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Archives for January 2020

A Few Things to Know Before Building Your Dream Home

January 27, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

When I am having a vision on my dream home, it is normally after I have visited a house or neighborhood that I really like. I have never looked at a step by step process of my dream home as the family inside the home is what makes the dream come to life.

Gary Bordeaux sees it a little different than myself. His dream home is pretty awesome as well. Read on.

You are ready to build your dream home, but you are not sure where to start. There are production homes that you can purchase, or you can hire a contractor and build your custom home. This is where you have to balance costs against your lifestyle. A factor to consider is how your lifestyle will change over the years. Most families have children while living in their house. The children then grow up and leave home. A production house may be able to have changes made during this process. A custom house can be built with the future in mind.

The following is some information that will make it helpful when making the decision to build a production house or to build a custom one. You will want to do your research and weigh the pros and cons on what type of house suits you. Either way, you want to hire a professional to walk you through the process. When choosing the professional ask others whom they worked with and how they felt about the experience. Word of mouth is the best recommendation. You can also contact the better business bureau to get suggestions on whom you want to hire.

Choosing a Production or a Custom House

When building a custom home, you will need to hire an architect. They charge a percentage of the cost of the home. This fee is the base charge. They may be more fees for additional drawings or if you have the architect handle ordering materials and administering the contract. With an architect in charge, your house can be designed the way you want it plus it easier to make changes as needed.

Hiring a Professional

You can also hire a designer-builder. The design-builder handles the entire process of building a custom home. In the construction industry, this is a project delivery system. The designer built house has one person responsible for everything from the contract to the completion of the house. This minimizes risks for the owner of the house. In the past, there was one person responsible for the design of the house and one person responsible for the building. Having more than one person in charge can cause things to slip through the cracks without realizing that it is happening.

The building of the house is led by a professional sometimes it is the general contractor. Other times it may be an architect or engineer. Some design-builder firms use professionals from all aspects of the project. It can also be a team venture with both the general contractor and the designer working together on the project. Which one you choose should be the one you are comfortable with as you will be working closely with them as they build your dream house.

When using a general contractor as the lead on the building of the house they work with the owner. They also work with subcontractors. While they are working with others, they are solely responsible for all the work being done. The subcontractors are responsible to the general contractor and the general contractor is responsible to the owner of the house. The owner has to deal with only one person which makes building the home much easier. The architect would be considered an employee of the general contractor.

When the architect is the lead on the project they work with the owner and hires the other professionals as needed. But it is the architect who is responsible for all the work. The architect starts as the designer and ends as the site supervisor. They make sure they complete the house according to the wishes of the owner. Once again one person is responsible for the work being completed on the house. In this case it is the architect.

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Filed Under: Real Estate News Tagged With: arden arcade ca first time homebuyer, arden arcade ca homes for sale, arden arcade real estate, carmichael ca homes for sale, carmichael property, carmichael property for sale

Celebrate National Pie Day in Sacramento!

January 23, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Need an excuse to indulge? Then you’re in luck because today is National Pie Day! In honor of this delicious holiday, I scoured the area to find the top four places in town to grab a slice…or whole pie

Real Pie Company: As its name suggests, this artisan bakery is known for its yummy pies, which are created with handmade, all-butter crusts and fresh, seasonal fruit and nuts. If you’re craving something sweet, try their Jumbleberry Pie (marionberries, cherries, wild blueberries & raspberries). If you’re opting for savory, try their homemade chicken pot pie. They also offer pie milkshakes… Need I say more? Click here to view their full menu.

I Love Pie: I Love Pie is another great pie shop to check out in Carmichael! Yelpers call their first pie-eating experience here “love at first bite!”. The shop is charming and welcoming and its pies are even more impressive! Dig into their apple pie (one of their more popular flavors) for an unforgettable experience.

Ricks Dessert Diner: This retro diner is known for serving up some delicious desserts! After all, they’ve been voted “Best of Sacramento for Dessert” every year since 1986. Some of their most popular pies include their old fashioned apple pie and chocolate peanut butter pie. Click here to see their expansive pie menu.

Freeport Bakery: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Freeport Bakery has got you covered with their delicious Hand Pies, which consist of a flakey pie pastry filled with your choice of apple, cherry or berry filling. A thin layer of marzipan makes these exclusive Freeport Bakery specials.

Do you have a favorite pie shop in Sacramento? Let me know in the comments section below!

Filed Under: Sacramento Lifestyle

10 Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Style…Without Breaking The Bank

January 22, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

So you’ve got a new house – congratulations! There’s just one problem…It’s not quite your style. But with all the money you just dropped on closing and moving and new furniture, you don’t have a lot of cash to spruce it up.

Or, maybe you’re just about to sell your house and you wish you could spruce it up a bit before putting it on the market, but you don’t want to spend a ton. Basically, you need a lot of look for not a lot of dough, right?Don’t worry! These quick and usually DIY upgrades will make your home look and feel like a million bucks (for just a small chunk of change).

You can upgrade your home’s style with these easy projects.

1. Remove The 90’s Ducks

Maybe your home doesn’t have literal country blue ducks all over the kitchen, but if you have an older home, chances are good there’s some equally cheesy decor hanging around. Just removing the wallpaper or covering up the hokey paint — will make your home look and feel much fresher.

2. Get Rid of Grime

Take a close look at the surfaces that often get ignored. Places like the base molding and window sills often have a layer of grime that needs to be removed or even repainted. Get your elbow grease on and try a Magic Eraser on these surfaces. If that doesn’t work, fresh caulk and a new coat of bright white paint will go a long way to help make your place look bright and clean again.

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3. Paint!

A new coat of a light, neutral paint will make any room look and feel invigorated. Not sure what to choose? Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige works just about anywhere if you like neutrals. Not into beige? That’s ok. Agreeable Gray is a great cooler neutral, and Alabaster is the perfect white but not TOO white.

4. Highlight One Wall

If you’re already working with a neutral palette, you can add in some personality and pizazz. Add an accent wall in a fun spot like your breakfast nook or powder bath. You can use wall stickers or removable wallpaper for a low commitment look, or go simple and slap on the paint. Just this one simple addition will make you smile whenever you walk in the room.

5. Add Art

Adding art to your home is a great way to add style. But not just any art…Add some large scale art that you LOVE.

What does large scale mean? Well, think of the biggest piece you have, and then find something bigger. If you LOVE it, it belongs on the wall, and a big piece will set the tone for an entire room. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. You can get great pieces at Living Spaces or IKEA for around $100.

Want to spend a little more? Scroll around Instagram. You can find fantastic original art there AND you’ll be supporting small business owners. Win / Win.

6. Show The Ones You Love

When you’re moving into a new place, it can be a little unsettling. Nothing will bring a sense of home like the faces of your loved ones. You can add professional portraits if you like, or you can share your happy memories of more candid moments in a big ol’ grid like the one below. Again, this doesn’t have to break the bank. Mixtiles will ship you ready to hang photos for $12 apiece (sometimes even less)! Best of all, these babies don’t damage your walls, and they can be moved again and again.

7. Change Out The Faucets

Now that we’ve fully addressed the walls, let’s turn our attention to other areas. Those “crystal” faucets? They’ve got to go. Luckily, replacing them is a pretty easy project AND you can get some much better looking alternatives at your local Home Depot. This super simple faucet is a huge upgrade… and it’s less than fifty bucks! Watch a couple of YouTube videos, break out the wrenches, and kiss those acrylic cheapies goodbye.

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8. Swap Out Light Fixtures

Now we’re getting a little more technical. if you don’t have a ton of knowledge in this area, you might want to bring in a pro. Don’t worry, though. You can find an electrician who will give you a reasonable rate for this task, and if you’ve got a couple lights to replace, they can help you with all of them at once. No matter who does the installation, you can find great looking lights to replace the brass builder basics. This alone will make a huge transformation in your space!

9. Change Your Light Switches, Too.

While you’ve got the electrician there… (or if you’ve decided you can DIY), change out your switches and outlet covers. There are so many options nowadays; there’s no reason to have yellowed, cracked switches. Also, the sky’s the limit on this. You can stick with simple new plates or you can add dimmer switches or switches with smart features.

10. Bring The Outdoors IN!

Adding plants brings a vibrant, happy energy to any room, and they can be super cheap, too. So, head on down to your local nursery and stock up on succulents and shade lovers.

There you have it — some great ways to spruce up a house that won’t cost you a fortune. Which one will you try first? Fair warning: Once you get started, it’s kind of addictive.

Filed Under: Home Improvement

Celebrate National Bagel Day in Sacramento!

January 15, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

If devoting a whole day to the love of bagels sounds like a dream come true, then you’ll be happy to know that today is National Bagel Day! Whether you enjoy a simple yet delicious bagel with cream cheese or one with all the toppings, Sacramento has some great bagel spots in town.

  1. Noah’s Bagels: This popular bagel chain is actually offering FREE bagels today until closing. Click here to find a location near you and grab a free bagel before they close!
  2. Main Street Bagel Cafe: Located at 1580 W. El Camino Avenue in South Natomas, Main Street Bagel Cafe is one of the highest-rated bagel spots in Sacramento, boasting four stars out of 152 reviews on Yelp. They have a fantastic selection of homemade bagels and homemade cream cheese spreads. They also have some great bagel sandwiches such as their garlic and jalapeño bagel eggwich. Click here for more information.
  3. Bagel Time: Bagel Time, which is located at 1607 10th Street is another great place to grab a fresh bagel and coffee on the go. This bagel spot is known for its delicious homemade bagels smothered in pecan-pineapple cream cheese. Visitors also rave about their lox and cream cheese bagels.

Do you have a favorite bagel spot in your part of town? Let me know in the comments section below!

Filed Under: Sacramento Lifestyle

The One Change You Should Make to Your Home in 2020

January 13, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Another new year has come. I remember when we went from 1999 to 2000 and everyone was wondering what would still be working at midnight and would our computer clocks be messed up.

Here we are in 2020 and Jaymi Naciri has a few good ideas on changes in 2020 to keep our homes fresh.

Splash a new color up on the walls. Redo your floors. Buy a new couch. They might be on the long list of things you’d like to do to your house in 2020. But you know what should be at the top of that list? Buying new plants.

So key are plants to the overall look and feel of the home that they made Elle Decor’s list of 2020 design trends. But we’re not talking about those faux, plasticky plants. It’s time for the real stuff.

“Going green with nice, real indoor plants helps give personality and another layer to a space,” Linda Hayslett of L.H. Designs, told them. “For a while, it seemed like everyone was going faux. But these days, it’s all real, all the time. “I can always spot a faux plant in a design. It may be great initially, but the character of a plant comes from how it organically grows. And faux plants will always remain the same and eventually get dusty.”

We could build a “best of” list based on popularity or pretty factor or 3,700 other categories, but, like anything else, it’s best to split the list into individual categories. Here, then, is our take on the best plants to incorporate now.

Most low maintenance

Many of us avoid having real plants because we lack a green thumb (guilty!). But there are some great options that take little effort to stay alive and look great. “Don’t be fooled by the beauty of the Chinese evergreen—beyond its handsome exterior is one tough plant,” said Real Simple.

“Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, explains that this forgiving houseplant is great during the wintertime because it ‘doesn’t mind low light or inconsistent watering, as long as it doesn’t stay wet for extended periods.’ Its broad, decorative leaves are woven with gorgeous patterns in colors that come in a range of glossy greens, silvers, grays, and cream. Even the least experienced gardener can successfully grow the Chinese evergreen thanks to its hardiness. Cast aside any self-doubt, as Hancock reassures, ‘this air-purifying houseplant powers through the winter season and looks fresh and green all year.’”

The ZZ Plant is another great choice because it is “virtually indestructible.” In fact, “the zz plant will often do better if you leave it alone,” they said.

Best for your health

There is evidence that plants are good for you in a variety of ways, but one of the most potent is their effect on air quality. They can help counteract the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and indoor air pollution. Spider plants are “among the easiest air-purifying indoor plants to grow,” said Greatist. Spider plants are also super fast-growing, so you can start with a small plant and watch it flourish, or even spin-off “spiderettes” to spread throughout your home.

Tallest growing

The ficus is another air purifying plant and a good choice if you’re looking for something that can grow large. An indoor ficus can get as tall as 10 feet and is another low-maintenance option.

Easiest herb garden starter

An indoor herb garden is easier to achieve than you may think, especially when you start with something simple like basil. “A critical herb for cuisines around the world and a favorite pairing for tomatoes, basil is easy to grow indoors,” said Gardeners.com. “Pinch off individual leaves and add to salads, sandwiches, and sauce. Make your own pesto. Plant seeds or purchase small plants and pot them in rich, organic potting soil. Basil loves heat and bright light, so give it a southern or western window or use a grow light. Avoid cool, drafty spots, especially in the winter.”

Most fragrant

Make your place smell sweet, and look beautiful, with Azores Jasmine. “For intense fragrance, grow this jasmine,” said DIY Network. “It typically flowers spring through fall, but tosses open blooms in winter, too, if growing conditions provide warmth and sun. Give it a spot near a southern-facing window. The perfume is similar to gardenia. Plants may be slow to bloom the first year. Just wait—the flower show kicks into gear as plants age.”

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Filed Under: Real Estate News Tagged With: arden arcade ca homes for sale, arden arcade real estate, carmichael ca dream homes, carmichael ca homes for sale, fair oaks ca homes for sale, plants for 2020

See What Sacramento Has in Store for January…

January 7, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

The holidays have come and gone but Sacramento still has lots in store for residents and visitors alike. That’s why I have put together a list of local events, activities, weekend getaways and more to help you kick off the New Year!

Click on the below links for a round-up of local events and activities happening in and around the city!

Events and Happenings:

  1. 2019 Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (Now through January 20)
  2. Sacramento Kings Game Schedule
  3. Dine Downtown 2020 (January 10-20)
  4. Second Saturdays for KIDS @ DOCO (January 11)
  5. Sacramento Antique Faire (January 12)
  6. Crafting Kindness @ Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (January 12)
  7. Harlem Globetrotters @ Golden 1 (January 12)
  8. Monster Jam @ Golden 1 (January 17-19)
  9. National Geographic Live @ Harris Center (January 17)
  10. Cirque Du Soleil’s AMALUNA @ Raley Field (January 22)
  11. Sacramento Chocolate Salon 2020 (January 26)
  12. Twilight Dinner Cruise Above the River City Queen (Select weekends in January)

Can’t seem to shake the post-holiday blues? One of the things that makes Sacramento so special is its central location – it’s just a short drive to the coast and Tahoe! So if you’re not ready to face reality quite yet, consider taking a quick trip to one of the below destinations!

Epic Weekend Trips and Deals: 

  1. Lake Tahoe: Skiers and snowboarders rejoice! It’s officially Winter—which means it’s time to start hitting the slopes. Lake Tahoe is the perfect winter wonderland this time of year and is also home to fantastic restaurants, shopping, and cozy lodges and hotels. Are you a fan of South Tahoe? Take a look at some of the local events taking place this month by clicking here. North Tahoe also has a helpful guide for hitting the slopes, stores and more. Check out their guide here.
  2. Napa Valley: Looking to spend winter in the wineries? This season is a great opportunity to enjoy Napa Valley and all of its offerings without the large crowds. Calistoga is ushering in Cabernet season with its “Winter in the Wineries” passport, which offers fantastic savings! Take a scenic bike ride tour and soak in breathtaking landscapes, soar above the clouds in a hot air balloon, enjoy a culinary experience at one of their many award-winning restaurants or visit one of their 400+ wineries. Click here for a list of weekend events and here for lodging accommodations.
  3. Half Moon Bay: Venture over to Half Moon Bay and enjoy over 300 miles of breathtaking coastal views and sandy beaches. Take a scenic hike or bike ride and enjoy dramatic views of ocean bluffs. Plan a beach day picnic at one of their many beautiful beach destinations. Savor delicious food and equally wonderful sights at one of their fine and casual dining spots. Thinking of planning a weekend trip? From romantic inns and luxurious coastal resorts to budget-friendly hotels and bed and breakfast inns, Half Moon Bay’s wide variety of lodging offers a perfect fit for everyone. Click here to plan your stay.

According to CNBC, “The severe shortage of homes for sale is upending the sales calendar for the whole housing market. Spring has historically been the busiest buying season, but as competition for homes heats up across the country, January is the new April. Spring starts now.” Click here to see why now is an ideal time to dive into the real estate market!

Filed Under: Real Estate News, Sacramento Lifestyle

Craig Diez

Craig Diez

California REALTOR®
916-425-5884
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