As our communities work hard to flatten the curve, we also continue to face new challenges and learning curves of our own. This August looks very different from last year for many children and families throughout the country. Virtual back-to-school nights and remote learning from home have become the new norm. Not to mention, working parents are adjusting their schedules to oversee their children during the school day. 

This month’s newsletter explores some of the challenges of at-home learning with the goal of offering some helpful resources, classroom design inspiration, lunch ideas and more. We also take a look at the local real estate market, which has earned very high marks throughout this pandemic. Read on for the full scoop!

Class is in session…at home! With many of our homes now doubling as classrooms, we’ve found a few ways to transform any room or small space into the perfect study spot. Check out these fun and creative ideas for some inspiration. 

Create a Cozy Study Space: Limited on space? Build a “Study Nook” in your child’s room to create a comfortable, organized, and efficient place for them to learn from home. You can also utilize a space in the bonus room, art, music, game or playroom. Check out this adorable Parsons Mini Smart Desk from Pottery Barn. If your child is on the go, they also have a great mobile Lap Desk.

Designate a Special Area for Reading: It’s no surprise that children tend to get stir crazy when sitting in one place for long periods of time. So switch things up when it comes to reading time! Whether you have a playroom or a small space in your child’s bedroom, designate an area where your child can escape from the “classroom” and curl up with a good book. Use your imagination and gather a reading chair and comfy blankets, some fluffy pillows, a bean bag chair, reading tent…the possibilities are endless! You can also purchase a bookshelf to store their books and tie the space together.

Stay Organized: Organization is essential to staying on track for the school year…especially when merging the classroom and home. Take advantage of color-coded bins to store homework for each subject, add initials next to each child’s workspace, personalize cubbies, organize school supplies in an easily accessible rolling cart, and hang floating shelves and file holders to your room of choice. 

Utilize Natural Light: Have you ever been stuck working in a poorly lit cubicle and had a hard time focusing? The same applies to your kiddos…Help them stay motivated by letting nature inspire them! Creating a study room near windows is not only easier on the eyes, but it will also help them focus on their studies better. You can also breathe some life into the room with beautiful succulents or indoor plants. 

Choose Active Seating: Do your little ones have a hard time sitting still? Encourage them to stay active while they’re studying by swapping out traditional chairs with exercise balls. This is also a great option if you’re trying to fit everything into a small study room.

Be Mindful of Distractions: When choosing a study room or area, be mindful of distractions and noises like the television, phones, tablets and anything that might interest them more than their upcoming math test. Opt for background music or silence during study time. 

Forget about that boring PB&J sandwich, stale cookie, and those uneaten apple slices…Lunches at home mean that we can be a little more creative and healthy, even when we’re on a time crunch. Check out these simple yet satisfying lunch recipes that will have your kids asking for seconds! Quesadillas with a Twist: Pair this black bean and sweet potato quesadilla with avocado slices, pineapple chunks, and tortilla chips for a healthy (and easy to make) lunch.  Turkey Roll-Ups: If your kid is a fan of the classics, you can’t go wrong with these turkey roll-ups. Pack with pretzels, celery sticks dipped in peanut butter, and cinnamon-sprinkled apple slices for a well-balanced meal.  Pasta Salad: If your kids are adventurous, try this California pasta salad, which is loaded with veggies. Pair with some fruit slices for a hearty lunch. Breakfast for Lunch: Is your kid a fan of brunch? Turn on the skillet and whip up these delicious buttermilk pancakes. Pair with some strawberry slices, a hard-boiled egg, and squeezable yogurt for a delicious meal. Easy Pizza Pocket: Short on time? Make these easy pizza pockets with a can of refrigerated biscuits, lots of cheese, and pizza toppings of your choice. You can save even more time by buying a jar of pizza sauce. These pair perfectly with a side salad. Cookie Bars: Ok so these may not be the healthiest option, but they’re certainly better for us than processed cookies. So put the Oreos down and make a fresh batch of cookie bars for the school week! You can’t go wrong with this chocolate chip recipe from Tollhouse.    Having the kids home from school is taking on new meaning these days. That’s why we’ve pulled together some informational links and resources to help you overcome the learning curve that comes with this big change.  In this article, the author reaches out to teachers for tips on designing environments at home that are as conducive to learning and discovery as the classrooms they have lovingly created. This article published by Children and Screens shares 10 tips for successfully navigating the new realities of online learning.  A recent online article published by Time magazine shares the secrets to keeping your kids happy, busy, and learning during school closures.  Julie Mason, a former teacher, and now mother of three and head of content and curriculum at TeacherVision, shares a helpful guide and at-home learning resources for both parents and students. This online article published by The Center for Discovery outlines some safe indoor and outdoor activities for families during Coronavirus.  According to a recent article from Redfin, more than 27% of homebuyers are searching out of town, with Phoenix, Sacramento and Las Vegas being the most popular destinations. The reasoning behind this? The pandemic is causing homebuyers to rethink what they want in a home, with more people relocating to places where they can afford more outdoor space and room for home offices, according to the article. Click here to read the full article.

When COVID-related stay at home orders and restrictions hit the US in March, many buyers put their home search on hold. But as those orders and restrictions are being lifted, a good portion of those buyers are re-entering the market.

Which brings up the question: what, exactly, are those buyers going to be looking for as we move through—and, eventually, out of—this pandemic?

A recent survey from HomeLight, which polled real estate agents seven times between April and June, asked agents what they believed would be the most desirable or important features, characteristics, or amenities for buyers in the post-COVID-19 era—and, given what the country just went through in quarantine, the answers make sense. Some of the most popular responses include:

• Designated home office (17 percent).COVID has pushed more companies towards a remote work model—which means more people than ever are working from home. Having a designated home office space is poised to be one of the most in-demand home features for buyers who are now working remotely.
• Suburban or less dense location (16 percent).After a pandemic, expect many buyers to look to get out of the cities and into areas where it’s easier to get space—like the suburbs.
• Private and spacious outdoor area (15 percent).COVID had many people stuck at home for months—and for many people without a yard, patio, or outdoor space, the lack of outdoor access made the experience more challenging. Expect even more demand moving forward for spacious (and private!) outdoor spaces, like fenced-in backyards.

Positivity. It’s something we learn at a young age yet we are constantly tested in life to maintain a positive outlook when facing different obstacles and hurdles. It’s also something that many of us are struggling with today as we continue to social distance and adapt to the ever-evolving mandates and changes within our communities.

But now more than ever, it’s important to appreciate the things that we do have and take inventory of all of the good things in our lives. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to doing just that—from outdoor activities that are social distance approved, to al fresco dining, to an insider’s look at the current real estate market, we’ve got you covered! Read on for the full scoop.

Supporting local businesses and restaurants through these tough times is a great way to stay connected and help our community stay afloat. While indoor restaurant venues are closed for the time being, we are still able to enjoy outdoor dining at some fantastic restaurants in the greater Sacramento area. Check out a few of our favorite outdoor venues on the river where you can enjoy a nice cocktail and delicious meal with a side of views.

First up on the list is Crawdads On The River. Since 1986, Crawdads has been one of Sacramento’s most popular dining spots on the river. Guests can come by car or boat to enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere with fresh seafood, delicious drinks, and mesmerizing views. Not sure what to order? For starters try their “Crispy Calamari Strips” served with lemon and their house-made roasted cocktail sauce. If you prefer something lighter, try their fresh “Shrimp Cocktail” appetizer. For a main, dive into their “Blackened Fish Tacos” or their simple yet mouth-watering “Crab Grilled Cheese”. Chill out with one of their frozen drinks like their refreshing “Frozen Vodka Lemonade.” Check out their full menu here and be sure to call ahead of time to make a reservation out on the patio at 916-929-2268.

Next, we’re taking you to another equally popular outdoor dining spot, Scott’s Seafood on the River. This upscale eatery impresses with its focus on fresh seafood, fabulous handcrafted cocktails, and front row river views. Guests can wine and dine on the expansive patio overlooking the river. Begin your meal with their “Dungeness Crab Cakes” or their “Wild Prawn Cocktail”. For the main course, you can’t go wrong with any dish, but their “Filet Mignon & Jumbo Scallops” dish is a great combo option. They also have an impressive cocktail menu with favorites including their classic Margarita. You can make a reservation ahead of time by calling 916-379-5959 or by using OpenTable.

Finally, our quest for al fresco dining ends at Rio City Café, which is situated in beautiful historic Old Sacramento with a spacious outdoor patio and spectacular views. This riverfront restaurant features a delicious menu that celebrates fresh, house-made ingredients. Hungry for an appetizer? Try their famous “Sourdough Cheese Loaf” (pictured above) filled with an indulging three cheese blend on top of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and crushed chili flakes. Signature entrees include their pan-seared “Halibut” served with creamy parmesan risotto and grilled asparagus and their “Red Crab & Shrimp Louie” salad. Check out their full menu here. To reserve an outdoor table, call 916-442-8226 or use OpenTable.

Some of us might be feeling frustrated about the recent re-closure of gyms in Sacramento—but lucky for us, Sacramento is home to countless recreational activities with plenty of hiking, biking, and walking paths for us to explore. The city also sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers where you can raft, kayak, and even launch a boat in some areas. Click on the below links for some fun outdoor activities and inspiration.

1. Plan Your Next Rafting or Kayaking Trip on the American River: Summer is the perfect opportunity to cool off at the American River. So grab your quarantine crew and get out on the water for a fun-filled day of rafting or kayaking. If you need to rent a raft or kayak, check out American River Raft Rentals.
2. Grab Your Paddleboard and Hit the Water: From Lake Natoma to the Sacramento River, there are plenty of places for you to hit the water and soak in the beautiful outdoors. Check out some of the top paddleboarding spots before planning your next outing here. Need a paddleboard? Snag one at American River Raft Rentals.
3. Hit the Trails: Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or running, Sacramento is home to plenty of trails and paths for you to explore. Grab your running shoes and hit the trail at Ancil Hoffman Park or one of these popular Sacramento running trails. Also check out these local biking paths and gorgeous hiking paths.
4. Soak in the Sun on Your Next Boating Excursion: Now is the perfect time to brush up your wakeboarding or skiing skills on the river or lake! Check out Folsom Lake, Camp Far West, or the Sacramento River for a fun boat outing.

When COVID-19 first hit, many buyers put their home searches on hold—and that pause continued through the following months as much of the nation was under stay-at-home orders.

But now that the country has started to reopen, buyers are “unpausing” their searches and buying homes, which has translated to an unprecedented rebound in the market. Data released in June in the National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales Index, which measures housing contract activity, showed a 44.3% jump in May—the highest month-over-month increase since the Index started collecting data in 2001.

“This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a recent press release. “This bounce-back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.”

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been holding off on listing your home, it looks like buyers are officially getting back into the market and ready to buy—which should make it easier to sell.

If you’ve ever visited Diagon Alley™ in Universal Orlando, you may have found yourself enchanted by the charming shops, authentic English pub, and cobblestone streets. Now imagine having the ability to be transported to another world simply by heading down to your basement?

While this Maryland home might not be Hogwarts, it does boast a pretty fantastic tiny town right downstairs. Ready to travel to an underground village that features some interesting amenities? Away we go!

Talk about curb appeal! This stunning estate makes quite the first impression.

This elegant entryway is as stunning as any you’d hope to find inside a $4 million mansion. But you’d never expect what’s hidden beneath the ground floor.

Having a home theater isn’t a new concept, but one with its own marquee is pretty novel. Wonder if you can smell the popcorn wafting through the air? Perhaps ticket prices help cover the cost of the super-cool basement?

Going well beyond the typical Matchbox cars you find in many suburban basements, these antique cars are a collector’s dream. Do they need stop lights with all this traffic? And how did they get down there in the first place?

Is that a CANDY shop!? While it’s a sweet idea, it seems wayyyy too dangerous to be able to walk downstairs and see this on the daily.

Moped? Monkey? Massage? Oh my! Way too much going on here to capture in a sentence or two.

If you’ve grown bored with one of the upstairs bedrooms, simply sneak away to this inn right in your very own basement! If breakfast is included, we’d like to make a reservation.

Not what you were expecting from that refined exterior, right?

If you could cultivate a tiny town in your basement, what shops and surprises would line your streets?

COVID-19 and the resulting stay-at-home orders had many people putting their real estate plans on hold. But as restrictions are lifted and the country continues to open, it looks like the coronavirus has actually made people more eager to buy than they were pre-pandemic.

According to a recent survey from LendingTree, 53 percent of home buyers said they were more likely to buy a home in the next 12 months due to the coronavirus outbreak. There are a variety of reasons these buyers are keen to make a post-pandemic real estate purchase, including taking advantage of lower interest rates (67 percent), being able to save for a larger down payment due to reduced spending (32 percent), and a drop in home prices (30 percent). After being stuck in a small space, many would-be buyers also realized how much they wanted their own home—and the space that goes along with it (28 percent).

So, what does this mean for you? Buyers are ready and excited to get back into the real estate market—so if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is a great time to make a move.

Over the past few months, many of us put our lives on hold and practiced social distancing while we waited for the curve to flatten. Now that we are through the worst of it, we are getting back into the swing of things and adjusting to our new normal.

Under a new state ordinance announced last Friday, Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado counties have shifted into Phase 3 and are now permitting schools, movie theaters, bars, campsites, casinos, day camps, gyms, museums, zoos, spectator-less sports, hotels and more to reopen.

In this month’s newsletter, we take you to some of our favorite locally-owned businesses that are back in action and share some fun “social distance approved” weekend activities and getaways to help you bounce back. We also take a look into the current real estate market and its promising future.

Are you ready to venture out and support local restaurants, shops, and recreational grounds? Check out our “Eat. Stay. Play.” guide below!

1. The Porch Restaraunt & Bar – Sacramento: The Porch Restaurant was created to give Sacramento a unique dining experience and something out of the ordinary. With a California approach to authentic southern dishes, the Porch is a space where people can come to have a great meal, a refreshing cocktail, and forget about the worries of everyday life. As their name suggests, they even have a charming porch out front where you can enjoy your meal. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time and check out their new safety policies and measures before your next outing.
2. Serritella’s – Carmichael: Craving Italian? Serritella’s has been a local favorite since 1965. They specialize in Italian food made from scratch like their rich lasagna, mushroom-filled Marsalas, delicious pasta, and tasty shrimp dishes. Their “hot out of the oven” complimentary breadsticks are also delicious! They recently moved to the new Milagro Centre in Carmichael. Call ahead to make reservations here.
3. Kru Sushi – Sacramento: Kru is a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Sacramento that delivers the freshest ingredients and plates. If you have a special occasion, Kru will be sure to impress with its delicious food and gorgeous atmosphere! In the mood for a roll? Their Firecracker Roll filled with crab, avocado, and topped with salmon, spicy garlic sauce, tempura crisps, jalapenos, and kimchee ponzu is always an excellent choice. You also can’t go wrong with their fresh Nigiri. Reservations are required. Make them online here or call 916.551.1559 to secure your table.
4. Shangri-La – Fair Oaks: Shangri-la is a vibrant, chic restaurant and bar in the heart of Old Fair Oaks. They have an expansive outdoor patio so you can relax and soak in the sunshine during the day or enjoy the fire pit at night. Their kitchen offers a versatile menu that features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients transformed into elevated comfort food at its best. Order anything from burgers and mac & cheese to tacos and miso salmon. Their custom handcrafted cocktails are nothing short of amazing. Reservations are required. Click here to explore, their menu, check out their new safety policies and guidelines, and reserve a table.
5. Back Bistro – Folsom: Craving something fresh and light for dinner? Check out Back Bistro in Folsom Palladio. This locally-owned California bistro features a beautiful large quartz bar wrapped around a see-through wine wall. They also have a huge patio, which is great for people-watching. Enjoy a seasonally-focused lunch and dinner menu with 30 inspiring wines by the glass, microbrew beers, and premium cocktails. Check out their menu or make reservations here.
6. Nixtaco – Roseville: Nixtaco in Roseville has been locally owned since 2015 and features authentic “farm to fork” Mexican cuisine using the finest ingredients and traditional techniques. Everything down to the tortilla is authentic and made from scratch. Check out their raving Yelp reviews here with plenty of recommendations and photos to help you with your next order.

1. Camp Far West Reservoir: Bring your boat, jet skis, pool floats or fishing pole to Camp Far West for a fun day at the lake. Camp Far is located at the junction of Placer, Nevada and Yuba counties and is about a 45-minute drive from Sacramento. Enjoy a 2,002 surface-acre lake with 29 miles of shoreline, rolling hills and oak trees. You can make a day trip out of it or book ahead for a fun-filled weekend of camping. Overnight reservations are booking up fast and can only be made on Monday and Tuesday from 8 am to 2 pm by calling 530-633-0803.
2. Folsom Lake: Folsom Lake & Recreation Area is another great opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors by hiking, running, biking, boating, fishing and more. If you enjoy fishing, Folsom Lake offers trout, catfish, big and smallmouth bass or perch. Make sure to stop by and see the historic Folsom Powerhouse -once called “the greatest operative electrical plant on the American continent”! Click here to see which areas are currently open and which are closed.
3. Lake Tahoe: Lake Tahoe is the perfect escape from both the summer heat and your home! The area is infamous for its wide array of recreational activities including water sports, boating, hiking, and more. Both North and South Lake Tahoe are excited to welcome guests back to the region with a variety of hotels, bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals now open to the public. If you’d like to stay overnight, check out these South Lake Tahoe accommodations and places to stay in North Lake Tahoe.
4. Apple Hill: Take a scenic drive just past Placerville and visit the select Apple Hill farms, wineries, and bed & breakfasts. Several of the Apple Hill wineries began wine service last month including Fenton Herriot Vineyards, Edio Vineyards, and Madrona Vineyards. Check out their latest blog post with additional information here and their upcoming events schedule. Hoping to stay overnight? Plan your stay here.

If you are not able or ready to visit stores and restaurants in person just yet, there are still things you can do to support your local businesses:

1. Shop online or via phone. Many local retailers have online shopping available; local and independent shops are oftentimes more than willing to help you get what you need via phone, if necessary.
2. If you do not need anything specific at this time but still want to support local, purchase gift cards to spend later in various storefront businesses.
3. For restaurants, order takeout or delivery.
4. You can buy gift cards from many local restaurants, too.

Now that we’re past the worst of the storm and are returning to normalcy, you might be asking yourself, “How has the real estate market been impacted?”

According to the Sacramento Association of Realtors® most recent housing statistics, the numbers continue to look good for real estate. Inventory is tight but prices are stable and low-interest rates continually hold up the market. We believe the market will be the one shining light in the economy in the next six months to a year.