Eastern Plumas/Sierra Counties December Newsletter

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Pictures: Pixabay License Contents

Pg.

Seasons Greetings!

2

Portola Office & Dickson Philosophy

3

Sales Statistic Reports

4-6

Synergy Home Mortgage Corner

7

Tips to Ensure a Good Appraisal

8-9

The Deep Clean When Selling Winter Driving Tips

10 11

Tree Cutting Permits Available

12

Martha Stewart Christmas Letter

13

Calendar and Events

14-15

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

SEASONS GREETINGS From all of us at Dickson Realty May your New year be bright Dickson Portola Team 289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 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 REALTORSÂŽ, 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.

Office Phone: 530-832-1700 Email: portolainfo@dicksonrealty.com Web: www.Dicksonrealty.com

The Dickson Philosophy Dickson Realty was founded in 1973 under the guiding premise that integrity, hard work, and creativity would yield success. Today, those principles have made Dickson Realty the region’s largest and most successful real estate company. We believe our greatest asset and the key to our success is our team of agents, employees, and affiliates.

You come first. When everything we do centers on serving your unique needs - even to the exclusion of our own agenda - we can create an extraordinary experience for you, our client.

You deserve mastery. As a client, you deserve to work with a realtor who's at the top of his or her game. Mastery takes 10,000 hours of concentrated effort - or more than five years of working full-time. Every Dickson agent is committed to developing his or her mastery of real estate.

Your relationship matters to us. When Dickson realtors invest in strong relationships at the start, we will enjoy extraordinary relationships that last.

We under-promise and over-deliver for you. Everyone loves a happy ending, so we temper the temptation to hype the outcome. Instead, Dickson agents concentrate our efforts on adding real value - for extraordinary results.

We share "hyper-local" knowledge with you. There's no substitute for knowing the territory, the customs, and the culture of the communities we serve. Dickson agents walk the neighborhoods, join community and neighborhood advisory boards, and build powerful networks to better serve you.

We negotiate for you. In real estate, you don't get what you deserve - you get what you negotiate. That's why our clients hire us over our competitors: for our negotiation skills. We take advantage of every opportunity to learn or fine-tune them, at Dickson University or through close personal study.

We never stop learning for you. Dickson is a learning organization. We strive, we succeed, we sometimes come up short, but we always learn. That's why we have Dickson University and experienced experts to train, educate, and grow our realtors.

We build our reputation through you. A reputation takes years to develop, and it can be destroyed in seconds.

That's why honesty, integrity, hard work, and collaboration are the cornerstones of Dickson's business - and we expect nothing less from each and every agent who works with us.

We listen to you. Most sales professionals hear one client need, and they're off to the races. Dickson's agents know to bite their tongue and keep listening - uncovering at least five more client needs they can find solutions for.

We create community to serve you. Since 1973, Dickson Realty has acted upon the responsibility to build a sense of community in the areas we serve, including active corporate philanthropy, volunteerism, and community involvement on the part of our agents, partners, and staff.

We are in business because of you. Anyone who's ever had an extraordinary experience will never forget the feeling - or the person who created it. That's why, at Dickson Realty, we harness our creativity, sense of fun, and concern for our fellow men and women to create extraordinary experiences for our clients.

Our goal, of course, is to become your realtor - for life.

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. This month’s reports are a 10 month look, January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020, 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.

The sales reported are for Single Family Residential and Condo/Townhouse sales in each of the areas.

(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 November 11, 2020

RESIDENTIAL SOLD GRAEAGLE-BLAIRSDEN January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 SOLD PRICE RANGE

Residences Sold

Percent of Sales

Current Active Listings

Months of Inventory

GRAEAGLE-BLAIRSDEN January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 Residences Sold

Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999

1 8 24

1% 10% 29%

0 2 8

N/A 3 3

$300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999

26 15

32% 18%

10 9

4 6

$600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

8 0 82

10% 0% 100%

6 1 36

8 N/A

RESIDENTIAL SOLD GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 SOLD PRICE RANGE

Residences Sold

Percent of Sales

Current Active Listings

Months of Inventory

10%

1%

18%

Under $100,000

10%

$100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999

29%

$300,000-$399,999

32%

$400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 Residences Sold

Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999

0 0 0

0% 0% 0%

0 0 0

N/A N/A N/A

$300,000-$399,999

5

16%

1

2

$400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

13 11 3 32

41% 34% 9% 100%

5 10 6 22

4 9 20

9%

Under $100,000

16%

$100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999

34%

$300,000-$399,999

41%

$400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

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.

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. RESIDENTIAL SOLD PORTOLA January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 SOLD PRICE RANGE

Residences Sold

Percent of Sales

Current Active Listings

Months of Inventory

Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999

7 27 24

11% 42% 37%

1 9 6

1 3 3

$300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999

6 0

9% 0%

5 3

8 N/A

$600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

1 0 65

2% 0% 100%

0 0 24

N/A N/A

PORTOLA January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 Residences Sold 1% 9%

Under $100,000

11%

$100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999

37%

42%

$300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

RESIDENTIAL SOLD LOYALTON January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 SOLD PRICE RANGE

Residences Sold

Percent of Sales

Current Active Listings

Months of Inventory

Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999

0 1 5 4

0% 8% 38% 31%

0 1 3 2

N/A 10 6 5

$400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

3 0 0 13

23% 0% 0% 100%

3 0 0 9

10 N/A N/A

LOYALTON January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 Residences Sold Under $100,000

8%

$100,000-$199,999

23%

38% 31%

$200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. RESIDENTIAL SOLD BECKWOURTH January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 SOLD PRICE RANGE

Residences Sold

Percent of Sales

Current Active Listings

Months of Inventory

Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999

0 0 0 2

0% 0% 0% 40%

0 0 0 0

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

$400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

3 0 0 5

60% 0% 0% 100%

1 2 1 4

3 N/A N/A

RESIDENTIAL SOLD CHILCOOT January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 SOLD PRICE RANGE 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 CLIO January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 SOLD PRICE RANGE 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 +

Residences Sold 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 6

Residences Sold 0 0 2 3 1 5 0 11

Percent of Sales

Current Active Listings

0% 16.7% 67% 0% 16.7% 0% 0% 100%

Percent of Sales 0% 0% 18% 27% 9% 45% 0% 100%

Months of Inventory 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 5

Current Active Listings

N/A N/A 3 N/A 10 N/A N/A

Months of Inventory

BECKWOURTH January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 Residences Sold Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 40%

60%

$200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

CHILCOOT January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 Residences Sold

16.7%

16.7%

Under $100,000 $100,000-$199,999 $200,000-$299,999 $300,000-$399,999

67%

$400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

CLIO January 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020 Residences Sold Under $100,000

0 0 0 2 3 1 1 7

N/A N/A N/A 7 30 2 N/A

18%

$100,000-$199,999

46%

$200,000-$299,999 27% 9%

$300,000-$399,999 $400,000-$599,999 $600,000-$999,999 $1,000,000 +

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Senior Loan Officer

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

The Comprehensive Guide for How to Increase Home Value For Appraisal

How to Find a Qualified Home Appraiser

If you have your heart set on hiring your brother’s best friend’s wife (who is a member of the Appraisal Foundation) because you know she will give you a good price, think again. The buyer’s lender will hire the appraiser. They want to protect their investment and get what they are paying for.

That doesn’t mean you’re at their mercy. The government’s on it. Regulations put in place by the Federal Housing Administration back during the financial crisis mandate a fair appraisal by a neutral party. Most lenders use an appraisal management company that draws from a list of qualified appraisers.

Plus, no matter who is hired to do the appraisal, they must be certified in the state you’re in and, in most states, conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

What the Home Appraiser Looks For If you’re selling or refinancing a home, a home appraisal is just part of the deal. And it’s one part that you can very easily influence. A little effort before an appraiser arrives at your home will go a long way to increase your home value for appraisal. And, believe us, it’s very difficult to influence your home value after the fact.

There are some really simple things you should do to prepare for an appraiser’s visit. Since you already did the heavy prep work prior to putting your house on the market, our tips are easy to do with limited funds and time. They’re great ideas for how to increase home value for appraisal. All you need to know before an appraiser arrives at your home is what an appraiser does, what they look for and how to prepare for their visit to increase home value for appraisal.

What a Home Appraiser Does

Knowledge is power as they say. Since it’s good to know what you’re up against when preparing your home for an appraisal, let’s start with a review of an appraiser’s job. What is it that they do?

A home appraiser’s job is black-and-white: determine the current fair market value of your property. As a seller, you want to do everything in your power to help the appraiser believe in your asking price.

Although fresh-baked cookies might work to help prospective buyers see themselves making your house their home, this clever tease is lost on appraisers.

However, there are still things you should — and must do — to make sure your home is appraised effectively.

Put yourself in the appraiser’s shoes. See your property the way they will — through a very critical eye. Use your understanding of the appraisal to prepare your home in the right way.

Just imagine your home after you strip out your personal items — THAT is what the appraiser cares about. So, even though your custom-made living room furniture would make any interior designer swoon, it will not impress the appraiser at all.

Custom-made furniture, no matter how lovely, isn’t part of your home’s value for appraisal. The quality and condition of the “bones” of your home will be assessed and recorded by the appraiser. Ultimately, this info is combined with comps to determine the market price of your property. Here’s what a good home appraiser will focus on in the one to two hours they are at your home: Exterior • Appraisers Measure and Verify the Lot Size They walk the property to visually confirm its condition and to record the layout of the property.

How to Increase Your Home Value for Appraisal?

Just as you would when showing your home or preparing it for listing pictures, make sure that your home’s street appeal is impeccable. If there is a dead branch on your tree, cut it out. A shaky fence post?

Secure it. These are minor updates that won’t cost you much, and you shouldn’t give the appraiser any opportunity to write up a work order.

• Appraisers Assess the Condition of the Exterior The appraiser will inspect the quality of siding, foundation, exterior paint, roof and outdoor amenities such as landscaping, sprinkler systems or swimming pools. How to Increase Your Home Value for Appraisal? Depending on how much time has lapsed since your home first went on the market, its exterior might benefit from a power washing, fresh mulch and paint touch-ups. Be sure to inspect the roof, so you can fix any missing shingles prior to the appraiser pointing it out to you.

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn. Interior Home sellers or their agents can be on site during the appraisal, but their role is to be super helpful and • Appraisers Conduct a Room-by-Room Assessment accommodating. Don’t follow the appraiser from room to room, just be available with information and to The appraiser looks at the material, quality and condition of all fixtures, appliances, flooring, answer questions as they come up. plumbing and whatever will be left behind when you Here’s a List of 7 Documents You Should move out including: Plumbing fixtures (toilets, Have Ready for the Appraiser showers/tubs, faucets), Interior paint quality and a list 1. Complete offer: If the finance company doesn’t of other items. send over the complete offer, it could cause Flooring Cabinetry your appraisal to come in under where you need it to Appliances Countertops be. When you have a hard copy of the entire offer on Windows/doors Electrical site, you can resolve any discrepancies before the Furnace Basement Finish appraisal is done.

Air conditioning unit Fireplaces 2. Data sheet: Provide the appraiser with floor plans, Lighting fixtures Security System specifications, surveys, deeds and features of the How to Increase Your Home Value for property so that they have confirmation of what they Appraisal see and don’t miss anything.

Now is not the time to have a leaky faucet or running 3. Tax valuation from the municipal record: Another data point for comparison is the tax valuation of the toilet. These are easy fixes and should be taken care of before an appraiser arrives. Arm yourself with a property.

4. List of all the upgrades done to the home with paintbrush and be sure to touch-up your paint from the normal wear and tear of living. dates and cost: To ensure the appraiser doesn’t miss any upgrades you have done to your home, provide a What You Should Do to Prepare for the Home list, completion date and cost for every upgrade you Appraisal? Hello, deep cleaning! have done.

Technically, the cleanliness of your home shouldn’t 5. Listing history: The listing history includes each impact the appraiser’s value of it. But, the appraiser is sale of the property, when it happened and how human, so anything you can do to make the much it was for. appraiser’s time at your home as pleasant as possible helps increase home value during the home appraisal.

6. Comps: The appraiser will pull their own comps — the value of houses that recently sold in your No matter who they are, pleasant conditions improve performance, and you certainly want the best neighborhood — but it’s always a good idea to have your own. Also, be prepared to explain large performance out of your appraiser when they are at your home. Be helpful and accommodating. Treat the variations in prices.

7. Bad comps (to point out ones not to use and appraiser visit with the same principles and prep as why): If an appraiser pulls a comp that might skew you would a potential buyer’s visit. It starts from the your value, but you know it’s a bad comp, you must moment they contact you to schedule the be prepared to explain it. appointment. You want to avoid putting any negative thoughts in people’s minds about your home — These Tips for How to Increase Home Value whether they are the buyer’s agent, the buyer or the for Appraisal are More Than Worth the Prep appraiser.

By the time you’re preparing for the appraiser’s visit, Why You Need Your Realtor Present at the you really are in the final stretch of your home selling Home Appraisal experience. A top local Realtor who is familiar with your market can help you focus your efforts to Example: It turns out the lender hadn’t sent over every increase home value for appraisal. There’s no doubt page of the offer, so a $10,000 counter offer was that you can positively influence and even increase missing. Had a Realtor been on site during that the home value for appraisal quite easily and with appraisal, the error would have been uncovered then; very little time or expense. And when the appraisal however, once the appraisal is complete, it’s nearly comes in at or above your asking price, you’ll be glad impossible to change it. you spent the effort.

Even something as simple as the Realtor getting to the house before the appraiser does to open the door is a way to start off on the right foot.

Most clients do the heavy lifting to prep their homes to be “show ready” before they put it on the market. They follow the advice of experts to declutter and clean to make sure the home looks the best it can from the buyer’s perspective.

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

HOW TO Clean When Your Home is For Sale Executing a deep clean before putting your home on the market will not only help it shine, but it will make tidiness easier to maintain between showings. Here are some power-cleaning tips to try.

Clean windows make a huge difference.

Remove window screens and place them outside on a tarp or other clean, waterproof surface. Use a garden hose, an all-purpose cleaner, and a soft brush to gently clean the screens. You don’t need anything special to polish up window glass; just mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water, plus a drop or two of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks. (Washing on a cloudy day also reduces streaking.)

The fridge is the most common source of kitchen smells.

Check the drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Scrub the inside of the fridge with a baking soda and water solution. Activated charcoal in the fridge can help keep odors at bay.

Think outside the house.

It’s amazing the difference a sparkling entryway makes to your home’s curb appeal. Wipe down your front door, give the doormat a good shake/vacuum, and make sure dust and dirt haven’t collected on outdoor furniture. Use a pressure washer to give your driveway and garage floor a good cleaning. The acidity in dark cola drinks can help remove oil, rust, and grease stains, along with a little elbow grease.

Target the Bathroom.

For tile floors, apply your usual cleaner and then run a wet/dry vac, which will suck contaminants out of the grout. Pour a quarter cup each of baking soda and vinegar down the drains, leaving the concoction overnight, then flush with boiling water. Clean soap scum and mildew from plastic shower curtains by tossing them into your washer on the gentle cycle in cold water, with detergent and ½ cup vinegar (if mildew is present, add ½ cup of bleach instead of vinegar). Put a couple of large towels into the machine to act as scrubbers. Allow the curtain to drip-dry on the rod.

Make your bed better.

Vacuum mattresses and box springs, and then rotate and flip over. Do the same for removable furniture cushions. This is also a great time to wash or dry-clean the dust ruffle and mattress pad. Add new loft to a lumpy comforter by having two people vigorously shake the quilt up and down to redistribute stuffing.

Wash the walls.

Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Resist the temptation to spot-clean since it will make the rest of the wall look dirtier. Mop walls using a general-purpose cleaner diluted with hot water. Start at the top corner of the wall to avoid drips. Don’t press too hard, and rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. Use melamine foam cleaner to erase scuffs and stains.

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Winter Driving Tips Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travelers. Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Drivers should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA urges drivers to be cautious while driving in adverse weather.

Cold Weather Driving Tips • Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

• Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.

Tips for Driving in the Snow Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.

Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids.

Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.

Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips Be Prepared: Have your vehicle checked by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road.

Check the Weather: Check the weather along your route and when possible, delay your trip if bad weather is expected.

Stay Connected: Before hitting the road, notify others and let them know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

If you get stuck in the snow: Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.

Don’t over exert yourself: When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.

Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

Clear the Exhaust Pipe: Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment of the vehicle while the engine is running.

Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.

Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.

Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill.

This will help to conserve fuel.

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Plumas National Forest Christmas tree permits available Nov. 1 on-line and by mail

Quincy, CA – Beginning Nov. 1, Plumas National Forest Christmas tree cutting permits may be purchased on-line in addition to the existing mail-in option. Trees may be cut through Dec. 31.

“We’re very pleased to have two options available for people to obtain Christmas Tree permits, especially with our offices still closed,” said Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton. “Hopefully this important family tradition will help provide some comfort during what has been, such a difficult year for so many people.”

On-line permits may be purchased at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/plumas . Prior to purchasing a permit, carefully review the Need-to-Know and Planning Your Trip information provided on the page. Visitors to the Recreation.gov site will need to create a new account--or log in to an existing account--to complete their transaction. Permits are $10 plus a $2.50 service fee. All sales are final with no refunds.

In order to ensure timely delivery, mail-in requests must be received by Dec. 1 at the Plumas National Forest Supervisors Office, Attn. Christmas Tree Permit, 159 Lawrence Street, Quincy, CA 95947. Permits are $10; two permits are allowed per household; please read the instructions on your permit carefully. Sales are final with no refunds.

In addition to the areas in which tree cutting is not allowed (see cutting map included with mailin permits and available via links with on-line permits), three areas have been closed due to public safety concerns involving the North Complex (Bear/Claremont), Sheep and Walker fires that burned either late last year or are still burning this year. Maps of the fire closure areas may be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas/alerts-notices .

To ensure your visit to the forest is an enjoyable and safe experience, please follow these important tips: Let someone know where you’re going, your estimated return time, a description of your vehicle and remember, cell phones may not work!

Bring cold weather clothing, even if the day is nice when you start out. Bring emergency food and water, first-aid kit, tire chains, and shovel. Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle and don’t forget to bring a map.

For additional information about cutting Christmas trees on the Plumas National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/plumas/passes-permits/forestproducts .

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

Christmas Letter from Martha Stewart to Erma Bombeck And Erma’s Reply

Hi Erma, This perfectly delightful note is being sent on paper I made myself to tell you what I have been up to. Since it snowed last night, I got up early and made a sled with old barn wood and a glue gun. I hand painted it in gold leaf, got out my loom and made a blanket in peaches and mauves.

Then, to make the sled complete, I made a white horse to pull it from DNA that I had just sitting around in my craft room. By then, it was time to start making the place mats and napkins for my 20 breakfast guests. I'm serving the old standard Stewart twelve-course breakfast, but I'll let you in on a little secret: I didn't have time to make the tables and chairs this morning, so I used the ones I had on hand.

Before I moved the table into the dining room I decided to add just a touch of the holidays. So,I repainted the room in pinks and stenciled gold stars on the ceiling.

While the homemade bread was rising, I took antique candle molds and made the dishes (exactly the same shade of pink) to use for breakfast. These were made from Hungarian clay, which you can get at almost any Hungarian craft store.

Well, I must run. I need to finish the hand-sewn buttonholes on the dress I'm wearing for breakfast. I'll get out the sled and drive this note to the post office as soon as the glue dries on the envelope I'll be making.

Hope my breakfast guests don't stay too long. I have 40,000 cranberries to string with bay leaves before my speaking engagement at noon. It's a good thing.

Love, Martha P.S. When I made the ribbon for this typewriter, I used 1/8-inch gold gauze. I soaked the gauze in a mixture of white grapes and blackberries which I grew, picked, and crushed last week just for fun.

Dear Martha: I'm writing this on the back of an old shopping list. Pay no attention to the coffee and jelly stains. I'm 20 minutes late getting my daughter off for school, packing a lunch with one hand-on the phone with the dog pound, seems old Ruff needs bailing out again. Burnt my arm on the curling iron when I was trying to make those cute curly fries, how DO they do that? Still can't find the scissors to cut out some snowflakes, tried using an old disposable razor . . . trashed the tablecloth. Tried that cranberry thing; frozen cranberries mushed up after I defrosted them in the microwave. Oh, and don't use Fruity Pebbles as a substitute in that Rice Krispies snowball recipe unless you like food that resembles puke! Smoke alarm is going off, talk to ya’ later.

Love, Erma

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

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

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Celebrate 2021

The Druids regarded holly as a symbol of fertility and eternal life, thought to have magical powers. In Druid lore, cutting down a holly tree would bring bad luck. In contrast, hanging the plant in homes was believed to bring good luck and protection.

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I’ll tell you some COVID-19 jokes, but you won’t get them for two weeks.

• Twenty years ago, Steve Jobs was alive, Johnny Cash was alive, and Bob Hope was alive. Now we have no jobs, no cash, and no hope. Please don't let Meat Loaf, Kevin Bacon, and Jon Hamm die.

• Recently, John Travolta was hospitalized for suspected COVID-19. But doctors found that it was just a Saturday Night Fever, so he's Staying Alive.

• A famous film director is making a documentary about the stay-at-home lockdown in New Jersey. His name is Trenton Quarantino.

• Our cleaning lady texted us that she is now working from home. She promised to send us instructions about what to do.

• Quarantine has turned us into dogs. We roam the house all day looking for food. We want to run out of the house whenever the door opens. We are told “no” if we get too close to strangers. And we get really excited about car rides.

• Prediction: There will be a minor baby boom in nine months. Then, in 2033, we shall witness the rise of the quaranteens. Their most popular first names will be Charmin and Scott.

• Snow White is down to six dwarfs. Sneezy is now in quarantine.

• Is it too early to put up the Christmas tree? I have run out of things to do.

• The spread of COVID-19 depends on two factors: (1) How dense the population is; (2) How dense the population is.

• The Spanish king has been quarantined primarily on his private jet. So, the reign in Spain stays mainly in his plane.

• What does the 19 stand for in COVID-19? The number of pounds you’ll put on during your sheltering in place. ~Jay Leno~

Dickson Portola Team

289 Commercial Street | Portola, CA 96122 | 530.832.1700

NEWS YOU CAN USE DECEMBER 2020 MARKET NEWSLETTER EASTERN PLUMAS & SIERRA COUNTIES Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Graeagle-Blairsden, Loyalton, Portola & Golf Course Communities of Whitehawk, Grizzly & Gold Mtn.

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