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... 01/20/2023

     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... 01/18/2023

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... 01/09/2023

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... 12/24/2022

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 ... 12/12/2022

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... 12/08/2022

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... 12/06/2022

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... 11/22/2022

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.  11/16/2022

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... 11/15/2022

 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... 11/12/2022

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... 11/11/2022

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... 11/09/2022

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.  ... 11/05/2022

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... 10/28/2022

I like to say that my clients are my friends or friends to be.  In this case, my good Runnin for Rhett friends, Gary and Nancy, reached out to me to help them sell their long time home.  It was an unexpected move for them.  Their renter decided to move out and Gary and Nancy decided it was time to downsize.  There was a lot to do in a short amount of time.  The yard needed some work, a deck needed shoring up, some carpet needed replacing and there was quite a bit of painting to do.  Gary and Nancy ended up being dynamos.  I really do not know how Gary did it.  He broke his clavicle about half way through the process. It did not slow him down.  They were both amazing and the results were fantastic.  Just look at what they did with the backyard! The work they did on the interior of the ho... 10/27/2022

Temps in Sacramento have been especially pleasant. Yesterday, after finishing a gym session, my brain must have performed the equivalent of a butt dial, because instead of heading home, my car veered right, and quickly found its way onto Highway 50 headed east toward Apple Hill.Apple Hill is a pleasant 40 mile drive from Sacramento.  And, it’s even closer from my home!  It is a community of more than 50 farms that grow an array of apples, pumpkins and Christmas trees, in addition to there being a few wineries.  In autumn, it is a favorite destination.  At Boa Vista Farm I bought a couple bottles of Chipotle Lime Salad Dressing, Pears and Honey Crisp Apples. At the High Hill Ranch pond a resident goose shared an apple walnut donut with me.More information is available at: High Hill Ranch. 10/26/2022

Runnin for Rhett's inaugural Farm to Fort event was held last night.  The event featured numerous local restaurants serving tasty bites of their fair along with samples of local wine, beer and spirits.  Historic Sutter's Fort was the perfect cozy venue to enjoy the delightful fall evening and the night's entertainment, David Garibaldi's energetic painting of two American icons.  His first painting was a very vibrant Mickey Mouse.  It is amazing how Mr. Garibaldi uses broad brush strokes, flings paint at the canvas and, for lack of a better description, finger painting to create such unique artwork.  How quickly can you guess the second icon Mr. Garibaldi created in this short video? Hint, he rotates the canvas 180 degrees for the final reveal. DJ Eddie Z inspired many in the crowd to da... 10/23/2022

A bunch of my Runnin for Rhett buddies and I play pickleball every Friday evening, then we all head over for pizza and beer.  The social side of pickleball is one of the great attributes of the game.   You may have noticed that Brian England and I have had a friendly debate on some of those attributes lately and have even come up with our own custom hashtags.  My first hashtag, #BrianBrianBrian, denoted my vexation at his reluctance to the game.  Of course, Brian countered with, #NoPickleballForBrian, which seriously cracks me up every time he uses it.  Recently, I have added, #ItsJustAMatterOfTime. I do understand Brian's reluctance, though.  I was once decidedly anti-pickleball.  I even told my dad a few years ago, "No dad, I am not chasing a silly little plastic Wiffle Ball around a ... 10/22/2022

One of my favorite places in Greater Sacramento for family gathering is El Tapatio in the community of Citrus Heights. Last evening, my daughter, Jill's birthday gave reason for us to find way there once again. Good food, live meandering guitars, and each other's company made it all really special. And, OH, the take home boxes! The address for El Tapatio is: 5637 Sunrise Boulevard, Citrus Heights, CA 95610Their El Tapatio website is: https://www.eltapatiocuisine.com  10/11/2022