Installing new flooring? Here are a few things to consider...

Yesterday I had the pleasure of facilitating some contractor visits and bids for one of my buyer clients who is relocating to Carmichael from another state. My buyer client was in town just for the day so we wanted to pack as much into a few hours as possible. 

Flooring is among the home improvements that my client is considering before her family moves in. 

Choosing between laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring can be a tough decision, but understanding key criteria can help you make the right choice for your home. A few things to consider:

• Durability and waterproofing are crucial factors. While laminate offers decent durability, LVP takes the lead with its waterproof properties, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. 
• Price versus value is another consideration. While laminate tends to be more budget-friendly initially, LVP may offer superior long-term value due to its durability and resistance to water damage, potentially saving you money on repairs or replacements down the line. 
• Lighter-colored flooring can also make a room appear larger and more spacious. Both laminate and LVP come in a variety of shades, allowing you to choose the perfect hue to enhance your space. 
• Since both laminate and LVP designs are printed on the planks, it is also important to understand how many repeating designs there are...if all of the planks look the same, your installation may look a little weird. Versus if there are 12 different plank designs that can be spread out across a room, the floor will look more natural. Be sure to check to see how many different plank designs there are.
• When installing new flooring, it's essential to consider the baseboards as well. Opting for flat surface baseboards over beveled ones can make cleaning and dusting much easier, ensuring your floors look pristine with minimal effort.
• Ultimately, whether you choose laminate or LVP depends on your priorities and budget. If durability and waterproofing are top concerns, LVP might be the better option. However, if you're working with a tighter budget and don't require waterproofing, laminate can still provide a stylish and cost-effective solution.

My client chose a middle-grade LVP (the one to the far left in the photo) and a 5-inch flat baseboard! I think it will look super nice.

New Listing - 4812 Martsmith Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Having been impeccably maintained by the original owners for over two decades, this 3 bedroom + den, 2.5 bathroom and 2,382 square foot Fair Oaks home is ready for a new owner. Venture inside the formal entry, and you will immediately fall in love with this home. The kitchen is the ideal place to prepare a gourmet meal, with granite counters, a center island, an expansive breakfast bar counter, abundant cabinets and a pantry – it opens to the great room and an eat-in nook and overlooks the backyard through a sunny bank of French doors and expansive windows. Retreat to the downstairs primary suite, offering two closets, a built-in cabinetry and backyard access via a serene covered deck. The luxurious ensuite primary bathroom has a separate oversized soaking tub and shower, as well as a large vanity area with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Downstairs also find a large formal dining room, a spacious den which is an ideal fourth bedroom or home office, an inside laundry room with a utility sink and cabinets, as well as a one-half bathroom. Upstairs, find two large bedrooms and a hallway bathroom with dual sinks and a tub/shower. Venture outside to your professionally-designed backyard oasis, that is the ideal place to entertain! There are abundant options for coffee and conversation, or the ideal al fresco dinner party on a pleasant evening. It features a built-in outdoor kitchen, a flagstone firepit with a gas starter, a waterfall, creek and pond, vast areas of stained concrete decking and a covered patio as well as a deck and pergola off the primary suite. Don’t miss the three-car garage with a widened driveway and space ideal for recreational vehicles. Awarded North State Building Industry Association Home Tour's "Best Value Custom Spec" in 2000, and this fully lives up to the hype! Enjoy being close in proximity to award-winning schools, Miller Park, Phoenix Park, the American River Parkway, Lake Natoma and Sac State Aquatic Center, and more. Don't wait! Offered at $879,900. For more photos and a 3D virtual tour, please visit 4812 Martsmith Way, Fair Oaks, CA 956628.

New Listing: 7729 Sunset Avenue & 7864 Greenridge Way (DUPLEX), Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Excellent turn-key investment opportunity with this renovated well-maintained Fair Oaks duplex! Convenient, high-demand corner location looks a lot like a single family home -- with one address on Sunset Avenue, and one address on Greenridge Way. 7729 Sunset Avenue unit has 2bd/2ba + 2-car attached garage. You will love the updated kitchen with stainless appliances. Large primary suite with remodeled ensuite bathroom. Spacious hallway bedroom and hallway bathroom. Stunningly landscaped backyard with large trex deck and patio area. 7864 Greenridge Way unit has 2bd/1ba + 2-car attached garage. You will love the low-maintenance laminate floors throughout, large bedrooms, and updated bathroom. Each side has dual pane windows, ceiling fans, central heat & air, and washer/dryer hookups. Composition roof with 2-year certification. New siding and trim installed and exterior paint in 2023. Per assessor a HUGE 0.36ac lot. Located near shopping, public transportation, parks, award-winning schools, and easy access to public transportation. Income and expenses available upon request, as well as a complete list of updates/remodeling. DO NOT DISTURB TENANTS. Offered at $649,900. 3D Virtual Tour for Sunset Unit Link. 3D Virtual Tour for Greenridge Unit Link. For more photos and additional detail, please visit 7729 Sunset Avenue & 7864 Greenridge Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

Profiled in the March 2024 Sacramento Real Producers Magazine

It is kinda neat and definitely an honor to be profiled in the Sacramento Real Producers Magazine. The article profiles the series of life events leading to my nearly 19-year career as a top-producing agent, as well as my passion for service to the Sacramento, California, and National Associations of Realtors, and advocacy on behalf of our profession. You can read the entire article here.

New Listing - 4621 Mead Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822

Lovingly maintained by the same family for nearly 6 decades, this impeccable 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, approximately 1,122sf South Land Park Estates home is the perfect blank canvas for your personal touch! Enter to find a spacious living room and cozy fireplace. The original wood floors gleam throughout. Through the dining room, you will find an adorable kitchen with a wall oven, separate cooktop, and lots of counter and storage space. Large hallway bedrooms, and a hallway bathroom with a separate tub and shower. Through the backdoor, you will find an large patio and backyard with lots of sunny space to garden or play! And the possibilities are endless with an attached separate unit with approximately 536sf more space, with an additional 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom -- an amazing feature for a home office, extra storage, or to host extra guests or family. All this with a composition roof, central HVAC, newer water heater, and 2-car garage. And location, location, location just a quick hop skip and a jump from William Land Park, the Zoo, restaurants, shopping, award-winning K-12 schools, and more. Don't wait! Offered at $525,000. For more photos, information, and a 3D tour, please visit 4621 Mead Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822.

Featured in a Comstock's Magazine article about how potential home buyers can expand their options...

I was featured this month in a Comstock's Magazine article about how potential home buyers can expand their options...It is no secret that our Sacramento real estate market is ever-changing, and we are approaching what is usually a really heated time of the year: spring. Buyers have surely been constrained by limited choices over the last year or so, and the increased interest rates definitely do not help affordability -- but there certainly are ways for buyers to win in this market. You can read the full article here.

The data from the National Association of Realtors reinforces the wealth-building potential of homeownership. With the median net worth of homeowners far exceeding that of renters, the benefits are clear. 

In the dynamic world of real estate, achieving the dream of homeownership can feel like an uphill battle, especially in Sacramento's competitive market. However, my nearly 19-years of experience as a Sacramento real estate agent has taught me valuable lessons on how potential homebuyers can broaden their search criteria to make their homeownership dreams a reality. 

I challenge the traditional notion that a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a specific location is the only path to homeownership. I urge my clients to have open and honest conversations about their true needs and priorities, separating them from mere wants. 

One strategy I often encourage clients to think about are alternative property ownership models. I've seen firsthand how clients have successfully purchased duplexes or other multi-unit properties and shared the property, or opted for condo living over traditional homes with yards. These approaches can offer both affordability and lifestyle benefits. 

Sacramento's diverse micro markets present a wealth of opportunities for motivated homebuyers. By understanding local trends and price points, buyers can find creative ways to make homeownership possible, even in the face of challenges like increased interest rates and limited inventory. While external factors like interest rates and inventory levels may seem daunting, I emphasize the importance of focusing on what's within one's control. Prioritizing aspects such as income, education, credit score, and debt levels can significantly impact one's ability to secure a home. 

New Listing - 4600 Georgian Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821

Your search is over! This exceptionally maintained Engle Oaks / Arden Arcade 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1533sf home is ready for a new owner! You will love the light and bright floorplan. Step inside the formal entry to find a large family room with a fireplace and large picture window overlooking the backyard. Remodeled kitchen with solid ceramic heat/stain-resistant counters, full backsplash, and stainless appliances. Formal dining area has exposed beam ceilings. Large hallway bedrooms, and remodeled hallway bathroom with a tub/shower combo and dual sinks. Enviable primary suite has an ensuite updated bathroom with custom stall shower enclosure and newer vanity cabinets. Freshly painted interior. Dual pane windows with custom coverings. Luxury vinyl plank and tile floors throughout. Lots of recent major updates including a new roof and gutter guards in 2023, new heat pump HVAC in 2020, new electrical main panel in 2018, new water heater in 2017. HUGE park-like backyard with lots of sunny space to garden or play, patio area, 0.24ac corner lot and wide swinging side gate to accommodate RV access and all your toys. Section 1 & 2 pest clearance work recently completed. Attached 2-car garage. All this is located near award-winning k-12 schools, parks, & more. Don't wait! Offered at $509,000. For more photos, information, and a 3D virtual tour visit 4600 Georgian Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821.

New Listing - 8147 Walnut Villa Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Stunning single-level 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2,752sf Fair Oaks home with unmatched style and features - many upgrades within the last 3 years abound! You will love the light and bright layout. Formal entry foyer, and to your left find a huge family room with high coffered ceilings, or straight ahead your enormous separate formal living room with handsome fireplace and wet bar. Fabulously renovated kitchen with abundant storage space, newer appliances, quartz counters and stone backsplash, and featuring a breakfast bar and eat-in dining area. Enviable primary suite has backyard access, with roomy walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom with dual sinks, separate tub and shower. 3 spacious hallway bedrooms, and hallway bathroom has dual sinks and a separate tub and shower. Newer luxury waterproof vinyl flooring flows seamlessly throughout the home. Updated electrical, newer light fixtures, newer ceiling fans, and newer window shades and shutters! Huge laundry room with lots of storage cabinets and sink. Backyard is an outdoor oasis with a large covered concrete patio, newer fencing, irrigation, and lots of sunny space to garden or play! 3-car garage. Metal roof. This home offers the perfect blend of style, functionality, and proximity to highly-rated schools, parks, shopping and more. Don't wait! Offered at $825,000. For more photos and a 3D Virtual Tour, please visit 8147 Walnut Villa Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.