Issue #10 | Jan 15, 2025
Greetings | More Fire Safety | Buzzworthy Sales | Community Corner | By The Numbers | The Tool Shed
Hi Friends, Welcome to 2025! Do you recognize this tree and 'famous' setting?
Being a second-generation Angelino, it has been heartbreaking to witness my hometown burn, my friends and family suffering and displaced while watching places from my childhood disintegrate over the last week. Our focus on Fire Safety is even more prescient than ever. Most of this issue will focus on information and tips.
To any Angelino's in need here are several key resources:
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has mandated a one-year moratorium on homeowners insurance non-renewals and cancellations. Check if you qualify HERE.
Commissioner Lara's team is offering workshops to help affected homeowners navigate the claims process at both Santa Monica College and Pasadena City College. Details HERE.
The Ca. Assoc of Realtors infographic below is chock-full; to access all three pages click HERE.
Moving on to strengthening Fire Safety in California through recent legislation aimed to improve insurance availability and affordability for homeowners:
Increasing Insurance Availability and Access: Insurance companies must offer wildfire coverage in high-risk areas and gradually increase the amount of coverage they offer until it reaches at least 85% of their total business in the state. IE: if an insurer holds 20 out of every 100 policies in California, 17 of them would have to be in disaster-prone areas;
Allowing Catastrophe Models and Mitigation: This is essentially a ban on 'model shopping;' this will prevent insurance companies from using unfair methods to make more money, leading to more consistent and fair pricing for consumers.
Decreasing FAIR Plan Policyholders & Modernizing the FAIR Plan: Coinciding with Lara's efforts, Damon Connolly, representing the 12th district (Marin/Sonoma counties), officially reintroduced California AB 1, aka the Wildfire Insurance Bill that would require stronger insurance relief for community members hardening their homes against wildfires via the Safer from Wildfires program. This program is the only avenue open to consumers to receive direct insurance discounts for hardening their homes and neighborhoods. By modernizing the FAIR plan, commercial coverage limits would be increased to $20 million per structure, a strategy that addresses coverage gaps, benefiting homeowner associations (HOAs), affordable housing, and infill developments.
Lastly, for homebuyers, did you know there is a new fire insurance contingency option on the California Purchase Agreement that enables buyer's to do their due diligence BEFORE they close escrow? This new contingency allows buyers to investigate and shop around for insurance affordability prior to ratifying a home purchase.
And for sellers, there are myriad ways you can get ahead of new point-of-sale fire safety mandates, making sensible improvements to your home and maximizing its marketability. Check out my infographics below this intro and contact me if you want even more info.
In other news...in the spirit of fresh starts this new year, I thought it fitting to introduce a new feature in Under The Redwood - "Community Corner."
In this inaugural section, we will highlight a person or business contributing that special something to Marin's unique cities and towns. I hope you enjoy meeting some of my favorites in the coming issues.
Cheers, Suzanne
PS: Next issue we'll discuss Passive Home Building; an actionable way to continue living in fire-prone California.
Pro Tip: Insurers MUST provide 75 days notice and a detailed explanation of why they're non-renewing, including possible fire abatement options to employ to retain the policy.
Buzzworthy Home Sales
(December 9 - January 12)
Sorich Park | San Anselmo
List Price | $4,995,000
Sales Price | $4,600,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1100
Days on Market | 269
1 Offer
4 Bed 5 Bath
Listing Courtesy of: Whitney Potter | MLS: 324014493
Sleepy Hollow adjacent | San Anselmo
List Price | $1,595,000
Sales Price | $1,520,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1145
Days on Market | 94
1 Offer
3 Bed 2 Bath
Listing Courtesy of: Tyler Stewart | MLS: 324034728
Community Corner
The Redwoods | A Community of Seniors
The Redwoods has played a profound and enduring role in my family's life since our move from Berkeley to Marin, thirteen years ago. Philanthropy, also known as Tzedekah, in Hebrew, represents charity and justice and is a cornerstone of how we've raised our children. The Redwoods was an obvious choice for us to continue Tzedekah: from calling Bingo and comandering resident wheelchair walks in the Redwoods vegetable garden to singing Chanukah songs while my eldest son plays piano.
The Redwoods is far more than just a retirement community. Across ten idyllic acres, this 50+ year-old institution has become an integral part of the local fabric. Its coveted location - smack dab between Tam High & Mill Valley Middle School - allows for meaningful and ongoing interactions with the surrounding schools through numerous volunteer programs, fostering a sense of intergenerational connection.
Beyond its role in the community, The Redwoods embodies a holistic approach to aging and recognizing that planning for the future is essential, they offer a "continuum of care" that addresses the diverse needs of seniors. This includes a range of living options - independent apartments to skilled nursing and the recently added memory care and hospice services. Importantly, they also prioritize accessibility with options for individuals with low-to-moderate incomes.
When considering a "forever home," it's crucial to contemplate one's future. Will you age in place, or will you seek a community that supports your evolving needs? For our family, The Redwoods represents the ideal solution when our time comes for transition: It's a familiar and comfortable place where we can continue to contribute to the community we've come to cherish.
DETAILS
MARIN REAL ESTATE REPORT
Weekly Stats Ending January 12
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Tulum, Mexico
$800,000
Looking for a getaway or second home? I can help you!
This stunner was ranked #5 most popular International Listing from The New York Times
A solar-powered home on five acres in a gated community in the Mayan jungle; a duplex penthouse with multiple terraces and a rooftop pool; and a contemporary three-level villa with three pools in a planned community.
THE TOOL SHED | IS ADU 4 U?
By Michael Twing
(Contractor's License #891692)
Closing up the walls!
Plumbing: check; electrical: check; framing?
I like to go around with a long straight edge to check framing for any wonky studs that have warped since being installed. This is essential to achieving flat walls! Sheetrock blocking: check; venting….oh, did I run that dryer vent? With the rough inspection complete, now is the time to check everything behind the walls one last time. Did you plan on a cat6 wire or an access panel for plumbing or electrical that needs to be installed? Is the sill plate caulked and sealed? All the details that have been walled in are going to be tricky to deal with later. Now is the time to double check.
Drywall sheetrock is a common application that not only provides a smooth surface for any finish material, but also adds insulation value. Most new homes require a one hour fire rated drywall on exterior or shared walls.
We specified ⅝” throughout when the door and window order went in. This is typically completed by a young crew that can handle the 60lb sheets easily. We also specified using 12’ sheets when applicable. The longer boards reduce seams and make the job go quicker; and keep in mind, sheetrock installations always have a large waste pile in order to minimize unsightly seams.
There are a few methods for the final finish. Some projects employ a minimum texture applied; this has its place, particularly in homes that have a lot going on with wall decor or families that tend to live a bit rougher. This texture allows for future patching and repairs to be less noticeable. The more advanced finishes, or what we call “class 5,” include a final pass of compound that is rolled on and sanded smooth over the entire interior. This provides a super flat and smooth wall for paint. If a wood panel treatment of slat board is being applied, then simply fire tape will be enough. This is where the first pass is taping on the joints and seams. Some projects I mark out walls that really don’t require class 5 as they will be covered by cabinets and the like.
Wallboard sheetrock goes pretty quick with the right temperature; although, it’s not uncommon that in winter or rainy weather it might take a week to complete as fans and heaters are introduced to expedite drying the wall compound between coats.
Exterior-wise, there may be a wall that requires siding or a particular finish of choice; added windows and doors may need patching as well.
I like to work on the exterior finishes as the crew is working on the sheetrock. As we say in the trades, once the sheetrock is complete, we’re halfway done!
Next up: Finishes
You got this!