I was featured on the KCRA 3 News -- Is the Sacramento Housing Market Making a Turnaround?

So if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you will already know that yesterday one of my clients and I were interviewed by KCRA 3 reporter Danielle Leigh. DataQuick reported that the median home price in Sacramento County increased 4% from October - November. Did Sacramento's real estate market hit the bottom? Is now the right time to buy or sell your Sacramento home? Here is a link to the video of the story on KCRA.com.

Holiday Gift Ideas -- for your most beloved Sacramento resident...

For the last few years in December, I have written a blog post about gift ideas from local business to give to your favorite Sacramento resident for Christmas, Channukah, or whatever else this holiday season. If your holiday festivities involve gift giving, there are many local Sacramento gifts you can give! Here are my top 12 gifts that will make any Sacramentan's holiday, at any age or budget:

• A cruiser bicycle from East Sac Bike; this super cool bike shop in East Sacramento specializes in cruisers but sells all kinds of cycling gear, parts, cruisers, tandem bikes, unicycles, etc. Estimated cost: $300+
• A membership to the Crocker Art Museum; If you weren't aware, it was recently renovated and greatly expanded, and is the premier art museum in the Sacramento Valley. As a member, you will receive a monthly magazine, and receive discounts at the store and cafe. Estimated cost: $65/individual annual membership.
• A Hornblower Cruise of the Sacramento and American Rivers; the cruise leaves out of Old Sacramento. Check out the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, and experience the wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty that this historic and important waterway has to offer. Estimated cost: $69-99.
• A subscription to Comstocks Magazine; Read up on local goings on, the Sacramento economy, real estate, business, and more! Estimated cost for 12 month subscription: $12 (online special).
• A California State University, Sacramento sweatshirt; My alma mater! Stay warm this winter while supporting our local CSUS Hornets! My CSUS sweatshirt was a Christmas gift from my mother during my freshman year...I still wear that thing even though it is totally faded and worn out...Estimated cost: $36 - $75.
• Car washing at Quick Quack Car Wash; This express car wash will get you in-and-out in just minutes and there are 6 locations in the Sacramento area! Estimated cost: $14.95/month of unlimited car washes.
• Tickets to go visit the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town; Heck if you are going to visit one, why not visit both! Located at William Land Park, this is a great diversion for adults and children alike! Estimated cost per person/ticket: $13.
• Bottle of wine from Revolution Wines; Revolution Wines is Sacramento's only urban winery. Tucked away at 21st & P Streets in midtown, they make their wine...their facilities also host tastings. Estimated cost per bottle: $10 - $25.
• Massage from Elite Massage Therapy; Katie at Elite Massage Therapy in East Sacramento whips me back into shape after a long run, and she gives one heck of a theraputic massage too. Estimated cost/treatment: $75/ one hour.
• Dance lessons at The Sacramento Ballroom; Want to learn the Texas Two-Step, the Tango, or how to Swing Dance? They have classes for both singles and couples, from beginning to advanced levels! Estimated cost/lesson: $5 - $10.
• Tickets to a Sacramento Rivercats game; See the Oakland A's affiliate play at Raley Field. I'm a SF Giants fan, but I do really enjoy these games (especially when they play the SF Giant's affiliate team, the Fresno Grizzlies)...many of these players are a phone call away from the major leagues! Estimated cost/ticket: $6 - $30.
• A new home; Sure, I saved the best for last. Nothing says happy holidays like closing escrow on a Sacramento home...sorry if that was a little cheesy! Estimated cost: Priceless. =)

New Listing - 4760 Haase Drive, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Adorable 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1,847sf home on nearly a half acre in Fair Oaks! You will love the country feel close to everything -- secluded private lane near St. Mel's. Great layout with three downstairs bedrooms, and 1 upstairs, large covered porch. Large outbuilding has great potential for a hobbyist or extra storage. Don't wait! Offered at $239,000 subject to lender approval of short sale. For more photos and info, visit 4760 Haase Drive, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

Finished the California International Marathon...and I can barely walk today!

Welp, I can barely move today, and I may need someone to help me when I try to go down the stairs...but yesterday I was able to cross another goal off my 'Bucket List.' I finished the California International Marathon in 5 hours, 46 minutes. Nope, I did not qualify for the Olympic Trials (that's a joke, in case you are not a runner), but I finished all 26.2 miles. It was pretty much torture after about mile 21. I am not too proud to admit that I may have shed tears of absolute agony and joy crossing the finish line. I was immediately greeted by my family, my sweet significant other, and my friends -- who all cheered me on at various locations along the way. Here I am standing at the finish line with my pretty medal.
I have been running for a little over a year, and completed my first half marathon in March. Once my body stops hurting, I may consider signing up for the River City Marathon at the end of March.