Sacramento Home Make-Over Tip
August 16th, 2010 categories: Real Estate Tips, Remodel
Many of the Sacramento home buyers recently bought Bank Owned, REO and Short Sale homes for sale this year. Some looked better than others and some were taken care of better than others.
I thought as your Sacramento Realtor, I would give a visual of some ideas that would give your home a make-over that will surprise even you.
As you can see there are 4 different garage doors each with a distinctive style. New garage doors can give your house a face lift that can make it look years younger! You need to be thoughtful in choosing the right garage door for the architecture of your home.
The top left garage door is a glass that comes in a variety of smoky colors lending light to the inside of the garage but not allowing others to see in. This type of garage door should only be used (in my opinion) on a home that is modern and has definite lines that will make this a true asset for the house.
The garage door top right resembles doors used on a barn (an expensive barn) and would look fabulous on many two story colonial homes.
The bottom two garage doors look spectacular on many of the Renaissance, Tuscan homes.
This is just one way home buyers who are now homeowners can spruce up and make your home, your castle.
Other Helpful Articles:
8 Steps to Clean Up Sacramento Neighborhood Foreclosures
Do You Know How to Maintain Your HOME?
Kitchen Tip That Can Save You Money
Money Saving Tip For Homeowners
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Five Fun Things to Do in Sacramento in July 2010
July 26th, 2010 categories: Fun Things
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 Festival…View 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
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Choose YOUR Realtor Wisely
June 11th, 2010 categories: Sacramento Real Estate Videos
I think many of us as Realtors ® thought that with the current turn in real estate that many agents who received their licenses would go back to their old jobs and let the Realtors ® who have ethics and have taken the time to be educated and trained properly left to help both home buyers and home sellers.
I can tell from experience this has not been the case. We have part time agents, absentee real estate brokers, brokers who provide no training for their agents and more. I feel for the home buyers and home sellers these days. Recently, on one of my transactions the agent decided among many things to redirect what the bank was allocating for the buyers closing costs to a Short Sale Specialist to reduce the amount she owed as the referral fee.
Now, I do think that the agent was smart in referring the Short Sale to someone who knew how to do them but that’s where it stops. The home buyers I am working with have been shocked at how this listing agent has been handling the entire transaction from start to midstream which is where we are now.
Unfortunately, this agent’s broker is of no assistance and has a carefree attitude so it’s no wonder the agent continues to fly by the seat of her pants while committing fraud. It’s been very surprising to say to the least.
We need to make it a little more difficult to get a real estate license and to keep a real estate license. Of course, the more people that are allowed to get their license, the more money for the Department of Real Estate…and there lies the problem.
Until the public has had enough and demands more than what they are getting we will continue to have both agents and real estate brokers who would be better served flipping pancakes.
| Discussion: 11 Comments »
Tribute to A Sacramento Home Buyer and Home Seller
June 7th, 2010 categories: Realtor
Last week this Sacramento Realtor ® received a phone call that shocked and saddened me.
A long standing home buyer and home seller died at age 49. His name was Sergei and when I first met him I had the dickens of a time trying to remember how to pronounce his name.
He gave me a simple remedy…he said, “ I am a Sir and not gay”. And that was how I learned how to pronounce Sergei having never had a Russian client or Russian friend before.
Whenever we spoke or saw one another at his business, there were always plenty of smiles and laughs. He was quite a guy and was working on getting his American citizenship this year which he was so proud of.
I sold Sergei’s home in Natomas back in 2001 and he and his family purchased another home from me as well as selling that one later and buying yet another house.
This week I will attend the memorial for Sergei at his business in Greenhaven where he was a tailor at Alterations Express.
Sergei was so proud that he was designated as the #1 tailor in the Sacramento area by Sacramento Magazine in 2004 and whenever you called his business the message recording would say, “You have reached Alterations Express, voted best of Sacramento.”
I will miss the conversations we had and his witty ways. Sergei was not just a past client but became a friend as most of my clients do. It’s hard to lose a friend.
Goodbye Sergei…I’ll miss you
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What Makes A Good Home Buyer?
June 4th, 2010 categories: Real Estate Tips, Sacramento Real Estate Videos
When a Sacramento home buyer has taken the time to talk to a lender, provided the necessary documents required and understands their loan this tell me as a Sacramento Realtor ®3 essential things about this home buyer. To find out what those 3 important items are, listen to the video.
As a Sacramento Realtor ®, I only work with motivated, responsible home buyers that have stepped up and approached the home buying process correctly. I will help guide the home buyer to a reputable Lender if they haven’t started the process yet and once we have a Lender Approval letter, we are set to go and see all the homes for sale the home buyer chooses.
There are many reasons for the mortgage melt down we see today, with foreclosures and short sales. One of the reasons is due to many homeowners who never took the time to understand their mortgage loan BEFORE signing their loan documents. Don’t let that happen to you! Know and ask questions about your loan when you meet with the lender. Understand everything about the loan program. Loans are more than just the interest rate.
I’m always excited to help any home buyer that is willing to approach the home buying process in a responsible manner.
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A BIG Thank YOU to All My Sacramento Readers
July 21st, 2009 categories: Realtor
Sacramento, CA
This month Sacramento Real Estate Voice has had 22,040 visits.
Today, I thought I would take a moment to say thank you to the Sacramento readers as well as those outside of the Sacramento area.
As you can see, there have been thousands of you coming each month and reading the articles on Sacramento Real Estate Voice.
As a Sacramento Realtor ® I hope I have been able to share what you find useful here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice.
I enjoy helping both home buyers and home sellers with their real estate goals and in the process I have made some fantastic friends alon the way.
So, keep coming and let me know if there is something you would like me to write about that you’ve been waiting for and I haven’t yet touched upon.
I appreciate each and everyone of you! You have helped make Sacramento Real Estate Voice the “go to” Real Estate blog for Sacramento.
Thank You!
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.If 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
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Are You Planning A Remodel in YOUR Bathroom?
July 6th, 2009 categories: Living Green, Remodel
Sacramento, CA
Couldn’t resist bringing this to all of you. If you would like something that few have, this may be just what you are looking for.
Are you thinking of remodeling your bathroom?
Are you thinking GREEN?
Tied of hearing the toilet flush?
This is one of the hot bathroom trends for 2009.
Want to save water on your water bill?
Are you looking for a toilet that is higher or lower?
The Europeans have had wall toilets since the 60′s and have found them to be quite functional.
I bet your first thought is that there won’t be enough water to flush things down but from what Ive been reading, the water comes after the fact which helps get thing down and keeps the bowl clean. Unlike the system we are all use to the uses water first.
The height can be adjusted from 15″ to 19″ and is great when planning a children’s bathroom.
Did I hear you say, “ it will fall off the wall?” Apparently, it can hold up to 880 lbs. and more. It t saves room and is great along with the silent flushing.
No wax seal to deal with and cleaning underneath is a breeze. I found a distributor in our area if you are interested click on Saniflo.
This is the latest in bathroom design…stay tuned for more remodel trends. Have any thoughts on this one? Would you install a wall toilet in your home?
Be sure to check out the 8 Hottest Trends in BAth Design for 2009 from the Decorating Diva. I love the Hansa Colour Shower, how about you? Are you a chromatherapy fan?
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe 
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and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® 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 | Discussion: Comments »
Can't Pay Your House Payment?
June 16th, 2009 categories: Short Sale
Sacramento, CA
Have you missed your mortgage payment?
Are you stuck in one of those sub-prime mortgage loans?
Is your mortgage loan about to readjust?
Did you loose your job or your paycheck get reduced?
Are you losing your home? You may have lot of questions with few answers.
These are all reasons homeowners have who found themselves under water and need a life preserver. I’m here to help be that life preserver for you if you qualify for a Short Sale.
What is a Short Sale? What does Short Sale mean?
A short sale is when the homeowner owes more on the mortgage loan than what the house is currently valued at. If you qualify for a Short Sale, the lender will accept a lesser amount than what you owe on your mortgage loan.
Realtors ® who know and understand Short Sales will determine if you qualify for a Short Sale. Just because you want a Short Sale, doesn’t mean you qualify for one. Make sure you list your house for sale with a reputable Realtor ® who knows and understands Short Sales.
The last thing you need is to list your house when you don’t qualify.
Foreclosure will ruin your credit longer and it is something that you want to avoid if you can. If a loan modification is not possible with your mortgage lender than listing your house as a Short Sale is the answer.
Of course, you need to qualify for a Short Sale so give me a call.
The banks are trying to streamline Short Sales and realize that Short Sales are not only better for the bank, they are better for the homeowner and the neighborhood and the eventual home buyer.
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.
. and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® specializing in Short Sales 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 | Discussion: Comments »
Relocating to Sacramento? I Have Just The Place For You…
May 1st, 2009 categories: Fun Things, Relocating
Sacramento, CA
For all those home buyers relocating to the Sacramento area I have been doing a little scouting and found the perfect hotel in Downtown Sacramento where you will not miss your bed since the beds are Serta presidential and you will also be served healthy nutritious slow food in the most gorgeous setting.
I was given a wonderful tour of The Citizen Hotel located at 926 J Street by Sarah Essary, Public Relations Coordinator and had the distinct honor of meeting Mark Mathews, General Manager, Kipp Blewett, Principal Partner and the Executive Chef of Grange Restaurant and Bar, Michael Tuohy. Come along with me and learn about Grange Restaurant and Bar.
The Citizen Hotel assures me that for those relocating to the Sacramento area and mentioning our working real estate relationship to find you the perfect distinguished home, you will receive a perferred rate.
The Citizen Hotel is a Joie de Vire Boutique (Joie de vivre) hotel that was originally built in 1925 and was refurbished and brought back to life November 2008 as one of Sacramento’s premier boutique hotels. It is where the “Roaring 20′s meets the 21 st Century grace.”
Political theme runs through the hotel into each of the rooms. By the way, don’t miss checking out the restrooms at the Scandal Bar and the political artwork from Newton Pratt, a Pulitzer price winning cartoonist from the Sacramento Bee in the 40′s and 50′s. Notables are featured on the napkin wall…no I’m not there 
Each 198 rooms of the hotel are different from the other due mainly to the architecture of the building along with custom made furniture which means, each of your stays at the Citizen will be different from the previous.
I was impressed with the Penthouse with its’ own balcony and views of Sacramento. Come along with me and take a tour of the Citizen Hotel with our guide, Sarah Essary.
Whether staying at The Citizen or just wanting a good meal, Grange is a slow food restaurant that serves both the hotel and other guests. The executive chef, Michael Tuohy meets local growers and establishes relationships to produce a different menu daily. I had a luscious meal and highly recommend eating at Grange. Check out Michael Tuohy’s Blog.
While at Grange, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and other Supervisors were lunching…not uncommon at the Grange. You just never know who might show up.
Enjoy viewing the videos and learning a little more about The Citizen Hotel and the Grange Restaurant and Bar.
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.
. 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 Click below to view
Distinguished Sacramento homes for sale
Distinguished El Dorado County homes for sale
Distinguished Placer County homes for sale
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A Day With A Sacramento Realtor
February 1st, 2009 categories: Sacramento Real Estate Videos
Can’t believe how long it took for my Sacramento Investor to FINALLY hear from Countrywide on the Short Sale that he is buying. We put his offer in at the beginning of October 2008 and just heard this past week that his offer was accepted.
The investor is buying a duplex in Sacramento and of course, an investor would prefer having tenants already in the duplex which is the case with a Short Sale. Not so, with a Foreclosure. The tenants would have been evicted.
So, all in all it was a great day, dropping off the Investor’s good faith deposit at Stewart Title in Elk Grove, meeting up with a buyer purchasing a loft in West Sacramento at Ironworks for his home inspection and checking in on a Short Sale for sale in Elk Grove.
Glad you came along on the ride.
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.
If you have a real estate question that you would like an answer to, 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. Just ask the Realtor, Gena Riede.
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 .
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