Chris Jacobson Realtor BRE 01987892

Saint Vincent’s church was built in 1868. It is a great example of the Gothic Revival style.

Gothic revival emphasizes a vertical look and feeling. We see this in the tall, thin windows and pinnacles.
The tower is the entrance to the church and it completely expresses this vertical feeling.

This church is Vallejo’s oldest religious structure. It was built on land donated by General Vallejo’s son-in-law, John B. Frisble.

TWO PEAS IN A POD- The Commodore Potts Home was named for the Commodore who lived there beginning in 1908, but he wasn’t the original owner! The home was originally owned and built for local rancher John Wilson.

John Wilson probably owned the home for over 20 years. In addition, he owned the home directly behind on Napa St which was built in a similar style, probably a few years later.

John Wilson and his brother Joseph were Irish immigrants who arrived in Vallejo in 1853. They purchased part of a large ranch in 1957. John Wilson was known for breeding horses.

The B&W photos are c.1987.

Do you see the similarities?

Potts

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

WHIMSICAL AND HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

This beautiful home was owned and probably built by William Flatland around 1898.

It has whimsical and totally unique elements. The street-facing gable has a window in the shape of a ship’s wheel and the bay window on the driveway side has a WITCH'S HAT ROOF.

Wow!

Typical of the Shingle style, a 2nd story window bulges from the forward-facing gable as shingles wrap around it.

The front of the home shows off colonial details popular at the time of building.

Homes like this are a great example of why I love checking out the houses as I walk and drive around. I always find something new.

How about you. What do you like a out a Victorian Gem like this?

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892 

Showing TWO beautiful homes this weekend!

SATURDAY, 7/20 - 1017 Azuar Dr.
This multi-generational home is an elegant Craftsman made more impressive by a chef’s kitchen & an abundance of natural light.

This home is an elegant single-level 1848 SqFt 3/2. PLUS

The garage has parking for 2 cars plus two ADUs. A 704 SQFT one-bedroom ADU (carriage house) and a smaller 220 SqFt studio ADU.

I hope to see you at the open house. Link in bio for more info. Or send a message and I will forward you a link.



Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

OPEN HOUSE - 1224 Amador St., Vallejo CA

Storybook home for sale! If you would like more info on the architecture, the home, or the neighborhood, please check out the website at

VallejoHistoricHomes.com/Storybook

I hope to see you this Sunday.

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

THE ROE HOUSE- This home was built around 1868 for William F. Roe and his family. William’s son George went on to become a well known newspaper man.

This home was probably originally a small cottage that was given a classical overlay. In its current form, it approaches the Greek Revival Style. The columns support an oversized cornice. Both the columns and the dentals have a homemade look. A beautiful fan entry is echoed with the arched windows. Both also have over-sized cornices.

At least until 1901 the home was located slightly to the south and facing Capitol St. It was turned and moved to the back of the lot. The lot was split to accommodate three small homes on postage stamp lots. Now it sits at the alley. The homemade aspects don’t detract from the style and character of the home. This house is one of many that define a city of unique style.

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

EASTLAKE TWINSIES- These two Eastlake Queen Anne homes are carbon copies.

We don’t know how this happened but a builder likely put up the same home in two locations. Vallejo has a lot of that. One of these homes is on Capitol and the other on Ohio.
Can you see the family resemblance?

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

A SOPHISTICATED MIX OF CLASSICAL AND CRAFTSMAN FEATURES-

Built in the 1920s, this Craftsman was the home of Winfield Scott Munro, Naval Shipyard employee, for several years. It was sold to George Hodgkinson, a member of a pioneer Vallejo family whose family owned it for more than 30 years.
The home is trimmed out with many beautiful details. The porch support is shaped by tapered columns, as expected. However, the roof above is an open gable with a return, supported by brackets. The same design is repeated above the garage.

The mix of classical elements in a craftsman home is as surprising as it is charming. Let’s have a shout-out! Who loves the craftsman homes?

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

AN IMPRESSIVE QUEEN ANNE -This beautiful home belonged to James Henry Topley and his wife. James was the brother of William Topley.

Both were druggists but William became well known as a photographer who took hundreds of photos of Vallejo between the 1880s and the early 1930s.
The details on this home are amazing.

There are at least 3 types of shingles with many moldings. A series of rondels stretch across the belly band. The porch is flanked by columns where an arch of lattice and spindles leads to the front door. The bay window has an interesting stained glass panel. The three windows each have flared hoods held up by brackets.

Homes like this add to the wealth of Vallejo’s architecture for sure. What do you like about it?

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

Wishing a blessed Eid to those celebrating today!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Easter to those who celebrate!

THE WITCHES OF VALLEJO?

A Mission Revival parapet with a quatrefoil window (a Gothic idea) competes with Georgian-style elements such as a portico, pediment, columns, and dentils for dominance. The style is as enigmatic as its history.

Arthur Megarry, a Vallejo grocer, had this home built for his sisters Mary and Letitia circa 1900. The Megarry sisters lived there until the early 1960s. The two walked around town for many years, always wearing shapeless black dresses, black shoes and black hats.
They were involved in numerous court cases over the years, including a lawsuit against a man who called one of them an “old witch,” and were feared by many neighborhood children because of their gruff manner.

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and see it for yourself?

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

MY LITTLE APPRENTICE!

I’m teaching my daughter the ropes. We are assessing our newest property renovation. When she first saw the inside of the house, she said “this is the worst house I’ve ever seen… it’s HORRIBLE!” She’s five so in fairness it probably is the worst she’s seen. But, its not so bad and I explained to her how we’re going to fix it up cuz that’s what we do. She’s got big ideas about how the kitchen remodel should be done. What spring projects are on your agenda?



Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

PRETTY IN PINK- Have you seen these cute homes on Ohio?
These little Craftsmans are mirror cabins (there is a 3rd cabin in the back).

Each has a low slope roof with a broad exposed overhang. There is simple narrow beveled siding above the water table and a broader shiplath below.

A broad cement Art Deco stairway leads to the front porches which have simple heavy square columns. I would love to see more flowers to add a riot of color and match the pink.

These cute homes feel like a beach town. Maybe Santa Cruz?

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

Buying a home is scary to many people. But it can be fun! We have created a Buyer Road Map Infographic to give you an overview.

This step-by-step infographic takes you through the process of finding a home, financing, and making an offer.

Start with “Just Looking” and follow the roadmap to the seller accepting your offer.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed. I've created this graphic and a whole host of tools specifically for buyers. You can download the map and access all of this valuable information on my home buyer's guide page. I'm here to help!

https://www.vallejohistorichomes.com/buy/historic-home-buyers-guide/

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. Cal DRE 01987892

I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THIS HOME.

This 1925 structure was built for Dr. E.A. Person. It has a sophisticated and classy feeling. It makes me feel like an old Hollywood movie.

This is a Mediterranean Revival. The style started as an attempt to capture the feeling of a seaside villa.

Unlike the similar Spanish Revival, the Mediterranean Revival usually has a symmetrical rectangular layout. They are also a bit more formal.

The broad overhanging tile roof, arches, metal work and large rectangular windows are all a part of the style.

Does anyone else feel old school Hollywood?

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

FREE WORKSHOP DEC 3RD. Take advantage of the 2023 Tax credit!

I am pleased to present my next workshop, weatherization and insulation. This workshop is FREE and primarily focused on helping owners of older homes. I am partnering with John Sylvain for this event.

The workshop will be on Sunday Dec 3rd. There will be two classes (1pm and 2:30pm).

Space is limited. Click the link in my bio to register.

The workshop will last for about an hour. It will be a basic intro to weatherization and insulation. We will talk about the various types of products and when and how they can be used.

Tax credits for insulation and weatherization in 2023 have gone up from 10% to 30%. Note this is a tax credit not a tax deduction. The big benefit here is you dont need to itemize to take advantage of a credit. You can take both the standard deduction and the tax credit.

Time is running out and we am hoping to help folks save some money with a more energy-efficient home and save some money with the IRS too.

Please note that this advice is general as I am not a tax professional. Everyone's tax situation is different. Consult your tax professional for information about your situation.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE GRAND HOMES TOUR? -Mad Hatter is looking for volunteers to help with the historic home tour.

We need helpers for various tasks to help guide folks or help hosts. We are especially interested in finding musicians who will volunteer to play Christmas music or easy-mood music in or around some of the homes.

The tour is Dec 10th from 3-7pm.

Please direct message me if you are interested or if you know someone who you think might be.

For more info about the tour or to buy tickets check the link in my profile.

Thanks

Chris



Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

John Hudson Thomas (1878-1945) was a prominent First Bay Tradition architect who also had a close relationship with Julia Morgan. Later in his career, John Hudson Thomas was involved with the Second Bay Tradition.

Thomas was closely associated with Berkeley, but there are many Vallejo examples attributed to him. 

His work was highly detailed in ornamentation and often whimsical. John Hudson Thomas’s work included a mix of many styles including Prairie, Tudor, Art Nouveau, Gothic, and Mission. 

One unifying feature in his style was a five-sided bay window with a distinctive individual roof. See the photos for examples.

The homes we have in Vallejo are smaller homes but still very fun. I think Vallejo is pretty cool and these homes are just one more example.



Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

DO YOU KNOW THE HATCH HOUSE? This rustic craftsman was built in 1913 by architect Walter H Ratcliff for the Hatch family.

The Hatch family owned the ferry line between Vallejo and San Francisco.

Walter H Radcliff was an architect from Berkeley who was well-known for architecture influenced by traditional English countryside design. Which is certainly on display here.

If you love historic Vallejo as much as I do, please leave a comment.

What do you think about the rustic sophistication?



Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

With all the rain we've had this season, I'm looking forward to seeing the beautiful blooms this year! The Vallejo Garden Tour is a great way to spend the afternoon while supporting the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. Hope to see you there.

OPEN HOUSE TODAY. 227 Edgemont Ave. 3 bd 2 bath listed at $570,000.

Completely rewired, painted inside and out, and with many repairs & upgrades (section one clearance on file), this charming split-level home is located in the super cute Fairmont Park area. It is directly next to the actual park and surrounded by similar 1930s homes. The wood floors and bay window give this home charm. Marble in the kitchen and bathroom adds elegance. Check out the spa tub in the bathroom!

There is a large patio that makes the backyard a great place to relax. The driveway has room for two cars to park side-by-side. All appliances are included in the sale. If you don't know Fairmont Park, it is a wonderful neighborhood with a great sense of place. The work has been done to make a beautiful home. Come take a look. You will be impressed.

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

OPEN HOUSE. 1-3 pm Today. 3bd 2.5 bath listed at $599,000.

This beautiful Craftsman is ready to impress. It was fully remodeled in 2017 and has been repainted since. The wood paneling and hardwood floors will impress you just as much as the recently remodeled kitchen and 2.5 bathrooms.

There is lots of storage including his and hers walk-in closets in the master bedroom. The Hall bath is ensuite to the 2nd bedroom, creating a 2nd master. There is another room upstairs used as an office or bedroom.

This home has impressive flow making it feel larger than it is. You will love the two bay windows. 700
Sacramento is in the historic downtown and only 3 blocks from the ferry. The deck off the
kitchen and spacious front porch are both great places to relax.

The home sits high above the
street with fresh breezes and partial views of the Napa river and Mt Tam. There are 5 fruit trees
and many flowering plants. You will find quality everywhere you look from the large tankless water heater to the attention to detail paid in the remodel. It is a must-see.

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes. CalDRE01987892

OPEN HOUSE IN THE VISTA- Please come and check out this beautiful home in a great location Sat the 16th and the 23rd from 1pm-3pm.

For more information, including a great video visit this website.

PeacefulVistaRetreat.com

Buying a home is scary to many people. But it can be fun! We have created a Buyer Road Map Infographic to give you an overview.

This step-by-step infographic takes you through the process of finding a home, financing, and making an offer.

Start with “Just Looking” and follow the roadmap to the seller accepting your offer.

Print out the HISTORIC HOME BUYER'S GUIDE at link below to see exactly what to do and when to do it at a single glance.
https://www.vallejohistorichomes.com/buy/historic-home-buyers-guide/

As always, I here to help you with any questions you may have.

Disclosure: Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes CalDRE01987892

Hi friends! Have you checked out my “Architectural Guide to Historic Vallejo”? This first installment goes to about 1940. It’s a short read (mostly pictures). I don’t just demonstrate defining characteristics. I try to share the story of how and why these homes were built and also what that story means to us, today.

This guide is one of my ways to show off our city in her best light. If you love historic Vallejo the way I do, please take a look at this link and share it with local friends and family.

https://www.vallejohistorichomes.com/architectural-guide-to-historic-vallejo/

Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes CalDRE01987892

Architectural Guide to Historic Vallejo | Vallejo Historic Homes Architectural Guide TO Historic vallejo Explore Vallejo's Historic Architecture There are at least a dozen architectural styles in Historic Vallejo and

We are just a few months away form the typical seasonal demand where buyers start to look for quality homes. This article helps sellers understand why March-August is the ideal time to list your home.

Get access to:
- a profit estimate worksheet
- a monthly analysis of the Vallejo Historic Home Market
- a step by step checklist to prepare your home for sale

As always, I'm here to any questions you have.

Chris Jacobson is a Realtor with Vallejo Historic Homes.
CalDRE01987892

When Is The Best Time To Sell My Historic Home? | Vallejo Historic Homes We recommend you sell when the time is right for you. If it makes sense to sell because of where you are at in your life, then it is probably the best