Eastern Plumas & Sierra Counties March 2021 Newsletter by Dickson Realty

Photos courtesy of Sierra Booster Contents Portola Office & Laughter is the Best Medicine Sales Statistic Reports

Pg. 2 3-6

Synergy Home Mortgage Corner

What Low Mortgage Rates Mean

It’s That “Time” Again; Spring Forward

Majestic Personified

10-11

Winter Weather Tips – It’s Not Over Yet

12-13

March Calendar

California and County COVID Map

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE MARCH 2021 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. The Dickson Realty Portola Team is always available to provide excellent and dedicated client service whether you are considering buying or selling a home. Our team of seasoned professionals, all REALTORS®, possess the most current and comprehensive market information and, combined with their knowledge and experience, they are uniquely qualified to be expert guides in your real estate venture. Call, e-mail, visit our office, or access us on the web. We are here for you 24/7. Our offices and agents diligently adhere to all current COVID 19 guidelines. Office Phone: 530-832-1700 Email: portolainfo@dicksonrealty.com Web: www.Dicksonrealty.com

Laughter is the Best Medicine! If you receive e-mails from friends, someone has probably shared the hilarious Indian Hills Community Center Billboards with you. Indian Hills is in Colorado and the clever pun writer is Colorado native and Community volunteer Vince Rozmiarek. Vince has posted his funny puns about 2 times a week for the last five years. He now enjoys internet fame and certainly brings a unique sense of humor into the world. Here are few of his newer offerings. Dare You not to laugh!

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

This month’s reports are a 12 month look, February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021, of sales by price range and the percent (%) of sales represented in those price ranges. Additionally, the tables show the number of current active listings by price range and the approximate months of inventory they represent. (Time share and/or shared ownership are not included in the statistics presented.) The data source is the Plumas Multiple Listing Service with data pulled on February 15, 2021

RESIDENTIAL SOLD EASTERN PLUMAS/SIERRA COUNTIES February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

8 44 70 60 53 30 5 270

Overall Market

2/2019-1/2020 2/2020-1/2021 Sold Sold 185

3% 16% 26% 22% 20% 11% 2% 100%

Current Active Listings 2 5 11 6 14 14 9 61

Months of Inventory 3 1 2 1 3 6 22

% Increase

270

45.95

RESIDENTIAL SOLD EASTERN PLUMAS/SIERRA COUNTIES FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021 $1,000,000 + 2%

Under $100,000 3%

$600,000-$999,999 11%

$100,000-$199,999 16%

$400,000-$599,999 20%

$200,000-$299,999 26%

$300,000-$399,999 22%

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

RESIDENTIAL SOLD BECKWOURTH February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

0 0 0 2 3 0 0 5

0 1 3 2 1 0 0 7

0 0 2 4 1 5 0 12

0% 0% 17% 33% 8% 42% 0% 100%

Months of Inventory 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 4

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

$300,000-$399,999 40%

$400,000-$599,999 60%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD CHILCOOT FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021

Current Active Listings

0% 14% 43% 29% 14% 0% 0% 100%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD CLIO February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

Current Active Listings

0% 0% 0% 40% 60% 0% 0% 100%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD CHILCOOT February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

RESIDENTIAL SOLD BECKWOURTH FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021

Months of Inventory 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

$400,000-$599,999 14%

$300,000-$399,999 29%

$100,000-$199,999 14%

$200,000-$299,999 43%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD CLIO FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021

Current Active Listings

$200,000-$299,999 17%

Months of Inventory 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3

N/A N/A N/A N/A 36 N/A N/A

$600,000-$999,999 42%

$300,000-$399,999 33%

$400,000-$599,999 8%

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

RESIDENTIAL SOLD GRAEAGLE-BLAIRSDEN February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

1 8 29 33 25 11 0 107

1% 7% 27% 31% 23% 10% 0% 100%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD GRAEAGLE-BLAIRSDEN FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021 Under $100,000 1%

Current Active Listings 0 1 4 4 5 1 1 16

Months of Inventory 0 2 2 1 2 1 N/A

$600,000-$999,999 10%

$100,000-$199,999 8%

$400,000-$599,999 23%

$200,000-$299,999 27%

$300,000-$399,999 31%

Dickson Realty is dedicated to helping you keep a pulse on the local market and real estate related information by providing the latest news, trends, and issues affecting the area’s real estate market.

RESIDENTIAL SOLD GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

0 0 0 7 18 13 5 43

0% 0% 0% 16% 42% 30% 12% 100%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES WHITEHAWK, GRIZZLY RANCH, GOLD MTN.

FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021

Current Active Listings 0 0 0 1 3 10 6 20

Months of Inventory N/A N/A N/A 2 2 9 14

$1,000,000 + 12%

$300,000-$399,999 16%

$600,000-$999,999 30%

$400,000-$599,999 42%

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

RESIDENTIAL SOLD PORTOLA February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

7 33 29 7 1 1 0 78

9% 42% 37% 9% 1% 1% 0% 100%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD LOYALTON February 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2021 SOLD Residences Percent of PRICE RANGE Sold Sales Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

0 2 7 5 4 0 0 18

0% 11% 39% 28% 22% 0% 0% 100%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD PORTOLA FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021 $400,000-$599,999 1.3%

Current Active Listings

Months of Inventory

2 3 5 1 2 0 0 13

3 1 2 2 24 0 N/A

$600,000-$999,999 1.3%

Under $100,000 9%

$300,000-$399,999 9%

$200,000-$299,999 37.2%

$100,000-$199,999 42.2%

RESIDENTIAL SOLD LOYALTON FEBRUARY 1, 2020 THRU JANUARY 31, 2021

Current Active Listings

Months of Inventory 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 4

N/A 6 3 0 3 N/A N/A

$100,000-$199,999 11% $400,000-$599,999 22%

$200,000-$299,999 39%

$300,000-$399,999 28%

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

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STEPHANIE HANNA p (775) 762-9114 Stephanie.Hanna@Synergyhm.com

stephaniehannaloans.com 1100 Caughlin Crossing Reno, NV 89519 NMLS #188917 © 2020 Synergy Home Mortgage, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This communication does not constitute a commitment to lend or the guarantee of a specified interest rate. All loan programs and availability of cash proceeds are subject to credit, underwriting and property approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply. 1100 Caughlin Crossing, Suite 1A, Reno, NV 89519. Corp NMLS# 1593061 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

Resource For Home Buyers • •

What Low Mortgage Rates Mean For Buying Or Selling Your Home In 2021 January 25, 2021

In 2020, mortgage rates reached an all-time low, dipping below 3% for the first time ever. The low mortgage rates are an effect of COVID19's impact on the U.S. economy. Now, economists are wondering how lasting these effects will be. So far in 2021, mortgage rates remain low. While some economists predict that mortgage rates will steadily rise, others see them remaining stable for at least the first half of 2021. So, what does this mean for current and prospective homeowners? Homes Are More Affordable If you are looking into buying a home, you may want to act fast. Low mortgage rates mean that your monthly payment will be lower so, ultimately, you will save money on a monthly basis. Additionally, low mortgage rates give prospective homeowners more buying power. Your budget for your new home can be higher because you won't be spending as much money on the interest from your loan. You could afford a bigger home, more luxuries or a better location. A home is one of the most expensive things you can buy, so taking advantage of low mortgage rates is a smart idea. That being said, there are many factors to consider before buying a home — for example, can you afford a down payment? Buying a home should not be a spontaneous decision. Interest rates are unlikely to change significantly overnight, so take your time when making the decision to buy.

More Competition If you are looking to sell your home soon, you should consider doing it while mortgage rates are low, if possible. This is because when buying a home is more affordable, a greater number of people are looking to buy. When there is higher demand, you have more leverage to negotiate. Having more negotiating power means that you may not have to compromise. You are more likely to get your asking price for your home — you might even get an offer for more than that. If that happens, you can put that money toward the next home you buy and be that much closer to getting your dream home. Not only that, but when more people are in the market to buy a home, the process of selling your home can be much faster. A higher volume of people touring your home increases the likelihood of someone putting in an offer. This means that you won't have to schedule your life around showings for as long a time. With all of this being said, you should sell your home when you are ready. Moving is a hassle and it can be expensive, plus, homes have sentimental value. Make sure that you are well-prepared before putting your house on the market. Reprint Permission: Federal Savings

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The second Sunday in March, at 2 a.m., is the beginning of 2021 Daylight Saving Time in the United States*, and that is when people "spring forward." That means people move their clocks ahead one hour, and "lose" an hour. Then, on the first Sunday of November, at 2 a.m., in the United States, is the end of 2021 Daylight Saving Time for the year, and that is when people "fall back." This means that people move their clocks back one hour and "gain" an hour. If you are not an early riser by nature, you probably love fall back and hate spring forward, but either way it becomes the new normal pretty fast. * Daylight Saving Time is observed in most of the United States, with a few notable exceptions including Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. March 14th we are about to change our clocks again. When that happens there are a couple of other routines you can consider at the same time, just as a way to remember some things that you don't need to do very often, but do need to get done around the house. Here's what you can do when you also change your clocks: • • • •

Air and turn your mattresses Clean drapes and curtains, and replace lighter or heavier ones, depending on the season Wash rugs and clean carpets Do a deeper clean of your basement, garage and/or attic

ü Take the time to make this your seasonal cleaning weekend, such as for spring cleaning or fall cleaning ü Rotate your wardrobe for new season, either warmer clothes in the fall or cooler clothes in the spring. Use this as an opportunity to also declutter clothes you no longer like, fit into, or are stained or damaged. ü Make sure your supplies are up to date in your first aid kit (check this first aid kit checklist for more details) and in your emergency preparedness kit (see emergency supply list for more details) ü Check your smoke detectors and at least once a year change the batteries in them, whether you think the batteries need to be changed or not ü Check your flashlights you keep on each floor of your home to make sure batteries work in case of loss of power ü Check fire extinguisher in kitchen and other locations of house to confirm they are in good working order ü Update your family's fire escape plans and practice a family fire drill The reason that these set dates are such a good time to do these chores is because it comes during a change of seasons, when several things need to be done around your house. Further, these types of routine things that don't occur at least monthly can be difficult to remember in general, and also to remember when you did it last. A set time every year can help jog your memory, making the task easier for you to recall. So, this year try doing some of these additional steps when you are going around to each room of your house (and don't forget your car!) changing your clocks. Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

One Photo, 126 Frames, 2 Billion Leaves, 247 Feet December 13, 20121:01 PM ET

CLAIRE O'NEILL

Cloaked in the snows of California's Sierra Nevada, the 3,200-yearold giant sequoia called the President rises 247 feet. Two other sequoias have wider trunks, but none has a larger crown, say the scientists who climbed it. The figure at top seems taller than the other climbers because he's standing forward on one of the great limbs.

Those numbers represent this giant sequoia. Oh, also: The tree is more than three millennia old, and contains about "54,000 cubic feet of wood and bark," according to National Geographic magazine. A few years ago, photographer Michael Nichols photographed a 300-foot giant in California's Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The magazine's December issue has a follow-up: a huge tear-out of the "President," a snowy monolith in the Sierra Nevadas. "It's not quite the largest tree on Earth," the magazine article reads. "It's the second largest. Recent research by scientist Steve

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

Sillett of Humboldt State University and his colleagues has confirmed that the President ranks number two among all big trees that have ever been measured — and Sillett's team has measured quite a few." Sillett and his team are carefully measuring trees like the President by climbing them — and they're making interesting discoveries in doing so. What they have found, the article explains, is that despite popular belief, sequoias continue to grow rapidly even in old age. In fact, the yearly output of wood produced by a tree like the President is greater than that of younger trees. This research might overturn the longstanding premise that "has justified countless management decisions in favor of shortrotation forestry," the article reads.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

Winter weather tips

in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

Sometimes, Old Man Winter stops in for an unexpected visit. But beyond the inconvenience and discomfort, a winter storm or other severe weather conditions can cause real damage. So, it's important to think about winter preparedness. Protecting your home is vital. A frozen water pipe can burst and flood your house or basement.

Stay dry. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits the cold rapidly.

•

Prepare your home

An ice dam in your gutter can cause water to seep into and saturate an interior wall. And then there’s your car. Making sure it’s prepped to face winter’s worst is just as critical. After all, what would happen if a blizzard stranded you in your car?

•

Prepare yourself

•

Some tips to brace your home for a winter storm: Clean out the gutters, disconnect and drain all outside hoses. If possible, shut off outside water valves. Insulate walls and attics, and caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows. Repair roof leaks and remove tree branches that could get weighed down with ice or snow and fall on your house – or your neighbor's. (Avoid liability for the latter.) Wrap water pipes in your basement or crawl spaces with insulation sleeves to slow heat transfer.

• • •

Some winter weather tips to help you get through a severe stretch of cold: Stay indoors during the storm. Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. It’s a serious workout, and going at it too hard can bring on a heart attack − a major cause of death

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Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

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Consider an insulated blanket for your hot water heater. If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed when you're not using it. Have a contractor check your roof to see if it would sustain the weight of a heavy snowfall. Make sure your furniture isn't blocking your home’s heating vents. During cold spells, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, particularly those in the kitchen and bathrooms. Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces. If your house will be unattended during cold periods, consider draining the water system. Avoid ice dams –

• • • • • • • • •

•

o o

where water from melted snow refreezes in the gutters and seeps in under the roof, soaking interior walls. Here’s how: Ventilate your attic. Insulate the attic floor well to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house. Consider having a water-repellent membrane installed under your roof covering.

Prepare your car

yourself stranded in a vehicle. When the temperatures start to drop: Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel during the day. Don’t travel alone. Keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Top off antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gas, oil and other fluids. Make sure your tires have enough tread. Consider snow tires. Keep bagged salt or sand in the trunk for extra traction and to melt ice. Clear snow from the top of the car, headlights and windows. Save the numbers for your auto club, insurance agent and towing service into your cell phone. Keep a cold-weather kit in your trunk. It should include a blanket or sleeping bag, gloves, hard candy, bottled water, folding shovel, first aid kit, flashlight and cell phone charger.

If you’re trapped in a vehicle • •

• • • • • •

Remain inside. Rescuers are more likely to find you there. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes every hour. Clear any snow from the exhaust pipe to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Move around to maintain heat. Use maps, floor mats and seat covers for insulation. Take turns sleeping. Someone should always be awake to alert rescuers. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Turn on the inside light at night so rescue crews can find you. If you’re stranded in a remote area, stomp out the words "SOS" or "HELP" in the snow.

According to the Department of Transportation, 22% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. – and 16% of the fatalities – are due to severe weather such as rain, snow, sleet and ice. So, prepare your car for treacherous conditions and extremely cold temperatures – and know what to do if you find

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Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

MARCH 2021 SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

17 St. Patrick’s Day

20 Spring Equinox

Daylight Saving Time Begins

World Championship Longboard Ski Race

In 2021, the spring equinox occurs on Saturday, March 20. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. THE MARCH EQUINOX In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox (aka spring equinox or vernal equinox) occurs when the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north in the sky. This event marks the start of spring in the northern half of the globe. After this date, the Northern Hemisphere begins to be tilted more toward the Sun, resulting in increasing daylight hours and warming temperatures.

Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

We recommend that before you make plans, check the current status of any events by contacting the local Chamber of Commerce in each location. Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700