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Joe Brasil

@joebrasil

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North Bay Wine Country Real Estate and Living - Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Marin Counties

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I have unintentionally become a nomad... partly because I am practicing what I preach (trying to build my own wealth through real estate), and partly because I have not settled in a place (yet) that has “checked all the boxes.” You see, through IRS code section 121, a homeowner can walk away with up to $250K of “profit” in capital gains, tax-free ($500K if you’re married), if they have personally occupied their home for at least 2 of the 5 years leading up to the sale. I have benefited from this code. I recently sold my home in the Hidden Valley pocket of Browns Valley. It was a midcentury ranch-style home on a quarter-acre lot with a fabulous backyard that I painstakingly restored. I was its second owner, with the first owner being the beloved Napa tailor, Nick Cervone. It was an honor to live in a home that he loved for most of his adult life. It was also an honor to live my “American Dream” in this neighborhood. I fell in love with my neighbors there. There were regular neighborhood breakfasts, dinner parties, and get-togethers. Many of them also had fur babies that they took out on the regular. It felt nostalgic living there, and in that way, it checked my box. But my family is growing (again)... I recently got married and my daughter is marrying her college sweetheart later this month, and it was becoming apparent that my special spot was getting too tight. Last summer, I came across an opportunity, and after a month and a half of consideration and negotiations, it became officially ours. My husband and I now have a new home (or project) that we are currently in the thick of fixing up. It offers space for our growing family, a 3rd car garage for my little Miata that I have lovingly owned since 1993, and a fabulous backyard of its own. It’s exciting to have a new start with a partner I love and the promise of a growing family, but I can’t help but feel a presence of absence now since I have left Brookwood Drive. I’m in the midst of a bittersweet joy, having loved where I lived and loving what I have to look forward to in my new home. taken in Napa Valley by @joebrasil

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5 days ago

Yes, yes, yes, yes! This “jardin” is a special one. I can see a fabulous party taking place here. Imagine the strung lights a glow at dusk, the champagne flowing, and worldly jazz playing through the speakers while you host your friends and family. 🍾🥂🎶 #napavalley #highdesign #backyard #homeforsale taken in Napa Valley by @joebrasil

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9 days ago

My new listing in the ABC District of Old Town Napa went into contract after one weekend on the market. One of the contributing factors for its success was the thoughtfully designed and mature backyard space. I can't tell you how many times I take a prospective buyer into the backyard of a home that has existed for years, yet there is no established landscaping. It doesn't take too much effort to create a backyard oasis over time. If you own a home and you want to make it more marketable as well as increase its resale value for when the time comes to sell, focus on your backyard space. Not only will get to enjoy it yourself, your friends and family will love it, and so will the future buyers. #napavalley #backyard #oasis #garden #design #napahomesold taken in Napa Valley by @joebrasil

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12 days ago

I met Steve Clazie when I was a teenager. He was 30 years my senior; a baby boomer. Yet this Gen X’er had lots in common with him. We clicked and we were in each other’s lives for over 35 years. Steve was a cheerleader in many peoples lives. In my life he was always checking in, celebrating my accomplishments with complete joy, and cheering me on with determination when times were challenging. The last couple years of his life were spent taking care of his wife of 60+ years. He loved “Joanie” dearly and watching him watching her struggle was incredibly difficult. I tried to reciprocate for him what he had done for me all my life, but I did not have the words or the wisdom to do it as well as he did. When Joan succumbed to her illness last December I could see that a major part of his identity was lost. He tried to fill his new found time. He was active in so many peoples lives. He was making plans to have some fun, and I was applauding his efforts, as I know so many others were as well. It was our turn to be his cheerleader. Last month Steve was not feeling well, and on the advice of his daughter he checked himself into the hospital. Sadly, for so many of us, he never left. Somehow I can’t help but think that for him, this is what he would have preferred. A life without his Joanie was not a life that he was looking forward to, and now it’s our turn again to muster up the spirit of his joy and celebrate him and his accomplishments. by @joebrasil

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13 days ago

A contemporary craftsman….my new listing is a relatively new build, however, here you will find a warm inviting space instead of the typical sterile like decor and finishes that you see in most new builds these days. For example, this beauty features hickory floors, maple cabinetry, plantation shutters, a covered front porch, and the curb appeal of a character home. You feel like you’re stepping into a classic home, but without the maintenance that a classic home might need. 218 Saffron Court is now available at $1,150,000 and here’s a little peek at it. #newlisting #napavalley #napa #realestate #home taken in Napa Valley by @joebrasil

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15 days ago

“Snow White’s Cottage”….that is what my seller’s family lovingly call her Old Town Napa home. My new listing at 487 Seymour Street is the most adorable vintage 1930 one bedroom two bath cottage. Whether you’re Snow White, Grandma, a first time buyer, a downsizer, or someone looking for a spot to getaway to in the Napa Valley, I have no doubt this cutie would be a great contender. It’s now available at $599K. #newlisting #justlisted #napavalley #cottage #home taken in Napa Valley by @joebrasil

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18 days ago

Do you like to entertain? Do you have teenage kids and you want a home that is the hub for them and their friends? 50 Oakcrest Court is perfectly set up for those who like to host people and have fun. It is a sprawling ranch style home with multiple spaces to gather. It features a classic pool, a huge hot tub, a fire-pit, and even an outdoor bar. It’s located just off the famous Silverado Trail minutes from downtown Napa and is now available at $1,695,000. #newlisting #napavalley #napahomeforsale #naparealtor #naparealestate taken in Napa Valley by @joebrasil

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24 days ago

The cross roads in Paris. I love to walk. I do it for exercise. I do it to clear my mind. And I do it for fun. This past week my walks have been like a visit through the gallery of life in the city of love. Corner after corner was a different scene, but somehow exactly how I imagined it to be. Its beauty felt endless. I came to this city with high expectations. So many friends here before me with wonderful stories of their experience. Now I have my own experience and stories to share. Merci Paris….you did not disappoint. #paris taken in Paris, France by @joebrasil

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a month ago

During the photo and video shoots for my new listing in the ABC District of Napa my seller assisted me with the “staging”. She pulled out a couple of beautiful champagne buckets, one small and one large to help set the scene. In her fridge was a stock of champagne bottles, chilled and ready to go. I thought to myself…we are birds of a feather. This week I’m in France, enjoying champagne of course, but also promoting my new listing from across the pond. While here I have watched the French culture and lifestyle of being in the moment. They know how to just be. Appropriately, 1711 F Street in Old Town Naps is the kind of house and garden that lends itself to a life where you can embrace the moments. My colleague @maricriswilson will be holding it open for me this Sunday, 9/20, from 1-3. #newlisting #openhouse #oldtownnapa #vintage #craftsman taken in Napa Valley, California by @joebrasil

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a month ago

Today we celebrate my husbands birthday in Paris. We’re staying at an idyllic family owned boutique hotel in the heart of the Saint Germain District. It is the wee hours of the morning here and he’s sound asleep next to me as I craft this post in his honor. I scrolled through my camera roll for the last year in search of the perfect pic for my post, and the one that struck me was a very recent one taken at the end of our first lunch here. We ordered a chocolate mouse and coffee to cap off a fabulous meal and what was delivered was a demitasse with a shot of espresso and giant bowl of heavenly chocolate whipped cream. It was and is a perfect metaphor for who we are. I love this man because he laughs out loud when things are funny, he laughs often, and he encourages me to laugh more. He makes sure to have fun planned and on our calendar. He loves high fashion but has a wardrobe that consists of 7 black T-shirt’s, tan shorts and blue jeans. He wants to see the world and he’s going to make me do it with him. He loves to plan and make an elaborate meal and I love to have people over to enjoy it. Seeing the fun that he has squeezed into our daily lives over the last 365 days has brought me joy (again) this morning. This shot of espresso needs that big bowl of delicious mouse for a more balanced life. Merci et joyeux anniversaire Damian. I love you. taken in Paris, France by @joebrasil

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a month ago

My life in France. #trèsbon taken in Paris, France by @joebrasil

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a month ago

A weekend I will never forget. I officiated my sister in law’s wedding. It was an incredibly special indescribable experience to be an intimate part of Sarah and Ashley professing their love and commitment to each other. It was a glorious Idaho country night. ❤️ taken in Idaho - the Gem State by @joebrasil

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a month ago