Check Out Our New Listing!

Want to Create Great Curb Appeal? Start at the Front Door!

That philosophy applies not only to meeting someone new, but to your house as well. Your front door says a lot about the people who live inside. A well-maintained entrance is welcoming, inviting and friendly. If you’re planning to sell your house, start with a new front door. You want potential buyers to get excited about stepping over the threshold. Even if you’re not looking to sell, replacing an unattractive or broken door will make coming home a treat. Choose a neutral shade of brown, cream or white. “Safe” colors like these coordinate with any shade of siding flawlessly and will appeal to potential buyers. Or, make a big statement with a bold color. Once you’ve chosen a color, add some easy cosmetic changes. Put your “welcome” front and center with stickers and add a welcome mat with personality. A mat not only encourages guests to wipe their shoes, but can make a bold statement about who you are or where you’re from. Proudly display something about your family by hanging your last initial on a pretty wreath. Use decals for decorative address numbers to complete the look. If you went for a bright front door, install house numbers in an interesting font and a unique door knocker. Avoid an entrance that’s too vibrant with dark accessories. If the hardware that came with your new front door feels too standard, get a customized look by replacing it. Instead of shiny brass, try a new color like bronze, pewter or black. Don’t forget to change the lockset and hinges, too. Consider a lever handle, which is a universal design that people with every level of physical ability can easily use. Of course, changing your door decor with the seasons is a no-brainer. Nothing is more welcoming than flowers. Fill pots and hanging planters with colorful blooms. You can even stack them on a chair or bench. Other easy fixes include: If your front porch, stoop or landing is big enough, chairs and a table encourage guests to stay and relax. A rocker or swing has an old fashion appeal. Install an awning to keep the rain off as you unlock the door. Replace lighting fixtures to reflect your home’s style and personality. Whatever your solution, it should make your new door say, “Welcome, stay awhile!” About the Author Merri Cvetan is a crafty interior designer who provides tips and step-by-step instructions for DIY decor projects, such as updating the look of your front door. Visit The Home Depot to find a large selection of front entry doors.

Get Ready for Spring & Summer! Three Outdoor Living Trends Buyers Love

If you're considering putting your home on the market, don't neglect your outdoor living space while making improvements.  Your home's backyard is important in attracting buyers and making home as appealing as possible.  With the right outdoor spaces, you will attract the growing number of buyers who want to spend more time in the sunshine and fresh air, hosting events for friends and family.  Here are some modern trends in outdoor living that will entice today's buyers.

Fire Pits

Outdoor fire pits are hot right now.  An outdoor fire pit can be ideal for lounging outside on those cool summer nights, making your outdoor space appealing to buyers.  It provides a comfortable, logical place for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying s'mores together as a family.  You have two options:purchase a DIY fire pit kit from a home improvement store, or hire a contractor to build a permanent structure, depending  upon your budget and how often you'll use it.

Outdoor Kitchen

More and more homeowners are maximizing their backyard with outdoor kitchens. Today's well designed outdoor kitchen should allow for cooking outdoors year-round, and include an outdoor sink, range and even an oven, making your home more inviting.  Of course, you will need to weigh the costs of this upgrade against the potential benefits.  A professional can offer valuable advice about the ideal location and how it will work with other elements of your year, but if you have a great outdoor entertaining space, consider adding an outdoor kitchen to attract buyers.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting appeals to buyers for a number of reasons: It expands the usability, making it easier to enjoy the ambiance of a garden well into the evening.  You might want to highlight some specific features of your backyard like a water fountain or pond.  You can achieve a soft mood by hiding landscape lighting under shrubs.  Good outdoor lighting will make your home more inviting, year round especially during the long nights of winter.  Having your lighting on timers that can be seasonally adjusted will save on electricity costs. An added benefit--outdoor lighting helps improve the security of your home, which is important to some buyers. 

Don't forget to "Spring Ahead" this March 12, 2017 when daylight savings begins!  

Great Investment! Great Price! Half-Plex - 340 R Street, Lincoln, Calif...

Check Out My New Listing -3791 Cold Water Drive, Rocklin!

Featured in the Active Adult Community  

Springfield at Whitney Oaks 

This home is a must see! 

Click Here!  to take a virtual tour...better yet, call Rob for a private showing. 

Cell:
916-208-3896 

Email: Rob@RobBaxley.com

Visit Rob's Website:
www.RBaxley.golyon.com

Get the Jump on Spring with these Simple Steps to a Comprehensive Spring Cleaning!

Spring cleaning isn't what it used to be.  In today's busy households, it can be difficult for one parent, let alone two, to find the time to dedicate to a big annual floor-to-ceiling deep cleaning.  One solution is to prioritize your tasks, taking a more realistic approach to home cleaning and organizing.

First, approach your cleaning by room rather than by chore (i.e. dusting or scrubbing the whole house). Then, by separating spring must-do's from warmer-weather good -to-get done's, you can get essential tasks out of the way and apportion other work for later in the spring or early summer.  

Here are some common sense strategies to help refresh your home without putting your life on hold this season.

KITCHEN

Spring Cleaning Must Do: 

• Deep-Clean fridge and freezer
• Sort and file items in junk drawer (look for income tax receipts
• Self-clean oven interior if needed
• Clean window and exteriors

Can do later:  Almost any and all cleaning can be divided up and conquered year-round, including detailing tile, deep-cleaning and conditioning wood, washing walls and cleaning light fixtures.

BATHROOMS

Spring Cleaning Must Do:    

• Cleaning window interiors and exteriors
• Clean and empty drawers, throw away outdated makeup

Can do later: Almost any and all cleaning can be divided up and conquered year-round, including detailing tile and grout, washing walls, cleaning light fixtures.

LIVING AREAS

Spring Cleaning Must Do:

• Replace winter drapery with summer curtains and send the former to the dry cleaners
• Clean light fixtures
• Store any knickknacks that were on disploy over winter, replace with spring/summer accessories or fresh flowers.

Can do later: Almost any and all cleaning can be divided up and conquered year-round, including washing walls, cleaning molding and baseboards, cleaning and polishing wood, cleaning and protecting leather furniture. (If you can postpone larger cleaning                                                 tasks to summer, it may render the overall spring project less daunting).

BASEMENT/GARAGE

Spring Cleaning Must Do:

• Get rid of junk--donate items in good condition, dispose of broken items
• Check furnace filters and replace if needed

Can do later: Shop-vac any dust or debris from workshop, mop floors, clean windows inside and out.

CLOSETS

Spring Cleaning Must Do:

• Sort, clean and pack away winter clothing and sports gear and footwear, donating items no longer needed and disposing of any damaged items.

Can do later: Install a customized closet if desired

It may still be winter, however you can get ahead of the game now especially when you need to be inside anyway!

Happy Cleaning!

From 

The Baxley-Dolder Real Estate Team

                                                                     

                  

Sacramento Region's Real Estate Market Update--It's a Seller's Market!!

      RESALE HOUSING SHORTAGE IN GREATER SACRAMENTO       

Lowest inventory in 20 years for a normal, equity sale market

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – A record low 2,804 homes were left active and available for sale throughout the Greater Sacramento Region on December 31st as buyers remained very busy through the holiday season. The year-end inventory figure reflected 13 percent fewer properties available compared to this time last year and a 44 percent drop since July. It also marked the lowest resale inventory level in over 20 years outside of the distressed era when foreclosures, short sales and flippers were the norm.

Buyers showed their enthusiasm throughout the region at year end, as positive local economic news continued around the job market and affordability in spite of a small bump in mortgage interest rates. Closed escrows in the 4th quarter finished 4 percent higher than an already strong 4th quarter of 2015. New open escrows were 5 percent above last year for the quarter but more importantly, 18 percent higher in December versus last year. Realtor.com, Zillow and other national forecasters have labeled Greater Sacramento as one of the hottest housing markets in the nation heading into 2017. This market information was presented by Lyon Real Estate based upon data provided by Trendgraphix Inc., a Sacramento-based reporting company.

Regardless of the high volume of sales, the average sales price for the region has stabilized and averaged $394,000 for the past 6 months compared to $364,000 last year over the same time frame. This represents an approximate 9 percent increase compared to this time last year and demonstrates that all price points remain consistently active in the market.

Sacramento County continued to see the most activity, with 63 percent of the region’s sales in December and 53 percent of the remaining inventory. Placer County followed as typical, with 21 percent of the sales and 25 percent of the residual inventory. El Dorado and Yolo Counties trailed with 10 percent and 6 percent respectively of December sales as well as 15 percent and 7 percent of the remaining homes for sale. The average sales prices by county were: Sacramento $344,000, Placer $479,000, El Dorado $464,000 and Yolo $448,000.

“No seller should delay if they want to get their best offer into contract in the near future,” says Pat Shea, president of Lyon Real Estate. “Their competition is low and buyers are very eager to get a piece of the New California Dream - an excellent home value in Greater Sacramento.”

The Baxley-Dolder Real Estate Team agrees with Pat Shea's Advice!

If you're thinking of selling your home, NOW'S THE TIME!

Even if a move is not in your future plans, contact us for a

complimentary PROPERTY REVIEW of your home.

                            

Rob Baxley  Email: Rob@RobBaxley.com  Cell: 916-208-3896  Dir: 916-782-0570

Barbara Dolder  Email: B.B.Dolder@gmail.com  Cell: 916-996-0154  Dir: 916-435-8994                                                                  

 You may be surprised at how much your home's value has appreciated!