599,999: 14

$600,000-699,999: 19

$700,000-799,999: 14

$800,000-899,999: 3

$900,000-999,999: 4

$1,000,000-1,499,999: 6

$1,500,000-1,999,999: 8

$2,000,000-2,499,999: 0

$2,500,000-2,999,999: 2

$3,000,000-3,499,999: 7

$3,500,000-3,999,999: 2

$4,000,000-4,499,999: 0

$4,500,000-4,999,999: 1

Average on Market

Available: 84

List Price: $1,224,925

Bedrooms: 4

Bath: 3

Square Feet: 3,439

Days On Market: 108

Dollar Per Sq.Ft.: $356.19

Average for Closed Sales:

Closed Sales: 3

Closed Price: $706,666

Bedrooms: 4

Bath: 3

Square Feet: 3,330

Days On Market: 97

Dollar Per Sq.Ft.: $212.21

 Averages for Escrow:

Homes in Escrow: 54

List Price: $774, 898

Bedrooms: 4

Bath: 3

Square Feet: 2,845

Days On Market: 54

Dollar Per Sq.Ft.: $272.37

Single Family Residences: Attached

There are 18 Active listings with an average of 95 listing days, listed at the average price of $564,366. There were 0 closed sales between 12/4/09-12/11/09. There are 11 properties in escrow with an average of 134 listing days, listed at the average price of $409,600.

Condominiums

Total condominiums, attached and detached 18

All other statistics for Condominiums are for Attached condos only

Median List Price

92807- $489,900 with the average price being $489,900

92808- $357,500 with the average price being $333,464

Total Condos Available for both zip codes: 13

 Least Expensive:

$219,000 for approximately 761 sq.ft. built in 1995.  Located off of Serrano and Sunset Ridge. This condo is a 1BR, 1BA with a 2-car attached garage with direct access.  Home Association dues are $169/month including access to association pool and spa. This property has been on the market for 22 listing day.

 Most Expensive:

$489,000 for a 2BR, 3BA split-level condo with 2,255 sq.ft. built in 1997.  This condo has a 2-car attached garage.  Located off of Nohl Ranch and Anaheim Hills Rd.  HOA dues of $277.00.  This condo has been on the market for 17 listing days.

Price ranges of available condominiums:

$200,000-299,999: 3

$300,000-399,999: 9

$400,000-499,999: 1

$500,000-599,999: 0

 Average on Market:

Available: 13

List Price: $345,498

Bedrooms: 2

Bath: 2

Square Feet: 1,203

Days On Market: 32

Dollar Per Sq.Ft.: $287.20

Average for Closed Sales

Closed Sales: 3

Sold Price: $315,333

Bedrooms: 2

Bath: 2

Square Feet: 1,214

Days On Market: 9

Dollar Per Sq.Ft.: $259.75

 Average for Escrow

In Escrow: 17

List Price: $322,269

Bedrooms: 2

Bath: 2

Square Feet: 1,203

Days On Market: 178

Dollar Per Sq.Ft.: $267.89

Lesslie, Our home has been on the market for only 2 weeks now.  We are planning on having family and friends over during the month of December.  How do we keep our house available and ‘on the market’ and our guests feeling welcome in our home? Thanks, Jane L.

 Jane, congratulations on listing your home!  Although the holiday season is typically slow for sales, you’ll be surprised on how many visits, showings and/or inquiries your home will receive.  Do not worry about having guests over and trying to schedule showings as well.  I would suggest letting your friends and family know from the beginning that there will be a few times when you may have to step out of the house for a few minutes.  Take advantage of these moments to take a walk to a nearby coffee shop or park to relax and catch up with your guests.  One of the many plus sides about living in Anaheim Hills is the beautiful surroundings and local amenities.  Remember, your house does not have to be perfect for every showing or preview.  So long as it’s clean and relatively picked up, you’ll be fine. It’s better to allow people in, even if your property is not 100%, than to miss a showing!  If I can help answer any other questions please let me know and enjoy the holidays!   -Lesslie

Last week we gave a few tips on how to prepare your home for the holidays. This week we are sharing a few tips on how to be safe during the busy holiday season.

Dark homes invite burglars, but keeping lights on all the time gets expensive.  The answer?  Motion detectors.  These special lights surprise unwanted visitors by coming on when anyone gets within 50 feet of your house.  Motion detectors are really a safe, bright idea.  Here are five more tricks that will help: 

1) Lock your door! Sounds like a no-brainer but MOST burglars get in through unlocked doors and windows.

2) Lock your car, especially if you have a garage-door opener inside. Do not leave packages or purses in your car where they are visible.  Put them in a locked trunk.

3) Don’t answer phone surveys about your spending habits, you could be giving a thief a shopping list of your valuables!

4) Leave a light on in two rooms, and use timers. You can even put a TV on a timer. A good room to light - a bathroom with an outside window. Burglars will think you’ve gotten up in the middle of the night.

5) Be very cautious about giving copies of your house keys out.  It’s surprising how many homeowners don’t even know how many copies of their key is floating around out there.