Thunderbird invasion in Sacramento over the weekend.     I had the opportunity to go to the California Capital Airshow today, it was a great show! If you have never been to an airshow, it is pretty exacting for people of all ages. It was a warm day, clear skies, and a slight breeze; perfect for an airshow at Mather Airport in Sacramento. Thank you Atlas Disposal! I was lucky enough to the invited by Atlas Disposal, a sponsor of the event, and was able to see the event in style. Food, drinks, shaded seating right up front with an excellent view of the Airshow. Thank you to Atlas Disposal for the special invitation for the event.   Here is a brief video of the Thunderbirds in action  in Sacramento, CA     09/09/2012

Would you crawl in through a bathroom window to gain access to a Rancho Cordova short sale? To be honest, I don't know if I would, but then I generally represent sellers. Yeah, you know, I probably would if it meant securing a transaction for my buyer, and I liked the buyer enough to do it. But the likelihood is I would talk the buyer into doing it herself, or the buyer would feel sorry for me and offer to do it. I have crawled up and over fences before. Once to show a property to a buyer and another time to get my lockbox back after a closing. Nobody was home, and they had locked the gate. I didn't want to have to drive back again. Not all of my listings are close to where I live in Land Park. I might pay only 2 visits to the home, when I list and when it closes. Don't want to drive ov... 08/31/2012

 Can my wood fence be repaired?     In Sacramento, many wood fences are in need of repair by a contractor. You may have a fence that stating to come apart and in need of repair. What is wrong with your wood fence? Rotting posts – A wood post that is rotting at ground level will start to lean. You can probably push the fence back straight, only to have it return when you let go. The post is no longer supporting the structure and is putting a stress on the wood and fasteners. Sagging fence rails – The rails connect the posts and support the wood fence boards. These can sag, split, and rot over time. If you have fence boards that are falling out, it may be because of the rails. Sagging rails will cause the fence line to dip between posts; you notice the dipping by look at the tops of the b... 08/24/2012

Rancho Cordova Short Sale & Picking a Great Lender This Rancho Cordova short sale closed yesterday...but it almost didn't!  My client, the seller, chose a well qualified buyer who was committed to buying her beloved home.  By all accounts, this short sale should have closed smoothly.  Unfortunately, the buyer decided to work with a terrible lender.  I mean TERRIBLE.  This lender over promised, under-delivered, and almost cost the buyer this home.  Wells Fargo approved this Rancho Cordova short sale to close on or before 8/6/12 and couldn't issue an extension if it didn't.  The lender knew the time constraints and said we'd have loan papers to escrow a week in advance.  Would you believe they got there 1 day before?  He wouldn't return anyone's calls (not even his clients), and didn't gi... 08/07/2012

  Iron Railings Need Repair and Replacement Too!   It is important that we check the railings around the exterior of our homes, apartment, and commercial building. The result of a failed railing can be a serious matter, so checking regularly is a maintenance item that should not be overlooked. Taking the time to inspect exterior railing can be quick and easy. What to look for in exterior railings? Check for strength. Strong support in both the downward and side to side direction is a sign of a well-built railing. There should be little movement when grabbed or leaned on, and the building materials appear to be in good condition. Loose nails, screws and bolts are an indication of movement in the railings and should be corrected.   “My exterior railings a fine, they are made of steel.” No... 07/31/2012

Anatolia Short Sales = Great Value - 4171 Pylos Way Here is a very nice Anatolia short sale that offers 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a nice-sized yard, lots of upgrades and over 2,700 square feet!  Statistically Anatolia is a great value compared with the rest of Sacramento County.  This Anatolia short sale is listed at $94 per square foot.  The average price per square foot in Sacramento County is $114.  The great prices along with it's new construction, deluxe clubhouse, and great access to both HWY 50 and Elk Grove, make Anatolia a fabulous buy.  Anatolia was mostly built from 2005-2006 (the peak of the real estate market).  Like everywhere else, Anatolia's real estate prices have fallen dramatically.  Because Anatolia was so new at the time of the real estate crash, there was very little eq... 07/27/2012

  I was heading down Highway 50 in Folsom, CA and saw this truck in front of me; it looked a little unsafe to be driving behind so I passed him. I grabbed a photo of his load of miscellaneous steel scraps, and wondered where he was going to bring all that steel. Then it dawned on me that there is Schnitzer Steel is located in Rancho Cordova at 12000 Folsom Boulevard.   Though it has been a while since I have been to this large metal recycling site, it is quite the operation. Schnitzer Steel is a global leader in the metals recycling industries, with locations in many areas of the country; six in California alone. It wasn’t until doing some research on Schnitzer Steel that I discovered that they own Pick and Pull.  Pick-n-Pull is an industry-leading chain of self-service auto parts store... 07/19/2012

If your only criterion for hiring a contractor is price, good luck.   Everyone wants a good deal, I shop for bargains myself. If you are looking for an item or service that is the same, price is very important. A box of laundry detergent at Wal-Mart is probably going to be cheaper than at the supermarket. If the two items are the same product, it makes sense to buy the less expensive one. But what if the two aren’t the same, than price can’t be the only criterion. I recently bid on a job for $900.00, the other contractor bid $550.00. If we both produce the same results, it would make sense to go with the low bid. If the end result produced by the contractors are different, than you have to ask yourself some additional questions Is the additional cost worth it? Are there benefits to hiri... 07/11/2012

  We are usually not ready when a water leak happens. It can be a water supply leak, drainage, flooding or a roof leak but it never seems to happen at a convenient time. Experts will all agree that it is most important to get the problem corrected as quickly as possible.   The most important thing to remember when dealing with a water leak is to get the area dry.   In order to do this, you must get the source of the problem corrected. Stop the water from leaking. Turn off the water, patch the hole, and stop using it if possible. Do what  you can even before the calling a professional if possible. Next, make every effort to get everything dry again. Small leaks may be cleaned up with towels and sponges.  That wet/dry vacuum that has been sitting in the garage, can be put to good use rig... 04/28/2012

Even though I am an Elk Grove Short Sale Agent, that doesn't mean I don't sell homes in other areas of Sacramento! I've got a new on for you in Rancho Cordova! After an illness with a family member got progressively worse, my clients contacted me to help them with their rental property they could no longer afford. With loss of income and the stress of dealing with the family illness... these clients were relieved when we signed our listing paperwork to put the home up for sale. They were getting countless phone calls and letter and they just wanted to focus on the family member that was sick... not their rental property that was in the process of a foreclosure. Once they realized that saving the home did not make sense for them.. I was called in to solve the problem for them by negoatin... 03/27/2012

For a fun family activity, or even an unusual date night, try  Rancho Cordova Monster Mini Golf.  You play in the dark, under black lights, meaning that all of the balls, holes, hazards, and a selection of monsters, all glow in the dark!  It is a lot of spooky fun, and safe even for little kids (There is enough light to see what you're doing). There is a DJ playing fun music, an arcade with other fun games also glowing fluorescent under black lights (and you can win tickets for prizes), and everyone has a great time.  It is a great place for a party too, whether it is a child's birthday party, a company party or an executive bonding session - just pure fun. They will also help you plan a fundraiser for your school or organization. You will find them inside the Nimbus Winery building at ... 03/24/2012

Spring Container Gardening Class – Learn to grow plants in a Container I’m not much of a gardener myself, but I probably could if properly taught. There is a class that is being offered by The Learning Exchange to teach you the art of container gardening, it is being offered in Sacramento just in time for spring. Sound like something you may be interested in? Learn about annuals, perennials, and even bulbs. Want to learn about year round gardening? How about what tools and supplies you may need? Questions about sun and shade plants? Fertilizers? There is so much you can learn here. The class will be offered at The Learning Exchange on April 7th from 10:00 – noon and a field trip to Green Acres Nursery in Sacramento from 12:30 – 2:30. It is a one day course that will benefit your spring... 03/21/2012

There has to be a better way to strap a downspout.   Having a secured gutter and downspout system in place is critical to properly diverting rain water away from the home. Whether your downspouts are metal or vinyl, there are suggested fasteners to use.   This is not one of the suggested ways. J 03/04/2012

Rancho Cordova Short Sale - Experienced Agent Allan Sanchez Here is my newest Rancho Cordova short sale.  2243 Palmwood Court isn't your typical distressed sale. This home is gorgeous!  Located in the Mills Ranch neighborhood of Rancho Cordova, this short sale has great curb appeal.  The gourmet kitchen has stainless appliances, Corian counters, and red oak cabinets.  Newer 45 year roof, upgraded windows, charming backyard, and cul-de-sac lot.  With 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,350 square feet, this Rancho Cordova short sale is a steal at $160,000. Rancho Cordova short sales are very different from traditional sales because the bank must approve and agree to the sale.  It's best to work with an experienced Rancho Cordova short sale agent who can negotiate on your behalf, submit a complete... 02/25/2012

Just sold Rancho Cordova home in Stone Creek in Rancho Cordova by Stone Creek real estate agent Jesse Coffey. I just closed on this lovely home located in Stone Creek in Rancho Cordova. I was able to successfully negotiate closing costs plus beat out several other offers for my clients. The home was built by Elliott Homes in 2004. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and is 1,916 sq ft. Stone Creek is a great neighborhood with no HOA dues and low Mello Roos. As a Rancho Cordova real estate agent and a Stone Creek real estate agent I recommend that anyone considering buying Rancho Cordova real esate consider Stone Creek real estate. Elliott Homes also built this same floor plan with a fourth bedroom option instead of a dining room. Elliott Homes builds high quality homes that are structurally... 10/06/2011

Anatolia Real Estate Agent - Just SOLD by Allan Sanchez Here is my newest SOLD home in Anatolia - Rancho Cordova.  11745 Azalea Garden Way closed today for $240,000!  It was in great condition with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, 2,347 square feet, and large quarter acre lot.  My clients are very excited to move in and enjoy this home as well as the awesome clubhouse Anatolia offers its residence.  Anatolia was mostly built in 2005 and 2006.  Just like everywhere else, prices have decreased substantially.  The prices in Anatolia have fallen about 65% since the peak of the market.  For that reason, most homes in Anatolia are short sales, bank-owned homes, or investors who have rehabbed and are flipping the property back on the market.  If you are a buyer, looking in the Rancho Cordova... 10/04/2011

There are days I suspect I'd be better off if I did not answer my phone. I know I'd get more work done instead of pacing the floor as I speak. I can't just sit in my chair and talk. I don't know why. I must be mobile and moving. It helps me to focus. Or, maybe it's just my passion for Sacramento short sales coupled with the injustice I see in banking corporate systems -- the way they treat their customers -- that causes the need for constant movement when talking. Beats banging my head back and forth in the doorway. But I also get my share of odd calls. An agent called yesterday about a pending short sale transaction. She and her buyer had completed a final walk-through. She called me because the door between the garage and the house was unlocked. I asked her to leave it unlocked becaus... 09/23/2011

I received two short sale approval letters yesterday. These were both preapproved HAFA short sales that Bank of America had farmed out to AMS Loan Servicing. They were approved for HAFA in June, sold in June and sat at AMS since then. The way they were handled seemed as though the negotiators would open the file and try to figure out what they could do to stop from having to work on it. If they could ask for a tiny revision, they could close the file. That would free up their time so they go back to Facebook to chat with their friends or maybe upload photos of their husbands posing with showgirls in Las Vegas. So, they might ask for us to change the verbiage for the seller's incentive to seller's relocation. Then, the following month, they could ask us to change it back to seller's ince... 09/22/2011

Whenever you think you've got it rough, you don't have to look very far to find somebody else who has it worse by comparison. It's all in your perspective. Of course, if you live in Sacramento, you'll find plenty of unemployed people, my journalist husband included. If you live in Detroit, where our nation's foreclosure rate soars, you could be like Detroit homeowner Texana Hollis. She's 101, and just got thrown out of her home of 58 years, evicted, with all of her belongings dumped in the street like garbage. Her son apparently did her in by taking out a reverse mortgage and defaulting on the property taxes. Just didn't pay the taxes and threw away the foreclosure notices because he didn't want to worry his mom. This is wrong on so many levels. What is wrong with people? I drove by a s... 09/14/2011

Real Estate Agent Anatolia - Rancho Cordova Realtor Allan Sanchez Take a look at my newest pending sale located in the Anatolia neighborhood of Rancho Cordova.  My buyers are very excited to close escrow on this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on Azalea Garden Way.  This home is turn-key with new carpet and lots of upgrades.  It also has a 3 car garage and almost a quarter acre lot!  As an Anatolia real estate agent since the community was built in 2006, I have seen it grow into a great community.  Most residence love the large clubhouse with 3 pools, gym, as well as the neighborhood elementary school, and new retail. Since Anatolia was finished towards the beginning of the recession, there have unfortunately been many REOs and short sales.  Anatolia home prices have dropped about 50%.  This is,... 08/22/2011