— REAL ESTATE UPDATE —
Are we wasting our time rebuilding the Ridge?
those who want to come back, they embrace it too. There is a comradery and a passion that wasn’t there before. Sure, we were strong before, but not Paradise Strong.
By Cindy Haskett
Owner, Blue Team Realty
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efore I answer that, let’s take a moment to review. We’re all aware that many families have chosen to leave the Ridge and/or the state. I have the utmost respect for anyone who wants to choose a better life for themselves and their families and if that means leaving the area, then I wish them the best! Some of the comments I’ve heard are: “Paradise will never be the same” or “I can’t afford to rebuild” or from tenants “I can’t afford to rent here or the neighboring areas.” The list goes on.
Photo by Jen Sullivan Brooks
House blessing and signing ceremonies are becoming common practice among Ridge rebuilders. Good wishes from friends and family are the foundation of our new homes.
First: They are correct, the Ridge won’t be the same, but tell me this, what’s wrong with that? I for one have never backed down from a challenge or change; I have always embraced transition and if you speak with the members of this community and
Second: Affordability was an obstacle to rebuilding. High housing prices were the norm-at least in the beginning. With very few builder/contractors in the early days of the rebuild, housing prices and prices per square foot were off the charts, some I heard quoted as high as $350-400 per sq ft. Now, we have our local and many out-of-area builders with more affordable prices. I am working with some builders starting around $180 per sq ft for a high-quality site built home and even lower prices for owner builders options. So for those who want to rebuild on the Ridge: You have options! The passing of the AB1482 Tenant Protection Act is helping maintain affordability and mitigating price gouging. If any investor/ landlords are reading this—build for rentals! You won’t be disappointed. Now let’s look at some interesting local stats. Since the fire, in Paradise and Magalia we have sold 1055 lots, including pending escrows. Between the Town and County they have issued 1064 building permits. That sounds like growth to me. So back to the original question . . . Are we wasting our time? I don’t think so! I know I am honored to be a part of rebuilding the Ridge. We will grow at a steady, sustainable pace. No, we won’t be the same, and yes, we will have some growing pains, and maybe just maybe, we’ll be oh so much more!
PARADISE RISING Resource Guide for the Ridge FALL/WINTER 2020..................................................................................................69
