Sacramento Real Estate Voice

Natomas Homeowners and Home Buyers MUST Read

November 17th, 2008 categories: Natomas

Ntomas Flood Insurance Time is ticking for all homeowners in the Natomas area. Increased Flood insurance premiums will officially take effect on December 8, 2008. The maps have been redrawn by FEMA and Natomas will become an AE zone which means that flood insurance will be at a substantially higher cost after December 8th.

The deadline for Natomas homeowners and new home buyers purchasing a house in Natomas is December 8^th so make sure that you get your flood insurance before that date, otherwise you may be paying 3 times the amount you would today.

All federally backed home loans will require the homeowner and home buyer to have flood insurance and some private lenders, as well.

Don’t shop for flood insurance rates. The rates are federally set. There is only ONE rate and it must be paid in full. Flood insurance can not be paid in installments but you can put it on your credit card. Call your current homeowners insurance company and tell them you need flood insurance ASAP. Don’t become a victim, be pro-active as a responsible homeowner.

The great thing is that as long as you get your flood insurance BEFORE December 8, 2008 you will be “grandfathered” in. This means that no matter how much flood insurance goes up, or is re zoned you will only pay the current rate which is substantially lower than what it will be later. This applies ONLY as long as you stay current and pay your flood insurance policy each year, on time. If you sell your house or condo, the home buyer buying your home or condo can purchase your less expensive flood insurance policy. This will be a great coup for those homeowners selling their house or condos later.

I have to admit that I found the FEMA maps to be user-unfriendly. The instructions say to write in your street address on the left side of the FEMA Map Service Center, click the icon to view the map and then simply use the zoom tool to zoom into your neighborhood. Sounds simple but difficult to determine streets and neighborhoods.

I must say the Sac Bee didn’t do any better job but at least you can try to figure out where your neighborhood might be. According to the Sac Bee the following are the depths of flooding that would occur if the levees were to break.

Natomas 26 feet of water
North Sacramento 23 feet of water
W. Del Paso Heights 17 feet
Campus Commons 15 feet of water
River Park 15 feet of water
Land Park 11 feet of water
Pocket-Greenhaven 10 feet of water

This is nothing to mess around with, get your flood insurance while the costs are down and “grandfather” your payment for the home buyer that may come along to buy your house before the levee repairs are completed.

Click to see all Natomas homes for sale

Remember, you can click on Search for Homes and chose bank owned homes in all of the Sacramento and surrounding areas. Plenty of 1st time home buyers are approved and ready to buy one of these great deals.

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 .

Sacramento Bank Owned REO Homes For Sale

November 14th, 2008 categories: Sacramento, Sacramento Real Estate Videos

Come learn a little secret about Sacramento Bank Owned REO homes for sale and what some of the banks are requiring of home buyers.

I have worked with many Sacramento home buyers purchasing bank owned, REO foreclosed homes for sale and each one has successfully purchased one of these homes. Patience is required when buying one of these homes for sale.

Remember, that you are getting one heck of a deal when you buy a bank owned foreclosed home.

Bank Owned REO Homes for Sacramento Home Buyers from Gena Riede on Vimeo.

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Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Top Sacramento Holiday Places to Go

November 12th, 2008 categories: Fun Things

Sacramento Holidays Have you relocated and moved to Sacramento?

Would you like to know some of the best places to go for the holidays? Even if you live in Sacramento you may have missed some of these places. These are my top choices for the best holiday places in and around Sacramento. Do you have a favorite place you would like to share?

Each year the Holiday Home Tour in the Fabulous 40’s welcomes thousands of holiday guests the first weekend in December.

This year is no exception. December 5–7, 2008 Holiday Home Tour begins with the Fabulous 40’s neighborhood homes elegantly decorated by top designers and florists.

Five exquisite homes will be featured and the tour begins on 46^th Street between J and M Streets and winds its way through East Sacramento ending on 41^st Street between J & M.

Tickets are $20 when ordered online by email to tickets@shpsholidayhometour.com and $30 the day of the tour.

This Fabulous 40’s Holiday Tour is a fundraiser each year for Sacred Heart Parish School and is organized by the Parents. This year’s 5 holiday homes feature Craftsman Bungalow, Comfortable Contemporary, European Revival, Georgian Colonial and Spanish Eclectic architecture.

You don’t want to miss this yearly event so make sure you get your tickets now. Times and dates for the Holiday Tour are as follows:

Friday, December 5 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 6^th 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 7^th, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

The designers this year are

La Maison Marche
Arborgast Design Group
The French Hen
Freddric Bradford
haus by David Randall
Twiggs and Curtis Popp

This is one of Sacramento’s finest real estate neighborhoods it is always such a thrill to show homes in the Fabulous Forties. Sprinkled with small shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, five parks and the ambiance of tranquility draw many to live here.

Click to view homes for sale in the Fabulous 40s neighborhood and let me know if this is where you would like to call home.

OLD SAC Holiday Schedule

Heritage Holidays in Old Sacramento a favorite for many will be starting the holiday season on November 26th with the tree lighting and finishing with the best New Year’s Eve fireworks. If you need any information about the events be sure to call (916) 442–7644

Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 26
Train Time for Santa = November 28–30
Polar Express at the CA State Railroad Museum December 4–7, 11–14, 18–21
Storytime with Mrs. Claus at Steamer’s – December 4–7, 11–14, 18–21
Visions of Eden – Ornament Artist on site – December 6
Lighted Boat Parade – December 6
Discover California Annual Christmas Party – December 12
New Year’s Ever Fireworks Show – December 31

ICE SKATING DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO

Ice skating Downtown Sacramento Want to get that holiday feeling by ice skating? We may not have snow but you can still go and skate each year at Westfield Plaza in Downtown Sacramento.

Just head-on down to Westfield Downtown Plaza Ice Skating between 7^th and K Streets. They opened November 7^th and will remain open as weather permits until January 19, 2009. Costs $6 for 2 hours, $2 skate rental and for more information just call (916) 442–8575

Sunday – Thursday Noon – 8:00 pm
Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 10:00 pm

Special Holiday Times

Thanksgiving Day, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Christmas Eve , 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Christmas Day CLOSED
New Year’s Eve, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
New Year’s Day, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

IMAX is a great added feature for the holidays so head on over to The Esquire IMAX Theater in Downtown Sacramento at 1211 K Street. You can buy your tickets on-line or by phone (916) 443–IMAX

The Polar Express – 3D November 21, 2008
Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa, December 15, 2008

This year if you want to hire someone to install your Christmas lights and holiday decorations, The Christmas Light Pros are ready for you. Just call 1–866–WE-HANG-4–U or (916) 317–0738. Whether you live in Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Folsom, Davis, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove or Loomis these folks are ready to hang your decorations.

APPLE HILL is a MUST for the HOLIDAYS

And no holiday would be the same without a trip to Apple Hill off Highway 50 just east of Placerville for crafty Christmas decorations, delicious baked goods and loads of family fun as well as getting your Christmas tree. Don’t forget to pick up the biggest and best apple pie while you are at Apple Hill. They are delicious!

If you would like to cut down your own tree be sure to check out all of the Christmas Tree Farms.

Apple Hill celebrates with an Old Fashioned Christmas from 8:30 am until sunset at #81 Santa’s Acres. Click for a map or call (530) 644–7692 for more information.

The above map also shows the locations of the Christmas Tree Farms at Apple Hill.

If you have never been to Apple Hill this is a MUST.

Give a gift to a child

While you are having holiday fun and enjoying all the wonderful places to visit and shop during the holidays remember to pick up a special toy and drop it off at the Toys for Tots designations. Click to see all of the many drop off locations to donate a toy for Toys for Tots.

Most local Fire Departments accept your donations. Don’t wrap your gift. Just drop it off. How easy is that? Make a child’s Christmas, a special time as it should be. These are tough economic times for everyone so your donation is especially appreciated this year. We can all manage at least one gift for a needy child.

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Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Tahoe Park in Sacramento, A Great Neighborhood to Consider

November 10th, 2008 categories: Tahoe Park

Tahoe Map Boundary Tahoe Park in Sacramento County is a great place to live with a variety of homes dating back from the 1920’s through 1960’s.

AS you travel through the cascading shade trees there are a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom homes with mixed styles of Bungalows, Craftsman style and Cottages along with ranch style homes with built in hutches and hardwood floors.

Click the map above to see the streets that make up the Tahoe Park neighborhood. Many drive by on Highway 50 never realizing that Tahoe Park is located on the other side of the highway from Sacramento State College. The boundaries are highway 50 on the North, Broadway on the South, 57^th Street on the West and 65^th on the East.

Tahoe Terrace (north of Broadway), Tahoe Tallac and Tallac Village all touch Tahoe Park.

Exciting news is coming to the Tahoe Park area…First of its kind…we will all be anxious

Target will be building a new store in the vacant lot seen from the Highway 50. The building will be 2 story with a glass front, having a bike trail from Tahoe Park to the store with bike parking areas. Definitely neighbor friendly for all those living in the area. Target is also installing several electric parking stalls for those e-friendly electric drivers. The building will lend itself as no other that has been built by Target to date. Based on the plans, it should be spectacular.

If you didn’t know Tahoe Park has quite a history behind it. The California State Fair was located in this area at one time. If you like nostalgia, Sacramento’s Elmhurst, Tahoe Park and Colonial Heights is an excellent article with photos of long ago.

Being close to Downtown, having affordable home prices, being close to Sacramento State University , Davis Medical Center and Shriners Childrens Hospital, Sacramento Coca Cola Bottling company and the park at Tahoe Park makes this established neighborhood one where homeowners thrive.

The actual park in Tahoe Park includes a swimming pool, wadding pool, playgrounds for all sizes, barbecues, softball, soccer, basketball and volleyball fields.

If you are thinking of moving/relocating and buying a home in Tahoe Park be sure to become familiar with the area and click to see homes for sale in Tahoe Park and Tallac Village in Sacramento. As a relocation specialist it would be my pleasure to help you find just the right home.

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.

Other Great Sacramento Neighborhoods to Consider:

Affordable Neighborhood in Sacramento

Land Park Home of the BEST Neighborhood Park!

Land Park, An Outstanding Neighborhood in Sacramento (Part 1 of 2 series)

River Park, A Secret Neighborhood in Sacramento

What Are The Great Neighborhoods?

Natomas Living in Sacramento County

Midtown Living in Downtown Sacramento

Retire in Elk Grove

Active Adult Communities Around Sacramento

Curtis Park Homes in Sacramento

Curtis Park Neighborhood in Sacramento

Carmichael CA Hot New Neighborhoods

Featured City, Elk Grove CA

Elk Grove Caters to the Family

Elk Grove Celebrates the Strauss Festival

Elk Grove CA Western Festival ~ Come Join The Fun

Elk Grove California Overview

Fair Oaks California Sellers

Fair Oaks Quaint and Charming

Folsom California Overview

Will Sutter Street in Folsom Get A New Look?

Folsom California About to Grow Folsom

Rancho Murieta California is A Secret

Take A Spin Around Sacramento California

Wilton California Country Living At Its Best

Want to Know A Secret?

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Two Great Places to Go in Sacramento

November 7th, 2008 categories: Fun Things, Sacramento

Sacramento Realtor Gena Riede Sacramento homeowners and renters as well as investors need to take note of this breaking news story. Great place to save money when fixing, remodeling or just replacing some necessary home essentials.

As a Realtor in the Sacramento and surrounding areas I come across some great places to share with you where you can save money, have fun, eat and be entertained. These two are my favorite choices to share this week.

Do you have a place that you would like to share with the readers on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice?

If you are interested in saving money, and who isn’t this is a place to visit and revisit. Thinking of remodeling, repairing your home, condo or duplex? Want to save money where the cost is cheaper than what you would find at Home Depot or Lowes?

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Store located at the old Sacramento Army Depot has supplies that change daily where you can save a ton of money. For instance, a Bosh dyer only costs $300, quite a savings and worth a drive to see what they may have that you are in need of. Anytime, we can save money, I’m all for it.

Click below for a Google map to the Restore Store
View Larger Map

Now, the next place is not for everyone. If you like to go to places that have table clothes and plenty of room than this is NOT the place for you. This is a great place for those who like to go and eat at a place that knows no boundaries. You may think it’s a hole in the wall and even drive right past it, never suspecting that this little “hole in the wall” has many locals that come on a regular basis and lines out the door. This is the BEST DIVE, I’ve been to.

The Squeeze Inn has burgers that are smothered in cheese or get the vegetarian burger or any other item on the menu. The portions are large and the staff is friendly and welcoming. There is only a small bar area inside but you can take your burger and eat out back at tables.

Don’t blink as you drive by, otherwise you’ll miss it at 7916 Fruitridge Ave in Sacramento. Click the google map link for directions.

Travis Hausauer, owner certainly knows how to make a business thrive. He sells fresh hearty food and let’s the burgers speak for themselves…no advertising here. It’s all word of mouth. You don’t have to have cheese but WHO doesn’t like cheese? Believe it or not, there are some orders that ask for a side of JUST the cheese!

One word of warning besides going on an empty stomach, parking is at a premium. There are only about 4 stalls for Squeeze Inn. Don’t try to park next door on either side, those folks will have your car towed. Park across the street at the business complex.

All the ingredients are fresh due to the size of this eatry, deliveries occur daily. Due to the popularity of the Squeeze Inn a second location opened by a family member in Galt at 545 Industrial Way in Galt. For directions to the Galt Squeeze Inn.

The Squeeze Inn is closed on Sundays. Monday - Friday open 10:00 till 6:00 and Saturdays 10:00 until 4:00. The Squeeze Inn was voted BEST in Sacramento and also holds the distinction of the KCRA Channel 3 award as well. Don’t ask if they plan on expanding…why change a good thing! This is 450 square feet of pure delight! All I can say, is that it is DANG GOOD!

So, fill up and let’s start looking for a home to buy in the Sacramento and surrounding areas. If you are a home buyer and would like to look for homes for sale, the Sacramento MLS is just a click away. I’d love to help you when you are ready.

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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.