Renovating
Making waves in Dana Point Harbor.
Photos courtesy of livesouthcove.com
One of the newest communities to be coming to the downtown Dana Point area is called South Cove. Progress is moving full speed ahead on South Cove, featuring 168 luxury condo residences located just steps from beautiful Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor’s restaurants and shops. Additional attractions include a new 9,000 square foot surf museum, highlighting and paying homage to the city’s storied history. Two new hotels – a 130-room boutique and 136-room offering more affordable options – will replace the existing Marina Inn on Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Under the proposed plans, South Cove residents will have easy access to a wide variety of new harbor amenities – all within walking distance of the barefoot community. Slated to begin construction in 2018, planned features for the harbor include new restaurants, outdoor dining areas, marine-related retail and a small portion of office space. The renovation will also showcase a market hall and food court, providing a variety of diningoptions for South Cove residents and tourists alike.
The city’s contributions to the renovations and additional amenities – including the recently introduced Harbor Shuttle service that provides easy access to the Ocean Institute, Baby Beach and other harbor businesses and dining spots – are sure to bring added value and appeal to Dana Point. Fortunately, there is still time to stake your claim at South Cove – the first development of its kind in Dana Point in more than 25 years. If you have any questions or are interested in owning a property in South Cove, please contact your Greentree Properties Specialist at (949) 492-0090 or here.
Budgeting for a Landscape Upgrade
Preparing for a landscaping project can be daunting. We have some good tips to figure out how much you can spend on upgrading your yard to get the most bang for your buck.
Take an Inventory: Making a list of what you already have and doing a site analysis can help you figure out what truly needs to be done. You can discover hidden gems in your yard, such as plants that are lost in weeds and only need to be trimmed. This can help save you money and time during the process.
Hire a Professional: They can help you create a master plan that enables you to visualize the possibilities and create a guide to achieving. Instead of making costly mistakes, professionals can help you avoid them and save even more money.
Splurge on the “Maximum Value” Features: An outdoor kitchen or a deck can provide tons of enjoyment and also earn money back when it comes time to sell your house. These maximum features should be functional and have a high return on investment.
Consider the Return on Investment: Similarly, to the previous tip, prioritizing your needs and wants is a must! You should establish the long-term maintenance costs and determine if it makes financial sense to complete all the projects at once or do them over several years.
Before you begin to start a landscaping project, sit down and weigh all the costs to determine what is right for you and your home. Questions? Please get in touch with Greentree Properties at (949) 492-0090 or here.
Barn Doors, Farmhouse Sinks and Subway Tiles
Location, location, location. When it comes to the desirability to real estate, we’ve always known location to the most important element. But, times are changing. Thanks to HGTV, Instagram, Pinterest and, well, the Internet, key home features are becoming just as important as location.
Close your eyes. Imagine a quaint home, with a rustic barn door, white shaker cabinets and a big farmhouse sink. Chances are, you’ve already imagined it yourself, or are even seeking it out.
In a study of more than 2 million listings across the US between January of 2014 and March of 2016 by Zillow, homes with listings including keywords like “barn door”, “shaker cabinets” and “subway tiles” sell for a price 13% higher than expected.
Among other terms analyzed, quartz, craftsman and exposed brick came in behind shaker, farmhouse sink and barn doors in those terms associated with not only the highest sale premium, but also a significantly faster sale. “Barn doors”, for instance, helped listings move 57 days faster than expected, according to the study.
We hear it all the time, “We’ll replace these french doors with barn doors, paint the cabinets white and put in quartz countertops.” These now classic design elements add charm and character, so it’s no wonder these are in demand.
If you’re planning on putting your home on the market, looking to add value, or looking to appeal to potential homebuyers, try these GT Tips:
- The appeal of barn doors, aside from the actual intended use, stems from the rustic and reclaimed element. Try reclaimed adhesive wood paneling to give your home a rustic, reclaimed vibe, without the commitment of a large barn door.
- Many potential homebuyers are going to be looking for white, shaker style cabinets. If your cabinets aren’t shaker, try a fresh coat of paint. Our current favorites are Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and White Dove, for a cleaner or warmer white.
- If you currently have an overmount, or undermount sink, installing a farmhouse could be tricky. You’ll want to ensure that the base cabinet underneath has low enough framing to support the front apron, as you’ll need to cut into it. Hiding and stacking dishes is easier in a deeper sink, too!