It always amazes me to walk into a home that is like a time capsul. Nothing has been change and everything is in pristine condition.
When did these go out of style? I’ve never seen a manual ice crusher before.
Tag Archives: Curtis Park
Have we hit bottom in the Sacramento CA housing Market?
This is a question I get asked frequently and one that I hear attempting to be 
answered. “Have we hit the bottom of the housing market? At times I have fallen prey to the common thinking that says, “How much worse can it get? The market has dropped ____%, how much more can it go down?” Then the conclusion… “We must be at the bottom.” Anyone with their head in the game has thought/asked this.
However, after just doing a little research you will find that there are key economic forces in play that have to change (unemployment for one) before “the bottom” is reached AND our economy comes out of the recession in which we find ourselves. Forecasters have been calling the bottom for the last 2 years or longer. So have we hit bottom yet?
For an excellent read on some of these economic factors, check out this article, The Orwellian Recovery. The author succinctly states, “I don’t see how housing prices can recover at the same time inventories, mortgage rates, and unemployment rise.”
A colleague an I were discussing this topic over coffee today… what’s going to happen when the government backs off the stimulus and interest rates rise?
It’s a complicated and highly opinionated topic, what are your thoughts?
Enjoy,
Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker
916.669.9030
Figure 8’s Finished Product – Curtis Park, Sacramento
Here it is – after months of construction, the face lift is complete. It’s nice to see completion, especially in light of so many stalled development projects in Sacramento. Well done Figure 8. Thanks for adding to bringing your unique touch to our wonderful neighborhood.
Enjoy,
Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker
916.669.9030
Posted in Curtis Park
Tagged Buyer, buyers, buying, Curtis Park, Development, Realtor, Sacramento, Things to do in Sacramento
Real Estate Therapy in Sacramento, CA
Lately I’ve had the privilege of gaining several buyer referrals, where the previous real estate agent, for a variety of reasons, was not able or capable of getting the job done. One agent was in the business part-time and did not have the availability to do the follow through. Another situation, the agent said to the buyers, “You are too picky… you need to expand your search and buyer something [now].” I’ve retold that story many times… how crazy is that?! I mean, there are thoughts that might go through my head about certain buyer characteristics (especially if I’m hungry, tired, or unbalanced)… but let’s just say, FILTER! Let me say it again, FILTER! If I said everything I was thinking, I might get beat up (and that’s just my wife – ha ha ha). Back to the subject… My point… plain and simple I’ve had the good fortune of capitalizing on other agent’s inability to do their job (well). One frustrated client said, “Our agent wouldn’t return our calls!” Most recently, I received a referral on a client whose previous agent decided that they could not make a living in real estate any more (this is pretty common these days).
While this phenomenon has been good for my business and is a nice pat on the back, as I imagine the ones referring these clients say, “Call Keith, he’s the most solid (best, most professional, gets-the-job-done, intelligent, savvy…) Realtor I know!” Okay, emphasis on I imagine. Bottom line, I call people back, am full-time, and don’t say (aloud) everything that passes through my head. It’s been good to get these referral, however, I find myself having mini-counseling sessions to give these beat-up buyers real estate therapy. These are wonderful people now on edge due to their past agents. For the one client, she kept asking me during the showing process, “Do you think I’m too picky?” My response, “Why yes I do, let’s stop right now, I can’t take it any longer!” Of course not! And I wasn’t even thinking that 🙂 Here’s the genuine and right response, “You should be picky. You are making one of the biggest investments of your life. My role is to assist and help you find your ideal home that fits your buying criteria.” Agents, takes notes – this is real estate 101 / Socialization 201.
You will be helping yourselves as well as your clients when you help them focus their search. If they don’t want a swimming pool… don’t show them homes with swimming pools. If the client can only afford a $250,000 home, then don’t show them homes that are listed at $300,000. If they are using a down-payment assistance program that requires that they buy an REO (bank owned property)… yep, you got it, only show them bank owned properties. I know, not rocket science, however, it requires that the agent listens, and asks questions, and takes notes, and is actually engaged. The other day I met a clients for the first time that was frustrated and burnt out on her last agent. I found out through listening to her story that they’ve looked at 40-50 homes over the last 5-6 months. Naturally I asked, “What were some of the things about those homes that did not work for you?” She replied, “Well, most needed too much work, and I don’t have a lot of money to do a lot of work. Many had swimming pools, and I definitely do not want a pool. Others backed up to a busy street, and I don’t like the noise.” She went on. I took notes. Wen she was done I ask more questions and learned that she also was allergic to cats, loved gardening, and has a niece that would be living with her. I asked specific questions like, “What do you mean by ‘a lot of work’?” And, “How much money could you spend on fix up costs.” And, “what is your favorite thing about this house?” And, “Does your niece need to be in walking distance of the school?” And, “What matters most in buying a home on the list we’ve created?” Again, this is not new or an unusual tool in the agent’s belt, but I am surprised how little it is used.
I’ve found it a refreshing experience to have these real estate therapy sessions. The
client finds relief from frustration. They feel cared for and in good hands. They get motivated and excited to find that home, as they now know we are not going to just look at anything that pops up. The homes we look at will all be potential purchases.
My therapy sessions are free.
What are some experiences you’ve had as an agent or a buyer? I’d love to hear your story.
Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker
916.669.9030
Posted in Home Buying
Tagged advice, Buyer, buyers, buying, Curtis Park, Development, First time home buyer, Foreclosure, fun, Investing, investors, Loan, Questions, Realtor, Sacramento, Short Sale, stories
Another Front Door – Sacramento Children’s Home in Curtis Park, Sacrametno CA
I driven by this institution for years and always admired the architecture, but never really knew much about it. The Sacramento Children’s Home has actually been serving the community since 1867! What was going on in this neighborhood at that time (see the Curtis Park history post)?
Enjoy,
Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker
916.669.9030
Posted in Curtis Park, Local, Valuable Information
Tagged advice, Buyer, buyers, buying, Curtis Park, Local, Real Estate, Realtor, Sacramento
More Front Doors on Historic Homes – Curtis Park, Sacramento
As I walk my neighborhood, I continue to be intrigued by the architecture. I am currently looking to replace my own front door and love to get ideas from what others have in place or have replaced.
Here are some snap shots of ones that caught my eye (but are not necessarily ones I’d pick for my own home).
Enjoy,
Keith Klassen
Real Estate Broker
Posted in Curtis Park, Local
Tagged Architecture, Buyer, buyers, Curtis Park, Local, Real Estate, Realtor, Sacramento
The Landscape of Curtis Park, Sacramento
I love to pay attention to the establishments in my neighborhood, especially those that are doing good work and helping people. On a typical day there will be several blind people who stroll down my street with confidence and a positive demeanor.
Here’s a little background for those who were curious like me….
Formed in 1953 and has been at it’s present site since 1967! Society for the Blind was born in 1953 when a group of Adult Blind from Sacramento County formed an association to open a center where blind and visually impaired people could meet and interact with one another. On October 14, 1954 the Sacramento Valley Center for the Blind was incorporated.
While the original intent of the Center was to provide a congregating space for blind and low vision people in the Sacramento area, by the early 70’s the name had changed from “Center for the Blind” to “Society for the Blind” and a new vision had been established. The new vision included providing life and job skills training, counseling, and access to help and tools for the thousands of blind and visually impaired people in Sacramento and the surrounding areas.
In 1970, the Society launched the Self-Reliance Institute, an eight-week summer program designed to meet the unique needs of blind and visually impaired teenagers. This program helped over 200 teenagers make an easier transition to school, work, and independent living.
In October 1975 the Society established one of the first low-vision clinics in Northern California. This enhanced the value of the Society by providing services for a greater number of people.
In 1978, the Senior Self-Reliance Program was launched. Now called the Senior Intensive Retreat, this program has given hundreds of blind seniors the chance to learn daily living skills through a committed, supportive program.
In 1982, funded by a grant from the Delta Gamma Alumnae, the Aids to Independence Store was formed. This store has hundreds of tools — from white canes to cooking tools to talking watches — to help blind and low vision people with everyday living.
In the late 1990’s, Society for the Blind received a government grant which enabled the development of California Access News. This is a service where Californians can call a computerized service that provides them with information such as newspaper and magazine articles, local news, and movie and television listings.
A government grant early in the new century helped the Society to establish the Career Development Program. This program gives working-age blind people access to training, counseling and job-seeking assistance, allowing them to enter and maintain their positions in the working world.
Services include, but are not limited to:
1. Orientation and Mobility
2. Braille Instruction
3. Daily Living Skills
4. Adapted Computer Skills
5. Low vision clinic
6. Senior and youth programs
7. Career development program
[Information taken from Society for the Blind’s website. For a more in-depth look, go to www.societyfortheblind.org ]
Enjoy,
Keith Klassen
Real Estate Broker
Front Doors on Historic Homes – Curtis Park, Sacramento
There is just something special about a unique front door. Nowadays, most suburban
developments push the garage to the front and restrict social activities to the privacy of the back yard. The front porch, the door, the vestibule were all attributes of a different era for which many now long. A door that says “Welcome!” Or one that speak of intrigue and curiosity, as if to say, “If you think this is interesting, wait until you see what’s inside.”
Just one of the many awesome front doors and homes in my neighborhood (Curtis Park, Sacramento)
Enjoy,
Keith Klassen
Real Estate Broker
Posted in Curtis Park, Local
Tagged Buyer, buying, Curtis Park, First time home buyer, Real Estate, Realtor, Sacramento
Renovation in Curtis Park, Sacramento
It’s always great to see things happening in our neck of the woods. Business thriving, homes restored, and new things coming to life all around us. The local women’s gym, Figure 8, seems to be a big hit. For the last month they have been undergoing a face lift, redoing their storefront and perhaps reconfiguring the entrance. This renovation should be an attractive upgrade to the already thriving neighborhood.
Stay tuned for the finished product.
Enjoy,
Keith Klassen
Real Estate Broker
Posted in Curtis Park, Local Real Estate News
Tagged Curtis Park, fun, Local, Real Estate, Sacramento
The Value of Neighbors – Curtis Park, Sacramento and Beyond
It is so important what neighborhood you live in, whether it be 
for distinctiveness or convenience of locale, people should spend a good amount of time getting a feel for where they are buying and what they are buying into. When I purchased my first home in Sacramento, I knew that I was not just buying a house, but a neighborhood too. I just had a gut feeling that my little East Sac. home and neighborhood was a winner, even though I did not know much about it. However, I found out, over time, the people no my street kept to themselves and were a bit cold. At the first meeting of my direct neighbor I said, “Hey, we’re thinking about having a BBQ to get to know everyone on the street. I’ll let you know when we plan it.” She quickly replied, “Oh, we won’t be coming to that.” I was speechless. “Uhhh, okay. I guess I’ll see you around.” I couldn’t believe it!
While you can do research on the potential home and neighborhood, it is very difficult to do in depth research on the people that will be your neighbors.
Before we moved our current home in Curtis Park we drove around the neighborhood extensively, walked up and down the street where our potential home was located, and attempted to talk with as many neighbors as possible. 
I’ll never forget the first woman I spoke with… “Are you looking to buy that house?” the neighbor asked. “Yes, we are in contract,” I replied. She went on to introduce herself and tell me all about the neighborhood. The former owners told us that they were saddened to leave because they’d grown so close to their neighbors. The evening we finally got everything moved in, our neighbor across the street brought us freshly baked cookies and apologized for only bringing a particle ½ gallon of milk! The next day a man from down the street dropped off brownies he made for us. A few weeks later our other neighbor gave us a bundle of kindling for fire wood. After only several weeks I knew we had move onto a unique and special street.
This is the “Front Porch” ethos – an attitude of community that I find deeply rooted and perpetuated on my street. I applaud and say a big thank you from my family to our neighbors. Who cares about home values, when you’ve got neighbors like ours!
Posted in Curtis Park, Local, Local Real Estate News, Real Estate
Tagged Buyer, Curtis Park, Real Estate, Realtor, Sacramento
Sacramento Real Estate Reflections 
