MAY CC Homes 2017 by Pioneer Publishers

MAY 2017 DELIVERED TO 86,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES

PLEASANT HILL • WALNUT CREEK • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • CONCORD • CLAYTON A monthly publication of Community Focus, the Concord Pioneer and Clayton Pioneer

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Staging Keeping it Simple is the Best Method BY DENISEN HARTLOVE As the weather warms, so does the real estate market with new homes coming onto the market every day. With all those listings popping up like daisies in May, here are a few ways to make your home bloom a little brighter than the rest. You don’t need a full-time gardening crew to spruce things up a little bit. You might be surprised at how much a coat of bright paint on your front door can help your home pop–and how few sellers think of doing it. Geraniums and petunias bloom bright as well, and planting a few could be a nice opportunity for your kids to get in on the act. Most of the official staging statistics come from, well, stagers. Nevertheless, a staged home presents better to home shoppers than an entirely empty one –or worse, a houseful of socks, remote controls and proof that Your Cat Lives Here. You don’t have to spend thousands to get the same effect as a professional. Half-empty closets, clearing clutter off every surface (the Barbie doll with a crocheted-skirt your grandma made is lovely, but it’s got to go), and replacing heavy draperies with lighter versions can make a world of difference. Use a full-time, local Realtor. Yes, we’re everywhere. There are about

1.23 million licensed Realtors in the U.S. Everyone knows someone with their real estate license – a college buddy, your sister-in-law, a co-worker’s sister’s husband’s nephew’s best friend who came to your BBQ that time and mentioned they’d finally passed the real estate exam – third time was the charm! Of that million or so Realtors though, local knowledge and working full-time can make a difference for you between a grueling process and a smooth transaction resulting in money in your pocket. Marketing your home isn’t just the 3 P’s: putting up a sign, publishing your home on the Internet, and saying a prayer. Local contacts and today’s market knowledge really do make a difference. Denisen Hartlove is a Realtor with Keller-Williams Real Estate. Reach her at Denisen@FindAHomeToLove.com, (925) 408-7901.

Denisen Hartlove, Realtor Local, reliable, trusted

(925) 408-7901 Lic. 01933662

Denisen@FindAHomeToLove.com

ng mion o C So Beautiful 3 BR, 2BA home. Updated kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances, gleaming hardwood floors, master suite, expanded and updated bathrooms, and more.

Come home to the Highlands!

Lic.0506034

Visit us for all of your Insurance needs!

AUTO

“Not only is she expert at her job, Denisen truly loves to help people find homes they love and/or sell their present spaces so they can move on with minimum stress. Although my condo was not a higher price property for this area, I got the same care and attention as someone with a million dollar property.” -Carol Padovan

See Yelp for more great reviews

www.FindAHomeToLove.com

HOME

BUSINESS Laurie Limrite Ext. 213 Commercial Lines

Derek Knapp Ext. 210 Commercial & Personal Lines

Lori Knapp Ext.211 Personal Lines

Main # 925-827-0510 • Fax 925-827-0643 www.insuranceagent2000.com 3585 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519

WORKER'S COMPENSATION

BUSINESS AUTO

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Discover the Possibilities with Windermere SO

3801 Coyote Circle, Clayton

Sold for more than $10k over list price with multiple offers setting a new neighborhood record!

Inventory is low and buyers are waiting for the next opportunity. Call Heather for a complimentary home estimate and staging tips.

2016 Top Producer

Heather Gray CalBRE 01329100

(925) 765-3822

Falcon Ridge “Serenade” model. 5 BR+loft, 3 BA. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Huge greatroom/kitchen combination with stone fireplace. Private yard with patio and spa. Hike right from your backyard.

$989,000

On a quiet Crystyl Ranch cul-desac, this one-of-a-kind lot has nearly panoramic views of hills. Stunning 5 BR, 3.5 BA home has a gourmet kitchen complete with an island, breakfast bar, pantry and granite counters. The master bedroom retreat offers a gas fireplace, Lynne French Team spacious bath and his/hers closets. Lynne French Backyard has a pool/spa, & Kelly Harrison gorgeous gardens and patio CalBRE 01122025 & 02014355 backing to open space. (925) 672-8787

$1,020,000

www.RealEstatebyHeather.com

5213 Keller Ridge Drive Clayton

921 Dawnview Court, Concord

Michelle Gittleman

Lynne@LynneFrench.com

Beautiful 2BR, 2BA condo boasting approx. 974 SF with newer carpet. Light & airy with balcony overlooking the picnic and pool area. Covered parking space and elevator in building. Conveniently located near transportation, shopping and schools

RBrushaber@windermere.com

2015 Best Real Estate Agent

“Sylvia sold my mother’s house in Concord in short time. Some repairs were needed and she scheduled bids, appointments, inspections, etc. which made the entire process relatively stress free. Sylvia is very professional, courteous and capable. I will definitely contact her for my next real estate transaction” Sylvia Jones -Carol 2016 Top Producer CalBRE 01331733

(925) 408-1349

Michelle@MichelleGittleman.com

(925) 200-7491

CalBRE 01939535

(925) 768-0352

Everything I touch turns to sold

N. Roxanne Brushaber

CalBRE 01745325

Voted Five Star Professional “Diablo Magazine”

Mendocino Complex, Concord

Reader’s Choice Awards, Contra Costa Times The Spring Market is upon us, it's a good time to sell, inventory is low. With my 20 years in the real estate market along with my staging skills, I can help you prepare your property. Give me a call to help you receive Carol VanVaerenbergh top dollar for CalBRE 01221965 your home. (925) 683-2568

SylviaJones@windermere.com

CVanVaeren@aol.com

Area’s #1 Real Estate Office Assisting more buyers and sellers than anyone else* *Statistics based on Clayton closed sales by volume (1/2016-12/31/2016). Data by Maxebrdi

6200 Center Street, Clayton, CA 94517

(925) 673-2188 Clayton@Windermere.com

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Moulding and Trim Make an Impact Details are the Cure for a Boring Room BY LYDIA SOMERVILLE One of the primary characteristics distinguishing a pretty room from a basic box is the attention to moulding. In the cheapest construction, mouldings will be minimal and puny or even nonexistent. Interior mouldings provide attitude as well as architectural interest. “No one uses chair rails for ‘cushioning’ chairs anymore,” says Designer Sarah Jernigan. “It’s a mark of distinction.” Chair rails lend a polished look to a room, as do picture mouldings, where trim is used in large squares or rectangles to mimic the look of a paneled wall. One of the easiest ways to upgrade a room is to beef up all the mouldings, adding width, depth, and height to the trim. Far from closing in a room, the increased framing adds depth to the walls, especially if it is painted the same color as the walls for a unified look. Baseboards Starting at the floor, baseboards are the visual foundation for a room. They are like a line drawn under everything else that goes into the room. “I like a high baseboard, 8 to 10 inches, depending on the ceiling height,” says Doug Davis of Tracery Interiors. “Usually just a simple 1x topped with a little bit of base cap trim.” If the room has hardwood floors, add shoe moulding for a dramatic detail. It’s higher than quarter round and has a much better appearance.

TMC CONCORD MOVING MID MAY

925.798.7525 themouldingcompany.com 5117 Commercial Circle, Concord, CA 94520

Casing Openings in walls without doors are framed with woodwork called “casing.” This trim, which wraps from one side of the wall to the other, defines the opening and protects the wall surface from scratches. A cased opening can suggest separation between two rooms without interrupting flow. “For casing I usually go a little smaller than normal in width and deeper than normal in profile,” says Doug. “One of my favorites is 2.25 inches wide and 1.75 inches deep at the outside edge.” This style frames an opening in a really dramatic and unexpected way. Regardless of the profile, avoid mouldings that are too flat against the wall because they look anemic and cheap. Crown Moulding “At the top of the room, I like a big, simple, cove moulding, 5 to 7 inches high, depending on the ceiling height,” says Doug. “Cove moulding’s one big dramatic curve makes a much bolder statement and avoids the busyness a more complicated crown can add.” A deep crown moulding can add architecture to a room that has little, and it draws the eye upward in much the same way curtains hung at ceiling height do. Sarah also likes substantial crown moulding. “Good proportions are easily magnified with strong, heavy mouldings,” she says. “A simple 8-foot room can become much more dynamic with a simple but strong 5-inch crown moulding and 5-inch base moulding. By emphasizing the base and ceiling, the room has much more character and strength.” Finishing Touches Since you want the crown mouldings to seem like a natural extension of the wall, it can look disjointed when painted in a contrasting color. Paint mouldings the same color as the wall but in a semi-gloss enamel finish, suggests Doug. This trick makes a room feel larger (no white outlines drawing the eye here and there) and introduces a very sleek and sophisticated touch. In a very dark room, however, like a chocolate brown bedroom, white crown moulding adds a crisp, delicious contrast, like a gift wrapped up in a pretty bow.

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Prepare Outdoor Spaces Getting Your Yard Springtime Ready Before you can fully enjoy your outdoor living spaces this spring, chances are high you’ll need to wash away a layer of winter grime. Thoroughly cleaning and sprucing up these outdoor areas can get you well on your way to a season filled with outdoor entertainment. Take yourself one step closer to backyard barbecues, leisurely evenings around the fire pit and generally reveling in all the season has to offer with these tips for updating your outdoor living environment. Make Functional Repairs Start with a careful scan of your yard, giving close attention to items that may have sustained damage during months of disuse. Look for cracks in planters and other items. Inspect wooden furniture and accessories for splintering and rough patches. Check the bolts and hardware securing furniture, especially moving pieces like swinging benches or rocking chairs that are prone to loosening over time. Where needed, make repairs, apply fresh stain or paint and generally ensure each item is in good working condition. Turn Attention to Aesthetics Once everything is ready functionally, you can turn your attention to appearances. In most cases, a vigorous washing is all you need to bring fresh life to windows, siding, decking, sidewalks and other concrete or stone surfaces. An electric pressure washer can make short work of the task, Most

washers offer a variety of maximum pressure and flow rates to fit homeowners’ unique outdoor cleaning needs. Some pressure washers feature an onboard detergent tank to easily store and dispense cleaning detergents. For best results when using a pressure washer – whether you’re power washing the patio, cleaning outdoor furniture, washing outdoor windows, rinsing out the grill or scrubbing messy garbage bins – aim the spray nozzle perpendicular to the surface you’re cleaning. Use a steady motion because inconsistent pressure leads to striping. Be sure to “feather” your strokes, overlapping each previous sweep with half the height of the new sweep. Also, allow the detergent to soak into difficult stains for 3-5 minutes before rinsing so it has time to latch onto the stain and pull it from the surface. Focus on Details An outdoor space can evolve from a practical area for outside activities into a true extension of your home with just a few simple touches. Plush cushions make it more comfortable to spend extended time outdoors and accents like rugs and decorative accessories lend a sense of character and charm. Convenience features like end tables make it easy to rest a refreshing beverage nearby. Also consider elements like fans and shades to manage the climate as temperatures climb, and don’t overlook the importance of lighting so your enjoyment can continue after the sun fades from the sky. Source: Family Features

JOHN

Bonded • License # 775382

THE PAINTER

With 27 Years in the Business, Leave the Painting to Me! Commercial/Residential • Interior/Exterior • Detailed Preparation Acoustic Ceiling Removal • Wood Trim & Cabinets Deck Refinishing & Staining • Whole House or Small Jobs

John McDonald • 925-676-0792 johnmcd58@yahoo.com

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Real Estate Investing Secrets for Success BY JOE STOKLEY Successful real estate investors know that preparation and planning are very important in purchasing and managing a rental property. We’re sharing a few tips and trade secrets so you know what to expect when you decide to invest in real estate. Budget for your Investment Property Even before you buy a property, it’s critical that you have a budget. You need the information to know what this new business venture will cost you and how you’re going to cover those costs. You’ll need to anticipate your mortgage payment, the property taxes, and the insurance payments that you’ll need to make on a monthly basis. Know these things before you do anything else. Then, when you take a look at the rental market and the potential rental rate for your home, you’ll see positive cash flow. Establishing a Rainy Day Fund Establishing a budget is just the beginning. After that, you need to have money set aside as a rainy day fund to cover additional costs. Because, you aren’t planning for if something happens, you’re planning for when something happens. The old water heater may burst, a garbage disposal could stop working, or you may need to endure vacancies when you aren’t collecting any rent.

You want to be prepared so you aren’t living month to month. Have a reserve set aside to be a successful landlord. Put a Team in Place The stories we hear from investors who are facing challenges are usually due to people having the concept that they will never have a problem. It’s not necessarily a problem that you’ll have, just challenges that come with real estate investing. So be prepared, have a plan, and put together a team that can help you. If you’re doing it by yourself, have a landscaper, an electrical contractor, a licensed plumber, and a professional property manager. Hire someone who knows the local rental rates and has a staff of preferred vendors so you can become a successful investor. If you have any questions about real estate investing, please contact us at Stokley Properties. Joe & Sheila Stokley are the owners of Stokley Properties, located in Pleasant Hill. Reach them at 925.658.1415, stokleyproperties.net.

“Relax, We got this!” stokleyproperties.net

PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Hambletonian,W.C. Rented in 6 Days

Over 20 years of successful real estate experience.

• 95% Retention Rate

• Thorough Tenant Screening and Placement

• Available 24/7 for Maintenance Emergencies

• 98% of Renters Pay on Time

• 18 Days Average on the Market

• Monthly and Year End Statements

• Online Rent Pay 24/7

• NARPM Member

Crestview, Martinez Rented in 8 Days

“I ONLY buy investment property where Stokley Properties can manage them for me! The team at Stokley Properties has always taken great care of me, my investments and my tenants. I am spoiled rotten!” - Katey D., Walnut Creek

925.658.1415 ext. 3 • stokleyproperties.net • CalBRE #01862445

Cape Cod, Concord Rented in 11 Days

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Outdoor Trends Enhance your Outdoor Living Space No matter the season or the region, outdoor living is more popular than ever, as homeowners look to bring the indoors out and create spaces that are true extensions of the home. The newest designs in outdoor living spaces do not simply feature the look of the indoors, but the functionality as well. “Advances in all-weather materials have made it possible for homeowners to enjoy more and more of their favorite activities outside,” said Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex Company, the world’s No. 1 decking and railing brand and leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products. “The movement toward outdoor rooms has evolved into fully functional outdoor kitchens and entertainment centers that make it even more difficult to determine where the indoors end and the outdoors begin.” Regardless of the size of your deck – or budget – these simple tips can add interior function to your outdoor oasis: Absolute Al Fresco While grilling and al fresco dining are longtime hallmarks of backyard entertaining, outdoor kitchens are now finally living up to their name. From storing seat cushions to keeping drinks cold, today’s outdoor kitchen accessories can make outdoor spaces look as put-together as the rest of the home. Popular features include outdoor cabinetry and functional elements such as trash bins, ice chests and storage drawers that eliminate the need for back-and-forth trips inside the home. Railing Redefined Even railings have taken on a more functional role in today’s backyards. One of the most popular trends is cocktail railing, which provides a flat surface for drinks and plates. By using a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail, you can achieve a look that complements your home’s deck, while making great use of space. Lights, Please Lighting is another bright idea for adding versatility to the outdoors. Lighting systems that incorporate deck lighting and other exterior lighting work together to create ambiance that can be adjusted for any setting. By choosing which outdoor elements to highlight, it’s easy to change the look of an outdoor living space without moving any furniture. Connection Protection The idea of enjoying a favorite show or movie outdoors has always been enticing, but not exactly practical. However, with advancements in both equipment and equipment storage, enjoying the big screen experience in the great outdoors has never been easier. Electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment equipment specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, storage options now include durable, wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully conceal and protect pricey electronics from the elements. Material Matters Just because people are spending more time on their decks doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for maintenance. Wood alternatives, particularly wood-plastic composites, are especially popular due to

their low-maintenance features. Unlike wood, composite decking resists fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with soap and water. The latest generation of composite decking also features wood-grain patterns and rich, saturated colors that look and feel more natural than ever before. Source: Family Features

Julie McCoy Julie is an absolute treasure! She helped us file a really competitive bid based on

Coming Soon

comparables, and the closing was smooth and hassle free. She is now helping us upgrade the previous property before we put it on market. She found incredibly good contractors for repairs,

Great Concord Location 3607 Dolores Way Single story, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1552 Square Feet Open & spacious floor plan, Nicely updated Easy access to freeways and BART 2 Car garage, large level lot

$549,900

paint & upgrades. Picks up the ball on really short notice. Knows the community really well. Will strongly recommend working with her.

K. Raman

(home buyer & seller in Walnut Creek, Concord & Danville)

Julie McCoy - Realtor®/Broker Associate 925-980-8095 www.JulieMcCoy.com

RE/MAX Accord

ABR, CDPE, e-Pro, QSC, SRES Five Star Professional Award, 2012-2016 Cal BRE Lic. # 01260930

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP ANGIE CLAY

ANGIE CULUM

925.207.9366

925.209.5999

CATHY BAIGENT

JANE SMITH

925.383.2734

925.998.1914

JANET POWELL

JENNIFER WATKINS

925.876.2399

925.348.8802

CALBRE 01361143

CALBRE 00820617

CALBRE 01973545

CALBRE 00851239

CALBRE 01476506

CALBRE 02017103

JENNIFER ZAK

JOHN FONDNAZIO

415.505.1290

925.817.9053

CALBRE 02007463

CALBRE 01938194

1285 DANVILLE BLVD., ALAMO

1809 CLAYTON WAY, CONCORD

$598,000

5 BED, 4 BATH, 3,487 SQ. FT., 20,328 SF LOT MARTIN HENDREN 925.786.3398

3 BED, 2.5 BATH, 1,920 SQ. FT., 4,400 SF LOT VERONICA HIDALGO 925.381.9585

3225 WINDSOR PLACE, CONCORD

3715 NORTHRIDGE DRIVE, CONCORD

$449,000

$978,000

www.NorthridgeDrive.com

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,161 SQ. FT., 5,400 SF LOT TERESA ZOCCHI TEAM 925.360.8662

4 BED, 2 BATH, 2,000 SQ. FT., 17,000 SF LOT VERONICA HIDALGO 925.381.9585

829 ROYAL ANN LANE, CONCORD

892 LAS TRAMPAS ROAD, LAFAYETTE

$529,000

$2,595,000

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,339 SQ. FT., .5 ACRE LOT LAURIE HIGGINS 925.876.7968

5 BED, 4 BATH, 4,022 SQ. FT., .66 ACRE LOT LAURIE HIGGINS 925.876.7968

2324 PINE KNOLL DRIVE, #3, ROSSMOOR

172 CAMINO POSADA, WALNUT CREEK

$495,000

2 BED, 1.5 BATH, 1,301 SQ. FT., LEVEL-IN, CO-OP JANE SMITH 925.998.1914

Distinctive Properties CALBRE #01882902

$1,795,000

WWW.DUDUM.COM

$849,000

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,376 SQ. FT., 14,410 SF LOT www.172CaminoPosada.com PETER PAREDERO 925.787.8746

FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU...

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

ELEVATING THE ART OF REAL ESTATE... 3031 JUSTIN WAY, CONCORD

CALL AGENT FOR PRICE

OFF PORT CHICAGO HIGHWAY, CONCORD

CALL AGENT FOR PRICE

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,161 SQ. FT., 5,400 SF LOT JOHN FONDNAZIO 925.817.9053

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,161 SQ. FT., HARDWOOD FLOORS TERYLYNN-N-TEAM 925.876.0966

2091 ROCKNE DRIVE, CONCORD

4348 HAZELWOOD LANE, CONCORD

$628,000

5 BED, 2 BATH, 1,960 SQ. FT., 8,000 SF LOT CATHY BAIGENT 925.383.2734

SUN VALLEY ESTATES, LAFAYETTE

3386 ROSSMOOR PARKWAY, ROSSMOOR

$599,950

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,582 SQ. FT., 12,720 SF LOT JANET POWELL 925.876.2399

2 BED, 2 BATH, 1,620 SQ. FT., EXPANDED SIERRA FLOORPLAN TERRYLYNN-N-TEAM 925.876.0966

3643 PERADA DRIVE, WALNUT CREEK

171 SEQUOIA AVENUE, WALNUT CREEK

$1,198,998

4 BED, 2 BATH, 2,422 SQ. FT., .22 ACRE LOT TERESA ZOCCHI TEAM 925.360.8662

LAURIE HIGGINS

925.818.5500

925.876.7968

MARTY HENDREN

MARY NOEL

925.786.3398

925.890.0753

PETER PAREDERO

TERESA ZOCCHI

925.787.8746

925.360.8862

TERRYLYNN FISHER

VERONICA HIDALGO

925.876.0966

925.381.9585

CALBRE 01290985

$629,000

3 BED, 2 BATH, 1,526 SQ. FT., 8,692 SF LOT VERONICA HIDALGO 925.381.9585 CALL AGENT FOR PRICE

JULIE DEL SANTO

CALBRE 01166864

CALBRE 01351308

CALBRE 01322819

CALBRE 00959722

CALBRE 01907345

$839,000

3 BED, 2 BATH, BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD ANGIE CLAY TEAM

925.207.9366

CALBRE 00615420

CALBRE 01468657

BRENTWOOD

LAFAYETTE

DANVILLE

WALNUT CREEK

160-B GUTHRIE LANE, #3 BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001

999 OAK HILL RD., #100 LAFAYETTE, CA 94549 O: 925.284.1400 F: 925.284.1411

100 RAILROAD AVE., #A DANVILLE, CA 94526 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001

1910 OLYMPIC BLVD., #100 WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 O: 925.937.4000 F: 925.937.4001

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Professional Packing Take the Headache Out of Your Next Move BY SHARON PEARLSTEIN Mental health experts rank moving as the third most stressful event in a person’s life. Boxes are dropped, prized possessions are broken, movers lose furniture, and the whole process takes longer than you thought. Here are five real-life strategies that may help: Learn to Purge You’re starting fresh in a new home. Do you really want to shuffle clutter from point A to point B? Don’t throw out every sentimental item, but take a good hard look at what you really want to keep. Moving provides a great opportunity to scale down. Throw out garbage or donate items you no longer use. Your local charity will love receiving home goods, and you’ll get a tax deduction to boot! Get Real about Your Moving Budget If you have a three-bedroom house, expect to drop at least a couple of hundred dollars on packing materials. Compare prices at Home Depot, moving supply stores, and office supply retailers. Used boxes from neighbors and friends are typically not as structurally sound as new ones. You’ll need to hire a mover or rent a moving van along with a strong team of guys who can lift that massive armoire. Don’t forget about getting help with unpacking too. There are other hidden costs. Once you pack up your kitchen items, you won’t be able to cook meals. This means eating out. If you’re packing up your

Leigh Klock, Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist Accredited Staging Professional

Leigh@LeighKlock.com

831 Coachman Pl., Clayton

www.LeighKlockHomes.com

SOLD Multiple Offers

925.212.5593

“Leigh’s sensitivity and understanding built the kind of trust we really did not expect. She she kept us on task from start to finish. While she was selling the old house, Leigh was searching for our new home. Leigh knew how to do it. She understood us and our needs, probably better than we did. Read Leigh’s profile online. It is accurate and true. We highly recommend Leigh Klock.”

Lynn and Phil Fischer CalBRE# 01874255

bed, you might need a hotel room for a night or two. Maybe you’ll save a few bucks by camping on the floor, but you’ll be dealing with fatigue and a backache. Factor in personal time. Expect to spend several hours per room. It takes time to donate items, purchase packing materials, and maybe even take a trip to the dump. In most cases, it’s more cost effective to hire a professional packer who can speed up the process. Avoid Packing Paralysis Packing isn’t fun, and procrastination leads to disorganized packing, extreme levels of stress, and the likelihood of injury. How can you prevent the dreaded condition known as “packing paralysis”? Create a plan, get help, methodically tackle one room at a time, and pace yourself. Begin with packing items you don’t use on a daily basis: the coat closet, the junk drawer, and under the sink in the guest bathroom. As you get closer to the big day, start boxing the more important items like your clothes, kitchen items, and linens. Take breaks, get some fresh air, and treat yourself to your favorite foods. Moving isn’t supposed to be a form of punishment. It’s the next chapter in your life, so start it off on a good note. Be Strategic The best packers have a system. Do you want to mark boxes in specific colors for where they go? Do you prefer putting clothes in garment bags or garbage bags instead of boxes? Just be consistent. Different systems will cause real chaos when it comes time to unload, so share your system with your helpers. Consider a Professional Packer Moving doesn’t have to be a marathon DIY project. Maybe you have close friends or family members who are willing to help, but do you really want to put them through that hassle? It’s unlikely you will want a couple of long-haul truck drivers boxing up your undergarments and fine china, and their hourly rate can be exorbitant. An alternative is to hire a professional packer who is solely focused on taking the stress out of your move by efficiently organizing, marking, and carefully packing everything for safe, secure transport to your new home. Professional packers are experienced and can get the job done much faster, enabling you to focus on other important things like work, family, and friends. Imagine working with a trusted helper who cares as much about your things as you do. It may just make this stressful time a somewhat enjoyable experience. Now, that’s the way to move! For more information contatct Queen Bee Packing - Women packing with a royal touch at 510-414-5904 or email Sharon at sharon@queenbeepacking.com.

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

A Brief Overview of the TOD Deed Not a Good Estate Planning Tool for Everyone BY JEFFERY HALL Effective since January 1, 2016, California provides for a revocable transfer on death deed (TOD), which if properly recorded, serves as an inexpensive alternative to avoid probate. However, there’s a lot of speculation surrounding it, and it is not a good estate planning tool for everyone. That is why it is important to understand how it actually works and the pros and cons of using it. How a Transfer on Death Deed Works A TOD allows an owner of residential real property to name one or more beneficiaries to receive the property immediately upon death without going through probate. However, there are specific rules for using a TOD deed: 1) It must be only for a single family home or condominium unit, 2) It must be signed and dated before a notary public, 3) It must be recorded within 60 days or less from the date it is signed, and 4) It can be revoked by the transferor at any time. What about Co-Owners of Real Property? Many people, especially married couples, own property together in joint tenancy or community property with the right of survivorship. A TOD deed can be used to name beneficiaries, but the TOD will have no effect unless you outlive the co-owner. For example, Tom and Laura are married and own their home as community property with rights of survivorship. To leave their family home to their daughter, Courtney, and avoid probate, they both record TOD deeds naming her as a beneficiary. Tom dies first and Laura automatically inherits his half interest in their home. Years later, Laura gets remarried to Robert and adds him to title of the family home as a community property co-owner. Laura keeps the original TOD deed naming Courtney as a beneficiary but dies before Robert. Laura’s TOD deed is void and Robert inherits the family home outright and it becomes part of his estate. When Robert later dies, the family home is passed to his heirs and not Courtney. Thus, Courtney is effectively disinherited. This assuredly was not Tom or

Laura’s intended outcome when they recorded their original TOD deeds. As you can see, using a TOD in joint-tenancy can lead to unintended results. Instead, other planning strategies such as a “revocable living trust” would make more sense to avoid the unfortunate disinheritance result above. If you are interested in learning more about TOD deeds or other methods of protecting and transferring your property through an estate plan, call the Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc. at 925-230-9002, or visit his website at HallLawGroup.com. This article is not intended to create a legal relationship of attorneyclient, and no part of this article is intended to be legal advice. Consult with your estate-planning attorney for further details. Speak with local Estates & Trusts Attorney Jeffrey Hall, an attorney in private practice, about how to pass down your property. He can be reached at (925) 230-9002 or www.HallLawGroup.com.

RECENT ACTIVITY BY BRYCE

JUST LISTED $715,000 120 HENRY CLAY CT., PACHECO

SALE PENDING $440,000 2857 PTARMIGAN DR. #6, WALNUT CREEK

4 BD, 2 BA, 2,340 SF Gorgeous remodel situated on .25 acres on cul-de-sac. Open floor plan with new kitchen, baths, Mt. Diablo views and more.

2 BD, 2 BA, 1,214 SF Charming Catalina condo with remodeled kitchen, private patio and modern look and feel. Representing buyer.

Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

JEFFREY HALL, MBA, CPA, Esq.

The Law Office of Jeffrey Hall, Inc., is an estate planning law office serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties in a wide range of estate planning matters, including:

Probate Trusts and Estates Trust Administration Trust Litigation Conservatorships

www.HallLawGroup.com 925-230-9002

Interested in buying or selling? In this competitive real estate market, put my decade of local experience to work for you. Contact me today to achieve the results you want, expect and deserve.

Bryce Schumacher, Realtor® 925.457.4096 bryce.schumacher@pacunion.com www.bryceschumacher.com Lic. 01379459

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

March Home Statistics CLAYTON

Source: www.ccartoday.com

CONCORD

Homes 2016 2017 Homes 2016 2017 New Listings 13 19 New Listings 128 109 Pending Sales 9 17 Pending Sales 107 102 Closed Sales 9 17 Closed Sales 82 81 Days on Market Until Sale 17 45 Days on Market Until Sale 22 16 Average Sales Price $758,818 $864,906 Average Sales Price $558,247 $589,271 Inventory of Homes for Sale 13 12 Inventory of Homes for Sale 89 81 Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 4 1 1 11 $510,000 3

2017 1 1 4 29 $525,750 0

LAFAYETTE

Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 26 31 26 14 $279,512 17

2017 44 35 29 13 $292,690 19

MARTINEZ

Homes 2016 2017 Homes 2016 2017 New Listings 36 55 New Listings 41 63 Pending Sales 26 47 Pending Sales 31 38 Closed Sales 22 21 Closed Sales 28 31 Days on Market Until Sale 11 15 Days on Market Until Sale 23 20 Average Sales Price $1,685,678 $1,571,212 Average Sales Price $634,714 $701,989 Inventory of Homes for Sale 45 36 Inventory of Homes for Sale 52 47 Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 0 3 0 0 $0 0

2017 4 5 2 14 $759,000 4

PLEASANT HILL

Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 11 16 17 17 $353,156 5

2017 13 12 11 12 $418,216 6

WALNUT CREEK

Homes 2016 2017 Homes 2016 2017 New Listings 28 43 New Listings 64 63 Pending Sales 28 29 Pending Sales 54 51 Closed Sales 25 20 Closed Sales 49 49 Days on Market Until Sale 12 12 Days on Market Until Sale 20 16 Average Sales Price $673,060 $830,150 Average Sales Price $965,416 $1,147,576 Inventory of Homes for Sale 13 22 Inventory of Homes for Sale 51 46 Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 13 12 13 9 $486.754 7

2017 10 12 11 12 $527,136 4

Townhouse-Condo Attached New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 52 42 42 13 $513,606 29

2017 49 52 35 14 $596,557 33

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Succulant Centerpieces Simple, Beautiful and Elegant Creations BY ANGELA HARTMAN, RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN & NURSERY Spring signals a time for outdoor celebrations: weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and more. At the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery, we find that many people are looking for custom succulent centerpieces to add a special wow factor to their events. Succulent arrangements have unique beauty and flare and are a great step away from traditional flower centerpieces. When planning a special party, there is often very little time to arrange your own centerpieces. Even if there is time, a lack of skill prevents the perfect centerpiece from taking shape. This is where our design professionals at Ruth Bancroft Garden step in. Our dedicated and talented nursery staff has an eye for design and will bring your vision of the perfect succulent arrangement to life. Whether you want to contrast soft Echeverias with spiky cacti or highlight a pop of color amongst lush green hues, our staff can make it happen. Clients can bring in their own pots and plants or let our staff find the right accessories and plants for each centerpiece. Pricing is extremely reasonable, and whether you need one centerpiece or many,

GARDEN & NURSERY

we can make it happen. Most commonly, flower arrangements adorn tables at weddings and special events, but the flowers will only last a few to several days after the party ends. One of the wonderful features of a succulent arrangement is a long-lasting life. Not only will the centerpiece add beauty and flare to your party, but the plants can be re-homed and enjoyed for months or years to come. Succulents can also be propagated easily to grow baby plants. A growing collection can serve as a wonderful reminder of memories made on your special day. For more information about ordering custom succulent centerpieces, call (925) 944-9352 or stop by the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery at 1552 Bancroft Rd. in Walnut Creek.

Featured Listing

105 Lance Court, Martinez â&#x20AC;&#x153;Welcome Home to Wisteriaâ&#x20AC;?

4 Bedrooms Loft/Office 2,716 SqFt. Court Location Asking: $875,000

Come Home to Martinez! A Great Place to Live!

Planting Season Prep your garden for summer with drought tolerant plants.

Maureen Ingalls

Enjoy 10% off any succulent or plant purchase at the nursery

(925) 370-1680

Offer valid until May 31.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek

www.ruthbancroftgarden.org

CalBRE: Maureen #00894262

RE/Max #01491373

VISIT: WWW.MartinezHomes.com

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

REAL ESTATE • LENDING • GARDEN • HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME MAINTENANCE • INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DECORATING

MOVING & STORAGE, INC.

A Monthly Resource for Homeowners and House Hunters

Central County

HOMES For Central Contra Costa Homeowners & House Hunters

Our priorities are clear… We are dedicated to quality service and customer satisfaction! Excellent - Experienced - Efficient Residential & Office Experts Family Owned and Operated Since 1975 Relocation and Storage Services 1 Month FREE storage at our new facility Call today for instant price quote or set up a free estimate for a guaranteed price!

800-232-9977

Moving You On To Better Things PLEASANT HILL • WALNUT CREEK • MARTINEZ • LAFAYETTE • CONCORD • CLAYTON A monthy resource publication of Community Focus and Concord Pioneer & Clayton Pioneer

Have your business seen by over 200,000 residents in Central Contra Costa Special pull-out section will be delivered to 86,000 homes and businesses in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Lafayette, Clayton and Concord. In print and online with links to advertisers’ websites and emails. Print and Digital packages available.

FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION: COMMUNITY FOCUS info@ourcommunityfocus.com 925-335-6397 PIONEER Tamara@claytonpioneer.com 925-672-0500 oﬃce 925-285-8612 cell

CENTRAL COUNTY HOMES | MAY

Auctions, Flea Markets & Garage Sales AUCTIONS & MARKETS

nia. Over 800 stalls along miles of aisles

GARAGE SALES

Saturday, May 13

packed with furniture, ornaments, paint-

Saturday, May 6 - 8AM – 1PM

10AM – 5PM

ings, jewelry, vintage clothing, children

Concord Neighborhood

Michann’s Estate Auction

toys and more, all at great prices. Admis-

Community Garage Sale

Historic Alameda Naval Air Station

sion: $15 (6-7:30am); $10 (7:30-9am); $5

Holbrook Heights neighborhood and

Main Gallery, 2751 Todd Street, Alameda

(9am-3pm). Free for children up to 15 and

beyond. Pick up a map of all the partici-

Many visitors are drawn to the monthly

under. alamedapointantiquesfaire.com.

pating homes at 3207 Reva Dr., Con-

Estate Auction by its ever-changing

Saturday and Sunday, May 27 & 28

cord, at the corner of Reva and N. 6th

assortment of antique, collectible, and

10AM – 4PM

St. Directional signs will point to all the

one-of-a-kind home furnishings, which

Treasure Island Flea Market

participants streets and homes. Ham-

often range from Louis XVI gilt bronze

Treasure Island

burgers and hot dog will be on sale to

to Mid Century Modern chrome and

A Bay Area hallmark and Northern

raise money for charity.

leather, www.michaans.com.

California’s largest monthly gathering