House & Home: June 03, 2023

CONTENTS

A Note From The SBAOR President: Local members at NAR make change on fee increase for borrowers .........4

HOA Homefront Reader Questions: How do we handle delinquent members and delinquent directors? ...........4

Style at Home:

Exploring the rich history of Indian block printing ....................................6

Ask Angi: What affects the cost of exterior painting? .................................................8

On Gardening: The Garden Guy is pumped on daylilies...................................................10

Unwanted guests?

How to make sure ants don’t set up shop in your home this summer ......14

Open Homes Directory .........................................E-13 CLASSIFIED

Real Estate ............................................................E-15 Residential Property ..............................................E-15 Commercial Property.. ..........................................E-15 Rentals...................................................................E-15

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By Todd Shea President of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®

Local Members at NAR Make Change on Fee Increase for Borrowers

From May 8th through May 11th of this year, our local Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® leadership traveled to Washington DC to attend the NAR (National Association of REALTORS®) legislative conference. This conference is a place where the leadership of every association in the United States comes together and talks about trends in the market, legislation on a national level that affects the housing industry, and networks with one another.

This year there were a variety of hot topics including lack of inventory, new construction and replacing retail with residential, insurance, electrification, capital gains, tax incentives, initiatives for underserved communities and diversity, and legislation affecting homeowners. SOME BIG TOPICS! And for fun, AI was thrown in the mix. When you go to these meetings with such large topics, sometimes it is hard to feel like you can make a difference.

Announced a few months ago in January, and garnering national news attention, the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) announced a proposal for a loan level pricing adjustment, or upfront fee, on borrowers with debt-toincome ratios (DTIs) greater than 40%. Along with this were increased fees for those borrowers with credit scores above 680 and down payments from 5-25%. Meaning basically that if you did well, and worked hard to establish good credit, you were now going to pay more in fees.

Well, I am so happy to report that some positive change was made and directly from this NAR conference! It feels good to be a part of protecting homeowners, personal property rights, and buyers and sellers. Coming out of the NAR conference on May 10th, 2023, the FHFA rescinded its proposed

How Do We Handle Delinquent Members and Delinquent Directors?

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Dear Mr. Richardson:

What can be done to a person who refuses to pay their dues?

– A.M.

loan level pricing adjustment. NAR President Kenny Parcell issued the following statement. “We are pleased that our advocacy efforts on behalf of our 1.5 million members and their clients were successful. We applaud the FHFA for listening to the industry’s concerns by choosing to drop this fee on borrowers with higher debt-to-income ratios. It would have imposed a cost on borrowers at a time in the market when affordability is already stretched and only made them riskier.”

These changes would not occur without the efforts of all of our local REALTORS®, not only speaking their minds but from their financial contributions to the RAF, REALTOR® Action Fund, and nationally with the RPAC, REALTOR® Political Action Committee. Each year REALTORS locally and around the nation contribute funds that go to help protect the industry and personal property rights as well as stopping point of sale mandates that could have cost the homeowner $1000s of dollars reducing their equity or may have even prevented the sale from going through. This also helps lobby for political candidates who are pro-housing and align with REALTOR® issues among other benefits.

As an association and membership body of agents, we are constantly looking at items on a local and national level to keep our community informed. There are always changes, always. And some issues continue to come up in different forms. I am just happy to be a part of an association here locally in Santa Barbara that is renowned for how we operate and the envy of many associations across the nation. Great work to our local Santa Barbara agents, association, and National Association of REALTORS®.

With Gratitude, Todd Shea

Todd Shea Specializing in Luxury Buyer & Seller Representation

Dear A.M.:

While an unpleasant task, collecting past due assessments from members is a very important board responsibility. If the association does not require all members to timely pay their fair share, the good neighbors paying each month are going to have to pay more to make up for the neighbors who do not. Without collecting all due assessments, the association cannot pay its bills, which harms all HOA members.

Because of the importance of regular and timely assessment payment, the law gives HOAs some very powerful tools to help communities ensure they can meet the common expenses of homeowners.

First, Civil Code Section 5650(1) provides that if the association pursues assessment delinquencies it can also recover attorney fees, interest, and late charges.

Second, Civil Code Section 5675(a) authorizes the HOA to record a lien (essentially an involuntary mortgage) on the property to secure the HOA’s assessment claim. The lien will make it harder to sell or refinance the property without first paying off the assessment claim.

Third, if the lien is still unpaid 30 or more days after it is recorded, the HOA can under Civil Code Section 5700 begin foreclosure proceedings to involuntarily take the property away from the owner.

There are two types of foreclosure. One is nonjudicial foreclosure, in which the HOA (usually through a collection vendor) provides a series of notices and after prescribed waiting periods can have the property sold at a foreclosure sale. The other type of foreclosure is judicial foreclosure, in which the HOA files a lawsuit against the homeowner asking for a judge to award money to the HOA and/or to

have the property sold to pay the debt. Homeowners should not ignore foreclosure notices and should act quickly to protect their home. Completing a foreclosure is a very serious action, and HOAs should consult legal counsel before sending a property to foreclosure sale.

The obligation to keep members current on assessments collection is a serious matter and should be taken seriously by both the HOA board and HOA homeowners.

– Sincerely, Kelly.

Mr Richardson:

I’m a new elected board member. As I’m looking over homeowner’s delinquency information, I’m concerned that several incumbent board members are delinquent. Is there any Civil Code that a board member should be current in their HOA dues? Hopefully this might make it in one of your articles - I’m in shock. Very concerned,

– D.S.

Dear D.S.:

The only automatic eligibility requirement to serve on HOA boards in California is that one must be an owner in the HOA. Civil Code Sections 5103(d)(2) and 5105(c) provide five optional eligibility standards that associations may adopt, and one such standard is that candidates or directors not current in their payment of regular or special assessments may be disqualified from candidacy or serving on the board. “Delinquent” is defined by Civil Code Section 5650(b) as not paid 15 days after an assessment becomes due. Civil Code Section 5103(d)(3) states that board eligibility requirements must also be applied to the seated directors, which means that if the election rules bar delinquent candidates then directors must also not be delinquent.

– Best regards, Kelly

Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and Partner of Richardson Ober DeNichilo LLP, a law firm known

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Style at Home:

Exploring the rich history of Indian block printing

By Katie Laughridge

In a day and age where most everything we purchase is mass-produced, there’s something magical about the beauty found in the slowness of handmade goods. Block printed textiles are lovely in part because of homespun nature of the craft.

I fell in love with the art of block printing on a trip to India many years ago. My goal was to see the intricate process in person, but I wasn’t able to do so. Thankfully, I was able to bring back a set of block printing blocks from the trip that I still have today. What is block printing?

As explained by Nick Rowan for Tiny Workshops, a site dedicated to creators from around the world, block printing is a relief printing technique that uses a carved material (historically made from hard woods, but modern techniques can include linoleum or rubber) to transfer ink onto fabric or paper. Relief printing is a general term for printmaking techniques in which the printing surface is cut away so the image alone appears raised on the surface.

The block then serves as a stamp, where colored ink is added, with the final product resulting in a mirror image of the carving. Prints can range from small images intended to be repeated in a pattern to large artworks that require a large printing press to manufacture. When multiple colors are used, a block is created for each corresponding color and design, and then layered one at a time for the final motif. One of the things I love the most about it are the beautiful imperfections that happen as a result of the handmade process.

India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of block prints in the world. Historically, block printing has been used in India since at least the 12th century. One theory states that Indian artisans borrowed the technique from China, and later became its own culturally distinct art form. Trends in block printing Indian block printing has a rich heritage and

Using block print motifs in your home decor showcases the adaptability and versatility of this traditional craft.

Whether it’s through minimalistic geometrics, abstract expressions or botanical delights, these motifs infuse homes with a personalized and artistic touch, creating an inviting and visually captivating environment.

Block printing is a relief printing technique that uses a carved material (historically made from hard woods, but modern techniques can include linoleum or rubber) to transfer ink onto fabric or paper.

Photos courtesy Handout/TNS

diverse regional styles, with different regions and communities having their own patterns and motifs. Each design holds cultural significance and contributes to the vibrant and timeless beauty of the traditional craft.

Floral patterns: Flowers are a popular motif in Indian block printing. They can range from simple geometric shapes resembling petals to highly detailed and realistic representations of various flowers like roses, lotuses and jasmine. Floral patterns are often combined with leaves, vines and other natural elements.

Paisley motifs: Paisley, also known as “mango” or “ambi,” is a distinctive teardropshaped motif commonly used in Indian block printing. It is believed to have originated from Persia and became immensely popular in India. Paisley motifs are characterized by their curved lines and intricate designs, often resembling the shape of a mango.

Geometric patterns: Geometric motifs are prevalent in Indian block printing and reflect the influence of Islamic art and architecture on the region. These patterns feature repetitive geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, circles, and hexagons arranged in symmetrical compositions. They can create mesmerizing optical illusions and intricate latticework designs.

Animal and bird motifs: Animals and birds hold significant symbolism in Indian culture and are frequently depicted in block printing. Peacocks, elephants, camels and various birds like parrots and sparrows are commonly used. They can be represented individually or as part of larger narrative scenes.

Figurative designs: Block printing also encompasses figurative designs, which depict human figures engaged in various activities. These designs often showcase traditional scenes, religious stories and cultural practices. The figures are stylized and feature elaborate

costumes, jewelry and intricate detailing.

Borders: Block-printed textiles often include decorative borders and borders that frame the main pattern or design. These borders can feature geometric patterns, floral motifs or abstract designs. They add an extra layer of beauty and intricacy to the overall textile.

Indigo dyeing: While not a pattern or motif per se, indigo dyeing is closely associated

with Indian block printing. Indigo, a deep blue natural dye, is commonly used to color the fabrics used in block printing. The indigo color often serves as a backdrop for the intricate block-printed designs, enhancing their visual impact.

Block printing in home decor

Using block print motifs in your home decor showcases the adaptability and versatility of this traditional craft. They

blend seamlessly with contemporary design trends, offering a balance between tradition and innovation. Whether it’s through minimalistic geometrics, abstract expressions or botanical delights, these motifs infuse homes with a personalized and artistic touch, creating an inviting and visually captivating environment.

Block prints with abstract motifs have become a favored choice for those seeking a

more artistic and eclectic aesthetic in their home decor. These prints often feature bold brushstrokes, fluid lines, and overlapping shapes, evoking a sense of movement and creativity. The abstract block print motifs can range from organic and free-flowing designs to more structured and geometric abstractions. They are commonly seen on throw pillows, bedding and tapestries, infusing the space with artistic energy and a modern aesthetic.

Adapted from nellhills.com.

Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at info@nellhills.com.

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Indian block printing has a rich heritage and diverse regional styles, with different regions and communities having their own patterns and motifs.

Each design holds cultural significance and contributes to the vibrant and timeless beauty of the traditional craft.

What affects the cost of exterior painting?

ByPaul F. P. Pogue

Spring and summer bring to mind freshening up your home’s exterior with a new coat of paint. And indeed, a brand-new paint job can liven up your home, improve curb appeal and generally upgrade your look at a fraction of the cost of other significant visual improvements.

On average, exterior house painting costs about $3,100, with most jobs ranging between $1,800 and $4,400. Here are some of the options for home painting that can raise or lower the price:

Home height: Single-story homes are, of course, the easiest and least time-consuming to paint. And most painting companies are experienced and equipped to handle two-story homes, though the price will increase. The price goes up quite a bit for three-story homes, which tend to require scaffolding, much taller ladders, and more paint to cover.

Home square footage: This is self-explanatory. Regardless of the number of floors, a bigger home requires more time, effort, and paint.

Siding type: Metal and cement/Hardie boards are fairly easy to paint. Wood siding takes paint and stain very well, though it requires some prep time. Stucco requires the most extensive prep time and usually costs the most to paint.

Additional features: Some parts of your exterior simply take more time and effort to paint. Porches require a lot of extra effort, for instance, and fascia is often weather-damaged and must be repaired or replaced before being painted. Shutters, window sashes, and doors also add some extra time, though these are easier to work with.

Age of your house: When working in any home built prior to 1978, a painting pro will have to take extra steps to safely work with the possibility of lead paint. Don’t hire a pro who claims they can skip those steps; lead safety measures are required by the Environmental Protection Agency for all pre-1978 residences. Anyone skipping those steps doesn’t take the work or your safety seriously.

Protecting edges and working around windows and doors are important parts of home painting.

Questions to ask painting pros

Ask your painting professional these five questions before you hire.

1. How will you protect my home?

Exterior painting projects can be messy. This makes preparing susceptible parts of your home, like landscaping, decks, and porches, an essential part of any painting project. Only hire a pro who has a plan to care for your home.

2. Are you insured?

Painting a home’s exterior can be dangerous work. If an accident happens, hiring an insured pro will protect you and your home. If your contractor has a crew, be sure they provide workers’ comp as well.

3. Do you offer a guarantee?

Guarantees are a sign a contractor is trustworthy and committed to quality work. While it’s not a deal breaker if a pro doesn’t offer guarantees, it’s always best to work with ones who do.

4. Can you walk me through your process?

Exterior painting projects can involve several phases. Working with a pro who will walk you through each step will ensure they are diligent, experienced, and prepared for your job.

Don’t hire a contractor unwilling to share their painting process. This can be a sign of inexperience.

5. Do you offer design services?

Some painting contractors offer help with choosing colors. It’s not a deal breaker if your pro doesn’t, but it can be a major plus — especially if your home has accents like decorative trim.

Photo courtesy Dreamstime/TNS

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On Gardening:

The Garden Guy is pumped on daylilies

By Norman Winter

A trio of new daylilies has The Garden Guy pumped on daylilies once again. The three new selections make their debut in the Rainbow Rhythm series in 2024. Rainbow Rhythm Blazing Glory, Rainbow Rhythm Persian Ruby and Rainbow Rhythm Blood Sweat and Tears are blooming now to the rescue of The Garden Guy’s treasured daylily garden.

Last year was the perfect storm for my secret garden, which many of you know as my daylily garden. It is not a big expanse of daylilies; it’s about 25 plants partnered with other perennials and some choice favorite shrubs. It is planted on the side of my house on either side of a dry creek bed.

After a storm last spring, I had to get a new roof. No telling how many square feet of shingles had to be taken off in a hurry and new ones hammered on. The best place to take the shingles down was over the daylilies, and although it was only a day’s work, the result was a great new roof — and what resembled a war zone for the daylily plants.

The growth resumed, but suddenly my secret garden was no longer secret. The neighborhood deer population discovered it, followed by armadillos. In my despair, I probably did the most damage by not maintaining a really good triage program with water and fertilizer. But ultimately I only lost three daylilies and have planted nine more. I’ve got the deer managed and The Garden Guy is pumped again.

Everybody loves a daylily garden, bees, hummingbirds and butterflies too! This 8-inch Rainbow Rhythm Persian Ruby will present quite a beautiful target for all pollinators.

Rainbow Rhythm Blazing Glory will make its debut in 2024. Seen here blooming at The Garden Guy’s house with Blue Boa agastache.

Photos courtesy Norman Winter/TNS

They are starting to bloom, and the companion plants have all matured. Blazing Glory, Persian Ruby and Blood, Sweat and Tears will bring Proven Winners’ Rainbow Rhythm series to 14 selections, all competitive in their beauty. I never really dreamed such beautiful daylilies would ever be mass produced for garden centers.

My time as director of the Columbus Botanical Garden and then the Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden really taught me not only how beautiful daylilies are, but about the great partnership possibilities. The exotic look of the daylily blooms partner well with other perennials. I am using Rainbow Rhythm, Blazing Glory with Blue Boa agastache. The golden yellow and burgundy blooms are borne on tall scapes reaching about 30 inches.

Rainbow Rhythm Persian Ruby produces huge 8-inch, deep red/purple blossoms with a glowing yellow throat. The scapes are tall, reaching 30 inches. I’ve partnered mine with the shorter Rainbow Rhythm Orange Smoothie daylily and in close proximity to the golden needle Fluffy arborvitae and the blue-flowered Let’s Dance Arriba hydrangea.

Daylilies have been called the perfect perennials, and that is what you will think when you see the rosy red Blood, Sweat and Tears. This showy daylily is a couple of inches shorter, but you’ll never know the difference. I’ve got mine partnered with Pyromania Blaze Red Hot Poker.

These daylilies are easy to grow, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for best performance. Best results are obtained from raised beds rich in organic matter.

Perhaps you haven’t tried daylilies because the flowers only last a day. Remember, each scape or flower stalk has many buds, as I mentioned above. And they open in a series, giving you beauty for not only days, but weeks and even months as they repeat.

Once you plant daylilies you will have a host of fun and visitors, like this Green Tree Frog.

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Rainbow Rhythm Orange Smoothie has a smaller bloom but is a treasure found for this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.

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How to make sure ants don’t set up shop in your home this summer

If you’re hoping to keep ants outside this summer, here are some ways you can do so.

By Lindsay Smith

Summertime is quickly approaching, and while people may be hoping to spend more time outdoors, one insect could be paying a visit inside.

Many parts of the country are home to multiple species of ant, including carpenter, pavement, ghost and acrobat ants, just to name a few.

Professor Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D. with Kansas State University’s Department of Entomology, said ants are active almost year-round even in colder climates, from spring to early winter.

“They’re active in the spring when the reproductive swarmers come out ... the males die ... the females start laying eggs,” Cloyd said. “That occurs again in the fall, early winter time, but ants ... can be active all year-round, depending on the environmental conditions.”

Cloyd said specifically when the weather is wet, ants will try to find a protected environment, like a home or office, to shelter in. If you’re hoping to keep ants outside this summer, here are some ways you can do so.

Keeping ants out of your house

The entomologist said the most common way for ants to get into the home is existing openings, like cracks or crevices.

“Any openings, like in the foundation or under doors or ... windows that don’t seal very well, those

are some of the areas they can get into,” Cloyd said. The best way to prevent ants finding openings is to seal them off.

“Ants are pretty smart, they can find openings,” he said. “Sealing cracks and crevices, putting door sweeps in, just preventing any access” can help limit intrusion into your home.

Cloyd also recommends keeping tree branches off of the roof. When tree branches are lying on the roof, ants can climb from the trees onto the branches and make their way into your home.

Here are some natural repellents to keep ants away from your home, from BugMD:

Peppermint oil: Spray a mixture of peppermint oil and water around your home.

White vinegar: Mix together vinegar and water and spray it or wipe areas down where ants are entering.

Cinnamon: Sprinkle where ants are entering.

Borax: Make a paste by mixing 1/2 teaspoon borax, 8 teaspoons sugar and 1 cup water, then put it where ants are in the home.

Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle where ants are entering.

Cloyd said he’s also seen people use orange

peels and orange oil, but wants people to remember those are just temporary fixes.

“You’re not killing them, you’re just repelling them and then ... they’ll move somewhere else,” he said.

The most effective way of getting rid of ants in your house is using baits, Cloyd said. Baits, which contain insecticides, attract worker ants to carry small portions back to the colony, ultimately killing the entire colony.

The most common one he recommends is boric acid, which is usually safe around pets and humans.

Cloyd doesn’t recommend using a spray insecticide to fight off ants inside your home.

“So it’s really bait management, using baits, changing them frequently, you may have to change them throughout the year because they tend to want to feed on proteins early in the spring and switch to carbohydrates later in the summertime,” he said.

Cloyd said if you have any concerns or questions regarding ants in the home, you should reach out to your local pest control.

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