Light up your living space WITH THESE BRIGHT, TRENDY SOLUTIONS
TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY
Agloomy, cloudy day makes you suddenly realize your home may be lacking in lighting.
Whether your home is 100 years old or a brand-new build, we often aren’t using enough lighting. According to Kellie Burke of Kellie Burke Interiors, lighting is not just crucial, but critical in your home.
“During new construction, the majority of people do whatever the architect or builder suggests, which is typically random canned lighting or flush mounts,” Burke said. “Gone are the days to just plop in recessed lights.”
The opportunities and types of lights available have expanded exponentially over time during the explosion of LED bulbs. Since they run cooler than the old fluorescent bulbs, lights can be used anywhere in the home.
“It’s all about how you want to feel in the space,” Burke said. “You can use a bright, white color in the space or use dimmers to make a room moodier.”
LED bulbs come in all kinds of colors and temperatures from cool, medium and dark to daylight white or warmer white or more of an orange tinge.
Light it up
One of the biggest things Burke sees people do wrong is not using dimmers.
“Use lamps in different sizes, shapes and get dimmers,” she said. “You can get ones with an on/off switch with extension cord with a dimmer. On a gloomy day, you can make the room much more bold. In the evening when entertaining, you can set it as a low mood rather than a bright, tasking feel.”
To change up an existing light,
The opportunities and types of lights available have expanded exponentially over time during the explosion of LED bulbs.
Burke suggests homeowners retrofit cans to get better lighting in an area. She also said don’t be scared of recessed lighting.
“People used to hate the dots in the ceiling,” she said. “They are much more streamlined now and profiled. Recessed lighting is imperative.”
Beside the typical recessed lighting, there are now longer, more linear LED lights to run under cabinets or as up lighting along floors or kitchen toe kicks.
One chandelier in a room isn’t
enough, Burke said.
“Use some directional lights to hit artwork or specialty cabinets or any types of drapery or dark areas,” she said. “If you take art off the gallery wall, it loses its passion. It needs to be lit to be illuminated properly. Think of a theater and what needs to be lit to get that wow pow factor.”
When looking at a room, Burke suggests starting from the base up and working your way out when considering what needs light.
“Use hanging fixtures and
sconces as mood lighting. These aren’t tech lighting. It’s the jewelry of the home and the little accent at the end,” she said. “If you aren’t doing construction, the more lamps the merrier.”
If you have dead corners that are dark in a room, she suggests thinking of interesting ways to light it up, whether that be up lights hidden behind a sofa or chair, lighting up a plant or a lamp on a table next to a sofa.
“Large lamps are my jam, they are very dramatic,” Burke said.
“I love taller lamps too when you can see through them. You can put a big, bulky lamp in a corner on a table with a sheer, light shade so the illumination can go through the whole lamp rather than just at the bottom.”
Sconces are a tool many homeowners forget about.
“You can get plug in sconces so you don’t need an electrician. They can come in brass or chrome finished covers,” she said.
See Light, Page 4
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Holding title as community property, right of survivorship
Q: I have a question regard ing changing the method of holding title on real estate. Here’s a bit of background and an experience that my husband and I had when we refinanced our home a couple of years ago. For several years (since 2001 I think), married couples in Cal ifornia have been able to hold title as “community property with right of survivorship.” It is my understanding that the main benefit of this way of holding title this way is that the survi vor is allowed a full step up for tax purposes while assuring that the surviving spouse will inherit the property.
Unfortunately, many Real tors, lenders and title/escrow company personnel are unaware of this method of holding title. That was our experience when we refinanced our home. Although we filled out the loan documents indicating that we wanted to hold title as “community property with right of survivorship,” when we arrived to sign the papers we found that the escrow company had prepared them with title as “joint tenancy with right of survivorship.” A lively discussion about appropriate and allowable methods of holding title to real estate in California ensued (and, in my opinion, some incorrect legal advice rendered by a nonattorney). The escrow company representative produced an internally prepared listing of available options for holding title. Community property with right of survivorship wasn’t on the list. Even though it wasn’t what we wanted, we signed the loan documents and figured we’d clean it up later ourselves.
I recently read an article that noted that many others have had experiences similar to ours. I was reminded that we never corrected the title as we intended, and I have no idea
can manage, or is it better left tothing we can do, how is it done?
Please set me straight if my
expect your average Realtor to know all the intricacies of how to hold title, it’s not really part of their job. But I’m absolutely floored that in 2025 an escrow officer would not understand the ability of a married couple to hold real estate as community property with right of survivorship. In the California real estate world, the creation of this method of holding title was revolutionary considering that historic methods of holding title hadn’t changed for something like 100 years or more.
For the benefit of other readers, let’s backtrack for a moment.
Whenever more than one person comes into ownership of a piece of real estate, they have to take title in one of several legally recognized manners.
For example, historically, married couples took title as community property. This meant that the real estate was treated in the same way as all other community property, such as the cars, furniture, etc. When a spouse died, the rules of community property controlled the disposition of the dead spouse’s interest.
If a couple of investors purchased a property they would
typically hold title as tenants in common, meaning each investor had a certain fractional ownership interest depending upon how much money they each contributed to the purchase. If an investor died, whoever inherited the rest of his stuff got his interest in the house.
An ancient way of holding title between any two or more people was as joint tenants. Simply put, if a joint tenant died, the remaining tenants automatically split up the dead guy’s interest. And that still exists. No probate or court action necessary.
But then came gift and capital gains taxes.
The complexity of these is way beyond the scope of this column. But suffice it to say that there are potentially serious tax consequences stemming from the way title to property is held when an owner dies.
The California legislature fixed a problem that existed when a spouse died and the other spouse inherited by combining community property tax benefits with the right to immediately inherit the property.
Holding title as community property with right of survi-
vorship simply solved some tax and administrative problems and is fully recognized by California law.
To answer your question specifically, changing the method of holding title is easy.
You can get a form grant deed online or from an office supply store and simply grant ownership from “you and your husband,” to “you and your husband as community property with right of survivorship.” Have your signatures notarized. Then fill out a form known as a PCOR that can be downloaded from your county’s website. Fill out that form and bring it with you when you record the new deed at your county’s Recorder’s Office. The deed transfers your method
of ownership and the PCOR keeps the house from being reassessed for taxes. That’s it.
Or, you can go to a legal form preparation company or an attorney and pay to have them do it for you.
For everyone else’s benefit, I advise anyone who is acquiring property to talk to their tax adviser, and perhaps their estate planning attorney, before deciding which method of holding title is best for you.
Tim Jones, Esq., is a real estate attorney in Fairfield. If you have any real estate questions you would like to have answered in this column, you can send an email to AllThingsRealEstate@ TJones-Law.com.
Tim Jones
Solano real estate transactions
BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 5
LOWEST AMOUNT: $465,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,300,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $850,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $787,000
347 Blanchard Lane - $465,000
07-25-25 [2 Bdrms - 939 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-18-19, $319,000
471 Camellia Court - $855,000
07-21-25 [4 Bdrms - 1814 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-15-23, $835,000
632 East K Street - $850,000
07-25-25 [2 Bdrms - 1433 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-02-15, $456,000
520 Lansing Circle - $1,300,000
07-22-25 [5 Bdrms - 4233 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-03-21, $1,300,000
125 Sunset Circle #45 - $465,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1197 SqFt - 1972 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-13-20, $385,000
DIXON
TOTAL SALES: 5
LOWEST AMOUNT: $510,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $770,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $585,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $632,000
1220 Bello Drive - $585,000
07-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1808 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-23-14, $350,000 805 Bounds Drive - $585,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 1389 SqFt - 1995 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-21-16, $350,000 250 Carpenter Court - $710,000
07-21-25 [5 Bdrms - 2432 SqFt - 1991 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-18-02, $310,000 1175 Columbia Drive - $770,000
07-21-25 [5 Bdrms - 2802 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-01-17, $498,000
695 Fountain Way - $510,000
07-21-25 [4 Bdrms - 2044 SqFt - 1995 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-11-20, $510,000
FAIRFIELD
TOTAL SALES: 11
LOWEST AMOUNT: $387,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,075,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $517,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $568,455
900 5th Street - $465,000
07-22-25 [2 Bdrms - 1104 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-16-14, $170,000
391 Atlantic Avenue - $517,000
07-25-25 [5 Bdrms - 2309 SqFt - 1967 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-13-04, $455,000
1606 Chamberlain Drive - $489,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1692 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-28-14, $235,000
420 Crofters Court - $510,000
07-23-25 [4 Bdrms - 1596 SqFt - 1975 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-21-05, $95,000
1336 Crowley Lane - $387,000
07-21-25 [2 Bdrms - 696 SqFt - 1955 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-17-20, $190,000 2467 Flatley Circle - $660,000
07-23-25 [5 Bdrms - 2582 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-10-10, $309,000 668 Jade Way - $625,000
07-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 2101 SqFt - 2018 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-02-18, $581,000
2913 Lakefront Court - $1,075,000
07-23-25 [4 Bdrms - 3252 SqFt - 2002 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-13-02, $497,162 5099 Lakeshore Drive - $545,000
07-23-25 [2 Bdrms - 1072 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-24-23, $520,000
1673 Newburgh Drive - $580,000
07-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 1926 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt]
490 Pear Tree Lane - $400,000
07-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1248 SqFt - 1963 YrBlt]
RIO VISTA
TOTAL SALES: 4
LOWEST AMOUNT: $315,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $534,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $445,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $434,750
13 Arrowhead Court - $435,000
07-23-25 [2 Bdrms - 1657 SqFt - 1998 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-04-17, $360,000 177 Heatherwood Lane - $455,000
07-23-25 [2 Bdrms - 1837 SqFt - 2015 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-13-15, $300,000
830 Morgan Lane - $315,000
07-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1416 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-17-25, $280,000
762 Rubier Way - $534,000
07-22-25 [4 Bdrms - 1617 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-12-22, $535,000
SUISUN CITY
TOTAL SALES: 10
LOWEST AMOUNT: $350,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $635,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $557,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $530,500
404 Avalon Way - $610,000
07-21-25 [5 Bdrms - 1770 SqFt - 1975 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-23-25, $425,000
350 Bartlett Court - $560,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 1542 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-13-08, $230,000
407 Craven Drive - $560,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1492 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 00/1990, $156,000
404 Mellowood Court - $505,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 1763 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-16-13, $165,000
728 Monte Carlo Drive - $605,000
07-21-25 [4 Bdrms - 1775 SqFt - 1991 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-17-12, $209,000
1312 Phillip Way - $350,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1196 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-07-25, $270,000
1027 Pintail Drive - $510,000
07-22-25 [4 Bdrms - 1544 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-16-04, $349,000
1420 Plumas Drive - $635,000
07-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 1934 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt]
338 Ridgecrest Circle - $415,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1427 SqFt - 1991 YrBlt],
These are the local homes sold recently, provided by California Resource of Lodi. The company can be reached at 209.365.6663.
Previous Sale: 00/1991, $144,000
733 Whispering Bay Lane - $555,000
07-21-25 [4 Bdrms - 1581 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-12-18, $412,000
VACAVILLE
TOTAL SALES: 19
LOWEST AMOUNT: $78,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,000,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $530,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $562,026
361 Alamo Drive - $500,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1821 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt]
1049 Amber Ridge Lane - $600,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 2291 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-02-10, $270,000
2012 Brustin Court - $500,000
07-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1130 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-30-14, $300,100
169 Bryce Way - $430,000
07-22-25 [2 Bdrms - 1292 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-11-22, $465,000
821 Cosmos Drive - $78,000
07-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 2661 SqFt - 2022 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-24-23, $688,500
319 Creekview Court - $430,000
07-21-25 [2 Bdrms - 1124 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-09-16, $249,000
901 Dunerose Court - $1,000,000
07-22-25 [4 Bdrms - 4054 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt]
490 Edgewood Drive #22 - $342,500
07-23-25 [2 Bdrms - 1224 SqFt - 1968 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-01-13, $112,000
755 Hydrangea Drive - $720,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 2424 SqFt - 2022 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-18-21, $705,000
131 Longford Lane - $530,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1324 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-15-22, $545,000
2277 Newcastle Drive - $660,000
07-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 2310 SqFt - 2011 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-14-16, $468,000
148 Olympic Circle - $460,000
07-25-25 [2 Bdrms - 1074 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-10-21, $440,000
1864 Quail Meadows Circle - $520,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1095 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-12-04, $320,000
136 Revere Court - $565,000
07-24-25 [4 Bdrms - 1665 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt]
320 Saybrook Avenue - $640,000
07-22-25 [4 Bdrms - 1859 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt]
825 Summerbreeze Drive - $795,000
07-24-25 [5 Bdrms - 4084 SqFt - 1998 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-04-20, $699,000
1060 Swan River Court - $795,000
07-22-25 [4 Bdrms - 2286 SqFt - 2007 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-04-25, $590,000
917 Turquoise Street - $438,000
07-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 2291 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt]
581 Werner Way - $675,000
07-23-25 [4 Bdrms - 1841 SqFt - 1972 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-23-04, $475,000
LOWEST AMOUNT: $275,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $2,130,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $525,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $581,875
831 6th Street - $480,000
07-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1416 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt]
401 Alhambra Avenue - $340,000
07-23-25 [3 Bdrms - 1149 SqFt - 1955 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-31-05, $397,500 948 Benicia Road - $475,000
07-25-25 [2 Bdrms - 1018 SqFt - 1949 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-12-25, $275,000
100 Bergwall Way - $649,000
07-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 2488 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt]
168 Bergwall Way - $610,000
07-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1610 SqFt - 1960 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-25-18, $440,000
30 Buena Vista Avenue - $530,000
07-25-25 [2 Bdrms - 1467 SqFt - 1928 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-18-13, $257,000
8012 Carlisle Way - $610,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 1665 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-05-13, $268,000
151 Doncaster Drive - $610,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1757 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-01-12, $250,000
236 Evelyn Circle - $460,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 1304 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-22-98, $137,000
1004 Fulton Avenue - $505,000
07-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 1200 SqFt - 1963 YrBlt]
5088 Georgia Street - $679,000
07-23-25 [3 Bdrms - 1745 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-07-17, $462,000
954 Grant Street - $520,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1540 SqFt - 1962 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-15-19, $312,500
834 Grant Street - $465,000
07-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1120 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-19-16, $234,000
238 Hawkins Street - $2,130,000
07-24-25 [4 Bdrms - 2157 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-20-21, $710,000
809 Lassen Street - $449,000
07-23-25 [2 Bdrms - 860 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-12-19, $365,000
245 Parkview Terrace - $665,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 1608 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt]
309 Pinto Court - $585,000
07-21-25 [5 Bdrms - 3249 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt]
206 Princeton Avenue - $550,000
07-22-25 [3 Bdrms - 1256 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-02-24, $385,000
400 Pueblo Way - $360,000
07-25-25 [3 Bdrms - 900 SqFt - 1953 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-19-09, $73,000
748 North Regatta Drive - $530,000
07-23-25 [4 Bdrms - 1661 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt]
125 Ron Court - $620,000
07-25-25 [4 Bdrms - 1976 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt]
20 Selfridge Street - $275,000
07-24-25 [2 Bdrms - 884 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-19-09, $65,000
1037 Sheridan Street - $468,000
07-21-25 [3 Bdrms - 1722 SqFt - 1970 YrBlt]
From Page 2
Ease of use
One of the modern technologies that have come available are smart bulbs. These make it particularly easy to turn lights on and off.
“Use a lot of battery operated candle lights on timers,” Burke said. “In the middle of the night, candles pop on and give an extra level of light and don’t compete in the space.” Smart bulbs and smart switches make it easy to dim the lights and control the mood.
“You could have an older home with 19 million switches and the smart switches make it easy to add lighting and allow you to dim the lights from your smartphone,” Burke said.
Design trends
As far as styling your lamps and lights, Burke said two strong trends are coming through in 2022.
“One trend is very industrial, very modern lighting and mixing it into an old world home,” she said. “You can mix this very trendy, sleek, linear sconces with no bulbs into an older home.”
The other trend takes a bit of searching through antique shops.
“People are getting very antique, vintage lights and rewiring them,” she said. “They go to secondhand stores and look for these gorgeous lights and add a new shade or add a dimmer for a more modern look.”
However you do it, Burke said layers of light is the important thing to remember.
TOTAL SALES: 24
900 Tobin Drive - $400,000
07-24-25 [3 Bdrms - 1313 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt]
“It’s a design feature rather than just for task,” she said. “You need lighting to make your room sparkle. It can make a home more dramatic and also tell your home’s story.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Shadowland Coast to Coast hosta is an electrifying chartreuse color that can light up the shade to part shade garden, even more so when combined with Heart to Heart Hot Flash caladiums; Heart to Heart Fast Flash caladium shows how beautiful the leaves are when backlit by the sun; Heart to Heart Raspberry Moon caladium is an award-winning variety and looks to be an ideal partner when combined with Shadowland Coast to Coast hostas.
ON GARDENING
Coast to Coast in a Flash
Coast to Coast in a Flash has made the summer one of the most beautiful in memory. Of course, I’m The Garden Guy and I am talking about plants, not a hasty trip from Columbus, Georgia, to Carmel, California. Though the latter certainly sounds fun.
Coast to Coast is one of the most beautiful hosta varieties in the Shadowland series. In fact, it was a Proven Winners “Hosta of the Year” not too long ago. It is an electrifying chartreuse that can light up a shady or filtered light part of the landscape like few other plants.
A gardener wanting to build a hosta collection will welcome Shadowland Coast to Coast for its ability to partner with almost every other color of hosta foliage. Use it with Heart to Heart Caladiums and suddenly your creative genius to creative combinations explodes from within.
The play on Coast to Coast with a Flash was directing you to try one or both of the two Heart to Heart caladiums with Flash in their names. These would be Heart to Heart Hot Flash and Heart to Heart Fast Flash. Both represent the very best of the color red. It’s logical to go here as red is the complement of green and the chartreuse shade of green is a “Holy Wow.”
Hot Flash and Fast Flash are both award-winners. They are both about 20 inches tall. Fast Flash has a little wider spread. If you try to look at them and decide which is prettier, you will go nuts. I would say Fast Flash has some freckle that simply makes it intriguing.
Wherever they are in the garden, it’s like a display of cherry lime. In one area I have them around a Windmill Palm. I then added some Boldly Coral geraniums. In another area on a shady hillside, I added Soprano
Red impatiens. Hot Flash and Fast Flash are both considered sun or shade caladiums if you want to try another partnership.
There are two other Shadowland Coast to Coast combinations with caladiums that The Garden Guy and Son James have created you are sure to love. So, if fast isn’t your game, go slow using Coast to Coast under the Raspberry Moon.
Heart to Heart Raspberry Moon caladium is also an awardwinner with a 15- to 20-inch height and a 10- to 14-inch spread. The leaf colors look to be designed for combining with the chartreuse of Shadowland Coast to Coast hosta. The large leaves have an overall pale chartreuse with dark green and raspberry blotches. I also paired Soprano impatiens, blue flowered Let’s Dance hydrangeas and an additional chartreuse plant, Florida Sunshine anise.
James loves red caladiums too but went with Heart to Heart Burning Heart. This caladium defies logic in its leaf color. When I show pictures to new gardeners, everyone always says they had no idea that such a caladium leaf color existed. It is a dark rusty red that seems to be the perfect foil for the Coast to Coast chartreuse colored foliage. Fertile well-drained soil will be perfect for your Shadowland Coast to Coast hosta. They are perennial in zones 3-9 and require shade to part shade. You can plant Heart to Heart caladium bulbs in the ground in mere seconds using a Twist ‘n Plant auger on the end of a cordless drill. I also like to plant my bulbs in individual pots so I can place them in the beds exactly where I want them after the perennials show in the spring. Coast to Coast with a Flash is a great way to get your landscape dazzling next year.
Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @ NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.
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How can I prepare my HVAC for winter?
Winter might still be a few calendar pages away, but early fall is prime time to give your heating system the TLC it needs.
Once the first cold snap hits, HVAC pros start booking up fast. Acting now means you can schedule a service call before the rush. Think of it as giving your system a warm-up before the real work begins.
Here are five smart moves to get your heater ready for the cold months ahead.
1. Replace your filter
If you only do one thing for your HVAC system, keep its filter up-to-date in accordance with your manufacturer’s guidelines. The filter keeps dust and debris out of your unit’s internal components, but over time it clogs and slows down airflow. That means your heater works harder, burning more energy and adding unnecessary wear and tear. A dirty filter is like trying to breathe through a scarf; it’ll get the job done, but not efficiently. And just like driving your car without an oil change, sooner or later the buildup can create costly damage. Change your filter regularly, and your system will thank you with better performance and lower bills.
2. Schedule a professional inspection
Twice-a-year inspections (once for heating season, once for cooling) are the gold standard for HVAC care, and now is the time to get on your pro’s schedule. A fall inspection before you start using your heater, typically around $100, gives a pro the chance to tune up moving parts, check electrical connections and make small
repairs before they become expensive headaches. This isn’t just good practice; many manufacturer warranties require proof of regular maintenance by a licensed professional. If you skip it, you might end up paying out of pocket for preventable breakdowns. If you have a service contract with a HVAC company, there’s a good chance inspections are already covered.
3. Weatherproof your home
Your heater can only do so much if warm air is escaping faster than your system can replace it. Air leaks around windows, doors and pipe penetrations are notorious for letting heat slip away. Add fresh weatherstripping, seal gaps with caulk and consider plastic window film to create a thermal barrier. Don’t forget the attic. Drafts can rob you of warmth and money all winter long. Spending a
weekend sealing leaks can pay off for years in reduced heating costs. You can do this work yourself, or hire a handyperson to do it for a cost of a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of your house.
4. Guard against carbon monoxide
Fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, can produce carbon monoxide, which is an invisible, odorless gas that’s potentially deadly if it builds up indoors. A proper inspection will catch any leaks in your system, but you should also have your own carbon monoxide alarms. Look for models certified by Underwriters Laboratories, make sure they’re batterypowered or have a battery backup, and test them regularly. Place them near sleeping areas so they’ll sound the alarm
SOLANO REAL ESTATE SCENE
Reverse 2nd provides a solution
Aeven at night.
5. Upgrade your thermostat
If you’re still using a basic manual thermostat, you’re leaving money on the table. The EPA says a programmable thermostat can trim heating bills by 10 to 30% when used correctly. Basic programmable models run $100 to $150 installed, while app-controlled smart thermostats average around $250. Either way, it’s a small investment that can pay for itself in one heating season.
With a little attention now, you’ll be ready to face winter’s chill head-on, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from a home that’s warm, safe and efficient.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.
reverse second mortgage is just like any other home equity loan. It is a loan secured by a deed of trust recorded against your house behind your first mortgage. The difference between a traditional fixed-rate home equity loan and a reverse loan is that payments are optional on a reverse second mortgage. A reverse borrower can live in the house for the rest of their life and never make a payment on the reverse second mortgage loan while they are paying down their first mortgage every month until it is paid off.
If for any reason the borrower wants to make payments on the second or pay off the reverse second mortgage, they can with no penalty. This loan option provides a terrific solution for a senior that needs or wants a loan but does not want to refinance their low rate first mortgage, and cannot afford or maybe qualify for a traditional second mortgage loan.
For high FICO score folks that can qualify and afford a second mortgage payment they can find traditional second mortgage loans and HELOCS through credit unions and mortgage companies at slightly better rates and lower fees, but for many folks the reverse second is exactly what the finance
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Regular seasonal inspections are essential to keeping your HVAC in good condition.
Jim Porter
OPEN HOUSE
Open House: Sat 10AM-2PM & Sun 12-4PM 5621 Thomson Loop, Davis
A stunning, custom-built luxury home by renowned local builder Monley Cronin Homes. Suited for your lifestyle in the dynamic 55+ active adult community of Bretton Woods in Davis, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home epitomizes elegance and comfort focused on primary single-level living. A rare opportunity for refined living in a welcoming community. $1,775,000
Jan Ventimiglia RE ALTOR® DRE#01071102 (530) 902-0105
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Open House : Saturday 1-3PM 1201 Glen Cove Parkway #602, Vallejo
Welcome to Your Glen Cove Landing Home! Stunning 2-bed, 1 bath trendy and modern residence. Updated kitchen with beautiful cabinets with self-closing drawers and quartz counter tops. Living room includes an inviting slider leading to a spacious patio and convenient storage closet. Second bedroom has its own patio entrance and slider. The bathroom is equipped with dual sinks and tile flooring, the primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet. $359,000
Sylvia Cole & As sociates
RE ALTOR® DRE#01386900 (707) 330-8923
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Open House: Sunday 1-3PM 216 Morgan Street, Suisun Cit y
Old World Charm meets modern functionality! Beautifully renovated 4BR 2.5BA with primary BR & BA on 1st floor. Beautiful kitchen with breakfast bar island & stainless appliances incl. gas range. Minutes from dining, parks, the waterfront & Travis AFB. $559,000
~ September 13rd & 14th~
Open House: Sunday 1-3PM 2347 Fair view Place, Fairfield
Elegant, spacious 3,565 square foot, 5 bedrooms, plus office (possible 6th bedroom, and 3.5 bath home (full bedroom and bath plus office downstair s) . Located in the beautiful Sanctuary subdivision with views of the hills. Gas fireplace in the family room. Refrigerator, washer, and dryer included. Laundry room plumbed for a sink. Spacious 3 car garage. Schools, shopping, and transportation nearby. Priced to sell quickly. See it today! $850,000
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Paradise Valley! Unique 2,150 sqft single level 3 Bedroom plus 800 sqft upper studio w/kitchen & bath! Owned Solar. Remodeled kitchen & Baths. 2 Workshops. Covered RV parking . $775,000
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Steps to create a budget that empowers you
STATEPOINT
According to personal finance experts, it may be time to rewrite your relationship with budgeting, particularly if your associations with the task are negative.
“Budgeting isn’t about having less – it’s about making more of what you have,” says David Chubak, principal, head of Wealth Management & Field Engagement at Edward Jones. “When executed effectively, it’s the roadmap that turns financial chaos into clarity.”
To help you align your finances with your goals and values, Edward Jones is sharing these budgeting steps:
Track income and expenses
Discover what’s being earned and what’s being spent. To get a clear picture, consider delving into detailed spending categories, such as housing, groceries, childcare, entertainment, savings and debt. Be sure to factor in annual and semiannual expenses like insurance premiums. Whether you use a spreadsheet, a list or an app, remember that the most important thing is consistency, so find a tool that will make you stick with the habit.
Use the 50/30/20 rule as a guide
Not sure how to appropriate your money? Many financial advisors suggest the 50/30/20 rule as a guide. This means using 50% of your income for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt repayment.
Set your initial target budget
You may learn that your current spending exceeds your income, or that it’s not allowing you to achieve your financial goals. If this is the case, look for budget items that could be cut or
swapped for less expensive alternatives. To make additional room in your budget, you could also generate more income by pursuing a side hustle, seeking out a higher paying position or asking for a raise. If you’re still not balancing your budget after these measures, it might be time to reprioritize your goals.
Build an emergency fund
Even a solid budget can be derailed by unexpected circumstances. Be sure that your budget includes a line item for building an emergency fund to prepare you for everything from job loss and housing repairs to medical expenses. After you’ve amassed what you’d need to weather three to six months of a financial emergency, leave this rainy-day fund untouched and concentrate on other budget items, such as paying down debt or investing.
Monitor your budget
Schedule periodic check-ins to
ensure you’re staying on track and that your initial budget was accurate. For example, if you missed an annual subscription fee or miscalculated an expense, now’s the time to make adjustments.
Review your budget
Every three to five years, review your budget to see if it still makes sense or whether a redo is necessary. You should also do a budgetary pause and reset after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, birth or the loss of a loved one, or when there are big changes to your income and expenses. For example, you should complete a budget overhaul after events like a home purchase or big promotion.
For more budgeting tips, or to connect with a financial advisor who can work with you to review your finances and create a budgeting strategy that allows you to reach your goals, visit edwardjones.com.
“Budgeting can be hard work, so make it enjoyable. Whether
From Page 6
doctor and advisor ordered. Tommy DeVito, an 82-yearold for example, might own a house worth $1.2 million and he might have a 2.5% fixed rate $250,000 first mortgage with Rocket Mortgage. Tommy might want to borrow $150,000 to remodel his 45-year-old kitchen because he loves cooking like his Ma did for him and his wise-guy friends – Henry, Paulie and Jimmy – back in the day but cannot afford a $1,000 payment.
Bam, boom, bang, Tommy calls his reverse mortgage loan officer and before he knows it, Ma’s famous pasta gravy is simmering in his brand new chef’s kitchen.
you’re tackling the numbers solo or with a partner, pair budgeting with something you enjoy, like a nice meal at home or your favorite treat. And be sure your attention is focused not only on budget cuts, but also on what goals and priorities you’re working toward,” says Chubak.
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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Plants can make outdoor living spaces more relaxing
METRO
Plants add aesthetic appeal to any landscape. A pop of plant-produced color here and there can complement any landscape, but homeowners also can use plants to liven up hardscapes as well.
Outdoor living spaces are more than just places to relax. A recent survey from Green Builder Media found that 90% of homeowners consider the outdoor living areas on their properties to be important to their health and well-being. That same survey found that four in five homeowners prefer secluded outdoor living spaces that provide privacy. Plants can help fulfill that goal, which might contribute to the greater sense of health and well-being. With that in mind, homeowners can consider augmenting their existing spaces with various plants, though it’s always vital to consult a local gardening center to ensure plants are capable of thriving in a given region.
• Bougainvillea: Bougainvillea are particularly vibrant and colorful, and HGTV notes these popular vines can add privacy to areas like porches. That same benefit can be gleaned when adding bougainvillea to structures like pavilions or gazebos. Bougainvillea require ample sunlight to thrive, so that’s something to keep in mind when choosing where to plant.
• Hibiscus: Hibiscus also produce vibrant colors that can range from red and pink to yellow and orange. Exposure to the sun is considered vital for hibiscus, though precisely how much sunlight is a source of debate. For example, some sources indicate these low-maintenance plants need as much as eight hours of sunlight each day, while others report that as little as two hours of direct sunlight is sufficient.
• Cycads: Cycads are considered tropical plants, so they might not thrive in every region of North America. But these impressive plants, which often can be found
How to upgrade your home for multigenerational living
STATEPOINT
Multi-generational living is becoming increasingly common. However, as families grow and change, so must their homes.
Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager at Moen, a leader in water experiences in the home, shares three ways to develop aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to everyone’s needs.
Create a connected kitchen
Transform bathrooms
A well-designed bathroom should function for all family members. Grab bars in the shower and near the toilet add accessibility and an extra layer of safety for older relatives, pregnant women or those with mobility challenges. The good news is that you can choose decorative fixtures that blend effortlessly with different design styles, from traditional to transitional and even contemporary industrial.
in botanical gardens, can help to establish a serene feeling in an outdoor living space. Cycads can thrive when planted in well-draining soil and in pots, which can be chosen to complement existing outdoor furnishings. Cycads planted around the perimeter of an outdoor space or even around the perimeter of a patio can be especially appealing.
• Jasmine: Jasmine can add to the aesthetic appeal of structures such as pergolas or trellises. An added benefit to planting jasmine is their aroma, which many find inviting (some may find the scent of jasmine a bit strong, so this benefit depends on personal perspective). For homeowners who enjoy the aroma of jasmine, adding it to an outdoor living space can make the space more welcoming and relaxing.
Plants merit consideration for homeowners looking for ways to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable, relaxing and welcoming.
The kitchen is a place where everyone seems to gather. When planning your space, focus on a layout that fosters interaction. A large island can become a center for conversation, homework and meal prep, while a spacious dining area easily accommodates the whole family. Incorporate booster seats or highchairs for young children and consider seat cushions or chairs with armrests to ensure comfort and ease for older family members.
“Prioritize an environment where daily tasks become effortless for everyone,” says DeBoe Harper. “Products like pot fillers above the stove eliminate the strain of carrying heavy pots of water for younger family members or those with mobility challenges, and touchless faucets help reduce the spread of germs – important in a large household, especially one with children. Plus, hands-free fixtures don’t require turning or twisting a knob to activate, simplifying the task for kids as well as household members with limited dexterity or arthritis.”
“Even the smallest changes make a difference,” says DeBoe Harper. “Beyond grab bars, a small bench or seating area benefits those with mobility limitations and provides a spot for kids to sit while parents get ready. Dual vanities and mirrors mean less fighting over the bathroom in the mornings! And furniture with spacious drawers or recessed shelving help keep the space organized.”
When selecting shower fixtures, consider installing a multi-spray showerhead for a customizable showering experience. The Moen Verso Combination Shower with Infiniti Dial is ideal for multigenerational homes as it’s easy for all dexterity levels to operate. It combines a pivoting rainshower with a handshower, perfect for rinsing hair when bathing small children, or helping those with limited flexibility shower more easily or while seated. The Infiniti Dial provides personalized spray and coverage choices, too.
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5 simple ways to personalize your bathroom
Your bathroom doesn’t have to solely be a utilitarian space. With just a few easy changes, you can turn your no-frill bathroom into a relaxing space with a personalized feel.
Don’t know where to start? Check out these five simple tips that can help you enhance your existing aesthetic or completely update the vibes of your bathroom.
1. Hang artwork that reflects your taste
Hanging artwork in the bathroom is the easiest way to quickly add personality. If you’re looking to change the room’s theme from a minimalist black-and-white color scheme to a maximalist tropical theme, find photos and prints with plants and trees in bright greens, reds and yellows. Or, if you’ve been having a hard time finding a spot to hang art you’ve either purchased or been gifted by a friend, these pieces may look right at home in your bathroom!
Pro tip: Choose waterproof frames that can protect your art from humidity.
2. Update hardware to express your style
The hardware you choose sets the tone and style of a bathroom. If you currently have cool silver drawer pulls, faucets, towel bars and other fixtures with a polished finish, consider switching to warm gold or bronze hardware with a brushed finish.
Keep in mind that you can mix and match colors, materials and finishes to create a bathroom with hardware tailored to your taste. For example, if you want to upgrade your faucet, check out Kohler’s Mix & Match Faucet options. Three faucet collections provide you with the freedom to choose the spout style, handle and finish.
If you’re looking to inject turn-
plants you can choose from, but it’s best to choose ones that thrive in humidity, like calatheas, monsteras, pothos, orchids or ferns.
Once you’ve chosen your plants, look for decorative planters that match your aesthetic or the bathroom’s color scheme. If you’re short on space, consider hanging planters. No matter what you choose, the plants you care for can make the bathroom more inviting.
4. Control the ambiance with lighting
of-the-century charm into your bathroom, choose the Artifacts collection. For a high-fashion, effortless glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood, opt for the Occasion line of faucet sets. Want to lean into minimalism? Take a look at the Components collection. Each line offers faucet fixtures in several finishes and colors, so you can find what suits your style best.
3. Add a spa-like feel with plants
Turn your bathroom into a tranquil retreat with bathroomfriendly plants. Adding natural, organic elements like plants can bring an otherwise sterile room to life and can soften a bathroom’s hard, clean lines. There are many
Changing the lighting in your bathroom allows you to effortlessly control the ambiance. For example, dimmable white light bulbs create a cozy atmosphere, but still offer enough illumination for grooming tasks like shaving and applying makeup. Installing a dimmer switch allows you to adjust brightness to create a sunlike daytime mood or a soothing evening glow for a relaxing bath after a long day. For flexibility, install smart lighting that allows you to change the color and brightness depending on your mood and needs.
Pro tip: Choose lighting elements that match or complement other bathroom hardware.
If you’re considering installing a faucet from Kohler’s Artifacts, Components and Occasion collections, you’re in luck.
Each collection also offers customizable lighting fixtures.
5. Add color and texture with paint and wallpaper
Finally, a new coat of paint or wallpaper can do wonders for a bathroom. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can easily find the combination that suits your style.
Tired of the sterile white or beige of your bathroom walls? Grab a can of baby blue or sage green to create a serene setting or use warm reds and pinks for a homey ambiance.
If you want to add textures and patterns, look for wallpaper that reflects the theme of the bathroom or that shows off your hobbies or interests. From florals to faux stone to geometric shapes and more, wallpaper offers endless possibilities to express yourself in this space.
Pro tip: The type of paint and wallpaper you choose matters. Acrylic and latex paints are popular bathroom choices because they can prevent mold and mildew that can flourish in humid conditions. Similarly, vinyl wallpaper is best for the humid bathroom environment.
Are you ready to restyle your bathroom? Using these five tips, you can turn a basic room into a retreat personalized to your heart’s content.
From Page 11
Design a dynamic living room
Flexibility is key for everyday living, so invest in furniture that adapts to different needs. Think extendable dining tables for large family meals, or modular sofas and ottomans that easily maneuver to create more play space
or to seat extra guests during a party. Many ottomans even offer built-in storage, perfect for tucking away toys and books. You also can utilize an extra table or credenza as a craft station or homework spot, with ample room to store supplies.
“The living room is like an art canvas, and each family member can contribute something meaningful to bring this space to life,” says DeBoe Harper. “Dedicate a wall area to hang children’s artwork or family photos. It’s
also a great spot to weave in family heirlooms or items that hold sentimental value, so you can infuse the room with warmth and family history.”
Visit Moen.com for more multi-generational design tips in the home.
By focusing on functionality, comfort and thoughtful design in key areas, you can develop a setting that seamlessly embraces loved ones of all ages for years to come.
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