Distinctive Properties, Premiere Napa Valley Real Estate: April 2021 by Napa Register

PREMIER

NAPA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

A Wine Country Lifestyle Magazine

Cover photo Courtesy of Yvonne Rich Yvonne Rich Exclusive Estates

APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 37, ISSUE 4 A publication of Napa Valley Publishing Company

Cover property information on page 3

Y O U R S I LV E R A D O S P E C I A L I S T PERFECTION AT ITS FINEST! This expansive property is situated on nearly 3/4 of an acre with breathtaking views of the Silverado South golf course, lake and mountains.The modern singlelevel construction was completed in 2009 and offers more than 4270sqft of living space, plus an sun/ entertainment room of 576sqft overlooking the pool and golf course.It has been tastefully designed for entertaining with easy access to indoor and outdoor amenities through the many windows, skylights and custom accordion doors. The natural lighting and highend, custom finishes are coveted by any discerning buyer. The open floor plan offers cathedral ceilings, a spacious kitchen, dining area and living room opening to the back yard with panoramic views. The 3 ensuite bedrooms plus office are all spacious including a luxurious master bedroom suite with an enclosed private garden and outdoor shower. The all-season outdoor sun/entertainment room features an outdoor kitchen, misters, heaters, fireplace and more living area to enjoy your custom pool and quiet evenings. The front entry is gated for privacy and leads into an oversize, 3 car garage with extra storage…This is the Crown Jewel of Silverado!

152 Kaanapali Drive Offered at $4,995,000

HIGHLANDS LUXURY Nestled in Silverado Highlands, this luxurious home offers stunning views of Silverado & Napa Valley. The private, one-of-a-kind back yard features a large waterfall, outdoor kitchen & BBQ, patios for entertaining, recently remodeled pool with water feature, spa and a viewing area overlooking the Napa Valley. Radiant downstairs living areas filled with natural light include living room and sunroom, both with fireplaces, formal dining room, family room with fireplace & kitchen with island any chef would approve - all with easy access to the amazing back yard. The spacious master suite is well-appointed with bedroom, office space, dual fireplace, 2 large closets, dual vanity, shower and jetted tub. The en suite bedroom features the perfect balcony to relax & enjoy the breathtaking views. Throughout the house are many custom amenities, including beautiful hardwood floors, indoor/outdoor sound system, 3 car garage, newer paint, newer hvac & a temperature controlled, 450 bottle wine room.

1160 Castle Oaks Drive Offered at $2,845,000

BILL KELLER Luxury Property Specialist 707.337.6693 BKeller@cbnapavalley.com www.BillKeller.com Lic. 01420013

1775 Lincoln Avenue, Napa, CA 94558

NAPA VALLEY‘S #1 REAL ESTATE COMPANY

©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

C OVER P ROPERTY

Ultimate Napa Valley Compound

1350NapaValleyCompound.com

Perched high above St. Helena, a magnificent execution of a modern stone & stucco contemporary farmhouse - 6,700+ sq ft, 3 br/4 ba main house, 2 br/2 ba stone guest cottage & 1 br/1 ba caretaker’s residence. Fine living always demands extra touches - this estate has a grand 2,400+ sq ft wine connoisseur’s cellar & wine tasting room for ultimate Napa Valley entertaining. Sited on nearly 12 acres w/ sweeping Napa Valley Countryside views, this estate offers a great room with intricate vaulted ceilings, ornate wood floors, richly crafted dining room & library, his & her offices, & a large whimsical kitchen with double islands. Sumptuous master suite & master bath w/ unique wall of glass looking out to an intimate fountain. The grounds are truly a vision - an artfully designed waterfall, pool, fire pit, outdoor bar/grill & extensive cobblestone patios. A private pond adds to the tranquility of the estate & boutique Chardonnay vines & fruit orchard truly make this a Napa Valley compound.

$7,900,000

YVONNE RICH 707-968-9888

yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET

ST. HELENA

BRE#01045780

Vineyard Paradise

33OakRock.com

Modern Architectual Jewel

8277RutherfordJewel.com

Magnificent Execution of Vineyard Estate | Sweeping Views of Rutherford AVA Vineyards A Full-Length Ridge Skylight | Lastest Most Efficent High Tech Glazing | 3 Bedroom Suites Master suite - A Private Oasis with Spa-Like Amenities $5,995,000

Local Experts Innovative Global Marketing YVONNE RICH Exclusive Estates

fabulousnapavalley.com

St . Helena Modern Contemporar y

149KnollPlace.com

YVONNE RICH 707-968-9888

yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET

ST. HELENA

BRE#01045780

Magnificent 110 Acres in St . Helena

110AcresNapaValley.com

Calistoga Countr y Retreat

3051CalistogaRetreat.com

$1,595,000

Local Experts Innovative Global Marketing YVONNE RICH Exclusive Estates

fabulousnapavalley.com

Modern Vineyard Estate

4447VineyardEstate.com

YVONNE RICH 707-968-9888

yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET

ST. HELENA

BRE#01045780

In this issue

Calistoga map

Jessel Miller: Giving back and paying it forward

St. Helena map

Calistoga Fit’s owners build muscle, community

22 Chris Craiker, Architex Angle: How 2021 remodeling will swap new home construction 23 Yountville map 32 Napa map 34 Gerrett Snedaker: North Bay real estate trends for March 2021 38 Burt Polson’s Real Estate in the Napa Valley: Revolutionize real estate with tokens 42 Chris Salese: Napa’s Loan Ranger: What does the new reﬁnance tax mean for you? 44 The correct way to clean your light switches and wallplates

APRIL 2021

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

46 Four easy one-day bathroom upgrades To advertise in Distinctive Properties or any Napa Valley Publishing outlet, contact Randy Dowis at RDowis@napanews.com.

istinctive Properties provides print and digital platforms for Napa Valley real estate and real estate related advertising. We feature property listings, open houses, articles and more in our magazine, newspaper sections, on our website and on our social media pages. NapaValleyRegister.com/homes

EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF SALES Davis Taylor 707-256-2234 davis.taylor@lee.net ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Randy Dowis 707-256-2229 rdowis@napanews.com

Distinctive Properties - Napa Valley @DistinctPrperty

PREMIER NAPA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

A Wine Country Lifestyle Magazine

1615 Soscol Avenue, Napa, CA 94559

Distinctive Properties makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Distinctive Properties is a registered trademark of The Napa Valley Publishing Company.

8 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

APRIL 2021

VA N G UA R D PR O PE RT I E S – N A PA –

ARRIVING SUMMER 2021:

O U R PR E M I E R N A PA O F F I C E

1345 RAILROAD AVENUE , SAINT HELENA

For mo r e in f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t Re g i o n a l D i r e c t o r J o s h D e m p s ey : 7 0 7 . 6 3 7 . 6 1 2 3 j d @ v a n g u a r d n a p a . c o m

vanguardproperties.com

DRE# 01486075

Find Your Napa Valley

Dream Home

NapaValleyRegister.com/homes

CALISTOGA Old Faithful Geyser

TUBBS LN

PETR IFIED FO

Heather Oaks Park

MITZI DR REST

MORA AVE RANCHO

HWY 128

Y EL WA MICHA

Napa County Fair Grounds

LAKE ST F

YRTL WM

Y ST BERR

T TH S OUR

D THIR

VIEW RD

CO LIN

E AV

E ST

T ND S SECO T NG S T ST SPRI FIRS een r pst Sha useum Cal r e e isto ST M Pion k ELM ga Par D ST R A R a R g E o G f ist Cal mber oce IN ST NKL FRA Cha mmer T EL S Co Post ANNA ST HAZ Offi ce T S PINE Y ST EDD

LEY AW D L R D OL TOLL

SILVERADO TR

R ST SILVE

HWY 29

GR ANT ST

TON ST

GOLD

R ST CEDA

L BLVD FOOTHIL

ST OAK

OAK ST

FAIR WAY

G WASHIN

ST LILLIE

LN MONEY

GRANT ST

ST CEDAR

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

O LINC

VE LN A

EAR

BRANNAN

Rea

lty

N W

E S

L ST

H WAS IN G TON

HWY 29

RIVER NAPA

Bothe Napa Valley State Park

HWY 128

Calistoga Realty 707-942-9422

1473-C LINCOLN AVENUE CALISTOGA, CA 94515

CHARMING OLD WORLD STYLE

ustom home with a dramatic great room and wood burning fireplace, beamed ceilings and French doors leading to patio, terraced gardens, soothing water features and large fish ponds. Sunroom is an ideal “work from home” space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking gardens, fruit trees, rose garden and nature. Two parcels, totaling 6.83 acres would make a perfect family compound just minutes to downtown Calistoga. $1,450,000

DEVELOPERS DREAM

ull views of Clear Lake, Mount Konocti and Clover Valley - 711 Acres with incredible potential. 1.5 miles of seasonal creek and numerous springs. An ideal opportunity, as 95% of the property is outside of the cannabis cultivation exclusion zone. With roughly 25 acres of flatland ready to be developed, potential for this property is vast. $2,950,000

ENCHANTED COTTAGE

uilt in 1940’s and tastefully updated, blending vintage charm with modern conveniences. The double gate entry opens into an English country garden with several areas for simply relaxing or gardening. Inviting living and dining room with wood floors and a gas fireplace with custom tile surround. Remodeled kitchen featuring a 6 burner AGA stove, Bosch dishwasher and a farm sink. French doors open out to a large brick patio with an arbor, ideal for casual dinners and entertaining. Raised vegetable bed, table grapes and mature landscaping are part of this charming setting. $945,000

Sharon Carone, Broker

Darlene Brissard, Realtor

Brian Durnian, Broker

Ziggy Gutierrez, Realtor

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

n Calistoga. Owner Occupied Professional office situated on a 9189 sq.ft, R-2 zoned lot plus the adjacent 7645 sq. ft vacant R-3 zoned parcel. Either use the existing building as a professional office or develop both parcels as one project. Talk to Calistoga Planning Dept about the possibilities.$995,000

MINUTES TO DOWNTOWN

his 17.28 acres parcel has an elevated building site with views of surrounding mountains, and vineyards. Property has a well, and a small pond. Plenty of room for a home and possibly a guest house, small vineyard, or horses. $640,000

BEAUTIFUL OAK STUDDED

TASTEFULLY DESIGNED RESIDENCE G

N DI

4 + acre parcel with views of neighboring hills. Build your dream home on this quiet and peaceful property located in Sonoma County and a short drive to downtown Calistoga or Santa Rosa. Approx. 3+/- acres that are usable and the remainder is hillside. $795,000

ompleted in 2019 with all of the latest in fire safety and green standards. Low maintenance landscaping w/ lawn area, raised garden beds. Large oversized garage and workshop. Workshop would be an ideal home office. 8+ acres with an additional guest house or barn site. Plenty of room for horses and there is even a small pond. $1,149,000

BREATHTAKING VIEWS

VALLEY FLOOR LOCATION

I ND

world unto itself, minutes to downtown Calistoga. This gated retreat is situated on almost 1 acre on Mt. St Helena affording panoramic views towards Storybook Vineyards and breathtaking sunsets. Main residence has been tastefully remodeled, including the updated kitchen and stylish bathrooms. A new 1200+/- sq. ft deck with spa provides plenty of room for outdoor entertaining or enjoying the views. Previous owners used the property as a 3 bedroom home, presently being used as 2 bedroom plus office. $775,000

Sharon Carone, Broker

Darlene Brissard, Realtor

uild your dream estate on this level building site, almost 1/2 parcel located in the City limits and close to downtown, Solage, Indian Springs and the new Four Seasons. Beautiful view of Mt. St. Helena off the back of the property. City water and sewer in the street available. $599,000

Brian Durnian, Broker

Ziggy Gutierrez, Realtor

Giving it back and PAYING IT FORWARD The COVID-19 pandemic inspired Napa artist Jessel Miller to new creative heights L AY N E R A N D O L P H “What is charity? Charity is the act of giving help to those in need of it. It is a humanitarian act. It involves giving money, goods, or time and effort to those who need it.” – Jessel Miller The year 2020 is gone, and suffice it to say, no one is unhappy about that. Here in the Napa Valley, 2020 hit harder than in other places because not only did a pandemic require 14 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

the closure and restriction of businesses, but two of the biggest and most destructive wildfires in Napa history ravaged the area. To say that the people of Napa Valley are resilient would be an understatement. There were also cultural upheavals in 2020 that battered and bruised many communities adding to the chaos. We watched natural

disasters threaten wildlife worldwide; we witnessed millions of animals suffering and dying in the Australian outback, thousands of fish washing up on shores around the world, and birds falling from the sky. It was a year. And the pandemic added an element that the world has not seen since World War II—a global crisis that indirectly pulled the planet APRIL 2021

together. One local woman, the iconic Jessel Miller of The Jessel Gallery, acutely felt the impact of these issues and did something about it. “Throughout my history in the Napa Valley, I have celebrated the area’s exquisite beauty, painting images that spotlight the unique tapestry woven into the countryside,” Jessel explained. “This valley has supported me and my gallery and artists for years, and I want to give back to the community.” Jessel started her career as a portrait artist, and in 1982, she had her first major exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. That exhibit focused on the faces of 25 well-known Bay Area personalities. She painted Maya Angelou, Herb Caen, and Dianne Feinstein, to name a few. Then she put portraiture away and opened the Jessel Gallery in 1984. On top of running and maintaining the oldest gallery in the Napa Valley for over 35 years, Jessel has thrown herself into many charitable causes. Perhaps best known as the artist behind “The Mustard Festival” artwork used on posters, brochures, and websites, Jessel worked with the festival for almost a decade and was instrumental in its success. The festival organizers first commissioned and highlighted her artwork for its branding in 1998. Then Jessel was inspired to write and illustrate a coordinating children’s book, “Mustard: A Story About Soft Love and Strong Values.” Over the next two years, she remained the artist behind the festival, and she conjured two additional whimsical and spiritual stories illustrated with her colorful, imaginative custom artwork: “Mustard: A Journey to Love,” and “Mustard: Lessons from Old Souls.” Later, she wrote three books on her own, including “Angels in the Vineyards,” which won the 2002 American Book Award for Excellence in Literature from the Before Columbus Foundation. Speaking specifically of “Angels in the Vineyards,” Jessel maintained, “It takes all the loving hands of our field workers to produce the crop we are famous for. We rarely take a moment to thank those who labor in the fields in hot and cold weather to bring us the fruit of the vines.” Writing this book was the beginning of her deep affinity for the local Hispanic community, a cause she remains committed to today. Jessel then donated thousands of these books to nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross and Toys for Tots. Over the years, Jessel’s artwork has graced marketing materials for a litany of causes and nonprofit events: Hands Across the Valley, The V Foundation, The American Cancer APRIL 2021

Jessel Miller

Noble One Horse Lover, by Jessel Miller

Jessel Miller

The Spirits are Speaking, by Jessel Miller

Foundation, Napa Valley Land Trust, Relay for Life, The Humane Society, Napa Valley Library, and the Lincoln Theatre, to name an illustrious few. And then 2020 turned her artistic direction upside down. “Something came over me. I began painting scenes and people from cultures around the world,” she said. “The new direction I took was a culmination of all my styles throughout my years as an artist. Faces, forms, abstraction, and color overtook my soul. Although I worked exclusively in watercolor over my career, I felt called to work in acrylics, which opened the creative floodgates. “I dove face-first into what has become the most productive year of my artistic life. I completed over 350 pieces of art in 2020. In past years, if I finished 10 pieces, I was thrilled.” She was “being guided,” as she put it, “to

paint current events with love, passion, hope, and truth.” She brought her artistic journey full circle and combined it with what was going on around us. And although she did not know it while painting, she created a series of works that align perfectly with the causes that need help right now. Jessel painted several series focused on wildlife and the environment, including painting an abstract elephant with the phrase “PLEASE SAVE US.” She began a series of abstract portraits with a series called “Honored Souls,” with paintings of Kamala Harris, John McCain, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, and Michelle Obama. She drew inspiration from a nurse on the news pleading with viewers to please treat the virus seriously and wear a mask. Jessel created a painting of a woman wearing a mask, titled “The Spirits Are Speaking,” dedicated to nurses and essential workers. Jessel’s most recent collaboration supports The ALS CURE Project, founded by Mike Piscotty and his son, Stephen Piscotty, right fielder for the Oakland Athletics. The father-son team established the organization following the ALS-related passing of the family’s matriarch, Gretchen Piscotty. The project raises funds to support vital cure research to determine the cause of ALS, and the group has tasked Jessel with creating an image to promote this mission. But the Napa artist’s lightbulb moment occurred when she came across display frames that she had painted decades ago to exhibit the artwork from The Mustard Trilogy at an exhibition at the Culinary Institute of Arts. “I had hand painted frames for 66 paintings that represented the pages of the three books. Clearing out the barn on my property, I discovered some of the frames we didn’t use and decided to rework them to fit my newest paintings. I hung them in the gallery filled with these new works, and it all came together—past and present,” Jessel explained. She realized that the hundreds of inspired pieces she painted this past year had a purpose. She could offer them to nonprofits and charities to promote their causes. Her works had helped raise funds for The Mustard Festival and so many other organizations, and they could help other groups looking for a visual to support and enhance their causes today. “I’ve been doing this work for 50 years, and who would have guessed that I would have an explosion of creativity at this point? But it has all come together, and it fills my heart to think that my work could help nonprofits raise funds for their needs. This is what my spirit is calling me to do now. This is the next phase of my creative journey.” DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 15

ST. HELENA MAIN ST

S To

R IN SP

OT ERAD V L I S To

s Ro a

OU M

ta an

N AI NT

T PRAT

AVE

RD N ON L FULT A

r Lib RA RY

E OAK AV

HUDSON AVE

Post Office

LIB

d ra ve Sil m y & eu ar M u s

all City H Fire & Police tment r Depa

AD AVE R AILRO

ON MADR AVE

S ST ADAM

Lyman Park

S ST ADAM

SPR

AVE

Lewis Station Park

T IN G S

MAIN ST

LEY VAL

NORTH CRANE AVE

DR HELL MITC

Meily Park

ALLISON AVE

POPE

CHURCH ST

HUNT

E ER AV TAINT

CHARTER OAK AVE

W VIE ST

VIDOVICH AVE

N W

E St. Helena Chamber of Commerce

MILLS LN

CRANE AVE

LAFATA ST

GRAYSON AVE

VINTAGE AV E

Crane Park HWY 29

DOWDELL LN

To SIL VERA DO

ST. HELENA REAL ESTATE NAPA VALLEY I SONOMA

NAPA VALLEY INDUSTRIAL FARMHOUSE

ST. HELENA COMPOUND

A newly constructed, unparalleled estate perched on 10.93 +/- private acres with sweeping views. 6 total bedroom suites.

1 +/- acres luxury estate featuring a single level main residence, guest house, and 3-car garage with studio above.

ST. HELENA

$16,950,000 I 861CONNVALLEY.COM

ST. HELENA I $6,325,000 I NAPAVALLEYHOME.ORG

MATT BJORNER 310.528.1768 I Mbjorner@gmail.com

JACQUELINE WESSEL 707.738.7338 I Jacquelinenapavalley@gmail.com

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

NAPA DREAM PROPERTY

Large parcel with two separate residen al units and walking distance to downtown St. Helena. Features two garages / storage units.

Magniﬁcently understated 5 bedroom home in the Silverado Country Club community designed for expansive indoor / outdoor living.

ST. HELENA I $1,400,000

NAPA I $4,100,000 I

MICHELLE WAGNER 707.637.3465 I Michelle.m.wagner78@gmail.com

IMPRESSIVE ST. HELENA RESIDENCE

UPSCALE COUNTRY COTTAGE

Minutes to Downtown, this upscale residence oﬀer 4 beds / 4 baths, pool, outdoor entertainment area, privacy and invi ng ﬂoorplan.

Beau fully maintained with upgrades throughout. 2 bed / 2 bath main co age with guest house, gardens, bocce and outdoor venues.

ST. HELENA I $2,750,000

CALISTOGA I $1,399,000

GAIL MORGAN LANE 707.291.0156 I Gail0634@gmail.com

STHELENAREALESTATE.COM 1346 Main Street , St. Helena, CA I 707.967.9570

LIC# 01026604

NAPADREAMPROPERTY.COM

Tim Carl LLC

Jacqi and Donavan Almond at their Calistoga Fit gym in Calistoga.

CALISTOGA FIT Donavan and Jacqi Almond build muscle, community TIM CARL

f you thought your life was complicated, meet the Almonds — Donavan and Jacqi — who own and operate two Napa Valley-based businesses, have four children (one with special needs) and still find time to be active participants in the local community. Since moving to the area from Atlanta, Georgia, in 2007, Donavan has become one of the valley’s most sought-after and popular fitness and wellness gurus, while Jacqi — a popular fitness instructor in her own right — is also a volunteer firefighter who spent much of the last two summers helping extinguish the 18 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

region’s numerous infernos. “We are busy but happy. We’ve found our home,” Donavan said. “The community is welcoming and supportive, and we believe that the future is bright for the valley — growing into more than a wine and food destination but increasingly becoming a fitness and wellness destination, too.” WHAT’S YOUR SUPERPOWER? The couple met while attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Jacqui studied sports marketing and Donavan focused on kinesiology — the study of human

movement and how it impacts health and well-being. Both intended to work within the world of sports, although their exact paths were not yet clear. Growing up, each had played sports and grown to appreciate the discipline, skill and dedication that were needed to reach the highest levels. They each had also developed a better understanding of their own strengths. “Everyone has their own superpower,” Donavan said. “Mine is awareness and Jacqi’s is tenacity. The combination has come in handy as we’ve built our family and our businesses together.” Donavan was born in Atlanta,

where his mother worked in the life-insurance business and his father worked as an engineer for BellSouth, the local telecommunication company. By the time he was 4 years old he was showing signs of his superpower, providing driving directions to his mother on the way home during family outings and having a keen awareness of the movement of people around him. “It was something that just came naturally to me,” he said, “but it has allowed me to help my clients over the years by focusing on and helping define, refine and strengthen their natural movements.” Jacqi gre w up outside APRIL 2021

Washington, D.C., where her mother worked in the postal service’s engineering department and her father was a physicist at a company she found out after his death was actually a secret division within the government. PERFECT TIMING After college the couple moved back to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University and obtain their masters degrees. Jacqi also worked with the Atlanta Falcons’ marketing team while Donavan took a personal-trainer position at a downtown athletics club. In what seemed like perfect timing, as their programs were wrapping up, a representative — Richard Hill — from a newly built Auberge-owned resort in Calistoga, Solage, came into the Atlanta gym for a workout. “Richard was in Atlanta for a meeting and we started talking,” Donavan said. “A few months later I moved to California and started working at Solage, and a few months after that Jacqi and I got married and moved here.” The whirlwind few months followed by a change from big-city life to rural living was a bit of a shock for Jacqi when she arrived. “I’m a big-city girl, and for a while I felt a bit disorientated,” she said. “It took a few years to find my footing, but now it would be hard for me to think about living anywhere else.” CALISTOGA FIT Fast forward from 2007, and although the Almonds no longer work at Solage they do provide personal-fitness services to many other local resorts — the Meritage, Carneros Resort and Spa and Auberge du Soleil. “We value [their] company’s expertise in all things fitness and health,” said George Goeggel, managing partner of Auberge du Soleil, “as well as their friendly, well-trained staff and their close ties to the Napa Valley community,” Like many young entrepreneurs, the Almonds have their APRIL 2021

and Fashion Federation Pro Card at the World Bodybuilding Fitness and Fashion International Worlds Competition in Las Vegas in 2015, when I turned 50.” Hoff still competes in the competition’s 35+ division. She is the oldest competitor onstage in the division and often places in the top 10 among international competitors.

Jennifer Bagwell Photography

Donavan and Jacqi Almond and their four children, Caleb, Isabella, Elijah and Dominic.

Tim Carl LLC

Donavan Almond of Calistoga Fit leads fitness classes in Pioneer Park when conditions allow.

hands in more than just one single type of activity. They own and operate Donavan’s Wellness Solutions, which assists local resorts, spas and gyms, and they also have their own smartphone app, the Calistoga Fit app that provides unlimited access to more than 100 fitness, yoga, meditation and other classes online. Beyond their work with local resorts and managing their virtual classes, the couple also operates a studio and gym in Calistoga where they provide personal training and live fitness classes. It is also becoming a common occurrence lately — when conditions allow — to see them leading dozens of people in socially distanced group-training sessions in Calistoga’s Pioneer Park just off the town’s main street.

BUILDING BODIES The client list for the Almonds is extensive and includes those looking to improve or maintain their health, rehab patients and assist both semi-professional and professional athletes. Hundreds of Napa Valley residents have hired and learned to value the Almonds — and their growing team of trainers — to help heal, improve overall health, strengthen, or prepare for triathlons, marathons and bodybuilding competitions. “I’ve trained with Donavan nearly 14 years, and we strength train six days a week in the outdoor gym he helped me design,” said Susan Hoff, co-proprietor with her husband, Duane, of St. Helena’s Fantesca Estate and Winery. “He helped me win a World Bodybuilding Fitness

BUILDING COMMUNITY Pat and Anne Stotesbery are proprietors of St. Helena’s Ladera Vineyards. The couple has been training with the Almonds since 2016, with two sessions each week at their home. “It feels like we’ve known them for more than four years because we’ve formed a really great bond/relationship, which I doubt is unique to us since they are both the sort of people you just have to like,” Pat wrote in an email. “The really cool thing is that they’ve done all this — made all these relationships and managed to also run a profitable business — which is the definition of bootstrapping your way to the American dream!” FIGHTING FIRE Like many locals, the Almonds were forced to evacuate during the 2017 Tubbs Fire. As they drove out of town, Jacqi couldn’t stop thinking about how she might help. Within weeks she asked friend and gym client Jeff Lemelin, a volunteer battalion chief for Sonoma County, what it takes to become a volunteer firefighter. One year later she was one. “Jacqi Almond has been with the Sonoma County Fire District since 2018, when she enrolled into the Volunteer Fire Academy at the Santa Rosa Junior College,” Lemelin wrote. “Since she joined she’s been on numerous [major] fires in a short amount of time — the Kincade Fire, the Glass Fire and the LNU Complex Fire, to name a few.” Since becoming a volunteer, Jacqi has become one of DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 19

Tim Carl LLC

Lemelin’s “go-to firefighters.” According to both Jacqi and Lemelin, firefighting is a physically demanding job that requires quick thinking, while improvising and adapting to overcome dynamic situations. “Jacqi is always professional, eager to learn, quick on her feet and flexible,” Lemelin wrote. “I think being a mom to four kids has prepared her to multitask and always have an eye out for the safety of others.” LEARNING TO SEE FROM OTHER POINTS OF VIEW Parents with children are always learning to adapt and remain flexible. Having four children — Caleb, 12; Isabella, 10; Elijah, 8; and Dominic, 4 — allows the Almonds ample opportunity to practice such skills and gain new insights. “Our oldest, Caleb, is autistic and we are constantly in awe at how he provides us a new way to see things from a different perspective,” Donavan said. “He is the biggest teacher. He doesn’t judge others, and he sees each person as who they are. He teaches us patience and empathy and teaches us ways to connect to others that we’d never considered. It’s not always easy, but we treasure all our children for who they are and where they are and what they teach us.” 20 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

Tim Carl LLC

BEING PARENTS IN A TIME OF BLACK LIVES MATTER “I didn’t grow up thinking much about race, but today I have to,” Jacqi said. “I never thought I’d need to tell my 8-year-old that he shouldn’t wear a hoodie sweatshirt outside at night, but that’s something we talk about. The community is warm and welcoming here, but there are those out there that make such conversations necessary.” Growing up in Atlanta provided Donavan with a certain point of view about race in America. “As we are seeing from the recent election results in Georgia, Atlanta is not shy about

talking about or dealing with race in America,” Donavan said. “I think that comes from the fact that many African American leaders came from Atlanta — Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Stacey Abrams and others. There are also African Americans at every level of the economic scale there. This, I believe, created an environment of confidence and helped lay a foundation for real positive lasting change.” THE FUTURE OF FITNESS IN THE NAPA VALLEY The Almonds envision Napa Valley becoming a health and wellness destination but also a region that has the makings of becoming a place on the

globe known for living longer, healthier lives. This idea, termed, “Blue Zones” in a 2005 National Geographic story, “The Secrets of a Long Life,” is not so much the end goal but more of a long-term vision for living in a healthy community. “Blue Zones create living and working habits that encompass a wellness/preventive mentality,” Stotesbery wrote. “In fact, Donavan and I were part of an early study group discussing the possibility of a Blue Zone application here in the Napa Valley. This is ongoing, and I am certain that if we ever get it really going, he’ll want to be a part of it. He talks this stuff because he believes in it and wants to contribute to it.” What the future of the Napa Valley becomes remains undetermined, but what is clear is that having innovative, entrepreneurial, community-centered families that live lives of service such as the Almonds is the lifeblood of any vibrant community. APRIL 2021

707-294-2559 • 333 3rd Street • Napa 707-864-8814 • 4685 Central Way • Fairfield 707-446-2815 • 591 Orange Drive • Vacaville www.PearsonsAppliance.com

The 2021 housing scene CHRIS CRAIKER

How remodeling will swap new home construction

Chris Craiker illustration

ith all of last year’s turmoil, few people expected the home remodeling industry to grow almost 6% from the previous year. 2019 was a banner year in itself with $383 billion in construction, and 2020 will add up to $405 billion. Four factors have spurred the growth: 1. Accelerated new home prices 2. Low inventory of for-sale existing homes 3. Wide-spread desire to get out of urban areas 4. Low interest rates by the Fed The spring 2020 economic uncertainty led to consumers of all ages and demographics desiring home renovations. At the same time, one demographic factor is the transition of boomers and older homeCHRIS owners out of their existing CRAIKER residence into smaller accommodations. Potentially 11 million homeowners will be moving on or out, while 15 million younger households will be scratching for homes. Interestingly, younger homebuyers, given the choice of a condominium or an existing fixer-upper, are more apt to pursue the latter and plunge into remodeling. Up to 40% of the kitchen and bath renovations are done by millennials and gen-Xers. This is not news to most realtors today: with the current high cost of obtaining the tarnished American Dream of new homeownership, young buyers are kicking the tires, or aluminum siding, for shelter. According to the LIRA, (Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity), Harvard Research is projecting slower growth in 2021 but nonetheless, 2% increases each quarter over quarter. The remodeling industry has doubled in 10 years. While new home sales are strong, they are still outside the reach of many younger households Naturally, every region is different. The North Bay has had an enormous amount of fire replacement and earthquake repairs that are still happening. Small repairs and basic one item improvements, such as new flooring, takes a different track than larger projects requiring multiple technicians and skills. Whenever multitasked renovations occur, the timelines and the construction costs escalate. 22 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

At the same time, construction materials have exploded and the supply lines are faltering. Lumber has exploded 55-63% in some areas. The timelines for construction have telescoped 20%. A project that should have taken four months, is taking five months or longer. What the market is still anxiously looking for is if COVID-19 will permanently affect our spending habits. An important milestone in determining if remodeling is narrative is the age of the last renovation. As a general rule, 16-20 years is the life expectancy of a remodel. As the finishes and sustainability disappears, the desire to catch up with the latest looks, materials and finishes start to wear through. The appetite to renovate one’s home, is greater among younger households who are more media savvy and aware of the latest trends. One of the biggest challenges will be finding professional contractors and sub-contractors. Many small contractors have fallen on hard times and are not coming back. The PPP of the CARES ACT helped 83,036 remodelers and sub-contractors with their payroll obligations, but there’s no assurance that they will be back. It becomes an open question on how many remodelers and professionals will be able to

survive into 2021 with the continuing market uncertainties that include longer construction times and disrupted supply chains. It would appear that the smaller contractors and professionals will be leaving while only long-term well capitalized businesses with a steady source of skilled labor will survive. Construction and renovation have been the first industrial sectors to emerge in every economic downturn or recession since World War ll. Small builders and contractors represent the vast majority of America’s home building and remodeling industries, not big corporations. These are the businesses that will generate jobs and raise the overall living standards in this country. Not the government, not the unions and certainly not the retail business importing cheap goods to sell out of big box stores or deliver to your door. The home building and renovation industry is the main engine that will take the US out of this economic quagmire. So, tell me this: why are kitchens getting humongous and people cooking less? Why have a huge kitchen island to eat your DoorDash delivery? Go figure. Chris d Craiker AIA/NCARB loves his 1880 butcher block island! APRIL 2021

YOUNTVILLE R ILL

D SS R

R LL D

N COL LIN

M ADA

FIN

R LL E N

ST NT

S FER JEF

U YO

N RO E PED AV KEY R A ST

T EK S CRE

N RL TE S E

VE TA N OU M

I ST

AVE

Oakville Rutherford St. Helena Calistoga

DIS MA

FIN

HWY 29

Yountville Park

E ST

EW VI

TA LL EN TL N

NRO MO

S AG ST

VE RA E B T B TS WE LD O MB HU

NE FIN

R LL

D T RS SPU K R ST LA RT R E LB MU

SH WA

Yountville Chamber of Commerce

Vineyard Park

IR KC A O

ING

ON SSI MI

N TO ST

E PR

SID

LA NO

TS EN

Athletic Field

AM CH

AV E

n ra te e e V rk ill l Pa v t a un o r i Yo em M

E GN PA

CA LIF O

GT ON

T TS UN YO

WA SH IN

UN TV ILL EC RO

T UN O Y

YOUNTVILLE

$2,795,000 Yountville

3 4 BEDS BATHS

17StagsViewLane.com • Large lot accommodates RV parking and hookups • Pool outdoor kitchen • Loft area for home oﬃce

• Custom Chefs kitchen • Three bedroom suites • Warm floors throughout • Wine cellar • Outdoor home theater

$1,450,000 Napa

1 ACRE

1145 Ragatz Lane This rare one acre parcel is located just to the south of Yountville on the valley floor close to restaurants, shopping and wine tasting. Permitted plans for a gorgeous 2400sq ft, single story modern farmhouse with 2 car garage and the option for a pool, are included. Many improvements have been made including: Approved Engineered Septic system Plans & Permit,All Civil /Soils Engineering for Grading, Erosion Control Encroachment and Flood Plain Permits per County and FEMA, PGE 400 amp dual meter for domestic and well installed, Building pad/site has been cleaned.The building process can move forward at an expedited rate, with all the work that has already been completed for you. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of a nice size parcel with all these improvements in a sought after location.

$1,250,000 Napa

2 2.5 BEDS BATHS

153 Milliken Creek Great location on the 12th tee of the championship North Course of Silverado Country Club. Enjoy the wonderful views of the golf course and sunsets from the oversized deck.This huge condo features massive vaulted ceilings in the great room, beautiful built-in cabinetry, new carpet and laminate floors through out. Large great room and dining room with golf course views. Great kitchen and breakfast nook are perfectly appointed. Freshly painted inside and out and ready to enjoy.Two car garage plus the golf cart garage, with the golf cart included!

Cyndi Gates Broker Associate 707.333.7770

CyndiGates.com 6550 Washington St. Yountville, CA 94599 CalDRE#00711618

535 Viewridge Drive Angwin | $1,795,000 3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 2,853 SF | 1.69 acres Peace, tranquility and privacy awaits in the rolling hills of the Napa Valley. Just minutes to St Helena, this one of a kind retreat truly embodies healthy living for mind, body and spirit. Designed to enjoy the stunning views, folding doors open from the main living area to the pool deck and guest house for indoor/outdoor living. Phantom screens appear with the touch of a button to protect you from the elements. The kitchen is a Chef’s dream featuring a La Cornue dual fuel range with double ovens, Liebherr refrigerator, soft close lacquer cabinets and under cabinet refrigerator drawers. The master suite has vaulted ceilings, a large walk-in closet and a sitting area with access to the pool, Jacuzzi Infrared Sauna and outdoor shower.The property has a whole home water ﬁlter, 30 owned solar panels, earth and plaster walls,vinyl pool with ozonator, fountains, river flow current and automatic cover, a guest cottage, an Art studio and a workshop/garage. Your Napa Valley dream is here.

Mark Tate Broker Associate 707.337.2057 lic.#01321104

1066 Century Drive Napa | $1,088,000 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2,307 Square Feet

Great location on a quiet street in Browns Valley. This upgraded tri-level home features a bedroom and full bath with a walk-in shower on the ground floor with no stairs access. Formal living and dining rooms with wood flooring and a beautiful kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and lots of storage. Large open family room has wood floors, gas ﬁreplace and bar with wine fridge. Master suite has a double door entry with his and hers closets. Big backyard deck for entertaining and a low maintenance yard with raised garden beds.Just a short walk to Century Park and Browns Valley Market.

Mark Tate Broker Associate 707.337.2057 lic.#01321104

10ForresterLn.com Yountville | $1,729,000 3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 1,976 Square Feet Yountville perfection. Tucked away in the north west corner of Yountville sits this beautifully updated two story home. The remodeled chefs kitchen features quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, wolf range and a hammered copper farm sink. The flowing floor plan is perfect for those family gatherings or epic Napa Valley dinner parties with plenty of room to entertain. Stepping out to the backyard you will find your own personal oasis.The large yard features a flagstone patio, coved pergola,water feature, raised stone garden beds and a gas fire pit that is perfect for peaceful evenings sipping your favorite Napa Valley wine. The master suite features a beautifully remodeled bathroom with walk in shower, double sinks and walk in closet. Extra features are a spacious upstairs bonus room that can be used for a home office, media room or guest accommodations. Quiet location, beautiful finishes and close distance to downtown Yountville make this the home you do not want to miss!

Mark Fowler

Michael Bertolucci

Sales Associate 707.225.1441 lic.# 02056702

Owner 707.333.7772 lic.#01724725

1906OakCircle.com

0 Madrona Ave

Yountville | $2,049,000

St. Helena | $1,485000

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,667 SF

buildable lot | .5+/- Acres

Desirable Oak Circle location Completely remodeled with a reconﬁgured floor plan Backyard features outdoor dining/ sitting area & spa Custom ﬁnishings and beautiful architectural design

Private and secluded build lot Just below the western hills of prestigious St. Helena Cleared and ready to build Great opportunity for your Napa Valley dream home

11074thAve.com

131VineyardCir.com

1044 Eastridge Drive

Napa | $1,259,000

Yountville | $849,000

Napa | $90,000

3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,273 SF

2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,154 SF

buildable lot | .3+/- Acres

First time on market in 50+ years Quiet East Napa location Approx. 1.2 +/- acres Gated property with countless amenities

Stunningly remodeled Yountville condo Hardwood floors throughout Private wine room Designer ﬁnishes, sold turnkey

Fire debris cleared Berryessa Highlands lot Panoramic views of Lake Berryessa and Steele Cove

4080 Atlas Peak Rd | Napa $7,500,000

446 Montecito Blvd | Napa $1,595,000

3 beds | 2.5 baths | 3,300 SF

3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 3,143 SF

Kelly Norris 707.294.8885 k.norris@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01874429

Mackenzie Anderson 707.322.2327 m.anderson@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01954457

1010 Myrtle St | Calistoga $1,230,000

6870-A Jeﬀerson St | Yountville $1,175,000

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2,216 SF

2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,215 SF

Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062

Vincent J. Ruggiero 707.479.8052 v.ruggiero@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01077425

1645 E St | Napa $999,000

145 Ridgecrest Dr | Napa $649,000

3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | 1,811 SF

4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2,000 SF

Mackenzie Anderson 707.322.2327 m.anderson@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01954457

Lee W Miller 707.266.1585 l.miller@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01874685

Napa Valley’s Only Locally Owned & Operated Sotheby’s Realty Oﬃce

Dry Creek Road | Napa $599,000

Linda Falls Terrace | Angwin $449,500

buildable lot | 2.89± acres

Buildable lot | 1.63± acres

Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062

Jeﬀ Veness 707.227.2827 j.veness@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01486001

2410 Harness | Pope Valley $330,000

7 La Cuesta Ct | St Helena $319,000

2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 2,678 SF

2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,440 SF

Jeﬀ Veness 707.227.2827 j.veness@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01486001

Teresa Barboza 707.318.9900 t.barboza@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01312062

Westridge Drive lot 242 | Napa $45,000

1074 Westridge Drive #252 | Napa $40,000

buildable lot | .31± acres

buildable lot | .22± acres

Margaret Schloezer 707.495.5027 m.schloezer@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01842724

6550 Washington Street | Yountville, CA 94599 707.944.0888 | vintagesothebysrealty.com Each oﬃce is independently owned and operated

Margaret Schloezer 707.495.5027 m.schloezer@vintagesothebysrealty.com lic.#01842724

NAPA YAJOME ST

YOUNT ST

VALLEJO ST

ST ST

SE M IN AR Y

CLINTON ST

SE CO N

Napa Valley Wine Train

PEARL ST

FIR ST ST

Napa Visitors Bureau

Napa Chamber of Commerce

CAYMUS ST

FIRST ST

FIRST ST China Point Park

ST SECOND ST

N W

E S

1030 Third St., Napa, CA (707) 226-1823

RIVERSIDE

OM CO

FOU

SIXTH ST

BR OW N

O ND A R

H LP

BURNELL ST

N C apa Libounty rar y

SOSCOL AVE

ON W IL S

THI

FIFTH ST

IN KL N A FR

Veterans Park MAIN ST

D IV ISIO N

ST K OA

EN EV

RTH ST

COOMBS ST

FOU

THIRD ST RANDOLPH ST

FRANKLIN ST

SCHOOL ST

OA K

WATER ST

EIGHTH ST

BAILEY ST

EN JEF FE RS

W AR R ST CO LL EG E

LK ST

AR RO YO ST

McKINSTRY ST

MAIN ST

CL AY

CA LIS TO

BROWN ST

NAPA ST

RTH ST

J I L L L E VY

SELLING NAPA VALLEY

R E A L T O R

BEDS

BATHS

1/2 BA

$9,495,000 Napa

600 Alta Mesa Place Hanwell Hill hillside estate in a private setting on over 239± acres with 6 hiking trails, vistas and rock outcroppings with approximately 10-25 plantable acres. Contemporary interior design and Mediterranean architecture with most all living areas on main level. HanwellHillEstate.com

BEDS

BATHS

1/2 BA

$4,475,000 Napa

18 Old Coach Road Stunning view property in a gated setting on east side of Napa. Mostly single level custom home with primary living areas on the main level. Perfect synergy of indoor/outdoor living with multiple outdoor entertaining areas. Temperature controlled wine cellar and whole house generator.

BEDS

BATHS

1/2 BA

Napa

1040 Loma Vista Drive Brand new construction modern farmhouse design with stunning views in a private/serene setting. Phenomenal ﬂoor plan with great room concept offering vaulted exposed beam ceilings with clerestory windows, and ﬂoor to ceiling walls of glass that showcase the extraordinary views.

BEDS

BATHS

$3,995,000 Napa

3109 Dry Creek Road Vineyard estate building site in a private/gated setting minutes to Yountville and downtown Napa with 4± acres of Oak Knoll AVA Cabernet farmed by Renteria Vineyard Management. Single level Mediterranean style home built in 1994 overlooking the valley ﬂoor, in need of updating.

Jill Levy, REALTOR® Real Estate Agent Lic. #01230055 Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty 780 Trancas Street, Napa, CA 94558 Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty Top Producer - #1 Agent, Wine Country 2018, 2019, 2020

$4,950,000

707.479.9612 | J.Levy@ggsir.com NapaHomesAndEstates.com

North Bay real estate trends GERRETT SNEDAKER, CRB YEAR OVER YEAR COMPARISONS In mid-March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared and all parties were told to “Shelter in Place”. This basically shut down the residential real estate industry through the month of April 2020. The market then accelerated rapidly in May through October. Year over year statistical comparisons are therefore going to be GERRETT SNEDAKER skewed by these market aberrations. NORTH BAY REAL ESTATE TRENDS FOR MARCH 2021 For all of the areas covered by our Multiple Listing Service (BAREIS), which includes Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties, there is an inventory of 1,450 homes and condominiums for sale at the end of March. Inventory is 41% below that of a year ago (2,437) and slightly ahead of the inventory last month (1,431). At times, the inventory has exceeded 10,000 homes in the BAREIS region. There were 1,858 sales for the month of March. This number is 72% above a year ago (1,082) and 34% above last month (1,386). I have been following a data point I call the “Price Reduction Ratio”. Across the country, one might expect that 30 to 35% of the homes put into the MLS to sell will have a price reduction before they eventually sell. For March 2021, of all closed homes in Napa County the price reduction ration was 21%. Conversely, the ratio of homes selling in excess of Original List Price was 49%. Napa County: The inventory of homes and condominiums available for sale in Napa County at the end of March (208) is 31% below the inventory in March 2020 (302) and it is 7% below the inventory last month (223). Sixty-two percent of the inventory in Napa County (129 properties) is priced at $1,000,000 or above. New sales (176) are 110% ahead of the pace of last year (84) and are 60% above the 110 sales last month. There is a 1.2 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace compared to a 2.0 months supply last month. The Days on Market for homes closing in Napa County 34 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

is currently 69 days. For the purpose of our MLS (BAREIS) “Days on Market” represents the time from when the property is first listed in the MLS to the date the property goes into “pending” (all conditions removed) status. On average, it can take anywhere from 0 to 30 additional days for properties to close after going pending. The median price of the 129 homes closed in March in Napa County ($810,000) is 11% ahead of the median price of a year ago ($720,000). Over the past four months, Napa County homes are selling at roughly 94% of original list price. Napa County Luxury Homes: If one takes the highest quartile (25%) of available inventory as the “Luxury Market”, the Luxury Market begins at $2,900,000 in Napa County at this time, down from $3,250,000 last month. There has been an increase of 112% for the number of closings (89) of Luxury Homes (sales price in excess of $2,900,000) in Napa County for the period 4/1/20 to 3/31/21 compared to 42 closings in the period 4/1/19 to 3/31/20. There are 52 luxury homes in inventory at the end of March 2021 compared to 59 at the end of March 2020. There were 15 new Luxury Home sales in March compared to 2 last year and 6 last month. This results in a 3.5 months supply of available Luxury Homes based on the current sales pace compared to a 1.2 months supply for the County as a whole. Days on market for the 8 luxury homes closings in March was just 163 days. Over the past four months, Napa County Luxury Homes are selling at roughly 88% of original list price. Napa: Fifty-three percent of the inventory in Napa County is in the City of Napa. There are 110 available homes and condominiums in inventory at the end of March in the City of Napa. This is 33% below the supply at the end of March 2020 (164) and it is 13% below the inventory at the end of last month (127). New sales (125) were 112% ahead of the pace of March 2020 (59) and they were 60% ahead of the pace of last month (78). There is a 0.9 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 89 closings last month was 63 days. The median price of the homes that closed in the City of Napa in

for March 2021

March was $810,000. This is 18% ahead of the median price of the homes closed in March 2020 ($688,000). Upvalley Napa County: The inventory of homes and condominiums for sale in the Up Valley Napa County market (Angwin, Calistoga, Deer Park, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Yountville) at the end of March (77) is 14% below the level of 89 in March 2020 and it is essentially equal to the inventory last month (78). There were 36 new sales this month compared to 9 a year ago and 16 last month. There is now a 2.1 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 25 closings last month was 106 days. Approximately 46% of the Luxury Market inventory (price in excess of $2,900,000) in Napa County is in the Up Valley Market (24 homes). This is down from 66% last September. There were three luxury home (price in excess of $2,900,000) closings in the Up Valley Market last month and there were six new luxury home sales. In Angwin in March, inventory went up 20% to 18 homes compared to 11 a year ago and 15 last month. There were five new sales in Angwin for the month. American Canyon: There are only 5 available homes and condominiums in inventory at the end of March in American Canyon. This is 62% below the inventory a year ago (13) and it is slightly above the supply last month (3). There were 6 new sales in the month. This is 40% below the pace of last year (10) and 50% below the 12 sales last month. There is a 0.8 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. American Canyon remains the tightest market in Wine Country. The Days on Market for 8 homes that closed in American Canyon last month was just 14 days. The median price of the homes that closed in American Canyon in March ($737,000) was 5% ahead of the median price of a year ago ($700,000). $737,000 is the highest median sold price ever recorded for this market. The average price per square foot of the homes sold in American Canyon remains in the $275 to $300 range. For more information, please contact Gerrett Snedaker at 707-939-2009 or gsned@winecountrygroup.com. APRIL 2021

Contemporary Home with Vineyard 4bd/5ba/6698’ 12+ acre gated property minutes to downtown Napa with 7.8 acres Chardonnay and .09 acre Cabernet Sauvignon.

Monticello Road Vineyard

Mark Lesti

707.320.8950

$7,200,000

N. 3rd Avenue Privacy 5bd/3ba/3547’/2.2ac So close to downtown Napa, yet worlds away with elbow room, spacious living, and a pool. www.2051NorthThirdAve.com Mark Lesti

707.320.8950

$2,795,000

Views at Silverado CC 4bd/4ba/4408’/.56ac Nearly every window provides sweeping views of the mountains, valley, and Silverado Golf Course and Country Club, while bringing wonderful light inside. Lives like a single-story with Primary Bedroom Suite and Guest Bedrooms on Main Level...and Bonus Room, Bedroom, Office, and Bath on Lower Level. No HOA here. www.20BurningTreeCt.com Mark Lesti Christine Lesti

Christine Lesti 707.320.8999 Lic#01854423

707.320.8950 707.320.8999

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 Lic#01784430

$2,350,000

Hanan Kim 602.579.5927 Lic#01982155

13.49 acres

Adjacent to “Contemporary Home with Vineyard” lies this gated Napa Valley vineyard opportunity with 10.6 vine acres planted in chardonnay. Possible building site suitable for a high-end residence with fabulous views of vineyards and distant Western hills. 707.320.8950

$4,000,00

Contemporary Getaway 4bd/4ba/3320’/10ac Private, tranquil, exclusive country get-away on Napa’s east side near famed Stagecoach Vineyards, with main house, guest house, Workshop, Swimming Pool, and a 5-acre vineyard-ready plot with an already approved erosion control plan. www.3580SodaCanyonRd.com Mark Lesti

707.320.8950

Alta Heights Views and Privacy

$2,499,000

4bd/3.5ba/4114’.48ac

Beautiful Alta Heights area home. Modern and striking architecture, privacy and views. Located down a secluded driveway. Very close to downtown Napa. Huge great room area. Chef’s kitchen with stainless high-end appliances. Huge master suite on the lower level; with double French doors leading to the back yard. Several areas for large and small home offices. Walk-in wine cellar with Venetian finish walls and temperature control. Upgraded LED lighting, water heaters and fixtures. The garage is a car-lovers delight with epoxy floor, generous cabinet spaces, new motors and backup battery system. This one is the complete package!!! www.1104ClarkStreet.com Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 Christine Lesti 707.320.8999 $2,299,000

Paul M. Everett 707.299.9949 Lic#02016753

Sarah Peyton 707.339.2163 Lic#01869521

Ted Stumpf 707.246.9825 Lic#02020069

Rigo Guijosa 707.540.3615 Lic#02055858

(707) 226-1823 | 1030 Third Street, Napa | TheLestiTeam.com WINDERMERE NAPA VALLEY PROPERTIES IS A MEMBER OF WHO’S WHO IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE AND OUR LISTINGS ARE FEATURED ON WWW.LUXURYREALESTATE.COM.

Monticello Park 3bd/3ba/2184’/.56ac Single-level in Napa’s prestigious east side neighborhood, close to Downtown Napa, Silverado Country Club, and the Napa Valley Country Club. Incredible Garden with plenty of room for a swimming pool! www.1180RossCir.com

East Side Single Story 3bd/3ba/1807’/0.5ac Fully remodeled home on large, entertaining half-acre lot with bocce ball court, fire pit, workshop, and extra storage. www.1030HagenRd.com

Mark Lesti Christine Lesti

Brendan Lesti Mark Lesti

707.320.8950 707.320.8999

$1,825,000

Two Units on One Lot 5bd/4ba/2512’/.24ac Recently updated units offering charm and modern amenities on a large, enjoyable lot. www.1032PuebloAve.com

707.337.0659 707.320.8950

Alphabet Streets

$1,149,000

3bd/3ba/1008’

Updated, convenient living with charm in historic Spencer’s Addition. www.1538DStreet.com

Mark Lesti

707.320.8950

Contemporary & Convenient

$1,275,000

4bd/2.5ba/2166’

Mark Lesti

707.320.8950

West Side One Story

$899,000

3bd/2ba/1672’

Open & airy layout with lots of natural light, centrally

Impeccably maintained home in highly regarded Dry

located to everything in Silverado Creek neighborhood.

Creek Village. Single-level living in a great floor plan with

www.8FireflyLane.com

a fantastic back yard. www.2431WineCountryAve.com

Mark Lesti

707.320.8950

$880,000

Ted Stumpf

707.246.9825

$799,000

Gary Prince 707.227.7282

Nick Valdivia 707.225.5810

Brendan Lesti 707.337.0659

Ashley Cloud 707.320.8040

Dean Castelli 707.694.8294

Steven Adams 707.334.7506

Sheree Moorhead 707.287.6665

Lic#01735857

Lic#01980975

Lic#01855197

Lic#02112543

Lic#02113716

Lic#02114770

Lic#02118199

REAL ESTATE IN THE NAPA VALLEY

Dreamstime

Revolutionize real estate

WITH TOKENS B U RT P O L S O N b ur t@acre s i nf o. com

A token represents something of value, a quality, or even a feeling. In the past, the paper dollar represented its face value in gold. A digital token on the blockchain could represent the securitization of real estate. A SECURITY TOKEN The securitization of real estate is not new. We have been taking real estate, an illiquid asset, and packaging a property or several properties into a tradable token. Tokens could be through the traditional ownership of units of a private equity BURT fund like Napa Valley Fund POLSON One of StoneMarkerInvestments.com or shares of a real estate investment trust (REIT). Creating a digital security token is done when a property owner, developer, or sponsor of an offering tokenizes the opportunity on the Ethereum blockchain via a smart contract. For example, suppose the sponsor plans to acquire a 100,000 square foot commercial shopping center for $50 million. In that case, they could have one token, equal to one share, equal to one square foot selling each token for $500. The initial sale of tokens is called a security token offering (STO) and is listed on a cryptocurrency exchange or sold through a FINRA (Financial Industry 38 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

Regulatory Authority) listed institution. Tokenizing real estate investments still need to be registered as exempt security. Still, new regulations open the door to nonaccredited investors as well as investors globally. It also creates what has been in the past an illiquid asset into an easily tradable one. THE NON-FUNGIBLE TOKEN (NFT) Mainstream media news is exploding in digital NFTs with the sale of a digital work of art selling for $69 million. The buyer essentially purchased the digital token on the Ethereum blockchain, representing the jpeg of the digital art. The only right the buyer has is to view and sell the art. Like physical art, they do not own the copyright, but now using NFTs own an easily exchangeable form of art. Something represented as being “fungible” or “non-fungible” comes from the realm of law. A fungible asset is interchangeable with another same but separate asset. Commodities, stock, or dollars are good examples. Examples of non-fungible assets are art, diamonds, collector cars, and real estate— no two are alike. NFTs are trendy and highly speculative. You can purchase a short video clip of your favorite NBA player making a good shot, a famous tweet, or the latest meme as an NFT. I project we will see NFTs finding a

prominent position in real estate. In holding and transferring real estate, we use a centuries-old system of a purchase agreement contract and, with the help of a title company or attorney, a recorded deed. NFTs are paving the way for a specific property to have its own unique digital token, or identity, on the Ethereum blockchain. By creating a smart contract, the transfer of ownership of a property can occur in seconds. The distributed blockchain ledger creates an archive of all transparent transactions. With the blockchain ledger public and secure, no one entity controls the ledger, with the transactions quickly confirmed. The owner possesses the only private key for control and immutability. Digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technologies are expanding rapidly with new coin use cases and tokens created daily. I find the industry is changing so quickly that new technology is about to emerge as we learn how to use the current technology. Burt M. Polson is the CEO of ACRESinfo. com, a commercial real estate brokerage company and CEO of StoneMarkerInvestments.com, a private equity real estate fund. Call him at (707) 254-8000 or email burt@acresinfo.com and burt@ stonemarker investments.com. APRIL 2021

DISTINCTIVE ®

PROPERTIES Find us on Facebook

Facebook.com/DistinctivePropertiesNapaValley LIKE US AND STAY UP TO DATE Premier Napa Valley listings • Latest real estate news Interior design concepts • Remodeling ideas Housing trends • Wine Country events

Searching for a new home? You can start here.

NapaValleyRegister.com/homes Pick your beds, baths, price and neighborhood and we do the search for you!

NAPA COUNTY’S LATEST HOME SALES* ADDRESS

RECORD DATE

SALE PRICE

BED BATH SQ FT YR BLT Single Family

American Canyon

ADDRESS

RECORD DATE

SALE PRICE

BED BATH SQ FT YR BLT Single Family

St Helena

81 DEERPARK LN

1/22

$380,000

1,056

1988

976 MCCORKLE AVE

1/20

$1,350,000

1,716

2004

15 JOAN DR

1/29

$420,000

1,717

1954

826 SIGNORELLI CIR

1/22

$1,618,000

2,217

1998

5 MONTEREY DR

1/26

$490,000

1,032

1957

2325 SPRING MOUNTAIN RD

1/27

$1,850,000

1,831

1973

209 CAROLYN DR

1/25

$547,000

1,757

1954

1750 DEAN YORK LN

1/29

$5,000,000

3,419

1950

6 VINE TERRACE WAY

1/25

$585,000

2,916

2000

Yountville

Single Family

Napa 198 ALMOND AVE

1/20

$226,000

840

1943

2371 EVA ST

1/29

$350,000

1,120

1955

2594 FIRST ST #D

1/20

$555,000

1,442

2596 FIRST ST #A

1/26

$575,000

1801 F ST

1/14

$580,000

2651 BRADFORD ST

2/25

$585,000

801 FOSTER RD

1/14

159 WINGARD CIR

Single Family

6630 JEFFERSON ST

2/1

$2,000,000

1,646

1880

Condos

Napa 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #410

1/22

$335,000

429

1968

2018

562 RAINBOW DR

1/26

$565,000

1,587

1981

1,463

2018

327 PEAR TREE TE #H

1/14

$596,000

1,472

2020

922

1948

339 PEAR TREE TE #E

1/20

$675,000

1,843

2020

1,646

1948

327 PEAR TREE TE #D

1/22

$684,000

1,843

2020

$625,000

1,221

1955

351 PEAR TREE TE #C

1/14

$691,500

1,843

2020

1/27

$685,000

1,551

1999

1190 HAYES ST

1/25

$690,000

1,000

1938

4372 PLASS DR

1/25

$729,000

1,652

1967

11/25

$742,500

1,375

1968

142 MOSS LN

1/28

$835,000

1,622

1996

3308 TWIN OAKS DR

10/9

$850,000

1,761

1983

5 WHITE TAIL DR

1/29

$875,000

1,988

1993

3/2

$908,500

1,655

1960

4417 SPRINGWOOD CT

1/25

$930,000

2,004

1970

2074 WAVERLY ST

2/16

$1,002,500

1,785

1955

Pope, Chiles, Wooden Valleys

1571 PARK AVE

1/29

$1,125,000

2,415

1932

2555 WAGON WHEEL DR

1/29

$175,000

1,560

2008

1129 WESTVIEW DR

1/29

$1,385,000

2,803

1993

54 JUNIPER DR

1/20

$575,000

1,430

1984

1/8

$1,599,000

1,990

1969

9138 STEELE CANYON RD

3/2

$810,000

1,344

2016

3455 WESTMINSTER CT

3/22

$1,850,000

3,260

2000

1911 CAPELL VALLEY RD

1/26

$999,000

1,170

1995

4088 SUTRO DR

1/22

$1,890,000

3,926

1912

4473 ATLAS PEAK RD

1/29

$1,250,000

1,200

Condos

St Helena 1090 MARIPOSA LN

1/14

$695,000

810 BAHIA VISTA CT

1/26

$399,000

641 CABOT CT

Single Family

Rutherford, Oakville 1591 ARROWHEAD DR

1/20

$1,700,000

1,734

1976

5326 PETRIFIED FOREST RD

1/28

$1,150,000

1031 BERRY LN

1/20

$487,500

832

1983

2,925

1995

2,322

1980

Rural Residential

Vineyard Residential

Rutherford, Oakville

*As recorded at the Napa County Tax Assessors Office / John Tuteur (707) 253-4459 / Property sales reported may include partial interest transfers; sales that are included with other properties; sales that are less any liens on property.

Rural Residential

Napa

1731 CABERNET LN

1975

Rural Residential

Calistoga

148 KERNS CT

1,316

Rural Residential

Berryessa 3966 LASSEN ST

1/26

$4,350,000

3,621

1979

www.NapaValleyRegister.com/Homes

NAPA’S LOAN RANGER

Dreamstime

What does the new reﬁnance tax mean for you? S

ince we are officially through the first quarter of 2021, an entire three months past the most remarkably eventful and damaging year on record, nothing surprises me when it comes to the twists and turns of the mortgage industry. Last year I wrote about a refinance tax from Fannie and Freddie that came out of the blue and at the strangest time, right smack in the thick of COVID, which shocked the entire lending world. CHRIS Now the Federal SALESE Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is at it again. This time, through an agreement with the U.S. Department of Treasury. However, at least this latest move was publicized via a press release by the U.S. Department of Treasury on January 14, 2021 and not a complete surprise. I mean, who didn’t read this press release right? First off, not too many people read press releases from the Treasury Department. Secondly, even if they did, there’s a strong chance that they don’t understand it all. I did not. For example, the press released stated 42 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

that the Treasury and the FHFA agreed to “amend the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements (PSPAs) between Treasury and each of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) to move the GSEs toward capitalization levels consistent with their size, risk, and importance to the U.S. economy.” It went on to say, “and to codify several existing FHFA conservatorship practices, including providing small lender protections and limiting future increases in certain higher-risk lending practices.” The agreement also “outlines a plan for Treasury, in consultation with FHFA, to develop a proposal for continued GSE reform.” Yes, lots of stuff in there and it was announced at such a time when there was really nothing else going on in the world. Insert more sarcasm. Basically, although there was technically a press release, nobody paid attention. Alright, fast forward to April 1. Funny, because that’s some date we call April Fools’ Day. Anyhow, starting on April 1, Fannie and Freddie started limiting the acquisition of single-family mortgage loans secured by second homes and investment properties to 7% of their volume. What does this mean to you?

Well, industry professionals are trying to figure out exactly the short-term and long-term impacts. There’s some government rulemaking that’s attempting to delay the mandatory compliance of this rule. At the moment, the quick answer is that in order for lenders to comply with this new agreement, any second home and investment property loans just got more expensive cost and rate wise for you. These are the types of loans used when purchasing vacation homes or tenant-occupied real estate. The good news is that some lenders haven’t made the pricing adjustments yet and rates haven’t changed dramatically. Unfortunately, this could only be a matter of time. For now, keep your hands ready to catch your eyes when they pop out of your head after you get hit with the new rates from those lenders who have made the adjustments for early compliance. It’s not April Fools’ Day. Chris Salese can be reached at chris@ delsurmortgage.com or 707-363-4439. He is a licensed California mortgage lender (LO NMLS #254469 — CA-DBO #254469 Corp NMLS #1850 Equal Housing Opportunity. APRIL 2021

CAN I AFFORD A NEW HOME? Calculate your Mortgage NapaValleyRegister.com/homes

Healthy

home The correct way to clean your light switches and wallplates

Brandpoint

BRANDPOINT

n an effort to stay healthy and keep your home tidy, you’ve probably increased your cleaning frequency since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help limit the spread of germs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces. Tabletops, desks, vanities, faucets and door handles often make this list, but two things that are touched frequently throughout the day are often forgotten during cleaning: light switches and wallplates. Hidden dangers that we’re now much more aware of such as bacteria and dangerous pathogens can build up on these surfaces, transfer to hands when touched and end up redistributed throughout the home. Therefore, to help keep your home healthy, you should take steps to regularly and properly keep light switches and wallplates clean. However, in our effort to eliminate buildup on switches and wallplates, many opt to use common household disinfectants with chemical agents. These substances may cause more harm than good to the switch or wallplate because certain cleaning agents can interfere with the electrical 44 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

components, leading to safety issues, or cause damage to the surface area of the wallplate. If during cleaning you notice any irregularities on your switches or wallplates, such as cracking or discoloration, replace them immediately. Because of the connection to an electrical source, it’s important to clean light switches and wallplates in a safe manner. Liquid and electricity don’t mix. You should never spray or wipe a detergent or disinfectant solution directly on light switches, outlets, dimmers, USB charger outlets or wallplates. To safely clean these devices, simply use a damp cloth with mild soap. Be certain to turn the power off to the device prior to cleaning. Due to risk of shock or electrocution, do not use disinfecting products, including foggers, sprays or other types of atomized cleaning agents. Plus, if the liquid seeps into the switch or outlet, it can damage the internal components, resulting in a fire hazard. Cleaning solutions can also damage or discolor the device’s surface or cause it to deteriorate over time, which may include cracking. “Cleaning your electrical devices is not a big job, but it is one that needs to be

handled with care,” said William Randall, director of product management at Leviton. “Taking the proper precautions and cleaning these surfaces regularly can help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria to help keep your family and home healthy.” For extra protection, Leviton offers Antimicrobial switches and wallplates for your home. “Antimicrobial refers to any substance that eradicates or inhibits the growth of bacteria by suppressing bacteria reproduction,” explains Randall. “Our antimicrobial switches and wallplates are engineered to help combat the spread of harmful bacteria and contain an EPA registered additive that protects the surfaces from contamination. When cleaned regularly with a cloth dampened with water and mild soap, that additive works to inhibit 99 percent of bacterial growth.” As with cleaning any switch or wallplate, be certain to turn the power off at the circuit breaker or fuse prior to cleaning and to switch back on when you have completed the job. With proper and regular cleaning of light switches and wallplates, you can feel confident you’re creating a bright, fresh appearance and a healthier home. APRIL 2021

Want to live in the Napa Valley?

Find your perfect home at NapaValleyRegister.com/homes

BATHROOM UPGRADES 4 easy one-day projects BRANDPOINT Since you’ve been spending more time at home, you’ve probably noticed things that need a refresh, especially in that most-used room of the house: the bathroom. Whether you’re an experienced DIY-er or novice fixer-upper, you may be putting off renovations that seem too tough to tackle. The good news? There are plenty of little things you can do to revamp your bathroom that aren’t time-consuming, and don’t require a contractor. Triple master plumber, TV host and licensed contractor Ed Del Grande draws from 30-plus years of experience to advise homeowners. “I wish people knew how much they can do to make visual and functional improvements in their bathrooms,” Del Grande says. “With a little instruction, like you see on YouTube these days, you can do a lot on your own.” Del Grande recommends easy bathroom upgrades anyone can do in a day. ACCENTS “To freshen up the look of any bathroom, all you need to do is change some little stuff,” advises Del Grande. Fanc y a c c e nt s s u c h a s drawer pulls, cabinet knobs and switch plates can usually be replaced without having to re-drill or alter your bathroom cabinets and switches. It’s also easy to swap out towel racks, robe hooks and toilet paper holders for a new look. Just browse your favorite home 46 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

improvement websites to find the style you want. “Everyone can make these changes with little effort,” says Del Grande. “And this goes for kitchen drawer and cabinet hardware, too.” SHOWER UPGRADES Upgrade any shower stall by installing a new showerhead. There are plenty of options, from the simple to the high-tech, that improve the look—and experience— of your shower. For the ultimate in cool new shower tech, the Moxie showerhead and wireless speaker features robust spray coverage, plus built-in Amazon Alexa and a portable Bluetooth speaker with crisp sound quality so you can hear your favorite tunes over the shower noise, with the highest quality sound experience via Harman Kardon. This portable in-shower voice assistant includes unmatched sound quality and hands-free audio control, demonstrating the benefits of connected bathroom technology and Kohler Konnect. Singing in the shower will never be the same! TOILET SEATS New toilet seats are simple to swap out, including specialty seats featuring slow-closing

batteries, connecting to the toilet’s water supply line for a super easy installation. Brandpoint photos

hinges (to prevent that middle-ofthe-night slamming sound!), built-in air freshener systems, night lights—and even full bidet features. For example, the Puretide manual bidet toilet seat makes it easy to add the freshness and assurance of personal cleansing to your existing toilet. With a sleek, low-profile seat design, Puretide provides the superior cleansing of a spray wand that’s fully adjustable in terms of position and water pressure. This manual bidet toilet seat requires no electricity or

HIGHEFFICIENCY TOILETS (HET) For the serious DIY-er, you could consider replacing the entire toilet. This change not only improves the look of your bathroom, but also saves on money and water, as many existing toilets are big water wasters. Cut water bills by swapping your standard toilet with a new high-efficiency toilet (HET). HETs use less than 1.3 gallons per flush, and are designed to flush less water with more power. HETs fit the same connections as a standard toilet for a relatively uncomplicated install. “If you’re not confident of your ability to install a toilet,” Del Grande adds, “you could always hire a plumber for this job.” Find more bathroom inspiration at www.kohler.com. APRIL 2021

Distinctive Properties, Premiere Napa Valley Real Estate: April 2021

Articles inside

Four easy one-day bathroom upgrades

Calistoga Fit’s owners build muscle community

The correct way to clean your light switches and wallplates

Chris Salese: Napa’s Loan Ranger: What does the new refi nance tax mean for you?

Chris Craiker, Architex Angle: How 2021 remodeling will swap new home construction

Jessel Miller: Giving back and paying it forward