Fairytale Town at William Land Park is adding a new feature to the park - a new 'Wizard of Oz' themed play set!  In addition to the play set, also being constructed is a Yellow Brick Road...In order to raise funds for the construction of the play set and the road (in addition to other park improvements), Fairy Tale Town is allowing individuals, families, and sponsors a chance to donate funds by purchasing a brick.  They are available for $100, and you can have a personal message imprinted on the brick.  Each brick has enough space for three lines up to 15 characters.For more information, visit http://www.fairytaletown.org.   12/03/2007

It's unbelievable, but I actually finished all my holiday shopping in November this year, thanks to online shopping. Well, except for one present. It's not that I don't enjoy fighting crowds, waiting in long lines at cash registers or sitting behind rows of cars trying to get out of the downtown plaza parking garage in Sacramento, but it's much more efficient to tap a few keys and watch merchandise show up on my doorstep.One thing I have learned over the years is the closer it gets to Christmas, the more insane the crowds become. Since I knew exactly what I wanted to get my husband, I figured a trip to Macy's on the first day in December wouldn't be all that crowded yet. Besides, it would also give me an excuse to buy a new pair of jeans.I marched right up to the watch counter and descr... 12/03/2007

FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTSThe Festival of Trees and Lights Week, which started November 26, ends in Sacramento today. Major Heather Fargo proclaimed the week as an interfaith community fundraiser event to help support downtown homeless programs, in conjunction with volunteers from the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the California State Association of Counties and the Pyramid Alehouse. During this first-ever Festival of Trees and Lights, visitors placed bids on decorated trees (the ornaments were wired on to prevent them from falling off) and listened to live music and Christmas choirs at the Westfield Downtown Plaza. See Right-------------------------------------------------------> VENETIAN CAROUSEL          Th... 12/02/2007

So many times I come across online advice that is wrong, especially about buying newer homes versus older homes. I am not certain if some of those writers deal specifically with one type of construction over another -- and therefore possess little knowledge about the differences between older and newer homes -- or if it's a preference that overshadows the truth. While I am not a fan of new subdivisions, I appreciate facets of new construction, but I also enjoy older, vintage homes. I've owned both, and I certainly sell both newer and older homes. Each has its own quirks, selling points and drawbacks. In fact, I'm working with a client right now who wants a brand new home constructed like an old home in a very old neighborhood, which is similar to looking for a needle in a haystack. Spec... 12/02/2007

I do so love holiday home tours...how about you? They seem to get eveyone in the holiday spirit, not only to get some fresh new holiday decorating tips for your home but to also help raise money for different charitable events and causes.Great homes in the Fabulous 40's are once again being decorated to the hilt and awaiting your arrival.Each year selected homes in an East Sacramento neighborhood roll out the carpet, sprinkle their fabulous homes with the very best decorations for the holidays and provide a glistening tour of their houses.Where is all this happening in Sacramento? None other than the Fabulous 40's. There are 5 exquisite homes in Sacramento's Fabulous 40's decorated by interior designers and florists.The Fabulous Forties neighborhood in East Sacramento is between J Stree... 12/01/2007

11/30/2007

This Saturday, December 1st from 9:30am - 2pm, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center will be holding its annual Holiday Shopping Event.  Check out original artwork from local Sacramento photographers, artists, and craftsman.  Part of the sale proceeds will be donated to the American River Natural History Association.  The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located at Ancil Hoffman Park - 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael (off California Avenue).  The event is free, but parking at the park is $5. http://www.effieyeaw.org/ 11/29/2007

Whenever I set out in the past to buy a home, one of the qualifying criteria for the home was to find a place where I could hide my cat's litter box. Putting the box in a closet with coats and other odor absorbing garments did not appeal to me. And I'm not a person who enjoys stepping on traces of cat litter scattered about the bathroom with my bare feet. Nope, cat boxes require their own special place in the home.  I always ask buyers if they have pets before we start looking at homes, just so we can accommodate those pets in the plans to buy a new home. For example, if a buyer has a dog or wants to adopt a dog, it's a good idea to buy a home with a fence -- or at least be prepared to put up a fence. I realize some condo dwellers in New York use those indoor dog pad thingies, but I'm d... 11/29/2007

I am a firm believer that for some people buying a home is not the best course of action. I realize that many agents will find that statement blasphemous, but it's true. Not everybody is cut out for home ownership. Some people are much better off renting. They don't want to be tied down to a home, much less take care of repairing and maintaining a home, nor are many prepared for paying all those other extra costs such as property taxes and homeowner's insurance. In declining real estate markets, some buyers worry that they will lose equity the day they buy. And some, no matter what the market does, are afraid to take such a big step as buying a home. Are you better off renting or buying? To find out, read more about renting versus buying a home. 11/28/2007

I love it when buyers come into my Midtown Sacramento office for a consultation with a list of thoughts in hand. It makes my job much easier when a buyer has already defined what they want; but it's OK with me if they haven't thought that far ahead yet. That's part of my job, to help buyers think through their goals, objectives and desires, to sort the wants from the needs, and to discuss various aspects of home ownership. I never know which way the conversation will go, but I'm always confident that we'll both emerge with a clear direction. When I asked a buyer recently which direction she preferred her home face, she had never considered orientation in her plans. We discussed the pros and cons, and now I know that orientation is a major consideration for her. Here is more about How to... 11/28/2007

My husband and I have been members of the Sacramento Yacht Club since 2003, and I can tell you that one of my favorite club events is the Lighted Boat Parade.  This event is actually sponsored by the Capital City Yacht Club, and we are lucky enough to get to particpate...The parade is on Saturday, December 1st and begins at 6pm at Miller Park, and will pass by Old Sacramento on the Sacramento River at approximately 6:30pm. The boats will be creatively decorated, and will leisurely troll between the Tower and I Street bridges. The best viewing areas are onboard the Delta King or along the waterfront.  Judging takes place on board the Delta King...not sure if my husband and I will cruise our boat in the parade this year, but it is really cool to watch!  11/27/2007

ALL PRICE RANGES IN 95818 FOR OCTOBER Inventory in Land Park / Curtis Park was reduced slightly from September. In October of 2007, there were 83 homes on the market in 95818, 20 pending sales and 8 closed transactions.The average price per square foot dropped from $350 in September to $338 in October for all price ranges.The average days on market for October was 57.The average sold-price-ratio to list-price-ratio was 97%, which has been constant since August. The average list price in October was $522,000. The average sold price in October was $468,000.Months of inventory, however, zoomed from 4.2 in September to 10.4 months. This is the highest number of months of inventory over the past 15 months. The second highest month was September of 2006 at 6.8 months of inventory. PRICE RANGE... 11/27/2007

Don't worry, "Elfing Yourself" is not a bad thing.  I would never tell you to Elf Yourself unless it was a good thing to do.  So take your hands off your ears and check this out.  It is a fun thing to do when you have time.  It is something to pass on to family and friends this Christmas holiday.  It is a craz that has been sponsored by OfficeMax the last couple of years as far as I know.Why don't you spend some quality time with your family and friends this Christmas.  It will be fun Elfing Yourselves and making memories together.  You can also put a voice message to set the tone of your Christmas Greeting from Elf Yourself.  LOL It has been around for awhile and many have done this before, but have you Elf Yourself, lately?The Cabrera Family Elfs - Daisy, Danielle, Ernie, & Elle Click... 11/25/2007

Because of pending legislation that threatens to take away down payment assistance for buyers from such organizations as the Nehemiah Corporation, it's no wonder home buyers are concerned about how to find a down payment. Sources are drying up. It can be a struggle for many first-time home buyers, especially those in high priced areas who fall just over the conforming loan limit of $417,000. In some cases, by making a down payment of 20% or less, that act alone could let a buyer obtain a conforming loan, instead of being required to pay a higher interest and, by extension, even higher loan fees to obtain a jumbo. However, a 20% down payment on a $500,000 home is $100,000. Who has that kind of cash lying around? Actually, two of my transactions this year involved representing first-time ... 11/25/2007

Wherever I travel, I take photographs of homes. My passion for photography sometimes thwarts vacations as I get sidetracked. Instead of shopping at cute boutiques or dining at out-of-the-way cafés, often I end up wandering the streets of a town to admire its picturesque homes, invariably with camera in tow. Last fall, I noticed the maple trees in Sacramento were beginning to drop their colorful leaves. The sun was sinking lower in the sky toward the afternoon, lending a soft glow on the horizon as light bounced off rooftops. Suddenly, I felt inspired. It occurred to me that I have spent hours putting together photo galleries of homes along the coast in California and places as far away as France and Italy, yet, I had neglected the very area where I live and sell real estate: the Land Pa... 11/23/2007

DESIRABLE RIVERLAKE - GATED COMMUNITY IN THE POCKET - SACRAMENTOThis home is priced to sell at $339,000. Million-dollar homes are situated across the street, along the private lake. Surrounding similar homes are priced at $425,000 and up. This is an affordable halfplex, creatively attached by a small wall off the dining room. Once inside, you would swear the home was a standalone.It has 3 large bedrooms and 3 full baths. Assessor's square footage is 1,481 square feet. The 1987-built home faces East toward the cul de sac, and it has an attached two-car garage.The freshly painted entry way features vaults and tile. There is one bedroom located downstairs, which could also be used an office. The downstairs full guest bathroom has been updated. Inside laundry room, too. Master suite feature... 11/22/2007

I wanted to share a press release that just came out today November 20, 2007.  This is big news in California because there has been a steady stream of Foreclosures that have been flooding the real estate market for the last couple of years.  The outlook has also been negative with more foreclosures to come the next few years.The continued forclosures brings the sales price lower as the REO are sold at rock bottom prices.  Buyers have just been waiting and the lack of sales drives prices down.California's Foreclosure Rate Twice the National Average The Governor of California with the cooperation of some of the bigger lenders Countrywide, GMAC, Litton and HomEq has agreed to streamline "fast-track" procedures to help keep more subprime borrowers from losing their homes.  These four compa... 11/21/2007

DO YOU HAVE A HOME INSPECTOR LOOKING INTO YOUR NEW HOME?One of the major terms in most California purchase agreements is a home inspection by the buyer.  This inspection is recommended to make sure the buyer is fully aware of the condition of the property they are buying.Caveat Emptor = "let the buyer beware." (Latin)The buyer should examine the goods and/or property and buy it at his own risk, except for latent defects.  In California we practice "Full Disclosure".  The seller and the agents need to disclose any material defects or material facts know or discovered during a transaction.  Seller's who hide know defects from a buyer can be subject to legal suites.  The home looks perfect! You are all set to buy it and fulfill your dream. Don't let this dream turn into a nightmare because... 11/21/2007

I want to wish everyone a great THANKSGIVING for 2007!  We have a lot to be thankful for!I am thankful for good people like yourself!To be able to live and work in the greatest country in the world!For the opportunity to be able to help and serve people!For a wonderful team of real estate professionals at REAL ESTATE AMERICA!For being blessed with a great family full of love!I thank God most of all for being a God of second chances and being full of grace!I wish you and yours, much happiness and success in life and in business!Ernie CabreraREAL ESTATE AMERICA(916) 439-4663WWW.REAREALTORS.COMERNIE@REAREALTORS.COM Try this for this Thanksgiving! Author of picture is unknown 11/21/2007

First-time home buyers are often reluctant to call a real estate agent until they are absolutely, positively confident they will buy a home. And even then, many get cold feet during the process, so don't ever worry about needing to be 100% committed to buying a home. It's completely normal to feel uneasy and unsure. I've known home buyers who weren't certain they would move in to a home until the day it closed escrow! However, calling an agent before you are ready to begin the home buying process can be advantageous to you. As a first-time home buyer, you might not know exactly which neighborhood you want; is it also unlikely that you have narrowed down your needs and wants list. An experienced real estate agent can offer you invaluable counseling. An agent can also send you listings di... 11/20/2007