Real Estate Today October/November 2015

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Real EstateToday

A SUPPLEMENT OF LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

BUILDER CLOSE-OUT! Final Homes Priced to Move!

Open Sat & Sun 10 to 6

2437 Parkland Way | Santa Maria New Single-Story Homes Behind a Gated Entry > Page 3

Featured Stories in this Edition

Williams Homes offers homebuyers a variety of quick move-in homes ................................................Page 4 Saving energy in the spookiest part of your home..................................................................................Page 6 The problem with hard water .................................................................................................................Page 8

Era Polly rEal EstatE

Era Polly, CRS, G.R.I., CDPE

Broker/Owner Lic.# 01153650

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HOME SWEET HOME IN ORCUTT! Very nice & well maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath, approx 1600 sq ft home features nice fireplace in living room, newer kitchen appliances, attractive tile counters in kitchen and baths, wood laminate flooring, nice covered patio and room for RV. $369,000. Call Louie Real 478-9328.

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A2 | Friday, October 16, 2015 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

OFFICE LOCATION: 200 EAST CLARK AVE, ORCUTT, CA 93455

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VILLAGEOFARROYOGRANDEWITHVIEWS! Spacious well kept 2 bedroom home offers great views from the balcony/deck.Features 1 bedroom & bath on main level & 1 bedroom & bath on lower level. Beautiful views from back & deck with picture windows from Living room & kitchen. Walking distance to the Village of ArroyoGrande.Goodsizefencedyard.Somuch tooffer!$525,000.CallEraPolly878-2490.

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MOST PREFERRED & REFERRED REAL ESTATE

(805) 938-7474 | Toll Free:1-800-586-9457

(805) 878-2490 g

“Personalized & Professional Service at its best” Visit our website at www.EraPollyRealEstate.com

GREAT STARTER HOME IN ORCUTT! Super cute & clean 3 bedroom, 2 bath in Orcutt has new carpet, flooring & interior paint. Newer appliances in kitchen, newer dual pane windows, remodeled bathrooms with nice tile, ceiling fans in every room, some newer interior doors, network & cable jacks thruout.

Huge backyard needs TLC but loaded with potential! Located near Ralph Dunalp School.

Must see! $319,000.Call Era Polly 878-2490.

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SUNNY HILLS MOBILE HOME PARK 2 bedroom, approx 1,350 sq ft mobile home located adjacent to a large grassy park, clubhouse, pool & visitor parking. Features include a great floor plan, living room with nice brick fireplace& ceiling fan; refrigerator, washer & dryer; newly painted exterior; newer roof; 2 car detached garage; large patio to relax & have your morning coffee. Fantastic property! $64,900. Call Steve Wisz 720-0604

EXCELLENT INVESTMENT IN NIPOMO! 2 commercial buildings with ample parking. Approx 2,016 sq ft has 2 showrooms, office, storage & restroom. Approx 2,300 sq ft has 3 showrooms, storage, restroom & garage. Great location & exposure! $399,000 Call Clifford Rhea, 260-4154 or Era Polly, 878-2490.

HUNTERS RETREAT! 120 acres of land in the middle of National Forest. Property has three springs.

4,000 gal. water storage, 12x20 unpermitted cabin, solar power.

Owner may carry! $350,000. Call Clifford Rhea 260-4154.

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EXCEPTIONAL IN JENSEN CROSSING,ORCUTT! Super nice & clean 4 bedroom, 2-3/4 bath, approx 1,689sqft,singlestoryhomesituatedonbeautifully landscaped spacious corner lot in newer Orcutt neighborhood. Features nice open kitchen with plenty of cabinets & counter space,living room with fireplace, Master bath has garden tub & separate shower, indoor laundry room, & tank less water heater.Nice Community Park & easy access to Hwy 101.$419,000.Call Era Polly 878-2490.

ENTERTAINERS DELIGHT IN ORCUTT! - 4 bedroom, 2 bath off the beaten path & walking distance to award winning schools.Nice open floor plan with large formal dining room & amenities include beautiful hardwood flooring, granite countertops, ceiling fans, dual pane windows, huge master bedroom with French doors open to Jacuzzi, expansive Trek Deck patio perfect for entertaining, indoor laundry, concrete tile roof, beautiful curb appeal & much more! $469,000.

Call SteveWisz 720-0604

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LOCATION,LOCATION,LOCATION!3bedroom, 2bath,approx1,144sqftfeaturesnewkitchen appliances & granite countertops with beautiful backsplash; remodeled bathrooms; newer carpet; newer dual pane windows; updated lighting; scraped ceilings, new garage door & more! Expansive front & backyard with plenty of room for RV.Walking distance to Pine Grove Elementary & shopping nearby in Orcutt! $324,000.Call SteveWisz 720-0604.

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MOTIVATED SELLER! In beautiful Riverglen Heights,PasoRobles.3bedroom,2bath,approx 1939 sq ft. Many nice amenities & upgrades include wood & tile floors, granite countertops, crown molding, gorgeous light fixtures, ceiling fans, 4 inch shutters on all windows, nice open kitchen, formal living & dining, separate family room, 3 car garage, beautiful views! $565,000.

Call SteveWisz.720-0604.

From Mobile Homes to Mansions, We are Selling the Central Coast!

Clifford rhea

louie real

Connie real

steve Wisz

Melissa Wisz

Brenda Hauenstein

John Morley

Lic.# 01421273

Lic.# 01507595

Lic.# 01514806

Lic.# 01457307

Lic.# 01464624

Lic.# 01463037

Lic.# 01168596

Realtor Associate

260-4154

Realtor Associate

478-9328

Realtor Associate

354-3554

Se Habla Español

Realtor Associate

720-0604

Realtor Associate

878-3178

Realtor Associate

310-1283

Realtor Associate

344-4440

BUILDER CLOSE-OUT!

Final Homes Priced to Move!

From the $300,000s

Quality homes by Williams Homes in a low maintenance community near the places and people you love. Get where you’re going easily, and then come home to a modern, walkable neighborhood. That’s easy living. Smart. Relaxed. All you.

Single-Story Detached Homes 1,450 to 1,505 SqFt 2 & 3 Bedrooms Low-Maintenance Living • Gated Entry

2437 Parkland Way • Santa Maria • 93455

800.859.8793

Preferred Lender

Prices effective date of publication, subject to prior sale and availability. Square footage is approximate.

Williams Homes, Inc. is a California Broker, License no. 01449126.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, October 16, 2015 | A3

• • • •

Williams Homes offers homebuyers a variety of quick move-in homes

A4 | Friday, October 16, 2015 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

‌Right now Williams Homes is offering homebuyers a large selection of quick move-in homes to choose from at Parkland Cottages, Harvest Glen and Falcon Heights. These beautiful new homes come standard with many desirable upgrades and include features such as granite kitchen countertops and select stainless steel appliances at no additional cost. But time is of the essence for those who wish to make their move before the end of the year!

“This is a great opportunity for a few lucky buyers to move into their brand new home before the holiday season. Plus, with so many new homes to choose from and prices starting in the $300,000s, we have homes in the size, style, price, and location to meet the needs and desires of nearly every

About Williams Homes

homebuyer,” says Daniel Faina, sales and marketing director for Williams Homes.

Parkland Cottages, one of the best new home values in Santa Maria, is now selling its final residences. Set behind private entry gates, Bungalow, Traditional and Farmhouse exterior architecture combine to create timeless curb appeal with private cul-de-sac street

orientation, two-car garages and welcoming covered front porches.

Easy-living interiors present open floorplans from approximately 1,450 to 1,505 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, and up to two and one-half bathrooms. Highlights include great room living, distinct dining areas, private master suites with walk-in closets and dual vanities, linen storage,

Under the leadership of Lance Williams, Williams Homes has built a reputation with new homeowners throughout Southern and Central California by providing homes of quality and distinction.

During the last decade, Williams Homes has built and delivered hundreds of new homes and earned a respected reputation as a builder of exceptional quality homes and communities. The Williams Homes team has established a relationship with its family of homebuyers as a builder who stands behind its product and continues to provide a level of customer service that exceeds expectations. www.WILLIAMSHOMES.com

and a den option (Residence 2). Well-equipped kitchens feature island workstations with bar seating, preferred granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Remaining homes are priced from the $300,000s. The sales center is open daily. Phone 800.859.8793 for further information.

A homebuyer favorite, Harvest Glen in Santa Maria has select residences available for holiday move-ins. One- and two-story single family homes range from 1,623 to 2,639 approximate square feet, feature three to five bedrooms, and are filled with impressive price-included amenities.

Pricing is from the mid $300,000s with no HOA or costly Mello-Roos special taxes. The decorated model homes are open daily. Phone 805.922.5552 for further information.

Buyers who act fast can select their own flooring on newly reduced, move-in ready homes at Falcon Heights, an exclusive community of single-story residences overlooking the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve near the Village Country Club in Vandenberg Village. Floorplans range from approximately 2,779 to 3,494 square feet, with three and four bedrooms.

Large homesites range from approximately 10,000 square feet to more than an acre. Pricing is from the $600,000s.

The decorated model home is open daily. Phone 805.741.7302 for further information.

HAVE YOU TOURED HARVEST GLEN IN SANTA MARIA LATELY?

Buy Now! Holiday Move-ins Available!

To Pismo Beach

101 E. Betteravia Road

E Betteravia Road 135

To Santa Barbara

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Not to scale.

Come tour Harvest Glen and discover your new home!

MODEL HOMES OPEN DAILY 10 AM TO 6 PM 805.922.5552 940 West Anthony Place • Santa Maria

Prices effective date of publication, subject to prior sale and availability. Square footage is approximate.

Williams Homes, Inc. is a California Broker, License no. 01449126.

Preferred Lender

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, October 16, 2015 | A5

US -101 Business

W. Sonya Lane S Western Avenue

NO HOA • NO MELLO ROOS From the mid $300,000s

Blosser Road

Williams Homes is offering a new selection of homes to choose from at Harvest Glen. These beautiful new homes come standard with many desirable upgrades and include features such as granite countertops and select stainless steel appliances at no additional cost. Buy now and move into your brand new home for the holidays!

One & Two Story Designs • 3 to 5 Bedrooms 3 Baths • 1,623 to 2,639 Sq Ft

Saving Energy In the Spookiest Part of Your Home

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s we prepare for the little ghouls and goblins who’ll come to our doors this Halloween, it’s important to remember that the true terrors may be lurking inside your home — just overhead.

It sounds like a cheesy black and white horror film plot, but in reality, your attic is one spooky place. Not because there are creatures of the night lurking, but because it’s an often overlooked spot that could be sucking up your energy, and in turn, draining your wallet. But with some effort, it’s more than possible to send these frights packing.

While providing free home energy visits, through the emPower Central Coast program, to hundreds of Tri-County homes in the last year, we found that 80 percent of them have insufficient or improperly installed insulation in their attics,

Paul Menconi emPower Central Coast Energy Coach and sometimes none at all. It’s an area of the home most tend to forget about, but that warm air you’re spending money to heat tends to move into that cooler attic space, where it’s of no use to anyone and leaving your heater playing catch-up. In summer, the warm outdoor air is going to seep in from the attic, giving your air conditioner

and fans plenty more to do.

A great way to combat this year-round fright is making sure you have the insulation you need. The symptoms of improper attic insulation are pretty easy to spot. Do you have hot or cold ceilings, walls or entire rooms? Maybe there are uneven temperatures throughout your home. For those brave enough to venture into the attic, take a look at the floor insulation levels. If you can see your wooden, attic floor joists rising above your insulation, you likely don’t have enough.

And if that’s not terrifying enough, attics are common places to find cracks and crevices within the home – just another way for our valuable conditioned and heated air to escape, and for creepy critters like rodents to sneak in. These air leaks have the same symptoms as inadequate insulation,

but you’ll also likely notice a good amount of dust – or worse—that’s coming into the home from the attic.

To battle these demons, you can pick up some supplies at the hardware store, such as insulation, caulk and cans of expanding spray foam insulation.

Hardware store staff will have plenty of advice for the do-it-yourselfers out there. Of course, the emPower Santa Barbara County program is also here to help. Give us a call for a free home assessment and we’ll send over an Energy Coach to take a look at your insulation and air sealing, as well as other home energy efficiency troubles.

If we find issues, we’re happy to connect you with our qualified contractors. A professional contractor will help ensure everything is done correctly and help you save as much energy as possible.

And connecting through emPower also gives qualifying homeowners access to home energy incentives and rebates. While you’ll be able to seal some of the cracks and crevices yourself, a contractor will be able to seal even the ones you can’t see and make sure your insulation is exactly what you need and fitted properly.

As spooky as it may seem, putting some time into these horrors now is going to serve you all year round. Give emPower a call and give yourself one less thing to worry about by the time those pint-sized zombies come knocking at the door this Oct. 31.

About emPower Central Coast The emPower program was established by Santa Barbara County to help the community preserve the environment by lowering energy consumption and stimulate the economy

by creating jobs through innovative, voluntary solutions to support a sustainable building performance market.

The program recently expanded its services to Ventura County and San Luis Obispo residents as emPower Central Coast. emPower is funded by California utility ratepayers and administered by Southern California Gas Company, Southern California Edison Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission, the US Department of Energy Better Buildings program and the California Energy Commission with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars. emPower’s low cost financing is offered in partnership with Coast Hills Credit Union and Ventura County Credit Union. More information at www.empowersbc.org.

A6 | Friday, October 16, 2015 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Top 5 renovation tips to create more space in your home ‌As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade up to a larger home is on the upswing across the country, especially as markets remain hampered by tight inventory levels. As a result, more and more Americans are choosing to renovate their current homes instead of relocating. In fact, some forecasts predict that 2015 renovation spending could exceed the record of $324 billion set during the peak of last decade’s housing boom.

While the hunt for more square footage can be challenging, homeowners shouldn’t feel like a costly second story or complete addition are the only options.

Here are five great ways to create or optimize space in your existing home.

1. Finish an unfinished basement. A basement renovation can hold limitless potential and increase the resale value or income potential of your home.

Think about the possibilities: a home theater, office, spare bedroom,

basement apartment or recreation room. The key to doing it successfully is to focus on what’s behind the walls, especially since moisture is a common issue in basements. Choosing the right insulation is critical. Look for products

that are vapor permeable, dimensionally stable and mold and moisture resistant. Many contractors use Roxul Comfortboard IS semi-rigid sheathing board paired with Comfortbatt batt insulation to combat thermal bridging and protect against mold and mildew growth. An added benefit of this type of mineral wool insulation is that it’s also fire-resistant to 2,150 F. For interior walls and ceilings, Safe ‘n’ Sound insulation is ideal because of its ability to absorb noise and indoor traffic sounds, ensuring your newfound space is a peaceful one.

2. Create a more openconcept feel with light and color. If your home wasn’t blessed with towering windows, installing French doors and pot lights can

encourage light to travel more freely, creating the illusion of space. Likewise, choosing a paint color for walls, trim and moldings that is lighter and cooler in tone (think soft grays or blues) will help to reflect light and give the room a more open feel.

3. Remove nonload-bearing walls.

Homeowners have the opportunity to rethink the layout of their home by removing non-loadbearing walls. Removing structurally unnecessary walls can make your whole home feel larger, improve flow, lighting and the function of your home.

4. Convert your garage into usable living or work space.

For many homeowners, the garage becomes an overflow room for storage

— and is often a walk-in headache. Convert your garage (or a portion of it) into another living space, guest bedroom or home office. Install carpet and quality thermal insulation such as Roxul Comfortbatt to block outdoor noise and keep in warmth.

5. Choose furniture and accessories carefully. Adopt a minimalist’s eye. Begin looking around your home for furniture or accessories that overwhelm the space. Interior designers recommend choosing low-profile or smallscale furniture for rooms with less square footage.

Dual-purpose items, such as ottomans with storage chests inside, are a budget-friendly way to save on space while staying organized.

1811 S. Broadway, Santa Maria 110 S. Mary, Suite 6, Nipomo

www.C21Home.com

Business: (805) 934-2105 4306 Foxenwood Circle - Spanish designed Foxenwood Garden Villa.

Two story home features up to date amenities, offering a relaxed care free life style. A gated front patio leads to the tiled entry overlooking the living room with custom stone fireplace. Granite slab counters in kitchen,Viking appliances,and beautiful cabinetry to please any chef.An elevator or stairs take you to the loft, guest bedroom and generous master bedroom and bath. Rear patio overlooks an attractive greenbelt that leads to the pool and clubhouse area. Call today for you private showing.

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12-3pm 5594 Hamilton Lane – Regal living in the country! One of the largest estates built in Orcutt, this custom 3-story California Tudor is tucked away in exclusive foothills. A sophisticated sanctuary artfully sited on 5+ acres with space for equestrian facilities, 2nd dwelling or barn.

Gourmet kitchen has expansive cabinetry, double oven & built-in refrigerator. Palatial master retreat highlighted by an intimate fireplace, sitting room, dual walk-in closets & balcony. 1st floor boasts extraordinary guest facilities complete with kitchenette, living room, bed+bath rooms & private entrance. 3rd floor reveals 3 luxurious bedroom suites & 2 perfectly appointed lofts. Expansive stone patio, basketball court & orchard awaits! 7374 square feet plus a 5 car garage. $1,040,000

Kalua Kuhnle Manager

BRE# 00874459

Sandi Frazier

Dave Myers 805-345-6960

805.406.4890 Lic #00611325

4411 Burlington - Single Level Home in Desirable Foxenwood Estates-This 3 bedroom Home has an Updated Kitchen W/ Tiled Counter Tops & Decorative Backsplash, Newer High Quality Appliances and Tiled Flooring. The Versatile Floor Plan Offers Plenty of Space, and the Skylights Enable an Abundance of Natural Light.

The Backyard is Amazing! There are Several Fruit Trees and Out Buildings/ Sheds for the Creative Side and/or to Provide Mega Storage. $469,900

2422 Teelynn- Beautiful Home -Ideally located, this home offers 4 bedrooms 2 baths approx. 2212 sq ft of living space. Home has a functional open floor plan, fireplace in family room, formal living room , cathedral ceilings, spacious rooms and covered patio. There is plenty of space for extra vehicles /RV or boat with the additional drive space. Just minutes from the freeway, shops, schools and parks jogging & walking trails. Please call me for private tour.

Yolanda Perez BRE#01741813

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1053 Camelot Dr.- Stunning 3 - bedroom, 2 1/2 baths in Foxenwood Estates. Beautiful hardwood floors granite kitchen counter tops, newer furnace with special filter system, laundry room, professional built workshop, manicured lawns and vegetation, fruit trees, roses bushes and more! $524,900 402 Cain Dr.- Walk to Old Town Orcutt, Southpoint Estates, gated community in Orcutt area. Great curb appeal, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a loft room, 1744 square feet, bambo wood flooring, interior newly painted, new carpet in bedrooms, can lighting in living room and family area off the kitchen, pleasant backyard. $369,900.

4424 Burlington Drive - Rare find in Foxenwood Estates, 4 bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, excellent for entertaining, lots of light, updated kitchen and much more! $589,900

Bette Naugle® Broker Associate

805.705.7497 lic #0427203

2659 Rubel Way- Single Level Bradley Square Home...

Open Floor Plan w/Vaulted Ceilings - Extra Large Great Room... 3 Bed- plus EXTRA Room (4th bedroom, Den, or Office). Nice Spacious Kitchen With Breakfast Nook, & Inside Laundry Room...

Spacious Master with Deluxe Master Bathroom and Walk in closet. Low Maintenance Back & Front Yards... Near Crossroads Shopping Center, Award Winning Rotary Centennial Park & Restaurants- $375,000

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2430 ridgeMark drive, Santa Maria Enjoy luxury living in Foxenwoods

Country Club Estates. Formerly owned by actress Jane Russell and featuring master suite on first floor. Enjoy formal dining room, family room, atrium and private backyard. 4 Bed/3 Bath, 2,998 sq.ft. $569,900.

2505 Calderon drive, Santa Maria Sold in only 15 days! Call me today and let’s get started!

Mike Casaceli 805.878.5056 www.aprilhugh4homes@gmail.com

805.363.6390 BRE #01967805

Lic #01248453

Attractive Home in Knollwood Village

Sale Pending Enjoy this beautiful 55+ community in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with 2 car garage. Charming open floor plan, 1344 sq ft, dual pane windows, plantation shutters, combination indoor laundry & office, delightful patio setting, storage, working fountain, potted plants, & private backyard. Washer & dryer included plus all kitchen appliances. For more information please call Diane at 805-570-9099 or email: DianeAdams@c21home.com. - $80,000

Diane Adams 805.570.9099 BRE#01103806

1412 AlmeriA Ave SAntA mAriA- Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath Plus a permitted guest quarters or office area. Very well laid out floorplan. Featuring laminate floors as well as tile and carpet. There are vaulted ceilings and also a great room. Moving to the outside which is equally as beautiful. As you enter the property which is professionally landscaped.Seller has invested over $25k in upgrades truly an entertainers dream. Boasting a built-in brick oven and Barbeque under a covered gazebo leading into a private side yard with full grown fruit trees lemon, apple, orange, and guava. This home shows pride of ownership and a must see for your fussiest buyer.-$449,900

JOE “Paul” Garcia 805•878•3862 Realtor. lic. #00886743

Jopaulcentury21@verizon.net

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, October 16, 2015 | A7

(805) 748-7514

CBRE #01861089

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REALTOR

A8 | Friday, October 16, 2015 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

The problem with hard water ‌Home ownership opens people’s eyes to many new experiences, even requiring homeowners to familiarize themselves with certain things they never encountered as renters. Homeowners become novice plumbers, electricians, horticulturists, and even chemists as they wade through the projects and repairs involved with owning a home.

Outside of high school chemistry class, you may never have given thought to water composition and how it changes. However, once you become a homeowner, you may have to pay special attention to the type of water bubbling out of your faucets. Hard water is a common concern, and it can affect appliances and other parts of the home.

What is hard water?

Hard water affects about 85 percent of the United States, according to the Water Quality Association. Although not harmful to human health, hard water can impact one’s daily life in other ways.

Hard water is formed when water moves through soil and rock. It dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in a solution.

Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals to turn water “hard.” The more magnesium and calcium water dissolves, the harder it becomes.

From nuisance to damaging Hard water can not only be a minor headache, but also something more serious. Hard water can interfere with various cleaning tasks and also personal grooming. Clothes washed in hard water may not be fully clean and may appear dingy. Hard water can cause a film on surfaces, such as bath tiles and tubs. Some people find that their hair and skin can appear dull and sticky due to hard water.

Hard water can have other effects, too. Over time, the

water can deposit minerals on the inside of pipes, reducing water flow. If these deposits grow thick, you may have a plumbing issue on your hands.

Furthermore, mineral deposits can harm appliances, such as water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers.

Eventually, hard water may render these appliances ineffective, and they will need to be replaced.

Treatment options Considering hard water is such a common concern, a number of treatment options exist. The main types of water-softening systems use either a packaged water softener or a mechanical watersoftening unit.

Packaged water softeners are chemicals that bond with the calcium and magnesium ions in the water so that they cannot interfere with cleaning efficiency. These chemicals fall into two categories: precipitating and nonprecipitating. Precipitating softeners are borax and washing soda and can affect pH levels of water and make water cloudy.

Nonprecipitating softeners use phosphates. Alkalinity won’t be increased, and usually there is no cloudiness or buildup. These products are typically added to laundry loads and the like and are not recommended for drinking water.

Mechanical water-softening systems are hooked up directly to the plumbing of the house.

They are ion-exchange systems that will add salt to the water. Although it can be safe to drink, softened water may not be recommended for those who are on low-sodium diets.

Hard water is a problem many homeowners have to face. It can affect a home’s appliances’ performance and cleaning abilities. Water hardness can be managed, and it is best to consult with an expert water-softening system manufacturer about your options.

Metro Creative Graphics‌

Hard water can cause scaling, deposits inside of pipes, reduced cleaning ability, and several other problems.

Get your home fall and winter ready with 5 simple projects ‌If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your winter preparation list, your home maintenance plan may need a makeover. These simple home maintenance projects can help lower your energy bills, prevent more costly repairs and/ or increase the lifespan of your home.

1. Heating & Ventilation — Examine your fireplace and chimney system to ensure that no soot or creosote has collected. Any cracks or voids could potentially cause a fire. Before you turn the furnace or boiler on, replace the air filter and hire a professional to inspect the unit more thoroughly. These steps will improve the efficiency and life of your furnace and will ensure stable indoor air quality.

2. Seal Windows and

Metro Creative Graphics‌

Doors — If not properly sealed, windows and doors can be a major culprit for heat loss. To keep the warm air inside, inspect the weatherstripping around your home’s windows and

doors for leaks, rot or decay. Repair or replace structural framing, and caulk inside and out, if necessary.

3. Insulate well — One of the easiest and most effective defenses

against heat loss is proper insulation. Prevent cold drafts from entering and the loss of heated air through basement headers, which, when left exposed, can make your furnace work harder.

Look for a moistureresistant product offering high thermal performance, such as Roxul Comfortbatt insulation.

This type of mineral wool insulation makes installation simple. All that’s needed is a serrated blade or bread knife. Cut the batt to fit the cavity and press into place. The insulation will help improve energy efficiency as soon as it’s in place and provide savings over the lifetime of your home. Comfortbatt can also be used to top or replace old attic insulation. Aim for an R-50 or a depth of 16 inches.

4. Backyard Care — Save your property from potential damage by trimming overgrown trees and shrubs to prevent ice-laden branches from thrashing against electrical wires and your home’s exterior. Drain/

shut off any exterior faucets and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. Ensure rain or snow drains away from the house to avoid foundation problems.

5. Roof and Gutters — Inspect your roof for shingles that are warped, damaged or even missing to prevent a future leak.

Use roofing cement and a caulking gun to seal joints where water could penetrate, such as around the chimney, skylights or vent pipes. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened. Downspouts should extend at least five feet away from the home to prevent flooding.

When it comes to preventative maintenance, a little time and effort can save thousands in energy costs and repair bills over the lifetime of your home.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, October 16, 2015 | A9

A10 | Friday, October 16, 2015 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, October 16, 2015 | A11

“The Top Independent Brokerage on the Central Coast”

WENDY TEIXEIRA R E A L T O R ® (805) 310-3505

Only

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Beautiful,, move-in move-in ready mov r home in The Traditions! This fabulous home offers Four bedrooms, one of which is downstairs and includes a ¾ bath and three nicely sized bedrooms upstairs along with a desk/work area. Beautifully appointed with granite counters, tile flooring, tiled $429,900 exterior patio and freshly landscaped too. Only one neighbor next to you…

Beautifully remodeled home sits on approximately 5 acres of rolling hills. Hand-scraped Hickory flooring & hand-troweled walls, Santa Barbara sandstone and new light fixtures.

Greatroom,diningroom&kitchenencompassapproximately1200sfwithnowalls!Somany stunning features! Plus a 30x40 shop and an updated 12 x 40 guest unit! $784,500

10 Point Marketing Plan

www.2101EastBetteravia.com Great rustic,Western feel, perfect for entertaining!

$795,000

A12 | Friday, October 16, 2015 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

$860,000

$499,999

This home features the best of everything!

www.1122Hastings.com $509,000

www.2347Westbury.com Downstairs owner’s suite, outdoorTV system, must see! $375,000

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www.299Pabst.com Built in the 1940’s, so much character & charm!

Nice sized kitchen & rear yard Great starter home located near Allan Hancock College! $269,000

Single story home is on a corner lot in a cul-de-sac!

www.415Soares.com

www.721Woodhaven.com

Move-inready.Walktoshops,restaurants&winetasting! $350,000

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Hard to find 19+ farmable acres in Santa Maria Valley! $769,999 9+ acre parcel with many possibilities, currently zoned for residental properties! $1,000,000 CALL 805-310-3505

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www. 4415Coventry.com

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$339,000

Enter through a courtyard full of blooming plants!

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Meticulously crafted home is nestled on a cul-de-sac $455,000

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Call to Schedule a Tour!

Orcutt home is great for investor!

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$1,350,00

www.526Boscoe.com $510,000

www.621MapleCourt.com $450,000

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Beautifully maintained, no neighbors behind you!

8 BRs, 11 BAs, Approx 8800 sf, 7 Garage Units!

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3½ acre ranchette features 2 move-in ready cottages! $899,000

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Home e t a t s -Like E Resort

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www.408Marian.com Remodeled estate, gourmet kitchen, 3 en suites!

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$359,000