Traveler’s Choice Awards for 2014 – Bardessono – was ranked number three in the world! Right in our own backyard. Greenest Luxury Hotel.
Monthly Archives: January 2014
2014 Remodeling Cost vs Value
As reported this month by Realtor.com, fixing up the exterior of your home adds more value per dollar than interior remodeling projects. Curb appeal!
| Upscale Housing | 2014 National Averages | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Job Cost | Resale Value | Cost Recouped | Change vs 2013 |
| Bathroom Addition | $72,538 | $43,936 | 60.6% | Increase |
| Bathroom Remodel | $51,374 | $32,660 | 63.6% | Increase |
| Deck Addition (composite) | $35,158 | $22,881 | 65.1% | Increase |
| Garage Addition | $82,311 | $48,065 | 58.4% | Increase |
| Garage Door Replacement | $2,791 | $2,315 | 82.9% | Increase |
| Grand Entrance (fiberglass) | $7,305 | $5,163 | 70.7% | Increase |
| Major Kitchen Remodel | $109,935 | $69,973 | 63.6% | Increase |
| Master Suite Addition | $224,989 | $125,920 | 56.0% | Increase |
| Roofing Replacement | $34,495 | $21,731 | 63.0% | Increase |
| Siding Replacement (fiber-cement) | $13,378 | $11,645 | 87.0% | Increase |
| Siding Replacement (foam-backed vinyl) | $14,236 | $11,124 | 78.1% | Increase |
| Window Replacement (vinyl) | $13,385 | $10,252 | 76.6% | Increase |
| Window Replacement (wood) | $16,798 | $12,438 | 74.0% | Increase |
Report: Exterior Remodeling Offers Largest Return on Investment.
Chocolate as an art form!
Need an introduction to Kollar Chocolates in Yountville? Almost too beautiful to eat, almost….
http://www.kollarchocolates.com/index.html
Napa Valley Wine Train
Wouldn’t you love to enjoy a trip through California’s Wine Country on a meticulously restored vintage train car and enjoy an exquisite dining experience as well? The 3 hour round trip which originates in the historic town of Napa is a relaxing way to tour 36 miles of California’s beautiful wine country. http://winetrain.com/
As January is Napa Valley Restaurant month, the site “Visit Napa Valley” provides you with a list of Restaurants that participate in this Month’s festivities and offer special dining events.
http://www.visitnapavalley.com/napa_valley_restaurant_month.htm
Who needs to leave home?
With the spa equivalent of this Sullivan Canyon bathroom designed by Los Angeles based Susan Jay, who would ever need to go out for luxury?
Alfresco Dining
A nice bottle of wine, a beautifully crafted dinner, conversation with your best friend and family….what more needs to be said, this is what life is about. Isn’t it incredible that there are creative, talented visionaries that can guide you to an eventual comfortable and inviting outcome.
California Drought 2014
It’s official… California is in a drought. Keep in mind Emily Joubert has a great selection of water saving succulents for your garden.
Down Payment Percentages for Real Estate Purchases
This article sponsored by Guaranteed Rate, provides a general matrix of required down payment schedules. This is meant to be a guide as there are various factors that actually determine what percentage a borrower receives. That being said I thought it was a clear, basic guide for Primary, Secondary and Investment Property lending.
Remodel Check List
This is a great article written by Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill. It’s a realistic Check List for the Home Owner who has just finished a remodel…..before the Contractor and Subs leave permanently! Not planning a remodel or in the throws of one, file it away for the future.
Tahoe Properties to Dream For
Just a few Tahoe Properties on the Market!