ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE
Being a landlord, or hire property management
Q: Late last summer, my husband and I purchased a new home. We kept our old home because the mortgage was so low compared to where it’s been over the past couple of years, and we could get a posi tive cash flow by renting it out. My question is whether or not we should hire a property man agement company? We’ve never been landlords before, but we bought a book on Amazon and it sounds kind of easy. What are your thoughts?
A: This is an easy answer. Start by sending the book back. Hopefully it was on Amazon Prime and you can send it back for free.
Then, call several local prop erty management companies and talk to them about services, rates, etc. because you abso lutely want to hire one of them. I can tell you that as far as I’m concerned, the fact that property management companies have to keep up with the constantly changing landlord/tenant laws in California is more than enough reason to hire them.
isn’t enough, there’s the day-today inconvenience. Ask anybody who owns rental properties and tries to care for them without the aid of a professional how many
work (or at home in the middle of the night) by an angry or com-
Property management is tough and potentially legally dangerous. Being an amateur “part time” landlord is the worst. And if legal liability for even the smallest violation of the complicated landlord/tenant laws
people hesitate before answering
contact numbers as well as afterhours emergency telephone numbers so when the water heater bursts there is someone the tenant can get hold of right away. With a property management company, the tenant is unlikely to even know who you are, let alone your telephone number and address.
Additionally, when those constant little repairs do crop up
See Jones, Page 4
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Welcome to a peaceful country setting where two beautifully updated homes rest on nearly five acres of open space. The main three-bedroom home blends modern comfort with timeless style, featuring a stunning remodeled kitchen with Cambria quartz countertops, custom maple cabinetr y, sleek stainless appliances, tile backsplash, under counter lighting and a pantry closet. Every detail shines from the rich wood floors and spainspired bath with dual sinks and tile shower to the custom Hunter Douglas window treatments. The second home is equally inviting, exuding 1950s charm and warmth with an updated kitchen and bath, new Ply G em windows, new roof and gutters (2025), security system, and newer HVAC . A detached garage provides extra convenience and storage. Both homes have been lovingly maintained and are truly move-in ready ideal for extended family, guests, or simply enjoying the serenity of country living close to the river. Please view the Video tour to truly experience the setting and style that make this property so exceptional!
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Tim Jones
TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY
C12 cleaning hacks for a sparkling Christmas
an you feel it? The Christmas lights are on, window displays have been given the wow factor, and magical displays are drawing us closer to the big day – with feelgood festive fixes topping the to-do list.
Especially if you’re setting the stage for holiday hosting, decking the halls, and making sure your surfaces, tableware and crystal are as shiny and sparkly as the twinkling lights on the tree.
To get your home guest-ready, Lynsey Crombie, a home advice specialist and presenter on UK TV, shares her top tips to make your festive season prep quicker, easier and more joyful.
1. Shine up your cutlery with a bicarb bath
“Give dull silverware a festive glow by soaking it in warm water with a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda,” says Crombie. “Leave it for 10–15 minutes in a sink lined with tin foil, rinse, and buff dry for that just-polished shine… perfect for your Christmas table setting.”
2. Sharpen scissors with tin foil
“No need to buy new scissors before wrapping season! Simply fold a sheet of tin foil and snip through it several times. “It sharpens the blades, keeping your cuts crisp for ribbons and wrapping paper,” she explains.
From gleaming cutlery to fresh-smelling garlands, these tricks will help you get your home spick and span for Santa.
3. Tidy up wrapping paper rolls
Keep wrapping paper neat by sliding an empty toilet roll tube over each roll, suggests Crombie. “It stops edges from unraveling, preventing torn paper and saving time during festive gift prep.”
4. Lemon and bicarb oven rescue
“Mix lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda into a paste to tackle grease and baked-on
grime,” advises the cleaning expert. “Spread it inside the oven, leave for 30 minutes, then wipe clean for a fresh, zesty finish.”
5. Remove candle wax with a cool iron
To lift melted wax from fabrics or tablecloths, she says to place a paper towel over the wax and gently press with a cool iron. “The heat loosens the wax, and the paper absorbs it for a messfree clean.”
6. Make your tree sparkle with a hairdryer
“Before decorating, use a coolsetting hairdryer to blow off dust from artificial branches,” suggests Crombie. “It fluffs them up and gives your tree that freshfrom-the-forest look.”
7. Sprinkle carpets with festive scents
“Mix a few drops of essential oil, like cinnamon or orange, into bicarbonate of soda. Sprinkle over
carpets, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum for a home that smells like Christmas magic.” Be careful around pets, she adds.
8.
Garland freshener with essential oils
“Give artificial or dried garlands a festive scent by lightly spraying them with water and a few drops of pine or cinnamon essential oil.” She says your home will smell like Christmas in seconds.
9. Tackle glitter spills with a lint roller
As Crombie points out, glitter gets everywhere, but a lint roller picks it up in seconds. “Run it over surfaces, tablecloths, and even upholstery to keep your home sparkle-free.”
10. Polish glassware with white vinegar
“Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water, dip a soft cloth, and polish glassware for a streakfree festive shine. “Perfect for wine glasses and vases… dry off with a lint-free cloth.”
11. Speed-clean with a caddy
Before guests arrive, she says to keep a small cleaning caddy stocked with essentials. “Antibacterial spray, cloth, and lint roller – a five-minute blitz through each room will have your home guest-ready in no time.”
See Hacks, Page 4
ALAMY/PRESS ASSOCIATION/DPA/TNS
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.
BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 5
LOWEST AMOUNT: $500,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,060,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $845,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $784,400
1155 West 10th Street - $1,060,000
10-17-25 [4 Bdrms - 2016 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-01-15, $625,000 1358 East 7th Street - $500,000
10-17-25 [2 Bdrms - 1093 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-05-25, $325,000 837 Clifton Court - $932,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1607 SqFt - 1984 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-13-13, $520,000 41 Corte Dorado - $585,000
10-15-25 [2 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1943 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-22-20, $510,000 544 Fuchsia Drive - $845,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1534 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt]
DIXON
TOTAL SALES: 2
LOWEST AMOUNT: $621,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $720,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $670,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $670,500.
485 Pheasant Run Drive - $621,000
10-15-25 [4 Bdrms - 2125 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-18-17, $455,000 2145 Prairie Way - $720,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 220 SqFt - 2023 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-26-23, $694,000
FAIRFIELD
TOTAL SALES: 15
LOWEST AMOUNT: $443,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $2,000,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $640,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $688,033 1037 2nd Street - $450,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1140 SqFt - 1953 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-07-25, $345,000 2784 Ambrosia Way - $640,000
10-15-25 [4 Bdrms - 2055 SqFt - 2021 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-10-23, $591,000 4109 Boulder Creek Court - $730,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 2390 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-10-19, $521,000 5320 Boulder Ridge Court - $2,000,000
10-14-25 [6 Bdrms - 4310 SqFt - 2013 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-23-15, $1,375,000
241 Camellia Street - $500,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1403 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt] 1391 Couples Circle - $849,000
10-17-25 [5 Bdrms - 3477 SqFt - 2012 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-04-18, $727,100
1042 Harding Street - $450,000
10-15-25 [5 Bdrms - 2500 SqFt - 1953 YrBlt]
2968 Juniper Street - $510,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1661 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-02-08, $205,000
1836 Minnesota Street - $443,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1104 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-09-05, $312,800
2065 Robin Drive - $470,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1114 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-04-16, $290,000
2393 Sheldon Drive - $645,500
10-15-25 [4 Bdrms - 2216 SqFt - 2020 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-01-20, $511,500
2855 Shelter Hill Drive - $765,000
10-16-25 [5 Bdrms - 2716 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-13-01, $422,314
2432 Skyview Circle - $675,000
10-17-25 [4 Bdrms - 2188 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-01-02, $347,500
2113 Sunhaven Court - $495,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1134 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-28-99, $145,000
4202 Virginia Pine Court - $698,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 2100 SqFt - 2002 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-08-13, $360,000
RIO VISTA
TOTAL SALES: 2
LOWEST AMOUNT: $175,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $440,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $307,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $307,500
641 Wilmington Lane - $175,000
10-15-25 [2 Bdrms - 950 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-16-02, $170,000
90 Yosemite Drive - $440,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1424 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-16-99, $132,500
SUISUN CITY
TOTAL SALES: 4
LOWEST AMOUNT: $505,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $625,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $510,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $537,500
1505 Casa Loma Way - $510,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1334 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-04-16, $305,100
96 Coral Lane - $505,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1384 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-01-25, $285,000
1641 Tucson Circle - $625,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1839 SqFt - 2008 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-30-07, $325,000
603 Woodlark Drive - $510,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1569 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-16-03, $295,000
VACAVILLE
TOTAL SALES: 25
LOWEST AMOUNT: $295,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,450,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $569,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $667,600
419 Andrea Drive - $489,500
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1296 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-02-08, $250,000
206 Arbor Street - $545,000
10-14-25 [2 Bdrms - 1546 SqFt - 1956 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-17-20, $440,000
242 Arbor Street - $550,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1294 SqFt - 1956 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-04-25, $350,000
207 Beard Street - $580,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1953 SqFt - 2013 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-03-13, $346,000
349 Birchwood Court - $915,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 2094 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-22-17, $545,000
143 Briarwood Drive - $585,000
10-17-25 [4 Bdrms - 2243 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt]
185 Bristlewood Court - $880,000
10-14-25 [5 Bdrms - 2707 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt]
424 Cache Court - $690,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 2599 SqFt - 2010 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-19-20, $530,000 4117 Caligiuri Canyon Road - $500,000
10-17-25, Previous Sale: 07-06-01, $180,000
721 Camellia Way - $569,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1313 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-23-11, $175,000
849 Cameron Court - $550,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1592 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-16-17, $410,000
414 Danbury Circle - $550,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 1767 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-28-18, $450,000
2001 Eastwood Drive #1 - $295,000
10-17-25 [2 Bdrms - 902 SqFt - 2001 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-18-24, $290,000
607 Embassy Circle - $555,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1669 SqFt - 2011 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-24-22, $635,000
1012 Hickock Drive - $715,000
10-14-25 [5 Bdrms - 2702 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-27-00, $285,007
206 Kirkwood Court - $622,500
10-15-25 [4 Bdrms - 1760 SqFt - 1981 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-30-25, $480,000
243 Lone Oak Drive - $870,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 2288 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-28-20, $681,000
466 Peacock Way - $1,160,000
10-14-25 [5 Bdrms - 3323 SqFt - 2007 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-17-19, $875,000
349 Preserve Lane - $1,450,000
10-14-25 [5 Bdrms - 3837 SqFt - 2022 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-28-22, $1,299,000
200 Rainier Circle - $350,000
10-15-25 [2 Bdrms - 1043 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-24-00, $126,500
100 Ramona Street - $525,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1506 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt]
462 Robert Road - $540,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1374 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-11-11, $177,000
350 Saybrook Court - $589,000
10-16-25 [5 Bdrms - 2148 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-12-02, $300,000
83 Vine Street - $1,205,000
10-15-25 [4 Bdrms - 2753 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-26-18, $1,030,000
702 Yellowstone Drive - $410,000
10-17-25 [2 Bdrms - 1357 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-03-23, $400,000
LOWEST AMOUNT: $360,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $730,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $530,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $537,543
1308 Amador Street - $675,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 2930 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-15-12, $227,500
140 Boggs Court - $435,000
10-16-25 [2 Bdrms - 864 SqFt - 1970 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-11-10, $69,500
300 Buss Avenue - $543,500
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1204 SqFt - 1940 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-22-25, $370,000 1055 Caldwell Avenue - $474,000
10-16-25 [4 Bdrms - 1604 SqFt - 1950 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 01-03-11, $155,000
1034 Capitol Street - $469,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1240 SqFt - 1907 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-14-16, $327,000 2927 Carlingford Lane - $730,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 2335 SqFt - 2000 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 07-20-16, $535,500
289 Catalina Way - $550,000
10-16-25 [4 Bdrms - 1520 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-16-10, $411,000 6686 Chalk Hill Lane - $701,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 2205 SqFt - 2006 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-20-06, $831,000
325 Cottonwood Drive - $365,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1096 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt]
155 Creekview Drive - $617,000
10-16-25 [3 Bdrms - 2314 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt]
172 Delgado Court - $650,000
10-17-25 [4 Bdrms - 2048 SqFt - 1981 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 00/1990, $195,000
112 Fairfax Court - $500,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1296 SqFt - 1955 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-18-02, $250,000
466 Holly Street - $515,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1126 SqFt - 1979 YrBlt]
520 Kentucky Street - $600,000
10-16-25 [2 Bdrms - 1396 SqFt - 1932 YrBlt]
715 Knights Circle - $510,000
10-17-25 [3 Bdrms - 1236 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-19-99, $172,000
911 Point Reyes Court #4 - $521,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1438 SqFt - 1990 YrBlt]
129 Revere Street - $360,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 987 SqFt - 1942 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-22-17, $350,000
290 Riverview Drive - $530,000
10-15-25 [3 Bdrms - 1562 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt]
1379 Shea Terrace - $563,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 2101 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt]
824 Taper Court - $615,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 1457 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-07-25, $451,500
1414 Valle Vista Avenue - $385,000
10-15-25 [4 Bdrms - 1935 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-06-10, $169,000
392 Winchester Street - $480,000
10-14-25 [4 Bdrms - 1672 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt],
From Page 2
property management companies have a stable of workmen who they know from past experience will do a good job, at a reasonable price, for the landlord.
Obviously, each company, and each individual property manager, is different. A property management company will be sure to keep its managers up to date on the laws. They will have a system in place to handle complaints, take rents and deposits, conduct inspections and the like.
Another very important function of property management companies is their ability to pre-qualify perspective tenants.
It is difficult for a landlord to conduct the proper credit and background checks without help.
Believe me when I say that placing a bad tenant in your property can be a lot more costly than leaving the house vacant.
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.
TOTAL SALES: 23
Previous Sale: 11-25-19, $365,000
116 Yale Court - $575,000
10-14-25 [3 Bdrms - 1512 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt]
From Page 3
12. Freshen up your fridge
“Place a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda mixed with a few drops of citrus essential oil in your fridge,” suggests Crombie. “It neutralises odours, keeping it fresh with all the festive treats and leftovers.”
Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo captures a super Honor
ABOVE: Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo petunia winner of 34 awards now earns designation as a Louisiana Super Plant. Pictured here with Superbena Without verbena and geraniums.
RIGHT: Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo petunia plays well in mixed containers. It is seen here with Superbells Tangerine Punch calibrachoa, Sow Princess sweet alyssum and Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow petunia. NORMAN WINTER/TNS
Five years ago, I introduced the garden reader to “The Little Indigo That Could.” That little indigo named Super tunia Mini Vista Indigo is still doing it. Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo petunia, winner of 34 awards, can now add another trophy to the case as it has been designated a Lou isiana Super Plant standing right next to the granddaddy of them all, the Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunia.
The Louisiana Super Plant List reads like the fine garden ing book; these are the plants to grow in Louisiana. Obviously, this list would be sage advice for a lot of other states too. There is one other thing about this list, and it stands out like a bolt of lightning. The Louisiana Super Plant list has the Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo petunia and the Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunia under cool season annuals blooming seven months, November through May.
Norman Winter
realize that Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is like the all-time award winner, and I can assure you that the Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo can hang with it. I’ve watched it thrive in the hottest of summers in Georgia
Supertunia Mini Vista petunias will reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread up to 24 inches. They will exceed all expectations whether planted in raised beds or mixed containers. Notice I said raised beds. The arch enemies of all petunias are tight compacted clay and poor internal drainage. Raised bed soils and amendments and good lightweight potting soils with plenty of sun will make you an awardwinner too.
Louisiana USDA Plant Hardiness Zones range from 8a to 10a. Don’t let that throw you as they are talking to the entire state about enjoying Supertunia November through May.
If you’ve been reading my columns or following on Facebook you know The Garden Guy is a fan of painting all the supers in the fall in zone 8 and warmer. I’m talking about Supertunia petunias, Superbells calibrachoas and Superbena verbenas. I grew the Supertunia Vistas in the ground from November through July 1 when I realized my landscape in West Georgia was like Yellowstone with the deer population. (My neighbor saw 10 in my yard recently.)
To me I would like the opportunity to buy the Supertunias for planting in the spring and then as needed in September and October too, in zones 8 and warmer. You most likely
Susan Middleton Turner in zone 9 Miller County, Georgia, gets my vote for award-winner as she uses Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo petunias in coconut banister baskets
along the front of her home in a spectacular monoculture application. Young’s Plant Farm Annual Garden Tour in Auburn, Alabama, used them at the front of a raised bed with rudbeckias, vinca and guara showing how blue enhances all other colors.
At The Garden Guy’s house, the second week of November, the Supertunia Mini Indigo was creating a dynamic complementary color scheme with Luscious Marmalade lantana and Superbells Tangerine Punch calibrachoa.
If you are in zone 8 and warmer and can try a fall planting of Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo or Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, jump on board. No matter where you live, though, spring will be here before you know it. So now is a great time to cozy up to the fireplace and plan your flower beds and mixed containers.
Norman Winter is horticulturist, garden speaker and author. Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGarden Guy. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
What first-time homebuyers need to know before buying
TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY
If you’re a first-time homebuyer with a tight budget, should you consider a fixerupper? It depends whether you’re willing to be uncomfortable – possibly for a long time.
For some, buying a fixer-upper is a great way to build equity and customize their home. For others, it’s a source of inescapable stress.
“Maybe they’ve never even painted walls before, so it’s very overwhelming,” said Amy Dahlin, a Greater Seattle-area real estate agent and DIY renovator.
With the median price for a home in King County, Washington, nearing $1 million, the range of homes accessible to firsttime homebuyers seems dismal. Options for firsttime homebuyers are mostly narrowed to condos, town homes and detached homes that need work.
Some buyers choose to do work on a detached fixer-upper because it’ll build equity the fastest, real estate agents say. But that doesn’t mean a fixer-upper is the best choice for everyone.
Fixer-uppers require time, money and patience.
Even if a house is livable and needs no immediate work done, homebuyers need to be willing to live in a house that looks rundown or has frustrating features, like ailing cabinets or sinks, Dahlin said. Buyers could be stuck with those quirks for a while if they have no leftover money after a down payment.
“Most of these people are buying at the top of their price points, so they don’t have extra funds to really do any (renovations) right then,” she said.
If buyers have identified something they want to change immediately, they should factor that into their budget, Dahlin said. It’s common for buyers to get quotes from contractors or electricians before buying a home.
“Then you have a real number to work with instead of something you Googled,” she said.
and the cost of renovations, called FHA 203(k) loans, often take much longer to close than a typical FHA loan.
“Sellers still have options,” McAllister said. “If a seller is looking at five offers, they’re not taking that one.”
FHA 203(k) loans also have higher closing costs and interest rates, typically 0.75% to 1.0% higher than the typical rates for standard FHA loans.
McAllister hasn’t had a client use an FHA 203(k) loan in years for these reasons, he said. He recommends they get in the house with a regular loan and finance the renovations later using a home-equity loan or refinancing into a renovation loan.
“If you don’t own the house, you can’t do the remodel,” he said.
Some homeowners attempt to tackle renovations themselves to save money.
fixer-upper
First-time homebuyers don’t often invest in a house that needs major work done, said Sherief Elbassuoni, a Seattle-area real estate agent. If a house isn’t safe or livable, it could be difficult to get a loan.
“The sweet spot for most firsttime buyers is a home that needs some cosmetic work – things like paint, flooring, carpet or landscaping,” he said. “It needs a little bit of love, but not a full renovation.”
Those renovation costs could be rolled over into a mortgage loan, but that’s not common in the Seattle area, where many sellers still have the upper hand, said Robert McAllister, a senior mortgage consultant at the lending company West Seattle Mortgage. Government-backed loans that finance both the property
A trend of DIY home renovations on TikTok shows young couples taking their homes from affordable to adorable, with arched doorways and chic cabinets added to bland bathrooms.
Dahlin said doing home renovations yourself is a great way to save money, but she cautioned against doing any major or dangerous renovations without experience.
If DIY renovations are done incorrectly, homeowners could be left with an expensive mistake. Unlike when professional services make mistakes, insurance won’t always cover damage from DIY projects.
“Be realistic about what you’re comfortable with,” Dahlin said. “Don’t think you’re going to get on YouTube and figure this out first try.”
REAL ESTATE
Benefits
From Page 6
klers are used. You can adjust them to spray from 1-8 feet –meaning you never waste water. For gardens that need a gentler touch, drip irrigation (or similar low-volume systems) delivers slow, steady water at the base of plants, reducing evaporation and keeping foliage dry – a must for disease prevention.
What to expect of in-law suites
METRO
The modern real estate market has led millions of aspiring home buyers to reconsider their approach to buying a home. Low inventory has led to high home prices. When paired with mortgage interest rates that have remained north of 6 percent for years, the high sticker price of homes has made many buyers wonder if homeownership is simply beyond their means.
It’s impossible to know if or when home prices will come down, but some buyers have chosen to seek homes that can accommodate multiple generations. According to the Pew Research Center, the share of multigenerational homes rose from 7 percent in 1971 to 18 percent in 2021. A multitude of factors have contributed to that increase, and housing affordability is one such variable. In 2024, researchers studying multigenerational households at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania noted that housing affordability declined considerably in recent years but also had been on the decline for decades. As homes become less affordable, the number of multigenerational households tends to increase, and that’s something modern buyers can keep in mind as they look for a home.
Saving nature and money
Irrigation systems aren’t all about convenience, they’re also eco- and wallet-friendly. Some of today’s smart systems feature high-efficiency nozzles that can save up to 30% of your water over a conventional system. They also utilize sensors that detect rainfall, optimizing schedules and water usage for each zone.
“If Mother Nature does the work, your irrigation system takes the day off,” says Tootle. “A smart system waters only when it needs to, saving water, slashing
utility bills, and helping your lawn and garden thrive.”
Upgrades and maintenance
Already have an older irrigation system? Many systems can be upgraded without having to rip everything out and start over. Tootle advises having a professional service your system at least annually to check for leaks, recalibrate rotors, and in colder climates, winterize it to avoid frozen pipes and cracked valves. It’s also important to consider growth. If your system hasn’t been
In-law suites that accommodate multigenerational households can provide a pathway to homeownership for buyers who otherwise may be priced out of the market. Buyers considering homes with an in-law suite or those who want to add one to their existing homes can familiarize themselves with these convenient and potentially costsaving features.
• Note the significance of a separate entrance. Whether you’re looking for a home with an in-law suite or hoping to add one on to your existing home, a separate entrance for suite residents can allow them to come and go as they please. That sense of independence is significant. In addition, a separate entrance can make a home seem less like a multigenerational residence, which at times can feel crowded, and more like a single-generation home. That can afford all residents a little more peace and quiet in a typical day.
• Expect an increase in taxes if you’re adding on. As with any addition to a home, adding an in-law suite to an existing home is likely to result in an increase in homeowners’ property taxes. The amount of that increase is contingent upon variables unique to each residence, like location and the size of the addition. When shopping for homes with existing
updated in a few years, plants and trees may have grown to the point where zones need to be reprogrammed for optimal coverage.
Installation
When it comes to a brand-new installation, professionals can help ensure the process won’t make a big mess of your lawn. Just be sure to schedule your install during your lawn’s peak growing phase. For warm-season grasses, that’s May through August. For cool-season grasses, that’s early spring or fall.
in-law suites, buyers can request existing tax information so they are not surprised by the number like they might be if they add on to an existing home. Despite that, it might still be in prospective buyers’ best interest to add on to an existing property and pay the additional taxes than it would to buy a new home.
• Try to include features residents have come to expect when living independently. An in-law suite should include its own private bathroom, a washroom for a washer and dryer and a kitchen or kitchenette. If everyone in a multigenerational household is forced to use the same bathrooms, washers and dryers, and kitchens, then the home might begin to feel cramped rather quickly.
• Try to secure off-street parking. Though it might not affect the ambiance within the in-law suite itself, an off-street parking spot is a convenience residents will appreciate. Such a space will allow residents to come and go as they please and save them the headache of moving their vehicles for snow plows and street cleaners.
In-law suites could be an in-demand feature as more homeowners and aspiring buyers seek to reduce housing costs by embracing multigenerational living arrangements.
For more insights, watch “Lawn Irrigation 101,” a new episode of “Done-In-A-Weekend Projects,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Exmark’s Backyard Life, a unique multimedia destination focused on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces.
“A modern irrigation system is one of the best ways protect the time and energy you’ve poured into your landscape, and promote a healthy, beautiful lawn,” says Tootle.
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