Home Source, February 23, 2024

Cleaning closets can aid kids in Africa, animals in shelters

On a recent Saturday morning bike ride with friends, the subject of what we were each going to do the rest of the day came up. One friend groaned, “I’m either cleaning my linen closet or doing my taxes.”

“For sure the linen closet,” I said, offering my unasked-for opinion. “Not to guilt trip you,” I continued uninvited, “but children in Africa could really use your old sheets.”

Marni Jameson At Home

She shoots me a look like I am one cookie shy of a dozen.

I tell her that a few weeks ago I went to church. (Don’t laugh.) It happened to be Quilt Sunday, which apparently happens every year, which I would know if I

went to church more often. Draped over the back of every row of seats throughout the sanctuary were quilts, dozens of them, 101 to be exact, I later learned.

The church’s quilting circle had been busy. While my first thought was, “How quaint,” moments later my thought was, “How profound.” A woman from the quilting group explained that these quilts, and thousands more like them from churches across America, were about to go throughout the world to areas recovering from natural disasters or where war has driven families from their homes or wherever people need warm bedding, simple tents or floor

A soft landing in a cold world — Pictured here on “Quilt Sunday,” these quilts were among 101 sewn at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, in Longwood, Fla. All were handmade from donated sheets and fabric. They along with thousands of other quilts are now on their way around the world to offer warmth and comfort. Lutheran World Relief has been distributing quilts since 1945.

Photo by Marni Jameson

coverings.

And they were largely made possible by enlightened people cleaning out their linen closets and donating old sheets, which quilters use to back the quilts, and pieces of fabric, which they use to make the quilt tops.

My antennae shot up. Wait, you can declutter and help solve global issues?

The woman showed a video about how in Tanzania, for example, many children su er from a condition called stunting. They don’t develop as they should because it gets very cold in Tanzania. The children have little clothing. The calories from the food they do get goes to generate body heat, not to promote growth. So, their growth is stunted because they are cold.

If this doesn’t make you want to run to your linen closet, you have a road apple for a heart.

Last year the Lutheran World Relief Quilting Mission, of which our church is part, sent 194,983 quilts all over the world, including 26,000 to Tanzania and 36,000 to Turkey and the Ukraine.

Reidun Canon, a retired pediatric nurse, has been part of the church’s quilting group for 10 years. “This project makes me realize how blessed we are,” she said, “and how much we take for granted, like warm housing and bed linens, when so many who live in poverty have neither. O ering warmth and a blanket is such a

simple act.”

So is cleaning out your linen closet and giving your gently used sheets and fabric remnants to the cause.

All this got me thinking about what else many of us have tucked away unused in closets and cupboards that could bring relief to others if we only knew where to donate them. So, I did a little research.

If you’re looking for a good reason to clean out your closets, consider these worthy causes.

• Gently used sheets Box these up and call the Lutheran church nearest you. Ask if they have a quilting program a liated with the Lutheran World Relief e ort and how you can donate material. Sheets must be clean, not stained and in good condition, Canon said. They can be plain or patterned and any size, from twin to king, at or tted.

• Cotton fabrics — Quilters also welcome colorful fabrics, which they use to make squares for quilt tops. “A lot of

seamstresses have stashed boxes of fabric they thought they would use some day, but it never happened,” she said. Old curtains work well. Fabrics must be washable and in good condition. Cotton weave and cotton polyester blends are ideal. What won’t work are eece, leather, terrycloth, velvet, wool or silk. “We also cannot accept any fabrics that have military, religious or patriotic symbols,” Canon said, “because we don’t know where in the world the quilts will end up.”

• Old towels — Closer to home, local animal rescues and shelters appreciate donations of used, clean towels to use for bedding and to dry animals a er their baths, said Carey Kuhl, a moving concierge who helps people manage their belongings when they relocate.

• Stu ed animals — The same animal rescues also o en welcome stu ed animals to tuck into crates to keep their four-legged charges company, Kuhl said.

•Kids’ clothes and toys — When a child comes into foster care, many foster parents run to their local Foster Closet, which are in almost every community nationwide, to get ageappropriate clothes and toys, said Mara Shorr, a former foster parent and volunteer child advocate. If you have clothing and toys in good condition to donate, nd a Foster Closet near you.

• Luggage — Suitcases, du els, backpacks or cosmetic travel bags can be a big help to foster kids, said Shorr, who coordinates luggage donations in the Orlando area. “Youths in foster care have to change homes o en, and when they do, many end up putting their belongings in a garbage bag,” she said. “Your donated luggage can help them move with dignity.” See if your community has a CASA agency (for court appointed special advocate) or a guardian ad litem program, she said. Ask them to steer you toward a group home

that houses foster kids that will accept donations of luggage, du els and backpacks, which foster kids need for school. Please only donate bags in good shape that have no rips, stains or broken zippers. If you have unused travel-sized toiletries from prior hotel stays, stick those in, too. Now, go clean your closet, then do your taxes.

Marni Jameson is the author of seven books, including the newly released “Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow: A Motivational Guide for Those Seeking Their Ideal Home Later in Life’’ and “What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want.” You may reach her at marnijameson.com.

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The questions

I receive as a columnist and as an agent furnishes insight into what things folks think are important.

As a listing agent, I welcome calls from agents asking questions about my listings. It tells me that they have an interested client and allows me an opportunity to highlight the home’s additional features.

“Hi Ken, this is Carol,” one person asked me. “I showed your listing on Country Lane yesterday. The listing says the solar system is leased but doesn’t say the lease amount.”

Carol has a client who is interested.

Insurance woes jeopardize rural home values

I intentionally didn’t include the amount of the solar lease in the MLS.

My “leave something out” strategy is sure to initiate questions from seriously interested buyers. When buyers aren’t interested in a home they don’t ask about solar lease payments, permits on a workshop or if the washer/dryer is included.

With Carol’s question about the lease payment, I have an opportunity to pitch other home features.

“Thanks for calling Carol,” I said to her. “The lease payments are $100 a month and that payment is locked for the next three years. The total PG&E bills last year was $150. Did you see that we already have a clear pest report and a roof

cert?”

When the market is hot and homes are selling quickly, agents don’t ask about appliances, amount of HOA fees or what property inspections have been completed. They ask, “Do you have any o ers?” When the market is really sizzling hot they ask, “How many o ers do you have?”

The most frequently asked questions for rural property listings has to do with homeowners insurance. If it’s insured with the California FAIR Plan, whatever enthusiasm a potential buyer may have for the home suddenly evaporates.

If they are not familiar with the state’s FAIR (Forget About Insurance Roger) plan, my explanation isn’t likely to generate con dence in moving forward with an o er. The only good thing about the FAIR plan is that it’s better than

nothing. Maybe.

The existential threat to rural property values today is not higher mortgage rates, in ation or a recession. It’s not the additional time and expense of compliance with a defensible space ordinance or the threat of a wild re. The challenge facing rural-home buyers today is the cost and availability of homeowners insurance. Without a ordable insurance, rural property values are in jeopardy.

Over the last thirty years, there has been a consistent demand for rural properties. Typically, one-third of county home sales are on land parcels of oneacre or larger. Homes on acreage are generally larger, older and since many were built by owner-builders or custombuilt, they are unique in character from

Calhoon Continued from 4

more conventional styles found in developed neighborhoods built by production home builders.

Until the Camp Fire in 2018 turned the picturesque hillside village of Paradise into Dante’s Inferno, rural property values were slightly less than similar size homes anywhere in the county. In 2017, the county’s median selling price for a home on acreage was $452,000 and the price for non-rural homes of similar size on less than an acre was $460,000.

Over the next six years, insurance companies canceled or noti ed 500,000 rural property owners they would no longer be o ering or extending insurance coverage to rural homes located in re risks areas.

The only insurance option available was the California FAIR Plan. The FAIR plan o ers bare coverage and high premiums o en double what homeowners had been paying. This stigma of having no insurance coverage, except the FAIR plan, is a ecting rural home values.

Between 2011 and 2017 there was a few thousand dollars di erence between the median selling price of homes on acreage and homes on less than an acre.

As insurance companies began dropping coverage, the di erence in the median selling price of rural homes and non-rural homes began to grow.

The $8,000 lower price di erence for rural homes in 2017, grow to $38,000 by 2019. By 2022 the di erence was $60,000 and last year the di erence

was over $100,000. Higher mortgage rates are easier for homebuyers to accept than high insurance premiums.

Mortgage interest is deductible, there are nancing options that will lower interest rates and if mortgage rates fall, homeowners can re nance to a lower interest rate. Insurance rates are not xed for 30-years. They will increase and it’s likely rural homeowners will not have future insurance options besides the FAIR Plan.

Rural sellers are stuck between a rock and a hard spot. If they stay put, their insurance costs under the FAIR plan is una ordable and will go higher. If they sell, their price will be much lower than nonrural homes. A lot lower.

Currently the median listing price for a nonrural home is $875,000 and the average time on

the market is 42 days. Similar sized rural homes are listed $100,000 less and their average listing time is 68 days.

A ordability initially attracted many to move to the foothills. Una ordable insurance has sparked an exodus. The number of rural property listings has jumped from a historical 35% to 45%.

The increase in the number of rural properties has sellers lowering their prices. In the last six months the median selling price for non-rural homes has been $675,000. Rural homes has been at $565,000. Folks who originally moved to the foothills because prices were slightly less are discovering insurance is costing them more.

Ken Calhoon is a real estate broker in El Dorado County. He can be reached for questions and comments at ken@kencalhoon.com

DON’T MISS

Gold Mine

Sally exclaimed, “Wow, what a fantastic mid-century modern home!” The allure of this property is undeniable, especially with its prime location near El Dorado High School. This neighborhood is teeming with potential, just waiting to be unlocked. Imagine infusing this mid-century gem with modern upgrades to restore its brilliance! With three spacious bedrooms, hardwood oors, abundant natural light, and a local view, this home is a treasure trove of possibilities. Step outside to the terraced backyard, adorned with beautiful rock walls and a covered patio—perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the outdoors. The oversized garage with workshop/ basement space offers endless opportunities for creative projects or a home of ce. Don’t miss out on the chance to make this your dream home! MLS# 224001016

office, 3 BA, new LVP flooring, new kitchen backsplash, dramatic open-

and elegant wainscoting throughout. Enjoy a formal living area with sweeping

comes compete with a spa-like bathroom and a large walk-in closet, providing a private

3 BEDS, 2 BATHS | 2,238 SQ.FT. MLS#224008772 | $729,000

6

794

$2,800,000

Exciting opportunity to finish this amazing home with phenomenal 180º views of the river & surrounding beauty! Home

room w/engineered hardwood flooring and gas fireplace. Spacious secondary bedrooms and primary suite w/outside access & attached bath w/ walk-in closet, granite counters, and dual sinks. Inside laundry room.

1244 COLD SPRINGS ROAD, PLACERVILLE

3 BEDS, 2 BATHS | 1,891 SQ.FT. MLS# 223107982 $725,000

Gorgeous panoramic views. Beautifully updated. Kitchen w/granite counters, updated cabinetry, ss appliances, island with dining bar & large dining area. Spacious living room with newer wood burning fireplace. Primary suite with outside access to large paver patio and garden area. Large primary bath features granite counters, tile, dual sinks, separate vanity, soaking tub, walk-in shower with multiple shower heads and large walk-in closet. Separate laundry room with cabinets and solar tube. Custom built catio/animal enclosure.

2 BEDS, 2 BATHS 1,2OO SQ.FT. MLS#223082075 | $1,500,000

Unique opportunity for developers & investors. Approximately 9 1/4 acres of land that can be developed as part of the Bass Lake Hills

Specific Plan. There has been substantial high end development and growth in this area with more to come. Property is situated on a hilltop and offers phenomenal views with beautiful sunsets! There is an existing 1200 sf, 2bd/2ba home, with a well & septic system. Multiple access roads. EID water is stubbed to property in 2 separate locations. Property is partially fenced and accessed through a private gate.

3440 VERANO WAY, CAMERON PARK

4040

YouR Guide to PRoPeRtY listinGs

YOURGUIDETO PROPERTY LISTINGS

You may also find it helpful to browse listings by the type of real estate you are interested in buying. To find the geographic location, look at the classification heading and locate the matching zone number on the El Dorado County Map.

You may also find it helpful to browse listings by the type of real estate you are interested in buying. To find the geographic location, look at the classification heading, and locate the matching zone number on the El Dorado County Map.

To find property by geographic location, use the following reference table. Each category is separated by the zone number, type of real estate, and location in El Dorado County.

TABLEOFCONTENTS by type of listing

25-26

Page 26-27

All properties are listed by price, address, acreage, listing number, and the Realtor’s office number. If you would like more information about a property, call the relevant office number for that listing.

To find a property by geographic location, use the following reference table. Each category is separated by the zone number, type of real estate, and location in El Dorado County. Properties are sorted by price, in ascending value.

12602 Residential Homes

el DoraDo Hills

5395003742Cambridge3328600.30050018639530-676-8600

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by MetroList©. All information provided by seller/other sources has not been verified by broker. All interested persons should independently verify accuracy of above information. Copyright ©2002 – MetroList Services, Inc.

5790004655Tramezzo3222500.29350029366916-393-0825

595000216Knapp

5990003585Park

5999002085Moonstone4325800.33550029586916-933-1400 5999993200Stanford

12603 Residential Homes

12605 Residential Homes

12701 Residential Homes

Greater PlaCerville

12705

12706

12801

12707 Residential Homes mosQuito,

$470,000

David.Crofut@lhfs.com NMLS/CA-DBO

Fax:

Fax:

Leo.Pacheco@lhfs.com www.HomeLoansbyLeo.com

David.Crofut@lhfs.com NMLS/CA-DBO

David.Crofut@lhfs.com

NMLS/CA-DBO

NMLS/CA-DBO