REAL ESTATE NEWS
Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Keep your emotions in check and stay focused on the business aspect of selling your home.
- Hiring an agent may cost more in commission, but it can take a lot of the guesswork out of selling.
- If you decide to sell on your own, set a reasonable sale price and keep the time of year in mind.
- Prepare for the sale, don’t skimp on the visuals in your listing, and disclose any issues with the property.
Life Goes On: Tips for Living in a For-Sale Home
Last-minute checklist
Do a quick sweep through the house just before potential buyers come over for a showing:
• Make sure your computer is turned off, your valuables are stowed securely, and tuck your mail out of sight.
• Wipe down bathroom and kitchen counters.
• Turn on all lights and open shades to make your home look brighter.
• Fluff pillows on the couches and beds.
• Do some last-minute sweeping on the hardwoods or tile floors.
Living in a for-sale home can be daunting but it is doable.
How to Stage Your Home While Living in It
(Without Losing Your Mind)
Get insanely organized—and stay that way
If you must stay in your home while it’s up for sale, heed these expert-approved tips that will help you (and your Realtor®) stay sane.
- Create a cleaning schedule, and stick to it. If you can afford it, invest in a weekly cleaning service. Before each showing, vacuum the floors, dust all furniture, and wipe down all kitchen and bath surfaces.
- In the kitchen, keep countertops clear. Stash paper towels, sponges, and dish soap under the sink when they’re not in use. Make a habit of placing dirty dishes immediately in the dishwasher, and keep most appliances off the countertops.
- Buyers will open cabinets. Be sure your glasses, plates, pots, and pans are well-organized and stacked neatly.
- If you do a lot of cooking, use natural air freshening methods like boiling lemon slices or cinnamon on the stove to neutralize odors.
- Use totes or bins to keep daily bathroom items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap out of sight.
- Immediately sort mail when it arrives at your house, and dispose of anything that isn’t vitally necessary.
- Stash a few of your kids’ favorite toys in a large decorative bin or tote in a corner of the room or hall closet, and clear the rest away.
- Put your iPhone cords and enormous charging block in a drawer out of view.
- Avoid the lockbox, especially if you have pets or children. Ask your agent to schedule showings in large blocks of time a few afternoons a week to ensure you can get everyone out of the house.
- If you have a 9-to-5 office job and pets, consider boarding the pets on weekdays when showings might occur. READ MORE
Ralene Nelson, REALTOR®
OPEN HOUSE – Saturday 11:00am – 1:00pm
FOR SALE – 147 Gardiner Way, Rio Vista
3bd/2bth/1531sf
$550,000 – Custom Craftsman Cottage, w/detached carport, 70 ft driveway, workshop & studio on a shy 1/4 acre lot. 3 bedroom, possibly 4, with 2 baths, painted in vibrant colors. Laminate floors & white blinds brings out the artsy homeowner. Kitchen has painted cabinets & bead board walls/backsplash, Corian counters with added cabinetry. Main bath has a stall tile shower & separate tub, quartz counters with white cabinets. 2 bedrooms have built-in cabinets & new laminate floors/fans. The family room can be the 4th bedroom/bath also has a tiled shower. FM also has a wood burning stove w/built-ins. Sunroom can be a great entertaining spot along with the large patio that has room for a built in kitchen/BBQ. The workshop has wall air conditioner, dark room with grey water sink. The She craft/studio room can be utilized for crafting or potting area. Homeowner has built numerous planter boxes for the gardener. YES, room for your RV/toys, carport with garage door. Don’t pass up this home!! READ MORE
FOR SALE – 404 Riverwood Ln. Rio Vista, 2bd/2bth/1391sf
$450,000 – Big Sur model & no rear neighbors!! Located in the Active Adult Community, Trilogy. Relax in this lovely backyard & watch the wild life. 2 bedrooms/2 full baths and den with double doors. Both master bedroom and den have bay windows that provides a more open feeling. Master bath has walk in shower & closet, double sinks, white tile counters, Dark kitchen cabinets, Corian counters w/tile backsplash, black appliances & tile floor. Stove is electric, however, is plumbed for natural gas. The dining area overlooks the backyard. Patio with all weather cover, great for BBQ in the rain. Garage has storage cabinets. Just bring your furniture and enjoy the activities, tennis, bocce, new gym, 2 pools & spas. READ MORE
FOR SALE – 718 Allender Wy. Rio Vista, 3 bd/2 bth/1346sf
FOR SALE – 731 Turnberry Ter Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1410 sq ft
$434,900 – NO BONDS-Spinnaker mod1:30el with private backyard. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home feels like a very relaxing cottage for a retirement home. The patio provides a quiet place for morning coffee & afternoon beverage. Den has built-in book/curio shelves & bay window. The Master bedroom has a bay window, which creates room for a sitting area. New hot water heater. Enjoy amenities such as golf, tennis, bocce, pools/spas & a new gym, and more. READ MORE
FOR SALE – 125 Sequoia Ct. Rio Vista, 4 bds/2 bths/1,422sf
Asking $485,000. Are you looking to move to a little country town? Well look no further, Rio Vista, located on the Sacramento River, offers the old fashion town with parades and is even known for the Bass Derby. This 4 bedroom & 2 bath home located in a cul-de-sac provides that country feel. This home was renovated in 2019 with cabinetry, granite counters, laminate floors, and HVAC. Bring your water toys!! READ MORE
JUST SOLD – 17266 Highway 49, Nevada City, CA
Don’t miss out – Great Value!! Nearly 15% Price Reduction. Semi-craftsman’s style Nevada City Home! Very tranquil, secluded, and five minutes from downtown. This home offers a truly classic design! Spacious porch with views of a beautiful front yard. The entryway leads you to the living room with high wood ceilings, a fireplace, and lots of windows. The dining area is spacious with wood ceilings, windows, and under cabinetry lighting. The kitchen has lots of counter space and cabinets for all your gourmet needs, as well as a charming breakfast bar area. The large master bedroom on the main floor has a full bath and a large walk-in closet. Upstairs are two large bedrooms with lots of light (stained glass window accent) and a full bath. New, large redwood deck for entertaining. Two separate garages, a workbench, and lots of storage with extra parking give plenty of room for your vehicles. The 10 acres of beauty give you privacy, space, and extra gardening areas! The parcel can be split if desired. The seller is motivated! READ MORE
Events in Northern California this Week-End
7th Annual Galt Drive Down Memory Lane Car Show
Sat, Aug 27, 9 AM – 3 PM
McFarland Living History Ranch, 8899 Orr Rd, Galt, CA
Welcome to the 6th Annual Galt Area Historical Society Drive Down Memory Lane Car Show at the beautiful, historic McFarland Living History Ranch. The house will be open for tours.It is open to 1970 vehicles or older. We will have cars parked in the orchard, vendors, and food trucks. READ MORE
Concord Wedding Fair
Sun, Aug 28, 12 – 4 PM
Concord Crowne Plaza, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord
Spend an afternoon at this east bay hotel, easily accessible from the entire Bay Area. Meet with 40+ wedding professionals in multiple areas, win prizes and giveaways including a $10K Wedding Package & 20 Las Vegas winners announced during the Entertainment Segment that starts at 2:30pm. Food & Beverage Tasting, Cash Bar, & Cafe open for meal purchase. Parking is Free. READ MORE
The 17th Annual Children’s Film Festival Seattle comes to Sacramento
Sun, Aug 28, 1 – 2 PM
Crest Theatre, 1013 K St, Sacramento, CA
NORTHWEST FILM FORUM
Bristles: When the most beautiful brush in the jar suddenly dries out, he does everything he can to save his beautiful bristles to be able to paint again.
Kenya’s Symphony: Kenya, a bold five-year old girl, is reluctantly dragged to a symphony by her mother. Through the power of the orchestra, the young girl’s passion for music blossoms before her own eyes.
Bellysaurus: A tiny dinosaur dreams she is a scary big dinosaur. When danger strikes, she learns it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Literally.
BENCH: A short film about sharing….
Wash Day: Wash Day follows a young black girl as she spends the day washing, and styling her hair.
The Girls of the Wind: Searching for independence, a young girl receives an unexpected visit from the Daughters of Wind. They give her hope and momentum to grow. A new day is dawning.
Polar Bear Bears Boredom: A polar bear who is very bored with various marine animals in the deep blue sea.
Sounds Between the Crowns: A homeless musician was kicked out of the city after the queen saw his face. Although the guards destroyed his instrument, he doesn’t lose the motivation to fix it.
Trails of the Morning: Here comes a little girl who’s more of a morning person than Morning itself… and offers us a tender and touching portrait of friendship.
Kayak: A father and his baby’s kayak outing along a peaceful river turns out to be a real family adventure.
Elevator Alone: Four people and the time they spend in an elevator. Inspired by everyday life and by the difference in people’s behavior when they are alone, in contrast to the socially acceptable behavior that individuals adopt when in public space and especially in the confined and always awkward setting of an elevator. READ MORE
Family Craft Fair in Sacramento
Sat, Aug 27, 10:00 AM – 11:59 PM
JUST FOR FUN ART 3995 N FREEWAY BLVD, Sacramento, CA
Outdoor Fair, local and small businesses. Shop while the kids have fun play games and make crafts. Sip & Paint are available too. Bring the whole family in a safe environment just right outside of Just For Fun Art Studio.
Hope to see you there! READ MORE
Sierra Bigfoot Music & Arts Festival
Fri, Aug 26 – Sun, Aug 28
Eproson Park, 22901 Meadow Dr, Twain Harte, CA
Second Annual Sierra Bigfoot Music Festival. Live Music, Art Show, Open Air Market. August 26, 27 & 28 in Twain Harte, CA. Bigfoot symposium on Sunday.
3 day Music Festival, Art Show, Open Air Market and Bigfoot Symposium!
Fun for the Entire Family!
Located in the Sierra Nevada pines of beautiful Twain Harte, California.
Live Art, Artisan Vendor Booths, Beer Garden, Food Court, Special Guest Appearances!
Mountain Meadow Production Company is bringing the Motherlode a three-day music festival to downtown Twain Harte’s Eproson Park with over 2 dozen bands, dozens of vendors and delicious food choices, you can make this a family destination outing.
Free tickets will be given away on KKBN 93.5 FM
Early Bird tickets $20 per day or $50 for the weekend. Kids under 12 are free with paid adult ticket.
Get tickets here.