Home Source, September 8, 2023

Doors closing for first-time Golden State buyers

According to the National Association of Realtors, the number of first-time homebuyers is the lowest since it began tracking the data 40 years ago. That’s because there are fewer homes for them to buy. It is unlikely there will be a significant market price correction, increasing the number of entrylevel homes, and more unlikely California builders will build entry-level homes. What is likely is the opportunity for homeownership is closing for first-time homebuyers.

The median selling price for an El Dorado County home in August was $605,000. There were 200 sales and twothirds sold within 30 days with sellers receiving 100.58% of their asking price. A year ago there were 221 sales with a median selling price of $609,000 with sellers receiving 99% of their asking

price. Prices are holding their own but sales are 30% less than last year.

Year-to-date sales are down because there continues to be a shortage of inventory.

Homeowners won’t sell because they are handcuffed to their low interest mortgage. With 3% and 4% mortgage rates, county sales were 50% higher. When there is a shortage of existing homes for sale, new construction normally fills the void. That’s not happening because high development costs keeps the median listing price of new county homes at $950,000. We don’t have a shortage of buyers; we have a shortage of inventory in a price range the median-income family can afford.

In El Dorado County the median yearly household income is about $90,000. That’s not enough to buy

the county’s $600,000 median-priced home. A $90,000 income with today’s 7% mortgage will qualify buyers for a $450,000 home, provided they have a 20% down payment, no car loans, no student loans and no outstanding credit card balances. Assuming buyers meet those requirements, there are only a handful of homes to choose from.

Homebuyers searching El Dorado County’s listings will find 30 threebedroom, two-bath homes priced less than $450,000. The majority are listed in Pollock Pines or Kyburz. If buyers searched in Placer County they would find only six homes priced less than $450,000 and in affordable Sacramento County only 6% of the county’s listings are affordable to median income families.

Entry level buyers are facing an unprecedented combination of obstacles, including the highest mortgage rates in 22 years, a minimum selection of homes and home prices increasing faster than their wages.

Typically, when mortgage rates increase at a rapid pace, prices pull back or hold. When there is rapid price appreciation, sellers decide to take advantage of their good fortune and the number of listings increase. When inflation erodes earnings and savings, the demand for housing declines. The Federal Reserve has based its economic philosophy on those previous assumptions. While the Fed has been somewhat successful in its battle against inflation by increasing rates, it has not had the expected results on the real estate market.

The Fed has increased rates at the fastest pace in 40 years and, contrary to expectations, home prices continue to rise. Wages are not keeping pace with inflation which should decrease the demand for housing; yet demand remains strong. The number of listings should have increased with a 25% appreciation rate over the last three years; yet sellers

n See CALHOON, page 5

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 year round creek.

Fabulous lot on almost an acre and has one of the best view points in Grizzly Flats. Large level lot from the road to build on - then slopes to the seasonal stream. All walkable. Paved road, phone and electric to parcel.

$650,000 $26,000

1144 BROADWAY COuRt, PLACERVILLE

Good organization helps set students up for success

Tardy bells. Locker combinations. Yellow buses. Sack lunches. Shoes that give you blisters. School has officially started. And in households across America, the cries are sounding: “Where’s my homework? Have you seen my soccer shoes? You stole my charger! Hurry, we’ll be late!”

But not at Lynn Stone’s house. Two weeks before school started this year the mother of four teenagers looked ahead. Seeing that all four of her kids would be in high school, Stone, of Manhattan Beach, Calif., anticipated, “Life was about to get crazy and I wanted to get ahead of it.” So she called professional organizer Erica Thompson, owner of Organized by Design, to give her and her kids a running start.

“With the kids all involved in different sports and two working parents, the house is nonstop,” Stone told me over the phone last week. The day starts at 6 a.m. when her 15-year-old son goes surfing and ends at 9 p.m. when her 14-year-old daughter gets home from dance practice. In between, the other two teens are off to football and cheer.

I’m tired just thinking about it.

An interior designer, Stone said, “I know how to make my house look pretty, but I wanted it to be pretty and organized.” She also wanted to make sleep a priority for everyone. Amen! That meant streamlining the steps between getting up and getting out the door.

Enter Thompson. “Lynn knows that the more organized everyone is, the less time they waste,” said Thompson, who spent two days at the Stone residence working with the

four teens to make their rooms and study areas more efficient.

“The kids were on board from the

start,” Stone said. “Only one (the surfer) rolled his eyes and said, ‘Really, Mom?’ But now he loves how his room looks and works.”

Thompson started with the closets. “We did a big edit,” Thompson said. “In each child’s room we took out the old to make room for the new. If a closet is packed, you can’t see everything.”

To free up space, Thompson switched out all the bulky, assorted hangers and replaced them with slim, velvet ones — white for the girls, taupe for the boys. Finding clothes is a lot easier and the closets look better.

Thompson also made good use of underbed storage. “You have to do what works for each kid,” she said. “You might not want your underwear in a bin, but for one of the boys, moving socks and underwear out of the closet and into bins that slide under the bed made more sense to him.”

Having all pieces of a uniform easy to pull together also saves time. “You can’t simply switch out a cheer uniform’s green shirt if you can’t find it,” Stone said. “Plus, every cheer outfit has a different colored bow. You need all the pieces in the right place, organized and ready to go.”

Next Thompson worked on making the study areas inviting

and organized. “If they can sit down and have everything they need, and not be hunting for their chargers, they aren’t frustrated before the homework begins,” Stone said. Thompson loves seeing the transformation. “Kids often don’t realize how much better life can be if they start the day from an organized place,” she said. But now the Stone kids do. Here are more tips from Thompson to help timepressed parents get their students from their bed to the bus faster.

•A space of one’s own. A dedicated workspace that is visually appealing and well-organized helps kids build study habits. You need a desk, good lighting, a comfortable chair and a few personal touches. Without overcrowding the work area, add a photo of the student with family or friends, a few favorite books, a plant and maybe a fun color-coordinated pencil holder. “If you surround them with what they love, they will be

more motivated to settle down and do homework,” Thompson said.

•Drawers divided. Desk drawers often become chaotic catchalls. Take everything out. Refresh school supplies and use a drawer divider when putting items back. Drawer inserts make drawers visually calming and make finding supplies easier.

•Hook or nook. A place for everything is a key organizing principle and for students that means a place to park backpacks and bookbags. Whether a hook in the mudroom or a nook in the bedroom, backpacks should have a dedicated space (not the kitchen table) where kids can drop them when they get home and grab them when they go.

•A launch pad. Stone’s house doesn’t have a mudroom, but each teen has a launch pad in his or her room, an area where they put all they will need for school and sports the next day. In homes that have mudrooms, a dedicated

Set up for success — Professional organizer Erica Thompson (standing) helped Chandler Stone, 15, organize her bedroom and study area, so the teen could make the most of her limited time now that school is under way.

space there for each child also works.

•Baskets and bins. Corralling unwieldy items like toys, hats and bathing suits in labeled bins creates instant organization and makes it easy for kids to put things away and find them.

•Fuel stations. Active kids are often going from seven in the morning to seven at night, so need healthy snacks. Stone has a dedicated shelf in the pantry loaded with the kids’ favorite snacks, which they can grab as they go. Setting aside a shelf or drawer in the refrigerator stocked with lunch items can help older kids make their own lunches.

Marni Jameson is the author of six home and lifestyle books, including “What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want,” “Downsizing the Family Home – What to Save, What to Let Go” and “Downsizing the Blended Home – When Two Households Become One.” Reach her at marnijameson. com.

Marni Jameson At Home

Photo courtesy of Corinne Cobabe

Four reasons to update window coverings first

Serving

Publisher

Richard B.

Advertising director

Ian Balentine

reAl estAte

Advertising sPeciAlist

Wes Edwards

homesource editor

Krysten Kellum

contributing Writers

Ken Calhoon

Marni Jameson

grAPhics mAnAger

For Advertising: call 530.344.5059 or 916.502.0387

For

If you’ve been thinking about making improvements to your home and dreaming of the possibilities, you may be imagining expensive renovations or a complete design overhaul. The truth is, you can start with smaller projects that offer a big impact.

For example, one simple but effective and budgetfriendly project that’s frequently overlooked is updating your window coverings. This easy upgrade can have a significant effect on the aesthetics, energy savings and even safety of your living spaces.

Here are four compelling reasons why you should

consider updating your window coverings first.

1. Enhanced aesthetics. Window coverings serve as both functional and decorative elements, and they are highly visible both indoors and from the outside. You’ve probably already observed how outdated or worn-out curtains, blinds or shades can bring down the overall appearance of a room. By updating your window treatments, you can instantly infuse a fresh look that will complement your interior design style. The good news is that your window treatments don’t have to match the walls or trim. You can choose contrasting colors

from your existing walls or trim, or select a neutral color like off-white that will complement any decor. Especially if you’re envisioning making renovations like painting or wallpapering a room fairly soon, you’ll know that more neutral colors will likely go with any interior design choices you make in the future.

2. Improved energy efficiency. With energy costs on the rise, it’s important to consider how your window coverings may be affecting the energy efficiency of your home. One smart move is upgrading to energyefficient window attachment products, such

as those certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council for improved energy savings. The products will help with regulating your home’s indoor temperatures, as well as improving comfort for you and your family - while also helping to reduce your utility bills.

3. Ease of use. With today’s advanced technology, you can get even more out of your window coverings. Motorized and automated options with remote or smart home integration make adjusting your window treatments easier than ever, and you can even make adjustments right from your smartphone. As an added bonus, you can even close your blinds remotely while you’re away from your home, for additional security and privacy.

4. Safety improvements. Kids in the home? If you have corded window coverings, you may not realize that you have what the Consumer Product Safety Commission calls one of the “top hidden hazards in the home” as they may pose

a strangulation risk to infants and young children. Some homes may also have older window coverings that may not be recognized as a danger by new homeowners. It’s important to take notice of the window coverings wherever children live or visit, and make necessary safety updates.

It’s easier than ever to “go cordless.” Just look for products marked with the Best for Kids logo. Products with this logo either have no cords, no operating cords or inner cords that are not accessible and are also unable to create a hazardous loop. You can find Best for Kids labeled products at all major U.S. retailers. Learn more at WindowCoverings. org/best-for-kids.

Window coverings can be an important component of your home’s overall look, as well as contributing to its energy efficiency, comfort, safety and security. Refreshing your window coverings can be a straightforward, quick and impactful first step in renovating any of the rooms in your home.

Brandpoint Content

Courtesy photo

Window coverings can be an important component of your home’s overall look, as well as contributing to its energy efficiency, comfort, safety and security.

Calhoon Continued from 2

are staying put. This is the housing environment that rst-time buyers nd themselves in.

The social and economic bene ts of homeownership have been well documented. Ownership is the path to wealth creation for most Americans. Homeownership is the foundation of stable communities and a dependable tax base. To encourage ownership, the government provides homeowners with tax bene ts and has established favorable mortgage opportunities for homebuyers, including low and no down payment loan programs. These housing programs have assisted millions of families over the last 75 years to achieve homeownership and they continue to work where there are a ordable homes for sale. Tax and nancing incentives are meaningless, however, unless there are

homes that working families can a ord to buy.

The absence of entry-level housing is transitioning California from a state of homeowners to a state of non-owners who are controlling the politics of housing. The political ground has shi ed. California has dozens of tenant rights organizations advocating for more government rental assistance, free legal advice and protections from rent increases. Single-family zoning has been eliminated, allowing the building of multi-family rentals. New laws streamline building accessory dwelling units and multifamily housing. Billions of taxpayer dollars are spent for rental housing assistance. Meanwhile, entry-level families trying to nd a home to buy have few advocates. There are no advocacy groups lobbying for building more a ordable single-family

homes. No one is under political pressure to bring down prices or cap price increases. Instead, every new housing development receives neighborhood opposition and every year state and local governments increase the costs of building new housing, placing it further out of reach for homebuyers.

California needs a million single-family homes priced less than $500,000. Currently that’s 3% of what’s for sale in the state. Closing o the opportunity of homeownership to median income earning families is not acceptable. There are few things in life more important than this opportunity.

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

Sally Long Johns 530-306-0821

DRE# 222139011

5155 BReese ciRcle, el doRado Hills

Residential lot | Mls# 223043616 | $674,000

Build your dream home in the highly desirable Custom Serrano Community. One of the few remaining lots with unobstructed views of Folsom Lake! Custom Serrano is a prestigious community with a private golf course, 24 hour guarded gates, private club house with restaurant, walking trails and beautiful luxurious custom homes. It is located within the area’s top rated public school district.

645 KanaKa Valley Road, Rescue 10.33 acRes | Mls# 223046888 | $250,000

Gorgeous views of the American River, Sacramento Valley, and Sierra Foothills from this 10 acre lot in Rescue. Private, gated community offers very secluded and peaceful setting. Close to over 600 acres of BLM land with river access. Property has had $150-$200k worth of clearing for fire safety.

558 cRazy HoRse couRt, caMeRon PaRK .66 acRe | Mls# 223068106 | $299,000

Stunning Sierra and valley views! Conveniently located on a private, gated court close to Hwy 50, schools, shopping, and restaurants. Recently surveyed, the water meter and sewer are in and have both been paid for. Electricity to the site. Walking distance to Dave West park With a 2 story home there would views of Marble Valley and the lake below. No HOA or Mello Roos!

3 Beds, 3 BatHs | 2,253 sq.Ft. | Mls# 223048838 | $649,500

2 homes on almost 4 acres! Main home features 1840 sf, 2 bd/2ba, & single story living. Upgraded kitchen with granite counters, newer upgraded cabinets with wine storage, double ovens, electric cooktop, built-in microwave, fridge with ice maker, dining bar, & laminate flooring. Studio apartment above garage features private entrance, full kitchen, bedroom with full bath, & living area with wood burning stove.

Introducing a unique opportunity for developers and investors. This property offers 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

Callie Mirsky

471 FowleR lane, diaMond sPRings

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.

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.

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.

TABLEOFCONTENTS by type of listing

Information contained in Home Source MLS Listings are accessed each week, neither Home Source, Mt Democrat or McNaugthon Media /Publishing nor its authors guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein. Home Source, Mt Democrat or McNaugthon Media nor its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages, including exemplary damages, arising out of use, or with regard to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in Home Source. All rights reserved.

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.

Greater Cameron Park

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.

12601 RESIDENTIAL HOMES GREATER CAMERON PARK

12602 Residential Homes el DoraDo Hills

3950002693La Canada321469

3970003141Modoc

50015709530-672-4500

3216330.33050015353530-676-8900

4095002417Sandpiper3216000.20050031732530-676-2354

4200003097Cambridge322188

4390003427Oxford

4399003200United

50011310530-672-4500

3216220.33050019552530-676-8600

321536

50024838530-677-7801

4480003750Sheridan3217220.30050024081530-626-3333

4540003577Christa

321705

50033872916-404-2900

4655003451La Canada Dr.4219400.34050025853916-941-3830

5000002438Mellowdawn3220120.24050004250530-676-8600

5100003623Kimberly4218660.34050023612530-676-8600

5250003022Cayente4220880.18050018659530-672-4500

5390002535Country Club3324490.28050027400916-638-1177

5390003452Cambridge3220720.34050020234530-672-4500

5390003460Orinda

4225000.33050019758916-774-6700

5395003742Cambridge3328600.30050018639530-676-8600

5590002837Maryetta3222640.75050011880530-676-9609

5600002855Knollwood3324140.33050024612530-676-9609

5640003635Larkspur3224000.25050017057530-672-4500

5699003115Camerosa4335150.28050012540530-676-8600

5890002996Twin

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.

5327480.30050030434916-239-4200

6990004076Plateau4332220.24050018785530-676-8600

747700548Crazy Horse4228240.51040078954530-676-8600

7690003565Sudbury3346241.06050011648530-295-8440

7990003445Raben

3238000.23050026085916-965-3300

9600002521Greens Landing3235670.20040086632916-355-0202

12602 RESIDENTIAL HOMES EL DORADO HILLS

12603 Residential Homes sHinGle sPrinGs

12604 Residential Homes resCue/luneman

12702 Residential Homes el DoraDo, DiamonD sPrinGs

12605 Residential Homes

latrobe/sHinGle sPrinGs soutH

12703 Residential Homes Pleasant valley, PlaCerville soutH

12701

12704 Residential Homes somerset, mt. aukum, soutH County

12801 Resid ential Homes

Camino, CeDar Grove

12803 Residential Homes ameriCan river Canyon

12705 Residential Homes Coloma, lotus

12802 Residential Homes

PolloCk Pines

12901 Residential Homes GeorGetoWn, GarDen valley

12706 Residential Homes Greenstone, GolD Hill West

12707 Residential Homes mosquito, sWansboro

$2,999,000 Mls# 223018601

the hiStoric SMith FLat houSe iS For SaLe!

Currently a restaurant & event center. Perfect WEDDING VENUE with office space, event gazebo & courtyard, historic barn & residence. The famous 3 story building was built in 1853. Remodeled in 2007 with all new plumbing &electrical, quality labor & materials. Most of the original building is still intact with extensive structural modification to the foundation, walls & roof system. Added, communication and control wiring, security system and fire sprinklers, phone, internet hard wire & drainage systems throughout the property. The site includes 2 commercial kitchens with hoods, Coffee shop (not currently in use), 4 bars (main bar is in the cellar), Theater/Dancehall, Offices, steam room a& sauna. Also added was a lovely out side patio with Gazebo with removable glass panels, fountain, landscaping and outside bar. Most exterior stone wall are original and most windows and doors kept in same location. The Historic Freight Barn ~3600 sf & built in 1863 with original cobblestone floors. 70 parking spaces with 30 paved. An additional 5000 sf building pad with utilities stubbed. A residence is included 950 sf 2bd/1 ba.

Dre#01149568

Cheryl Webb (530) 306-0684 • Dave bolster (530) 409-2676

Dre#01191007

Dre#00996221

$299,000

Janine4real.com

Immaculate home in a private, old-timey setting has laminate flooring, a charming kitchen with vintage cabinetry, room for terraced gardens, and a fun deck with local views! New flooring, doors, and interior paint 2022. Get fit with walks to town and fun year-round events such as Brew Fest, Christmas Parade, Art Walks and more! Swim center, post office, bank, hospital, church, Benham Park, picnic facilities are all close by. Live the good life in a wonderful small town! No car is needed to live here! see movie tour: WWW.PlaCervIlleCottaGe.CoM

JanIne WaGGener (530) 295-5509

$520,000

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, Sept. 9 • 11-2pm 3997 Pearl Rd., Pollock Pines

coMe See hoW gooD LiFe can be!

This large cabin home is charming and has been a well-maintained getaway for many years. It boasts vaulted wood ceiling in living room, large game room with pool table (negotiable), central heat and air, extra paved parking at street level, and tons of storage including large sub area big enough to add more living space if needed. Backs to greenbelt giving you privacy with a beautiful, treed view. Located in desirable Gold Ridge Forest HOA with 2 pools, tennis courts, playground, frisbee golf course and more. Located just minutes from popular Sly Park recreation area with Jenkinson Lake. Pollock Pines is a beautiful mountain community offering boating, hiking, camping, biking and more. Just a short drive to Sierra Ski Resort. Only an hour from South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. It’s perfect for full time or vacation living. Imagine coming home to this mountain cabin. You’re finally home.

Dre#01440410 Janet gaut (530)306-0075

Dre#01356944

$1,295,000 Mls#223064096

WeLcoMe to beautiFuL appLe hiLL!

This gorgeous 10.8 acre property with beautiful views of the Sierra’s is surrounded by the farms & orchards of the Apple Hill Grower members. This is an outstanding opportunity for a family compound property with two residences: 3, 800sf five-bedroom house with the adjacent 2000sf annex, 2,750sf residence, and apartment above the detached garage. Total square footage between the three structures is approximately 8,350sf not including the detached garage. Or, you can occupy the five bedroom residence & enjoy rental income from approximately $3,500-$4,000 from the other residence and apartment. This is also an outstanding horse and agricultural property with 7 acres of irrigated pasture and excellent potential for vineyard or other crops along with a seasonal pond. Dave bolster (530) 409-2676

$800,000 MLS#223067153

4+ uSabLe acreS zoneD cg’’ coMMerciaL generaL

Boarding Hwy 50 with great exposures. Qualifies for Mixed Use Development which can equal up to 70% residential of the structures on site. 2 Existing Fire Hydrants within 200 ft. The house/Office, originally built in 1927. Owner began a remodel of building in 2006 and the county decided it was more than a remodel and reclassified it as a rebuild. Thus the entire building was rebuilt, foundation etc to current codes. Owner saved as much of the original structure, some of the extraordinary wood which was reconditioned and integrated into the finish of the interior. Resurfaced the floors so the current floors are reconditioned

Vertical Grain Red Fir & reclaimed wood for wainscoting. The exterior of the house was finished with cement siding to meet the new fire codes. The plumbing, electrical, alarm, phone, heating and AC, appliances etc are all installed new to current code. Kitchen/Break room has gas range, disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator, laundry hook ups, high efficiency on demand water heater and HVAC unit. Office also wired for cable and alarm system. Sewer is an on-site,designed for 500 gallons per day and expandable to 750.

Dre#01149568

Cheryl Webb (530) 306-0684 • Dave bolster (530) 409-2676

Dre#01191007

Mls#223047832

reMoDeleD 1930’s CottaGe In DoWntoWn PlaCervIlle!

MLS#223048461