Home Seller: October 31, 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

ving Solano & Yolo Counties Sl &Y l Cti

ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE

When a ‘spite fence’ becomes a thorny issue

Q: I live on the outskirts of Fairfield in an older subdivision. We bought our home almost 20 years ago and picked this particular house because there are some really nice views out of our backyard, including overlooking parts of Fairfield and being able to see Mount Diablo.

Tim Jones

Last fall, an older fellow moved into the house directly behind ours. He brought with him about seven German shepherds that are in the backyard 24/7. They bark and fight all day and all night. This summer, we finally walked around the block and knocked on his door. When he answered we introduced ourselves and calmly discussed the noise problem, he shouted at us that it’s his house and he can do anything he wants. He then slammed the door. Well, we didn’t go back, but within a week he had some workers in his backyard building a 15-foot-high fence

You should understand that his house sits lower on the hill than ours does, so we can’t even see his roof from our yard. But since the fence is up on the property line, it completely blocks our views. We can live with the barking if we have to, but we don’t want to live without the view we’ve enjoyed for almost two decades. Is there anything we can do?

A: First, as to the dogs, there are a couple of things you can try.

Call the Police Department and ask to speak to someone in Code Compliance. It’s probable there is an ordinance against having that many big dogs since they can amount to both a health and safety risk. Next, you can certainly bring a lawsuit against the “gentleman” for the nuisance his dogs are causing, probably getting an affirmative injunction from the court requiring him to remove some or all of the animals.

As to the fence, there is a little-known law regarding something called “spite fences.”

See Jones, Page 4

What is an easement, and how do they work?

straightforward concepts, despite their

An easement is a common finding during a title search, the crucial step in the homebuying process that confirms the seller’s legal ownership of the property and uncovers any claims or restrictions tied to it.

But, while an easement is one such restriction – in that it gives someone other than the owner rights to use part of the land – it’s not necessarily a reason to walk away from the sale. Read on for everything you need to know about this potentially tricky real estate issue.

What is an easement?

An easement, by definition, grants another person, entity or business the legal right to access or use someone else’s property. It basically gives a nontitled party an interest in the property. The owner still has full ownership and rights to the land, but that’s limited by the rights of the easement holder, who has rights to use it for specific reasons.

Private easements can be drawn up between neighbors, for example, while public ones are typically between the property owner and a municipal agency

things like water service, sewer lines and drainage, as well as access to transportation routes. Easements may be above ground, below ground or both, and a single property may have more than one.

What are they used for?

While it might sound strange that someone else has legal rights to your private property, easements are not unusual. Many properties have easements in place, for example, so that utility companies can access their lines. In some subdivisions or urban areas where space is tight, an easement may be created for neighbors to share a driveway. In coastal areas, there may be an easement to allow others to use a stretch of beach that’s on private property, or a path to the beach that crosses the property. Easements can also allow for vehicular access to and from a public road.

Common easement types

Here are a few of the most common types of easements. Don’t let the legalese confuse you – these are fairly

•Easement appurtenant: “Appurtenant” is a legal term that basically means accompanied by something else. In this case, the easement is legally tied to the property. This scenario is permanent – an easement appurtenant stays with the property regardless of ownership and transfers to any new owner along with the title.

•Easement in gross: Think of an easement in gross as a permission slip you grant to allow use of your property. It belongs to the individual or entity it’s granted to, allowing them to use the property in a specific way. Common examples include utility company access to power lines or a neighbor’s right to fish in your pond.

•Easement by prescription: An easement by prescription, or prescriptive easement, happens when an outside party uses the property openly but without formal permission, for so long that the usage actually becomes legal. Examples include a neighbor’s fence built over the property line or regular foot traffic across the land.

See Easement, Page 9

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ANGI

How can I prepare my home for HOLIDAY GATHERINGS?

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Between shopping, cooking and corralling the kids for that perfect family photo, it’s easy to let the small but important details slip through the cracks.

Preparing your home for holiday gather ings isn’t just about sprucing things up, but rather making sure you’ve covered the bases so you can enjoy the season with less stress and more good cheer.

Start with your décor. Before you go full-on Clark Griswold with the lights, take stock of what you already have. Pull out all the bins, untangle the light strands and give everything a once-over. Toss or donate anything that’s broken or past its prime, and make a shopping list before you head out. A quick refresh on linens and a holiday playlist can go a long way toward setting the right mood, and if you’re pressed for time, a local organizer can help you whip your seasonal stash into shape.

in a while. If the thought of deepcleaning the whole house before guests arrive fills you with dread, hiring a local cleaning service may be the best gift you give yourself this year.

Once the decorations are sorted, it’s time to tackle the clutter. The holiday season doubles as a perfect excuse to clear out the extra stuff you don’t need. Set up bins to sort into keep, toss and donate piles, and work through the house room by room. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, guest areas and entryways, since these are the spaces most people will see.

Scrub bathrooms, vacuum the living room and give the kitchen a good once-over, including appliances you haven’t cleaned

Next, think about the table. Most households have enough dishes, cutlery and glasses for everyday life, but the holidays tend to bring a bigger crowd. Take stock early. Polish the silver, wash the fancy drinkware, and pull out enough chairs for your guest list (plus a few extras for surprise visitors). If you’re short on place settings, it’s better to borrow or buy now rather than scramble on the day of.

Your kitchen and pantry deserve a checkup before the festivities. Few things put a damper on baking day like realizing you’re out of sugar halfway through. Check expiration

dates on spices, baking supplies and canned goods. Stock up on staples like coffee, chips and beverages. Take the opportunity to purge freezer-burned or forgotten items to make room for the turkey, ham or roasts you’ve ordered ahead. While you’re at it, wipe down the microwave, clean the oven, and restock parchment paper, foil and plastic wrap.

Don’t overlook security in your prep list. Make sure doors and windows are in good condition, locks work properly and outdoor lighting is functional. If you’re expecting packages, plan to be home when they arrive or consider a smart doorbell to keep an eye on deliveries. A little attention now can prevent unwanted surprises later.

If your holiday plans involve overnight guests, now’s the time to get those rooms in shape.

Fresh linens on the bed, a tidy guest bathroom stocked with towels and toiletries, and a quick check-in on any dietary or pet allergies will help your guests feel comfortable.

Then, prepare for the influx of coats, boots and winter gear that comes with colder weather. Instead of piling everything on a bed, set aside space for outerwear. Hooks, coat racks, boot trays and mats can keep messes contained. A basket of holiday slippers or socks is a charming touch that also keeps floors clean.

Finally, don’t forget about warmth. Cold weather is part of the holiday backdrop, but your guests should feel cozy. Change HVAC filters, test the fireplace, and make sure guest room vents are open. Stock up on wood or pellets if you burn them, and add throw blankets around the

thinking about fire, check your fire extinguishers and take a few minutes to go over your family’s escape plan, just in case.

Preparing your home for holiday gatherings is less about creating the picture-perfect scene and more about creating an environment where people can relax and enjoy themselves. With a little advance planning, you’ll be ready to open your doors with confidence. And once the guests arrive, you can focus less on what you forgot and more on making the kind of holiday memories people will talk about for years.

Angie Hicks

ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS

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: 6

LOWEST AMOUNT: $570,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,100,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $822,500

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $843,333

26 Corte Del Sol - $670,000

09-12-25 [3 Bdrms - 1092 SqFt - 1943 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-12-19, $510,000

479 Jasper Court - $1,075,000

09-08-25 [5 Bdrms - 2763 SqFt - 1998

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-13-07, $730,000

315 East K Street - $570,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 820 SqFt - 1890 YrBlt]

594 Morning Glory Drive - $895,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 1964 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt]

427 Sage Court - $750,000

09-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1602 SqFt - 1983

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-28-15, $485,000

300 Saint Augustine Court - $1,100,000

09-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 2988 SqFt - 1997

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-04-97, $385,000

DIXON

TOTAL SALES: 5

LOWEST AMOUNT: $512,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $835,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $725,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $694,200

1540 Blossom Way - $799,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 2404 SqFt - 2021

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-17-21, $719,000 965 Griffith Drive - $835,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 3013 SqFt - 2004

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-20-23, $780,000 1085 Legion Court - $725,000

09-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 2713 SqFt - 2019

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-03-19, $530,000 550 Rossi Drive - $512,000

09-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1488 SqFt - 1980

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-19-15, $299,000 1080 St Olaf Court - $600,000

09-12-25 [3 Bdrms - 1960 SqFt - 2020

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-22-23, $560,000

FAIRFIELD

TOTAL SALES: 15

LOWEST AMOUNT: $495,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $2,100,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $550,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $796,867

796 Antiquity Drive - $1,080,000

09-11-25 [5 Bdrms - 3547 SqFt - 1999

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-12-21, $984,000

942 Appleridge Place - $1,556,000

09-09-25 [7 Bdrms - 5196 SqFt - 2001

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-13-21, $1,350,000

4717 Black Oak Court - $818,000

09-09-25 [4 Bdrms - 2626 SqFt - 2015

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-24-15, $531,500

715 Bridle Ridge Drive - $2,100,000

09-11-25 [5 Bdrms - 5119 SqFt - 2016

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-13-17, $1,450,000

2246 Carver Place - $510,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 1696 SqFt - 1973

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-15-18, $405,000 1726 Gershwin Circle - $519,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1438 SqFt - 1976

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-18-20, $408,000

313 Lily Street - $515,000

09-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1646 SqFt - 1966

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-22-04, $355,000

2173 Madrone Drive - $665,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 2320 SqFt - 1977

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-08-07, $395,000

1177 Mahogany Court - $550,000

09-10-25 [4 Bdrms - 2569 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-06-25, $475,000

2154 Montclair Court - $500,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1442 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt]

4941 Paramount Way - $855,000

09-10-25 [4 Bdrms - 2755 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-12-13, $475,000

3094 Pecan Circle - $495,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 1947 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt]

2170 Pomona Place - $550,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1624 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt]

5234 Ralph Moore Lane - $720,000

09-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 2430 SqFt - 2013 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-29-13, $422,000

2268 Santa Clara Drive - $520,000

09-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1439 SqFt - 1968 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-13-25, $357,000

RIO VISTA

TOTAL SALES: 2

LOWEST AMOUNT: $515,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $525,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $520,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $520,000

506 Quail Walk Way - $525,000

09-09-25 [2 Bdrms - 2567 SqFt - 2004

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-22-25, $520,500

421 Redmont - $515,000

09-11-25 [2 Bdrms - 2402 SqFt - 2008

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-07-09, $350,500

SUISUN CITY

TOTAL SALES: 6

LOWEST AMOUNT: $386,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $535,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $477,500

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $466,000

800 Gazebo Court - $535,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1542 SqFt - 1990

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-24-17, $385,000

908 Hidden Cove Way - $515,000

09-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1090 SqFt - 1988

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-12-25, $403,000

823 Lotz Way - $475,000

09-11-25 [2 Bdrms - 1013 SqFt - 1994

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-18-20, $432,000

910 Pintail Drive - $386,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 1544 SqFt - 1985

YrBlt]

216 Walnut Street - $480,000

09-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1160 SqFt - 1973

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-21-19, $300,000 565 East Wigeon Way - $405,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1678 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt]

VACAVILLE

TOTAL SALES: 13

LOWEST AMOUNT: $405,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $849,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $528,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $550,462

357 Acacia Street - $528,000

09-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1952

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-18-20, $407,000 1296 Balsam Way - $405,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1008 SqFt - 1971

YrBlt]

184 Carlsbad Circle - $425,000

09-12-25 [2 Bdrms - 1008 SqFt - 1972

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-12-23, $400,000 1030 Champion Place - $705,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 2042 SqFt - 2004

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-13-20, $645,000

344 Clarescastle Way - $450,000

09-12-25 [3 Bdrms - 1573 SqFt - 1987

YrBlt]

972 Day Lilly Drive - $849,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 2970 SqFt - 2019

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-20-22, $855,000

410 Grandview Drive - $500,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1846 SqFt - 1979

YrBlt]

579 Gregory Drive - $555,000

09-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1576 SqFt - 1979

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-29-22, $611,000

459 Meadowview Drive - $525,000

09-10-25 [5 Bdrms - 2558 SqFt - 1966

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-05-01, $360,000

512 Oakmeadow Court - $495,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1993 SqFt - 1988

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-13-02, $295,000

106 Sausalito Court - $535,000

09-09-25 [4 Bdrms - 1276 SqFt - 1987

YrBlt]

426 Tilden Circle - $639,000

09-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 2237 SqFt - 2007

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-25-16, $440,000

631 Whitney Court - $545,000

09-12-25 [2 Bdrms - 1680 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-14-16, $369,000

VALLEJO

TOTAL SALES: 25

LOWEST AMOUNT: $268,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,100,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $550,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $598,660

337 Alhambra Avenue - $428,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 875 SqFt - 1944 YrBlt]

1219 Amador Street - $620,000

09-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1889 SqFt - 1940 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-26-21, $550,000

210 B Street - $533,000

09-08-25 [2 Bdrms - 1008 SqFt - 1924 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-02-23, $600,000

752 Basalt Drive - $351,000

09-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 1978 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-12-11, $154,000 790 Britannia Drive - $620,000

09-12-25 [3 Bdrms - 1545 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-28-20, $525,000

400 Cabrillo Avenue - $500,000

09-12-25 [3 Bdrms - 1987 SqFt - 1955 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-01-15, $234,500 8004 Carlisle Way - $676,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 2350 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-04-17, $515,000 527 Daniels Avenue - $335,000

09-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 1702 SqFt - 2003 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-23-13, $115,000 117 Dawson Place - $540,000

09-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1180 SqFt - 1982 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-13-16, $315,000 110 El Camino Real - $1,100,000 09-09-25 [5 Bdrms - 3592 SqFt - 1938 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-06-17, $635,000 1466 Gateway Drive - $490,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1774 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1991, $187,000 7409 Imperial Court - $550,000

09-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1713 SqFt - 2001

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-14-16, $355,000 5408 La Salle Way - $720,000

09-09-25 [4 Bdrms - 1857 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-26-21, $650,000

413 Lighthouse Drive - $268,000

09-12-25 [2 Bdrms - 840 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-04-16, $150,000 1032 Mariposa Street - $662,500

09-12-25 [3 Bdrms - 2662 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt]

171 Nautical Court - $344,000

09-09-25 [2 Bdrms - 848 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-12-25, $325,000 721 New Bedford Court - $630,000

09-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1516 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-01-16, $399,000 2820 Olivewood Lane - $685,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 2518 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-10-10, $365,000

144 Rounds Street - $480,000

09-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1170 SqFt - 1959 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-24-25, $350,000 1358 Swainson Court - $970,000

09-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 3134 SqFt - 2002

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-01-03, $780,000

124 Thacker Court - $774,000

09-08-25 [5 Bdrms - 2699 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt]

135 Toyon Drive - $535,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1557 SqFt - 1951 YrBlt]

724 Valle Vista Avenue - $605,000

09-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1750 SqFt - 1939

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-20-20, $585,000 1607 Vervais Avenue - $550,000

09-09-25 [4 Bdrms - 2352 SqFt - 1965 YrBlt]

1240 Wildwing Lane - $1,000,000

09-12-25 [4 Bdrms - 3612 SqFt - 2003

YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-18-09, $431,000

From Page 2

Spite fences are just what they sound like, a fence that is built for the primary purpose of upsetting your neighbor.

The California Civil Code defines a spite fence as a “fence or other structure in the nature of a fence unnecessarily exceeding 10 feet in height maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owner or occupant of adjoining property.”

That sounds exactly like what you’re talking about, though court decisions have even determined that shrubs and trees can amount to a spite fence if they are planted along a property line with bad intent.

However, don’t call the police to enforce the Civil Code.

This section of the law gives you, as the neighbor, the right to bring a lawsuit against the guy for creating a private nuisance. Of course, if you’re going to bring that lawsuit anyway, you are going to throw in the allegations regarding the dogs barking as well.

You may also find that the city has an ordinance limiting the height of residential fences. This is another issue you can take up with the Code Compliance folks. The bottom line is there are things you can do. Unfortunately, it will probably take more than a phone call. You’ll likely have to go through the time and expense of suing the guy.

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 contact him at AllThingsRealEstate@ TJones-Law.com.

t is spring in Australia and New Zealand and looks like it in Columbus, Georgia, thanks to a little planting in early September. One plant that is catching my eye every day is the award-winning Superbena Royale Plum Wine verbena. The last time I gave this plant any press was when magenta was the Pantone Color of the Year. It is a color that commands attention.

Superbena Royale Plum Wine is strong enough to stand on its own, but acts like one of the crown jewels in mixed container and basket recipes. Your first inclination may be to combine it with shades of pink or white like the Pinwheels recipe that has Supertunia Lovie Dovie and Whirlwind White scaevola.

Perhaps you want to go a little bolder with the Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow and Supertunia Bordeaux with the Proven Winners recipe called New Orleans.

But Proven Winners has another shocking, gaudy and wonderful recipe featuring Superbena Royale Plum Wine verbena. Superbells Double Yellow calibrachoa and Sunsatia Blood Orange nemesia. It was this recipe that told me there is indeed something special about the magenta color and of Superbena Royale Plum Wine and orange. Hence, this fall I planted it with Luscious Marmalade lantana.

Bingo!

I have also added Supertunia Vista Jazzberry and Supertunia Mini Vista Ultramarine petunias. It indeed is like a fall garden

flowerfest of color.

Another mix I am trying is Superbena Royale Plum Wine verbena with Superbena Peachy Keen Verbena that has an orange stage, and the hot new Supertunia Vista Cool Jazz petunia that to me is a light lavender blue. I love it!

Superbena Royale Plum Wine has a mounding habit and reaches 12 inches tall with a 24-inch spread, hence the “Royale” designation. Superbena Cobalt as a comparison gets the same 12 inches in height with a wider 30-inch spread. There are two more “Royale” varieties,

Superbena Royale Romance and Superbena Royale Iced Cherry.

The Superbena Verbena series needs plenty of sun. Oddly I am entering the time of the year that I have the most sun. I have trees overhead, and now the angle of the sun is perfect, and the trees protect during radiative freezes.

Verbenas like the Superbenas do best in fertile well-drained soil. I say that a lot in these columns, meaning that if you have tight compact clay or sand, you have a little work to do. This is where the raised bed

NORMAN WINTER/TNS PHOTOS

How much home can I afford?

METRO

By the third quarter of 2025, the tide seemingly began to turn in regard to a housing market that had been marked by limited inventory since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. According to market indicators from Redfin, the National Association of Realtors and Homes for Heroes, by the summer of 2025 things began to shift in regard to inventory (9.4% increase year-over-year). Prices also began to level off, as the median existing home price in the United States was $435,300 in June 2025, which marked a 2% increase from the previous year. Price reductions also became more common compared to 2024, signalling a cooldown in some segments. Although affordability concerns still persist, many people may finally be ready to enter the home-buying arena. When doing so, it’s essential prospective home buyers recognize how much they can comfortably

How to introduce contemporary design in a bathroom remodel, within budget

Fspend on a home. Most experts suggest buyers combine lender affordability guidelines with an assessment of one’s personal budget. These factors can help individuals determine a reliable budget when shopping for homes.

• Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders use various parameters to identify a borrower’s creditworthiness. That includes figuring out a person’s debt-toincome ratio (DTI). Wells Fargo says DTI can be calculated by adding up all of a person’s monthly debt payments and dividing them by gross monthly income. That number is multiplied by 100 to get a percentage. The lower the DTI, the less risky one is to lenders.

• The 28/36 rule: Part of the DTI equation may include the 28/36 rule utilized by many mortgage lenders. This is a standard guideline that can help one see if it’s possible to afford a home loan. The 28% is allotted housing costs. The monthly

See Afford, Page 9

or years, bathroom design was defined by straight lines, sharp corners and a sense of heavy minimalism. The 2010s were all about clean chrome fixtures, glossy tiles and match-everything finishes. But like all trends, the pendulum is swinging back. Today, we’re seeing softer curves inspired by mid-century design, tactile textures that add depth to flat surfaces and finishes that don’t need to match perfectly to feel cohesive. The bathroom space itself is also shifting from utilitarian to something reminiscent of a personal retreat. With so much changing, the big question becomes: How do you bring these contemporary touches into a remodel in a way that feels fresh, functional and most importantly, within budget?

Shape: The rise of curves

Today, straight, rigid lines are giving way to softer, more organic shapes. Arched mirrors, rounded shower openings and curved vanities are showing up everywhere, immediately making any bath space feel more inviting and full of character. With curved designs becoming a go-to choice, faucet fixtures are one of the easiest ways to experiment and introduce this trend. The new Ezra Curve Spout Expansion from Peerless Faucet, for example, includes a curved, arched spout and clean handle design that strikes the perfect balance between modern edge and approachability.

Finish: Mixing metals with intention

The “everything must match” rule is officially out. Today, mixing metals is not only acceptable, but recommended. If you’re reno-

vating a bath space with limited resources or maybe can’t decide between metal finished accents, this design trend is for you. Matte black faucets can ground a space –making all the difference when paired with a brushed nickel or charming bronze finished mirror, for example. The trick is choosing one finish as your anchor and layering the others as accents to give you a collected and curated feel.

Function: Wellness and performance

For any bathroom remodel, it’s important to keep in mind that design conversations aren’t just about looks anymore; performance and responsibility are now part of the package. Wet rooms and spa-style showers are redefining what a bathroom can be, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. Using simple upgrades like a rainfall showerhead, frameless glass panels or budget-friendly waterproof wall panels can create that spa-like feel without a full gut renovation. Accessibility is also increasingly important, especially as about

75% of adults over 50 want to stay in their current homes or communities as long as possible. Features like ADA-friendly handles ensure the bathroom works for everyone, both now and in the future. For this, the latest Peerless Precept Bathroom + ADA expansion fits perfectly. It offers functionally designed options that combine style, ease of use and efficient performance.

A contemporary blueprint

Bathrooms today are about balance: Curved lines soften bold textures, mixed finishes create layers of personality and efficient fixtures deliver performance and functionality without compromising style. Taking inspiration from current bathroom remodel trends makes it easier than ever to recreate a space that feels contemporary and thoughtfully designed without requiring a large investment. By embracing these trends and crowdsourcing the right fixtures and/or products, bathroom remodels can achieve the ideal combination of contemporary appeal, lasting value and affordability.

REAL ESTATE

Easement

From Page 2

Buying a property with an easement

If an easement is found during a title search, it’s not necessarily a red flag that means you should walk away from the deal. But it can impose restrictions on how a property is used, or what kinds of improvements can be made, so it’s important to make sure you fully understand the restrictions before you buy. It’s smart to consult with a real estate attorney on these issues.

Here are a few factors to keep an eye on if you’re thinking of buying a home with an easement in place:

•Legal considerations : Trouble generally only arises if the easement wasn’t created properly or when it affects access to the home. The latter situation usually involves shared private roads – specifically, who is responsible for ensuring main-

tenance of the road. Sometimes, a mortgage lender will require that there be a permanent, recorded easement in place; some require a clear road maintenance agreement. If it’s not done correctly, a lender might deny your loan.

•Enjoyment of property: The bigger concern for homebuyers, typically, is how easements can affect your enjoyment of the home – or your relationships with your neighbors. Some easements can affect what you can do on your land. For example, if a previous owner granted a solar easement to a neighbor, you may not be able to build structures, plant trees or create features that could block your neighbor’s sunlight. If you’re in a picturesque location, a neighbor may have a scenic easement to protect their view, preventing you from making any changes or additions that could block that view.

•Home improvements: There may be implications if you plan to renovate, as well. If you’re buying an older home, for instance, there could be a historic-preservation easement that stipulates what

changes, if any, you’re permitted make. And if you’re buying within a homeowners association, be sure to read your HOA’s rules very carefully – there may be easements in place that govern whether you can do things like add a patio or install a fence.

How to create an easement

Typically, an easement can be created in one of three ways:

•The most common is an express easement. This is when two parties agree on the easement, then create and sign a legal document outlining the specifics. Again, you’ll want an attorney’s help with this.

•An implied easement is more casual. Here, both parties agree to some form of commonsense usage, but it’s not written down. (Legally speaking, a formal express easement is likely a better idea.)

•An easement by necessity is created when one party has no choice but to use another’s property. For example, if you’re in a small subdivision on

a private road that’s technically the driveway of the first home in the development, and you need to use that road to access your own home.

How to remove an existing one

Ending an easement that’s already in place, however, can be tricky. Some are easier to remove than others, particularly if they come with a preset expiration date.

A residential property’s easement in gross, granted to an individual, can’t be voided until that individual passes away or formally agrees that it is no longer needed. If the easement was in place when you bought the property, termination may require a court order.

Appurtenant and prescriptive easements can be ended by formal written agreement with the other party. Whether or not the other party will be agreeable, however, is another issue – you may be met with a handshake, or with a court date.

Afford

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housing expenses (principal, interest, taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance, and homeowners association fees) should be no more than 28% of one’s gross monthly income. One’s total monthly debt payments, including housing, car, loans, student loans, and credit cards, should be no more than 36% of the gross monthly income.

So if a prospective home buyer earns $10,000 per month, or $120,000 per year, the housing costs should not exceed $2,800. Total debt payments, including housing, should not exceed $3,600 per month.

Personal budget considerations: Lenders may

Bottom line

An easement is essentially a legal right for one party to use another person’s land for a specific purpose. Many types are common and shouldn’t automatically be considered deal-breakers for homebuyers. However, they can be complicated, and easements that are poorly drawn or unclear can quickly become a nightmare. Before you commit to a purchase, be sure to have any easements carefully reviewed by a real estate attorney.

Key takeaways

•An easement is a legal right to use part of someone else’s property for a specific purpose, such as a shared driveway or utility access.

•Easements are typically documented in property records and often remain in place even if the property changes owners.

•Easements can be created voluntarily, required by law or established through documented long-term use.

allow borrowers to borrow a certain amount of money, and buyers then go out and spend that much on a home. But to avoid living paycheck to paycheck and having all of one’s money go toward a home, it is best to account for personal spending habits and savings goals. It’s important to have an emergency funds account to pay for unexpected things like home repairs, or to account for instances when income may decline. Ongoing costs to manage the home also merit consideration, as do utilities and future renovations.

• Income-to-home price ratio: Some people abide by another general guideline to shop for a home that costs no more than three to five times their annual household income. That means with an annual income of $100,000, one should aim for a home priced between

$300,000 and $500,000. The specific range will also depend on a person’s existing debt.

• Interest rates and other factors: The interest rate on home mortgages as well as down payment also must be considered. Resources like Bankrate and Zillow provide home affordability calculators that will factor in interest rates, terms of a loan, down payment, and property taxes. Buying a home when interest rates are high means spending more over the life of the loan. Also, how much one puts toward a down payment has a big impact. Aiming for 20% means avoiding paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

There is no fail-safe way to determine how much home you can afford. Many factors are in play and are exclusive to buyers in the market for a new home.