Garth Evans

Every once in a while the Lincoln News Messenger asks me to write an article about real estate in Lincoln. This time I decided to do something a little different…

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.

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.

See how Garth does business in Lincoln…

1859 Loring Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648

Welcome Home! This beautiful home is located on a large corner lot in a quiet neighborhood. Excellent curb appeal and meticulous landscaping greet you from the street. Upgraded exterior elevation with stone fascia, extended exposed aggregate driveway and a quaint front porch make this home very inviting. You will be impressed with the wonderful floor plan including formal living and dining rooms, the open kitchen/family great room with the kitchen nook, and 4 bedrooms with 2 incredibly upgraded bathrooms. Each bath has granite counters, granite surrounds, quality fixtures and tile flooring. The bright kitchen is nicely appointed with granite countertops, cherry wood cabinets, stainless appliances, pendant and under cabinet lighting, and tile flooring. The oversized kitchen nook looks out to the free-form salt finish patio and the back yard is professionally landscaped with a variety of trees and shrubs.

The handyman will be thrilled with the finished 3 car garage. Other upgrades include exterior coach lights, separate laundry room with sink, custom paint and so much more. You won’t be disappointed! This is NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK-OWNED and can be closed in 30 days!

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

4200 Monteverde Drive, Lincoln, CA 95648

Elegant and luxurious, this home is designed with entertaining in mind! Situated on a choice cul-de-sac lot in prestigious Catta Verdera, you’ll feel like you are at the resort. At over 5800 sf, this home includes 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, a home theater room, loft, separate formal rooms and finished garages. The gourmet kitchen features Viking appliances, granite slab countertops, top of the line cabinets & full butler’s pantry with prep sink and extra dishwasher. You’ll be impressed with the way the rest of the home wraps itself around the dramatic circular formal dining room. Just off the dining room, enjoy the open feel as the french doors lead to the expansive, exposed aggregate courtyard. Spend time cooking at the outdoor kitchen or unwinding with friends and family in the heated pool. Rinse off in the outdoor shower before you take a dip and take a nap afterward in the private pool house. Everything has been done to a higher standard! The Caribbean Blue Pebbletech bottom pool includes removable fencing, a built-in spa with spillway, rock waterfall and other water features. The manicured, private yard feels more like a park with flagstone walkways, stylish fountain, citrus orchard and a variety of trees and shrubs.  Every aspect of this home highlights the attention to detail. The custom accents of the inlaid medallion mosaic, the old-world stone style fireplace mantels and the unique lighting fixtures add interest in each room. Throughout the home there are numerous functional upgrades including surround sound, central vacuum, security system with camera capability, fire sprinklers and a tankless hotwater heater. This home is truly a masterpiece!

Watch the Video Tour on this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93VtbbehRMo&feature=related

Call for a complete list of upgrades and to schedule a private tour.

4141 Monteverde Drive, Lincoln, CA 95648

NOT A SHORT SALE OR BANK-OWNED! QUICK RESPONSE AND QUICK CLOSE!

This beautiful home in the gated Catta Verdera Community is located at the end of a cul-de-sac and has amazing 180 degree views overlooking the golf course! Appointed with the finest amenities and upgrades, you will be impressed with the interior every bit as much as the gorgeous views. The exquisite kitchen includes granite slab countertops, rich mahogany cabinets, professional grade stainless Thermador appliances and marble limestone flooring. Enjoy looking out to nature from the many panoramic arched windows of the bright kitchen nook.  This home has a wonderful floor plan with a ground level master, formal living and dining rooms, spacious guest room, tech/library area, bonus room and 4 additional bedrooms (3 with balcony access). The generous master opens to the back yard and includes an impressive master bath with a jetted tub, split vanity with overmount designer basin sinks and a large shower. Relax and enjoy sunsets and the soothing sound of the babbling brook from the full length balcony or extensive patio. The oversized 4 car garage is completely finished with double garage door opener and epoxy floors.  Other upgrades include surround sound, extended fireplace hearth and custom mantels, imperfect smooth walls with custom paint, premium carpet, inlaid stone medallion mosaic and detailed transitions, central vacuum and so much more. From the stunning views to the magnificent upgrades, this home is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

To see the Video Tour on YouTube, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTD5WC1ECtA

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

Spring seems to be here and with the nice weather last week,  there has been quite a lot of real esate activity. Last week we signed listing agreements with 3 couples that have asked us to sell their homes. All three are under $200,000 and in great condition. Here are the details:

2002 Rickenbacker Lane

2002 Rickenbacker Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648-Well designed floor plan at Lakeside in Lincoln. You’ll love the open feel of the kitchen and family room areas. Warm, neutral paint colors, tile counter with extended backsplash, built-in microwave, alarm system and much more! Full back yard landscaping with stamped concrete patio, mow curb and auto sprinklers. Located in a nice new, friendly neighborhood and just down the street from a park. Close to schools and community sports fields. Listed at $179,999, all offers will be considered.

222 D Street

222 D Street, Lincoln, CA 95648-A recent remodel on this cute bungalow in downtown Lincoln makes it move-in ready! Hardwood flooring, carpet, custom paint, central heat and air, crown molding, wainscoting, and more. You’ll love the bright and spacious kitchen with oak cabinets, white appliances, tile flooring, gas cooktop and decorative tile countertops. Great location close to McBean Park. This home also has a detached garage with alley access and an inviting front porch. Great price and perfect for the first-time homebuyer. Listed at only $109,999.

1300 Hudson Circle

1300 Hudson Circle, Lincoln, CA 95648-Move in ready! This richly appointed home is located close to schools and parks and has all the right upgrades. Granite counter tops, stainless appliances, gorgeous cherry wood cabinets and so much more. You’ll love the spacious master and functional floorplan. Other features include upstairs laundry and finished garage with epoxy floors. Don’t delay, own a home with a lower monthly payment than rent! Listed at only $149,999

Call or email today if you have any questions about any of these homes. 916 408-2222.

2049 Glenveagh Lane, Lincoln, CA

Move-in ready! This quality-built Pulte home is located in a great 12 Bridges neighborhood close to schools, parks and walking trails. With a functional and spacious floor plan, this home has 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths, including a full bed and bath downstairs. This plan also includes a formal living and dining room, large loft, a den, and a huge great room. You’ll love the upgrades this home has to offer! The bright and open kitchen has granite countertops, top quality cabinets with roll-outs, upgraded appliances and a walk-in pantry. This home has warm, two-tone custom paint, tile flooring, premium carpet and more. The fully landscaped yard includes custom concrete, auto sprinkler and drip, landscape lighting, covered patio, mow curb and lots of room to play or relax. Other features include plantation shutters, built-in media niche, laundry sink, whole house fan, ceiling fans and a finished 3 car garage. From the excellent location to the size and functionality of the floor plan, this is a must see home!

Call me at 916 408-2222 if you have any questions or would like a private tour.

Galleria Fire from CBS News

No alien abductions, no terrorist attacks, only some crazy kid that played one too many video games and knew how to start a fire…Thank goodness that nobody was physically hurt! I am sure some mental anguish took place for some people not being able to get their Nordstrom fix.

So now that the dust has settled to some extent, everyone is asking “When will the Galleria Mall open?” To be honest with you, my concern is not about the lack of immediate shopping options, but for the people that are currently out of work due to the fire. My daughter, on the other hand, has been worried that she won’t be able to frequent her favorite stores. I hear a lot of the rumors going around about when the mall will reopen and there are mixed opinions. I think the most reliable sources are saying that portions of the mall may be open by the end of the week. The parts of the mall that have the most damage, JC Penney and Macy’s, will take much longer to open. I feel bad for the people who are out of work, but as with any catastrophe, new opportunities are created. I am sure that some of the people working to restore the mall could be amongst those who were praying for work. Hopefully things will work out well for those directly affected.