Eastern Plumas & Sierra Counties Newsletter - February 2019

NEWS YOU CAN USE

FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

Contents

Pg.

Portola Office & YE Overall Market Performance Report

2

Year End Comparisons 2018 vs. 2017

3-6

California Assn. Realtors® December 2018 Report

7-8

Guild Mortgage Corner Using a Realtor® to Sell Your Home Helpful Tips – Best Time to Buy Items for the Home February Calendar of Events and Details History of President’s Day

9 10 11-12 13-16 17

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE

FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities The Dickson Realty Portola Team is always available to provide excellent and dedicated client service whether you are considering buying or selling a home. Our team of seasoned professionals, all RealtorsÂŽ, possess the most current and comprehensive market information and, combined with their knowledge and experience, they are uniquely qualified to be expert guides in your real estate venture. Call, e-mail, visit our office, or access us on the web.

We are here for you 24/7.

Office Phone: 530-832-1700 Email: portolainfo@dicksonrealty.com Web: www.Dicksonrealty.com

***Please Note: The statistical report areas for Eastern Plumas/Sierra Counties have been expanded to include more locations and Beckwourth and Clio have been added to the statistics. As a result, the YTD numbers reflect all the new areas commencing with this reporting period. These statistics supersede all former reports in this category and are accurate as of January 16, 2019. We hope you will enjoy these more comprehensive reports.***

Overall Market BECKWOURTH, CLIO, CHILCOOT, GRAEAGLE-BLAIRSDEN, LOYALTON, PORTOLA & GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES

Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

YTD DEC. 2017

YTD DEC. 2018

$ 240,000 $ 289,064 $ 25,000 $ 1,100,000 207 228

$ 250,000 $ 301,737 $ 40,000 $ 1,575,000 $ 165 $ 208

% Change

4% 4% 60% 43% -20% -9%

Overall Market Beckwourth, Clio, Chilcoot, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities (Whitehawk, Gold Mountain, Grizzly )

$350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $-

$289,064 $240,000

$301,737 $250,000

2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

Average Sold Price

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities This month’s reports are year to date comparisons of YE December 2018 to YE December 2017 sales activity; showing median pricing trends, average pricing, lowest/highest sales, average days on market and total number of sales in the 12 month period.

The sales shown are for Single Family Residential Condominiums and Townhouses in each of the market areas.

(Time share and/or shared ownership are not included in the statistics presented.)

The data source is the Plumas Multiple Listing Service with data pulled on January 16, 2019

GRAEAGLEBLAIRSDEN

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

$ $ $ $

YTD DEC.

2017 252,000 291,952 30,000 950,000 183 92

2018 265,500 341,344 81,000 1,575,000 173 85

$ $ $ $

% Change 5% 17% 170% 66% -5% -8%

Graeagle-Blairsden YE 2017 - YE 2018 $400,000 $350,000 $341,344

$300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000

$291,952

$265,500

$252,000

$100,000 $50,000 $2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

Golf Course Communities

YTD DEC.

Whitehawk, Grizzly Ranch, Gold Mountain

Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

Average Sold Price

$ $ $ $

YTD DEC.

2017 455,000 533,068 265,500 1,100,000 279 22

$ $ $ $ $ $

2018 390,000 479,028 250,000 1,133,000 174 20

% Change -14% -10% -6% 3% -38% -9%

Golf Course Communities YE 2017 - YE 2018 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000

$533,068

$479,028

$455,000 $390,000

$300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

Average Sold Price

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

PORTOLA *Golf Course Communities not included

Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

$ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2017 157,250 192,957 25,000 649,000 173 70

$ $ $ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2018 158,000 188,345 40,000 715,000 155 67

% Change 0% -2% 60% 10% -10% -4%

Portola YE 2017 - YE 2018 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000

$192,957

$188,345 $158,000

$157,250

$100,000 $50,000 $2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

LOYALTON * Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

$ $ $ $

Average Sold Price

YTD DEC. 2017 234,000 220,916 62,000 409,000 126 18

$ $ $ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2018 267,500 273,194 107,500 459,000 94 18

% Change 14% 24% 73% 12% -25% 0%

Loyalton YE 2017 - YE 2018 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000

$267,500 $273,194 $234,000

$220,916

$150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

Average Sold Price

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

BECKWOURTH * Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

$ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2017 375,000 397,428 92,000 650,000 736 7

$ $ $ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2018 320,500 463,916 70,000 1,450,000 267 6

% Change -15% 17% -24% 123% -64% -14%

Beckwourth YE 2017 - YE 2018 $500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $-

$463,916 $375,000

$397,428 $320,500

2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

CLIO *Golf Course Communities not included

Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

$ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2017 575,000 504,000 25,000 925,000 277 10

$ $ $ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2018 367,500 381,616 110,000 734,000 196 8

% Change -36% -24% 340% -21% -29% -20%

Clio YE 2017 - YE 2018 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000

$575,000 $504,000

$400,000

$367,500 $381,616

$300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

CHILCOOT * Median Sales Price Average Sold Price Lowest Sold Price Highest Sold Price Average Days on Market Homes Sold

$ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2017 224,000 216,000 105,000 363,000 212 9

$ $ $ $ $ $

YTD DEC. 2018 189,250 198,375 150,000 265,000 203 4

% Change -16% -8% 43% -27% -4% -56%

Average Sold Price

Average Sold Price

Chilcoot YE 2017 - YE 2018 $230,000 $220,000 $210,000

$224,000 $216,000

$200,000 $198,375

$190,000 $189,250

$180,000 $170,000 2017

2018

YTD DEC.

YTD DEC.

Median Sales Price

Average Sold Price

Dickson Realty is dedicated to helping you keep a pulse on the local market and real estate related information by providing the latest news, trends, and issues affecting the area’s real estate market.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

A c t i v i t y

Median Sales Price

Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 8

$

Average Days on Market

$

Average Days on Market

$

$

Single Family Homes Sold Average Days on Market

Median Sales Price

$

Single Family Homes Sold Average Days on Market

Median Sales Price

$

2 206

2018 Single Family Homes Sold Average Days on Market

$

$

Qtr. End Sept. 30

509,060

$

Qtr. End Dec. 31

292,907

$

110,000

1

4

2

1

213

225

213

32

Qtr. End April 30

183,750

$

Qtr. End Sept. 30

-

$

Qtr. End Dec. 31

265,000

$

161,000

2

0

1

1

161

0

42

448

Qtr. End April 30

251,750

$

Qtr. End Sept. 30

55,500

$

Qtr. End Dec. 31

268,800

$

315,000

14

18

31

22

135

249

144

176

Qtr. End April 30

130,000

$

Qtr. End Sept. 30

158,000

$

Qtr. End Dec. 31

155,700

$

180,450

11

13

19

24

195

227

110

134

Qtr. End April 30

305,000

$

Qtr. End Sept. 30

281,000

$

Qtr. End Dec. 31

183,500

$

207,500

3

5

8

2

89

64

106

128

Qtr. End March 31

Golf Course Communities Median Sales Price

Qtr. End April 30

415,000

Single Family Homes Sold Average Days on Market

285,000

2

Qtr. End March 31

Loyalton 2018

$

273

Qtr. End March 31

Portola 2018

786,250

0

Qtr. End March 31

Graeagle - Blairsden 2018

$ 0

Single Family Homes Sold Average Days on Market

-

Qtr. End Dec. 31

2

Qtr. End March 31

Chilcoot 2018

Qtr. End Sept. 30

322

Single Family Homes Sold

Median Sales Price

$

Qtr. End March 31

Clio 2018 Median Sales Price

Qtr. End April 30

320,500

Single Family Homes Sold

Median Sales Price

b y

Qtr. End March 31

Beckwourth 2018

Qtr. End April 30

367,000

$

Qtr. End Sept. 30

500,000

$

Qtr. End Dec. 31

404,282

$

325,000

3

2

10

5

246

64

151

222

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

December 18, 2018 California housing market sputters in November - Existing, single-family home sales totaled 381,400 in November on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 3.9 percent from October and down 13.4 percent from November 2017.

- November’s statewide median home price was $554,760, down 3.0 percent from October and up 1.5 percent from November 2017.

- Statewide active listings rose for the eighth straight month, increasing 31 percent from the previous year.

- The statewide Unsold Inventory Index was 3.7 months in November, up from 3.6 months in October.

- As of November, year-to-date sales were down 4.6 percent.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 18) – California home sales remained on a downward trend for the seventh consecutive month in November as prospective buyers continued to wait out the market, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said today.

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 381,400 units in November, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2018 if sales maintained the November pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

November’s sales figure was down 3.9 percent from the revised 397,060 level in October and down 13.4 percent from home sales in November 2017 of a revised 440,340. November marked the fourth month in a row that sales were below 400,000.

“While many home buyers continue to sit on the sidelines, serious buyers who are in a position to purchase should take advantage of this window of opportunity,” said C.A.R. President Jared Martin. “Now that interest rates have pulled back, home prices have tapered, and inventory has improved, home buyers’ prospects of getting into a home are more positive.”

The statewide median home price declined to $554,760 in November. The November statewide median price was down 3.0 percent from $572,000 in October and up 1.5 percent from a revised $546,820 in November 2017.

“The slowdown in price growth is occurring throughout the state, including regions that have strong economic fundamentals such as the San Francisco Bay Area,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “The deceleration in home price

appreciation should be a welcome sign for potential buyers who have struggled in recent years against low inventory and rapidly rising home prices.”

Other key points from C.A.R.’s November 2018 resale housing report include: On a regionwide, non-seasonally adjusted basis, sales dropped double-digits on a year-over-year basis in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Coast, and the Southern California regions, while the Central Valley region experienced a relatively small sales dip of 3.9 percent.

Forty-one of the 51 counties reported by C.A.R. posted a sales decline in November with an average year-overyear sales decline of 16.8 percent. Twenty-six counties recorded double-digit sales drops on an annual basis.

Sales for the San Francisco Bay Area as a whole fell 11.5 percent from a year ago. All nine Bay Area counties recorded annual sales decreases, with Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties posting double-digit annual declines.

The Los Angeles Metro region posted a year-over-year sales drop of 10.1 percent, as home sales fell 11.2 percent in Los Angeles County and 14.4 percent in Orange County.

Home sales in the Inland Empire decreased 6.7 percent from a year ago as Riverside and San Bernardino counties posted annual sales declines of 9.0 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.

Home prices in the San Francisco Bay Area are no longer climbing at the double-digit pace that occurred throughout much of this year. On a year-over-year basis, the Bay Area median price ticked up 0.6 percent from November 2017. While home prices in Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties continued to remain above $1 million, all but San Mateo County recorded a year-over-year price decline.

Statewide active listings rose for the eighth consecutive month after nearly three straight years of declines, increasing 31 percent from the previous year.

November’s listings increase was the largest since April 2014.

The unsold inventory index, which is a ratio of inventory over sales, increased year-to-year from 2.9 months in November 2017 to 3.7 months in November 2018. The index measures the number of months it would take to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.

The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home edged up from 22 days in November 2017 to 28 days in November 2018.

C.A.R.’s statewide sales price-to-list-price ratio* declined from a year ago at 98.9 percent in November 2017 to 97.9 percent in November 2018.

The average statewide price per square foot** for an existing, single-family home statewide was $282 in November 2018, up from $277 in November 2017.

The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 4.87 percent in November, up from 3.92 percent in November 2017, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate also increased in November to an average of 4.11 percent from 3.24 from November 2017.

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

YTY Home Price Gains Moderating California, November 2018: $554,760, -3.0% MTM, +1.5% YTY P:May-07 $594,530

$700,000

Nov-17: $546,820

$600,000 $500,000

Nov-18: $554,760

T: Feb-09 $245,230 -59% from peak

$400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000

ay -0 6 Ja n07 Se p -0 M 7 ay -0 8 Ja n09 Se p -0 M 9 ay -1 0 Ja n11 Se p -1 M 1 ay -1 2 Ja n13 Se p -1 M 3 ay -1 4 Ja n15 Se p -1 M 5 ay -1 6 Ja n17 Se p -1 M 7 ay -1 8

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SERIES: Median Price of Existing Single Family Homes SOURCE: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Home Sales: Largest Decline Since 2014 California, November 2018 Sales: 381,400 Units, -4.6% YTD, -13.4% YTY 700,000 600,000 Nov-17: 440,340

500,000

Nov-18: 381,400

400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000

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-

SERIES: Sales of Existing Single Family Homes SOURCE: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

*Sales are seasonally adjusted and annualized

Sales Declined in All Price Segments November 2018 (Year-to-Year) 0% -5% -6.4%

-6.5%

-10%

-8.0%

-9.1%

-10.5%

-11.7%

-13.1%

-15% -20%

,0 0

$1

,0 0

0

$2

1, 99 -$

-$ 50 $7

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9k

9k 99

9k $5

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-$

74

9k 49 -$ 00 $4

$3

00

-$

29 $2

00

-$

39

9k

k 19 9 -$ $0

9k

-21.9%

-25%

SERIES: Sales of Existing Detached Homes SOURCE: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

But why use a local lender?

It is human nature to go with what you know, and who you know. But there are perks to working with local lenders, and agents. It is very common for you to ask your agents, ‘why’ when they refer you to a local lender. Well, we would like to answer those for you!

If I already have a relationship with Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, or any other out of area banks than why would I use a local lender recommended by my agent?

Your agent has referred you to us because they have worked side by side with us already. They know we will move mountains to provide their clients with ‘wow’ service and competitive rates!

Common banks such as Wells Fargo do not specialize in only lending. Guild Mortgage is a specialized mortgage bank and broker, and has been in business for 55 years!

I just did a refinance in my home town and it went great! Why would I not use them again for my next purchase?

Doing a purchase is a different experience than just a refinance. Our agents like to know that the purchase is being handled by someone they know and trust. Unfortunately, the out of town lenders do not have the same loyalty to the agent, because to them it is just another transaction. But we are 150% committed to satisfying you as a client, and a smooth transaction the entire way through!

I want the best rate, and I do not care who I work with!

We have very competitive rates, and will take the time to really structure the loan to best fit your scenario. We want to offer you and your family the best options while purchasing a home in our community. Sometimes one program is not the right answer and by tweaking the loan just right, it can save you thousands over the life of the loan.

When choosing the lender for your transaction, find who will have you in their best interest. Then you will be on your way to opening the door to your dream home!

If you have any questions regarding loan limits, refinancing or purchasing a home, please feel free to reach out to The Rice Team.

11050 Pioneer Trail Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161 Phone: (530) 582-9991 Fax: (530) 582-9995.

Web:wwwTheRiceTeam.com

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

USING A REALTOR® To Sell Your Home What is a REALTOR®?

All real estate professionals are not created equal. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® estimates that over 2 million people hold real estate licenses in the United States, but only about 1 million of them have earned the REALTOR® distinction. Through membership in their national, state and local REALTOR® associations, REALTORS® gain numerous opportunities to enhance their educational and professional development. They also are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.

Why Use a REALTOR®?

Selling a home is a complex process involving what's likely to be your most prized financial asset. Enacting a smooth transaction for your home's full value requires the expertise of a REALTOR® whose extensive training has prepared him or her to generate the best possible results on your behalf. Just like you shouldn't treat a broken leg without a doctor or handle a major legal dispute without an attorney, it's unwise to sell your home without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

Naturally, every seller wants to reap the highest return from the sale. It's tempting to sell the home on your own, thereby saving the REALTOR®'s fees. However, a study conducted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® found that 82 percent of real estate sales result from REALTORS® contacts with previous clients, referrals and other sources. Additionally, NAR concluded that most homes sell for 3 to 9.5 percent more when sold through a REALTOR®.

Selling your home with a REALTOR® yields abundant advantages, including the following: REALTORS® have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS) to disburse information about your property to thousands of consumers via their networks. They also have other marketing vehicles at their disposal, such as open houses and referral networks.

Through your REALTOR®'s marketing efforts, a much broader range of qualified buyers will be informed of your property's availability. As a seasoned pro at negotiation skills and tactics, your REALTOR® can maintain objectivity in assessing buyers' proposals and developing offers and counteroffers.

Throughout the transaction, including appraisals, inspections and legally binding agreements, you can depend on your REALTOR®'s know- how to avoid any pitfalls.

Sales transactions comprise intricate legal and regulatory requirements.

REALTORS® are familiar with the regulations and can help you understand and adhere to them.

REALTORS® work with their clients to address home improvements and tips that will enhance the home's salability.

REALTORS® offer extensive, professional sales training.

All Dickson Realty agents are REALTORS® in good standing with the National Association of Realtors and are members of the Plumas Multiple Listing Service. Each is educated, trained and skilled in providing expert guidance in any real estate transaction.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

The Best Time of Year to Buy Things for Your Home Buying stuff can be stressful. Cheap out, and you could regret it. Overspend, and you’ll cut into your budget.

Knowing the best time of year to buy appliances and other household items can lessen the anxiety.

Mattresses: February and May

Furniture: January and July You could save 30% to 60% buying furniture in January and July, as stores try to clear out inventory and make way for new pieces, which manufacturers introduce in February and August.

Floor samples especially often sell for a song, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Linens and Towels: January Department store “white sales” — launched in 1878 — are still a favorite marketing tactic and make January the best time to binge on high-quality bedding and towels. If the exact color or style you’re seeking is out of stock, ask in-store for a rain check, so you can get exactly what you want at the price that can’t be beat.

Even the most obscure holiday seems to inspire mattress sale commercials.

Annoying, yes, but also a reminder that you should never pay full price for a mattress. The best time of year for sales is February (courtesy of Presidents Day) and May (Memorial Day).

Many department stores offer coupons for additional savings on the sale price, while specialty chains — which have the biggest markups — can drop prices 50% or more. But don’t waste your time price shopping: Manufacturers have exclusive deals with retailers for each model, so the only way to find a lower price is to snuggle up to a different mattress.

Refrigerators: May

Snow Blowers: March and April

Unlike other big-ticket appliances, new fridges are released in May. Combine the need for retail turnover with Memorial Day sales, and you get epic savings nearly all month long, making it the best time of year to buy a new refrigerator.

The best time to pick up a low-cost snow blower is exactly when you DON’T need it: in March and April.

That time of year, no store wants them taking precious floor space away from spring merch like patio furniture and grills.

Storage Essentials: January and August Major Appliances: January, September, October, and the Holidays The prices on this year’s appliances bottom out when they suddenly become last year’s models. With the exception of refrigerators (more on that below), you can pick up last year’s models for way less in September, October, and January, when stores are making room for new inventory. For good deals on this year’s models, wait for Black Friday and the holidays. The season rivals inventory clear-out bargains as the best time of year for sales on appliances.

In August, retailers slash prices and offer free shipping on shelving, organizing systems, baskets, and storage bins, baiting parents who are packing kids off to college or getting organized for a new school year.

Vacuums: April and May New vacs debut in June, so last year’s models go on sale in April and May — just in time for spring cleaning.

Roofing: May For the lowest price on materials, buy in May. But if you’re paying a pro to install a new roof, contractor rates begin their climb April 1 and stay high through fall.

So, if weather allows for wintertime installation, you could save big.

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities Gas Grills: July and August Come July 5, there’s still smoke in the air from Fourth of July fireworks, but stores are already moving on to Halloween, with Christmas not far behind. So, they’ll cook up juicy savings on grills and other summer staples in July and August. Sales peak by Labor Day, so you could pick up a new grill and still have time to host one final summer hurrah.

Prices for interior and exterior paint bottom out when the mercury (and demand) falls — in November, December, and January, but also when it rises back up, in May and July.

HVAC equipment: March, April, October, and November

Lawn Mowers: August, September, and May

August and September are the perfect time to retire an ailing mower. You’ll find the lowest prices of the year (but also the slimmest selection) as stores replace mowers with snow blowers. Retailers also kick off the season with sales every April. You generally won’t save quite as much, but you’ll have more choices.

Perennials: September

Unlike non-perishable goods, there’s not much retailers can do with last season’s perennials, so September brings savings of 30% to 50% and two-for-one offers on plants like hostas, daylilies, and peonies. And note that independent gardening stores can typically offer deeper discounts than big chains.

Cooler weather also makes this a great time of year to plant. How’s that for a win-win? If you prefer planting in the spring, many nurseries offer 10% to 20% off when you pre-order in February or March.

Power Tools: June and December

Paint: January, May, July, November, and December

Power tools are a favorite go-to gift for Father’s Day and the holidays, so June and December are the best time to buy tools like cordless drills.

Like snow blowers, the best time to buy furnaces and whole-house air conditioning systems is when you don’t need them. Prices are lowest during months with moderate temperatures — generally March and April, then October and November.

Many installers also run promotions during these slow seasons to help load their books.

They also may be more willing to negotiate a lower price or throw in a free upgrade like a fancy thermostat.

Flooring: December and January

From mid-December and into January, homeowners tend to take a break from major remodeling projects because of the holidays. Flooring retailers and installers are looking for business, so that gorgeous wide-plank flooring or luscious carpet can be yours for an even more scrumptious price.

AMY HOWELL HIRT has written about home design for 13 years. Her work has been published by outlets including “The Home Depot,” “USA Today,” and Yahoo! Homes.

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

FEBRUARY 2019 SUN

MON 27

TUES 28

WED 29

THUR 30

FRI 31

SAT 01

02

Groundhog Day

9th Annual Ice Fishing Tourney Lake Davis 03

04

05

06

10

11

12

13

18 President’s Day

29

24

25

03

04

17 Historic Long Board Races

07

08

09 Loyalton Elem.

School Spirit Dinner

14

15

16

20

21

22

23

26

27

28

01

02

05

06

07

08

09

Lunar New Year

Valentine’s Day

The Roman month Februaris was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman Calendar. January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar, since the Romans originally considered winter a monthless period. They were added by Numa Pompilius about 713 BC. February remained the last month of the calendar year until the time of the decemvirs (c. 450 BC), when it became the second month.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities Date and Event Feb. 2nd

Where Held

Fundraiser: LOYALTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPIRIT DINNER Feb. 17th ANNUAL LONG BOARD RACING SERIES

Contact Info.

Lake Davis, Ca.

Check in 7 am to 9:00 am Fishing starts at 8:00 am

John (530) 832-9659 or www.420incfishing.com

Golden West Dining Loyalton

6:30 pm

Call restaurant at (530) 9934467 Or Get tickets from Loyalton elementary School

Plumas Eureka State Park 310 Johnsville Road, Graeagle

10:00 am

www.plumasskiclub.org

JOHN PATO, Sr. 9th ANNUAL FISHING TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER

Feb. 6th

Time

Details FISHING FOR THE CURE! Annual Ice Fishing event; even if there is no ice, there will be fishing on the shore.

ENTRY FEE: $20.00 All proceeds from this event to to the American Cancer Society.

Be sure to bring valid California Fishing License or you can purchase a license the day of the event at the Grizzly Store.

7-Course Dinner presented by Chef Travis Tickets $45 – Adults Only

See separate flyers provided about this traditional event.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

DOPE IS KING Under the Auspices of the Plumas Ski Club The Plumas Descendants of the Right Honorable 1861 Onion Valley “Snowshoe” Club Summon all able riders to the Historic Longboard Revival Race Series Year 2019 Sunday January 20, February 17, and March 17 Registration 10:00-11:15am. Drawing of numbers at 11:45.

Racing starts at Noon To be held at the ski area at Plumas Eureka State Park Near Historic Johnsville, Plumas County, California 1860’s Style, 9-16’ Wooden Ski Races Historic Attire/Leather Boots Required Authentic “Dope” Wax Only. No Spittin’ or Cheatin’.

Dope Wax Available. Prizes Awarded Use of club longboards on first come, first serve, basis – limited quantity available.

Entry fees: Plumas Ski Club Membership (required) $20; $20 race fee for Card Carrying Ski Club Members using private longboard skis, $20 fee to use club longboards For more information: www.PlumasSkiClub.org

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities FOR THE BRAVE AND FUN LOVING LONGBOARD SKI RACE Eighty-eight miles per hour! No speed record you say? Try telling that to Cornish Bob, the world's first champion speed skier. It was near La Porte, on the snow-covered slopes of Lexington Hill in February of 1867 that he fairly flew to victory over the 1,804 foot track on twelve foot long wooden skis. Using the magic "dope" concoction of Bill Church, Cornish Bob covered the distance from a standing start in fourteen seconds, leaving his competitors far behind.

"Norway skates," or skis, were first introduced to the mining camps in 1853. Due to the remoteness and altitude of the Plumas and Sierra county camps, skis were the perfect vehicle for winter transportation.

Sporting fellows soon began racing and the following year Hugh "Buckskin" Porter began turning out a lengthened and improved version at his Saw Pit Flat workshop.

In 1861, the first organized ski club races were held at Onion Valley, between Quincy and La Porte, giving birth to the sport of downhill ski racing in the western hemisphere.

For the next twelve years races were held between various camps such as Onion Valley, Saw Pit, La Porte, Howland Flat, Port Wine and Gibsonville. In late 1866, the Alturas Snowshoe Club was formed at La Porte to reinvigorate and to bring about a modicum of respectability to the sport. In February, 1867, they held their first formal race and It wasn't until ten years later that a

similar ski meet was held in Norway. For the next twenty years or so, organized meets with fifty or more participants, 500 spectators and purses of $500 to $1000 were held. The racers, representing their towns, made the winter circuit from La Porte, Johnsville, Jamison City, Poker Flat, Sierra City, Monte Cristo and smaller camps.

The skis these early speed demons rode were commonly called "snowshoes" or "Iongboards" and were constructed of tight, verticalgrained Douglas fir. The skis were shaped with planes, the groove on the bottom with a special "grooving" plane, and the tips bent by a long steaming process. Traveling skis were generally eight to ten feet long, while the racing skis were a minimum of ten feet and might reach an unwieldy length of fifteen feet!

In both cases however, the binding consisted only of two pieces of leather attached to the sides with three or four holes on each side for lacing tight. A small block of wood was attached to the ski to hold the heel in place. For starting and stopping, a six foot long single stout pole with a wood block at one end was employed. Starting was accomplished by making three or four strong lunging thrusts, while stopping was a matter of sitting on the pole to apply pressure, creating a drag and at the same time, a spectacular "rooster tail" of snow.

Although a strong start is definitely a plus in this style of racing, the wax or "dope" applied to the base is equally or more important. The recipes to create these substances were closely guarded by the dopemaker, and even today,

though the recipes have been handed down, the cooking times were not. Materials used in the brewing of a batch of dope included spermaceti, a waxy substance from the brow of the sperm whale, oil of cedar, Venice turpentine, oil of tar, wintergreen, soapstone, balsam of fir, pine pitch, and in one instance, melted Edison cylindrical records! The speeds the dope produced led to slogans such as "Sierra Lightning" and "Dope is King!"

The early generations of longboarders continued the sport until the last race in 1917. During the 1930s there was a small revival, then a much stronger one in the 1950s, another hiatus, and now the present revival, started in 1990. In the spirit of the 19th century racers, three longboard races are now held annually at the Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl at Johnsville. The racers must be dressed in period style clothing, and only dope from authentic recipes and ingredients may be used on the skis. As in the original races, they are gender based, and participants must climb the hill on foot to the starting line. Once a squad of three to four racers is lined up and poised, the gong is sounded and the race is on. The strongest start and the straightest line (along with the best dope and best balance) generally determines the winner.

The public is invited to spectate and participate in this family style entertainment. There is a nominal charge to race. For more information email the Plumas Ski Club email@plumasskiclub.org or call the Plumas County Museum at 530-283-6320.

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE FEBRUARY 2019 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Graeagle, Portola, Loyalton, Chilcoot and Golf Course Communities

Presidents Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents Day 2019 occurs on Monday, February 18. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. Presidents Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.

The story of Presidents Day date, begins in 1800.

Following the death of George Washington in 1799, his February 22 birthday became a perennial day of remembrance.

At the time, Washington was venerated as the most important figure in American history, and events like the 1832 centennial of his birth and the start of construction of the Washington Monument in 1848 were cause for national celebration. While Washington’s Birthday was an unofficial observance for most of the 1800s, it was not until the late 1870s that it became a federal holiday.

Washington’s Birthday joined four other nationally recognized federal bank holidays—Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving— and was the first to celebrate the life of an individual American. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, signed into law in 1983, was the second.

The shift from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day began in the late 1960s, when Congress proposed a measure known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This law sought to shift the celebration of several federal holidays from specific dates to a series of predetermined Mondays. The proposed change was seen by many as a novel way to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers, and it was believed that ensuring holidays always fell on the same weekday would reduce employee absenteeism.

While some argued that shifting holidays from their original dates would cheapen their meaning, the bill also had widespread support from both the private sector and labor unions and was seen as a surefire way to bolster retail sales.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act also included a provision to combine the celebration of Washington’s birthday with that of Abraham Lincoln, which fell on February 12.

Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed in 1968 and officially took effect in 1971 following an executive order from President Richard M. Nixon.

Washington’s Birthday was then shifted from the fixed date of February 22 to the third Monday of February.

Columbus Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day were also moved from their traditionally designated dates. (As a result of widespread criticism, in 1980 Veterans’ Day was returned

to its original November 11 date.)

Did you know? President's Day never falls on the actual birthday of any American president. Four chief executives—George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan—were born in February, but their birthdays all come either too early or late to coincide with Presidents Day, which is always celebrated on the third Monday of the month.

Washington and Lincoln still remain the two most recognized leaders, but Presidents Day is now popularly seen as a day to recognize the lives and achievements of all of America’s chief executives.

Like Independence Day, Presidents Day is traditionally viewed as a time of patriotic celebration of remembrance.

In its modern form, Presidents Day is used by many patriotic and historical groups as a date for staging celebrations, reenactments and other events. A number of states also require that their public schools spend the days leading up to Presidents Day teaching students about the accomplishments of the presidents, often with a focus on the lives of Washington and Lincoln.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700