Watch the video above!

Situated high on the ridge in the prestigious gated golf course community of Catta Verdera, this sensationally designed custom estate captures spectacular valley and city light views. At almost 5700 sf, this home has 5 bedrooms and 5 full baths and includes separate formal rooms, spacious guest suite, bonus room and custom wine cellar. You’ll enjoy resort style living and entertaining on the exclusive Gyori constructed grounds. Relax in the spa or take a dip in the infinity edge pool. Evenings can be spent in the loggia which has the finest amenities including full kitchen, flat screen TV, fireplace and surround sound. Other impressive features include zinfandel vineyard, citrus trees and beautiful heritage oaks.
Inside, the gourmet kitchen is sure to impress. Expansive granite slab island, Thermador appliances (including built-in fridge), travertine flooring, intricate cherry wood cabinetry and exceptional lighting.
Quality craftsmanship and cutting edge technology is evident throughout. Roof mounted solar panels, HoodBranco installed Control 4 home automation system and custom paint by Romanian painter Ciprian Pacurar are just a few fine examples. Everything is done to a higher standard. The oversized master has a 2-sided fireplace, coffered celing with back-lit crown molding and plush premium carpet.
Throughout the home you will see imperfect smooth hand troweled walls, custom paint, vaulted ceilings and 7 ¼ inch baseboard. Other features include central vacuum, cased windows, cast stone fireplaces, security system, fire suppression system and upgraded HVAC with multiple zones.
This is truly a one-of-a-kind estate.
Call today for a private showing.
916 408-2222

Fresh and Easy

The other store coming in soon is one of the WalMart Neighborhood Markets. They just started putting up the temporary fencing around their job-site this week. This store will be located right on Hwy 65 as it goes through town (“G” Street between 2nd and 3rd) where the old Rainbow Market was. A lot of business owners in the area are excited about the store coming in as they think it may help drive traffic to their stores. Many of the tenants at the Lincoln Business Center, where my office is, feel that it will benefit their restaurants, hair salon, vacuum repair shop, sign store, Koi Pond store, Filipino goods shop and more…

Garth Evans, Broker/Owner Realty World Lincoln, CA

How many years in business?
Real Estate in Lincoln for 10 years

Why did you become a Realtor?
I have always been interested in owning my own business. After Graduate school, I worked for a large fortune 500 company. I learned some valuable lessons during that time but was always thinking of what kind of business I wanted to own. Eventually I made the jump to real estate and I’ve never looked back. Owning my own business and working as a Broker has proven to be incredibly challenging yet gratifying. It has given me the chance to put all of my education and previous experience to the test.

What are your favorite parts of the job?
In my business things get personal. Buying or selling a home is a big event in people’s lives. I spend a lot of time negotiating for my clients and helping them get what they want. It feels good when the deal is done and everyone is happy. Times are tough and people are in some stressful situations. I feel privileged that my clients trust me with their personal situations. It feels good when I can do a service for them and help make positive changes in their lives.

What are the most challenging parts of the job?
In this market, no deal is easy. I take each transaction on as a challenge whether it is negotiating a purchase for a buyer or dealing with the banks on a short sale. It is satisfying to know that I made a deal work that may have seemed impossible at the beginning and completing a job that many may have given up on. I gladly take on these challenges and work hard to get what my client wants.

What do you think of the market right now?It is challenging but exciting. Anytime you have a market like this, there are new opportunities for refining your business or learning new parts of the business. I have had the chance to become very good at short sales and working with banks. It is a lot of fun working with first time home buyers that thought they would never be able to afford a home.

How are you involved in the community?Right now I am a ScoutMaster for Troop 745 in Lincoln. I love the outdoors! We have so many beautiful places around here for backpacking and camping. I really enjoy working with the Scouts and helping them learn not only great outdoor skills but life lessons as well. It is incredibly satisfying to see the boys work hard and earn their awards. I also help coach the roller hockey team at 12 Bridges Middle School.

What are your hobbies/interests?
I am originally from Edmonton, Canada so I grew up playing ice hockey. My wife grew up in Lincoln, so when we decided to move our family here I was happy to find that there are a couple of ice rinks close by. I enjoy trail running and anything to do with the outdoors. My son and I are working on a Land Cruiser and we like to get out and drive back to some remote areas to hike and fish. California has so many beautiful areas, my family and I love to hike and explore new places.

831 Dunbar Court

Welcome Home! This beautiful home is located on cul-de-sac lot in a quiet West Lincoln neighborhood. Upgraded exterior elevation with stone fascia and a quaint front porch make this home very inviting. This “Birchwood” model is an excellent single story floor plan with 2145 sf of living space including formal living and dining areas, open kitchen/family great room concept with kitchen nook, spacious den, master suite with private bath, 2 additional bedrooms and a main bath. The bright kitchen is nicely appointed with oak cabinets, tile countertops and under cabinet lighting. The oversized kitchen nook leads out to the covered patio and private back yard that is landscaped with auto sprinklers, grow boxes and a variety of trees and shrubs.

The handyman will be thrilled with the oversized driveway and the generous 3 car garage with auto door opener.  Other upgrades include upgraded heat and air, front security door, fireplace blower and more! This is NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK-OWNED. NO MELLO ROOS, NO HOA! Can respond and close quickly!

Offered at $249,999   

Call today for a full list of upgrades and to request a private showing.

Home Preparedness

Over the last 6 years or so, I have had the opportunity to work with the Boy Scouts. Recently, a number of boys in our troop started working on their Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge. Shortly after we started, the tanker fire in Lincoln took place. About a week after the dust had settled, we had the chance to meet with one of the people who had been in charge during the disaster. He spoke to the boys about what had happened and stressed the importance of having an emergency kit in their homes. Instead of giving home beautification tips or how to cut down on your utility bills, I thought it would be worthwhile to pass along some information that could be essential for every home.

One of the first things he told us was that it was important to put together a kit that would have the essentials for at least 96 hours. He was involved in operations during 9-11 and Katrina and said that 96 hours’ worth of supplies was needed before many people were rescued or evacuated. He told us that it should be in a place that is easily accessible and probably close to the car. He suggested keeping it in backpacks or in the large plastic bins you can find at the store.

One of the first things he spoke about was having cash in relatively small bills readily available. The amount may depend on your family size, but having some cash very important. Also having some change on hand could be useful.

Food and Water-He talked about having a 4 day supply of food and water per person. He said that having a box (or boxes) of bottled water would be adequate but that it should be rotated every once in a while. Food would be items that aren’t perishable, can be stored, and don’t require cooking or refrigeration. Some items that would work well are jerky, granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, canned foods, gum, candy and dehydrated foods.  I have a backpacking stove and fuel in my kit and prefer the dehydrated backpacking meals. They don’t take up much space and the kids like them.  Along with your food you should think about having utensils and a simple mess kit or paper plates.

Personal items-One of the most important items would be a first aid kit. You should also have a toiletries kit for each person that includes soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, comb or brush, toilet paper or wet-wipes. Travel-size items that are available at some large retailers are perfect for your kit. Some members of your family may have needs that will require prescription medicine, extra contact lenses or eye-wear. Medications including Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, cough medicine and children’s medicine should be included. Babies will require additional items.

Shelter, Warmth and Clothing-I keep my camping supplies close by and ready to go in case of an emergency. Sleeping bags, foam pads and tents are part of my kit. Along with this, jackets, hats and gloves should be included for every member of the family. Even in warm weather these items can be useful. Each person should have a change of clothing for warm and cool weather, extra under garments, rain gear, extra socks and a sturdy pair of boots.

Additional equipment-flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries, lantern, flares, candles, lighters, shovel, radio, work gloves, rope, a roll of duct tape, pen and paper, whistle(s), dust masks, tarp, camera and other items can be added if deemed necessary.  He did tell us that it could be helpful to have some simple games included. Some individuals prepare more or less items and this list is not comprehensive, it just gives an idea of some things you may want to think about.

Emergency plan-each household should have an emergency plan laid out for any time of the day. Who picks up the kids if a disaster happens while they are at school? Where does everyone meet? Communication by cell phone may not be possible during a disaster and it is good to go over everything and have a plan for every situation. “Be Prepared”  like the Boy Scouts and a tough situation can turn into an event that the whole family will get through and look back on as an adventure.

Let me know if you have any ideas about emergency preparedness!

1088 Lawrence Lane

Here is a new listing in Lincoln Crossing that is really better than new! This beautiful home is located on a quiet street in a great neighborhood. Upgraded throughout, you will be impressed from the minute you walk in the door. The richly appointed kitchen has dark cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops, top of the line stainless appliances, tile flooring and pendant and under cabinet lighting. Throughout the home you will find plush premium carpet, plantation shutters, ceiling fans and so much more! This floor plan is very appealing with a downstairs bed and bath as well as a spacious den with French doors, formal living and dining and a great room concept for the kitchen and family rooms. Upstairs you will find the generously-sized master bed and bath as well as 3 additional bedrooms and another full bathroom. All the bathrooms are highly upgraded with brushed nickel fixtures, tile flooring, granite slab counters and bath surrounds. Excellent curb appeal and meticulous landscaping greet you from the street and invite you to the back yard. This home is extremely clean and is just waiting for your personal touches. Enjoy free internet to your home and the swimming pools, workout facilities and other amenities that Club Lincoln has to offer. This is NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK-OWNED. No delays on response or closing!

Offered at $309,999   

Call today for a full list of upgrades and to request a private showing.

Location, Location, Location! This beautiful home is located on a quiet street directly across from the 26 acre Miner’s Ravine nature preserve. Not only will you enjoy Roseville’s premier network of trails, you will also have your own private paradise. As you relax next to the pool or unwind while listening to the soothing fountain on the side courtyard, you will feel like you have walked into a lush, botanical garden. Various types of trees and shrubs provide privacy and shade to the unique yard. Inside the home you will be greeted by architectural details such as a rounded entry-way and soaring 17 foot windows appointed with custom blinds. The inviting family room has large picture-windows with an unobstructed view to the yard, wood-burning fireplace, and surround sound. The kitchen is nicely finished with a granite slab island with prep sink, black appliances, tile floors and raised panel maple cabinets. You can look out to the courtyard from the many windows of the bright kitchen nook and there are multiple access points to the yard. At almost 3600 sf, this home includes 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a spacious loft/bonus room and a 2^nd floor covered balcony. The master bedroom is conveniently located on the main floor and there is also an additional full bed and bath downstairs. You’ll love the open, airy feel of the 2^nd floor looking across to the tall windows of the formal rooms. Maple banisters with ornamental iron railings add to the look. If you are looking for a home with a functional floor plan, beautiful pool, close to nature yet convenient to shopping and hospitals, and in the highly desirable Eureka school district, this is the home for you!

Call today for a full list of upgrades and to request a private showing.

Here is your chance to own a beautiful “move-in ready” home in the highly desirable, gated community of Verdera. Loaded with tons of custom features and upgrades, this home will impress the most discriminating buyer. From the curb appeal of the stylish rock fascia to the spacious yard, there are so many things to like about this home. As you enter, you will see the quality of the upgrades. Plush, premium carpet, tile with inlaid medallion mosaic, elegant fixtures and so much more. The bright kitchen is richly appointed with top of the line GE stainless appliances including a double oven with convection, gas cook-top and over-sized hood. It also has granite countertops, decorative backsplash and tile floors. The home is great for entertaining and includes a large dining room with french doors out to the side courtyard. The extensive yard is fully landscaped with an eye-catching rock retaining wall spanning the back of the yard and it is a yard you can enjoy. Those with a “green thumb” can tend to the various fruit trees or putter in the raised grow boxes of the garden area. Inside, the master bedroom is generously sized and the master bath includes a jetted tub, split vanities, shower with rain head, body jets and a huge walk-in closet. This home has larger bedrooms, an upstairs laundry and a space for a reading nook. The split 3 car garages are fully finished with florescent lighting, epoxy floors and quiet I-Drive automatic door opener. You’ll love the gated neighborhood with 24 hour security patrol, front yard lawn maintenance and paved walking trails.

Call today for a full list of upgrades and to request a private showing.

Gold Country Media asks me to write articles for the Inside Lincoln Magazine and for the News Messenger every now and again. Here is one I wrote that gives an outline of a real estate transaction. I think it is important for buyers and sellers to have an  understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. There are a lot of phone calls, emails, coordination and time spent by good agents. It is more than just putting a sign out or writing an offer. This is still oversimplified but gives an idea of what happens:

Road Map to a Real Estate Transaction

Some buyers and sellers really aren’t interested in the details of what goes on during a real estate transaction. Others want to be very involved and want to know all the inner workings of a deal. There are some real estate agents that would rather keep their clients in the dark, but it is important for both buyers and sellers to be educated regarding the process. This article will give you a quick outline of what you may expect during a real estate transaction.

1)      Listing agreement and preparation for market. Seller will meet with the agent they have chosen and sign a listing agreement that clearly shows the price the property will be listed at and the term of the agreement. The agent should make recommendations about how to make the property more marketable. Pictures will be taken and other marketing will be prepared. Video tours are becoming more popular for the higher price range.

2)      Showing the property. The listing agent and other buyer agents will show the property. It makes it much easier to show if the property has a lockbox and the owners aren’t present at the time of showing.

3)      The Contract. The buyer agent will meet with their buyer after showing the property. It is not uncommon for a potential buyer to look at the home more than once. The agent should give advice about actual value of the property. The list price may be higher or lower than the comparable sales and the agent should show the buyer some of the past sales in the neighborhood. The buyer must be preapproved and the agent should work with the buyer and their loan officer to formulate the offer. The listing agent will go over the offer with the seller and either accept, counter or reject the offer.

4)      Once an offer is accepted it becomes a contract. At this point, a lot of things happen simultaneously. Escrow is opened with a title company; the preliminary title report and a natural hazard disclosure are ordered. The buyer’s earnest money deposit is submitted to escrow and inspections are scheduled. The seller will fill out disclosures with their agent and the buyer will be able to review them. The inspections may include a pest inspection and a whole house inspection. Depending on the property you may want to do a well test, septic pumping, pool inspection, roof certification or other tests under the advice of the agent.  At the same time the loan officer will be asking the buyer for updated documentation, order an appraisal and be working to package the loan for underwriting.

5)      Contingency removal. This is an important step in the transaction. There is a set time for the buyers to do all their inspections, review the disclosures, get the appraisal and have the loan approved. In most transactions the period is 17 days, but lately some sellers require that the period is tightened up to 10 days or less. The buyer’s agent will have a form that will need to be filled out that indicates everything is in place and the buyer is ready to move forward to close the deal. In a regular transaction, there may be a request for repairs that should be worked out prior to contingency removal.

6)      Final walk-through and signing. The buyer will do a final walk-through within 5 days of the close of escrow to make sure the property is in the same physical condition as when they made the offer. They will check to see if all of the agreed upon repairs have been done. Both buyer and seller will have appointments set with the title company to sign all the final transfer documents. The buyer package will be larger as it will include their loan documents as well. Buyer will bring in their down payment money and after the documents are signed, the title company will request funds from the lender and then send the transfer deed to the county to record. Upon recording confirmation, the title company will notify the agents and the buyer will get the keys.

This is just a general outline and simplification of what should happen during your transaction. Every transaction is different and each has challenges that will need to be met and overcome. It is important that you have a good agent that is aware of the timelines and has good communication with the parties involved. As a buyer or seller you may not be aware of all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Contact a professional agent in your area to work for you in making your transactions seem easy.