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We’re Going to Bounce Back…

June 15, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Over the past few months, many of us put our lives on hold and practiced social distancing while we waited for the curve to flatten. Now that we are through the worst of it, we are getting back into the swing of things and adjusting to our new normal.

Under a new state ordinance announced last Friday, Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado counties have shifted into Phase 3 and are now permitting schools, movie theaters, bars, campsites, casinos, day camps, gyms, museums, zoos, spectator-less sports, hotels and more to reopen.

In this month’s newsletter, we take you to some of our favorite locally-owned businesses that are back in action and share some fun “social distance approved” weekend activities and getaways to help you bounce back. We also take a look into the current real estate market and its promising future.

Are you ready to venture out and support local restaurants, shops, and recreational grounds? Check out our “Eat. Stay. Play.” guide below!

Here’s a look at some of our favorite locally-owned restaurants that are now open and ready for your business and support!

The Porch Restaraunt & Bar – Sacramento: The Porch Restaurant was created to give Sacramento a unique dining experience and something out of the ordinary. With a California approach to authentic southern dishes, the Porch is a space where people can come to have a great meal, a refreshing cocktail, and forget about the worries of everyday life. As their name suggests, they even have a charming porch out front where you can enjoy your meal. Be sure to make r eservations ahead of time and check out their new safety policies and measures before your next outing.
Serritella’s – Carmichael: Craving Italian? Serritella’s has been a local favorite since 1965. They specialize in Italian food made from scratch like their rich lasagna, mushroom-filled Marsalas, delicious pasta, and tasty shrimp dishes. Their “hot out of the oven” complimentary breadsticks are also delicious! They recently moved to the new Milagro Centre in Carmichael. Call ahead to make reservations here.
Kru Sushi – Sacramento: Kru is a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Sacramento that delivers the freshest ingredients and plates. If you have a special occasion, Kru will be sure to impress with its delicious food and gorgeous atmosphere! In the mood for a roll? Their Firecracker Roll filled with crab, avocado, and topped with salmon, spicy garlic sauce, tempura crisps, jalapenos, and kimchee ponzu is always an excellent choice. You also can’t go wrong with their fresh Nigiri. Reservations are required. Make them online here or call 916.551.1559 to secure your table.
Shangri-La – Fair Oaks: Shangri-la is a vibrant, chic restaurant and bar in the heart of Old Fair Oaks. They have an expansive outdoor patio so you can relax and soak in the sunshine during the day or enjoy the fire pit at night. Their kitchen offers a versatile menu that features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients transformed into elevated comfort food at its best. Order anything from burgers and mac & cheese to tacos and miso salmon. Their custom handcrafted cocktails are nothing short of amazing. Reservations are required. Click here to explore, their menu, check out their new safety policies and guidelines, and reserve a table.
Back Bistro – Folsom: Craving something fresh and light for dinner? Check out Back Bistro in Folsom Palladio. This locally-owned California bistro features a beautiful large quartz bar wrapped around a see-through wine wall. They also have a huge patio, which is great for people-watching. Enjoy a seasonally-focused lunch and dinner menu with 30 inspiring wines by the glass, microbrew beers, and premium cocktails. Check out their menu or make reservations here.
Nixtaco – Roseville: Nixtaco in Roseville has been locally owned since 2015 and features authentic “farm to fork” Mexican cuisine using the finest ingredients and traditional techniques. Everything down to the tortilla is authentic and made from scratch. Check out their raving Yelp reviews here with plenty of recommendations and photos to help you with your next order.

Wanna get away? Seeing as most of us have been sheltering in our homes for the past few months, we thought we’d share a few “social distance approved” ideas and overnight trips in the greater Sacramento area. If you don’t feel comfortable staying overnight, these spots are close enough to make a “daycation” out of it.

Camp Far West Reservoir: Bring your boat, jet skis, pool floats or fishing pole to Camp Far West for a fun day at the lake. Camp Far is located at the junction of Placer, Nevada and Yuba counties and is about a 45-minute drive from Sacramento. Enjoy a 2,002 surface-acre lake with 29 miles of shoreline, rolling hills and oak trees. You can make a day trip out of it or book ahead for a fun-filled weekend of camping. Overnight reservations are booking up fast and can only be made on Monday and Tuesday from 8 am to 2 pm by calling 530-633-0803.
Folsom Lake: Folsom Lake & Recreation Area is another great opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors by hiking, running, biking, boating, fishing and more. If you enjoy fishing, Folsom Lake offers trout, catfish, big and smallmouth bass or perch. Make sure to stop by and see the historic Folsom Powerhouse -once called “the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent”! Click here to see which areas are currently open and which are closed.
Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe is the perfect escape from both the summer heat and your home! The area is infamous for its wide array of recreational activities including water sports, boating, hiking, and more. Both North and South Lake Tahoe are excited to welcome guests back to the region with a variety of hotels, bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals now open to the public. If you’d like to stay overnight, check out these South Lake Tahoe accommodations and places to stay in North Lake Tahoe.
Apple Hill: Take a scenic drive just past Placerville and visit the select Apple Hill farms, wineries, and bed & breakfasts. Several of the Apple Hill wineries began wine service last month including Fenton Herriot Vineyards, Edio Vineyards, and Madrona Vineyards. Check out their latest blog post with additional information here and their upcoming events schedule. Hoping to stay overnight? Plan your stay here.

If you are not able or ready to visit stores and restaurants in person just yet, there are still things you can do to support your local businesses:

Shop online or via phone. Many local retailers have online shopping available; local and independent shops are oftentimes more than willing to help you get what you need via phone, if necessary.
If you do not need anything specific at this time but still want to support local, purchase gift cards to spend later in various storefront businesses.
For restaurants, order takeout or delivery.
You can buy gift cards from many local restaurants, too.

Now that we’re past the worst of the storm and are returning to normalcy, you might be asking yourself, “How has the real estate market been impacted?”

According to the Sacramento Association of Realtors® most recent housing statistics, the numbers continue to look good for real estate. Inventory is tight but prices are stable and low-interest rates continually hold up the market. We believe the market will be the one shining light in the economy in the next six months to a year.

Corona Virus and Housing Market

March 23, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

There is so much going on with Corona Virus right now that one of the best things to do is to adhere to the advice given by health officials and the surgeon general. Stay safe and healthy as it seems that there is updated advice and tips every few hours.

Jaymi Naciri passes on her tips on the current market with the Corona Virus. It could be adjusted somewhat based on the market that you are in. Utilize your local real estate expert for tips as well as they will have first-hand knowledge on your housing market.

Everyone is talking about coronavirus. Stores are selling out of staples like bottled water and toilet paper. Searches for homemade hand sanitizers are exploding since you can’t find it at Walmart or Kroger. People are skipping conferences and festivals, canceling travel plans, and opting to work from home rather than expose themselves to germs.

But what impact is coronavirus and its rapid spread having on the housing market in this country, and what can we expect? A lot remains unknown at this point, but there are a few things you should be thinking about if you’re looking to buy, sell, invest in real estate, or refinance an existing loan.

Carefully consider new construction

One of the fears associated with coronavirus as it relates to the housing market: supply chain issues. If building materials are held up, it could seriously impact the timeline of new builds. “Homebuilders rely on China, where the coronavirus or COVID-19 originated, for construction materials and any disruption in the supply chain could impact their ability to deliver much-needed new inventory into the market,” said Yahoo! Finance. If you’re set on buying a brand-new home, be sure to ask the builders you’re considering what the impact could be.

“About 30% of building products imported to the U.S. come from China, including both residential and nonresidential construction, according to Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics,” said MSN. “The products include wallboard, lighting, and other materials. Homebuilder Toll Brothers recently said the coronavirus outbreak in China led to shortages of lighting fixtures and small appliances, forcing it to delay the sales of 11 homes in California.”

You also may want to look to builders and communities that have standing inventory. That means homes were built before they were sold, so they are move-in ready, brand-new, and have never been lived in. You will have to live with the finishes that were pre-chosen, but, in many cases, you’ll get nicer and more expensive finishes than you may have been able to afford otherwise.

Think twice about remodeling or renovating

Those same supply chain issues that are impacting new-home construction may also make it more difficult and/or expensive to renovate.

Reconsider open houses

As the coronavirus continues to spread, people are reconsidering their exposure to multiple people. If you’re selling your house, that may mean limiting showings to individual families instead of holding open houses. You may feel it’s necessary to follow the same precautionary measures if you’re looking for a home, opting to tour homes individually instead of attending open houses.

Refinance!

“Mortgage rates in the United States have fallen to the lowest level ever on the heels of concerns stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 3.29% during the week ending March 5, a major decrease of 16 basis points from the previous week,” said MarketWatch. “The decline in rates presents a major windfall for millions of homeowners across the country, who stand to save thousands of dollars in interest by refinancing. Furthermore, an estimated 44.7 million homeowners have $6.2 trillion in home equity that they could access through a cash-out refinance, according to real-estate data firm Black Knight, and now they have the chance to access that cash at a lower interest rate.”

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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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Is it Time to Renovate Your Home

October 1, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

To me, sometimes this answer is pretty obvious. If everything in the house is still from 1986 when you bought it, change is due. When all homes around you seem to capture your eye with something fresh but yours doesn’t, then it may be time for some renovation help.

Here are some tips from Anna-Maria Sanders to help you know that it is time.

Renovating your home requires a significant investment. To make the most out of each penny you spend, you must renovate only when it’s needed.

So how do you know if it’s high time that you renovate your home?

Check out these tell-tale signs:

Your Home is Deteriorating

The rate at which your home deteriorates depends on many factors, such as the quality of its construction, the materials used, and the type of climate you live in. Deterioration is a major reason for renovating a house. However, it isn’t always easy to spot deterioration because not all signs can be seen directly.

So what are the signs that your home has gotten substantial wear and tear?

• The tiling system in your home starts to detach. This is most common in areas like the kitchen and the bathroom.
• The roof is leaking.
• The wall paint is chipping, plumbing fixtures are damaged, and the floors are creaking.

As mentioned, other structural problems are not noticeable. It’s a great idea to enlist the help of a professional home inspector at least every year to spot problems early on and have them repaired.

You Have Enough Funds

Every renovation project – big or small – requires money. According to Home Advisor, the cost of home remodeling ranges from $18,466 – $75,350. Yes, it can be very expensive that’s why you need to be financially prepared. To save on the cost, consider tackling necessary projects first, such as home repairs. Note that a lot of times, you might go overboard with your budget. It’s inevitable. But you want to at least keep the unexpected costs at a minimum. If you have sufficient equity in your home, you can use that to finance your home renovation project.

You Need More or Less Space

You could be expecting an additional member in your family soon, your teens wanted a little more privacy and ask to have their own bedroom, or your grownups may have decided to move out. Renovating your home is a great way to meet the changing needs of your family.

You Lack Enough Storage

Is your kitchen looking crowded? Do the contents of your cabinet fall out whenever you open its doors? Has it come to the point when you rather order takeout because cooking at home has become incredibly difficult? Renovating your home to add more storage space can make you stay organized and keep your home clutter-free. Thankfully, modern designs of cabinets and storage systems are not only stylish but also space-saving. Examples are hanging cabinets, multifunctional furniture, built-in wall shelves, and the like.

SIT… STAY… OR PLAY THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

August 30, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner! That’s why this month’s newsletter is dedicated to weekend events, getaways, and local happenings in and around Northern California. So whether you feel like kicking back and relaxing at home or treating yourself to an epic day trip with family and friends, we have some fun ideas on how you can “live your best life” this Labor Day Weekend!

You don’t have to leave town to enjoy the weekend… Below are some fun ways to kick-off Labor Day Weekend and the entire month of September in and around the Sacramento area!

Sacramento Events:
Sac Republic FC Schedule: Click Here For Matches
Sacramento River Cats Schedule: Click Here For Remaining Games
Now through September 19 (every Thursday): Concert Series @ El Dorado Hills Town Center
August 30 & 31: Rythmn & Blues Festival @ River Park
August 30: Hot Summer Night Concert: Kickoff to Farm and Fork Uncorked
August 31 through September 2: 29th Annual Chalk It Up Festival @ Fremont Park
August 31 (& select days in September): Farm to Fork UNCORKED 2019 @ Old Sugar Mill
September 7: Dave Matthews Band @ Golden 1
September 8 through 14: Grandparents Week @ Fairytale Town
September 11 (and select Wednesday Nights): Barn Flix: Free Outdoor Movies @ Drake’s: The Barn
September 12: Sacramento Burger Battle 2019
September 12: Mexican Independence Day Concert Celebration @ Sac State
September 14: Gather: Movies @ The Fort
September 14: The Pepper & Hot Sauce Expo in Auburn
September 14: Wild Affair @ The Sacramento Zoo
September 15: Crafts & Drafts @ Drakes: The Barn
September 17: John Mayer @ Golden 1
September 19-29: Farm-to-Fork Festival
September 19: Legends of Wine @ State Capitol
September 19: Post Malone @ Golden 1
September 21: Great American River Cleanup
September 21: 14th Annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival
September 21: Deaf Awareness Day @ Sacramento Zoo
September 21: Sacramento Film & Music Festival @ Crest Theatre
September 21: California Brewer’s Festival @ Discovery Park
September 28 & 29: Fall Festival @ El Dorado Hill Town Center

Wanna get away? This Labor Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity to venture out and take a fun day (or weekend) trip. The great thing about Sacramento is its close proximity to places including San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley Wine Region. So if you’ve found yourself daydreaming about getting away, consider escaping the heat and treating yourself to an exciting outing!

Apple Hill: Apple Hill is officially open for business! Founded in 1964 with just 16 apple ranches, Apple Hill has grown to include over 50 unique fruit and veggie farms, wineries, B&Bs, flower gardens, Christmas tree farms, and even a day spa. Get your first taste of fall by relaxing at Ponderosa Bed & Breakfast and going apple picking, visiting High Hill Ranch for fishing, pony rides and a delicious slice of pie, or grabbing an award-winning hard cider atNorth Canyon Cider Company. Check out the remaining Apple Hill destinations here!
Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe is the perfect escape from the summer heat with its wide array of recreational activities including boating, water sports and hiking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. They also have fantastic restaurants, concert venues, and shopping! Take a look at some of the local events taking place this weekend by checking out their “Labor Day Lake Tahoe Guide”.
Napa Valley: What better way to celebrate the long weekend than by taking a trip to Napa and enjoying a nice glass of wine, exceptional cuisine and mesmerizing views of vineyards…because “wine not”? Take a ride on the Napa Valley wine train 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.
San Francisco: San Francisco is chock-full of events this weekend! Enjoy a performance of Beach Blanket Babylon (tickets are limited), watch both the SF Giants & the Oakland A’s in action (snag your tickets here), visit one of several museum exhibits, or head across the bay to the Sausalito Arts Festival. Also, make sure to check out the free walking tours offered every day this weekend and this list of free activities and things to do in and around San Francisco.

Summer isn’t over just yet…and this weekend is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and cook up some summer favorites! So savor the end of summer by trying one of these classics to make this your best cookout yet.

1. Labor Day Burger: Specifically named “The Labor Day Burger”, this mouth-watering burger is packed with extra flavor and punch! A juicy patty, crispy bacon, avocado, pepper flakes, and melted cheddar cheese all come together to create this delicious main. Get the recipe here.
Goat Cheese & Cherry Caprese: Make your summer plate a little lighter and more colorful with this gorgeous and easy to assemble salad filled with juicy cherries, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh goat cheese. Learn how to make it here.
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries: A burger is not complete without some crispy fries to accompany the meal. Up your fry game with these unbelievably crispy low carb zucchini fries! Try out the recipe here.
Ice Cream S’mores: Believe us when we say this recipe will have you asking for “s’more”… Putting its own unique twist on traditional s’mores, this recipe adds a little something extra with melted chocolate and ice cream creating a cookie-like s’more. Get the recipe here.

Do you have any favorite things to do or places to see on Labor Day Weekend? Let us know in the comments section below!

Upgrade Your Home Office

August 26, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

It is always good to have a professional appearance to your home office. For me, I like it to stay like home. I keep a neat area for me and my clients to meet but still maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Normally, the dogs come out and help relax everyone.

Mikkie Mills adds on some tips to help create the right atmosphere in your home office.

Whether you’ve just moved into your home, or you lived there for years now, you might be looking to improve your home office. Your home office is where you can focus without distractions and work in an environment where you feel comfortable. To help you achieve the perfect aesthetic for your home office, here are some ideal updates that you can make that will help you focus, and stay on task for as long as you need to.

1. Natural Lighting

One of the most important things that you can do for your home office is to have natural lighting. Natural lighting helps people to stay more focused and is easier on the eyes than artificial lighting. Artificial lighting has a tendency to fatigue the eyes fast and can even cause headaches for some people. Natural lighting has the opposite effect. It helps you to stay alert and focused for as long as you need to since it regulates your natural circadian sleep cycle. If you want to focus in your home office and get the most out of your work day, the very first thing that you should do is enhance the amount of natural lighting that you get in your home office. If you’re currently looking for a home, find one that has large windows in one of the smaller rooms (a room that you’ll likely turn into a work office). If you already have your office set up, pull the blinds away from the windows and allow the sunlight to stream into the room all day long.

2. Clear Up Space

The last thing that you would want to do in your home office is put so much stuff in the room that you feel cramped. Clutter is the notorious creative jammer. It’s hard to focus when the office is messy, disorganized, or it just feels “full.” To avoid this feeling, make sure that your office is clean and clutter-free. Don’t use it as a storage closet. In fact, move everything out of the office so it’s nearly impossible for it to get full of clutter. You want the room to feel open like you could lie down on the carpet and stretch in the middle of the workday if you felt like it. The carpet should be clean and free of junk, the windows washed, and the desk wiped down before you sit down for the day.

3. Set Up Mobile Printing

You might want to set up mobile printing to avoid any extra equipment in the office space and to help you better access and organize your home office. Mobile printing is one of the easiest things to set up and it can help you to organize your materials, create a breathable workplace, and allow you to have access to your work through the ease of your phone. If you’re on the go and need to quickly print something from work, you can simply connect to the nearest printer through your phone and print the material.

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