Attorney-prepared TIC agreement a benefit to any future co-buyers
I’m going to depart this week from the normal questionand-answer format. Regular readers will recall that from timeto-time people write in about problems they’ve encountered by co-own ing a home with someone else. Sometimes problems can arise between two investors, but more often I hear from a boyfriend or girlfriend who broke up with their significant other and now can’t agree on what to do with the house they own together.
Regardless of who is writing, my response is generally the same. They should have entered into a type of contract called a “tenancy in common” agree ment before the disagreements started. By the time they write to me it’s usually too late.
Over the years I’ve received many emails from people who were trying to follow my advice but got a bad case of sticker shock when they found out how much money it was going to cost to have an attorney draft a comprehensive tenancy in common agreement.
So, I thought I would take this opportunity to talk a little more about the document. I can’t do much to make it cheaper to produce a truly comprehensive document, but perhaps I can prepare the future co-buyer by explaining the goal of the agreement and why it’s still a lot of value for the buck.
To start with, a good agreement can cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
Yes, that’s a lot of money, but it doesn’t even begin to approach the $10,000 to $20,000-plus range
for a partition lawsuit.
so expensive?
Well, you’ll easily spend that much money to have a good trust attorney draft a comprehensive living trust. I’m not talking about one of those $200 one-size-fits-all trusts that are worth far less than you pay for them (though they often come with a nice faux leather binder). A good trust is mostly custom drafted to address your particular needs and desires as well as to accomplish your specific goals. It’s designed to be as bulletproof as possible against attacks by upset heirs or the IRS.
It’s the same with a tenancy in common agreement.
Certainly, you can find a legal document preparer who will give you a form document for a few bucks.
But the whole point of the agreement, or any agreement for that matter, is to try to anticipate what the parties to the agreement could ultimately wind-up fighting about and to solve the problem before it arises. When you’re talking about real estate, that fight may be 20 years in the future, long after everyone’s recollection of the original oral understandings of the parties has faded.
The list of possible lawsuit allegations is almost endless.
Fights can rage during ownership regarding who has a right to live there, who’s responsible for fixing the roof, who gets to pick the guy that fixes the roof, who pays for the property
See Jones, Page 7
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,876 Sq .Ft. | .59 Acre Lot
Tim Jones
SOLANO REAL ESTATE SCENE
‘Thanks for your service’ is what the VA loan is all about
The VA loan program has been around since 1944 and has been especially valuable for homebuyers and Realtors near Travis Air Force Base.
I recently acknowledged some great service being provided by the California Housing Finance Agency and now I want to commend the VA on updating the VA home loan guidelines over the past 35 years, which have given veterans and active-duty members the ability to compete in this Northern California market.
Travis AFB offers a different housing market than Fort Bragg in North Carolina. I can buy a brand-new home near Fort Bragg for less than $300,000 or drive 33 miles to the Village of Pinehurst and buy 535 Donald Ross Drive for $820,000. This is a 3,334-square-foot home on about an acre just minutes from the world-famous Pinehurst Golf resort.
Here are some of the mortgage loan changes made over the past 35 years that have helped veterans.
Prior to 1993: Veterans were prohibited from paying discount points.
Prior to 1993: The VA would periodically set the 30-year fixed rate, and the fluctuating discount points for the VA set rate would have to be paid by the seller, which would make a VA offer less attractive than a conventional or FHA offer. If the VA set rate was 6.5% and the discount points for that rate was 2.5% that week, the seller would have to agree to pay the 2.5 points when the offer was accepted plus the escrow fee, termite report and repairs.
After 1996, a veteran could negotiate the rate and the cost with the lender and choose to buy down the rate with discount points or choose to go at a higher rate with no points.
The VA has always required a termite report and up until just a few years ago the veteran could not pay for the termite report or any of the required repairs from the termite report.
On June 15, 2022, the VA updated its policy to allow veterans to pay for termite-related repairs. Most of the time, the buyer pays for the inspections, and the seller covers the repairs, but when there are five offers on a house, a veteran may
See Porter, Page 6
Buying a condo just got harder for many, thanks to Fannie Mae policies
TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY
Buying a condo in some parts of the U.S. has become harder due to recent changes in Fannie Mae’s condo policies, according to local real estate experts.
The government-sponsored mortgage enterprise recently increased the required due diligence for condo loans, and that could make some purchases harder to close in the months ahead, Las Vegas-area mortgage adviser Matt Hennessy said.
Fannie Mae announced the changes in March – which apply to both new builds and resale – which are being phased in over the next year. The changes were made to ensure condo projects across the country don’t get into financial trouble down the road and analysts say the government is worried some condo projects’ homeowners associatons don’t have enough saved for repairs or proper insurance.
Markets such as Florida and Texas have come under increased scrutiny due to a number of issues including increased natural disasters, insurance issues, construction defects and HOAs unable to fund large repairs on projects. Condos are seen by some in the real estate industry as a potential solution to the national housing crisis as they could ease supply and offer a new way for first time homebuyers to get into the market.
“The biggest change is that lenders now have to do a deeper review of condo projects, especially their reserves, insurance and repair risks,” Hennessy said.
If a condo seller’s HOA does not fit the new guidelines, they may be limited to a cash sale only, which limits the buyer pool and will negatively impact their sales price, said Laura Harbison, broker and owner of Realty Executives of Southern Nevada Properties.
If the condominium the buyer chooses does not fit the new guidelines, their purchase may be derailed in the third week of their escrow period after they have paid for a home inspection, appraisal and other items, she said.
“Sellers who want to get ahead of this may want to obtain the Condominium Certification (a form the lender sends to the condo association or management to get facts about the building and finances) in advance to know where they stand,” she said. “Those who confirm that their unit is eligible for financing will have an advantage and attract more potential buyers.”
The biggest impact could be on timelines and deal certainty, said Steve Ord, a real estate agent with KNJ Real Estate.
“More full reviews means more paperwork, more back and forth with HOAs, and longer escrows,” Ord said. “That can create friction, especially with first-time buyers or anyone trying to move quickly.”
Hennessy said there are also changes on how condominium insurance is checked.
“These changes may especially affect first-time buyers, because condos are often a lower barrier of entry to homeownership,” he said. “If a condominium project does not meet the new conventional rules, a buyer may need to entertain alternative financing options like FHA, VA or non warrantable loan programs.”
Buyers may now see more upfront costs in requesting HOA budgets, reserve studies, insurance declarations and legal documents before a lender can say yes to the approval of their mortgage loan, added Hennessy.
“In plain terms, condo financing is not disappearing, but the approval process is likely to be more detailed and less flexible,” Hennessy said. “A condo that looked financeable last year may now need more documentation to qualify. Sellers, buyers, real estate agents, and HOA boards may all need to move faster and gather more paperwork early in the process. That extra time and scrutiny could slow down condo sales, especially in projects with low reserves or insurance problems.”
Christina Stockdale, a real estate agent with Real Broker, said moving forward, lenders will need to have an increased knowledge of the evolving requirements for condo buyers, specifically.
“It’s also going to be important to structure your offer correctly, whether that means longer loan contingencies or closing timelines, can make all the difference between losing a deal and getting your deal closed.”
Jim Porter
L.E. BASKOW/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL/TNS
Buying a condo is about to become harder across the country, which has some real estate analysts worried.
Solano real estate transactions
BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 4
LOWEST AMOUNT: $295,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,325,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $852,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $831,000
387 Allen Way - $860,000
03-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 2099 SqFt - 1993 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-24-11, $434,000
670 Hubbs Court - $1,325,000
03-27-26 [5 Bdrms - 2499 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-18-02, $553,000
154 Panorama Drive - $844,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 1883 SqFt - 1992 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-14-05, $700,000
900 Southampton Road #51 - $295,000
03-27-26 [2 Bdrms - 853 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-03-16, $211,000
DIXON
TOTAL SALES: 7
LOWEST AMOUNT: $425,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $809,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $608,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $640,286
1695 Blossom Way - $809,000
03-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 2838 SqFt - 2021 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-19-21, $701,000
409 West C Street - $750,000
03-24-26 [3 Bdrms - 2044 SqFt - 2015 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-27-25, $375,000 515 West Cherry Street - $785,000
03-23-26 [4 Bdrms - 2755 SqFt - 2019 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-01-18, $580,000
1315 Pinewood Court - $425,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 1339 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-14-16, $285,100
715 Priddy Drive - $510,000
03-24-26 [4 Bdrms - 1216 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-11-10, $165,000
16 Solano Drive - $595,000
03-23-26 [5 Bdrms - 2157 SqFt - 1953 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-21-22, $590,000
560 Syracuse Lane - $608,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1697 SqFt - 2018 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-01-20, $472,000
FAIRFIELD
TOTAL SALES: 24
LOWEST AMOUNT: $240,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,825,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $565,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $674,104
955 Appleridge Place - $1,825,000
03-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 4643 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-11-20, $1,290,000
782 Ash Court - $600,000
03-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 1773 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-05-22, $560,000
1337 Avon Way - $480,000
03-23-26 [3 Bdrms - 1372 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-01-19, $385,000
185 Canby Way - $437,500
03-25-26 [3 Bdrms - 1416 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-14-02, $254,000
3826 Danbury Way - $795,000
03-23-26 [5 Bdrms - 3101 SqFt - 2013 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-11-13, $548,500
175 Del Sur Court - $240,000
03-24-26 [2 Bdrms - 1000 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-02-09, $48,000
4924 Fairmont Court - $550,000
03-23-26 [3 Bdrms - 1281 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-24-10, $160,000
3270 Formby Lane - $761,000
03-23-26 [4 Bdrms - 2610 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-11-02, $498,950
3442 Glen Ellen Drive - $789,000
03-24-26 [5 Bdrms - 2797 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt]
5348 Gramercy Circle - $630,000
03-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 2070 SqFt - 2016 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-14-17, $438,500
324 Hamilton Drive - $485,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 1424 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt]
4901 Jennings Court - $291,000
03-24-26 [2 Bdrms - 986 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt]
112 East Kentucky Street - $533,000
03-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 1285 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt]
4590 McCready Court - $1,650,000
03-27-26 [5 Bdrms - 4367 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-14-17, $1,105,000
1625 Meadowlark Drive - $260,000
03-24-26 [3 Bdrms - 1438 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt]
2219 Nottingham Drive - $469,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1176 SqFt - 1963 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-28-15, $257,000
2450 Oceanic Drive - $510,000
03-23-26 [3 Bdrms - 1230 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-19-12, $170,000
3127 Olympic Road - $940,000
03-23-26 [5 Bdrms - 3498 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-22-06, $919,500
2292 Rutland Court - $580,000
03-25-26 [4 Bdrms - 2199 SqFt - 2015 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-20-15, $422,500
Yolo real estate transactions
DAVIS
5677 Thomson Loop, $1,975,000
05-11-26, (4 bdrms - 3040 sqft - 2026 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
34791 Creeksedge Rd, $1,030,000
05-11-26, (4 bdrms - 1812 sqft - 1964 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
26630 County Road 98, $1,140,000
05-11-26, (4 bdrms - 2256 sqft - 1905 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
1115 Radcliffe Dr, $1,135,000
05-11-26, (5 bdrms - 2566 sqft - 1970 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $769,000 9-28-05
2750 Brentwood Pl, $860,000
05-11-26, (4 bdrms - 1596 sqft - 1988 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $575,000 8-23-17
3152 Woods Cir, $520,000
05-12-26, (2 bdrms - 1106 sqft - 1984 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $439,000 7-31-18
3216 Koso Ter, $762,500
05-12-26, (3 bdrms - 1897 sqft - 2018 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale N/A
527 Bluebird Pl, $595,000
05-13-26, (2 bdrms - 942 sqft - 1990 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $333,000 7-16-13
3526 Verona Ter, $748,121
05-13-26, (3 bdrms - 1751 sqft - 2013 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $477,396 1-18-13
1509 Union Dr, $884,000
05-13-26, (4-5 bdrms - 2103 sqft - 1965 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
1303 Caceres Ct, $915,000
05-14-26, (4 bdrms - 1823 sqft - 1996 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $840,000 10-14-22
2038 Renoir Ave, $725,000
05-14-26, (3 bdrms - 1474 sqft - 1979 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $309,000 3-27-03
2217 Bearden St, $1,230,000
05-15-26, (4-6 bdrms - 2979 sqft - 2001 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
938 Snyder Dr, $629,000
05-18-26, (3 bdrms - 1112 sqft - 1959 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $295,000 11-14-12
1651 Joshua Tree St, $1,200,000
05-19-26, (5 bdrms - 3176 sqft - 2002 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $570,000 5-1-02
1000 Berryessa Ln #321, $439,000
05-19-26, (2 bdrms - 1191 sqft - 2019 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $474,980 6-27-19
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.
2282 Solace Vista - $625,000
03-23-26 [3 Bdrms - 2023 YrBlt]
1213 Sprig Court - $510,000
03-25-26 [3 Bdrms - 1128 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-26-18, $403,000
3447 Springfield Drive - $468,000
03-24-26 [4 Bdrms - 1926 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-01-10, $235,000
54 Willotta Drive - $1,060,000
03-25-26 [4 Bdrms - 2831 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-08-20, $855,000 1121 Willow Lane - $690,000
03-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 2261 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-23-25, $450,000
RIO VISTA
TOTAL SALES: 6
LOWEST AMOUNT: $320,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $510,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $440,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $425,167
17 Amador Circle - $510,000
03-24-26 [3 Bdrms - 1779 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-14-21, $480,000
672 Meadowbrook Lane - $380,000
03-24-26 [3 Bdrms - 1364 SqFt - 1998 YrBlt]
2080 Revival Lane - $440,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 2022 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-21-22, $544,000
499 Twin Lakes Lane - $461,000
03-26-26 [2 Bdrms - 1681 SqFt - 2010 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-19-10, $253,000 1024 Vintage Drive - $440,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 1894 SqFt - 1997 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-27-24, $267,500
308 Willow Brook Way - $320,000
03-24-26 [2 Bdrms - 1172 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-21-23, $375,000
VACAVILLE
TOTAL SALES: 21
LOWEST AMOUNT: $255,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,360,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $685,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $727,429
339 Aaron Circle - $569,000
03-23-26 [3 Bdrms - 1671 SqFt - 1993 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-22-20, $197,000
125 Andover Drive - $585,000
03-25-26 [3 Bdrms - 1318 SqFt - 1975 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-29-22, $569,000
801 Billhook Drive - $795,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 2023 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-22-24, $743,000
104 Bryce Way - $316,500
03-27-26 [2 Bdrms - 1484 SqFt - 1981 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-11-00, $155,500
300 Butcher Road - $899,000
03-24-26 [3 Bdrms - 3374 SqFt - 1951 YrBlt]
179 Buttercup Circle - $655,000
03-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 2258 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1989, $172,500 912 Cedar Brook Lane - $794,000
03-23-26 [5 Bdrms - 2506 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-23-19, $552,000 7961 Charlotte Lane - $1,360,000 03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 2655 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-14-19, $975,000
1013 Plum Ln, $980,000
05-19-26, (4 bdrms - 2066 sqft - 1969 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale N/A
1133 Auburn Dr, $820,000
05-21-26, (4 bdrms - 1740 sqft - 1973 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale N/A
2385 Roualt St, $659,500
05-21-26, (3 bdrms - 1235 sqft - 2000 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $372,680 6-22-12
1560 Drake Dr, $450,000
05-22-26, (2 bdrms - 1140 sqft - 1975 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $267,000 12-9-03
704 6th St, $788,000
05-22-26, (3 bdrms - 1034 sqft - 1953 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $735,000 9-12-23
1302 Oak Ave, $1,050,000
05-22-26, (5 bdrms - 3332 sqft - 1962 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale N/A
627 Marina Cir, $1,020,000
05-22-26, (4 bdrms - 2158 sqft - 1973 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $665,000 11-3-04
218 Full Cir, $146,000
05-19-26, (2 bdrms - 1056 sqft - 1974 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale N/A
226 Full Cir, $150,000
These are the local homes sold recently, provided by Yolo County Association of Realtors. They can be reached at 530.666.4253 or www.yolorealtors.com.
05-20-26, (2 bdrms - 672 sqft - 1994 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
EL MACERO
26960 E El Macero Dr, $2,163,000
05-20-26, (5 bdrms - 5407 sqft - 1985 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $2,168,598 10-23-23
DUNNIGAN
5130 County Rd 99W #47, $190,000
05-15-26, (3-4 bdrms - 1768 sqft - 2005 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
WOODLAND
2 Clover Ct, $530,000
05-11-26, (3 bdrms - 1804 sqft - 1978 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $136,000 10-27-99
542 2nd St, $650,000
05-11-26, (3-5 bdrms - 2342 sqft - 1914 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $399,000 5-30-18
2690 Mack Way, $485,000
05-11-26, (3 bdrms - 1397 sqft - 2009 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
519 Cunningham Way, $520,000 05-14-26, (3 bdrms - 1570 sqft - 1975 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
818 Farrell Pl, $675,000
05-15-26, (4 bdrms - 2519 sqft - 1989 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
11 Lincoln Ave, $360,000 05-15-26, (2 bdrms - 824 sqft - 1951 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $360,000 11-7-23
772 Laugenour Dr, $640,000
05-15-26, (3 bdrms - 2040 sqft - 2003 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $440,000 10-9-19
19699 County Road 94a, $1,695,000
05-18-26, (3 bdrms - 2903 sqft - 2001 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $1,200,000 2-17-21
703 College St, $749,000
05-19-26, (3 bdrms - 2295 sqft - 1921 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $765,000 6-8-23
615 Knollwood Dr, $299,000
05-19-26, (2 bdrms - 1134 sqft - 1974 Yr Blt),
Previous Sale $290,000 10-23-20
2355 Ortiz Ave, $620,000
05-19-26, (3-4 bdrms - 1904 sqft - 2006 Yr See Solano, Page 11
See Yolo, Page 11
Heart to Heart Chinook named ‘Caladium of the Year’
The Garden Guy surfed the web and stumbled across a photo you most likely have never seen. It featured three Proven Winners National Plants of the Year in a wonderful combination. The flowers were the Safari Dusk Jamesbrittenia or South African phlox, which is the “Annual of the Year.”
Norman Winter
The combo also featured Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Orchid (the “Petunia of the Year”) and Heart to Heart Chinook (the “Caladium of the Year.”)
The combo spoke volumes about the color possibilities when paired with Heart to Heart Chinook caladiums. One ideal aspect for your landscape is that Chinook can thrive in the shade or sun. It is hard for some gardeners to believe that caladiums can grow in the sun, but it is indeed true. Note that as you try out the different locations in the landscape, you will see a variety of colors and intensities depending on sunlight and length of exposure.
The tag on the Heart to Heart Chinook describes the colors as pink, orange, salmon and green. The green comes from the margins, opening its own door to artsy combos. A couple of years ago I was captivated by a combination of Heart to Heart Chinook with Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Lime ornamental sweet potato and Superbena Peachy Keen verbena.
I just finished planting 30 Heart to Heart Chinook caladium bulbs that should give a
mass planting type look. It is along a winding shallow creeklike area that is actually a natural drainage from a slope. I call it the River of Caladiums, mimicking my friend Stan Gray’s picturesque River of Iris at The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah. His River of Iris takes work and is magnificent, while my River of
ABOVE: There are few other plants that give the landscape, boxes or planters such a lush exotic feel as does the Heart to Heart, caladium. Here you find Heart to Heart Chinook on the right and Heart to Heart Raspberry Moon on the left.
RIGHT: The Proven Winners Caladium of the Year is Heart to Heart Chinook. It excels in sun or shade.
Caladiums is tiny in comparison and easy.
If you have never planted caladium bulbs, or if it has been a few years since your last endeavor, two things have happened to make your task oh so easy. The first thing is the development of the Twist ‘n Plant
How to boost home’s curb appeal
Your curb appeal is the first impression people have of your home – from your land scaping, to the freshness of your paint, to the con dition of your mailbox.
Luckily, curb appeal projects are some of the easiest tasks to tackle and can help attract potential buyers if you’re looking to sell your home soon. As a bonus, these projects can all be completed outdoors, giving you an excuse to get outside and enjoy the nice spring weather.
Angie Hicks
eyes and ask yourself what guests would see first when visiting your home.
Before you get started, take a walk in front of your home and note the things you want to improve. Look closely at your siding, landscaping, mailbox, driveway, paving and front door to see if you need to focus on anything in particular. Try to look at your home with fresh
Landscaping is always a good place to start. Flowerbeds and lawns are some of the most time-consuming aspects of homeownership, so things tend to pop up over time without drawing attention from homeowners. Assess your lawn and flowerbeds and pull weeds, prune any overgrown bushes and mow the lawn. You can also apply mulch to give your flowerbeds a finished look. If you don’t have time to do your own landscaping, bring in a landscaping company on a regular basis to keep things looking tidy. Next, assess the home itself. If your home looks dirty, consider giving it a power wash, or at the least, washing your windows.
the sink in cases where the seller is not willing to make the repair.
There are other old rules that have been gone for a while.
From Page 3
want to write the offer taking the property as-is to compete with the other offers. A termite report is still required but the dry rot and other section one items can be paid for by the buyer.
The VA has taken this one step further to help veterans compete for homes as they now, on occasion, will accept the new NPMA-33 report in lieu of a full termite report and clearance. This is a report from a licensed pest inspector that states there is no active infestation of any wood destroying insects, rodents or beavers. This allows the mortgage lender to close escrow without a section-one clearance. This also allows a veteran to buy a house with a couple thousand dollars worth of dry rot under
Back in the day, the veteran was not allowed to pay the escrow fee, and further back in the day the veteran could not pay more than the appraised value, which now is allowed if the buyer signs an acknowledgement.
Discrimination still exists in some higher-end markets because of ignorance and laziness. Some Realtors believe VA appraisers are stricter and more conservative than others, which is untrue, and some Realtors believe VA loan underwriting takes longer and is more picky than conventional. This could not be more false.
Sadly, occasionally the VA offer comes in second or third place among multiple offers when the VA buyer is the highest bid because of fear
This is also a great time to do my favorite curb appeal-boosting project: giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. It’s important to give extra attention to your front door, since it’s one of the first things your guests will see and interact with in your home. Make sure all your light fix tures around your front door are working and clean as well.
The condition of your driveway and walkways also says a lot about your home. Make sure your walkways are clean and free from algae that could cause people to slip when walking up to your home. If you don’t have any walkways in front of your home, this is a great time to add some. Even small projects like adding stepping stones can improve the look of your home. I also recommend bringing in a pro to fix major cracks in your driveway, which can help your
and ignorance.
Now don’t get me wrong folks, some Realtors and sellers will reject a VA offer because there are tons of critters eating the wood and the seller is unable or unwilling to kill the bugs, but I cannot emphasize enough to sellers and Realtors, a VA offer is just as safe and likely to close on time as any other type of buyer other than an allcash buyer.
The VA underwriting guidelines are substantially easier to meet than FHA or conventional and, holy cow Batwoman!, VA underwriting is dramatically more liberal and common sense than jumbo loans.
And finally, unlike 10 years ago, a veteran can now buy a $1.5 million home with zero down payment and again, jumbo conventional loans are hard to get and VA loans offer better rates.
Boosting your curb appeal can give guests and potential
first impression of your home.
home look more polished and well taken care of. Major driveway cracks tend to snowball and can require more expensive repairs over time, so it’s best to take care of them as soon as possible.
When boosting your curb appeal, small projects can make a big difference. Add some path lighting to make your home
more appealing at night, swap out your old address numbers for new versions and make sure your mailbox is in good condition. These little things can add up to make your home much more appealing over time.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.
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.
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REAL ESTATE
Solano County Listings: Homes, land for sale
LOTS & LAND
MOBILE/FLOATING
COMMERCIAL
From Page 4
Blt), Previous Sale $450,000 8-24-20
200 Porter Ct, $535,000
05-20-26, (4 bdrms - 2035 sqft - 1988 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $215,000 2-22-13
12 Bliss Ave, $497,000
05-21-26, (2 bdrms - 1538 sqft - 1947 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
14 Hiller Ct, $690,000
05-21-26, (4 bdrms - 2281 sqft - 1999 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $695,000 5-24-22
1405 Madrone Way, $675,000
05-22-26, (3 bdrms - 2037 sqft - 1964 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $740,000 3-10-22
110 Valle Vista Pl, $685,000
05-22-26, (3 bdrms - 2174 sqft - 1971 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
2015 Muller Dr, $750,000
05-22-26, (4 bdrms - 2739 sqft - 2015 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
ESPARTO
26830 Madiosn St, $385,000
05-15-26, (2-3 bdrms - 1057 sqft - 1955 Yr Blt), Previous Sale N/A
KNIGHTS LANDING
9888 S Oak Ave, $599,000
05-14-26, (3 bdrms - 1956 sqft - 1954 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $165,000 1-20-00
WINTERS
989 Carbahal St, $672,000
05-18-26, (3 bdrms - 1757 sqft - 2023 Yr Blt), Previous Sale $612,930 12-26-23
Solano
From Page 4
113 Derry Court - $635,500
03-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 1911 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-05-16, $475,000
124 Dover Way - $530,000
03-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 1544 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-15-98, $147,350
1950 Duxburry Lane #2 - $255,000
03-24-26 [2 Bdrms - 882 SqFt - 1972 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-23-02, $123,000
685 Elderberry Loop - $1,325,000
03-27-26 [5 Bdrms - 3871 SqFt - 2016 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-08-16, $670,000
325 Fieldstone Court - $820,000
03-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 2717 SqFt - 1995 YrBlt]
437 Jerrylee Road - $800,000
03-25-26 [4 Bdrms - 2323 SqFt - 2020 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-01-20, $624,000
456 Lovers Lane - $530,000
03-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 1490 SqFt - 1955 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-13-24, $379,500
2296 Marshall Road - $645,000
03-25-26 [4 Bdrms - 1792 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-23-18, $459,000
755 Oak Hollow Avenue - $685,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 2049 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-25-05, $570,000
719 Rambleton Drive - $862,000
03-27-26 [5 Bdrms - 2286 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-12-22, $855,000
2037 Shrike Court - $885,000
03-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 37 SqFt - 2023 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-08-23, $814,000
101 Silver Eagle Way - $750,000
03-23-26 [4 Bdrms - 2288 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-14-14, $375,000 597 Tipperary Drive - $580,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 1268 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-22-22, $610,000
VALLEJO
TOTAL SALES: 22
LOWEST AMOUNT: $316,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $680,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $498,250
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $497,955
8412 Bennington Court - $675,000
03-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 2051 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-09-22, $700,000
2908 Burnette Street - $585,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1360 SqFt - 1941 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-11-21, $460,000
1078 Calaveras Way - $680,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 1620 SqFt - 1939 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-01-21, $500,000
300 College Avenue - $450,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1104 SqFt - 1962 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-22-12, $105,000
147 Erin Drive - $488,000
03-27-26 [3 Bdrms - 1449 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-15-09, $155,000
818 Falcon Drive - $508,500
03-25-26 [3 Bdrms - 1256 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt]
1210 Florida Street - $520,000
03-23-26 [3 Bdrms - 1240 SqFt - 1917 YrBlt]
109 Laguna Street - $512,000
03-24-26 [4 Bdrms - 875 SqFt - 1944 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-04-06, $492,000
208 Los Gatos Avenue - $425,000
03-24-26 [4 Bdrms - 1100 SqFt - 1955 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-05-01, $224,500
216 Manhattan Drive - $553,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1258 SqFt - 1953 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-16-17, $375,000
116 Mississippi Street - $530,000
03-23-26 [4 Bdrms - 926 SqFt - 1912 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-21-17, $325,000
1511 Napa Street - $347,000
03-26-26 [2 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1918 YrBlt]
6235 Newhaven Lane - $642,500
03-25-26 [3 Bdrms - 1996 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-24-20, $512,000
717 Ohio Street - $375,000
03-24-26 [2 Bdrms - 884 SqFt - 1910 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-11-16, $249,000
318 Ohio Street - $316,000
03-27-26 [2 Bdrms - 918 SqFt - 1890 YrBlt]
137 Platt Court - $400,000
03-25-26 [3 Bdrms - 1264 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-14-01, $228,000
503 North Regatta Drive - $470,000
03-25-26 [4 Bdrms - 1430 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt] 15 Saint Francis Drive - $473,000
03-26-26 [2 Bdrms - 1182 SqFt - 1927 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-07-21, $492,000
331 Steffan Street - $470,000
03-27-26 [2 Bdrms - 1043 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-03-25, $335,000
108 Sunnyglen Drive - $600,000
03-24-26 [4 Bdrms - 1565 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-12-04, $375,000
201 Tamalpais Drive - $535,000
03-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 2048 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-21-16, $255,000
140 Tuolumne Street - $400,000
03-24-26 [4 Bdrms - 1352 SqFt - 1920 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-03-04, $280,000
Over the past two weeks: Active
Twenty-two new listings came on the market. Ten have already gone pending.
Median active price is $933,500 (average $1,023,910).
Closed
Sixteen listings closed escrow.
Median closed price $947,500 (average $1,010,726).
102 active properties on the market and 41 pending properties in Davis. For the full newsletter subscribe here: our visit our website below!
Five closings were cash, and the remainder were conventional financing.
