Real Estate
Nevada County real estate sales are still hot, even in the “off” season!
Autumn in Nevada County is pretty spectacular. From the gorgeous fall colors, to the many fun events, we have an awful lot to offer! Buyers know this, and are still looking to purchase homes during this time of year.
There are some things you can do to spice up your home for Fall showings. Who doesn’t like a warm and inviting home on a chilly day? Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Coming into a warm home on a blustery day feels SO good. Your potential buyers will equate this to your home being comforting and welcoming. A nice and inviting food scent such as fresh cookies or apple pie can create a nice homey environment too. You don’t need to bake, there are plenty of “warmer” products on the market to help out with this.
Curb appeal is so important during Fall because the trees are shedding their leaves. Those glorious colors end up on our lawns and can make an exterior appear messy and unkempt. Be sure to bag up those leaves and tidy them away. Buyers don’t want a lot of maintenance and piles of leaves on the front lawn reminds them of having to rake them up each year.
Make sure that all windows and doors have weather stripping or are tightly fit. Cold breezes blowing through the home during a showing can be a deal killer! Drafty homes mean high heating and cooling bills. Make sure everything is nice and sealed up so this doesn’t happen to you.
With the Fall season, we see shorter days, and less light. Make sure all of your lights are turned on and at their highest setting. This includes side table lamps. Most buyers want a light and bright home. Make sure you show them that even in the darker seasons, your home is light, bright and inviting!
Early frost or snow? Be sure to have the driveway and front stoop cleared for easy access. The last thing you want to happen is to have someone slip and fall while viewing your home! Also be sure to have a nice mat for people to wipe their feet on. You want to keep those carpets and floors to stay sparkling so make it as easy as possible and offer a nice space for cleaning off shoes.
Try to look around your home with an eye for clutter. Holiday ornaments, personal photos and items, and any additional clutter should be tidied away. You want potential buyers to focus on how their possessions can fit in your home, and not be distracted by yours. This is very, very important. Give them an “open canvas” so they can see themselves and their friends and family in the space.
All of this will go a long way towards helping you sell your home in the Fall and Winter months. If you are looking to list your homes in Alta Sierra, or the surrounding communities, please contact us. We would love to help you achieve your real estate goals!
Music
THE CULTURE IN THEM THAR HILLS!
California Arts Council announced Monday July 10 that Nevada City and Grass Valley have been designated a combined State Cultural District. We are one of only 14 areas in the State of California to have been awarded such recognition. The California Cultural Districts Program celebrates the state’s artistic and cultural assets and diversity.
Rock On Nevada City & Grass Valley
Nevada City and Grass Valley are recognized by the Arts Council as a “well defined geographic area with high concentrations of cultural resources and activities”. Nevada County is the only county in the State of California to have two Cultural Districts and are among only four rural districts recognized by the program. No surprise at all to denizens of the area who live in Nevada City, Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Auburn and surrounding communities and take advantage of the manifold opportunities to enjoy and participate in arts, music, storytelling and many other cultural offerings that take place year round here.
Best Of Both Worlds, Small Town Living Amidst The Trees…& Arts
We know it…and so shall people not only in the State of California, but nationally and internationally as the rich cultural gifts of the area are showered in the bright lights of the Arts Council’s promotional and advertising activities. We have celebrated many of our areas arts entities in this space, such as the vital Center For The Arts, Music in the Mountains, Miner’s Foundry, KVMR Radio, and the annual Open Studios art trail. There are 53 arts organizations, 33 galleries, studios and museums, 19 live music venues, and 49 places of historical interest in Grass Valley and Nevada City. The Wild and Scenic Film Festival takes place every year in Nevada City and Grass Valley and is considered to be the most important environmental film festival in the country today.
The Sierra Lifestyle At ItsBest
Julie Baker, Executive Director of the Center Of The Arts says, “We live in a rural community with remarkable sophistication and a passion for the arts!” The Center will host the 21st Annual California WorldFest this weekend at the Nevada County Fairgrounds (itself a cultural gem here). When queried by clients thinking of moving to Nevada County as to where or not we have culture this is the answer. We sure ain’t just of bunch of rednecks, and if you weren’t a believer before, this ought to get you religion!
The designation of Grass Valley and Nevada City as a California Cultural District is well deserved. We love the Sierra Lifestyle here and the opportunity to participate in making it better,,,and better. Come party with us!
Important News and Info, Real Estate
Avoid these costly mistakes!
The kitchen is one area of the home that sees the most wear and tear. All the water, heat, and food spills add up quickly so it’s important to focus on quality and lasting appeal when you’re choosing materials for a kitchen remodel. Here are a few things you should avoid:
Cheap Laminate Countertops: The bottom rung of laminate is extremely susceptible to wear and tear. It can melt if you forget to place a hot pad under a pan that’s fresh out of the oven and the edges can chip off from repeated exposure to moisture and heat.
Flat Paint: A flat or matte finish is great in rooms with lower traffic, but it’s a bad idea in the kitchen where the walls are regularly exposed to splatters and spills. You need paint that can withstand an occasional heavy scrubbing, so opt for gloss or semi-gloss finishes.
Trendy Backsplash: If you watch any home remodeling show, you’ll certainly see kitchens with expensive, elaborate backsplash designs and materials. Those trends can be pricey to pursue and can look dated in a hurry. Subway tile is a cheaper, classic option that you’ll never regret, plus you’ll have more room in your budget to purchase quality materials to be used elsewhere.
Cheap Flooring: Just like the countertops, your kitchen floor needs to be strong enough to take some abuse. Cheap flooring easily scuffs and peels (especially from moisture). Quality flooring is worth the investment.
Nevada County home buyers are accustomed to quality and can spot the above quickly. You don’t have to purchase top of the line materials, but be sure to purchase durable ones. Always go neutral and avoid loud bright colors as your buyer may not have the same tastes in decor.
If you would like a comparative market analysis for your home, please contact us! We have buyers actively searching for homes in Nevada County and we would love to show you our marketing plan!
Community Events, Events In Nevada County, Lifestyle
Celebrate America’s birthday with the Annual Independence Day parade in downtown Grass Valley, beginning at 11 am on Tuesday July 4th, the parade will follow Mill and West Main Streets.
The Nevada County Concert Band will perform a pre-parade concert beginning at 10 am. This year’s flyover will be done by the Golden Empire Flying Association of Grass Valley. This year’s Grand Marshall is Craig Hoddy, publisher of the Nevada County Gold magazine. It is suggested that families bring folding chairs and arrive early for best view seating.
Fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm at the Nevada County fairgrounds. The fairgrounds will open at 3 pm. Enjoy live music and entertainment beginning at 4 pm. Food items will be available for purchase.
Discounted tickets for those above 12 years of age are available at the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce, 128 E. Main St. or online at GrassValleyChamber.com. Admission is free for those 12 and under and military personnel with ID.
The Fourth of July festivities in Grass Valley are super fun as only quintessentially small-town celebrations can be. Come join the fun!
