Real Estate Guide 03.20.2020 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

ESTATE REAL G U I D E THE PRESS

MARCH 20, 2020

Navigating The Market

Freshening Up Outside

Creating That Dream Space

How the real estate market is surviving the coronavirus

Carey Bros. offer tips, tricks to sprucing up home exteriors

Closets today are more than just storage spaces

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

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MARCH 20, 2020

Living the dream It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

– Charles Dickens

hile we cannot claim to have had much of a winter this year, I am hopeful we may see some rain

before this goes to print. Even if we don’t, we live in California so we will still see the spring daffodils blooming, we will see the buds on the trees, and will still see the doves making a nest. We have two doves that have been coming to our backyard for 10 years or more. They lay their eggs; momma sits on them until they hatch, and we see the babies with their mouths wide open looking for some regurgitated food. I guess I could have left that last part out, lol. We have learned a lot from them over the years. Mommy and Daddy are very loving, and nurturing. One of them stays with the babies at all times while the other goes out for food. They trade off the chores, so each get some time away from the kids. What is most interesting is when it is time for the babies to leave the nest. Mom and Dad show no mercy when it comes time to fly. We have watched the babies fly right smack into the fence and it seems like they might be knocked out, but Mom or Dad is always over there saying, “get up and try again”. I guess if you think about it, if the baby bird just laid there they would be easy prey, and… you know the old saying, if you fall off, you get right back up on that horse, or you might never try again. That is a lesson for all of us. One that our parents taught us, and one that we pass on to our children. Of course, we all have “failed” at some point. I learned in 9th grade that I was not going to be an underwater ballerina, that’s okay, I still enjoy watching synchronized swimming (That’s weird, I know). Falling down is part of life. And the key to a successful life is getting back up, brushing off your knees, and marching on. My mom was famous for telling us kids to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and keep on going. There is no time to stop and feel sorry for ourselves. That does not mean there is no time to mourn, or to let yourself ‘feel’, or to allow yourself time to move through a difficult situation. What is does mean is we all have to look to the future so see where we are going. A good friend of mine always said the rearview mirror is tiny for a reason. At some point, no matter how difficult a situation is, we have to begin to look out through the windshield again. We have to move forward. I just had a couple who had tried to get a reverse mortgage for the last 4 years. They would begin working with someone, they would hit a hurdle, and the person would say “sorry, I can’t help you”, or worse yet would just never contact them again. Through their disappointment they would decide maybe it just wasn’t right for them so they would continue to struggle. They tried 3 different

Beth Miller-Rowe has been in the mortgage industry for 36 years specializing in reverse mortgages for the past 10 years. Beth has degrees in economics and business administration. times and each time they were more disappointed than the last. They had resigned themselves to selling their home, in the little town they love, and trying to figure out where they could afford to buy something less expensive. In California, that is no easy task. They called me last fall and told me from the get-go that they had heard all the hype and all the promises, and they didn’t want to be disappointed again. Well, I am so happy to tell you, we just closed their loan this week. It wasn’t easy. We had to work together. We had to think outside the box. And at one point they said, ‘just forget it, it is never going to happen’, but it did. The day we closed the loan, there were tears all the way around. They said, “this is going to change our lives. We can start living again instead of just worrying all the time.”. I asked them, what is the very first thing you are going to do? They both looked at each other and giggled. They said they had really tried to not get their hopes up because they had been disappointed so many times, but they had talked about “what if”. They were both grinning as they said in unison that they are going to take a drive down the coast and hop from one beach to the next. They told me that is what they had done on their honeymoon. I am so thrilled for them. They also told me about a friend of theirs. She was in a similar financial situation. She would be fine, if she just didn’t have her mortgage payment. She wanted to look into a reverse mortgage after this couple told her about what they were doing. Her kids said no, just plain no. They made her sell her home and she moved to assisted living. Her kids told her she didn’t need to stay in her home, she didn’t need to travel. They said, “Your 70 years old Mom, where would you even go?” Now I don’t know her, or her situation, and I have to believe that her kids would want the best for her, but from what I understand, she was still in good shape and wanting to live her best life. I spoke to another couple in San Francisco this past week. Until a few years ago, they had a business they both loved, they were healthy and happy and enjoying life. Something totally unexpected happened. I do not know what happened, but it was life altering. 25 years ago, they settled in San Francisco and built a life there. They love the hustle and bustle of city life. They walk everywhere. They, and their friends, gather at the park across the street from

their home, with their dogs, and share stories. They are now in a position of having to sell their home and move out of state. When their lives changed five years ago, they lost their income. They had savings but now that is all but gone. They both have Social Security income but that is not nearly enough to cover their large mortgage payment, their taxes, insurance, and, of course, the ever-escalating costs of just living life. What do all these people have in common? They are just you and me. Living the dream. Some life event changed their dream. They did not have control over it. It happened to them and now they have to figure out how to get back to living that life, moving forward. I am very proud that I am a part of that process. In my business I help people to see the future again. When life throws someone off track, or just daily life becomes a struggle, I am able to shine a light on a possible solution. It is true that a reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. It just isn’t. But it might be right for you and the only way to find out is to educate yourself. Call me, let’s chat. I promise you an education, and I promise you no pressure. We will talk about you, and your goals. What are you hoping a reverse mortgage will do for you? Will it really accomplish that goal for you? We will discuss all your options and decide which one might work best for you and your family. I will then leave all the information with you to mull over, talk to your family or friends, run your own scenarios through your mind. Then you will decide if it is right for you. If it is, great, give me a call. If it isn’t, that is totally okay too; you made an educated decision. Call me today to schedule an appointment to meet in the comfort of your home. I look forward to meeting you. – Advertorial

Let’s take a look and see if we can Make Your Retirement Dreams Come True.

Beth Miller-Rowe NMLS: 294774

Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist

The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corp.

Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com

3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True! A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

DRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

*Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out. Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency. **American Pacific Mortgage Corporation is not financial service company or licensed tax advisors; the material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors. We are not financial or tax advisors, please contact your financial professional for your personal financial situation.

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

MARCH 20, 2020

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Navigating through uncertain times DAWNMARIE FEHR

s East County settles in for three weeks of sheltering in place to slow the spread

of the coronavirus, many may be wondering how this will affect their ability to buy or sell a home. Local real estate agents are wondering the same thing. Prior to the federal government’s newest mandates, announced Monday, March 16, most felt hopeful the coronavirus would blow over quickly, causing little to no inconvenience. After a weekend of low to medium showings at open houses and a slew of business closures, some agents are concerned. “Right now, the market is running scared and everything is volatile,” said George Munoz of Summit Funding. “But I think things are going to settle down, and I think rates are going to stay low.” Munoz also noted he didn’t foresee a big drop in the East County real estate market because the demand for homes is high. With the low rates, homeowners will also be looking into refinancing their homes. This process could be slower than usual, since title companies and county recording offices have shrunk in-office staff.

“With the coronavirus, we all know it’s a world-wide event, and I think people are scared there’s going to be a recession,” he said. “I don’t expect that to happen in an election year, I expect things will come back to normal by summer.” Debbie Anthony of Compass Real Estate has been selling homes since 1994. She has seen mortgage rates fluctuate from 20% to below 4%, made it through the housing recession of 2008 and now faces a market that could come to a halt if people are not shopping for houses. After Monday’s announcement, she said she really isn’t sure what will happen, but she will do her best to stay up to date on the county’s health mandates and keep her clients safe. “We are doing the best we can,’ she said of the unorthodox situation. “People are still looking to buy a house, millennials are still looking to buy a house, interest rates are still good, and right now, buying a house is safer than going to the grocery store.” Anthony has suspended her open houses for the time being, but hopes that won’t last for long. “I think the market is going to stay good,” she predicted. “I’ve personally been busy, busy, busy, which means other people are busy.” While adults under the age of 50 might keep calling Anthony about listings, she does expect older generations will call

Right now, the market is running scared and everything is volatile. But I think things are going to settle down, and I think rates are going to stay low. – George Munoz, Summit Funding off their home searches for the time being. Neighborhoods like Trilogy and Summerset that cater to active adults age 55 and older – an age group at higher risk of impact from COVID-19 – will likely have canceled listings, not just canceled open houses. “Millennials aren’t acting as affected by this as other generations,” Anthony said. “I work in Summerset, and we decided not to have a scheduled open house last weekend, because it’s a 55 and older community and people in that age group are the ones that are susceptible to the coronavirus as far as we know.” Anthony isn’t the only one seeing a slowdown in the active adult community housing market. Tom Schieber of J. Rockcliff Realtors had a slow open house in Trilogy

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but heard other homes in lower price points had good traffic. “I absolutely believe that low interest rates (were) trumping fears over the economy or coronavirus,” said Schieber, who has 18 years of experience in real estate. “It’s all changed in the last week. The spring season was getting off to a fast start kind of early, but I think it’s all going to change here just based on the last couple of days. We have been in an upcycle since 2013, so we have seven years of increasing prices, and the cycle doesn’t go on forever.” Schieber said every market is an opportunity for someone, and while a reset might not be as extreme as it was 12 years ago, there will likely be some balancing out. According to Anthony, the current low interest rates should tempt buyers as California will always have a demand for homes. “I would say that the market is going to stay the same,” she said. “We don’t have any inventory and low supply makes a high demand, and with interest rates being what they are, people are shopping . . . Once this whole disease thing gets over with, it’s probably going to be even more booming.” George Munoz can be reached at 925-418-3936. Debbie Anthony can be reached at 925-262-7702. Tom Schieber can be reached at 925-487-3172.

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SOLD

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1555 Riverlake Rd., Ste. M, Discovery Bay (925) 513-4483 www.sasvilleproperties.com

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

MARCH 20, 2020

Exterior renovations that can improve home value

Painting can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint on the entry door, or it can be painting the house in general.

enovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment.

Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted ‘wow’ factor. According to James Carey, one half of the Carey Bros., the nationallyrecognized experts on home building and renovation, discretionary home improvements are rising in popularity. Repaint (or reside) the exterior “A punch of color is something that makes the home pop, it’s not just a white door, it might be a red door, it might be a black door, it might be a blue door,” said Carey. “It’s a punch color that is analogous with the overall look of the home but is not blasé. Maybe the shutters or the trim are black, and they want a black front door. Painting can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint on the entry door, or it can be painting the house in general.” Even something as simple as a postal upgrade can make a big difference to your home’s exterior. “A new mailbox – or painting the mail box – is something that can be done, if you have a mailbox that is tattered and

–James Carey, Carey Bros. Remodeling

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

There are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted ‘wow’ factor. old, you can improve the appearance with a coat of paint, or you can replace the mail box, depending on how ambitious you are,” said Carey. Landscaping Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71% of prospective homebuyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying

decisions. As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house. Address insects and minor repairs Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs

to be fixed. This way it is discovered before homebuyers come in and do their own inspections. Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing. Outdoor lighting Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature. Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, up-lighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a light-lined path to the door to improve visibility and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property. Knowing which improvements add value to a home can help homeowners tailor their efforts to those that are most financially beneficial.

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

MARCH 20, 2020

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Improving storage at home

omes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still

lamenting a lack of storage space. National Public Radio says the average American home has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years. Despite that, 10% of Americans still need to rent off-site storage, according to a report in the New York Times Magazine. Self-storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate segments, and the Self Storage Association says there are more than 50,000 storage facilities in the U.S. alone. The commercial real estate company CBRE Ltd. says there are roughly 3,000 self-storage facilities across Canada, and 65 to 85% of selfstorage tenants are residential users. Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately.

Utilize track storage systems

Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem

Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within a platformstyle bed frame. It’s a practical home storage solution and does not require any building.

Think vertically

Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves.

Invest in storage benches or ottomans A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living rooms, look for

chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional, and store throw blankets or board games inside.

Recess drawers or shelves

Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into what is called the ‘knee wall’ of homes that have sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers or shelves into them, without taking up floor space.

Rafter shelving

While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to rafters or exposed beams to create off-the-floor storage as well. These are just a few of the handy ways to improve the interior storage space in a home. – Courtesy Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space.

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Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking.

lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems. Customizing closets using track systems or other modifications can improve utility of all closets in the house.

Invest in storage beds

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KiperHomes.com

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

MARCH 20,2020

Live where you play. Love where you live.

At The Lakes at Discovery Bay, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of living in a gated, lake-oriented masterplanned setting: scenic lakefront trails, landscaped parks, waterways, fountains and a true sense of community. In this resort-like setting, our two new neighborhoods offer homes that are timeless, yet contemporary, and filled with upscale amenities and the latest building technology.

REG ATTA AT THE L AKE S FROM TH E M ID $ 5 0 0,0 0 0’ S 3–5 BE DS, 2 .5–3 BAT HS 2,10 6–2,7 3 1 SQUARE FEE T 92 13 SHEARWAT ER C IRC LE DISCOV ERY BAY, C A (92 5) 26 6 –5959

The builder reserves the right to modify features, specifications, plans and/or prices without notice. Square footages are approximate.

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

MARCH 20, 2020

Ceilo at Sand Creek open, selling in Antioch announce that Cielo at Sand Creek, a new gated community, is now selling in Antioch. Starting from the mid $500s, the community boasts versatile single-family homes, master-planned amenities and a prime location in the East Bay Area. Buyers can choose from 15 floor plans with a range of singleand two-story layouts. “With 15 floor plans, Cielo at Sand Creek offers something for every homebuyer,” said Jacquelyn Blomseth, Northern California vice president of sales and marketing for Century Communities. “Not to mention residents get incredible access to all that the Bay Area has to offer.” Buyers can choose from three home collections, each offering five floor plans with a range of price points, bedroom

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

MARCH 20, 2020

Forms, documents you may need for 2020 taxes

ax season is upon us. The deadline to file tax returns in 2020 is Wednesday, April 15.

The Internal Revenue Service began accepting individual tax returns on January 27, 2020, and people can file their returns in various ways. The following forms and documents may be needed in order for taxpayers to file their returns promptly and correctly. Taxable income forms, documents ♦♦ W-2 Form(s) for wages, salaries and tips ♦♦ Interest income statements: Form 1099- INT, 1099-OID ♦♦ Dividend income statements: Form 1099-DIV ♦♦ Sales of stock, land, etc. for capital gains: Form 1099-B ♦♦ Sales of real estate: Form 1099-S ♦♦ State tax refunds: Form 1099-G ♦♦ Alimony received or paid ♦♦ Unemployment compensation received ♦♦ Miscellaneous income: Form 1099-MISC ♦♦ Retirement income: Form 1099-R ♦♦ Social security income and railroad retirement income: Form SSA-1099 ♦♦ Business income and expenses ♦♦ Rental income and expenses

♦♦ Farm income and expenses ♦♦ Form K-1 income from partnerships, trusts, and S-corporations ♦♦ Tax deductible miles traveled for business purposes Tax credits ♦♦ Child tax credit ♦♦ Child care provider address, I.D. number and amounts paid for the child and dependent care credit ♦♦ Earned income tax credit (EITC) ♦♦ Adoption expense information for the adoption credit ♦♦ Foreign taxes paid ♦♦ First-time home buyer tax credit Tax deductions and expenses ♦♦ Medical expenses for the family ♦♦ Medical insurance paid ♦♦ Prescription medicines and drugs ♦♦ Doctor and dentist payments ♦♦ Hospital and nurse payments ♦♦ Tax deductible miles traveled for medical purposes ♦♦ Home mortgage interest from Form 1098 ♦♦ Home second mortgage interest paid ♦♦ Real estate taxes paid ♦♦ State taxes paid with last year’s return (if claiming itemized deductions) ♦♦ Personal property taxes paid ♦♦ Charitable cash contributions ♦♦ Fair market value of non-cash contributions

COMING SOON

FOR SALE

6540 Green Castle Cir, Discovery Bay

2061 Navarra Way, Trilogy Vineyards

4 Beds + Loft | 3.5 Bathrooms | 3,505± SF

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JUST SOLD

2713 Rancho Canada Dr, Brentwood

2409 Halyard Way, Discovery Bay

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,951± SF | Pool

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SOLD Over Asking for $536,000

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

MARCH 20, 2020

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WHO’S WHO IN THE BIZ! Craig Sasville Broker/Owner Cal BRE #01746093 (925) 550-6447 1555 Riverlake Road Discovery Bay craig@sasvilleproperties.com

REAL ESTATE OFFICES AND AGENTS Home & Land Co. (Formerly Assist 2 Sell Realty)

Shannon Glieden Broker/Owner Glieden Home & Land Co. (925) 628-3808 Shannonglieden@gmail.com www.savingsellersthousands.com CA DRE #01299699 Debbie Anthony Realtor® DRE 01171642 Alex Hurst (925) 262-7702 Tom Schieber Buyer Specialist DebbieDoesRealEstateNow ® Realtor , Broker Associate The Hurst Team @gmail.com J. Rockcliff Realtors (925) 783-9926 (925) 487-3172 Rhonda Fast AlexHurstFirst@gmail.com tschieber@rockcliff.com Realtor® 60 Eagle Rock Way, #B, Brentwood www.TomSchieber.com DRE 02085045 www.hursthomes.com CalDRE #01404116 (650) 430-9556 DRE# 02006498 Ronda.Fast@compass.com Susan Redgrave Realtor® Chris Sasville Dudum Real Estate Group Owner (925) 483-3294 Cathie Marples Cal BRE #01806829 60 Eagle Rock Way Realtor®, Broker Associate (925) 998-6227 Brentwood Brentwood Office: 1555 Riverlake Road susan@dudum.com 8340 Brentwood Blvd. Discovery Bay www.RedgraveRealty.com Brentwood CA 94513 chris@sasvilleproperties.com Cal BRE #01997935 www.SasvilleProperties.com (925) 634-8040 Heidy Hurst REALTOR® The Hurst Team (925) 584-6377 HeidyHurstFirst@gmail.com 60 Eagle Rock Way, #B, Brentwood www.hursthomes.com DRE# 01280003

Discovery Bay Office: 2453 Discovery Bay Blvd. Discovery Bay CA 94505 (925) 634-2224 www.marplesteam.com

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True! A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

Beth Miller-Rowe Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist 3478 Buskirk Ave., Suite 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 969-0380 office Jason Peterson (925) 381-8264 cell Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #3274 Beth@YourReverse.com 5829 Lone Tree Way, Suite D www.YourReverse.com Antioch NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 (925) 278-6677 DRE: 00950759/01215943 (925) 818-1376

MORTGAGE AND LOAN

jpeterson@guildmortgage.net George Muñoz Senior Mortgage Consultant Hablo Español (925) 437-9520 George.Munoz@Summitfunding.net www.summitfunding.net/gmunoz 141 Sand Creek Road, Bwd NMLS ID# 252207

List with Heidy Hurst FIRST and consider it SOLD!!!

Renee Parrett Senior Financial Advisor 1115 Second St., Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-6004 renee.c.parrett@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargoadvisors.com CA Insurance #0C92754

Real Estate, Mortgage, Loan, and Property Management Professionals PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Matt Marples Brentwood Office: 8340 Brentwood Blvd. Brentwood CA 94513 (925) 634-8040 Discovery Bay Office: 2453 Discovery Bay Blvd. Discovery Bay CA 94505 (925) 634-2224 www.marplespm.com

YOUR REAL ESTATE LEADER FOR OVER 20 YEARS!

First IMRESSIONS are everything, let us transform your home and sell it at TOP DOLLAR! Our stats PROVE IT!

NEW LISTING

2 decades in Real Estate and over $200 MILLION in Real Estate Sales!

Heidy Hurst REALTOR® DRE License# 01280003

625 Rutherford Cicle., Brentwood

Offered at $1,121,981

9552 Pescadero Cicle, Discovery Bay

Offered at $848,811

925.584.6377

Email: HeidyHurstFirst@gmail.com

Alex Hurst BUYER SPECIALIST DRE# 02006498

925.783.9926

817 Bluestone Dr. Oakley

2200 Colonial Ct. Discovery Bay

560 Livingston Ct. Discovery Bay

451 Avondale Ct. Brentwood

3522 Edinburgh Dr. Livermore

Email: AlexHurstFirst@gmail.com

SOLD $610,000

SOLD $800,000

SOLD $825,000

Sold for $857,500 in 4 days!

Buyer RepresentationSOLD for $1,150,000.00

60 Eagle Rock Way, #B BRENTWOOD

W W W . H U R S T H O M E S . C O M

PRESIDENT’S CLUB

2018

DRE# 01882902

10B

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

Top home building design trends

hese days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics — they’re

about creating spaces that reflect values and are more comfortable and

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

These days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics - they’re about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in.

enjoyable to live in.

Tippery Tippery Tippery 925-634-7820

From net-zero and net-positive construction to tiny minimalist homes, trends are all about your family’s lifestyle. Whether you’re shopping for a new home, renovating your own or creating a new build from scratch, here are some of the biggest trends you need to know for inspiration.

BROKER ASSOCIATE

Delta

BROKER ASSOCIATE

CECILY CECILY CECILY Tippery

Sustainable design CECILY 925-634-7820

925-634-7820 925-634-7820

When you move, so do your pets! Your pets need help transitioning too! I can help!

This one has been popular for a long time, but green design has evolved to be • REALTOR® since Nov. 1990 about much more than energy-efficient Certified appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it’s • Discovery Bay Resident since 1994 Delta Assc. of REALTORS®, President 2012 Residential Specialist all about making sure everything in your • Marketed and Sold over 1000 homes Delta Assc. of REALTORS®, President 2012 home reduces your carbon footprint and Delta Assc. of REALTORS®, President 2012 minimizes any impact on the environment. SEARCH HOMES To try the trend yourself, think big Assc.realestate@cecily.com of REALTORS®, President 2012 SEARCH HOMES www.Cecily.com and get creative — install solar panels on CalBRE #01095391 www.Cecily.com Independently owned and operated. CalBRE #01095391 your roof, choose building materials that

925-634-7820

MARCH 20, 2020

Independently owned and operated. CalBRE #01095391

SEARCH HOMES SEARCH HOMESwww.Cecily.com www.Cecily.com

don’t require deforestation and upcycle old furniture for decorative elements instead of buying new.

Disaster resiliency

Climate change affects us in so many negative ways, and one of the top concerns is the increase in natural disasters. From wildfires that last for months to major floods that affect entire cities, we now need to prepare for the worst when building our homes. Switching to disaster-resilient materials is an important first step. Many builders now prefer to use stronger, more energyefficient materials like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) instead of more traditional materials like wood. For example, Nudura ICFs can withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour (equivalent to an F4 tornado) and offer a fire protection rating of up to four hours.

Outdoor living

Many of us are now choosing to forgo getting a cottage or summer home and recreate the experience in our own see Trends page 11B

George Muñoz | Sr. Mortgage Consultant Independently owned and operated. CalBRE #01095391

George is professional and very knowledgeable about many different types of loans, he always wants to get his clients the best deal possible and goes out of his way to make sure clients are taken care of. I highly recommend using his services.

Independently owned and operated. CalBRE #01095391

We have coverage...

for any stage in your life. Auto • Home • Recreational Vehicles Are you prepared for life’s journey? We are here to help.

2738 West Tregallas Road, Suite B Antioch • 925-757-4208 Lic# 0E08504

www.EastCountyIns.com Call for a FREE Quote Today!

NMLS ID# 252207

Jorge es muy professional en su tratamiento y le explica el proceso en detaile.

Office: (925) 634-6600 (Ext: 4772) Direct: (925) 418-3936 Cell: (925) 437-9520 george.munoz@summitfunding.net www.summitfunding.net

NMLS ID# 3199

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

Customization

You don’t have to settle for what mass manufacturers decide to build, or what works for everyone else. Creating a home that’s as unique as you are is the

latest trend, with custom-built storage and personalized architectural features to make your space stand out. You can even go as far as building a custom home that’s suited to your family. Older home demolitions and purchasing land-only properties is becoming more common, allowing you to work with an architect to create exactly what you want with a new build. Find more information about the benefits of building a home with ICFs at nudura.com. – Courtesy Metro Creative

heatherroach.realtor heather@roachrealestateteam.com

Serving The East Bay

Give your loved ones peace of mind!

MEDAL LD AWARD

• Flat Rate Estate Planning 2017 • Avoid Costly Probate • Wills – Powers of Attorney • Trusts – Healthcare Directives www.EdwardYoungerLaw.com 420 Beatrice Court, Brentwood

Call for an Appointment Today! 925.420.4111 OOD• CA °55'54"

Debbie Does Real Estate in...

Redgrave Realty

absolute “Susan has been an She was I. & blessing to Allan way, the of p ste there every yond be d an e ov ab nt and we e tat the duty of a real es number professional. She is ly is the tru e Sh ! ok 1 in my bo highly I s. es sin bu the best in sale the recommend her in ra he e giv I of one’s home. ” rs. sta 5 er diamond ov

(925) 238-9290

This is another long-standing trend that shows no signs of slowing down. It has also evolved to encompass more of the home to make life even more comfortable and convenient. From an oven that can be turned on remotely to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to integrate smart home technology into your living space. You can start small with voice assistance and smart light bulbs and work your way up to a total smart home system that includes home security, temperature controls and all your electronic devices.

Contra Costa County Contact The Debbie Anthony Team for all your real estate needs!

~ Alison Roby

Real Estate, at least for me, is about so much more

than making a sale. I am so honored that I get to help people find their forever home, sell their current home, and I get to make what is almost certainly the biggest purchase of their life easier for them. My job is to make these deals seamless, to make you comfortable and most importantly make sure you have fun shopping for your home. I know you have lots of choices when it comes to picking a Realtor, and I hope you will let me make your dream home your reality! I can help answer your questions regarding schools, parks and more!

Susan Redgrave, Realtor DRE#01997935 925-483-3294 www.RedgraveRealty.com RedgraveRealty@gmail.com

DRE#01882902

11B

CalDRE No. 02056125

"W BREN

Home automation

Call Heather Ann Roach, REALTOR®

From an oven that can be turned on remotely to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to integrate smart home technology into your living space.

backyards. This trend helps you make the most of your existing space and take full advantage of your yard or patio during the summer months. You can design a full living space outside, complete with an outdoor television and comfy couches, as well as a kitchen and refrigerator for entertaining. Consider adding a fireplace or fire pit to keep warm during cool summer nights and enjoy the outdoors through spring, fall and even winter if you’re brave.

121°41'

Trends from page 10B

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

MARCH 20, 2020

The Debbie Anthony Team Debbie Anthony

Summerset Vista Resident 925.262.7702

DebbieDoesRealEstateNow@gmail.com DRE 01171642 DebbieDoesRealEstateNow.com

Ronda Fast

650.430.9556

Ronda.Fast@compass.com DRE 02085045 DebbieDoesRealEstateNow.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

12B

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REAL ESTATE GUIDE

DISCOVER CIELO AT SAND CREEK!

MARCH 20, 2020

PROSPER COLLECTION Two-story homes 1,983 – 3,058 sq.ft.

Tour our beautifully designed homes in this gated community featuring: n

Clubhouse

Pool

Play Area

Located in Brentwood Union School District

Starting from the mid $500’s - mid $600s

SOL COLLECTION One-story & two-story homes 1,509 – 2,480 sq. ft.

5361 Redwood Valley Lane, Antioch Heidorn Ranch Road at Cole Ranch Lane

BRIO COLLECTION One-story and two-story homes 1,767 – 2,976 sq. ft.

CenturyCommunities.com/NorthernCalifornia | 833.769.1656 Prices, plans, and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Square footage/acreage shown is only an estimate and actual square footage/acreage will differ. Buyer should rely on his or her own evaluation of useable area. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. Century Communities does not represent and cannot guarantee to potential buyers that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Schools that your children are eligible to attend may change over time. You should independently confirm which schools and districts serve the project and learn more information about the school district’s boundary change process prior to executing a purchase contract. Owned and offered for sale by BMCH California, LLC, BMC Realty Advisors, Inc. Real Estate Broker, License #01920450. General Contractor, License #971581. ©03/2020 Century Communities, Inc.