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Holiday Activity Guide

December 1, 2022 by cdiez Leave a Comment

It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! That’s right, it’s time to put away the fall decor and take out those holiday lights, decorate the tree and home, and let the festivities begin. In honor of this magical season and all of the joy and happiness that it brings, we’ve put together a “Holiday Guide” for the best light displays around town, holiday-inspired activities and events, and more! We also take a look at ways in which you can elevate your home decor this season. Read on for the full scoop!

Holiday Events & Happenings:

Sacramento’s Brand-New Enchant Christmas

When: Open Now through January 1st
Where: Sutter Health Park | 400 Ballpark Drive, Sacramento
What: Grab your family and friends and head to Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park as it transforms into an enchanted forest with millions of twinkling lights. Presented by the Hallmark Channel, Enchant Christmas was created by best friends Kevin Johnston and Cam Walker. Since their first event in 2016, Enchant has grown to be the world’s largest illuminated winter wonderland, where you can make your way through an immersive walk-through light maze as you discover larger-than-life displays, find your way to the epic 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, and look for special surprises along the way. Enchant also features an ice-skating trail through a dazzling forest of Christmas lights, live entertainment, a village of tiny shops with holiday crafts and treats, the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and so much more. If you’re 21 or over, be sure to make a stop at the Tipsy Tree Lounge to grab a Christmas cocktail in a light-up lightbulb cup that will put even Scrooge in a festive mood.
Learn More Here

Imaginarium – Light up the Night – Presented by Sacramento’s Global Winter Wonderland

When: Open Now – Thursday through Sunday until December 14th – then daily Starting December 15th to January 2nd
Where: Cal Expo Fairgrounds | 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento
What: Let your imagination run wild at Imaginarium 2022 “Light Up the Night”, Presented by Global Winter Wonderland. Gaze at the 3-million lights as you travel through 15 acres of mazes, rides, our newly designed fantasy zone, carnival rides and so much more!
Learn More Here

Theatre of Lights in Old Sacramento

When: December 1-24 (select days)
Where: Old Sacramento Waterfront District | 1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento
What: Located blocks from the renowned Golden 1 Center, the Old Sacramento Waterfront district transforms into a 19th-century winter wonderland. Watch the light show spectacular and unique retelling of the American classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
See The Complete Schedule Here

Light Up the Night at DOCO Sacramento

When: December 3rd from 12 – 6 pm
Where: 405 K Street, Sacramento
What: Light Up The Holidays on Saturday, December 3. This free, family-friendly event features the following activities in West Plaza:

Selfies with Santa | 12-6 pm
DJ + Carolers | 12-6:30 pm
106.5 The End | 12-2 pm
Cookie Decorating with Insomnia Cookies | 3-6 pm
Holiday Characters & Photo Ops | 3-6 pm
Face Painter + Airbrush Tattoos | 3-6 pm

Then, gather in front of Golden 1 Center, when DOCO lights up the sky with two spectacular Drone Light Shows! Each show is 10 minutes. Show 1 will be at 5:30 pm and show 2 will be at 6:30 pm. It will be the perfect day to visit DOCO – holiday shopping, Selfies with Santa, dining, and drone light shows!
Learn more here

Polar Express in Old Sacramento (ALMOST SOLD OUT)

When: December 1-21 (select days)
Where: California State Railroad Museum | 125 I Street, Sacramento
What: Enjoy this magical family event! The evening begins in our passenger station where you will be entertained by Polar Express characters, and then board your train to the North Pole where you will enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat courtesy of our hot chocolate chefs. Once you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf — Santa himself — will come on board to give each passenger the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell.
Get Your Limited Tickets Here

Magical Christmas Train in West Sacramento (SELLING OUT FAST)

When: December 2-23 (select days)
Where: Sacramento River Train | 400 N Harbor Blvd, West Sacramento
What: This excursion is fun for kids of all ages! Each ticket includes a 1-hour train ride, hot cocoa in a souvenir mug, and a sweet treat. Santa’s elves will be on board the train to guide passengers in Holiday sing-a-longs, elfish games, and fun festive activities. All the way from the North Pole, Santa Claus joins us on the train for a visit with each family. Feel free to come dressed in your cozy P.J.’s to add even more magic to your overall experience.
Get Your Limited Tickets Here

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Golden 1 Center

When: December 2nd at 3 pm and 7:30 pm
Where: Golden 1 Center | 500 David J Stern Walk Sacramento
What: Multi-platinum, progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) presents the highly anticipated 2022 winter tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More presented by Hallmark Channel. After its first year off the road in more than two decades, TSO made a triumphant return to touring in 2021 with a 25th-anniversary celebration of Christmas Eve and Other Stories. For 2022, TSO brings a completely updated presentation of the unforgettable, multi-generational holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” to 60 cities across the nation, including Sacramento, CA.
Get Your Tickets Here

Christmas Tree Lighting in Historic Folsom

When: December 2nd
Where: Historic Folsom | 905 Leidesdorff Street, Folsom
What: Singing and dancing begin at 6 pm at the amphitheater and on Sutter Street. This beloved celebration is not to be missed! The tree lights up at 7:30 pm in the center of the ice rink in the plaza. Visit Santa on 12/2,3,9,10,16 & 17 6-9 pm in the Plaza.
Learn More Here

Santa Visits and Carriage Rides in Historic Folsom

When: Starting December 3rd, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Historic Folsom | 905 Leidesdorff Street, Folsom
What: The Historic District has DECKED THE HALLS with the Historic Folsom Christmas Light Promenade! Carolers, Horse and Wagon Rides, Live Music and Entertainment Throughout Historic Folsom all season long. Plus, Santa! Santa makes special visits to Historic Folsom weekends in December. Dec 3, 9/10, 16/17. You can find Santa in his throne just off the intersection of Decatur and Sutter Streets from 5-8 pm Friday and Saturday evenings. Santa visits are complimentary.
Learn More Here

Capital Stage: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

When: Now through December 21st (select days)
Where: Capital Stage | 2215 J Street, Sacramento
What: It’s Christmas at Pemberley again! This new companion piece to Gunderson & Melcon’s holiday hit MISS BENNET, THE WICKHAMS takes us downstairs where servants are bustling with the arrival of holiday guests. In the warmth of the Darcy kitchen, family secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested. A bright new holiday tale full of mirth, wit, and the power of giving back to others.
Purchase Your Tickets Here

Santa 54th Annual Christmas Arts and Craft Fair

When: December 4th from 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Historic Folsom | 905 Leidesdorff Street, Folsom
What: At 54 years strong, this juried craft fair with more than 200 artisan crafters, strolling musicians, donation-based face painting, coffee and food vendors, and Historic District brick-and-mortar merchants and restaurateurs is the best place to find unique, quality, handmade items! This event will happen rain or shine from 9 am to 4 pm.
Learn More Here

Christmas in Fair Oaks Tree Lighting

When: December 3rd from 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: Fair Oaks Park
What: The Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District and Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce present the Christmas in Fair Oaks Tree Lighting event! The annual holiday celebration will feature live music community stage performances, craft vendors, children’s games and activities, food trucks, Santa & Mrs. Claus, tree lighting, and warm Fair Oaks charm for the entire family. Please note – the annual parade will not be taking place this year. The event will be held in Fair Oaks Park due to construction in the Fair Oaks Village. General Admission, parking, and children’s games and activities are free.
Learn More Here

38th Annual Santa Parade Around the State Capitol

When: December 10th from 10 am to 11 am
Where: 14th & N Streets along Capitol Park
What: Join Sacramento’s Official Christmas Music Station Mix 96 at 10 am on December 10th in the heart of California’s Capital City and freshly redesigned Downtown District near Capitol Park for the Santa Parade. Featuring car clubs, pageant winners, clowns, floats, marching bands, and of course, Sacramento welcomes SANTA CLAUS to town! The parade starts at 10 am and Circles Capitol Park. It will start at 14th and N, travel west to 10th, turn right up to L and end at L and 12th.
Learn More Here

Winter Wonderland at Fairytale Town

When: December 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th from 1 pm to 7 pm
Where: Fairytale Town | 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento
What: Celebrate the holiday season at Fairytale Town with holiday lights, festive décor and vendors, snow, Santa, arts & crafts, and more at Fairytale Town’s Winter Wonderland event!
Learn More Here

Sacramento SPCA’s 5th Annual Pup Crawl

When: December 10th from 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Truitt Bark Park | 19th and Q Streets
What: Join the Sacramento SPCA and partnering Midtown businesses to celebrate the Pawlidays by giving back to the animals while you sip, savor, and shop this holiday season! On Saturday, December 10th, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm check in at Truitt Bark Park for your map, jingle bells for your pup(s), photos with Santa Paws, and other holiday giveaways. Enjoy drink and food specials, shopping discounts, and holiday activity stations at each Pup Crawl stop.
Get Your Tickets Here

Santa Hustle in Roseville

When: December 11th from 8 am to 12 pm
Where: Vernon Street Town Square | 311 Vernon Street, Roseville
What: Thousands of Santas will hit the streets of Roseville during the 3rd annual Santa Hustle 5K, Half Marathon, and Kids Dash. Runners and walkers alike are warmly invited to join this magical event, which begins and ends at Vernon Street Town Square.
Register Here

Santa River Cruises Aboard the Hornblower

When: Saturdays & Sundays in December (select times)
Where: 1206 Front Street, Sacramento (between K and L Street – the L Street Dock)
What: Looking to meet Santa while avoiding the huge lines at the mall? Spend your December afternoon cruising along the Sacramento River with Santa himself! You and your family will be greeted with a complimentary cookie and a cup of hot cocoa to warm up your chilly winter afternoon. Relax to the sounds of background holiday music, or take your family to the coloring area where fun holiday-themed coloring sheets will be available. Don’t forget to bring your camera because Santa will be on board and ready for a photo op!
Plan Your Santa Cruise Here

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

When: Open select days – Now until January 16th
Where: 701 K Street, Sacramento
What: Sharpen your skates and perfect your triple axel—the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink returns to the heart of the city! Feel a chill blow down K street as you approach Ali Youssefi Square and be teleported into a winter wonderland at the ice rink.
Click Here for Pricing and Special Events

Holiday Weekends at Old Sugar Mill

When: Weekends in December until the 18th
Where: Old Sugar Mill | 35265 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg
What: Join the Old Sugar Mill as we kick off a month-long celebration of “Holiday Weekends at the Wineries” with live music, food trucks, and vendors!
Purchase Your Tickets Here

Wondering where you can catch a dazzling light display this year? Check out some of our favorite, over-the-top holiday light displays in and around the Sacramento area!

Holiday Light Displays:
East Sacramento’s Fab 40s Christmas Lights (Neighborhood Event): Grab your hot cocoa and bundle up while you admire this classic, established East Sacramento neighborhood (from 40th to 49th, between J and Folsom) for its beautiful homes and brilliant light displays. This neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with lights and garlands draped around the tree-lined streets. You can even hire Top Hand Ranch Carriage Company and take a carriage through the Fab 40s with up to 20 people!

Bayside Christmas Lights Drive-Thru in Roseville (Now through December 31): Join Bayside for its 7th Annual Christmas Lights Drive-Thru that is sure to delight the entire community. Prepare for a night of dazzling lights paired with your favorite Christmas music! Pack up the whole family and get ready to be immersed in music and lights all from the comfort of your own car. FREE tickets are required for entry to maximize your experience and to keep our roads safe. Get your tickets here.

Dovewood Court in Orangevale (Neighborhood Event): This cozy 18-home cul-de-sac brings the holiday spirit to life in the form of lights every night from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Be sure to bundle up because the neighborhood is only allowing walk-throughs this year. Parking is available nearby at the Orangevale Grange on Walnut Avenue. Every home in this cul-de-sac is extensively decorated with a holiday theme in mind – from How the Grinch Stole Christmas to Peanuts and much more!

Pebble Creek Christmas Lights in Rocklin (Neighborhood Event): Visitors trek from miles around to see this very fun and family-oriented Christmas light extravaganza that includes hundreds of handcrafted characters from your favorite shows, both old and new. A popular and classic Rocklin holiday tradition. Stroll through the neighborhood on foot or bundle up in the car and roll down the windows for an impressive display of lights! Note: Weekdays are best as weekends are extremely crowded.

Home for the holidays? Consider ditching the giant Santa this year and elevating your home decor this season with some helpful tips and tricks from expert interior designers.

You Don’t Have To Keep Up With The Joneses

“As you decorate for the holidays, always keep in mind that the primary goal is for you and your family to love where you live. You shouldn’t feel pressure to have the most spectacular light display or the tallest, sparkliest tree—unless you want to, and I’ll be the first to say, that’s totally okay,” says interior designer and owner of Kathy Kuo Home, Kathy Kuo.

Kuo suggests incorporating pieces that are the most meaningful into your holiday home presentation. “Your Grandmother’s heirloom glass ornaments or homemade paper snowflakes from your kiddos—the things that are heart-opening. From there, add in the well-placed sprigs of greenery or your favorite warm twinkle lights, You’ll find that it’s easy to get to a very meaningful and tasteful result.”

Ditch The Red And Green…When Appropriate

Liz Toombs, CID president and owner of PDR Interiors suggests going with colors that complement your existing furniture and decor. “Your colors should not fight with the standard decor of your room. The colors should be harmonious, but not a match. They need to work together in a way that supports the vibe for your holiday gathering.”

She also likes to add neutral tones. “Layered neutral tones combined with shiny accents or even pops of color work beautifully for creating a festive atmosphere. Winter whites and warm creams are always a great foundation and can be accented with a soft blush or even an icy blue,” she says. “And don’t be afraid to go beyond the traditional evergreens—mix in olive and juniper branches with eucalyptus twigs and even dusty miller for a little subtle silvery tone and visual interest.”

Create Cozy Vibes

One of the things we love most about holidays are the warm and cozy vibes. So, if you’re not sure what to do as far as decorating goes, Kuo advises keeping it simple by mixing in some cozy elements. “Finding time to pause during the holidays is the ultimate luxury, and what better way to relax than with cozy throw blankets and faux-fur decorative pillows. Light a luxe scented candle to touch all senses and enjoy the perfect touch of winter wonderment.”

Use Dishware As A Guide

Creating the picture-perfect tablescape can be one of the most stressful items to check off on your to-do list. But you don’t need to break your budget or find perfectly matching holiday-themed dishes and table linens. “If you want to create an elegant aesthetic, incorporate china and crystal or cut-glass cups paired with cloth napkins and silverware. I also recommend layering,” says Toombs. She suggests starting with your tablecloth and then adding a placement or charger. “Then add your plate(s), and top with a napkin in an eye-catching napkin holder. These layers will create a visual delight for guests without taking up a lot of surface area on the table.”

This year, Diez & Sigg Properties will once again be a drop-off site for the Toys for Tots Drive, which helps collect and distribute unwrapped, new toys to less fortunate children in the local area every holiday season. Last year with your help, we had two overflowing bins!! This year, we will have two collection sites – one at our Carmichael office and the other at our Gold River office. Toys can be dropped off now through December 14th. Give the gift of joy today!
First Office Location: 7144 Fair Oaks Boulevard #7, Carmichael, CA 95608
Second Office Location: 11201 Gold Express Drive #201, Gold River, CA 95670

Thanksgiving Guide 2022

November 10, 2022 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means it’s time to bring out the fall decor, prepare your Thanksgiving invites, and start planning your delicious feast! Sacramento also has festive holiday happenings and volunteer opportunities taking place during this season of gratitude and togetherness. That’s why this month’s newsletter is dedicated to all things Thanksgiving – from events and ways that you can give back to your community to holiday decor and classic dishes, we’ve got you covered. Read on for your complete guide to celebrating Thanksgiving in Sacramento!

Are you staying in town this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family? Explore local events, happenings, and volunteer opportunities this holiday season!

Local Events & Happenings:

Now through December 24 (select days): Theater of Lights at Old Sacramento Waterfront
Now through December 25 (select days): Sacramento Fall Cruises
Now through January 14 (select days): Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Now through January 16 (select days): Historic Folsom Ice Rink
November 24: Run to Feed the Hungry 10K/5K in Sacramento
November 25, 26,27: Crocker Holiday Artisan Market
November 26 through December 17 (select days): Holiday Cheer at the Sacramento History Museum

Volunteer Opportunities:

November 10: 15th Annual Turkey Drive (Sacramento Food Bank)
November 18: Thanksgiving Poultry Drive at the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank
Donate to those less fortunate: Loaves of Fishes
Serve Sacramento Seniors: Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
Help Animals During the Holiday & Winter Months: Sacramento SPCA or Front Street Animal Shelter
Share the Gift of Warmth this Holiday Season: Volunteers of America

Are you responsible for preparing this year’s Thanksgiving or “Friendsgiving” feast? Don’t stress… From tender turkey to savory sides with a fun twist, we’re sharing some of our favorite dishes that your guests will be gobbling up at the dinner table this year.

Thanksgiving Apps: Need something to snack on before the main feast? These tasty appetizers will keep your guests hunger at bay and take the pressure off you (and your timer)!

Delicious Mains: Pull off a legendary Thanksgiving dinner with these classic mains and side dishes that everyone will be thankful for.

Let’s Talk Mains:

Pass the Sides:

Festive Libations & Mocktails: From holiday cocktails and punches to delicious mocktails, we have a drink recipe for everyone to enjoy!

Apple Cider Margarita
Thanksgiving Pomegranate Punch
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Pomegranate Mimosa
Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Hot Buttered Rum
Pumpkin Pie Moscow Mule
Cranberry Lime Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
Ginger Orange Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

Delectable Desserts: Give your guests pumpkin’ to talk about with these decadent Thanksgiving pies and desserts.

Set the Scene for a Feast: It’s time to break out the good china, polish up that silverware, and find a seasonal centerpiece. Check out our tried-and-true tips for setting up a Thanksgiving table worthy of hosting your holiday recipes, festive libations, and decadent desserts.

It’s all About the Centerpiece: Everyone knows that the centerpiece can make or break a table setting. So up your centerpiece game with this White Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece from Williams Sonoma or make your own like this gorgeous DIY Holiday Cranberry Centerpiece.
Incorporate Natural Elements: This year, natural is in! You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful table setting. Bring outdoor elements inside by garnishing your table with leafy stems, fresh produce, structural berry branches for an added pop of color, and basic dinnerware. This creates a natural yet dreamy table-setting vibe. Get the look here.
Stick with Neutrals: Think neutrals are boring? Think again! Neutrals pair beautifully with natural elements and earthy textures, and they create bright and airy living spaces. Find your inspiration here.
Add Texture to Your Table: Textures pair beautifully with neutrals. Think chunky woven placemats and wheat napkin rings or ridge-textured stoneware plates. See the finished look here.
(Or) Embrace Autumnal Shades: Opting for a warmer, cozier vibe? If you love that traditional Thanksgiving look, incorporate autumnal shades including brown, burnt orange, and moss to help transform your table into a Thanksgiving wonderland. Add some rustic white pumpkins and leafy stems or pine cones for that finishing touch. Click here for the complete look.

Sending warm, heartfelt wishes from my home to yours this Thanksgiving!

Your August Newsletter is Here

August 10, 2022 by cdiez Leave a Comment

School is back in session…and this month, we’re offering a crash course on all things Sacramento. Get ready to fill up your social calendar for the rest of August with an exciting lineup of concerts, festivals, River Cats games, and more! We also take a look at the shifting real estate market and some of the recent changes that will affect buyers and sellers in the coming months. Last but certainly not least, we look ahead to this year’s top fall decor trends that you can incorporate into your home to create a cozy space and earn some extra points with family, friends, and peers. Read on for the full scoop!

Click on the below links to see what local events and activities are taking place now through the end of August!

Sacramento:

River Cats Schedule
Sac Republic FC Schedule
Now-August 28th (Every Weekend): Live Music at Crawdads on the River
Now-August 28th (Select Days): Alegria by Cirque Du Soleil
Now-August 31st: Front Street Water Carousel & Waterfront Wheel in Old Sacramento
Now-August 31st (Select Days): Old Sacramento Underground Tours
Now-End of Year: Van Gogh Exhibit in West Sacramento: The Immersive Experience
August 9th-14th: The Secret Garden Broadway At Music Circus
August 10th: BarnFlix at Drake’s the Barn: The Breakfast Club
August 12th: Trucks & Such at Land Park Amphitheatre
August 13th: Celebrate Oak Park
August 13th: Festival Del Mole
August 14th: Sacramento Antique Faire
August 14th: Second Sunday Brunch Market
August 16th: Sunset Yoga Sessions at Drake’s The Barn
August 18th: Summer Soiree Series at California Museum
August 18th: 2022 Best of Sacramento Party
August 18th: Daddy Yankee at Golden 1
August 19th-21st: FoodieLand Night Market at Cal Expo
August 19th: Back to School BBQ at McClatchy Park
August 20th-21st: 11th Annual Banana Festival at William Land Park
August 20th: Art on the Spectrum at The Crocker
August 20th: Legendary Sacramento Mile @ Cal Expo
August 23rd-28th: The Color Purple at Broadway Music Circus
August 24th: BarnFlix at Drake’s The Barn: Madagascar
August 25th: Latin & Funk Night at Drake’s The Barn
August 28th: 23rd Annual Race for the Arts 5K, Kids Fun Run & Arts Fest
August 30th: Kendrick Lamar at Golden 1

Carmichael:

Every Sunday: Carmichael Farmers’ Market
August 13th, 20th & 27th: Concerts in the Park

Fair Oaks:

August 25th: Concerts in the Park
August 26th: Comedy Under the Stars

Rancho Cordova/Gold River:

August 12th (Every Friday): Friday Night Concerts
August 13th (Every Saturday): Sunrise Light Rail Station Farmers Market
August 12th (And Select Days): Nunsense Musical Comedy at the MACC
August 19th: Beatles & Brew

Folsom:

Every Saturday: Farmers Market on the Plaza
Now-October: Palladio Presents Free Yoga in the Piazza
August 11th, 18th & 25th: Twilight Concert Series in Historic Folsom
August 27th: Cars and Coffee Show at Folsom Palladio
August 19th: Folsom Americana Fest

El Dorado Hills:

Every Saturday: Deer Creek Hills Preserve Saturdays
Every Sunday: El Dorado Hills Certified Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday: Live on the Boulevard at El Dorado Hills Town Center
Every 1st & 2nd Saturday: Cars & Coffee at El Dorado Hills Town Center

Elk Grove:

Every Thursday: Neighborhood Market
Every Saturday: Farmers Market
August 16th: Mini MOO Family Night
August 27th: Multi-Cultural Festival

Roseville:

August 11th: Food Truck Mania
August 13th: Fitness in the Park
August 19th: Friday Night Flicks: Spiderman – No Way Home
August 20th: Concerts on the Square at Vernon Street in Roseville

Rocklin:

August 19th, 20th & 27th: Concerts at the Quarry
August 26th: FREE Farmers Markets at Johnson-Springview Park

Things are starting to look up for buyers. According to a recent Redfin report, the city of Sacramento’s housing market is cooling at the second fastest rate in the nation, just behind the Bay Area. This marks a reversal from the height of the pandemic when it attracted scores of remote workers moving in from the Bay Area and other expensive parts of the country.
The latest housing statistics available from the Sacramento Association of Realtors also reveal that most of the Sacramento Region saw price drops in June. The median sales price decreased 2.6% from $575,000 to $560,000. This figure is up 7.7% from June 2021 ($520,000). The active listing inventory increased 21.6% from May to June, from 1,840 units to 2,237 units. Compared with June 2021 (1,297), inventory is up 72.5%. Moreover, the months of inventory increased from 1.4 months to 1.7 months. Median days on market increased from 7 to 8 and average days on market increased from 13 to 14.
So what’s causing this cooldown? For starters, mortgage rates have played an instrumental role — they nearly doubled in the first half of the year, reaching almost 6% in June. That caused the monthly mortgage payment for a typical homebuyer to surge 45% year-over-year to $2,459 in June and priced many buyers out of the market — therefore, increasing inventory and days on market.
However, we are now seeing mortgage rates fall close to 5%. The recent drop in mortgage rates from the June peak cuts about $400 a month from the monthly mortgage payment of a homebuyer looking at purchasing the median-priced home of $417,000. This opens the door for millions of homebuyers who were once priced out when mortgage rates soared in the first months of the year and are now able to get back into the game.
This recent drop in rates, coupled with increased inventory and a spike in average days on market should give buyers more leverage in the home buying process.

Fall may seem a long ways away, but with the kids back to school, September 22nd will be here before we know it! If you’re thinking about doing a bit of re-decorating to get your home ready for the new season, now is a great time to find on-trend items that will create a comforting space and help you fall for your home all over again. Here are some of this year’s most anticipated fall decor trends.

Earth Tones: Earth tones are making a big comeback this year and for good reason. “The ‘color of the year’ selections correlate with where we are as a society,” Ginger Curtis, owner and principal designer at Urbanology Designs, says. “People need healing spaces that are restorative and calming.” She expects these earthy greens to be paired with other nature-inspired colors—like sky blues, warm browns, and soft grays.

The great thing about this trend is that earth tones pair well with almost every style of decor. If your home already has warmer hues and neutrals, you can easily add a touch of fall by layering in some richer accent colors like this warm-toned pillow arrangement or these amber glass vases from Crate & Barrel. You can also create a cozier space in your living room or bedroom by adding these cotton waffle throws that are now on sale at West Elm.

Natural Wood: Incorporating natural wood and warm wood tones is another great way to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for fall — and experts agree. “Manufacturers have developed a happy medium between ultra-dark furniture and super washed-out gray tones,” Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal designer at Bartone Interiors says. Warm, medium-tone woods are already popular in flooring, but she says we should see more “lightly stained wood oak” furniture and décor in the coming year. And Mary Beth Christopher, principal designer at MBC Interior Design, agrees. “I’m very ready to say goodbye to overly bleached-out wood,” she says. “We are nesting right now. We need comfort, coziness, and warmth.”
However, don’t panic if you have gray-toned wood flooring or other elements in your home. You can still easily incorporate warmer wood tones through furniture like this reclaimed coffee table from West Elm, or these gorgeous dining room chairs from Wayfair. Free-floating storage shelves are another budget-friendly way to instantly add warmth to your kitchen or living room.

Cozy Textures: Bring on the cozy textures – think chunky cotton, wool throws, and luscious velvet accents to instantly elevate your space and add an element of warmth. “If it’s not comfortable, forget it,” Caroline Brackett, owner and principal designer at Caroline Brackett Studio of Design, says. “For textures, that means anything furry, nubby, or cozy.” And Kim Gordon, principal designer at Kim Gordon Designs, agrees. “We’re going to see a huge wave of shapely, soft upholstered pieces that are slung lower to the ground,” she says. “This is all about letting your home envelop you.”

Not sure where to start? Make your home irresistibly cozy with these faux fur throws or these gorgeous knit pillows.

Candles: While they aren’t technically a trend, nothing screams fall like candles. Not only will a candle bring that warm and inviting feeling into your home – but it also serves as a signature fall staple piece that instantly infuses the home with comforting scents. Place these gorgeous votives on the fireplace, entryway, table, or outdoor patio to illuminate your home and add a touch of elegance. On a budget? You can stock up on signature fall scents here.

Mix Vintage & Modern: Traditional touches and antique accents are coming back in a big way — and Mary Beth Christopher, principal designer at MBC Interior Design, agrees. “Here in California, the T-word (traditional) has been banished. But, traditional design is coming out of the woodwork in a new way.” She also notes that people are gravitating toward “pieces that have richness and history”— like ornate mirrors, velvet chairs, and fringe-lined couches. But that doesn’t mean getting rid of your modern pieces. “Mixing and matching current furniture pieces with family heirlooms or antiques helps to keep the room feeling timeless,” adds Mary Maloney, owner and interior designer at Bee’s Knees Interior Design.

If you’d like to add a few vintage pieces to your home, start with a vintage rug, velvet chair, or timeless mirror.

Your June Newsletter is Here!

June 10, 2022 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Hello June! This month is heating up as we discuss all things summer-related. From our favorite “dad-approved” man cave spaces to this season’s most popular backyard design trends, we’ve got you covered. We also take a look at the Sacramento real estate market, which continues to make a big splash. Read on for the full scoop!

Check out the latest events and activities that the Greater Sacramento area has to offer.

Sacramento Events:

River Cats Schedule: Click Here For May Games
Sac Republic FC Schedule: Click Here For May Matches
Concerts in the Park: Click Here For This Year’s Schedule
Spring Concert Series in Old Folsom (Every Sunday): Click Here for the Complete Schedule
Now through June 12th (Every Saturday): Dance on the Edge of Summer
Now through June 12th: 21st Sacramento French Film Festival
Now through June 26th (Select Days): Old Sacramento Brew Boat Tours
Now through July 31st (Select Sundays): Waterfront Yoga in Old Sacramento
Now through June 30th (Every Thursday): Twilight Concert Series
June 9th: Food Truck Mania in Roseville
June 9th: ArtMIX at the Crocker
June 11th: Community Garage Sale in Old Fair Oaks
June 11-12th: Sacramento Pride Festival 2022
June 16th: Sac Hot Chicken Battle 2022
June 18th: Sacramento Water Lantern Festival 2022
June 18th: 3rd Saturdays Art Walk in Roseville
June 18th: 3rd Annual Front Street Brewfest 2022
June 18th: Concerts on the Square in Roseville
June 19th: Juneteenth Festival Weekend
June 19th: Father’s Day Car Show 2022 at BaySide in Roseville
June 25th: Taco & Margarita Festival 2022 @ Cal Expo
June 25th: Historic Folsom’s Hometown Parade
June 30th: Shawn Mendes at Golden 1 Center

Summer is the season for spending time outdoors. And what better way to enjoy your time outside than by creating an “Instagram-worthy” oasis in your very own backyard? Check out our seven favorite design trends that you can incorporate into your outdoor space!

Outdoor Kitchens: Outdoor kitchens are quickly becoming the mark of an indoor-outdoor living space. Satsha Lopez-Jaimes, Living Spaces Designer adds, “Just because it’s outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t have indoor luxury, so bring in storage or build in storage through shelving and cabinets; use shelves to display an herb garden in statement planters. To make it restaurant-esque, fill the larger kitchen space with lots of seating for dining.” Not sure what style of outdoor kitchen is suitable for your backyard? Get inspiration, tips and resources here.

Pizza Oven: Two words: Pizza oven. Over the past year, there has been a huge rise in interest in building outdoor pizza ovens. And what better way to ramp up your outdoor kitchen than with your very own outdoor pizza oven? Thankfully, adding one to your home doesn’t have to be a four-figure investment. Companies like Ooni sell portable outdoor pizza ovens for less than $400. Check out their oven here. Check out other affordable options here.

Outdoor Living Rooms: Outdoor kitchens have been on the rise for quite some time now — and while they’re not going anywhere — many homeowners are also interested in creating outdoor living rooms, according to Houzz. Not only do these spaces include stylish and durable furniture sets but many of them also have outdoor fireplaces, rugs, and TVs. Fair warning: Get ready to be the most popular hang-out spot in town! Find budget-friendly items, ideas, and inspiration here.

Fire Pits: The popularity of fire pits, tables, and outdoor fireplaces skyrocketed during the pandemic and will remain in demand this year, and for good reason. Fire pits are a surefire way to lend a cozy, communal feel to your outdoor space. Larger pits can serve as the center of a seating area, while portable ones are perfect for small patios. In terms of the latest outdoor fireplace tech, designer Raboine has another suggestion: “An update on the classic fire pit design we see becoming more popular is the fire table. Fire tables offer a sleek, linear look, which complements the modern design trend.” Check out some of 2022’s most popular fire pit and table ideas here.

Resort Aesthetics: Who wants to transform their backyard into their own private getaway? According to Pinterest, searches for “resort aesthetic” have doubled this past year, along with several other vacation-related terms. Not sure where to find this type of aesthetic? Target, for one, is featuring this trend, showcasing items including fringed patio umbrellas, boho wicker club chairs, and funky acrylic drinkware that would be perfect for piña coladas, daiquiris and, well, anything worthy of a tiny umbrella. Up your resort aesthetic game with this Maddalena Patio Chair Set, which is giving us serious vacation vibes.

Planters: Gardening remains on the rise, and even if you don’t have a spacious backyard, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get in on the action. Many companies and brands are coming up with new ways to make use of every square inch, like these affordable Plant Traps, which allow you to hang plants on the outside of your deck or balcony.

Stonescaping: If you’re sick of sky-high water bills or live in a drought-prone area, consider switching up your lawn in favor of a gravel one, which is quickly becoming the latest and most popular landscaping trend. Hardscaping not only helps you use less water but also creates a more eco-friendly backyard. Consider using pavers and gravel patches to define areas of your outdoor space, like a space for alfresco dining or playing bocce ball. Check out these stone landscaping ideas for serious inspiration.

Father’s Day rolls around on June 19th, and what better way to honor dad than with his very own man cave? Check out our top four man cave ideas to transform any ordinary space into his favorite hideaway!

Movie Theater Man Cave: Grab the popcorn and get ready to enjoy the ultimate man cave complete with ample seating, dimmed lighting, and a massive projector for dad’s viewing pleasure. Transform your basement or one of your spare rooms into an at-home movie theater by incorporating one or more of the below pieces.

Decorated Garage Man Cave: An unused garage is a perfect space for a custom man cave, providing a place for dad to unwind, relax, and entertain after a long day at work. You can easily transform your garage into a man cave and still set it up to be a garage again in the future. Check out this complete guide to converting your garage into the ultimate man cave escape and check out some of our favorite accessories below.

Bourbon Bar Man Cave: Want to transform your ordinary bar into a high-end home bar? The best part is that it won’t break the bank! With a few added accessories, dad can have the bourbon bar of his dreams. Fair warning: Other dads might flock here, making your home bar the most popular hang-out spot in town.

Sports/Game Room Man Cave: Themed man caves are in, and this one is clearly owned by a sports lover. Even if you have a small space, you can decorate tastefully to achieve a sports lover’s paradise. Not sure where to begin? Learn how to create the quintessential sports man cave here and check out our favorite accessories below.

While there’s no denying that our current market favors sellers, we are starting to see a slow but steady growth in inventory that will help eager buyers as they dive into the real estate pool. According to the Sacramento Association of Realtors, the active listing inventory increased 27.8% from March of this year to April. Compared with April of 2021, inventory is up 33.4%. As for sellers, we are still seeing very competitive sales prices. The medium sales price increased 1.7% – from $556,000 to $565,500. This figure is up 15.5% from April 2021 ($489,500).
So what does this mean for buyers and sellers? While still very competitive, data suggests that a leveling market is on the horizon.

Selling Soon? Here’s a Home Feature That Will Appeal to Many Buyers

March 18, 2022 by cdiez Leave a Comment

People who are thinking of selling their house often wonder what they can do to increase its appeal to buyers. The goal of doing so is fairly obvious: maximize profit and minimize time on the market.

Many think that updating their kitchen or bathrooms, or even adding an addition, will do the trick. In a sense, they will. If you do a major renovation or addition, it’ll surely increase how much your house will sell for, and there’s a good chance it’ll sell more quickly if you do substantial upgrades before you list. But, it’ll also cost you a good chunk of time, money, and it probably won’t net you more money than the actual cost of the work.

On the other hand, there’s a simple tweak you can do to your house (if you haven’t already) that’ll increase its appeal to a lot of buyers, which is…

Create a dedicated home office space.

Home offices have been a feature buyers have liked for some time, but over the past two years they’ve become all the more appealing due to the pandemic. With the pandemic winding down — hopefully for good — it may seem like home offices won’t be as much of a draw. But that’s not likely. Here are a few reasons why a home office is still something buyers will want to see if you’re selling in the near future:

While some companies have started having employees come back into the office, many others have not. There are still plenty of companies playing it safe and having their employees work remotely.
The pandemic loosened the jar lid, so to say, and now more people are doing whatever possible to continue working from home entirely — or at least in a hybrid fashion — simply because they like the quality of life better.
Gas prices fluctuate, and they won’t be high forever, but right now they are – and there’s a good chance they’ll be that way for a while. So if you’re selling soon, working from home to save on the cost of commuting is likely on a lot of buyers’ minds.
“What if it happens again…” The pandemic is barely in the rearview mirror, and people are sensitive to needing a dedicated home office space if there’s another variant or surge, but they’re also thinking about a future pandemic. It may not have been something buyers would’ve been sensitive to a couple of years ago, but it’ll be a long time before buyers don’t think what living in a house would be like if it happens again in the future.

So if you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future and want to add some appeal, create a dedicated home office space if you don’t already have one.

You don’t need to (and probably shouldn’t) do an addition to add a home office. Just repurpose a room, or a section of one, and make it into a home office. Here are a few ideas on how to carve out some space:

If you have a spare bedroom, and it won’t take away from the marketability in your area for the likely buyer, just turn it into a home office.
If you have a finished basement, turn part of it into an office.
If you have an unfinished attic, consider turning that into an office for as little money as possible.
Section off a portion of your living room as a home office. It doesn’t need to be huge; buyers just need to see where they could set themselves up to work from home if they lived there.
Perhaps use a formal dining room, since many people don’t use them as often as they would use a home office.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer of course, but creating a home office is most likely to add appeal to your house if you’re selling in the near future.

These Are the Biggest Kitchen Trends for 2022

February 22, 2022 by cdiez Leave a Comment

If you’re planning on renovating your kitchen this year, you want to make sure that the changes you’re making feel timely and on-trend.

But what, exactly, does timely and on-trend look like for 2022?

According to the 2022 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, which surveyed more than 2,300 homeowners on their recent and/or planned kitchen renovations, some of the biggest trends in kitchen design include:

Upgraded countertops. 35 percent of homeowners splurged on upgrading their countertops—with engineered quartz (42 percent) and granite (24 percent) being the most popular countertop materials.
High-tech appliances. 27 percent of homeowners upgrade their appliances during the kitchen renovation process—and 35 percent of those homeowners opt for appliances with high-tech features (like smart refrigerators), a six percent increase from 2021’s data.
Larger kitchen islands. Kitchen islands have been on-trend for years—but this year, the trend is all about larger islands. According to the data, 39 percent of homeowners are building kitchen islands that stretch 7 feet or longer—up five percentage points from 2021.