Sacramento County has so many diverse communities, which form the tapestry of its collective whole.
A short distance away from the city center, with it's capitol, arts, cafes, and theaters, you can find yourself relishing in a totally different experience.
Last week, I blogged a little about the community of Fair Oaks, with it's quaint village, and chicken population. But this morning, I found myself in another part of the northeast county - the more rural community of Orangevale.
My 8 year-old granddaughter, Macie, isn't unlike other girls her age. She has a love for horses that surpasses most everything else in her young life.
My daughter, Jill, has found a place in Orangevale, which takes in rescued horses. The lady that runs it, allows a few children to come there, help groom the horses, and clean up after them, in exchange for very inexpensive riding lessons.
This event is a special highlight for Macie each week.
For those interested in learning more about Orangevale and its history, you can visit the Orangevale Chamber of Commerce website
How many of you remember going to the old drive-in theater when you were a teenager? Sometimes you may have stuffed a friend or two in the trunk so they didn't have to pay to get in. I'd like to say, "I don't remember any of that," but it wouldn't exactly be true.
This evening, The Sac 6 Drive-In Theater at 9616 Oates Drive, in Sacramento (Bradshaw at Highway 50), will be providing a Get in Free night.
Also, for the budget minded family, even on most evenings a fun packed evening at the drive-in is affordable. The Sac 6 features first-run films seven nights a week, as double features for $6.75/adult and kids 11 and under are free. On Tuesday nights ("Family Fun Nights") the cost is lowered to $4.50/adult and kids 11 and under are free. Sound is broadcast by low power FM transmitters to your car stereo. No longer do you need to park next to one of those speaker posts, and perch the speaker on the side of your car window.
Here's a link to the Sac 6 Drive-in Theater programs and show times
One of my favorite places to visit when I have extra minutes is quaint Old Fair Oaks Village not far from my home. The Village is the unique older historic section of the greater Fair Oaks community, located on the bluffs along the beautiful American River.
In the relaxed and casual environment of The Village there is a considerable population of Chickens, which rule the roost, and nearly outnumber the human residents.
On Saturday I arrived to have breakfast at The Village Bistro. I parked my car, at the little park across the road, and immediately, a "herd" of the feathered citizens came running up to me. They are very much into having food gifts to enhance their day. I felt guilty arriving empty handed.
The Old Fair Oaks Bridge near the Village center has been closed to automobile traffic for generations; but restored for the use of bikes and foot travel. From the bridge, the views of the American River are stunning as light transitions with the day traveling across the water.
The history of Fair Oaks began with a Spanish Land Grant in the mid 1800s. The Village Park hosts a variety of events during the year, including The Annual Chicken Festival, and Theatre Festival at the Amphitheater.
Do you want to get away from it all without leaving the city? Then linger awhile in Fair Oaks Village. It promises to delight!
Every Saturday morning I have a little ritual. As I rub my eyes, and reach for my slippers, I begin to imagine all the sweet and delightful things to eat and see at a local Farmer's Market, which gathers each Saturday in the back parking lot (near Sears), at Sunrise Mall.
This time of year, is always so delightful because the weather is nice; and the smell of fresh baked bread from Sacramento Bakery, and fresh brewed coffee from the little vendor in the next stand, blend sweetly with the fresh flowers and waft on the breeze.
However, that being said there is a special treat as you visit the Bariani Olive Oil stand. Mr. Bariani always greets with cries of "Good Morning," or it's equivalent in Italian. His voice sounds like music from light opera bellowing from a cello. I'm a fairly serious cook, so often need his wares. Purchasing Bariani Olive Oil is much more than buying fine product - it's indulging in a special experience.
This morning, the strawberries and asparagus were especially nice.
You can click this link for a schedule of all the Farmer's Markets in the Greater Sacramento Area
Treat yourself to something nice!
My family, as well as many Sacramentans, are very excited that the season opens this evening, for the Sacramento River Cats Baseball games. With River Cats home games scheduled at Raley Field, and it's close proximity to Old Sacramento, a fun packed family affair can be planned and enjoyed.
Here is the Sacramento River Cat's Season Schedule: http://www.rivercats.com/schedule/catsschedule
For complete information about the River Cats, tickets, and news, please visit: http://www.rivercats.com
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Realtor since 1981 - Whether your real estate needs are entry or executive level, I have the experience to give you the professionalism, you deserve. Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer Counties
I am a life long resident of the Greater Sacramento area, and have been a Realtor since 1981. Whether your real estate needs are entry level or executive level, I have the experience to give you the professionalism, you deserve. If you are currently thinking of buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will be happy to assist you with any real estate needs you have. Great West GMAC Real Estate is also an excellent relocation resource. Should your move be local or global, I have the resources to give you the best assistance possible.
Califronia DRE License #00827565
Residential Property Specialist in the Counties of Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer
Short Sales - Advantages and Pitfalls
Looking back a few years, when the over-exuberance of the housing boom was being partially fed by the first ingredients of the sub-prime debacle, it was difficult to foresee in this present day, we would be ramping ourselves up to speed on "short-sales."
As many GreatWest GMAC Real Estate Professionals understand, "short-sales" can be anything but short in the process of negotiation with Banks, Mortgage Insurers, Sellers, Buyers, and ALL entities prevalent and present in a hoped for sale.
"If" a mortgage lender has agreed to allow "short-sale" on a property, and the home does become available to the market, it CAN BE an advantage for all. T. Sami Siddiqui, Broker-Owner of Great West GMAC, states, "Owners usually need to sell quickly, and though there will be no profit to the Seller, there is hope of salvaging some of their credit rating from such a transaction."
The Buyer is hoping to get a steal. The Bank is hoping to avoid being forced to foreclose, because the foreclosure process can be very expensive for the bank to endure. Some estimates have put the figure at approximately $40,000 per foreclosed property. However, the bank must get fair price.
However, among the entities with interest in the property, from one perspective or another, it often isn't as easy to get a short sale pushed through the lender (and others) as most folks would think - or hope!
To provide an example - A GreatWest GMAC Real Estate Professional recently spoke with a client, who came from another part of the state, and had failed in the process of trying to acquire a "short-sale" property there. The client had became understandably overwhelmed and frustrated from trying to get his offer accepted to facilitate the purchase, and had failed in the attempt. The process, culminating in ultimate failure, had taken 12 weeks.
The Seller was glad to have the Buyer's offer, because the Seller needed to move across country - but owed more on the home than it was now worth. However, the Seller continued to be current on mortgage payments.
The Buyer made a full price offer for the "short-sale" property.
The Seller immediately signed acceptance of the offer, without countering. The Seller's acceptance was subject to Bank approval; and that is when the clock began ticking for the next 12 weeks, with numerous roadblocks along the way.
The bank "sat" on the "seller accepted offer" for what seemed to be an unusually long time before agreeing to the sale itself.
During this time, the property continued to remain on the market, and other offers did come in. The Buyer, who by now had become emotionally attached to the house, more than once found himself in re-negotiation and experiencing increases of price for the property, while a small bidding war ensued.
Once the Bank accepted, the acceptance was still subject to an appraisal. The property was appraised $4,000 above the price of the accepted offer.
There can be this little dance that ensues with all the entities involved in the "short-sale" property.
If the Seller is current on payments, the Bank isn't too motivated to act quickly to take a hit on the value of the existing mortgage balance. This becomes more critical if there is Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MIP), which insures the Bank against default of the mortgage by the Seller.
However, if the Seller becomes delinquent in payments, the Bank may be more interested in negotiating actively in the short-sale process, because they likely hope to dodge the bullet of foreclosure.
However, if there is PMI or MIP on the property, this may lengthen negotiating the "short-sale" among the interested parties, and the PMI or MIP Company, will often become a participant in negotiations.
Once ALL parties are engaged in negotiation, each party is hoping to come to an equitable solution, where they aren't required to eat more of the decline in value of the property, than need be, in order to facilitate a successful transaction on the property.
There are advantages and distinct pitfalls in negotiating short-sales. GreatWest GMAC Real Estate Professionals are trained and experienced in this process. If you have further questions not addressed in this article, please allow us to assist you with your interest in this topic.
If you are a Homeowner, considering marketing your home through the "short-sale" process, please contact us. Also there are income tax consequences with "short sales" and Sellers are encouraged to consult their accountant about the ramifications of the "short-sale" process.
Written for GreatWest GMAC
by: Myrl Jeffcoat
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