Distinctive Properties May 2020

A Wine Country Lifestyle Magazine

Cover photo courtesy of Yvonne Rich Yvonne Rich Exclusive Estates

MAY 2020 | VOLUME 37, ISSUE 5

Cover property information on page 9 ď ľ

A publication of Napa Valley Publishing Company MAY 2020

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 1

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In this issue 10 11 14 15 16 18

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May 2020

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

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Now’s a great time to unlock the smart home you never knew you had—here’s how Calistoga map Chris Craiker: How construction will emerge from the pandemic How smart appliances can help save energy and the planet St. Helena map Clever hacks give spring-cleaning a whole new meaning Three ways a deck can make staying home more enjoyable Yountville map Napa map Burt Polson: Post-pandemic predictions Gerrett Snedaker: Napa Valley real estate trends in April 2020 Chris Salese: Forbearance is starting to rear its ugly head Five steps to painting like a pro at home Four outdoor cleaning tips that could help you save thousands Five fresh ways to frame your outdoor space Want hot water on demand? A retrofit home improvement makes it possible How to create a bedroom oasis that’s optimal for excellent sleep

To advertise in Distinctive Properties or any Napa Valley Publishing outlet, contact Randy Dowis at RDowis@napanews.com.

D

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.

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EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF SALES Norma Kostecka 707-256-2228 nkostecka@napanews.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Randy Dowis 707-256-2229 rdowis@napanews.com

Distinctive Properties - Napa Valley @DistinctPrperty

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DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

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A Wine Country Lifestyle Magazine

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Distinctive Properties is a registered trademark of The Napa Valley Publishing Company.

8 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

MAY 2020

FA BU L OUS NA PA VA L L E Y PR I VAC Y

Cover Property

3630NapaValleyParadise.com

$6,950,000

YVONNE RICH Yvonne Rich Exclusive Estates

707-968-9888

yvonne@fabulousnapavalley.com 1338 MAIN STREET

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CA

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The key to your

SMARTHOME Now’s a great time to unlock the features you never knew you had —here’s how BRANDPOINT ‌W ith everyone hunkering down, many of us are thinking about how to maximize what’s already in our homes. What many don’t know is that the benefits and efficiencies of a smart home might already be at their fingertips. With a little research and time spent with your appliances and technology, you can start enjoying the convenience of the smart home features you never knew you had—with added benefits like tips and alerts that will help you take care of your appliances to avoid service issues.

Brandpoint‌ photos

REACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH YOUR TECH‌ Start online by doing a search of the make and model of your TVs, speakers and appliances to determine if your items have smart capabilities. If they do, you can easily locate online instructions for setup and user-friendly tutorials on how to use them to their full advantage. Have you recently purchased a premium new TV or appliance? If you to keep yourself organized. have, there’s a good chance that it’s smart-enabled.

GET NOTIFICATIONS DIRECTLY TO START EXPLORING YOUR PHONE‌ YOUR SMART APP‌ Apps like ThinQ allow you After selecting a smart-en- to track the status of appliances abled appliance or TV that like your Wi-Fi-enabled washyou’d like to focus on, download ing machine. Download unique the accompanying smart app to wash cycles on the ThinQ app your smartphone or tablet. Many like the Waterproof cycle, which brands have one central app for washes waterproof material like their appliances and electronics mattress covers and rain jackets. to make this even easier. For Through the app you can receive example, LG’s is called ThinQ. notifications to your phone when A central app is the easiest way cycles are completed, and start 10 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

example, if you used too much detergent in an LG washing machine, “Proactive Customer Care” will send you an alert followed by specific care instructions to fix the problem. It can even tell you if your dryer vent needs cleaning or your fridge is not cooling properly, providing guidance for how to take the right action to avoid a problem. and stop your machine. If you have a ThinQ-enabled LG TV, you can even receive these notifications directly on the screen— making sure you don’t miss any binge-worthy television.

AVOID SERVICE CALLS‌ You may be surprised just how advanced some of these features get; LG now offers customer support technology that alerts smart appliance owners to potential problems before they occur, which is more important than ever these days. For

HANDS-FREE IS CAREFREE‌ Most smart appliances and devices can be connected to the Google Assistant and/or Amazon Alexa. Some smart TVs like those from LG have both built in. This feature lets you use voice commands to control your enabled appliances or devices so you don’t have to lift a finger!

If you recently bought a new appliance or TV, your home may be smarter than you thought.

Interested in learning more about what smart appliances and smart TVs have to offer? Visit LG.com and take a look around.

May 2020

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Calistoga Realty 707-942-9422 1473-C LINCOLN AVENUE CALISTOGA, CA 94515

easy LiviNg

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n the inviting front porch of this charming 2-bedroom, 2 bath home in Rancho de Calistoga. Upgraded kitchen appliances, kitchen island, light bright rooms, and ready to move into and start enjoying Calistoga. $175,000

New ListiNg - CharmiNg home

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ocated on a wonderful cul-de-sac in Calistoga. Easy living in this single level home just minutes to downtown. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, Large living room with vaulted ceiling and a fireplace, spacious updated kitchen/dining area, 2 car attached. Covered outdoor space for entertaining. Side yard for gardening or RV storage. $849,000

New ListiNg

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reat opportunity to create your own intown compound. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is situated on approx. Âź acre just two blocks from Lincoln Ave. Large living room with fireplace, country kitchen with dining area. Attached two car garage. Large corner lot with plenty of room for a pool, accessory dwelling unit, RV parking. Check w/ City of Calistoga for all of the possibilities. $735,000

Sharon Carone, Broker

Darlene Brissard, Realtor

Brian Durnian, Broker

Ziggy Gutierrez, Realtor

looking to Build

B

eautiful level building site affording panoramic valley views looking at the Palisades, Calistoga, down valley and across Bennett Lane to the Western hills. Old survey on file, well report - 6.5 gpm appears limited by pump size per report, perc test on file. Sellers are currently working on the driveway to meet new Napa County standards. Room for a hobby vineyard. This parcel is located just 1/2 mile past Tubbs lane just above Chateau Montelena. $795,000

Carneros estate Building site

B

eautiful 7.66 acre parcel located in the Carneros District. Oaks adorn the front of the property and most of the acreage is flat and usable. Ideal Estate building site with plenty of room for vineyards or horses. Attached map shows approx. 6+/- acres plantable. Small pond on property. Property backs up to the Carneros Inn. $1,629,000

Beautiful Building site

o

n this Oak studded 14+ acre property with views of neighboring hills. This quiet, peaceful property is located in Sonoma County and a short drive to downtown Calistoga or Santa Rosa. Approximately 3 acres of usable and the remainder is hillside. $795,000

Sharon Carone, Broker

Darlene Brissard, Realtor

Brian Durnian, Broker

Ziggy Gutierrez, Realtor

ARCHITEX CORNER

How

construction will emerge from the pandemic CHRIS CRAIKER bus i ne s s @nap ane w s . com

E

very day the Pandemic is taking a toll on people and construction across the country. Currently, the National lock down is under very loose guidelines but California has among the strictest. Executive order N-33-20 Proclaiming a state of emergency from the COVID-19 has prioritized services that can be performed. The daily news has reported in detail what can and cannot be done. We CHRIS must look at how CRAIKER the construction industry and professionals will emerge.

Construction workers essential to a construction operation, inspection or maintenance of existing construction sites including housing construction are considered essential and with restrictions can continue, if they follow the standard social distancing, wearing masks and cleaning protocol.

This is also extended to workers of critical or strategic infrastructure and this should encompass architects and in general most engineers’ services.

It is projected this pandemic will last well into summer. You can be assured the California 14 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

governor has no intention of opening any sooner than necessary. The state with the largest population has the fifth highest mortality and social distancing is effective.

If one goes through the list of “essential service providers” virtually everybody could probably fit in a category. But the reality is we should all be taking extra precautions to minimize transmission of the virus.

The American Institute of Architects, AIA, has developed guidelines for construction to continue as the nation and the state returns to work. http:// content.aia.org/sites/default/ files/2020-04/Sample_CA_policies_040220.pdf It may never be business as usual, but it will be safety first.

For the sake of all construction site workers and visitors, large signs should be posted everywhere especially at the entries for all personnel to maintain reasonable social distancing, masks, gloves, safety goggles and fully covered bodies. I know as weather becomes warmer, that it will be hard to do but athletic long sleeve shirts are most acceptable. Get your suntan on your porch during the weekend. https:// www.aia.org/pages/62825702020-state-covid-19-executive-

order-exempt/?utm_source=real-magnet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=aiamem20-covid-19-2-weekly001members A site Safety Plan should be made available to all and in multiple languages to fit the circumstances. It would probably be wise to have every employee read, initial and clear for all workers and subcontractors. No exceptions. Proper protocols for all work should be observed, it is more than an OSHA guideline but a safety plan for all ages.

No persons should feel pressured to work in an unsafe or questionable environment.

Employers and bosses’ managers should be especially careful not to put workers in unnecessary danger or in too close of a proximity. It is recommended that public transportation to and from jobsites be avoided. Much as we distain individual driving, for the short term this will be best. Only take Uber or Lift in cars that are professionally cleaned and the driver is separated via plastic panel.

One construction strategy is to lengthen the workday to allow more time between services. As the days get longer, the workday could start at 5 o’clock and end at 7 PM, to allow staggered work shifts.

For inspections, site observation reports and payment certification professionals will rely more on video and remote camera work. Project managers will circulate constant photos for daily reports. Video conferencing is the default now. Contractor construction platforms such as pro core, prologue or other programs can be integrated not to mention FaceTime or Skype.

Don’t you wish you bought stock in Zoom?

Jurisdictions are shutting down jobsites with inconsistency. All workers should check daily to be assured they will not get a citation. Of course, limit the number of participants on a site and maintain the 6-foot separation. If the elevator must only carry two people at a time, take the next one. Jurisdictions are shutting down jobsites with inconsistency.

These are general recommendations, not legal or professional advice. With rapidly changing standards, check with the local governmental agency for current regulations.

Chris D. Craiker, AIA/NCARB, is a Napa architect with Craiker Architects & Planners.

He has been designing sustainable buildings for more than 40 years.

MAY 2020

SAVE ENERGY

AND THE PLANET BRANDPOINT not only makes your life easier, it also goes some way toward protecting the planet and conserving our natural resources.

How smart appliances can help

S ‌

ince the first Earth Day was observed 50 years ago, the day’s message has only grown in i m p o r t a n c e . Fo r anyone wondering how they can contribute to a better tomorrow, a good place to get started is right in your home with smart, energy-saving home appliances and tools. Even small changes can ultimately make a big difference.

GET YOUR HOME CONNECTED‌ Many of us are guilty of forgetting to turn off the lights, air conditioning or heating before leaving the house—wasting resources and money. Thankfully, there are easy-to-use smart tools that can easily be controlled and monitored from anywhere with your smartphone.

Smart thermostats such as Nest and smart lighting like Philips Hue enable you to control the indoor temperature and lighting using only a smartphone from anywhere or set up automated schedules.

Smart appliances—from room air conditioners to laundry—can also be monitored and controlled more efficiently than ever through a simple, central app—like the ThinQ app from LG. The app makes it easy to check if the TV has been left on or to adjust settings on the air conditioner to avoid wasting power, or download specialized cycles for the washer to minimize water usage.

May 2020

your home greener. The growing availability of products earning the Energy Star label makes it easier than ever to help save the planet— and save on monthly energy and water bills at the same time.

For clean, bright lighting in the home, LIFX’s smart LED bulbs are an excellent choice, lasting an incredibly long time and using less energy than conventional bulbs.

Then there’s smart plugs and smart power outlets like those from ZigBee Plug-In, which can make all manner of devices ‘smart,’ meaning less energy consumption and convenient energy tracking.

Smart washing machines like the TurboWash 360 can help to lower household water consumption. Equipped with LG’s AI Direct Drive™, this advanced Energy Star washer gets clothes cleaner while intelligently reducing fabric damages.

Energy is also saved in smart air conditioners. For example, the LG Dual Inverter Compressor™ Air S W I T C H T O E N E R G Y Conditioners deliver impressively EFFICIENT APPLIANCES‌ fast cooling without sacrificing an Buying energy saving appliances ounce of efficiency. is one of the best ways to make Switching to smart appliances KEEP YOUR APPLIANCES IN TIP-TOP SHAPE‌ The environment wins when large home appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators and more are kept in tip-top shape for optimal performance. Features like “Proactive Customer Care” can help do just that, improving performance efficiency and durability of the products by reminding LG appliance users when to perform regular maintenance tasks, and offering tips on preventative care.

For example, if Proactive Customer Care detects that your LG dryer is experiencing reduced air flow in the vent, it alerts the user with the steps to take to fix the problem and restore optimum drying capability while saving energy.

If you used too much detergent, it will send you an alert and instructions to avoid overworking your washer, which often runs an extra rinse cycle when there’s too much soap.

JOIN THE CLUB‌ Now in its 50th year, Earth Day has evolved with the times and commemorates convenient ways to connect with current environmental initiatives online.

You can join the Earth Day Network’s Earth Challenge 2020 through the mobile app, which lets you learn about environmental issues impacting your area, record your own thoughts and observations to share with others, and take advantage of environment-focused lesson plans and guided activities.

As part of Digital Earth Day, online toolkits are available to find out more about important environmental issues facing the world today. Individual cleanups are also an option for anyone wanting to take action now (while complying with local safety and social distancing measures).

Although it is indeed a special day, and certainly one worth celebrating, Earth Day is ultimately a call to action; our annual reminder that we all need to do our part every day to make the world a better place. Consider taking the Energy Star Pledge at www.energystar.gov. Starting with small changes at home, we can help to shift the balance and preserve the splendor of our planet for future generations.

It was once said that, “The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved.” Learn how smart home appliances can contribute to this effort at https://www.lg.com/us/ lg-thinq.

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 15

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ST. HELENA REAL ESTATE NAPA VALLEY I SONOMA

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$5,495,000

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GAIL MORGAN LANE 707.291.0165 I Gail@winestates.com

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I

I

$930,000

LIC# 01026604 DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 17

Spring

cleaning

Brandpoint

BRANDPOINT With more time spent in the comfort of our home, spring-cleaning can take on an entirely new meaning this year.

Consider the following hacks to make your household clean-up routine as efficient and thorough as possible.

CONQUER KITCHEN CREVICES WITH LEMON AND BAKING SODA Crumbs, food residue and dirt can hide in kitchen crannies. Dedicate time to deep clean these commonly overlooked areas. In the microwave, chop a lemon into several chunks and add to three cups of water in a glass bowl. Microwave for about five minutes and keep the door shut after the timer to allow the steam to do its magic. Then, wipe down the interior with a microfiber cloth. The benefits of the lemon slices don’t end here. If your garbage disposal is starting to smell, carefully insert slices into the disposal and run.

The acidity will combat clogs and leave your sink with a citrus scent.

18 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

In the refrigerator, sort through drawers and shelves and toss expired items. Use baking soda to remove caked on food and spills. Shake some baking soda on the spots, dampen with a few drops of water and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing off residue. This method will leave your fridge spotless and scentless—an important but often forgotten consideration, as you do not want foods to absorb the smell of cleaning products.

Lastly, while dishes may be washed daily, germs often thrive in your wet sponge. Microwave your damp sponge for 90 seconds to eliminate bacteria.

“SUDS-IDIZE” THE SHOWER While dedicated to get you clean, a shower can build up bacteria if the moisture-filled environment is not treated properly. Tackling the shower is labor intensive and easy to move to the bottom of the chore list.

To simplify the process, choose a cleaning product that is both safe and effective on the surface,

whether your shower is made of tile, ceramic or plastic. Conduct an initial spot test, but—generally speaking—the more versatile the cleaner, the better.

To scrub and wipe away suds in one quick gesture, consider the multipurpose Peerless SideKick Shower System, which you can easily install yourself. This shower head not only provides a drenching shower experience but also comes with a cleaning attachment where water flows through the pad, allowing you to scrub tile, wash away cleaning product and ultimately reduce cleaning time.

IMPLEMENT CLOSET METHODOLOGY A closet cleanout can be both daunting and, let’s be honest, emotional. For items you’re not willing to part with just yet, hang all clothes backward on the rack. Once you have worn an item, hang forward facing on the rack. After a few months, donate items that remain backward, as they haven’t been touched and aren’t getting any use.

When reorganizing clothes in drawers or bins, fold and insert items upright without stacking.

This is the best use of space and allows for a quick view of your wardrobe options, eliminating the need to sift through drawers and make a mess.

ORGANIZE EASILY IGNORED AREAS We all have areas of the home that seem to stockpile goods and are only cleaned out once in a blue moon: the medicine cabinet, junk drawer, storage room, linen closet, craft area, garage and laundry room, to name a few. First, completely clear out these spaces. Use bins and buckets to create a system of organization and implement labels, as needed. When you add items back in, place the most-used items at the front and only reintroduce essential items. Finally tackling these areas will give you a sense of comfort and relief.

With these hacks, your spring-cleaning checklist will be complete in no time, with long-lasting results.

MAY 2020

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3 ways a deck can make staying home more enjoyable BRANDPOINT

‌With so many people across the country staying put in their homes right now, a fun and functional outdoor space is more important than ever.

Amusement parks and concerts are closed or canceled and spring is around the corner, beckoning families outdoors. Millions of people are working remotely and looking for a more natural option for their home offices. A well-thought-out deck could be the answer to making a staycation, whether forced or planned, more enjoyable.

Here are three ways a deck can improve the at-home experience.

FEWER SCREENS, MORE FUN‌ When kids are out of school, screen time usually goes up.

Whether it’s TV, computers, video games, phones or tablets, screen time is usually a 20 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

sedentary activity.

A deck can provide an alternative outdoor play space where kids can be active and stretch their imaginations, enjoy the outdoors and do things like bring their favorite toys like building blocks, action figures or doll houses outdoors.

Worried about splinters hurting those little toes and fingers?

Composite decking is a beautiful option that makes sanding, staining, sealing and splinters a thing of the past. While composite decking has historically had a higher price tag than traditional wood, boards like Envision Ridge Premium deliver the exotic hardwood beauty and low maintenance of composites at a budget-friendly price.

situations recently and are looking for a way to get out of their stuffy home offices in favor of a workspace with natural lighting and a great breeze. Soaking up a safe amount of sun every day can reap big benefits for your health, according to physicians and the World Health Organization (WHO), including elevating mood, improving sleep, promoting bone growth and strengthening the immune system.

With the right patio furniture, a deck can make a great option for an outdoor workspace to soak up the benefits of the sun’s rays. Choose a table of the appropriate height and a comfortable chair for extended work sessions, or a cushioned chaise lounge for shorter periods. Adding a screen or pergola HOME OFFICE WITH A to a deck can provide some proSIDE OF VITAMIN D‌ tection from the wind (fewer Millions of Americans have important work papers blowmoved to work-from-home ing around).

FAMILY TIME ALL YEAR LONG‌ If there’s an upside to the increase in people staying home, it’s the ability to connect with the other people living in your home. Life can get so busy with work, friends and other commitments that it’s difficult to find time to connect or have a family game night. A deck is a great place to gather the members of your household for a laid-back evening of stargazing or a rowdy game night.

And those family connections don’t have to end due to summer’s heat or fall’s chill. By adding an outdoor heater, firepit or fans, you can extend your deck’s use as a family space to the majority of the year.

As you can see, a deck is a great way to expand the living space of your home and to provide an alternative space for all members of the family to enjoy.

May 2020

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1758 Stockton Street | Saint Helena $2,900,000

0 Congress Valley Road | Napa $1,300,000

2408 Cedar Street | Calistoga $1,200,000

4 bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms | 2,566 SF

Buildable lot | 10.28± acres

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,734 SF

Vincent J. Ruggiero 707.479.8052 vincent@gatesestatessir.com lic.#01077425

Steve Ericson 707.483.2428 ericson@gatesestatessir.com lic.#01054001

Lynn Carl 707.481.4100 Lynn@gatesestatessir.com lic.#01997048

4420 Dumas Street | Napa $819,500

136 Kerns Court | Napa $769,000

2030 Polley Drive | Napa $488,000

4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2,407 SF

4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,996 SF

2 bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms | 1,232 SF

John M. Miller 707.815.6195 john@gatesestatessir.com lic.#01984225

John M. Miller 707.815.6195 john@gatesestatessir.com lic.#01984225

Lee W. Miller 707.266.1585 lee@gatesestatessir.com lic.#01958362

6094 Dry Creek Road | Napa $465,000

20 Village Parkway | Napa $450,000

41 Hazelwood Drive | Napa $399,888

Buildable lot | 10.99± acres

2 bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms | 1,376 SF

Buildable lot | .47± acres

Martha Macias 707.704.5213 martha@gatesestatessir.com lic.#02013734

Lee W. Miller 707.266.1585 lee@gatesestatessir.com lic.#01958362

Sally Vaziri 707.738.9403 sally@gatesestatessir.com lic.#02069696

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

2 Tallent Lane

8ForresterLane.com

Great location for a building project Stunning farm-style house plans included Lot split approved with conditions Close to downtown Yountville

Farmhouse style, vineyard views Open floor plan, spacious master Loft style oďŹƒce area upstairs Great proximity to town

6600YountSt17.com

155 Moss Lane

Yountville | Call for Pricing Potential for 2 separate buildable lots

Yountville | $1,695,000 4 beds | 3 baths | 1,876 SF

Yountville | $629,000 2 beds | 1 bath | 1,054 SF

Napa | $789,000 4 beds | 2.5 baths | 1,973 square feet

Charming Yountville condo complex Bright, open floor plan Spiral staircase leads upstairs Close to dining, shopping, wine tasting

Desirable North Napa location Hardwood floors throughout New siding, new roof, new appliances Backyard perfect for al fresco dining

Cyndi Gates

Broker Associate 707.333.7770 cyndi@gatesestatessir.com lic.#00711618

1109 Atlas Peak Road

Napa | $1,599,000 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 855 SF | 4.04± acres First time on the market in over 70 years Rare opportunity to own 4± level acres Desirable Silverado CC location

1918OakCircle.com

Yountville | $1,299,000 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,400 SF Desireable Oak Circle location Beautifully updated & maintained SS Appliances/stone slab counters

131VineyardCir.com

Yountville | $899,000 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,154 SF Stunningly remodeled Yountville condo Hardwood floors throughout, private wine room Designer finishes, sold turnkey

3816VillaCourt.com

Napa | $775,000 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,506 SF Well cared for North Napa home Bright and open living space for easy living Fresh paint, great corner lot

1462BarbaraRd.com

Napa | $565,000 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1,203 SF Quaint home in desirable lady streets Spacious yards & open floor plan Ample off-street parking

NAPA YAJOME ST

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TERRA FIRMA GLOBAL PARTNERS

1405 2nd St., Napa, CA (800) 681-1361

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SELLING NAPA VALLEY

R E A L T O R

4

BEDS

4

BATHS

1

1/2 BA

$6,950,000 Napa

45 Hunter Ranch Road Napa Valley vineyard estate in a private/gated setting in coveted Oak Knoll AVA minutes to Yountville and downtown Napa. Lot size 10.3± acres.

5

BEDS

$2,995,000

4

Napa

BATHS

5160 Wild Horse Valley Road Quintessential farmhouse estate in private gated setting on east side of Napa in Coombsville AVA. 3 BD main house with 2 BD/2BA guest house.

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BEDS

3

BATHS

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1/2 BA

$2,050,000 Napa

18 Buhman Court | Sold Remodeled contemporary farmhouse style home with 2 master suites including first floor master located in desirable Browns Valley.

5

BEDS

3

BATHS

$4,595,000

1

Napa

1/2 BA

4268 East 3rd Avenue European-inspired home with guest house on 5 acres with high-end Cabernet vineyard, rustic barn and 1 BR/1 BA guest house.

4

BEDS

$1,950,000

3

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BATHS

17 Hazelwood Drive | Pending Gorgeous custom home on resort-like grounds located in a private setting.

Fantastic floor plan with an abundance of natural light.

4

BEDS

$1,295,000

3

Napa

BATHS

495 Montgomery Street | Sold Mostly single level character home modernized with architectural integrity located in one of downtown Napa’s most coveted neighborhoods.

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 by volume, Wine Country 2019

May 2020

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

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 27

Post-pandemic

PREDICTIONS Y

ou may be like me looking for a bit of normalcy each day, hoping to get back to my old routine sooner rather than later.

The wait continues, as the new “normal” is defined. Much has changed from life pre-pandemic BURT POLSON with what seems like something new each day.

I want to share my thoughts on how the world may be different after the pandemic.

• It is no surprise when you look on the COVID-19 pandemic tracking map, you will find concentrations in urban cities.

• Mitigating exposure is one reason many are leaving urban centers for suburban living.

Real estate agents confirm people are moving out of our major cities. Suburban boutique buildings, townhomes, both with luxury amenities, will help win over the city dwellers.

• Buyers are going to 28 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

© Filindmitriy86 | Dreamstime.com

demand larger living spaces.

• Urban living brought the “micro-apartments” both for affordability, but also because the land is scarce. The move to suburbia will probably continue to grow along with the size of apartments and townhomes desired.

• In addition to expanded living space in our homes, buyers will demand outdoor living space, balconies, terraces, and home offices.

• Social distancing is a practice for such a time as this is here to stay in some form.

• Companies may need to consider how the workplace is structured and include distancing as a standard for office and manufacturing workers. Plus, there may need to be additional time allotted for deep sanitization and cleaning of the facilities.

• Retailers may encourage fewer trips to stores and even go so far as having minimum spending requirements all to limit exposure.

• We may find permanent graphics reminding customers

to keep a distance from others.

• Consumers are growing accustomed to the convenience of ordering online from retailers and restaurants, and either having their food delivered or picked up at the store with no need to get out of their vehicle.

• Our retailers and restaurants may need to include this service in their business model.

• Soon to arrive will be a phone app that will tell you if you were near someone infected with COVID-19.

• It will not tell you whom you came in contact with, but only the contact occurred.

We may find these kinds of alerts becoming commonplace with other infections as well.

You would have to opt-in to the program.

• Still, in the future, we could be subject to regular check-ups for public health or even categorized into different groups by our likelihood of contracting a disease. Labeling people in this fashion opens up all kinds of other issues.

• People and businesses may rethink the amount of

emergency cash they will keep on hand.

• Many were walloped financially by the shelter-in-place practice while having more money available could have mitigated the issue in the shortterm, at least.

• The supply chain may shift, which could be felt by us all, but much more in the construction industry.

• Manufacturers will need to consider many sources for raw materials rather than one, especially if it is overseas. Justin-time manufacturing will most likely change into the stockpiling of goods.

Please look for more of my predictions in part 2.

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 707254-8000 or email burt@ acresinfo.com and burt@ stonemarkerinvestments. com.

MAY 2020

Find Your Napa Valley

Dream Home

NapaValleyRegister.com/homes

1135 Monticello Road

1107 Castle Oaks Drive

29 Pinnacle Peak Street

12+ acre gatedVineyard/Estate minutes to downtown.

Renovated, for grand entertaining and everyday enjoyment. Great room and kitchen with multiple pivot folding doors leading to a large tiled terraces.

2 suites downstairs, an office-media-guest-wing, wine cellar. 2nd floor elevator to 2 private suites. Resort like outdoor with infinity-edge pool, pool house+bath.

7.8 acres Chardonnay and .09 acre Cab. Live the life!

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $7,800,000

Spectacular Silverado Estate offers views, main level living and an entertainer’s dream backyard. Enjoy amazing views from the backyard around the beautiful pool and spa. Beautiful Kitchen! The main level master suite features fire place, sitting room and work space. This is a unique one of a kind Silverado Highlands home.

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $2,850,000

Bright and light architectural gem view home at Silverado Country Club. Privacy at end of cul-de-sac location and no rear neighbors. Amazing hardwood floors.

Huge family room opens to kitchen and magnificent view windows. Several well-situated patios and decks take in the views while you dine and entertain. Master bedroom suite on the main level for easy living. Separate rooms for living, family, dining, offices and more (also on the main level). Large wine closet conveniently located on the main level. No HOA. Solar power system.

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $2,150,000

4129 Dry Creek Road

3375 Browns Valley Road

Huge Panoramic Views!!! Build your dream home. Close to both Yountville and Napa. This is a special property; as the Viewshed Permit has already been obtained. Road and home permits also already obtained. Extremely private, and ready to accommodate your special estate home (as well as a guest home).

This rare parcel is for the discriminating Buyer.

One of the last remaining hillside view parcels with amazing views.

Wine country oasis in Napa’s prestigious Browns Valley.

Sprawling single-level home set amongst landscaped tropical grounds, Glistening swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, playground, gas fire pit and feature waterfall. Stately front door opens to generous spaces, soaring ceilings and polished hardwood floors. Entertainer’s kitchen. A separate guest wing with two bedrooms and a private spa bath. The master bedroom is spacious and secluded with a gas fireplace, sliding-door access to the outdoor hot tub, walk-in wardrobes and large en-suite bathroom. A quiet office is down another separate wing.

Built to the highest quality standards. Move-in ready!

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $1,395,000

3181 Kingston Avenue Bucolic Wine Country setting with stunning views!

Entertainer’s delight boasts unending social areas inside and out! Formal dining room, kitchen+nook, formal living room and enormous family room. Formal entrance foyer with a powder room. Master Suite, two en-suite bedrooms, and laundry room are upstairs. Upper level front porch with swing. Outdoor entertaining space includes a patio with fire place, outdoor kitchen, play set, and a basketball hoop. Garage/conditioned workshop space, wine cave, art studio/office, and DG multipurpose area. Front planted to approximately 1/3 acre of Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $1,895,000

Christine Lesti 707.320.8999 Lic#01854423

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 Lic#01784430

Mark Lesti

707.320.8950 $1,500,000

Hanan Kim 602.579.5927 Lic#01982155

Paul M. Everett 707.299.9949 Lic#02016753

Sarah Peyton 707.339.2163 Lic#01869521

Ted Stumpf 707.246.9825 Lic#02020069

(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.

2542 Lowell Street

220 Silverado Springs Drive

2138 First Avenue

Beautiful and spacious Napa Valley entertainer's dream house. Large and flat back yard is simply amazing.

Trellised and lighted for BBQ, fire pit, relaxation and fun.

Room for pool and bocce court. Hot tub in the back yard is conveniently accessed from the master bedroom. Amenities include hardwood floors, an open and light kitchen area and a large master suite. Master suite has french doors opening to the verdant green back yard. Landscaping water is on a well. The house is on public water. The house has 15 solar panels (owned, no lease!). This is a rare find in a hidden gem of a neighborhood. This one won't last long!

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950 $1,150,000

Single level and updated at Silverado Country Club. Larger lot with beautiful back yard with lots of room for relaxing and entertaining. Master bathroom remodel just completed! Kitchen has newer appliances, gas stove and bar seating. Beautiful home and priced to sell!!!

Beautiful country setting meets tranquil elegance! Gorgeous wood ceilings and hardwood floors. Recently updated kitchens and baths. 1936 Wedgewood stove and updated lighting and fixtures. Office area and fantastic sun room to enjoy your scenic backyard. Stone wall in the open back yard. Views of horses, Mt. George and open space!

Mark Lesti 707.320.8950

$1,150,000 Mark Lesti 707.320.8950

1 Tuscany Court

1014 Larkin Way

Incredibly spacious and modern property in Browns Valley Napa.

Sitting on a street of beautiful homes is this incredible home. Well suited for entertaining and large family gatherings.

RV parking with an amazing yard. Formal areas throughout. Game room, living, family, and dining room have a great flow.

Come see the best of Napa.

A true Mid-Century time capsule inside and out. Loving cared for since its build in 1963. Current seller has meticulously restored and curated each feature and finish, from a 1961 new/old stock. Thermador double-oven, to a custom vintage-look Bosch dishwasher, original Formica kitchen counters in superb condition. Original hardwood floors throughout the home, even under the carpets in the family room and hallway. Features a large, level lot with a spacious backyard and mature fruit trees. The home has updated dual-pane windows, new roof with presidential 40-year shingles, new furnace, and new washer and dryer. A wonderfully crafted, fun period-appropriate home.

Mark Lesti

707.320.8950

Gary Prince 707.227.7282 Lic#01735857

$859,000 Paul M. Everett 707.299.9949

Bob Wallin 707.337.5279 Lic#01492251

Brandon Hagler 707.210.4292 Lic#02073516

Howard Giles 650.796.5195 Lic#01428277

$1,100,000

363 Robles Way, Glen Cove Beautifully remodeled, in the Glen Cove neighborhood of Vallejo. Living area complete with concrete epoxy floors throughout. Front Room highlighted by black walnut mantle and bench. Gourmet Kitchen with a double convection oven, 6 range gas stove top, newly plumbed sink, large island quartz counter top with tile side paneling, new light fixtures and stainless steel LG appliances. Electrical upgrades include new wiring, new circuit, new interior panel. Master Bedroom has two closets, two vessel sinks and quartz counter tops with tiled shower and bench. New window coverings throughout entire home. Three additional bedrooms with remodeled guest bathroom with new quartz, toilet and brushed nickel hardware. Washer and dryer outlets has electrical hook-ups but plumbed for gas. Turn-key home that is ready to move into!

Nick Valdivia 707.225.5810 $715,000 Paul M. Everett 707.299.9949 $559,000

Christine Marek 707.226.1823 Lic#01730062

Nick Valdivia 707.225.5810 Lic#01980975

Dean Castelli 707.694.8294

(707) 226-1823 | 1030 third street, napa | thelestiteam.com

Lic#02113716

Windermere napa Valley properties is a member of Who’s Who in luxury real estate and our listings are featured on WWW.luxuryrealestate.com.

Napa Valley real estate trends in April 2020

A

Shelter in Place Market Trends‌

s we remain under Shelter in Place (SIP) orders in Wine Country to support the slowing of the transmittal of the Coronavirus, the activities of Realtors, similar to many other businesses, are limited significantly. In Sonoma and Napa Counties, as of this date, real estate brokerage activities are considered an “essential busiGARRETT ness”. Still, RealSNEDAKER, tor activities are CRB restricted in the following ways: — Doing business virtually: seeing properties, signing documents, etc.

— Limited ability to visit properties with clients The California Association of Realtors (CAR) has given us new forms to work with during this time. They are designed to guide buyers and sellers in a safe and reasonable manner.

The statistics are below. In general, inventory is down on a year over year basis with many properties being in “Temporarily off the Market” (TOM) or “Coming Soon” status in the MLS. New sales are down in the range of 40 to 50% lower than April 2019 for most of our markets. A number of new sales from March canceled at they progressed into April. Prices seem to be steady at this time.

NAPA COUNTY‌ The inventory of homes and condominiums available for sale in Napa County at the end of April (348) is 9% below the inventory in April 2019 (384) and it is 15% above the inventory last month (302). At the end of the month, there were 16 listings in “Coming Soon” status and another 54 “Temporarily Off Market”. If those were added to the “Active” inventory, there would be 418 active listings. This would be consistent with the inventory levels we usually see in April. It 32 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

would also put us at 5.6 months supply of inventory. Fifty-three percent of the inventory in Napa County (183 properties) is priced at $1,000,000 or above.

New sales (74) are 41% below the pace of last year (126) and are 5% below the 78 sales last month.

It is interesting to note that the “new sales” number for March 2020 was adjusted from 82 to 78. This would seem to indicate that 5% of those March sales canceled prior to closing. There is a 4.7 months supply of inventory

based on the current sales pace.

The Days on Market for homes closing in Napa County is currently 51 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. This may be protracted with the current circumstances. The median price of the 69 homes closed in April in Napa County ($695,000) is 3% ahead of the median price of a year ago ($675,000). 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 $2,100,000 in Napa County at this time. The number of closings (74) of Luxury Homes (sales price in excess of $2,100,000) in Napa County for the period 5/1/19 to 4/30/20 compared to 88 closings in the period 5/1/18 to 4/30/19. This is a decrease of 16%. There are 88 luxury homes in inventory at

of Napa. There are 196 available homes and condominiums in inventory at the end of April in the City of Napa. This is 6% below the supply at the end of April 2019 (208) and it is 20% above the inventory at the end of last month (164). New sales (50) were 44% below the pace of April 2019 (90) and they were 6% below the pace of last month (53). There is a 2.5 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 49 closings last month was 43 days compared to 84 days in April 2019. The median price of the homes that closed in the City of Napa in April was $700,000.

This is slightly below the median price of the homes closed in April 2019 ($710,000).

UP VALLEY 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 April 106) is 14% below the level of 123 in April 2019 and it is 19% above the inventory last month (89). There were 10 new sales this month compared to 17 a year ago and 8 last month.

There is now a 9.4 months supply of inventory based on the current sales pace. The Days on Market for the 7 closings last month was 92 days. Approximately 53% of the Luxury Market inventory (price in excess of $2,100,000) in Napa County is in the Up Valley Market (47 homes). There were two luxury home (price in excess of $2,100,000) closings in the Up Valley Market last month and there were four new luxury home sales.

the end of April 2020 compared to 104 at the end of April 2019.

There were 4 new luxury home listings added in the month of April. There were 5 new Luxury Home sales in April compared to 2 last month. This results in a 18 months supply of available Luxury Homes based on the current sales pace compared to 4.7 months supply for the County as a whole.

Days on market for the 2 luxury homes sales in April was 50 days.

Over the past four months, Napa County Luxury Homes are sell- Gerrett Snedaker, CRB, is a ing at roughly 90% of original Broker/Partner with Better list price.

Homes and Gardens Real

Estate|Wine Country Group.

NAPA‌ Contact Gerrett at gerry.snedaFifty-six percent of the inven- ker@winecountrygroup.com or tory in Napa County is in the City 707-939-2009.

May 2020

APPLY ONLINE NOW at NVCH.ORG!

MATCH-UP PROGRAM A FREE SERVICE We match home providers who have an extra room in their home, with renters seeking an affordable place to live in Napa County. We screen and check references for each candidate and refer potential housemates to one another. We help facilitate the home sharing agreements, and are available for follow up questions and concerns.

Call 707-253-6157 150 Camino Dorado, Napa CA (707) 253-6157 | NVCH.ORG

NAPA’S LOAN RANGER

© Designer491 | Dreamstime.com

Forbearance starting to rear its ugly head

I

n case you’re not aware, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), “forbearance is when your mortgage servicer, that’s the company that sends your mortgage statement and manages your loan, or lender allows you to pause or reduce your payments for a limited period of time.”

The CFPB also goes on to say, “forbearance does not erase what you owe.

You’ll have to CHRIS repay any missed SALESE or reduced payments in the future. So, if you’re able to keep up with your payments, keep making them. The types of forbearance available vary by loan type.”

Unfortunately, despite all the great relief or forbearance information you can find on the CFPB website, there seems to be 34 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

an equal amount of misinformation all over social media and from loan servicers, plus lenders too.

That said, we are in a pandemic. For what it’s worth, the entire world is making up all sorts of stuff as it tries to move forward through these times.

Regarding forbearance, it’s a confusing term. It has caused fear and it has even fueled greed.

This, in turn, has created a cascading effect on other things as well.

There are homeowners and renters who are unable to make their housing payments and who are unable to provide food for their families because they are not working and getting paid.

That’s one of the reasons why there is forbearance and/or rent relief available for them. It might not solve the problem, but it helps.

However, notwithstanding their financial means, forbearance is being used by homeowners

who are fearful of contracting the virus and therefore have elected not to go to work or leave the house, and thus, inevitably suffer from loss of income.

Sadly, on the flip side, forbearance appears to be getting leveraged by homeowners who do not need it at all yet just wanting to take advantage of the system. Now, loan servicers and lenders are trying to analyze all of this in terms of how it factors into either your refinance application or a new home purchase loan in the future.

Whether you applied for forbearance and didn’t accept it or if you applied for it and then accepted it for one month then cancelled it or if you applied for forbearance and you are continuing in it, are all different risk assessments for lenders and loan servicers.

Not to mention what really ends up happening down the road with those missed payments that you need to repay is

all complicated and unclear.

While this is playing out, lenders are significantly curbing back their product offerings and tightening up program guidelines. There are heavy restrictions being placed on cash-out refinances and similarly on home equity lines of credit.

Although they are both currently available, options are becoming harder to find by the day. Recently, legislation has been proposed to cancel or suspend and then forgive mortgage and rent payments all together. We must stay ahead of the curve, but in a way that doesn’t cause more harm.

Stay safe, act kindly, be patient and don’t stop believing.

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.

MAY 2020

CLIENT CONSULTATIONS VIDEOS & VIRTUAL TOURS SUPPORTIVE LEADERSHIP COLLABORATIVE TEAM

We're Here for

You.

Everything is different, and yet, nothing has changed.

Our clients remain our focus.

STILL THE LOCAL CHOICE FOR REAL ESTATE

We continue to work diligently alongside our clients to achieve their real estate goals in this new reality.

TFGPrealestate.com

More than just brushes 5 steps to painting like a pro at home Brandpoint

N

othing transforms a home quite like a fresh coat of paint. In fact, painting your own house is one of the smartest and easiest DIY upgrades a homeowner can accomplish, especially as they find themselves spending more time at home. With 71% of homeowners undertaking improvement or renovation projects that include paint, according to an iProperty Management Study, here are surefire tips to ensure you are painting like a pro.

1

CLEAN YOUR CANVAS Paint adheres better to a smooth, clean surface. While living room walls may only need a dry dusting, kitchens and bathrooms, where dirt, grease, oil or mildew can build up, need extra attention. Wash surfaces with soap and water, rinse well and allow to dry completely. For bathrooms, remove mold and mildew by applying a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and allow the solution

36 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

to sit for 20 minutes. Then scrub mold and mildew with a soft-bristle brush, rinse the surface and allow it to dry. Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when working with this bleach and water solution. For surfaces that are particularly grimy, spray with Rust-Oleum® Original Krud Kutter Cleaner & Degreaser, wipe off with a clean cloth and allow to dry.

and doors that truly gives a job that professional look. Start by removing any loose or cracked caulking from windows, doors and trim, and apply a fresh bead of sealant for a smooth, sealed surface. DAP ALEX FLEX™ Premium Molding & Trim Sealant is paintable in just 30 minutes, saving time and resulting in a seamless, more professional finish. Next, use painter’s tape to protect windowsills, molding, ENSURE A baseboards, door hinges and the SMOOTH SURFACE ceiling perimeter, taking your Now that the surface is dry, time to ensure that all areas are smooth down any uneven or properly covered. rough surfaces with a bit of finegrit sandpaper. Another pro tip FILL IN is to shine a bright light at a low IMPERFECTIONS angle across the surface to spot Now it’s time to tackle the any problem areas. After you main surface. Cracks, holes and have sanded or scraped the area, dents will mar the finished projwipe it down with a damp cloth ect, so apply spackling to fill in to remove any dust or residue these areas. Open a container of and allow to dry. pre-mixed spackling compound and apply a small amount over DON’T FORGET the damage with a flexible putty THE DETAILS knife. Spread the compound over Anyone can paint over a wide, the hole or crack in a smooth, smooth surface, but it’s the atten- downward motion. Overfill tion to detail around windows slightly and sand smooth using

2

4

3

fine-grit sandpaper. Need to tackle a larger drywall repair?

Reach for DAP® FAST DRY Premium Spackling. This professional-grade spackling compound is uniquely formulated to provide strength and durability while drying fast. Depending on the size of the repair, it can be painted in as little as 15 minutes.

5

PAINT WITH PRECISION Make the job go easier and faster by having a variety of brushes and rollers on hand.

Rollers are great for covering large, wide surfaces, but for a professional look around edges and corners, you’ll need smaller brushes for the right amount of detailed work. Allow the first coat of paint to completely dry, and then apply a second coat to ensure smooth, even coverage.

Once the second coat is dry, carefully pull up any painter’s tape and voila! Your space is transformed!

For more information on DAP products for your next DIY project, visit DAP.com.

MAY 2020

DISTINCTIVE ®

PROPERTIES Find us on Facebook

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38 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

May 2020

EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE

4

outdoor cleaning tips that could help you save thousands BRANDPOINT The sounds of birds chirping, longer daylight hours, and budding trees and flowers are early signs that warmer weather and spring are on the way. That means more time outside to enjoy nature, but it’s also a sign it might be time for a little spring cleaning.

“Cold temperatures, snowfall and winter rains can have a big effect on houses and landscaping, so now’s the time to check for potential home repairs and maintenance,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting rid of belongings you no longer want or need—it’s also a time to get your home in tip-top shape so you can enjoy it throughout the rest of the year.”

Here are four tips O’Rourke recommends to welcome the new season and save some money down the road.

or property damage.

“Properly trimmed branches present a lower risk of falling onto your home, power lines or possibly injuring someone on your property,” said O’Rourke.

“Also, in areas that are prone to wildfires, trimmed trees create a buffer zone to help lower the chances of flames easily jumping onto your roof.”

Consider having the trees on your property inspected by an arborist to determine their health and have diseased trees removed before they topple over unexpectedly. Removal costs vary depending on height and difficulty, but range from $100 to around $1,800. These preCLEAN YOUR GUTTERS. ventative costs are not covered by your homeGutters collect debris over time, especially owners policy, but can be a wise investment when rain, snow and wind causes twigs, pine that saves you time, money and anxiety. needles and leaves to settle on your roof and in your rain gutters. Accumulated debris can cre- WATCH OUT FOR SERVICE LINES. ate blockages that direct water into the home Homeowners who want to plant gardens, or, in areas without much precipitation, can act trees or install additional landscape features as kindling in the event of a fire. Buildup also to enhance their outdoor living space should allows mildew and mold to develop, which can be aware of potential underground utility slowly decay a home’s exterior and roof. lines. Most service lines—a network of exte“Preventable damage like mold or mildew rior, underground utility lines or pipes that that develops and rots a home’s exterior isn’t supply a home with electricity, gas, water and covered by homeowners insurance,” said O’Ro- sewer functions—are only buried a few inches urke. “It’s important to routinely clean out gut- beneath the ground. Accidentally hitting one ters—even if you have gutter guards installed, when digging can result in loss of service, they don’t completely protect against debris expensive repairs or a serious injury. building up eventually. An hour or two spent If a break to a service line happens on a cleaning or checking your gutters is time well homeowner’s property, special machinery may spent compared to the alternative.” be needed to excavate pipes from beneath the ground, which may require digging under your TRIM BRANCHES AND REMOVE home, garden or driveway. The homeowner is DANGEROUS TREES. responsible for repair or replacement costs, and Thunderstorm frequency picks up in sum- this damage can be inconvenient, expensive mer months, and high winds can occur year and isn’t covered by a standard homeowners round, so it’s best to get a jump on tree mainte- insurance policy. nance in early spring. Regularly trimming tree “The average cost to repair a break to a serbranches reduces their chance of breaking during vice line is about $5,000 and most Americans a storm, which could cause power outages wouldn’t welcome such a large surprise bill,” MAY 2020

Brandpoint

said O’Rourke. “Homeowners should definitely consider purchasing an endorsement to their insurance policy to protect against losses of this nature. Mercury offers this coverage as an addition to our home insurance policy and it costs as little as $8 a year, depending on the home’s age.”

To be safe, homeowners should call 811 before digging so the utility companies can send a locator to mark the approximate locations of underground service lines.

SERVICE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is essential to ensure the equipment is in proper working order, which can save money on energy bills, as well as protect against expensive repair and replacement costs.

“No one wants to unexpectedly find themselves living in a sauna during the dog days of summer, so the start of spring is a great time to have your air conditioner inspected,” said O’Rourke. “You should also change your air filter to make sure it’s operating at its highest efficiency, so when that heat wave hits you’ll be nice and cool inside your home.”

Have a professional inspect your HVAC unit to make sure its exterior condenser coil and compressor are clean and free from blockages—the average cost for an inspection is about $300.

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 39

NAPA COUNTY’S LATEST HOME SALES* Address

record dAte

sAle Price

Bed BAth sq ft Yr Blt

American Canyon

Single Family

141 RIO DEL MAR

3/6

$435,000

3

1

987

1955

11 REDHEAD ST

3/11

$695,000

4

3

2,877

2004

3/5

$700,000

6

3

3,164

2006

3/16

$745,000

5

3

3,606

2005

2 SIRAH DR 556 WETLANDS EDGE RD

Calistoga

Single Family

Address

record dAte

sAle Price

Bed BAth sq ft Yr Blt

20 SAGE WAY

3/19

$675,000

3

3

1,741

1991

24 DICKERSON LN

2/26

$684,000

3

2

1,443

1995

56 FIREFLY LN

2/27

$699,000

3

2

1,506

1999

1149 RANCHO DR

3/9

$700,000

3

2

2,456

1962

1764 MONARCH DR

3/9

$715,000

4

3

1,968

1973

3696 DARTMOUTH DR

3/3

$725,000

3

3

1,949

1959

2100 MAIN ST

3/20

$743,500

3

2

1,260

1900

1512 WASHINGTON ST

3/12

$606,000

2

2

1,344

1920

987 LIBERTY DR

3/19

$750,000

3

2

1,672

1992

1556 CENTENNIAL CIR

3/19

$895,000

3

2

2,140

1990

3966 STOVER ST

3/9

$764,000

4

2

1,680

1973

3/9

$1,007,500

3

2

1,990

1990

4096 FAIRFAX DR

3/26

$779,000

4

3

2,201

1975

71 DICKERSON LN

3/23

$780,000

3

3

1,885

1990

1018 EASUM DR

3/26

$789,000

3

2

1,872

1977

27 GLENWOOD DR

3/10

$795,000

3

2

1,443

1952

30 GORDON CT

3/19

$800,000

3

3

2,287

1995

2565 ROLLINGWOOD DR

3/19

$815,000

4

2

1,952

1966

19 CULBERTSON CT

2/24

$819,000

3

2

1,506

1999

127 LEGACY CT

3/17

$823,000

3

3

2,248

2002

498 BROWN ST

3/25

$875,000

3

2

1,538

1906

3210 BUCKEYE CT

3/19

$899,000

5

3

2,469

1981

3/20

$975,000

3

3

2,065

2002

3/5

$995,000

4

3

2,396

1985

1703 MAGGIE AVE

Napa

Single Family

425 WEBBER ST

2/26

$200,000

3

2

1,474

1951

1236 YAJOME ST

3/23

$455,000

2

1

768

1900

3/4

$459,000

2

1

897

1950

1466 ASH ST 2440 PINE ST

3/19

$475,000

2

1

834

1938

2016 W PUEBLO AVE

2/26

$502,500

2

2

1,202

1988

2671 ADRIAN ST

3/2

$505,000

3

1

1,244

1948

670 COSTA DR

3/9

$515,000

4

2

1,518

1970

2193 ETHEL PORTER DR

3/13

$530,000

4

2

1,080

1954

39 LEXINGTON CT

2243 REDWOOD RD

3/11

$535,000

4

2

2,998

1895

1038 STONEBRIDGE DR

1410 VALE AVE

2/27

$555,000

2

2

1,012

1940

1423 G ST

3/24

$1,022,000

3

4

1,856

1902

275 HOMEWOOD AVE

3/16

$570,000

4

2

1,312

1941

182 SILVERADO SPRINGS DR

3/17

$1,150,000

3

3

2,187

1990

3/9

$575,000

3

2

1,420

1964

2057 MAIN ST

3/20

$1,205,000

3

3

2,119

1914

2199 JANETTE DR

3/23

$585,000

3

1

1,106

1954

4152 CASPER WAY

3/24

$1,275,000

3

4

2,935

2009

1433 PERKINS ST

2/27

$590,000

3

2

1,100

1966

1556 EAST AVE

2/28

$1,300,000

3

2

2,000

1987

1124 SHETLER AVE

3/19

$600,000

4

2

1,566

1955

1123 CHANNING WAY

3/16

$1,385,000

4

4

2,381

2013

2/7

$1,575,000

4

3

2,104

1973

1542 BASQUE CT

3/5

$610,000

3

2

1,508

1967

1137 CASTLE OAKS DR

3/24

$1,875,000

4

5

3,932

2000

448 COOMBS ST

3/9

$610,500

2

1

1,255

1898

1143 CASTLE OAKS DR

3/18

$1,995,000

5

5

4,753

2002

3998 KLAMATH WAY

3/20

$625,000

3

2

1,294

1977

18 BUHMAN CT

3/18

$2,050,000

5

4

3,739

2000

1859 HEMLOCK ST

3/23

$639,000

3

2

1,521

1953

St Helena

3/9

$645,000

2

1

888

1915

1250 POPE ST

2242 TROWER AVE

2/24

$660,000

3

2

1,399

1950

2483 VINE HILL DR

3/13

$675,000

4

2

1,549

1975

147 KAREN DR

808 CAPITOLA DR

437 POST ST

Single Family

3/4

$783,000

2

1

960

1956

1095 PRATT AVE

3/27

$1,100,000

3

2

1,548

1969

1700 PINE ST

2/28

$2,500,000

3

3

2,194

1992

NAPA COUNTY’S LATEST HOME SALES* Address

record dAte

sAle Price

1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #274 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #230 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #401 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #427 1016 MARINA DR 3516 SHELTER CREEK DR 779 S FREEWAY DR #C 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #215 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #255 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #202 779 S FREEWAY DR #F 1190 PEAR TREE LN 2733 ELKS WAY 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #355 2356 CLAY ST 9 FOUNTAIN GROVE CIR 755 LA HOMA DR 1637 SAN VICENTE AVE 2669 REUBEN CT 1228 CAYETANO DR 2050 EVA ST 721 COTTAGE DR 1600 ATLAS PEAK RD #260 23 VALLEY CLUB CIR 605 COTTAGE DR 816 AUGUSTA CIR

3/13 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/20 3/23 2/24 3/13 3/13 3/13 3/6 3/16 3/3 3/3 2/28 3/27 3/13 2/26 3/25 3/20 3/13 3/13 3/13 2/28 2/28 3/13

$300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $350,000 $389,000 $397,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $406,000 $426,000 $520,000 $525,000 $548,000 $555,000 $560,000 $565,000 $575,000 $595,000 $629,000 $668,000 $668,000 $705,000 $765,000 $880,000

6600 YOUNT ST #004 161 VINEYARD CIR

3/24 2/24

90 COLD SPRINGS RD 340 TOBIN AVE 170 EDGEWOOD PL

Bed

BAth

sq ft

Yr Blt

1 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 3 2 3

1 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2

429 429 429 429 943 1,315 1,269 689 676 676 1,269 1,285 1,407 676 1,268 1,599 1,704 1,851 1,619 1,736 2,206 1,004 988 1,660 1,004 1,296

1968 1968 1968 1968 1974 1972 1983 1968 1968 1968 1983 1993 1988 1968 1975 1989 1991 1987 1978 1985 2016 1972 1968 1987 1972 1979

$665,000 $720,000

2 2

2 2

1,050 1,154

1984 1977

3/27 3/26 3/17

$376,500 $675,000 $825,000

5 3 3

3 1 2

2,908 1,638 3,096

169 BERRYESSA DR 1085 HEADLANDS DR

3/19 3/25

$4,000 $537,500

2 4

1 3

1,040 3,031

20 ROSEDALE RD

3/23

$2,100,000

4

5

2,105

2045 MONTICELLO RD 2239 FIRST AVE 2670 ATLAS PEAK RD 3071 NORTH AVE 4128 E THIRD AVE

3/3 3/24 3/17 3/3 3/9

$688,000 $1,060,000 $2,559,000 $3,225,000 $5,950,000

3 2 3 5 10

2 2 4 6 12

1,150 1,782 2,718 4,300 5,904

2574 HARNESS DR 467 COUNTRY CLUB LN 1771 WOODEN VALLEY RD 10 CATALPA CT 2650 SILVERADO TRL

3/26 3/20 3/20 3/20 3/24

$158,000 $333,000 $435,000 $610,000 $2,000,000

3 2 2 3 2

2 3 1 4 2

1,268 2,322 763 2,662 1,801

1708 LOS CARNEROS AVE

12/17

$650,000

3

1

1,926

1/21

$5,670,000

3

6

6,351

Napa

Yountville Angwin

Berryessa Calistoga Napa

Pope, Chiles, Wooden Valleys

Southern County/Carneros Napa

1089 GREEN VALLEY RD

Pope, Chiles, Wooden Valleys 3454 SAGE CANYON RD

Rutherford, Oakville 1560 SILVERADO TRL

Southern County/Carneros 1053 CUTTINGS WHARF RD

St Helena

1071 BALE LN

Condos

Condos

Rural Residential

1965 1952 1974

Rural Residential

1983 1994

Rural Residential

1989

Rural Residential

1910 1983 1982 2017 2014

Rural Residential

1991 1979 1930 1986 2002

Rural Residential

1952

Rural Residential

1992 Rural Residential

1/9

$1,950,000

4

4

3,056

3/27

$2,200,000

4

4

3,810

3/6

$1,775,000

3

2

2,218

3/23

$2,220,000

6

4

889

1977

Rural Residential

2011

Rural Residential

1988

Rural Residential

1940

5

FRESH

ways enhance your home life

Frame your outdoor spaces BRANDPOINT

‌When determining the look of your outdoor living space, decking is only half of the equation.

In many cases, it’s the deck railings that are most visible and the design element that makes the first impression.

“Railings serve a necessary safety function, but they also play an important aesthetic role,” explains designer Alison Victoria, star of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab” and “Rock the Block.”

“They frame an outdoor space and define the setting’s style and personality.”

Following are five fresh ways to frame up your outdoor space for maximum enjoyment and curb appeal:

by juxtaposing materials such as composite, aluminum, glass and brick. For an eye-catching color contrast, consider pairing chunky, white posts with slim, black balusters. Or, mix classic and contemporary looks by using a traditional, wide railing to frame the deck while installing a slimmer railing style on staircases.

VIEWOPTIMIZING OPTIONS‌ If you want to enjoy your view, thin balusters finished in black are a great choice as they tend to optically blend into the environment, putting more visual emphasis on the natural surroundings. Glass panels are also ideal, of course, as are cable INDUSTRIAL INSPIRATION‌ and rod rail designs. Conversely, Industrial styling is all the if you have nosy neighbors or a rage, as homeowners seek to replicate the clean lines and modern looks found in today’s hottest hotels, restaurants and craft breweries. In backyards across the country, this commercial-to-residential trend can be seen in the increased use of aluminum railing styles that deliver sleek sophistication. One such example is Trex Signature Railing, which offers a range of designs, including horizontal rods, mesh panels or glass inserts, in addition to traditional spindles—all with the low maintenance and durability of aluminum.

MIXED MATERIALS‌ While railing matched to the decking remains perennially popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of customizable design possibilities afforded by new railing materials, styles and finishes.

Visual interest can be achieved 42 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

view you’d rather minimize, opt for railings with thicker posts and more tightly spaced balusters to enhance privacy.

pretty. One of the biggest trends is “cocktail railing” or a “drink rail.” This approach uses a deck board as a top rail to create a flat ledge at just the right height for FORM AND FUNCTION‌ holding drinks and plates. This In certain cases, deck railings level surface also offers an ideal can be as practical as they are resting spot for potted plants,

Photos Brandpoint‌

candles and other decorative accessories. By using boards that match the decking, you can achieve a look that complements your deck, while making great use of space.

INVITING ILLUMINATION‌ Augment the beauty of your railing and lengthen the time you can spend enjoying your deck with discreet outdoor lighting that can be integrated into railing posts and caps. Not only will lighting set the mood, it also adds safety and security. Consider LED dimmable options to maximize energy efficiency, such as Trex Outdoor Lighting, which also are weatherproof and salt-air proof—ensuring they will last for years.

To learn more about different railing options and outdoor living trends, visit www.Trex.com.

May 2020

CAN I AFFORD A NEW HOME?

Calculate your Mortgage NapaValleyRegister.com/ homes May 2020

We are here for you!

707-224-5060 www.craiker.com DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 43

HOT WATER ON DEMAND

A RETROFIT

HOME improvement

makes it possible BRANDPOINT What happens when you turn on the shower? In the typical North American home, cold water comes pouring out. Because this is a shock to the body, most people make it a habit to run the shower for a few minutes before getting in.

Meanwhile, you might do something else as the water warms. In fact, there are probably times you have gotten distracted and forgotten about your shower.

Whether it’s for a few minutes or much longer, this is a lot of potable water just running down the drain.

Fortunately, there is a growing home improvement trend that eliminates this problem: hot water recirculation using tankless water heater systems. The NRCR Residential Condensing Tankless Water Heater from Noritz uses a built-in pump to keep hot water close to even the farthest outlet in the home, minimizing the wait and, therefore, the waste of unused potable water down the drain.

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET HOT WATER? A typical American home wastes thousands of gallons of perfectly usable water down the drain annually due to lengthy wait times at hot-water outlets in the bath and kitchen. This experience is common when showering and bathing as well as when you turn on faucets.

This happens because when you use warm water, the remaining 44 | DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES

water in the pipes does not return to the water heater for reheating.

Instead, it stays in the pipes and eventually turns cold. This chilly water needs to be pushed out and is what you feel before new hot water from the water heater is delivered when you turn the knob.

WHY DOESN’T THIS HAPPEN AT HOTELS? This same experience doesn’t typically happen in hotels, where you enjoy hot water near instantaneously. That’s because commercial properties like hotels know that many people want to use hot water at similar times and expect this convenience, so they have a special pump constantly run with a dedicated circulation line of water connected to each room.

That puts hot water right where it’s needed at all times. Also, in a hotel, the distance between the furthest shower and the hot-water source is so great, the wait and the consequent waste and cost would be enormous.

So what’s the solution for residential properties? More homeowners desire this convenience and are installing a hot-water recirculation system, which allows you to enjoy the convenience of hot water on demand while also reducing your water footprint, helping save money on utility bills.

THE MANY BENEFITS OF HOT WATER RECIRCULATION Today’s homeowner often has a high desire for comfort

while being mindful of the environment, which makes it no surprise that hot-water recirculation is a growing home improvement trend.

Whether you want to replace your entire water heating system with a modern tankless option or add a crossover valve that retrofits to your existing system, Noritz’s new NRCR tankless solution offers several options for different plumbing configurations. As a result, hot water is always available in whatever part of the house you need it.

Some homes have a pre-built pipe loop that is ready to add a pump to work in conjunction with your water heater. If your home doesn’t have this dedicated return line, you can install a crossover valve at the furthest fixture of your home and take advantage of the NRCR crossover mode.

Alternatively, homeowners who decide to replace their systems with tankless options will enjoy even more convenience and benefits. With tankless systems like the NRCR, the hot-water circulation pump is fully integrated into the tankless water heater. This technology operates only when there is demand to bring hot water to you, which saves even more energy.

What’s more, these systems are more affordable than ever.

Federal tax credits combined with possible rebates from local or state governments can drive the price down significantly.

Photos Brandpoint

SMART TECHNOLOGY FOR A SMART HOME In addition to providing on-demand hot water and reducing water waste, the NRCR technology learns how and when you use hot water. The new learning mode records habits over time based on your daily use and will turn on the recirculation pump only when you need it, meaning your system is efficient as well as convenient. You can also set your own schedule to your lifestyle needs if you choose.

If you’re done with the unpleasant stream of cold water every time you want to shower, consider tankless hot-water recirculation systems that also reduce water waste. With a 15-year warranty and a money-saving Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.97, you’ll feel confident about investing in your home. Learn more at www.noritz.com/nrcr.

MAY 2020

BEDROOM OASIS

How to create a space that’s optimal for

excellent

SLEEP BRANDPOINT ‌Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. Only 11% of Americans say they get excellent sleep on a regular basis, while 18% report poor or not good sleep quality, and the rest are somewhere in between.* With all of the stress today, your bedroom should be a sanctuary you can retreat to—a place where you can rest and relax before drifting off to sleep. Here are a few things to consider when creating your own bedroom oasis that’s optimal for sleep.

BED AND BEDDING‌ There’s nothing like a comfortable mattress, soft sheets, plush pillows and a cozy blanket to calm you. Another way to enhance relaxation is adding a weighted blanket, like Tranquility, while resting or sleeping. Weighted blankets are designed to help you relax, fall asleep, stay asleep and AROMATHERAPY‌ wake up rested by applying deep touch presScientific studies have proven that some sure that can help reduce stress and promote scents, like lavender and jasmine, have a a feeling of calm. calming, relaxing effect and can be great in the bedroom to help soothe you before LIGHTING‌ bedtime. Consider adding a diffuser and Lighting is just as important. Opt for essential oils. lamps with soft-white bulbs instead of overhead lights for a more soothing glow. Over- DECLUTTERING AND head lights can be harsh and uninviting.

ELIMINATING “NOISE”‌ Did you know clutter can actually magDÉCOR‌ nify emotions of stress, anger or exhaustion?

From shag rugs and furniture to accent Clutter can be considered “visual noise” pillows, artwork and wall paint, keep the and a huge distractor when settling down color scheme of your room light and airy. It’s to relax and recharge. Try clearing items off soothing on the eyes and makes for a more your dresser, nightstands and other surfaces tranquil atmosphere. by using organizers or containers.

May 2020

Brandpoint‌

Experts also recommend cooling temperatures and cutting back on electronics in the bedroom.

“Creating an optimal sleep environment is the key to falling asleep faster and staying asleep throughout the night,” says lifestyle expert Jenn Falik. “I find keeping my bedroom a cool 65 degrees, eliminating electronics in the room and having cozy bedding and my Tranquility weighted blanket, sets me up for the best night’s sleep possible.”

Survey methodology: An omnibus survey of American adults 18+ conducted online

by Finn Partners Research between May 15 and May 18, 2019, on behalf of Tranquility/American Textile Company.

DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES | 45

Want to live in the Napa Valley?

Find your perfect home at NapaValleyRegister.com/homes

The Perfect Pairing Napa County Wine and Your Outdoor Kitchen Setting the standard for outdoor living Stainless steel cabinetry for countless design options, storage and organization

3181 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa • 707-526-3322 • www.onfiresantarosa.com Closed Sundays

LIVE WINE COUNTRY Silverado Country Club Homes

6

BEDS

$1,495,000

5

BATHS

Napa

3

BEDS

2

BATHS

1

1/2 BA

$1,525,000 Napa

7 Gleneagle Circle 199 Kaanapali Drive Spacious Silverado home on 0.37± acre with high Rare opportunity to live on one of Silverado’s ceilings and abundant windows and patio doors. most popular streets with golf cart and pedestrian Hardwood floors and new carpeting. Open and access to all of the resorts amenities. This is a inviting floor plan combines kitchen with a family tasteful and beautifully remodeled single level room, wet bar, dining room and living room. home on a pristine 0.35± acre creek side lot.

5

BEDS

3

$1,075,000

BATHS

Napa

216 Old Vine Way Wonderfully spacious north Napa home close to amenities with a warm and cozy feel. Generous entertaining and living spaces, master suite with sitting area, walk-in closet, shower/tub, and dual sinks. Low maintenance back yard.

Gary Rose, REALTOR® Real Estate Agent | Lic. #00940226 Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty 707.529.5174 | G.Rose@ggsir.com GaryRose.GoldenGateSIR.com

3

BEDS

2

BATHS

$949,500 Yountville

1901 Colombard Way Rarely available single level home within Vineyard ParkinYountville.Thisopenandrecentlyimproved home sits on one of the largest lots (7,889± sqft.).

The desirable complex features spacious lawns, a community pool, and spa with views of vineyards.

4

BEDS

2

$1,395,000 Napa

BATHS

416 Troon Drive An exquisite remodel to the most popular floor plan in Silverado Springs. Step into a turnkey home that has been tastefully updated. You will fall in love with all the features and amenities.

Indoor and outdoor living will be a joy here.

4

BEDS

3

$829,500

BATHS

Napa

80 Black Walnut Lane One of seven newly constructed homes within Black Walnut Estates. This home offers loft/office area, a lower bedroom and bath, master suite with study and double vanity. Engineered wood flooring,quartzcountertops,stainlessappliances.

Brian Gross, REALTOR® Real Estate Agent | Lic. #01908361 Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty 707.337.3689 | Brian.Gross@ggsir.com BrianGross.GoldenGateSIR.com

Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty Top Producers - Wine Country 2019 Real Trends, The Thousands - Top one-half percent of the nation’s real estate professionals for teams by volume, California 2019