Week of Januay 9, 2026 DailyRepublic.com DavisEnterprise.com
Serving SSolano Serving olano & Yolo Yolo C Counties ounties
FIND YOUR NEW HOME TODAY! Check out active listings inside...
2 Friday, January 9, 2026 — McNAUGHTON MEDIA
ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
SOLANO REAL ESTATE SCENE
You may have to go to Do not bury your head in the sand court to get clear title I Q: I paid off my mortgage last October and haven’t received a clear deed to my home. The mortgage company did send the remainder of my impound account and a letter that I did pay the loan off, but they still have not sent a reconveyance to the county. The county recorders office said that there hasn’t been anything sent to them since 1997. I’ve had two different mortgage companies since then. I’ve called the mortgage company five times and they tell me they sent it to the county but the county tells me they don’t have anything and to call them again. A: Unfortunately, your situation isn’t all that unusual in today’s lending world where mortgage companies buy and sell loans and the paper trail can get pretty confusing. Nowadays, a physical paper deed is not typically sent by mail to the Recorders Office. There is an electronic, online process that’s used by commercial institutions to make their filings so I doubt a deed was ever actually sent. Regardless though, the simple answer is that the lender is required to reconvey the deed of trust, in other words remove the lien on the property, within 51 days of the loan being paid off. To give you any helpful advice at all, you have to understand the basics of financing with a deed of trust, by far the most common mortgage device in California. The term mortgage simply means to lend money and secure that loan on one or more pieces of land. In days gone by, the lender would record a lien. If the borrower didn’t repay as agreed, a
Tim Jones lawsuit would have to be filed by the lender to get the property back. That is the classic foreclosure. A deed of trust makes it much simpler for a lender to get the property back. There are three key players with a deed of trust. There’s the borrower, the lender (also called the beneficiary), and the trustee. The borrower gives a deed (the deed of trust) to the trustee who holds it on behalf of both the borrower and the lender. If the borrower repays the loan, the lender is supposed to instruct the trustee to transfer, or “reconvey,” the deed back to the borrower. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender instructs the trustee to sell the property and use the proceeds to pay off the lender. No court action is required. In your case, the lender was paid off but you don’t seem to be able to get them to instruct the trustee to give you the deed back. There is a process in place in case you can’t find the lender, or the lender refuses to reconvey the deed of trust after it’s been paid off. The process involves purchasing and posting a bond for twice the amount of the original mortgage. That is usually way too complicated and expensive for the average homeowner. If this goes on much longer you’ll be left with filing a declaratory relief lawsuit. The suit will See Jones, Page 4
and a townhouse rental n just the past 60 days in South San Francisco I have witnessed three worth $800,000 free and families dealing with clear. She left behind problems that easily a 35-year-old daughcould have been avoided ter and a 38-year-old if the folks had just son but no trust or will. acted. “Head buried in sand” is an idiom for Jim Porter Both of them have good jobs, but this $3 million deliberately ignoring an to split 50-50 is lifeobvious problem, task changing money. or unpleasant reality, pretendLike Jane Dough, Mrs. R ing it doesn’t exist in hopes it started to do a trust but got will go away or it can be dealt busy and never completed with later. Here are three true the paperwork. Ironically, stories (with fake names): Eleanor and her 90-year-old No. 1: Mrs. Jane Dough unexpectedly died in November mom were real estate investors and should have known and lived with her 59-yearbetter. The 90-year-old has her old daughter, 36-year-old trust and will, but her daughter granddaughter and two greatwas asleep at the wheel. Funny grandkids, 4 and 14. Jane thing, according to my client, started her trust documents the daughter of the deceased, a couple years ago but never her 90-year-old Italian Catholic finished the paperwork. The daughter is single and a paraed- millionaire grandma told all her ucator with very little net worth, family to never expect anything because she says it’s all going to and her son is a well-estabthe church. lished homeowner with lots of Now, my client and her equity, money and income. brother will need to spend Jane’s wishes were for her $75,000 on probate fees and daughter to inherit the house lawyer fees, and this could take and assume the $110,000 mortsix to nine months or longer for gage and for her son and them to be able to sell or borrow daughter to split the $50,000 in against the property. The kids her bank account. Luckily, are blessed in this case because the estate value is less than mom left them with money $700,000 so the lawyer can get and never remarried after her all this probate done in just young husband died 25 years a couple months, but it was ago when the kids were teens. delayed because of the cost, so Odds are, no one will challenge now the brother is entitled to the probate but, who knows, half the house because there is no trust or will. The brother will my $75,000 estimate could decide how much he wants once be super low. No. 3: Now we have the the appraisal is in for the refinance. I am working on it so the Does – John, 80, and Jane, 66. daughter could pay off the exist- They lost their home a couple months ago on the county court ing mortgage. We are hoping steps. The trustee sale auction her brother will be generous was published in the newspabecause he loves his sister and her daughter, but he is married, pers for at least 21 days, and over the previous five months if you know what I mean. the lender sent the couple No. 2: Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, a 61-year-old widow, died dozens of letters and posted a notice right on their door Dec. 7 in the Bay Area. She a month before the sale. An owned her San Mateo County institutional investor won the residence worth $2.2 million
bidding at $810,000, and the total amount of the delinquent mortgage was only $350,000. The bank started a foreclosure on this couple six months ago, and they never called a lawyer, mortgage banker or real estate broker for help and guidance. A family, planning to occupy the home, stepped in and took advantage of SB-1079 and took the home away from the institutional flipper-investor with a slightly higher bid of $811,000 a week or so after the auction. The home just appraised for $1.2 million. The senior couple will eventually get approximately $450,000 from the trustee lender that foreclosed, but they would have got $700,000 if they had called a local reputable Realtor, lender or lawyer. They could have easily stopped this foreclosure by hiring a lawyer and selling the house. Heck, they might have even been able to obtain a reverse mortgage to pay off the $350,000 loan. This is not a typical story and is a tragic loss for these folks, but I have seen hundreds of avoidable disasters like this over the years when people bury their head in the sand. If anyone you know needs help with their home or their finances, especially seniors, encourage them to call a local reputable licensed mortgage pro or local Realtor and we can get them in touch with a reputable lawyer if one is needed. 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.
McNAUGHTON MEDIA — Friday, January 9, 2026 3
America’s ‘missing middle,’ the struggle for affordable housing ANDREW PENTIS
W
BANKR ATE.COM
ADOBE STOCK
The City by the Bay has been stretching budgets for years with a cost of living that routinely ranks among the highest in the nation. San Francisco apartments typically rent for almost twice what they do in Charlotte. Homes sell for three times the price.
hen Richard Amaechi, 27, lost his job as a financial planner in North Carolina, he decided to pull up stakes and return to San Francisco, where his parents still lived. The question was: Had his hometown become too expensive to welcome him back? The City by the Bay has been stretching budgets for years with a cost of living that routinely ranks among the highest in the nation. San Francisco apartments typically rent for almost twice what they do in Charlotte. Homes sell for three times the price. “I was just so discouraged,” says Amaechi, a CFP who had to move back with his parents when he returned in 2023. “It’s a tough adjustment moving back to mom and dad, trying to tell you to wash dishes.” San Francisco is among many U.S. cities that have become especially tough on those who want to stay. Decades of restrictive zoning, rising construction costs and community resistance to multifamily housing have created what housing experts call the “missing middle,” a term used to describe a lack of affordable options for average-income residents that are the lifeblood of a city. “If the only people that can live in the city are rich people, that doesn’t make the city diverse and vibrant and artistic,” says Alexander Sturke, director of communications for the Mayor’s Office of Housing in Boston. In response, state and local governments are rethinking how and where Americans can live by changing the laws to push denser, more affordable housing and assisting low-to-mediumincome buyers with financing. “I think the danger is really that widening gap between people who can access a home and homeowner-
ship and people who can’t in our city,” says Laia Mitchell, a director at the City and County of Denver’s housing department. “If we’re not really pushing for affordable homeownership, we’re losing our community.”
Cities have had a problem building affordable homes for decades The problem of dwindling affordable home inventory isn’t new. Since World War II, zoning codes in many metros have favored single-family homes outside of downtown areas. Increasingly restrictive building regulations made it tougher to build duplexes, triplexes and small multifamily buildings that can serve as a gateway to homeownership in the city, while rising construction costs made it more profitable to build larger homes in the suburbs. When mortgage rates hit historic lows following the Covid-19 lockdowns, home prices surged due to increased demand. The result has been a nationwide housing shortage: a 2025 study by Zillow determined the country has a deficit of 4.7 million units. The shortage has helped drive up home prices across the country. A Bankrate analysis of housing data has found, in fact, that a homebuyer earning the median U.S. income will find themselves priced out of three out of every four U.S. homes on the market. Buying a home often requires buyers to devote a larger chunk of their monthly budget than the real estate industry has traditionally recommended. Undoing years of neglect will take time, but housing advocates say that many communities are now taking the problem seriously. “Without homes, there are no See Middle, Page 8
4 Friday, January 9, 2026 — McNAUGHTON MEDIA
Solano real estate transactions
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.
DIXON TOTAL SALES: 2 LOWEST AMOUNT: $470,000 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $627,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $548,500 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $548,500
1090 Davidson Court - $627,000
11-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 2338 SqFt - 2020 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-21-20, $509,500
650 Marvin Way - $470,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1872 SqFt - 1948 YrBlt]
FAIRFIELD TOTAL SALES: 6 LOWEST AMOUNT: $340,000 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $750,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $547,000 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $556,500
527 Great Jones Street - $470,000
11-14-25 [2 Bdrms - 1075 SqFt - 1939 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-17-17, $275,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $650,000
301 Childs Court - $650,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 2206 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-01-19, $460,000
VACAVILLE TOTAL SALES: 5 LOWEST AMOUNT: $533,000 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $900,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $675,000 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $713,400
654 Fox Pointe Road - $533,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1320 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-02-15, $349,000
690 Hillcrest Circle - $809,000
11-13-25 [3 Bdrms - 2390 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1990, $267,000
100 Pima Court - $650,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1567 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-13-14, $385,000
4194 Suncatcher Lane - $900,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 2359 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt]
844 Jackson Street - $750,000
917 Turquoise Street - $675,000
636 Meadows Court - $685,000
VALLEJO
11-13-25 [3 Bdrms - 1628 SqFt - 1938 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-26-19, $258,500 11-13-25 [4 Bdrms - 2025 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt]
5109 Napa Shore Drive - $340,000
11-13-25 [3 Bdrms - 1328 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-24-01, $298,889
2846 Owens Street - $575,000
11-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 1654 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 12-18-17, $390,000
324 San Andreas Street - $519,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1261 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-24-25, $386,000
RIO VISTA TOTAL SALES: 4 LOWEST AMOUNT: $310,000 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $532,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $527,500 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $474,250
1974 Freedom Way - $532,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1635 SqFt - 2019 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-27-19, $393,000
573 Laurel Place - $525,000
11-13-25 [2 Bdrms - 1382 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 08-09-17, $405,000
4508 Lincoln Landing - $530,000
11-14-25, Previous Sale: 10-22-19, $440,000
501 Marianna Place - $310,000
11-13-25 [2 Bdrms - 1767 SqFt - 2007 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-03-07, $356,000
SUISUN CITY TOTAL SALES: 1 LOWEST AMOUNT: $650,000 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $650,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $650,000
11-13-25 [4 Bdrms - 2291 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-23-25, $438,000
TOTAL SALES: 11 LOWEST AMOUNT: $399,000 HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,380,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $539,000 AVERAGE AMOUNT: $626,455
513 Annette Avenue - $625,000
11-13-25 [3 Bdrms - 1625 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 03-07-25, $381,000
1086 Calaveras Way - $539,000
11-14-25 [2 Bdrms - 1734 SqFt - 1937 YrBlt]
106 Camino Del Sol - $650,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1982 SqFt - 1991 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-15-14, $418,000
1449 Coronel Avenue - $520,000
11-13-25 [3 Bdrms - 1149 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-10-09, $93,000
296 Cottonwood Drive - $470,000
11-13-25 [3 Bdrms - 1173 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 11-12-19, $385,000
911 Falcon Drive - $510,000
11-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 1484 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt]
9272 Hallmark Place - $718,000
11-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 2857 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-28-08, $459,000
657 Porter Street - $1,380,000
11-13-25 [2 Bdrms - 1527 SqFt - 1915 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-22-24, $315,000
1255 Sereno Drive - $399,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1040 SqFt - 1956 YrBlt]
555 Swan Way - $480,000
11-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1796 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt]
1124 Tuolumne Street - $600,000
11-13-25 [4 Bdrms - 2226 SqFt - 1930 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 00/1990, $167,500
ASK ANGI
Should I repair or replace appliances?
W
e’ve all felt that sinking moment when a familiar hum goes silent: the fridge stops cooling, the washer won’t spin or the oven won’t heat on a busy weeknight. When an appliance quits, the big question follows fast: Do you repair it or replace it? The right answer depends on age, repair cost, perAngie Hicks formance and whether a fix buys you meaningful extra life. With a little strategy, you can avoid overspending and keep your home running smoothly. For most homeowners, the easiest starting point is the 50% rule: If the repair will cost less than half the price of a comparable new appliance, repair it. If it’s more than half, replacement makes better long-term sense. But like most household decisions, the rule works best when you understand the context. Start with current pricing. If you haven’t shopped for appliances in years, sticker shock is real. Common household units run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. A major repair on a midlife appliance may get you another few years of service and buy time to plan for a new model that fits your longterm budget. Warranties and recalls tilt
Jones From Page 2 ask the court to determine that you have paid off the loan and instruct the trustee to reconvey the deed. You’ll need a lawyer, but the
ADOBE STOCK
Most appliances should last more than a decade with proper maintenance. decisions heavily toward repair. If your item is still under warranty, the fix is often free or low-cost. Always check Recalls. gov or the Consumer Product Safety Commission before authorizing any work. And then there’s age. Most major appliances last 10 to 15 years, with outliers such as freezers and water softeners pushing well beyond. If your machine is bumping up against its expected lifespan, repair begins to look like a short-term patch rather than a longterm solution. Finally, consider energy efficiency. Even modest improvements in refrigerator or washer design can trim utility bills. If your older model has been gulping power, upgrading may pay off faster than you think. process isn’t as complicated as it sounds. You’ll win, get your court order, and be able to clear title. You will also be able to get a judgment against the lender for your attorney fees and costs. It’s so easy for a lender to foreclose, it’s a shame the law doesn’t make it just as easy for
When to repair Plenty of situations favor repair, especially for units that have been performing well up to the moment of breakdown. A newer appliance with a single failed component, for example, may still have years of usable life once it’s fixed. If performance has been strong, a sudden failure is often mechanical rather than systemic, and a qualified technician can restore it quickly. Repair also makes sense for homeowners with eco-friendly priorities. Extending the life of an efficient appliance keeps it out of the landfill, reduces manufacturing demand and often uses far fewer resources than building a new replacement. See Hicks, Page 5 a homeowner to get clear title after they’ve worked so hard to make all of their payments. Tim Jones, Esq., is a real estate attorney in Fairfield. If you have any real estate questions you’d like to have answered in this column, you can send an email to AllThingsRealEstate@ TJones-Law.com.
McNAUGHTON MEDIA — Friday, January 9, 2026 5
Hicks From Page 4 And sometimes, you simply don’t need new features. Many appliances evolve slowly; the dishwasher you bought a decade ago might still meet your needs just fine. A repair can maintain reliable performance without forcing a costly upgrade. While DIY repairs can save money, be honest about your limits. Swapping an accessible part or cleaning a clogged filter is one thing; handling wiring, gas connections or internal plumbing is another. When the job involves safety risks or could void the warranty, call a pro.
When to replace On the flip side, certain signs point clearly toward replacement. If your unit is approaching the decade mark and repair calls are becoming a yearly ritual, the math usually favors buying new. Hidden symptoms matter, too: A washing machine that no longer cleans well or a refrigerator that constantly cycles may be failing in ways unrelated to the immediate repair. Poor energy performance is a big motivator. New models often carry dramatically improved efficiency ratings, especially in fridges, washers and dishwashers. What looks like a pricey replacement can quickly turn into a monthly savings plan on your utility bill. And don’t ignore modern features. If you’ve been eyeing smart controls, quiet-operation dishwashers, induction cooktops or advanced water-saving washers, a major breakdown is often the natural moment to upgrade. Before finalizing a purchase, factor in installation costs, which can bump your total by $100 to $200 or more. Many manufacturers require professional installation to keep warranties valid. Still, if you’ve got the muscle and a truck, hauling the appliance yourself can shave off delivery fees. Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.
ADOBE STOCK
Colorful plants add pops of color to a property, providing undeniable curb appeal when they bloom.
Add trees, plants to change look of landscape
S METRO
pring is home renovation season, and no area of a home is off limits. That includes home exteriors, particularly in regard to landscaping. Lawn and garden centers draw crowds on spring weekends, as homeowners are anxious to get out in the yard after spending more time indoors over the winter. Plants and trees provide a simple and unique way to transform the look and feel of a property. As homeowners ponder what can be done to freshen up their landscapes, they can consider these benefits of incorporating new plants and trees into their properties. • Add some pops of color. There’s no shortage of colorful plants to add some pops of color to a property. Azaleas,
lilacs, pansies, and, of course, rose bushes can add a wide range of colors to a landscape, providing undeniable and aweinspiring curb appeal when the plants bloom. • Native plants won’t compromise their neighbors. When choosing plants for a landscape, it’s important to pick those accustomed to the local climate. A non-native plant might be able to withstand local conditions, but it also might compromise other trees and plants on a property. When choosing new plants and trees for a landscape, work with professionals at a local lawn and garden center to identify native plants that can handle local weather conditions and do so without putting existing plants on the property in jeopardy. • Trees can add considerable privacy. Homeowners who don’t
want fencing, or those whose towns or homeowners’ associations won’t allow fencing, may look to trees to add the privacy typically provided by fences. The growth rates of trees vary by species, so homeowners who want instant privacy should look for trees that are already tall and/ or fast-growing. Needlepoint holly (which reach an average height of 10 to 15 feet) and sweet viburnum (25 to 30 feet at maturity) are fast-growing species to consider when planting for privacy. Green giant arborvitae are a popular privacy tree, as they can reach significant heights and widths within a few years of being planted. And while it’s always good to consult a lawn and garden center for advice on the compatability of a given tree with the local climate, green giant arborvi-
tae are known to thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones five through eight, which cover a significant portion of the United States. • Evergreens keep a property green throughout the year. Homeowners who lament the loss of color each fall when their existing trees shed their leaves can keep a property green throughout the winter by choosing evergreen trees for landscapes. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation notes that evergreen trees excel at conserving moisture, which allows them to keep their leaves and maintain that distinct and appealing green color throughout the winter. Various plants and trees can help homeowners change the look of their landscapes without busting homeowners’ budgets.
6 Friday, January 9, 2026 — McNAUGHTON MEDIA
ON GARDENING
Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Orchid garners Petunia of the Year
S
upertunia Hoopla tail have Hoopla Vivid Vivid Orchid petunia Orchid petunia on the has only been out regular meal plan. for a couple of years As you might guess, and is already lining the the orchid is sizzling with trophy case. Now it has its complementary color, been chosen as Proven yellow. A raised bed with Winners’ “Petunia of Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Norman the Year” for 2026. Orchid partnered with Winter Indeed, it is living up Supertunia Saffron Finch to that Hoopla name. is guaranteed to bring The Supertunia Hoopla Vivid out the cameras. Son James did Orchid is a novelty for sure something similar but in a large with its purple picotee pattern window box. He used Hoopla and white margins. It is 6 to Vivid Orchid intertwined with 12 inches tall and has a 24-inchMini Vista Yellow. wide habit that perseveres Neighbors Dave and Cynthia through the long hot summer. combined their SupertuIt received a Perfect Score at nia Hoopla Vivid Orchid with University of Tennessee and Solenia Yellow begonia, SuperUniversity of Minnesota. bells Yellow and Augusta The Garden Guy is always Lavender heliotrope for what paying attention to what flowers may be a perfect split compleattract pollinators, mainly mentary color scheme. butterflies. The two years I Supertunia Hoopla Vivid have been trailing SupertuOrchid plays a vital role in one of nia Hoopla Vivid Orchid, it Proven Winners’ “Recipe of the has been among the best petuYear” selections for 2026 called nias to attract swallowtails. The Moonlit Lavender. Moonlit LavSpicebush Swallowtail and the ender features Superbena Violet yellow Eastern Tiger SwallowIce verbena, Supertunia Mini
Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Orchid petunia is an award-winning selection that has now garnered the 2026 Proven Winners “Petunia of the Year.” In this raised bed it is combined with Supertunia Saffron Finch petunia.
Vista White petunia and the star of this column, Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Orchid petunia. These three plants are all award-winners and bring to the design a total of 34 awards. In other words, it’s a can’t lose recipe. There is one other fun aspect of the design courtesy of the Supertunia Mini Vista White petunia. It fits the Pantone “Color of the Year” for 2026, Cloud Dancer. Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Orchid as well as the recipe plants need plenty of sun and fertile organic rich soil. They all thrive in beds or containers whether they are baskets, window boxes or ceramic containers. Good lightweight potting soil or the addition of raised bed mixes to the landscape will secure your green thumb award. You will want to keep your plants well-fed. I feed container plants with a water-soluble mix every 2 to 3 weeks. In Georgia we water most every day, which guarantees a quick leaching of nutrients. Those in beds don’t leach nutrients as quickly so I feed with controlled release granules every 4 to 6 weeks. One other important task is trimming with a sharp pair of shears or scissors when plants look tired and unproductive. This is usually in August, but let the plants tell you; it could be earlier. The new year looks so exciting with new plants, recipes and ideas. I hope you will follow me on Facebook @NormanWinter TheGardenGuy for more photos and garden inspiration. Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
NORMAN WINTER/TNS PHOTOS
Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Orchid petunia has shown to be good at attracting butterflies like this spicebush swallowtail that appears to be all in. The other flowers are Limelight Prime hydrangea and Rockin Blue Suede Shoes salvia.
Your Home. Your Equity. Your Freedom.
Enjoy the retirement you’ve worked for without leaving the home you love.
A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation MLS 1850
785 Alamo Drive, Ste. 120, Vacaville
707-449-4777 CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
We are local experts here to serve you. Solano Mortgage NMLS # 1515497 is a division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS #1850 is licensed in California by the Dept. of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CRMLA © 2024 American Pacific Mortgage Corporation DRE #0121593 For informational purposes only. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity.
8 Friday, January 9, 2026 — McNAUGHTON MEDIA
Middle From Page 3 jobs and no growth,” says Amy Tomasso, a director at Ivory Innovations, a housing affordability non-profit based in Utah. “It becomes a serious economic problem. You end up with communities of affluence and communities of affordability, huge gaps and long commutes for workers.”
Scalpel and hammer: How different approaches are playing out in Seattle and Massachusetts Each city requires different approaches to how to solve the housing problem. In Seattle, residents, builders and the city council are trying to build new, affordable homes while retaining the city’s unique character. On the opposite side of the country, Massachusetts has passed legislation that imposes more mixed housing development on communities. Here’s how these situations are playing out. Unique challenges require flexible solutions in Seattle In a city known for its tree canopy, some citizens and developers have been clashing for years over whether mature trees should be removed to make way for new homes. This has led to regulation over what trees can and can’t be cut down to enable development, and how many trees should be planted per tree removed. The regulation saved a number of older, high-value trees – developers are now required to work around trees and plant new ones – though it has also effectively pushed up construction costs, which typically get passed on to the homebuyer. In the latest attempt to address this issue, the Seattle City Council passed the Roots to Roofs pilot program in September 2025. This program creates 35 projects where community-based
organizations can partner with developers – and, by softening the rules around tall, densely-packed properties, incentivize them to build more units in the same space, generating more income. The projects also have protections for larger trees. While it’s just a start, it’s an example of how flexibility around building code can help build more homes and preserve what’s important to the community. Seattle is among cities trying to make homebuying more affordable, albeit with limited funds. Nora Raybern, the communications manager for its Office of Housing, says the city’s so-called Housing Levy has a $970 million budget through 2030 to support housing affordability, including $51 million for homeownership. Widespread legislation in Massachusetts In Massachusetts, the state has pushed legislation to increase the housing supply. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Communities Act, signed into law in 2021, requires that the 177 municipalities served by the MBTA to have at least one zoning district for multifamily housing (defined as three or more housing units on one lot). This has received a mixed response. Some communities have resisted the law, while others like Cambridge and Somerville have embraced the opportunity to develop new housing. Tomasso says. Cambridge encouraged more building by eliminating a rule about space for resident parking and upped the allowed height of structures. Tomasso adds: “They’ve really pushed the envelope nationwide on zoning reform.” The effectiveness of this law in smaller communities syncs up with what is happening in Boston. “The reality is, we need all the communities around Boston to also be building more housing,” Sturke says. According to Sturke, more housing around public transportation helps people in these communities move between cities and towns. That’s good for
the communities and for Boston, which has notoriously bad traffic. Cities hope local down payment assistance helps when federal government-backed loans don’t Outside of local housing initiatives, residents in other communities have other options to turn to when they find themselves in the “missing middle.” Down payment assistance (DPA) programs, for example, can help prospective homebuyers afford to live in higher-priced places. Available nationally from cities, counties and states, DPA hit an all-time high in the third quarter of 2025, according to Down Payment Resource. But that doesn’t necessarily mean this will always help you get an accepted offer within major city limits. “All my first-time homebuyers, I try to get them into a program, and it’s definitely beneficial on their part,” says Peter Duncan, a real estate agent in Seattle. However, “as long as they have that pre-approval letter… that’s the only thing that the sellers really care about, as long as they make sure that they are qualified to buy the home and it won’t be a waste of their time.”
Insight About 8 in 10 would-be homeowners say down payment and closing costs are either a very or somewhat significant challenge to homeownership, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Home Affordability Report. Tip: Search your city or county’s website or contact its housing department to learn about down payment programs specific to your community
Data: Governmentbacked loans rarely help homebuyers in major cities Government-backed loans – such as FHA and VA loans – can also help aspiring city dwellers, even if they have lower down payments or credit scores. Still, in major cities, where compe-
EXAMPLES OF DPA, HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN SOME OF THE COSTLIEST CITIES SEATTLE
SAN FRANCISCO
BOSTON
DENVER
Serves residents with area median incomes up to…
80%
50% to 200% (varies by program)
135%
150%
Minimum budget
$7.3 million annually (via its Housing Levy, between 2023 and 2030)
$3 million annually (via its House Trust Fund), plus funds via borrower repayment, voter-approved bond measures
$6 million Info not annually, available plus funding it apples for
tition can be stiff, other buyers with higher levels of savings and credit are often better-positioned to win a sometimes inevitable bidding war.
PERCENT OF 2024 MORTGAGE ORIGINATIONS FOR A HOME PURCHASE THAT WERE… METRO AREA
Seattle San Francisco New York Miami, Fla. Denver Louisville, Ky.
CONVENTIONAL FHA*
92 98 90 79 77 72
5 1 8 19 17 20
VA*
3 1 1 2 7 8
“Sellers in Southern Arizona often lean toward conventional offers because those deals are perceived as more straightforward,” says Mishka Cates, an agent in Tucson. “FHA, VA and down-payment-assistance loans can involve extra steps, like stricter appraisal standards or additional lender documentation, which can make sellers nervous about possible delays.” Even six-figure down payment assistance, which is possible when you combine DPA programs, might not be enough for a disadvantaged buyer to win out – especially when up against a partial- or full-cash buyer. Nearly a third (32.6% of home purchases) are in pure cash, according to a February analysis by Redfin. As longtime housing counselor Todd Christensen says, “Of course, cash offers are going to be king with any [seller].”
A happy ending in a high-cost city After a year with his parents in San Francisco, Amaechi finally bought a place of his own. His city’s support programs proved to be a major help. Amaechi discovered the Dream Keeper-Downpayment Assistance Loan Program (DKDALP), one of 15 initiatives offered by the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. In November 2024, Amaechi used DK-DALP – a “shadow loan” that doesn’t require payments – to finance half of the $750,000, twobed-two-bath condo he now owns in the Bayview neighborhood. He financed the other half with a conventional loan, thanks to his strong credit. For his part, Amaechi recognizes his good fortune of being on the other end of these efforts, even at an ongoing price. “Even for me, owning a condominium… every month I’m paying that $700 HOA” fee, Amaechi says. “You know, in some states that’s rent.”
PERCENT OF 2024 HOME PURCHASES THAT WERE CASH-ONLY TRANSACTIONS... METRO
Seattle San Francisco New York Miami, Fla. Denver
PERCENT
21 27 33 38 27
ADVERTISE HERE - CALL 707.427.6927
McNAUGHTON MEDIA — Friday, January 9, 2026 9
Celebrating 30 years in business!
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY
Remodeling, Design & Construction KIRIVEP GSRXVEGXSV PMG
p WWW 3EDILLO#OMPANY COM
BLINDS • SHUTTERS • SHADES REMODEL LIGHTING INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL
SOLAR DESIGN SERVICE COMMERCIAL
(707) 448-8222 Lic. #1066269
Come See Our Store!
Design & Build Services! www.loraindesign.com
Licensed, Insured, and Bonded
VEelectric.com
"DDVNVMBUJPO PG QPMMFO MFBWFT EVTU XJMEmSFT BOE NPSF XJMM BGGFDU QBOFMT BOE DBVTF UIFJS FGmDJFODZ UP ESPQ 8F BMTP PGGFS CJSE OFUUJOH FTUJNBUFT BOE TFSWJDFTÑ
2ZQHUV (ULF 3DXOD 5LFK
530-760-6625
2300 FIFTH ST | 530.756.4187 | DAVISHOMETRENDS.COM
,-;1/6 *=14, -627A
$BMM UPEBZ GPS BO FTUJNBUF UP DMFBO ZPVS TPMBS QBOFMT
Great Prices!
Top Soil Pavers Bark
Come See Us for All Your 150 East H St., Dixon Landscaping (707) 678-8200 Needs! www.dixonlandscape.com
&DOOHQ 6WUHHW 9DFDYLOOH
! ! " " ]YVK\L_^VO\VVM MYW
Davis Native Since 1969, Your Local Builder Designing Building Remodeling in Davis Over 30 Years
)RU WKH EHVW SULFH DQG TXDOLW\ HTXLSPHQW FDOO WKH ´1RQ &RPPLVVLRQHG *X\V µ &DOO 7RGD\ IRU D )5(( (VWLPDWH
Great Selections t ons att
ZZZ EODNHVKYDF FRP /LF
Fair Price, Quality Work! We build A.D.U.'s!
(530) 756-6061 • eisele-construct@sbcglobal.net Lic. #628459
Cobbles Sand / Gravel Flagstone Sod Retaining Walls Bricks Decorative Rocks
THIS SPOT CAN BE YOURS! )RU ,QIRUPDWLRQ RQ $GYHUWLVLQJ 3OHDVH &RQWDFW 'HEELH .HQQHG\ 'HEELH#'DYLV(QWHUSULVH FRP
10 Friday, January 9, 2026 — McNAUGHTON MEDIA
Solano County Listings: Homes, land for sale PRICE
ADDRESS
CITY
BEDS
BA (F/H) SQ. FT.
LOT/AC MLS #
PRICE
ADDRESS
CITY
BEDS
BA (F/H) SQ. FT.
LOT/AC MLS #
$449,250 $929,900 $539,900 $579,000 $460,000 $525,500 $585,000 $599,000 $675,000 $725,000 $827,000 $179,000 $199,000 $449,000 $490,000 $518,000 $575,000 $580,000 $580,000 $599,000 $620,000 $647,000 $660,000 $699,000 $699,999 $705,000 $735,000 $775,000 $849,000 $1,025,000 $1,225,000 $1,250,000 $1,300,000 $1,325,000 $1,650,000 $2,250,000 $438,000 $598,000 $725,000 $403,000 $415,000 $465,000 $524,000 $575,000 $250,000 $269,500 $269,950 $387,000 $494,950 $499,000 $515,000 $533,000 $549,000
565 Lori Dr #80 1155 Daniel Hills Ct 777 Military E 1781 Lindo St 3205 Albany Terrace 420 McKenzie Drivce 2195 Prairie Way 255 Schooner Ridge Ct 1365 Jacobs Pl 970 Camelia Dr 1520 Gill Ct 1970 Grande Cir #9 1941 Grande Cir #48 1047 E Tennessee Ct 1667 Vicksburg Dr 500 Asbury Ln 1669 Rutledge Ln 2635 Alvarado Court 2810 Miller Ct 1464 descanso Ln 2084 Parsons Dr 989 Suffolk Way 3456 Norwalk Pl 3233 Lagunita Cir 3360 Hillridge Dr 3045 Balance Cir 1328 Horizon Cir 2220 Fox Glen Dr 2225 Hillridge Dr 3127 Olympic Rd 2965 Pebble Beach Cir 3261 Congressional Cir 3114 Lomita Ct 3259 Congressional Cir 1687 Rockville Rd 4320 Edinburg Ct 1198 Pear Tree Ln 520 Country Club Lane 2561 Dorset St 528 Birch Ridge Dr 320 Spyglass Dr 1000 Michelbook Ln 923 Steller Way 915 Liberty Drive 1930 Duxburry Lane, #2 124 Monterey Dr 1950 Duxburry Ln #2 171 Mckinley Cir 317 Grape St 755 Oakvale Way 571 Greenwood Dr 372 Acacia Street 751 El Camino Ave
Benicia Benicia Benicia Benicia Davis Dixon Dixon Dixon Dixon Dixon Dixon Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Napa Napa Napa Rio Vista Rio Vista Rio Vista Suisun City Suisun City Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville
2 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 2 2 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4 5 3 3 2 3 4 2 2 2 3 4 2 1 2 2 3 2 4 3 3
2/0 2/0 2/1 2/0 2/1 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 2/0 3/0 1/1 2/0 1/0 2/1 2/0 2/1 2/0 2/0 2/1 2/1 2.5 2/1 2/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 2/1 4/1 2/2 3/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/1 1/0 1/0 1/0 1/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0
0.02 0.1500 0.02 0.05 1,599 7,841 0.14 0.14 0.16 0.22 0.18 0.02 0.02 0.13 0.04 0.16 0.05 6,098 0.17 0.07 0.06 8,028 0.19 0.19 0.26 0.10 0.08 0.2816 0.3763 0.15 0.24 0.24 0.95 0.22 0.34 23.07 0.0145 0.2500 0.14 0.09 0.10 0.15 0.18 3,119 436 0.06 0.01 0.13 0.11 0.1449 0.14 0.1100 0.14
$549,900 214 Arrowhead Dr $595,000 196 Caldwell Drive $595,000 678 Claremont Drive $599,000 491 Buck Ave $620,000 706 Blue Ridge Ln $625,000 185 Salinas Drive $625,000 674 Shefford Dr $625,000 761 Razorbill St $640,000 372 Primrose Dr $669,000 1202 Villaggio Cir $669,000 212 Water Lily Cir $699,000 512 Davis St $699,000 729 Brookside Drive $777,000 6018 Driver Ct $796,500 4005 Cantelow Road $875,000 719 Rambleton Dr $1,100,000 300 Butcher Rd $1,299,000 7208 Browns Valley Rd $1,575,000 6021 N Vine St $1,799,000 4157 Shelly Ln $2,199,000 5050 Melissa Ln $3,400,000 6536 Pleasants Valley Rd $425,000 323 Hampshire St $475,000 818 Ashwood Avenue $529,000 1251 N Camino Alto $790,000 128 Newcastle Dr $1,830,000 8560 Holmes Ln
Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Vallejo Winters
4 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 4 5 3 4 4 4 4 10 2 3 4 4 4
2/0 2/1 2/0 3/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/0 2/1 2/1 2/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 2/1 3/0 2/0 3/0 3/1 4/0 3/1 6/2 1/0 2/0 2/0 3/0 4/1
0.2 6,098 7,841 0.18 0.18 0.1800 0.11 0.11 0.09 0.1 0.1028 0.15 7,405 0.12 2.2600 0.57 2.17 14.49 0.55 6.23 5.7 14.94 0.13 5,663 6,534 0.25 30
CITY
LOT/AC
873 1,894 1,556 1,311 1182 1380 1,901 1,734 2,206 2,317 2,987 1,056 1,080 985 1,692 1,474 2,075 1466 1,638 1,516 2,357 2253 1,827 2,022 2,502 2,065 2,578 2,560 2,863 3,498 3,096 3,224 3,200 3,893 3,053 3,690 1,301 1420 1,199 1,439 1,359 1,907 1,090 2030 882 728 882 918 1,124 1,048 1,600 1155 1,376
325096238 325104598 325081349 325089232 225153653 325101202 325089283 325052359 325099448 325086707 325095760 325104604 325099915 325097327 325079558 325099491 325087724 325089776 325099785 326000574 325080282 325099244 325103129 325073813 325103955 325089067 325065577 325078689 325077030 325102101 325100432 325094322 325051938 325103154 325084480 325092615 325104673 325019935 325055167 325075636 325099446 325075665 325097371 325092875 325092270 325031414 325058723 325094630 325081019 325103387 325094422 325092613 325099145
1,402 2073 1289 2,347 1,535 1540 1,612 1,614 1,827 1,759 1,780 1,006 1739 2,408 2650 2,286 2,395 2,850 3,976 3,500 2,603 7,500 786 1200 1499 2,251 2,505
LOTS & LAND
PRICE
ADDRESS
$1,590,000 8362 Auction Ln $15,000,000 Mankas $5,900,000 485 Pittman Rd $88,999 340 Black Oak Ln $299,000 Meadowbrook Ln $1,250,000 Parker Street $375,000 2030 Pinecrest Court $225,000 179 Wykoff Drive $550,000 8 Missouri St $299,000 717 Alameda Street
Dixon 2.16 Fairfield Fairfield 9.99 Napa 0.26 Vacaville 6.08 Vacaville 0.52 Vacaville 0.549 Vacaville 0.58 Vallejo 1 Vallejo 0.15
SUB TYPE
Commercial 0 Commercial Residential 264,845 CLOT RES-Custom RESA 43,708 Impr Multi-Resid
325104453 325097423 325088977 325083692 325097551 325065424 325098133 325050717 325077104 325087215 326000150 325074263 325101379 325097360 325089981 325092817 325085269 325095778 325052571 325085439 325097646 325078383 325094207 325100542 325103217 325066178 325002680 MLS#
322014651 21825708 324045266 325054062 324078460 324045416 325081610 325083059 325103374 325012233
MOBILE/FLOATING
PRICE
$455,000 $148,000 $158,000 $165,500 $210,000
ADDRESS
$295,000 $620,000
BEDS
BA(F/H)
SQ. FT
Napa Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville Vacaville
2 2 2 2 2
ADDRESS
CITY
TYPE
COMMERCIAL
PRICE
CITY
209 Shirely Ct #116 700 Shady Glen Rd #24 71 Lemon Tree Cir 1597 Alamo Dr #175 137 Lemon Tree Cir
424 Davis St Vacaville 3450-015000 W. Grant Ave Winters
Let Us Find You the Perfect Home
2 1/0 528 2/0 1,344 2 2 1248
Mixed Mixed
MLS#
32506954 325103640 325086200 325098071 325064526 MLS #
322095434 225129979
McNAUGHTON MEDIA — Friday, January 9, 2026 11
REAL ESTATE
*DOOHU\
Choosing the Right REALTOR® Does Make A Difference
DAVE FRANZONI
REALTOR®
Executive Council Cal BRE #1748267
I live and work in Solano County REALTOR® for over 20 years Top Producer Smart Home Specialist Executive Council of REALTORS® #1 Company in the Nation 6 Offices for your convenience
(707) 410-9003 DaveFranzoni.com
5071 Business Center Drive Fairfield, CA 94534
2280 ROCKVILLE ROAD • GREEN VALLEY-FAIRFIELD, CA 94534 • LIC#01035560 OUR FAMILY ESTABLISHED COUNTRY ESTATES, INC IN 1982
LONEY & WORLEY TEAM
Scott C. Loney Alicia N. Worley
OWNER/BROKER ASSOCIATE BRE# 01146887
(707) 290-0556
REALTOR®
BRE# 01322884
(707) 344-1300
Use A BROKER/REALTOR® That Will Help You Make The Right Choice Based On Your Individual Needs!
Jim & Darla are both past Presidents of the Northern Solano County Association of REALTORS.® Having been in business since 1978 we are one of the few remaining Independent Real Estate Companies in Fairfield. Born and raised in Solano County... we know the area. We strive to meet the specialized needs of each client, using the highest ethical standards.
BIGGER GGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER.
JIM M STEVER REALLTY
STEVER & ASSOCIATES Serving Solano County Since 1978!
vogelpohl real estate consulting & sales
((707) 707) 3 373-6949 7 3 -6 6949 Annie@AnnieVogelpohl.com Annie Vogelpohl
BROKER, CAL BRE #00705450
Successfully moving mobiles to mansions. Contact me for current market conditions.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 690 E. Tabor Ave., Ste. F, Fairfield www.JimSteverRealty.com
(707) 421-1000
Need to Sell Your Home? Looking For A New Home? Call one of these Real Estate Professionals to help you with your housing needs today!
Jim & Darla Stever BROKER/REALTOR®/Owner Cal BRE#01085687
12 Friday, January 9, 2026 — McNAUGHTON MEDIA
+HOOR KHOOR 7KH \HDU ZRXQG GRZQ ZLWK D ZKLPSHU DQG ZH KDYH MXVW DFWLYH DQG KRPHV RQ WKH PDUNHW $FWLYH s (LJKW QHZ OLVWLQJV FDPH RQ PDUNHW s 0HGLDQ DFWLYH SULFH DYHUDJH <RX UHDG WKDW ULJKW
&ORVHG s 6L[ OLVWLQJV FORVHG HVFURZ s 0HGLDQ FORVHG SULFH DYJ s 7ZR FORVLQJV UHFHLYHG PXOWLSOH RIIHUV s 2QH FORVLQJ ZDV FDVK DQG WKH UHPDLQGHU ZHUH FRQYHQWLRQDO ÞQDQFLQJ
)RU WKH UHVW RI WKLV QHZVOHWWHU JR WR ZZZ 7KH/RUL3UL]PLFK7HDP FRP
/RUL 3UL]PLFK '5( ORUL#ORULSUL]PLFK FRP ZZZ 7KH/RUL3UL]PLFK7HDP FRP
0DULD :HVW
0DUFHOD &DUGHQDV
'5(
'5(