Susan Neal, Fair Oaks CA Real Estate Broker

Come to the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival September 19

Celebrating the Chickens

If you are at all familiar with Fair Oaks Village, you know about our chickens. Hundreds of wild and beautiful chickens roam the Village, and they have been part of the character of our town for many years. They have even been the subject of national magazine articles. Families come to the Plaza Park in the heart of the Village to watch them, and children of all ages laugh and enjoy their antics. Some folks bring birdseed to feed them (please no junk food).

Finally, a few years ago, Fair Oaks decided it was time to celebrate the chickens that have brought us so much pleasure and so many visitors. Thus was born the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival! This is the fourth annual festival, and it is shaping up to be the best yet. And there is no admission charge. The festival and parking are free, as are shuttles to Plaza Park (see below).

Friday Night Barbeque

The celebration starts on Friday September 18 with a pre-festival barbeque in Village Park. Yes, there will be barbequed chicken, but no Fair Oaks chickens are harmed! There is a $15 charge for adults and $10 for children age 10 and under, but that is for the food. You can come and enjoy the fun and music even if you do not have dinner with us. You can buy the dinner tickets anytime between now and then at the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District Office.

Big Day on Saturday

Breakfast

The big day will be on Saturday, September 19 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you would like to join us for an Old Time Country Breakfast, come to the Fair Oaks Community Club House, in the center of the park. All you can eat for $5.00 per person, with tickets being sold at the door.

"Music to Sooth the Savage Chickens"

Many people eat at home and then come directly to the park to just enjoy the free festival. Beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday, there will be live music all day on the Chicken Festival Stage in the Village -featuring Lightning Hand Band (10:00 - 11:30), the phenomenally popular Mumbo Gumbo (12:15-2:15), Driving Blind (2:45 - 3:45), and Funkengruven (4:15 - 6:00). There will be dancing in the street, so wear your dancing shoes!

Vendor Booths and Special Activities for Adults and Kids

There will also be a number of food and craft vendors from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, a barbeque cook-off competition (no Fair Oaks chickens will be harmed), and from 10:00 - 3:30, lots of kids' activities and events, including crafts, hug-a-pets, inflatables, face painting, and games for kids. And of course, there is a big people-sized chicken that all the kids want to hug and have their picture taken with. Last year a few attendees even brought their pet chickens with them, and children were allowed to pet them gently.

Microbrewers

For those who enjoy a delicious beer, there will be microbrewery beer tasting with music to sip by provided by "J's House," Featuring the following microbrewers: New Belgium Brewery - Fat Tire, Lost Coast Brewery, Killian's Irish Red, Blue Moon Brewing Company, Alaskan Brewing Company, Rubicon Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Sacramento Brewing Company, and Lockdown Brewing Company.

Parking and Shuttles

There is limited on-street parking around the edge of the Village, but you can also park at several local parking lots and shuttle to the festival. Shuttles will run every 15-20 minutes from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm on Saturday, making stops at Scandinavian Design (4301 Fair Oaks Blvd at Winding Way), and you can also walk from there if you prefer. Just walk across Sunrise and up a short block to the park. There will be handicap parking at Russ Monroe's Village Chapel (corner of Winding Way and Fair Oaks Blvd). There may be additional shuttle stops at other parking lots, and once those are announced, I will update this post.

The main thing is to come and have fun!

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

The buyers are getting back in the game!

I hope that other real estate agents out there are beginning to see the increase in business that I am seeing. Some of my current clients include people who have been in my database from meeting them months ago at open houses or otherwise answering some of their real estate questions. I have kept them on my email list for real estate news, listings similar to what they indicated they wanted, and my enewsletters. Now ready, they have been calling me.

The affordability of homes now, low interest rates, and the stabilizing trends of the business economy have encouraged those buyers who were afraid to come out to play, and they now want to get in the game. It started several months ago, and has begun to escalate recently. I know it is not just in our neighborhood, because I found these quotes from different areas back in March, and communications I've had with some agents in these areas tell me that they are experiencing increases similar to mine.

Florida

A report in the Orlando Business Journal points out sales are headed upward in the Sunshine State. "Statewide, sales of existing, single-family homes were up 13% in the fourth quarter, compared to the same period a year prior, according to the latest statistics from the Florida Association of Realtors^®. It marks the second consecutive quarter that the Sunshine State has reported a rise in home sales."

-- "Hot Market: Revisit Florida for Hot Market in 2009," by M. Anthony Carr, Realty Times,
March 13, 2009.

Sonoma County, Calif.

Home prices not seen in Sonoma County in nine years continued to draw buyers back into the housing market in February, according to a new report. Sales jumped 77.6% in February compared to a year ago - rising for the 11th consecutive month - as bargain hunters snapped up foreclosure properties, often priced under $300,000. "People who had been waiting are taking advantage right now. We have a lot of first-time buyers, and investment buyers have been coming out of the woodwork."

-- Colleen Militello, owner of a Rohnert Park agency, "Home Sales Jump Again," by Michael Coit, Press Democrat, March 13, 2009.

Greenwich, Conn.

Real estate agents throughout town said they have noticed a surge in interest from prospective buyers who never considered Greenwich in the past, particularly young Westchester and New York City couples who are sick of higher property taxes or can no longer afford to send their children to private schools.

-- "Declining Home Values Open Doors for New Buyers in Greenwich," by Colleen Flaherty and
Debra Friedman, Greenwich Time, March 10, 2009.

San Diego, Calif.

Urban condo buyers in San Diego have begun a mass jump off the fence as condo sales in the city have jumped 44% in January 2009, compared to January a year ago, which puts the number of sales at its highest monthly level in five years.

-- "Condo Trends: San Diego Sales Soar at Beginning of ‘09," by M. Anthony Carr, Realty Times, March 9, 2009.

This feels like good news for everyone affiliated in any way with the real estate profession, and great news for home sellers too. We are seeing more regular sales (non-REO and non-short sale), and more multiple offers. I have a back up offer waiting on one of my listings right now, and 3 families vying for another of my listings. Maybe a hint of the good old days is back, and hopefully this time it will stay under better control and not get as wild as the last boom! Booms are great at the time, but they inevitably crash just as hard as they boomed - not great!

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

While watching the PGA Championship today, I saw a commercial for Patriot Golf Day, in which people all over the country will be playing golf on Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, in honor of soldiers killed or disabled in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to benefit their spouses and children.

Since I had never heard of this, I went to my computer and checked it out. If you are a golfer, I urge you to participate. By adding $1.00 or more to your greens fees that day, you will be contributing to Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to those families. Make sure that the course you are playing on is participating. It is a good thing for the course as well, and they can find out more about the program and register to participate at http://www.patriotgolfday.com/ . You can find out more about the scholarship program and donate, even if you don't play golf, at http://www.foldsofhonor.org/patriot_golf_day.php. They are a non-profit organization, and may qualify for a tax deduction, but you need to ask your accountant to be sure. I'm not a tax person.

To give you some background on the program, here is how PGA professional golfer Dan Rooney got the idea. He was on a plane, coming home from Iraq.

As the plane landed, the pilot spoke. "We have the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board, and his twin brother Corporal Brad Bucklin has accompanied him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while we honor Corporal Bucklin and his sacrifice," the pilot requested over the intercom.

Dan Rooney, a passenger on the flight, watched through the plane window as the flag-covered casket was removed from the rear cargo hold. He saw Bucklin's family meet the procession with tears streaming down their cheeks. And he choked back emotion when he saw the soldier's young son clutching at his mother's leg.

This is any serviceman's worst nightmare, thought Rooney. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, Major Rooney had served two tours in Iraq. While he had experienced the harsh reality on the frontlines, he had never witnessed the devastating reality back home.

As Major Rooney attempted to regain his composure, he finally turned back to the plane. It was then he noticed that half of the passengers had ignored the pilot's request and had already de-boarded. That moment changed Major Rooney's life forever.

When the paths of Corporal Bucklin and Major Rooney crossed on that fateful flight, Rooney vowed to make a difference. Though he couldn't change the fate of a fallen soldier, he could change the future of a grieving widow or a fatherless child.

Major Rooney set out to prove to America's heroes - our military personnel - that their sacrifices would never go unappreciated or unrewarded. From that sincere and simple wish, a foundation was born. Folds of Honor hopes to ensure that families of the fallen must never endure alone.

Education is the key to a brighter future, and it's the basis of Folds of Honor: They're offering scholarships to spouses and children to pursue a postsecondary education of their choice.

Patriot Golf Day^® has raised more than $3 million in the past two years. In 2008, more than 3,600 PGA-staffed facilities participated in Patriot Golf Day.

The name Folds of Honor is a tribute to the ceremony of the folding of the American flag, and the honor that is represented by each fold when the flag is lowered and folded.

Sounds like a wonderful cause, and I'm sure that many of the real estate professionals here will want to help. There have been more than 4,000 American casualties so far, and many of them were our friends and neighbors or those of our clients. You can find out more information on either of the two websites cited above.

I know there are many fine golf courses in Fair Oaks, and all over Sacramento County, and that would be a great weekend to get out to one of them and play golf for a great cause!

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

CATS and DOGS and BEAVERS all at the old ball game? Yep!

Bring your dog to the River Cats baseball game on Sunday August 23, 2009 for Bark in the Ballpark at Raley Field in Sacramento. There will be a pre-game dog parade and field costume contest (dogs, not the people, will be in costume). Of course you need not participate in the costume contest or parade to bring your dog and enjoy watching the ‘Cats play ball against the Portland Beavers.

The right field gate will be open at 11:30 a.m. for dogs and their owners. The main gate will not be open yet, and all dogs and their owners must enter through the right field gate. You will then be directed either to the parade lineup or the special dog seating area - your choice. The parade will start at 12:15 p.m., and costumes will be judged in the following categories: Best Dressed Big Dog, Best Dressed Small Dog, Best Dressed River Cats Dog, and Dog that looks most like its Owner.

The game starts at 1:05 p.m. Winners will be brought down to the field during an inning break and will receive two complimentary ticket vouchers to a future 2009 River Cats regular season home game.

No outside food or drink may be brought in, but water and treats will be provided for the dogs and a close concession stand will be open for their owners. The seating is in a lawn area and should be comfortable and lots of fun. You may bring blankets or beach chairs if you want. Please do keep your dog on a leash.

Note: Special tickets must be ordered in advance - they will not be available at the Raley Field Ticket Office. You and your dog will each need a ticket, and you will be asked to sign a waiver and bring it with you. Tickets for dogs are $15 each and for people $7 each. Proceeds from the dog and owner tickets will benefit the Sacramento SPCA.

For information or to order tickets, call Ashley Auld at (916) 376-4778 or e-mail aauld@rivercats.com . ORDER RIGHT AWAY - SEATING IS LIMITED AND YOU MUST GIVE THEM TIME TO PROCESS YOUR ORDER AND GET YOUR TICKETS AND WAIVER TO YOU. You can pay by check payable to Sacramento River Cats, but make sure to get the waiver form and have it signed to bring to the game with you.

And have fun!!

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Need insurance in the Fair Oaks CA area?  My favorite insurance agency is R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services in Fair Oaks.  For years, when I lived in Southern California, my parents lived in Fair Oaks and their insurance agent was Rand Jacobs.  My parents depended on him always to be fair and reasonable, and to get all their questions answered quickly and thoroughly.

Naturally when my husband and I bought our home in Fair Oaks, one of our first calls was to Rand, and we have been happy with that decision.  R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services consists of Rand Jacobs and Jim Cox, both of whom have more than 30 years in the insurance business, and I have to say that both of them are super-nice guys.  Either of them are always willing to spend time with me, answering any questions I have and helping me with any insurance issues that arise.

Both Rand and Jim were with Farmers Insurance until 1985, when they decided to strike out on their own and become independent agents.  Being local boys, of course they established their business in Fair Oaks.  Rand is very active in the Chamber of Commerce, running the famous Fair Oaks Car Show that the Chamber sponsors every spring.  He is a true promoter of Fair Oaks and the Sacramento area, having been born and raised here, graduating from Cordova High School and receiving a B.S. in Business from Cal State University Sacramento.

After about 10 years in their independent agency, Jim decided to retire, and sold his interest to Rand.  That lasted less than a year before Jim decided that retirement wasn't for him after all and he came back to work.  Being an independent agency, R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services is able to offer its clients coverage from over 30 companies, so they can find the perfect package for each client.

They insure all personal and commercial types of risks to homes, autos, rentals, commercial properties, contractors, etcetera.  About all they don't offer is life, medical or disability!  But even for those, they partner with firms that do these policies - so if you're in the Fair Oaks California area, or anywhere in Sacramento County and surrounding communities and you have insurance questions, call Rand or Jim at R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services.  Be sure to tell them just what you need and they'll find the perfect policy for you!

R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services

4777 Sunrise Blvd #B  (at Sunrise Blvd and Sunset Ave)

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Phone:  (916) 966-3733

Fax:  (916) 966-0177

rjacobs@pacbell.net

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.