Local Christmas Tree Farms 2017

Our family has a wonderful tradition of heading out to a local Christmas tree farm with friends and family and cutting down our own tree. Although its left us rainy and muddy some years, we love the experience of it and it really puts us in the holiday mood! The photo above is of our favorite local spot in the Los Gatos mountains — Lone Star Tree Farm.

If you are and your family are looking to try something new this year, consider cutting down your own tree! We’ve compiled a list of local tree farms to make things easy (but maybe not less muddy!)

Crest Ranch Choose and Cut Trees 

12200 Empire Grade

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

 

Summit Christmas Tree Farm 

23868 Summit Road

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Patchen California Christmas Tree Farm

22217 Old Santa Cruz Highway

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Lone Star Tree Farm 

20514 Gist Road

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Black Road Christmas Tree Farm

20259 Black Road

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Four Winds Christmas Tree Farm 

19679 Skyline Blvd.

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Hester Creek Christmas Trees 

25507 San Jose-Sequel Road

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Peacock Tree Farm 

17950 Mountain Charlie Road

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Skyline Farms 

20514 Gist Road

Los Gatos 95033

Nicole Emanuel Real Estate

Coldwell Banker

(408) 410-2060

nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com

http://www.realestatebynicole.com

 

New tax Bill Proposes Elimination of Certain Tax Deductions for California Homeowners – How Will It Affect You?

Nicole Emanuel Real Estate – Coldwell Banker

(408) 410-2060

nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com

http://www.realestatebynicole.com

Tips to Winterize Your Home this Year

Preparing your home for winter now will save you money later. Some jobs are simple maintenance, while others may require professional repairmen. Follow these tips to help protect your home from the winter chill.

Heating System Checks. Before cold weather arrives, have a heating professional do a routine check on your heating system. Replace your air filters and keep them clean during the heating season. Taking these steps will ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely.

Chimney and Fireplace. Check to be sure the chimney is free of any leaves, nests, birds or squirrels. Installing a screen or cap over the top will keep debris from getting inside. The flu damper should open and close easily. To make sure the chimney will draw up the fire and smoke, check the draft. To test this, roll up some newspaper and light it in the fireplace. The smoke should rise, if it doesn’t you have an obstruction and should call a professional to clean the chimney.

Windows. Install storm windows. Caulk and weatherstrip your windows to avoid any air leaks. Caulk should be applied in weather that is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid swelling with moisture and to make certain it sets properly.

Yard and Garden. Begin by draining all hoses and sprinklers so they won’t freeze or break. Protect your plants by cutting back, almost to the ground, any perennials whose foliage have become lifeless. Remove dead or dying tree limbs to avoid snow or ice build up which may cause branches to fall and damage your home.

Nicole Emanuel Real Estate

Coldwell Banker

(408) 410-2060

nicole.emanuel@cbnorcal.com

http://www.realestatebynicole.com

BRE# 01899594

 

Burglary Prevention Tips

One of the crimes most frequently reported to the police during the holidays is residential burglary
It’s also the most preventable. It doesn’t take much or cost much to out-smart most burglars. They’re usually not professionals, but rather people taking advantage of an easy target. Burglars may do more than steal things. If they’re surprised by someone coming home or if they choose a home that’s occupied, someone may get hurt.

Tips on Safeguarding Your Home

• Make sure all exterior doors have good locks-at least dead-bolt locks with a 1″ throw.
• Always lock up when you go out, even if only for a few minutes.
• Secure sliding glass doors with bars or locks, or put a broom handle in the door track.
• Make sure your windows have good locks, especially those at ground level.
• Make sure all porches, entrances, and outside areas are well lit.
• Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or windows.
• Maintain your yard and keep ladders and tools inside when you’re not using them.
• Don’t hide your keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot. That’s the first place burglars look! It’s much better to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
• Mark your valuable property like TVs, VCRs, computers, cameras and stereos with your driver’s license number.
• Keep a record of your property in a safe place.
• Install an alarm system for summoning emergency help.
• If you park your car outside, never leave a garage door opener in the car.
• Install a monitoring device such as a Ring Video Doorbell or Chime Doorbell. Easy to spot cameras are also a good choice.

When you go away

• Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers, and offer to return the favor.
• Put an automatic timer on at least two lights and a radio. Consider photoelectric sensors to turn outside lights on and off automatically.
• Tell a trusted neighbor when you’re leaving and when you’ll return. Include an itinerary and phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.