How I Prepare for the Holidays

Tarek and Christina El Moussa

It's amazing how quickly time flies, isn't it? I can't believe that last Christmas break I was on bed rest with my pregnancy, and now it's nearly holiday time again! The past year has been so busy and wonderful, and now it's time to prepare for some celebrations. Tarek and I always enjoy the holiday season, but it's extra special this year, as it will be Brayden's first Christmas!

Finding balance

We don't like to make too many commitments at this time of the year and risk feeling rushed; we want to enjoy our family and friends. I find it far more rewarding to attend a few choice celebrations with those closest to us, than to try to make it to every holiday event we get an invite for.

It can be a nice change to spend the end of the year taking things slowly and appreciating the small moments that make life wonderful. For instance, I look forward to making Tarek's favorite chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. We sit and enjoy them together and have a chance to actually talk and connect over a delicious meal, and it's far less work than a three-course dinner.

Embracing the season

Because it doesn't snow here in southern California, it doesn't always feel like winter. When we can't get to the snow, it's important to make an extra effort to make it feel (and smell) like winter here at home. I put out fresh pine greens and wreaths for decoration, and use scented candles in all varieties of spicy, warm scents. Baking the occasional holiday treat can also make the house smell amazing.

When it comes to getting your house ready for the season, there's no need to limit holiday décor just to the tree. Sprinkling holiday cheer into other rooms in the house makes the atmosphere festive and really ties together the theme. Adding a pop of Christmas colors or silver and gold - perhaps by swapping out pillows or placing small seasonal arrangements on end tables and mantelpieces - can really change the look and feel of a room. I try to carry my rustic glam style throughout the décor of the house, to make the whole place feel cozy and welcoming.

Looking ahead

Another thing Tarek and I like to do is think about what we want to work on, experience, and accomplish during the upcoming year. Looking ahead to 2016, we've already had a few thoughts:

• New Year's resolutions are hard because they don't always last. Instead, we focus on how we want to live, and trying to have an "attitude of gratitude" that extends beyond the holiday season.
• We want to enjoy our little family, and set aside plenty of time to spend together. Seeing all the little special moments with our children [Brayden and older sister, Taylor] is so important to us.
• We're grateful that we work for ourselves so we can balance our work and family life. Being able to remember and appreciate this is such a vital thing to do.
• We'd like to continue to branch out into flips in other areas of the country, and take our business on the road a little more!
• Both of us also want to continue to mentor newbie investors so they can work for themselves, and find the sort of balance we have, in their own lives. We just love to motivate others!

What about you? Do you have any holiday traditions you're particularly looking forward to? Do you also take the time to think about what the upcoming year will mean for you and your family? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/how-i-prepare-for-holidays-187773/
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Chic Holiday DIY: Fragrant Herb Chandelier and Custom Treat Bags

Holiday entertaining is all about one-of-a-kind decor, and we’ve got some show-stopping looks that you can make yourself. You don’t have to be an expert crafter to accomplish these easy DIY projects. Creating a custom hanging herb chandelier and dessert takeaways will really impress your guests at this year’s seasonal get-together.

Create a rustic vibe by wrapping the dining table in brown kraft paper. Scatter leaves, loaves of bread and open bottles of wine along the center of this setup. Lovely butter knives atop neatly placed cloth napkins seal the deal.

Serve tea or coffee with your homemade treat bags after the meal to brighten everyone’s day. Taking the little bit of time to make this thoughtful goody that your guests can break into right away or take home really makes visitors feel special. Taffy, cookies, or a slice of pie are all great sweets to bag up for later.

Hanging Herb Chandelier Materials

• 3-foot cut of wood (or desired length, depending on your table)
• Cup hooks
• 5-foot length of multi-purpose rope
• Baker’s twine
• Ribbon
• Herbs/flowers

Stamped Paper Bag Takeaways Materials

• Brown canvas, burlap or paper bags
• Stencil (ours is Antlered Deer by Stencil 1, $6)
• Black craft paint
• Taffy or other candies (we love Salty Road’s Holiday Trio , $22)

Videography and photography by Mikal Marie Photography. 

Related:

• Deck Out Your Guest Room to Give Holiday Visitors a Warm Welcome
• Styling Bar Carts: 4 Irresistible Looks
• A Guide to Giving Holiday Gifts to Your Roommates

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/chic-holiday-diy-187652/
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Front-Loaders vs. Top-Loaders: Which High-Efficiency Washer Is Best for You?

You know that high-efficiency (HE) washing machines use less water and energy than traditional washers. You're sold. Now, how do you decide between a front-loading and top-loading model?

Both designs have pros and cons. In late 2009, consumers were gaga over front-loaders, and they accounted for 45 percent of washers sold in the United States.

Five years later, that figure dropped to just under 30 percent, with analysts blaming the drop in sales on the machines' higher prices, unreliability and foul smells - a complaint that resulted in class action lawsuits against manufacturers.

Most of the problems consumers had with those first front-loading HE machines have been addressed in subsequent generations, which - once again - makes the choice between configurations a difficult one.

Before you lay out cash to buy a new HE washer, consider which best meets your needs.

A front-loader may be right for you if:

• Your laundry room is small. Front-loaders can be stacked.
• You loathe stains. Many front-loading machines now allow users to add steam to the wash cycle to improve stain removal.
• You like having the latest and greatest features. Some front-loading machines come with self-cleaning cycles and the option to reverse washer doors for improved laundry room function.
• Saving energy makes you giddy. Front-loaders are typically the most energy efficient among all the HE washers on the market, using about five gallons less water per cycle than their top-loading counterparts. Their high spin feature extracts more moisture from wet loads, which means you can cut down on drying time.
• Quiet is the key to your laundry happiness. Reviewers have overwhelmingly found that front-loaders make less noise during the spin cycle. This is especially important if your laundry room is located near bedrooms and you like to do wash early in the morning or late at night.

A top-loader may be right for you if:

• You often wash bulky items. Both front- and top-loading models can handle very large loads, but recent redesigns of top-loaders give them the win in terms of capacity.
• You don't like change. HE top-loaders look like the old top-loader in your grandma's house, but inside they function in the same way as HE front-loaders.
• You're concerned about ergonomics. Sure, you can buy a platform to raise your front-loader, but without that, you'll find yourself bending over to load and unload the machine. Because the tub opening is higher, loading and unloading a top-loader is easier for most users.
• You're impatient. Average wash cycles on top-loaders can be up to 30 minutes shorter than those of front-loaders.
• You have a habit of finding that last dirty sock after you've already started the wash. With a top-loader, you can add items after the wash cycle has started. You can also stop a load to hunt for items left in pockets - saving a cell phone, perhaps? You can't do that with a front-loader.
• You're pinching pennies. Front-loading machines typically cost about $200 more than comparable top-loaders. Be aware, though: If you can afford the additional upfront cost, a front-loader may offer significant long-term savings thanks to greater energy savings.

Make a list of your priorities, from ergonomic design to shorter wash cycles, and compare them to this list of attributes so you can make an informed HE washing machine purchase.

Related:

• 5 Facts to Know About High-Efficiency Washers
• Maximizing Your Laundry & Mudroom Spaces
• Suds and Duds: Laundry Room Maintenance 101

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/front-loaders-vs-top-loaders-187109/
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House of the Week: A Pink Mansion on San Francisco's Famous Crooked Street

Just driving down San Francisco’s famous crooked street gives lots of people a thrill, so imagine the joy of living there — for more than half a century.

That honor belonged to the late art collector Elton Puffer, whose three-story pink mansion on Lombard Street is available for the first time in 55 years. It’s listed for $3.995 million.

The 4,102-square-foot duplex boasts 5 bedrooms and 5 baths with decks on all levels, some with views of San Francisco Bay and Coit Tower.

The owner’s favorite room was the large master suite with a gold-leaf spiral staircase that used to be on a ship, according to listing agent Nina Style of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

There’s also a double-parlor living room, two wood-burning fireplaces and three full garages plus off-street parking for pulling cars off that windy road.

Befitting a home in the heart of earthquake country, the 1948 home has had seismic upgrades. Props to Curbed San Francisco for spotting the listing.

Related:

• Tiny Homes Under 400 Square Feet
• 10 Gorgeous Kitchens for Holiday Dreaming
• 10 Ultra-Modern Homes Fit for the ‘Hunger Games’ Capitol

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/pink-mansion-san-francisco-187321/
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The 5-Step Plan for Refreshing Tired Houseplants

"I'm not dead yet!" You might remember this line from the classic scene in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” voiced by a defiantly living man who has been dumped atop a heap of plague victims. It's a morbid, yet fitting, metaphor for many houseplants.

As I'm writing this, I'm reminded of that dust-covered fiddle leaf ficus in my bedroom that hasn't been watered in well over a month. You probably have a similar example in your own home, but I'm here to tell you not to give up on it.

The fact that your plant is still living means that it's worth trying to save. Here's a five-step program to get your ailing houseplant back on track.

1. Inspect and clean the plant

Troubleshooting houseplant problems is a topic all its own. For now, all you need to do is look for anything amiss.

Inspect every inch of the plant for pests, especially on the underside of each leaf or in the axils, where the leaf meets the stem. Make a note of any pests, just in case they turn up again.

Using a rag, wipe the leaves with a mild soapy solution or insecticidal soap to remove any pests or dust. Some ferns and other plants are sensitive and should just be rinsed off instead.

If leaves are stunted, streaked or mottled, the plant may have a virus. Since there is no cure, it must be destroyed.

2. Trim and re-pot

Even healthy plants might benefit from a little trim. Remove any dead or unhealthy looking branches. If most of the branches look nearly dead, begin pruning down from the stem's tips and stop when you see firm, green growth. Since plants get their energy from leaves, you should leave at least two-thirds of the plant's leaves intact to help the plant recover.

Knock the plant out of its pot and prune out any soft, mushy or otherwise dead-looking roots. If the roots are tightly coiled (rootbound), then slice through the outermost roots a few times.

Re-pot with fresh potting mix, leaving about an inch between the roots and the inner edge of the pot. And never use a pot without drainage holes, since standing water is one of the fastest ways to kill a houseplant.

3. Place in bright indirect light

Bright indirect light is the best amount of light for houseplants, with the exception of cacti, succulents and any other plant that requires intense, direct light.

So what is this bright indirect light? It's a spot in your home that is bright enough to read comfortably without flipping on the light switch, and if you hold your hand about a foot away from the floor or wall, you should see a blurry shadow.

If you hold out your hand and see a crisp shadow or have to squint your eyes, it’s direct light, which is bright enough to damage the plant's leaves.

4. Fertilize

Now that the plant is off to a good start, let's keep it that way. Fertilizing houseplants isn't rocket science, but it is really important if you don't want the plant to die a slow and probably painless death.

Whether you choose chemical or synthetic fertilizer, it's important that you choose a slow-release product and follow the label directions. Too much fertilizer at once will burn the plant's roots, which is a really bad thing if it's already knock-knock-knocking on heaven's door.

5. Water properly

Whether you're saving a plant from underwatering or overwatering, you've probably figured out by now that moderation is key. It would be great if I could tell you exactly how much and how often to water, but it all depends on the plant, the potting mix, the container and maybe even the position of the planets, for all we know.

But generally speaking, only water when the top inch of potting mix is dry. Water the plant slowly and thoroughly each time - slowly so that the potting mix can absorb the water, and thoroughly so that the minerals in your tapwater don't accumulate in the potting mix and damage the roots.

So there you have it. Clean, trim, re-pot, fertilize and regularly water your houseplant, and it will begin pushing out happy, green leaves in no time at all. It's so easy that I'm really starting to feel guilty about that poor, abandoned fiddle leaf ficus in my bedroom, still shouting "I'm not dead yet!" through its dusty leaves.

Related:

• Troubleshooting Houseplant Woes
• 10 Houseplants You Can’t Kill
• Air Plants and Succulents: A Perfect Pair

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/refresh-tired-houseplants-187423/
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How to Create a Dedicated Drop Zone When You Don't Have the Space

Drop zones, mudrooms, utility rooms, entry halls, "places to toss your junk." Whatever you choose to call them, these spaces are invaluable in a home as a place to kick off your shoes, drop your keys, and relax when you return after a long day.

Sometimes these spaces can be a little hard to come by, especially if you live in an apartment or studio. Without organization, shoes usually end up piled in front of the door waiting to trip an unsuspecting victim, and a disarray of backpacks, mail, dog leashes and knickknacks can clutter your home to the point of embarrassment.

Having a dedicated, organized and stylish drop zone for all of your daily needs - and to welcome your guests - is absolutely achievable, no matter the size or design of your living space.

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Apartments aren’t usually optimized for grand built-ins or space for a mudroom. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an organized and useful space for when you come home. Use a coat closet, a narrow space behind the front door, or even your apartment complex’s hallway to give you the functionality you need.

Try these tips to establish a functional entryway in a home of any size.

Make a little space

Since it’s not possible to remodel or add on to an apartment, you must work with what you have. Temporarily remove your coat closet’s door, and add a stool or small bench inside as a place to sit and take off your shoes - and still have room for coats.

Try a narrow console table for tight hallways as a place to drop your keys or leave your outgoing mail.

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

If space is really tight and all you have is the wall behind your door, hang hooks for coats and bags so they stay off the floor.

If your apartment is inside a secure building, you may be able to leave out a basket or tray for dirty shoes in the shared hallway.

Add functionality

A mirror can also go a long way in opening up and brightening tight areas by reflecting light and giving the illusion of more space.

Retailers like IKEA sell modern pieces that can be modified to fit narrow spaces or hung on the wall. Measure your desired entryway space and find furniture that will make the most of the room you have.

Courtesy of Zillow Digs.

Having dedicated spaces for accessories also will make your drop zone a functional center. A devoted bowl or hook to hang your keys, a folder to sort your mail, and a basket to keep your shoes in really makes a difference in the flow of your day.

Instead of missing your big meeting because you couldn't find your keys, or resorting to tying a piece of rope around your dog’s collar because his leash is tangled somewhere in a pile of unsorted junk, you can quickly and easily grab what you need and be on your way.

Leave a message

Bump practicality up a notch by having a message center in your drop zone where you can pin important reminders or leave messages for family members. It’s a great way to keep everyone connected as they go in and out.

Another cool feature is a docking station to charge all your electronics. Look for compact and small accessories that will fit your space, yet serve the purpose you need.

Great Useful Stuff Multi-Charging Station, $60

By customizing your drop zone with features you need that will fit your home, you’ll keep everything streamlined and easy to find when you need it.

You don’t have to live in a big house to have a useful and stylish entryway and drop zone. Even in an apartment or studio where space can be tight, you can make a world of difference by designating a place to drop your coat, keys, shoes and more.

See entryway inspiration.

Related:

• First Impressions: Designing a Tidy and Stylish Entryway
• Feng Shui for Your Tiny Apartment
• How to Make Your Small Space Work for You

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/create-a-dedicated-drop-zone-187516/
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Here's How Underwater Homes Are Dragging Down Entire Housing Markets

Negative equity – the percentage of homeowners who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth – continues to cast a pall over the U.S. housing market, even though more underwater homeowners are surfacing all the time.

The Zillow Negative Equity Report for the third quarter of 2015 found that just over 13 percent of homeowners with a mortgage are upside down. Last year, it was almost 17 percent.

Abnormally high rates of negative equity are hard on homeowners who can't sell or refinance, but Zillow found that high negative equity rates also affect whole communities. All homes sell more slowly in areas with a high negative equity rate.

The homes most likely to be underwater are entry-level properties, restricting supply and making it hard to buy a home in those markets, as well.

Here are the large metros with the highest percentage of homeowners underwater. Las Vegas has topped this list for four and a half years.

Largest share of underwater homeowners

1. Las Vegas – 22.1 percent
2. Chicago – 20.6 percent
3. Atlanta – 18.6 percent
4. St. Louis – 17.6 percent
5. Baltimore – 16.9 percent

Read the full report on Zillow Research.

Related:

• Las Vegas: The Town That Choked on Debt
• 2016 Housing Forecast: Suburban Living Heats Up
• Where Firefighters and Teachers Can Afford to Buy Homes

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/negative-equity-q3-2015-187723/
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