Are you dreaming of summer? Well, the summer solstice has arrived. Did you know that “solstice” actually means “sun standing still” in Latin? Yes, on the summer solstice, the sun seems to take a break and hang out in the sky, urging us to enjoy summer fun.
But here’s an interesting fact: even though it’s the longest
day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s not necessarily the hottest.
The real heatwave usually hits a few weeks later, so don’t put away those fans
just yet!
But enough about science, let’s enjoy summer’s outdoor bounty
here in Folsom.
Folsom’s Bike Trails (Pedestrians enjoy them too!)
Folsom is home to more than 50+ miles of Class I bike and pedestrian trails for biking and hiking. For the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, please use trail safety guidelines.
Humbug-Willow Creek Trail. Folsom’s trails are mainly located in this section of the trail system located along the Humbug Creek and Willow Creek corridor.
Folsom Rail Trail along Folsom Boulevard. Folsom Lake Trail with connections to the Johnny Cash Trail and the American River Trail.
Oak Parkway Trail between Blue Ravine Road and E. Natoma Street.
Kayak Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake provides some of the best paddling experiences
imaginable throughout its 75 shoreline miles. You’ll find sandy beaches and an
endless supply of secluded coves, with water so clear you can see to the bottom.
While you’re dreaming of summer, get out there and enjoy the sunshine!
Father’s Day is just around the corner and I thought it might be fun to check out the five most important things on Dad’s new-home checklist. Of course, not all dads are created equal, but let’s check out five of the most common must-have items for dads:
Dad’s Must-Haves
A spacious backyard: The cliché is true. Dads love to grill, invite friends over, play catch with the kids, and grow the best tomatoes in the neighborhood. Dads want a place for their kids to run and play, so a spacious backyard is a must-have. It would be great if the backyard also has a playset, a sandbox, or a basketball hoop.
A garage: A garage is a great place for dads to store their tools and toys, and it can also be used as a workshop or a man cave. If the garage has epoxy floors, great storage, and loft storage it’s even better!
A home office: Even a dad who doesn’t work remotely enjoys an office to store files, pay bills or even relax and unwind with a good book—or a good game on tv.
A primary bedroom with all the good stuff: Grown-ups love private space and a spacious, airy primary suite with a beautiful bathroom and large closets is on the wish list of nearly every dad.
A neighborhood with good schools: Dads desire a neighborhood with good schools so that their kids can get a quality education.
Are you a Dad Searching for a New Home?
Here are some additional tips to consider:
Consider your family’s needs: When you are looking for a new home, it is important to consider the needs of your entire family. Do you have young children who need a lot of space to run and play? Do older children who need their own bedrooms? How about pets? Once you know what your family’s needs are, you can start looking for a home that meets those needs.
Set a budget: It is important to set a budget before you start looking at homes. This helps narrow your options and avoid getting in over your head financially.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home. It also makes the home-buying process go more smoothly.
Work with a real estate agent: A real estate agent will help you find the perfect home for your family. They will also help you negotiate the price of the home and close the deal.
So, Happy
Father’s Day to all the dads. And, if appropriate, Happy Home Hunting! Let me
know if you have questions. We are always here to help.
Folsom is beautiful year-round, but in the spring, Folsom is home to a stunning display of wildflowers. And with abundant rainfall and recent warm weather, the so-called Folsom wildflower “Superbloom” is in progress, and you don’t want to miss it. The hills and meadows are awash in color with a variety of wildflowers, including California poppies, lupines, irises, and buttercups.
There are several places to view wildflowers in Folsom.
Some of the most popular spots include:
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area: This park is home to a variety of wildflowers, including California poppies, lupines, and irises. The best place to see the wildflowers in the park is along the American River Parkway.
Beeks Bight: This is a small cove located on the western shore of Folsom Lake. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildflower viewing.
Avery’s Pond: This is a small pond located in the heart of Folsom. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The wildflowers can be found along the shores of the pond.
Middleridge Trail: This is a 10-mile trail that winds through the hills of Folsom. It is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The wildflowers can be found along the trail.
Darrington Trail: This is a 5-mile trail that winds through the hills of Folsom. It is a popular spot for hiking and biking with wildflowers along the trail.
A Few Tips for Viewing Folsom Wildflowers
Plan your visit for the right time. Enjoy your wildflower excursion between today and mid-May.
Dress for the weather and be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen.
Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and fueled, especially if you are hiking or biking. And a little picnic in the wildflowers is an added plus!
Leave no trace. Be sure to pack out all of your trash and stay on the trails.
Have a wonderful time exploring the Folsom wildflowers. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
On St. Paddy’s Day the crowds roar, With marching parades and much more
The green is so bright, It’s such a grand sight,
To celebrate friends we adore!
It’s time for a little St. Patrick’s Day fun
with family and friends! Check out these local ideas for celebrating the Irish
and keep scrolling for a tasty GREEN smoothie that’s a perfect addition to your
St. Paddy’s breakfast menu.
How About a
Little Irish Music to Put Some Pep in Your Step?
This treat for
the whole family features multi-instrumentalists from the Kerry Traditional
Band led by the great Ryan McKasson on fiddle. Can you imagine the explosive
sound of bodhran, fiddles, uilleann pipes, guitar, flutes and dancing feet roaring
through the theatre? You will be transported to the Emerald Isle for an
unforgettable Irish night. Be ready to leave the theatre with a jig in your
step!
The Luck of
the Irish abounds at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in March! A parade,
live musical entertainment, outdoor beer gardens and a chance to find
Leprechauns hiding throughout the charming historic district. Wear your jolly
green apparel and prepare for fun.
I admit that a green smoothie isn’t very appetizing, but I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with this healthy, breakfast drink. It’s perfect with a scone or some Irish Soda Bread.
There is no doubt that selling a Folsom home can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but luckily we have lots of tools to make the process easier and more effective. Although some people doubt the effectiveness of holding an open house, I can assure you that it can be a powerful tool to attract potential buyers and close the deal quickly.
An open house is an event that
allows interested buyers to tour a property that is up for sale without the
pressure of scheduling an appointment with a real estate agent. The more
relaxed atmosphere allows an opportunity for sellers to showcase their homes
and for buyers to get a feel for the property’s layout, features, and
neighborhood.
Here are some of the reasons why an
open house is important when selling a home:
An Open House attracts more buyers
An open house is an excellent way to
attract more buyers to your property. By scheduling a specific day and time,
you can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that encourages people to
attend. We also promote the event through various channels, such as social
media, online listing services, and neighborhood flyers to reach a wider
audience and assure maximum visibility.
An Open House allows buyers to
visualize the property
Seeing a property in person can make
a huge difference versus viewing it online. An open house allows buyers to leisurely
walk through the property, explore each room, and get a sense of how the home
flows and how it might work for them. This tactile experience can help buyers
visualize themselves living in the home and can make them more emotionally
invested in the property. I regularly see buyers “fall in love” when they
experience sitting on the patio overlooking the view of distant hills!
An Open House provides immediate
feedback
An open house is an excellent way to
get immediate feedback from potential buyers. During the event, buyers may ask
questions, express their opinions, and provide valuable insights that can help
you understand what people are looking for in a home. This feedback can help
you make necessary changes or improvements to the property to make it more
appealing to buyers which can expedite a sale.
An Open House saves time and effort
Hosting an open house can save you
time and effort in the long run. Instead of scheduling multiple individual
showings, you can showcase your home to many potential buyers at once. This
approach can help you streamline the sales process and potentially close the
deal more quickly.
I thoroughly enjoy meeting potential buyers at an open house. If you’re considering selling your Folsom home, be sure to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you plan and execute a successful open house. Call me today to learn more!
Selling a home can be a stressful and daunting
process, especially if you want to sell it quickly and at a good price.
Fortunately, there are several affordable updates that you can make to your Folsom
home that can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. In this
blog, we’ll explore some of the best affordable updates to make when you are
selling a home.
Paint
One of the most affordable and effective updates you can make to
your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint. A new coat of paint can make
your home look cleaner, brighter, and more modern. Stick to neutral colors,
such as beige or gray, which will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
Lighting
Good lighting can make your home look larger and more welcoming.
Consider updating your light fixtures to more modern, energy-efficient options.
You can also add lamps or additional light fixtures to rooms that may be dimly
lit.
Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers
will see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Simple updates
such as adding some plants or flowers to your yard, power washing your home’s
exterior, and painting your front door can make a big impact.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and can be a major selling
point. However, you don’t need to completely remodel your kitchen to make it
more appealing. Instead, focus on smaller updates such as painting or replacing
cabinet doors, updating hardware, and replacing outdated appliances.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are another area that buyers pay close attention to,
but updating your bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Try a few simple
things such as painting the vanity, updating the faucet, and adding new towels
and bathmats can make a big difference in the visual appeal of the room.
Flooring
Updating your flooring can be a more expensive update, but it
can also significantly increase the value of your home. If you can’t afford to
replace your flooring, consider having it professionally cleaned or adding an
area rug to cover any worn areas.
Declutter
Finally, one of the most affordable updates you can make is to
declutter your home. Remove any personal items, excess furniture, and clutter
from your home. This will make your home look more spacious and allow potential
buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
Making affordable updates to your Folsom home
can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. Updates such as
painting, improving lighting, updating the kitchen and bathroom, and
decluttering can make a big difference. With a little effort and some smart
updates, you can help your home sell quickly and at a good price.
And don’t forget the importance of an
experienced realtor with neighborhood expertise. Call Margaret, your Folsom
Realtor, today! (916) 203-3765
Relax. I’m not suggesting anything covert or shady. I’d like to share a few of the things that you should expect from a great realtor. Because what she is doing when “you’re not looking” makes all the difference in a successful real estate transaction.
Let’s check out a few examples
PREPARATION IS THE KEY
A great realtor doesn’t just “happen.” A great realtor
masters her craft by analyzing market trends and enrolling in continuing
education classes for additional certifications. While you’re not looking, she
is touring properties and visiting homes that might be suitable for her client.
She busily cultivates relationships with tradespeople including stagers,
contractors, and landscapers to create a little black book of trusted
professionals.
That’s what it takes for a realtor to be prepared for your
phone call!
AND THEN THE PLANNING BEGINS!
When you aren’t looking, your realtor is creating lists, checking them twice, and potentially creating more lists! If you are listing a property, planning begins before the listing appointment. She will have done her homework by preparing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home, and will be armed with a personal knowledge of real estate activity in your neighborhood, and will have a targeted marketing plan for your property.
And then, when your back is turned, a great realtor executes
the plan!
NOW FOR THE FOLLOW-UP
A great realtor loves phone calls, texts, and email because
follow-up is critical in both the buying and selling process. Feedback from agents
who have visited a listing is critical for helping Sellers make decisions
regarding sales price, changes in staging details or to have the knowledge
needed to pivot in the changing needs of the Folsom real estate market.
Experience matters.
LET’S NEGOTIATE
When you’re not looking,
your realtor contacts other agents regarding potential offers, then analyzes terms
and contingencies to guide you through the negotiation process. She will
negotiate the best deal for YOU, not the loan officers, not the buyers, and
certainly not for herself. Integrity matters.
AND FINALLY, SHE NEVER SLEEPS ON A TRANSACTION
Transactions don’t close
themselves! While you’re back is turned, your realtor works tirelessly with the
other agent, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, transaction coordinators,
contractors, and more to ensure a smooth close.
Of course, issues can
come up during escrow. A great realtor can often foresee the issues and in many
cases, the client doesn’t even know that there was a glitch in the transaction.
And if the deal does get a little dicey, she is there to counsel you all the
way.
FINALLY
The Melville Group would be proud to work behind your back and assist you while you’re not looking. We are excited to roll up our sleeves and put our experience to work for YOU. Call now to learn more about the current market and to determine if it’s a good time for you to make a move.
We want to be your Folsom Realtors! Call Margaret today. (916) 203-3765
