December 2021 Newsletter

While we’re not out of the woods yet by any means, the desire to gather is stronger than ever this holiday season . After sitting out 2020 celebrations on any scale beyond our immediate households, most of us are ready to open our doors to our nearest and dearest family and friends.

We’ve been spoiled with the ease of ability to gather outdoors this entire year here in Sonoma County, but come late afternoon, this December weather is decidedly chilly.

So how best to prepare for a slightly bigger crowd? We found a great article in the New York Times Sunday issue this December on how to get our holiday groove back with a troubling new variant in the mix. 

As we learn to live with reality, the smaller the better is safest when it comes to gathering and it’s all about hand sanitizer, seat spacing, ventilation and vaccination protocols. 

Everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to Covid and the NTY article by Ronda Kaysen recommends being direct and clear when issuing an invite. If your gathering is mask-less, let everyone know — and be clear with your own vaccination policy. If there’s a guest or family member who is at higher risk of serious illness, consider asking everyone to test beforehand. Lateral flow kits are available in pharmacies throughout Sonoma County currently.

The article suggests creating an environment that feels spacious, with open windows. If you have outdoor space, make it accessible, with outdoor seating and heaters. Seat household members together. Avoid shared platters and provide plenty of canned drinks, paper towels and disposable masks. 

It’s important that we’re not offended if friends and family prefer to sit it out for a second holiday season. “Using our own best judgement remains the key to navigating this winter holiday season,” says newsletter editor, Frances. “If you or any of your holiday guests feel uncomfortable indoors, don’t do it. We’re accustomed to layers in this part of the world. Throw on another fleece and hit the beach for a fire-pit picnic. There’s many ways to gather and indoors is not the only answer.”

•  1 leg of lamb, bone in (6 to 7 pounds)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbls. chopped rosemary leaves
• 1 Tbls. salt
• 2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

SAUCE

• 1 cup chopped fresh herbs (combo of rosemary, chives, and parsley)
• 2 cups diced onions
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup red wine

Preheat the oven to 400. Rub the lamb all over with lemon juice. Pat the garlic and rosemary evenly over the surface of the meat. Season the meat with salt and pepper and place it in a roasting pan. Place the meat in the oven and roast for half an hour. Reduce the oven temp. to 350 degrees and continue to cook for another hour for medium-rare, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the roast registers about 145-150 degrees (take care that the thermometer does not touch the bone). Remove lamb from pan and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.

Position the roasting pan over stove burners. Add mixed herbs and onions to pan and stir to combine with pan drippings. Add chicken stock and wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. Reduce over high heat until sauce consistency. Strain before serving. Slice lamb and serve with sauce drizzled on top.

Bidding wars have slowed somewhat this fall, here in Sonoma County’s still hot housing market with small hints of a market stabilization heading into winter. Buyers are looking at some slight relief in escalating home prices finding a level,” says Timo, ‘though with inventory low, it’s still a competitive market in and around Petaluma and looks likely to stay that way through the winter.”

The New York Times predicts the real estate market has a long way to go before it recovers from the steep price increases and inventory drops that have made finding, securing and affording homes so frustrating for buyers through the pandemic. 

Realtor.com’s September market report revealed that homes throughout the country are beginning to take longer to sell than in previous months, a trend that Timo has seen play out locally. 

“Buyers are able to negotiate more aggressively than in the past year and a half,” says Timo. “Sellers are finding out that their homes will sell at full price or over if they have everything taken care of and ready to go.” 

“I’m not expecting much of a cooling off in these parts in 2022,” says Timo. “It seems everyone wants in on Petaluma properties and demand continues to outpace supply.” If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market next year or looking to buy in the Petaluma area, call Timo today to discuss optimal timelines and strategies. 

We’re really enjoying working with Lori Lafranchi as Team Member Associate on our team this year and would like to extend a warm welcome to Lori’s friends and neighbors on her contact list. Timo, Frances, Renee and Lori wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. 

Demand continues to outpace supply for Sonoma County housing as real estate professionals anticipate a steady market throughout the coming fall and winter months. “Moving towards the end of the year, I’d like to see a slight curb in the wild price growth in order for more prospective buyers to be able to secure the home of their needs, if not their dreams,” says Timo. “While it’s been great for sellers to experience fierce bidding wars and buyers willing to waive inspections and appraisal, a more balanced market is a more stable one. 

 Usually, the market tends to slow down as we approach the holidays. That didn’t happen last year in the peak of the pandemic and it’s not likely to do so this year. “Mortgage interest rates are still hovering at record lows,” says Timo. “Over the lifetime of a loan, many buyers figure that the current prices are here to stay and if there should be some market altercation in the future, having a low interest rate locked in balances it out in the long term.” 

Demand for homes in the Petaluma area is robust this fall. “There’s not a lot of a gap being narrowed between homes for sale and people wanting in.” It’s not too late for buyers to take advantage of property tax and mortgage interest at this time of year, both of which are deductions that can be taken for a whole year’s income, even if a buyer closes on a house in December. 

“I’d actually recommend buying in the fall market,” says Timo. “Don’t wait it out. There are slightly less competitors out there and sellers generally have motivational reasons to be moving at this time of the year.” According to realtor.com, the median listing price for homes in Sonoma County in August 2021 was $750,000, trending up by 7.3% from this time last year. In Petaluma the median home price is recorded at $870,000. 

If you’ve ordered a new piece of furniture at any point during the pandemic, you’ll have most likely experienced months to a year’s delay in delivery. It’s hard not to think of the carbon footprint of our purchases when we’re made painfully aware of how far all the various components have to travel in order to put a piece of modern furniture together. 

Despite the cost, this is one big reason why the age-old tradition of reupholstering a favored piece of furnishing, or family heirloom is back in vogue. Beautifully made furniture costs a small fortune these days, so it makes a lot of sense to invest in an updated fabric or covering to reenergize a quality sofa or set of armchairs already in use, stored in the garage or found for a bargain online, in an antique or used furnishing store. 

Reupholstery experts recycle old foam and fabric so that the impact on the environment is all the more reduced when we opt to update existing furniture over dumping it in landfill. 

When an item of furniture fits perfectly in a specific space, it’s often tricky to find a replacement that works just as well. Just because a certain piece is dated or has lost its luster and become slouchy, it doesn’t mean it can’t be made even better than it was when it was built. High quality foam and padding materials as well as extra durable fabrics have come a long way in recent years, providing better support and longevity. 

We save time and gas on buying new furniture that may be poorly constructed as well as avoiding costly online purchase mistakes and returns when we decide to take a second look at Grandma’s wing back chairs! 

There are several well respected upholstery companies in Petaluma. It’s a good idea to phone around or stop by for a quote from two or three if you’re not familiar with one business in particular. 

Similarly, why not think of painting an old, outdated piece of wooden furniture to spruce up a room, this fall? The secret to success in this department is the prep work and having space to paint outdoors. We found this informative article on the real deal with painting furniture on Remodelista.  

Alternatively, there are people that paint furniture professionally. Ask for referrals at your favorite paint store. 

Although housing prices have steadily increased during the pandemic, salaries for most folk have not. If you already have a place of your own in the Petaluma area, you’re most likely thankful that you’re not buying into the market right now. The popular line that everyone is leaving is misleading since so many are opting to stay and lots more people are circling any available property listings. 

Staying afloat in more pricey urban areas has become a stressful and life draining challenge, hence we’re seeing a continued heavy draw of eclectic homebuyers to the Petaluma area. “The perks of a move to Petaluma are many,” says Timo. City dwellers are swarming Petaluma and its more rural parts in search of housing, open space and peace of mind during this extraordinarily challenging time.”

Modern day migrations into the area prove that people of all ages are fully prepared to trade in the proximity and amenities of a more urban life for the reassuring tranquility of a smaller, slower-paced countrified community. 

Remote working has relieved the day-to-day grind and fatigue of commutes. Cost of living in general proves to be more affordable in Sonoma County than San Francisco or the Peninsula as more and more people continue to opt to work from home, saving on gas and travel expenses. 

Our local café, restaurant, boutique and bar scene with its many outdoor areas has attracted lots of new visitors throughout the pandemic, many of whom decide to take a closer look at homes in the area. It’s not surprising that most folk who get to know the Petaluma area, opt to stay.

“Hiking, beach access, live music, movie theater, wine country, terrific schools, we have it all,” says Timo. “Our historic downtown and lively arts community is another big draw with creative folk from Marin, the East Bay, SF and beyond.”

Climate-wise, the Petaluma area is considerably cooler than neighboring Sonoma, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg.

Farmers markets, farm shops and CSA deliveries make for day-to-day life in the tastiest little place on earth when it comes to easy access to seasonal abundance of fruits, vegetables, grass-raised meat, organic dairy products, fresh fish and vegan alternatives. 

“Petaluma sells itself on lifestyle,” says Timo. “Buyers want in and though there aren’t many deals to be found these days, the value is here.” 

More than ever it’s important to have a seasoned real estate professional on your team when it comes to savvy buying and selling in the Petaluma area. Don’t hesitate to give Timo a call on 707 477 8396 if you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling. 

We asked local friends and neighbors what they love best about living in Petaluma right now. Here are some of their responses:

“Although Petaluma is growing it still has a small town feel to it. Folks do look after one another, whether in business or what happens in the community.” — BM

“Small town aspect & friendly people. Plus, the river.” — LC

“LOVE all of the amazing restaurants, and the parklets that came as a result of COVID — we have amazing outdoor dining here! I also love our clothing and shoe stores. I don’t miss shopping in the city at all.” — BM

“Small town feel, big city culture.” — AM

“The sense of community. The identity of the downtown core. The artisan winemakers and spirit makers and the Shuckery and Street Social. There is a really good healthy mix of sustainability, smart growth and omg the new peninsula park!” — DCG

“Our leadership cares deeply about the many layers of our town, electing a thoughtful, wide lens vision regarding growth and sustainability. I love how Petaluma is perfectly located, bringing an urban feel into a rural history, a living farm to table experience. Also, our vibrant downtown draws a diverse community, enriching us with new possibilities of what community means!” — EG

“Surrounded by pastures, river and rural life. You can be in open spaces in mere moments.” — TG

“The friendly, inclusive people,” — SP

“I love that my girls get to ride horses and experience a little of farm life while living in the city! Also, I love our friends and the community that we live in.” — SHB

“People are more interested in who you are and what you can contribute than how much money you have.” — JR

“Walking down the street and coming across chickens just pecking in someone’s front yard.” — AFC

“Small town feel with a whole lotta soul!” — MM

· 1 butternut squash peeled and cut into 2cm cubes

· 2 tbsp olive oil

· sheet ready-rolled puff pastry

· 8 oz tub ricotta

· a few sage leaves, finely chopped

· good grating of nutmeg

· zest and juice ½ lemon

·  Arugula 

· 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped

· 8 oz pine nuts

Heat oven to 375 F. Place the squash on a baking tray. Toss in half the oil, season and spread out into a single layer (you may need 2 baking trays). Roast for 30-35 mins or until tender. Meanwhile, place a large rectangle of baking parchment on a baking tray. Unroll the pastry and lay it on top. Score a 1cm border with the tip of a knife and prick the inside part all over with a fork. Bake in the oven for 15 mins.

Mix the ricotta, sage, nutmeg, lemon zest and plenty of seasoning in a bowl. Once the pastry and squash are cooked, remove from the oven. Gently press the center of the pastry case down with the back of a spoon. Spread the ricotta mix into the center. Sprinkle on squash. Bake for a further 10-15 mins until the pastry is golden and crisp. Mix lemon juice, arugula, chili, pine nuts and 1 tbsp oil. Scatter half over the tart and serve the remains on the side.

California’s housing market continues to drive the show in the state and Sonoma County region’s economic recovery from the pandemic crunch. And according to the California Association of Realtors and industry watchdogs, it was COVID-19 that caused the housing market to punch above its weight in leading a record drive that is most likely to continue at a similar pace into next year.

“Now that things have opened up considerably, we’re able to travel more, socialize outside, return to many of our pre-crisis activities in the Petaluma area, the market has only marginally normalized,” says Timo.

“Housing shortage has become even more of an impact in this area during the past year and a half and it continues to foster a supply and demand issue. As a result, communities such as Petaluma, Penngrove and other Sonoma County neighbors are not about to experience any significant drop in interest from homebuyers moving into the area as people continue to establish more permanent work-from-home lifestyles.”

In an era when home also means office, school, gym, bar . . . demand for the ideal family-home has become fierce in the Petaluma area, where most all accepted offers have gone for over asking price in the past year or so.

As a result, the median home price in Petaluma is currently in the mid $800,000s, around $30,000 higher than the state average median of $820,000. “We’ve seen a lot of people moving out of state,” says Timo, “but what’s happening on a bigger, less reported scale is folk moving into the Bay Area and especially into cities such as Petaluma and Santa Rosa. Resort markets may have boomed, but so have plenty of other areas such as Petaluma, where the quality of life is considered to be great.”

Petaluma is proving super attractive to people who are able to work from home and avoid the commute. “Higher income earners have been much more insulated from the financial stress of the pandemic and paired with historical low interest rates, we’re seeing record numbers of longtime renters and first-time buyers decide to enter the home market once they figure out what they’re able to qualify for.”

Even though we were in the midst of an economic and social health crisis, this massive cultural shift only further bolstered demand for homes, creating an historic surge that began in May of last year.

“We still have a huge home ownership gap in the area,” says Timo “until more units are completed within Petaluma’s urban boundary, there will continue to be a steady stream of demand for housing in town.”

“If prices soften any in this area it will be more to do with interest rates,” says Timo, “though even then, industry and finance experts do not expect a heavy hike, not likely above 3%. Our local market is most certainly to remain robust and extremely solid compared to pre-pandemic levels.”

California Association of Realtors says that we’re still head and shoulders above where we’ve been in terms of home sales and values in the past decade, though in some regions, the market has become only slightly less intense than in 2020.

“I really don’t see much changing locally,” says Timo. It’s a great time to sell, especially. Don’t wait for prices to drop significantly if you’re on the buying end. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, or know someone who is, give Timo a call on 707 477 8396 today. 

As we head into the hotter summer months and fall, Master Gardeners of Sonoma County will hold a webinar on August 9th, to help us all with practical tips and recommendations for our food gardens and landscaping. Click here to register for this zoom talk.

The local experts will address some of the following questions: How to create a watering budget? How much should we water? Can we plan for winter/fall vegetable garden? Watering trees and shrubs, how much and when? Where can we find information on restrictions and watering? How to plan for next year? How to adjust the seasonal watering needs of our landscape and food gardens.

Bring your questions to the panel of Master Gardeners who will have two presentations one on food gardening and one on landscape gardening.

There are many resources available online to help us navigate the drought. Click here for more info on August in Sonoma County. 

The big question on everyone’s mind this summer in Sonoma County is whether or not this is a good time to buy or sell,” says Timo “and if you’re in the buyer’s market, is it still possible to get in on the multiple over asking price offers?”

It appears unlikely that prices are about to drop any time soon in the south county especially given the record pace of demand. "I’ve been delighted to call several clients over the past few weeks with news of accepted offers in some of the most competitive neighborhoods in the county,” says Timo. “It’s more vital than ever for prospective homebuyers to have all their ducks in a row, be patient, strategic and work with an established, experienced negotiator who knows the local market inside out.”

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) increased slightly in the first week of June but remained below the 3% threshold. Despite market concerns about rising inflation in recent weeks as the economy continues to recover, the average 30-year FRM compiled by Freddie Mac has remained at or below 3% for the past seven weeks.

And yet, with demand continuing to way outpace supply, according to the California Association of Realtors and a report in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, many consumers are feeling the mounting stress of homebuying this summer.

“It’s certainly a crazy time to be looking at homes, even as we come through the easing of pandemic restrictions,” says Timo. “My clients know that I love nothing better than a challenge and thinking out of the box when coming up with an action plan to make their home buying dreams a reality. It can be done, despite the off-putting news of pricing and competition.”

Still, as housing affordability deteriorated further and supply shortage remained an issue, homebuyers’ sentiment declined to the lowest point in 32 months, according to the C.A.R. Housing Sentiment Survey.

With California setting another record median price in April 2021 and the corresponding mortgage payment increasing more than 30% from a year ago, according to CAR it’s not surprising that many potential homebuyers are feeling more pessimistic about the homebuying conditions. Meanwhile, 72% of all respondents believe it is a good time to sell, an all-time high since the survey launched in September 2018.

“Working with clients who are cashing in and relocating out of the area has been a big part of my portfolio over the past year or so,” says Timo. “It’s an interesting time in real estate and I take great pride in making sure that any move is as seamless as possible, whether out of state or down the street.”

Thinking of selling (or buying) sometime in the next few months, year or two? Don’t hesitate to call Timo today.

Watering your garden is essential during hot, dry weather, we all know that, but watering correctly is the most important. Source heat tolerant plants if planting anew.

Water in the morning and/or early evening to avoid water evaporating before it gets to the roots.

Try to water deeply two or three times a week with a drop irrigation system or soaker hose. If using an overhead sprinkler or hand watering, do it in the cool early or later hours. Plants cease flowering and may suffer sunburn and turn white in excessive heat, this includes veggies such as peppers and tomatoes.

Try to give plants some sunlight but not full sunlight before planting to buildup a base to sun exposure. Once a plant has suffered sunburn, best thing to do is give it some shade with patio umbrellas, garden fabric and shade sails during the hottest part of the day until it grows new leaves.

Too much watering can do a lot of damage. Heat and sun exposure lead to leaf wilt when a plant releases too much moisture to protect itself in high heat. Resist over watering and feel the soil for moisture before doing so which will avoid root rot or fungal disease. If a plant is continuously overwatered it may deprive its roots of oxygen and promote fungi growth in the soil. Wait until the sun goes down and look to see if your plant bounces back.

Consider adding 4-6 inches of mulch to insulate the plant’s roots from heat and cold and keep the soil moist. Straw, pine leaves, grass clippings will do.

Look after yourself with appropriate sun protection when you garden, including staying hydrated, using sun protection lip balm as well as sunscreen and wearing a hat.

May is the time during this extremely dry year

to prepare for potential wildfire and

protecting our homes.

There are three ways homes in the region can

be exposed to wildfire: direct flames from a

wildfire or burning neighboring home; radiant

heat from nearby burning plants or structures

and flying embers.

Flying embers from a wildfire can destroy

homes up to several miles away, as we’ve

sadly seen here in Sonoma County during past

devastating wildfire seasons and are

responsible for the destruction of most homes

during a wildfire.

Taking the necessary measures to harden (prepare) your home can help increase its likelihood of survival when wildfire strikes. Clearly not all of the remodel suggestions

are time practical for this year, but if you have the means, it is a good idea to be aware of the kind of work you could be planning for in the future to make your home more fireproof. We turned to readyforwildfire.org for the info for this article.

Roof:

The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. Homes with wood or shingle roofs are at high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire.

· Consider re-roofing in the future with materials such as composition, metal, clay or tile. Block any spaces between roof decking and covering to prevent embers from catching.

· Remove accumulated vegetative debris from the roof.

Vents:

Vents on homes create openings for flying embers.

·Cover all vent openings with 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch metal mesh. Do not use fiber glass or plastic mesh because they can melt and burn.

·Use Ember and flame-resistant vents (WUI vents).

Eaves and Soffits:

Eaves should be boxed in (soffited-eave design) and protected with ignition-resistant* or non-combustible materials.

Windows:

Heat from a wildfire can cause windows to break even before the home is on fire. This allows burning embers to enter and start fires inside. Single-paned and large windows are particularly vulnerable.

·Install dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass to reduce the chance of breakage in a fire.

·Consider limiting the size/ number of windows facing large areas of vegetation.

·Install screens in all usable windows to increase ember resistance and decrease radiant heat exposure

Walls:

Wood products, such as boards, panels or shingles, are common siding materials. However, they are flammable and not good choices for fire-prone areas.

·Consider remodeling your walls with ignition resistant* building materials, such as stucco, fiber cement wall siding, fire retardant, treated wood, or other approved materials. This is especially important when neighboring homes are within 30-feet of the home.

·Be sure to extend materials from the foundation to the roof.

·Smaller spaces, such as the roof-to-wall area, should have their siding replaced with a noncombustible material.

Decks:

Surfaces within 10 feet of the building should be built with ignition-resistant*,non-combustible, or other approved materials.

·Create an ember-resistant zone around and under all decks and make sure that all combustible items are removed from underneath your deck.

·If a deck overhangs a slope, create and maintain defensible space downslope from the deck to reduce the chances of flames reaching the underside of the deck.

For the full article and more suggestions go to

www.readyforwildfire.org

Timo and Renee are delighted to announce that Lori Lafranchi has joined the Rivetti Team as our much-welcomed Associate Agent at RE/MAX Gold.

Lori is a third-generation Petaluman who takes great pride in sharing the rich history and heritage of the area with newcomers and locals alike.

“I grew up here,” says Lori. “My family and friends are here. Petaluma is no longer the sleepy little town of my youth. It’s exciting and desirable!”

A keen interior designer and landscaper, hiker, baker and pickle ball player, Lori loves nothing more than being outdoors in her free time. She has been working as a real estate agent in Petaluma for the past few years after selling her successful court reporting agency in Santa Rosa to a national firm in 2016.

Lori, who is looking forward to the camaraderie and support that comes with working with an established real estate team.

Lori is married to a retired firefighter who loves to travel and adventure with her. She has one son, who lives and works locally.

“My favorite thing about real estate is the relationships I’ve built with clients whom I now call friends,” says Lori. “Number two is readying a house for market. Number three, calling the clients and telling them the house is theirs.”

“Lori is a great fit for the Rivetti Team, she’s highly approachable, personable, organized and loves Petaluma, its people and the real estate business. 

We’re all very happy to welcome her on board.”

Timo enjoys connecting clients and their friends and family with great RE/MAX agents around the state and country.

“More and more, I’m looking at matching the right agent with a client’s needs when they or someone they know is moving out of this area. Don’t hesitate to give me a call for a referral to an agent that will work best for you, wherever it is that you’re relocating out of town or state”

Timo Rivetti, with RE/MAX Petaluma, was awarded the prestigious RE/MAX Titan Club Award for 2020, which honors high-achieving real estate professionals across the United States for their service to buyers and/or sellers during the past year. 

"Timo’s tireless dedication to serving his clients, consumers and community has allowed him to achieve this prestigious and elite honor,” said Broker/Owner of RE/MAX GOLD Andrew James. “Being recognized as a Titan Club member is a significant accomplishment and we’re extremely proud that Timo continues to raise the bar in California real estate.” 

“I’m extremely proud to have been named the number one agent for RE/MAX GOLD in the North Bay,” says Timo. “I couldn’t have done this without my fantastic executive team assistant, Realtor, Renee' Waters.”

“Our clients, friends and neighbors have been absolutely the best with entrusting their repeat real estate business needs and so many excellent referrals over this past particularly challenging pandemic year. It has been our pleasure serving you all.”

Created in 2015, the Titan Club Award was presented to less than one percent of all active RE/MAX agents in the country for their performance last year.

“It’s been a pleasure working from the 2nd Street Theatre Square RE/MAX GOLD offices whenever possible during the past year and I’d like to especially thank Dianne Ledou in the front office for maintaining a safe, welcoming environment, appropriately screened for clients who have required in-person meetings during this time,” says Timo.

“For those who are out and about in west Petaluma on a daily basis, you’ll have probably seen me on my morning rounds, walking my dog, Rosie, to the office and back and to many of my showings. I can’t imagine a better place to live and work than Petaluma and surrounding communities.”

Water is a precious and limited resource, especially here in drought-prone Northern California. Water conservation and the efficient use of our region’s water supply is a major priority for Sonoma County as summer approaches.

In coordination with the Association of California Water Agencies, the Save Our Water program helps Californians learn ways to save water at home to reduce the effects of drought.

Even the simplest changes to daily routines will have a significant impact. By making conservation a way of life, let’s save water together, minimize water waste, rebuild our underground aquifers, prepare for the uncertainties of climate change and minimize the harmful effects of drought.

We all must embrace wise water use as a daily habit. Let’s start by following the water conservation tips below, and visit Save Our Water for more tips, tools, and incentives – including rebates. Water conservation tips are also available at the Sonoma Marin Water Saving Partnership website, 

www.savingwaterpartnership.org

View photos of past CA State Fair water-wise garden exhibits for ideas on how to create your own low-water use landscape at ... https://bit.ly/2PY0jzD

Indoor Conservation Tips:

• Fix leaks, including leaky toilets
• Install high-efficiency toilets, aerators on bath faucets, and water-efficient shower heads
• Take shorter (5 minute) showers
• Track your water bill and meter to curtail water use
• Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving
• Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only

Outdoor Conservation Tips:

• Plant drought-tolerant/resistant plants and trees
• Recycle indoor water to use on plants
• Refrain from watering your home landscape when it rains
• Replace your grass/turf with water-wise plants (check to see if rebates are available)
• Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose
• Water your outdoor landscape earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler

While we’d love to have gathered for a holiday toast with all of our many wonderful buyers and sellers of 2020 and past years, a hearty online thankyou and cheers must suffice until it's safe for us to clink glasses in person once again.

Timo, Frances and Renee wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year.

“May we see some sort of return to normalcy this year,” says Timo. “In the meantime, I look forward to keeping in touch in 2021. ”

As most of us spent far more time indoors last year than ever before, not only were we craving more comfort — we reimagined our spaces to meet the demands of our new lifestyles.

Whether this called for creating a functional home office or classroom in our kitchen, designing a living room for Zoom and remote learning, or pinpointing a smart pantry organizing solution, just about every area of our homes likely required some kind of a refresh.

Find out what may be expected from the world of design, including chic paint colors, durable fabrics, indoor plants, smart lighting and more by clicking through Good Housekeeping’s gallery for 2021.

According to Homes and Gardens, Pantone has taken the unusual step of naming two colors as its shades of the year: Illuminating, a zingy yellow, and Ultimate Yellow, a pale gray.

'The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one,' says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Capturing relaxing poolside and beach getaways, aqua and inky blues offer a calm, contemporary look. Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2021reflects this shift towards tranquil, yet modern interiors with Aegean Teal, a color that is known for its association with peace, calm and comfort.

Ocean blues are a key color trend for the year. Varying from deep inky tones through to soft aquas, blue is the perfect color for creating a tranquil home.

Curate your own interior identity by adding personal touches to your room. Maximalism is having a major moment as we seek to curate our homes.

After a decade of minimalism there’s a return to highly decorative and personal interiors. We are evolving our homes as spaces to be fulfilling, memorable and cabinets of curiosities.

Homeowners are styling their interiors to tell a story, layering old with new to create exciting interior stories. Every piece in a home makes a statement either through the silhouette, fabric choice, color or unique backstory. It also reflects a growing interest in furniture, plants and objects acting as souvenirs of our lives.