Eastern Plumas/Sierra Counties August Newsletter

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Silver Lake, Plumas County Photo courtesy of Plumas LAFCo

Contents

Portola Office – Reasons to Use a REALTOR® To Sell Your Home Sales Statistic Reports

Pg.

2 3-5

Synergy Mortgage Home Loan Corner

6

Appliances; Life Expectancy and Need for Reserve Fund

7

6- Thrifty Home Improvement Ideas August Calendar & Event Details Feather River Land Trust 2020 Vision

8-9 10-12 13 Gold Lake, Plumas County Photo courtesy of U.C. Berkeley Forestry

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. 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 REALTORS®, 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

REASONS TO USE A REALTORÒ WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME Getting the RealtorÒ guarantee All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors are called RealtorsÒ. They proudly display the RealtorÒ logo on their business card, website, and marketing. RealtorsÒ subscribe to a strict Realtor Code of Ethics and have access to advanced educational opportunities and training in both residential and commercial real estate specialties. RealtorsÒ are committed to treating all parties to a transaction honestly.

Setting the price The selling process generally begins with a determination of a reasonable asking price. Your real estate agent or RealtorÒ can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in your local marketplace, as well as the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in marketing your home and selling it at the best price. Often, your agent can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of the property.

Marketing your property The next step is a marketing plan. Marketing exposes your property to the public as well as to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service, other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, and so on. In many markets, a substantial portion of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. The Realtor Code of Ethics requires RealtorsÒ to use these cooperative relationships when they benefit clients.

An agent will also know when, where and how to advertise—which medium, format and frequency will work best for your home and your market. Though advertising can be valuable, the notion that advertising sells real estate is a misconception. National Association of Realtors studies show that 82 percent of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts from previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.

Providing security When a property is marketed with an agent's help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Agents will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

Negotiating your real estate deal Your agent can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing—a lot of possible pitfalls. Your agent can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

Monitoring, renegotiating and closing Between the initial sales agreement and the closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, there are unexpected repairs that require the buyer to obtain financing, or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your agent is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.

Getting expert assistance Finally, consider the scale of your transaction. Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to solve it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the relatively small cost of hiring a RealtorÒ and the large potential risk of not hiring one, it's smart to find a professional to sell your home.

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. This month’s reports are year-to-date comparisons of sales statistics for YTD June 2019 compared to YTD June 2020; showing median and average sales pricing, lowest/highest sales, average days on market and total number of sales in the 12-month comparison period.

The sales reported are for Single Family Residential and Condo/Townhouse sales in each of the 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 July 10, 2020

GRAEAGLE-BLAIRSDEN

Year To Date JUNE 2019 330,000 344,324 182,500 600,000 170 25

Column1

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

Year To Date

$ $ $ $

JUNE 2020 300,000 316,777 66,000 675,000 177 27

$ $ $ $ $ $

% Change -9% -8% -64% 13% 4% 8%

Graeagle-Blairsden $350,000 $340,000 $330,000 $320,000 $310,000 $300,000 $290,000 $280,000 $270,000

$344,324 $330,000 $316,777 $300,000

2019

2020

JUNE

JUNE

Year To Date

Year To Date

Median Sales Price

GOLF COMMUNITIES

Average Sold Price

Year To Date

Whitehawk, Grizzly Ranch, Gold Mountain Column1

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

$ $ $ $

Year To Date

JUNE 2019 470,000 542,142 312,500 1,125,000 137 7

$ $ $ $ $ $

JUNE 2020 525,000 483,700 339,000 567,500 223 5

% Change 12% -11% 8% -50% 63% -29%

Golf Communities Whitehawk, Grizzly Ranch, Gold Mountain $560,000 $540,000 $520,000 $500,000 $480,000 $460,000 $440,000 $420,000

$542,142 $525,000

$470,000

$483,700

2019

2020

JUNE

JUNE

Year To Date

Median Sales Price

Year To Date

Average Sold Price

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

PORTOLA

Year To Date JUNE 2019 193,000 217,214 55,000 555,000 162 35

Column1

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

Year To Date

$ $ $ $

JUNE 2020 165,000 172,890 28,000 368,000 133 31

$ $ $ $ $ $

% Change -15% -20% -49% -34% -18% -11%

Portola $250,000 $200,000 $150,000

$193,000

$217,214 $165,000 $172,890

$100,000 $50,000 $2019

2020

JUNE

JUNE

Year To Date

Year To Date

Median Sales Price

LOYALTON

Average Sold Price

Year To Date JUNE 2019 255,000 267,714 175,000 360,000 174 7

Column1

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

Year To Date

$ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

JUNE 2020 352,500 363,500 204,000 545,000 307 4

% Change 38% 36% 17% 51% 76% -43%

Loyalton $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $-

$352,500 $363,500 $255,000 $267,714

2019

2020

JUNE

JUNE

Year To Date

Median Sales Price

Year To Date

Average Sold Price

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

BECKWOURTH

Year To Date JUNE 2019 460,000 395,000 205,000 520,000 154 3

Column1

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

$ $ $ $

CHILCOOT $ $ $ $

CLIO Column1

$ $ $ $

JUNE 2019 629,950 743,875 300,000 1,417,000 162 4

Beckwourth $600,000

% Change 4% 14% 59% 6% 47% 0%

$500,000 $400,000

$ $ $ $ $ $

JUNE 2020 214,500 214,225 180,000 247,900 83 4

$395,000

$200,000 $100,000 $2019

2020

JUNE

JUNE

Year To Date

Year To Date

Median Sales Price

$ $ $ $ $ $

Average Sold Price

Chilcoot

% Change -36% -37% -35% -38% -43% 100%

$400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $-

$337,500 $337,500 $214,500 $214,225

2019

2020

JUNE

JUNE

Year To Date

Year To Date

Median Sales Price

Year To Date JUNE 2020 345,000 412,233 291,700 600,000 312 3

$479,000 $451,333

$460,000

$300,000

Year To Date

Year To Date

Note: Whitehawk is in Golf Communities

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

JUNE 2019 337,500 337,500 275,000 400,000 146 2

JUNE 2020 479,000 451,333 325,000 550,000 227 3

$ $ $ $ $ $

Year To Date

Column1

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

Year To Date

Average Sold Price

Clio

% Change -45% -45% -3% -58% 93% -25%

$800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $-

$743,875 $629,950

$345,000

$412,233

2019

2020

JUNE

JUNE

Year To Date

Year To Date

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 AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

SYNERGY HOME MORTGAGE CORNER

Senior Loan Officer

STEPHANIE HANNA p (775) 762-9114 Stephanie.Hanna@Synergyhm.com stephaniehannaloans.com 1100 Caughlin Crossing Reno, NV 89519 NMLS #188917

© 2020 Synergy Home Mortgage, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This communication does not constitute a commitment to lend or the guarantee of a specified interest rate. All loan programs and availability of cash proceeds are subject to credit, underwriting and property approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply. 1100 Caughlin Crossing, Suite 1A, Reno, NV 89519. Corp NMLS# 1593061 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

4 appliances homeowners will have to replace eventually An important way to prevent washer damage is to ensure it's on level ground. An unsteady machine can

The typical American home has a few large appliances that people tend to take for granted. The washing machine and dryer. The refrigerator. A furnace, and perhaps an air conditioner. The dishwasher.

These staples of the modern home shouldn't be overlooked, though. Whether you buy them brandnew for your house, or they came along with your purchase, you'll eventually need to replace these appliances.

Here's what you need to know about four common home appliances and their lifespans: 1. Refrigerators You can generally count on your fridge lasting a decade, according to Consumer Reports. After that, you'll want to begin watching for signs that it's not working as well as it should be. Refrigerators are the top source of home appliance complaints to Consumer Reports, with the most common issue being the water or ice dispenser not working.

To lengthen the life of your fridge, keep it clean.

Vacuum the condenser coils, wipe down gaskets and use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the ice dispenser.

2. Washing machines Washers also last 10 years typically, a Consumer Reports survey found. This lifespan is in line with most manufacturers' claims, though you'll also see a few outliers, like Speed Queen, that advertise their machines as lasting up to 25 years.

That said, 30% of respondents to Consumer Reports' survey said they experienced a problem within the first five years.

damage the internal components like the drum. If you begin to hear odd sounds when you use the machine, like knocking or squeaking, address it right away. If something is misaligned, continuing to use it will probably make the problem worse.

3. Dryers Ten years is also the expected lifespan of dryers, and only 20% of respondents to Consumer Reports' survey said they had a problem within the first five.

One reason for this could be because dryers are significantly less complicated than washers.

Of the complaints Consumer Reports analyzed, the most common (10%) was that the machine wasn't drying clothes entirely. This could be caused by a broken heating element, a typical cause of breakdowns that dryers have.

The most important thing to remember for keeping your dryer in good condition is to clear out the lint.

Empty the trap with every load of laundry, and vacuum out the duct annually.

4. Dishwashers Like some of our other favorite home appliances, dishwashers can typically last a decade. However, about 30% of consumers said they've experienced problems with theirs within the first five, according to a survey from Consumer Reports.

The biggest complaint about dishwashers is that it's not cleaning properly. To keep your dishwasher working well, ensure dishes are clear of large pieces of food, bone or toothpicks before loading, and keep the machine clean. Remove hard water or residue buildup, and clear the filter.

Eventually, you'll have to replace any one of these appliances. Prepare for this event by setting aside money in an emergency fund.

Article compliments of the Federal Savings Bank

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

6 Home Improvement Ideas That Stretch Your Dollars the Most When it comes to home improvement ideas, some are more financially savvy than others. And if you’re on a limited budget, it becomes even more important to be savvy.

Here are six affordable home improvement projects that’ll help you enjoy your home more today and provide excellent financial return in the future.

#1 Add the Finishing Touch of Molding

A few tips about molding: Be careful about proportions. If your ceiling height is 9 feet or less, go with simpler styles to avoid overwhelming the room.

Place a chair railing at one-third the distance of the ceiling height. Chair railing placed incorrectly can make a room seem out of proportion.

Don’t forget entryways, doors, and windows: Bump up the trim around these areas to give rooms a completed and expensive feel.

#2 Hang Quality Ceiling Fans If your ceiling fans are old and outdated, new ones (coupled with a fresh paint job and crown molding) could give your rooms a refreshing update while saving money.

Some tips about ceiling fans: • • • •

Crown molding makes rooms seem both bigger taller. It's an elegant addition to any home.

Hang 7 to 8 feet above the floor.

If you’ve got a low ceiling, buy a hugger ceiling fan that’s flush-mounted.

Go for the biggest Energy Star-rated fan that will fit the space.

Choose quality. You’ll get better cooling results, less noise, and good looks at a digestible price point of $200 to $600.

Plus, wood moldings come in hundreds of options -from simple to ornate -- that you can stain, paint, or leave natural.

You can also find moldings in flexible materials, such as foam, that make installation a whole lot easier. Some moldings even include lighting that casts a soft, ambient glow.

And at $1.50 per foot if you DIY it, or $8 per foot if you hire, it’s a no-brainer in terms of personalizing your home while adding value. (Although we don’t recommend DIY unless you’ve got above-par mitering skills.)

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

#3 Install a Deck or Patio

Here are a few ways to think outside of the toy box: • • •

Open drywall to create storage cubbies between your wall’s studs.

Install platform storage that hangs from your garage ceiling.

Even stairs can give you more storage. One clever mom repurposed an old chest of drawers and created storage within a basement staircase.

#6 Install Landscape Lighting But don’t go crazy and trick out your outdoor space with high-end amenities, like an outdoor kitchen — especially if you’d be the only one on the block with one. When it’s time to sell, you won’t get back much — if any — of your investment on outdoor kitchens and other high-end amenities. Instead, keep it simple and functional to see a return on investment.

A professionally installed deck costs about $10,000 to install, but if you DIY it, you'll save more than half that while adding to your equity.

Exterior lighting makes your home shine in the evening, accents features you like most about your house, and helps keep burglars away. Installing motion-detecting lights can even lower some homeowners’ insurance premiums.

Landscaping lighting tips: • • •

Place accent lights under your favorite trees to show off your landscaping’s top earners.

Put them on a timer so you don’t waste energy running them during the day.

Choose a warm, white light. It'll make your home look and feel welcoming.

Don’t skimp on deck lighting. It can make all the difference in functionality and beautification.

#4 Upgrade Your Insulation It's not as sexy as a kitchen remodel, but it doesn't cost as much either ($65,000 vs $2,100).

Plus, you'll save all year long on your utility bills.

Win-win!

#5 Add Some Creative Storage We don’t have to sell you on the value of storage and built-in organization. Since when have you heard someone complain about too much storage?

Never, we bet.

Adding storage is a no-brainer, but it does take a little brainpower to find your home’s hidden storage.

© Copyright 2020NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (pictures changed to reflect mountain living)

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

AUGUST 2020 SUN

Symbolizing strength and moral integrity, gladioli also represent infatuation, with a bouquet conveying to a recipient that they pierce the giver's heart with passion.

Striking and colorful with towering stems, this August birth flower and 40th wedding anniversary flower evoke the drama of Roman gladiators.

MON

TUES

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

26

27

28

29

30

31

01

02 Loyalton Country Market and Meet & Greet

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15 Loyalton Country Market and Meet & Greet

16

17

18

19

20 Dinner in the Park: Plumas Eureka State Park

21

22 Wild West Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

02

03

04

05

01

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Date and Event August 2nd and August 15th

Where Held Loyalton, CA Downtown kiosk

Time

Contact Info.

9:00 am 1:00 pm

Sierra County Chamber 1-800-200-4949

Details

Country Market Bazaar Meet & Greet.

9am to 1pm. At the Chamber Kiosk at the corner of Highway 49 & 2nd Street, Loyalton. www.eastsierravalleychamber.com

August 20th Dinner in the Park Fundraising Event

August 22nd Dinner Theatre

Plumas Eureka State Park Johnsville Road, Johnsville, CA

5:00 pm 8:00 pm

Lost Marbles Ranch 2985 Marble Hot Springs Road, Beckwourth, CA

5:00 pm Social Hour with no host bar; Followed

by Steak Dinner and Show

Nancy Degger (530) 927-9748 Tickets on sale now $60 pp

Karen (530) 400-7737 LaVerne (530) 836-2548 See posted provided on next page.

Join us for our annual fundraiser ~ Dinner under the stars at your State Park! 5 to 8 pm Evening event includes: Appetizers, music, wine and beer, live speaker, dinner and dessert, silent and live auctions!

Look for more details this summer and get your tickets early as this sells out fast!!

Wild West themed Murder Mystery Dinner where guests are encouraged to dress up and mingle with professional actors who will stage a murder for the quests to solve. Prize awarded for best costume! Tickets are presale only. $45/person, available at the Sierra Valley Feed Store. Event benefits the Sierra Valley Grange.

Social Hour with no host bar Steak Dinner and Show

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

2020 Vision/The campaign for a healthy and prosperous watershed The Feather River Watershed is the largest watershed in the Sierra Nevada and contains the headwaters of the California State Water Project, a source of water for 27 million Californians.

Home to rural communities, 300+ wildlife species, and breathtaking vistas, this little-known area of northeastern California is important to all people who care about: • • • • • • •

Clean and plentiful water Beautiful meadows, wetlands and forests Outstanding habitat for birds and wildlife Historical barns and working ranches Native lands and traditions Exceptional outdoor recreation Children experiencing nature

To bring this vision into reality, we set out to raise a $1,000,000 Vision Fund, a catalyst to scale-up and grow FRLT’s organizational capacity to successfully conserve, steward, and connect people to these priority lands and habitats.

Conserving and managing this additional 75,000 acres requires new staff and infrastructure. The 2020 Vision Fund was the catalyst required to scale-up FRLT’s organizational capacity. As of August 17, 2018, we met our goal of raising a $1,000,000 Vision Fund! Thank you!

With the Vision Fund in place to scale up our capacity, and land conservation projects in motion, we now turn our attention to sustaining your healthy, vital Land Trust to conserve and care for these lands. Your support is more important now than ever. Please partner with us and contribute to FRLT’s 2020 Vision for a healthy, prosperous watershed.

For Full Details: www.frlt.org

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700