Sniffin' Dirt

Sniffin' the Stats and more...

2011-05-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

We are now 5 months into 2011...

lets see how sales compare to last years

East Sacramento, Elmhurst & River Park

2011

Number of Homes Sold 109

Highest Priced Sale $1,625,000.00

Lowest Priced Sale $159,000.00

2010

Number of Homes Sold 125

Highest Priced Sale $1,100,000.00

Lowest Priced Sale $195,000.00

2011-03-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Image is everything

A Welcoming Walk

Winding through garden beds or going straight to the street, a brick or stone path can make the stroll to your door look and feel like an event

Star Openings
Grab attention with shutters and flower boxes around windows, and with sidelights, a transom, or a new finish for your door

Here at This Old House, we believe that a handsome front facade ranks right up there with a solid foundation and good bones.

Sure, there's the satisfaction you get in showing passers-by that yes, indeed, you've got a gem on your hands. But more important, it's about how appealing details such as cheery blooms, a crisp white fence, and eye-catching shutters create a welcome sight for you and your family to come home to each day.
Through smart investments and, often, sweat equity, their diamonds-in-the-rough soon caught up to—and even surpassed—the rest of the block. Read on to see how these readers, as well as other inspiring homeowners, did it.

In the following weeks, you will be given more tips to make your home the best on the block.

Article from This Old House Magazine

By: NATALIE RODRIGUEZ

East Sac...The Facts

2010-12-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

I am always baffled and concerned when people say,
"Nothing is selling and there are so many houses on the market"
I hear this all the time and when I do I can’t tell them fast enough that this is just not true!
The East Sac market is not the market you read about in the newspaper or hear about on the news. It is a whole different world here and this is why....
Sales so far in 2010 are as follows...

· 1st Quarter 52

· 2nd Quarter 93

· 3rd Quarter 66

· 4th Quarter to date 41

This make a total of 252 homes that have sold in East Sac so far this year and we still have 24 days to go! This equates to one house selling every 1.4 days in East Sacramento.

Another interesting fact it the highest priced sale in 2010 so far is $1,210,000 and the lowest is $196,000.

To get the monthly statistic for the East Sacramento area, go to www.urbanhoundproperties.com

Selling a Small House?

2010-12-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

If you're anticipating selling your smaller-than-average home, do not despair. Buyers these days who are looking in the East Sacramento, Land Park, or Midtown areas are aware that that they may only be able to afford a smaller home. They are also looking for ways to save money on utilities as well as save time on yard work and maintenance.

Your smaller home offers benefits to first-time buyers and those with an eye towards conservation. Be sure to highlight your lower utility costs.

People who are downsizing or buying for the first time want easy maintenance, so you should absolutely list any new appliances or systems you've installed, like heating and/or air, and Energy Star refrigerators, water heaters, and the like. First time buyers are usually accustomed to the landlord fixing any problems, so new appliances still under warranty are very attractive to that segment.

Buyers who are downsizing will be rethinking their space, so make sure you make your rooms look larger and show off your storage space. Cut the clutter, remove some furniture, and let in the light!

One suggestion that I have is to have a home Inspection performed on your property prior to putting it on the market. This way you can be aware of any repairs that may have to be made prior to close of escrow. This will make the negoiations with the buyer and the escrow period a much smoother process.

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season,

Janet Gatejen

P.S. For any questions or concerns regarding putting you house on the market, you can contact me, Janet Gatejen go t omy website at www.urbanhoundproperties.com

Open Houses

2010-11-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

61 Taylor Way

First Open House

Sunday November 7, 2010

1:00-3:00

OPEN HOUSES

2010-09-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Open House

Saturday September 25th

2:00-4:00
You must walk into this home to see the space, quality & Consistency!

Come by for the new I love East Sac Magnet!

Check Out 9/11-9/12 Open Houses

2010-09-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

Outgrown Your Space?

Then, Make Sure to Stop By the following Homes

Saturday September 11th

1:00-3:00

537 38th Street

First Open House 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths Family Room

2:00-4:00

533 39th Street

4 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths $ 535,000

Sunday September 12th

2:00-4:00

5433 T Street 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths $385,000

2:00-4:00

537 38th St. 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths $639,000

For More Information or for an Appointment before the Opens,

Call Janet @ 916-420-8418

It's All About the Dogs...

2010-08-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

RANGER

Another thing that is so great about our community is the dogs! They are everywhere, and that is so cool! Walk down any street at anytime and you will see some dog walking a friend. We even have a bowl of water waiting for a thirsty dog at the corner of 48th & M Street.

One real bonus of my job is all the great dogs I get to meet. There is Zach on T Street, Baucus on 39th but the real trooper is Ranger on 43rd Street (see picture). He endured being confined to one spot while the house was getting ready for the market. He did not complain or bark, except of course when the mailman delivered mail, but then really that's his job!

There are couple new dogs in the area that need a shoot out. Gabby a new puppy on the corner of 39th & M the sweetest girl and of course Lila Mae, my new hound on 38th Street.

So here is one more great reason to live in East Sac, Elmhurst or River Park…the fabulous dogs!

If you want you dog featured in Sniffin' Dirt, Just tell me at sniffindirt@gmail.com

Janet Gatejen
916.420.8418
License #00895397

What Happened in July...Stats for East Sac, Elmhurst & River Park

2010-08-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

July 2010

91 Active Listings

19 Homes Pending Sales

26 Homes Sold & Closed

Open Houses

2010-08-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

5433 T Street
Open Sunday August 15th 1-4

Priced at $385,000

5433 T STREET OPEN SUNDAY JULY 18th 2:00-4:00

2010-07-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

This is a home you want to call your own... Located in beautiful Elmhurst this home is immaculate inside and perfectly manicured outside. Wonderful feel when you enter to gleaming dark hardwood floors, corner fireplace and french doors to yard. Recently installed custom windows bring in wonderful light throughout the house. Every room is over sized, open, and airy. Home has three bedrooms, one is currently being used as a family room. Copper plumbing throughout. Interior and exterior freshly paint.

stop by for a map of East Sacramento and information about additional listings in the area.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Janet Gatejen

The Urban Hound

East Sac Dirt...

2010-07-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

The 38th Street Drive
Thursday, July 15th
3:00-7:00
1141 38th Street

38th Street Blood Drive is a party, and we want you to join us!
There will be tents and tables on the front lawn and will be
pouring sangria and grilling sausages.
The two blood mobiles will be parked on the street

Please schedule an appointment by calling
Alice Mcaulliffe 451-5507
or email alicemcauliffe@sbcglobal.net
For questions about eligibility, call 800-995-4420
(ask for the “Nurse of the Day”).

We look forward to seeing you and having a great time.
Thank you for supporting a very worthwhile cause.

Selling Your Home? Read This First...

2010-07-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

For those who know me, know that one thing that annoys me is when a house goes on the market, not ready! What I mean is there are things that can be done at no or very little cost that will make a big impact when a buyer first sees your home. This can affect the number of showings as well as the offers that you receive. Bottom line, it will ultimately determine the price you will receive from the sale of your home.

If you are selling your home, it's essential to take care of the details, both inside and out. Since buyers first see your property from the street, there are some steps you can take to pique their interest in seeing more. Let’s start with the exterior first…

Obviously, color makes an impact. Emphasize two or three colors in your flowerbeds and shrubs, and coordinate your blooms with the seasons, be it spring or summer. Perfectly maintaining your lawn is critical while you’re listing, since a well-manicured lawn powerfully symbolizes your pride of ownership and attention to maintenance. Also make sure your trees and shrubs are properly sized to the house and grounds, and not blocking any of your home's positive features. The entire exterior should be hosed down or power washed to give the house a fresh look.

Touch up any chipped or flaking paint, especially around the front door. If your front door is painted then a fresh coat of paint will do wonders and don’t forget about the threshold, most are in need a touch up. Buying a new exterior light and mailbox will also enhance the exterior. Home Depot or Lowes have light fixtures as low as $12.00 or you can remove, clean and spray paint the existing ones an accent color. I always use black it seems to look the best.

Remember the clean fresh look of the outside must be maintained throughout the listing and escrow period.

For more important information on what it takes to get the most money out of your home or to get a free consultation on the value and marketing of your home contact Janet Gatejen at 916.420.8418
or email janet@urbanhoundproperties.com

Do Open Houses Really Show the Value of East Sac?

2010-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

A woman stopped by my open house a few weeks ago considering a move into East Sac. As she walked through the house, she said, “the closets are so small, the entire kitchen needs updating and the old windows need replacing. I am going to stay in my current neighborhood. My house is much better!” She then turned her nose up and walked away.

After she left I thought to myself, she will never purchase a house in this neighborhood. She just doesn’t understand the value of living in East Sac. The value of East Sac goes way beyond your home. I have come up with my 10 reasons for living here…

•Walking or riding my bike anywhere
•Friendly People
•East Portal Park
•East Sac Hardware
•The History
•Compton's Market
•Neighborhood block parties
•The second hand stores
•4th of July Parade
•Pops in the Park

Tell me your favorite about living in East Sac and I will post them on my column.

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

First time buyers…are you excited to find a good deal, afraid of overextending yourselves and confused by all the conflicting reports about real estate?

Well, that might describe any or all buyers right now, but those making their very first purchase may feel elevated levels of all these emotions. It helps to have someone offer you some guidance.

Don't be afraid to make your move now, regardless of what you've been hearing about the market. Now is not the time to vacillate about whether prices or interest rates will still drop. There is nowhere to go now but up. Rates are at an historic low and the housing market has homes to offer in every price range your real estate agent will educate you on all the facts and figures you need, and help you to interpret the data so that you can make a sound choice.

With affordability so high, you'll find a flurry of activity out there, so you're not alone in making the right decision to begin your home search. In fact, so far this year 140 homes have sold in the East Sac, River Park and Elmhurst neighborhoods. That is approximately 24 sold per month!

My advice is to talk to an agent who knows the area and the entire inventory in the area you want to live. This will insure that you will find the best home.