UPGRADE YOUR HOME, DOWNGRADE ENERGY USAGE 7 EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

The best home upgrades not only make spaces more livable and energy-efficient but are also cost-effective. Making energy-efficient improvements is a savvy way to save money on utility bills, curb energy usage and add to the house’s value.


Consider a variety of home improvement projects, both big and small, that can reduce the financial burden of maintaining your home throughout the year and improve energy efficiency.


Add Insulation

A cost-effective way to save on heating and cooling bills is adding a layer of insulation in the attic where heat loss is typically greatest due to hot air rising. While many newer homes are adequately insulated, those that are several decades old (or older) may benefit from an upgrade in not only the attic but other common problem areas where air can escape such as basements, crawl spaces, fireplaces, and ductwork.


Seal Doors and Windows

Windows and doors are common culprits for energy loss. While a complete replacement of doors and windows can be pricey, adding exterior caulk and weather stripping to fill in gaps where air can escape around this openings can make a noticeable difference for a fraction of the cost and make it cheaper to heat and cool your home.


Install Skylights

Skylights are a cost-effective option for transforming any room in the home with natural light while also delivering energy-saving benefits. For example, Sun Tunnel Skylights from Velux can be installed in as little as 90 minutes and funnel natural light from the roof through the attic and into the room below with an anesthetic that resembles recessed lighting. Customizable with six diffuser film styles to complement the interior design, the skylights can make a home more energy-efficient by reducing reliance on artificial lighting. An optional daylight controller makes it easy for homeowners to adjust natural light entering a room, and a solar nightlight provides a moon-like guiding light at night. Installed with the solar nightlight, the skylights qualify for a 26% federal tax credit on solar property.


Add Reflective Window Film

When the sun shines through windows, it can heat up the home’s interior quickly and trigger the air conditioner to turn on. Window coverings, such as blackout curtains, can help, but adding Low-E reflective window film to your windowpanes, particularly southern-facing ones, can provide an additional shield from the sun’s hot rays and reduce energy costs.


Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an efficient way to control the climate inside your home, and those with smart technology take programming to a whole new level. Today’s smart thermostats not only let homeowners control temperatures from their smart devices while on the go but can also learn daily habits and adjust the temperature accordingly with no other manual adjustments necessary. In addition, some utility companies offer incentives like money back at the end of the year for installing a smart thermostat because the energy savings are so substantial.


Replace Appliances

Because appliances like refrigerators and ovens, among others, are major energy users, investing in more efficient models provides both cost and energy savings. Additionally, homes more than 15 years old could benefit from updates to the air conditioner or heater as systems 15-20 years old or older may be candidates for replacement as they’re inefficient by today’s standards.


Add Ceiling Fans

In comparison to running your air conditioner consistently, the cost of running a ceiling fan (or several) is significantly less. Particularly on days that may not require cooling the entire house completely, fans can provide a gentle breeze and circulate air in the spaces you use most often. Simply adjust the switch to the counterclockwise position to ensure it’s pushing air downward during warmer months.

What does $700k buy you in Vacaville, Winters, Folsom, Roseville, or Lincoln?

May 11, 2026
🏠 The 50/80/65 Corridor Insider Your Guide to Real Estate from Solano to the Placer County Foothills Presented by Candice Zavala | The Jessica Mraz Group at eXp Realty 💸 The $700K Challenge: What Does Your Money Buy in May 2026? If you have $700,000 to spend on a home in Northern California, your experience depends entirely on which highway you’re driving. As we track the market trends for the Jessica Mraz Group , we’re seeing a massive contrast between the booming value in Solano and the high-demand lifestyle hubs of the Hwy 50 and Hwy 65 corridors. Here is exactly what that budget gets you in today’s market across our most sought-after neighborhoods. 📍 Vacaville, Dixon & Winters: The Solano Powerhouses On the I-80 side, $700K goes a long way toward space and character. Vacaville & Dixon: You are a premium buyer here. In Vacaville, you can secure a spacious 4-bedroom home in the 95687 or 95688 zips. In Dixon, this budget often gets you brand-new construction with modern energy efficiencies and a larger lot. Winters: At $700K , you are looking for that specific "hidden gem" charm—likely a 2-to-3 bedroom historic cottage within walking distance of the famous downtown foodie scene. 📍 Folsom & Roseville: The Hub of the 50/65 Switching over to the Hwy 50 and 65 intersection, $700K is the competitive entry point for these high-amenity cities. Folsom: With median prices near $799,000 , a $700K budget typically secures a well-kept 3-bedroom home or a luxury townhome near Palladio. Roseville: This is a "sweet spot" for 3-bedroom homes in the 95678 or 95747 zips, offering incredible access to the region's best shopping and park systems. 📍 Lincoln: The Hwy 65 Hidden Luxury Just up the 65 corridor, Lincoln offers two very different worlds for a $700K buyer. Twelve Bridges: In this highly desirable community, $700K is a very active price point. While the median is closer to $743,000 , we are seeing beautiful 3-to-4 bedroom homes (around 2,000–2,400 sq. ft.) sell right in the $700K range. It's the perfect spot for those wanting newer infrastructure and great local schools. Catta Verdera: This is Lincoln's premier gated golf community. Here, $700K is primarily the entry point for a custom homesite (lot) where you can build your dream home, or a luxury townhome. Most single-family estates in this enclave start at $1.1M+ , making it the "aspiration" neighborhood of the 65 corridor. 📈 May 2026 Market Pulse 

The 50 vs. The 80: Navigating the "Right-Size" Move Between El Dorado Hills and Granite Bay

By The Jessica Mraz Group • May 6, 2026
Why your next move requires the information of the culture, not just a real estate agent. Choosing between the 50 side and the 80 side isn’t just a change of zip code; it’s a change of soul. In May 2026, we are seeing a massive wave of "Right-Sizers"—homeowners ready to transition from single-family homes to multiple homes on one lot. ADUs, tiny homes, or housing college kids who remain at home for years following graduation. We are seeing sprawling family estates turning into multigenerational homes. Whether you are eyeing the master-planned perfection of Serrano or the granite-studded privacy of Hidden Valley , the logistical shift is real. The Vibe Shift: Which Side are You On? At The Jessica Mraz Group , we live and breathe the nuances of both corridors. We know that moving from the oak-studded hills of Blackstone to the open acres of Loomis involves more than just packing boxes—it involves a fundamental shift in how you experience Northern California. The 50 Side (El Dorado Hills): It’s about the "Resort Life." In neighborhoods like Promontory and Blackstone , you are buying into a social ecosystem with high-end amenities and views that stretch to the Sierras. The 80 Side (Granite Bay & Loomis): It’s about "The Retreat." Places like Wexford and Shelbourne offer a level of structured seclusion, while Loomis provides that "unstructured" luxury where the air feels just a bit more rural. The "Right-Size" Reality Check "Right-sizing" often sounds easier than it is. In 2026, the $1M–$1.25M price band in El Dorado Hills is the tightest market we’ve seen in years, with only 1.3 months of inventory . If you are selling a larger estate to move into this "sweet spot," you cannot afford a single mistake in timing or presentation. This is where the Jessica Mraz Group steps in as your Project Managers . We don’t just list your home; we handle the heavy lifting: Preparation: We coordinate the renovations, staging, and vendor management so you don't have to. The Conflict Firewall: In complex moves—including Divorce Sales —you get two lead agents for the price of one. We provide a primary point of contact for each party, ensuring communication remains neutral, professional, and focused on the goal: maximizing your equity. 4 Questions to Ask Before You Move Corridors If you are debating the 50 vs. the 80 this month, ask yourself: Is land or community my priority? (Serrano’s social clubs vs. Loomis’s private acres). Am I ready for the "Project"? If your next home needs work, do you have the team to manage it? How does the tax gap affect my "Right-Size" budget? (Placer vs. El Dorado assessments). Is my current equity protected? (Bridlewood Canyon is currently holding value 7% better than the county average). The Bottom Line Whether you are moving toward the sunset in The Promontory or seeking the quiet of Hidden Lake Estates , you deserve a team that understands the "vibe" of both sides of the hill. Don't just hire an agent. Hire a project management team that handles the conflict, the contractors, and the transition so you can simply enjoy the new view. Thinking of a move between the 50 and the 80? The "Right-Size" market moves fast. Contact The Jessica Mraz Group today for a custom Corridor Comparison Report to see where your equity goes further in May 2026.

A Solano County Legacy: Why This Team is a Win for Our Community

May 4, 2026
They say you can’t choose your family, but you can choose who you build a legacy with. For The Jessica Mraz Group, those lines are beautifully blurred. I am incredibly proud to announce that my mother, Nanci Ladd, has joined forces with me and my longtime partner in business, Candice Zavala. This isn't just a business expansion; it is a homecoming. Nanci is a second-generation Solano County local and has been a trusted Realtor here since 2003. She lived the history of these streets long before she started selling them. Then there is Candice—a powerhouse Solano native and the absolute definition of tenacity. Candice and I have been best friends since we were 4 years old. From the playground to the closing table, we have worked together our entire adult lives. When Candice says she will find you a home, she doesn't stop until the keys are in your hand. Together, we aren't just "agents". We are Solano County natives with a high-volume, professional business engine behind us. We specialize in the complex—whether it’s a "Right Size" move up or down, a high-conflict divorce sale, or project-managing a total home renovation to get you top dollar—we handle the heavy lifting so you don't have to.