Home Source, March 29, 2024

Charming Farmhouse just 7 Miles from

Thanks to all who sent in congratulatory notes a er my column from a few weeks ago announcing my 20th anniversary of writing this weekly missive. I almost let the milestone pass without mention, but then I thought, heck, if I don’t give a shoutout, who will? Besides, not mentioning it would make me feel like a pathetic woman sitting alone in the dark with a sparkler.

Readers weigh in on 20 years of columns

We’ve had many hilarious ups and downs together.

Molly K. Vigour New Orleans

So, I not only wrote about my last two decades, but also invited you to tell me your top takeaways and how they did (or didn’t) work out. I was heartened to hear from so many longtime readers. My word count prevents me from sharing all the lovely letters, but here are a few choice excerpts:

My husband and I have been renovating our historic, double-shotgun home since we bought it and you’ve been right there with us since 2004 when your column arrived in The Times-Picayune. So many weeks in a row I’d exclaim in wonder how you had known just what to write that week to help us! Thank you for being part of our renovation journey.

I am the last man in the world to read a weekly home improvement column, but to paraphrase a scene from Jerry Maguire, you had me at downsizing and hoarding. For most of my 70 years I’ve collected enough “priceless” items to make the hosts of “Antiques Roadshow” want to set re to my house. You’ve become my muse for getting rid of stu . Oh, and as a Colorado resident, I can relate to the story of your patio collapsing outside your house.

Dan Rector

Monument, Colorado

Over the past few years, I have found that I always pause when I turn the page of my newspaper and see your column, thinking that I’m not really interested in, for example, decorating a dorm room. But I seem to always read and actually nish your columns. It’s true: You have “so many important things to say!” Your columns are also a nice break from all the other terrible news I feel compelled to glance at.

Christine Clayworth Novato, California “Actually nish.” The ultimate

compliment.

The advice that stuck was so simple, but it made a big di erence: “When decorating for the holidays, if you put a big Santa on the mantel in place of a vase, put the vase in the box you store the Santa in. When it’s time to put the holidays away, simply switch the vase for the Santa.” I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve put away my giant Santa collection and said, now where did I put the bowl and candlesticks that were here six weeks ago? I once couldn’t nd my red placemats for a year and a half.

The kids don’t want your stu , including your old furniture, is one of the lessons that have stuck with readers over the years.

I am very glad I found your column

“H ow to Let Go of What We Cherish.” It sent me a message I needed to realize. The last paragraph reminded me that the memories are in me, not in things. Due to cancer, I have given up a lot, and am not able to walk or travel anymore, but I have the memories inside.

Anne Gracia Hayward, California

I love the columns with details on how

■ See JAMESON, page 4

Eric Jaramishian Staff writer

One of El Dorado County’s well-known real estate brokers, Bud Zeller, received the opportunity to contribute to the California Real Estate Practice book, a collegelevel real estate textbook.

According to the the Educational Textbook Company Executive Editor Colleen Taber, Zeller’s extensive expertise in the broker-buyer topic is why he was selected to revise the 10th edition of the California Real

Estate Practice book and to review the current rewrite of the 17th edition, both editions penned by Walt Huber.

While working on his master’s degree in the mid-60s, Zeller became interested in real estate. He obtained his sales license and took up teaching real estate with the Los Rios College District providing instruction on the principles, practice, management and nance classes for all four colleges of the district for over 57 years.

“We were fortunate enough to gain his insights and advice in expanding (the broker/buyer)

topic in our textbooks,” Taber touted. “He was kind enough to share years’ worth of notes from his classes with us, allowing us to improve every chapter of this best-selling textbook beyond our highest expectations.”

Zeller’s in uence and impact in the real estate profession is spread statewide due to his “un agging dedication to teaching past, current and future agents/ brokers,” said Taber.

Zeller’s list of credentials and designations include the Realtor Emeritus, awarded by the National Association of Realtors

Praising Bud Zeller for his in uence in Realtor education

and the Graduate Realtors Institute accreditation of the National Association of Realtors. He is also a Seniors Real Estate Specialist member of the National Association of Realtors and is a Certi ed Residential Specialist of NAR’s Residential Real Estate Council awarded for advanced training and demonstrating outstanding achievement. His wisdom, experience and compassion are practically legendary in the real estate and educational world, although he would be far too humble to admit it,” Tabar said.

Doreen MalinRoss, California

Marni Jameson At Home

LESSONS IN LETTING GO —

Photo courtesy of Dreamstime

Acolumn earlier this month addressed the $1.8 billion jury verdict against the National Association of Realtors for conspiring to keep commissions arti cially high. NAR appealed the decision, which I predicted could take years before a settlement. I got that wrong. In a surprise move, NAR announced a proposed settlement of $418 million and agreed to change a common practice regarding commission disclosures. Both NAR and the plainti s are claiming victory.

members. This settlement achieved both.”

Hagen Berman, representing the plainti s said, “This is a seismic shi in the real estate market. It could save consumers billions of dollars in brokerage fees.”

There has been much speculation as to how this “seismic shi ” will a ect buyers, sellers and agents who represent them. The nancial stakes are high. In 2021 Americans collectively paid Realtors $100 billion in commissions. Some estimates are for commissions to be reduced by 25% to 50% and signi cantly thin the ranks of 1.5 million Realtors.

National Association of Realtors settles price- xing lawsuit

rules was more favorable than a court might have forced Realtors to adopt. There are many questions as to how the process of paying an agent will change. It may increase a homebuyer’s cost of a home purchase and it might reduce the seller’s expense of a sale. MLS is changing agent worksheets and, of course, there will be more disclosures for buyers and sellers to sign.

a commission to an agent who procures a buyer. That information will be found someplace else.

Nykia Wright, CEO of NAR said, “It has always been our goal to preserve consumer choice and to protect our

I suspect NAR was quick to settle because paying $418 million and some minor tweaking of multiple listing service

The settlement will not lower home prices, make more homes available or prevent buyer agents from receiving compensation from the seller or the listing agent. The primary change for local Realtors has to do with o ering to pay a buyer’s agent a portion of the listing agents commission in the MLS. Homes will still be listed in the MLS but there will be no reference of paying

Under the current listing system, when I take a listing, my negotiated commission for most sellers of residential property is 5%. Other agents may negotiate higher or lower commissions. In the listing agreement I disclose that half of my 5% commission will be paid to a buyer’s agent. When entering my listing information into the MLS, I include my o er of 2.5% to a buyer’s agent. My clients will not notice much di erence a er the Realtor’s settlement. My negotiated commission remains at 5%. The listing agreement allows me to share 2.5% with a buyer’s agent.

■ See CALHOON, page 4

Richard

Jameson

Continued from 2

to choose silverware or knives mixed in with columns about overall lifestyle concepts and the humor of real living. I also love getting a real newspaper so I can rip out some columns and save them.

Nancy Oates Orlando

I have your column headlined “Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stu ” prominently displayed.

Judith Mill Valley, California

We have much in common, including getting in trouble at school for talking too much. I was kept o the gold honor roll in rst grade because I had a C in conduct, but otherwise all As. It took me until 3rd grade to nally earn an A in conduct, but I did learn self-control without medication. I love your downto-earth style, practical advice and that you throw in the pitfalls you’ve faced.

Denise Lacour New Orleans

My favorite two words in this column: “without medication.”

When I read your anniversary column, I thought “Darn it, there goes one of my favorites!”

Calhoon

Continued from 3

I was relieved to read that you weren’t retiring and that you had plenty more to say. I have zero decorating ability and laugh when I see myself in the ubs you talk about. I hope some of your sage advice has rubbed o on me.

Joanie Holden Littleton, Colorado

A er my mom’s passing, it took me two years to go through everything stored in her double garage that never had a car in it, and her home lled with “things” stacked on every surface in every room. Thank you for helping me and others turn what starts as an overwhelming burden into a rewarding and heartwarming project.

Gae Neely

Martinez, California

I really liked the column (“Cleaning Closets Can Aid Kids in Africa, Animals in Shelters”) about how you shared several di erent opportunities to donate household goods (sheets, towels, old suitcases) while gaining closet and drawer space. I volunteer at a local elementary school and shared your column today with the teachers to pass onto their students’ parents. This is a win-

However, when I enter the information into the MLS, I will not be allowed to share my o er of the 2.5% commission to a buyer’s agent. In my remarks to agents, I may direct buyer agents to my website for information on commission sharing or a buyer’s agent may call me and ask about my sharing policy. At closing the buyer’s agent will be paid by me the 2.5% as they are today.

Other listing agents and sellers may have di erent commission arrangements, as they do today. However, the most common is 5% or 6% listing commission of which the listing agent splits equally with the buyer’s agent. That will still be allowed. A er the settlement there will be other compensation plans, but most sellers will, directly or indirectly, end up paying a buyer’s agent commission. It’s to their bene t.

Since most buyers haven’t been paying an

win, no-cost project. Thanks for your columns that make our homes, communities and, indeed, our world better.

Laurie Akin Osprey, Florida

I think of you every time I take my sheets out of the washing machine and slap them around to get the wrinkles out before they go into the dryer. However, the most signi cant takeaways came from the columns you’ve written about downsizing, and about saying goodbye to the stu in our lives. I’ve attached a photo of one of your most beloved columns. Our only son appears on the surface to be an unsentimental guy, but I know that when the time comes he’s likely to be paralyzed when sorting through what remains of his parents’ lives. I have a le for “when the time comes” lled with practical documents — investment account details, the phone number of our estate attorney, etc. But your column lives at the front of the le. The attorney will be there to guide him through the estate process. The investment advisor will help him liquidate the accounts, and you’ll be there

agent’s commission for representation, they haven’t given much thought to how their agent gets paid. They will in the future. They may choose to pay their agent directly or more likely they will prefer to have their agent paid by sellers or the listing agent as is the current practice. Homes where the buyer’s agent is paid by the seller or the seller’s agent will be more attractive and sell faster and for a higher price. It may seem unfair for sellers to be paying a higher commission and enabling their agent to share with a buyer’s agent. However, from a buyer’s perspective, the price they are paying includes the cost of their agent. Few sellers will price their homes below its market value because they are paying a lower commission. Although listing brokers will be prohibited from posting in the MLS any reference to a buyer’s agent commission, sellers can agree to pay a buyer’s closing costs including a fee

to hold his hand through the hardest part of all.

Mary Weinberg

San Rafael, California

“I think of you every time I take my sheets out of the washing machine and slap them around …” Not sure how to take that.

Congratulations on 20 years of writing that makes the rest of us feel normal. My wife and I are currently in the “do we downsize or not” conversation, which I assume I will lose. Either way, thanks for helping us along.

David Swanson

Orlando, Florida

Enjoy some of your columns that interest me. Nobody bats 1,000.

Jim Fitch

Winter Park, Florida

Thanks for keeping it real, Jim.

Marni Jameson is the author of seven books including the newly released “Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow,” “What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want” and “Downsizing the Family Home.” You may reach her at marnijameson.com.

to the buyer’s broker. However, lenders have limitations on sellers’ credits to buyers. Buyers will be allowed to submit o ers asking sellers to pay their broker a commission, but this strategy can be a disadvantage in a multiple o er environment.

There will be multiple commission programs o ered to both buyers and sellers. Most will not survive the test of time. The duciary responsibility of an agent to their principal cannot be limited by a reduced commission. Sellers will agree to pay because they have the equity, and it’s nearly impossible to navigate the regulatory and legal sale process without a professional guide. Buyers will pay a premium for homes where sellers or the listing agents o er to pay for the buyer’s broker.

Ken Calhoon is a real estate broker in El Dorado County. He can be reached for questions and comments at ken@kencalhoon.com.

DRE#00996221

DRE# 02125865

huge barn and a year-round pond on gorgeous, 7+ acres!! Quality construction with extensive brickwork, vaulted family room, fabulous pull-through gambrel barn with second-story loft. This all-usable property is ready for anything: livestock, orchards, vineyards, stargazing, quads and more! Two minutes to elementary & middle school; one minute to fire department; 15 minutes or less to hardware, groceries, gas, vet clinic, and restaurants & more. Standard insurance available. Live the good life in desirable Fairplay, a well-known agricultural gem with scenic beauty! SEE MOVIE TOUR: WWW.HEAVENLYHIDDENRANCH.COM

JANINE WAGGENER (530) 295-5509

$139,000 MLS# 223083045

3493 Braden Rd, Camino

4.89 ACRE PARCEL OVERLOOKING THE BEAUTIFUL FOREST

Enjoy the breath taking views & relaxing sounds of nature! Building pad and water meter installed and ready for you to build your home in El Dorado County’s Gold Country. The property is currently not being used but offers a 30 X 30 fenced & irrigated garden area that could easily be used for a produce farm or nursery. The convivence of the Water meter already installed adds approximately a $30,000 value savings .The location of this acreage provides nearby creeks, lakes & rivers for for you to fish and all are rumored to still have plenty of gold in them.

GARY STEWART (916) 539-8695 READY TO BUY OR SELL?

DRE #01294098

I specialize in helping both buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Whether you’re looking for your dream home or aiming to sell for top dollar, I will provide personalized service and guidance throughout the entire process. Contact me today to get started on your journey in the real estate market!

Denise Karlsson • 530-305-0518 • Karlsson4re@gmail.com

e house features three bedrooms upstairs including the primary, along with two

e main level includes a potential o ce or additional bedroom. room with a wood beamed vaulted ceiling and wood burning cozy replace. e additional o ers a large slider that leads to an outside entertainment area. e kitchen boasts granite a stainless fridge, and a dining bar, accompanied by a spacious walk-in pantry. Adjacent don’t miss the covered enclosed porch. Plenty of space for animals and the kids to play structure. A massive 38’ x 30’ shop/garage is available for your RV, cars, boat, or recreational ere is also a

shed for extra storage. e property is equipped with a diesel backup instant power when required, and a Kinetico Water Well system featuring a

YouR Guide to PRoPeRtY listinGs

YOURGUIDETO PROPERTY LISTINGS

You may also find it helpful to browse listings by the type of real estate you are interested in buying. To find the geographic location, look at the classification heading and locate the matching zone number on the El Dorado County Map.

You may also find it helpful to browse listings by the type of real estate you are interested in buying. To find the geographic location, look at the classification heading, and locate the matching zone number on the El Dorado County Map. TABLEOFCONTENTS

To find property by geographic location, use the following reference table. Each category is separated by the zone number, type of real estate, and location in El Dorado County.

Information

Residential

Home Source MLS Listings are accessed each week, neither Home Source, Mt Democrat or McNaugthon Media /Publishing nor its authors guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein. Home Source, Mt Democrat or McNaugthon Media nor its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages, including exemplary damages, arising out of use, or with regard to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in Home Source. All rights reserved.

All properties are listed by price, address, acreage, listing number, and the Realtor’s office number. If you would like more information about a property, call the relevant office number for that listing.

To find a property by geographic location, use the following reference table. Each category is separated by the zone number, type of real estate, and location in El Dorado County. Properties are sorted by price, in ascending value.

12601 RESIDENTIAL HOMES GREATER CAMERON PARK

5390002535Country

$924,888

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by MetroList©. All information provided by seller/other sources has not been verified by broker. All interested persons should independently verify accuracy of above information. Copyright ©2002 – MetroList Services, Inc.

5999993200Stanford

6000003065Birmingham4220180.29150032628916-933-8700

6190001157Oak

6190006036Brogan

629000506Prairie

$1,380,000

12605 Residential Homes

latrobe/sHinGle sPrinGs soutH

12701

Residential Homes

Greater PlaCerville

12703 Residential Homes

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Phone:

Cell:

Fax:

David.Crofut@lhfs.com

NMLS/CA-DBO

Leo

Office:

Cell:

Fax:

Cell:

Fax:

David.Crofut@lhfs.com

Leo.Pacheco@lhfs.com

Cell:

Fax:

NMLS/CA-DBO

www.HomeLoansbyLeo.com

David.Crofut@lhfs.com

NMLS/CA-DBO

NMLS/CA-DBO

IMPROVED PRICE

JANICE DAVIES (530) 306-6899

$490,000 MLS#224022764

LOCATED IN DESIRABLE 55+ ESKATON VILLAGE

2017 contemporary style duet located in Eskaton Village. This 1492 sq. ft home has tall ceilings throughout. The large master bd, guest bd plus Den/Office all have newer carpet. Delightful Kitchen offers custom cabinets, pull-out drawers,