Gold country homes march 23 2018

Open House Sunday 12-3pm

w w w. g o l d c o u n t r y h o m e s . c o m

Gold Country Homes

March 23 - 29, 2018 Volume 12

AltA • Auburn • ColfAx Cool • foresthill GArden VAlley GeorGetown GrAss VAlley lAke of the Pines linColn • loomis meAdow VistA newCAstle

Eden Valley Luxury Estate on

21600 Digger Pine Lane Live the Dream – Foothill Luxury Come Home to a Vacation Every Day! Very Private 4 bedroom 3 bathroom Single-Level Mediterranean Style Home with Custom Features Throughout. Chef’s Kitchen boasts 6 burner Viking Range, Builtin Fridge & Upgraded SS Appliances.

Walkout to Roof Covered Porches from nearly every room. Master Suite includes Gas Fireplace, Stone Tile, Jetted Tub, Walk-in Closet, with Direct access to Gorgeous Landscape that surrounds Private Custom Design Pool and Spa. Property is Gated, Fenced and Cross Fenced with Paved Driveway and Abundant Parking. Also, includes Oversized 3 Car Garage, 2160 sf Barn/Shop, Round Pen, Greenhouse, Tool Shed, Creeks, Pond, Treated & Irrigation Water.

All the Hard Work has been done here, this HOME is a MUST SEE! MLS #18011691 $1,090,000

!

Cyndi Domenici Realtor®

530.305.2092

AuburnsFinest.com Masters Club - 20 years

Cyndi@AuburnsFinest.com

Lic. #01123025

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GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • March 23-29, 2018

Disagreement with roofing contractor Dear Barry: I am about to have my roof replaced and am questioning the method suggested by my roofing contractor. The old wooden shingles are to be removed, and asphalt composition shingles installed in their place. As you know, wood shingles are nailed to 1X6 boards, spaced approximately six inches apart.

Once the old shingles are removed, a solid decking will be needed to provide a solid nailing surface for the new shingles. My contractor suggested that we fill the 6 inch gaps with additional 1X6 boards, but I think it would be better to nail plywood over the entire surface.

It seems to me that his

Barry Stone Inspector’s in the House

method could leave gaps between the old and new boards. When the new shingles are installed, some of the nails could miss the boards entirely, making the attachment less secure. Which method do you think is more practical? Leonard Dear Leonard: Replacing wooden roofing with asphalt composition shingles has become common in recent decades because

composition shingles are far less expensive than wooden ones and because wooden roofs have earned a bad reputation with regard to fire safety. In fact, old shakes and wood shingles make excellent kindling in a fireplace. But I digress.

When changing to an asphalt shingle roof, it is always necessary to provide a solid nailing surface. Plywood and chip board panels (known as OSB) are the most commonly used materials for this purpose. Adding 1X6 boards between the existing boards, as suggested by your roofing contractor, does not provide the best nailing surface and is certainly not the method

of choice. As you suggest, some of the roofing nails are likely to slip between the boards and not provide adequate attachment for the shingles. In windy weather, this could cause some shingles to detach from the roof.

In addition to providing a better nailing surface, plywood or OSB panels provide better reinforcement of the roof structure.

The only advantage to installing additional 1X6 boards is the supposed monetary savings on materials and the perceived economy of utilizing the boards that are already in place. But these benefits are outweighed by the additional labor necessary to install so many

1X6 boards. Installing plywood or OSB takes far less time than cutting and fitting so many smaller pieces of lumber.

These facts favor your position over the suggestion of your roofing contractor. If your roofer doesn't agree, find someone whose approach coincides with your preferences and with common sense.

Dear Barry: In a recent column, you wrote about the risks of replacing 20amp fuses with 30-amp fuses in old fuse boxes.

I'm not an expert or an electrician, but doesn't a 30-amp fuse have different threads than a 20amp, making it impossi-

ble to install the wrong size fuse? I looked online and these are called "rejection base fuses.”

Ralph Dear Ralph: Rejection base fuses are relatively modern innovations.

Houses with fuse boxes were mostly built in the 1940’s or earlier. In those days, fuse sockets were not sized according to amperage. Fuses in those old homes were interchangeable, and improper fuse changes caused house fire: hence, disapproval of fuse boxes by insurance companies.

Distributed by Action Coast Publishing. To write to Barry Stone, visit housedetective.com.

LAND FOR SALE LOT 1 FRUITVALE ROAD

3012 LEGENDS DRIVE

Meadow Vista

3012 Legends Drive / .25 ac

MLS 18012872

$185,000

Newcastle

Lot 1 Fruitvale Road / 9.9 ac

9991 POWERHOUSE LN.

Newcastle

9991 Powerhouse Lane / 2.26 ac

Kelly McNabb (530) 906-5876 Lic. #01491060

MLS 17050487

$330,000

23882 HIGHWAY 49

MLS 17004898

$379,000

Grass Valley

23882 Highway 49 / 12.43 ac

The TEAM That WORKS for YOU! Experienced! Respected! Trusted!

Thinking about selling but not sure of your homes value? Call us for a FREE Market Analysis!

MLS 17067228

$700,000

Rocky Sanchez (530) 320-9585 Lic. #01207376

March 23-29, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

3

A pathway to better home-buying experience Whether you are a first time buyer or have purchased before; these tips can make a difference in the way your offer and subsequent escrow period comes together. So let’s get started.

1. Get ready for your eventual move now Prepare yourself mentally and physically for moving, by going through your household and personal items. A good rule is: “If you don’t use it, loose it." This releases some of the emotional ties you may have to your current home and will cut down on the chore of organizing/ packing later.

2. Create a timeline of home purchase events This is a great way to reduce some of the stress you will have during escrow. As they say…

Once you know what is expected and when, it’s a lot easier. A good Realtor will help you develop this timeline by providing an overview of key escrow dates. Then add in your lender deadlines and required paperwork.

Kathy Fitzhenry Realtor

Finally, top it off by identifying installation/start dates for new services: Wi-Fi, utilities, etc.

Your Realtor probably has a list of local contacts for these basic services.

3. Most importantly: Get your financial ducks in a row This is the most important factor weighing on your purchase.

• Get with an accountant, your financial advisor or “DAD” and figure out if buying makes sense for you. Outline what you need to do to be able to move forward.

• Review your credit score: If your score is lower than the FHA minimum of 580 go to a credit rebuilding company and put a plan in place to improve your score.

• Look at your financing options: Credit unions, banks and mortgage brokers each fulfill a niche in the lending world. One

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-3PM

COURTESY

may be a better choice for you due to employer or group affiliation like Fire Flighters or the variety of loan programs they offer.

• Lender availability is a big factor for a successful escrow. You and your Realtor need ready access to the lender. Communication is critical. If you cannot reach a lender quickly a perfectly good

escrow can fail due to a delay in ordering the appraisal or missing documentation.

• Get pre-approved, find a lender or get two to three referrals from your Realtor. For an offer to be taken seriously, you will be asked to supply a pre-approval letter and proof of down payment funds.

14175 Edgehill Lane, Auburn

BONUS TIP: If are trying to buy in a fast moving sellers’ market, take the time to get “underwriter approval." This telegraphs to the seller that your lender has conducted their investigation and you have passed their approval hurdles. Having this level of approval can

$1,095,000

make your offer “stronger” to a seller.

If you take the time to do your planning up front, you will save money and eliminate some of the stress that comes during the offer/ escrow process.

Kathy Fitzhenry is a local Realtor. You can reach Kathy at kfitzhenry@golyon.com.

Gayle Morris 530.320.8177

Lic. #01986541

Hilltop setting is the inspiration for a special residence designed to take advantage of American River Canyon & High Sierra VIEWS FOR MILES. Original owners built single story w/Mediterranean style & custom features. Master Suite boasts canyon & pool views. Detached 1 bed/1 bath Guest Quarters w/full kitchen & private patio incl in total SF Addl 3 car + RV garage/wkshp. Expansive front & back driveways. Bowman School Dist. No HOA/Mello Roos! MLS 18012898

www.gmorris.golyon.com

4

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • March 23-29, 2018

Recent real estate transactions in Placer County The following transactions took place between February 28 and March 9, 2018. Information provided by Core Logic.

Carolyn Metzker "Your Recipe For Results"

Just Listed in South Auburn!

OPEN SUN. 2-4 PM

916.532.4237 CELL 1900 Grass Valley Hwy., ste 100 auburn, Ca 95603 Lic. #01851721

1305 Deerwood Pl - Auburn Vintage Oaks beauty, updated, open and inviting interior, main floor master retreat, plantation shutters throughout, huge 2/3 www.CarolynMetzker.com acre setting, sparkling pool, waterfall, spacious patios and grassy areas for play, sports court and more. $699,000 M a s t e r ' s C l u b . . . A C o n s i s t e n t To p P r o d u c e r. . . B u y e r s . . . S e l l e r s . . . R e s i d e n t i a l . . . L a n d . . . C o m m e r c i a l GoLyon.com

March 23-29, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

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Living the dream in the foothills Aren’t we the lucky ones? I’m talking about the ones who are fortunate enough to call the foothills “our home." I was recently telling a friend about Downtown Auburn as we were walking through town. He just moved to Auburn so it was an introduction to our sweet little town.

When we arrived at the fire pit, children were running around playing, conversations were lively with laughter in the air and dogs were sweetly sleeping by their owners. It was a sight out of Mayberry RFD! When I started talking about how the intersection was changed to make it more user friendly, Doug said I lit up! And do you know, I did.

Here is one reason the town of Auburn is a great little town to live in: Have you met or heard of Sally Dawley, aka, The Butt Lady of Auburn? Sally has made it her mission to pick up cigarette butts all throughout Auburn.

In February, she picked up more than 1 mil-

Kristi Meyer Ways to Save

lion butts! In her truck (which you can’t miss because she has painted all over it things like “I Love My Truck”) she carries a three or five gallon plastic jug filled with butts she has picked up.

Sally uses this display for talking to children and educating the public about refraining from littering butts and how harmful they are to our environment.

I ran into Sally at the fire pit, we ended up talking about butts, of course. She says they kill our local fauna as they eat them or will make nests out from them. Sally also told me that this week she is having surgery to remove a tumor from her skull. I told her I would write about her and ask for the citizens of the foothills to pray for Sally. To pray that she

have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery and secondly to step in and take her place. If you see a butt, pick it up! Say, “This one’s for you Sally!” Sally doesn’t have to do what she does but she does it because it’s her Way to Save the beauty of our community. Let’s all find Ways to Save our communities in the foothills like Sally has.

Seeing our little corner of the world running along so sweet and smooth does makes me light up. I am proud to be a part of the foothills and enjoy helping people come into our communities within them — which, speaking of, seems to be the trend these days.

Last week I put a home on the market in Christian Valley. Within 48 hours, we had five offers. The open house was more a mad house and most every buyer was coming from down the hill to get away from the crowds. Can you blame them? After all, isn’t that what we have all done as

COURTESY

Homes and property in Placer County are selling fast. well? The home is in escrow within a couple of days with a cash buyer.

I’ve been in this business for 15 years and this is the first time I have experienced such a lively market. It has been lively before but not like this (at least in my world). So, if you are considering selling your home, know that there are plenty of people out there who want to be in it. If you need help deciding, I will be happy to

help you. Feel free to contact me via email or cell which are listed below this column.

This is a hot market right now. We don’t know what the future will bring but for now, the buyers are backed up, inventory is at a minimum and the money is there. We know timing the market is mostly luck, so you always have to do what works for you.

If you have been considering selling at all, now may

be the time to consider it a bit more seriously.

After all, we live in an area of high demand. There is low crime, beautiful surroundings, charming towns and plenty to do … we are the lucky ones to live in these wonderful foothills we call home.

Kristi Meyer is a Realtor in Auburn with Granite Real Estate.

To contact her you can text 916847-5128 or email her at ItMattersToKristi@gmail.com

E xperience the Maggert Magic for yourself Call us today, we’d Love to Help!

Randy Maggert, Broker Associate (530) 320-9398

Lic. #01210608 www.maggertmagic.com

It’s Not just business, It’s personal!

Jana Lynn-Maggert (530) 308-1764

Lic. #01484405 jm agger t @golyon.c om

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GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • March 23-29, 2018

March 23-29, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Property of the Week

33 S. Auburn Street, Colfax STEP BACK INTO TIME in this one-of-a-kind Colfax home originally built in 1887 and situated on 3 city lots. 4020 SF along with 280 SF outdoor solarium with pizza oven and bonus work out/art room with bathroom. 4 master suites with own bathrooms, 5th possible bedroom or office with closet. Total renovation complete including Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, radiant floor heat, Oregon milled black oak staircase, commercial kitchen, walk-in pantry, parlor, library, outdoor entertainment areas and newly poured driveway. 1800 charm remains with high ceilings, original doors and large picture windows.

Perfect set-up for B&B or weddings. Sewer lateral complete. MLS #17076572

$798,500 Watch Virtual Tour at: https://vimeo.com/246645134

Charming One-of a-Kind Christine Schlittenhart 530.906.9738 Lic. #01704242

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GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • March 23-29, 2018

March 23-29, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Property of the Week

33 S. Auburn Street, Colfax STEP BACK INTO TIME in this one-of-a-kind Colfax home originally built in 1887 and situated on 3 city lots. 4020 SF along with 280 SF outdoor solarium with pizza oven and bonus work out/art room with bathroom. 4 master suites with own bathrooms, 5th possible bedroom or office with closet. Total renovation complete including Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, radiant floor heat, Oregon milled black oak staircase, commercial kitchen, walk-in pantry, parlor, library, outdoor entertainment areas and newly poured driveway. 1800 charm remains with high ceilings, original doors and large picture windows.

Perfect set-up for B&B or weddings. Sewer lateral complete. MLS #17076572

$798,500 Watch Virtual Tour at: https://vimeo.com/246645134

Charming One-of a-Kind Christine Schlittenhart 530.906.9738 Lic. #01704242

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8

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • March 23-29, 2018

4 home remedies to save money What do you like to do for fun when you have some free time on your hands? Whether it's seeing the latest blockbuster, sampling a delicious entree or taking a road trip, chances are your passions cost money. If you're like many Americans, you may find you don't have quite as many loose dollars, especially when you have to be a responsible adult and take care of all those monthly expenses.

The typical American spends less than 4 percent of their annual income on entertainment, with the lion's share of their hard-earned money going to practical things, like housing, food and health care,

Savvy homeowners can free up some extra cash for the fun stuff with a few relatively easy and painless home improvements. according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Homeowners especially feel the pinch, because utilities and other expenses eat up 11 percent of the average household budget, according to the BLS. Add mortgage payments, and more than a quarter of income is spoken for just to cover housing and related expenses.

Savvy homeowners, however, can free up some extra cash for the fun stuff with a few relatively easy and painless home improvements.

See if any on this list could reduce your expenses and let you have more dollars for the fun stuff.

1. Reduce the juice Anything that lowers monthly electricity use is money in your pocket.

For long-term savings, choose options that automatically use less power. LED bulbs are 90 percent more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs, according to EnergyStar.gov. Invest in smart power strips to eliminate the socalled energy vampires.

These power strips are designed to cut off the power flow when they sense electronics are no longer in use.

2. Get smart with thermostat settings A smart or programmable thermostat can keep you from heating and cooling the house when you're not home.

Try setting your thermostat to maintain the heat at 60 degrees when you're not home, and try 62 to 65 when asleep.

For summer cooling, keep the air conditioner at 85 degrees when away and 80 when asleep.

justing the thermostat.

Look for places where unwanted heat and cool air are getting in. Poke your head into the crawl space of your house to see if the insulation has settled and needs a top-off. Walk the exterior of your house and look for cracks and gaps that need caulk or weatherstripping.

Finally, hanging drapes and blinds, if you don't already have them, and closing them against direct sun on hot days can reduce "energy creep," and give your air conditioner a break.

3. Plug the leaks

4. Opt for energyefficient appliances

There are other ways to manage your indoor climate besides ad-

Appliances break down eventually, and if any of yours are getting

Selling land the Wright way!

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-3:30PM

Providing Fantastic Living Opportunities in the Foothills

4 BR, 3 BA, .27 Acre

Iron Mine Road

$215,000

9826 Spyglass Circle

$170,000

868 EL ORO DR., AUBURN $638,000 11200 MEADOW BROOK DR., AUBURN $729,000

4 BR, 2-1/2 BA, 2317 SF, One Story, 1 Acre, Remodeled, Pool

191 BELMONT DR., AUBURN $825,000 3 BR, 2 BA, One Story, 2756 SF, 1 Acre, Pool Come put down your roots in one of the last large parcels available in Christian Valley, 8.2 acres.

Fantastic views and magnificent rock outcroppings abound from this property. Bring your vision and imagination. Fantastic opportunity.

T.R. Wright Company &

Huge level lot in Auburn Valley Country Club ready to build on. Dotted with oak trees and unique rock outcropping located in an area of executive homes. Water and sewer at site.

530-308-7676 or 530-885-8855 Koylynn Webdell 11689 Lorenson Road ~ Auburn, CA Lic. #00429178

18615 DOUGLAS DR., APPLEGATE $259,000 In Heather Glen Estates Senior Community 3 BR, 2 BA, 1568 SF, .17 Acre

Mike Robinson Broker Associate

Cell: 530.906.0624

Lic. #01121168

13555 Bowman Rd. #600 Auburn, CA 95603

See all listings at: www.auburnhomes.com

close to the end of their life expectancy, be sure and get to know some of the energy-efficient options. Tankless water heaters, for example, last twice as long as standard storage tank heaters, and because they heat water only when it's needed, they use 24 to 34 percent less energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Even better, some newer models, such as the Noritz Tankless EZTR50, are designed to make it much easier and less expensive to replace a conventional 50-gallon tank heater.

By eliminating the labor-intensive steps of retrofitting and adding to the gas, vent and water-supply lines connected to the unit, these new tankless water heaters sharply lower installation costs. Although tankless heaters are about the size of a medicine cabinet, these powerful appliances are designed to meet all the hot water needs of an entire house. (That means no more cold showers on busy weekday mornings!)

With the right mindset and the right tools, homeowners like you can easily save hundreds of dollars every year on utility costs.

If you're interested in learning more, visitezseries.noritz.com. ~ BrandPoint

March 23-29, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

9

8 simple ways to improve air quality A clean house always looks and feels good. But did you know a clean environment goes a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy?

Common household dust contains 45 kinds of toxic chemicals used in consumer products, according to a study by George Washington University. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to cancer, hormone changes, developmental problems and more.

"This does sound quite alarming, but it underlines the importance of maintaining your home's indoor air quality," said Tom Tasker, product manager at Luxaire heating and cooling. "The good news is all it takes is a few simple things to minimize the dust,

dirt and other air-choking particles in your home environment."

Use these tips to improve your home's indoor air quality.

• Weekly vacuuming and mopping is one effective way to reduce the amount of nasal-irritating dust that settles on the floors throughout your home. In high-traffic areas, you may want to vacuum or mop more often. Don't forget to push beds and other furniture out from the walls so you can collect those dust bunnies as well.

• While dust on hard furniture is easy to see and remove, remember that it also settles on furniture and upholstery.

That's why it's important to get out the vacuum's brush attachments every month or so

Sierra Pacific Real Estate

and suction it out of the fabric.

• Turning on your HVAC fan before vacuuming can improve indoor air quality even more. Vacuuming is great at removing dirt and dust that's directly under the cleaner, but the moving air also stirs up other dust and dirt particles that can later resettle on furniture and other just-cleaned surfaces. The airflow created by the HVAC fan can pull these particles out of your rooms and trap them in the filter.

• Checking your HVAC's filter on a regular basis is always good practice. But the next time you shop for a replacement filter, be mindful of its MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value).

Filters with a higher rating can catch smaller dust parti-

cles and other contaminants, keeping them out of your breathing space.

• Make sure fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are properly vented to the outside, away from windows and any heating and air conditioning intakes. This keeps fumes and other unwanted particles from re-entering your home's HVAC system.

• Minimize the amount of unwanted outdoor particles from coming in so you can keep your airways clear and, hopefully, cut back on vacuuming and dusting. Keep windows closed on windy days, and encourage family and guests to leave their shoes at the door. (For those who feel adverse to going barefoot, keep a bin of inexpensive slippers in

many sizes at the ready.)

• Keep humidity at a healthy level. An overly humid home can create the perfect environment for mold and other allergens to thrive, which can make the indoor air extra irritating for allergy sufferers.

Invest in a humidity meter and make sure the levels stay within a comfortable, healthy range of 30 to 50 percent humidity.

• Make sure dryer and bathroom fans are venting directly outside. When it's time to replace these, opt for quiet, energy-efficient models, because they'll keep things quiet while improving your air quality.

To learn more, visit Luxaire. com. ~ BrandPoint

Making Your TransacTion EasiEr FroM BEginning To End

16898 Placer Hills Road Meadow Vista • 530-878-5100

Lic. #01396513

www.sierrapacificrealestate.com

PENDING! $110,000

MOVE IN READY! Well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath home. Brand New roof 9/2017. Dual pane windows, Central heat and air. Enclosed sunroom, easy maintenance yard. Tandem parking & storage shed. Nice park with many amenities.

Close to shopping & services.

PENDING! $675,000

VERY PRIVATE LANDSCAPED SETTING AMONG THE TREES!

A Split Level home perfect for family with kids, in-laws or guests to have their own space with total privacy! Home is 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths on 2.5 acres with updating throughout the home. Light & Bright with ample windows providing wonderful views among the trees.

Room for your toys, hobbies & more with a two car attached garage plus additional 1 car detached garage with workshop area! Come see all this home has to offer! See listing at www.381pinewoodway.com

Fred Eichenhofer

Danielle Larson

Larry Scontrino

Katherine Katches

Glenda Harrison

Lic. #00920443

Lic. #01469169

Lic. #01783426

Lic. #01724739

Lic. #00932970

Maggie Francis Lic. #01992548

NEW LISTING! $474,000 REMODELED HOME

PENDING! $575,000

PARK LIKE SETTING! Your opportunity to own this lovely Naturewood home in a PARK-LIKE setting! The stonework, turreted front entry and water fountain give this home beautiful curb appeal!

With 2-3 bdrm, 2 bath, the home sits on 3.8 rolling acres of very usable land. Ready to update to your taste!

WELL MAINTAINED PROPERTY in a quiet country setting. Property has 3 usable acres with pond, and outbuildings. Plenty of room for toys, hobby, animals and more! Home is 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1520 SF with uncovered deck overlooking property.

PENDING! $419,000

DESIRABLE MEADOW VISTA LOCATION! Home is 2078 SF on 1 acre with a 2 car detached garage. Floor plan consist of 2 bedroom (possible 3) with 2 full baths, enclosed breezeway used for office space or storage and an Updated Kitchen! Office Exclusive Call Sierra Pacific Real Estate for more information!

in Meadow Vista. 1768 SF w/3 bd, 2 baths w/many updates throughout within the last 5 years. The newly remodeled kitchen boast custom cabinets, quartz counter tops & new appliances! The kitchen is open to dining room, nook & living room perfect for entertaining! Large master bedroom & bathroom featuring a walk-in closet, bathroom w/double sinks & large walkin shower w/multiple shower heads. www.16270stagecoach.com

SOLD! $530,000

http://795STONEWOOD.COM

10

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • March 23-29, 2018

10 reasons to plant a tree this spring Did you know planting a tree is one of the easiest and most powerful things you can do to have a positive impact on the environment?

It's true. Trees clean the air, prevent rainwater runoff, help you save energy and even combat global warming. No horticultural degree required. With Arbor Day just around the corner in April, there's no better time to give Mother Nature a little TLC by planting a tree.

From the single homeowner in Nebraska planting a maple in her backyard to the 250 Comcast employees volunteering in communities devastated by hurricanes, fires and Emerald Ash Borer infestation by planting hundreds of trees on Comcast Cares Day (the nation's largest single-day corporate volunteer event), people nationwide are getting their tree on this spring.

Here are 10 reasons why you should join them.

Trees fight climate change Wish you could do

Trees prevent soil erosion and rainwater runoff During heavy rains, water runoff finds its way to streams, lakes and wetlands, creating the potential for flooding. It also picks up and carries pollutants along the way. The EPA and the Center for Watershed Protection are recognizing the importance of trees in managing runoff. Leaf canopies help buffer the falling rain and their roots hold the soil in place, encouraging the water to seep into the ground rather than run off.

Planting trees is easy

COURTESY

Trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide, removing and storing the carbon and releasing oxygen back into the air. more than recycling and reducing your carbon footprint to combat climate change? Trees have you covered. Through photosynthesis, trees

absorb harmful carbon dioxide, removing and storing the carbon and releasing oxygen back into the air.

Trees clean the air and help you breathe Trees don't just absorb CO2. They also absorb odors and pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammo-

nia, sulfur dioxide and ozone. It's estimated that one tree can absorb nearly 10 pounds of polluted air each year and release 260 pounds of oxygen.

Let’s Find Home for You

O pen HOuse saturday 12-3 pm 12597 Wolf Road, Grass Valley Elegant Country Home, Move in Ready Bring Your Horses. MLS #17077723 $820,000

Meadow Vista Rd., Meadow Vista Ready to Build, 2 Acres, perc & mantled completed for standard system. MLS #18014938 $170,000

3 Paradise Court, Auburn

4.73 Acres, Paradise Ct./Bell Rd. by Auburn Valley Country Club. MLS #18015204 $335,000

Gardening can be intimidating for newbies because there are so many variables. Which plants and flowers should you put next to each other and which should you separate? Which bloom in the summer and which bloom in the fall?

When you're dealing with trees, there's none of that. Just choose a spot in your yard and you're good to go.

• SEE TREES PAGE 11

Kary Smiley

530.200.9039 Lic. #01792711

karybsmiley@gmail.com

March 23-29, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

TREES: continued from 10

You'll save money Trees conserve energy in summer and winter, providing shade from the hot summer sun and shelter from cold winter winds. With trees standing between you and the elements, you'll spend less on your energy bill to heat and cool your home.

Trees increase your home's value Studies of comparable homes with and without trees show that, if you have trees in your yard, your home's value increases by up to 15 percent. It's all about curb appeal, and trees make your home and yard more beautiful.

You'll attract birds (and critters)

An ancient Chinese proverb states: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

You'll be giving your descendants a gift Trees can live hundreds of years, so when you plant one, you're giving a gift to your children and grandchildren. It's a symbol of your commitment to the environment and the beauty of the world around you that will live on far beyond your own lifetime.

COURTESY

Free trees!

Join the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation for $10 and they'll send you 10 trees selected for the region of the country where you live, at the

Join the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation for $10 and they'll send you 10 trees selected for the region of the country where you live, at the right time to plant them. right time to plant them.

You'll also get planting instructions and other information. The trees

Trees provide nesting sites, food and shelter for your bird friends.

Hang a feeder in one of the branches and enjoy the birdsong all year long. Squirrels love to make their homes in trees, too, and watching their antics is a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

Trees are good for your mental and physical health A view of trees in urban areas has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and even the crime rate.

Tree-filled gardens on hospital grounds speed healing in hospital patients.

11

7777 Mears Drive, Auburn

$1,479,777

Single story 3bed/3ba 3783 SF with 3 car attached garage, built in Gunite pool on 13.3 acres. Includes boat dock, RV access & storage, 20+/- ft pond, 3200+/- shop/barn. Highend home offers Grand Custom Upgrades and Luxuries, Panoramic Views of Valley, NID irrigation help make this the perfect home! MLS #17050735 Call me to . . .

Get LISTED, Get SOLD

Pam Moore

“Get Moore Service!”

530.906.3415 Lic. #00813806 Over 36 Years in Real Estate See All Area Listings at: pammoore.com

are guaranteed to grow or the Foundation will replace them. Visit arborday.org to join.

An ancient Chinese proverb states: "The best time to plant a tree was

20 years ago. The second best time is now." ~ BrandPoint

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • March 23-29, 2018

OPEN HOMES

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Visit these Open Homes Saturday & Sunday March 24 & 25 OPEN Saturday 12-3pm

12338 Pepperwood Cir. #195 • Auburn A REAL FIND... on Pepperwood Circle! This two bedroom, double wide home is located in one of Auburn’s most popular 55+ Parks. The home’s open floor plan offers a neutral palette awaiting your personalization. Create your own retreat on the front deck where you can enjoy the sunset overlooking the flowering garden! Two solid wood decks, fenced / gated yard, solar tube & more.

Well maintained and move in ready.

Close to Hwy 49, professional services and shopping. Make it yours!

MLS #18008715

Pam Briner

$86,500

530.913.1000 Lic.# 01724795

OPEN SUNDAY 1-4pm

704 Murray Way • Roseville Location, Location, Location!

This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath, single level home is located in the wonderful neighborhood of Diamond Oaks within walking distance of the Galleria. Fully remodeled kitchen with quartz counter tops. Bathrooms have been updated. Exterior newly painted with high quality weather resistant paint. Attached two car garage with work bench included. Very livable floor plan makes this wonderful home turn key! Low maintenance drought resistant landscaping.

MLS #18008828

$389,900

Linda Wismar

916.365.5082 Lic. #01271504

OPEN SUNDAY 11am-1pm

11355 Silverhawk Ct. • Auburn PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Pristine Deer Ridge stunner! Spacious yet cozy with both formal and casual entertaining areas. The bright wellappointed kitchen is a joy to cook in and opens to a sun-filled breakfast nook and cheerful family room. The gorgeous master suite has it’s own sitting area, fireplace, balcony, and an adorable little adjoining room that can be a nursery, craft room or reading nook. Beautiful backyard perfect for outdoor living. Great photo but, even larger and lovelier in person.

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MLS #17064176

Melissa Blide

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$659,000

530.448.9567 Lic. #01895476

OPEN SUN. 12-4PM • 12841 BALTIC CIRCLE, AUBURN DESIRABLE AUBURN CHARMER in pride of ownership Boardman Estates. A neighborhood conveniently located within walking distance of Ashford Park and Ashley Dog Park. An exceptional find in a low inventory market. A competitively priced 3 bdrm, 2 bath ranch style home reserved for your deserving family. Close to neighborhood shopping, schools, churches, and parks. Original one-time owner, maintained with love and care. A stellar, move in ready home. Available now. Don’t procrastinate!

MLS #17068951 Priced to sell! $379,000

Gary G. Mapa, Broker Real Estate Solutions Dir: From Auburn proceed east on I-80 to Foresthill/Auburn Ravine Rd Exit.

530.320.9097 West on Auburn Ravine Rd. to L on Appian Way (west of Ashford Park), follow Lic. #00597441 Appian Way to its end, R on Baltic Circle to home on corner lot on the right.

COURTESY

This style makes interiors feel like cozy cabins in the woods.

Add Scandinavian style to home decor As homeowners look for ways to refresh their spaces, Scandinavian style has become ever more prominent and popular among designers and interior decor experts. The clean, modern, minimalist aesthetic shows up in interiors and exteriors, from streamlined furniture to low-maintenance landscaping. Here's how to achieve a Nordic look in your own home:

'Slow design' and minimalist decor Perhaps the most common association with Scandinavian style is minimalist decor. Less is more when it comes to decorating, and the concept of "slow design" focuses on fewer, higher quality pieces collected over time.

Melding indoors and out Scandinavian style incorporates materials that meld indoors with outdoors — natural woods, slat walls, leather accents and greenery. "Cottage culture" architecture style draws on these influences and makes interiors feel like cozy cabins in the woods.

Functional furniture: Storage and good looks Another key aspect of the Nordic style is hardworking, functional furnishings. A piece can be beautiful and

also have utility — like eye-catching shoe racks and shelving, or built-in bed storage that creates a unique frame.

Cool, natural tones and light woods in flooring Scandinavian style incorporates natural tones of whites, grays and light browns. Pale wood and whitewashed floors create a clean, spacious look.

That look can be achieved with oak and maple styles, as well as wood-look tiles and laminates with wood graining. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, who regularly publish seasonal trends reports, have an array of cool-toned flooring options to choose from, such as Dream Home X2O Misty Morning Oak, a water-resistant laminate with a soft seashell tone and realistic oak graining.

If homeowners want to be on trend with Scandinavian style in their home, the key is updating with clean, modern and light-toned accents. Functional furniture will help you organize your space and efficiently use the room.

Finish off the room with sunny wood grain flooring and your Nordic look is complete. ~ BrandPoint