Home Source, May 10, 2024

The prospect of hosting a fancy dinner party at my house lled my heart with panic and my redecorating engine with jet fuel. I had been wanting to update my dining room. Suddenly, I had an incentive and a deadline.

“You start seeing everything they don’t even notice,” said my neighbor, trying to calm my nerves.

“I’m more worried they’ll see everything I don’t notice,” I said.

Dinner party prompts dining room refresh

Aren’t we all a little house blind?

The dinner party wasn’t my idea. A few months ago, my friend, who is also a friend of the arts, hatched the plan to auction o a dinner for eight, including

DC and me, at my house, for an Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra fundraiser.

“You know how your column is ‘At Home With Marni’?” was how she framed it. “Well, this would let people actually be at home with Marni. Get it?”

Oh, I got it. If I’d known when I started writing a home design column what all I’d be getting myself into I would have become a pet therapist. People assume I live up to my words! Before I agreed — and because no one should pay to eat my cooking — I called a chef I knew to see if he’d help. Chef Angelo Bersani generously agreed to donate his time to prepare and serve dinner if I

paid for the groceries. Done! Chef and I became a package deal on the auction block.

With the food taken care of (Phew!), my focus turned to the dining room, which sits immediately to the right of my home’s front entry. You can’t miss it. The room has only two walls. The nonwall sides open onto the entry and living room.

Now, because I live in the real world, redecorating for me does not mean tossing all my furniture and starting over. It means working with what I have and making small re nements to get, ideally, big results. The trick, however, is knowing what those small moves are, which is when paralysis sets in.

My next call was to Los Angeles interior designer and long-time friend and colleague Christopher Grubb.

“HELP!” I cried! “I have all these illustrious dinner guests coming who think my home is something out of Architectural Digest and they are about to be bitterly disappointed.”

does not allow

copy changes or additions.

Grubb knows I’m prone to hyperbole. He also knows I can follow directions. He agreed to work with me on an hourly basis. He’d call the shots if I did the legwork, which involved shopping for materials, gathering samples, and coordinating workers. This would save him time and me money. Again, Done! With a chef and a designer on board, I could feel my lungs fully expanding, my blood pressure dropping.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! A proof is provided to avoid printing errors & to show the arrangement of composition. Mark all corrections with a pen. We cannot be responsible for printing errors not corrected on the proof.

Since Grubb is on the West Coast, and I’m in Florida, we worked virtually. I sent him photos of the dining room and told

Marni Jameson At Home

him my goal was to move away from the traditional furnishings to make the room more transitional, a direction he supported. We discussed some ideas; then he gave me my to-do list. Over the next eight weeks we exchanged dozens of texts, photos and a few sobbing emojis, and made the following small re nements, which yielded big results, and just might do the same for a room or two in your home:

• Added lampshades.

Although I had replaced the dining room’s dated light xture a few years ago, I had not “ nished” the xture o with chandelier shades, which Grubb advised. I test drove three shade styles, ordering one of each and returning the rejects, before settling on a black tapered shade. Because black shades direct light down, not out, they can make lighting more dramatic.

• Filled in the art niche. Art niches in walls are common yet o en di cult to work with as they limit the size of art

you can hang in them.

The niche in my dining room’s accent wall was 5-feet square and 3-inches deep. Until recently, a large tapestry hung over the niche and covered it.

But, as part of my attempt to make the space more contemporary, I sold the tapestry and now had this, uhh, hole in the wall. “Art niches just make you ask ‘why?’” said Grubb, who recommended having a drywaller ll it in.

• Put up wallpaper. To make the open room feel cozier and more intimate, and to distinguish it from the entryway, Grubb suggested covering the now smooth back wall and ceiling with sea-blue grasscloth, which added character and texture to the room.

• Replaced mirrors. Although Grubb liked the idea of two mirrors anking the art on the main wall, he suggested replacing the existing round ones with larger, vertical mirrors to make the room appear taller. Since we were moving

toward a more transitional less traditional look, we kept the frames simple.

• Updated end chairs. Although our goal is to replace all the tapestrycovered dining chairs with more contemporary seating but keep the existing table, here we hit an impasse. I couldn’t nd any chairs I liked that would also be available in time for my dinner party. Rather than compromise, I bought the chairs I wanted and accepted the fact that they wouldn’t arrive until September. Darn that supply chain. Meanwhile, I recovered the table’s two armchairs in a bold zebraprint fabric and painted the wood lacquer black. These chairs, which I wrote about a few weeks ago, are now xtures in my living room, but for dinner parties they double as end chairs.

• Added ambiance. With the new furnishings in place, all I needed to do was add the nishing touches — a fresh centerpiece of pale roses, patterned table linens, crystal and silver, candles, and, of course, illustrious

guests — to make the room come together like a symphony.

Marni Jameson is the author of seven books including the newly released “Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow,” “What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want” and “Downsizing the Family Home.” You may reach her at marnijameson.com.

Metro areas record home price increases in first quarter

National Association of Realtors News release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 90% of metro markets (205 out of 221, or 93%) posted home price gains in the rst quarter of 2024, as the 30-year xed mortgage rate ranged from 6.60% to 6.94%, according to the National Association of Realtors’ latest quarterly report. Thirty percent of the 221 tracked metro areas experienced double-digit price gains over the same period, up from 15% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

“Astonishingly, greater than 90% of the country’s metro areas experienced home price growth despite facing the highest mortgage rates in two decades,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “In the current market, rising prices are the direct result of insu cient housing supply not meeting the full demand.”

Compared to one year ago, the national median single-family existing-home price climbed 5% to $389,400. In the prior quarter, the year-over-year national median price increased 3.4%.

Among the major U.S. regions, the South registered the largest share of single-family existing-home sales (46%) in the rst quarter, with year-over-year price appreciation of 3.3%. Prices also swelled 11% in the Northeast, 7.4% in the Midwest and 7.3% in the West.

Photos courtesy of Marni Jameson

COMPANY’S COMING — The prospect of a dinner party prompted the author to make a handful of small moves to makeover this dining room, shown here before and after.

Price increases

Continued from 3

The top 10 metro areas with the largest year-over-year median price increases, which can be in uenced by the types of homes sold during the quarter, all registered gains of at least 18.2%. Six of the markets were in Illinois and Wisconsin. Overall, those markets were Fond du Lac, Wis. (23.7%); Kankakee, Ill. (22.0%); Rockford, Ill. (20.1%); Champaign-Urbana, Ill. (20.0%); Johnson City, Tenn. (19.3%); Racine, Wis. (19.0%); Newark, N.J.-Pa. (18.8%); Bloomington, Ill. (18.5%); New York-Jersey City-White Plains, N.Y.-N.J. (18.4%); and Cumberland, Md.-W.Va. (18.2%).

experienced home price declines in the rst quarter, down from 14% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Housing a ordability improved in the rst quarter as mortgage rates declined. The monthly mortgage payment on a typical existing single-family home with a 20% down payment was $2,037, down 5.7% from the fourth quarter of 2023 ($2,161) but up 9.3% — or $173 — from one year ago. Families typically spent 24.2% of their income on mortgage payments, down from 26.1% in the prior quarter but up from 23.3% one year ago.

Eight of the top 10 most expensive markets in the U.S. were in California. Overall, those markets were San JoseSunnyvale-Santa Clara. ($1,840,000; 13.7%); Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine. ($1,365,000; 14.2%); San FranciscoOakland-Hayward. ($1,300,000; 14%); Urban Honolulu, Hawaii ($1,085,800; 5.5%); San Diego-Carlsbad. ($981,000; 11.5%); San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles. ($909,300; 7%); Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura. ($908,700; 7.6%); Salinas. ($899,200; 4.1%); Naples-ImmokaleeMarco Island, Fla. ($850,000; 9.4%); and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale. ($823,000; 10.2%).

“The expensive markets in the West, where home prices declined last year, are roaring back,” Yun said. “Price dips in that region were viewed as second-chance opportunities by many buyers.”

Seven percent of markets (15 of 221)

Once again, rst-time buyers faced limited inventory and elevated home prices in the rst quarter, though a ordability conditions bettered from the previous quarter. For a typical starter home valued at $331,000 with a 10% down payment loan, the monthly mortgage payment fell slightly to $1,998, down 5.7% from the previous quarter ($2,118). However, that was an increase of $168, or 9.2%, from one year ago ($1,830). First-time buyers typically spent 36.5% of their family income on mortgage payments, down from 39.3% in the prior quarter.

A family needed a qualifying income of at least $100,000 to a ord a 10% down payment mortgage in 40.7% of markets, down from 47.1% in the previous quarter. Yet, a family needed a qualifying income of less than $50,000 to a ord a home in 4.5% of markets, up from 2.3% in the prior quarter.

4045 sq ft. commercially zoned Historical Building. Construction has started and permitted with the city to convert the shop to retail and access upgrades. The upstairs addition shares the 721 Main Street address, and this part of the building has current remodel plans and a permit that can be assumed by new owners. Rough framed, plumbing and electric are finished, but insulation is not completed. Heat and air system also in. Main building could be anything you want with residential at the second floor with a deck and stairs leading down to a fully fenced 40x49’ private parking lot and

Spectacular single level ranch styled home on 1+ acre. Outdoor living this stylishly renovated and updated home with exterior access from the primary suite and the spacious bonus room which could easily be Outdoor entertaining spaces are set up and ready for you to expand room for a pool, trampoline, pets and gardening! Each room has it’s HVAC for year round personalized comfort and control. Turn the key is house and easy care property is a 10! Close to Jenkinson Lake and round hiking, biking and boating! Kaiser approved zip code!

Live here now! Build wealth in the future! Located in Cameron Park, a desirable thriving community, this property is in the path of progress (site has development potential for 25 homes to be built)! Nestled in a lovely country setting this home has a vaulted living room, laminate ooring, a spacious kitchen, an inside laundry room, a big front porch, and new roof and gutters. Shop is 24 x 50 with a concrete oor, skylights and a 16 x 16 roll up door. Two outbuildings and a cargo container on the property. Flat areas for critters or room to park toys and boat. Located just TWO minutes from a vibrant shopping center, medical

$1,300,000 618 Encina Dr 3 3 (2 1) 3085 0.52 224029586

$1,300,000 2327 Dartmouth Pl 4 5 (3 2) 4443 0.59 224017488

$1,335,000 8177 Benevento Dr 4 4 (3 1) 3279 0.6 224042687

$1,345,000 8262 Trevi Way 4 4 (3 1) 4072 0.68 224038494

$1,348,000 4188 Kilt Cir 5 3 (3 0) 4000 0.47 224030156

$1,350,000 8145 Benevento 4 4 (3 1) 3279 0.65 224044254

$1,350,000 5200 Piazza Pl 4 5 (4 1) 4015 0.38 224038081

$1,385,995 5085 Glacier Peak Dr 5 5 (4 1) 4022 0.4528 224040518

$1,399,000 5238 Aspen Meadows Dr 5 5 (4 1) 4253 0.53 224041682

$1,399,000 712 Lakecrest Dr 4 6 (3 3) 4187 0.28 224034393

$1,399,999 3185 Warren Ln 4 3 (3 0) 3138 0.25 223118399

$1,450,000 5326 Florentino Loop 5 5 (4 1) 3741 0.49 224043910

$1,450,000 5310 Bantry Pl 3 4 (3 1) 3016 0.19 224040494

$1,450,000 1014 Via Treviso #Lot 1 6 5 (5 0) 3788 0.52 224027004

$1,467,540 3271 Beatty Dr 5 5 (4 1) 4410 0.3535 223084956

$1,485,000 7062 Via Barlogio #Lot 3 5 5 (5 0) 3788 0.46 224023948

$1,500,000 3785 Hollow Oak Dr 3 2 (2 0) 956 9.21 223103119

$1,500,000 4040 Hawk View Rd 2 2 (2 0) 1200 9.24 223082075

$1,595,000 750 Wyeth Ct 4 5 (4 1) 4038 0.22 224035488

$1,599,900 710 Wyeth Ct 5 5 (4 1) 4234 0.23 224046629

$1,750,000 1102 Lomond Dr 4 6 (5 1) 5527 0.8 224041564

$1,799,900 1807 Barcelona Ct 5 7 (5 2) 6011 0.7 224009629

$1,899,000 3350 Greenview 5 5 (4 1) 4889 0.45 224037717

$1,970,000 683 Encina Dr 5 5 (3 2) 4200 0.33 224045049

$1,980,000 1272 Van Gogh Dr 5 6 (5 1) 4382 0.2 224010522

$1,998,800 4101 Hawk View Rd 4 3 (3 0) 3512 9.36 224043058

$1,999,999 5225 Renaissance Way 5 6 (6 0) 5430 0.41 224036969

$2,100,000 3071 Corsica Dr 5 7 (6 1) 5131 0.74 223117332

$2,150,000 4121 Greenview Dr 3 4 (3 1) 4509 0.48 223113721

$2,195,000 4701 Gresham Dr 5 4 (4 0) 5288 0.73 224011513

$2,230,000 2611 Highland Hills Dr 4 4 (4 0) 4200 1.01 224042572

$2,250,000 6016 Aldea Dr 4 5 (4 1) 4193 0.43 224041932

$2,299,000 4981 Greyson Creek Dr 5 5 (4 1) 3751 0.46 224036119

$2,299,900 4940 Greyson Creek Dr 3 5 (4 1) 3615 0.58 224042384

$2,349,000 4103 Aristotle Dr 5 6 (5 1) 4720 1.14 224045400

$2,499,999 4205 Greenview Dr 4 5 (4 1) 4087 0.55 223106164

$2,550,000 4033 Raphael Dr 5 5 (5 0) 4213 0.48 223118525

$2,599,000 1111 La Sierra Dr 4 4 (3 1) 5504 1 224005076

$2,624,900 4950 Greyson Creek Dr 4 6 (5 1) 4163 0.48 224040493

$2,695,000 3268 Bordeaux Dr 4 6 (5 1) 5084 0.52 224041745

$2,698,000 5047 Da Vinci Dr 5 5 (4 1) 6182 0.51 224029151

$2,750,000 2867 Capetanios Drive 4 4 (3 1) 3997 0.74 224026106

$2,778,000 613 Thalassa Ct 6 5 (4 1) 5845 0.71 224040717

$2,840,000 7517 Sangiovese Dr 5 5 (4 1) 4943 0.73 224040137

$2,899,000 5263 Da Vinci Drive 4 5 (4 1) 4561 0.62 223114957

$2,997,000 10 Powers Dr 4 6 (4 2) 5378 0.6 224038620

$2,998,000 890 Las Brisas Ct 5 6 (5 1) 4272 0.72 224002603

$2,999,999 4991 Greyson Creek Dr 5 5 (5 0) 4013 0.9 224027860

$3,099,000 5011 Greyson Creek Drive 4 6 (5 1) 4865 0.46 223105112

$3,200,000 4901 Greyson Creek Dr 4 5 (4 1) 4398 0.49 223094679

$3,238,000 4773 Gresham Dr 5 6 (5 1) 4965 1.08 224003473

$3,389,000 4240 Raphael Dr 5 6 (5 1) 5319 0.54 224006620

$3,499,999 410 Boudin Ct 5 5 (5 0) 5240 0.52 223112843

$3,500,000 295 St Regis Ct 5 5 (4 1) 5071 0.59 224032738

$3,599,900 410 Jordan Ct 6 9 (6 3) 6451 1.46 224038804

$3,750,000

12604 Residential Homes resCue/luneman

12605 Residential Homes

latrobe/sHinGle sPrinGs soutH

12701 Residential Homes

Greater PlaCerville

12704 Residential Homes

mt. aukum, soutH County

Winding Way

$420,000 5145 Golden Aspen

$520,000 5180 Evergreen Dr

$585,000 7003 Pioneer Dr

2 (2 0) 1419 0.43 224036930

2 (2 0) 1554 0.31 224035849

$457,000 5408 Pine Ridge Dr 3 2 (2 0) 1602 0.8 224047331

3 (2 1) 2381 0.25 224038209

$1,695,000 Placerville 3 4 (4 0) 3851 12.33 224020103

$349,900 4420 Sand Ridge Rd 3 2 (2 0) 1242 2.47 224038606

$489,500 4055 Rancho Montes 3 2 (2 0) 1792 5.02 223097734

0) 2236 2.24 224033385 $559,000 5600 Siesta Ln 3 3 (2 1) 2359 0.63 224020070

$630,000 7701 Dorado Canyon Road 3 3 (2 1) 2452 10 224013171

$639,000 8140 Zinfandel Way 3 3 (2 1) 2742 11.01 224002758

$639,900 5401 Cosumnes Mine Rd 5 3 (3 0) 2044 13.76 223117426

$669,000 8170 Grizzly Flat Rd 3 2 (2 0) 1646 3.91 224029663

$849,900 3200 Horseshoe Bend Rd 3 2 (2 0) 1740 10 224043248

$975,000 7900 Shenandoah Ln 3 2 (2 0) 3102 12.34 224018283

$1,090,000 5021 D Agostini Dr 3 4 (3 1) 3453 19.49 224005969

$1,100,000 7081 Somerset Drive 3 4 (3 1) 3301 10 224012773

$1,125,000 6148 Happy Valley Rd 2 2 (2 0) 1156 41.58 224041704

$1,350,000 3000 Springhill Rd 3 3 (2 1) 2500 10.16 224019890

$1,795,000 8221 Stoney Creek Rd 1 1 (1 0) 990 39.61 222080803

$1,899,000 7449 Fairplay Rd 2 2 (1 1) 3790 14 224025953 $2,499,999 7531 Fairplay

12705 Residential Homes

Coloma, lotus

12801 Residential Homes Camino, CeDar Grove

12802 Residential Homes PolloCk Pines

$390,000 5498 Daisy

5400 Buttercup

$399,900 6955 Ridgeway Dr

$410,000 5637 Daisy Cir

$415,000 3241 Amber Trl

$440,000 6175 Salmon Way

$445,000 3095 Castlewood Circle

$448,000 3928 Opal Trl

6193 Speckled

6273

224013060

224024820

224042467

224019583

224042138

224025799 $460,000 7021

Once in a lifetime opportunity to own the historic Shinn Ranch. Gorgeous Homes surround this property. Minutes to Highway 50. Fish in your own private stocked pond. 1880’s Home is included in the purchase price.

This Gorgeous 4 bd/3 ba, home is on 10 scenic acres in the heart of Gold Hill. Light & airy is the best way to describe this well crafted home, with an indoor atrium, Vaulted Ceiling. Skylights & Walls of windows. Cool off in the summer in an inground pool. There are 3 separate living areas, with a walkin basement, that has a wet bar and a full bath. This area could easily be converted to in-law quarters. First time

WITH A TUDOR FLAIR

FAIR OAKS!