Myrl Jeffcoat - Greater Sacramento Realtor - (916) 635-0420

Making Your House a Home For New Fur Members of The Family

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:10:39 -0700

It is amazing how one can shuffle through life at a steady and regular pace, then suddenly enter a cycle more like a tornado, tearing up solid ground and putting a chunk under it.

That’s been my story the past couple months. Among all the activity, I took on a little home maintenance work. There have been joyous family celebrations and holidays. And, on Mother’s day two new family members came to live with me!

For those who follow my blog, you’ll recall a few weeks ago, I wrote a blog titled, “Beware of Friendly Faces,” the story about my son and daughter-in-law opening their door to a friendly cat on the doorstep. Shortly thereafter the feline made itself at home, while carrying a short lived secret. She was pregnant with kittens!

On Easter morning, the smaller than usual mama cat gave birth to 6 adorable kittens in assorted colors. My intention was to take just one – the little calico. However, as the days progressed, I fell in love with the little peach colored kitten with the turquoise eyes as well.

I call the calico female, “Camilla.” The little peach colored male is “Ruben.”

I haven’t had young kittens in years. I had totally forgot how energetic, playful and outrageous they sometimes are. Although they seem very co-dependent on each other, they have settled in nicely, while taking over my bed.

I must admit, I love the sound of purring in the darkness of the night!

Gratefully, there are wonderful resources on the Internet to help families make their new fur family members comfortable. They are as follows:

From Kitten Rescue: Tips for making your new cat feel at home

From “The Cat Channel”: Making a New Cat Feel at Home

From The Humane Society: Bringing Your New Cat Home

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Happy Mother's Day 2013

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:48:01 -0700

I honestly have no idea where this year has gone thus far. Tomorrow is Mother’s Day already!

I do want to take this opportunity to honor and pay tribute to all mothers everywhere! Without your nurturing hands, the generations would not, or could not continue.

A Rose for Mother
by Cleo M. Shoffstall

Another Mother's Day is here,
Bringing joy and pleasures new,
On this special day, Mother dear,
I want to remember you.

I cannot give you costly gifts,
And I've told you this before,
No matter what I give to you,
You give back much, much more.

I'm giving you a pure, sweet rose,
Gathered in the early morn,
This rose you planted in my heart,
The day that I was born.

In kindly, loving thoughts of you,
And with the faith you still impart,
The rose I give to you today,
Is the love that's in my heart.

You are truly a gift from God above,
Only He could've made you with that much love

*I take pictures for the purpose of remembering fond times. I do not impose copyright restrictions on this photo, so you may feel free to use, or distribute as you wish. However, should you need a Real Estate Professional in the Greater Sacramento area, I hope that you will contact me by email or by visiting my website www.myrljeffcoat.com - Thank You!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

The Feeding Frenzy Among Sacramento Home Buyers Continues

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:15:34 -0700

The feeding frenzy among homebuyers in the Greater Sacramento region caused by dwindling numbers of homes listed for sale continues.

One of the more interesting revelations these past few months, is the combined number of homes migrating to "pending" and "sold" status, is more than double the number of homes listed for sale.

While the choice of available homes leaves a great deal to be desired, the market continues to provide low interest rates for mortgages. And, although prices are rising, they have not reached the record highs achieved in the months leading up to the housing bubble of 2006.

Those in a position to purchase, and are able to find a suitable home for their needs, should act now!

The following charts provide sales statistics for the month of April, followed by numbers for the previous month of March.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

The Moody Blogger

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sun, 05 May 2013 15:34:00 -0700

The Moody Blogger

There’s one thing I have noticed these past several years. In comparison to others, I’m a moody blogger. As one of my fellow blogging friends once commented, “Myrl, I never know what I’ll find when I visit your blog.” She’s right of course – sometimes I post recipes, while at other times it will be housing market statistics. I often post advice about home buying or selling. And, because I have a certain passion for photography, I frequently post pictures from my adventures around the Sacramento Region; or within a 100 mile radius of home. And, once in awhile, the distance may be greater!

When it comes to posting pictures, I usually accompany the photo with information or history surrounding the scene; but not always.

It is my opinion there isn’t a right or wrong way to post a picture to a blog. It doesn’t really matter whether all scenes have accompanying dialogue or not.

For example, let’s travel an adventure together.

Glance at the picture above. There are no words labeling what it is. Perhaps I could have titled it “The Pier of Transport” had I chosen.

So what do you see? What emotions does the picture evoke? Can you associate any old memories or experiences of your own with it? Perhaps, it transports you away from your computer screen, on into another realm, another place, directing your thoughts and imagination away from your current existence?

Because there were no words initially describing the picture, the blog visitor is allowed to interact with the photo on their own level. There is no interference imposed by the photo poster’s control.

Now, let’s change gears. What if I were to reveal that the scene was captured on Islamorada, in the middle of the Florida Keys? It was snapped during a magical evening, when calm seas had coupled with a spectacular sunset. To add delightful stitches to an already magical tapestry the pink amphibious water car swam about the pier like an exotic fish from an alien realm.

The location of the pier is immediately adjacent the grounds of the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant, near the well-stocked World Wide Sportsman outfitters.

With the two preceding examples, I’m demonstrating the power of photographs, both with accompanying words, and without them. Pictures are and can be powerful communication tools. It is not uncommon to see armies of motivational posters in corporate office buildings. They provide a lone photographic scene, with a solitary word emblazoned upon it. “Believe” – “Courage” – “Inspiration” – “Dedication” they may evoke. These picture posters transport to a place where the individual’s own imagination to innovate, create, and move thinking to new frontiers. They invoke and evoke.

However, photographs married with creative words from the photographer can provide information about the scene as experienced by the person behind the lens. Their words can educate and inform, as well as acting as transport.

Photos with words - or without them, have the capacity to provide gifts of value. A picture truly can be worth a thousand words, especially, if the picture navigates your mindstuff, to previously unexplored frontiers. The photo acts as trigger.

The photo blogger has in their power to determine what it is they are trying to accomplish with their photo posts. If it is to educate and inform – they can write the chosen words to accompany the photo. But, if it is to challenge the blog visitor's imagination and own thoughts - then they can post solely the picture. Desired purpose can be fulfilled with either method!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

An Epic Adventure!

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:05:33 -0700

An Epic Adventure!

I began an adventure at the beginning of this week. And, it has turned into more of an epic saga, rather than a short story!

It all began when a family member revealed access to an airless paint compressor. He was going to paint the outside of his house. “We can do your’s afterward, Myrl,” he said!

The plan was to prep a day or two on each house, and then paint. On Monday morning, when we began to scrape and brush the cedar shingle siding of his house, I knew this wasn’t going to be a short week! The house was built in 1963. I suspect the first coat of paint was oil based, probably the second coat too. Then somewhere along the way there was a coat of latex put on. The very last coat was one of those “super duper” paints, sometimes marketed, as “one coat will cover anything.” It is latex acrylic.

As you can see from the picture above, it does not always flake or brush off. It can literally form and create its own paint shingle.

In the middle of last night, I perused some of the Internet newsgroups, and on-line resources for dealing effectively with this kind of old paint removal. We have used a combination of pressure washing, scraping, picking and brushing. We also have used the lawn blower to blow some of the old paint chips and flakes away. One Internet hint reveals that you could use a wallpaper steamer to help remove some of it. We haven’t tried that though!

This picture was taken on Tuesday. Things are looking a lot closer to being paint ready today!

My house has cedar siding too. However, my paint is in relatively good shape, with no flaking or checkering. I’ve already washed it down good with a water hose. There will be some light prepping and pressure washing next week. We should be ready to apply paint by Thursday or Friday.

I’m convinced professional painters earn every cent they make!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Positive Value Numbers for Homes Reported by Case-Shiller

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:22:58 -0700

This morning it was reported by Case-Shiller that home values recorded on their index for 20 cities, rose by 9.32% year-over-year. This is a strong showing for the housing recovery.

Phoenix registered the highest increase percentage of change at 23%. Sacramento’s nearest “Case-Shiller” neighbor, San Francisco recorded an increase of 18.9%.

Although home values still remain 29% below the peak of the housing boom of several years ago, the recent increases are assisting many homeowners, who were once upside down in value, to recover more equity positions. The city composite numbers are the highest recorded annual growth rates since May 2006.

For a more complete report on the Case-Shiller index released today, and to visit numbers for the individual 20-city breakdown, visit: “Case-Shiller Home Price Index”

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

A Matador to Chickens in Old Fair Oaks Village

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:37:22 -0700

One of my favorite places to have breakfast in the Greater Sacramento Region is not far from my home. So, when my daughter suggested we meet there this morning, I gladly found my way over to The Village Bistro in quaint and charming Old Fair Oaks Village.

While the food is always great at The Bistro, the relaxed, unusual atmosphere of Fair Oaks Village is different than any other place for miles around. Although the time was 9:30 am or so, not a clock on the main drag, or in front of the Bistro registered the correct time. And, everyone in the vicinity knows the village chickens, which likely outnumber human citizens, run the place. I caught several enteracting with a sports car driving matador, on this slower paced stretch of Fair Oaks Boulevard, while his red Porsche acted as cape!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Dwelling in a Family of RockStars!

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:44:43 -0700

WHEW! I don’t know exactly what it is about this time of year, but life seems to take on a life of its own.

A recent soiree of activity has made me feel like a mere mortal, dwelling in a family of Rock Stars!

Last evening, my grandson, Ryan had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. So as you can imagine, it was a special event for our family!

A slide show presentation of Ryan’s life along the way was fascinating to watch. So many accomplishments packed into his 17 years. In addition to making Eagle Scout, which only a small percentage of Boy Scouts manage to accomplish, Ryan is a Taekwondo 3^rd degree blackbelt, as well as a blackbelt in Hapkido. He is an avid snowboarder, along with other sports.

Ryan graduates from Bella Vista High School at the end of next month. He will be attending Georgia Tech this autumn. His dream is to design cars!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

You’re Looking For a Home – What to Watch For!

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:07:27 -0700

Spring is usually a busy time for homebuyers. Those with families are often anxious to find a home for a summer transition while the kids are out of school.

The current lack of listed homes on the market in the Greater Sacramento Region, is adding to the mix.

Even with those factors going on, it is important that homebuyers understand that no home is without its flaws. Some issues are simple to overcome, but other physical problems can be expensive to remedy. Here’s a list of things to watch for:

Foundation Damage – Any visible large cracks found along the foundation of a home is an indication of this.

Poor Drainage – Any water that continues to stand in the yard or around the foundation of a home discloses a possible drainage issue.

Leaky and Worn Roofs – Are there water spots on the ceiling? What about missing or crumbly looking shingles easily seen from the ground. This is generally an indication the roof requires replacement or at least attention.

Plumbing Leaks – Indications for water leaks can often be disclosed from ceiling stains near baseboards, or discoloration in basements.

Other Plumbing Issues – Banging pipes and exceptionally low water pressure are red flags for these kinds of problems.

Electrical and Wiring Issues – These issues can be substantial is some older homes. Look for antiquated electrical service panels, and ungrounded outlets – especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Pests and Termites - For the average homebuyer some of these issues are not so easily discernable. But any obvious weakened, crumbly, moldy, discolored or grooved wood, especially near ground level, is a red flag.

I highly recommend homebuyers have licensed professional Termite Inspectors, Home Inspectors, Roof Inspectors, etc., to perform any inspections on the home they ultimately come into contract for.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Local Farmer's Markets in The Greater Sacramento Region

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:21:52 -0700

This past week was very stressful for many across this nation, but it was like a breath of fresh air at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday morning. And it felt like the country was beginning to be set right once again.

We are very fortunate in the Greater Sacramento region to have a number of Farmer’s Markets, which congregate at various locations, different days of the week. The popularity of these markets grows and expands with time.

I usually attend at Sunrise and Folsom Boulevards, in the Light Rail Station parking lot, but I have also been to other equally good markets, at other locations around the county – all with delightful outcome.

This Saturday morning, the strawberries, artichokes, and flowers were all wonderful. Ditto for the asparagus.

Soon peaches and plums will begin to populate the stands. I can’t wait!

You can click this link for a schedule of all the Farmer's Markets in the Greater Sacramento Area

Treat yourself to something nice!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Sacramento's Coca Cola Bottling Company Landmark

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:17:03 -0700

Sacramento's Coca Cola Bottling Company

One thing about having lived in the Greater Sacramento area all my life is that almost every street corner has some significance imprinted on my memory. The corner of Stockton Boulevard and 37^th Street, across from the U.C. Davis Medical Center is certainly no exception.

The Coca Cola Bottling Company, a community landmark, has crowned that corner since 1927. Recent news the plant is slated to close is sad news for Sacramento!

The corner windows of the plant were always open to the street, allowing the bottling operation to be viewed, as the classic glass bottles traveled along the assembly line.

Coca Cola, I’m sorry to see you go! But thank you so much for years of wonderful memories!

For those interested in more history about Sacramento’s Coca Cola Bottling Company, you can read the recent story presented by the Sacramento Business Journal at: “Sacramento Coca Cola Plant to Close.”

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Always Colorful and Charming - Old Town Folsom

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:04:17 -0700

It was only a few minutes after snapping the pictures of the graceful arched bridges in Old Town Folsom this past Sunday, that I found myself a block or two away taking steps along the historic old sidewalks of Sutter Street. It was quiet in old town, probably a testament to those still sleeping from Saturday night’s entertainment.

Old Town Folsom still has much of the spirit and flavor of its 1850s beginnings. But today, the area is populated with antique shops, great little cafes and restaurants and other little stores and places of interest.

If you are given an opportunity to visit Old Town Folsom, The Folsom History Museum is located right next to the Assay Office. The museum has a website, which provides great historical facts about the area: Folsom History Museum.

Folsom is a located about 12 miles east along highway 50. Old Town Folsom has tons of free parking. And it is convenient. Some of the best food in the area is on Sutter Street, with parking at the back door.

The bridge scene pictures posted this weekend can be accessed via: “Not All Beautiful Arches are in Cathedrals on Sunday Morning.”

Old Folsom Mural Painted on Side of Sutter Street Building

Sutter Street - Old Folsom - April 2013

Sutter Street - Old Folsom - April 2013

Old Folsom Train Station - April 2013

Note from Myrl: These photos were edited using i-Piccy's tools. Especially used were the "Vibrance" and "Emboss" effects.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Not All Beautiful Arches Are in Cathedrals on Sunday Morning

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:45:18 -0700

If you are riding your bike along Sacramento County’s spectacular American River Parkway, each rotation of your wheels, and each turn of the handlebars present scenes exciting and new. You may even learn not all beautiful arches dwell in cathedrals on a Sunday morning.

Along The Parkway are these views in Old Folsom. The arches belong to the newly built American River Bridge, which links Orangevale to Folsom. When it was completed, several years ago, the span provided considerable traffic relief to the Old Rainbow Bridge upstream several hundred yards. The Rainbow Bridge built in 1917 was narrow, and it dumped vehicle traffic onto small historic streets in Old Folsom - even if the ultimate destination was considerably beyond.

On a quiet morning, whether hiking or biking in the vicinity of the American River Parkway in Historic Old Folsom, there's great places to quiet the mind, and to enjoy the beauty.

Spans Beneath American River Bridge in Folsom

New American River Bridge Near Old Folsom

American River Swimmer - Brrrrr!

Historic Old Rainbow Bridge Near Old Folsom

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Buoyant Data Being Reported For Sacramento Home Values

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:07:37 -0700

In recent days, there has been astonishing statistics released for the Sacramento market, by various data sources. The Case-Shiller Home Price Index being one, and Realtor.com, as another.

Earlier this year, home values in Sacramento were reported to have inclined 7.8% in 2012, with another 12% increase predicted for 2013.

But housing numbers released within the last few days by Realtor.com, demonstrated the median list price had risen by 40% in Sacramento from a year ago. That’s more than any other metropolitan vicinity in the United States.

Markets are driven by supply and demand, therefore I suspect some of the price increase is fueled by an astonishing 67% decline in total number of homes listed for sale. Homes entering foreclosure have been reduced substantially, while short-sale numbers have dropped 66%.

There is a more complete report about housing around the nation available via: “Housing – Home Sellers Feeling Confident” by Brandon Cornett.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Beware of Certain Friendly Faces on Your Doorstep!

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:15:22 -0700

My mom had a saying. She believed if someone came to your door with a pleasant disposition and a smile on their face we ought to look around, because once allowed to enter, there may be others, who sometimes follow. Mother’s words often rang true!

Awhile back, just such a thing occurred at the home of my son and my daughter-in-law. An adorable little tabby cat showed up at their door. They did the usual thing. They let it in. They fed it. It became comfortable. But, not long after, they discovered their visitor was expecting a family.

Early on Easter morning, the visitor gave birth to 6 of the most adorable kittens you can imagine. Upon first glance it is evident, they are of mixed and questionable parentage - But we don’t judge!

I have said I wanted no more pets other than my beloved dog, Kodi Bear. BUT, I fell in love at first sight with the adorable calico kitten, with the coat of many colors! I couldn’t help myself! I’ve named her Camilla, or Cami for her camouflage coat.

Mama cat is an extremely good mother. And although this is the 8^th day since their birth, half the babies already have their eyes open!

The next order of business is to find a good spay and neuter clinicJ

The kitten on the left is one of the little males (I think). My Camilla still has her eyes closed!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Dwindling Housing Inventory Continues as Problem in Greater Sacramento

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:40:10 -0700

In Greater Sacramento, dwindling numbers of homes available For Sale continue as an issue for homebuyers searching for suitable housing.

However, there is an even more interesting detail to the sales statistics for Greater Sacramento. These past few months, the combined number of homes migrating to “pending” and “sold” status, is more than double the number of homes listed for sale.

While home buying opportunity isn’t as plentiful in choice of homes available, the market continues to provide low interest rates for mortgages. And, although prices are rising, they have not reached the record highs achieved in the months leading up to the housing bubble.

Those who are in a position to purchase, and able to find a home suitable for their needs, should act now!

The following charts provide sales statistics for the month of March, followed by the numbers for the previous month of February.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Wishing You and Your's A Very Blessed Easter

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:27:19 -0700

I want to take this opportunity to tell you I hope you enjoyed a delightful Easter Day! The Greater Sacramento rains calmed, and the clouds parted long enough to allow our family a very special day!

It seemed miraculous that we had thunder so raucous last night that it continually set off car alarms. Yet, today, the temperatures were glorious and the sun peaked through hopeful billowy clouds. It is evening now, and a second storm is quickly moving in!

The photos in the collage above are from several of today’s scenes. There were about 30 of us gathered, with wonderful food, for every taste!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Easter Fun @ Hagan Community Park

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 14:14:04 -0700

This morning while out riding my bike along the American River Parkway, I came across these scenes at Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova. The park district in concert with the Kiwanis Club and the Rotary Club hosted fun Easter activities for the community.

The weather was overcast, but didn’t dampen the spirits of those attending. There was a Pancake Breakfast, Egg Hunts for the kids, a Small Carnival and Games.

While watching the various reactions of the kids visiting the Easter Bunny, I had to smile. They either loved him or hated him! The little gal pictured thought he was pretty cool!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Fun Family Easter Weekend Events in Greater Sacramento

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:15:34 -0700

Several locations in the Greater Sacramento Region will be hosting fun Easter activities for kids and families this coming holiday weekend.

They are as follows:

(1) McKinley Park Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

Where: Clunie Clubhouse, 601 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento

When: March 30^th 2013

Breakfast: 7:30am to 11:30am - $6.00 adults and $4.00 kids - FREE egg hunt begins at 9:30am. FREE Easter egg hunt and Pancake Breakfast. Carnival games. The fundraising breakfast benefits the work of the Sacramento Kiwanis.

(2) Fairy Tale Town Annual Spring Eggstravaganza

Where: William Land Park, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento 95822

When: March 30^th and March 31^st

Children have the opportunity to hunt for hundreds of hidden eggs, and participate in joy filled activities. The FREE egg hunt is included with park admission.

(3) Fair Oaks Easter Eggstravaganza @ Fair Oaks Park

Where: 11549 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks 95628

When: March 30^th and March 31^st – 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Check website for schedule of events – Pancake Breakfast, Carnival Games, and Egg Hunts for All Ages!

(4) Carmichael Park Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

Where: 5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael 95608

When: March 30^th

This community Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast will occur at the Carmichael Park Clubhouse. There will also be vendors, live music and more. The egg hunt begins at 10:00 am (rain or shine). It is suggested that attendees arrive at least 30 minutes early to participate in this fun packed event.

Pancake Breakfast begins at 7:00am to 11:00am. Adults are $5.00 – Children 12 and under $3.00.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Real Estate and Other Markets are All About Cycles

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:30:51 -0700

Without a doubt one of the more surprising things I’ve experienced in my better than 3 decades as a Real Estate Professional, is just how quickly markets can change direction, after what has been a prolonged downturn. I saw it occur in the early 1980s, and then again in the 1990s.

This more recent brisk housing turn in the Greater Sacramento region, is a testament that it’s happening once again.

I have followed home listing and sale statistics for years. In fact, I often create the little graphs, which I post here on my blog. If you want to know the difference a year can make in Sacramento housing, try wrapping your arms around the idea that there were approximately 10,000 homes on the market at the peak of the recent Buyer’s Market; BUT with this current Seller’s Market we are experiencing a significant shortage of available homes for sale – approximately 1200.

The lesson learned from housing and other economic cycles, is just that! They are mere cycles! It takes time for markets to find their equilibrium when a shift has occurred.

The especially good news emerging recently is home prices in the region rose approximately 7% in 2012, with a prediction of about 12% increase for this year. More homeowners are finding themselves in a more positive equity position, with fewer being underwater.

Real Estate Professionals, who once were predominantly performing short-sales, now report more activity spent on traditional listings and sales. And, that is certainly a good thing!

I’m not known for making predictions, because it’s far too easy for unknown events and factors to shake up the marketplace. However, I suspect the shortage of available homes listed for sale will improve somewhat, as homebuilders continue to wake from their long slumber to create habitats for us all. What do you think?

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

A Tropical Island Inspired Day

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:35:11 -0700

One of the more fun things I get to do every couple months is invite my daughter Jill, and several of her co-workers to my house for lunch. Jill has worked for many years at Franklin Templeton, here in the Greater Sacramento Region. The offices are close to my home.

Today, I cooked up a pot of Asian Chicken Noodle Soup, and created a platter of several items I thought they might enjoy – (1) Spicy Meatballs – (2) Rice with Candied Walnuts, Carrot and Cranberry – (3) Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts and Pineapple Slices with Blue Agave Nectar, Ginger, Cinnamon.

I used banana leaves from our local KP International Market, to decorate the bed of the platter. This provided a slightly tropical feel.

Island tunes from the beloved sounds of Hawaiian ukulele player Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, played softly in the background. Although this gentle giant lived a mere 38 years, he left behind an enduring memory for his fans.

I make no secrets - Once everyone returned to work, I had a really long napJ

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Getting Lucky With the Luck of The Irish

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:18:01 -0700

In Sacramento it has already started. What, you ask? The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. While contemplating the traditions, which journey from the Emerald Isle, we remember the shamrocks and leprechauns. And, of course the Luck of the Irish!

I highly suspect the Luck of the Irish may be at least partly attributed to an ability of foreseeing trends. For example, several years ago, real estate appeared to be on a never-ending ride to the end of the rainbow, where a pot of gold awaited. Few foresaw what would occur in ensuing months, with the economic downturn.

Those who track business and housing data understand these things are measured in cycles. Those who either possess the Luck of the Irish, or have the ability to foresee trends, sometimes benefit significantly, while positioning or making decisions about the next cycle.

For the astute observer of the business world, this translates to OPPORTUNITY.

Currently, mortgage interest rates continue to be reasonable. And, although prices have climbed in the past year, they are not at the pre-boom prices of several years ago! Our current obstacle with Sacramento housing is an inventory shortage of homes on the market listed for sale!

However, if you are a homebuyer fortunate enough to find a home, which meets your needs, then real OPPORTUNITY may exist. Perhaps, an opportunity to invoke a little Luck of the Irish!

Although most of us cannot see the pot cradled near the end of the rainbow, developing the ability to foresee trends may provide significant difference in the world of housing and business investment. This ability provides us with the capacity for a little collecting of the GREEN!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:54:24 -0700

As mentioned before, several of the free on-line photo editors offer a number of entertaining and creative possibilities for enhancing any pictures we work with.

Recently, I blogged about enhancements to Ribbet’s free editing application. Ribbet added a great little eraser tool, which allows cool things to happen while working with layers. An example can be seen by visiting, “New Enhancements to Ribbet Free On-line Photo Editing Tool.”

This evening I was playing with another popular photo editor, iPiccy. In iPiccy, you are not only able to do basic edits, like resizing, color change, embossing, sharpening, etc. You can also apply HDR and many creative effects, like textures, lights and rainbows.

I edited the photo above by implementing a little bit of this, and a lot of that, while using iPiccy. I suggest if you work with photos, you try iPiccy, and explore the possibilities. Great fun!

I take pictures for the purpose of remembering fond times. I do not impose copyright restrictions on this photo, so you may feel free to use, or distribute as you wish. However, should you need a Real Estate Professional in the Greater Sacramento area, I hope that you will contact me by email or by visiting my website www.myrljeffcoat.com - Thank You!

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

For Hot Rod Enthusiasts

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:52:08 -0800

The thing about having as many grandkids as I do is it’s like having multiple Jack-N-the-Boxes sitting on a table all wound up and ready to go. One of ‘em is bound to pop, while doing something interesting at any given moment.

For you car enthusiasts, page 18 in the April issue of Hot Rod Magazine, has a section titled, “Readers’ Projects.” Pictured is my 17-year old grandson, Ryan’s 2007 Mustang, with a little blurb about what he’s doing to make it better.

Some of you, who regularly follow my blog, may remember Ryan back in July 2011, while learning to drive, gave fellow ActiveRainer, Elizabeth Weintraub, a humorous lesson on how to perform Primal Scream Therapy in silence. Elizabeth has no children of her own, so can’t always judge age. She later lamented she wondered if Ryan might be 8. If you want to read that full story you can access it via: “Therapy.”

Ryan is graduating from high school in May. But first, in late April he will be celebrating his achievement as an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts during a Court of Honor.

He is also a 3^rd Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo, and has an additional Black Belt in Hapkido.

Ryan is pictured below, with Taffy, the family dog.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

What Do The Numbers Tell Us?

Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:48:42 -0800

For several months now, we have watched housing inventory woefully dwindle. However, there is an even more interesting detail to the sales statistics for Greater Sacramento. These past two months, the combined number of homes migrating to “pending” and “sold” status, is more than double the number of homes listed for sale.

The window of opportunity remains only slightly ajar for home-buying. Interest rates continue at near record lows, and although prices are rising, they are considerably lower than prices during the days of the bubble.

Those who are in a position to purchase a home, and can find one suitable for their needs, should get off the fence, if they have been sitting there!

The charts below provide the sales statistics for the month of February, followed by the numbers for January.

Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com