In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, social distancing is our new normal—and could continue to be the norm for the foreseeable future. But staying at home and keeping a safe distance from others isn’t preventing real estate agents from helping their clients or potential buyers from exploring and finding their dream homes—they’re just having to get creative.

Thanks to video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime, virtual tours are becoming the go-to method for real estate agents to show their properties—and for would-be buyers to continue to explore homes while they’re social distancing at home. Just how popular are these video walkthroughs? According to recent data from Redfin, requests for agent-led video home tours increased a whopping 500 percent last week.

What does this mean for you? The coronavirus pandemic doesn’t have to put your home search on hold. Thanks to technology, you can continue to tour properties and find the right home for you and your family—all from a safe distance. Contact me today for some helpful tips on your home search!

In an effort to contain the outbreak of the new coronavirus, most of us are self-quarantining in the comfort and safety of our own homes. And while we are all doing our part to protect our family members, friends, and community, it’s safe to say that we may be feeling a bit stir-crazy. 

That’s why we’ve put together some of our favorite ways to stay connected with friends and family, give back to our local community, and stay entertained (and yes sane) during this period of social distancing. Just remember that while we may feel alone at times, we are all in this together.

Wondering how you can give back to your community? Check out some of the ways that you can help those affected by this pandemic.

Foster a furry friend: Social distancing can be lonely but many Americans have found the perfect solution—fostering a pet in need. While some local organizations are reporting a rise in foster applications, many have been forced to shut down and are in dire need of fosters, donations and much-needed resources. Click here to find a shelter near you.

Donate masks and supplies: Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), Sacramento County has started accepting donations from the community to give to health professionals and emergency responders.

• The county is accepting the following unused items:  • N95 mask of any type
• Surgical or procedural masks
• Non-latex medical gloves
• Hand sanitizers
• Disinfectant sprays

The donation site is at 9680 Conservation Road in Sacramento. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health and UC Davis Medical Center are also accepting community PPE donations. Each hospital has a list of items needed from the community. Click on the above links to learn more.

Give the gift of blood: Now more than ever, blood centers are in need of life-saving blood supplies. Sacramento-area residents can donate blood through Vitalant by making an appointment online or calling 877-25-VITAL. The American Red Cross is also holding community blood drives throughout the greater-Sacramento area. To find a blood drive near you, visit the American Red Cross online.

Blood centers encourage donors to make appointments in advance so staff can prepare and ensure there is adequate space for social distancing. Trips to blood donation sites are generally permissible even in areas with “shelter in place” directives, as they are deemed medically necessary. The coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process, according to AABB, a national organization advancing transfusions and cellular therapies. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration has reiterated that there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus.

Have you been binge-watching Netflix a little too much lately? Below are some ideas to keep your mind, body, and home healthy during this time.

Read something new: Escape reality for a bit and enter into a world of action or adventure. Download a free eBook at manybooks.net or buy books, magazines and newspapers straight from your Nook, Kindle or iPad.

Take up an exercising regime: Feeling restless? There are plenty of virtual fitness programs and apps being offered right now. There are also lots of beautiful hiking and walking trails in the Sacramento area. Click here for some inspiration and be sure to practice social distancing.

Start prepping your garden: Soak in the sunshine and prep your garden for spring! Here are ten tips to get your garden in tip-top shape.

Do some spring cleaning: Being stuck at home means there’s no excuse to put off cleaning. Check out these five tips for spring cleaning this year.

Spruce up your walls with some fresh paint: Now that you’ve had more time to stare at your walls, you might be considering a fresh coat of paint. Check out this year’s most popular paint trends here.

Go Down the Pinterest rabbit hole: Check out the Pinterest “Stay Safe. Stay Inspired” Board where you will find 26 sections with delicious recipes, activities for kids, home teaching ideas, ways to organize your home, happy hour recipes and much more!

Visit a virtual museum: Thanks to technology, we can still visit a museum even if we can’t leave the house. Check out Travel and Leisure’s list of 12 museums that offer virtual tours. You can “visit” famous locations in the US or abroad in Seoul, Berlin, Florence and more. You can also get your art fix with the Google Arts and Culture app for iPhone and Android. The app lets you view paintings, read up on masterpieces, and find your famous painting doppelganger. The Georgia Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium have turned on webcams so you can still watch otters, fish, and penguins without the crowds. Last but certainly not least, be sure to check out this video of a puppy field trip at an Aquarium!

Host a Netflix viewing party: If you and your friends have a Netflix subscription, you can schedule a time to watch a movie or show synced together. A free Google Chrome extension called Netflix Party syncs video playback so you can play and pause at the same time. It also has a group chat feature so you can keep the conversation going while you watch.

Stream a virtual concert: As we adjust to this new norm, many artists are taking their shows online.  Check out Billboard’s list of live streams and virtual concerts to watch here. Also be sure to visit Live Nation’s website for additional live concerts, streaming and virtual events.

Support your local restaurants and shops: If you’re not in the mood to cook, now is a great opportunity to support your local restaurants and shops. Many restaurants are offering takeout or no-contact delivery options.

 

Interested in learning more about the current real estate market? Contact me today!

Brigadoon, Silvertown, Stepford, Middlemarch, Pleasantville…all mythical towns of fantasy from literature and film that make our hearts yearn for perfect locales that just don’t exist in the real world. That is, until now.

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Nestled deep in northern Holland is the small town of Giethoorn. When you first see photos of this tiny town it looks like it was cut straight from a child’s dream; or the abandoned location of northern Holland Disneyland. Either way, this neighborhood of magic, with its network of quiet canals intertwined throughout, is no fairy tale.

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When you see the canal streets and wooden bridges that beckon you to come visit the beautiful village straight out of Beauty and the Beast, you might think you’ll have to pass beyond the gumdrop forest and through moors of the dwarven kingdom. In reality it’s just a short car ride from Amsterdam with an array of bed and breakfasts for you to stay in while you visit.

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Life in the little Venice-esque village of 2600 is quiet. The website even touts that the most commotion you’d hear is the “quacking of a duck, or noise made by other birds.” That or the postman using a punt to deliver the mail. (Punt as in “a flat-bottomed boat” not punt as in he’s kicking packages across the water because he can’t be bothered with getting in and out of a boat.)

Next time you’re in Europe and you want to truly get away from it all, stop by Giethoorn before it possibly disappears into the mists for a thousand years.

Hello February! Lucky for us, Sacramento has a lot of sweet surprises in store this month in the form of food, festivities, and fun. From Kings games and concerts, to indulgent wine and chocolate tastings, to Valentine’s Day activities, we’ve got you covered. 

Love is in the air…and Sacramento is gearing up in true style with events and activities that will be sure to sweep you off your feet. Click on the below links for a round-up of exciting things happening in and around the city! 

Events and Happenings: Sacramento Kings Game Schedule  Cirque du Soleil’s AMALUNA @ Raley Field (Now through March 1) Chris Lane @ Ace of Spades (February 7) Valentine Haunt Sacramento (February 8, 14-15) Old Sugar Mill Port, Wine & Chocolate 2020 (February 8-9) Sac Valentine Run (February 8)  The Key to my Heart Paint Party @ Orchid Thai (February 8) Wine & Chocolate Tasting in Roseville (February 8) I Heart Sacramento Zoo (February 9) Sacramento Antique Faire (February 9)  TobyMac @ Golden 1 (February 9) Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party @ Golden 1 (February 13-17) Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides @ El Dorado Hills Town Center (Feb. 14) Amador Events: Valentine’s and More! (Select Days in February) Valentine’s Day @ Revolution (February 14-15) Neil Hamburger @ Sacramento Comedy Spot (February 14) Puur Chocolate & Wine Tasting @ Bailarin Cellars (February 15) Brie & Bubbles Pairing @ La Crosta (February 16) Evolution Sports Expo @ Cal Expo (February 22) Rachel Anne Gray Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction at Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse (February 28)

Cue the chocolate and roses because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner… but don’t fret! Whether you have a special someone that you’d like to treat to a romantic dinner or you want to paint the town red with friends, we have some fun restaurants and hang out spots for every occasion! 

For the total romantic: Located in the heart of Old Sacramento, just steps away from the iconic river setting, small boutiques, and more, The Firehouse Restaurant exudes romance on every level. But it’s not just its location that impresses – this intimate restaurant features an unparalleled menu highlighting the freshest local ingredients and they showcase the region’s most extensive wine collection. Indulge in their four-course Valentine’s Menu and choose from delicious dishes with options including their filet mignon, garlic potato croquette, and rich brownie cake. Click here to reserve your table!

For the perfect “ladies night out”: Planning on having a “Galentine’s” night with your favorite ladies? Located in the Pavillions, Wildwood Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit! This trendy restaurant features a beautiful indoor venue with bar and booth seating, an expansive patio area with twinkling white lights, and delicious food pairings. If you’re opting for something lighter, try their Chicken Salad, which is packed with rotisserie chicken, mixed veggies, and goat cheese, then topped with a six-minute egg and drizzled white balsamic vinaigrette. They also have a wide array of vegetarian and gluten-free options and will be offering Valentine’s Day specials. Just be sure to call for reservations ahead of time as they tend to book up quickly. Click here to plan your night!

For a memorable “night out with the boys”: If you’re planning on spending a low key night out with the guys this year, head on over to Punchbowl Social. Just steps away from the Golden 1 Center, this popular hangout spot always seems to attract a fun crowd. For starters, their kitchen whips up some delicious culinary delights including Green Chorizo Fries, Chicken ‘N’ Waffles, and Five Layer Beef Brisket Chili. Need we say more? As for beverages, the sky’s the limit! Choose anything from a handcrafted cocktail to your favorite beer. Their featured “Shot Through the Heart” drink is said to pack a punch. The best part? There’s games – and lots of them. From bowling and shuffleboard to karaoke and arcade games, there are activities here for everyone to partake in.

According to CNBC, weekly mortgage refinance applications spiked 15% last week as interest rates plunged to their lowest in nearly 4 years. Click here to read the full article and see how this change could affect real estate market!

 

The holidays have come and gone but Sacramento still has lots in store for residents and visitors alike. That’s why I have put together a list of local events, activities, weekend getaways and more to help you kick off the New Year!

Click on the below links for a round-up of local events and activities happening in and around the city!

Events and Happenings:

1. 2019 Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (Now through January 20)
2. Sacramento Kings Game Schedule
3. Dine Downtown 2020 (January 10-20)
4. Second Saturdays for KIDS @ DOCO (January 11)
5. Sacramento Antique Faire (January 12)
6. Crafting Kindness @ Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink (January 12)
7. Harlem Globetrotters @ Golden 1 (January 12)
8. Monster Jam @ Golden 1 (January 17-19)
9. National Geographic Live @ Harris Center (January 17)
10. Cirque Du Soleil’s AMALUNA @ Raley Field (January 22)
11. Sacramento Chocolate Salon 2020 (January 26)
12. Twilight Dinner Cruise Above the River City Queen (Select weekends in January)

Can’t seem to shake the post-holiday blues? One of the things that makes Sacramento so special is its central location – it’s just a short drive to the coast and Tahoe! So if you’re not ready to face reality quite yet, consider taking a quick trip to one of the below destinations!

Epic Weekend Trips and Deals: 

1. Lake Tahoe: Skiers and snowboarders rejoice! It’s officially Winter—which means it’s time to start hitting the slopes. Lake Tahoe is the perfect winter wonderland this time of year and is also home to fantastic restaurants, shopping, and cozy lodges and hotels. Are you a fan of South Tahoe? Take a look at some of the local events taking place this month by clicking here. North Tahoe also has a helpful guide for hitting the slopes, stores and more. Check out their guide here.
2. Napa Valley: Looking to spend winter in the wineries? This season is a great opportunity to enjoy Napa Valley and all of its offerings without the large crowds. Calistoga is ushering in Cabernet season with its “Winter in the Wineries” passport, which offers fantastic savings! Take a scenic bike ride tour and soak in breathtaking landscapes, soar above the clouds in a hot air balloon, enjoy a culinary experience at one of their many award-winning restaurants or visit one of their 400+ wineries. Click here for a list of weekend events and here for lodging accommodations.
3. Half Moon Bay: Venture over to Half Moon Bay and enjoy over 300 miles of breathtaking coastal views and sandy beaches. Take a scenic hike or bike ride and enjoy dramatic views of ocean bluffs. Plan a beach day picnic at one of their many beautiful beach destinations. Savor delicious food and equally wonderful sights at one of their fine and casual dining spots. Thinking of planning a weekend trip? From romantic inns and luxurious coastal resorts to budget-friendly hotels and bed and breakfast inns, Half Moon Bay’s wide variety of lodging offers a perfect fit for everyone. Click here to plan your stay.

According to CNBC, “The severe shortage of homes for sale is upending the sales calendar for the whole housing market. Spring has historically been the busiest buying season, but as competition for homes heats up across the country, January is the new April. Spring starts now.” Click here to see why now is an ideal time to dive into the real estate market!