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Fun Things

Are There Ghosts At Snowball Mansion?

Last week my previous home buyers who purchased the Snowball Mansion in Knights Landing invited me to come over and see what all they have accomplished in their new home as well as sitting in on the investigation report of the paranormal findings.  In simple terms, to find out if the Snowball Mansion is haunted!

Flying Monkey, a paranormal investigation group video taped and made recordings of their findings at the Historical Haunted Snowball Mansion which has long been speculated as being haunted by Lucy Snowball who lost a male child at infancy and her 19 year old son a mere month later.

Upon arriving at the Snowball Mansion, I found everyone gathered at the dining room table engaged in conversation.  Don Duncan, lead investigator from Flying MonkeyParanormal Investigation and a camera man, Keith filming the meeting along with the new owners,  Nancy and Richard.  I was given a glass of Chardonnay and sat down at the table to hear the results of whether or not Snowball Mansion was haunted.

EMF (electronic magnetic field) meter findings were found in the attic along with an audio recording of a woman’s voice (no one could make out what the voice said, however).  Windows in the attic along with the audio sound of banging open and shut were also clearly detected. 

I personally heard the banging of the attic windows along with the audible woman’s voice through ear phones.

The new owners have experienced drawers in the attic opening as well as the door bell being rung with no one apparently there.   Wayne, the caretaker of the Yacht Club by the River for years has seen an elderly woman in the attic window when the home was not occupied.  There have also been reports of furniture moving noises at night when no one was awake or moving furniture.

The conclusion form the Paranormal investigation was that although they cannot prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Snowball Mansion is haunted, they do say that there are definite EMF findings and unexplained phenomena at the Snowball Mansion.  It was noted that there were more findings at the Snowball Mansion than what was found at Sutter Creek which has long been established as being haunted.  The Flying Monkey Paranormal Group plans on coming back to capture some more at the Snowball Mansion.

The camera man, Keith shared that while filming in the attic, every time the EMF reading went up, his camera shut off.  This happened several times during the attic filming between midnight and 3:00 am.  There was also findings in one of the gazebo’s on the property.

You probably are asking yourself, if the owners of the Snowball Mansion are afraid or freaked out by all this and the answer is no.  They love their new home even if they need to share it with ghosts. 

 Nancy and Richard proudly display a framed photo of  Lucy  Snowball on their mantel and plan to gather more photos of the Snowball clan to hang alongside their own family photos.

The new owners are embracing their ghostly roommate(s) and continuing to restore and make Snowball Mansion their new home.

I had a delightful evening with Nancy and Richard and plan on returning soon.

Other Snowball Mansion Articles:

Introducing the Haunted Mansion Buyer

Snowball Mansion Tour

Snowball Mansion Sells… Ghosts and All

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Five Fun Things to Do in Sacramento in July 2010

I don’t do real estate ALL the time! 

Here are my BEST 5 picks for FUN in July around Sacramento…not much time left…let me know if you have BEST of Sacramento picks, too!

SACRAMENTO
The California  State Fair came early this year.  Usually the CA State Fair is held during the Labor Day weekend but this year it came to Sacramento July 14th and will end on August 1st. 

The California State Fair at Cal Expo ends each night at 10 p.m.

Food prices are down this year due to the economy but unfortunately parking is still $10 and entrance fees did not change from $12, seniors $10 and kids 5-12 yrs of age $8.

I have to admit I love going each year and checking out what wonderful things there are at the exhibit halls.  It’s hard to go the State Fair and not smile…it’s a good feeling place with so much to do and see.

Hope to see you at the California State Fair!View Larger Map

ELK GROVE

Looking for a FREE event?  Come on over to Elk Grove Regional Park and attend the  Strauss Festival at Strauss Island for the 23rd year live concert and dancing in the park on July 22-25,  2010 at 7:45 p.m.  The show begins each evening at 8:15 pm and ends at 10 p.m.  The park does charge a $10 parking fee.  Bring a picnic, a blanket, chairs and a nice bottle of wine and enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars!  Maybe, I’ll see you at the Elk Grove Strauss FestivalView Larger Map

OLD TOWN SACRAMENTO

Did you know about all the underground streets in Sacramento?  Are you aware that when you go to Old Town and see the shops that you are walking in on the 2nd level?  The first level is underground due to all the flooding in Sacramento back in the 1800′s, the streets were built up.  

 Now starting July 10, 2010 there are tours of the underground areas that last about an hour.  It costs $15 for adults and $10 for children.  Tours of the underground are on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.  These tours will take place through October 31st of this year and will not resume again until April 2011.  Get your tickets, it’s not only historical but it is entertaining as well. Historical Old Sacramento Underground Tour I can’t wait to go and see it all myself!View Old Town Sacramento in a larger map

ROSEVILLE

Every Tuesday night from 5:00 pm to 9 pm in Downtown Roseville from May through July Vernon Street fills up with classic cars, food, farmers market, vendors, music and entertainment. Roseville Tuesday Nights ends on July 27th so you don’t have much time. Admission is FREE and so is parking! I understand they have pony rides and lots of activities for the kids.  Check out Roseville Tuesday Nights if you haven’t already…not much time left!View Larger Map

El Dorado Hills

El Dorado Hills Town Center offers FREE Thursday night concerts at the Steven Young Amphitheater in what they call LIVE on The Boulevard.  The concerts start July 17 through September 2, 2010 and held from 6 pm to 8 pm.  The amphitheater is across from Bistro 33 and seating is based on arrival.  Plenty of good food at the Town Center plus there is also food during the concert.  FREE parking.  Check out the concert line up for 2010 at El Dorado Hills Town CenterView El Dorado Hills Town Center in a larger map

Do you have a favorite special event in Sacramento?

Previous Fun Things in Sacramento:

Sacramento, The CA State Fair is Here!

Elk Grove Celebrates 2009 Strauss Festival

Sacramento Real Estate At the CA State Fair

Sacramento, Come Celebrate at the CA State Fair

California State Fair in Sacramento-Come For Some Fun!

Elk Grove Celebrates the Strauss Festival

Sacramento Fun Things To Do

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

July 4th 2010 Fireworks Around Sacramento

Can you believe it’s time to celebrate July 4th once again? Boy, the Summer sure is going by fast!

It’s a day to show your patriotism, and fly the American flag so get yours out and place it in your yard or window this 4th of July.

Now, for all the fun and firework displays throughout the Sacramento and surrounding areas for you and your families.  Have fun and stay safe!

Cal Expo Fireworks

As always, Cal Expo and the City and County of Sacramento will have one of the largest fireworks displays with FREE admission and an $10 parking fee this year (sorry, it went up).  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.  Gates open at 4:30 pm and fireworks begin at 9:30 pm.  Click to view the map with directions to Cal Expo .

Carmichael, CA July 4th Parade & Fireworks

This year attend the Firecracker Breakfast as the Elks Lodge on Cypress Ave from 6:30-9:30 am, Parade, an outdoor BBQ, live music and dancing, swimming, kid games and more.  FREE  fireworks at La Sierra Community Center  at 5325 Engle Rd. begin at 9:15 pm

Citrus Heights Fireworks at Sunrise Mall

FREE annual parking lot fireworks show at Sunrise Mall  starts about 9:30 pm

Elk Grove Spectacular Fireworks

Don’t miss the 14th Annual Salute to the Red, White & Blue with fireworks display at Elk Grove Regional Park . Festivities begin at 3:00 pm with live music, food, entertainment, cake decorating and children’s area.  Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm with FREE admission and parking $10.  Elk Grove is celebrating it’s City’s 10 year Anniversary so all transit service is FREE to the public on July 4th.

Folsom Pro Rodeo and Fireworks

Nightly fireworks at dusk after roping and riding events at the Rodeo July 2, 3 and 4th.  Click for directions to Russell Arena.  If you buy the Buckaroo Pack for $60 you get 4 rodeo tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas along with the firework show.  And if you’ve never been to the Cattle Drive down Sutter St., you’ve missed a bit of history that’s repeated every year so go check it out on July 1st.

Rancho Cordova Fireworks

Parade is on July 3rd at 10:00 am starting on Coloma Rd at Cordova Lane  with home town flavor along with Carnival & Fireworks at Hagan Park  at 9:00 pm.  July 4th FREE admission ($10 parking) for the Star Spangled Weekend with food, music, fun and Fireworks beginning at 9:00 pm at Hagan Park on Chase Drive.

Galt

July 4th Fireworks Show at 10:00 pm Veterans Soccer Field

Roseville Family Fun

Royer Park ( 298 Park Drive ) will be celebrating Family Fun Festival with music, food and fun stuff for the kids from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm with fireworks at Sierra View Country Club  (105 Alta Vista Ave.)

Fireworks Show at 9:30 pm, Placer County Fairgrounds at Washington Blvd and American City Blvd.

River Cats at Raley Field in West Sacramento

The River Cats will be celebrating Independence Day after the game on July 3rd with Fireworks.  The game on Saturday starts at 6:35 pm with gates opening at 5:00. Click to view the map to Raley Field .

El Dorado Hills

1st Annual July 4th Celebration, July 3rd Celebration from 4:00-11:00 pm.  Latrobe Rd and Town Center Blvd at El Dorado Hills Amphitheatre.

Davis, CA Fireworks

Davis starts off with a kids parade on C Street between 1st and 2nd Streets at 9:00 am.  Breakfast with all you can eat pancakes at the Davis Senior Center for $3.  T-Ball game begins at 8:30 am.   The Davis Bike Club will race at 7:45 am. Mens Slow pitch baseball tournament begin at 9:00 am  Free swimming at Community Pool between 1 and 5 pm.  Then it’s entertainment with Fireworks starting at 9:30 pm until 10:00 pm at the Davis Community Park on Oak Ave and W. Covell Blvd.

Tahoe’s Fireworks

Star Spangled Fourth – Lights on the Lake where Hwy 50 meets the Lake starting at 9:45 pm  The beaches fill up quickly so get there early.

Lights on the Lake

Happy 4th of July!  HAVE FUN and stay SAFE.  See you back here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice.

 

Previous July 4th Fireworks:

Best July 4th 2009 Fireworks and Fun Around Sacramento

Where Are Fireworks Around Sacramento?

Celebrate July 4th in Sacramento, CA

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Fun Things to Do Around Sacramento

This weekend promises to be a warm weekend, good thing!  There are so many fun places to go this weekend in and around the Sacramento area and of course there are homes for sale in each of these areas.

61st Annual Fair Oaks Spring Fest – Don’t miss the notorious Toilet Bowl Race, Old Fashioned Parade, Crafts , Entertainment, Sun Run and Classic Car Show

  • Saturday, May 1, 2010 and Sunday May 2, 2010
  • 10 am to 4 pm
  • Fair Oaks Village in Old Town Fair Oaks
  • FREE

Click and see why Fair Oaks is Quaint and Charming

Midtown Sidewalk Sale

  • Saturday May 1, 2010
  • 10 am – 7 Pm
  • FREE

Click and find out more about Sacramento Midtown

Fairytale Town – Annual Puppet Festival -Take the kids to see Hansel & Gretel Puppet Show

  • Land Park at William Land Park
  • Saturday, May 1, 2010
  • 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • $4

Click and find out why Land Park is home to the Best Neighborhood park.

Elk Grove Western Festival 2010 – Celebrating 10 years of City-hood – Western Idol Contest

  • Saturday, May 1, 2010,  Sunday May 2, 2010
  • Parade starts at 10 am Sat. starts in Old Elk Grove
  • 10 am – 5:30 pm
  • Elk Grove Regional Park

Click to find out more about Elk Grove, CA the featured City

Lodi Street Faire – go for the Food stay for the art and crafts

  • Sunday, May 2, 2010
  • Downtown Lodi
  • 8:00 am-4:00 pm
  • FREE

May Fest at McKinley Park – Yumm German food, music, dancer and Maypole dance

  • Sunday, May 2, 2010
  • McKinley Park
  • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • FREE

Click and take a spin around Sacramento to see the character of McKinley Park

Have a GREAT weekend and congratulations to all those Sacramento home buyers who got in in the nick of time to qualify for the State and Federal home buyer tax credit.  Enjoy all that money you just saved!!

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Sacramento Realtor Uncovers Easter Fun

Are you looking for Easter Egg Hunts in the Sacramento area?  I have found some great places to go on April 3, 2010 for the kids.

I have uncovered a few spots that may be close to where you live. 

In fact, under each event there will be a link to homes for sale in the areas I have uncovered…just in case you happen to be a 1st Time Home Buyer that is looking to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit.

Don’t forget to bring your Easter baskets to all Easter Egg Hunts.  There’s nothing worse than be little with those little hands and having no place to put the Easter Eggs that you just found.

Happy Hunting…Enjoy and if your neighborhood is having an Easter Hunt, comment below and leave me the address to share with all the readers.

April 3, 2010

Elk Grove, CA Easter Egg Hunt – April 3, 2010

Folsom, CA Easter Egg Hunt – April 3, 2010

Carmichael, CA Easter Egg Hunt – April 3, 2010

Land Park in Sacramento, CA Easter Egg Hunt – April 3, 2010

South Land Park,  Sacramento, CA Easter Egg Hunt – April 3, 2010

Rocklin, CA Easter Egg Hunt – April 4, 2010

Woodcreek Golf Egg Hunt and Festival – Roseville, CA – April 3, 2010

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

St Patrick's Day in Sacramento Today!

st patrick's Day Sacramento FunToday, Saturday March 13, 2010 be at 2nd and L Street for the start of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Sacramento at 1:00 pm

Then, head down to 1000 Front Street at Waterfront Park where the festivities begin at Noon today and the St. Patrick’s Day festival continues in Old Sacramento until 6:00 PM

For those looking for some good old fashion tasty corn beef and cabbage, Lamb Stew, Sheppards Pie or Dublin Coddle  you might want to walk on over to BREW It UP on 14th Street where the festivities will go on all day and into the night.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations are happening all over Sacramento so go out and celebrate with some fun…

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

A Sacramento Valentine Message for Home Buyers

Valentine HomeFor all the Sacramento Real Estate Voice readers, I wish each of you a Happy Valentines Day!

Some Sacramento home buyers will have an exciting Valentine’s Day moving into their new homes and condos as well as those who will find their offers have been accepted by the seller.

What a great gift a new house or condo is!  Remember, home buyers that the tax credit ends April 30, 2010 which is not that far away.  This means in order to qualify for the home buyer tax credit you will need to have an accepted offer from the seller and escrow opened no later than April 30, 2010.

Many of the Sacramento homes for sale are in multiple offers so I wouldn’t delay if I were you thinking that you have plenty of time.  Time is ticking and that lovely gift wrapped home is waiting for you!

If you are looking for something fun to do Saturday or Sunday check out the 13th Annual Wine and Chocolate Weekend in Lodi.  It does cost between $35 on-line ticket purchase-$45 on the day of the event. Be sure to read about the “Golden Ticket“.    By the way, there is no cost for bringing designated drivers and they are encouraged. Sounds like a great time and one not to miss.

Happy Valentine’s Day!Sacramento heart

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Happy New Years Eve Sacramento!

Happy New Year We could all use a NEW year! 

The economy has pretty much been a disaster for 2009 and the outlook for 2010 is much better, thank heavens!  Banks are finally beginning to negotiate with homeowners on loan modifications and new businesses opening while others close their doors.

It is vital that we each make an effort to frequent the businesses in our neighborhood to help secure their future. And keep an eye on our finances to ensure a more responsible 2010!

Yes, real estate is still your friend and best investment. What is at the bottom MUST come up.  Real Estate will be a slow and steady rise and one ride you don’t want to miss.

Are you looking for some fun around the Sacramento area for New Year’s Eve, here are a few suggestions.

Old Sacramento by the Tower Bridge celebrates each year with fireworks  at 9:00 pm and then again at midnight.  The evening begins at 6:00 pm with  activities including live music, vendors and street entertainment.  Families need to gather at the tent at Waterfront Park. Starting at 9:00 pm it’s time for the more adult crowd to gather at the tent at Waterfront Park and rock out.

Just in case you are outside of the Sacramento area, here are all of the New Year’s Eve Fireworks and events

Have you thought about a new Year Eve Dinner Cruise on the Hornblower in Old Sac or perhaps a Dessert Cruise fits your budget?

Roseville will celebrate their annual New Year’s Eve Celebration on Ice from 2:39-10:00 pm at the Roseville Skating Center

Mason’s New American Restaurant in Sacramento is another  place to begin your celebration, along with the Singles New Year’s Eve party at the Double Tree hotel in Sacramento and the Biggest and Best Elegant New Years Eve Blast in Sacramento at the Arden West Hilton hotel

Adiós 2009 time to bring in the NEW Year and a renewed economy for all! Can’t wait to begin helping the 2010 First Time Home Buyers and home sellers.

Other Related Articles:

New Year’s Eve in Sacramento

2009 New Year’s Eve Event in Sacramento

Happy New Year…2007!

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Christmas Fun in Sacramento

 

 
It’ fun to bundle up the kids in their jams and head out with a thermos of hot chocolate to view the Christmas lights, below are a few homes that may be close to you neighborhood that have decked their halls to the nine.

If you know of any other note worthy decorations out there, drop a comment and I’ll post the addresses for others to enjoy!  Merry Christmas!

Now, let’s go see some holiday  Christmas lights and homes decorated with sugar and spice…

  • 4025 Diane Drive,  Antelope  map
  • 8916 Kruitof Way, Fair Oaks  map
  • Henri Ct., Davis  map
  • 3446 Point Pleasant Rd., Elk Grove   map
  • 6930 Lisa Marie Way, Carmichael  map
  • Orelle Creek Ct.,  Citrus Heights   map
  • Tanfield Ct., Natomas  map
  • Dovewood Ct., Orangevale   map
  • 53rd & St Street, East Sacramento map

If  your little ones would like to track Santa be sure to visit the official Santa Countdown and see just where Santa is nd then visit Santa’s Village.

We have a lot of  people who are stuggling to find the holiday spirit, dig down and find something to be grateful for…

I hope you have a wonderful holiday.  Stay safe and see you back here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice.

 

Other Related Articles:

Sacramento Christmas Lights

Sacramento Real Estate Christmas

Holiday Decorated Homes in Sacramento

Top Sacramento Holiday Places to Go

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Thanksgiving Fun in Sacramento

Happy Thanksgiving.jpgHope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year with your family and friends.  Time to relax, enjoy and unwind.

I want to give a special thank you to all of my current and past clients for helping to make each year so special.  I have been blessed with exceptional home buyers and home sellers.  Thank you!

The holidays can be special by establishing some great memories.   Below are just a few of the many holiday fun times you can experience with your friends and families.

One that you might want to consider is right down in Old Sac by the tree starting on November 25th thru January 3rd at Front and K Street.

Be sure to get there by 6 pm for the Old Sacramento Tree Lighting at the Theatre of Lights and hear “The Night Before Christmas” on Nov. 25th.  There is always something special going on in Old Sac.

As a special holiday treat the City of Sacramento is offering FREE parking weekday evenings and weekends November 27th through December 25, 2009 in Central City and Old Sacramento!

Annual Run to Feed the Hungry

If you are looking for something good to do for yourself and others don’t forget November 26th  is the 16th Annual Run or Walk to feed the hungry. Registration is at 7:30 am and the race begins at:

8:45 am for the 10K 

9:05 am  for the 5K  Be sure to meet Downtown on J Street in Sacramento near the CSUS entrance.

Yes, that’s on Thanksgiving Day…get ready, get set and prepare to win by Running to feed the hungry before you feed your face. You’ll work up quite an appetite!

And if you have extra energy and want to see the homes for sale around CSUS be sure check out these 95819 homes for sale so you can map the homes for sale after your run.

Folsom Turkey Trot Run

Also, Folsom will be hosting the 3rd Turkey Trot Run to benefit Folsom’s Food bank. Race will be held at Folsom Parkway Trails (corner of Blue Ravine and N. Parkway Dr.)

Keep running through the neighborhoods in Folsom to see all the Folsom homes for sale.

Santa’s Coming To Town –  Downtown Sacramento

Don’t miss the Annual Santa Parade on Nov. 28 starting at 10:00 a.m.at 9th and I Street.

Midtown Ice Skating

Then after all that food you want to mosie on down to Midtown  for Ice Skating by the Midtown Business Association from November 20, 2009 until January 18, 2010 located between J and K Streets at 1050 20th Street.

And as you skate around you might just want to check out homes for sale in Midtown Sacramento.

Fairytale Town in Land Park

Land Park is having it’s Winter Wonderland at Fairytale Town on Dec. 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th from 6:00 Pm until 9:00 PM.   Don’t miss seeing Santa and Mrs. Clause right here at 3901 Land Park Drive in Sacramento.

And if you’re curious here are the Land Park home for sale close to Fairytale Town.

Elk Grove Dickens Faire

Elk Grove will host the 22nd annual Dickens Faire on November 28, 2009 from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.  This is an old fashion street fair in Old Elk Grove with Santa, carriage rides, and of course the tree lighting.  Plan ahead since Elk Grove Blvd will be closed between School Street and Elk Grove Florin Rd.  Be sure to stick around for the Parade of Lights.

And if you want to see Elk Grove homes for sale in 95624 be sure to click and see the latest houses for sale.

Be sure to check back here for more holiday fun added as we go into December.

Ask Real Estate QuestionIf you have a real estate question that you would like an answer to by Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® specializing in helping home buyers and home sellers be sure to check out and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email.   Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice

If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.

Click Sacramento MLS where you can pick any community or city around Sacramento and see homes for sale or simply click on the search icon and pick the area you are interested in finding a home or condo for sale in . As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I am here to help you avoid foreclosure.  Let’s talk and see if you qualify for a Short Sale. Your Short Sale agent.
 

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

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