The City of Sacramento has created a Rental Inspection Program.  All rental units in the city will be charged a $28 annual fee and will be subject to annual inspections.  There is a self certification element to it as well.All owners that do not live within 35 miles of the city must have a local contact once the program starts.  HomePointe plans to offer a way for owners to use our company as their contact.  More on that soon.New fee schedule:Annual fee   $28 per unitRe-scheduling fee  $80.00Re-inspection fee  $150.00Late penalty fee  $20% of amount due.I am not aware of the start date yet.More information will be made available soon.  03/17/2008

Buyer rebates are a complex and easily misunderstood aspect of some real estate transactions. Some buyers believe that agents routinely kickback part of their commission to the buyer, but the bulk of agents do not.There are situations that arise in a transaction, however, that make a credit necessary, if simply to keep the peace. For example, say, during the final home inspection walk-through, the buyer notices that the refrigerator, which was supposed to remain with the home, has been removed by the seller. This happens more often than you would think. So, the buyer demands a new refrigerator. The seller, in turn, often blames the listing agent and refuses to return the old refrigerator and / or buy a new appliance for the buyer.The buyer has options. The buyer can refuse to close. But... 03/17/2008

Arden Park is a wonderful neighborhood bound by Watt Avenue to the west, Eastern Avenue to the east, Arden Way to the North, and Fair Oaks Blvd to the south. A quick commute to downtown Sacramento, Arden Park is a highly sought neighborhood known for its highly rated public schools, tree-lined streets, long-term residents, large lots, and well, its parks.Nearby schools include Mariemont Elementary School, Arden Middle School, and Rio Americano High School. There are two parks in the community - La Sierra Park (located in the middle of the neighborhood on La Sierra Drive), and Cresta Park (at the center of three streets - Las Cruces Drive, Esperanza Drive, and Cresta Way).  La Sierra Park is home to the Arden Park Parks and Recreation Facility.Arden Park is home to many community events,... 03/16/2008

Debbie Baldes | Executive Properties | 916-960-0612 2138 Paul Courter Way, Sacramento, CA Beautiful Home in North Natomas 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $269,900 Year Built 2003 Sq Footage 1,465 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .108 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This is a 3 year new charming North Natomas home. BONUS: This home is NOT a short sale or REO making for a quick close! This floorplan offers a unique feature...one of the bedroom has double doors that open to the front of the home. This is a great set-up for a home office or business! There are parks, shopping, restaurants, Arco Arena, and freeways nearby. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet Breakfast nook... 03/16/2008

If you have rental property that falls within the City of Sacramento limits, your units may now be subject to a new "Rental Housing Inspection" ordinance. This is a pilot program, and landlords who do not comply with minimum standards may face civil and/or criminal penalties! YIKES!...not sure if there are ramifications for homes outside the City limits (areas like Carmichael, Orangevale, Fair Oaks, etc that are in County jurisdiction).You can read up on this by visitin the City of Sacramento's Code Enforcement Department website here. For a list of inspection guidelines, click here. For further information about the Residential Rental Housing Inspection Pilot Program, you can contact the Sacramento Housing and Dangerous Buildings Division at 916-808-RENT or e-mail RHIP@cityofsacramento... 03/13/2008

Want to learn more about Green everything?  Want to find out about Green buildings, Green cars, and Green energy.  Attend the Green Summit coming to Sacramento April 7th to 9th at the Convention Center.  Looks as though the exhibit hall will be open for free and you can register for the classes with one or two day passes.  Come on out and learn how you can do your part to be a little more Green...  Or even a lot!  Despite what Kermit says, it is easy to be Green! Kristina McBurney For more info on the Summit visit:  http://www.green-technology.org/gcsummit/index.html 03/13/2008

I just had to post this.  As i sit here reading surfing through the rain. I hear a heartbreaking news about CATS!!!Somewhere in West Sacramento in the area of Watt and Ocampo, fifteen dead cats where recovered from a foreclosed property owned by Lasalle Bank.  Yes, I said 15 dead cats.  It seems that they are suspecting teens who have lured these cats into this home and brutally killed - execution style.  Some cats where shot at close range, and some where blugeoned to death.  They have now posted reward to anyone who to catches the person/s responsible for this.I just don't know why people would be so cruel to animals!  03/11/2008

  I was at the gas station today.  There was a man who was standing near the front door holding a gas can.  He was dressed in nice casual clothes and looked as though he were waiting for someone inside the store. Slowly as if forcing himself, he began to walk out to the pumps one foot in front of the other.   Seemed more like he was about to step on stage in front of a huge audience. He appeared to be mortified.  He was probably wondering what the "blank" he was doing in this situation.  He didn't look like he was used to begging.     He approached me and asked, "Can you spare some gas?"  He looked so uncomfortable holding an empty gas can asking strangers for help.  I had just finished putting the last of the gas I had already paid for and was closing up the cap.  I would have gladly g... 03/11/2008

I'm sure many of you have heard of Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.  Here is a little information about this great organization:"Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. We have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country - including yours."I am participating in a fun event to help raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento.They do great work in providing children with positive adult role models. Remember when you were a kid? Wasn't there one adult who made a differe... 03/07/2008

Sacramento, before your head hits the pillow on Saturday night, set your clocks ahead one hour. Some think they lose an hour and others just go to be earlier or stay in bed longer.Springing ahead, makes me think positive. And gosh knows we need a little positive these days, don't you think?I actually have daffodils that think it's Spring. The trees are blossoming and the warmer weather is here.This means, home buyers are out looking at real estate. The home buyers are looking at your home for sale on the Internet and comparing prices in the neighborhoods.The home buyers are calling me so prepare and make sure that your home is the best that it can be. Home buyers today want a good deal, most don't want to fix things, they want to move-in and have everything working and looking nice.Do y... 03/07/2008

Its a great time to buy in Sacramento, CA!Whether its the city itself, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, Rancho Cordova, or one of the "Park" areas, its a good time to get a home.Rates are still very low and with the Stimulus Package good til the end of 2008, you can buy more home in Sacramento at better rates!There are alot of bank owned properties out there which means you can cut some sweet deals, and the market has come down tremendously. You literally are getting more home for less dollar!Even if you don't have perfect credit there are many financing options STILL available, even some 100% programs.So if you've been thinking about buying a home , make a move on it! You'd be surprised at what you can afford in todays market, and the tax write off isn't too bad either!www.SacTownHome... 03/07/2008

There have been many negative stories about the current real estate market.    It is important to note that there have been areas  holding steady and not seeing much of a decline in value.  Davis is one of these places, but other areas close to downtown Sacramento are also holding there own including most of Land Park, parts of East Sacramento, McKinley Park and Curtis park.  These neighborhoods are well-established and close to downtown.  Recently KCRA TV did a newstory on the housing market in the bubble.   Land Park Real Estate BubbleThis story shows how "local" real estate really is and that not every area is dominated by short sales and foreclsoures.   Photo Credit Search for East Sacramento Homes, Land Park Real Estate or Midtown Condos 03/01/2008

A received a call the other day from a Land Park home owner who asked me if I could refer her to an interior designer. She was in the process of improving her living areas and wanted to buy new furniture, window coverings and accessories, but didn't know where to start. As with all home purchasing decisions, it's important to have a goal in mind, a picture of your finished product. While you might like an Italian leather sofa, for example, it's difficult to imagine how it might fit in with your existing decor or whether you should design a room around that single piece of furniture. I recommended that she call a home stager. It was a thought that had not occurred to her but made a lot of sense. After all, many stagers are artists. They are creative and can turn an otherwise boring space... 02/28/2008

Urban architect, Ron Vrilakas is having a casual get-together tonight at his new project, 4th Avenue Lofts in Oak Park.There's going to be some great discussion over pizza (Luigi's) and beer (Rubicon).  Ron's going to share some of his vision for this emerging corner of Oak Park and has welcomed any and all to join in the discussion.  5 of the units for this project have already sold.  If you want to get a good look for yourself while connecting with other urban-minded folk, this is a great opportunity.  I'll be there and hope to see some of you as well.Date: Friday, February 22nd, 2008Time: 5:30 to 7:30pmAddress: 2901 35th StreetOne block south of the Starbucks on Broadway.If you can't go but are interested in the project, call 916-442-7895 or visit the website.  02/22/2008

One of the best ways to stay in touch with what is going on in Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods is to attend the Neighborhood Advisory Group meetings.  Normally scheduled the 3rd Monday of the month, due to the holiday Februarys will be on the 25th.  Heres the info:The Neighborhood Advisory Group February meeting scheduled for February 25th,this upcoming Monday is at the Hart Senior Center.  It will start off withpizza at 6:15 p.m. and begin the meeting at 6:30 p.m.City Manager Ray Kerridge will join us once again in February tointroduce Police Chief Rick Braziel.  In January, many people raisedconcerns about the urban canopy and the direction of the City's UrbanForest Services.  Joe Benassini, Urban Forest Services Manager andJerry Way, Director of Transportation, will be at Monday's... 02/22/2008

One of the best ways to stay in touch with what is going on in Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods is to attend the Neighborhood Advisory Group meetings.  Normally scheduled the 3rd Monday of the month, due to the holiday Februarys will be on the 25th.  Heres the info:The Neighborhood Advisory Group February meeting scheduled for February 25th,this upcoming Monday is at the Hart Senior Center.  It will start off withpizza at 6:15 p.m. and begin the meeting at 6:30 p.m.City Manager Ray Kerridge will join us once again in February tointroduce Police Chief Rick Braziel.  In January, many people raisedconcerns about the urban canopy and the direction of the City's UrbanForest Services.  Joe Benassini, Urban Forest Services Manager andJerry Way, Director of Transportation, will be at Monday's... 02/22/2008

I am giving my first listing presentation tonight! If you have any advice I need it! So far I have been told to wear a suit and tie. And the most important thing is to build rapport! Please shed some light. I have a meeting at 6 pm tonight! 02/21/2008

Okay lets here it. What are some of your favorite ways to get listings?? The first that comes to mind for me is looking up expired listings. Does anyone out there have anything better? lets hear it! 02/20/2008

One of the many challenges I face being a realtor is my age. I am 22 years old. There is no one in the business that I know of that is my age. I am young. I have energy, a lot of free time, and I always answer my phone. My broker told me to always wear a tie, and to never goof off or to use humor with clients because it might show immaturity. She told me to become the ultimate professional, and so I have been on the right path...I have found that when I dress the part, people take me seriously. Although at one open house I had one guy say, "Gee ya ever dun this before??." And then he went on to give me some advice on holding an open house. "Ya know... its like selling a 7 year old Yugo." I will never forget him... 02/20/2008

I think the market in California has hit rock bottom. These prices are cheaper than the crack sold on the street out here. Investors are starting to return. Buyers are starting to return. Things are getting sold... I am starting to see multiple offers on properties, and I think that maybe the market is coming back? Its like my boss says, "We'll know the market has hit rock bottom when developers stop offering these incentives. And I think that developers are going to stop offering incentives to buyers soon. 02/20/2008