Map Out Your 2020

With the holidays coming to a close and New Year’s resolutions being created, it’s time to give 2020 a warm welcome! It’s never too early or too late to start planning for the new year! With these 3 tips, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success in your professional life.

Prepare and Set Goals: Visualize what you want and where you want to go in your career. Whether that’s projects you want to work on or clients you want to connect with, having a clear vision of what you want to do is the first step to making it a reality. Creating a list of goals to check off will help you conquer the new year while feeling organized and determined. 

Get a Planner: Studies show that when you write something down you remember things better. Planners are great for those who have lots to do and are constantly collecting content. You can track your productivity, set up meetings, have to-do lists at the ready and jot down any notes and daily reminders!

Expect the Unexpected: While we can do everything to prepare and make sure things go smoothly, life has a way of surprising us and throwing our plans off track. Work life rarely moves in a straight line and it is important to keep that in mind. Don’t worry about what you can’t control and take small steps each day to accomplish your goals. 

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020: “Classic Blue”

This past Wednesday, Pantone announced their pick for Color of the Year 2020, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. A bold yet calming color, this year’s hue highlights our desires as we move into a new decade. It instills a calming presence that drives confidence, connection and a stable foundation people can depend on. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for this color and how we can use it in our homes. For inspiration, explore some of our favorite ways to incorporate color in a space and feel the effects of the “Classic Blue”.

“Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.” - Pantone LLC

What's New For Fall 2019: Our Top Trends

It’s that time of year again! The leaves will be changing and the clocks are about to turn back. We all know what that means. Summer has come and gone! You may be looking for new ways to spice up your home inspired by the fall season. We’re here to help you get started so here are some of our top picks:

1. Leather

Perhaps the boldest interior trend this year, leather is a great way to spice up your space in a modern and fresh way. With several faux leather options, there’s no need to feel guilty when adding this to your home! 

2. Galaxy Blue

While this blue may not scream autumn, it does bring a warm and inviting vibe to any space which is perfect for the fall season. 

3. Wallpaper

Easily change it up with removable wallpaper! This is a quick way to add personality to your home and can be swapped out each season once you’re ready for a new look. 

4. Velvets

When transitioning to fall décor, this modern and vintage 90s trend has made a definitive comeback that you won’t want to miss out on!

Where to Buy In DC

Late summer is upon us and fall is rapidly approaching. This time of year is a favorite for many of us, one of them being the real estate market! The initial craze of spring buying is long gone, and so, the prices are reduced steadily without the inventory being too low. Here are our top spots and places to steer clear of for buying a property in the Nation’s Capital. 

Top Spots: Trinidad, Park View, SW Waterfront, National Landing, Anacostia

Trinidad has been long-populated by young couples and families as well as college students. It is now on the rise ever since H Street corridor has been booming. Trinidad is almost entirely residential with short walk to NoMa, H Street, and Union Market.

Park view has been slowly turning heads for the past few years due to its diverse and fun community and excellent location. It is sandwiched right between Shaw, Petworth, and Columbia Heights: all equally exciting. Inside Park View, sits Georgia Avenue which is home to many hip eateries and great entertainment.

By now, you have probably heard about the SW Waterfront quite a lot, thanks to the recent development of The Wharf, The Yards, as well as the Audi FIeld. It holds many mid-rise twentieth-century buildings along with newer luxury condos. It’s a prime spot in DC for nightlife, sports, and entertainment.

National Landing is guaranteed to be the new talk of the town as Amazon’s HQ2 is coming to Northern Virginia. National Landing comprises of Crystal CIty, Pentagon City, and the Potomac Yard. Just think about all the jobs and new infrastructure there will be. You definitely won’t want to miss out on this!

Anacostia sits on the other side of the river but that surely won’t stop it! Besides, its already connected with the rest of DC with I-695 and the 11th Street bridge. Not to mention, the 11th Street Bridge Park that is currently undergoing construction. Anacostia includes many row houses, whether you want to move in or renovate. 

We hope our guide was helpful and happy house hunting!

How to Throw the Perfect Summer Party

Finally summer is here and what’s better than a garden party? They’re always packed with fun and a great way to enjoy the heat. So, here’s some District Home tips to plan your perfect summer party. 

1. Stick to a theme

Sticking to a theme can sometimes be difficult, but is totally worth it. It’s a simple method to blow your guests away and is super fun. It doesn’t have to be perfect but try to make the party look cohesive. Even if your theme is eccentric, don’t worry it still counts. Some easy ways to do this is by planning a color scheme or by making a moodboard. Even 5 minutes to look on your favorite DIY site or app to find some things to inspire you is enough.

Some ideas: tangerine orange & ivory, boho carnival (think classy coachella), free-spirit floor party, etc. If you have free time and money to spare, bring a tarot reader to keep things interesting or have a sailing party. Do it yourselves or get a lesson.

2. Make a playlist

Making a playlist is essential. Even if your party looks like a million bucks, it surely won’t feel like it without killer music. Music sets the mood and is a sure way to make the party more fun. 

Some ideas: if you are already on apple music or spotify they have pre-curated playlists for your party.

3. Serve your favorite drinks

With the hot summer heat upon is it’s very important to serve refreshing and delicious drinks. Serve your favorite summer cocktails and wine or even include some fresh fruit into your water. It’s as simple as that!

Some ideas: a quick look on the internet is sure to find you plenty of recipes but here are some you might enjoy; bourbon peach lemonade punch, thai-basil sangria, or sparkling peach sangria.

4. Set up games

Grab or invent some party games that will have your guests talking and interacting. Besides, a little competition never hurt anybody! Set up a small game of cornhole or even, if your backyard allows, a game of badminton. 

Some ideas: take a look at this fun tropical-themed bowling set or some life-size classics like giant dominoes or giant connect four.

5. Lighting!

Don’t let the dark ruin your party. Grab some fairy lights, candles, or even tiki torches. Let the party shine on.

Some ideas: grab a couple of these large willow branch lights or grab these fun string lights that double as bluetooth speakers - no need for a surround sound system.

6. Keep bugs away

It’s no party if bugs keep biting you every second. Get rid of still water, as that’s where mosquitoes breed. Possibly plug in some fans, mosquitoes are very weak fliers and even a small breeze will push them away, and it’ll let your guests cool down a little. Light some citronella candles or put on natural repellent to ensure the mosquitoes will stay away from you.

Some ideas: this one is pretty simple but if you want your candles to match your theme too, grab these industrial citronella candles or these (slightly pricier, but totally worth it) rustic insect printed cintronella candles.

7. Plan the menu

Think carefully about this one and don’t forget if you friends are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. You don’t want too much or too little of anything. Think of your guests, what goes well together and possibly how to reuse some ingredients so nothing goes to waste. 

Some ideas: add some fun toppings to your hot dogs; cabbage and scallions, cucumbers and radishes, and more. Or just check out these interesting summer menus to give you inspiration.

Enjoy your party!

Marketing Your Home Like a Pro

Putting your home on the market isn’t enough anymore. No more just sticking “For Sale” signs in the front lawn and then running one ad in the Sunday paper for your open house. The way you present your home can deeply impact its final sale price, so you need to think it through. 

In today’s world of the evolving internet, social media and the “like”, you have to go above and beyond to showcase your home to others across the many marketing and advertising outlets offered. You want increased exposure and interest in the housing market to bring in a larger pool of prospective buyers and most importantly, multiple offers. If done right, you’ll create an atmosphere in which potential buyers will offer higher and better prices to compete with other offers. Good marketing can do all that while putting you at ease to make the selling process that much easier for you, so dive in and check out these tactics to better the marketing of your home:

• Good Photography: 

One of the first things home buyers do when searching for a home is check out what’s online. To grab their attention, posting good quality photos of the property is essential. Make sure to post multiple shots of the home from the front and back exterior and interior to greater your choice of someone clicking on your listing. Otherwise, it will probably be ignored. 

When taking pictures of your home, think about what are great selling points. With the exterior, crop out sidewalks, streets and remove vehicles from your driveway and the front of your home to set it apart from the competition. With other exterior shots, emphasize space and shoot long. If you live in a condo or apartment, take pictures of the amenities your listing has to offer like the clubhouse, pool, spa, gym, or tennis courts. If for a single-family home, mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and remove any evidence of pets or children’s toys. With interior photos, take photographs of every room, even if you think a certain room won’t photograph well. Open your drapes and blinds and turn on the lights to make the space feel airy, open and spacious. Remove trash cans and close toilet lids in the bathrooms. Focus on interesting details like wood floors, fireplace mantles, or granite countertops. 

• Signage:

By placing a well-designed “For Sale” sign outside your home, you encourage home buyers to immediately call you or your agent. Keep in mind of placement of your signs as some homeowner’s association prohibit real estate signs and will only allow window signs. Place two signs outside if your home is on a corner lot or ask to put signs on the corner of your busy street to drive in traffic. Agent signs should include the phone number of their closest office and the agent’s cell phone number. 

• Direct Mail:

It may not seem like it, but direct mail is eye-catching. Ask about a direct mail program from your agent and create oversized four-color postcards to draw attention to your listing. Bring awareness to your home by giving to neighbors, friends, family and agents who represent buyers in your neighborhood. 

• Send E-Flyers:

Technology today has made it so much easier to connect with others and spread the word about your listing. Drive attention to an open house or coming soon announcement with an E-Flyer. It should include multiple photographs and key information about your house. Easy to put together, E-Flyers can be sent to real estate agents who sell in your area, friends, family, coworkers and out-of-area brokers and agents who represent buyers in your area. 

• Print Advertising:

Never underestimate the power of print advertising. Reach a greater audience of potential buyers by placing ads in major newspapers and real estate magazines. Believe it or not, people recall print ads more than digital. Readers engage differently with physical content. The fact that you are putting your business into someone’s hands is very impactful and leaves a lasting impression. 

An important part of marketing and advertising, these key tactics can make a world of a difference in helping sell your home. If you’re looking for new ways to draw attention and bring more offers your way, look no further than District Home Magazine. As one of the top real estate magazines in the DMV area, we can help you market and advertise your listings. Every home has a story. We help you tell it. 

Millennials and House Hunting

Remember last week we talked about how millennial buyers are taking over the real estate market in 2019? This week we will dig a bit further into understanding these targeted consumers. What do they look for in a house? How do they approach the property?

For millennials, technology is everything! Instead of wasting time and risking the quality of the service, one can simply go online and find exactly what they are looking for. Yelp, Google Reviews, and even Facebook reviews play an extremely important role in millennials’ buying experience. When it comes to purchasing a house, Trulia, Redfin and other online real estate platforms are the main resources and play a huge role. As we mentioned before, millennials focus on the quality of the house rather than the space of it. With the availability in researching tools, these young consumers prioritize not only the aesthetic of the house but also the areas around the house. In terms of lifestyle, the majority of millennials favor city life with affordable housing. This generation adores the convenience and vibrant life surrounding them. They find it appealing to be able to walk to a grocery store or a restaurant. Having a home in these types of areas is a living dream for several young buyers.

If you are going to shift your targeted property buyers to millennials looking for city life in 2019, remember to always keep two words in mind - “technology" and “research.” Make sure you are always updating your profiles online and use technology to your advantage to effectively target your consumers! 

Housing Trends in 2019

It feels like New Year’s was just yesterday, but we are already almost halfway through 2019 and the pattern of the real estate market this year has started to show clearer. So far this year, there seem to be three trends dominating the market:

1. Increasing prices.

Just like the past two years, homes’ values are still on the rise. However, compared to the 10% jump between 2017 and 2018, housing prices in 2019 seem to be increasing at a much slower pace.

2. Increasing mortgage rates.

After years of standstill, mortgage rates are starting to rise this year. This has forced houses to stay on the market a little longer than many sellers expected due to the consideration of mortgage commitment from buyers.

3. Invasion of millennials as interested buyers.

As the earliest millennials are stepping into their 30s this year, the generation is taking over the market. The design of homes being sold also seems to be changing to fit this targeted buyer. For instance, millennial buyers focus more on quality over quantity. This means buyers are interested in a well-designed and sustainable space rather than a humongous piece of land with no clear use.

Are you a buyer or a seller? What housing trends in 2019 have you found to be most true?  

A Bathroom Filled with Greenery

When one thinks of a bathroom they might not initially think of adding plants, but this can actually bring a lot of benefits into your life. Today, let's talk about turning your bathroom a bit greener with indoor plants.

Plants help to purify the home's air, release stress and ease your eyes. By putting plants in your bathroom, this will assist the air in the room circulate better and make the atmosphere less “suffocating". This can also be extremely useful for comforting your respiration in allergy season. Since the bathroom is where one goes to wash out all the dirt and stress, with a little (or a lot of) greens next to the sinks and tub, plants will boost one's mood faster and better.

From “Rodale’s Home Design Series, Baths 1987”, in courtesy of @the_80s_interior (Instagram)

Some good indoor plants for your bathroom are Aloe Vera, Chinese Evergreen, Spider Plant, Gardenia, etc. With a variety of plants' species, a homeowner can have flexibility in choosing a suitable plant in which favor the humidity temperature of one's bathroom.

From “Rodale’s Home Design Series, Baths 1987”, in courtesy of @the_80s_interior (Instagram)

The warm season is here. Plants are blooming and on sale. If you are struggling with stress and allergies, why not go to your nearby plant shop and get yourself a plant?

Greenhouse, Green Home

Nature is good, nature is great. Because it is so amazing, a lot of homeowners decide to bring a bit of green into the house. We see this a lot in interior design with indoor plants, floral prints on furniture, etc. If you are a fan of nature and have already done this but still want more, why not try out an attached greenhouse to your house?

Some people just love the greenhouse so much, they extend the use of it. In Stockholm, Sweden, Marie Granmar and Charles Sacilotto decided to not just attach their greenhouse into their home but build their home INSIDE THE GREENHOUSE! As strange as it is, this technique was also used in some homes in the 80s, though not popular.

Having an attached greenhouse not only can give you the ability to grow your own produce all year long but it also helps with heating in the winter. No matter how cold it is outside, as long as there is sunshine, your greenhouse is covered in warmth. Using the heat from the greenhouse, a lot of homeowners don't have to use their heater as much as others usually do. Hence the greenhouse is warm, during winter, relaxing in your greenhouse is like having a “mobile vacation" at your own home.

What is better than sitting in a “tropical-feel-like" environment while it’s snowing outside?

Spring Break In Ocean City Maryland

Have you been planning to get away this upcoming Spring Break?! You want to have that perfect mix of relaxation and fun, right? Ocean City, Maryland is the place to go! Get a beach rental with your family and friends so you can enjoy everything this vacation spot has to offer! Sometimes looking for the right place can be tricky, but Ocean City has a lot of options when it comes to vacation rentals. Whether you’re a first timer or someone who has been going to Ocean City your whole life, it never gets old and finding the right place to stay makes it even more enjoyable. 

Waterfront Homes

If you are looking to relax in a luxurious fashion for a decent amount of time, a waterfront home is definitely for you. Getting a 5 BR home is perfect for large family vacations and some can even accommodate up to 15 people! Luxury rental homes will come with a handful of amenities and space. Some may even be walking distance to the ocean. What more can you ask for?! 

Boardwalk Ocean Front

Atlantic Ave is the perfect place to rent a property on the boardwalk! Imagine waking up in the morning to the beautiful ocean view and going for a walk or run. You can’t go to Ocean City without checking out the Boardwalk, so why not stay on it! There are shops left and right and so much to see. The food is delicious and some all time favorites are Thrasher’s Fries, Dumser’s Ice-cream and Candy Kitchen! If you’re someone who loves to shop you have to visit the Tanger Outlets in west Ocean City. The environment of the Boardwalk is exciting and people are always out and about!

Town Home Villa

A luxury Villa is perfect for smaller family get togethers. They can come with several amenities and even a garage. If you are taking a road trip to Ocean City and don’t want to deal with the hassle of street parking, this will eliminate your worries. Villas are in walking distance to the beach and Boardwalk but can also come with an outdoor pool if you feel the need to stay put for the day! 

Look forward to planning your beach get away and enjoy the variety of rentals Ocean City has to offer! 

Workspace Aesthetic

Creating a comfortable work space is extremely important and can positively impact productivity. Who doesn’t want to come to an aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable environment every day? Sometimes all it takes is a little remodeling to get those creative juices flowing. Here are a few tips to give your workspace a refreshing makeover. 

1. Plants Plants Plants

Doing something as simple as purchasing flowers and greens can make a world of a difference. Not only do they look beautiful and give off a natural vibe, but they help bring any room to life. They can also help reduce stress levels and make you feel happier. 

2. White Everything

When it comes to picking out furniture, white is definitely a great choice. White reflects light and actually makes the work station feel bigger and more spacious. White is also a timeless and classic color. It will never go out of style and keeps a room looking clean and polished!

3. Declutter 

Not only will decluttering a room make you feel organized and put together, but what would you say if I told you it had health benefits? A simple design style can actually make you feel better just by looking at it. Getting rid of old items that you don’t use anymore and are just taking up space can be a rewarding process in the end. It will leave you feeling like you are off to a fresh start! 

Have fun redecorating and enjoy your new space!

Being Successful In 2019

The New Year is already flying by, and I’m sure lots of you have big plans for making this the most successful year in a competitive field like real estate. Don’t let the time get ahead of you! Here are 3 simple steps to accomplishing your design goals and making the most of each and every day! 

1. See It, Believe It

The mind is one of our most powerful tools. Seeing your goals that you set every day is the first step to making those visions become a reality. The market is always changing so if you already see it, you are ahead of the game. Envision those homes being bought in the market, and believe that they will sell! 

2. Understand Your Market

Although this requires a lot of work and studying, the data will tell you everything you need to know for this year. Understand the trends, costs, market needs, inventory and everything along the way. Stay positive and realize that we fail our way to success and if it were easy anyone would be able to do it!

3. Be Original

Becoming creative in 2019 is essential. You want to stand out and do something your competitors aren’t. Be aware of what they are doing and put out content that will reach more people in more creative ways and set you apart.  Put not only yourself, but your clients in the best light possible. The results will follow! 

Devil's Ivy and House Space

Devil’s Ivy, also called Golden Pothos, is a tropical, evergreen vine. Devil's Ivy can be grown both outdoor and indoor. The plant is fast-growing and easy to take care of. With occasionally water changing and medium lighting, Devil's Ivy can still grow strong and maintain its gorgeous color.

For interior design, the plant will fit perfectly in your living room and kitchen. As it drops down from the vase, Devil's Ivy will give the room a romantic elegant look. In addition to its good looking, Devil's Ivy also helps in purifying the air, leaves your room a fresher feeling.

In many cultures, the plant is also believed to bring luck, money, and peace to the homeowner. Since spring is on its way, why not changing up your space with some Devil's Ivy and getting ready for all the luck the plant will bring to you.

Selling Your Home in the Fall

Fall is a wonderful time of year for so many reasons, but one of our favorites is the booming real estate market! Vacations are over, the kids are back in school, and it’s time to get down to business. Here are our top tips for selling your home in the hot fall market.

1. Enjoy the Seasonal Scents

   There are too many wonderful scents this time of year to not enjoy them in a home on the market! Spiced cider, pumpkin pie, vanilla and coffee…pick one and enjoy!

2. Focus on Curb Appeal

   Fall leaves may be gorgeous in the trees, but on the ground and in your yard, they signal high maintenance to potential buyers. Keep the yard and front of the house pristine, and try to stay on top of the leaves as best as you can!

3. Cozy it Up

   Lucky for you, fall is the time of year we crave being snuggled up in a nice warm home! Throw in extra throw pillows, fuzzy blankets, candles, and rugs to give that toasty fall vibe.

4. Use Autumnal Accents

   Fall colors are oh-so easy to incorporate into any home, so be sure to add touches of oranges and reds throughout. Showing seasonal decor gets buyers to feel at home, and helps them envision the listing with their personal decor touches all year round!