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How To Prevent House Fires This Holiday Season
Most house fires are caused by cooking-related activities
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Winter holidays are a jolly time full of magic, happiness, and goodwill towards all. They are festive times that bring different households together under one roof for delicious feasts and family fellowship. However, holiday celebrations and winter festivities are also when residential fires are at their highest.
Each year, on Thanksgiving Day, there are around 1,700 cooking-related fires. In 2015, the National Fire Protection Association reported 52-72% more cooking fires on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day than they had in previous days. Plus, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, house fires are much more common in the winter than any other time of year, and most of these fires are heating, electrical, and cooking-related.
Because of the added dangers of the holiday season, you must exercise additional caution to protect your family and yourself. Here are some of the most important steps you can take to help prevent an accidental house fire.
Cooking
Cooking fires are the most common cause of house fires, including during the winter season. Things like turkey can take hours to cook, so it’s not uncommon for people to leave them unattended while mingling with family, which could, unfortunately, result in a fire. These are some of the most critical holiday cooking safety tips that could prevent a tragedy.
- Clean your cooktop and oven regularly. Old bits of food and grease can heat up, causing smoke and fire.
- Keep plastics, towels, and other flammable objects off of the stovetop. It’s convenient to set down a turner or a kitchen towel for just a moment to grab something else, but doing so can quickly start a fire when the cooktop is hot.
- Keep pets and children away from the stove. Large dogs and children can get burnt if they touch a hot stove eye. They could also be injured if a boiling pot slips out of your grip and pours the contents onto them.
- Never leave a stove unattended while in use. When things take a long time to cook, it can be tempting to leave the room to watch TV for a bit, but doing so could result in your entire kitchen becoming engulfed in flames. Instead, consider bringing a chair into the kitchen to sit and read a book.
When using a turkey fryer, always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Never use it indoors or on your porch. Over the past twenty years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 220 fire and burn incidents from turkey fryers alone. These incidents resulted in eighty-one injuries and over 9.7 million dollars in property damages.
Electrical and Heating
Heating and electrical fires are also more common during the holidays and in winter. These are caused mainly by space heaters, Christmas trees, and holiday candles.
- Use the appropriate lights indoors and outdoors. Indoor lights are not safe for outdoor use and shouldn’t be used as such. Indoor lights cannot withstand outdoor elements like freezing, snow, and rain.
- If using a live Christmas tree, always make sure it has plenty of water. Live trees dry out quickly as they die, making them even more flammable than most artificial trees.
- Make sure your artificial tree is labeled fire-resistant. Ones that are not could catch fire and aren’t safe to leave unattended while plugged in.
- Do not use string lights that have exposed wires, damaged plugs, or seem to be working improperly. Exposed wires produce enough electrical charge to electrocute you or someone else.
Space heaters are another common cause of home fires. Do not place space heaters close to walls, furniture, or curtains. Keep them at least three feet away from items, and never lay linen across them to dry. Also, you should always make sure the heater is off before going to sleep or leaving home.
Other Tips
While house fires are more common during the cold season, they can occur at any time. Be sure to remember these tips that can help keep you safe year-round.
- Have a fire extinguisher in your home. A fire extinguisher is the safest way to put out small house fires before they spread and grow. You should never try to put out a grease fire with water. Doing so could cause the grease to splash, spreading the fire or scalding you. Instead, you should cover the fire with a metal lid, douse it with baking soda, or use a fire extinguisher. If a fire begins in the oven, turn it off and keep the door closed. By keeping the door closed, you deprive the fire of oxygen so that it smothers, putting out the fire.
- Make sure there is a smoke detector in every room. A smoke detector can mean the difference between life and death. Having one in every room means everyone can hear it and safely exit the house quickly if they need to.
- If your home uses natural gas, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector. Not only can natural gas leaks cause house fires, but they can also poison you and your family with carbon monoxide.
- Keep candles away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended. Candles can keep your home smelling lovely, but they are also a common cause of residential fires. Never leave them burning if you aren’t in the room, and always keep wicks trimmed appropriately.
Sadly, residential fires are more common during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. However, you can often help prevent them by following these safety tips. That way, you can spend more time with family and less time dealing with a disaster.
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Agent to Watch – Anne Lawrence
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Congratulations to Anne Lawrence, one of November’s Agents to Watch! Her love for San Francisco and her passion for the city’s real estate market are just a few of the key factors that make Anne a big part of the W Real Estate team. Keep reading to learn more about Anne!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
While assisting a major company to purchase several large buildings in San Francisco, I met several successful brokers and realized that I liked the process. Why not work for a commission instead of a salary?
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
By working with landlords, sellers, and buyers to offer reduced prices through 2022. Also, have revved up digital marketing; especially during the lockdown.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
I represented the buyers in the purchase of a six-unit building in Pacific Heights. Our 9th Street building listing is in escrow.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
I start every morning with a Pilates workout, and a traditional breakfast. Then, work long hours as dictated by what needs to get done. Real Estate’s flexible hours are a big plus in my book.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
To purchase a residential income property. Manage it myself and perhaps live there one day.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Technology. W Real Estate has a wonderful technician in Gabriel. I am constantly working with him either to update my website or improve my presence in the real estate world.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
Love to get out and drive daily, whether to shop for groceries, spend time at the office, check out properties or meet with clients.
Must have purse/car item:
My purse has everything from cough drops to, credit cards to, masks, to dark glasses and make up. It is always with me.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
A drive to Marin to sail, swim in an outdoor pool, or attend a play at the Marin Theater with dinner beforehand.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Garibaldi’s
Agent to Watch – Carl Balsillie
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Congratulations to Carl Balsillie, a November Agent to Watch! Since taking the leap and entering the real estate business, he has continued to innovate and evolve so that he can successfully meet his client’s needs and find them their perfect place to call their own. Keep reading to learn more about Carl!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I owned a small computer systems consulting business for about 15 years. I was getting a little bored with it. My wife was a mortgage broker and I thought it looked interesting. So, I sold my business, got my broker’s license, and started my real estate career. My only regret is that I didn’t change careers earlier.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
I have put a much larger emphasis on digital interface with prospects, clients, and vendors.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
My wife and my birthdays are both this month. So, the best thing we did was get away for a three-day mini vacation.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Definitely a morning person.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Since I have taken one of my daughters and one of my granddaughter’s skydiving, I can’t wait to take my great-granddaughter. However, I will be in my 80’s when that happens.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Playing an instrument.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
That I had 100+ amateur boxing matches in golden gloves and the Air Force.
Must have purse/car item:
Spare lockbox.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Driving Coleman Valley Road to the ocean with my wife.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Tie between Tony’s Galley and Riviera.
Popular Fall Design Trends this 2021
Make your fireplace the centerpiece
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Autumn is one of our favorite seasons for redecorating because so much change is in the air. As we switch from the light and breezy designs of summer to the warm and cozy styles of autumn, we find a golden opportunity to go all-out with splashes of color and seasonal forward planning. The best thing about fall is that family and guests want to see bold splashes of color. As the weather gets dreary, nothing is more uplifting than a home filled with warm fall colors, cheerful decorations, and a roaring fire surrounded by welcoming chairs.
This year, fall design trends are focusing on mixed materials and especially bold designs. We’re embracing the colors and styles of fall to usher in energetic and uplifting autumn and a cheerful transition to the winter season.
1) Mixed Period Furniture
Mixed materials and styles are leading 2021 trends. This fall design trend is considered both stylish and creative but you don’t have to switch out your fixtures. Mixed period furniture, especially those polished to a beautiful gleam, are a beautiful addition to our modern eclectic style. Bring out your antique and heirloom pieces and decorate them each with a matching runner. Show off your grandmother’s oak armoire or your great uncle’s cherry sidebar with pride this year.
2) Decorate a Guest-Ready Home
Fall hearkens to the beginning of the Holiday season, which means traveling friends and visiting relatives. You may be planning to host this year’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, or planning a few holiday get-togethers with friends and neighbors you haven’t seen in months. Whether you are hosting dinners or hosting visitors in your guest room, it’s time to get the house ready for guests. In fact, this year it’s a decoration style.
Add more blankets and pillows to your seating to make it more welcoming. Refresh your guest room and go all-out to make it a beautiful fall and winter experience. Arrange your seating in a circle and set out a coffee station or sidebar of snacks that invites every visitor to indulge just a little.
3) Make Your Fireplace the Centerpiece
If your home has a fireplace, make it the center of your living space. Circle your seating around the fireplace and take time to decorate your hearth and mantelpiece. Find a beautiful centerpiece for your mantle and decorate the corners of your hearth with gourds or decorative piles of fragrant firewood. Place blankets and pillows nearby so that family can curl up on the floor and on the hearth while there’s a cheery fire in the fireplace.
4) Red that Deepens with the Season
One of the most elegant ways to transition your home decor to autumn and then into the holiday season is a simple theme of red. Start with a cheery red mixed with orange and cream to embrace the beautiful fall season. As the season depends, depend on the red. Deep red looks beautiful mixed with holiday season decor while the bright, bold red lifts the spirit as the weather changes in the fall.
5) Warm Palette Plaids Feel Like Autumn
Plaids don’t just look cozy, they’re hot this year as a warm and comfortable autumn decor trend. This year, we’re mixing plaids and tartans in warm autumn colors throughout the house. A plaid pillow here, a tartan blanket there, even tartan curtains can transform your home from breezy summer home to a warm and welcoming autumn abode.
6) Blend Dried Flowers, Pumpkins, Leaves, and Gourds
There is nothing that celebrates autumn more beautifully than dried autumn plants. Dried flowers, grains, and grass arrangements create bold and beautiful sprays for your centerpieces or elegant twists of wreaths around the house. Gourds and pumpkins are a fun way to surprise and delight your guests by hiding your fall-themed decor all over the house. Just be sure to decorate with dried, not fresh vegetables.
7) Lay Down Boldly Patterned Rugs
You can even cover your chilly floors in style. Bold geometric rugs are in style this autumn by transforming your floor into a party for the eyes and a treat for your feet. Deep plush rugs with high-contrasting and festive patterns can really put you into the fall celebrating mood, and they will uplift your guests as well.
Your home should be a place that makes you smile to walk through the front door or wake up in the morning. If you’re looking for the perfect home to spend this autumn or are getting ready to make your house wow-worthy for an autumn sale, contact us today! Our team would be proud to help make your home beautiful, cozy, and welcoming this time of year.
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Agent to Watch – Casey Moll
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Congratulations to Casey Moll, an October Agent to Watch! It was love at first sight for Casey when he discovered the Real Estate industry, and since then he’s been working hard to network and build a name for himself in his community. Keep reading to learn more about Casey, his passion for selling real estate, and how on his time off you just might finding him checking DIY home projects off his list!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
One day my brother suggested it. I was working a job in customer service and ready to find a better path with more growth potential financially, so I decided to sit down and talk to someone about real estate, and now 7 years later, here we are.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
I really haven’t changed anything. I have my in-store advertisement that I have had for 6 years and I post things on social media every once in a while. My business comes from years of networking and building relationships. I would say the hardest thing about the COVID time has been not being able to host Open Houses. That is where I have the most success prospecting.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
I closed two of the most difficult transactions in my career.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Night Person.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
For my wife and I to build our dream house on the land we live on today!
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Finishing my DIY projects at my own house.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I am the current club champion at Sonoma Golf Club.
Must have purse/car item:
I feel like most people would answer this question by saying their phone, but for me, Its imperative to always have some water on hand for a car ride.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Round of Golf in the morning, drinks by poolside in the afternoon, and a barbeque with friends in the evening.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
The Red Grape or The Edge Restaurant.
Agent to Watch – Nicole Manville
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Congratulations to one of October’s Agents to Watch, Nicole Manville! Creative, passionate about Sonoma County and her community, and always up for a challenge Nicole is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Check out our blog below to learn more about Nicole!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
After an exciting career with Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Entertainment, I was looking for something that would be challenging and exciting. Since I love people, architecture, negotiating, and feel I am a natural salesperson, a career in Real Estate seemed like a great fit for me.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Fortunately, Real Estate has been busier than ever with people migrating out of densely populated urban areas to more rural areas like Sonoma County. My last two years have been my busiest ever and I’ve loved it! In order to adapt, I’ve increased my social media exposure to increase my marketability and capture more buyers and sellers.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
I received some amazing client reviews on Zillow! And I had a client tell me he enjoyed working with me so much he’d wished he met me back in High School. He felt we would have been great friends, and High School for him was 45 years ago! I love that he felt that way, I told him I wish we had met 45 years ago, imagine all the deals we could have done together!
Are you a morning or a night person?:
I don’t sleep! I love mornings, they are so peaceful. I love starting the day with my coffee and reviewing the new listings before I set out on a long run or hit the gym.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Keep traveling with my kids! We have enjoyed traveling with them since they were little and now that they are 19 and 14 I find family trips even more special. We need that time together to reconnect, I’m always trying to plan our next adventure!
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Drawing, I have always wanted to be an architect.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I am totally claustrophobic, It’s awful!
Must have purse/car item:
Water & lip gloss!!!
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
I always love picnicking at Presont Winery in Dry Creek, it’s a magic garden setting. I also love taking the dog to the river and watching her dive for rocks, between River Regional Park and the Russian River I have endless opportunities to enjoy an incredibly beautiful day! We are spoiled in Sonoma County!
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
I can’t pick just one, we are so fortunate to live here but my go-to is Campo Fino in Healdsburg, so Italian and such amazing comfort food.
Agent of the Month – Cheryl Peterson
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Congratulations to our October Agent of the Month, Cheryl Peterson! Over the course of her career, Cheryl has learned a few valuable lessons she still carries with her today: Hard work and dedication to your craft is key, and to never give your clients anything less than the best. Keep reading to learn more about Cheryl and her successful career thus far!
To what do you attribute your success?
Consistently providing every client with the highest level of customer service, integrity, market knowledge, professionalism, and endless enthusiasm.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
Having originally been licensed in 1989, my biggest mistake at such a young age was not believing in myself enough to realize my potential.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
Hands-on personal attention to my clients is my highest priority and therefore, only small portions of my business are automated.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
In addition to taking time to re-organize and streamline my systems, I have increased social media engagement, print marketing, and one-on-one engagements.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
Sonoma County is likely one of the most unique Real Estate Markets in California. With our desirable climate, world-class wine & tourist industry, scenic landscapes, and resilient economy, we are a highly desirable destination for many. I believe this consistently brings renewed property interest to our area despite our wildfire experiences.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
My adult children frequently remind me to slow down and establish work-life boundaries so that I can truly enjoy all of life’s blessings. Work-life balance is important to me and I don’t believe I have it right yet, but I am trying!
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
The best vacations I have ever had were any that have included my family. Time together with family is what I treasure most and now that we have been blessed with grandchildren, it is even more so.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
The Real Estate business has been made to look easy by those who have committed to hard work, sacrificed, and persevered when others have given up. Only if you are willing to make the commitment, will you succeed.
Agent of the Month – Aaron Brosamle
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There’s something truly special about an agent who knows who they are, their strengths and weaknesses, and can bring that strong sense of self to each and every one of their projects. Our September Agent of the Month, Aaron Brosamle, deeply understands that clients want to deal with a real, authentic person who will tell them like it is. By being himself throughout each of his transactions, he has been able to build a strong sphere and make a name for himself throughout Sonoma County and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about Aaron!
To what do you attribute your success?
Being fortunate enough to have wonderful people in my life and having trust in myself to make all of the little decisions on a daily basis that in turn affect the possibilities that come about. I do my best to constantly check in and be the type of person that I would want to be around whether business or otherwise.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
I believe the best thing that I have done for my business is to have an unwavering need to be upfront and honest in all situations and continuing to make that a priority as well as letting each situation guide the tempo of the project. Different situations command different personalities and perceptions, being flexible with who I am in a wholesome and truthful way really helps me to be present and focused for all of the different types of clients that I am blessed to work with. Conversely, I would say that when I first started in this career, my largest struggle was thinking that there was a mold or guideline for what an agent, what a Realtor had to be…how I needed to dress, where I needed to be, who I needed to make sure I impressed, all still very important things to keep in mind, but not templates for who I needed to be.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
This is a constant work in progress…I would say I am not great at automating my business, haha…I tend to say yes to everyone and make it work so that I can be personally hands on. My wife says I can’t say no to anyone, that I will just work and work and run my day into the ground…it’s just who I am.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
My business hasn’t changed all too much due to Covid. Perhaps a bit more remote work/video tours etc in the beginning…I try to keep a relative mind and certainly be patient and respectful so that safety is kept as a must, but at the same time I have a bit of an old school business mind. I grew up in a retail jewelry store that my family owned working face to face with customers and then traveling with my dad for the wholesale side of the business…I work best in face to face personal situations where I can really feel what my clients are saying and needing so the personal space restrictions were difficult at first but now getting better.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
Our greatest commodity is our community. Wonderful artistic, talented, and creative people. This in turn means that we, I believe, have some of, if not the best foods, activities, weather and surrounding nature that ties it all together. I have traveled quite a bit and no other place quite compares. There are so many reasons why our area is so special and to be honest, I strongly believe that when one spends time here the words to specifically describe what or why become difficult to grab ahold of, it becomes more of a feeling and you just find yourself thankful to be here.
If you could only do one thing differently when you first started your business what would it be?:
I would probably work a bit more on a website or some sort of marketing…I still need to focus a bit in that area. I do great with people, I love what I do and the way I have been able to succeed, I struggle getting excited about social media and marketing. I probably have at least 10 properties and more reviews that I need to post or make public for others to see, and I am sure that would go a long way for people outside of my sphere to know who I am and just how well I can do for them, obtaining higher sale prices with less time on market, or negotiate a purchase for a buyer in a difficult or unique situation, deal with difficult legal issues or trust/probate sales etc.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
I have the most amazing wife and daughters, balance is extremely important. This is likely different for each person, I can tell when I’m pushing too much in one direction or the other just by how I’m feeling inside. I go absolutely nuts when I’m not working enough and feel terrible when I’m working too much for my family so I do my best to keep an even keel here.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
The best vacation I have ever had is probably still my honeymoon. We went to Belize and were fortunate enough to spend a couple of weeks hanging out on an island, visiting Mayan pyramids, going cave tubing and exploring, feeding wild monkeys bananas and getting caught in crazy rain storms. Absolutely amazing. For me being on the ocean, with my wife, and also getting to explore an ancient civilization was it, I grew up wanting to be an Archaeologist and still have some ambitions of exploring that in the future…hopefully.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Be as content and secure with yourself as you can, people won’t be able to trust someone who doesn’t trust themselves and you won’t be able to do the best job you can unless you do. Trust that you have your own best interests in mind and work hard. Be good to everyone around you always. Be honest and remember that buying or selling a home or property is a really large emotional transaction as well as business for most and try to be mindful and considerate at all times, especially when things get difficult and they certainly will from time to time. Working through the difficult ones make a better, stronger agent if you let them!
Wildfire Season is Here – Take These Steps to Protect Your Property
Fire department helicopter flying over threatened homes.
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Wildfire season has been particularly bad over the last couple of years, with fires spreading across much of northern California. People who live in fire country can’t completely escape wildfire season without relocation, however, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your home from wildland fires.
It’s vital that you do this now rather than scrambling when there is a disaster and making things worse. Many of the things you need to do take time and planning to achieve.
When is Wildfire Season?
The timing of wildfire season varies from place to place, but typically in northern California, it lasts from May to October, although fires can now happen at almost any time of the year. Peak risk time, however, is September to October because of the Santa Ana winds and drier vegetation from the summer heat.
It tends to be shorter as you travel north, and wildfire season typically ends with the first significant autumn rainfall. Locally, wildfire season may be variable and you should always pay attention to local alerts and conditions.
Are Wildfires Increasing in Severity?
The short answer is, yes. Increased temperatures have led to more severe fires and a longer fire season. Drought also affects the severity of fire season. Management changes are being studied to help reduce fire risk. However, there is an expectation for wildfires to be worse as well as spread more rapidly.
How Can I Protect My Home from Wildfires?
The most important way to protect your property is through buffering. Cutting back vegetation around your house reduces the risk of embers setting fire to your home itself or to your landscaping. The best way to set up a buffer is to:
- Put hardscaping four feet around your home. This means things like flagstones as well as gravel. You can use this space for a patio, but don’t store firewood here and choose patio furniture that does not burn easily.
- Grow low growing, light foundation shrubs, grass, and similar for the next thirty feet out. No trees within thirty feet.
- For the next 100 feet, thin out trees as well as shrubs and remove branches close to the ground. Have wide paths that can act as firebreaks.
Keep your yard free of dead plants, dry leaves, pine needles, etc. Be particularly careful to clean this from your roof and rain gutters. When selecting landscaping, avoid:
- Eucalyptus (these trees burn like a torch), pines, junipers, hollies, as well as any other plants that have waxy or oily stems.
- Bark mulch. Use gravel, decorative rock, or bark-and-rock.
Choose foundation plantings that are somewhat fire-resistant. Azaleas, boxwoods, hydrangeas, burning bushes, and succulents are also good.
For your home itself, consider the following:
- It is vital that your roof is properly fire-rated. Consider replacing your roof. Talk to the contractor about using materials with a Class A fire rating, such as asphalt composition shingles or tile.
- Clean your gutters frequently.
- Install ember and flame resistant mesh on your home’s vents and regularly check them. If you have enough warning, cover your vents with plywood or seal them from the inside with metal tape. Many fires start when embers are blown into vents.
- Clean debris and vegetation from under your deck and around any outbuildings.
- Do not store anything combustible under your deck. Keep it clean. If repairing or replacing, use fire-retardant materials.
- If replacing windows, choose multi-pane tempered glass, which is less likely to break when heated.
- Inspect your siding regularly for gaps.
- Consider an external sprinkler system that can dampen the area around the house.
When Fire Threatens
If you know a wildfire is threatening your home, you need to:
- Follow all evacuation orders. Make sure you have an evacuation plan and that wherever you are planning on going will take any pets. Include more than one escape route, a designated meeting area, and a single point of contact. If livestock cannot be evacuated, then mark them with your phone number using animal safe spray or a sharpie on hooves, and leave them in a preselected, cleared area or turn them loose, closing the barn door so they don’t run back inside.
- Move propane tanks a distance from your home and other structures.
- Bring patio furniture inside your home.
- Make sure all doors and windows are firmly closed.
Talk to firefighters about your evacuation plan as they often have good recommendations and can help with safe evacuation routes. You should also sign up for local alerts, which will allow firefighters to notify you during an ongoing fire situation of evacuation orders, containment percentages, and smoke issues. We can’t avoid wildfire season, but there are things we can do to protect ourselves and our property.
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Agent to Watch – Andrew Saltzman
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Congratulations to Andrew Saltzman for being named a September Agent to Watch! From sunny Southern California to the stunning Wine Country region, Andrew has always had his fingers on the pulse of the Real Estate industry. So whether he’s out adventuring with his dog or sitting down to let his clients know they’ve been accepted for their dream home, you can trust that he’s always on top of his game and got your best interest’s at heart. Keep reading to learn more about Andrew!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
Growing up in a family that was all in Real Estate was all I knew. Growing up in Southern California and running up to the for sale sign to grab a flyer was what I loved to do. My grandfather was a Real Estate investor and I think I got my love and passion for Real Estate from him.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Social media has absolutely been a huge roll during covid. Being able to show clients the home or me personally going to the property to film it and send it off has been so helpful. Also having the matterport walking tours on all my listings have been so key so someone can sit at home and walk through the home and feel like they are there.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
Being able to call my clients and say YOUR OFFER has been accepted. We have been house hunting for a long time. Makes it all worth it.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Thanks to my 90lb black lab I am a morning person
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
I love to travel, and one of my bucket list items is going to Africa on a real safari.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Baking. I know it sounds funny but I always forget one ingredient every time. So the item will taste awful, or won’t rise or be burnt. It has been a problem for 33 years.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I was in a Dolly Parton & Ricky Van Shelton country music video as a kid.
Must have purse/car item:
Water. I don’t drink any soda so a nice bottle of cold water is my go-to choice to always have in the car with me.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Taking my dog on a nice walk out at the beach. Maybe stop off at one of my favorite wineries. End the day with one of my favorite restaurants.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Catellies. Best Chicken Parm west of the Mississippi!
