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What you should know when prepping your home for fall

Falling leaves, rainy days, and a nip in the air—fall is here! That means it’s time to prepare your Napa Valley or Sonoma home for the winter months. As wine country real estate experts, we know what it takes to keep your home in top-notch shape, especially if you’re planning to sell in the near future. Our autumn checklist includes everything from must-do repairs to simple seasonal maintenance tips. They’re all designed to make sure you and your home are ready for whatever comes your way, indoors and out.

Prepping Your Home for Fall: Indoor Tasks

Inspect the HVAC system.Routine maintenance ensures your heating system works when you need it most. Clear dust and debris from all HVAC vents and ducts and check the thermostat to make sure it’s operating correctly. If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat to help reduce energy costs.

Check and test plumbing components. Inspect and repair or replace pressure valves, hoses, and faucets that aren’t working as they should.

Windows and doors.Inspect all doors and windows for drafts and, if necessary, apply new caulking and weatherstripping. Check glass inserts for cracks or holes and examine screens for tears and any unwanted pests.

Appliances.Check hoses attached to the washer, dishwasher, refrigerator, and sinks for leaks. If repairs are needed, now’s the time to schedule them.

Insulation and ventilation. Check the attic and other areas where insulation’s installed to ensure it’s in good condition. Keep a close eye out for signs of moisture. Don’t  forget to check eave or ridge vents for debris and weeds.

Outdoor Home Maintenance Tasks for Fall

Gutters  and downspouts. Clean out all leaves and debris to prevent clogging, rot, and rust. Check that brackets are secure and there’s no warped flashing or  leaking vents.

Roof and house exterior. Look for signs of peeling paint and, if necessary, arrange  for the application of a new coat. Have a professional roofer check for loose or missing shingles so any necessary repairs can be made before the cooler and rainier months.

Chimney  inspection. Call in a professional to inspect for signs of damage, cracks, and soot or creosote buildup. Have the flue tested to ensure a tight seal and have the chimney professionally cleaned to remove toxins.

Protect outdoor furniture. The Napa and Sonoma areas don’t tend to get as cold as  other areas of the country, but nighttime temperatures have been known to  reach freezing. Those colder temps can damage your outdoor furniture.  Either store it inside or cover it with a waterproof furniture cover.

Talk to a Wine Country Realtor Today

Our final fall maintenance tip should become a part of your yearly routine. A review of your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety features ensures your family and your home remain secure from dangerous home disasters.

St. Helena Real Estate is a wine country real estate agency dedicated to helping our clients get the right purchase offers or find their perfect Napa Valley dream home. Our goal is to exceed your expectations of what it means to work with a realtor to buy or sell a luxury home in Napa Valley or Sonoma. To learn more about all the services we offer, contact us online today or call us at 707.967.9570!

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Keep Your Garden Fire-Safe: Plants to Avoid - St. Helena Real Estate

To Know more about St. Helena Real Estate contact us 707-967-9570

it’s important to take steps towards keeping your home and property safe. Homes for sale in Yountville CA and Napa Valley real estate should make sure that their gardens take the right precautions and avoid certain plants that can increase fire danger.

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Home Staging Ideas - St. Helena Real Estate - Homes for Sale in Calistoga CA, Homes for Sale in Sonoma County

Not all buyers have vision so giving them a nudge with some staged furniture can make a difference in real estate including homes for sale in Calistoga CA and homes for sale in Sonoma County. A survey found that staged homes – strategically styled for pulling buyers – sell in half the times of non-staged.

Not all buyers have vision so giving them a nudge with some staged furniture can make a difference in real estate including homes for sale in Calistoga CA and homes for sale in Sonoma County. A survey found that staged homes – strategically styled for pulling buyers – sell in half the times of non-staged.

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Are you thinking of selling a home you inherited?

Inheriting a property can be both rewarding and challenging. For many people, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they know little about. Some choose to move into the inherited home, while others explore options like renting it out or selling it.

If you’re planning to sell an inherited house in California, your real estate agent can offer guidance that helps you avoid common pitfalls that can cost you financially, prolong the process, and make the experience more frustrating than it needs to be.

Wine Country Real Estate: Selling an Inherited Home in California

Taxes, financial obligations, and other associated costs can make selling an inherited home a complex process, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Things you need to consider include:

Home loans. Does the property have one or more mortgages or a home     equity loan?

Tax liens. If the previous owner had property taxes or other tax     obligations, you’ll need to either pay them out-of-pocket or as part of     the sale.

Property damage. Significant repairs and renovations     can make selling the home immediately challenging, though you might be     able to sell it “as-is” with the help of your real estate agent.

Property  value. A local realtor can help you estimate the value of the     inherited property based on its condition and overall market conditions.

Shared inheritance. If one or more individuals inherit a portion of the     property, you need to think about whether everyone’s on board with selling it.

For most people who inherit property, capital gains and other tax implications are a top priority. California’s new Proposition 19, which became effective February 16, 2021, is a dramatic property tax increase that completely overhauls former family transfer benefits. Areas with the highest property values, such as in the wine country real estate market, will be impacted the most.

Like most laws, there are exceptions written into Prop 19, such as for people who are 55 and older or children of the deceased who intend to live in the house within one year of transfer. You’ll want to talk to a real estate attorney or your tax adviser about how this new rule might affect your inheritance and your financial obligations.

Talk to a Real Estate Agent About All Your Options

Once you get a handle on the financial aspects of selling a home you inherit, you’ll need to prepare the house for sale. You might need to hold an estate sale, clean out personal belongings, and wait for the estate to go through probate.

The right real estate agent can help you navigate pricing an inherited home and negotiating offers. They’ll also fill you in on hidden hurdles you might face, such as delays in the probate process. Most of all, an experienced agent knows how to help clients cope with an emotional process that can be much more overwhelming than one for a typical house sale.

To learn more about how a real estate agent can be your trusted partner selling an inherited home, contact Connie and Jamie today!

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So You Think You’ve Found the Right Home?

Looking for the right home (especially if it’s your first purchase of Napa Valley real estate) can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Looking for the right home (especially if it’s your first purchase of Napa Valley real estate) can be overwhelming, to say the least. Finding a good real estate agent, searching through listings, making lists, and learning what to look for in a home takes time and effort. And if you’re interested in luxury real estate, all the former tasks become even more important.

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California Modern Farmhouse - St. Helena Real Estate

To Know more about St. Helena Real Estate contact us 707-967-9570

Retreat to St. Helena – easy access from San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. This single level architectural home set on .44 acre was thoughtfully rebuilt with state of the art materials, systems and finishes. Designed for comfortable modern living and entertaining.

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Do You Know the Difference Between Listing Agent, Selling Agent, and Seller’s Agent?

If you’re looking to jump into the real estate market whether as a buyer or a seller, it’s more than likely that at some point you’ll need the service of a real estate agent to help close the deal safely and at the best possible price. While there are many brokers you can choose from, it’s never a bad idea to stick with a high end real estate company with a solid reputation. You’ll also need to know which type of agent you’re looking for, so here are some terms for you to get familiar with. 

Listing Agent

The listing agent is a real estate agent that represents the seller at the negotiating table. The term seller’s agent can also be used to describe them. A listing agent will assist their clients in areas surrounding selling their homes such as setting the right price, staging, marketing the home to attract plenty of buyers and more. 

Selling Agent

On the other side of the negotiating table is where the selling agent, more commonly referred to as the buyer’s agent, will be seated. As per their namesake, the buyer’s agent helps their client find the home they’re looking for based on the criteria they have set out for them. The confusion, in this case, sets in since the word “selling” is applied when the client is actually buying. However, this term is applied because once the buyer’s contract has been signed, the agent that brings the buyer and helps close the deal has then helped sell the property. 

 A selling, or buyer’s, agent will need to examine their client’s needs in several areas to find them the perfect home. This primarily begins with their budget, however, zoning is also a key factor as young families or couples will sometimes want to move into a home close to schools, parks, and hospitals. 

 Buying or Selling Real Estate? Let Us Know!

We’ve sat on both sides of the negotiating table, helping sellers get the right offer on their homes and assisting buyers in finding their perfect Napa Valley dream home. For more info on how we can be of service to you, contact St. Helena Real Estate today!

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Difference Between Listing Agent, Selling Agent, and Seller’s Agent?

While there are many brokers you can choose from, it’s never a bad idea to stick with a high end real estate company with a solid reputation.

If you’re looking to jump into the real estate market whether as a buyer or a seller, it’s more than likely that at some point you’ll need the service of a real estate agent to help close the deal safely and at the best possible price. While there are many brokers you can choose from, it’s never a bad idea to stick with a high end real estate company with a solid reputation. You’ll also need to know which type of agent you’re looking for, so here are some terms for you to get familiar with.

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Pros and Cons To Buying a House Next to a School

Moving to a home near a school may or may not be in your best interest, depending on what your needs and preferences are. Here are some pros and cons you should consider to decide whether or not it’s the right move for you. 

 Pro: Lower Prices

If you’re moving into an area that’s close to colleges, or specifically a college town, you’ll likely notice that the price of homes in the area is a lot more appealing. This is mainly because a lot of students rent these properties and tend to have less money than full-time workers. 

 Pro: Playgrounds Close by

This is beneficial for families moving closer to an elementary or preschool. In most cases, playgrounds will be close to schools to encourage children to spend time outdoors and stay active. 

Pro: Raises Your Property Value

It’s not uncommon for homes for sale in Napa CA or for homes for sale in Yountville CA located near a reputable school to attract multiple offers from buyers. It’s an amenity that provides important benefits for families with young children which includes saving time in the morning and ensuring their kids get a good education.

Pro: No Need to Rush in the Mornings

Further to the point of saving time in the mornings, kids can enjoy a brisk walk each morning without worrying about being late for class. Parents also don’t need to fight rush hour traffic to drop the kids off at school than race to make it to work on time. It saves hours throughout the day and also saves money on gas. 

 Cons: Some Buyers Won’t Even Consider It

While there are families that specifically look for homes near a school, it’s still a niche market. Some buyers will want no part of living close to school and this could limit your possibilities of selling. 

 Con: College Towns Get Rowdy

If the school you’re moving close to happens to be a college or university, expect there to be a lot of commotion on big sporting events or campus parties and the like. If you’re more of a quiet evening type of person, you may want to reconsider the home you’re eyeing. 

 Con: More Traffic

Traffic around school zones tends to get more congested during drop-off and pick-up hours. If the school accommodates a large number of students, the influx of vehicles tends to grow as well. Streets can also fill up quickly with school events like plays and sports games, so keep it in mind and gauge how much of a pain point this is for you. 

 Be sure to consider these factors before moving to a home that’s located close to a school and decide whether or not it suits your needs. St Helena Real Estate has a professional real estate agent standing by to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about the Napa real estate market. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!