Week of March 11, 2022 DailyRepublic.com
Serving S Se i gS Solano l C County t
3239 Formby Lane, Rancho Solano
707.864.6101
See inside for home details.
2 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Try to renegotiate lease with commercial landlord Q: I know most of your columns address residential real estate issues because I’m sure that’s what most of your readers want to learn about. But, if you will, I have a question about our commercial real estate issue. We run a small business in Fairfield. We rent space in a strip mall and have been there for three years. We have two years left on our 10-year lease and have an option for five more years. Business really slowed down during the Covid lockdown and never really picked up. Government aid helped us for a while, but that’s over now and we can’t keep going. We just can’t keep the doors open anymore if we have to pay the same high rent. When we signed the lease, before the lockdown, the rent was high, but business was good. Now half the spaces around us are vacant and new rents are half of what we’re paying. Do we have any leverage with our landlord if we try to negotiate new rent? A property management company deals with the whole complex and they are simply uncooperative. If we decide we have to close the business, what happens to the lease? A: Well, the reason I write about residential real estate issues is because that’s what constitutes the bulk of the emails I get each week. But it’s nice to change horses occasionally. With regard to your question, I’ve met with dozens of people in your circumstance over the
To advertise here, call 427-6927
Tim Jones
past two years. So believe me, you’re not alone. The laws dealing with commercial real estate are very different than those that deal with residential transactions. Lawmakers have always presumed that people dealing with commercial real estate are sophisticated business people and don’t need the help or protection of consumer protection laws. Of course, this is only sometimes true. So I suspect the lack of consumer-friendly laws in this area has more to do with whose money backs the most politicians. But that’s just my educated guess; and besides, I digress. So, moving on. The simple answer is “no,” you don’t have any legal leverage to get your landlord to reduce the rent. In fact, if your lease contains an annual escalation clause, the landlord can enforce increases in your rent regardless of the economy. But there may be a practical solution. The Law Offices of
If your landlord has a nickel’s worth of sense, they want to make sure you stay there and rent from them. Lower rents are better than no rents, which is possibly what the landlord would be looking at depending upon what type of space you’re in. Since your lease is coming to an end in two years, you can call your landlord and see if he’s willing to negotiate a lower rent in exchange for you going ahead and extending the lease now. This is really common with larger, big-money types of landlord/tenant relationships. Typically, the small-business person just doesn’t have any real economic leverage to make a deal of this type. But times have changed. Your monthly rental payment may be a lot more valuable to the landlord now than it was pre-pandemic. So that is what I’d try. But make sure you determine the maximum amount of rent you can afford and still keep your doors open. You certainly don’t want to extend your liability period for the lease if you can’t continue in business. Speaking of liability, in the event you go out of business, I’m afraid your liability is total. But you may have choices. You could sublet the space to someone
else, and maybe even turn a small profit. You could offer the space back to the landlord who might agree to take it if he was comfortable he could re-rent it quickly for at least what you were paying. But if none of that works, the landlord would be able to sue you for any unpaid rent. In that event, your options are to pay
or file for bankruptcy protection. So I’d try hard to negotiate an extension in return for lower payments if that’s in the cards. Tim Jones 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.
Celebrating Selling Solano Homes For 40 Years! Thank You For Your Support!
Pam Watson Associate Broker DRE Lic#00748546
VOTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 5 SOLANO COUNTY REALTORS
Certified Residential Specialist, GRI, PMN, SRES
707-290-3235 •Trusted Counselor •Skilled Negotiator •Expert Facilitator
NEWLY LISTED FOR SALE!
Timothy Jones
Residential or Commercial Real Estate Questions?
Voted d #1 Attorney in Reader’s Choice 6 years in a row!
Need Sales Contracts & Disclosures Prepared? Get help finding your way through the maze of California’s Real Estate Laws?
Vacaville $800,000. Summer fun is yours here! Village Hills beauty with in-ground POOL & SPA , Gazebo & fully equipped outdoor kitchen! 4 bedrooms & 3 baths. Bedroom & full bath on the main level. Solid Bamboo & tile flooring. Granite counter tops & kitchen island. Luxurious owners suite. Balcony. 2 fireplaces, whole house fan. Stamped concrete, decorative gates. Open House Sat 1-3 Sun 11-1. 426 Sussex Cir
Get the Help You Need!
Consultations by phone or Zoom 425-1963
www.pamwatson.com • e-mail: pam@pamwatson.com
DAILY REPUBLIC — Friday, March 11, 2022 3
Incandescent lightbulbs
are on the way out
Switching to more-efficient lightbulbs is an important step in reducing a home’s energy use STORY ON PAGE 8
4 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
Real estate transactions BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 5 LOWEST AMOUNT: $365,000.00 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,030,000.00 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $630,000.00 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $670,000.00
557 Anderson Lane - $1,030,000
02-04-22 [3 Bdrms - 2145 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-28-05, $930,000
508 Bigler Court - $930,000
02-03-22 [3 Bdrms - 1745 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-17-10, $333,000
900 Cambridge Drive #130 - $365,000
2374 Miramar Court - $500,000
02-04-22 [2 Bdrms - 1181 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt]
3126 Potrero Way - $680,000
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 1783 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-16-17, $445,000
3233 Quail Hollow Drive - $900,000
01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 2726 SqFt - 1991 YrBlt]
4340 Snowberry Way - $662,000
02-03-22 [4 Bdrms - 2077 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt]
1807 Sycamore Drive - $530,000
01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 1526 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1989, $132,000
799 Tabor Avenue - $460,000
02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 1790 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt]
02-03-22 [2 Bdrms - 1087 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-17-18, $305,000
1225 Tyler Street - $460,000
01-31-22 [2 Bdrms - 1138 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1991, $149,000
2649 Vista Bonita - $627,500
02-01-22 [2 Bdrms - 873 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-24-00, $132,000
2916 Willow Court - $725,000
1564 London Circle - $630,000 565 Lori Drive #36 - $395,000
DIXON TOTAL SALES: 2 LOWEST AMOUNT: $580,000.00 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $722,000.00 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $651,000.00 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $651,000.00
1160 Dawson Drive - $580,000
02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 1890 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-03-16, $414,000
1180 Syracuse Lane - $722,000
02-01-22 [4 Bdrms - 2642 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-23-17, $456,500
FAIRFIELD
02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 936 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-01-19, $337,000 01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 1697 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-24-15, $355,000 01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 1947 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-08-20, $545,000
319 Wisconsin Street - $475,000
02-04-22 [3 Bdrms - 1040 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-08-97, $90,000
2515 Withrow Lane - $650,000
01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 2109 SqFt - 2003 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-19-18, $460,000
RIO VISTA TOTAL SALES: 4 LOWEST AMOUNT: $305,000.00 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $680,000.00 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $420,000.00 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $456,250.00
02-03-22 [3 Bdrms - 1328 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-13-13, $160,000
SUISUN CITY TOTAL SALES: 3 LOWEST AMOUNT: $462,000.00 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $625,000.00 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $597,000.00 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $561,333.00
208 California Street - $462,000
515 Morgan Street - $597,000
02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 1983 SqFt - 2007 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-30-21, $653,500
VACAVILLE TOTAL SALES: 22 LOWEST AMOUNT: $270,000.00 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $785,000.00 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $560,000.00 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $559,432.00
601 Albacete Drive - $560,000
01-31-22 [2 Bdrms - 1092 SqFt - 1965 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-02-09, $172,000 02-03-22 [4 Bdrms - 2466 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-12-15, $330,000
119 Huntington Drive - $610,000
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 1799 SqFt - 1975 YrBlt]
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 1232 SqFt - 1970 YrBlt]
190 Tahoe Drive - $360,000
960 Dawnview Way - $655,000
TOTAL SALES: 25 LOWEST AMOUNT: $107,000.00 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $925,000.00 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $510,000.00 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $545,520.00
524 Alabama Street - $380,000
02-02-22 [3 Bdrms - 1348 SqFt - 1910 YrBlt]
460 Aragon Street - $790,000
01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 2968 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-16-19, $630,000
1109 Meadowlark Drive - $725,000
100 Brighton Drive - $637,000
1224 Needham Drive - $505,000
138 Calhoun Street - $310,000
01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 2357 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-18-20, $535,000 01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 1000 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt]
1825 Quail Meadows Circle - $560,000
1189 California Drive - $510,000
02-04-22 [3 Bdrms - 1803 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-27-21, $483,000
843 Benicia Road - $480,000
02-03-22 [3 Bdrms - 1247 SqFt - 1967 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-11-16, $317,000
02-02-22 [2 Bdrms - 1193 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-29-03, $255,000
152 Bryce Way - $400,000
01-31-22 [2 Bdrms - 1376 SqFt - 1982 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-11-16, $205,000
1431 Marshall Road - $525,000
625 Purple Martin Drive - $775,000
2819 Candleberry Way - $572,000
01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 1382 SqFt - 1930 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-23-13, $170,000 02-03-22 [5 Bdrms - 2301 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-23-15, $435,000 02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 988 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-21-07, $30,000
02-02-22 [3 Bdrms - 1809 SqFt - 2011 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-17-10, $308,000
6606 Deerfield Drive - $815,000
02-01-22 [4 Bdrms - 3104 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-04-21, $726,000
208 Devonshire Street - $750,000
02-03-22 [3 Bdrms - 1662 SqFt - 1991 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-16-19, $415,000
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 2725 SqFt - 2010 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-21-21, $788,000 02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 1704 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-04-20, $530,000
See Transactions, Page 12
02-01-22 [2 Bdrms - 1287 SqFt - 1967 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-03-03, $294,500 02-01-22, Previous Sale: 05-05-21, $650,000
01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1956 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-05-19, $421,000
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 1666 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-23-19, $438,500
Country Estates is pleased to introduce our new agent
Deborah MacKenzie
1124 Capistrano Court - $630,000
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 1820 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-29-19, $375,500
REALTOR®
2000 Cliffwood Drive - $800,000
707-290-6998
02-04-22 [3 Bdrms - 2857 SqFt - 1992 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-23-11, $340,000
deborah@mackenzierealtors.com DRE # 01983992 mackenzierealtors.com
1501 Coolidge Street - $487,000
02-02-22 [3 Bdrms - 1667 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt]
911 Daniel Street - $520,000
02-01-22 [4 Bdrms - 1196 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-16-19, $385,000
2522 Ericsson Court - $485,000
02-04-22 [3 Bdrms - 1262 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-23-09, $150,000
3281 Hartford Avenue - $480,000
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 2221 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-11-01, $279,950
02-04-22 [4 Bdrms - 2360 SqFt - 2003 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-15-05, $693,500
01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 1402 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-25-15, $299,000
273 Berryessa Drive - $555,000
429 Cottonwood Street - $570,000
02-02-22 [2 Bdrms - 1366 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt]
VALLEJO
179 Feather River Circle - $785,000
2198 Newcastle Drive - $650,000
313 Riverwood Lane - $480,000
701 Magnolia Court - $661,000
01-31-22 [2 Bdrms - 890 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-13-11, $66,500
2001 Eastwood Drive #48 - $270,000
02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 1404 SqFt - 1953 YrBlt]
780 Antiquity Drive - $928,000
02-04-22 [2 Bdrms - 1579 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-13-16, $345,000
941 Turquoise Street - $670,000
167 Harvest Drive - $305,000
700 Carnation Drive - $688,000
01-31-22 [5 Bdrms - 3151 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-16-08, $650,000
01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 2511 SqFt - 2015 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-11-15, $474,000
3024 Duke Circle - $730,000
02-02-22 [3 Bdrms - 2216 SqFt - 2003 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-24-08, $335,000
1600 McGuire Circle - $625,000
181 Cedar Ridge Drive - $305,000
02-02-22 [2 Bdrms - 1433 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-19-01, $240,909
299 Shasta Drive #9 - $332,000
189 Glacier Circle - $447,500
107 Carlsbad Circle - $480,000
02-01-22 [4 Bdrms - 2493 SqFt - 2015 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-11-15, $325,000
01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 2190 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-26-17, $480,000
02-04-22 [3 Bdrms - 1251 SqFt - 1960 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-27-20, $336,000
500 South 3rd Street - $680,000
TOTAL SALES: 20 LOWEST AMOUNT: $460,000.00 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $928,000.00 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $599,750.00 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $611,625.00
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.
To advertise here, call 707-427-6927
Deborah MacKenzie, REALTOR®, is the founder of The MacKenzie Network, a global networking group connecting families, entrepreneurs, and business owners for business opportunities. With 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, she expanded into real estate 5 years ago, focusing on commercial, residential, land, and investment opportunities. As one of her focuses, she would like to find property for non-profit groups that need it.
DAILY REPUBLIC — Friday, March 11, 2022 5
SOLANO REAL ESTATE SCENE
Successful businesses have a business plan
S
uccessful real estate companies, credit unions, banks and mortgage companies have business plans. Most plan for the next week, the next month, the next quarter, the next year and almost all of the great ones plan for the next five years and beyond. These five-year plans are more about positioning for change and being ready to adapt to the everchanging market for real estate, banking and borrowing. New technology, interest rates and consumer needs will be different in two or three years so a business plan must be flexible
Jim Porter and based on predictive mathematical odds and demographics. What will be the hot new financial product in a couple of years? What will be the most effective way to retain clients and gain new ones over the next five years? I predicted in 2020 that the See Porter, Page 12
Rancho Solano
3239 Formby Lane
Resort-like living at its finest! Located in the coveted neighborhood of Ascot Hills within the gated golf course community of Rancho Solano. Gorgeous backyard oasis with fruit trees, raised garden beds, sparkling pool and spectacular sunset views make this the perfect location for enjoying the outdoors year-round. A private setting, no front or rear neighbors. Grand marble entry welcomes you inside to spacious open living areas with high ceilings, hardwood floors in main living areas with captivating views from every room! Large master suite with spa like bath, walkin closet and breathtaking views! 3 bedrooms plus an office! Exceptional work from home office space is easily converted to a 4th bedroom. Paid for solar system! Convenient access to golf course, health club, shopping, schools and local wineries. Located near Napa, half-way between San Francisco and Sacramento. Offered at $1,050,000
Shown by Appointment
Candice Sullivan & Sheryl Tamietti REALTORS® LIC#01429797 / #01444227
(707) 410-7880 or 688-2904
6 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
Mortgage rates resume their ascent
A
THE WASHINGTON POST
fter two weeks of declines, mortgage rates resumed their upward march this week. According to the latest data released Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average increased to 3.85% with an average 0.8 point. (A point is a fee paid to a lender equal to 1% of the loan amount. It is in addition to the interest rate.) It was 3.76% a week ago and 3.05% a year ago. Freddie Mac, the federally chartered mortgage investor, aggregates rates from about 80 lenders across the country to come up with weekly national averages. The survey is based on home purchase mortgages. Rates for refinances may be different. It uses rates for high-quality borrowers with strong credit scores and large down payments. Because of the criteria, these rates are not available to every borrower. The 15-year fixed-rate average rose to 3.09% with an average 0.8 point. It was 3.01% a week ago and 2.38% a year ago. The five-year adjustable-rate average grew to 2.97% with an average 0.3 point. It was 2.91% a week ago and 2.77% a year ago. “The Freddie Mac fixed rate for a 30-year loan rebounded this week, following the jump in the 10-year Treasury,” said George Ratiu, manager of economic research at Realtor.com. “Investors worried about mounting inflation. . . . All eyes are on the Federal Reserve meeting next week, as we expect the bank to increase the [federal] funds rate. The big question on many analysts’ minds is whether a 25 basis point hike will be enough given the significant shortage of labor and inflation at levels not seen since the 1980s.” After hitting 2.05% in midFebruary, the yield on the 10-year Treasury sank to 1.72% to start the month. It has steadily
climbed back toward 2%, closing at 1.94% on Wednesday. With Thursday’s news about inflation, long-term bond yields are anticipated to continue their upward march. Because mortgage rates tend to follow the same path as Treasury yields, they are also expected to rise. “The flight to safety caused by events in Ukraine is, at least temporarily, turning into a flight to opportunity with capital flowing from equities and other harbors of safety into Western currencies and commodities instead of into 10-year Treasury notes,” said Ken H. Johnson, real estate economist at Florida Atlantic University. Consumer price index data, released Thursday morning, showed prices rose 7.9% in February, compared with a year ago, as inflation remained at 40-year highs. Inflation causes fixed-income investments such as bonds to lose value, which is why investors demand more in return for holding them. When yields rise, it’s because investors want to be paid more for lending long term. “The spike in oil and other commodity prices will lead to additional inflation – but not the type of inflation the Fed can fix,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com. “Inflation is a bond investor’s worst enemy so this is the dominant risk to mortgage rates.” Bankrate.com, which puts out a weekly mortgage rate trend index, found nearly threequarters of the experts it surveyed expect rates to rise in the coming week. “While the Russian invasion of Ukraine is still on the minds of bond traders and investors, keeping yields and mortgage rates lower than they would be otherwise, the rise in oil prices
is renewing and strengthening their concerns about inflation,” said Michael Becker, branch manager at Sierra Pacific Mortgage. “Oil prices and even gas prices at the pump have been rising drastically. This focus on possible future inflation will cause bonds yields and mortgage rates to rise.” Meanwhile, mortgage applications picked up last week. The market composite index – a measure of total loan application volume – increased 8.5% from a week earlier, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data. The refinance index rose 9% but was down 50% from a year ago. The purchase index also went up 9%. The refinance share of mortgage activity accounted for 49.5% of applications. “Applications to refinance and buy a home both posted solid weekly gains,” said Bob Broeksmit, MBA’s president and chief executive. “MBA expects mortgage rates to be volatile in the weeks ahead, as inflationary pressures and investor concern due to the conflict in Ukraine move the 10-year Treasury yield in competing directions.” The MBA also released its mortgage credit availability index (MCAI) that showed credit availability increased in February. The MCAI rose 1% to 126 last month. An increase in the MCAI indicates lending standards are loosening, while a decrease signals they are tightening. “Credit availability increased to its highest level since May 2021, driven by growth in jumbo loan programs, as well as those that include allowances for ARMs and expanded credit score and [loan-to-value] requirements,” Joel Kan, an MBA economist, said in a statement. “In a period of rising mortgage
THE DAILY REPUBLIC DELIVERS. CALL 707-427-6989.
rates, affordability challenges, and declining volume, lenders have made efforts to slightly broaden their product offerings.” Fannie Mae released its quarterly mortgage lender sentiment survey Thursday. It showed three-quarters of the lenders it surveyed expect their profit
margins to decrease as mortgage rates rise, up from 65% in the fourth quarter of 2021. The top reasons the lenders cited for why they expect a decline in profitability were competition from other lenders, market trend changes and consumer demand.
Your Home Improvement Specialists Accumulation of pollen, leaves, dust, wildfires and more will affect panels and cause their efficiency to drop. We also offer bird netting estimates and services!
Call today for an estimate to clean your solar panels. 1270 Callen Street Vacaville
707-448-8222
solarbutlerllc.com
6WDU 6HUYLFH 6WDU 3ULFH REMODEL LIGHTING INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL
2))
(707) 448-8222
SOLAR DESIGN SERVICE COMMERCIAL
:,7+ 0(17,21 2) 7+,6 $'
Licensed, Insured, and Bonded
VEelectric.com
Lic. #1066269
To advertise your business here, contact your sales representative or (707) 425-4646
DAILY REPUBLIC — Friday, March 11, 2022 7
OPEN HOU
OPEN HOU
SE
Open House Sunday 1-3PM 3153 Cherry Valley Circle, Fairfield
Open House Sat 1-3PM & Sun 11AM-1PM 426 Sussex Circle, Vacaville
Beautiful 4bd/3ba, 2492sf home in Rancho Solano! Bedroom & bath downstairs! Living & dining plus family room! SS appliances & granite in kitchen! Laminate flooring throughout! Balcony off master bedroom. No rear or front neighbors! 3 car garage! $828,840
A Jewel with a Pool, Spa & Outdoor kitchen! 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Bedroom & full bathroom on main level. Bamboo flooring. Luxurious owners suite. $800,000
ON THE MARKET
Zach Powell & Associate
FOR THIS WEEKEND March 12th & 13th
REALTOR® DRE#01350091
(707) 372-2860
OPEN HOU
SE
SE
Pam Watson & Bobby Schultze
Broker Associate & REALTOR® DRE#00748546, 02059665
(707) 290-3235 or 389-9331
Got a New Listing? Having an Open p House? New Listing & 1st Open House - Sunday 1-4pm 2729 Wailea Circle, Fairfield in gated Rancho Solano
Stunning home in gated Rancho Solano. Shows like a model home-Pride of Ownership! Location, Location, Location-Great views of the golf course & surrounding hills-no front neighbors. Formal LV/ DR + FR. Remodeled Kitchen-Carrera white marble slab counters, 6 burner gas range, microwave drawer, etc... Master suite w/balcony to enjoy the views, remodeled bath. Relax in the beautiful backyard. 2 fireplaces, 3 car garage, so much more. A Must See! $898,555
Pam Sigel & Associate REALTOR®, Associate Broker BRE#01251907
(707) 372-2208
PamSigel.com
Advertise your listing or upcoming Open House on this On The Market Page and receive an additional run in the Daily Republic on Sunday and on DailyRepublic.com Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call today to reserve your space.
8 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
Here’s how to shop for more-efficient lightbulbs
T
THE WASHINGTON POST
homas Edison’s incandescent lightbulb has endured for more than a century. But when their characteristic wire filaments glow, much of the electricity they draw escapes as heat – a process that, while once a technological marvel, makes them modern-day energy hogs. Sales of incandescents have been falling in recent years, and now make up fewer than half of all sales. The Biden administration recently announced renewed efforts to effectively phase them out entirely in favor of more efficient lighting technology that saves electricity, lowers utility bills and avoids planet-warming emissions. Switching to more efficient lightbulbs is a “great first step” in reducing a home’s energy use, said Larry Zarker, chief executive of the Building Performance Institute. But with a plethora of options, shopping for the best replacement bulb can be confusing. So, we turned to experts for tips on finding the right fit. The universal vote for the most climate-friendly household lighting was LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs, which consume far less electricity than their predecessors. Where an incandescent would use 60 watts, for example, an equivalent LED uses closer to about 8 watts. “The best place to start for somebody shopping is to look for something like Energy Star labels, which have gone through some testing,” advised Nadarajah Narendran, the director of research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center. Energy Star is the Energy Department program that designates products as meeting certain efficiency standards, and the blue label should be on the packaging. A 2017 price survey from the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA) found that a
MEHEDI HASAN/UNSPLASH
The universal vote for the most climate-friendly household lighting by experts is LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs, which consume far less electricity than their predecessors. house with 20 lightbulbs could save about $1,000 per decade by switching from incandescent to LEDs. And unlike some energyefficiency improvements, Zarker emphasized, changing lightbulbs is something renters can also do to lower their utility bills. In addition to Energy Star, the government has tried more direct measures to encourage the move away from incandescents. On President Barack Obama’s last day in office, for instance, the Energy Department issued standards that would have effectively
phased out incandescent bulbs by 2020. But Donald Trump’s administration reversed that move. Now, President Biden’s administration is aiming to reinstate the measure. The Appliance Standards Awareness Project estimated that there are still a billion sockets in the United States using incandescent bulbs. Implementing the higher standards, it found, would result in $20 billion in savings for consumers and a reduction of 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions
by 2030. That’s the equivalent of taking about 10 million cars off the road for a year. Politics aside, the price of LEDs has dropped dramatically in recent years, and they are now available for a couple bucks per bulb or less, essentially the same the price as incandescents. And according to data that utilities submitted to the Energy Department, about 69 percent of bulbs sold in the United States (excluding California) were LED in 2020 – that’s up from about half just two years earlier. “Ten years ago this product was not purchasable on the market, and now they’re available everywhere,” said Zarker. “It’s very exciting.” But not all Energy Star LED lightbulbs are the same; there are other factors to consider, as well. Some of the choices are fairly intuitive. “If you have a dimmable switch, you certainly want the bulb that works with dimmable,” said Zarker. But other variables can be more complex, such as the color tones that the bulb emits. Early iterations of efficient lights, such as compact fluorescents, developed a reputation as bright, harsh and ultimately offputting to consumers. Because LEDs come in various shades, said Steven DenBaars, an LED expert at the University of California at Santa Barbara, customers “need to understand what color temperature they want.” “Soft” or “warm” are the closest to traditional incandescent bulbs, he said. The package may also list the bulb color in a unit of temperature measurement known as Kelvin, and “soft” or “warm” would translate to about 2,500 to 2,700 Kelvin. The higher the numbers, the more blue the light. “Cool” white fluorescent lights, for comparison, are about 4,000 to 6,500 Kelvin. Another metric is the color rendering index, which is a measure of how much a lightbulb affects the color of objects
it shines on. Both sunlight and incandescent bulbs have a maximum CRI of 100, and serve as benchmarks for how items appear under those light sources. This is what LED makers are striving for, said DenBaars, so he suggested looking for highCRI bulbs, which are becoming more common. DenBaars said LEDs have improved in other ways, too. Some now come with features that shift the color and brightness of a bulb throughout the day or at preset times. There are also “filament” LED bulbs, where the diodes are arranged to look like the filaments in an incandescent bulb. “You almost think it’s an incandescent,” said DenBaars. Nonetheless, there are pitfalls to watch out for even with LEDs. DenBaars says that installing efficient bulbs can sometimes lead to complacency, in which people are less attentive to turning off lights that aren’t in use. “The other problem is that people put in more lights,” he said. In either case, it can eat into the savings that LEDs offer. Narendran highlights a lesserknown issue: overheating. When LEDs aren’t ventilated properly, he explained, the buildup of heat can cause their life span to fall far short of the 10 to 15 years often advertised. “The heat has no place to go, and that will affect the lightbulb longevity,” he said. Particularly heat-prone situations to look out for include fixtures with multiple bulbs, as well as LEDs that are installed with a closed covering. But Narendran says moving to LEDs makes nearly universal sense, and switching from incandescent lights can pay back in lower electricity costs in a matter of months. “The market transformation is already a done deal,” he said. “There is definitely no reason why people should not go to LEDs.”
DAILY REPUBLIC — Friday, March 11, 2022 9
How to build super energy-efficient houses W
TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY
hen Maine builder Jesper Kruse began marketing a type of high-efficiency home called a passive house a dozen years ago, the dwellings appealed mainly to a small cohort of committed environmentalists. It’s a niche no more. Today, demand for passive houses is rising sharply as homeowners contend with climate-driven extreme weather and governments move to decarbonize buildings, which account for 13% of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions. Passive building involves a set of design principles and a certification standard for structures that achieve extreme energy efficiency through construction techniques that seal them in an airtight envelope, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling by as much as 75%. “We have probably gotten 10 times the amount of inquiries in the last couple of years than we’ve received before,” says Kruse, owner of Maine Passive House. Kruse, who was among the first group of builders to be certified, attributes the boom partly to an influx of new residents to Maine seeking refuge from the Covid‑19 pandemic. But he says demand also is largely growing due to widening awareness of the need for resilient homes amid a changing climate. The increasing frequency of heat waves, hurricanes, wildfires, and power outages, as well as rising energy prices, has put a premium on
STEVE RINGMAN/SEATTLE TIMES/TNS
Delphi Haus near Olympia (aka “home” to Kelly and Laura Lewis), designed by architect Tessa Smith of Artisans Group, won two national awards from the Passive House Institute US in 2017: Best Single-Family Passive House and Best Project by a Young Professional. buildings that minimize energy consumption and maintain a constant temperature. “The house won’t freeze if you lose power in the winter,” Kruse says, “which is a frequent occurrence in rural Maine.” Katrin Klingenberg is executive director and co-founder of Passive House Institute US, a nonprofit that trains passive home builders and certifies buildings. She says that
from 2011 to 2021, 16 million square feet of construction – single family homes, apartment complexes and commercial structures–was submitted for certification. The institute projects builders will seek approval of an additional 11 million square feet in 2022. “We’re seeing exponential, hockey-stick growth,” Klingenberg says. “Any certified builder or designer with experience is in
high demand and perfectly positioned in the market right now.” Before construction begins, Kruse uses a software program to design a home and model its energy consumption based on a variety of factors, including the location of the building and the impact of insulation and airtight triple-pane windows and doors. “It gets nerdy pretty quick,” says Kruse. “Rather than just building the building, you’re
actually putting in a whole lot of information and then you’re evaluating how the house is going to perform before starting construction.” The key indicator is air-tightness. In a passive home the slab, walls, and roof are thickly insulated, and the shell is constructed to eliminate any pathways for air to escape. That requires a See Super, Page 11
10 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
ON GARDENING
New Chicklet Orange will delight butterflies, and hummingbirds T
TIMOTHY D. WOOD/TNS
Chicklet Orange will produce orange trumpet flowers all season long and would make an incredible partner with other hummingbird plants, like the Rockin’ series of salvias.
he esperanza is one of those shrubs that brings about hope and anticipation for the growing season. Actually, that is what “esperanza” means in Spanish. As a gardener who got his horticultural roots in Texas, I can tell you the Esperanza is a plant to be treasured, and even more so with the debut of Chicklet Orange in 2022. Chicklet Orange is a new selection known botanically as Tecoma fulva. You’ll find the Norman orange color a great Winter change of pace from the traditional yellow Tecoma stans that is native to Texas and Mexico, where at my house in Mission, Texas, it quickly reached the roof line. Chicklet Orange with South American DNA is more compact, such that even small landscapes can grow it, as well as giving it a place on porches and decks in favorite containers. Chicklet Orange has good cold-hardiness from zones 8 and warmer. But it’s outstanding when grown as an annual, too. It will reach 36 inches in height, and taller where the growing seasons are even longer. Sun, water and a little fertilizer and you’ll be filled with the esperanza hope and anticipation. By this I mean Chicklet Orange will bring you continuous orange blooms along with all sorts of pollinators to add excitement in the garden. You’ll find it on the frequent feeding list of swallowtails and hummingbirds. The Garden Guy anticipates combining his with Rockin Blue Suede Shoes salvia on the sides and Augusta Lavender heliotrope in the front. I may try to partner with Pugster Blue and Pugster Amethyst buddleia as well. My plan is to go backyard habitat, all the way. But you may choose to go tropi-
cal, using Chicklet Orange around the pool for the look of the islands. Grow under tall bananas or in partnership with elephant ears like Maui Gold and perhaps some splashes of the blue Cape Plumbago. Select a site in full sun for best blooming, though they perform nicely in morning sun and afternoon shade. Grow them in large containers around the porch, patio or deck or plant in fertile, well-drained soil in the tropical-style garden. Amend heavy poorly drained soil with the addition of 3 to 4 inches of organic matter and till to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. While preparing the soil, incorporate two pounds of a slow-released 2-1-1 ratio fertilizer, per 100 square feet of planting area. Dig the planting hole two to three times as large as the root ball and plant at the same depth it is growing in the container. The wider hole really aids in root acclimation. Feed container-grown plants with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer every other week, or use controlled release granules as per the formula recommendation. Keep in mind that daily watering and high temperature usually means fertilizing more often. Feed those in the landscape every four to six weeks with light applications of fertilizer. Remove seed pods as they form to keep flowers producing. Spring looks to be amazing with new plant introductions, and if you are a hummingbird lover, then you’ll want to add Chicklet Orange Esperanza to your garden. Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Toughas-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
DAILY REPUBLIC — Friday, March 11, 2022 11
Super
tifamily buildings are on par because of apartments’ shared walls and floors. Klingenberg says that state incentives that From Page 9 subsidize the training of passive house builders and qualify the detailed plan to construct the buildings for tax breaks are lowhome in a precise sequence so ering construction costs and all the building materials fit spurring demand. together in a way that seals the She says that while passive structure. A ventilation system houses have been most popular circulates fresh air, and the home in cold regions like the Northis positioned on its site to maxi- east, climate change is sparking mize the heat it absorbs from the interest in the West sun in the winter as residents face while staying cool in increasingly intense Passive singlethe summer. and frequent heat The low energy family homes waves and wildfires. demands mean The construction often cost about builders can techniques that forgo a fossil fuel 10% more than keep passive houses furnace. Kruse says warm in winter conventional ones. he usually installs also keep them cool highly efficient airin summer while source heat pumps, sealing them off electrical devices that extract from wildfire smoke and filtering warmth from the outside atmo- out pollutants and pathogens. sphere and circulate the heated For Kruse, the durability, air throughout the house. In the comfort, and health aspects have summer, heat pumps cool a home become big selling points. by transferring hot air from “We have clients who want inside the house to the outside. to save the world,” he says. “But Passive single-family homes there are also people out there often cost about 10% more than who just want a well-built and conventional ones, but mul- resilient home.”
MICHAEL TERCHA/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS FILE (2011)
Mary Chris Jaklevic and Roy Schuster’s “passive” house in Oak Park, Ill., Feb. 14, 2011. The home was built using passive principles, including the lack of a furnace or gas line.
You can fi fin nd me on Facebook, but I prefer face to face.
Celebrating 40 Years Of Solano County Real Estate Experience. Scott Tonnesen Managing Partner
707-246-5670
LenderScott@gmail.com SolanoHomeLoans.com DRE #01352612 • NMLS#331812 • NMLS#1401042
Citizens Financial • 1293 Oliver Road • Fairfield CA
ADVERTISE HERE - CALL 427.6927
Call for a private consultation on how I can help you with your home.
(PP\ *UHHQH Executive Council/REALTOR® Lic. #01350961
(707) 803-2733 Emmy.Greene@KappelGateway.com www.SolanoHomesToday.com
12 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
Solano County Listings: Homes for sale PRICE
ADDRESS
CITY
BEDS
BA (F/H)
SQ. FT.
LOT/AC
MLS #
$569,000 $699,900 $799,000 $875,000 $898,555 $998,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,075,000 $1,395,000 $420,000 $552,000 $500,000 $525,000 $550,000 $569,000 $585,000 $599,000 $599,500 $620,000 $625,000 $635,000 $659,000 $660,000 $699,980 $710,000 $719,000 $750,000 $750,000 $775,000 $785,000
1150 Mockingbird Ln 2427 Trevino Way 568 Pine Creek Cir 423 Mountain Meadows Dr 2729 Wailea Cir 721 Dynasty Dr 1240 Delaware St 3239 Formby Lane 3138 Olympic Rd 4486 Glencannon Dr 1091 Waterwood Dr 1743 Ventura Way 324 Grand Canyon Dr 291 Markham Ave 413 Elizabeth Street 129 American Wy 637 Shady Glen Road 1099 Cloverbrook Cir 512 Davis Street 479 Grandview Dr 107 Wisteria Cir 251 Gentry Cir 506 Rambleton Dr 212 Wimbledon Dr 113 Sunnyglen Ct 242 Alder Crest Way 2093 Marshall Rd 142 Clematis Street 537 Morningstar Way 248 Lisburn Wy 1112 Los Robles St.
Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Rio Vista Suisun City Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville
4 3 4 5 4 5 5 3 5 3 2 4 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 4 3 5 4 4 5 4 3 4 4
2/0 2/0 2/1 3/0 2/1 3/0 3/1 3/0 3/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 1/0 2/1 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/1 2/1 2/0 2/1 2/0 2/0 2/1 3/0 2/0 3/0 3/0
1376 2078 2210 3303 2424 3151 3133 3045 3292 3759 1154 1474 1345 1228 1104 1584 1200 1708 1006 1790 1827 1840 1573 2159 2056 2174 2357 2418 1804 2539 2522
0.16 0.16 0.142 0.14 0.184 0.263 0.34 0.27 0.175 3.09 0.095 0.17 0.103 0.12 0.15 0.070 0.62 0.13 0.15 0.32 0.088 6534 0.189 0.096 11783sf 0.18 0.126 0.11 0.17 0.196 0.18
322016770 322016652 322017976 322017097 322017033 322018063 322008307 322014619 322016933 321102102 321114877 322018568 322017475 322005186 322006048 322017285 322016435 322010548 321111961 322019289 322014219 322019321 322017490 322016628 322018333 322014136 322014512 322017891 322015365 322016756 322017486
Transactions: Homes From Page 4 101 Drytown Court - $540,000
02-03-22 [4 Bdrms - 1441 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-15-14, $228,000
3409 Edgewater Place - $775,000
02-01-22 [5 Bdrms - 2455 SqFt - 1998 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-27-18, $565,000
145 El Verano - $805,000
1715 Ohio Street - $450,000
01-31-22 [2 Bdrms - 992 SqFt - 1930 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-11-19, $350,000
136 Palomar Lane - $700,000
02-02-22 [4 Bdrms - 1876 SqFt - 1967 YrBlt]
02-01-22 [4 Bdrms - 1547 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-13-00, $238,500
6844 Sunriver Lane - $845,000
02-01-22 [2 Bdrms - 720 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt]
1072 Valle Vista Avenue - $490,000
02-01-22 [1 Bdrms - 718 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-20-11, $51,000
1165 Maple Avenue - $490,000
02-03-22 [3 Bdrms - 817 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-17-13, $135,500
1458 Montclair Street - $925,000
01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 3551 SqFt - 2018 YrBlt],
BEDS
BA (F/H)
4 3 4 3 3 3 2 3
3/0 2516 3/0 2586 3/0 3163 1/0 1305 2/0 1519 1/0 1339 1/0 5/0 3135
CITY
LOT/AC
LOTS & LAND
PRICE
$479,000 $500,000 $2,000,000 $15,000,000 $359,950 $895,000 $548,000 $324,999 $379,500
ADDRESS
7215 Pleasants Valley Rd 360 Butcher 2300-11 E. Monte Vista Mankas Gibson Canyon 8457 Pleasants Valley Rd 746 Bridleridge 2939 Mix Canyon Rd 3062 Mix Canyon Rd
$89,997
ADDRESS
159 Lemon Tree Cir
01-31-22 [3 Bdrms - 1432 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-21-19, $335,000 02-01-22 [3 Bdrms - 1711 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt] 01-31-22 [4 Bdrms - 2799 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-30-07, $600,000 02-03-22 [2 Bdrms - 812 SqFt - 1941 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-21-99, $114,500
337 Washington Street - $160,000
02-01-22 [2 Bdrms - 1226 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-27-01, $205,000
2940 Webb Street - $520,000
02-04-22 [2 Bdrms - 816 SqFt - 1949 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-14-18, $382,000
AGRI COMM COMM RESA RESA RESA RESL RESL RESL
CITY
BA(F/H)
COMMERCIAL
PRICE
$550,000 $599,500 $590,000
ADDRESS
413 Elizabeth Street 512 Davis Street 444 Main Street
Porter
Vacaville CITY
Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville
BEDS
SQ. FT.
SUB TYPE
Vacaville 6 Vacaville 1.10 Vacaville 3.66 Fairfield Vacaville 1.55 Winters 22.16 Fairfield 1.03 Vacaville 24.42 Vacaville 40
MOBILE/FLOATING
PRICE
reverse mortgage business would increase for my branches from one loan per month to four or five per month by now but I was wrong. My team is still 99% conventional, VA and FHA buyers and borrowers and only 1% home equity conversion lines of credit and fixed-rate reverses. Every reverse we have ever closed has been rewarding and in some cases, life-changing for our clients, so why was I so off in my business plan expectations? I think I know the answer. It’s because, like me and everyone I know, pretty much nobody likes borrowing money, and those of us 62 and older are conservative and have a
1521 Sereno Drive - $107,000
293 Lighthouse Drive - $249,000
CITY
Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vallejo Vallejo Winters Winters Winters
02-04-22 [2 Bdrms - 1344 SqFt - 1915 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-26-18, $330,000
02-03-22 [3 Bdrms - 1736 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt]
630 Laurel Street - $435,000
ADDRESS
910 Linwood St 220 Hidden Valley Ln 4000 Greenfield Ct 1115 Santa Clara St 1015 Skyline Dr 213 Mermod Rd 8457 Pleasants Valley Rd 26518 County Road 34
From Page 5
903 Rollingwood Drive - $510,000
372 Hannigan Way - $560,000
PRICE
$835,000 $1,100,000 $1,250,000 $475,000 $645,000 $500,000 $895,000 $2,495,000
Previous Sale: 06-10-18, $859,000
416 Monterey Street - $475,000
02-02-22 [4 Bdrms - 2000 SqFt - 1949 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-05-13, $256,000
601 Falcon Drive - $440,000
OFFICE #
707-864-0205 707-864-6101 707-864-0205 707-448-6119 707-864-0205 707-864-0205 707-864-0205 707-864-6101 707-864-0205 707-864-6101 707-448-6119 707-448-6119 707-446-0600 707-446-0600 707-448-1158 707-446-0600 707-448-1158 707-448-6119 707-448-1158 707-446-0600 707-446-0600 707-446-0600 707-446-0600 707-446-0600 707-446-0600 707-448-1158 707-446-0600 707-448-1158 707-448-6119 707-446-0600 707-864-6101
2
MLS #
322017444 322000386 322018966 322005510 322019069 222023688 321006700 222005840 MLS#
SQ. FT
960
TYPE
MIXU OFFC RETL
tough time trusting large Wall Street lenders. We are still going to offer the FHA-insured reverse mortgage lines of credit, but I am no longer going to be spending marketing and advertising money on this until it becomes more accepted and popular. I am also hoping the FHA will reduce the cost of their mortgage insurance on these products so more financial advisers can endorse the idea
To advertise here, call
LOT/AC
0.18 0.49 0.26 0.05 0.19 0.11 22.16 20.0
707-427-6927
OFFICE #
707-448-6119 707-448-6119 707-448-6119 707-448-6119 707-448-6119 707-448-6119 707-446-0600 707-448-6119 OFFICE #
322010137 321098151 321102156 21825708 22029146 321000406 321003452 321007519 321095229
707-446-0600 707-448-6119 707-448-6119 707-864-0205 707-446-0600 707-446-0600 707-864-6101 707-446-0600 707-446-0600
MLS #
OFFICE #
MLS #
OFFICE #
322016506
707-448-6119
322006050 707-448-1158 321111889 707-448-1158 321115123 707-448-1158
for those seniors with tons of equity and a need for a larger tax-free monthly cash flow. Jim Porter, NMLS No. 276412, is the branch manager 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.
DAILY REPUBLIC — Friday, March 11, 2022 13
You’ll never truly ‘get organized’ until you buy less stuff NICOLE ANZIA
H
THE WASHINGTON POST
ome organization has been turned into an art form by social media influencers who share beautifully curated images of pantries arranged by color or linens tucked neatly into labeled baskets. There is a full-blown American obsession with organizing. But all of this ignores the root of the problem. It’s not that we need to organize our junk to make it prettier. It’s that we need to buy less stuff to begin with. People seem to be shopping constantly, buying whatever appeals to them without a second thought, whether it’s clothes, home accessories, kitchen gadgets, makeup or sports equipment. It’s common for people to have so much that they forget or can’t find what they have, so they buy more, only to discover the duplicate later. It’s a vicious cycle. Here are some tips to help you break up with overconsumption.
What is all this stuff? I frequently go into clients’ homes, and as they show me around, they’ll usually open a few closets and say: “I have no idea what’s in here.” Or they’ll explain that they couldn’t find the box of printer paper they bought last month, or their hammer or stapler, so they bought another one. This seems harmless, but when it becomes routine, it creates organization problems. Begin by taking a look around to see what you have, what you need, what you like and what you can get rid of. Periodically taking a basic inventory and
purging will help you make more informed shopping decisions and will help eliminate repeat purchases. You don’t have to inventory your entire household at once; break it into manageable categories, such as kitchen appliances or winter clothes, then identify what you use regularly and what can go. Also consider which belongings bring you joy and which ones you wouldn’t miss if they were gone. Do clothes and shoes make you happy, or do you prefer the items you brought back from a trip or inherited from a family member? Are your books your most prized possessions? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you set priorities and stay focused when shopping.
Shop with intention Our shopping habits are complex. Some people buy items because they’re on sale or come highly recommended. Other people think it’s necessary to stock up on almost everything “just in case,” or because they’re not sure whether they own something already. And other people shop because it makes them happy. Whatever the reason, the excitement usually doesn’t last long. New items make people happy momentarily, then they become part of the mountain of stuff we find overwhelming. Shopping mindfully – instead of impulsively or compulsively – will save you money and liberate you from the time required to organize, clean and manage the constant churn of items coming into and going out of your home. Deciding to buy something may not require much mental energy,
but deciding what to do with unwanted items can be stressful and take up considerable time. Avoid buying pieces “just because,” and commit to being a more conscious consumer. Some people limit accumulation by following a “one-in, one-out” rule: If they buy a new pair of jeans, for example, they donate a pair of old ones. Or, if they need a new desk, they make a plan to sell or donate their old one. Although that’s a good philosophy, it would be even better if we asked ourselves whether we really needed a new desk or pair of jeans. Maybe the existing desk could still work if it were positioned differently or if you made better use of the space around it. You could also paint it for an updated look. Before you buy something, consider where you will keep it. It sounds obvious, but haven’t we all made purchases – perhaps of bulk paper goods – then brought the items home and wondered where to put them?
ping locally are all ways to help protect the planet. Avoid purchasing items with the mind-set that you can return them if they don’t work out. Returns require attention, money and energy. The manufacturing, shipping and disposal of the goods we’re all churning through are draining increasingly scarce resources. We should all do our part to minimize our footprints. Shopping for new items can be fun, and it’s natural to want to have everything you need for you and your family to live comfort-
ably. But many of us have gone too far. How many wine glasses, tablecloths, sweaters, pairs of shoes and beauty products do we really need? Most of us only regularly use a small percentage of what we own. Reaching a state where we spend less time organizing and keeping track of our belongings and more time enjoying them starts with purchasing fewer of them. Doing so will benefit us, the next generation and our planet. Anzia is a freelance writer and owner of Neatnik.
Consider long-term effects Mindless shopping has costs beyond the price of the object and how clutter affects our mental health. It also teaches our children how to value – or not value – their belongings, and it makes each item seem less special. It’s understandable for parents to want to give their children new and interesting toys, but less is usually more, both in terms of what kids want to play with and their ability to keep their items tidy. Our consumption habits also affect the environment. Buying less, considering where and how pieces are made, and shop-
YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERT DEDICATED TO EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS
Mary Reyff
(707) 249-5515 • TOP 5% IN THE WORLD • ADVANCED NEGOTIATOR • GLOBAL LUXURY MARKETING SPECIALIST
REALTOR® BRE#01921697
A TRADITION OF TRUST & SELLING “PEACE OF MIND”
14 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
REAL ESTATE Q&A
Who is responsible for waterdamaged ceiling in condo? GARY M. SINGER
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL
DREAMSTIME/TNS
It is often hard to determine the cause of a leak. Sometimes it is as easy as pointing to a burst water heater, but other times the reason is not as apparent.
Q: If a condo apartment in a multi-floor condominium has its ceiling damaged from a leak in the unit on top of it, who is responsible for repairing the ceiling damage? — Dick
A: The law holds people responsible for their negligence. If someone does not maintain their mechanical systems appropriately and harms their neighbors, the offending unit owner will be accountable. That said, like most legal
REAL ESTATE DAVE FRANZONI
REALTOR®
Executive Council Cal BRE #1748267
Randie Boardman Cell (707)
I live and work in Solano County REALTOR® for over 15 years Top Producer Smart Home Specialist Executive Council of REALTORS® #1 Company in the Nation 6 Offices for your convenience
(707) 410-9003 DaveFranzoni.com
5071 Business Center Drive Fairfield, CA 94534
See Condo, Page 15
*DOOHU\
Choosing the Right REALTOR® Does Make A Difference ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤
issues, more analysis needs to be done. First, the condo’s documents will need to be reviewed to determine where the owner’s responsibilities end and the association’s begin. Usually, this
REALTOR®
688-2864
RandieBoardman@sbcglobal.net www.RandieBoardman.RemaxGold.com Serving Your Real Estate Needs for 28 Years
GRI
1411 Oliver Road, Suite 180 Fairfield, CA 94534 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
LISTING, SELLING AND ARRANGING MORTGAGE LOANS
Your Needs are our Priority! Free Consultation (707) 688-3697 (707) 425-5314
wjd8604@aol.com
CalBRE #00590778 NMLS #268646
JD Real Estate 1351 Oliver Road | Fairfield, CA 94534
Judy Davis Broker/Owner
39 Years Experience in Real Estate Industry
DAILY REPUBLIC — Friday, March 11, 2022 15
Condo From Page 14 transition occurs at the unit’s walls. The owner is responsible for everything inside their apartment, and the association takes care of maintaining what is inside the walls and the building exterior. However, not every condominium is set up like this. It is often hard to determine the cause of a leak. Sometimes it is as easy as pointing to a burst water heater, but other times the
reason is not as apparent. Most people assume that their upstairs neighbor must be the cause of a leaking ceiling because of the laws of gravity. But water has a funny way of running along the inside of walls, and what was assumed to be their neighbor’s fault was caused by a leaky drainpipe several units over. This issue highlights the importance of individual owners getting hazard insurance. Most people assume that the association’s insurance policy will cover this situation, but it usually
does not. And even if it does, the insurance company will look to the negligent unit owner for reimbursement. Without a separate policy, an unsuspecting homeowner could be left with a hefty bill to repair their, or their neighbor’s apartment.
To advertise here, call
707-427-6927
Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He practices real estate, business litigation and contract law from his office in Sunrise, Fla.
REAL ESTATE Ramon Santos
Apply now @ www.primeres.com/rsantos
*DOOHU\
2ELIABLE s $EPENDABLE s +NOWLEDGEABLE Use A BROKER/REALTOR® That Will Help You Make The Right Choice Based On Your Individual Needs!
NMLS 237037 \ #3094 Branch Manager \ Sr. Mtg. Advisor FHA • VA • Conventional
Jim & Darla are both past Presidents of the Northern Solano County Association of REALTORS.® Having been in business since 1978 we are one of the few remaining Independent Real Estate Companies in Fairfield. Born and raised in Solano County... we know the area. We strive to meet the specialized needs of each client, using the highest ethical standards.
BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER.
JIM STEVER REALTY
STEVER & ASSOCIATES Serving Solano County Since 1978!
Nancy Price-Branson Cal DRE Lic #01426977
(707) 718-1989
NancyPriceBransonSellsHomes1@gmail.com
Jim & Darla Stever BROKER/REALTOR®/Owner Cal BRE#01085687
((707) 707) 3 373-6949 7 3 -6 6949
Let My Experience Make Your Home Buying or Selling Experience Your Best Experience!
Annie@AnnieVogelpohl.com Annie Vogelpohl
>IB<
(707) 421-1000
vogelpohl real estate consulting & sales
REALTOR® CPDE, SFR, ABR, MRP, SRES
301 Dickson Hill Rd., Fairfield, CA 94533
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
690 E. Tabor Ave., Ste. F, Fairfield www.JimSteverRealty.com
BROKER, CAL BRE #00705450
Successfully moving mobiles to mansions. Contact me for current market conditions.
1 1 1 1 W E B S T E R S T R E E T, F A I R F I E L D
16 Friday, March 11, 2022 — DAILY REPUBLIC
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 TOP AGENTS Top Sales Team Top Listing Team
Top Sales Agent Top Listing Agent
TEAM CLUTTS David Clutts
Mariam Khugiani REALTOR
Broker Associate
707.315.0950
®
707.639.7064
Terry Stewart
Mariame1234@comcast.net
REALTOR®
805.705.6521
TeamClutts@gmail.com
Country Estates has been serving Green Valley and the surrounding areas for 40 years. We began and remain a family-owned company, proudly invested in our local communities. Our purpose is to help you meet your real estate goals and, in the process, ensure that every dollar spent here locally is supporting other family-owned businesses. We are grateful for your loyalty and support as we continue our journey.
John & Rhonda Stallings 707.888.3140 707.328.0911
Clutts & Stewart 707.315.0950 805.705.6521
Mariam Khugiani 707.639.7064
Bob & Rosemarie Ogan 707.864.8336 707.344.3439
Andy Klink 707.864.3792
Loney & Worley 707.290.0556 707.344.1300
Sheryl & Candice 707.688.2904 707.410.7880
Carolyn Munson 707.803.1662
Johnny Sy 707.438.9771
Claire Boyd 707.280.4348
Claudio Barrientos 510.207.2437
Carolyn Strout 707.864.8221
Megan Mehlhope 707.266.2137
Gina Waters 707.673.6988
Taylor Armour 707.330.3466
Tania Andersen 707.208.0954
Lesley Bush 530.531.7813
Zachary Loney 707.430.3335
Dena Flashman 415.603.0322
Deborah MacKenzie 707.290.6998
Whether you are selling or buying, it’s always a smart choice to work with local Real Estate professionals. www.CountryEstatesInc.com
Lic #01035560