Gold country homes dec 21 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

December 21-27, 2018 Volume 48

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

C o d u l o n t r G y c i T r o o t w s n i s!

H Make your next home or vacation home in one of these charming historic towns!

Want to know more about foothill living in these communities?

Call me! I have been living & selling foothill living for over 35 years.

Dutch Flat!

E

xceptional setting on 2.4 acs above the sounds of your yr round creek & among towering cedar & fir trees.

One-owner custom built & loved 2700 SF home has been prepared for you to move right in. New: granite counters & stainless appliances, flooring, int & ext paint, large deck, pool resurfacing & so much more! Vaulted open beam ceiling, main floor master, and bonus room, 4th bedroom & 3rd bath on lower level with sep entrance. Wood cased dual pane windows. Lg 2 car garage. RV hookup to septic. MLS# 18066706 $499,000.

Colfax!

W

ell cared for 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in a low traffic, quiet neighborhood. Walk into historic Colfax to library, eateries, ballpark, community center, Amtrak and schools. Move-in ready home with fresh paint, new carpet, laminate flooring, living room & large family room, nice dining area, sunroom, 3 skylights, central heat & air and a fireplace. Large fenced yard with raised beds and southern view. With a clear pest inspection it is perfect for VA & FHA Buyers! Close to all the Sierra offers. MLS 18055647 $297,000.

SELLING OUR FOOTHILL LIFESTYLE WITH PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SINCE 1992 See PHOTOS of ALL MY LISTINGS at Foothill-Living.com Masters Club

REAL ESTATE

Outstanding LIFE MEMBER too BIG, No Sale too g n i t s i L small No Gene Cain !

www.Foothill-Living.com

530.305.5982 Lic. #01134833

2

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • December 21-27, 2018

Crystal ball gazing: what's in store for 2019?

As we wrap-up good old 2018 and get ready to greet 2019, let’s take a look at what the new year may have in store for us.

1. Expect more choice The number of homes for sale in the core Auburn MLS area of 12301 is growing with luxury properties leading the way.

Here’s a snapshot.

Single family homes for sale have risen 42 percent over the last year.

• November 2017: 75 on the market • November 2018: 107 on the market Luxury homes (over $1 million) have risen 87 percent over the last year.

• November 2017: 8 on the market • November 2018: 15 on the market With more homes on the market, buyers will have more choices. Sellers will need to adjust their expectations, as multiple offers will be less common and homes will need to be prepped and priced competitively. In short, the Auburn real estate market has migrated from a strong sellers market in 2017 to neutral market in 2018 with about 4.3 months of inventory, favoring neither buyers nor sellers.

2. Expect higher interest rates According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for Realtor.com, interest rates are expected to climb to 5.5 percent by the end of 2019, raising the average mortgage cost by about 8 percent. In

Kathy Fitzhenry Realtor

contrast, the average income is expected to rise 3 percent.

The combination of rising interest rates and expanding inventory will make it a little harder to sell than in recent years. In contrast, rate increases will affect first time buyers the most. In contrast, move-up buyers may benefit the most, as many will be able to apply the equity in their current home towards the purchase of a new home.

3. Generational tastes are driving patterns Heer are some numbers to help us understand who the buying market is right now: • Millennials: 45 percent • Generation X: 37 percent • Baby boomers: 17 percent Obviously, millenials are the demographic to watch. So, what do they want? Millennials are known to relish experiences like traveling abroad and are often strapped by large student-loan debt. Both of which diminish their desire and/or ability to afford a mortgage. For those who are choosing to own, many prefer smaller, more affordable spaces; those who can telecommute are moving/buying in more remote locations.

4. The Impact of the New California Tax Law This is a wild card, as we will not experience the full impact until April 2019.

While renters, sellers and buyers are all affected, renters may be a big beneficiary. The larger personal deduction for renters should offset some of the benefit of a mortgage deduction and w ind-up da mpening renter

enthusiasm for entering the real estate market.

H o w e v e r, a c c o r d i n g t o Marquette economics professor Andrew Hansen, both buyers and sellers of luxury property will be most affected. The 2018 California tax law lowered the top tier for the standard mortgage deduction from $1,000,000 to $750,000 dollars, removing the deduction for homes valued

at $750,000 or greater. As we go forward, it will be interesting to see the law’s impact on luxury home sales.

So, let’s see what happens in 2019. Here’s to a great one!

As always, thanks for reading.

As always if you have any comments or questions, please contact at kfitzhenry333@gmail. com.

Trina Laird

Wishing you a very happy holiday season and a new year filled with laughter

and joy in the home of your dreams surrounded by those you love. Merry Christmas!

Committed to making your next real estate experience, your best real estate experience!

DRE #01066113

916.532.6271 www.southplacerhomes.com

December 21-27, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

3

Selling your home during the holidays

Shall I keep my house on t he market during Christmas? I hear this question every year, and my advice is: “you need to do what is best for you.” Of course, there are other factors to add to the equation. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Any buyer looking for a home during the holiday season is either a) not into the holidays, or b) seriously needs to buy a home.

Your pool of buyers may be smaller than in the spring/summer months, however, it is my belief that they are the serious buyers.

A few weeks ago, I compiled a chart breaking down and comparing sing le fa m i ly resident ia l (SFR) sa les in Auburn from 2017 to 2018, month by month. It ran through November. In November 2017, 46 SFR sold, whereas in November 2018, only 23

Kristi Meyer Ways to Save

SFR sold. November 2017’s SFR sales were comparable to t he mont hs of March, April, July and August and outperformed Januar y, Februar y and October. For December, to date 17 SFR have sold, whereas this time last year there were 33 sales. For the entire month December 2017, the number was 46, again comparable to the popular warmer months.

Lastly, there may be less homes on the market, cutting out a lot of your competition. So, if your house is going to stay or go on the market, here are a few

things to consider: Keep your decorations to a minimum and be sure they are not hiding your selling points, such as a beaut i f u l ma nt le a nd fireplace.

Too many decorations can be overwhelming to buyers. You want their focus to be on your home.

If you can remember that, you’ll be ahead of the curve. Then, try to be somewhat generic with your décor.

If you have a tree, tone it down by size and decorations. Let your home be the centerpiece, not the tree!

Display centerpieces usi ng pi ne cones a nd greenery such as pine and rosemary. This goes for any wreaths as well. They are neutral and add a fresh scent from the outdoors.

Put presents in a closet if possible and put cookies out on a festive plate

COURTESY

When showing your home during the holidays, keep Christmas decorations minimal and neutral, so that the home is the centerpiece, not the decor. with festive napkins. If you are so inclined, simmer spicy apple cider just before you leave. Set out

serving utensils and some mugs for your guests to enjoy. Let them picture themselves in your home

Spectacular Land & Home Finds

EASY LIVING CUSTOM HOME

ction nstru o C New

FOREVER VIEWS

ng Listi New

next year at Christmastime!

W ish i ng ever yone a very happy Christmas!

Kary Smiley

SWEET BUNGALOW

ent ovem r p m I Price

530.200.9039 DRE #01792711

Lifetime Masters Club Member

1711 Lilac Lane, Auburn

Hardwood floors • Custom cabinetry, granite and tile • Private Master Suite w/spa like bath.

MLS 18080162

$520,000

PRIVACY HILLSIDE RETREAT

5580 Quiet Place, Lincoln

10.5 acres of gentle slopes • Private and easy to access • Well In • Fenced and ready for your build.

MLS 180781986

$339,000

MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING

574 Peach Lane, Newcastle

.40 Acre Lot with Fruit Trees and Rose Garden Walk to Downtown • Good Bones and Ready for Remodel. MLS 18063642 $415,000

soulfulrealestate.com karybsmiley@gmail.com

OWN A GOLDMINE

SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE

Red Hill Mine, Foresthill

Bell Rd and Paradise Ct, Auburn

wn to To k l a W

27180 Cape Horn Rd, Colfax

Built in 2014 • 3.5 acres • Oak floors reclaimed from a barn in Kentucky • Good Well.

MLS 18050149

$385,000

1540 High Street, Auburn

26+ acres on Western States Trail • Privacy Spacious 4 bd/3 Ba + Bonus Rm • Walk to Town 3 parcels available each 4.6-4.8 acres • Wells in Abounds • Live Off-Grid • Forever views of the Bluff. On Placer County Wine Trail. MLS 18027693, Solar • Master suite on first level • Separate MLS 18038217 $175,000 downstairs entrance. MLS 18041763 $695,450 18015207, 18015204 $335,000-$350,000

4

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • December 21 - 27, 2018

Recent real estate transactions in Placer County The following transactions took place between November 27 and December 3, 2018. Information provided by Core Logic.

Granite Bay

Alpine Meadows

4490 Sheridan Lincoln Blvd

$250,000

1750 Village East Rd

$315,500

5141 Kensley Ct

$980,000

1720 Starview Ln

$550,000

400 Squaw Creek Rd 835

$-

6983 Green Leaf Ct

$677,500

308 Gannet Ct

$610,000

Applegate

9040 Vista De Lago Ct

$1,375,000

2839 Cardinal Dr

$435,000

200 Hilton Dr

9125 Vista De Lago Ct

$4,125,000

2616 Westview Dr

$570,000

5708 Granite Bend Ct

$1,300,000

408 Stags Leap Ln

$449,000

$452,500

Auburn 149 Electric St

$412,000

7440 Bascou Ct

$500,000

107 L St

$332,500

12736 Luther Rd

$435,000

8700 Park Vista Dr

$877,500

621 Rustic Ranch Ln

$825,000

4011 Creekhaven Rd

$650,000

6390 Oak Hill Dr

$960,000

2052 Stonecrest Ln

$540,000

127 Redwood Way

$245,000

Homewood

3337 Kathy Way

$445,000

522 Foresthill Ave

$482,500

1025 Woodside Dr

$600,000

9751 Magellan Dr

$525,000

160 Mckenzie Ct

$325,000

340 Snow Bird Loop

$799,000

3770 Val Verde Rd

$630,000

11604 Sherwood Way

$610,000

Kings Beach

3401 Los Flores Rd

$450,000

11200 Creekhaven Ct

$660,000

577 Beaver St

3340 Cherokee Trl

$1,095,000

12541 Montalvo Ct

$600,000

Lincoln

3951 Stonegate Ct

$292,000

11475 Edgewood Rd

$332,000

248 Mariner Cir

$415,000

Meadow Vista

13250 Dry Creek Rd

$675,000

1770 Hungry Hollow Rd

$325,000

17320 Surrey Ct

$900,000

1181 Humbug Way

$609,000

214 Mariemont Ct

$1,165,000

17326 Placer Hills Rd

$1,050,000

1737 Stone Way

$552,500

2297 Monument Dr

$568,000

Olympic Valley

13635 Harlequin Way

$830,000

8707 N Forbes Rd

$549,000

1850 Village S 315

$650,000

$335,000

2106 Pimlico Ct

$510,000

201 Squaw Peak Road 1312

$141,000

2736 Black Hawk Ln

$502,000

Penryn

155 Kellie Ln Colfax

$705,000

20920 Adeline Dr

$340,000

602 Hansen Pl

$525,000

2196 Griffith Ln

$430,000

135 Scholtz Ave

$225,100

1173 Poplar Ln

$347,000

6343 Butler Cir

$1,055,000

1600 Big Ben Rd

$995,000

5249 Abbott Rd

$462,000

875 Bridalveil Ln

$360,000

Rocklin

500 Navigator Dr

$313,000

2820 Isle St

$380,000

$599,000

3335 Maidu Ln

$750,000

4985 Topaz Ave

$394,000

$440,000

63 Crystalwood Cir

$373,000

4150 Meyers Ct

$536,500

1232 Magnolia Ln

$545,000

1206 Albany Way

$540,000

Elverta 9391 El Modena Ave

$425,000

Foresthill 5790 Little Oak Ln 6585 Longridge Ct

Carolyn Metzker Call Me For This Same Level of Service!

"Your Recipe For Results"

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

GoLyon.com

www.CarolynMetzker.com

“As a widow and unfamiliar with real estate, I put my whole trust, care and finances in her hands and she did not disappoint. She held my hand thru the transaction, and explained wording I didn’t understand in a simplified way. Every recommendation and procedure were spot on and handled professionally. We have now become friends, and I can’t begin to thank her for all that she has done for me.”

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December 21 - 27, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Recent real estate transactions in Placer County The following transactions took place between November 27 and December 3, 2018. Information provided by Core Logic.

5631 Harvest Rd

$475,000

9260 Pinehurst Dr

$669,000

Soda Springs

2401 Scenic Ct

$574,000

2897 Bickleigh Loop

$721,000

2023 Serene Rd

4131 Blossomwood Ct

$578,000

3168 Amoruso Way

$615,000

Tahoe City

2321 Egret Ct

$539,000

29 Springwood Ct

$410,000

3010 Electric Dr

$825,000

5065 San Francisco St

$540,000

1761 Grouse Run Cir

$430,000

3115 N Lake Blvd 1

$400,000

5422 Butte Cir

$725,000

502 Mill Creek Ct

$360,000

2780 Lake Terrace Ave

$4,750,000

5709 Desert Mallow St

$562,000

1737 Bottlebrush Cir

$528,500

Tahoe Vista

7264 Stagecoach Cir

$350,000

1202 Lords Way

Roseville

$710,000

$205,000

2005 Inglis Way A

$265,100

1632 Sierra Gardens Dr

$315,000

Tahoma

708 Newcombe Ct

$600,000

624 Blakesley Ct

$495,000

793 Pine Ridge Rd

100 Greenwood Ct

$515,000

7716 Timberrose Way

$429,000

Truckee

912 Oak Ridge Dr

$450,000

1100 Muir Ct

$475,000

2000 N Village Dr 214

$218,000

8551 Saint Germaine Ct

$610,000

1409 Kennedy Dr

$440,000

13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct

$4,400,000

1609 Blanchard Dr

$435,000

549 Peace Water Ct

$468,000

4026 Ski Vw 4

$300,000

1773 Courante Way

$509,000

1627 Quail Cir

$353,000

2100 N Village Dr 14

$140,000

1440 Elm St

$345,000

3001 Demartini Dr

$569,000

1454 Whitstable Dr

$325,000

1700 Tanglewood Ln

$375,000

1682 Rogart Way

$330,000

9545 Derby Ct

$665,000

1041 Patagonia Way

$563,000

701 Gibson Dr 812

$259,000

720 Sunrise Ave 51

$150,000

503 Sunrise Ave

$240,000

2613 Roxby Way

$530,000

106 Shasta St

$269,000

209 Shanley Ct

$355,000

208 Saddlebag Ct

$409,000

1880 Shropshire St

$575,000

1311 Trevor Way

$330,000

125 Sonoma Ct

$568,500

488 Diamond Oaks Rd

$426,000

1453 New England Dr

$450,000

1464 Oak Hill Way

$859,000

121 Alta Ave

$269,000

1043 Shenencock Way

$415,000

1312 Crestmont Ave

$368,000

7680 Malta Dr

$679,000

7245 Clearview Way

$320,000

541 Alden Way

$430,000

Price Reduction!

Just One Left!

Gayle Morris Newly Constructed Townhomes!

Canyon Trails and Downtown Auburn are Minutes from your Door. All have Attached 1-Car Garage & Additional Assigned Parking Space. Upstairs Laundry Room. Hurry! MLS #18033685 $416,000

1373 Lincoln Way, Auburn Location. History. Gorgeous circa 1903 Victorian. 4 units each w/own utility meters.

Main floor is 2 units & currently leased by single business. Downstairs basement unit is 2bd/2ba w/full kitchen & laundry. Detached carriage house features upstairs 1bd/1ba unit over 2-car garage w/full kitchen & laundry. MLS #18039828 $835,000

143 Electric St, Auburn

$370,000

Sold!

Sold!

Sold!

Sold!

141 Electric St, Auburn 145 Electric St, Auburn 149 Electric St, Auburn 155 Electric St, Auburn

530.320.8177

www.gmorris.golyon.com DRE #01986541

5

6

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • December 21 - 27, 2018

December 21 - 27, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Property of the Week

2225 Wildberry Lane, Auburn 3 BEDROOM | 2 BATH | 1855 SF

Ready to Build

New single level home on incredibly quiet and convenient .5 acre level parcel. 9’ ceilings with vaults in great room and master bedroom. Covered patios off the great room and master bedroom lead to spacious rear yard with room for pool. Natural water feature, meandering canal/stream runs through property bridge to connect additional side yard. Features: Granite Counters, Tile Bathrooms, Wood Flooring, City and Irrigation Water, Over Sized 2 Car Garage with 18’x 8’ Door, High Efficient HVAC. MLS #18048356

$499,999

Cyndi Domenici 530.305.2092

AuburnsFinest.com Cyndi@Auburnfinest.com DRE #01123025

7

6

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • December 21 - 27, 2018

December 21 - 27, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

Property of the Week

2225 Wildberry Lane, Auburn 3 BEDROOM | 2 BATH | 1855 SF

Ready to Build

New single level home on incredibly quiet and convenient .5 acre level parcel. 9’ ceilings with vaults in great room and master bedroom. Covered patios off the great room and master bedroom lead to spacious rear yard with room for pool. Natural water feature, meandering canal/stream runs through property bridge to connect additional side yard. Features: Granite Counters, Tile Bathrooms, Wood Flooring, City and Irrigation Water, Over Sized 2 Car Garage with 18’x 8’ Door, High Efficient HVAC. MLS #18048356

$499,999

Cyndi Domenici 530.305.2092

AuburnsFinest.com Cyndi@Auburnfinest.com DRE #01123025

7

8

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • December 21-27, 2018

How to choose a home inspector

Dear Barry: In the past, I've hired good and bad home inspectors. Now that I'm buying another home, I want my next inspector to be the best. My agent has given me some referrals, but I'd like some guidelines for making a wise choice.

Beverly Dear Beverly: Your question is a prudent one because home inspectors are definitely not equal in their abilities to d i s c over proper t y defects. As with any profession, from mechanics to medicine, some practitioners are going to outshine others. Here are some guidelines for choosing a home inspector who will provide you with thorough disclosure.

Barry Stone Inspector’s in the House

Professional reputation: With the advent of Yelp, it is possible to learn how customers report their experiences with various home inspectors. This can be very helpful in determ in ing how t horoug h home inspectors are when performing their inspect ions, w r it i ng t hei r reports, and interacting with customers. Another way to test an inspector’s reputation is to call several real estate offices and ask, “Who is the nit-picki-

est home inspector in town?” You might even say that you want to know which inspector is known as “the Deal Killer.”

Inspection experience: Home inspectors are often perceived as general contractors who happen to inspect homes.

Although building knowledge is essential to a home inspector, construction experiencedoes not prepare one for the demands of forensic investigation; just as being a traffic copdoes not prepare one to be a crime detective. In fact, the average apprenticeship for a home inspector is at least 1000 inspections. Contractors who disagree with this opinion are invited to take the House Detective

Wishing You a Magical, Merry Christmas We would like to Wish Everyone A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Challenge: Call the nearest professiona l home inspector with at least five years of full-time field experience and conduct separate inspections of the same building. Then compare findings. That's where the consumer-protection difference becomes apparent.

Professional affiliations: L i c e n s i n g of h om e inspectors is required in many states but not all.

Regardless of licensing, the best inspectors are members of professional associations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and similar state organizations.

Members must adhere to strict standards of practice, while participating in ongoing education. This does not mean that all members are highly qualified, but highly qualified inspectors, with rare exceptions, are definitely members. When you choose a home inspector, specify membership in one of these recognized guilds.

Errors & omissions insurance: A critical aspect of professional accountability is insurance for faulty inspec-

COURTESY

When looking for home inspectors, try to find ones that are rated on review sites as "nit-picky." tions. Undiscovered defects can range from minor maintenance problems to structural failure, from leaking faucets to major fire hazards. Inspectors who take their business seriously carry insurance for t hese u n for t u nate mistakes.

Ask for a sample report: The proof is in the product. So, request a copy of a previous report. The best format should not only be detailed and comprehensive, but easily interpreted, making a clear distinction between defective build-

Sincere Best Wishes for the

Happiest of Holidays and Health, Happiness, and Peace for the New Year!

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

CalBRE# 01491060

Kelly McNabb (530) 906-5876

Rocky Sanchez (530) 320-9585

FRED MERRIAM

CalBRE# 01207376

Now is a great time to List your Home. Give us a call for a Market Analysis!

Broker Associate Certified Foreclosure Specialist

530-885-5858

fred_merriam@sbcglobal.net

Lic. #01077490

ing conditions and "boiler plate" verbiage. Some reports are so encumbered with maintenance recommendations and liability disclaimers that pertinent information about the property is obscured. A quality report lets defect disclosure stand out distinctly, in contrast with less essential data.

Avoid price shopping: Inspection fees vary widely.

The price of a quality inspection is ty pically between $400 and $600 for an average-size home.

Lower fees shou ld be regarded with suspicion, as t hey of ten ident if y those who are new to the business or who spend insufficient time performing an inspection. A home is t he most ex pensive commodity you are likely to purchase in a lifetime.

One defect missed by your inspector could cost 100 times what you’d save with a bargain inspection.

The best method of price shopping is to shop for quality.

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

December 21-27, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

9

Does a seller have to make repairs?

Question: Dear Kari, I am selling my home and my real estate agent just handed me a thick stack of papers that I need to fill out regarding my home. He referred to this stack as disclosure forms and said I have to have them filled out so he could give them to the buyers. If purchase contracts are supposed to be as is, then why am I filling out all these forms?

Answer: In the state of California, when a homeowner is selling their residential property, they are required by law to fill out certain disclosure forms. One of the required forms is titled "Sel ler s Rea l E st ate Tr a n s f e r D i s c l o s u r e Statement." It is important that sellers be forthcomi ng a nd honest when answering each question.

The disclosure forms will have a broad range of questions regarding the details of all aspects of the home and property.

Here are a few disclosure items that will be on the form: • Roof defect • Heating and air condition system issues • Property drainage problems • Foundation cracks or problems • Title problems

Kari McCoy The Real McCoy

• Neighbor issues • Plumbing and sewage issue • Termites, other insects, or rodents • Construction without permits • Noise problems • Crimes • Natural Hazard Disclosure • Death on property Essentially any and all material facts must be disclosed. The legal term "materia l fact" is well defined as a fact that, if known, might have caused a buyer or a seller of a property to make a different decision with regards to remaining in a contract or to honoring the price agreed to.

These disclosures are the representation of the seller. The information disclosed is based on the seller’s personal knowledge. To be clear, disclosures are not a warranty.

For example, if the seller states there was a past repaired roof leak, this is not a guarantee that after the home closes the roof leak will never return.

Disclosures are designed

to make buyers aware of any known defects in the property they are purchasing. This law applies to all sellers even if they are selling their home without the benefits of a Realtor. There are some exclusions such as sellers that are lending institutions that have never lived in the home.

The seller does not need to make any repairs or address any defects of past or cur rent issues d isclosed. In addition, the seller is not required to repair any issues discovered during any home i nspect ions. Here a re some typical ways that the buyer and seller may reach an outcome: do nothing, reduce the purchase price of the home, have the seller perform repairs, have the seller credit the buyer some monies at the close of escrow, or to cancel the contract. W hat usually determines how the negotiations will take place is due to the temperature of the market, meaning is it a buyer or sel lers’ market.

The buyer must keep in mind that no used homes a re p er fe c t a nd t h at throwing in the towel and sta r t i ng over is never easy. The seller will need to decide if the next buyer w ill make more repair demands or accept the properties conditions and issues. The good news for the seller is once any need-

E xperience the Maggert

& Maggert

ed repairs or defects are disclosed and accepted by the buyer, then the buyer cannot come back to the sel ler for a ny f u r t her issues because all items and conditions have been accepted by the buyer.

Kari McCoy owns the Kari McCoy Group, Residential Real Estate, at Lyon Real Estate. She can be reached at 916-933-5274 or sold@karimccoygroup.com. #00841588

162 AGARD STREET, AUBURN $369,000 3 BR, 1 BA, 1344 SF, .35 Acre, Near Placer High School

11190 MEADOW BROOK DR, AUBURN $825,000 4 BR, 3 BA, 3524 SF, 1 Acre

Mike Robinson Broker Associate

Cell: 530.906.0624

DRE #01121168

13555 Bowman Rd. #600 Auburn, CA 95603

See all listings at: www.auburnhomes.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Magic for yourself

JR

COURTESY

In California, sellers are required to disclose items in their home that need repair. This applies to big issues, like foundational damage or roof leakage, to seemingly smaller issues like problems with neighbors or a death on the property.

Randy Maggert, Broker Associate (530) 320-9398

Lic. #01210608 w w w. m a g g e r t m a g i c . c o m

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

Jana Lynn-Maggert (530) 308-1764

Lic. #01484405 jmaggert@golyon.com

10

GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • December 21-27, 2018

Home security tips for the holidays For many, the holiday season means travel! In fact, millions of U.S. residents travel more than 50 miles away from home during the holiday season.

Unfortunately, burglars are also aware of these holiday season travel statistics. While many families look forward to the holidays, it is easy to get carried away with excitement and forget to prepare your home for your time away.

There's nothing worse than coming back from a rela x ing vacation to a stressful situation at home, so it is best to be prepared and protect your home before you travel.

Home security matters It may sound simple, but it is important for people to remember to set their home security systems to the appropriate settings

before leaving for travel.

Investing in a high-quality, easy-to-use security system grants the ultimate peace of mind for travelers.

If you forget to arm your system before you leave, don't panic! Some home security systems let you arm, or disarm, your system by remotely accessing it via any smartphone, tablet or computer. You can also set up alerts to remind you if your system hasn't been armed.

You could also invest in a smart doorbell that automatically sends a text or email to you each time the bell is triggered. Take a look at your security cameras to make sure everything is OK, or have a trusted neighbor stop by.

Smart doorbells can also trigger entryway lighting to give the illusion that someone is home.

Sierra Pacific Real Estate 16898 Placer Hills Road Meadow Vista

Lic. #01396513

www.sierrapacificrealestate.com SINGLE STORY HOME IN MEADOW VISTA on Volley Road. Home is 2056 SF with 4 bedrooms which includes 2 Master Suites, great for Multi-generations! 1 master could be used as bonus room or family room with walk-in closet & private bath!

Brick remote controlled gas fireplace in living room. Detached 2 car garage on 1.2 acres. Close to town, enjoy Winchester Walking trails, CA distinguished schools, Park with Easy Access to Freeway.

$399,000 SO

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$465,000 NE

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DESIRABLE SOUTH AUBURN HOME Well maintained single story 1780 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan. Vaulted ceiling & lots of natural light. Master suite with double sinks, soaking tub and shower stall. Lovely backyard w/concrete patio, roses, morning glories & a small patch of grass. Newer HVAC. New bath fixtures, front & side deck are newer as well.

your home from your smartphone, tablet or computer and sync your cameras to motion detectors so you can receive video clips of movement as soon as the sensors are triggered.

Remote locks are also useful if you are planning on going away for the holidays, but still need to allow certain visitors into your home while you're gone.

You'll be able to lock and unlock your doors remotely and be alerted every time the door is unlocked. This means if you happen to forget your house keys you'll be able to let yourself in when you return from vacation. If you're leaving your teens or young adult children behind this holiday season, you can get alerts for when they leave or come home. You can even set up an emergency automation that unlocks your doors if a fire is detected.

If you're still likely to worry with a home security system, smart doorbell and remote lock, then consider video surveillance. You'll be able see live video of

Don't let your home look abandoned If your home looks like it has been abandoned, that is often a green light for a passing burglar.

It's one thing to arm your home security systems before you leave, but it's a not her step ent i rely to ma ke su re your home looks lived in w h e n y ou'r e g on e .

However, there are a few ways you can create this illusion: • Ask a neighbor, friend or family member to help collect mail and packages, shovel snow and move

530-878-5100 NE

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cars. Trick burglars into thinking you are there.

• Use a smart lighting system that lets you pro-

gram lights to come on at specific times each day.

This is an easy way to make it look like you're home.

Making Your TransacTion EasiEr FroM BEginning To End

Call us to get Listed! $475,000

COURTESY

The holiday season may be full of good cheer, but that doesn't mean you should leave your home unsecured, or abandoned-looking.

Fred Eichenhofer

Danielle Larson

Larry Scontrino Katherine Katches Glenda Harrison Maggie Francis

Lic. #00920443

Lic. #01469169

Lic. #01783426

Lic. #01724739

DESIRABLE LOOMIS Home is 1860 SF with 3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths and walking distance to Quaint Downtown Loomis. Designed for 2 separate living quarters separated by pocket doors. Attached guest quarters recently add with kitchenette, bath and family room. Owned Solar! Call for More Information.

$519,000

UPDATED AND PRIVATE HOME is 2183 SF, 3 bdrms, 2 baths on 1.21 acres in Meadow Vista. Large Kitchen, updated w/granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, new gas stove w/double oven, pot filler, Insta Hot water, pot rack & more! Gorgeous raised stone hearth w/8 ft mantle in dining area complete w/wood stove.

Framed pictured windows overlooking private & fully fenced! Detached garage features 1 car parking plus large workshop! Covered RV Parking, XL Shed, fenced play areas/garden area. Large GAF decking overlooking property.

$634,000

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Lic. #00932970

Lic. #01992548

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!

GLORIOUS CANYON VIEWS from well maintained 2880

SF home in Applegate. 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.

December 21-27, 2018 • GOLD COUNTRY HOMES

11

Tips for buying a home in a seller's market If you've been in the process of buying or selling a home this past year, or even considering it, you know it's been a seller's market for the most part.

Inventory of homes available for sale has been low, creating more demand than the market can supply. Add to that the recent housing crisis created by the Camp Fire. Couple t hat w it h low interest rates, which make it a great time for prospective buyers to get more bang for their mortgage dollar, and you've got a marketplace in which buyers have been competing for nearly every listing. The forecast for 2019 is rolling in, and RE/MAX and others are predicting the seller's market trend will cont i nue t h roug hout t he coming year, with millennials fueling the home-buyer pipeline.

If you're selling your home, that's great news.

But it makes the homebuying process trickier.

That doesn't mean you should wait to grab your slice of t he A mer ica n dream, however. An experienced, knowledgeable realtor can help you navigate this marketplace and find a great deal on the home of your dreams.

Here are some tips for what you should be thinking about when considering buying a home.

Prequalification vs. preapproval T hey're not created equal. Prequalification is ba sic a l ly preapprova l light. In a mortgage preapproval, you do all of the paperwork upfront. Your bank verifies the amount you can safely afford to pay, and boom, it's done.

Preapproval is attractive to

sellers because it means you're more likely to get the loa n. It's fa ster, too, because a large chunk of your paperwork is already done. It gives buyers a competitive edge in this tight market.

An experienced realtor Don't even think about starting the process of buying a home in a seller's market without an experienced Realtor in your corner. It matters in every market, but it's critical when the sellers are holding all the cards. A savvy real estate pro is much more than someone who shows buyers homes for sale. They've got valuable insights, insider knowledge and advice, and can counsel you through the entire process. Realtors have tips and tactics for finding the perfect home, and have the know-how to

Happy Holidays

negotiate a great deal.

Interest rates The Fed continues to raise interest rates, and financial experts predict we'l l see a few more increases in 2019. Higher interest rates may lower some homebuyers' purchasing power, which is all the more reason to get out there now if you want to buy.

COURTESY

Low inventory It's currently a seller's market because there isn't a glut of homes available for buyers to choose from.

During the winter months, the inventory of available homes tends to drop even further. But this shouldn't discourage potential buyers from making offers on homes they love. An experienced realtor is a huge ace in the hole for buyers when there is low invento-

The recent fires have exasperbated what was already a sellers market. ry. He or she can guide you t h roug h t he proc ess, k now i ng ex ac t ly how much to offer to get the deal done.

Speed Be flexible enough to get to showings quickly, shortly after the home goes on the market. If you love it, make an offer as soon as you can.

Your best offer

In a tight market, it's go big or (don't) go home. This is not the time to be cagey about negotiations. Figure out the best offer you can afford and go with it up front.

Buying a home in a tight market can be a challenge, but with a knowledgeable realtor in your corner, you can still grab your slice of the American dream.

— Brandpoint

We simply couldn’t pick a better time to thank you for your generous support and friendship. We wish you a most Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Providing Fantastic Living Opportunities in the Foothills

Selling real estate the Wright way!

8300 Sisson Lane $195,000

ET BACK ON MARK

A slice of heaven on 7 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.

Alta Retreat

$300,000

Gold Run

Office Space for Rent

$165,000

PROPERTY WANTED

ilding!

Colfax Central Bu

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.

Escape the busy city life for your piece of the Gold Country. Gorgeous level building area amongst the towering trees. Enjoy this peaceful 19.9 acre lot by making it your own. Old logging access roads and a creek meander through the property.

Great exposure in the heart of Colfax at the intersection of South Auburn Street & Highway 174. Comfortable and open office/retail suites with lots of windows, carpeted and ready to move into. We have three suites available now from 340 to 400 sf. Each suite has front & rear windows & you may control your own heat and air.

Monthly rent includes shared common utilities (water, sewer and garbage), high speed internet and there are NO CAM charges. Rates available for month to month and discounted rates for one to three year leases.

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

(530) 885-8855 TOM WRIGHT

Real Estate Broker DRE #429178

Koylynn Webdell

Jessica Wright

Lic. #00429178

Lic. #0219832

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

530-308-7676 530-885-8855

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GOLD COUNTRY HOMES • December 21 - 27, 2018

Cornerstone Realty FEATURED PROPERTIES

AUBURN $379,000

Beautiful Remodeled Single Level

This home shows immaculate. New kitchen w/ upgraded appliances, refrigerator, and cabinets. Brand new energy efficient windows. Lots of useable land on this level lot. Lots of parking in front and a perfect backyard with a great garden w/raised planter boxes.

Indoor laundry room. New doors, Maple type floors keep things airy.

MLS #18071316

LAKE OF THE PINES $389,900 Great Single Story

Home with 4 possible bedrooms- Open floor plan with a formal dining room. Huge deck right out the back for a wonderful gathering of family and friends. Flat lot means great yard and gardening.

MLS #18073033

LAKE OF THE PINES $660,000 Stunning Lake View!

Open great room to capture the view of the lake.

Beautiful rich dark wood floors, high beam ceiling, gas fireplace and wood burning fireplace. Newer decks, with covered outdoor space. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters. Master on main level, guest bedroom and bath, and office area. Lower level features family room, beautiful guest bedroom, bath, fireplace, lower deck and huge storage room.

MLS #18080775

AUBURN $424,000

Single Story in Westwood Hills Solar system saves money on utilities in this light & bright home with cathedral ceiling & dual fireplace dividing the formal living room & formal dining room. Family room/kitchen combination with breakfast nook also features a fireplace.

Center island in kitchen.

MLS #18060990

FORESTHILL $699,999

Solar Home Perched on Canyon Panoramic views of the Sierras. Custom built features so many specialties you must visit to appreciate. Great room w/a wet bar, vaulted ceilings w/floor to ceiling windows, hardwood & stone flooring. Large Master suite w/ amazing views. Expansive kitchen; great for entertaining.

The lower walk-out room features a stone wine cellar, bonus rm/4th bedroom. Newer wrap around deck.

MLS #18054930

Lake of the Pines & Auburn

10063 Combie Road | Auburn | CA 95602 530-268-2250 | www.c21cornerstone.com Lic. # 01011224

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