ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Dealing with bad contractor situation
Q: I hired a contractor to completely remodel our down stairs. We signed the contracts in May and he started work right away. The plan was that we were going to live in the house, mostly upstairs, during the construction. He said that once he started tearing up the kitchen, we wouldn’t have any place to prepare or store food for about two weeks, so that’s what we expected. He ripped out the kitchen almost three months ago.
For a while, we were keeping a couple of ice chests upstairs with drinks, and milk and cereal for the kids. But as the weeks went on there didn’t seem to be any progress downstairs, let alone the kitchen. When we’d ask him about it he would say that something was shipped incorrectly or the manufacturer was unexpectedly backordered. As time went on, we spent more and more money eating three meals every day in a restaurant. We were already on a tight budget to get this project done and that was an expense we hadn’t planned on.
have to give him part of the next installment, $5,000, for him to
For the past week we’ve been isn’t helping the budget either. We are at our wits’ end and don’t
The contract calls for us to pay him in four equal installments. Four weeks ago, he demanded that we pay him the third installment early so he could continue, so we wrote him a check for $9,000. When the weather started getting really hot a couple of weeks ago, we found out that the air conditioning had been completely disconnected. We were all cooking, but especially the kids (they are 5 and 7 years old). When we asked the contractor about it, he said he had to disconnect it because the remodel required that he move air ducts around and he hadn’t reinstalled them, yet. He said we would
When there are a few delays, which aren’t too severe and the explanation makes sense, you have to roll with the punches. But this is way over the top.
At best, your contractor is simply inexperienced or just plain incompetent.
At worst, he’s got several jobs going at once and doesn’t have enough money to finish all of them so he walks away from your job for awhile until he can get far enough along in another job to take another payment with the hopes of putting that money into your project.
First, you need to contact the Contractors State License Board. They have a complaint process which will get a state inspector out to your property. They have jurisdiction over your contractor and can pretty much make him construct repairs or complete the project. Assuming the guy
See Jones, Page 4
Tim Jones
Should you buy a house?
TAYLOR FREITAS BANKRATE.COM
Renting gives you the freedom to move when you want, without the responsibilities of homeownership. But at some point, most people yearn for their own home. Buying a house is a good way to start building financial security. As you pay down the mortgage, you build up home equity, which is a valuable finan cial resource.
Of course, today’s combi nation of high home prices and high mortgage rates is not exactly working in your favor. Higher rates mean monthly mortgage pay ments can be a struggle – or even a barrier to homeown ership altogether. And there are plenty of other factors to consider, too.
as prohibitively expensive as mortgage payments. Data from Redfin shows that in June 2025, the national average rent was $1,642 – down 0.48% from the year before.
Rising rent makes it harder to budget for monthly housing costs and save for other financial
a senior vice president at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling in Washington, D.C.
Although borrowers with a credit score as low as 500 can qualify for some home loans, they will be required to make bigger down payments and pay higher rates. A higher credit score gets you better interest rates and loan terms.
“Housing affordability is a challenge for many prospective homeowners,” says Mark Hamrick, Bankrate’s senior economic analyst. “It pays to shop around for the best mortgage interest rate when the time does come to buy. All too many buyers only focus on the price of the home when there are other factors that also help to determine monthly payments.”
8 signs you’re ready to buy a house
Do you frequently find yourself wondering whether to keep renting or buy a home, or asking yourself, “Am I ready to buy a house?” Here are eight signs that you’re ready to make the switch from renter to homeowner.
1. Your rent is rising
Rent prices can be every bit
goals. When paying rent begins to feel like a bad investment and you want to build equity for the future, it’s time to think about a mortgage, says Bill Golden, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta.
“If you’ve seen your rent escalate significantly and you feel trapped, the balance may be tipping toward buying,” he says.
“Your monthly outlay could be less on a purchase.”
2. Your credit score is solid
Some renters can’t make the leap to homeownership because they don’t qualify for a mortgage. Low credit scores are a common reason: A history of late payments or too much debt will hurt your score. One sign that you’re ready to buy a home is having a healthy credit score, says Bruce McClary,
To check your score, get a free copy of your credit report and examine it carefully. Look at what’s bringing down your score and focus on improving in those areas, as well as paying down your debt in general. “Establishing a credit history or recovering from a credit setback can take time, but the goal of homeownership is still realistic under those circumstances,” McClary says.
3.
Your debt is manageable
Another thing lenders look at when screening mortgage applicants is their debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. This key metric evaluates your monthly debts against your monthly income. The higher your DTI, the more risky you appear to a lender – a lower DTI will also allow more wiggle room in your budget to put money aside for home repairs and other unexpected expenses. Use Bankrate’s DTI calculator to figure out yours. “Keeping credit card balances low and debt under control is beneficial in many ways,” McClary says. “Keeping your balances at or below 30% of the available credit limit has a positive influence on the credit score.” If your credit utilization ratio is above that threshold, you may want to improve it before applying for a mortgage. You can do that by paying down your bills
and keeping long-standing credit cards open – even after they’re paid off.
CONSIDER THE 28/36 RULE
The 28/36 rule is a commonly used guideline that says you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs, and no more than 36% on all your combined debt. This can help ensure you’re not overextending yourself.
4. You can afford a down payment and closing costs
“First-time homebuyers don’t
have proceeds from another home to help fund a down payment. It’s one of the main reasons why the down payment is the biggest hurdle to homeownership,” says Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource, which finds programs that help people buy homes. Down payment requirements are a percentage of the overall home price, and they can vary greatly depending on the type of home loan you get. For conventional loans, 20% down is usually required to avoid paying private mortgage insurance. (Some
QUES TIONS ABOUT A HOME PURCHASE?
Solano real estate transactions
BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 2
LOWEST AMOUNT: $363,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $855,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $609,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $609,000
900 Cambridge Drive #99 - $363,000
07-08-25 [2 Bdrms - 1087 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-25-17, $299,000
546 Hastings Drive - $855,000
07-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1365 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-24-24, $545,000
DIXON
TOTAL SALES: 5
LOWEST AMOUNT: $475,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $910,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $650,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $669,000
745 West A Street - $475,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1180 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-29-17, $295,000
1345 Bello Drive - $760,000
07-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 2443 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-27-17, $472,500
990 Camelia Drive - $650,000
07-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1959 SqFt - 2021 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-15-23, $610,000
420 Georgetown Place - $910,000
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 2799 SqFt - 2002 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-27-21, $725,000 1635 Marenda Drive - $550,000
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1328 SqFt - 2023 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-10-23, $520,000
FAIRFIELD
TOTAL SALES: 19
LOWEST AMOUNT: $200,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,315,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $625,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $621,158
1037 2nd Street - $345,000
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1140 SqFt - 1953 YrBlt]
3265 Arroyo Drive - $625,000
07-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 2253 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-20-21, $615,000 1751 Autumn Meadow Drive - $640,000
07-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1357 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt] 2770 Bay Tree Drive - $620,000
07-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 2209 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 00/1989, $189,500
From Page 2
is simply incompetent, this may solve your problem.
On the other hand, if he’s
1330 Buckingham Drive - $455,000
07-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1372 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt]
639 Cement Hill Road - $200,000
07-09-25 [4 Bdrms - 1525 SqFt - 1972 YrBlt]
2473 Elan Drive - $856,000
07-07-25 [5 Bdrms - 2021 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-17-23, $848,000
1416 Friendly Valley Lane - $650,000
07-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 2094 SqFt - 2019 YrBlt]
656 Hillside Drive - $740,000
07-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1534 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-26-21, $701,000
1767 Kolob Drive - $720,000
07-10-25 [4 Bdrms - 2167 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-28-13, $400,000
2908 Orchid Street - $520,000
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1352 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-25-14, $283,000
4822 North Ridgefield Way - $865,000
07-07-25 [5 Bdrms - 3406 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-20-15, $550,000
1686 Rockville Road - $750,000
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 2091 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt]
1233 Swan Lake Drive - $705,000
07-08-25 [6 Bdrms - 2705 SqFt - 2002 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-31-10, $337,500
116 Tartan Way - $1,315,000
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1509 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt]
1812 Utah Street - $405,000
07-09-25 [2 Bdrms - 864 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-30-07, $285,000
1242 Van Buren Street - $483,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1000 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-11-25, $340,000
2786 Woodmont Drive - $563,000
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1603 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-09-17, $375,000
1443 Woolner Avenue - $345,000
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1959 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 05-28-25, $300,000
RIO VISTA
TOTAL SALES: 5
LOWEST AMOUNT: $225,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $580,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $429,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $405,600
915 Blue Heron Drive - $225,000
07-11-25 [2 Bdrms - 1837 SqFt - 2015 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-29-15, $369,000
734 Deerfield Way - $429,000
07-08-25 [2 Bdrms - 1657 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt]
stealing money from one job to finish another, he’s breaking the law. The CSLB can deal with him themselves or file a complaint with the local district attorney for criminal prosecution.
If that’s what he’s doing, chances are there are other
224 Logan Street - $329,000
07-10-25 [2 Bdrms - 748 SqFt - 1938 YrBlt]
517 Marianna Place - $580,000
07-07-25 [2 Bdrms - 2528 SqFt - 2007 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-22-11, $275,000
980 Rolling Green Drive - $465,000
07-09-25 [3 Bdrms - 1104 SqFt - 1960 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-17-17, $282,500
SUISUN CITY
TOTAL SALES: 9
LOWEST AMOUNT: $285,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $668,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $515,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $497,944
96 Coral Lane - $285,000
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1384 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-07-05, $415,000
704 Crane Drive - $558,000
07-07-25 [4 Bdrms - 1720 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-10-09, $139,000
916 Edgewood Circle - $525,000
07-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1618 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-28-00, $212,000
1417 Klamath Drive - $500,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1776 SqFt - 1981 YrBlt]
1024 Pintail Drive - $590,500
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1532 SqFt - 1985 YrBlt]
242 Redstone Circle - $480,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1158 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-11-25, $325,000 923 Steller Way - $360,000
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1090 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-23-09, $113,500 1725 Stoneman Drive - $668,000
07-07-25 [5 Bdrms - 2303 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-02-17, $520,000 1014 Whistler Drive - $515,000
07-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 1308 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-01-07, $375,000
VACAVILLE
TOTAL SALES: 18
LOWEST AMOUNT: $365,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $865,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $613,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $616,361
613 Beelard Drive - $365,000
07-08-25 [2 Bdrms - 1376 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-03-00, $125,000
177 Bryce Way - $400,000
07-07-25 [2 Bdrms - 1292 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt]
homeowners out there with the same complaint.
If you can’t get any immediate satisfaction out of the license board, you need to fire the contractor and hire someone else to complete the project. Then sue him for his botched job. Your suit would demand not only
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.
112 Clark Way - $507,000
07-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 1430 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-09-09, $180,000
700 Corte Crestview - $620,000
07-10-25 [4 Bdrms - 1851 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt]
443 Deer Creek Drive - $530,000
07-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1199 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt]
107 Donner Drive - $507,000
07-09-25 [4 Bdrms - 1402 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-17-20, $390,000
565 Edenderry Drive - $550,000
07-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1663 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-02-20, $510,000
130 Edinburgh Way - $634,000
07-07-25 [4 Bdrms - 1895 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-25-19, $409,000
349 Hibiscus Street - $705,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 2202 SqFt - 2022 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-04-21, $662,500
749 Hydrangea Drive - $841,000
07-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 3214 SqFt - 2022 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-18-21, $790,000
9073 Indigo Court - $865,000
07-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 2841 SqFt - 2018 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-10-18, $664,000
191 Juniper Street - $545,000
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1294 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-21-24, $381,000
603 Rambleton Drive - $768,000
07-08-25 [4 Bdrms - 1898 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt]
124 Robin Court - $607,000
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1417 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-12-15, $360,000
784 Roscommon Drive - $670,000
07-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 1911 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-04-17, $430,000 554 Sitka Drive - $699,000
07-11-25 [4 Bdrms - 2241 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-22-22, $700,000
836 Topaz Circle - $690,000
07-10-25 [4 Bdrms - 2219 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-27-25, $128,500
1049 Villaggio Circle - $591,500
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1759 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-01-06, $525,000
VALLEJO
TOTAL SALES: 19
LOWEST AMOUNT: $210,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $630,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $470,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $448,079
any added costs to finish the project, but your added living expenses as well.
You have to be proactive and do something right now or you’ll never see light at the end of the tunnel. But whatever you do, don’t give this guy any more money until the project is done.
1334 Arkansas Street - $470,000
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1218 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-16-08, $230,000
125 Broadway Street - $300,000
07-11-25 [2 Bdrms - 674 SqFt - 1920 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-13-02, $126,500
153 Edgemont Avenue - $540,000
07-08-25 [5 Bdrms - 3296 SqFt - 1939 YrBlt]
221 Evans Avenue - $355,000
07-10-25 [2 Bdrms - 820 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt]
1201 Glen Cove Parkway #704$294,000
07-11-25 [2 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1992 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-22-25, $346,000 2014 Indiana Street - $550,000
07-10-25 [3 Bdrms - 1468 SqFt - 1940 YrBlt]
1459 Louisiana Street - $430,000
07-08-25 [2 Bdrms - 1077 SqFt - 1930 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-02-08, $195,000 630 Mini Drive - $537,500
07-08-25 [3 Bdrms - 1250 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-28-22, $535,000 1615 Napa Street - $420,000
07-11-25 [2 Bdrms - 992 SqFt - 1926 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-13-19, $337,500 1370 Oakwood Avenue - $459,000
07-08-25 [5 Bdrms - 2390 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-10-09, $188,000
201 Pamela Court - $530,000
07-11-25 [3 Bdrms - 1304 SqFt - 1980 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-11-09, $165,000
355 Parkview Terrace #12 - $210,000
07-09-25 [1 Bdrms - 793 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt]
17 Rodgers Street - $250,000
07-09-25 [2 Bdrms - 720 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-22-13, $76,000
504 Rollingwood Drive - $550,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1229 SqFt - 1956 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-24-19, $375,000
301 Sea Mist Drive - $630,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1712 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-28-17, $469,000
22 Selfridge Street - $270,000
07-07-25 [2 Bdrms - 884 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-07-17, $165,000
2490 Tennessee Street - $580,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1499 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-03-24, $400,000
607 Tobin Drive - $629,000
07-07-25 [3 Bdrms - 1958 SqFt - 1962 YrBlt]
130 Ward Court - $509,000
07-07-25 [4 Bdrms - 1232 SqFt - 1972 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-29-02, $206,590
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.
How can I maintain my gutters?
Leaves and debris getting into your gutters can create a serious homeowner headache. Gutter cleaning is all about clearing out leaves, dirt, and twigs from your gutters and downspouts to keep rainwater flowing freely from your roof to the ground. Professional gutter cleaning can clear out this mess. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a critical task to protect your home from top to bottom.
Neglecting your gutters can lead to a cascade of problems. When debris blocks the flow, water pools and seeps into your roof, causing rot that weakens the structure. It can drip into your attic, staining ceilings and walls.
Down the line, waterlogged shingles soffits, and fascias, the parts that shield and ventilate your roof, start to fail, inviting mold, mildew and algae that ruin your home’s curb appeal. Worse, water spilling over can soak the soil around your foundation, causing it to expand and contract. This stresses your foundation, leading to cracks, uneven floors, and doors that won’t close right.
Then there’s the pest problem. Standing water in clogged gutters is an open invitation for mosquitoes, flies and even rodents. Squirrels and birds see a pile of leaves as prime real estate for nests, and before you know it, they’re sneaking into your attic. Regular
See Hicks, Page 6
Wof the year. Summer days may feature strong thunderstorms and downpours, followed by stretches of extremely hot and dry conditions. Weather extremes can take a toll on lawns, especially when drought is part of the equation. The results can be anything from dry patches to a scorched landscape, leaving homeowners wondering what they can do to repair the damage.
According to The Spruce, dry grass can happen in as little as a week without adequate care and water. Sometimes dry grass can be the result of disease, pets, or pests. A healthy lawn will be lush and green; a dry lawn quite the opposite. It’s crunchy, uncomfortable and muted in color. Here’s how to address a dry lawn to restore it to it’s natural beauty.
Pet urine
Animal urine often is the culprit behind dry patches in a lawn. Lawns need nitrogen to grow, which is why it is included in many fertilizers. But the nitrogen in dog urine is concentrated and directed in one area, so much so that it chemically burns the lawn. This concentrated nitrogen causes the grass
yard can help alleviate brown spots.
Lawn height
Sometimes a lawn mower might be to blame for a brown lawn. According to Scotts, the higher a person mows, the deeper the lawn’s roots will grow. That can help the lawn thrive under restricted water conditions and insulate the lawn from some of the effects of hot, dry weather. Never remove more than one-third of the total height in a single mowing, as that can stress the lawn.
Diseases
Leaf blight, brown patches and powdery mildew are just some of the diseases that can affect a lawn. Fungal bacteria can spread on a lawn and contribute to these conditions, which makes it important to aerate and dethatch the lawn in cooler seasons to help prevent disease.
Improper pH
A lawn requires a certain pH to grow well. According to Weed Man Lawn Care Services,
the ideal pH range for lawn soil is between 6.0 and 7.0. Anything outside of this range may result in poor, brown grass. A soil pH test will indicate if the soil is acidic, alkaline or optimal. Amend an acidic soil with lime and an alkaline soil with sulphur in small amounts until a balance is reached.
Pest infestation
People are not the only creatures that like a lawn. Many pests feed on blades of grass or the roots. The result can be patchy, dry grass. Figuring out what is causing any damage is essential. Homeowners can then take steps to remove the pests and return the lawn to its former glory.
Dehydration
Deep watering can help restore a lawn that has widespread wilting and browning. Popular Mechanics advises homeowners begin watering more in spring. Water infrequently but for longer periods of time to encourage roots to deepen. The ideal time to water is between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. to limit evaporation.
Trial and error may be necessary to figure out why a lawn is brown and what’s needed to revive it.
Angie Hicks
METRO
Dry grass can happen in as little as week without adequate care and water, according to The Spruce.
Neglecting your gutters can lead to a cascade of problems. When debris blocks the flow, water pools and seeps into your roof, causing rot that weakens the structure.
From Page 5
gutter maintenance keeps these uninvited guests at bay and saves you from costly repairs or calls to pest control down the road.
Plan to clean gutters twice a year, in spring and fall. If overhanging branches are a constant issue, you might need more frequent cleanups. Hiring a professional costs $120 to $220, depending on your home’s size and the mess’s severity. Pros also spot issues like sagging gutters or worn downspouts that could escalate if ignored.
You can clean your gutters yourself if you’re comfortable working on a ladder, but be sure to observe ladder safety. Use the buddy system by having a second person steady the ladder on the ground, and resist the urge to try to reach just a little bit farther. Be aware that falls from ladders are among the most common household injuries, so hire a pro if
you’re not experienced or start to get in over your head.
Gutter cleaning services have experience in ladder safety and specialized tools and expertise to do the job swiftly and smoothly, which is a big reason to hire a professional. When hiring, verify local licensing requirements and confirm they carry liability and workers’ comp insurance to cover any mishaps. Gutter cleaners get very busy in the fall months, so right now is a good time to get on their schedule.
Gutter guards can lighten the load. These mesh screens or helmetstyle covers clip onto your gutters, catching debris before it builds up. While they’re useful, they’re not foolproof. Some still need occasional cleaning, but they can stretch the time between professional visits. Expect to pay $8 to $20 per linear foot. It’s a worthwhile investment if you’re tired of frequent maintenance calls.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.
Unique Willowbank Home!
ADOBE STOCK
This was a leap year for several of my Luminary tall garden phlox in more ways than one, as I’ll explain shortly.
For those newbies to the world of perennials, we always explain that in year one, they sleep. This means they are there and will bloom, but they are getting those roots estab lished. Year two they creep, meaning they put on some width, or spread.
And in year three, they leap.
In the case of my Luminary Prismatic Pink phlox, I got the majestic bloom to about 3 feet in height. It has been a year of bloom, fragrance and butterflies. Can we say BINGO!
When you are on the threeyear plan of sleep, creep and leap with perennials, and particularly if you want color and pollinators, your plan is built also on HOPE. This bed I am talking about is layered from front to back and segmented like a blooming overlapping cal-
endar. The pollinator crescendo will begin at the end of August with the blooms of the Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower, which is a small tree.
This was a painfully slow butterfly year in the Columbus, Georgia, area. They showed up and with abundance, but some great pollinator plants had finished blooming by the time of their arrival. I’ve seen phlox wow with pollinators in years past, but this year will go down as extra special in what I call the driveway bed. At just the right time, Luminary Prismatic Pink lived up to its promise and bloomed in perfect coordina-
Norman Winter
NORMAN WINTER/TNS PHOTOS
ABOVE: Luminary Prismatic Pink phlox has been a butterfly champion for The Garden Guy in the third year of its planting. Here a male eastern tiger swallowtail feeds on the nectar.
RIGHT: The Garden Guy has combined Luminary Prismatic Pink tall garden phlox with Miss Molly butterfly bush and Rockin’ Playin’ The Blues salvia.
3 steps to cultivate a healthy home
STATEPOINT
Your home should be a safe haven. Unfortunately, environmental factors can compromise the quality of air you breathe and the water you drink in your house. Follow these steps to cultivate healthier spaces and greater peace of mind:
Powerful cleaning solutions
Poor indoor air quality can contribute to respiratory problems, headaches, itchy eyes and more. So if you’re tired of traditional cleaning methods that kick up the very dust and debris you’re working to eliminate, it’s time to level up your cleaning tools.
The new PURE ONE S Series from Tineco features two vacuums that deliver powerful performance. The Tineco S70, ideal for use across multiple surfaces, has a six-stage filtra-
tion system that removes 99.99% of micro dust. To swiftly capture dust, debris and pet hair without clogging, the model relies on 200 air watts of powerful suction and an Upgraded 3DSense Pro Cleaning System, which includes four main components:
DustSense: Precise suction, thanks to real-time dust detection and automatic power adjustment based on dust volume.
EdgeSense: Edge-to-edge cleaning with an automatic suction boost near walls.
ClogLess System: An upgraded brush, plus a large suction inlet area for clog-free large debris cleaning.
Its many features, including its lengthy runtime, a 180-degree foldable vacuum tube, multiple attachments, and compact charging stand, are designed with convenience in mind, as is the hands-free dustbin offering quick, hygienic disposal for a wellnessfocused cleaning experience.
An additional model in the series, which helps reveal and remove hidden dust from the home, is the S50 Pro. These vacuums are available on Amazon and the Tineco online store.
Fresh, filtered water
Both tap and bottled water commonly contain contaminants that can be harmful to human health. For better tasting water that’s healthier for you and your family, use one of today’s topquality water filters designed to remove everything from heavy metals and bacteria to microplastics and pesticides. With home models as versatile as pitchers you can refrigerate, dispensers you can rest on your countertop, and attachments that fit in your sink basin, you’re certain to find a filter that works for your family’s needs and preferences. For best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations
regarding filter replacement.
Humidity regulation
Keeping your home at healthy humidity levels (30-60%) is essential for good health. During upsurges of humidity, a dehumidifier run in moist areas like the basement, bathroom and kitchen will reduce the potential for mildew and mold. Both can cause allergic reactions, with mold being particularly danger-
ous, in some cases posing a threat to liver and neurological health. When humidity levels plummet, use a humidifier to counteract dryness. This will help skin retain moisture so that it’s less prone to chapping and cracking and give sinuses and nasal passages a healthy boost so they can fight infections. Many systems also send notifications when it’s time for you to take action, such as filling or emptying the water tank or cleaning the filter.
From Page 7
tion with Rockin’ Playin’ The Blues salvia and Miss Molly butterfly bush.
The front of the bed has Serendipity ornamental allium, Totally Stoked Riptide Stokes aster, and the Maestro agastache or hummingbird mints. I also have Crowning Glory Princess Bride and Purple Reign eucomis or pineapple lilies.
The Luminary Prismatic Pink phlox has brought in a variety of butterflies – American Lady, Gulf Fritillary, Silver-spotted Skipper – but the frequency of swallowtails has been something special
Tall garden phlox or summer phlox is known botanically as Phlox paniculata. Though they are native to 36 states, I have never seen one in the wild. The
large number of states however is a key indicator of hardiness zones. This phlox is cold hardy in zones 3a to 8b
The prerequisites are sunlight and consistently moist but well-drained soil. Maintenance is easy. And it is magical; every year I finally reach a point where I am determined to deadhead, and just like magic they flush with another long period of bloom.
There are now 6 varieties in the Luminary series: Ultraviolet, Opalescence, Sunset Coral, Pink Lightning, Backlight and Prismatic Pink. They are all very close in size except for the white Backlight, which is just a little smaller.
They all bring to the garden a long period of bloom, fragrance and the ability to bring in bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. As we head toward September, we know that fall is a great time to plant perennials like Lumi-
nary phlox if your garden center or online source has some. They will get roots established for their coming out party in 2026.
Norman Winter is ahorticulturist, garden speaker and author
of “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGarden Guy. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
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This female eastern tiger swallowtail with blue on its bottom wings finds the Luminary Prismatic Pink phlox to be on the day’s menu.
Signs
From Page 3
mortgages require much less down, but keep in mind that the less you pay upfront, the more you’re borrowing – and so the more interest you’ll pay over time.)
For a $400,000 home, which is pretty close to the national median price, 20% comes out to $80,000. If that amount sounds scary, there are many grants and programs to help homebuyers with down payments. “There is a wide range of programs for homebuyers today – we track more than 2,500 homeownership programs across the country administered by federal, state, county or local government agencies, nonprofits and employers,” says Chrane.
Buyers should also be ready for closing costs, which typically run from 2% to 5% of a property’s sale price. The good news is that many of these costs are negotiable. “Because buyers are putting so much of what they have into the down payment, we usually try to get the seller to pay some, if not all, of the closing costs,” Golden says.
5. You have enough set aside for maintenance
When a pipe bursts or the air conditioner goes out in a rental unit, you don’t have to worry about paying for it: That’s the landlord’s responsibility. The same goes for property taxes and routine maintenance expenses. When you’re the owner, though, all those costs are your responsibility – so you need to have enough extra money to handle the added expenses.
A rule of thumb is to set aside at least 1% of your home’s purchase price every year to cover maintenance and repairs.
“If you put everything you have into the down payment to buy a house, then you have no money left to do repairs should they come up,” Golden says. “You’re better off spending less on the house so you have some
money to make improvements and repairs.” And of course, you need homeowners insurance cov erage as well, which can be quite pricey in high-risk areas.
6. You’ve gone through a major life change
Many renters decide to pur chase a home after a major life event, such as getting married, says Henry Yoshida, a certi fied financial planner and senior vice president at Retired.com. A growing family and a new job are other common catalysts for people to buy a home.
“The four major cities in my home state, Texas, are simulta neously on top 10 lists for raising a family and retiring, so I see this firsthand,” Yoshida says. “My own neighbors on either side are retirees from California and a young family who relocated from the Northeast for a job.”
While it’s perfectly fine to buy a house after a big life event, avoid any major changes – like switching jobs or applying for new credit – while you’re in the midst of closing. Your lender will note any change in your financial situation, and in some cases, a change could cause your mortgage application to be rejected.
7. Your lifestyle is stable
Buying a home involves a lot of upfront costs that can take a few years to recoup, so if you anticipate moving before you can recover those expenses, homeownership might not be the right choice for right now.
A renter who is ready to buy a house should also have job security. A stable job means stable income, which lowers the risk that you might stop making your mortgage payments and default on the loan. This is especially true if a recession is looming, as some economists predict – buying a house during a recession is a dicey proposition if you fear your job may soon be in danger.
“In a perfect world, buyers would buy a home well beneath their means so they aren’t devoting so much of their income to
the mortgage and other related costs,” Hamrick says.
8. You know what you want
It’s smart to have a good idea of the neighborhood you want to live in and the type of home you want before you begin your quest. Houses, townhouses, condos, duplexes – there are lots of options out there, and each one has its own considerations. If you buy a condo, for example, you won’t have any yardwork, but you will have monthly homeowners association fees in addition to your mortgage payments.
Determine what you need and what is most important to you. Is it being near a good school or a quick commute to your office? Do you mind navigating stairs or having neighbors living above you? Do you want lots of amenities? If you’ve moved to a new city or state to take a job, it might be a good idea to rent until you’ve familiarized yourself with the area. That way, you are more likely to choose a home and neighborhood you’ll be happy in.
situation – but there’s no guarantee, and it’s OK to wait if you’re not financially ready. In general, homeownership is more beneficial than renting, because you’re gaining possession of a valuable asset and building equity. But that depends heavily on your personal finances and what you’re able to afford. If you’re not in a position to afford a down payment, closing costs and monthly mortgage payments right now, renting may be a better option.
When shouldn’t you buy a You shouldn’t buy a house if doing so is unaffordable or will leave you strapped for cash (aka “house poor”) each month. Nor should you purchase if your employment situation is unstable, if you have poor credit or if you’re unwilling to deal with the maintenance and upkeep of a home. When you own a home, taking care of it is your responsibility –there is no landlord to call if your roof starts leaking or a fuse blows.
Next steps
Ready to leave renting behind?
Before you start looking at homes for sale, shop around for lenders and get preapproved for a mortgage. Preapproval helps you know how much house you can afford and what loan program is best for your situation. Make sure you can still reach your other financial goals, too. Don’t let a new mortgage prevent you from paying down student loans or credit cards, or from saving for retirement.
It’s also important to partner with an experienced local real estate agent. During the househunting phase, your agent will use their expertise in your local market to find potential properties that meet your needs and your budget. Once you decide on one, they can help you put together a competitive offer and negotiate with sellers, guiding you all the way through the closing.
FAQs
• Is buying a house a good idea? It can be, depending on your
• Should I buy a house if interest rates are high? Buying a house when interest rates are high isn’t ideal, but it isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. If you have a good credit score, consistent income and can afford a down payment, you could benefit from buying now. That way, you’ll start building equity right away. If rates drop in the future, you can always refinance. Something else to consider: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the U.S. housing market has seen 23 consecutive months of yearover-year price increases. If you wait to buy and that pattern continues, you could end up spending more on your home purchase.
Key takeaways
•If you have a solid credit score, manageable debt load and steady income, you could be in a good position to buy a house.
•However, you’ll also need to have enough money set aside for a down payment and closing costs.
•Before buying, make sure you’re ready for other homeownership-related costs, including property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance.
ADOBE STOCK
A homeowner is responsible for the costs of home repairs, property taxes and routine maintenance.
Solano County Listings: Homes, land for sale
$1,300,000 3114 Lomita Ct Fairfield 4 2/2 3,200 0.95 325051938
$2,395,000 23 Country Club Drive Fairfield 4 4/0 3806 18,731 325073909
$4,995,000
$598,000 520 Country Club Lane Napa 3 2/0 1420 0.2500 325019935
$750,000 2561 Dorset St Napa 4 2/0 1,199 0.14 325055167
$777,000 2148 S Terrace Drive Napa 3 2/0 1746 6,991 325064044
$403,000 528 Birch Ridge Dr Rio Vista 2 2/0 1,439 0.09
$441,253 2274 Stars Dr Rio Vista 2 2/0 1,686 0.12
$490,000 400 Morgan St Suisun City 4 2/1 2,402 0.11
$559,000 216 Morgan St Suisun City 4 2/1 2,500 0.11
LOTS & LAND
Tips to maximize your closet space
Use storage containers
Who couldn’t use a little more closet space at home? As individuals accumulate more belongings, they need places to store all of these items. While modern homes may be built with extra storage in mind, older homes often place a premium on closet space. Homes built earlier than the 1980s may have small closets in bedrooms and only one or two additional closets around the home for linens and other items.
The most obvious solution to a lack of closet space is to build more closets. But too often home floor plans cannot accommodate new closets. Therefore, homeowners may have to get creative to maximize their space.
Sort and discard
Individuals can take some time to empty closets and assess what is in them. Sometimes more space can come from simply thinning out belongings that are no longer used. Take off the plastic coverings on dry cleaning and discard bulky shoe boxes.
Invest in thinner hangers
Clothes hangers come in all types, but the thinnest and most durable ones tend to be the no-slip velvet variety. Such hangers keep garments from slipping off and feature an ultra-thin design, says Real Simple magazine.
Grouping items together and condensing them can free up space. Tuck belts, handbags and other items into storage bins that can be labeled and stacked. Loose items can look more cluttered and even take up more space when spread out.
Pair shelves with rods
For those with enough space, hanging a few shelves in unused areas in the closet can provide more storage space. If there is sufficient space above the rod, install a shelf and place seldomused items up high.
Get a closet system
A customized closet system will certainly provide the best chances to maximize closet space. These companies will measure the closet and assess the contents to draw up a design that will give homeowners what they need. Closet systems also can adjust and grow with lifestyle changes.
Choose other storage solutions
In addition to closets, people can identify other spaces to store items. This can include bins under beds, storage benches or ottomans, the back sides of doors, or in furniture with builtin drawers. Individuals also can purchase free-standing closets or armoires that can fill in when rooms do not have enough closet space or no closet at all. Maximizing closet space comes down to some creativity, de-cluttering and utilizing additional furniture to meet needs.
Embracing organic architecture to create a more beautiful kitchen
Today, kitchens that incorporate design elements from famed architects go far beyond the latest trends. They draw on key principles of balance, proportion and integrity to create spaces that feel luxurious and enduring. Every detail, from faucet finishes to cabinet silhouettes, plays an important role in shaping the overall space. Homeowners are seeking a mix of beauty and function, turning to the outdoors for inspiration.
Designing with structure in mind
Designers are inspired by architectural philosophies, coupled with cues from nature to create visually unique spaces. Geometric shapes and strategic focal points shape the kitchen’s experience, directing flow and
rhythm. The Frank Lloyd Wright Kitchen Collection by Brizo, embodies these principles with its rounded and squared arch spouts, asymmetrical designs and clean lines, coupled with a wide choice of natural materials. Wood, glass, black onyx and concrete effortlessly combine to create a statement look.
Embracing unique materials
Emphasizing organic architecture demands quality materials to create cohesive, inviting kitchens that blend indoor and outdoor elegance. These elements serve not only as structural features, but as sources of inspiration that inform design choices around flooring, appliances and fixtures. By introducing expressive, tactile materials, designers are creating unexpected yet harmonious combinations, allowing the materials themselves to act as design features, rather than relying solely on added décor.
Taking the lead from architectural pioneers
Visionaries like Frank Lloyd Wright drew influence from nature, infusing design with simplicity, individuality and integrity. Today’s kitchens can echo this sentiment through the incorporation of finishes and accents in earth tones, warm golds, deep charcoals and soft metallics, creating warmth and authenticity. As kitchen design evolves, spaces designed with an eye for architecture provide a cohesive vision, narrating a story through shape, form and material.
These new spaces transcend mere utility, merging purpose with art and using layout, materials and natural palettes to define their essence. This is not just a passing trend; it’s a cultural shift reshaping kitchen and home design for the future.
