The Golden state has recently become a hot spot for residential real estate transactions. Based on figures from Radar Logic, a New York-based derivatives data firm, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco lead the nation in real estate transaction growth, with Sacramento sales up an astounding 75% from last year. It's important to note, though, that many of those sales are of foreclosed properties or by distressed sellers, who may have to sell at a loss. Sacramento prices are down 33% from last year, according to Radar Logic.