ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Ins, outs of ancient coownership of property
Q: My aunt recently passed away. She lived in a home she bought 12 years ago. She put her brother’s name on it after buying it. The deed reads “joint tenancy.” He never lived in the house and never made any payments, taxes or insurance. Verbally he has said half the house should be left to my aunt’s children and he is willing to put their names on it. We do not know how to start and who to go to. Do we need an attorney? Does it have to be refinanced to put the new names on it?
A: Before we go into it, every one needs to understand the nature of holding title to prop erty. Whenever two or more people own a piece of property the law requires that there be a disclosure regarding the agree ment the parties have with one another regarding their collec tive ownership.
We in California have inherited forms of co-ownership which have their roots in ancient real estate law. When I say “ancient,” I’m talking about several thousand years in some cases.
In California, co-ownership of property can take the form of community property, community property with right of survivorship, tenancy in common and joint tenancy.
Whenever two or more people own a parcel of land, they hold it in one of these ways. Each distinct type of co-ownership carries different rules regarding how much of the property each co-owner actually owns and what happens to their ownership when they die.
For two unmarried people, the default type of ownership, if nothing else is designated on the deed, is tenancy in common. Tenancy in common allows
could own a full 90% while the other owner only has 10%. When is then considered part of their the property to her brother as a
case there’s a 50/50 ownership
But here’s the thing that makes joint tenancy so important.
When any one owner of a joint tenancy property dies, the other owner (or owners) immediately takes ownership of the deceased’s share. Automatically!
Note that I deliberately didn’t say “inherited” the person’s share. Inheritance implies there was either a probate or trust administration, just like you’d do with the car or furniture or bank accounts.
With joint tenancy, the other owners automatically become the owners of the deceased’s share as a matter of law, the moment death occurs.
In your case, the brother now owns 100% of the property. Period.
Now, if the brother is willing to give the kids a 50% interest then that’s fine, although brother may have some tax
See Jones, Page 4
Tim Jones
SOLANO REAL ESTATE SCENE
Real estate is better than gold
My deadline for this column is 3 p.m. Wednesday, and when I turned in last week’s story about gold and silver, gold was selling for $5,400 per ounce and silver was $109 per ounce.
Debunking your real estate agent’s ‘30%
rule’
Americans need to set aside 43% of their income for a home
ALEX GAILEY BANKRATE.COM
FJim Porter
On Friday, when the paper published, gold fell to $4,715 and silver to $80. Real estate prices did not change over those two days, and market rents for Northern California housing remained steady. I thought it was funny because I often tell people if they ever hear me talk positively about an individual stock, bet it the other way.
I do not do this anymore, but I once bought 1,000 shares of Kmart –or maybe it was Sears – 25 years ago after the stock price plummeted from $40 down to $4 per share. I thought there was no way it would drop further but it went to zero after bankruptcy in 2002. My $4,000 was gone, baby gone.
Gold and silver prices have recovered a bit this week, and although I believe in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, precious metals and real estate, I think a hard asset like land and real estate is better than gold. Real estate can generate monthly income from rent or agriculture, and gold does not pay a dividend.
A home can provide you with a place to live and even if you cannot collect any rent from your spouse or children, you do not have to pay rent to a stranger for your housing. Inflation is your friend when you own real estate because your rental income will rise each year by 2% to 3%, and if you are a homeowner with a fixed-rate
See Porter, Page 4
or years, the real estate industry has advised prospective homebuyers to cross off their list any home that would require them to spend more than 30% of their income on mortgage payments and other fees.
That rule no longer seems to work in much of the country, thanks to the post-pandemic jump in home prices and mortgage rates.
A Bankrate analysis shows that the typical U.S. household needs to spend 43% of its income to buy a median-priced home of $435,000. As a result, many homebuyers are stretching their budgets further than they should to snatch their piece of the American Dream.
“It’s hard to stay under 30% now, but that doesn’t mean that people should just disregard it completely,” said Chen Zhao, head of economics research at Redfin. “And if people are finding it difficult to adhere, they should consider their options. Could it make sense to rent? Does it make sense to move to a lower costof-living area?
The trade-offs that once came with pushing beyond 30% have grown steeper, forcing many households to make more difficult choices about where and how they live, according to Theresa Green, a mortgage broker in Charlotte, North Carolina. It often entails bigger financial and lifestyle sacrifices, compromising on the kind of home to buy and staying in the home longer to make the
A Bankrate analysis shows that the typical U.S. household needs to spend 43% of its income to buy a median-priced home of $435,000. As a result, many homebuyers are stretching their budgets further than they should to snatch their piece of the American Dream.
upfront investment worthwhile, she said.
“It’s totally changed since Covid,” Green said. “Before Covid, buyers were very much more in line with that 30% rule. Many, many, many times it’s gonna be above that now. I honestly see very few that are below that.”
The housing rule that once defined affordability no longer adds up
If you want to buy a house today, it’ll require a much larger slice of your income than
it did just a few years ago.
It’s a harsh reality that Allison Dunbar, a product development coordinator in Pittsburgh, and her husband learned firsthand when they began their home search at the end of 2022. When Dunbar compared her experience to that of her oldest brother, who bought his home before the pandemic, the difference was staggering.
“He bought his house in Pittsburgh in 2018, and he got a very nice house in a nice area that fits his family now for $20,000 under the posted price,” Dunbar said. “That is not a thing in Pittsburgh anymore.”
According to Bankrate’s analysis of housing market data, Pittsburgh is one of only three large metro areas where typical households can still keep housing costs below the 30% affordability benchmark. The other two are Detroit and St. Louis. These statistics were derived from a separate analysis of home prices by Bankrate that found that three out of four homes on the U.S. market are unaffordable to the typical household.
In most of the largest U.S. metro areas, it’s common for
See Rule, Page 6
Solano real estate transactions
These are the local homes sold recently, provided by California Resource of Lodi. The company can be reached at 209.365.6663 or CalResource@aol.com.
BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 7
LOWEST AMOUNT: $425,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,310,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $895,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $816,143
1130 West 9th Street - $1,025,000
12-02-25 [4 Bdrms - 2750 SqFt - 1918 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-30-20, $898,000
47 Alta Loma - $425,000
12-05-25 [2 Bdrms - 768 SqFt - 1943 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1992, $137,600
126 Dartmouth Place - $925,000
12-01-25 [5 Bdrms - 1428 SqFt - 1972 YrBlt]
140 El Bonito Way - $623,000
12-05-25 [2 Bdrms - 764 SqFt - 1943 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-26-16, $320,000
672 Mcallister Drive - $1,310,000
12-04-25 [5 Bdrms - 4020 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-03-06, $875,716
578 Morning Glory Drive - $895,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1506 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-11-01, $346,000
1893 Shirley Drive - $510,000
12-02-25 [3 Bdrms - 1053 SqFt - 1983
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-25-21, $510,000
DIXON
TOTAL SALES: 3
LOWEST AMOUNT: $385,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $510,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $450,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $448,333
700 West A Street - $510,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1527 SqFt - 1922 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-15-11, $185,000
741 West D Street - $450,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1482 SqFt - 1955
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-06-02, $257,750
905 West F Street - $385,000
12-03-25 [4 Bdrms - 1619 SqFt - 1975
YrBlt]
FAIRFIELD
TOTAL SALES: 17
LOWEST AMOUNT: $330,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,025,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $515,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $573,588
424 Chelsea Way - $580,000
12-01-25 [3 Bdrms - 1789 SqFt - 1974
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-13-25, $415,000
24 Country Club Drive - $1,025,000
12-02-25 [2 Bdrms - 2893 SqFt - 1951
YrBlt]
428 Crofters Court - $415,000
12-02-25 [4 Bdrms - 1474 SqFt - 1975
YrBlt]
280 Dahlia Street - $510,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1391 SqFt - 1966
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-08-22,
$535,000
2859 Elmhurst Circle - $515,000
12-03-25 [4 Bdrms - 1596 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-24-10, $165,000
1700 Fillmore Street - $475,000
12-03-25 [3 Bdrms - 1184 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-10-24, $373,000
5321 Gather Way - $712,000
12-01-25 [3 Bdrms - 2293 SqFt - 2018 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-14-19, $565,000
3235 Hilton Head Drive - $850,000
12-02-25 [3 Bdrms - 3045 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt]
2035 Kirkwood Court - $800,000
12-03-25 [5 Bdrms - 3000 SqFt - 1997 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-05-21, $832,000
2657 Marigold Drive - $515,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1658 SqFt - 1969 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-23-21, $550,000
1866 New Jersey Street - $330,000
12-02-25 [3 Bdrms - 1860 SqFt - 1959 YrBlt]
1845 San Anselmo Street - $340,000
12-04-25 [3 Bdrms - 1287 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt]
181 Scottsburg Court - $450,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1306 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-06-16, $338,000
5040 Silverado Drive - $620,000
12-02-25 [3 Bdrms - 1168 SqFt - 1982 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-28-25, $455,000
136 Southbridge Lane - $425,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1300 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-20-98, $137,660
2695 Vista Linda - $590,000
12-02-25 [3 Bdrms - 2005 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt]
2537 Woolner Avenue - $599,000
12-01-25 [4 Bdrms - 1970 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt]
RIO VISTA
TOTAL SALES: 4
LOWEST AMOUNT: $174,000 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $505,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $360,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $349,750
260 Bella Vista Way - $350,000
12-01-25 [2 Bdrms - 1439 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-03-05, $365,548
459 Cedar Ridge Drive - $505,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1864 SqFt - 2001
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-20-20, $465,000
328 Colonial Way - $174,000
12-02-25 [2 Bdrms - 1579 SqFt - 2006
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-27-15, $295,000
357 Spyglass Drive - $370,000
12-05-25 [2 Bdrms - 1172 SqFt - 2005
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-28-09, $150,000
SUISUN CITY
TOTAL SALES: 3
LOWEST AMOUNT: $308,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $533,500
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $500,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $447,167
522 Honker Lane - $533,500
12-04-25 [4 Bdrms - 1386 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-27-23, $305,000
609 Ring Neck Lane - $308,000
12-04-25 [3 Bdrms - 1088 SqFt - 1977
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-22-08, $135,000
1028 Winters Way - $500,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1220 SqFt - 1987
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-17-12, $135,000
VACAVILLE
TOTAL SALES: 14
LOWEST AMOUNT: $300,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,250,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $565,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $611,357
255 Arbor Street - $580,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1494 SqFt - 1956
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-25-02, $224,900
452 Aster Street - $610,000
12-01-25 [3 Bdrms - 1614 SqFt - 2018
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-13-18, $509,500
390 Claridge Court - $630,000
12-02-25 [4 Bdrms - 2043 SqFt - 1977
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-18-18, $470,000 337 Eldridge Avenue - $385,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1256 SqFt - 1972
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-16-18, $285,000
190 Fairview Drive - $520,000
12-04-25 [4 Bdrms - 1430 SqFt - 1983
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1990, $229,091
587 Greenwood Drive - $550,000
12-01-25 [4 Bdrms - 1616 SqFt - 1975
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-02-04, $330,000
408 Havasu Drive - $540,000
12-04-25 [4 Bdrms - 1402 SqFt - 1966
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-30-18, $415,000
412 Marvin Gardens Drive - $540,000
12-04-25 [3 Bdrms - 1813 SqFt - 2001
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-29-02, $350,000
6012 Peacock Court - $1,250,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 2777 SqFt - 2020
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-16-20, $826,500
654 Rutgers Street - $743,000
12-04-25 [5 Bdrms - 2816 SqFt - 1998
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-19-22, $725,000
1001 Swift Court - $680,000
12-04-25 [4 Bdrms - 55 SqFt - 2023
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-18-23, $635,000
324 Trinity Drive - $300,000
12-04-25 [4 Bdrms - 1402 SqFt - 1971
YrBlt]
466 Twilight Street - $536,000
12-01-25 [3 Bdrms - 1484 SqFt - 2010
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-07-10, $311,500 2880 Vaca Valley Road - $695,000 12-01-25 [2 Bdrms - 1296 SqFt - 1940 YrBlt]
VALLEJO
TOTAL SALES: 16
LOWEST AMOUNT: $145,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $849,500
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $442,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $467,094
1333 North Camino Alto #110$145,000
12-02-25 [1 Bdrms - 640 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-22-14, $50,000
323 Deanza Drive - $406,500
12-02-25 [3 Bdrms - 1452 SqFt - 1959 YrBlt]
1702 Georgia Street - $540,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1380 SqFt - 1935
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-14-03, $270,000 1466 Granada Street - $435,000
12-03-25 [4 Bdrms - 1931 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-28-02, $92,000
124 Hydrangea Court - $710,000
12-04-25 [4 Bdrms - 2208 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt]
121 La Brea Street - $512,500
12-04-25 [3 Bdrms - 1749 SqFt - 2010
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-25-24, $175,000
112 Laurel Street - $300,000
12-03-25 [3 Bdrms - 875 SqFt - 1944
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-11-00, $155,000
1306 Magazine Street - $340,000
12-01-25 [3 Bdrms - 875 SqFt - 1944
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-03-98, $88,683 1325 Nebraska Street - $500,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 1554 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt]
136 Palomar Lane - $700,000
12-02-25 [3 Bdrms - 1876 SqFt - 1967 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-26-22, $700,000
181 Polaris Court - $849,500
12-03-25 [4 Bdrms - 2492 SqFt - 1990
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1990, $294,000
143 Sea Crest Circle - $270,000
12-03-25 [2 Bdrms - 870 SqFt - 1994
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-11-21, $340,000
101 Serpentine Drive - $515,000
12-05-25 [3 Bdrms - 960 SqFt - 1984
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-17-22, $510,000 2041 Severus Drive - $400,000
12-03-25 [3 Bdrms - 1605 SqFt - 1966
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-25-25, $352,000
341 Stinson Street #4 - $400,000
12-02-25 [2 Bdrms - 989 SqFt - 1990
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-28-99, $138,900 101 University Avenue - $450,000 12-04-25 [3 Bdrms - 1230 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt]
Jones
From Page 2
consequences down the road. Additionally, if the kids had inherited the house directly from mom, they would have enjoyed some property tax savings they won’t have now.
However, transferring the property is as simple as executing a deed. No refinancing necessary unless brother has already taken out a loan on the property, in which case the bank will likely want the kids on the loan papers too.
The important points here are twofold.
Executing a deed is pretty straight forward. You can call a legal document preparer to help you. You really shouldn’t need an attorney to effect the transfer.
Tim Jones, Esq., is a real estate attorney in Fairfield. If you have any real estate questions you would like answered in this column, you can send an email to AllThingsRealEstate@ TJones-Law.com.
From Page 3
mortgage, you are protected from renthousing inflation.
I have a financial adviser to protect me from myself, and I recommend everyone should seek financial and real estate coaching from a local professional that has a reputation in town to protect. Be careful, do not trust strangers with your money on the internet or YouTube. There are great real estate agents, mortgage professionals and financial advisers right here in your backyard.
Jim Porter, NMLS No. 276412, is the branch manager and senior loan adviser of Solano Mortgage, NMLS No. 1515497, a division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, NMLS No. 1850, licensed in California by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CRMLA / Equal Housing Opportunity. Jim can be reached at 707-449-4777.
Safari Dusk named ‘Annual of the Year’
Safari Dusk has been chosen as Proven Winners’ “Annual of the Year.” It is an incredibly beautiful flower that you must put in your repertoire of component plants, if you will, for mixed containers and hanging baskets. Botanically speaking it is a Jamesbrittenia hybrid that in the United States goes by the common name South African Phlox. In containers from Florida to Alabama and Georgia show this plant has “gold medal” written all over it. It’s rare to find it at the garden center because most gardeners simply don’t recognize the name and thus the industry has been timid at putting it on the display bench. This has been like the “chicken or egg” type scenario: If we don’t have chance to buy it, how is everyone going to fall in love with its beauty and performance
So, the fact that it is an award winner and the “Annual of the
Safari Lava Flow is a new introduction for 2026 and brings the series to four selections. It is seen here with ColorBlaze Mini Me Chartreuse Coleus.
Year” for 2026 maybe we will see a Jamesbrittenia lift off. But there is one more shot in the arm for Safari Dusk: It is one of the key ingredients in a Proven Winners “Recipe of the Year” called Saffron Sunrise.
Saffron Sunrise is one of
Norman Winter
Rule
From Page 3
new homeowners to go beyond that benchmark. In coastal markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and New York, the typical household in these areas would need to devote two-thirds or more of their income to afford a median-priced home.
New Orleans, Seattle and Boston aren’t far behind, hovering near 50%, according to Bankrate’s analysis, while Southern markets like Charlotte, Atlanta and Houston remain somewhat more attainable. Even in those areas, a typical household would need to spend 30% to 40% of their income to afford the typical home.
That 30% rule is meant to cover more than just a monthly mortgage payment. It also includes property taxes, home insurance and, in some cases, homeowners association fees. Take New Orleans, for example: a median-priced home costs nearly $281,000.
With a 20% down payment and today’s sub-6% mortgage rates, the monthly principal and interest alone would top $1,500 – roughly in line with the 30% rule for a typical New Orleans household earning $62,000. But once you add property taxes and home insurance, the total jumps to more than $2,500 a month, pushing the payment beyond what’s considered affordable for the area.
“The 30% rule matters more when money is tight,” said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. “For wealthier households, housing can take up a larger share of income without necessarily compromising their ability to meet other needs or save for the future.”
Wages have lagged while home prices and mortgage rates soared
The barriers to homeownership go beyond high prices and mortgage rates. Household incomes also haven’t kept pace, lagging behind the pandemic-era surge in home prices and the rise in mortgage rates that followed.
To afford a median-priced home in the U.S., a household would need to make roughly $113,000 a year, according to Bankrate’s calculations. In 2020, roughly $78,000 per year could secure
the typical home.
Research shows average home prices are up roughly 50% across the country since 2020, while wages have lagged, growing only 22% since the start of 2021, according to Bankrate’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Wages are slowly catching up, according to Jones, but not nearly fast enough to bridge the distance between what families earn and what many markets demand.
“Wages have not kept up with home price growth when you’re thinking over the last five years,” Jones said. “If you’re thinking over the last year, then there are markets where home prices have softened and wages continue to climb.”
The widening gap between pay and home prices has upended traditional measures of affordability and forced buyers to adjust their expectations in recent years.
If the 30% rule doesn’t work, what replaces it?
Even as home prices in some markets cool from pandemic highs, that hasn’t translated into meaningful relief for prospective homebuyers.
“Buyers are gaining a little bit of ground,” Jones said. “But they’re digging themselves a little bit out of a very deep trench at this point.”
Home prices remain stubbornly high, mortgage rates are still hovering near two-decade highs and the supply of homes for sale is historically low. Combined, those forces have locked many current homeowners in place and kept would-be homeowners renting as they wait for affordability to improve.
Kelley King, a real estate agent in Charlotte, has seen how hard it is for homebuyers to stomach the jump in monthly payments that comes with owning nowadays.
“There’s an initial shock going from renting to owning,” King said. “I have a client right now who wants to buy their first home, and they are currently paying around $1,900 in rent. If they were to purchase a house, their monthly payment for housing would go to $3,300. It’s a very large jump, but you also have to remember you’re building equity for yourself.”
Some housing experts argue that instead of treating the 30% rule as a strict cutoff, households should think of it more as a benchmark that depends heavily on income level.
“For low- and middle-income households, the 30% rule is a useful target because these families typically have limited discretionary income,” Jones said. “If housing costs rise much above 30%, it can become difficult to afford essentials without financial strain. For higher-income households, exceeding the 30% threshold may not create the same financial pressure.”
Green said the 30% rule shouldn’t be followed too rigidly, since every buyer’s financial situation and spending habits are different. Someone who tends to spend more might need to stay closer to the rule, while a more frugal buyer could likely afford to stretch a bit further, she said.
“I would hate for somebody to rule themselves out,” Green said. “They need to talk to an experienced loan officer who can run those scenarios based on what their life situation is. We never want to see more than 50% of your gross income going out the door for the house.”
Once buyers have a realistic all-in number, Jones recommends evaluating how much remains for everyday necessities, long-term savings goals and inevitable surprises.
“In the end, affordability hinges on whether your lifestyle and savings plans can be maintained sustainably while still leaving a cushion for unexpected costs,” Jones said.
There may no longer be a simple formula for what Americans can afford, but the goal of owning a home hasn’t disappeared. For many, that now means buying later, moving farther or making other financial sacrifices while they wait for the math to check out.
The 30% rule may be more challenging, but the dream of owning a home – even if it costs more – isn’t going anywhere.
• Methodology: Bankrate analyzed Realtor.com and Redfin data to determine the percentage of income a typical household would need to spend to afford a median-priced home in the 34 largest U.S. metros. Annual housing costs in each metro assume a 20 percent down payment, the 52-week average 30-year mortgage rate of 6.80% and include property taxes and home insurance. Annual housing costs in each metro were compared against metro-level income figures for typical households. National and metro-level income figures from Claritas and reflect the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
Winter
From Page 5
the most beautiful mixes you will ever grow. It features Supertunia Saffron Finch petunia, Tropical Sunrise Superbells calibrachoa and the star of this column, Safari Dusk South African phlox.
Then another recipe I photographed at the Young’s Plant Farm Annual Garden Tour in Auburn, Alabama, was nothing short of dazzling. It had no official name but featured Safari Dusk South African phlox, a yellow daisy-like flower called Goldilocks Rocks bidens and Superbells Cherry Red calibrachoa.
Both recipes I’ve shared are like three-part harmony for the garden. Proven Winners’ tag says Safari Dusk is royal purple but it says strong hints of a blue that gives it a lavender color with a yellow eye and tinge of orange-red in the center. Safari Dusk is different from the three other varieties offered in that it has markings that look like whiskers similar to a pansy.
Hopefully you will get to see the photographs of these mixes but if not know that each basket or container features Superbells, Tropical Sunrise or Cherry Red calibrachoas, Safari Dusk South African phlox, and one yellow flower, Supertunia Saffron Finch petunia or Goldilocks Rocks bidens.
Safari Dusk South African phlox will reach 12 inches tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. In my hanging baskets I had a nice draping or spiller effect. That coupled with tiny pollinators, bees and butterflies, was an unexpected delight.
Safari Dusk is a Sutera relative and I’ve seen it called Sutera. It is much superior and more tolerant of weather, however. It needs good drainage and sun to part sun. The good drainage requirement is another way to say containers and baskets will be just perfect only needing your artistic touch.
In containers that get watered every day in the growing season, an application of a watersoluble fertilizer every two to three weeks will keep them at peak performance.
The Safari series now boasts Safari Lava Flow (which is new this year), Safari Sky, Safari Dawn and Safari Dusk, the “Annual of the Year.” Start sourcing now and talk to your garden center about this great new generation of plants.
Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterThe GardenGuy. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
Wallpaper isn’t your enemy anymore
TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY
Over the years, wallpaper has been all the rage. Step into a house renovated from the 1950s to early 1990s, there is probably a lot of wallpaper. Current generations remember the sticky, smelly glue that soaked into your sheetrock and ruined anything it touched. As we turned into the mid to late 1990s, wallpaper began to fall out of favor.
Homeowners began ripping it down, dealing with the price tag-like paper that left glue everywhere. They steamed, they scraped, they wet the walls with wallpaper stripper. Anything that would help peel the stubborn paper and glue off.
Nowadays, wallpaper is back and better than ever.
The new wallpaper does not apply the same way as it used to. There are two methods in which
wallpaper can be applied. Either paste the wall or peel and stick. It used to be that the installer had to soak the paper to activate the adhesive.
Peel and stick is the most commonly used; it is like using a sticker. Paste the walls is used for more heavy, high-quality wallpapers with a non-woven backing. You apply the glue to the wall and then hang the dry paper. You can then adjust the paper and smooth it out as needed before it dries.
The best part? Peel and stick wallpaper can often be reused. Wallpaper that has a non-woven backing can be peel off dry and leave behind some spots of glue that can be washed off with soapy water. The important thing about modern wallpaper is proper preparation of the walls prior to application. Make sure paint is dry and the walls are clean before you apply it.
Beside the changes in applica-
tion, wallpaper is now accepted and encouraged in the interior design world.
“Wallpaper is a great way to add drama to a space,” Kellie Burke of Kellie Burke Interiors said. “It adds that artistic flare that a piece of art would bring to a space.”
Whether an accent wall or a whole room, wallpaper is a way to add individuality into a space. Individuality and bold colors are both trending.
“We are also loving the reinvented granny florals that were such a trend in the ’80s,” Burke said. “Layering of the same pattern on drapery, upholstery and walls is magic and warms up a space.”
When looking at your space and considering what to do, or while questioning a choice, Burke said to go for it.
“Dare to be bold,” she said.
The 411 on wholehouse generators
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Weather is unpredictable. Strong winds or storms can wreak havoc on power lines, resulting in outages that may last hours or even days. People have come to rely on electricity, not only for comfort and safety, but to power just about every aspect of modern life. A power outage can be a minor disruption or downright dangerous, unless a whole-house generator can take over when needed.
What is a wholehouse generator?
A whole-house generator, also called a standby generator, is a permanently installed system that provides backup power to a home during a utility outage. The generator typically runs using a natural gas or propane connection.
Unlike a portable generator, a whole-house generator is installed outside on a concrete slab. It is wired to the home’s electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch (ATS). This switch will continuously monitor the electrical grid’s power and start automatically if an outage is detected. When the power comes back on, the ATS will shut off the generator and reconnect the home to the grid.
Generator considerations
NJR Home Services says there are some considerations when determining which generator best meets the needs of a household. It’s important to identify where power will be needed in the home, whether it’s a few essential pieces of equipment or the entire home. The more one wants to have powered, the more costly the generator will be.
A power outage can be a minor disruption or downright dangerous, unless a whole-house generator can take over when needed.
The location of the generator on the property must meet local zoning requirements, which vary from town to town. A permit likely will be required for the installation work.
Another consideration is gas meter sizing. A trained technician should schedule a pressure check to ensure that the gas supply to the home can handle the new generator.
What if there hasn’t been an outage?
Most units will test themselves periodically for a few minutes each week to recharge the batteries and keep the engine lubricated, which serves as a testament to the hands-off nature of these systems.
Whole-house generators offer peace of mind in an unpredictable world. When the power goes out, these generators seamlessly kick into action.
ASK ANGI
How can I enhance my home with hardscaping?
Your lawn and garden may get the attention, but the real framework of your outdoor space is built from hard, durable fea tures that shape how you live outside. That framework is called hardscaping, and it’s one of the most effective ways to improve both the function and value of your home. Walkways, patios, decks, walls and firepits don’t just look good; they guide movement, manage water, reduce maintenance and turn a yard into usable living space.
nonliving elements of a landscape, usually involving stone, concrete, wood and metal. Decks, patios, driveways, fences, retaining walls, ponds, pergolas and firepits all fall into this category.
Winter is an ideal time to plan these projects so you’re ready to build when warmer weather returns. You can get on contractors’ schedules and start planning now.
Hardscaping refers to the
These features give structure to your yard and help control how people, water and sight lines move through it. They also solve everyday problems. Hard surfaces need less upkeep than turf, hold up better during droughts and stay attractive year-round. Just as important, they expand your living space by creating outdoor rooms for cooking, entertaining, relaxing or simply passing through without trampling the lawn. Most hardscape projects fall into a few familiar cate-
gories. Walkways and paths are among the simplest additions, but they make an outsized impact by guiding foot traffic and protecting grass and garden beds. Driveways function the same way on a larger scale. Decks and patios extend living areas outdoors. Pergolas and gazebos provide shade and create defined outdoor “rooms.” Retaining walls reshape sloped yards and control erosion. Costs vary widely. Small projects like prefabricated firepits or fountains may only run a few hundred dollars. Larger installations, such as patios, retaining walls, porches or outdoor kitchens, can climb into the tens of thousands. High-end projects can go much higher. Labor, permits, demolition, grading, drainage work
Angie Hicks
Level up your outdoor space by taking on some hardscaping projects.
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REAL ESTATE
Angi
From Page 11
and local building costs all affect the final number.
Successful hardscaping begins with planning. Work with the natural shape of your yard instead of fighting it. Think about how people will move through the space and avoid blocking access points or future pathways. Identify focal points, such as a tree, firepit or seating area, and build outward from there. Drainage deserves special attention. Hard surfaces shed water quickly, and poor planning can lead to pooling, erosion or foundation issues. Slopes, drains and rock channels help direct water safely away from the house. Blending plantings around solid features softens edges and keeps the space from feeling harsh or unfinished.
Some projects are manageable DIY jobs. Simple gravel paths or edging can be tackled with basic tools and patience. Anything involving structural loads, excavation, utilities or permits is best left to professionals. Mistakes in these areas can be expensive and unsafe.
When hiring, start with a clear plan. Measure dimensions, choose materials and decide on finishes before requesting quotes. Ask whether excavation, grading, sealing and cleanup are included. Get at least three estimates and compare them carefully. Look for licensed, bonded and insured contractors with experience in projects like yours. Ask for references and check reviews. Once you choose a pro, put everything in writing, including materials, quantities, timeline and payment schedule.
Red flags include vague estimates, unusually low bids or large upfront payment requests. If something feels off, walk away. To save money, consider bundling projects, handling basic prep work yourself, or choosing materials commonly available in your region.
Done right, hardscaping lasts for decades. With thoughtful planning and the right professional, these projects can turn your yard into a durable, usable extension of your home that works for you every day of the year.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.
Is a sunroom the right choice for your house?
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There is no denying the appeal of a sunroom. Sunrooms bring more of the outdoors inside by bridging the gap between home and yard. Demand is shifting, with more than 61 percent of homeowners now preferring four-season insulated rooms for year-round use, according to Market Reports World. A sunroom has the potential to offer a roughly 50 percent return on investment and can cost anywhere from $22,000 to $72,000 on average.
A sunroom addition is a significant investment and a decision not to take lightly, as it changes both the interior floor plan and backyard space. To decide if a sunroom really is a worthwhile endeavor, it’s important for homeowners to consider the footprint of their homes/yards, how they plan to use the space, and the amount of sun the home receives.
Home footprint
Professionals with the National Association of Realtors say that a sunroom should not consume more than 30 percent of the remaining backyard and urge homeowners to avoid over-developing a lot. If installing a sunroom will leave a homeowner with only a small patch of yard afterwards, the result can feel heavy and unbalanced. It also won’t match the neighborhood. Another consideration is the local zoning ordinances where a person lives. The City of Los Angeles, for example, warns that most towns require a setback between the sunroom structure and the property line. It’s also important to look at the home’s roof and whether or not the sunroom will fall right under the eaves or if it will require an expensive tie-in to the existing roof.
room is typically uninsulated with only single-pane glass. This is ideal if someone is looking for a screened-in retreat without all of the bugs and a little weather protection. Four-season rooms are fully insulated and tie into a home’s HVAC system. This space will be functional all year long, but it is a more expensive undertaking as well.
ered. UV-rated glass to prevent floor fading and even sunburn
It is important to work with a company that specializes inrienced in helping homeowners design and ultimately build these spaces to avoid common pitfalls, advises Champion, a window, sunroom and home exterior company. In general, a sunroom is not a DIY project since it typically involves a major structural change. It can be a viable addition to a home when built correctly to remain durable through every season.
have soft light with minimal heat or glare that likely can be used all day. Morning people can appreciate an east-facing sunroom while drinking coffee or reading, and the space will cool down in the afternoon. South-facing rooms will be bright most of the day and may need high-end HVAC hookups or shades to stay comfortable, even in cooler months. Westfacing sunrooms are great for watching sunsets, but the hot -
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