Home Seller: April 3, 2026

ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE

Friends’ con may result in profit for you

Q: I have “friends” (husband and wife) who conned me. They asked me verbally if I could help them with their mortgage payment because they have bad credit and can’t get a loan. They said they would sell their house to me, live there and pay the monthly mortgage payment, includ ing insurance and taxes. After a year, they will then buy back the house from me. I agreed to help them.

The transaction was without a Realtor, no home inspec tion, no roof inspection, etc. We closed escrow two months ago. The first payment was due in February. Some of my friends then advised me to have them sign a rental agreement so that I can, at least, go after them if they skip mortgage payments. I then asked them to sign the rental agreement with the rental amount blank until we received the official monthly bill from the lender.

Jones, I am in desperate

A: I assume you are in “desperate need of help” because you now have a mortgage payment due and can’t, or would rather not, make that payment. But, for the moment, that’s exactly what you

It sounds like you really were conned by your “friends.”

The most immediate legal question is whether or not you were financially harmed. So

I assume from your email that you went out and got a new mortgage, just as any buyer would, and the proceeds from which were used to pay off the old mortgage. The $31K and back taxes were apparently due on the old mortgage so they were paid from your new mortgage money. That would happen in any purchase.

In the middle of February, they called and told me that they can not afford to make payments and that they are moving out. This morning I found out from the lender that my loan included some $31,000 in unpaid interest and some $9,000 back taxes. All these charges were not disclosed to me. Also, I found out the wife had filed bankruptcy last year, which included this house, and that they pulled this house out from the bankruptcy so they could sell it to me. They committed fraud and misrepresentation.

What can I do now? I found out that they moved into their other house on which they also owe back taxes and are several months behind in payments. Mr.

If you got a new mortgage, then there was an appraisal, establishing that the sales price of the house was no higher than fair market value. So the amount of your loan surely wasn’t for more than the house is worth in the marketplace.

Consequently, how have you been financially hurt? You bought a house and you own a house, albeit with a mortgage on it.

You need to look at this like any other type of real estate purchase.

There’s a property which you purchased and now own. You paid market value or less for it, now you have to decide what you want to do with it.

Yes, your friends may have conned you, and you may not

Jones, Page 4

SOLANO REAL ESTATE SCENE

Zillow used to be a verb

TTRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY

he names Google, Uber, Airbnb, Zoom, DoorDash, FedEx, Venmo, PayPal and Zillow are often used as a verb in a sentence. I remember asking my secretary at Beneficial Finance to Xerox some documents for me back in the early ’80s and nowadays people Uber to restaurants and Google places and things every day. It was February 2006 when Zillow.com launched with the Zestimate, a proprietary algorithm providing valuations for over 40 million homes. They gave away the Zestimate for free for a few years while they gathered our data and built a huge database, which they later used to sell advertising and leads to real estate agents and lenders.

People still use the name Zillow as a verb, but the company’s profits over the past 14 years resemble Xerox more than Google. Xerox is trading at less than $2 per share and lost a couple billion over the past couple years. Zillow made a net profit of $23 million in 2025, which was the first profitable year since 2012, and is trading at $41 per share – down from $93 per share last year.

Zillow remains the most visited real estate website in the country and is recovering from a home buying business called “Zillow Offers” that they ran from 2018 till they shut it down in 2022. Zillow lost over $500 million in 2021, but now that they have returned to their roots – selling leads and

With spring on its way, it’s a popular time for homeowners to consider selling their homes. It can be daunting to think about listing your home so where do you start?

Being able to get the best first impression is crucial, according to Julie Sirois, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties. That first impression starts with the photos you take. There are some buyers, especially in the high-end market, that are still buying sight unseen and go off of the photos. Before your home even hits the MLS, you’ll have some work to do to best present it.

You’ll want to start with curb appeal, Sirois said, since that is the first thing a buyer will see online or when they pull up to the driveway. Some things you’ll want to consider are mulching, cutting the grass, washing the house, addressing any wood rot issues and cleaning up the shrubs and plants.

“This is your first impression of the home so make it count,” Sirois said.

From there, address any maintenance items – even small ones.

“If a buyer can see small maintenance issues, they worry about what they cannot see,” Sirois said. “Take care of those in advance.”

Those small maintenance items can be anything from chipped paint to scuff marks, burned out bulbs or ripped screens.

You will want to remove any pet items in the home. This will help eliminate any odors.

“Removing pet items will help any buyers who have aller-

gies or are not fond of pets,” Sirois said.

Make sure to address clutter.

“Anything smaller than the palm of your hand should be put away,” Sirois said of the general rule declaring what is clutter and what is not. “Start packing. You’ll ultimately be moving anyway so start that process.”

You will want to remove unnecessary furniture, she said. It makes the space look small.

Another thing most homeowners don’t think about is their personalization. These are things such as family photos, collections or sports memorabilia.

“Buyers basically want to envision themselves in the home,” she said. “Too many personalized items makes it feel like the seller’s home and not a potential home for themselves.”

When it comes to storage spaces, you could have all the storage in the world in a home, but if it looks packed to the brim and doors won’t close, that won’t be a selling point.

“If storage spaces are overflowing, it looks like there’s not enough storage space,” Sirois explained. “Think about open closets, the basement and the garage. Pare down storage spaces. It’s a better look for showings.”

Most people do think about paint when they are about to sell their home, but it’s not just about fixing chipping paint.

“If the home already has neutral colors and it’s in good condition, there’s no issue,” she said. “Light neutrals are best. Buyers can envision their own belongings there instead of being overwhelmed by color.”

Sirois said you don’t just have to paint the home gray.

“You can go white or warmer

See Prepare, Page 12

Solano real estate transactions

BENICIA

TOTAL SALES: 2

LOWEST AMOUNT: $870,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,425,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $1,147,500

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $1,147,500

813 Campas Court - $870,000

01-28-26 [4 Bdrms - 2866 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt]

710 Kearney Street - $1,425,000

01-30-26 [4 Bdrms - 3508 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-23-17, $850,000

DIXON

TOTAL SALES: 4

LOWEST AMOUNT: $545,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $685,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $591,250

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $603,125

540 Glenside Drive - $545,000

01-29-26 [4 Bdrms - 1619 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 05-24-11, $221,000

380 Manning Way - $685,000

01-30-26 [4 Bdrms - 2220 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-06-18, $525,000

1830 Orange Blossom Lane - $600,000

01-30-26 [3 Bdrms - 2024 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-29-24, $580,500

835 Royal Elf Court - $582,500

01-29-26 [3 Bdrms - 1503 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt]

FAIRFIELD

TOTAL SALES: 11

ASK ANGI

LOWEST AMOUNT: $410,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $612,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $479,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $491,955

223 Camellia Street - $430,000

01-30-26 [3 Bdrms - 1372 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt]

81 Del Prado Circle - $410,000

01-30-26 [2 Bdrms - 1234 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 02-16-12, $70,500

518 Empire Street - $440,000

01-30-26 [3 Bdrms - 1178 SqFt - 1945 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 02-23-22, $522,000

5001 Lakeview Circle - $479,000

01-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1281 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 12-14-10, $160,000

1316 Lincoln Street - $445,000

01-29-26 [3 Bdrms - 1394 SqFt - 1951 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 07-09-19, $222,500

3029 Puffin Circle - $497,500

01-27-26 [4 Bdrms - 1717 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 07-21-04, $284,000

1863 San Clemente Street - $525,000

01-28-26 [3 Bdrms - 1287 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 10-31-25, $335,000

725 Sequoia Drive - $560,000

01-29-26 [4 Bdrms - 1953 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 04-01-22, $555,000

828 Stoneridge Circle - $612,000

01-28-26 [3 Bdrms - 1419 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 02-27-20, $300,000

2725 Teton Lane - $468,000

01-30-26 [2 Bdrms - 1264 SqFt - 1981 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 10-24-13, $199,500

2845 Vista Grande - $545,000

01-30-26 [3 Bdrms - 1624 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt]

RIO VISTA

TOTAL SALES: 6

LOWEST AMOUNT: $337,500

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $635,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $489,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $470,083

308 American Falls Drive - $520,000

01-28-26 [2 Bdrms - 2137 SqFt - 2011 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 04-23-20, $465,000

740 Linda Vista Way - $458,000

01-30-26 [3 Bdrms - 1988 SqFt - 1948 YrBlt]

228 Shearwater Drive - $520,000

01-26-26 [2 Bdrms - 2133 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 05-12-21, $515,000

507 Three Rivers Court - $350,000

01-29-26 [2 Bdrms - 1154 SqFt - 2010 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 12-13-10, $175,500

437 Waterwood Drive - $635,000

01-29-26 [2 Bdrms - 2440 SqFt - 2018 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 10-23-18, $572,500

338 Watson Hollow Drive - $337,500

01-27-26 [2 Bdrms - 1172 SqFt - 2003 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 09-13-04, $295,000

SUISUN CITY

TOTAL SALES: 2

LOWEST AMOUNT: $450,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $538,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $494,000

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $494,000

1120 Camellia Lane - $450,000

01-28-26 [3 Bdrms - 1334 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 06-11-25, $342,000

805 Gazebo Court - $538,000

01-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1856 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 10-31-11, $220,000

VACAVILLE

TOTAL SALES: 8

LOWEST AMOUNT: $357,500

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $739,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $492,500

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $521,938

160 Arcadia Drive - $370,000

01-28-26 [2 Bdrms - 1308 SqFt - 1981 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 12-22-16, $250,000

106 Birch Street - $465,000

01-30-26 [4 Bdrms - 1236 SqFt - 1948 YrBlt]

913 Cedar Brook Lane - $729,000

01-30-26 [4 Bdrms - 2193 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 06-27-19, $528,000

106 Genoa Court - $535,000

01-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1242 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 09-09-21, $510,500

2600 Nut Tree Road - $460,000

01-28-26 [3 Bdrms - 1395 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt]

773 Peregrine Way - $520,000

01-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1249 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 10-27-22, $489,000

442 Stonewood Drive - $739,000

01-30-26 [4 Bdrms - 2096 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 06-15-21, $725,000

137 Valhalla Court - $357,500

01-29-26 [4 Bdrms - 1888 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 07-28-20, $482,000

What home improvements should I not DIY?

Home improvement shows and online tutorials have made DIY projects more popular than ever, but not every project is a good candidate for a weekend fix. Some home repairs involve safety risks, specialized tools or local code requirements that can quickly turn a simple project into a costly mistake. When homeowners ask me what they should avoid doing themselves, I usually point to projects where a small error can create major problems later.

skilled pro is usually the smartest move. While swapping out a light fixture or installing a new outlet cover may be manageable for some homeowners, anything involving wiring, circuit breakers or service panels should be handled by a licensed electrician. Improper electrical work can lead to fire hazards, failed inspections or long-term safety issues that aren’t immediately visible. Plumbing projects can also be deceptively tricky. Replacing

VALLEJO

TOTAL SALES: 10

LOWEST AMOUNT: $300,000

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,200,000

MEDIAN AMOUNT: $522,500

AVERAGE AMOUNT: $560,000

931 North Camino Alto - $550,000

01-29-26 [3 Bdrms - 1392 SqFt - 1965 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 12-18-08, $165,000

330 Carousel Drive - $375,000

01-29-26 [4 Bdrms - 1693 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt]

208 Del Mar Avenue - $375,000

01-30-26 [3 Bdrms - 1141 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 09-29-10, $155,000

425 Del Sur Street - $410,000

01-30-26 [3 Bdrms - 1211 SqFt - 1962 YrBlt]

1407 Eucalyptus Drive - $630,000

01-29-26 [4 Bdrms - 2491 SqFt - 2011 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 08-21-19, $545,000

104 Hermosa Avenue - $495,000

01-30-26 [2 Bdrms - 901 SqFt - 1943 YrBlt]

107 Mayo Avenue - $300,000

01-28-26 [2 Bdrms - 999 SqFt - 1925 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 05-24-17, $325,000

705 Starfish Drive - $576,000

01-26-26 [3 Bdrms - 1387 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 11-18-10, $210,000

310 Sundance Avenue - $689,000

01-29-26 [4 Bdrms - 2746 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 12-09-09, $300,000

193 Sunrise Way - $1,200,000 01-26-26 [4 Bdrms - 1752 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt],

Previous Sale: 12-28-08, $260,000

Electrical work is one of the biggest areas where hiring a

Some home repairs are better left to the experts, skilled plumbers can diagnose issues and ensure repairs are done safely and correctly the first time. See Hicks, Page 12

From Page 2

have otherwise wanted to own another house, but you do. And you may even profit from the whole situation. Chances are that since you haven’t lost any money you don’t have a lawsuit against your ex-friends.

My advice is to remove your “friends” from your annual Christmas card list and either get new tenants or sell the place.

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.

ON GARDENING

The Year of the Azalea absolutely Perfecto Mundo

TNorman Winter

he National Garden Bureau has named 2026 “The Year of the Azalea,” and The Garden Guy thinks that is Perfecto Mundo! As you might guess that is exactly the name of one of the newest series of re-blooming azaleas. In case you are wondering, Perfecto means perfect and Mundo is an intensifier thanks to the Fonz and “Happy Days.” One thing is for certain: the love you will feel when you see them blooming in

Perfecto Mundo azaleas come in 6 colors, four of which are double: Double White, Double Pink, Double Purple and Double Dark Pink. Then there is a Red and Orange. There are two carpet varieties, Pink Carpet and Fuchsia Carpet, and two Epic colors: Epic Pink and Epic Coral. As you might guess, the carpets are the shortest, the epics are the tallest at 4 feet, and the group of six in the middle are 30 to 36 inches. Re-blooming azaleas are kind of like reblooming hydrangeas in that you will never build a perfect floral calendar.

This will be my sixth year of growing Perfecto Mundo azaleas. I began this adventure like “Mission: Impossible.” If you choose to accept, you will have beauty, fun and go nuts. You see, theoretically, you could have hydrangeas and azaleas as blooming partners if they sync

TOP LEFT: Perfecto Mundo Orange offers the garden the rarest in color.

BOTTOM LEFT: Perfecto Mundo Double Purple has blooms fit for royalty.

up on reblooming. The question is, will I live long enough?

The first year looked easypeasy as I had a taste of Perfecto Mundo bloom while across the way some blue Let’s Dance hydrangea blooms appeared. Can you just imagine Perfecto Mundo Orange or Red with blue hydrangea flowers? It would be a horticultural feast for the eyes.

The next challenge was, can I get Shadowland hostas to dazzle up with Perfecto Mundo azaleas? This certainly can happen, but

the spring azalea bloom will generally occur before the hostas shoot new growth. The rebloom can happen and will be a Kodak moment. I am also attempting to make the perfect combo with Heart to Heart caladiums.

Now I am writing from zone 8 Georgia. The Perfecto Mundo azaleas are generally recommended for zones 6-9, though Perfector Carpet Pink, Carpet Fuchsia, Double

From Page 3

advertising – they squeaked out a tiny profit of $23 million from $2.6 billion in revenue in 2025.

The headline could be, “Zillow makes a profit for the first time in 14 years,” but another headline could be, “After bringing in $2.6 billion in gross income, Zillow spent $2.577 billion in expenses for a profit of less than 1% of its revenue.”

I am not exactly sure what the point of this column is today, but I thought the Zillow story is an interesting lesson on business and sticking with the business plan. Zillow should have left the house flipping and home selling business to the local professionals.

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.

“A happy, healthy home starts with safety. Make sure your fire and carbon monoxide detectors are part of your seasonal refresh routine,” says Isis Wu, president of Global Residential Fire & Safety at Kidde.

Prioritize smoke, carbon monoxide alarms during your spring clean

STATEPOINT

Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh! While dusting the ceiling fan and scrubbing the tub are likely already on your to-do list, the most essential task of all may not be on your radar: cleaning and testing your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. A fresh home is great, but a safe one is even better. Did you know that working smoke alarms in the home doubles your chances of safely escaping a house fire? That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association. This spring, Kidde, a pioneer in early smoke detection for over 100 years, is highlighting the importance of keeping your smoke and CO alarms up to date. Here’s what they want you to know:

• Install devices throughout the house, on every level including the living room, kitchen,

bedrooms, hallways, basement and garage. It’s also a good idea to keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen, basement, laundry room and garage.

• Smoke and CO devices aren’t just plastic boxes – they’re sophisticated mini-computers. Their sensors and circuits constantly analyze air particles, and like any computer, dust and neglect can inhibit their functionality. Clean your alarms this spring, and regularly after that, to help prevent false alarms. Use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean the vents, and then wipe the device with a dry microfiber cloth.

• Smoke and CO alarms are electronic devices with sensors and circuits that wear out over time. It’s recommended to replace them every 5 to 10 years depending on the model. You can determine whether it’s time to replace or upgrade your alarms by looking at the manufacturing

Winter

From Page 6

Purple and Double Dark Pink from the original group of six are zones 5-9.

The Perfecto Mundo reblooming azaleas, like others, need fertile, well-drained, acidic soil with sun to partsun conditions. Their size is such that I don’t prune much. The initial bloom is on old wood. Then after that, I prune just enough to stimulate new growth. I fertilize now too.

The Perfecto Mundo azaleas like others are always attracting pollinators whenever in bloom. I love to do a July or

August Facebook post showing the summer azalea blooms with Eastern Tiger Swallowtails getting nectar. Invariably I get responses from followers saying azaleas do not bloom in the summer. But it is again a Perfecto Mundo world, when it comes to azaleas. I hope you will give them a try, after all it is The Year of the Azalea.

Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinter TheGardenGuy. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.

date. Be sure to opt for self-testing devices that help ensure the alarms are operating as expected, like the Kidde Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Battery Powered or the Combo Smoke CO Alarm, 10-Year Battery Powered, which last a full decade. Kidde’s Detect line of devices offer revolutionary technology that provides fast, precise smoke detection, giving individuals and families more time to react and get to safety. The line also prioritizes enhanced sensing technology, which helps to reduce those nuisance alarms that can lead to consumers disabling their devices.

Remember, a self-testing device is not a substitute for a manual push test. No matter what style devices you have in your home, be sure to take time this spring to manually test them, and then monthly after that.

More information about fire and CO safety can be found by visiting www.kidde.com.

REAL ESTATE

How to establish a home renovation budget

METRO

Homeowners know that the next home renovation project is always right around the corner. And that means finding ways to finance such undertakings.

When planning for renovations, the average homeowner underestimates their project cost by approximately 22%, according to the 2026 Remodeling Impact Report. Establishing a pre-project budget can help avoid such surprises.

Don’t over-improve

A common mistake homeowners make is over-improving a home beyond the neighborhood value. A good rule of thumb is to employ the average percentage-of-home-value approach in an effort to stay within range of what’s acceptable. Budget a kitchen renovation or finished basement at 10 to 15% of the home value. A master bedroom will come in at 5 to 10% of home value, while a small bedroom or office falls between 1 and 3% of home value. These benchmarks are supported by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Realtors. Historically, a functional, modern kitchen is the top driver of home value, says

It’s important for homeowners to get several estimates before establishing a renovation budget.

Remodeling Magazine.

Learn the breakdown

Homeowners should understand that materials, fixtures, appliances, and flooring, otherwise known as “hard costs,” will eat up 50 to 60% of their renovation budgets. Labor, permits and design fees will comprise the next largest chunk, typically coming in between 25 and 35%. Homeowners also should factor about 15 to 20% of a budget to a safety net to cover unforeseen expenses, like mold remediation or structural issues.

to fix later.

From Page 4

a faucet or showerhead might seem straightforward, but more complex jobs like installing a water heater, repairing pipes or dealing with sewer lines require professional expertise. Even a small mistake with plumbing can lead to hidden leaks, mold growth or water damage that becomes far more expensive

Roof repairs are another project where safety and experience matter. Climbing onto a roof without proper equipment can lead to serious injuries, and even minor repairs require knowing how water flows across a roof to prevent future leaks. Roofing professionals understand how to address the root of the issue rather than just patching a visible problem.

Even projects that many homeowners assume are easy

too high, homeowners can create a budget that works.

Saving versus splurging

It’s important for homeowners to be realistic about their renovations. They can splurge on items that are seen or touched every day, like door handles, cabinet pulls and faucets. Other items, like lighting fixtures or backsplashes, can be replaced down the road. It may be better to direct funds to structural elements or those “invisible renovations” like upgrading insulation or smart systems that save on energy costs and improve efficiency.

Keep a 20 percent cushion

Get three quotes

It’s important for homeowners to get several estimates before establishing a budget. Experts advise working with contractors that offer fixed-price contracts rather than those that list time and materials; otherwise, there may be a mid-project price hike that comes out of the blue. A person also can ask contractors for a line-item bid so it’s possible to see where money can be trimmed through different material choices. With a list of desired items in hand, and acceptable substitutions if the cost comes in

DIY – like painting or landscaping – often turn out better and faster when handled by skilled pros. Professional painters know how to properly prep surfaces and apply finishes so the work lasts longer, while landscapers understand drainage, soil health and plant placement that keeps outdoor spaces thriving yearround. Hiring a pro can save time, prevent costly do-overs, and often deliver results that hold up better over time.

My rule of thumb is simple:

Prepare

From Page 3

beiges. It just has to be neutral enough that you aren’t walking into an alarming color like purple or turquoise,” she said.

A lot of people miss this tip, Sirois said. Make sure all of your spaces have one purpose.

“A bedroom with a treadmill and a desk makes buyers question if the house is too small. It indicates there is no room for a gym and no room for an office,” she said. “You don’t want to remind them of anything negative in the home.”

Homeowners can determine the affordability if a proposed project ends up costing 20% more or takes a few months longer. If the answer is no, homeowners should scale back the project budget until they have that financial safety net. Alliant Credit Union says experts strongly recommend adding a 20% contingency cushion to a remodeling budget.

A home remodeling project is a big commitment of time and money. Budgeting correctly ensures that there are few, if any, surprises along the way.

If a project involves electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, or specialized tools and expertise, it’s usually worth bringing in a pro. Homeownership already comes with enough surprises, and hiring the right expert can help ensure the job is done safely, efficiently, and correctly the first time.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.

Hiring a realtor that stages will help with many of these items. A third-party person coming in and looking at the space will think of things you have not. One of the things a stager may notice is better ways to move your furniture to highlight the home’s best features.

“A couch may be up against a fireplace,” Sirois said. “That fireplace is a good feature. You’ll want to move that.”

You also want to consider lighting and how your home looks at night.

“Many showings are in the evenings,” she said. “You want to make sure there is enough light to showcase the home.”

Think you have to update your kitchen or bathroom before putting the home on the market? Think again.

“If you’re going to update for yourself and for your quality of life, go ahead and do it,” Sirois said. “Small adjustments can make a big impact. For instance, changing out the laminate countertops instead of doing a full kitchen overhaul or updating the backsplash. It won’t look dated and doesn’t create a huge financial impact.”

Overall you’ll want to help buyers envision themselves in your home and doing a little bit of prep work before going on the market will help sell your home.

Pet parents can breathe easier with good air quality

Your pets are an integral part of your family that bring so much joy to your life. From cuddles and companionship to exercise and entertainment, pets can be a bright spot on even the toughest of days. That said, your fourlegged friends can also impact your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) with their dander, hair and odors. These pet allergens may cause sneezing and watery eyes, and could set off other aller gic reactions.

Of course, your pets deserve clean air, too! They spend the majority of their lives indoors, making indoor air quality critical to maintaining your furry family member’s long-term health. This is especially important if your pet has allergies or lung issues.

Good indoor air quality is a key part of responsible pet ownership, protecting against preventable sickness and discomfort for all household members. The good news? You can still enjoy quality time with your furry family members and reduce allergens so you can breathe easier. All you need is to take a few proactive steps to improve your IAQ, so you can continue to curl up with your canine companions and feline friends. Check out a few suggestions below!

Install an air quality monitor

Install an air quality monitor to track dander, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other pollutant particles. Real-time data helps you spot problems quickly and reduce pollutants in your home.

Increase ventilation throughout your home

Ventilating promotes airflow, improving IAQ for you and your four-legged friend.

To keep the air in your home

balanced and fresh consider using an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) like the BalancedHome ERV. This whole-home ventilation solution is ideal for improving airflow and IAQ. Plus, the BalancedHome ERV is built to deliver high-performance ventilation, manage humidity and improve energy efficiency at a cost-effective price point for a single-family home.

Another all-in-one whole house option to consider is the WhisperGreen Select Fan, a precision solution to ventilate your bathroom, laundry room, sun room, basement or garage. With its built-in, multispeed selec-

tion, you can easily customize fan speed to meet your space’s ventilation needs and improve your IAQ. Best of all, you can easily install the WhisperGreen Select yourself! Improving your IAQ isn’t just about cleanliness. It’s also about maintaining a healthier living environment for everyone in the household. Using these easy tips, you can actively manage airflow and remove airborne pollutants to maintain a balanced and healthier indoor environment.

Groom

your pets often

It may seem counterintuitive,

but grooming your fur babies can actually help prevent pet allergens from becoming airborne. Daily brushing and weekly bathing can remove loose fur, dander and dirt, capturing these particles and preventing them from circulating in your home. This is an easy way to remove allergens that can trigger or worsen allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues, so everyone can enjoy spending time indoors.

Vacuum twice a week

Pet dander, fur and allergens can easily settle on top of your carpets, upholstered furniture

and floors. To remove these particles from your home, vacuum twice a week, at least, though you may have to vacuum more frequently depending on how many furry family members you have. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, poor-quality vacuums can put dust in the air instead of removing it. Make sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove particles before they become airborne so you can enjoy a healthier environment with your paw-tners in crime.

Neutralize pet odors with an air purifier

Pet odors aren’t just unpleasant to smell; they’re a sign that dander and fur are circulating throughout your home. While grooming pets and vacuuming can do a lot for your air quality, pairing these habits with an air purifier can significantly improve your IAQ, leaving cleaner,

Frequently wash bedding, blankets and cushions

Your pet’s bed, favorite blankets and pillows easily accumulate dander, fur, saliva and skin oils, all of which can irritate your breathing. If your furry friends spend a lot of time on your bed or furniture with you, these areas can also become allergen-laden.

To remove these particles before they become airborne, make sure to regularly wash these fabric items with hot water. If your pet’s bed and your furniture have removable covers, you can throw them into the wash with the bedding, blankets and pillows. If these items don’t have removable covers, no worries. Vacuum the surface, spot treat stains, deodorize the fabric with baking soda and vacuum it up when you’re done.

Solano County Listings: Homes for sale

$1,075,000

$1,075,000

LOTS & LAND

$1,559,000

MOBILE/FLOATING

COMMERCIAL

There are currently 94 active and 37 pending listings in the Davis market.

Over

the past two weeks:

Active

Forty-three new listings (13 have already gone pending).

Median active price $999,000 (average active price $1,064, 803).

Closed

Sixteen listings closed escrow.

Median closed price $682,250 (average sold price $923,688).

Seven closings received multiple offers.

The biggest miscalculation was an Opendoor listing which was on the market for 237 days. The price started at $855,000 and ended up selling for $617,000.

Seven closings were cash, two were VA, and the remainder were conventional financing. For the full newsletter subscribe here: or visit our website below!