Is Napa a Good Place to Live?

Is Napa a Good Place to Live

Finding the perfect place to call home is a major factor for many people throughout not just the United States, but the world. Napa, California has been known for its vast wine country, laid back lifestyle, magnificent restaurants and stunning mountain views; but is Napa a good place to live? Let’s take a look at what makes this city so secure and why you should consider making it your home.

Napa Crime Statistics

According to neighborhoodscout.com, Napa ranks as one of the safest cities in the United States with a crime rate that is 76% lower than the national average. That means that you are less likely to become a victim of crime in Napa than anywhere else in America. This data is backed up by other sources such as City-Data which report similar numbers based on their own research. Napa also has a relatively low property crime rate compared to other cities in California and across the country. This further proves that Napa is an overall safe place to live and raise your family or even retire.

Police Presence & Community Engagement

In addition to having low crime rates, Napa also benefits from having an active police department and community policing initiatives. The police department works closely with local businesses and residents on programs such as “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” which encourages community engagement and trust between citizens and law enforcement. They also offer educational workshops for children on topics such as internet safety and drug prevention, among other things.

All of these factors contribute to making Napa an incredibly safe place to live.

When considering where you want to call home, safety should be at the top of your list of criteria when making your decision. With crime rates far below the national average, an active police presence, and plenty of community engagement initiatives in place, there’s no doubt that Napa is one of the safest places you can choose when looking for a new home or even just visiting for vacation! So if safety is important to you when selecting your next destination – look no further than beautiful Napa!

Pros and Cons of Living in Napa Valley and Wine Country

Pros and Cons of Living in Napa - What Living In Wine Country and Napa Valley is Really Like

There’s pros and cons of living in Napa Valley and Wine Country, just like any other city or town in the U.S. And today, I’m going to share what those things are – the good AND the bad!

Napa Valley is home to many distinct cultural and recreational opportunities, ranging from its beautiful natural surroundings and gorgeous weather, to its plethora of local wine and food establishments. However, the valley is not without its negatives.

Before I get into the downsides of living in the Valley, let’s start off with the pros and why I decided to call Napa my home and why you may want to, too. (I mean, let’s be real here – you know you want to, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this vlog!!)

Pro #1
OUTSTANDING CLIMATE

First and foremost, the climate in the valley is absolutely stunning. Up-and-coming residents can look forward to clear, sunny weather nearly all year round, with the exception of a brisk rainy season from late December through mid March, and the occasional fog. The natural beauty in the valley is just as remarkable as the weather, with rolling hills and mountains as far as the eyes can see.

Because the Valley stretches for so many miles north and south, the difference in temperature can vary quite significantly – with the lower portions of the Valley (such as American Canyon) reaching the low 80’s during the height of summer, and the more northern portions of the valley such as Calistoga, hitting the high 90’s on a fairly regular basis (and sometimes even into the 100’s). You may want to take this into account when deciding which area you consider moving to.

Pros #2
WORLD RENOWNED Food & Wine

Napa Valley is also host to an abundance of wineries and fine dining establishments, with almost a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants and literally hundreds of local wineries. Check out my other video where I provide my top 10 best restaurants in Napa where I provide some tips on how to get the reservations on the day and time you want along with my most surprising top rated menu item that you absolutely MUST try when you are here next!

Pros #3
OUTDOOR HAVEN

If you are the outdoors type, then Napa will not disappoint! The Valley offers a wide variety of recreational activities including many top rated golfing spots and hiking galore at the dozens of nearby national parks (some of which allow for off-leash dogs). I would be remiss to not mention the Napa Valley Vine Trail which spans 20 miles through the Valley where you can walk, run or bike safely while enjoying the stunning surroundings.

There’s also lots of festivals taking place throughout the year (hopefully they will resume again this Summer once Covid has reached herd immunity), including Bottlerock, Napa Porchfest and many more. You can learn more about the many festivals happening in the Valley by going to https://www.visitnapavalley.com.

With all of the positives residents come to expect in any city or town, there’s always a few drawbacks as well. So let’s talk about the cons…

Con #1
Price of Housing

As one can expect, the price of housing and rent in Napa Valley is higher than average due to its location, weather, amenities – well everything I just mentioned, really. The majority of residential housing can cost anywhere from the $500,000 mark, scaling up to the tens of millions. Renting a single bed condo starts at around $1,350 per month. Click here to search current homes for sale in Napa and here to search those that have just been reduced.

Press play to view the current Napa market report (and pause to view each slide) and then check out our exclusive market reports for Napa updated daily (and other towns within the Valley via our Explore Section).

Con #2
Climate Change

With the change in climate over the course of the past several centuries, the increase in temperatures and consistent draughts throughout the State, wildfires are becoming more and more prevalent in and around the Valley. The majority of homes are within a safe distance of the majority of danger, with the residential communities set away from the large forest areas. However, this doesn’t mean that the danger of fire is not on the minds of those that live here and precautions are being taken to help minimize fires from happening in the future. As more fires happen, the county, first responders and government agencies are learning how to be more proactive and less reactive to help keep the residents of Napa Valley safe.

Con #3
COMMUTING FOR WORK

With Napa Valley being very much an ingrained tourist-driven location, the variety of work opportunities in the Valley is somewhat limited. Yes, if you are in or interested in being in the hospitality industry, Napa is THE place for you, however, if you are more tech-driven, then commuting to one of the nearby metro areas, such as San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento, (once working in the office becomes more prevalent again), will be what you should expect – which is not unusual with those living in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area as a whole.

This is a map of what the commute from San Francisco to Napa looks like — Commute from San Francisco to Napa

However, depending on location, the time of day and routes, travel to and from work can take up more time than desired for many. For instance, leaving San Francisco at 5 pm and heading for the valley can take upwards of 2 hours, even though it’s only about 60 miles away. But, if you don’t mind the commute and are willing to put in the time for travel so you can spend your nights and weekends in literal heaven, then you’ve found your ultimate place to call home!

If you are considering moving to Napa or purchasing a second home here, please let me know how I can help. I’d be honored to work with you and help you make your dream a reality just like I’ve made mine a reality too.

So what are you waiting for?!? Give me a call and let’s get you moved!

newest listings in napa:

Things To Do In Napa – Best Wineries, Restaurants and Resorts

Things To Do In Napa - Best Wineries, Restaurants, Resorts and More!

When it comes to things to do in Napa, there’s a really big secret that is literally going to save you thousands of dollars that I want to tell you about! Stick around til the end and I’ll let you in on the secret!

Do you love enjoying the outdoors, in the warm, sunny weather nearly all year round? This, and of course the food and wine, is just one of literally dozens of reasons why Napa might be the place for you to call home!

In this video, I’m going to dive into some of the local scenery and services that make up Napa – from the miles of brilliant yellow fields of mustard covering the vineyard floors in the early spring, to the exquisite, world renowned wine-tasting experiences which would literally take you years to explore.

The first thing that comes to any Napa County resident’s mind when thinking about Napa is the prominent wine culture. After all, Napa is a big part of Wine Country, with a population of eighty-thousand; second only to Santa Rosa to the northwest. Napa County is not only filled with countless wineries in the local area, but is also home to the Napa Valley Wine Train, as well as innumerable wine tours for residents and tourists alike to enjoy.

There are currently a total of ten Michelin star restaurants in Napa. These include, Bouchon Bistro, Kenzo Napa and of course, The French Laundry.

The French Laundry Michelin Star Restaurant in Napa — The French Laundry – Michelin Star Restaurant in Napa

If you want to have friends and family visit, but just not in your home(!), there are dozens of luxury resorts to choose from and can be found throughout the valley, including The Meritage Resort and Spa, the Vista Collina Resort and the Silverado Resort and Spa.

There are more than forty-eight parks for hiking, some of which allow for off-leash dogs such as Alston Park on the northwest side of the beautiful neighborhood, Browns Valley. Speaking of dogs, Napa is probably one of the most dog-friendly places I have ever come across – if you don’t see a least one puppy sitting with a family while dining outside of a restaurant, there’s something very wrong! Even some of the Michelin Star’ed restaurants allow dogs!

With all of these amazing amenities within arms reach, living in Napa comes at a higher cost of living. As of April 2021, single family homes in Napa, for instance, have an average sale price of ~$860,000, which is up almost 10% from just a year ago. However, this average sale price is significantly lower than nearby San Francisco (about 45 minutes southwest of Napa), with their average sales price currently being around ~$1.4 million. With that being said, however, the cost of living in Napa is nearly 40% higher than the rest of the United States.

City of Napa Real Estate Infographic 040721 — City of Napa Real Estate Market Statistics – April 2021

The employment opportunities are quite varied, with Napa’s top employing companies and businesses including:

Kaiser Permanente
Dozens of exclusive hotels, inns and resorts, some of which I mentioned earlier
Hundreds of wineries and wine-tasting services
And restaurants galore

Many people do drive to nearby cities to their workplaces, such as San Francisco and Oakland, where there are a massive amount of tech businesses located and are constantly looking for new talent.

Educational opportunities in Napa are also available for the younger generations. For example, Napa Valley College has over 6,500 students with the in-state-tuition costing approximately $1,100 per year. Due to Napa’s direct inclusion in the Wine Country, courses for the wine industry are also widely available.

Napa Valley is home to many different services and sceneries, and truly is an extremely unique place to settle down. If you are looking for a new place to call home or maybe looking to purchase a vacation home, please let me know by reaching out to me at 707-210-5500. I’d be honored to help you make your Napa dreams a reality.

Ok. So here’s the secret I mentioned at the beginning of this video. If you are a resident of Napa County, you are going to be eligible to literally hundreds of discounts offered through Napa Valley Vintners known as Napa Neighbor Offers!

When you become a resident, simply show your driver’s license and enjoy VIP treatment, product discounts and complimentary or upgraded tours and wine tasting. That’s right. Free tours and wine tastings!

So what are you waiting for?!? Give me a call and let’s get you moved!

Best Place To Live In Napa – Browns Valley Napa Neighborhood

Best Place To Live In Napa: Browns Valley Napa Neighborhood - Living In Napa California

The Best Place To Live In Napa

Of all the neighborhoods to settle in Napa Valley, the best place to live in Napa is the exclusive Napa neighborhood, Browns Valley.

Browns Valley, located on the west side of Napa, is broken into four areas including the central, south, east and west neighborhoods, stretching from Tall Grass Court and the southern, western and northern limit of Napa, to the Napa Creek and Highway 29 in the east, with Browns Valley Road as a centerpiece. Everyone in the Valley has heard of the best place to live in Napa – Browns Valley – as it is known for its friendly neighborhood families, its many parks, and views of hills, vineyards and beautiful pastures.

This is a map of all the Napa Neighborhoods in Napa including the boundaries of the place place to live in Napa, Browns Valley. — Browns Valley Napa Neighborhood

Browns Valley, NAPA History

The Browns Valley, Napa neighborhood has a long history dating back to the early 1800’s and was named after the Napa County surveyor in the 1840s, John E. Brown. The land that makes up Browns Valley was once cow pastures and orchards, and the old and new now harmoniously co-exist with 100 year old farmhouses along with the requisite residential subdivisions and streets, dotted with retail stores, including the renowned Browns Valley Market.

The Browns Valley Market located within Browns Valley, Napa neighborhood — Browns Valley Market

The Browns Valley Market has been a staple shopping destination for over 30 years and is always busy with local shoppers. The market is known for its fantastic fresh meat, including Wagyu beef and various sausages and beef burgers all made in-house. They also have a wonderful selection of cheeses from both local farms and international producers and some fantastic lunch and dinner choices at their deli. We shop there at least three times a week ourselves both for our weekly groceries and for when we just don’t feel like cooking, when we pick up one of their house made chicken lasagnas, beef pot pies or goat cheese and leek quiches!

Browns Valley attracts a great deal of families due to the many parks and, of course, the Browns Valley Elementary School, located on the far south west side of the neighborhood. When it was first opened it was a one-room school with just 26 students consisting of eight grades. With the vast increase in population over the years, this size school would no longer be enough and in 1960, the former school was torn down and the current elementary school was built. Today the school serves approximately 520 students from Kindergarten through Grade 5 and is in the top 20% of all schools Statewide. Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body, which is vastly lower than the California state average of 77%.

The original Browns Valley elementary school in the Browns Valley Napa neighborhood — Original Browns Valley School

Browns Valley Napa Homeowner Survey Results

So what do people say about living in Browns Valley? A survey was conducted with the residents of Browns Valley back in 2012 where they were asked multiple questions about life in the neighborhood. The results of this survey found that most residents enjoy the quiet, country feel of the neighborhood along with feeling safe and the friendly neighbors. What the survey also discovered was that many neighbors were unhappy with the speed in which some people drive the main roads and the failure to maintain the streets and sidewalks.

Browns Valley Napa homeowners survey results — Browns Valley Homeowner Survey Likes

The survey also dives into more specific aspects of living in Browns Valley, such as the satisfaction of the police and fire response times, the effectiveness of street lighting at night, and the satisfaction of the services available within the community. You can read the full survey results in the link provided in the description below.

Survey results from Browns Valley residents (2012-2013)

Click here to view the entire survey results from the homeowners of Browns Valley, Napa.

Local Establishments within Browns Valley

Other things that make up Browns Valley include the Hop Creek Pub, where they serve great traditional American fare, spirits and beer, and have a large outdoor dining space, Bella Capelli Salon and Spa (where I get my hair done!), the Browns Valley Yogurt and Espresso Bar and more small local establishments within the shopping center. There is also an outlet mall on the edge of Browns Valley where you can shop at over a dozen different brands and grab a coffee at Brewed (one of my favorite local coffee shops).

Browns Valley Recreation

Browns Valley also has many large parks throughout the neighborhood both with and without playground equipment and basketball courts in addition to the Westwood Hills park, which consists of 2 miles of hiking with many different trails and is dog friendly. It is quite steep, with an elevation of 300 feet, but the views are well worth the effort.

Westwood Hills Park just outside of Browns Valley Napa Neighborhood — Westwood Hills Park

Browns Valley, Napa Properties

Browns Valley consists of both residential homes and condos with the majority of property owners being full time residents between the ages of 35 and over 65 with a combined income of over $150,000. As of May 2021, there are approximately 2,400 single family homes, around 100 condo units, along with a handful of multi-family properties within Browns Valley.

So what does it cost to own a home in Browns Valley? Great question!

As of today, May 2021, the average sales price of a home has increased by 8.5% to $1,075,000 since a year ago. The highest sale in the past year in Browns Valley was just under $3M at $2,995,000 and the lowest sale was $510,000. So with a 20% down payment on an average home price you would be looking at just over $200,000 and for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage with a 3.5% interest rate, you would be looking at a $3,592 monthly mortgage payment. (Please consult with a licensed mortgage broker to gain accurate costs.)

Browns Valley Napa Neighborhood Current Single Family Home Sales — Single Family Home Sales in Browns Valley, Napa

Currently there are just eight homes currently active on the market with seven homes pending and 91 sold over the past year. The average days on market is just 51 days with many selling with cash buyers in a matter of days.

57% of homes sold in the past year in Browns Valley were in the range of $740,000 to $1.1M with 29% over $1.1M with the majority of these homes consisting of 4 bedrooms.

Need more information about Browns Valley?

If you are interested in learning more about the best place to live in Napa, the Browns Valley neighborhood, I would be thrilled to chat with you! As a resident here in Browns Valley, I can provide some great firsthand knowledge and information, that will help you get to know the neighborhood better, and make an educated decision on whether or not it is the right place for you to live too. Please reach out to me at 707.210.5500 or use the contact form below.

Easy Home Updates Before Selling

I often get asked how my clients can improve or make easy home updates before selling – or for their own enjoyment. So, naturally, I had to write a blog post about it! Below is my list of top updates to make to your home on a budget, but also with substantial return on your investment.

Top 5 easy home updates before selling

1. Kitchen Update

easy home upgrades before selling - before and after bathroom update

Kitchen remodels don’t have to be a huge undertaking with a high ticket price. Even small kitchen remodels can earn an 83% return on investment (per NerdWallet).

Small remodels could include:

Replacing one or two appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings
Updating flooring
Updating countertops
New paint
Refacing cupboard doors

If you are considering doing a complete remodel of your kitchen, you first may want to reach out to a real estate expert to discuss how much your home value might increase from doing so. The idea is that you don’t want to out-price the standards of your community; if other homes in your neighborhood are selling for a fairly standard price range, your kitchen upgrade may not provide you with additional value if buyers are unwilling to pay. I’m happy to discuss this further with you!

2. Convert or Build a Home Office

Home offices were once seen as a luxury space in a home, but in today’s new work environment of millions of people telecommuting, they have become almost a must-have for a large majority of buyers. In fact, it was found in a recent HomeLight survey that buyers care more about there being a home office than the square footage or move-in ready status of a home!

Depending on the size of the conversion or the extent of a new build (such an add-on room or a separate ADU) the estimated amount that will be added to the resale value of your home can range from $10,000 to several $100,000’s. This is definitely one for consideration!

3. Open Up The Floor Plan

The amount of buyers I have worked with and the number of those that comment about how they love an open concept floor plan is staggering – but also not surprising. Open floor plans make a home look bigger and are perfect for entertaining. Smaller, closed off rooms, including the living room, dining room and, most especially, the kitchen can often make a home feel disjointed and lacking of flow.

So, knocking out the right wall(s) can certainly create the spacious layout many buyers are looking for. This upgrade can also invite more natural light into the open space, which, if you know me at all, means more indoor plants!

4. Curb Appeal

You know the saying – first impressions last. Well, since the first thing any buyer is going to see is what is leading them up to the front door, having great curb appeal is a definite top six upgrade. And the best part about this upgrade is it can cost very little but have extremely high return on your investment – sometimes over 500%!

Simple upgrades such as the addition of bark can make a huge difference to the curb appeal of a home – plus it is very California-friendly. Drought resistant yards is gaining popularity and is often seen as a potential homeowner’s benefit – never having to water the yard does the world good!

Some curb appeal updates include:

New front door
New garage door
New mailbox and house numbers
Exterior paint
Front porch seating
Drought-resistant plants
Artificial grass
Neutralize the walls

Greiges, whites, grays and beiges are all preferred household paint colors and for good reason. Light, neutral wall colors are very easy on the eyes and are, generally, universally accepted. Bright, personalized colors (think dark oranges or greens) can throw off your ability to imagine your belongings in a house and definitely put off a potential buyer.

Do it yourself painting is also one of the cheapest ways to increase your home’s value and is an easy home upgrade before selling, so if you’re up for the task, you’ll save yourself quite a lot of expense.

5. Bathroom Update

Adding a full bathroom to a home can generate, on average, 65% return on investment. A full bathroom is considered to be a shower, sink and toilet. However, not all bathroom upgrades need to be a complete overhaul to provide some great return on your investment.

Swapping out outdated fixtures is a great and inexpensive way to bring your older bathroom back to life. Popular finishes like satin or brushed nickel pair well with most tile, while chrome is a more classic look, but wow do those water spots show up!

Turning a single sink to a double can be an excellent decision. As a rule, you’ll need a minimum of 60 inches to comfortably accommodate two sinks. Vessel or undermount styles will make the most of limited counter space.

As with any room in a house, updating light fixtures is also a great way to create a more modern look, and adding dimmers also enhance their versatility.

New shower fixtures can also help, and is most likely something you can do by yourself. However, for more extravagant showers with a spa-like feel, adding multi-head showerheads or multifunction shower systems will probably require a plumber – reach out to me if you need a great plumber that we explicitly trust!

I hope these various easy home upgrades before selling have given you some ideas as to how you can spend a little but get a lot in return! If you have questions or would like to discuss how best to upgrade your home, please reach out to me at 707-210-5500 and I’d be happy to chat with you about it and give you some pointers.

Why Now May Be The VERY Best Time To Sell

Knowing when the right time to sell your home is something that homeowners struggle with on a daily basis. But, if you are planning on selling your home in the near future, rising prices in the Napa Valley market is great news for you and definitely makes this year a very good time to sell.

Why Now?

One question that we get very often from homeowners is what is actually causing home prices to increase at the rate that they have been over the past two years? As in any industry, when there is less supply than demand, pricing increases naturally go up. Therefore, homebuyers are more willing to pay more to get what they are wanting, and often times in our current market, it is more a case of having to versus willing to.

The increase of home appreciations in the Valley did not happen overnight, and similarly, the leveling out of home prices will also take time to take place. The graph below, provided by the latest Home Price Expectations Survey, shows what is expected to happen with Home appreciations over the next five years. As you can see, prices will continue to rise through 2026.

But What About When I Then Need To Buy A House?

If you consider two things, your monthly mortgage payments and the approximately 20% increase of home prices over the past year alone, the equity you have built in your current home can be substantial. This is extremely important to take into consideration as the equity that you have made can often times be enough to cover the down payment of your next home, or at least a large portion of it. A Gallop poll showed that the equity built in your home is just one of many reasons why real estate has been rated as the best investment you can make for the eighth year in a row.

How Much Equity Do You Have?

If you would like to learn more about the equity you have built in your current home or how much equity you actually have, please reach out to me today and I would be happy to sit down with you and look over those numbers. I can be reached at 707-210-5500.

Best Napa Valley Things To Do – Grape Stomping!

The Great Grape Stomp at Conn Creek Winery

If you are looking for one of the BEST Napa Valley things to do then you’ve found it! Grape stomping at Conn Creek Winery is probably one of (if not THE) best Napa Valley things to do! But, this Grape stomping event at Conn Creek Winery only happens once a year and is limited to only a small number of people… which also makes it extremely exclusive too!

The Great Grape Stomp event is one of the best Napa Valley things to do, but surprisingly Conn Creek winery is the ONLY location where it is open to the public in the entire Napa Valley – there is one more, but you have to be a member to participate in their grape stomping.

best napa valley things to do - grape stomping

The two-hour grape stomping event included three barrels to stomp the grapes in and lots of opportunities for photos and video footage, a lovely buffet with a variety of meats, cheeses and deserts – perfect to go with a variety of Conn Creek’s delicious wines you, of course, get to experience during the event too! They hold one in the morning (from 10:30 – 12:30) and the other in the afternoon from 1:30 – 3:30.

As one grape stomping lady mentioned during my interview with her, it’s a once in a lifetime experience… but, having experienced it myself, I think it’s something I’ll definitely want to do again!

Conn Creek Winery

Conn Creek winery is located in St. Helena, about a 20 minute drive north from the City of Napa on the renowned Silverado Trail. Specializing in cabernet sauvignon, their wines are truly some of the most complex and distinct you’ll find in the whole Valley!

Conn Creek was founded in 1973 and immediately established itself as one of Napa Valley’s premier Cabernet houses with the release of its 1974 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then Conn Creek offers ten diffferent Cabernet Sauvignon wines, some of which are from their flagship label, Anthology.

The energy-efficient facility was perhaps the first “green” winery building in Napa Valley and includes 12”-thick walls made of Styrofoam, steel mesh, gunite and a total of 20,000 corks.

The name of the winery comes from its location, next to Conn Creek in the Rutherford district. More than forty years after its founding, Conn Creek is still focused on crafting the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Conn Creek‘s expertise is derived from its unique sourcing, as one of the only wineries to source Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from nearly all of the Napa Valley’s distinct appellations.

Conn Creek also produces, in very limited quantities, single appellation Cabernet Sauvignons as part of our AVA Series, choosing the standout appellations of each vintage. In the Napa Valley Series, an approachable Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as other limited-release varietals, round out the portfolio.

Award Winning Barrel Blending Experience®

Conn Creek has received international acclaim for its one-of-a-kind education intensive Barrel Blending Experience®. Guests are invited to taste Cabernet Sauvignon from nearly all of Napa Valley’s appellations, from Calistoga to Carneros, before becoming “winemaker for a day” and blending their own bottle to take home. The Barrel Blending Experience® is the first stop for any Napa visitor, whether novice or aficionado, providing an immersive tasting experience that will inform the remainder of any visit to the Valley.

If you would like more information about the grape stomping event at Conn Creek winery, you can reach them at (707) 963-9100 every day from 10 am – 4 pm or visit their website at https://www.conncreek.com.

What’s a Grape Stomp without Lucy?!

Of course, there HAD to be a celebrity there to show everyone how grape stomping is done, and Lucille Ball was the perfect person for the job! Lucy was performed by Camille Larrea, a celebrity impersonator for over twenty years – performing celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Joan Rivers, Cher, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Lucille Ball, Charo, Norma Desmond, Elvira, Dolly Parton, Sarah Palin, and many more!

If you are looking for a celebrity performer for your next event, feel free to give Camille a call at (925) 353-0289 or visit https://www.celebrityacts.com.

The Best Napa Valley Things To Do!

September is probably the best month of the entire year to visit Napa, with the kids being back in school, the warm weather and the leaves just starting to turn color… the scenery is even more breathtaking than usual! So, if you decide to come to Napa during this month, make sure to check in with Conn Creek and plan your trip around their next Great Grape Stomp event – you won’t be disappointed!

All About Alta Heights Napa Neighborhood

Welcome to my Napa Valley vlog where today I take a deep dive into all about Alta Heights Napa neighborhood!

One of the main allures of Alta Heights is it’s location – just four blocks away from Downtown Napa where you will find an array of restaurants ranging from Thai to Greek cuisine, an abundance of tasting rooms, the Napa River Trail and the renowned Oxbow Public Market. But more about that later.

Let’s start off by talking about the homes within the Alta Heights Napa neighborhood. The types of architecture within this Napa neighborhood range from storybook charm cottages, to custom built contemporary two-story homes. The size of the homes are also vastly different throughout the neighborhood, from as little as around 800 square feet to as large as 4,600. To see inside two homes currently for sale within the Alta Heights Napa neighborhood, check out my video above or view on Youtube.

Outside you’ll see white picket fences and cute front porches while inside you’ll find arched walls and original hardwood flooring – which are indicative of the homes built here during the 1940’s.

Lakeview Park in all about Alta Heights Napa Neighborhood — Lakeview Park in Alta Heights Napa Neighborhood

Alta heights has a lovely park called Lakeview Park where you’ll often see deer on your 0.4 mile (or 1,000 step) walking trail route. There’s also some water features within the park, including the East Napa Reservoir, which are best seen during the winter months.

All About Alta Heights Napa Neighborhood - Alta Heights Elementary School — Alta Heights Elementary School

Alta Heights also has a great elementary school aptly named Alta Heights Elementary which has approximately 300 children enrolled. Currently, there are no before or after school programs. Alta Heights Elementary is one of the more popular schools in the Napa County school district which is seen through the dozens of past and present reviews on many websites such as GreatSchools and the Alta Heights elementary school Facebook Group.

All about Alta Heights Napa Neighborhood - Oxbow Public Market — Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa

The Oxbow Public Market is a staple within Downtown Napa. One of my favorite stops within the Oxbow Public Market is Bar Luca – they have really great snackable food, but also a great frose with sparkling wine! There’s also a mini grocery store which has fresh fruit and vegetables and locally sourced products such as cheese and jams. Other shops within Oxbow include Live Fire Pizza, Bookmine, Eikos sushi, The Fatted Calf, Milestone, Ritual coffee, Casa restaurant, a wine and cheese bar and last but not least the Hog Island Oyster restaurant, with ample of outdoor seating which overlooks the Napa River. For those looking for a hearty and super tasty burger, go next door to Gott’s and you won’t be disappointed!

If you would like to what is currently happening with the real estate within the Alta Heights Napa neighborhood, please visit my page dedicated to the current market conditions there, including recently sold, just listed, number of days on market, list to sold price and more:

Current Alta Heights Napa Market Report

If you have questions about this or any other neighborhood within Napa Valley, please reach out. I would love to chat with you about the greatest place in California to call home!

Buying A Home In Napa – Summer Edition

Are you thinking of buying a home in Napa this summer? If so, you have a great opportunity in front of you! Here are just a few reasons why this season may be the right time to make your purchase.

1. Homeownership Has Many Perks

Homeownership is the American dream – not just because it has tangible financial benefits, but because it also has the power to change lives.

Whether your needs have changed, you’re looking for more stability, or you’re ready to enter a new chapter in your life by buying a home in Napa, turn to homeownership. It not only provides a safe space to call your own, but it also helps you build your net worth through home price appreciation and home equity. Not to mention, it gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment that carries through your day-to-day life.

2. More Homes Are Expected To Enter the Market This Summer

While the number of homes for sale is still lower than pre-pandemic norms, there is good news for your home search. Data from realtor.com shows the number of homes being listed for sale, known in the industry as new listings, has increased since the start of the year. In addition, 64% of sellers are planning to list their homes by the end of this summer. That should give you more options.

If you begin your search now and work with a trusted real estate advisor, you’ll be in a great spot to benefit from those additional choices when your dream home hits the market.

3. Home Prices Are Climbing

So far this year, home prices have increased. While competitive buyers are expected to keep home prices climbing, industry leaders say the pace of the increases should moderate moving forward. As Len Kiefer, Deputy Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, says:

“If you’re thinking about waiting until next year and that maybe rates are higher, but you’ll get a deal on prices – well that’s risky… It may be more advantageous to purchase this year relative to waiting until 2023 at this time.”

While everyone moves through the home buying process at a different pace, it’s more important than ever to put your plans in place and begin working with a real estate advisor. That’s because it’ll cost you more to buy a home if you wait as prices rise.

4. Rents Are Rising Too

Census data shows the median monthly rent is also going up (see chart below).

To escape rising rents, consider purchasing a home so you can lock in your monthly mortgage payment. Even though the number of homes available for sale is low, homeownership is a much more stable long-term investment.

“. . . home prices aren’t going to drop any time soon. So if you’re on the fence about whether to buy now or wait for a better deal, buying sooner rather than later might be wise.”
– The Mortgage Reports

While today’s housing market is competitive for buyers, it’s also a great window of opportunity. If you want to buy a home, here are a few things experts say you should know about what to expect and why homeownership is so important.

The link between financial security and homeownership is undeniable. But your home also provides a sense of gratitude, pride, and comfort. Here are some of the best emotional and financial benefits that come with owning a home.

The Emotional Benefits of Owning a Home Are Powerful

In their list of top reasons to buy a home, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights some of the powerful, non-financial aspects of homeownership. Among them is the opportunity to customize your home to reflect your personality and needs:

“The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.”

Another benefit homeowners enjoy is the stability it provides. Homeowners typically stay put longer than renters. According to NAR, when you remain in one place for more than a few years, you can grow closer to your community, which can enhance your sense of pride and lead to better relationships.

Owning a Home Is a Building Block for Financial Success

The benefits of homeownership extend beyond the emotional too. Owning your home is a cornerstone of achieving financial success. As Leslie Rouda Smith, President of NAR, says:

“Homeownership is rewarding in so many ways and can serve as a vital component in achieving
financial stability.”

But many people may not realize just how much owning a home contributes to their net worth. A recent NAR report details several homeownership trends and statistics, including the difference in net worth between homeowners and renters. It finds:

“. . . the net worth of a homeowner was about $300,000 while that of a renter’s was $8,000 in 2021.”

To put that into perspective, the average homeowner’s net worth is roughly 40X that of a renter. The gap in net worth exists because as a homeowner, you gain equity as your home appreciates in value and as you pay your mortgage each month. As a renter, you’ll never see a return on the money you pay out in rent every month.

Bottom Line

The benefits of owning a home are foundational. As a homeowner, you can feel proud of the space you call home and know you’ve made a sound financial investment. If you want to learn more about all the ways homeownership can benefit you, let’s connect.

Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment

According to a Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for 9 year in a row.

Top Motivators To Buy This Summer

You’re not just buying a place to call home, you’re investing in your future. Real estate is typically considered a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time.

What’s Happening To Mortgage Rates This Year?

While it’s true the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed over two percentage points this year, just remember that perspective is key. Even though mortgage rates are higher now than they were during the pandemic, they’re still more competitive than historic norms. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“Rising mortgage rates impact affordability, but historical context is important. Anaverage 30-year, fixed mortgage rate of 5.5 percent is still well below the historical average of nearly 8 percent.”

The graph below further illustrates this point. Today you can still lock in a rate that’s comparatively lower than decades past.

What Will Happen With Home Prices This Year?

In addition, home prices are expected to continue appreciating. The graph below shows the 2022 home price forecasts from seven industry leaders. As the bars indicate, they’re all projecting an increase this year as buyers competing for a limited number of houses continue to put upward pressure on prices. The dotted line represents the average of all the forecasts together, showing the rate of appreciation is expected to be about 8.9%.

While that’s not the record-breaking increase we saw over the past year, its still continued price growth – not a decline. Why is that important to you? If you’re waiting for prices to drop because you think homes will be more affordable, the data from leading experts simply doesn’t support it.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready and able to buy, think of today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices as motivating factors to purchase sooner rather than later. Let’s connect today so you can buy your home before it costs more to do so.

Mortgage rates are impacted by a number of economic factors. That’s why Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, says:

“Economic uncertainty is causing mortgage rate volatility… ”

Instead of taking a gamble on where they’ll be in the future, focus on how you still have an opportunity to lock in a comparatively low rate today.

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

If you’re following the news today, you’re probably hearing about increasing home prices, rising consumer costs, and more. These inflationary concerns might make you wonder if you should wait to buy. Here’s why inflation shouldn’t stop you from purchasing a home this season.

Homeownership Offers Stability and Security

Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. That’s true for things like food, entertainment, and other goods and services – even housing. Both rental prices and home prices are on the rise. So as a buyer, how can you protect yourself from increasing costs? The answer lies in homeownership.

Buying a home allows you to stabilize what’s typically your biggest monthly expense: your housing cost.

If you get a fixed-rate mortgage on your home, you lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your loan, often 15 to 30 years. James Royal, Senior Investing and Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate, says:

“A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same.”

So even if other prices rise, your housing payment will be a reliable amount that can help keep your budget in check. If you rent, you don’t have that same benefit, and you won’t be protected from rising housing costs.

Use Home Price Appreciation To Your Benefit

While it’s true rising home prices mean buying a house today costs more than it did a year ago, you still have an opportunity to set yourself up for a long-term win by locking your payment in at today’s rates and prices.

During inflationary times, it’s especially important to invest your money in an asset that will hold or grow in value. The graph below shows how home price appreciation outperformed inflation in most decades going all the way back to the 1970s (see graph below):

So, what does that mean for you? Once you buy a house, any price appreciation that does occur will be good for your equity and your net worth. And since homes are typically assets that grow in value, you have peace of mind that history shows an investment in homeownership is a strong one.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to buy a home, it may make sense to move forward with your plans despite rising inflation. To make sure you have expert advice on your specific situation and how to time your purchase, let’s connect.

“Rising rents, which continue to climb at double-digit pace . . . and the prospect of locking in a monthly housing cost in a market with widespread inflation are motivating today’s first-time homebuyers.”
– Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, realtor.com

According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today. But there is hope on the horizon.

Signs Inventory May Be Growing

Recent data shows more sellers are listing their houses this season, which may give you more options for your home search. The latest from realtor.com shows the number of listings coming onto the market, known in the industry as new listings, has increased since the start of the year (see graph below):

According to realtor.com, this growth in new listings is expected to continue. Their research finds that 64% of potential sellers plan to list their homes over the next six months.

Realtor.com says:

“. . . markets may see a noticeable bump in the number of homes for sale as we move through spring and into summer. A majority of homeowners planning to sell this year indicated that they aim to list in the next six months, with almost 10% having already placed their properties on the market.”

While this is great news if you’re looking to make a purchase this season, what’s also important to know is that homes are still selling very quickly. Acting fast and being prepared as new listings come to the market is fundamental to finding a home in today’s housing market.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to buy a home, know more options are coming to market and your ideal home could be one of them. Let’s connect so you can stay up to date on the latest listings in our market and be ready to move fast when you find the one that’s right for you.

What You Need To Budget For

When it comes to buying a home, it can feel a bit intimidating to know how much you need to save and where to find that information. To get you started, here are a few things experts say you should plan for along the way.

Your Down Payment

As you set your savings goal for your purchase, your down payment is likely already top of mind. And like many other people, you may believe you need to set aside 20% of the home’s purchase price for that down payment – but that’s not always the case. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“One of the biggest misconceptions among housing consumers is what the typical down payment is and what amount is needed to enter homeownership. Having this knowledge is critical to know what to save . . .”

The good news is, you may be able to put as little as 3.5% (or even 0%) down in some situations. To understand your options in today’s market, lean on a professional to go over the various loan types, down payment assistance programs, and what each one requires.

An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)

While it isn’t required, an earnest money deposit is common in today’s highly competitive market. It’s money you pay as a show of good faith when you make an offer on a house. First American explains how it works:

“This is typically held in trust by a third party and is intended to show the seller you are serious about purchasing their home. Upon closing the money will generally be applied to your down payment or closing costs.”

In other words, an earnest money deposit could be the very first check you’ll write toward your purchase. The amount varies by state and situation, but realtor.com says you can typically plan for 1-2% of the home’s purchase price. Work with a real estate advisor to understand any requirements in your local area and determine if it’s something that could be an option for you.

Your Closing Costs

The next thing to plan for is your closing costs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines closing costs as:

“The upfront fees charged in connection with a mortgage loan transaction……… generally including, but not limited to a loan origination fee, title examination and insurance, survey, attorney’s fee, and prepaid items, such as escrow deposits for taxes and insurance.”

Basically, your closing costs cover the fees for various people and services involved in your transaction. NAR says to budget for roughly 2-5% of the home’s purchase price. Freddie Mac sums up why this matters to you and your homebuying journey like this:

“If you’re in the market to buy a home, your down payment is probably top of mind. And rightly so – it’s likely the biggest cost of homebuying. However, it is not the only cost and it’s critical you understand all your expenses before diving in. The more prepared you are for your down payment, closing and other costs, the smoother your homebuying journey will be.”

Bottom Line

Knowing what to budget for in the homebuying process is essential. To make sure you understand these and any other expenses that may come up, let’s review your options together.

Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage

Consistency is the name of the game after applying for a mortgage. Be sure to discuss any changes in income, assets, or credit with your lender, so you don’t jeopardize your application.

Don’t change bank accounts

Don’t apply for new credit or close any credit accounts

Don’t deposit cash into your bank accounts before speaking with your bank or lender

Don’t make any large purchases

Don’t co-sign other loans for anyone

The best plan is to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your lender before you do anything financial in nature.

5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer

1. Know Your Budget

Knowing your budget and what you can afford is critical to your success as a homebuyer. The best first step is working with a lender and getting pre- approved for a loan. Your pre-approval indicates how much you’re able to borrow for your mortgage.

It also shows sellers you’re serious. That can give you a competitive edge and let you act quickly when you’ve found the perfect home. As Freddie Mac notes:

“By having a pre-approval letter from your lender, you’re telling the seller that you’re a serious buyer, . . . In a true bidding war, your offer will likely get dropped if you don’t already have one.”

2. Be Ready To Move Fast

Speed and the pace of sales are contributing factors to today’s competitive housing market. According to the Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Eighty-eight percent of homes sold in April 2022 were on the market for less than a month.”

When homes are selling fast, it’s important to stay flexible and be ready to move quickly. A skilled agent will help you put together and submit your best offer as soon as you find the home you want to buy.

3. Lean on a Real Estate Professional

No matter what the housing market looks like, rely on a trusted real estate advisor. As Freddie Mac says:

“The success of your homebuying journey largely depends on the company you keep… Be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions
and avoid any pitfalls.”

Agents are experts in the local real estate market with insight into what’s worked for other buyers in the area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer. Your agent will help you understand how to cater to what a seller needs, so your offer stands out.

4. Make a Strong, but Fair Offer

According to the Realtors Confidence Index from NAR, 61% of properties sold above the list price. That means when you’ve found your dream home, offering below or even at a home’s asking price may not be enough right now.

Lean on your agent to help you understand the market value of the home and recent sales trends in the area so you can craft your best offer.

5. Be a Flexible Negotiator

When putting together an offer, your trusted real estate advisor will help you consider which levers you can pull, including contract contingencies (conditions you set that the seller must meet for the purchase to be finalized). Of course, there are certain contingencies you don’t want to give up, like the home inspection. Freddie Mac explains:

“A home inspection contingency gives you the opportunity to have the entire home you’d like to purchase examined by a professional before you close on your contract.
Without this contingency, you could be contracted on a house you can’t afford to fix.”

Bottom Line

Today’s competitive landscape makes it more important than ever to make a strong offer on a home. Let’s connect to make sure you rise to the top along the way.

“Homeownership is widely recognized as the leading source of net worth. . . Housing wealth itself is primarily achieved by price appreciation gains, and the nation has seen home prices accelerate at a record pace during the course of the last decade.”
National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Luxury California Homes – Napa Valley

Napa Valley Luxury Homes

Interested in luxury California homes, or more specifically luxury Napa Valley investment homes? Or maybe you are just moving to Napa and would like to have some residual income? Then this is the place for you!

In the heart of Downtown Napa Valley sits this award winning Italianate. There are two luxury homes on this property, both entirely remodeled from studs in, during 2016. It is also a 2016 recipient of the prestigious Napa Historic Landmarks award.

Downstairs, the home offers 2 on-suite bedrooms, master chefs-kitchen, including an 8 burner stove with double oven Wolf range and Sub Zero refrigerator. The gorgeous floors are an exquisite red oak quarter sawn hardwood.

Upstairs, the home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The entire interior of the property has artisan level 5 smooth wall plaster finish. The wall wash lighting designed by designer Hideo Tanai can be found throughout both homes.

The detached oversized garage with 14′ ceilings and open beam construction is a permitted ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) capable. ADU plans have been approved by the city.

There is gorgeous landscape with herringbone brick all throughout the property. There’s just so much to see and love about this property!

Here’s the best part! This luxury home in Napa has just been reduced by $300,000 (as of May May 5th, 2022)! So, don’t delay if you have interest in this amazing property – contact me today at 707-210-5500 for a private showing or a live virtual tour.