​Some people come into your life for even just a short time and make a big impact.  I represented the buyers and helped them explore Napa to find their new home.  They were busy selling their home in southern California so I diligently guided them through the process with boots on the ground here.  During this time, I also met the seller.  She shared some of her story complete with life lessons I needed to hear.  I love this job where you meet people who may not have come into your life otherwise, and there is always something to learn from them.  These real connections are incredibly helpful during the negotiating process and making sure that, in each transaction, everyone comes out a winner.  

Speaking of people coming into your life for a short time, open houses are back!  I love a bustling open house with new and familiar faces.  Hearing how people would make a house their own in always inspiring and really listening to these potential buyers helps me understand what the market is looking for so I can help my sellers too. 
Come on by my neighborhood and say, “Hi!” at 139 Wingard Circle today from 1-3.  This is a 3 bedroom, 3 bath home offered at $756,000. 
All of today’s open houses are below for your reference.  Have fun seeing what is available in person!!!

​Have you noticed construction as you enter Napa from the south near the eucalyptus trees?  I spent time recently meeting with representatives of the next Auberge Resort, Stanly Ranch.  I am happy to share all I know and even take you for a site visit.
Here are some key points:

• Stanly Ranch sits on 700 acres, 96 of which are for the resort, spa, winery,  Cypress Villas, and Vineyard Homes
• The 5-star Auberge resort with spa has 135 rooms in a cottage setting.  It includes the spa, 3 pools, 2 restaurants, coffee shed, banquet facilities, and an outdoor wedding venue amongst many other amenities.
• A 14-acre winery will also sit on the property.  The winemaker has not been determined as of yet.
• There will be 40 Cypress Villas available for purchase.  These are whole ownership homes and allow for stays up to 168 days of the year.  The other 197 days the home goes into the Auberge rental program which will offset the cost of owning the home.  This homes appeal to 2nd home buyers that will spend a little less than half the year in Napa.  These are 2BR homes at approximately 1,700 – 1,750 SF.
• There will be 70 Vineyard Homes available for purchase.  These are 3BR to 6BR single family dwellings ranging from 2,350 SF to 5,700 SF.  These homes appeal to the buyers that are looking for a primary residence or those that plan to stay over 168 days a year in Napa.  The residences are also appealing to buyers that may use the Vineyard Homes periodically now but would like to retire in Napa later in their life.
• Both Cypress Villas and Vineyard Homes have full use of the resort amenities.
• Pricing will be comparable with other 5-star resort properties in the area:  Four Seasons Napa Valley, Montage Healdsburg ($1,800 to $2,200 per square foot)
• The resort will be completed by late Summer/early Fall.  The construction on the Vineyard Homes and Cypress Villas will begin at that time and our first closings will happen approximately 8 to 12 months after the start of construction.
• Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley California, Auberge Resorts Collection
  

​My background as an educator means that I always love learning.  I started this week off right by visiting an innovative 3D printed Accessory Dwelling Unit and learning more about the possibilities they offer. Mighty Builders is a bay area company making the idea of adding value to your property with an ADU affordable and simple.  I learned that people are using these as pool houses, guest cottages or rental units.  They are cooperating with the City of Napa and currently installing here.  Want to know more?  Reach out and I will share all that I learned.  I can take you to tour one until June 17th.

I grew up in Napa and went to St. John’s Catholic School and then Justin Siena.  I left for college and to start my teaching career before moving back and to buy our first house with our 9 month old baby girl.  Now, I get to welcome new couples to Napa and help them make Napa their home.  Wonderful clients moved to Napa from Los Angeles just in time to make the house and this city their home before having their first baby.  I truly love connecting my clients in any way I can to this wonderful community we all blessed to call home.

I sold my first listing of the year before the end of January!

​There are many coming soon properties waiting to hit the market, including my next listing to be launched in 2 weeks.  If you are interested in finding out about off market opportunities and coming soon properties, let me know. 

This single story home is a short walk from all of downtown Napa's food and entertainment. Sitting on attractive Hayes St. with an updated kitchen, bathroom and laundry room which match the character of the home. The hardwood floors, built-in cabinets, and private backyard all add to the charm of this downtown home.
 
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1000 sq ft, 1 car garage, Built in 1938, .14 acre
Sold for $690,000

​Yellow has always been one of my favorite colors with it’s mood boosting powers and optimism.  Pantone seems to agree and has selected “Illuminating” as one of the colors of the year along with the continued trendy “Ultimate Gray” as the perfect compliment.  Pantone called them “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.”
 
Ultimate Gray is a cement-like shade, the type of color that can be found in pebbles along the shore and that “quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.” Illuminating is a bright, vivacious shade imbued with the spirit of the sun.
The color pairing may seem jarring initially. Taken separately, they occupy somewhat opposite sides of the emotional color wheel; gray can read a bit cold and stoic while yellow is warm and cheery. Together, however, they represent “a marriage of strength and optimism.”
Like last year’s Classic Blue, which represented stability and reassurance at a time when trust and faith were needed, this year’s choices are inspired by the current world order. “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas, many designers and brands are embracing the language of color to engage and connect.”

 
Hope you are feeling all the optimism of a new year!  Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2021!
One of my goals for 2021 is to buy a new house.  Let me know if I can help you reach your real estate goals!

We are choosing to focus on the JOY of this holiday season and have a new decoration to remind us.
Below you will find 6 ideas to help you add joy for the next 6 days until Christmas.
 Join us in celebrating with these festive ideas:

1. Grab some hot chocolate, bundle up and go Christmas light viewing.  You will find a map and some photos linked here. Map: Holiday Lights Napa Valley 2020 - Google My Maps

Tour photos: Photos: Holiday Light Displays in Napa Valley 2020 | Home and Garden | napavalleyregister.com

1. Enjoy this local concert Monday, December 21st at the drive in movies at the fairgrounds. You can enjoy at the drive in or from the comfort of your own home.  Get tickets at Christmas Concert | TEAM Morales Events (square.site)

1. Gaze at a “Christmas Star” - On the solstice night, Dec. 21, the moon will be higher in the sky, but Jupiter and Saturn will remain closer to the horizon in the western sky and might look like one large star. The last time the two planets were so close was 1623, but stargazing conditions at the time meant the astronomical event likely was not seen by earthlings. The last time such a close pairing was observable to the naked eye was in 1226, according to EarthSky.

'Christmas Star' will be closest visible conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 800 years (nbcnews.com)

1. Golf – I’ve been getting out for more golf than usual this past month and it is just a beautiful time of year to be out there.  Let me know if you’d like to join me for 9 holes.
2. Elf a friend- I’ve heard of Booing someone and even Egging someone but this is a fun activity new to me and perfect for cheering up a friend from a distance. You've Been Elf-ed! Start A Neighborhood Holiday Tradition | Organized Christmas (organizedhome.com)
3. Of course, baking!  We are trying some new recipes this year from Half Baked Harvest.  2020 Holiday Cookie Box. - Half Baked Harvest

 
I would love to hear about unique ways you are celebrating the holidays this year.
Have a very Merry Christmas!