Category — Random Stuff

I mentioned a week ago about a community yard I was helping lead to raise funds for a new neighborhood sign. After an incredible amount of work these past few weeks, I am very pleased to announce our yard sale total was a whopping $5,303. I am truly amazed and it has been wonderful to see the community really pull together to make this happen. This effort involved hard work from so many people and I’m elated to announce enough money was raised to design and build a new concrete neighborhood entrance sign.

This new sign will help rebrand a corner and also help improve the image of the neighborhood too, which can have an impact on property value over time. It’s often the “small things” in neighborhoods like keeping lawns mowed, the right types of fences, doing basic stuff and even neighborhood signs that help foster an image for the community – whether positive or negative.

On a different but related note, I used YouTube videos (like this one) to help show people what we had to offer at the sale. I found them to be very effective to post on Craigslist and email too. There were 437 hits on three videos over the weekend, which was worth the minimal effort I put into making them. It was great to have a huge turnout too on Sunday after Fox 40, News 10 and Channel 13 interviewed us on Saturday. I spoke at all the interviews, though I’ve only actually seen one of them. I have no idea how they turned out.

The moral of the story? Good things can happen in a neighborhood when neighbors get intentional. Do you have any stories of great things happening in your community? What would you like to see change? How do you market your yard sales?

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to posts by email.

This is not a political post, but a good example of how politics and real estate collide on the local level. One of the largest companies in Rancho Cordova, Aerojet, has recently made a move to request a zip code change from the post office for some of its Rancho Cordova property to have a Folsom zip code. As you can see in the video below, Vice-Mayor David Sander is not happy. You can read a more detailed explanation by David Sander here. For those who may not be local, Folsom has a higher median income and higher property values than Rancho Cordova, and it’s important to note Aerojet has been the source of environmental issues in Rancho Cordova too as their Superfund site covers 5,900 acres according to the EPA.

Can you think of a move that would be similar from Rancho Cordova to Folsom? Maybe Sacramento to Elk Grove, Citrus Heights to Roseville or North Highlands to Antelope? Have you seen companies or households do this successfully? I’d be curious to hear from Folsom residents and Rancho Cordova residents also.

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to posts by email.

Some yard sales exist to rid our homes of junk, but this one is about redemption. Let me share some background with you. On January 1, 2011 a resident in the Mills Park neighborhood was found dead behind a neighborhood entrance sign. This “sign” was actually a mammoth pillar, and the bulk of residents had no idea of the negative activity going on in the hidden space created by the pillar until the tragic murder on January 1. In short, a team of residents responded quickly and worked very hard to host meetings and make decisions about this 50-year old neighborhood entrance sign. When the votes were counted, 98% of residents voted to tear down the pillar and then re-build something in its place. Since the pillar was demolished recently, a fund-raising effort has since ensued.

This Saturday will host the last leg of fundraising to bring a new sign to the corner of Mills Park Drive and Folsom Blvd. There will be a massive yard sale at 2958 Mills Park Drive in Rancho Cordova on September 16, 17 and 18 to raise $2,500+ in order to fund this new sign. If you think concrete signs are cheap, think again. Between the sign and installation, the total cost is between $5,000-$6,000.

Here are two potentials of what the new sign may look like. The neighborhood will choose among these options.

Here is a video of the safety issue presented by the old pillar. Can you see the big problem? Isn’t it amazing what can happen when a sign or structure provides a place for hiding? If you look at most modern neighborhood signs, they are not beastly structures like this one and they very often are actually basically a part of the real estate on the corner lot. I put this video together in January and it was used at our community forum to help make a decision about this issue. You can also view a News 10 piece and interview I did on the story here.

I mention these details because I want to share life with you and I’d love for you to be involved. I’m not looking for any kudos whatsoever. If you are local, you are welcome to stop by the yard sale. You are invited to donate stuff to sell, volunteer to help at the sale or even write a tax-deductible check to the “Cordova Community Council” with a “Mills Park” memo. Also, I’m looking for media to cover the story.

Community Yard Sale
2958 Mills Park Drive
Rancho Cordova 
September 16-19, 8am-5pm

So many times we see problems in the community and we wish that something would change. While it would be nice for local government or some agency to step in to solve the issue, many times it’s really up to residents to do something about it. In this case, it’s been great to see neighbors step forward as a team to promote safety, beautification and rebranding for a corner.

What elements of redemption do you see in this story?

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to posts by email.

I shared before about the clubhouse I built four months ago. Well, it’s now time to take this piece of kid “real estate” in the backyard to the next level. I originally designed this fort with an upstairs balcony, which has been really fun for the kids, but ultimately this design is not going to promote what the experts call P.E.L. (playhouse economic longevity). My new plan now is to build out an enclosed second story with shutters on all windows. This will help weather proof the clubhouse a bit more.

I have earmarked September 24-25 as my building days, and I would love to get your suggestions and tips for anything I might add to make this structure an amazing place for my two boys and neighborhood kids. I am open ears and I would appreciate any feedback. See the image below to get a general idea of what I envision and watch a video of the clubhouse as it is now here. Thank you.

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to posts by email.

Is there really a “dragon house” in Sacramento? Yes, and here is a brief video as proof of this very unique looking house in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento. This “layer” off 22nd Street is definitely something you should check out in person if you’re local. The tile work and level of detail is nothing short of remarkable. Watch a video below (or here) that I shot a few days ago. What do you think? Could you see yourself living here? What would a design like this do for resale value? If you live in Curtis Park, what do you think of the dragon house?

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to posts by email.

Can we do better than this? I want to share about an interaction I had with a real estate agent recently. This post in no way aims to bash agents because I have a great respect for many local agents. Not only do I sit on a council with SAR, but I’ve had three private appraisal assignments this week from agents.

The Scenario:  The listing agent met me at the inspection and told me that if this property appraised any less than the sales price, his seller would have to do a short sale. He was very specific – even a couple thousand less!! He really needed this to happen!! Moreover, a “low” FHA appraisal would stick with the property and harm the sale from moving forward. Apparently this guy did not read my post on tips for talking with appraisers, but thankfully he was concerned for my ethics by the end of the conversation. After two minutes of pressuring me to appraise this house for at least the sales price, the agent said, “but I don’t want you to do anything unethical.”

Questions:  What is wrong with this scenario? Real estate agents, how could this agent have handled the situation better? What is motivating the agent to communicate like this? How could the agent have been a resource instead of an example of what not to say? What do you think I said in response? Please be cordial and constructive in your comments.

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to posts by email.

If you want to sound smart today, use the word “fenestration” in a sentence. Unless you’re hanging out with architects or fans of the real estate category on Jeopardy, people may not know what you are talking about. Fenestration is the design and placement of windows (and other openings) in a building. When observing windows and how they are arranged on a modern house, for example, you might say ”By golly, that is some striking fenestration”. Or maybe you’d say something like ”There were enormous changes to fenestration as Dave converted his home to the bat cave.” In all seriousness, fenestration does actually matter in real estate for energy efficiency, aesthetics, promoting conformity in a neighborhood, safety and many other ways. Just think how much of a safety issue it would be for a bedroom to have only one square foot window six feet off the ground. Not too many folks could fit through something like that, right?

When do you seem to take notice of the relationship between windows and a building? Are there certain types of architecture that make an impression on you in terms of how windows are used?

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook or subscribe to posts by email.

I’m helping to put together a charity bowling event at Land Park Lanes in Sacramento, and I’d love for you to join us. The SAR YPC event theme this year is “Hollywood”, so come dressed as your favorite star or starlet (or however you’d like) and raise some money for the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund. We’ll be bowling on Saturday, September 17 from 5:00 – 8:00pm. Tickets are only $25 per person, and include two full bowling games, a catered dinner and a whole lot of mingling. See the video below (or here) with yours truly and a few friends.

I hope to see you there. Any good ideas for a “Hollywood” costume?

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook or subscribe to posts by email.

If you didn’t know, there are actually quite a few “green” resources available to home owners in the Sacramento area. These assets can help home owners conserve energy and water and save a few bucks too.

1. Sacramento Tree Foundation: Get up to 10 free shade trees for your property from SMUD. Watch a video here. I actually have four trees on my property from the shade tree program.
2. Energy Upgrade California: This website is a great resource for energy and water efficiency programs and is geared toward both consumers and trade professionals. 
3. Realtor’s Energy Audit Program: The California REALTOR®’S Energy Audit Program provides up to a $250 rebate on a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) home energy audit conducted by a certified HERS rater (from CAR website). Watch a video on REAP here. This is good for finding out what areas of your home might need some efficiency TLC. Water Rebates for Residents: Find water rebates offered by a handful of local water suppliers in the Sacramento area. This can come in especially handy when purchasing a toilet or clothes washer.
4. Check Before You Burn in Sacramento: As we all know, residents and businesses are prohibited from using indoor and outdoor fireplaces and such on certain days. This website lets you know which days are “burn days”.
5. Energy Efficient Mortgage: The EEM Program was created by HUD to allow home buyers the opportunity to upgrade the energy efficiency of the home they are purchasing during the escrow period (from website).
6. Energy Improvement Grant: The energy improvement grant is designed to promote the HUD Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Program. The SAR program provides a grant of $2000 to buyers who take advantage of the Energy Efficient Mortgage in the purchase of their home. The grant is applied to energy upgrades and limited qualified closing costs (from website). 
7. SMUD’s Home Performance Program: SMUD has various programs and financing options to help home owners increase energy efficiency in their homes.
8. Turf Replacement Program: The Placer County Water Authority has a pilot program for replacing lawns. There may be some in Sacramento too. Know of any? Per the PCWA website, the program offers a $300 rebate for lawns replaced with non-water consuming material and a $150 rebate for lawns replaced with low to moderate water-use plants.
9. Free Water Audits: California American Water provides free water audits where a conservation specialist will visit your home, identify ways to help you save water, and even provide free low flow fixtures for your kitchen and bathroom (from website).
10. Green Marketing Tools: The Sacramento Association of Realtors has a compilation of flyers available for local consumers and Realtors to help home owners take advantage of available resources.

The bulk of resources listed above came from a recent meeting at the Sacramento Association of Realtors. What other “green” resources exist for home owners in the Sacramento area? What have you done to promote conversation in your home?

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook or subscribe to posts by email.

Did you do anything for “National Night Out” on Tuesday? My household hosted a neighborhood BBQ and it was a profound success. We had a fantastic crowd, and it was nice to have visits from four council members, an Alyson Huber representative and Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli too. But most importantly, neighbors were connecting and we really had a good time. I’m so thankful to residents who worked to pull things together last-minute to make this happen. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by good friends in my community.

What makes a neighborhood great? In my opinion, it’s not about big houses or price level per se, but rather a sense of community and connectedness. That’s priceless.

Quick Tips for Hosting a Community BBQ:

1. Do the BBQ in the front yard.
2. Ask a few neighbors to do the BBQ with you. Get people on board first before you start publicizing.
3. Make it your goal to connect with others and simply invite residents into that vision. People like it when they smell authenticity rather than an agenda. On a related note, if you want to see change in your neighborhood, keep the tone positive rather than negative. A positive vision is attractive, but complaining doesn’t work to muster the troops.
4. Go potluck style. It’s easier that way and more powerful when everyone has something to share and donate.
5. Knock on doors to pass out flyers. Invite people personally and they’ll have a greater chance of responding. In my experience, 400 flyers placed on doorsteps has far less impact than knocking on 30 doors.
6. Provide opportunities for neighbors to help with details like canopies, grills, drinks or any other component. Remember too that you don’t have to pull off the ultimate block party with bounce houses and pony rides. Think simple.
7. Invite council members or the police department to show up and give them a minute to talk with residents.
8. No guilt or shame if people cannot make it – only grace and goodwill. Nobody likes to eat a guilt sandwich.
9. If you have an action step, let people know. Maybe there is a neighborhood meeting coming up that people could sign up for. Or maybe you are putting together a phone tree, neighborhood email list or e-Group that would be perfect to help propel the community forward. You don’t need an action step of course, but if you have something, bring it.   
10. Thank people for their contributions and recognize the work of others to pull off the event - whether big or small.

Do you have any tips to add? What do you think makes a neighborhood great? I’d love to hear your comments and stories.

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook or subscribe to posts by email.

Imagine you were hired to investigate a community and report on what the community is like based on information you can find online. Put your Magnum P.I. thinking cap on. What websites would you bookmark for research? What resources are available to give insight into the DNA of a neighborhood?

Maybe you’d interrogate the usual suspects like Megan’s Law, City-Data, Great Schools or Zillow among others I mentioned in a previous post. But what about the following ones? Would these be helpful to understand a community?

1) Unemployment Rates: EDD posts current and historical unemployment rates for cities and census designated places in California.

2) FBI Uniform Crime Report: This website lists all offenses reported to law enforcement (categorized by state and cities with 100,000 or more in population).

3) Nuclear Power Plants in United States: In case you wondered if there was a nuclear power plant near your house, check out the “Nukes Near Me” website.

4) Superfund Directory: Find out which sites near you are categorized as “Superfund” sites by the EPA. Search by state, congressional district or site name.

5) DEA National ”Drug Lab” Register: This website by the U.S. Department of Justice contains addresses of some locations where law enforcement agencies reported they found chemicals or other items that indicated the presence of either clandestine drug laboratories or dumpsites (verbatim from website).

I definitely don’t have a P.I. designation, thick 80s mustache or red Ferrari, but my job as a real estate appraiser in Sacramento does have striking similarity with Tom Selleck. Okay, maybe that’s wishful thinking. I suppose it’s hardly similar, but the nature of real estate research does involve investigation and require information from some of the sources above, interviews with local agents and expertise to sift through and interpret often conflicting market data. There is so much that goes into really knowing the local real estate market.

What websites would you add to the list?

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook or subscribe to posts by email.

Do you use the Google Maps app on your smart phone? Have you seen the “street view” feature yet? This feature is of course available online, but it’s neat to see on a smart phone too. I think ”street view” is a great tool to begin to see a neighborhood in more detail before physically going there. Have a look at the video below (or here) and let me know how you think street view might come in handy for you.

If you have an iPhone and need to use “street view”, check out this well-written article from REbliss. The iPhone and Android app are similar, but they do have differences.

If you have any questions, or real estate appraisal or property tax appeal needs in the Greater Sacramento Region, contact Lundquist Appraisal by phone 916-595-3735, email, Facebook or subscribe to posts by email.