Home Source, June 7, 2024

Oen the best solutions to a problem are the easiest to implement. “Keep It Simple, Stupid!” is an actual design principle which states that designs and/or systems should be as simple as possible. Complexity should be avoided as simplicity guarantees the greatest levels of user acceptance and interaction.

In the private sector, competition forces creativity and implementation of simple, cost-e ective solutions to challenges. There are no simple solutions, however, with government. Worse, government o en creates the problem and proposed solutions further complicate that problem. The cost and availability of housing in California are long-time problems in need of a solution. The California Association of Realtors reported last

Legislative housing ‘solutions’ do more harm than good

week the state’s median selling price has reached $900,000. Based upon California’s median household income only 15% of households can a ord a median-priced home. The exclusion of 85% of the state’s population from homeownership opportunities will eventually have signi cant social, demographic and political repercussions. Existing homeowners will eventually pay the price for the prior exclusionary housing actions of government.

According to the Terner Center for housing at UC Berkeley, starting in 1970 three major forces caused housing prices to increase dramatically: land use restrictions limiting housing density (zoning many areas to single-family homes), increased concern for the environment (which led to environmental laws and designating land for preservation

and not development) and community involvement in the development process (which allows current — but not future — residents a say in land use decisions). Most everyone agrees we can solve our housing a ordability problem if we can solve the housing shortage problem. According to every housing study over the last ve years, California is short by about two million a ordable housing units. We have an ample supply of million-dollar homes but not so much costing less than $500,000. That’s because government regulations and local development costs have steadily increased over the years, making it impossible to build housing for less than $500,000 a unit.

There are common-sense solutions to solving California’s housing shortage, starting with reducing the expense of regulations and fees. It should not cost twice as much to build a home in Stockton as it does in San Antonio or Orlando. Building incentives need

to replace penalties. Approval of new housing should be administrative and not political. Infrastructure costs, water/ electric, roads, etc., could be amortized over 30 years and not paid for up front. Building o cials should be advocates of proposed housing and not obstructionists.

The California Environmental Quality Act, originally intended for large government constructed projects, needs legislative revisions. It should not be weaponized in lawsuits against approved developments.

A er 40 -years of implementing roadblocks to new housing, the California Legislature nally recognized the state had a housing shortage. Since 2018, legislative solutions have been forcing local governments to increase housing densities. Single-family zoning was eliminated, local land use decisions were replaced by state mandates and new regulations favorable to building accessory dwelling units were forced

Clearing out the house: Behind the scenes of the estate sale

Ten years ago, when clearing out my parents’ home of 50 years, I had no idea what I was getting into, let alone what I was doing. I had never been to an estate sale, now I was going to have one. I took a week o from my job in Florida, ew to California and dove head rst into the quicksand, a paralyzing quagmire of family history, memories, sentiment, legend and surprise- lled boxes, and all laced with my own guilt for being so ill-prepared to handle it all.

But I couldn’t wallow. Though I had no earthly notion what anything should sell for, I made wild stabs at pricing so I could meet the goal of clearing out the house to get it on the market. The proceeds would help pay for my elderly parents’ long-term care.

I get PTSD just thinking about it. The memories of this life-altering ordeal came ooding back this past week as I talked with Melissa Sullivan, owner of The Posh Peacock, an estate sales company serving greater Orlando. Where was she when I needed her?

Sullivan fell into the world of estate sales four years ago a er working in IT for 25 years. Ready for a career change, she started helping a woman who had a small, private estate sale company, but no technical skills. “She didn’t accept credit cards and didn’t have a website,” said Sullivan, who xed that. Shortly a er, the woman died of cancer. Sullivan kept the business going

and growing. Today, Posh Peacock handles about 25 sales a year.

Knowing services like hers exist to clear out family homes and turn material objects into cash and freedom just makes me so happy. My soul feels lighter because I now know I can stop worrying about all those jampacked homes out there threatening to fall like avalanches onto the heads of adult children.

Though an estate sales company can be just what a family needs, some intrepid types want to tackle the sales themselves, which has its own rewards. Either way, I found Sullivan’s insider information useful.

Though too late for me, maybe these takeaways can help you:

Marni: Who are your clients?

Melissa: Two-thirds of the homes we clear belong to people downsizing or moving into assisted living. One third belongs to someone who has passed. If the owner has died, we sell every item in the house a er family members take what they want. For downsizers, we

assess what they’re taking with them to see if enough remains to justify an estate sale, the equivalent of about four rooms of furniture, plus household goods.

What if downsizers want to hold their own estate sales?

You don’t need an estate sales company. Families who want to do this themselves can follow the same process we do. Empty all cupboards, closets and drawers. Separate out trash. Set aside what you want to keep or give to someone. Everything else you can sell or donate. The two most di cult parts of the job are pricing and having enough help to make sure items don’t walk away. Many pricing tools are available now. One is WorthPoint.com (worthpoint.com) an app that lets you look up items and nd suggested pricing. Looking up eBay sold prices is another good resource.

How do you prevent the ?

We don’t allow purses or backpacks inside. We also group small items together near the jewelry counter, which is sta ed constantly, and have sta trained to watch every exit.

How much does the average sale gross, and what is your cut?

The usual split is 60% to the client, 40% to the estate sales company. Most homes we liquidate gross $12,000 or more. In that case, the homeowner would get $7,200, and we would get $4,800. That goes for sta ng, which runs about $2,500, advertising and art consultants or appraisers

we bring in to help us price collectibles. How long does the process take?

We are in and out in a week. Day one, six-toeight workers go through the house and inventory everything. Then we clean and polish merchandise, so it shows well, and stage the sale, creating vignettes so the house looks like a boutique. Over the

next few days, we price and photograph items to promote the sale online.

Friday the sale starts. On Saturday, prices drop 25% (on art and collectibles) to as much as 50% and on Sunday we discount by 60%. Monday, anything le goes to a local charity and the client gets a donation receipt. What’s worth more than people expect and what’s

REPURPOSED —An illness and a layo drove Melissa Sullivan to leave the corporate world and do something more meaningful. Now the owner of an estate sales company, she says, “I love that I am helping families through a di cult transition, and putting their once loved items into new appreciative hands while keeping them out of the land ll.”

worth less?

Clothing, especially vintage clothing, costume jewelry and tools sell really well. Tools hold their value because no one cares if they look old. Coins and stamps don’t go for as much as they used to. And I still remember how heartbreaking it was to tell one woman that her

Marni Jameson At Home

Photo courtesy Roy Law

upon local governments. The results have been underwhelming. Increasing densities has received pushback from local governments and has not reduced regulations and fees.

The housing legislation moving forward today is an attempt to control those who can buy homes by limiting sellers’ choice of to whom they can sell. Assembly Bill 2584 would restrict institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes and converting them into rentals and Senate Bill 1212 would ban institutional investors from “purchasing, acquiring or leasing” single-family homes.

If the Legislature can prevent homeowners from selling to corporations, what’s next? Perhaps adopt legislation that ensures sellers are complying with the state’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Home Sellers Guidelines. Hard to imagine? Did anyone imagine the California Legislature would abolish single-family zoning? They did in 2021 with the passage of SB 9. That law has recently been ruled unconstitutional by a Southern California court but it’s an example of the legislative overreach to control private property.

This anti-corporate housing crusade overestimates institutional investors’ in uence in the marketplace. California’s institutional investors own about 60,000 units, less than 2% of all single-family homes. A study by the Urban Institute found corporate landlords have an important niche in buying neglected or

Continued from 2 Jameson Continued from 3

collection of over 200 Madame Alexander dolls in their original boxes wasn’t worth much.

How can owners help?

We welcome any appraisal or other information they have about their valuables. Most important is that they take anything they do not want sold o the premises or buyers will nd it. Ask what they do with items le a er the sale. The company should donate them and give you a receipt so you can write o the donation. However, some companies take possession, resell the items and take all the pro t. It’s a chronic problem in the industry. Make sure the company you hire has su cient liability

distressed properties and making them livable again. Companies that buy and rent provide renters the opportunity to live in more desirable neighborhoods where they otherwise would not be able to a ord.

Another legislative-endorsed solution to high housing costs will be on display in a state-wide rent control initiative in November. The ballot initiative will repeal Costa-Hawkins, which prevents rent control on single-family homes and most new rental housing. California already has some of the most restrictive landlord/tenant laws. If passed, a large number of mom-and-pop landlords will evict their tenants, sell and leave the state with their investment dollars.

California’s housing shortage is selfin ected by local and state governments. El Dorado County’s Planning and Building Department is notorious for its war on proposed housing. When county sta and the Planning Commission nally approve anything, it’s o en appealed to the Board of Supervisors and subject to the political process. Once supervisors add a list of costly approval conditions, the proposal is subject to litigation that can last years. There is a simple solution to solving the housing shortage and bringing down prices, “Build Baby Build.”

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

insurance. Also ask about any extra fees beyond the commission.

What do you wish more people knew?

For some of their beautiful furnishings, like living room sets, they will be lucky to get 20% of what they paid. This is where research tools can help. I learned early on that you will make more money if you lower your prices slightly. Price too high and items will sit, then go for much less.

Marni Jameson is the author of seven books including the newly released “Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow,” “What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want” and “Downsizing the Family Home.” You may reach her at marnijameson.com.

Monday, June 10th

Join Us for a and free Summer BBQ

F l a g R e t i r e m e n t C e r e m o n y

The formal Honor Guard Flag Retirement Ceremony will begin promptly at 6 pm, and members of the public are invited to retire flags throughout the evening. Join us for a complimentary BBQ 5-7. This is all ages welcome event hosted by the El Dorado Chapter of The Daughter of the American Revolution in collaboration with The American Legion Post 119 .

h f

Monday, June 10th

t h e A m e r i c a n R e v o l u t i o n i n

c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h T h e

A m e r i c a n L e g i o n P o s t 1 1 9 .

Q u e s t i o n s : C a l l o r T e x t ( 5 3 0 ) 3 0 6 - 0 8 2 1

E l D o r a d o C o u n t y R e g e n t @ y a h

4045 sq ft. commercially zoned Historical Building. Construction has started and permitted with the city to convert the shop to retail and access upgrades. The upstairs addition shares the 721 Main Street address, and this part of the building has current remodel plans and a permit that can be assumed by new owners. Rough framed, plumbing and electric are finished, but insulation is not completed. Heat and air system also in. Main building could be anything you want with residential at the second floor with a deck and stairs leading down to a fully fenced 40x49’ private parking lot and

$599,000 • MLS#

well cared for 3 bedroom, 2 bath also features an additional 4th bedroom and 3rd full bathroom. is space can be accessed from the main home, as well as its own private entrance making it ideal for family or guests. e heart of the home, the inviting kitchen, is more than just a space for cooking; it’s a place memories are made and traditions are cherished. With its warm atmosphere and thoughtful layout, it’s become the hub of your household. e adjoining dining area o ers a seamless transition from cooking dining, creating an inviting space for shared meals and special occasions. e spacious family room features vaulted ceiling and a cozy pellet stove inviting you home. e master bedroom features a large bathroom with a jetted tub and includes a separate walk-in shower to meet your every need. Perched high above the surrounding landscape, the deck provides a bird’s-eye view of the beauty that surrounds you. Whether it’s sipping morning co ee as the sun rises or toasting to the day’s end with a glass of wine, this area will become the ultimate retreat for relaxation. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to own in this sought a er community.

the scenery! Remote Primary suite with new carpet, heated oors and newly remodeled bathroom. Living room With Engineered Hickory Hardwood oors and cozy Propane replace. Huge Mechanical room with Sink, well equipment, heater and loads of storage. Full home generator, 3 car attached garage and Detached 2-car garage. Outside boasts a greenhouse, soothing waterfall with pond and kitchen! One-of-a-kind property! Z Group Real

Sunday, June 9, 2024

POLLOCK PINES

$539,000

Oversized 2-car garage. Step into the main level where you can enjoy single-story living with a 4th bedroom option, full bathroom, kitchen, living, dining, & outside access ALL on the rst oor. Elegant family room w/wet bar, formal dining room. Kitchen featuring granite countertops, an eat-in bar, & cozy breakfast nook. 2nd- oor laundry near all 3 bedrooms, a loft area with charming built-in book shelves & desk. Primary suite boasts a walk-in closet, en-suite

3020 Crystal Summit Rd, Pollock Pines 5181 Adney Way, Pollock Pines

$664,500 3050 Madrid Dr 2 2 (2 0) 1230 0.11 224051609

$1,469,999 3185 Warren Ln 4 3 (3 0) 3138 0.25 224051692

$2,599,999 613 Thalassa Ct 6 5 (4 1) 5845 0.71 224052153

$1,419,900 4090 Mc Kay Pl 4 5 (4 1) 3091 0.26 224052307

$809,000 3226 Williston Way 4 3 (2 1) 2048 0.18 224052365

$650,000 1014 Autumn Trail Way 2 2 (2 0) 1703 0.15 224052645

$649,000 2561 Willowdale Dr 3 2 (2 0) 1815 0.28 224053118

$749,900 2574 Crown Dr 3 2 (2 0) 1728 0.26 224053140

$939,930 1079 Gamay Dr 3 3 (2 1) 2763 0.151 224053305

$1,421,510 5156 Wild Oak Ln 4 5 (4 1) 3984 0.3297 224053364

$1,291,300 5212 Wild Oak Ln 4 5 (4 1) 3371 0.9176 224053383

$3,229,000 890 Las Brisas Ct 5 6 (5 1) 4272 0.72 224053845

$774,999 935 King Richard Ct 5 3 (2 1) 2529 0.23 224054154

$1,269,000 3588 Rocky Ridge Way 4 3 (3 0) 2438 0.3 224054273

$800,000 7053 Talmage Ct 4 3 (3 0) 2617 0.1 224054722

$795,000 2983 Calypso Cir 2 3 (2 1) 1977 0.13 224054736

$855,000 4730 Holliday Ln 3 3 (3 0) 2005 0.23 224054832

$1,950,000 2525 Via Fiori 4 4 (3 1) 3650 0.96 224054858

$610,500 6590 Primavera Ln 3 2 (2 0) 1650 0.1 224054894

$777,000 3675 Archetto Dr 3 2 (2 0) 2025 0.15 224054975

$999,999 2880 Springburn Way 4 2 (2 0) 2201 0.33 224055165

$729,500 8930 Cerro Vista Dr 3 3 (3 0) 1784 0.11 224055265

$829,000 3193 Four Seasons Dr 2 3 (2 1) 2329 0.1786 224055275

$1,299,000 1334 Souza Dr 7 5 (5 0) 4878 0.26 224055671

$2,800,000 236 Socrates Pl 5 6 (5 1) 5017 0.71 224055775

$2,850,000 5263 Da Vinci Drive 4 5 (4 1) 4561 0.62 224055931

$1,325,000 712 Lakecrest Dr 4 6 (3 3) 4187 0.28 224056790

$1,695,000 5006 Coronado Dr 4 4 (3 1) 4081 0.39 224057017

$899,998 3261 Haskell Way 4 3 (2 1) 2734 0.16 224057095

$1,300,000 3205 Warren Ln 6 4 (4 0) 3710 0.44 224057240

$949,500 4109 Jared Pl 4 3 (3 0) 2248 0.19 224057383

$979,000 5237 Mertola Dr 3 3 (2 1) 2850 0.27 224057659

$933,800 2294 Brannan Way 3 3 (3 0) 2005 0.24 224058086

$2,699,000

$749,000 2000 Ranch Bluff Way 3 2 (2 0) 1932 0.17 224059444

$2,997,000 10 Powers Dr 4 7 (4 3) 5378 0.6 224060048 $986,000 3309

12603 Residential Homes

sHinGle sPrinGs

PRICE STREET ADDRESS BD. BA. SF ACRES LISTING#

$649,900 5631 Bumper Rd 4 3 (3 0) 2953 10 223108261

$630,000 5306-3023

$1,699,000 4951 Barnett Ranch

5 6 (4 2) 4169 10 224010607 $479,000 2053 Rural Ln 3 2 (2 0) 1750 0.81 224014074 $529,000 4123 Sottile Ln 3 3 (3 0) 1592 0.37 224016840

$999,000 4175

Loop 4 4 (3 1) 3620 1.53 224023135

$1,189,900 2184 Cercis Ct 4 3 (3 0) 2790 1 224025824

$799,900 5513 Milton Ranch Rd 3 3 (2 1) 2051 2.18 224025969

$1,098,000 4800 Maggie Ln 4 4 (3 1) 3304 5.1 224027589

$699,000 4829 Trotter Ln 3 2 (2 0) 1872 1.18 224028816

$1,049,900 4601 El Caminito Rd 2 2 (2 0) 1908 1 224030618

$689,000 4200 S Shingle Ct 3 2 (2 0) 1560 1.06 224034741

$549,000 4080 Heinz Ln 4 2 (2 0) 1300 1 224037693

$550,000 3981 Loma Dr 3 2 (2 0) 1584 5.03 224038113

$948,500 4032 Vega Loop 4 3 (2 1) 2944 0.82 224041367

$3,599,000 4081 Wigeon Ct 5 5 (3 2) 4412 5.28 224045924

$495,000 4569 Hillwood Dr 2 2 (2 0) 2039 1.49 224047318

12605 Residential Homes

12701 Residential Homes

Greater PlaCerville

$650,000

$1,100,000

$5,500,000

$1,100,000 7081 Somerset Drive 3 4 (3 1) 3301 10 224012773

$630,000 7701 Dorado Canyon Road 3 3 (2 1) 2452 10 224013171

$1,299,000

$555,000 5600 Siesta Ln 3 3 (2 1) 2359 0.63 224020070 $259,000 5780 Omo Ranch Rd 2 1 (1 0) 528 8.73 224025418

$1,899,000 7449 Fairplay Rd 2 2 (1 1) 3790 14 224025953

$350,000 7277 Red Ant Rd 3 2 (2 0) 920 5.23 224026915

$339,000 5435 Mayfair Ln

(2 0) 2236 2.24 224033385 $349,900 6206 S Sweeney Rd

1 (1 0) 1104 0.9 224038909

1 (1 0) 960 1.39 224039021

$1,125,000 6148 Happy Valley Rd 2 2 (2 0) 1156 41.58 224041704

12705

12706

12801 Residential Homes

12802 Residential Homes

PolloCk Pines

$325,000 6488 Granite Trl

$565,000 5031 Shooting Star Rd

POLLOCK PINES

$390,000

Lovely Chalet on 5 nicely treed acres. Vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows to let the sunlight shine in. New kitchen stove, freshly painted interior walls & exterior decks. Large two car garage. Open concept downstairs, with 2bd/1ba on the main floor and the master bedroom and full bath on the upper floor. Enjoy the huge pool, tennis courts and recreation facilities at the nearby Sierra Springs Clubhouse. Sly Park lake that features, swimming, Boating and fishing is only a couple of miles away. Snow Skiing at Sierra at Tahoe is only a short drive as is the historic town of Placerville.

PLACERVILLE $899,000

This Gorgeous 4 bd/3 ba, home is on 10 scenic acres in the heart of Gold Hill. Light & airy is the best way to describe this well crafted home, with an indoor atrium, Vaulted Ceiling. Skylights & Walls of windows. Cool off in the summer in an inground pool. There are 3 separate living areas, with a walkin basement, that has a wet bar and a full bath. This area could easily be converted to in-law quarters. First time on the market.

PLACERVILLE $3,490,000

Once in a lifetime opportunity to own the historic Shinn Ranch. Gorgeous Homes surround this property. Minutes to Highway 50. Fish in your own private stocked pond. 1880’s Home is included in the purchase price.