North County: I-5 Widening to begin late this summer

Posted on May 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

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A massive plan to widen Interstate 5 in northern San Diego County is set to kick off late this summer and could transform one of the most heavily traveled freeways in the state.

How will this effect homes in the North County?  Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your home value questions.

The work is part of the $6.5 billion North Coast Corridor Program — led by the California Department of Transportation and the San Diego Association of Governments — that will ultimately stretch 27 miles from La Jolla to Oceanside. The plan includes an ambitious collection of transportation, environmental, and coastal access projects that will take shape over the next 30 years.

Key among them is adding four express lanes to I-5.

The $700 million first phase of the corridor project will begin in the next several months with freeway work in Encinitas, where an eight-lane bridge that crosses the San Elijo Lagoon will slowly be replaced with a larger, wider structure. Work will also begin on another freeway bridge that crosses the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad.

 The construction is sure to worsen gridlock in an area already clogged with traffic. But for many commuters it can’t start soon enough.

And the freeway bridges are just the beginning. The $700 million Phase 1 work will include:

▪ Adding a single carpool lane in each direction by cutting into the freeway median from Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach to state Route 78 in Oceanside.

▪ Replacing single-track wooden railroad trestles across the San Elijo and Batiquitos lagoons with double-tracked, concrete bridges.

▪ Building bicycle and pedestrian bridges and connected trails, as well as a wide range of wetlands and lagoon restoration projects.

All of the Phase 1 construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020. The price tag includes $480 million for the highway improvements, $140 million for railway improvements and $80 million for environmental work.

read more at: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/08/interstate-5-widening-project-encinitas/?#article-copy

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Selling Property:Clever (and easy) tips to making your home look more appealing

Posted on May 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

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The secret to having your occupied home-for-sale ready in one hour is to plan ahead,” Tracey McLeod, Owner of Showhomes and Presentation Sells told The Huffington Post Australia.

First of all, McLeod suggests employing the three month rule.

“In nature, three months is one season. In your home for sale, only keep out one season of clothes, bed linen, and toys. Everything that won’t be used in one season can be packed away beforehand. For those with kids, try to involve them in this process so it isn’t such a shock for them. Ask each child to choose what toys, books and clothes they can’t live without for the next three months and then pack the rest away.”

It’s also wise to pack away a large portion of your home before even putting it on the market. Just think, when it’s time to move out half of the hard work will be done!

“Pack up early in the home selling process, rather than later. Have only two-thirds to three-quarters or less if possible on the shelves in your cupboards, wardrobes, and pantry, and have items neatly stacked. If you can’t store boxes off site, neatly label and stack them in the garage.”

“Designate a cupboard shelf or storage box for each child to store their must-have items. Before bedtime, everything must go back into storage. This simple rule makes it much easier to clear living areas of toys, books, and other items in just a few minutes,” McLeod said.

read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/04/21/selling-your-home_n_9745184.html?utm_hp_ref=australia

disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

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Nine designer’s tips for upping your decorating game

Posted on May 9, 2016 | Leave a comment
mirror
1. Look to your travels for texture

“My design aesthetic has always been intensely personal. As you look to update a room you’ve lived in for years, or if you’re starting fresh in a new home, begin by curating what you have. I like to bring together groupings of well-traveled objects, textiles, decorative accessories and furniture . . . things that represent the people who live there. Think hand-woven elements, thick textiles, objects that have patina and mix in with beautiful, neutral upholstery and furniture. A well-designed room is one that is layered and feels assembled over time.”-Nate Berkus, New York

2. Choose a big mirror for big impact

“Whenever presented with a narrow, unadorned space or merely a blank wall, remember that a large mirror acts like adding a window to a room. This simple trick works because the reflection gives the perception of another space beyond, and as you move around, so does the view.”-Patrick Sutton, Baltimore

3. Think beyond recessed lights

“One of my go-to design techniques that I find adds a timeless touch to modern interiors is the use of flush-mounted lighting and wall-mounted sconces in lieu of a sea of recessed ceiling lights, which can often feel impersonal.”-Thom Filicia, New York

read more at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/nine-decorating-tips-from-some-of-the-countrys-top-designers/2016/01/26/ac4cef72-b3fa-11e5-a842-0feb51d1d124_story.html

 

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