Category Archives: Homeowners

Cut Heating Costs This Winter

Saving money is important to just about everyone and there are many things you can do without but during the winter months, it’s hard to imagine not having heat in our homes. Even while running the heat at the level necessary to be comfortable in your home, there are several simple things you can do to save money on your heating bill. Take some time to review a few ways you can save money without turning your home into an a very large freezer.

Wear an Extra Layer (or Two)

Most of us have extra clothes that we rarely wear and a linen closet full of blankets we can use to keep warm. No one is suggesting you sit around your house in a parka with a hat and gloves but there are plenty of items you can wear that will still be comfortable while adding extra warmth allowing you to decrease your thermostat setting by a few degrees. Keep a blanket in the room you spend the most time in so you can wrap up when you are relaxing. While you are pulling blankets out of the linen closet, add a blanket to all of the beds in your home so you can keep the thermostat lower at night as well.

Space Heaters

Depending on the size and layout of your home, you may have some rooms that you don’t use very often. If you are spending most of your time in just a couple rooms, adjust the thermostat for most of the house to a lower temperature and add space heaters in the rooms you use most often. Small space heaters will quickly heat the rooms you are using when you turn them on and you don’t have to spend as much money to heat rooms in your home that you rarely set foot in like the guest room or bonus room.

Open Your Curtains

While you probably keep the blinds and curtains closed during the summer season, when the weather turns cold, open them and let as much sunshine in as you can. While the sun will also improve your mood, it offers FREE heat and can make a big difference compared to keeping everything closed.

Seal Your Doors and Windows

Stop letting the heat you are paying for to the outside through your doors and windows. Sealing your windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping can drastically reduce your electric bill by increasing the energy efficiency of your home.

Use Your Oven Heat

Dinner just came out of your 350-degree oven and you are turning it off as you sit down at the table. Go ahead and take advantage of the oven heat by opening the oven door and letting the residual heat from the oven dissipate into your home. If you have young children, make sure they understand the oven is hot and know not to touch it.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature of your home to a cooler setting when you aren’t home or at night when you are sleep. By using the extra blanket, you put on your bed, you won’t need to keep the house as warm at night and you certainly don’t need to pay to keep it as warm when you aren’t home.

Keeping your home warm doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some simples changes in your habits, you can keep your home comfortable without spending a fortune this winter.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image courtesy of nastya_gepp/pixabay.com

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Prep Your Home Now for the New Year

Here are some simple maintenance tips that will help keep your home in good shape. Fortunately, most maintenance chores are quick and don’t require any special skills.

Maintaining appliances equals keeping the value in your home. This will help protect your investment, and one of the easiest waysnancy to do this is to keep up with maintenance on your property. It will also make preparations easier when you are ready to sell.

In the kitchen, clean the vent filters on your range hood before they get clogged with grease and dirt. Your range hood helps keep your home clean by pulling cooking smoke and grease out of the air. Disposable filters can be replaced regularly. If you have metal filters, wash them by hand.

Keeping the drip bowls under your stovetop burners clean will help keep your stove in good condition and prevent food particles from burning when you cook. Check the oven door to make sure it seals properly, so you don’t lose heat and energy every time you use it.

Keep your refrigerator running efficiently by vacuuming the coils a couple of times a year. Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in your home.

To maintain your disposal, remove any large pieces stuck inside, then run ice through it to help clean out any small particles. You can add salt or vinegar to the ice for extra cleaning. It’s easy for food to get caught in your garbage disposal, which can create a bad smell in your kitchen. Freshen your entire kitchen by running a few small pieces of lemon or orange peel through the disposal.

For major appliances such as your clothes dryer, save energy and help protect your home from fire by vacuuming the lint out of the dryer exhaust vent at least once a year. Your clothes dryer is another big, expensive energy user in your home.

Your air conditioner will run more efficiently, use less energy, last longer and keep your home cooler if you change your disposable filter at least once a month. If you have a reusable filter, vacuum it every month.

You especially need to keep up with maintenance if you are getting ready to sell your home. By keeping up with these small maintenance projects, you’ll protect your home and make it easier to take care of larger issues as they come up. Contact me today for a consultation on selling your house, and to find out how much your home is worth.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

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Design a Fabulous Bathroom in a Small Space

It’s a room most people spend very little time in, and they often think about it even less when decorating their homes. In many homes, it’s a tiny space barely adequate for the daily routines. However, the bathroom is an important part of any house or apartment, and it should be given the attention it deserves. Here are a few ideas on how to create a space you won’t want to leave even if it is compact.

Go White

A white or light-colored bathroom makes the space feel bigger and brighter. If your room is small and dark, paint the walls a light color and install a white vanity to instantly make it feel more welcoming and expansive.

Choose a Small Vanity

A large vanity in a small bathroom can make the space feel even smaller and tighter. Instead, opt for a small vanity or pedestal sink to give you more floor space. While the tradeoff is less storage, you can find other ways to replace it.

Think Vertical

Speaking of storage, make use of the vertical space in your bathroom, and install shelving on the walls. Wire shelves are ideal in this room because they seem more transparent and won’t shrink the space as much as wood shelves. Place less used items on the higher shelves while keeping things you use every day at eye level or below.

Focus on Lighting

A lot of bathrooms are dark and don’t have windows for natural lighting. Increase the lighting in this room to make it feel bigger and more inviting. Start with lighting around the mirror with one wall sconce on each side and another light above it to eliminate any shadows on your face when you’re getting dressed. Place sconces and other lights around the room as needed. Pendants and chandeliers create a touch of luxury in this space as long as you choose an appropriate size.

Decorate

While you don’t want to take up limited space with a lot of decorative items, you do want to create a sense of warmth through your décor. Use functional items to enhance the space in a fun way. For example, roll up brightly-colored washcloths and place them in a basket on end. Put small soaps on a tray by the tub or on the sink. Display decorative lotions to add color.

Get creative and have fun decorating one of the most important and most forgotten spaces in your home.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Steven Ungermann on Unsplash

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2021’s Biggest Outdoor Trends

One of the biggest home improvement categories in the last few years is outdoor living and due to the Covid pandemic, the importance has elevated even more. Leading renovation and real estate professionals have compiled a list of the top new trends for 2021.

One of the biggest trends that keeps gaining interests is the outdoor kitchen. Not only is the functionality a must, but it also creates a great aesthetic for your existing outdoor spaces by adding that wow factor. Some realtors also say that an outdoor kitchen can significantly raise the value of your home as well as help sell your home faster.

Another popular trend is enhanced outdoor living spaces which includes comfortable seating areas, fireplaces, and firepits. With the Covid pandemic, homeowners are finding ways to utilize their outdoor living for year-round use by making comfortable living areas for themselves and guests.

Homeowners are finding ways to enjoy their privacy away from their neighbors as their outdoor living spaces are also used for lazy day lounging, exercise, meditation, rest and relaxation, and other activities. Larger, private backyard spaces are a must for many future homeowners as well. There is an array of ways to ensure your privacy, such as higher fences, covered patios, sheltered side yards or a more budget friendly approach like oversized planters, planting trees along the property line, or purchasing a retractable screen.

In some of the warmer U.S. states, outdoor showers have been on the rise. Not only does this feature give your home a beach-themed feel, but it is also a great place to clean-up kids, a refreshing place to cool off on a warm summer day while working in the garden, and it can be an ideal place for showering your outdoor pets.

Another great addition to your outdoor space is setting up part of your home office outdoors. With Covid and the warmer season coming up, homeowners are looking at ways to expand their workspace while they work from home. Some great additions are setting up shady workspaces such as an overhang on your patio or an adjustable umbrella, and some outdoor patio furniture for your computer and phone.

Pergolas are becoming a hot new trend for 2021 due to its versatility and affordability. Not only can a pergola be built and/or installed in one weekend, but it can also offer an adequate amount of shade for outdoor activities such as lounging or dining.

Our last major trend to feature is backyard cottages or ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units. These detached units have been on the rise due to its versatility. Some people are using this to house older relatives, as a home office, gym, temporary residence to rent for extra income, the list goes on. Backyard cottages can either be built on site or trucked in.

While some of these trends can cost a lot of time and/or money, there are many affordable things to do to bring your outdoor space to the relaxing oasis that you will love. For additional information on outdoor living or landscaping, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image by andre casti from Pixabay

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A Minor Problem Now Can Quickly Become A Major Repair

Winter weather can be harsh on your roof. Freezing temperatures, strong winds, and rain, snow, and ice combine to make winter the worse time of the year for extensive water damage. The cycle of water freezing and melting causes roofing to expand and contract, creating gaps that can leak. Older homes or those with poorly designed or constructed roofs are the most vulnerable, and even the smallest amount of damage can put the value of your home in jeopardy.

A buildup of snow and ice on the roof is never a good thing, and you want to prevent that as much as possible. Adding insulation to your attic is a great way to prevent roof problems. In addition to keeping the cold out, the insulation keeps the heat inside instead of melting accumulating ice, which can run down from the peak and freeze again, causing ice dams. One telltale sign of ice dams is icicles.

If you have asphalt shingles, you’re more likely to have issues with snow building up on the rough surface. Metal roofing with a PVC coating allows lets snow to slide off. Snow guards and heating cables can also be used with metal roofs and maybe a better option for areas where snow and ice are more prevalent.

You don’t have to go outside to check for leaks in the roof. The first sign is often water spots on the ceilings of upper floors or wet spots in attics. You can look for damaged shingles from the ground by using binoculars. A closer look is often required but moving about on the roof is generally something best left to an experienced inspector or roofer.

If you suspect you may have a problem, don’t hesitate to get your roof inspected by a professional. A minor problem now can quickly become a major repair. The good news is that winter is not a roofer’s busiest season, and you may find some steep discounts on repair costs. When looking for a roofer, make sure they have experience doing winter repairs.

Knowing your roof’s condition is especially important if you’re planning on selling your home in the future. Problems and damage will have to be accounted for before most will even consider making an offer on your home. The longer you wait, the more repairs will cost. So, take a little time out of your weekend to check for roof problems. When it is time to sell, you’ll be glad you did.

If you are thinking about buying or selling your home this year, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image by Couleur from Pixabay

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Your Home, Your New Year’s Resolution

Every new year, many of us commit to better health and wellness, but what if this year we reserve not just be better ourselves but also better our homes. By contacting your local real estate agent, perhaps you can make real estate-based resolutions and maybe even stick to them this year.

Now that we have entered the winter months, your realtor will advise you to get that to-do list out of the drawer, dust it off, and start crossing off some of the items listed. And because it has been in hiding since spring, you should walk back through your home with your list, noting any small things that could turn into big problems. Be sure to check everything, from cracks in the ceiling to regular maintenance items should be attended to. Scan all of the walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, doors, and windows. Not only is aspiring to accomplish all of the items on your to-do list an excellent New Year’s resolution, but it will also remove the monkey that has been hanging on your back since spring.

Another resolution for 2021 that your real estate agent would recommend that you look into is any home renovation you have been longing to execute. If you have coveted an updated kitchen, bathroom, or something else, make it your goal to accomplish the task in the upcoming year.

Regardless of the remodel, focus on energy efficiency. 2021 will be the year of supporting the “Go Green” concept. You can achieve this by merely replacing incandescent light bulbs with more efficient fluorescent or LED’s. Or go big by replacing any home appliances with energy-efficient versions.

Even though a full remodel will not be suitable for everyone, you can perform something more financially manageable, such as tiling your kitchen backsplash or applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Any of these renovations will ultimately add value to your home and are resolutions that can easily be accomplished.

Lastly, your realtor may suggest that you resolve to make extra mortgage payments. Maybe you cannot afford to double the payment, but perhaps you could add a small amount of money each month for the next year. Paying extra money towards your mortgage now saves you big money later. Your real estate agent will be able to provide you with the information of how much savings your resolution investment could pay off in the long run.

So, this year, instead of purchasing an expensive diet plan, you are sure to bail on by March, commit to improving, maintaining, and paying more towards your real estate investment. Call your realtor today and make them aware that your New Year’s resolution for 2021 is going to involve your home. He or she will be your best asset in determining where to focus your attention and money.

People so often fail to uphold their New Year’s resolutions. By involving your home in making your resolution decision, you are sure to be more likely to succeed in the expectations you set for yourself. You will also be making your home a safer, more appealing, and energy-efficient environment.

If you are ready to talk about applying a strategy to your long-term real estate goals, contact me today so we can determine how to make the most of the current real estate market for you. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Brokers License #01264041

Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash

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Winterizing Your Home

The winter season is upon us, so now is a great time to address winter maintenance before the weather makes even the simplest of repairs significantly more difficult. Winterizing your home in advance of the changing seasons ensures that you aren’t having to make any repairs during the winter months or having to suffer without necessary conveniences.

Furnace Inspection and Routine Maintenance

Several routine maintenance tasks can be performed on your furnace by you, the homeowner. Such tasks include changing the air filter and making sure any flammable objects have been removed from around the furnace unit itself. You can also go around the house, ensuring that all of the vents are unobstructed from furniture, clutter, etc. Air needs to be able to circulate efficiently throughout your home. For the next steps in warranting your furnace is safe and in its best operating condition, you must call on a professional. A certified and licensed heating expert will assess the unit’s blower belt and motor, assuring that they do not need any repair before taking on the winter months. All are preventative measures taken to avoid fire and alleviate the opportunity for poisonous gases to enter your home. Hiring a licensed heating professional is pivotal in the assurance that your furnace is safe and sound working order before entering the winter months.

Addressing Your Windows and Doors

Begin by checking all of the weather stripping around your windows and doors for any signs of air leaks or drafts. Replace any stripping that has been pulled loose or is showing signs of wear. Even the smallest of crevices creates a passage for cold air to enter or warm air to escape. Finally, inspect the actual glass of the windows and doors for cracks or breaks. If necessary, replace the glass. Winter’s cold air drafts entering your home leads to money exiting your wallet.

Fireplace and Chimney Preparation

A cheap chimney sweep fireplace cleaning professional can be found in cities nationwide. The chimney professional will clean out your fireplace and chimney of any creosote and soot build-up. Creosote can catch fire from the sparks flying upward while burning. The mortar in the bricks surrounding the chimney will also be closely inspected for cracks or holes. If found, these cracks and holes must be repaired by a professional bricklayer, as they too can be a source of fire.

Exterior Detail

Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles. Replace or repair as needed to prevent water leaks when the freezing rain or snow begins to melt. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris, and inspect that they are fastened securely to the house. Be sure the downspouts extend at least five feet away from the home to inhibit ponding around the foundation. Lastly, close all vents and openings around the foundation, or crawl, to keep unwanted intruders from finding refuge for the winter.

Congratulations! Your home has now been winterized. Taking preventative action in the fall is your best line of defense against winter. Instead of hastily thumbing through the phonebook on a Sunday afternoon in mid-January, you can sleep warmly in the comfort of knowing your home is safe and protected.

Anytime you need a recommendation for a home professional to assist you with something big or small around your home, give me a call. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Jessica Johnston on Unsplash

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Five Ways to Improve the Organization of Your Pantry

A pantry is a great way to store food and other kitchen items within the kitchen but out of your cabinets. Since pantries come in many sizes, that leaves an endless variety of options on how you can best organize the pantry for your household. In a disorganized pantry, it is easy to lose things in the pantry but with some basic organization, you can keep that from happening.

Start by cleaning out items you don’t use or have expired. There is no reason to organize items that you will never use so start with this step. Moving forward, it’s a good idea to periodically clean out the pantry to toss items that you purchased but never got used for whatever reason. I would recommend during in January and sometime over the summer.
Group items by the frequency you use them. There is no reason to have the rarely used karo syrup stored in the most accessible location.
It’s also a good idea to group items by size. Storing a small container of spices next to a family size box of cereal will waste space in your pantry plus confuse everyone.
Purchase bins and storage containers. There are lots of places to buy them, but dollar stores offer a lot of options in a variety of shapes and sizes. These can be great for small items like granola bars and other snacks, canned goods and baking essentials like chocolate chips and nuts. Some items just don’t stack well, and this will keep your pantry looking neat and help you find something quickly when you are looking for it.
Don’t forget the door of your pantry. Some doors may not offer great options but many of them will allow you to add shelves that can provide additional storage for canned goods, spices and other items.

Even the best organization won’t last if you never take the time to put anything away. At a minimum of once a day, take a quick look at the pantry and make sure everything is in its place. With multiple hands in the pantry, things can get moved but a daily check will keep everything where you want it and save you time in the long run.

If you have any additional questions about updating or organizing your home, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image courtesy of Vivian Evans/Flickr.com.

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Home Warranty Pros and Cons

When you are selling your home, you will want to do everything you can to help your home stand out from its competition. Before listing your home, it is important that your home be very clean, decluttered, properly staged and priced appropriately. Depending on the market, sometimes even that is not enough. Another thing you could consider when selling your home is to provide a home warranty to the new buyers of your home. This can be a nice selling point for several reasons.

A home warranty covers the components of a home, such as heating and cooling systems, appliances and water heaters but usually doesn’t include minor repairs such as plumbing leaks or anything cosmetic like painting and flooring. It can be purchased at any time though they are most often purchased during home transactions. The price can vary depending on the size of the home, age of the home and the options you select. After purchasing the warranty that normally lasts for a year though you can renew it in future years. You will pay a predetermined amount for a covered repair and the remainder of the repair will be covered by the warranty company. It is imperative that you call the warranty company before contacting someone to do the work if you want the warranty company to cover the repair.

For the buyer of your home, a home warranty can offer additional peace of mind. They will have a little extra comfort that many repairs can be made using the warranty and not deplete all of their savings. While everything at home doesn’t cost thousands of dollars, it isn’t uncommon for one repair to cost more than the cost of a warranty.

For the seller, a home warranty may bring in more buyers, especially if the person is selling an older home. First-time buyers don’t always have a lot of money to put into the property, and a warranty would reassure them they won’t have a lot of major expenses.

Think of a home warranty like an insurance policy for repairs to your home. Like insurance, the warranty doesn’t cover everything but it can cover many items and give you some extra peace of mind and for a buyer may just be the thing that helps them select your home over a similar one down the street. For additional information regarding the home buying or selling process, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home or determine the value of your existing property

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image courtesy American Advisors Group/flickr.com

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Fall Maintenance for Homeowners

As summer winds down and fall approaches, you will hopefully get some relief from the hot weather of recent weeks. As the temperatures cool, this makes a great time to take care of home maintenance tasks outside and prepare your home for the winter months. What should you do around your home in the fall to make sure you are ready for the next season? Here are five things you definitely should not skip.

Lawn maintenance is common in the fall. If you choose to aerate in the fall, then you may want to fertilize your lawn after that. The summer is harsh on your grass. Giving it some attention after the weather starts to cool can help it recover before its dormant winter season. If you do fertilize your lawn, you will need to water it as well if the weather doesn’t cooperate with you. Without watering, your fertilizer will be wasted.
Fall is a great time to seal and stain your deck. Depending on your deck, this may need to be done annually or every two to three years. You need to avoid the wettest season and while summer may have plenty of time that isn’t wet, it may be too hot for you to do this kind of activity depending on the size of your deck. While you may have some fall rain, you should likely have plenty of dry days too so you can complete this activity without getting into the cold months. While your area may be drier in the winter, if there is rain, it is likely to stick around longer since the temperatures are cooler. Most likely the fall will still have plenty of warm, sunny days to make deck maintenance ideal.
Empty the gutters and downspouts and make any necessary repairs. When the leaves start to come off the trees in the fall, it is best to have your gutters empty, so they aren’t overloaded. Overflowing gutters can pull away from the house causing damage and allowing water to flow into your home. This damage is often hard to spot until it has progressed to a big and expensive problem.
Winterize any outdoor water sources. This includes outdoor spigots, irrigation systems, sinks, fountains, and anything else. If temperatures dip below freezing with water in the lines, it could cause your pipes to burst creating an expensive and messy repair.
Have your fireplace cleaned for the new season if you didn’t have it done at the end of fireplace season. If this is not something you have been doing regularly, talk to the person that comes out about the recommended schedule for this maintenance task depending on your fireplace usage habits. Fireplaces provide great heat during the winter but can be dangerous if they aren’t properly maintained.

Routine maintenance is critical to caring for your home and protecting your most important asset. Anytime you need a recommendation for a home professional to assist you with something big or small around your home, give me a call. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
[email protected]
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image by 123switch from Pixabay

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