Sacramento County, CA Real Estate News

By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
Yesterday morning after posting about the really fun old fart’s birthday party in a Newcastle barn, I decided to make it a stay at home day. One where I'd be lounging in pajamas, soaking in memories recalled with friends the evening before. I had just hopped back into bed when I receive a text from my kid, Jill. “Are you busy this afternoon,” she asks? “I could be,” I responded. The texts became a phone discussion revealing she had 2 tickets to The Drifters, and she wanted to know if I wanted to go. Sure, why not. I really had nothing to do but finish digesting tacos I had consumed at the party the night before.The Drifters were a popular R&B/soul doo-wop group who got their start back in the 1950s. While getting dressed, I wondered, can any of them even be alive.I went through my teen ...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
Last night there was enough of a break in the storms hitting the Greater Sacramento Region, to allow for several old farts to get out and celebrate a couple 80th birthdays. This is kind of a long story I’m going to try and keep short. Bare with me! Bret Harte Court is a short one block street in the heart of Sacramento's Oak Park, When I was a kid growing up, there were several of us near the same age living there. Last evening was a testament to how long we’ve known each other. The relationships we forged, evolved with time, but we've managed to keep love as treasure. I'll try to sort it all out for you with this first photo. See that guy, with the cap on, pictured next to the guy on the left? That's John Jeffcoat. He and I grew up 4 doors apart. I've known him since I was 2 years old...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
Here it is a little more than half way through February already.  And, I’m reminded that fellow ActiveRain bloggers, Debe Maxwell and Brian England have presented the challenge titled, “What’s Love Got to Do with It?This challenge provides us an avenue to provide insight into what makes our city so very special.In the past while blogging, I’ve mentioned I feel especially fortunate to live in the Greater Sacramento Region. There's so much to see and experience in this city.  And, also, within 100 miles or so, we are so close to other amazing sights and experiences. Within 100 miles to the west of Sacramento, we find San Francisco. And, we’re just 60 miles from Napa Sonoma Wine Country, to the Northwest.When we venture east, beautiful Lake Tahoe provides tranquil nature scenes.  And, near...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
For those dwelling in the Greater Sacramento Region, there are several events happening in Old Sacramento this holiday weekend.City of Trees Parade 2023 and Mardi Gras FestivalThe Second Annual “City of Trees Parade” begins on Saturday, February 18th at 2:00 PM. It begins to roll from Capitol Mall through Old Sacramento.  The Mardi Gras Festival will be at the Old Sacramento Waterfront.  There will be local community art, food trucks and local vendors along the parade route.  A beverage garden will serve donated alcoholic beverages as a fundraiser.Live music.For dates and times of this event, check out the Downtown Grid Website.
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
Once a year, there are certain members of my family who simply must observe the "Crabbiest Nite of the Year." In years past, we often found ourselves at the annual St. Mel's Crab Feed in Fair Oaks. However, the pandemic has shut down that event for a couple of years now. Last night, my daughter, Jill, who had in the past usually gifted me a St. Mel's Crab Feed ticket each Christmas, hosted a group of 5 of us at her home for a really fine crab dinner instead. . .After all, The Crabbiest Nite of the Year simply must go on!In addition to Crab, there was a wonderful Pasta, Salad, Shrimp, a Charcuterie Board, other appetizers, plus a really nice wine. It was simply marvelous!
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
For those wondering if I snapped this photo of myself while laying on the ground, you’d be wrong. In this first picture I'm actually standing in front of the root system of a toppled Oak tree. As many of you know, for several weeks, Sacramento had been the target of a daisy chain of severe winter storms. Weather experts have titled them “Atmospheric Rivers.” After several years of drought, the rains have been a welcome sight. However, high winds which at times approached hurricane strength, coupled with moisture saturated ground, took their toll on just about everything, especially Sacramento trees. As I traveled along the American River Parkway, on this perfect blue sky morning, I came across this felled Oak tree. It provides an example of how shallow drought starved tree roots make t...
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By Ray Henson, Realtor
(eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277))
     In my December report last year, I noted, "It is interesting to note that in the last seven months preceding December, the median price has not changed that much...The median price took a sizable jump in December to $640,000.  It looks like the spring buying season might be starting early this year."  That was the case until April.  The market was hot and we hit an average price of $703,000 in April, then the market changed on a dime.  The Fed started raising rates quickly, inventories started to rise and prices started falling.     What is the old saying about stock investing?  "Don't fight the Fed!"  It seems appropriate for the housing market as well.  This year is starting quite differently than last year with housing prices headed down and inventories way up.  There is an ongo...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
For more than a few days now, I've been reminded of that old Sinatra tune, with words, "The weather outside is frightful. . ." As reported on national news, Sacramento has been hit hard with a series of bomb cyclones, flooding and inclement weather. It has been arriving via a daisy chain of significant storms from the Pacific. I counted my lucky stars on New Years Eve. I hadn't lost power, or suffered any damage. However, this Saturday night we endured winds sometimes reaching as high as 68 MPH, as reported at nearby Mather AFB. I lost power here at home around 11:30 PM. It didn't return for 14 hours, around 1:30 PM yesterday. There are many trees down in the city. Several are in my community. However, yesterday afternoon, the clouds parted long enough between storms. that 21 of our fa...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
There is one thing my hungry family enjoys eating during the holidays. It is "Christmas Enchiladas."  This is a dish I conjured with a little imagination. Once I tried it out on my family (who are almost always willing guinea pigs) several years ago, it became a popular holiday staple.  Here's the photo, and although we have labeled them "Christmas Enchiladas," I suspect they would be good most any time.On this special evening, I wish all of you the Merriest of Christmases!Ingredients: 2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 small onion chopped 2 medium Poblemo peppers fire-roasted, peeled, and chopped ½ cup dried pineapple & mango, finely chopped ½ cup chopped walnuts 1 dozen flour tortillas Pomegranate seeds for garnish Ingredients For the Sauce: 2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup 8 oz Mexican...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
After an early morning visit to the CalFit Health Club spa to marinate, I arrived back home as the sun was rising. We had heavy weekend rains in Sacramento. But, today it was all about the blue sky. After sipping a cup of tea with a biscuit, I went outside, and raked leaves in my backyard. A large branch from a neighbor's tree had blown off during Saturday's storm. My trusty chainsaw took care of it in short order. And, I cleaned up the rest of my yard from the storm. I was wondering why I was so hungry until I glanced at the clock, and it informed it was 1:30 p.m. I wandered indoors, and fried up these three small Tilapia fillets - Cajun style. After adding mashed potatoes and a little salad to the plate, I wandered out to the "party fridge" in my garage to find something to drink. I ...
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By Rob Spinosa, SVP of Mortgage Lending, Marin County
(Guaranteed Rate, Marin County, CA)
How (NOT) to Destroy Your Mortgage Approval!!!  Ever wondered about the most common (as well as lesser known) ways mortgage borrowers sabotage their own loan process?  Do they dispute credit items and try to fix their FICO scores? Do they change jobs without telling their lender or broker? Do they mistakenly wire their down payment to a cyber criminal in Russia?  All of the above can be mortgage destroyers --- and not like the KISS kind of Destroyer --- the one that captivated me as a child. So, let's take the mask off the Top 10 ways unsuspecting homebuyers and those looking to refinance encounter the God of Mortgage Thunder.  Don't be next!  Get up, everybody's gonna move their feet!  Rob SpinosaSVP of Mortgage LendingGuaranteed RateNMLS: 22343 Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 rob.spinosa@rate...
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By Ray Henson, Realtor
(eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277))
November's Numbers for Elk Grove, CAOur average price for homes last month was up a bit month over month and year over year.  At first, it looks like we have reversed our trend of declining prices.  We may have, but there is a bit more to the story.  The average size of homes sold last month was up just over 11% meaning buyers are getting more for their money. We are also seeing a lot more seller concessions now.  Many buyers are asking for money from the seller to pay for closing costs or, more likely, to pay down interest rates.  There were 85 homes sold last month and 59% of those sold with a seller's concession.  It is difficult to know the exact numbers because not all agents put the seller concession amount in our multiple listing service so the numbers I am just about to share ar...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
Occasionally, real estate professionals will debate the pros and cons of sharing trade secrets.Although, I am now a retired Realtor after 40 years, I remember thinking when I first entered the real estate business in November 1981 that I was entering a "cut-throat" business.This month, Debe Maxwell has presented the ActiveRain “2022 Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge.”  This Challenge offers an opportunity to contemplate blessings we enjoy.My first office, had about a dozen experienced professional old-timers in it, and I was the rookie.  Imagine my shock when I asked the question, "What's the interest rate these days?"  The answer was an incendiary 18 1/2%.  I thought how can I sell real estate in a market like this? The agent at the desk behind me coaxed me to look for the 1 in 20 house...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
I must admit I've been quite envious of my ActiveRain blogger friends who live in New England, a place legendary for autumn leaf colors strutting their seasonal glory.George Souto has posted his lovely Fall Progression of Colors. And, Ed Silva has provided delightful Fall Colors postings.However, during a trip to my local BelAir grocery store in Gold Center Village, I found these beauties in the shopping center parking lot. 
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
I must confess I was born under a wanderin’ star! Because of that, I often feel blessed living in Sacramento.  There are so many wonderful places to visit within a couple hours of home. I am fortunate to be within 100 miles of San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Napa Wine Country and California Gold Country.  It isn’t unusual for me to leave home to run a local errand or two, but find my car has performed the equivalent of a butt dial, which ultimately transports me to a destination like those mentioned above. I’m a road trip kinda gal! This month, Debe Maxwell has presented the ActiveRain “2022 Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge.”  This Challenge offers an opportunity to contemplate blessings we enjoy.For my second entry of this challenge, I wish to express that I feel blessed America has so many...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
 I woke early this morning (4:15 am).  Too lazy to get out of bed, but too awake to return to sleep, I turned on the TV.  Today, Netflix released the movie, “Where the Crawdads Sing.” The flick centers on the life of Catherine Danielle Clark (nicknamed “Kya” also known as “Marsh Girl”). Kya is initially unschooled and suffers prejudice from Barkley Cove, North Carolina townsfolk. In 1952, at six years old, her mother abandons Kya and the family, due to the father’s drunkenness and physical abuse.  As years pass, Kya's siblings leave home. Ultimately, she is left alone with the father.  It is on October 30th 1969, when there is a suspicious death of Kya’s abusive ex-boyfriend, that she finds herself the prime suspect, and endures trial.  The movie offers delightful Carolina marsh and swa...
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By Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate
(Future Homes & Real Estate)
A RECESSION DOES NOT EQUAL A HOUSING CRISIS... Many, are concerned by what they have been hearing on the news…I hope to put to rest, some-if not all of your concerns-Right here, and now 😊#1-A Recession does NOT equal a Housing Crisis-No need to fret over what is nothing more than FAKE news, or just know-It simply is not the complete message.I have seen, and personally experienced many “ups” and “downs” in the more than 3 decades, that I have been a Realtor/Real Estate Counselor…I make sure to do the appropriate research-and have access to the right people (Top Local Economists/Appraisers), so as to properly counsel those I serve.HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE ARE NOT HEADED FOR A CRASH IN OUR MARKETPLACE~1-The Supply VS. Demand Ratio…We still do not have enough available housing for...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
One of the assets we have in the Greater Sacramento Region is the American River Parkway.  I feel especially blessed to live within a couple blocks of it.  The American River Parkway is an urban treasure, which spans 23 miles, and covers 4,800 acres.  It stretches along the American River, from Old Sacramento to the City of Folsom.No matter what troubles are percolating at home or abroad, a short walk, bike ride, or even drive to the Parkway, can transport one into a different realm - One where nature sets the world right once again.Several times each month, I find my way to The American River Parkway, to take in serene views of the river, the fauna and flora. I especially enjoy seeing critters that reside there.  Often, there will be deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, raccoons, and occasiona...
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By Ray Henson, Realtor
(eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277))
The Fed just raised rates once again with a promise of more to come.  Even safe assets are being hit hard.  Michael Murphy, the author of The New World Investor blog, says, "The 10-year US Treasury bond is on pace for its worst year in history with a loss of 19.5%....This is THE risk-off asset.  Never in history, in an extreme draw down for stocks, have Treasurys, THE risk-off asset, gone down more than stocks-until now."  Stocks, bonds and Cryptocurrencies are all down.  I may not have a crystal ball when it comes to the housing market, but, to paraphrase the incomparable  Betty Davis, fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy ride.  Elk Grove Market Statistics for OctoberView Homes in Elk GroveOur Elk Grove market does not look too bad when you compare year over year numbers.  ...
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By Ray Henson, Realtor
(eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277))
This new Elk Grove listing, 5332 Coral Creek Way, just came on the market today.  It is a three bedroom, two bathroom, 1,273 square foot home.  It features new floor tile, new carpets, granite counter tops, Hunter Douglas shutters, a custom interior color scheme, a newer roof and a spacious backyard. The two backyard patios creates a perfect environment to entertain friends and family or just to sit back a relax.There has been a pest inspection and all section one work (Section 1, in this case was a few areas of dry rot) has been completed. Most of the back three sides of the home has been painted.  The deep red accent trim also has been freshly painted. Neighborhood parks and schools are close by and it is conveniently close to shopping.Give me a call if you would like to view the home...
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Sacramento County, CA Real Estate Professionals