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Dvele Homes & The Road To 3964 Shelter Glen Way
At the crossroads of innovation and environmental efficiency, you’ll find Dvele Homes. Born out of a need to meet the changing demands for energy, Dvele strives to “create the smartest, healthiest, most sustainable homes on the market,” built in as little time as possible.
W Real Estate is proud to once again partner with Dvele Homes to bring one of their innovative creations to life, right here in Wine Country. The home at Shelter Glen Way is perched on just under an acre and features a sprawling 3,700+ square feet of efficient design that shatters industry norms at each corner. Completed in 2022, this custom build centers around the upscale kitchen and central living area, both of which are bathed in natural light and effortlessly lead to the outdoors beyond. Occupants will enjoy the peace and privacy provided by the 4 bed, 5 bath design, all incorporating premium finishes to elevate the living experience. This home is all electric and achieves near net-zero levels of efficiency giving owners a break on power payments, and utilizes solar arrays alongside battery backups that give peace of mind should unexpected outages ever occur.
Simply put, Dvele Homes rebuff typical building practices. According to their website, “People are becoming more cognizant of resources and waste. But most builders are stuck in the same old models and building like they have always built before.” When building the Shelter Glen Way property, Dvele utilized green building practices to ensure maximum climate-friendliness. The home is also fully equipped with advanced filtration systems and smart home capabilities, making it easier for new owners to adopt a heath-centric lifestyle. Dvele also inherently understands that design is a key component that cannot take a backseat. The home at Shelter Glen incorporates a sophisticated design that expertly blends elegance with efficiency.
Showcasing elegance and luxury while setting an industry standard for efficient practices, Dvele Homes is at the forefront of new homes of the future. They expertly analyze the environment the new home is going into, and adapt their plans to ensure a truly unique living experience. We are proud to partner with them once again and are excited that the home at Shelter Glen Way will stand as a testament to their building talents and can serve as an example for future homes to come.
Agents to Watch – Shiela Frye
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Congratulations to one of our November Agents to Watch, Shiela Frye! From a young age, Shiela understood the value of investing in real estate. She knows the inherent value that home ownership can bring to one’s life and goals, and she relishes the chances she gets to help clients navigate the real estate market. Keep reading to learn more about Shiela!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Calendar remaining events, and productivity hours for the remainder of December.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
Since I was young, my father always instilled understating the value of investing in real estate. My family owns a number of rental properties and through middle and high school I would help with the maintenance of the properties as well as organizing the books at the beginning of each month. Along with that, my job throughout high school and college was an assistant to a real estate broker and from that, I gained a lot of knowledge in the career and loved the feeling of being part of someone’s biggest investment and seeing the joy it brought to people at the end of the transaction. I always knew I was going to delve into something having to do with real estate because of my family background, but while I was in college getting my degree in Business Management, I just knew my passion was going to be in real estate, so I simultaneously got my real estate license and degree.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Never fear failure.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
Jamaica
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I am deathly afraid of spiders but will pick up just about any other type of animal/creature.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
1. My Family
2. Endless supply of drinking water
3. Large knife
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Clear, blue skies, 80 degrees. Soaking up the sun at Lake Sonoma with my family, watching my dog swim.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
John Ash
Your Comprehensive Checklist on Hosting the Holidays
Group of friends gathered at home to celebrate Christmas or New Year. Bringing fir tree and presents. Hugging. Day time.
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Holiday guests are expected during this holiday season. Many people are preparing their homes to welcome family and friends. Whether you are hosting family for a long weekend or everyone is coming over for dinner on the holiday itself, you want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable when they come into your home.
As the holiday hospitality season arrives and you open your home to family and friends, then make sure that you are brushed up on your holiday hostess skills. The following are some great tips to help you brush up and get ready to serve your holiday guests:
Tips for Before Your Holiday Guests Arrive
Deep-Cleaning Starts Your Holiday Off Right
While we have all heard of “spring cleaning,” giving your home a deep clean before the holidays can help you start off your holiday season right. It gives you a clean home and a clear mind before you begin to decorate for special occasions. It also allows you to know that your guests won’t find surprise dust bunnies under the tree or long-lost crumbs under the centerpiece at the family holiday dinner!
Declutter Your Home
Remove the clutter from the areas of your home where your guests will be spending most of their home. Your holiday guests do not need to see the last month’s worth of your mail piled up on the counters or your kid’s latest art project left across the kitchen table. Cleaning up and opening up the space where your guests will be staying will help their stay be much more enjoyable and comfortable. Your guests will appreciate it.
Decorate for the Holidays Early
If you are hosting the holidays this season, then leave yourself plenty of time ahead of time in order to pull out your decorations, fix what is broken, and get the house decorated in time for your guests to arrive. This gives you time to make any adjustments that you need to make in order to ensure that your decorations are ready for guests well before they arrive.
Choose Decorations Strategically
You might want to decorate every single square inch of your home to make it look festive and cheery, but in reality, sometimes less is more. When you go to decorate, focus on the big picture and on getting the main areas of your home decorated where the guests will spend most of their time. Choosing which areas to focus on can give your home a better, more well-balanced look in order to give a well-put-together appearance to your guests.
Sometimes minimal decorations can look more well-put-together than filling every little nook and cranny of space with something festive.
Tips for After Your Guests Arrive
Discuss Pets with Your Guests
Many guests may have allergies to certain pet dander or hair. Be sure to inform guests of any/all pets that live in your home before they arrive. If they have allergies, this will give them a chance to speak up before they even arrive so that arrangements can be made for everyone to have a comfortable and pleasant visit during the holidays.
Break Out Good China
If you are having guests over for a holiday meal, then you will want to use your good china in order to serve your holiday meal. Holidays are a special occasion and using your special china dishes symbolizes the importance of the holiday. Ensuring that your china dishes are clean and ready to use will help make serving the holiday dinner a breeze. All everyone has to do is grab a plate and fill it up!
Set Up a Coffee/Tea Station
If you have a Keurig to set up a coffee/tea station with a variety of flavors of coffee, or a regular coffee pot to provide coffee and other hot drinks then all guests have to do is help themselves to a beverage of their choice. It’s a nice touch to please both coffee and tea drinkers alike. You also don’t have to worry about making a cup of coffee every time someone wants something to drink, which can become cumbersome. The “help yourself” method will make guests feel more at home.
Provide Space for Guests
Guests will likely come with luggage and other belongings that they need to store throughout their trip. Providing an area for your guests to store luggage and other personal belongings will make them feel more welcome and at home rather than making them “live out of a suitcase” for the holidays.
Leave Extra Pillows/Blankets/Towels/Washcloths/etc.
Leaving your guests with “extras” is a nice way to make them feel more comfortable by not having to ask, “Do you have an extra ________ I can borrow?” every time they need something. Guests will appreciate extra pillows to sleep on or blankets to keep warm if your home is at a different temperature than they are used to. Providing extra supplies will allow guests to be comfortable without asking you as a host to please provide them with whatever they need.
Stock the Bathroom with Toiletries That May Be Forgotten
Providing basic toiletries to guests makes it so that they don’t have to weigh their suitcases down with extra weight when they come to visit for the holidays. Soap and shampoo and other liquids get quite heavy and can take up a lot of room if your guests are flying with weight restrictions on their luggage. It will also help to have extras of these basics on hand in case a guest forgets to pack something for their trip. Knowing that they will have basic necessities when they get to their destination can take a lot of stress off of the process of traveling for the holidays.
Conclusion
Put yourself in their shoes and think about what you would want someone to do if you were a guest in their home. That usually will give you the answer as to how to treat guests and maintain your home while they are visiting. Being kind and caring towards your guests and respectful of their privacy will help make a great holiday season with great memories for everyone!
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Agent of the Month – Mary Curran
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Congratulations to our November Agent of the Month, Mary Curran! At her core, Mary is a people person who loves real estate. It is this skill set and this passion for her business that propels Mary’s daily successes! Keep reading our blog below to learn more about our incredible W teammate, Mary.
What routines do you have in place to start your day off right?:
Coffee at Black Oak.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
I want to say dumb luck but maybe it is just that I am open and will talk to anyone at any time. I am not shy for sure!!!
What was the most difficult thing you had to overcome when first starting your real estate career? Or that still challenges you to this day?:
Not knowing forms and the different computer systems to make transactions easier. I still struggle but Steve Dickason and of course John my TC always saves the day!
What’s the transaction you are most proud of so far?:
Any transaction that resulted from me just talking to folks and being myself. It’s really rewarding to just be me and have people respond to that.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential real estate market?:
It seems to me that everyone has an interest in Real Estate here. I don’t run across many people that have no interest or opinions about our market.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you are getting it right?:
It is really important to me, but my life is pretty simple. My husband and I both have fluid schedules so it’s easy for us to have downtime. I know it can be a real struggle for agents with kids, I couldn’t imagine how hard that must be.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
Brugge Belgium is the best place I have ever been.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Don’t react to stuff right away. ” I will get back to you” is the best thing to say when you are faced with something challenging. It gives you time to think, discuss, and form your plan.
Agents to Watch – Deanna Reis & Nan Boettger
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Congratulations to our November Co-Agents to Watch, Nan Boettger and Deanna Reis! This dynamic duo teamed up this year and has been unstoppable ever since. Nan and Deanna draw on their passion for real estate and their love for their Wine Country home and use that as a daily driving force for their success. Keep reading to learn more about Nan and Deanna!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Nan: Today the first thing on the list was a meeting with Deanna to go over a listing agreement followed by the week’s schedule/goals.
Deanna: Write a to-do list
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
Nan: My family has been in Real Estate my whole life and was able to watch my family help families/clients with the process. I remember the joy it brought them to be able to help them. I decided to pursue my career in RE after both kids left for College.
Deanna: My nature is to help others and I’ve always wanted to make a big impact in people’s lives. Real estate allows me to do both at the same time! So rewarding!!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Nan: The best advice I have received is to be trustworthy and honest and be myself.
Deanna: Go after your goals! They are uniquely yours for a reason.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
Nan: I would go to Greece.
Deanna: Somewhere warm, with sand, and a beach.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
Nan: I actually do have a shy side in different certain settings.
Deanna: Most people do not know how literal I am.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
Nan: 1. Water
2. Sun Tan Lotion
3. Book
Deanna: If I’m ever stranded on a deserted island..my literal self thinks I need survival equipment; a knife, matches, and a blanket.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Nan: Perfect day starts with sleeping in followed by a beautiful brunch. After filling up my belly wine tasting at some of my favorite wineries and shopping local at the town’s retail shops.
Deanna: A perfect day in Sonoma County would be a walk around Spring Lake followed by a quick drive to Calistoga for a massage and lunch.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Nan: Catelli’s in Geyserville
Cold Weather Curb Appeal
Frost on the leaf and grass.
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Cold Weather Plants
Get your landscape winter-ready with evergreen trees or plants that can stand up to the cold weather such as boxwoods or cypress.
Outdoor Lighting
As the days get shorter, having proper outdoor lighting will make your home safer and more attractive for buyers who come to visit at night.
Fresh Paint
Refresh trim and railings with a new coat of paint or stain. These details help revive your home for a fraction of the cost of painting the entire exterior. Ideally, you’ll want to complete this project before weather conditions turn stormy.
Tidy Up Your Lawn
Your grass may no longer be green, but you can still keep your lawn looking neat so buyers can picture what it will look like in the spring and summer. Keep your lawn clean by periodically raking up leaves and other debris.
House Numbers & Mailbox
An easy way to boost curb appeal is to update your address numbers and mailbox. Swapping out address numbers takes less than an hour and only requires the new numbers, nails, and a hammer.
Welcome Mat
Accessorize your entry with a durable welcome mat. Shop for a doormat that’ll stand up to wet, muddy boots all winter long. Message-wise, keep it simple, or rather go for a fun design!
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How to Start Investing in Real Estate
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Article written by Ricci Julia
The US housing market has been fraught with high borrowing costs and increased home prices; California is no exception. In a Times feature, mortgage rates in California have jumped to an all-time high of over 7%. Despite the recent turmoil, those interested in real estate investing within the state shouldn’t be daunted. After all, in our post ‘Owning a Home: The Ultimate Catalyst for Building Your Generational Wealth’, we showed how 63% of the net wealth of 80% of Americans comes from their real estate.
If you currently reside in California, you’ll certainly be given opportunities to secure valuable properties, granted the right approach guides you. Below are the steps you need to take to begin real estate investing:
Determine your strategy
For starters, real estate investing provides you with several routes. For rental properties, profit is primarily from rent, which depends on how much you charge. It’s advisable for rent to cover expenses until the mortgage has been fulfilled. Otherwise, profit is made through appreciation, though circumstances in which you can sell your property can be volatile due to price surges. Another thing to note is that the number of completed property sales in Mendocino County, specifically, is a mere 18.8%.
In light of that, real estate investment trusts (REITs) can be another great option. REITs utilize investors’ cash to buy, operate, and income-producing properties. Potential investors can diversify their portfolio here, as REITs can oversee different property types in Mendocino County, like healthcare facilities, malls, mortgages, and office buildings.
The strategy you choose shouldn’t be informed by preference alone; it should also be based mainly on your current financial situation.
Evaluate your finances
Investing in real estate won’t automatically yield great results. It’s essential to consider your overall financial situation, especially for serious California investors who value cash flow and equity upon securing a property. Real estate investing necessitates closely monitoring trends and pricing, which is where collaborating with a financial analyst proves beneficial.
Maryville University discusses how financial analysts conduct in-depth evaluations of potential properties. Although buying properties can lead to high returns, it comes with numerous risks. New York Times reported that median sale prices of houses in California were up by 12.3% in 2021. An average home will cost around $798,440. Investment costs are high, so it’s crucial that an analyst helps you gauge an investment’s quality and progress. You can also better gear your existing finances and take out a manageable loan if necessary.
Secure your financing
With a better understanding of your financial health, you can now secure funding for real estate purchases. Most of these are associated with mortgages. The referenced Times feature suggests that you should look at the following financial options:
California Housing Finance Agency loans:
For first-time real estate buyers (or those who haven’t owned a house in the past three years), they offer down payment assistance through the MyHome Assistance Program. This loan provides you up to $10,000— more if you’re purchasing a manufactured property or a new construction home.
Southern California Home Financing Authority loans:
These offer down payment and closing cost assistance to California residents. You can be given around 4% of your mortgage amount, not to mention you won’t need to repay the grant.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) loans:
This best suits those who want to purchase properties in rural residential areas such as Mendocino, Del Norte, and Colusa. A USDA loan doesn’t require any down payments as well.
Raise your own funds for reserves
Although leveraging outside financing is enough to buy a property in California, you’ll still need to raise cash for reserves. Cash reserves cover renovation costs, mortgage fees, and property tax payments. As the Times feature mentioned, the average property tax rate for owner-occupied properties in California is 0.70% (around a 2% annual increase). That being said, reserves are especially relevant in abetting home upgrades, which increases your property’s net worth. Our referenced W Real Estate post shows that Mendocino County has a 12% home appreciation rating. The jump from 7.2% over the past decade is primarily due to home improvements.
Renovations don’t have to be as extensive as installing a pool. Kitchen or bathroom remodels can already heighten the value considerably. That rise can attract buyers and attain profit for properties in California. To raise your own funds, consider investing in stocks or finding a trusted partner that can help shoulder property expenses. Otherwise, certain mortgages offer cash back, which you can put toward your savings account for future costs.
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Agent of the Month – Fermin Escutia
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Congratulations to our September Agent of the Month, Fermin Escutia! Fermin’s approach to real estate is a highly disciplined one rooted in the belief that hard work is the only path to success. From discovering his “why,” to ensuring that the people in his life are always taken care of, Fermin’s methods are just one of the many reasons why we love having him on our team. Keep reading to learn more about Fermin!
What routines do you have in place to start your day off right?:
Morning coffee and morning talk with wife to discuss our eventful day.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
Identifying your “why” and putting a plan in place that entails knowledge, strategy, patience, and discipline.
What was the most difficult thing you had to overcome when first starting your real estate career? Or that still challenges you to this day?:
Time blocking and making sure to prospect and respecting your calendar.
What’s the transaction you are most proud of so far?:
My first transaction was selling a condo to first-time home buyer and I wanted to make sure it was seamless.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential real estate market?:
Sonoma County is a great place to call home with so much to offer to all from the local wineries, beaches, parks, and great schools.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
When all the important people in your life are taken care of and are your number #1 fans.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
Visiting Mexico with my family and having my children visit the town where their “Abuelitos” (Grandparents) come from and seeing it first hand and experiencing a different pace of life and not to forget the frequent visits to the local plaza and enjoy some hand made ice cream.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
To find a mentor that has their pulse on the market and systems in place to help the Realtor get a jump start on success.
Agent to Watch – Chelsea Cambra
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Congratulations to one of our September Agents to Watch, Chelsea Cambra! Born and raised in beautiful Wine Country, Chelsea got into the real estate game with the goal to help others make this unique area their forever home as well. From searching for the perfect property to searching for the perfect spot to catch some live music, Chelsea is a talented and key member of the W Real Estate team. Read more about Chelsea below!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Go out to the garden and plan my day out in the fresh air with a cup of coffee.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
Growing up in this area I have always wanted to help others to make their dreams come true in finding the perfect place to call home.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
My Grandma always said, “Be good, if you can’t be good, be careful, if you can’t be careful, name it after me!”
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
The Azores in Portugal, so I can see where my family originated.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I am a giant cry baby and super sentimental! I cry when watching commercials, while attending weddings (even people I don’t know), when strangers show me kindness, well, you get the idea…
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
Boombox, hat, tennis ball/racket.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Perfect 75-degree weather, hanging with great friends, touring the local downtown hotspots for some good food, drink, and live music.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
You can’t go wrong with any of the Starks restaurants, but if I had to choose one, it would be Stark’s Steakhouse.
Agent to Watch – Andrew Cooper
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Congratulations to Andrew Cooper, one of our September Agents to Watch! As a former chef, Andrew knows the value of a positive experience. With that in mind, when he made the pivot to real estate he was more than ready to hit the ground running. Keep reading to learn more about Andrew, his passion for real estate, and how you just might find him catching a wave out at the coast!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Send an offer out for the client’s signatures.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
To pursue my passion for helping people. Coming from my former career as a chef, it has always been a passion to bring enjoyable moments to clients. Now with real estate, I get to be a part of one of the most enjoyable experiences in life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
Italy for the food or the Maldives for the surf. Hard to choose just one.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I have never been to Ikea.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
Pillow, spices, and a surfboard.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Dawn patrol surf at Salmon Creek while my kids play on the beach. Then lunch at one of the many great restaurants before hitting the golf course for 18 holes and beers with friends.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Diavola in Geyserville. Hands down the best in Sonoma county!
