HOUSE & home REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE
FIRE PREVENTION AND RECOVERY REQUIRES
PLANNING & POSITIVITY Homeowners can take steps to protect their homes By Katherine Minkiewicz Staff Writer
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s September marks emergency preparedness month, resources such as dual paned windows, metal roofing and positivity, are all assets that both recovering fire victims and Sonoma County residents should look to as the anniversary of the October wildfires loom. The deadly wildfires of 2017 wiped out many neighborhoods like the idyllic, tree-lined streets of Mark West and Coffey Park, reducing them to a land of ash and mutilated pipes and wells. Now, almost 11 months after the Armageddon-like scene of Oct. 9, homeowners and contractors are looking towards an armory of materials to help make homes more fire resistant. Steve Rahmn, a former Coffey Park resident, is
one such survivor who is choosing to rebuild his home and is planning to make use of the innovative and sturdy building materials available today. Rahmn, whose home previously had no fireproof materials and was a “a standard issue ‘80s” build, is looking to use copper walls manufactured by a New York based company that can allow for a magnified radius of protection. The family man is hoping the new materials will provide a heightened sense of security and a stronger defense. “It looked like a bomb went off and the home was leveled to the ground. I went back around 7:30 or 8 and the only identifiable thing was melted aluminum, a washer and dryer, cars and a toilet,” Rahmn said of the extensive damage. The flames that wiped out his home came through Mark West and over the highway, jumping six lanes and barreling down Hopper Avenue to his home, according to Rahmn. For the rebuild, he said, “We are thinking about designing it with RSG-3D (The New York based copper materials company). Copper walls are
more resistant. It is a (good) safety measure and will provide solid protection.” Dave Leff, founder and CEO of LEFF Construction Design Build in Sebastopol, said the idea of using fire resistant building components has been around; however, the concept is now more widespread. “It was just applied to certain areas (at risk of fire), but now it applies to everyone,” Leff said. “A lot of standard building materials have now been rated by WUI (California’s Wildland-Urban Interface), which is a requirement to build with fire resistant building materials.” Specifically, Leff’s company uses cement stucco, metal siding and Hardie; a cement-based siding material manufactured by the James Hardie Company. “For wood exterior, we have to use materials that are either approved through WUI or have increased dimensions for decking. Venting requirements have also changed. You have to have See Planning and Positivity Page 9
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E X C L U S I V E LY L Y M A R K E T E D B Y: Y:
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A special supplement to the September 13, 2018 edition of:
Backed Back ked by ex exceptionally e xceptionally e experienced xperienced mor mortgage rtgage tgag management … tgage MONIK ONIKA A BESANC ESANCON ON
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Tips to help first-timers navigate the housing market
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cross the U.S., the housing market is picking up pace moving into the peak of the summer homebuying season. In city after city, home prices are on the rise, up 2.3 percent on average between April 2017 and 2018, according to the RE/MAX April 2018 National Housing Report. And there are fewer houses on the market to choose from, with total housing inventory down by 11.3 percent. Based on home sales in April 2018, the national supply of inventory was at 2.5 months, making it a strong seller's market. (A 6-month supply of inventory historically indicates a market that is balanced equally between buyers and sellers.) What's fueling the demand? More members of the millennial generation entering the housing market, among other factors. If you're ready to stop renting and start enjoying the benefits of home ownership, finding the perfect house within your price range can seem daunting, especially in a seller's market. Keep these things in mind to find and close on that special home.
Your credit score The interest rate of your mortgage matters a great deal. Even a fraction of a percentage can add (or
through this complex process without professional guidance can definitely lead to costly problems later. If you work with an agent, you'll get to work with a pro who's in touch with the local market and can lend a helping hand every step of the way. Their expertise can help you find that perfect house and help you craft the right strategy for your offer. Visit remax.com to find a professional agent in your area.
Your strengths
subtract) thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year loan. One thing that can influence your interest rate is your credit score - it's just one way for the lender to determine how likely you are to repay the loan. Well before you begin browsing properties online, take steps to get your credit score in the strongest possible position. Review your credit report and report errors immediately. Make
on-time payments and put off opening new credit accounts until after the mortgage is finalized.
Your support system Plenty of online services claim you can save money by completing the process without a real estate agent. But as many buyers discover, the savings don't always come through as promised. In fact, going
When you find the right house, you may not be the only one making an offer on the property. That can be intimidating. But keep in mind it's not always about coming in with the highest dollar amount. Buyers have different motivations to sell. Some may be in a situation where they want to close and move out as soon as possible. They'll be less likely to work with buyers who have their own houses to sell, making first-time buyers more attractive candidates. Buying a house is a big step, and in the heat of a seller's market, it takes extra patience and perseverance. Find the right real estate agent to help you through the process, and moving day may arrive sooner than you expected. — BPT
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Preparation matters: paint like a pro in five easy steps
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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 on their own. Before reaching for a paintbrush, follow these paint preparation tips: Clean Up Your Act: Paint adheres better to a smooth, clean sur-
face. 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 them to fully dry. For bathrooms, remove mildew by applying a solution of one-part bleach to three-parts water and allow the solution to sit
for 20 minutes. Then scrub the 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. Scrape and Sand: Now that the surface is dry, smooth down the surface with a bit of fine-grit sandpaper. This is particularly important if painting over a glossy finish, as paint applies more evenly to dull surfaces. In addition, going over the area with sandpaper will help uncover any cracks, holes or dents that could diminish the final look of your project. Another pro tip is to shine a bright light at a low angle across the surface to spot any problem areas. After you have sanded or scraped the area, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue. Don’t Forget the Details: Anyone can paint over a wide, smooth surface, but it’s the attention to detail around windows and doors that truly separates a mediocre job from the pros. Use painter’s tape to protect window sills, molding, baseboards, door hinges and the ceiling perimeter, taking your time to ensure that every corner is properly protected. These areas are also prone to gaps and cracks. Remove any loose or cracked caulking from
windows, doors and trim, and apply a fresh bead of sealant for a smooth, sealed surface. Fill It Up: Now it’s time to tackle the main surface. Cracks, holes and dents will mar the finished project, so apply spackle to fill in these areas. Open a container of pre-mixed spackling compound and scoop up a small amount with a putty knife. There’s no need to pile it on. Instead, start with a small amount, and with a shallow knife strike, spread the compound over the hole or crack in a smooth, downward motion. Repeat until the hole is completely filled in. 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. Moisten rollers and brushes in water beforehand, as this will help the paint glide more smoothly onto the surface. 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! — BPT
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House & Home 2018
After the fires, it’s OK to remodel LEFF Construction Design Build
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ut of the hundreds of phone calls LEFF Construction received during and immediately after the wildfires, a surprising theme began to emerge. It went something like this: “We know that you’re probably really busy rebuilding homes lost in the fires. But we’ve been planning a remodel for years. We don’t want to take resources or manpower away from people who’ve lost their homes, but is there any chance you could take on a remodeling project?” The simple answer is yes. Even though local construction firms struggle with labor, cost, and scheduling issues that were exacerbated by the fires, the demand for residential remodeling is stronger than ever. The cost and labor challenges that are being met across the construction industry will benefit new home building as well as remodeling projects. As we head into the end of the year, now is actually a great time to start planning and designing a renovation project for construction in 2019.
NOW — By removing the kitchen counter return/stovetop, and incorporating the refrigerator and new stove area into a "triangle" work space, the kitchen has a much better traffic flow. By maximizing cabinet and counter space with an efficient design, more room was created to add a wine cooler and bottle storage shelves under the counter. Open shelving creates a more expansive feel. Classic subway tile and clean lines in the fixtures and appliances make this a non-trendy, elegant design solution that will last for decades.
can be passed on to their children or grandchildren. Can remodeling help alleviate In some cases, a remodel is housing shortages? needed to address years of neglect or outdated design. All of There are many reasons why these are valid reasons to embark clients wish to remodel their on a whole-home remodel. homes. If you’ve been thinking of reDesign–build offers creative somodeling, you can feel confident lutions that can maximize living space in ways that allow extended that the remodeling and newhome building industries are families, friends, or tenants to making the changes needed to aclive together in comfort and commodate Sonoma County’s safety. need for their services. These solutions may help, in a Since 1978, LEFF Construction small way, ease the housing Design Build has offered Sonoma shortage that the fires of 2017 County homeowners beautiful, made even more acute. With a whole-home remodel, it functional, and sustainable deis possible to efficiently expand a sign solutions expertly crafted to home to accommodate multi-gen- fit how you want to live in your erational family living, or to cre- home. Visit our extensive project ate a “granny unit” to rent out. portfolio at Older homeowners may decide www.LeffConstruction.com. to “remain-in-place” rather than Contact LEFF Construction sell and move; a universal design Design Build at 707-823-4899 or remodel can make their home email us at: Vision@ more accessible during their LEFFConstruction.com. elder years and can even extend the longevity of the house so it — Elaine Lucia, LEFF
House & Home 2018
THEN — At one point, someone thought this design was a good idea. It certainly is unique! But the use of space was highly inefficient, the refrigerator could not be fit into the kitchen "triangle" work area, the homeowner couldn't reach the upper cabinets, and the flow/workspace area was cramped. The fixtures and surfaces were very outdated.
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PLANNING AND POSITIVITY: your roof, use metal or composite tile instead of wood shingles, and enclosed pocket vents so embers eaves should be protected with ignican’t make their way in,” Leff extion resistant or non-combustible plained. materials, according to Cal Fire’s, Leff and his team are in higher de- “Ready for wildfire” website. mand than ever and are working on Windows, which can shatter due six fire rebuilds in Fountaingrove to the heat of a fire, should be dual and Oakmont. paned with one pane of tempered “We initially had 180 calls where glass to reduce the risk of breakage, people were interested in rebuilding the website says. and we’ve narrowed that down … There are also a number of smart some people decided not to rebuild landscaping tips that can improve a or didn’t have enough insurance cov- property’s chance of survival, such erage,” Leff said. as using rocks instead of mulch in Even though contractors are garden beds and selecting plants like using sound materials, Cal Fire and French lavender, red monkey flower, PG&E are also reminding residents California lilac, sage and maple and to consider other ways homes can be cherry trees, all of which are less more secure and flame resistant. flammable than pine or redwood. Will Powers, a Cal Fire spokesperYet, the number one thing that son for Sonoma County, says the Powers reiterated was the impornumber-one thing they tell hometance of defensible space, which Cal owners is to create a defensible space Fire says, “Is essential to improve of at least 100 feet. your home’s chance of surviving a “There is also a 30-foot zone wildfire.” (which extends out from buildings PG&E spokesperson, Deanna Conand decks) where you should remove treras, also mentioned it is a good grass, weeds and vegetation,” Powidea to regularly check that fire ers said. “You should also look out alarms are in working order and to for tree limbs overhanging homes.” review family emergency plans. Dry leaves and pine needles “PG&E encourages families to be should be removed from roofs and prepared for any emergency — from gutters. They also recommend rewildfires to earthquakes to even outmoving patio furniture, wood — piles ages. The number one thing you can and any flammable shrubs or trees, do is to have an emergency plan and such as eucalyptus trees, from near practice that plan,” Contreras said. or underneath windows. Rahmn said the most challenging When rebuilding or replacing part of this goliath endeavor, was not Continued from Page 1
Photo courtesy Steve Rahmn
DETERMINATION — Steve Rahmn stands with his son Desmond and wife Michele at the
site where the Rahmn’s lost their Coffey Park home.
in getting the permits or dealing with insurance, but in learning to be adaptable and trying to get past the feeling of loss. “Adapting was hard on my family and I,” he said, saying that for the
YOuR zONES — CalFire calls for a 30-foot clear area around your property and a 100-foot zone of defensible space.
House & Home 2018
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first month after the fire he and his large family had to live with his cousin, Sonoma County Supervisor, James Gore and then find a house to rent. “We also still feel kind of paralyzed — we got the permits four weeks ago and we haven’t done anything yet.” Even though the housing inventory in Sonoma County has increased, Mike Downs, a real estate agent with Vanguard Properties in Healdsburg, says people are still choosing to rebuild or buy in the same area despite being leery about future fire concerns. “A fair amount of people went out to get a home just to get settled … but others have made some decisions, whether it’s to rebuild or stay where they are,” Downs said. When asked why he chose to rebuild instead of move, Rahmn said the community feel of the neighborhood was a major factor in deciding to stay. “We really liked the community. We lived in the area for quite some time and we had just purchased the house in July of 2017. We thought, ‘maybe we should move,’ but we liked the neighborhood and the park so we wanted to stay,” Rahmn said. So how does he manage to stay positive through it all? Strong family bonds and a lot of hope. Rahmn said, “You still have moments where you feel like you are walking in quicksand, but there is a lot of excitement for the future of Coffey Park and a tremendous amount of hope.”
9
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Changing addresses? Tips for busy Baby Boomers
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or many Americans, moving households represents a fresh start and a chance to improve quality of life. Last year, some 39.4 million Americans changed residences, thanks in part to better affordability in the housing market. That doesn’t mean that everyone’s moving process was friction-free. The logistical coordination and the physical work involved with DIY packing and loading can be a major chore in the best of circumstances. And that’s doubly true for baby boomers who are downsizing or moving to new communities, yet challenged by the physically grueling aspects of a DIY move. Fortunately, forming a plan that troubleshoots the most common challenges can help enormously. Consider how these tips could keep your next move smooth and free of unnecessary stress. Protect your treasures: Avoid the heartbreak of damaged belongings by stocking up on bubble wrap and other efficient packing materials. You also could optimize household items such as towels, blankets and coats. Stagger your packing: Pack too early and you may need items you’ve stashed away; pack too late and you may be crunched for time. Start with non-essentials and out-of-season belongings a few weeks before moving day, sorting discards as you go. Save necessities for the last 48 hours. Label, label, label: This may seem unnecessary while you’re packing, but will save you time and frustration upon arrival when you’re desperately looking for your essen-
tials. It also allows you to immediately sort boxes by room and store items that are infrequently needed. Secure transportation early: Instead of procrastinating and missing out on the truck you need, hop on your smartphone at least two weeks ahead to easily reserve a vehicle. Right-size your truck: Rather than guessing what size moving vehicle you’ll need, plan on about 150 cubic feet of truck space for each fully furnished room in your home. That means a move from an apartment might necessitate a 12-foot truck offering 450 cubic feet, while a move from a house might require a 26-foot truck offering 1,400 feet. Recruit help: The packing and transporting may sound easy until you try to do it all yourself. This is the time to call in favors or perhaps pay some teens to help with the lifting and hauling. Pack the truck strategically: Optimize your space by positioning your furniture and other large, heavy items in the back of your vehicle before proceeding with lighter items. That optimizes the vehicle’s power and allows you to fit smaller items into smaller spaces. Drive like a pro: Many people are unfamiliar with the difference between driving a car and a big truck. Read all instructions provided and understand how to drive differently to remain safe (and legal). Regardless of your age, a DIY moving process can be efficient and pain-free when you organize the details ahead of time. — BPT
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© MMVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. 709 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg Ca. CalDRE# 02025375
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