Gold country homes august 3 2018

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

August 3 - 9, 2018 Volume 31

ALTA • AUBURN • COLFAX COOL • FORESTHILL GARDEN VALLEY GEORGETOWN GRASS VALLEY LAKE OF THE PINES LINCOLN • LOOMIS MEADOW VISTA NEWCASTLE

2

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • August 3-9, 2018

Replacing copper gas connectors Dear Barry: A home inspector advised changing the gas connectors on my furnace, water heater, and kitchen range. He says the old copper connectors are unsafe and should be replaced with stainless steel. I'm not even sure what a gas connector is, but I checked all the gas fittings at the appliances, and they seem to be in good condition. Is replacement of the gas connectors really necessary, or is the inspector just being picky?

Len Dear Len: Gas connectors are the flexible, corrugated tubes that feed fuel to the gas appliances in your home.

Until recent years, gas connectors were typically comprised of copper or brass. Unfortunately, the sulfur compounds in natural gas can cause corrosion in copper tubing. This corrosion occurs as small flakes of copper sulfide that can clog or damage the valves, regulators, and other components in gas fixtures. Deterioration of the copper may also cause small gas leaks in the connectors themselves.

To eliminate this problem, copper connectors are no longer available in stores, and those currently in use are gradually being replaced with stain-

Barry Stone Inspector’s in the House

less steel ones. Replacement of old connectors, however, is not mandatory unless a new gas-burning appliance is being installed. For example, when a water heater is replaced, a new steel connector should be included. Unfortunately, this requirement is often overlooked, and many old copper connectors remain in service, despite the newer codes.

For property owners concerned about fire safety, replacement of all copper connectors is a worthwhile form of preventive maintenance. As for the alleged pickiness of the home inspector, he was just passing along some wise, safety-related information.

Dear Barry: A home inspector recommended repairs to the exhaust duct on my clothes dryer. He says the duct is too long and that the fittings should not be fastened with screws.

These recommendations seem kind of trivial to me because the dryer works just fine. What are the le-

E xperience the Maggert Magic for yourself

COURTESY

For property owners concerned about fire safety, replacement of all copper connectors is a worthwhile form of preventive maintenance. gal requirements for exhaust pipes on clothes dryers?

Dave Dear Dave: The requirements pointed out by your home inspector are important, not only because they maximize the efficiency of your dryer, but because they can prevent your dryer from overheating and causing a fire.

“J

Length requirements for clothes dryer vent ducts are not the same in all states. Depending on the code book in use, lengths can vary from 14 feet to 25 feet or more. In

all states, the length of a dryer duct must be shortened if the run has more than one 90-degree turn.

To determine the length requirements in your area, call your local building department.

Compliance in some homes is not always possible because some floor plans do not enable venting to the outside of a building without the ducts being too long. In those cases, a booster blower

can be installed.

Screws should never be used to fasten duct fittings because lint can accumulate on the screw tips, and this can restrict airflow inside the duct. Again, restricted airflow in the duct can cause overheating and possibly a fire.

Distributed by Action Coast Publishing. To write to Barry Stone, please visit him on the web at housedetective.com.

ana and Randy were always available day or night. They make a good team and very confident in what they do, but if they don’t know the answer will find a way. Jana’s Moto is there is nothing we can’t fix. They are very positive and caring; you can count on them to sell your house rain or shine. Thanks Jana and Randy.

Jack and Mary Crawford

Randy Maggert, Broker Associate (530) 320-9398

Deterioration of the copper may also cause small gas leaks in the connectors themselves.

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

August 3-9, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

3

Ups and downs of Auburn home sales As a Realtor with a heavy concentration on listing homes, it has been an interesting summer, to say the least. The market started out with strong growth, in number of sales and price increases and then fizzled out a bit. This doesn’t mean homes stopped selling; it just means the market changed. What I looked at to determine the above statement was very general information which comes directly from Metrolist. The criteria used was single family home sales from February 2018 to end of July, Auburn only.

The graph shows the number of home sales, their average square feet, average days on market and the average sales price.

This information shows that March is when home sales started to pick up, gaining momentum through May, then slowing down June and more so in July.

Over all, the average square

AUBURN HOME SALES AVERAGES ▶▶Month Sales

▶▶February 29 ▶▶March 43 ▶▶April 50 ▶▶May 57 ▶▶June 48 ▶▶July 38

Kristi Meyer Ways to Save

The average low sales price was $508,618 in July and the average high sales price was $582,042 in June — that is a 75 percent decrease in just one month. footage of the homes stayed fairly consistent, only changing by a couple hundred feet at most.

The average days on market started to decline in March, consistently staying in the 25- to

Square feet

Days on market

Sale price

2,273 2,280 2,326 2,101 2,249 2,105

70 52 35 29 36 25

$534,419 $523,457 $578,238 $546,286 $582,042 $508,618

35-day range through July.

The prices are all over the board. Now there are several million-dollar sales included in these numbers so they may skew them some, but the average low sales price was $508,618 in July and the average high sales price was $582,042 in June — that is a 75 percent decrease in just one month! April and May showed similar decreases ($32,000 less

information will give you some ideas on Ways to Save yourself anxiety regarding selling your home.

Information is knowledge, I hope this information helps you feel a little more knowledgeable about the market, and if you want more information, I’m a phone call away.

April to May) but not as drastic as the June and July numbers.

Again, this is basic sales information. If you would like to see what happened in the town you live in feel free to contact me, I will be glad to put together information that pertains more to you, your home and where its located.

In the meantime, if you are thinking of selling, perhaps this

Kristi Meyer is a Realtor in Auburn with Granite Real Estate. To contact her, text 916-847-5128 or email her at ItMattersToKristi@gmail.com.

Extraordinary Home and Land Opportunities Kary Smiley 530.200.9039

HOME BUILT IN 2014 !

New

014

in 2 Built

$440,000 27180 Cape Horn Rd., Colfax

soulfulrealestate.com karybsmiley@gmail.com DRE #01792711

PEACEFUL KNOLL

ELEGANT TREEHOUSE

r ty

e Prop Rare

n ubur uth A

e

Hom

So

$549,000 Emerald Pines Drive, Auburn

$695,450 1540 High Street, Auburn

3.5 acres • Reclaimed white oak floors from a barn in Kentucky • Privacy • Room for Shop or Shed. MLS 18050149

10 acres with views of the South Fork of the American River • Canyon Views • Privacy • Well In

Spacious 4 bd/3 Ba + Bonus Rm • Walk to Town • Almost 1/2 an acre • Solar • New HVAC • Covered Patios. MLS 18041763

20 ACRES WITH VALLEY VIEWS

5 MINUTES FROM THE COUNTRY CLUB

VIEWS OF FOLSOM LAKE

ion ruct lable t s n Co vai Lot &ncing A Fina

$499,000 Blue Oak Ranch Rd., Auburn

20 Acres • Gated Subdivision • Well In • Level lot with views of the Coastal Range. MLS 18037544

cing

an r Fin Selle

$335,000 - $350,000 Bell Road and Pacific Court, Auburn

3 Parcels 4.6-4.8 Acres Each • Wells In • Perc & Mantle • On Placer Co. Wine Trail. MLS 18027693, 18015207, 18015204

n Lot

bur h Au t u o S

$165,000 605 Lakeridge, Auburn

Prestigious Lot in Granite Bay Vista • Quiet Neighborhood Minutes from Freeway and Town. MLS 18008190

4

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • August 3-9, 2018

Recent real estate transactions in Placer County The following transactions took place between June 27 and July 19, 2018. Information provided by Core Logic.

Carolyn Metzker "Your Recipe For Results"

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

GoLyon.com

www.CarolynMetzker.com

Call Me For This Same Level of Service!

“I had the utmost confidence in Carolyn! My house sold above asking and I was able to get almost $30K more by making a few design upgrades totalling $3500 to get my house ready for the market! I’m super happy!”

~ Gayle Garbolino-Mojica

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

August 3-9, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

5

Showing a Military move? 5 key tips home during a that can smooth the way heat wave We are all feeling it: Mid90s to 102 degrees. This makes for crabby buyers and exhausted sellers. Here are a few tips to make your home stand out as an oasis, allowing buyers to relax, look and buy.

Keep in mind: People are stressed when it is hot, hot, hot. Here are five ways to help buyers stay cool.

1. Keep it cool Start the air condition early. Let it cool down. Set the temperature in the mid70s. This will feel refreshing to buyers coming in from the hot summer sun.

2. Look cool Do a quick staging update by using cooler accent colors. Loose the warmer jewel colors and go for pastels, whites. It will make the home look composed, cool and summery.

Kathy Fitzhenry Realtor

Nature turns up the heat.

Neglected lawns, poorly maintained yards show at their worst in hot weather.

It creates an objection in the buyers mind. Consult with your Realtor. Sometimes it’s a simple matter of recovering the questionable area. If a prominent or large area needs attention, you may want to consider its impact on price.

3. Hydrate Have cold water in the frig! Leave a little sign on the kitchen counter inviting buyers to take a cold bottle of water. Make sure your address is on the bottle and relevant contact information.

5. Time your open house Unlike other parts of the country, as the day progresses in the Auburn area, the temperature tends to climb into late afternoon.

During the mid-summer, seller and agents should consider starting their open houses earlier in the day.

For more Real Estate insights, check out next week's column. Thanks for reading and have a great week.

4. Loose the brown Landscaping can make a difference when Mother

Kathy Fitzhenry is a Realtor with Lyon Real Estate. You can reach her at 916-230-5362.

Open House Friday 5-7pm Sat & Sun 10am-4pm

Changing residences can be an emotional and logistical challenge for any family.

For military families, that challenge can be recreated many times over. Due to the nature of the work, the average U.S. military family relocates every two to three years — 10 times more than civilian families.

That can mean a complete change of surroundings in addition to new schools, teachers, friends, neighborhoods, jobs, places of worship, schedules and activities.

When faced with those kinds of challenges, strong military families often become very good at planning, gathering together their support systems and fully optimizing their available resources.

If your military family is anticipating a relocation, the moving experts at Penske offer these tips for ensuring the process goes smoothly.

• Rely on key resources. Since you may not know when or where they'll be deployed, it's wise to keep a folder listing all the resources you need to plan a move, including your go-to moving company. For example, Penske Truck Rental maintains a dedicated call center for U.S. military moves and offers a standard 10 percent discount on moving truck rentals.

• Check in with your relocation assistance office. Fully utilize the services offered through your assigned Military and Family Support Center. Once informed of the details of your move, personnel there can connect you with valuable resources, help you create a schedule and contact your new support center, which

COURTESY

Make moving less stressful with these helpful tips. should then connect you with a local sponsor.

• Get to know your sponsor. The military does it best, assigning you a sponsor who's already working at your new location and with whom you have something in common.

Optimize that contact to ask key questions, allay concerns and generally familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

• Do the math on truck weights.

When it comes to loading your moving vehicles, your goal should be to maximize your military travel allowance while avoiding any overweight charges you may have to pay out of pocket. That means getting a close estimate of the weight of your belongings. In general, you can plan on about 1,000 pounds per room; don't count bathrooms, but do add in the estimated poundage of large appliances and of miscellaneous goods stored in your garage and storage

141-155 Electric St. Auburn

$417,000$425,000

areas. Military regulations require weight certification of moving vehicles both before and after loading; see Penske's Certified Public Scale locator to locate weigh stations.

• Inventory your belongings. When packing boxes, mark each one with the name of your family, your destination, a general description of contents and the room the box should go in. To prevent any discrepancies between what you packed and what actually arrives, you should also list everything as it's placed into the vehicles, taking photographs of high-value items.

While moving can be a fact of life for military families, good planning and solid support can smooth the way. Don't hesitate to optimize every resource at your disposal when making your next move. ~ BrandPoint

Gayle Morris 530.320.8177

!

Grand Opening

Grand Opening of these Newly Constructed Townhomes!! Canyon Trails & Downtown Auburn are Minutes from your Door. You Can’t Find This Anywhere Else! HOA Maintains the Exterior and the Professionally Landscaped Common Areas. 2-10 Home Warranty Included. All have Attached 1-Car Garage & Additional Assigned Parking Space. Custom Shaker Cabinets. Stainless Appliances. Quartz Countertops. Upstairs Laundry Room. Attention to Detail throughout. Hurry, Only a Few Remain! MLS #18033685

www.gmorris.golyon.com DRE #01986541

6

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • August 3-9, 2018

August 3-9, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Property of the Week

WHAT A VIEW!

22990 Pine Hollow Road, Colfax Enjoy almost all single story living on this thoughtfully groomed and landscaped 7 acres. Spacious great room & beautifully remodeled kitchen take in the views. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, kitchen and great room all on the main floor. Downstairs enjoys a large family room and access to a fenced side yard. Decking on two sides of the home and numerous outdoor spaces developed to enjoy gardening, entertaining or just relaxing. There is even 3000 feet of trails to keep you in shape. Huge above ground pool for lap swimming or play... or take it away & use the flat spot for your needs!

Wonderful privacy behind a gated entry and just minutes to I-80 at Weimar Crossroads. You won’t want to leave home! MLS 18033106

$619,000

Gene M. Cain REAL ESTATE

530.305.5982 Lic. # 01134833

7

6

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • August 3-9, 2018

August 3-9, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Property of the Week

WHAT A VIEW!

22990 Pine Hollow Road, Colfax Enjoy almost all single story living on this thoughtfully groomed and landscaped 7 acres. Spacious great room & beautifully remodeled kitchen take in the views. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, kitchen and great room all on the main floor. Downstairs enjoys a large family room and access to a fenced side yard. Decking on two sides of the home and numerous outdoor spaces developed to enjoy gardening, entertaining or just relaxing. There is even 3000 feet of trails to keep you in shape. Huge above ground pool for lap swimming or play... or take it away & use the flat spot for your needs!

Wonderful privacy behind a gated entry and just minutes to I-80 at Weimar Crossroads. You won’t want to leave home! MLS 18033106

$619,000

Gene M. Cain REAL ESTATE

530.305.5982 Lic. # 01134833

7

8

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • August 3-9, 2018

5 simple tips for a low-maintenance lawn Cool-season grasses should usually be planted by mid-September, and warm-season grasses by mid-October.

Whether it's regular outdoor entertaining, kids playing soccer or dogs chasing tennis balls, fun on the lawn — combined with hot, dry conditions — can mean your grass gets a major workout during the summer and early fall. But that doesn't mean you have to.

To keep your lawn looking sharp without breaking your back, follow these five simple tips.

of grass in your lawn will determine the height you should set your mower, but most turfgrasses can be allowed to grow three inches tall in the summer before the top one-third of the blades is removed by mowing.

1. Mow high. Crew cuts are out. Don't fall for the myth that the shorter you cut your grass, the less often you'll have to mow.

Leaving the grass blades a bit longer allows them to shade the roots and provides more leaf surface for making food, so you can water, feed and mow less often. The type

2. Find the most efficient mowing pattern.

Most people mow their lawns in rows, and that's usually the fastest way to do it. If you have a moreor-less rectangular lawn, mowing in lengthwise rows (along the longest side of the lawn) will reduce the number of turns you need to make and

thus speed up the job. Another option is to work in concentric circles — this can be more efficient because the turns are all in the same direction and, except at the very center, they're not as sharp, so you can maneuver the mower better. Whatever pattern you choose, be sure to overlap the rows a bit so you don't have to go back later and clean up areas you missed.

3. Leave the clippings. If you aren't cutting off more than onethird of the height of the grass blades (which you shouldn't be anyway, as

Open House Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm 3998 Lakeside Court • Loomis

this stresses the plants), you don't need to bag the clippings. Just leave them on the lawn and they'll break down easily, providing the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — the same nutrients found in commercial fertilizer. Clippings don't cause thatch, and leaving them on the grass is a zero-cost, zero-effort way to feed your lawn. If you have a mulching mower, you can also mulch in fallen leaves in the fall to add extra nutrients and save time raking.

4. Water thoroughly but less frequently. Many homeowners think they need to water their lawns daily, but turfgrass actually prefers a thorough watering once or twice a week rather than a light misting every day. Allowing the soil to dry between waterings encourages the grass to grow deeper roots and can improve the lawn's drought tolerance. So

take watering off your daily to-do list and irrigate only when needed.

A quick way to determine whether your lawn needs to be watered is to push a screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in without difficulty, the grass has enough water already. If the ground is so hard that the screwdriver doesn't penetrate easily, it's time to start up the sprinklers.

5. Overseed now to save time later. Overseeding in the fall, before cold temperatures hit, can save you significant time next spring and summer. Fall overseeding with a cool-season seed blend can help your lawn emerge from the winter thicker and healthier, improving the grass's ability to fight insects, diseases and weeds in the spring — meaning less weed pulling, spot seeding and early-season lawn revitalization. Cool-season grasses should usually be plant-

ed by mid-September, and warm-season grasses by mid-October. You'll want to avoid drastic temperature changes and water regularly yet moderately so the seed has time to absorb moisture and build strong roots. A bit of extra effort now will pay off in the spring with a lush, low-maintenance lawn.

"A lawn is a great asset that provides the perfect environment for a wide variety of outdoor activities," said Bryan Ostlund, executive director of Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers and turf specialists. "If you're lucky enough to have space for grass, don't let the maintenance become a burden.

Simplifying your lawn care practices and working more efficiently can help you enjoy a healthy lawn all season long without hours and hours of labor." ~ BrandPoint

Selling real estate the Wright way!

Providing Fantastic Living Opportunities in the Foothills 8300 Sisson Lane $195,000

Alta Retreat

$300,000

1555 Bald Hill Rd. $557,900

Lovely Single Story

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath is only a few hundred feet from the gate leading to Folsom Lake. You can see the gate from the front yard. This home is designed with individual rooms, like family room, living room, dining area, kitchen with breakfast nook and a small room which is perfect for an office. The backyard has a deck and patio, perfect for entertaining and tree coverage for shade during those warmer days. A white picket fence encloses the front yard with trees and rock outcroppings.

IC E! RE DU CE D PR

Dir: Auburn Folsom Rd. turn onto Horseshoe Bar Rd. going towards the Lake. Last street on left before dead end, home on the corner.

MLS #18039843

$597,500

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

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

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

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

A slice of heaven on seven level acres. Secluded and private Oak studded property. Perfect to put down your roots and build your home. Bring your animals and watch your garden grow. Well on site.

Lose yourself and get away from the hustle and bustle on this 22.4 acres nestled in the high country. Multiple building sites give you plenty of options for your dream mountain home retreat. Multiple locations for fabulous Sierra views. There are two wells that have been installed. Perc & Mantle is complete for a standard system.

Roomy, Relaxing, Ready! Open and light spacious 1955 SF, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car garage on 2.4 acres. Auburn address located in acclaimed Loomis School District. Just minutes to town or 80 for commuting. Completely fenced with irrigation water. Great patio for outside entertaining.

Jessica Wright

PROPERTY WANTED Any Type Any Condition UGLY OR NOT All Cash - Quick Close

(530) 885-8855 TOM WRIGHT

Real Estate Broker DRE #429178 Koylynn Webdell Lic. #00429178

Lic. #0219832

530-368-4226 11689 Lorenson Road ~ Auburn, CA

530-308-7676 530-885-8855

530-308-7676 or 530-885-8855

August 3-9, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Discover ways to stay cool even in the hot summer weather.

COURTESY

5 ways to beat the heat Everyone has had that moment when fun in the sun turns into a struggle to stay cool. And when that happens, all you want to do is get out of the heat as fast as possible.

Sometimes, however, that is easier said than done, and if you've ever found yourself in extreme heat for a prolonged period of time — or you see that such a stretch is coming in the forecast — here are five ways to beat the heat now before the heat beats you.

• Let your clothes do the work. When the thermostat is reaching high temperatures, what you put on your body matters. Start reading the labels on your clothes to see what fabrics your wardrobe consists of.

Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate and move freely, so make sure to wear your favorite cotton T-shirt on hot days.

Linen is also a great alternative in the hot summer months because of its natural fiber and light weave, which allows for maximum breathability.

• Invest in the right air conditioner. It is on those sweltering days that your air conditioner becomes the most valuable tool in your home. Is your current system up to the challenge? If not, it's time for a replacement. The LG DUAL Inverter Compressor Window Air Conditioner constantly adjusts its speed — rather than turning on and off — to maintain the desired air temperature all at a reduced energy usage. The system is so efficient it received the 2018 ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award for its estimated 40 percent energy savings on its biggest model.

That's savings and cooler comfort perfect for any hot summer day.

• Protect your skin. On a hot day, the last thing you want is a lingering burn from the weekend spent at the beach. Invest in some SPF 50 to prevent sun damage to the skin and reduce wrinkles in the future. If it's too late and the burn is there to stay, check out your options for a natural aloe. The soothing

properties reduce rashes, burns and skin irritants, keeping your body cool so your mind can focus on the summer.

• Exercise smartly. If exercise is a big part of your daily routine, you're hesitant to abandon it simply because the temperatures are too hot. However, you don't want to risk your health either. The good news is you don't have to; you simply need to adjust your routine.

Swimming is a wonderful activity to enjoy on a hot day, and if you don't have access to water, you can still maintain your traditional workout regimen with a few slight alterations.

Instead of working out in the middle of the day, opt for a dusk or dawn workout and try to keep your workout intervals short so you have more time to recover in these less-than-favorable conditions.

• Cool yourself down effectively. When you're feeling hot, the first thing you want to do is apply a cool towel to your fore• SEE HEAT PAGE 10

9

10

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • August 3-9, 2018

HEAT: continued from 9

head. It feels good, of course, but for maximum impact, applying this cooling agent to your wrist or neck is actually a far better alternative. These portions of your body are pulse points, and applying a cooling sensation here will be felt everywhere else more quickly and effectively. Finally, for a relaxing cool, soak your feet in a bucket of ice cubes and cold water. Your feet have pressure points inside them as well, and just 20 minutes in this relaxed state will have your entire body feeling cooler.

The season's hottest days don't have to derail everything you have planned, you just need to prepare for them. Applying the tips above will help you stay cool no matter what your day's agenda calls for so you can stick to your schedule for these sweltering summer days and beyond. ~ BrandPoint

Do I need an agent when buying from a builder?

Question: My husband and I are looking to buy a brandnew home. We have heard that we do not need our own real estate agent because the builders have agents on-site that are more familiar with the properties. Can we use these sales agents or do we need to bring our own agent?

Answer: Welcome to the interesting world of real estate and thanks for your excellent question. You do not have to have your own real estate agent to buy from the builder; that is correct.

However, let’s look at some worthwhile reasons why it is highly recommended for a buyer to use their own real estate agent.

When a buyer first enters the builder’s sales of-

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY • 1-4PM 1138 RACQUET CLUB DR., AUBURN

Kari McCoy The Real McCoy

fice they are welcomed by the pleasant sales agent on-site at the model homes. Most folks might not know that this agent represents only the builder’s best interest and gets paid from the builder. This agent’s job is to get the builder the most money in the fastest time frame with the least amount of holding costs. These agents are well skilled and may practice high pressure tactics to get the buyers to sign a contract. The builder’s agent will not point out any drawbacks

of a property or poor home locations, such as backing up to a future busy road.

The builder’s agent is obligated by law to the keep the builder’s best interest in mind, not the buyers.

Therefore, there is no one to look out for the buyer’s best interest Here comes the exciting news, most home builders pay for the buyers to have their own real estate agent. Some buyers believe using the builder’s agent and not having their own agent will save them money. They also believe that it will possibly even get them a better deal or cut on the price of the home with the builder. This is not the case.

The builder is in the trade of making profits and has previously allotted marketing dollars to pay the buyer's agent a commis-

OPEN SAT. & SUN. 2-5PM

11071 Caballo Cir, Auburn

$479,900

PRICE REDUCE D!

3 or 4 BR, 2.5 BA, 1914 SF, .37 acre

sion. In the event a buyer comes along without their own agent, typically the builder’s sales agent may receive an extra bonus or the builder will pocket a bit more money to spend on marketing. Legally a buyer cannot receive a commission or discount passed to the buyer, unless the buyer is a real estate agent. Bear in mind that there is no gain of not using your own real estate agent; seize the advantage of this immeasurable opportunity.

Here comes the sneaky part: Most builders have a stringent rule in which your real estate agent must accompany you on your very first visit to the model home, or you will not be allowed to use your own real agent at all. After you and your agent are registered with the builder you are then allowed to return as many times as you want with or without your real estate agent.

When you have your own real estate agent this is referred to as a rela-

4 BR, 3 BA, 2743 SF, .27 Acre, Panoramic views of Sierras to Sacramento, Level property, Single story

4 BR, 3 BA, 3524 SF, 1 acre

Mike Robinson Broker Associate

Cell: 530.906.0624

3-4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths. This beautiful Carson build home has everything! Kitchen has butler’s pantry, pantry closet island w/sink & breakfast nook. The master suite has a generous bathroom with tub and shower, a walk in closet and outside access. Beautifully landscaped backyard has covered patio with fan. Owned solar provides virtually all of the electricity. 3 car garage.

Dir: Hwy 49 to Atwood, left on Richardson, Right on Caballo Circle.

MLS 18050764

DRE #01121168

13555 Bowman Rd. #600 Auburn, CA 95603

See all listings at: www.auburnhomes.com

Kari McCoy owns the Kari McCoy Group, Residential Real Estate, at Lyon Real Estate.

She can be reached at 916933-5274 or Sold@KariMcCoyGroup.com

“It’s not really, but it could happen again...”

868 EL ORO DR., AUBURN $613,000

11190 MEADOW BROOK DR., AUBURN $875,000

tionship of fiduciary responsibility. This relationship holds your real estate agent to the highest standards. The fiduciary duties include loyalty, obedience, disclosure, reasonable care, diligence, confidentially and accounting. Keep in mind that the sales price is not the only number to be negotiated in the purchase. There are thousands of dollars of costs, fees and upgrades associated with a new home purchase. Your real agent will help you negotiate, understand costs better, and have your best interest all the way to the closing of your new home.

This information is believed to be true and is used only to answer a question. For legal advice contact your local real estate attorney.

Ann BryAnt Cell: 530

$566,000

Lic. #01077490

FRED MERRIAM

320-8407

Broker Associate Certified Foreclosure Specialist

abryant @ golyon.com Lic. #00965549

www.Annbr yant.golyon.com

fred_merriam@sbcglobal.net

530-885-5858

August 3-9, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

11

Amp up natural benefits of the yard It's easy to appreciate the sights and smells afforded by lawns and landscapes, but when it comes to your yard there is much more to consider besides pleasing aesthetics and aromas. Many would even be surprised to learn that the benefits of a lush lawn and stunning landscape design extend well beyond a yard's perimeter.

That's right, well-managed landscapes offer tremendous benefits for the community and environment. Here are just a few: • Scrubs the air: Beautiful greenery, including grass, catch dust, smoke particles and other pollutants to make the air you breathe fresher and cleaner.

• Protects waterways: Well-maintained yards and lawns help prevent soil erosion and unwanted runoff into nearby lakes, streams and rivers.

• Adds oxygen: A 50-by50-foot lawn produces enough oxygen to supply a family of four.

• Boosts home values: The yard is the first thing a potential buyer sees, and it sets the first impression. If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, investing in your landscaping now can pay dividends later. A recent study by the National Association of REALTORS and National Association of Landscape Professionals found that investing in landscape maintenance recovers 100 percent of the cost at the time of sale!

• Makes you feel good: Having a nice yard with lush turf and well-tended landscapes delivers some mood-enhancing properties as well. Looking at plants and trees,

even through a window, has been found to lower stress and blood pressure, while walking among plants and trees improves attention and memory.

Ideas to enhance your yard's natural benefits Now that you know the benefits of your lawn and landscapes, you may be inspired to try some of these simple improvements to make it look and feel even better. Some of these can even save you time and effort, so you have more hours to spend outdoors.

• Mow properly: Raising the deck height of your lawn mower is one simple thing you can do right now to improve your green space.

When mowing, the blade should remove no more than a 1/3 inch from the blade of grass.

COURTESY

• Mow at the right time: Professionals recommend to not mow right after it rains. Mowing wet grass will cause clumping and ruts. This also leaves the lawn more susceptible to certain diseases.

• Let the clippings drop: "Grass cycling" your clippings allows nitrogen and other nutrients to return to the soil. Even better, it eliminates the step of hauling around heavy bags of yard waste.

• Invest in smarter watering tools: An irrigation system saves time on watering chores, but one that uses smart technology and weather-based data will apply water only when your lawn and garden need it.

• Consider natural landscaping: The next time you choose flowers, shrubs or trees, opt

Well-managed lawns and landscapes offer tremendous benefits for the community and environment. for species native to your region. These plants have adapted to the climate, so they're more resilient to your region's weather patterns, and require less watering than exotic species.

With these tips, you have plenty to get started on creating a beautiful lawn and landscape that looks and feels even better. If you're seeking fresh ideas to amp up your landscaping or want to maximize its full environmental and enjoyment benefits, consider turning to the expertise of a lawn care or landscape professional. With help from a professional, you can have the outdoor oasis of your dreams. To find a professional in your area, visit LoveYourLandscape. org. ~ BrandPoint

12

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • August 3-9, 2018

Sierra Pacific Real Estate 16898 Placer Hills Road Meadow Vista • 530-878-5100

$555,000

WELL MAINTAINED SINGLE STORY 2,277 SF, 4 bedroom, 2 bath in a quiet Auburn neighborhood. Large kitchen open to the family LIS TIN room offers granite countertops, lrg pantry & G island. High ceilings thru out. Spacious master suite w/en suite bath & walk in closet. Nicely Open House Sun. 1-4pm landscaped yard includes aluminum patio cover, 2553 Pacer Place, Auburn grass area & fruit trees. 2 car attached garage.

NE

Call us to get Listed!

www.sierrapacificrealestate.com

Lic. #01396513

$575,500 NE

W

$529,000 NE

W

PR

IC

E

$599,000

Gold Country Homes

OPEN HOMES Saturday & Sunday August 4 & 5

The Market is Hot! W

ENJOY COUNTRY LIVING IN TOWN! Private setting just walking distance from Downtown Newcastle. Enjoy all four seasons on this fully fenced 1 acre.

Home is 3 bedrooms with 2 baths with a 3-car detached garage. Floor plan is open and airy with views of landscape and trees galore. Easy access to freeway for commuting!

$649,000

PRIVATE, WELL MAINTAINED, single story home overlooking the Bear River. Natural light abounds in this open concept floor plan. Great for entertaining & family living. Large kitchen w/dining bar, island & walk-in pantry. Master suite located on one end of home with 2 other bdrms on opposite end. Enjoy the special views amongst the trees on the spacious composite deck. Attached 2 car garage w/ workbench, sink & coated floors.

$364,950

NE

LIS

W

PE

TIN

PR

ND

IC

IN

G

E

Ne

530.401.4210

stefsplace.com DRE #00971258

OPEN SATURDAY 1-4PM

6741 Rinconada Dr., Citrus Heights

Larry Scontrino Katherine Katches Glenda Harrison Maggie Francis

Lic. #01469169

Lic. #01783426

Lic. #01189252

Lic. #00759416

Lic. #01992548

$665,000

BRING YOUR TOYS, ANIMALS AND HOBBIES! Property boast a barn, cross fencing, new electric fence & dog run. Large Detached garage w/room for RV, boat, storage & more! 2700 SF, 3 bedrooms & 3 full baths. Large media room w/separate entrance leads out to patio & is wired for surround sound w/wet bar & storage/pantry. Large Master Suite with a private balcony.

Delightful master bathroom with jetted tub, walk-in shower, private commode and walk-in closet.

LOTS OF POTENTIAL!!

$1,550,000

BEAUTIFUL LAKE FRONT PROPERTY! Custom, high quality finishes, gated, exclusive lake access from private dock & the park-like setting make this a dream property! Enjoy entertaining, outdoor living & water sports/activities. Granite counters, hard woods, high end appliances, whole house fan & tankless hot. Outdoors a large reflective koi pond, pergola/patio overlooking the lake, boat house, raised garden beds, outdoor shower & so much more! Approx 800 ft of basement storage.

NE

W

SO

PR

LD

IC

E

END OF ROAD PRIVACY with local views on 3.8 acres! Room for your toys with RV parking and a workshop/garage. Home is 1542 SF with 2-3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with the potential of turning crawlspace into additional living area/square footage.

Open Sunday 1-4pm 2553 Pacer Place, Auburn

NE

W

Well maintained single story 2,277 sf 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in a quiet Auburn neighborhood. Large kitchen open to the family room Danielle offers granite countertops, lrg Larson® pantry & island. High ceilings thru Realtor out. Spacious master suite w/en 530.906.1889 DRE #01469169 suite bath & walk in closet. Nicely landscaped yard includes aluminum patio cover, grass area and fruit trees. 2 car attached garage.

MLS #18026894

LIS

$555,000

Hosted by: Sandra Thompson Sue Thompson

Lic. #00932970

GLORIOUS VIEWS from well maintained 2,880 SF home. Chef’s kitchen offers induction cooktop, island, convection oven, custom cabinets, Blanco sink & dumbwaiter to downstairs entertainment room. Living room w/floor to ceiling stone hearth, wood planked vaulted ceiling, floor to ceiling windows to take in view. Master w/en suite remodeled bath: double sinks, shower & jetted tub. Downstairs offers 2 bds, entertainment room w/bar & atrium. 2 car attached garage.

3185 Rattlesnake Rd., Newcastle

Jody Liston

Lic. #01724739

$424,900

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4PM

Hosted by: Jody Liston 530.305.0535

Danielle Larson

Lic. #00920443

SINGLE STORY IN SOUTH AUBURN. Home located in a highly desirable neighborhood w/views of Folsom Lake. Remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath 1,834 SF home offers chef’s kitchen, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, and newer HVAC. Relax on the large deck, enjoy view! Separate patio w/built in BBQ off of the kitchen & dining area. This is a MUST SEE!

Listing Agent:

Stephanie Baptista

Price reduced almost $40K!! 4 Bd 2.5 ba Custom home with views on 8 acres, home w/all the modern upgrades, hand scraped wood floors, recessed lighting, gourmet kitchen, flagstone courtyard with fountain and so much more! MLS 18023087 $549,500

Fred Eichenhofer

Private setting just walking distance from Downtown Meadow Vista. Home is 1848sf, with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a guest cottage.

G

OPEN HOUSE Saturday • 12-2pm 305 Thunder Road, Colfax ice! w Pr

Making Your TransacTion EasiEr FroM BEginning To End

530.308.1157

MLS # 18033114

MLS #18019125

$319,900

$1,350,000

PRICE REDUCTION! MOTIVATED SELLER! This home is move in ready! Seller has taken care of 3 bedroom 2 bath. hardwood floors. Dual pane windows throughout. Nicely landscaped yard with covered patio. Room to park a small boat or trailer on the side of the house.

Spectacular Folsom Lake views from the top of this 21 acre irrigated parcel. Magnificent custom built 3100+ sq ft home with vaulted ceilings and custom quality wood work. Covered front entry, gracious foyer. Formal and informal dining. Separate living room with fireplace and a wall of windows that frame the expansive lake view. Master bedroom features lake view and fireplace with adjoining luxury bath. Bring your cattle and/or plant that dream vineyard or orchard.

Open Sunday • 12-3pm Hosted by Diane Melhern

280 Sierra View Dr. • Colfax

TWO HOMES ON FIVE ACRES! Main house (3/2) with guest quarters (1/1) downstairs.

Completely detached guest house w/carport, fenced area and gas fireplace! 20’x30’ Shop, darling playhouse plus two more sheds! This is the country compound you’ve been dreaming of!

JUST REDUCED! $748,000 TRINA LAIRD

916.532.6271 DRE #01066113

www.southplacerhomes.com

to advertise YoUr oPeN HoUse Call sHoNi at 530.852.0226

TIN

G