Fall in Wine Country: Solano County Real Estate, Local Happenings & Napa Valley Living
Newsletter
Newsletter
Fall is officially here in Northern California, even if our weather hasn't completely gotten the message yet!
September is one of my favorite months in wine country. I love the cool mornings, beautiful warm afternoons and cooler evenings. The vineyards are busy with harvest, and there is so much happening throughout Solano, Napa and Yolo Counties.
The one thing I'm never quite ready for? The sun setting earlier and earlier!
Our local real estate market is changing a bit, too, as we move out of the busy summer months. Buyers are continuing to watch interest rates, inventory has given them more choices, and we're seeing just how important proper pricing is for sellers in today's market.
One thing I always tell my clients is that there really isn't one single real estate market.
What's happening in Green Valley can be very different from Fairfield, Vacaville, Napa or Davis. Even neighborhoods within the same city can behave differently.
August's numbers for Solano County showed a median sale price of approximately $563,000, down 5.4% from the previous year. At the same time, 339 homes sold, an increase of 9.1% year over year. Homes spent a median of approximately 38 days on the market compared with 46 days the previous year.
What does that mean?
Homes are selling and buyers are buying, but buyers have more choices and are paying close attention to price.
Pricing your home correctly from the beginning is especially important in the current market. Buyers are informed, and they can usually recognize fairly quickly when a property is priced above the market.
The first few weeks after a home is listed can be especially important because that's when it's new and receiving the most attention. When I'm helping a seller determine a listing price, I look closely at recent sales, current competition, the home's condition and the specific neighborhood, not simply a citywide average.
Don't automatically pass on a home simply because it has been on the market for a while.
Sometimes there's absolutely nothing wrong with the property. It may simply have started at the wrong price.
That can create an opportunity. Depending on the property and the seller's circumstances, there may be room to negotiate price, repairs, closing costs, credits or other terms.
Another topic California homeowners should be aware of is the state's new Zone 0 defensible space regulations, which focus on the first five feet surrounding homes and other structures in certain higher wildfire risk areas.
The goal is to reduce the possibility of wind blown embers igniting combustible materials immediately adjacent to a structure.
The rules apply to properties within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within Local Responsibility Areas.
Does that mean homeowners have to remove every plant within five feet of their homes? Not necessarily.
Well maintained herbaceous plants, ground covers, potted plants and properly maintained trees may still be permitted. The regulations focus on reducing combustible materials such as dead vegetation, combustible mulch and other potential ignition hazards close to structures.
Implementation is being phased in, and local jurisdictions will have an important role in timelines, education and enforcement. There is no reason to panic and start tearing out all of your landscaping, but this is a good time for homeowners to become familiar with the requirements and evaluate the area immediately surrounding their homes.
For homeowners who would like to learn more about the new requirements, you can find additional information through the California Board of Forestry and CAL FIRE's Zone 0 resources.
Pumpkin season is here, and Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon is one of our fun local fall traditions.
You can pick pumpkins, tackle their enormous corn maze, enjoy a hayride, grab something to eat and let the kids explore the activities around the farm.
Whether you're going for the pumpkins, fall photos or you're brave enough to take on that giant corn maze, it's a fun way to celebrate the season without traveling far from home.
One of the things I love about living here is having Suisun Valley practically in our backyard.
From local wineries and live music to beautiful early-fall evenings among the vineyards, there are so many reasons to spend an afternoon exploring the valley. Ryan Darrall Wine is one of the local spots I've enjoyed recently, and, as usual, I was having too much fun to remember to take a picture!
69 Fountain Grove Circle, Napa
This beautifully situated two bedroom, two bath condo offers peaceful vineyard and water views in a gated 55+ Napa community.
Imagine starting the morning with coffee overlooking the water and ending the day surrounded by wine country scenery.
Community amenities include a pool, hot tub and clubhouse, offering a relaxed, low maintenance lifestyle while remaining close to Napa's wineries, restaurants, shopping and everything that makes Napa Valley such a special place to call home.
Whether you're looking for a full time residence or simply a place to enjoy the Napa lifestyle, this one is definitely worth a look.
3254 Congressional Circle, Fairfield
Located within one of Rancho Solano's beautiful custom home neighborhoods, this residence combines space, comfort and the Northern California lifestyle.
The primary suite is conveniently located downstairs, and the home features an updated kitchen with quartz countertops, a stylish backsplash, stainless appliances, a large island and walk in pantry.
A formal dining room and vaulted ceiling living room add volume and elegance, while fireplaces in the living room, family room and primary suite create warmth throughout the home.
Upstairs you'll find a versatile loft, secondary bedrooms and a full bath, providing separation and flexible living space.
Outside, beautifully landscaped grounds, a welcoming front porch and a private backyard with a spa and tranquil waterfall create plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining.
The location is hard to beat, with Rancho Solano Golf Course and community amenities nearby, Suisun Valley wine country just minutes away, Napa close by, and convenient access toward Sacramento and the Bay Area.
I also have a unique off market mixed use property in Vallejo offering both residential and commercial space on a 7,730 square foot corner lot.
The residential portion includes an approximately 1,800 square foot, three bedroom, one bath home with a newer roof, newer exterior paint, dual pane windows and two storage sheds. There is also a separate space with its own entrance and hookups for indoor laundry or a potential additional bathroom.
The 1,472 square foot commercial building offers eight parking spaces, including two accessible spaces, two restrooms, a kitchenette, alley access and a main entrance on Colusa.
The space has previously been used as both an event center and a hair salon, offering flexibility for a variety of potential uses.
With mixed use zoning, residential and commercial components, corner lot visibility and alley access, this property offers a lot of possibilities.
Because this property is being offered off market, please contact me directly for additional details and photos.
I'm currently working with buyers searching for several different types of properties throughout our area, including:
If you have been considering selling or know someone who owns a property that may fit one of these needs, I'd love to connect.
And just like that, we're heading into the final quarter of the year.
October and early November can be an important window for buyers and sellers hoping to make a move before the end of the year. Traditionally, we see fewer new listings coming onto the market between Thanksgiving and New Year's, so people considering a move may want to start planning before the holiday season arrives.
On the personal side, I'm enjoying decorating our home for fall, listening to our newest granddaughter giggle and coo, spending time with family and friends, trying to learn to golf and, of course, playing tennis!
School is in full gear, the days are getting shorter, harvest is underway and somehow we're already approaching the end of another year.
Time will tell how this last quarter ends for our local real estate market. For now, enjoy the crisp mornings, shorter days, vineyards, apple and pumpkin season and all the things that come with fall in Northern California. 🎃
As always, reach out anytime with questions or concerns. I'm always happy to help.
Kim McAlister
Broker/Owner | McAlister Real Estate
Serving Solano, Napa & Yolo Counties
Newsletter
Local market insights, fall happenings, homeowner updates and a little of what makes Northern California wine country such a special place to call home.
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Home Maintenance Tips
Maintain your home
To learn about the state of the local home market, consult a real estate agent.
There are numerous advantages to purchasing a home during the summer.
It's no secret that there’s no better time to sell your home than the spring.
However, it might be a good idea to keep them separate from the agent.
Your level of trust in an agent, however, could be influenced by their legal responsibility.
Kim's compassion, experience, desire to help others, and commitment to putting her client’s needs first are some of the reasons for her continued success in the real estate industry. Contact her today!
4171 SUISUN VALLEY RD STE J FAIRFIELD CA 94534