Gold Country CA Real Estate Blog and News

The Natural Beauty of Custom Log Homes

Amador, Eldorado and Alpine counties boast breathtaking landscapes, with towering trees, rolling hills and stunning mountain vistas....what better way to immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of nature than with a log home.  These areas can offer a peaceful and tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  Many of these custom log homes open up to a world of outdoor opportunities from hiking and biking trails to fishing, boating and skiing right at your doorstep!

Below are just a few fun facts when you own a log home to consider:

  1. Natural Aesthetic: Log homes provide a warm and rustic ambiance that is difficult to replicate with other construction materials. The natural beauty of the logs adds character and charm to the home, creating a unique and inviting living space.

  2. Energy Efficiency: Logs have natural insulation properties, which can contribute to energy efficiency. The thermal mass of the logs helps regulate temperature, keeping the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This can potentially lead to lower heating and cooling costs compared to conventional homes.

  3. Durability and Longevity: Well-built log homes can be highly durable and long-lasting. Logs are naturally resistant to many external elements and can withstand harsh weather conditions. With proper maintenance, log homes can last for generations.

  4. Sound Insulation: Log homes have excellent soundproofing capabilities due to the density of the logs. The solid construction can reduce noise transmission from outside, providing a quieter living environment.

  5. Environmental Friendliness: Logs are a renewable resource, and using them for construction can be more environmentally friendly compared to other building materials. Properly managed forests can ensure a sustainable...

The Benefits of Selling Now, According to Experts


If you’re trying to decide if now’s the time to sell your house, here’s what you should know. The limited number of homes available right now gives you a big advantage. That’s because there are more buyers out there than there are homes for sale. And, with so few homes on the market, buyers will have fewer options, so you set yourself up to get the most eyes possible on your house.

Here’s what industry experts are saying about why selling now has its benefits:

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Inventory levels are still at historic lows. ...

What You Need To Know About Home Price News


The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales Report tomorrow. The information it contains on home prices may cause some confusion and could even generate some troubling headlines. This all stems from the fact that NAR will report the median sales price, while other home price indices report repeat sales prices. The vast majority of the repeat sales indices show prices are starting to appreciate again. But the median price reported on Thursday may tell a different story. 

Here’s why using the median home price as a gauge of what’s happening with home values isn’t ideal right now. ...

Homeowners Have Incredible Equity To Leverage Right Now


Even though home prices have moderated over the last year, many homeowners still have an incredible amount of equity. But what is equity? In the simplest terms, equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains how your equity grows over time:

“Housing wealth (home equity or net worth) gains are built up through price appreciation and by paying off the mortgage.”

How Your Equity Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

The equity you build up over the years can be used to your advantage when you sell your current house and buy your next home. If you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or it’s possible you have too much space and need something smaller. No matter the situation, your equity can be a powerful tool you can use to help you make a move in ...

Curbside Appeal Can Close The Deal

Curbside appeal refers to the attractiveness and overall aesthetic of a property from the street view. It is the first impression that a property makes on someone passing by. This includes factors such as the condition of the exterior, landscaping, cleanliness, and general upkeep of the property. A property with good curbside appeal is more likely to attract potential buyers or renters and can also increase the value of the property.

Outside appearance is very important in the real estate industry, particularly when it comes to landscaping. A well-maintained landscape can make a significant impact on the overall appearance of a property and can greatly enhance its value. In fact, studies have shown that properties with attractive landscaping can sell for up to 15% more than those without. Additionally, a beautiful landscape can also make a property more memorable to potential buyers or renters, giving it an edge against other properties in the market. Overall, investing in landscaping and curbside appeal can greatly benefit real estate owners and investors in terms of both financial gain and attracting potential buyers or renters.

Stephanie Thomas is a professional who specializes in a range of services related to landscaping and real estate. As a realtor, she helps clients buy and sell properties, providing expert guidance throughout the process. As a landscape consultant, Stephanie offers advice on how to improve the aesthetic appeal of a property through landscaping, hardscaping, and other outdoor features. She also provides design services for clients who want to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. As a nursery pro, Stephanie has extensive knowledge of plants, trees, and other greenery, and can help clients select the best options for their specific needs and preferences. Overall, Stephanie's expertise in real estate, landscaping, and nursery services allows her to offer a comprehensive...

Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today


Wondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a challenge and has been for years. That’s because, historically, rents trend up over time. Data from the Census shows rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 1988. 

And, data from the latest rental report from Realtor.com shows rents continue to grow today, even though it’s at a slower pace than we saw at the height of the pandemic:

“In March 2023, the U.S. rental market experienced single-digit growth for the eighth month in a row . . . The median asking rent was $1,732, up by $15 from last month and down by $32 from the peak but is still $354 (25.7%) higher than the same time in 2019 (pre-pandemic).”

With rents much higher now than they were in more normal, pre-pandemic years, owning your home may be a better option, especially if the long-term trend of rents increasing each year continues. In contrast, homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage can lock in a monthly mortgage payment for the duration...

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