Thus far this month, I’ve mentioned my gratefulness for living close to the American River Parkway.  I’ve even mentioned be thankful for elasticized waistbands.  And, I've mentioned being blessed by a special mom. But, there isn't any way I can get through the "Thankfulness Challenge" that has become tradition on the ActiveRain platform, without devoting a little space for the blessing of my children. No two of my four kids are remotely similar. Each has very unique and interesting personalities and talents.  The one thing they do share in common, is their artistic and/or musical creativity, which shines through! There is another thing all four of my children share.  They have all worked in the real estate profession at one point or another, but have moved on to other vocations. My olde... 11/26/2023

Today, while revisiting all the many blessings in my life, sweet memories of my mother came to mind.  So much of who we are is based on the kind of childhood we experienced. I was fortunate enough to live in a home with both my parents.My mother was especially wonderful! My dad worked 10 minutes from home at the Western Pacific Railroad. The Western Pacific whistle would blow at 4:00 pm each afternoon, and we could hear it from our home. It signaled the end of the work day. Supper was at 4:15 each afternoon, and I could set a watch on the family routine - When Dad left for work each morning, when he would return home, when we would sit down for supper, and when Dad would walk out onto the front porch to pick up the evening paper.Mom was the perfect 1950s style housewife and mother. Albe... 11/20/2023

Stonelake Elk Grove Home In Contract | 9815 Mousetail Ct, Elk Grove, Ca 95757   PENDING SALE! This great single story home is located in the desirable Stonelake community in Elk Grove. This home was built in 2001 and features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, multiple living spaces, spacious backyard, and is 2,082 square feet. It is located near shopping, dining, fitness centers, and entertainment in Elk Grove and Sacramento. The list price is $650,000. We received four offers and went into contract in five days!9815 Mousetail Ct, Elk Grove, Ca 95757Just listed single story home located in the highly desirable Stonelake neighborhood of Elk Grove. This home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a formal dining area, living room, and a family room that opens to the kitchen. The main bedroom is separate fro... 11/15/2023

This month, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, Debe Maxwell is hosting the ActiveRain November “Thankful Thoughts Challenge.”  This is my second entry - "I am VERY thankful for elasticized waistbands!"Several years ago, a smile found way to my face, while reading a blog by Anna Banana. It was titled, “Thankful and Grateful for Magic Sizing.”  When I think of “magic sizing,” it isn’t a product to enhance fabric. "Magic sizing" is my elasticized waistbands.  At my house, measurement mischief usually begins in October.  In addition to Thanksgiving, there are a total of seven family member birthdays in Autumn, and throughout the holidays. The problem as my family says, is that I overcook.  I know they are right, I simply can’t help it.  And, the bad news is after everyone leaves for home, there... 11/13/2023

Stonelake Elk Grove Home Just Listed For Sale | 9815 Mousetail Ct, Elk Grove, Ca 95757   JUST LISTED! This great single story home is located in the desirable Stonelake community in Elk Grove. This home was built in 2001 and features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, multiple living spaces, spacious backyard, and is 2,082 square feet. It is located near shopping, dining, fitness centers, and entertainment in Elk Grove and Sacramento. The list price is $650,000.9815 Mousetail Ct, Elk Grove, Ca 95757Just listed single story home located in the highly desirable Stonelake neighborhood of Elk Grove. This home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a formal dining area, living room, and a family room that opens to the kitchen. The main bedroom is separate from the other two bedrooms. The backyard is private and... 11/09/2023

There is a place that I often access within a couple blocks of my home. I continue to regard this special place as a blessing, and a treasure in my life. The American River Parkway spans 23 miles, and covers 4,800 acres, and stretches along the American River, from Old Sacramento to the City of Folsom.No matter how much mischief life may get into, a little walk, bike ride, or even drive to the Parkway, magically transports to a freer mind. Nature sets the world right once again.At least once a week, I make certain to take in the serene views of the river, the fauna and flora.  The Parkway is home to deer, coyotes, rabbits, possums, raccoons. Etc.A couple of days ago, I was able to have a different experience, when hundreds of sheep and goats had been brought in to munch on dry grasses i... 11/07/2023

As a kid, I remember my Dad, Mom and I, traveling Route 66 on way to Kansas to visit family. So, while in Tulsa, Oklahoma a few days ago, my daughter and I took the opportunity to drive along parts of historic Route 66 through the city, and enjoy its nostalgic views. In addition, to visiting an Arkansas River scene, there was a fun visit to Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios. Buck has his face masked in preparation of Halloween. Another photo is of the Redfork Railroad Depot. A railroad museum is nearby. Tulsa has really embraced Route 66 as historic, and works hard to save its past. Here's a weblink to scenes along Route 66 in Tulsa: https://hulalandblog.com/route-66-stops-tulsa-ok   That's a rocket in Buck's hands.  I was hungry when I shot this scene, and thought at first it was a fork.Redfo... 10/28/2023

While visiting Tulsa, an activity my daughter Jill, and I had decided on, the day after my grandson’s graduation, was to attend the Tulsa Oktoberfest. The Tulsa Oktoberfest is billed as the 8th largest Oktoberfest in the United States.  It was a really fun event, with many vendors, GREAT food, music, a whole lot of dancing.  I don’t ever recall having German Schnitzel before.  And, with Sauerkraut and German Potato Salad, it couldn’t have been finer.  In one of the photos below, where I’m lifting a nearly empty beer stein to lips, I must disclose, my daughter bought a single stein, and then poured some into my glass.  The picture with the Schnitzel shows my refilled stein with pink lemonade.Me and my kid!It may have only been 10:00 am in California, but it was Noon at the Tulsa Oktoberf... 10/24/2023

Congratulations to my grandson John Luis, who graduated from the Physician Assistant program at Oklahoma State University Tulsa, last Thursday evening.A very special place in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was chosen for thirty or so of our family and close friends, to gather and celebrate John Luis’s graduation. The Mayo Hotel built in art deco style, dates back to 1925. As you walk through The Mayo, the walls seem to speak to you about their history. Our celebration began with Champaign and appetizers, followed by a scrumptious buffet, and dessert. The DJ had a really fun and pleasant mix of music which was perfect for our dancing.Well known guests who have been known to stay at The Mayo include: President John F. Kennedy Bob Hope Charles Lindbergh Babe Ruth Lucille Ball Charlie Chapli... 10/23/2023

Have you ever known someone, and imagined them as a really amazing real estate agent?  I know I have.  Sometimes, the person imagined has nothing to do with the real estate profession at all.There are days when I get out of bed; but find I'm in no mood to get my hair wet in the swimming pool at the local California Family Fitness.  So, I shuffle inside the gym, to reacquaint myself with the torture machines, instead. Today was one of those days. It's not unusual for me to find my friend, Neal. Neal is a gentle giant who has a delightful and caring personality.  He's smart too.  Often when I'm around him and his 7 foot 4 inch presence, I think of all kinds of ideas that could be used if he were an real estate agent.  He could name his company, "Gigantic Realty."  But, I'll bet that Ron a... 10/16/2023

I need help with my 203k loan?I'm at my wit's end. I think no one is on my side. The contractor isn't showing up at my job and I'm paying the mortgage. I call the loan officer and she can offer no assistance. The consultant says he can't tell me what to do. Where can I go to get the help I need?Simply put "call 203k911" we have helped hundreds of people with their issues and helped them get back on track with their constuction project with little or no cost. It is FREE to discuss your issues just click on that link above in this paragraph.I actually thought this would be a big money make for us only to find out that most of the calls we received were about very small issues that were not taken care of promptly and ultimately were wearing on everyone's nerves.  This keeps happening and f... 10/13/2023

NEW LISTING IN ANTELOPE!!!  THIS GEM IS LOCATED IN THE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER NEIGHBORHOOD OF ANTELOPE OAKS...IS BOTH BRIGHT, AND NICELY UPDATED THROUGHOUT~INVITING ENTRY LEADS YOU TO A FORMAL DINING AREA AND FAMILY ROOM~WITH DUAL-SIDE FIREPLACE FOR COMFORT & ENJOYMENT IN BOTH THE FAMILY ROOM AND LR. THEN, TO AN OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN AND LIVING AREA~COMPLETE WITH A CONVENIENT DINING BAR, & BREAKFAST NOOK...GORGEOUS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS-ALL NEWER CABINTRY AND GAS COOKTOP/OVEN-FOR THE CHEF IN YOU! ALL NEW INTERIOR AND EXT. PAINT-NEW FLOORING IN MOST ROOMS...ALSO NEWER KITCHEN APPLIANCES-AND ROOF IS APPROX. 12 YEARS OLD. PLENTY OF SPACE FOR FUN & ENTERTAINING-POOL/SPA AREAS ARE FENCED OFF FOR EXTRA SAFETY...WALKING --DISTANCE TO SCHOOLS AND TO MORE THAN 1 PARK! NEW SOD IN REAR YARD...SHED STAYS... 10/09/2023

AFTERSHOCK 2023 LINEUP ANNOUNCED     Aftershock is marketed as the West Coast's Biggest Rock Festival.   The event is held at Discovery Park in Sacramento, California, on October 5th - 8th.This year's performances: Guns N' Roses Tool Avenged Sevenfold Korn Godsmack Pantera Incubus Queens of The Stone Age Limp Bizkit Featuring Additional Performances From: Megadeth Rancid Turnstile 311 The Cult & Many More   Last year's Aftershock event brought in an audience of 160,000, and $30 million to the Greater Sacramento Region. For more information, visit: www.AftershockFestival.com 10/06/2023

On a pleasant drive, in the Greater Sacramento region is a mysterious place in nearby Ione.   We really can’t say Preston Castle comes “alive” this time of year, because many folks claim ghosts of the dead remain there still. The purpose for building the Castle was to accommodate the Preston School of Industry (reform school), in an attempt to rehabilitate juvenile offenders.  The Castle was completed in June 1894, and in 1960 the Castle closed, when a new building was constructed. Preston Castle is a California State Historic Landmark.The castle’s sandstone was quarried a few miles from Ione, and the bricks were created at Folsom and San Quentin prisons.  The cornerstone was set with pomp and ceremony, in late 1890. The Castle is now empty, with some action being made to restore it.As ... 10/02/2023

This morning while working in my garden, I heard that amazing sound created by the world famous USAF Thunderbirds, who were working their magic while practicing, in the blue skies above. It prompted me to look up. For those interested in aviation marvels, this weekend kicks off the California Capital Air at nearby Mather Air Field in Rancho Cordova.This year, the California Capital Airshow will run Saturday and Sunday, September 23rd and 24th.Gates Open 9 to 5 - Performances 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PMThe California Capital Airshow is a crowd pleaser to residents in the Greater Sacramento Region.For more information about the show, performances and tickets, you can visit: https://californiacapitalairshow.com 09/21/2023

This morning, I heard a cute pirate joke. Q: How did the pirate get his Jolly Roger so cheaply?A: He bought it on sail. It prodded me to remind everyone that tomorrow is the 28th Annual “International Talk Like a Pirate Day.”For my family, “International Talk Like a Pirate Day,” celebrated each September 19th, has struck a resonate chord almost from the moment of its inception years ago.  It is a day we have cut loose modern convention, and freed our Inner Pirate!In the past I have photo-blogged our pirate party adventures.  They came with such themes as “Where Pirates Go” and “My Big Fat Greek Pirate Party.”For a little International Talk Like a Pirate Day history, its inception began in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers from Albany, Oregon.  These two proclaimed September 19th of eac... 09/18/2023

Small, but mighty! That’s what we’re going to talk about today!Most people focus on major upgrades to their home when they want to spruce it up. But we’re not talking about kitchen remodels or new decks today.Let’s talk about small, inexpensive ways you can breathe new life into your house!1: Swap out fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms. Things like cabinet door pulls, shower heads, and faucets are all instant tells of how old your house is. Switching out things that you commonly touch in your house will give you, or the person looking to buy, the feeling that the entire house is newer and more updated than it actually is.2: In addition to the fixtures, swap out old light switches and sockets. Nothing screams ‘old house’ more than old or mismatched light switches and sockets. Spend a... 09/18/2023

 My favorite neighborhood in Elk Grove is Camden Passage.  I love living in this community!  My husband and I have lived in this community for almost 34 years now!  We love the lake, the trails, the community events and most of all the feeling of community that is present all the time!  For this post I went back and found an old video that I had created many years ago...probably about 10 or 12.  It's one of the first videos I made for YouTube!  This has motivated me to make a new one this year as there will be a lot of community events coming up in the next few months.  So, stay tuned for an updated version!This post is part of the #30dayrealestatesocialmediachallenge and this is for day 13 of The 30-Day Real Estate Social Media Challenge:“Post a video of yourself giving a tour of a nei... 09/17/2023

There's a lot of doom and gloom afoot in the real estate world!  It seems like everywhere we turn, we are being told the sky is falling!  But is it?  Truly, the current market really feels like a fairly normal fall market here in the Sacramento area. Yes, we are experiencing...🥴 High interest rates🤪 Crazy low inventory😘 Fairly consistent prices...not really up or down🙃 And longer days on marketThe fact is that homes are still selling!  At a slower rate than in the spring and summer months but that's normal for the beginning of fall.  Sellers are figuring out what to do to get buyers into contract...they are being a bit more flexible and sometimes offering credits to buy down interest rates and buyers are getting a bit more used to higher rates.  If we saw more inventory right now we wou... 09/17/2023

Check out the 3 most common mistakes made by first time home buyers.Don’t forget one of the biggest ones is not calling us!#realestate #homebuyingtips #buyingahome #realestateadvice #newhomeLori Mode is the rainmaker and owner of the Mode Real Estate Group. Lori started her career in real estate in 1987 after ten plus years as an Escrow Officer in the Sacramento area. Lori purchased her first home at the age of 19 and quickly realized that real estate was her passion and the best way for her to accumulate wealth. It gives her great satisfaction knowing she is creating generational wealth for her clients and families.Once she started at Keller Williams Realty, she was taught how to build a business, and a team, and the Mode and Durham Team was born. Fast forward and she now owns and runs... 09/15/2023