Preparing your home for fall

Having experienced the first few rainy days of the season, we have home preparation on our minds. In order to avoid winter damage, homeowners should prepare for the upcoming wet weather. Here are some tips.

1. Clean the gutters. This is one of the most common maintenance items that homeowners in our area forget to do.

2. Visually inspect your roof and repair any damage or tile slippage.

3. Check water drainage to make sure downspouts are free of debris and direct water away from foundations, walkways, and driveways.

4. Inspect trees. Check for damaged limbs that may break or that are too close to the roof.

5. Store your outdoor cushions and cover outdoor furniture.

6. Service your HVAC. Don’t forget to change the air filters!

7. Inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney.

8. Fertilize your lawn.

9. Get ready to change your sprinkler settings.

10. Clear out a closet near the entry of your home to use for you and your guest’s coats and umbrellas.

KCRA3 interview - PG&E agrees to settle as foothills housing, insurance markets get harder for consumers

Pacific Gas and Electric announced Friday that it has agreed to an $11 billion settlement to resolve insurance subrogation claims from a series of 2017 wildfires in Northern California and the 2018 Camp Fire.

The claims are based on payments made by insurance companies to individuals and businesses with insurance coverage for wildfire damages. The settlement covers entities representing about 85% of insurance subrogation claims related to the fires, PG&E said.

The settlement is subject to approval of a bankruptcy court since PG&E previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The agreement comes as California insurers drop policies in high-fire risk areas or raise rates so high that people are unable to sell their homes.

"It’s been getting worse, but about a year (ago), I noticed it being affected, and the values have gone down because the homes can’t sell," said Stephani Menser Polley, a realtor in El Dorado County.

Polley said she's had to take a new approach when representing home buyers, which is determining first whether a home is insurable.

"Instead of shopping and going to look at homes, we start with sending the addresses to our insurance brokers, and then they tell us if it’s reasonable insurance. And then we decide if we want to go see the homes," she said.

It's a reversal from traditional buying practices.

"Typically, you find the house, fall in love and then you do your inspections, but we start there because it’s a waste of everyone’s time if they can’t afford to do the insurance."

Things have become so difficult for sellers in the Sierra foothills that some sellers are offering to cover the cost of a year to two years of insurance for a buyer, said Polley.

1095 Berkshire Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Stunning custom home located on a 1.23-acre parcel in Springfield Meadows. This exceptional quality single-story residence has been meticulously maintained. Boasting 3,225 square feet, this four-bedroom home features an open and bright floor plan that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. Amenities include high-end finishes, imperfect smooth walls, a whole house fan, plantation shutters, closet organizers, central vacuum, surround sound, and more. Enter into the open foyer, which overlooks the covered front patio and the great room. The generously sized family room presents a custom painted limestone fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and a sliding glass door that leads to the resort-style backyard. Chefs will delight in the state-of-the-art kitchen that offers a five-burner range, double ovens, warming drawer, two dishwashers, island with prep sink, and a walk-in pantry. Retreat to the luxurious master suite that showcases a designer walk-in dressing room. The spa-like bathroom features dual vanities, granite counters, shower stall, and a jetted tub. Conveniently located down the hall is the spacious laundry room that includes a sink and is large enough to accommodate a full-sized refrigerator. Three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms complete the other wing of the home. 

The backyard park-like grounds boasts an expansive concrete patio, a pebble tec saltwater pool with sheer descents, bar with covered veranda, phantom screens, outdoor fans, LED landscape lighting, an upper lawn area for sports, a trampoline, garden beds, and several citrus trees. 

The immaculate  3 car garage presents built-in cabinetry, a sink, epoxy floors, and a pull-down ladder that leads to attic storage. There is an abundance of parking space with the oversized driveway and gated RV access along the side of the home that can fit multiple recreational toys.

Listed at $1,149,500

1112 Penniman Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

The attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of this Pottery Barn inspired residence. Offering 2,480 square feet of single-story living, the 3-4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home features an open and bright floor plan. Step into the dramatic foyer that overlooks the formal living and dining room. The gourmet kitchen presents white cabinetry, light granite counters, professional range, dual ovens, a walk-in pantry, and a dining nook. The family room is spacious and inviting, boasting a cozy fireplace and abundant natural light. Secluded from the rest of the house is the master suite, complete with backyard access, a walk-in closet, and spa-like bathroom.  The remaining bedrooms are on the opposite wing of the home and share a bathroom with dual sinks.  The Napa-style backyard is an entertainers dream with built-in BBQ, fireplace, lush landscaping, and lawn. There is abundant parking with the three-car garage and sizable driveway. 

Listed at $685,000

2511 Knollwood Drive, Cameron Park, CA 95682

• 1,560 Square Feet

• 3 Bedrooms

• 2 Bathrooms

• Built in 1977

• 0.47 Acre

• 2 Car Garage

• RV/Boat Parking possible

Welcome to this Cameron Park mid-century infused charmer. Mindfully renovated and restored, the updates have modernized the home all while keeping its original charm. The open floor plan greets you upon entry with knotty pine vaulted ceilings surrounded by windows and a sliding glass door. The spacious great room is ideal for entertaining and comes complete with a wood-burning stove and views of the backyard. The updated kitchen is open to the living areas and has granite counters and white cabinetry. The spacious master suite includes a glass door that leads to the front deck and an en-suite bathroom. A secondary bathroom is located in the hallway near the remaining two bedrooms. Retreat to the low maintenance backyard that features an oversized covered patio, an uncovered patio, and lawn. The home is situated on nearly a half-acre lot with views of the Sierra’s. The large meandering driveway and two-car garage provide plenty of parking for guests, a boat or RV. 

Listed at $419,000

3555 Leonardo Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

• 3,213 Square Feet

• 4 Bedrooms + Bonus Room

• 9,496 Square Foot Lot

• 3 Car Garage

• New Exterior Paint

Located on the golf course side of Serrano within the Oak Ridge High School dual boundary zone, this home is remarkable in its beauty and premier location. Built by Shea Homes in 2008, this stunning residence offers an ideal floor plan for today's lifestyle. Enter into the covered breezeway that leads to the private front courtyard with fountain and lush greenery. The gourmet kitchen showcases a professional 6-burner Thermador range, double ovens, pantry closet and an island with apron sink that overlooks the dining area and family room. A guest bedroom with private bathroom, powder bath, formal dining room, and formal living room (or possible office) complete the main level of the home.

Upstairs, the bonus room is centrally located near a bathroom with dual sinks, two bedrooms, the laundry room, and the master. The impressive master suite boasts an oversized balcony and spa-like bathroom with soaking tub, dual sinks, vanity area, shower stall, and walk-in closet. Retreat to the resort-like backyard that features a covered patio, built-in BBQ, lawn, expansive patio, and sparkling pool with spa. This striking home presents a 3 car garage and is just a minute from the private Serrano Golf and Country Club. Perks of living in the prestigious community include a guard-gated entry, HOA maintained front yard landscaping, patrolling security, and neighborhood parks.

Listed for $875,000