Hello March! Although we continue to see a projected forecast of rain in the weeks ahead, Sacramento’s impressive lineup of events and activities is anything but gloomy! Lucky for us, Sacramento has lots of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in store for residents and visitors alike. Are you celebrating this holiday in the comfort of your own home? We’re sharing some fun and festive activities that the whole family can partake in. Finally, we take a look at the local real estate market as well as expert predictions for the months ahead. Read on for the full scoop!

Will you be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Sacramento? Check out our top picks in and around the area!

Friday, March 17th from 10 am – 2 pm
Fairytale Town
3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento
Weather Permitting

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Fairytale Town! We’ll have crafts and send you on a scavenger hunt to find a pot of gold! You might even meet a leprechaun along the way. Have your child wear green when you visit Fairytale Town and receive half off one child admission with one paid adult admission! Learn more here.

 

Friday, March 17th from 3 pm to 10 pm
Fox & Goose Public House
1001 R Street, Sacramento

Join us on Friday, March 17th for our 48th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! Traditional Irish and English fare will be available from 3-10 pm with your returning holiday favorites, including tasty Irish Lamb Stew served in a sourdough bread bowl and our hearty Corned Beef and Cabbage. Raise a pint to family, friends, and co-workers with Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick’s on draft.

Our beloved Irish folk singer patronage will pass out song sheets and lead the traditional group sing-along at 6:00 pm and traditional Irish bagpipe music will fill our cozy pub with celebratory cheer. Stout Rebellion will take the stage at 7:00 pm and keep the party going until 10:00 pm. This event is all ages until 12 pm and 21 y/o+ with I.D. from 10 pm-12 am.

 

Friday, March 17th – Starts at 3 pm
Limelight Bar & Cafe – Irish Social
1014 Alhambra Boulevard, Sacramento

Celebrate the essence of Sacramento at The Irish Social! Embrace the rich history, vibrant community, and diverse culture of the city that has welcomed Irish men and women with open arms since the 1850s. This year, join us in paying homage to the late Frank “Mugs” McNamara, a shining example of the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with his love of Ireland and his selfless dedication to education, charity, and service. Experience an unforgettable evening of entertainment, with an exciting lineup of musicians and dancers at the historic Limelight, a venue loved by many of Sacramento’s celebrated characters. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Ireland, as you revel in the spirit of St. Patricks Day.

And the best part? Your presence and support at this special event will directly contribute to the McNamara Brothers’ Scholarship Fund at Christian Brothers High School, keeping Mugs’ legacy alive for generations to come. So, grab your tickets today and be a part of the celebration!

Live Music Provided By: Clemon, Rattlin Boys Ceili Band & LVVS
Special Performance by The McKeever School of Irish Dance

 

Friday, March 17th at 8 pm
Crest Theatre
1013 K Street, Sacramento

Watch a featured Saint Patrick’s Day film, “The Boondocks Saints” at Crest Theater. In this classic, two Irish Catholic brothers become vigilantes and wipe out Boston’s criminal underworld in the name of God.

 

Friday, March 17th – 18th from 4 pm to 10 pm
Saint Patrick’s Day in the Park 2023
Ali Youssefi Square
701 K Street, Sacramento

Outdoor block party festival with live music, food, and a beer garden. Cover on both days is $15 at the gate.

– Outdoor stage
– Guinness Garden & Roe and Co Bar
– Bands and DJs
– Food by Beach Hut Deli
– 21 and over only
– FREE entry to after party (both nights) at Social Nightclub with your wristband from the festival

 

Friday, March 17th from 8:30 pm to 10 pm
Saint Patrick’s Day Rock the Yacht Cruise
City Cruises Sacramento
1206 Front Street, Sacramento

Step aboard City Cruise’s St. Patrick’s Day Rock the Yacht! This 21 and over cruise features local DJs rocking top 40s and all your favorite throwbacks. Sip on drinks from the cash bar and take in the fresh river breezes as you cruise under the Tower Bridge and past the Sacramento city lights. Grab your friends and head down to the only St. Patrick’s Day party you can’t find on land!

 

Saturday, March 18th from 12 pm to 5 pm
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Old Sacramento Waterfront

If it’s the Luck of the Irish you’re looking for, come find it at Old Sacramento Waterfront in March! Enjoy a parade, live musical entertainment, outdoor beer gardens, and a chance to find Leprechauns hiding throughout the charming historic district.

Parade Time: 1:00 pm
Beer Garden and Vendor Village: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Event Location: Old Sacramento Waterfront

 

Now through March 20th
Leprechaun Hunt
Old Sacramento Waterfront

The St. Patrick’s Day leprechauns have once again visited the Old Sacramento Waterfront in search of their favorite thing…gold!

However, after their arrival, they learned the Gold Rush Era ended long ago. After thinking this was the end of their rainbow, they fled! Help us find the leprechauns who are hidden all over our historic district so they can celebrate their beloved Irish holiday on time. They have each hidden themselves with a secret word…collect all the secret words to unlock the final secret message at the end of your activity book, and help restore Irish luck and good cheer.

Instructions: Using the clues, go to each stop to find the mystery words. Each word is a different color. Once you find all the secret words, fill in the blanks with the words you find based on their corresponding color. There are also 4 optional bonus activities sprinkled throughout this hunt where you will receive bonus secret words! If you want some real-life leprechaun treasure, complete the bonus activities for a chance to win a gift basket!

Email your bonus answers to events@downtownsac.org before Monday, March 20th at 5 PM. Download the activity book HERE!

You can have just as much fun celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day from home! Try one or more of these activities with your loved ones.

 

Prepare a St. Patrick’s Day Feast

Whether it’s classic corned beef and cabbage or another traditional Irish dish, such as Bangers and Mash, there is no shortage of tasty recipes that will get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Check out some inspiration before preparing your Irish feast here.

 

Bake Some Magically Delicious Desserts 

Decorating your favorite desserts with green frosting and edible gold flakes can put a lucky twist on any classic treat. If you’re looking to whip up something new, try out these rainbow-topped cupcakes dusted with gold or this easy-to-make Leprechaun Bait. You can find some other yummy dessert recipes here.

 

Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day Movie

Bring Ireland to your home with “Leap Year,” starring Amy Adams. This adorable romantic comedy takes viewers on her journey to and through Dublin to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day! As Irish tradition states, a man who is proposed to on Leap Day in Ireland must accept. This PG-rated romantic comedy is suitable for the whole family and is now available on Netflix. Make this Saint Patrick’s Day Popcorn ahead of time for the ultimate holiday movie night.

 

Bring the Bar To Your Backyard

Avoid crowded bars and make a festive beverage at home such as this Chocolate Martini recipe with one-part Bailey’s cream or this creative Guinness Float concoction with Irish Beer and Ice Cream. Impress guests with the “Irish Maid”: another great cocktail option with whiskey, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint and cucumber for garnish. Opting for a non-alcoholic option? This Shamrock shake (yes, it’s a copycat McDonald’s shake) is the perfect drink/sweet treat for people of all ages!

 

Go on St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Bring the magic of the holiday to your own home by creating a scavenger hunt! Use these free printable treasure hunt sheets and watch as your little leprechauns solve the clues. Hide their favorite treat or a new toy in a pot of gold at the last stop.

 

Try Your Luck with St. Patrick’s Game Night

Gather the whole family into the living room for a Saint Patrick’s Day themed trivia game night! Find a printable trivia sheet here.

According to a recent article by US News, despite the US real estate market cooling, Sacramento remains a top destination for homebuyers, and for good reason. There also appears to be a step back in home prices, which may give Sacramento-area buyers some much-needed relief. Click here to learn more.

Hello, 2023! This month, we welcome the New Year and all of the resolutions, new beginnings, and adventures that are to come. 2023 is also a great opportunity to reflect on the past year and reset our intentions. In this month’s newsletter, we’re kicking off January with a list of home resolutions that you can actually keep. We also cover local events and happenings taking place around the Greater Sacramento area. And finally, we take a closer look at expert real estate market predictions.

Are you experiencing the “winter blues”? You’re not alone…It’s easy to feel a little down after a lively month of food, festivities, and fun finally comes to an end…But rest assured, you can still enjoy January and start the year off strong! We’ve scoured the area to find a fantastic lineup of performances, sporting events, culinary experiences, and activities taking place in and around the Greater Sacramento area.

Local Events & Happenings: 

Kings Game Schedule

Now until January 16 (Select Days): Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

Now through January 15 (Select Days): Folsom District Ice Rink

Now through January 15 (Select Days): Frozen Musical at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

January 3 through April (Select Days) Crocker Art Museum Presents Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray

January 7-8: SacAnime Winter 2023

January 7-8: Jurassic Quest at Cal Expo

January 7-8: Hot Tub & Swim Spa Blowout Expo

January 13-22: Dine Downtown

January 17: Theresa Caputo at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

January 19-22: International Sportsman’s Expo at Cal Expo

January 21: George Lopez at the Hard Rock Sacramento

January 23: Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera: Beethoven’s Eroica at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

January 27-29: Monster Jam at Golden One Center

January 28-29: Great Train Show at Cal Expo

January 29: 8th Annual Sacramento Chocolate Salon 2023

 

Upcoming:

February 3-5: Northern California Home & Landscape Expo at Cal Expo

Now that the holidays have come and gone, decluttering the home is first on the list for many this year! Not sure how to get started? Start out small and organize one room at a time…It can be daunting thinking about decluttering the entire home. Another good rule of thumb is to sort items into three separate piles as you go through each room: keep, donate, and throw. This will help get rid of the clutter immediately.

Once you’ve boxed up donations and tossed other items in the trash or recycling, it’s time to begin the organization process. Below are some helpful tips, tricks, and gadgets to get your home organized in no time!

Think of your entryway as your home’s first impression. No one wants to walk into a disaster zone after getting home from a long day. An organized entryway will make leaving and entering the house a breeze. Here’s how you can create a welcoming space.

Make a Good First Impression: Keep the entrance of your home clean by placing doormats at entryways and providing a space for shoes. This stylish shoe rack and this storage bench are not only ideal for storing things, but they’re also great decor items for the entryway.

Store Away the Clutter: Is your entryway currently a dumping ground for hats, umbrellas, and small bags? Invest in these stylish baskets or bins so that you can easily store hats, umbrellas, small bags, and more. Short on space? Add entry hooks for your belongings.

Have a System in Place: Can’t find your keys or that important letter? Keep your keys and mail all in one place with this hanging organizer.

Make Your Kitchen the Heart of the Home:

Often referred to as the heart of the home, the kitchen is synonymous with delicious meals, lasting memories, and connecting with family and friends. But if your kitchen is a hot mess, you might avoid cooking and entertaining altogether. Here are some simple ways to get this space back into shape for 2023.

Get Creative with Your Cupboards: If your cupboards are crammed with dated cereals, baking ingredients, and snacks, invest in these airtight food storage containers. It’s a great way to clear out the cupboards and they’re aesthetically pleasing.

Free Up the Fridge: Next, it’s time to tackle the fridge. Gain back a bit of shelve space (and peace of mind) with these refrigerator organizer drawersthat can be attached to any fridge. The clear design ensures that you always know what’s inside and it makes it easier to take inventory of food before grocery shopping.

Organize Your Tupperware: Are your drawers packed with mismatching Tupperware lids and containers? Invest in this food container lid organizer. Trust us when we say it’s a lifesaver and helps with clutter.

Check Your Cabinets: Digging through your cabinets to find the blender in the back is so 2022…This pull-out drawer makes it easy to get to your favorite small appliances in no time.

Add to Your Sink Space: Is your kitchen sink covered in cookware? Keep your cookware in check with this expandable organizer—you can even order extra wires to tailor it to your kitchen.

Think Vertically: Are your cabinets packed with dishes? Take advantage of vertical cabinet space by snagging this expandable kitchen shelf.

Spice, Spice Baby: Are spices taking over your kitchen? A tiered turntable will help to get your pantry organized, and it makes finding what you need a cinch.

Don’t Neglect the Dishes: If you have lots of dishes and not a lot of space, this over-sink dish drying rack is just what you need to take back control over your kitchen.

Take Your Family Room to New Heights:

Your family room should be a welcoming space where you and your loved ones can come together. If it’s a bit messy, that’s ok! Now is a great time to go through all of those DVDs, magazines, books, and old remotes and get rid of the things that no longer serve you. It’s also the perfect time to swap out any seasonal decor…like those holiday decorations that might still be up. Below are some of our favorite ways that you can elevate this space.

Add Accent Pieces that Double as Storage: Choose a fun accent piece that can help remove clutter like this magazine rack or this media console with shelves.

Utilize Your Furniture: If you have a sofa or coffee table with built-in storage, store those extra magazines, books, or TV gadgets in there.

Put the Focus on Your Built-Ins: Utilize built-ins or bookcases and decorate them with plants, artwork, or photos that would otherwise clutter the space.

Keep the Clutter at Bay: Do you have a hall closet near the family room? Don’t forget to utilize that space! You can replace a closet rod with shelves to double or triple the amount of closet storage and add woven baskets or hanging accessories to keep the clutter at bay.

Create a Kid-Designated Area: Is your child’s clutter taking up too much space in the family room? Get creative by establishing a kid-friendly corner! Incorporate rolling carts to house all of their books and art supplies, as well as hanging shelves and a miniature desk set.

Create a Dreamy Bathroom Space: 

Bathrooms can come with a lot of stuff. From cleaning solutions and self-care products to brushes and blowdryers, there can be a lot crammed into one small space. And to make things worse, many bathrooms are not equipped with adequate storage solutions. If you’re looking to create a more peaceful and organized bathroom space, try incorporating one of the below tips.

Make Use of Your Counter Space: Use cosmetic bathroom organizers to easily store your makeup, toiletries, perfumes, jewelry, and more. You can also incorporate these stylish corner shelves for a sleek look.

Use Your Wall Space: Short on space? Add floating bathroom shelves to store toilet paper, artwork, plants, and towels. And don’t forget about the inside of your shower! A shower caddy will help organize your soaps, shampoo, conditioner, razors, and loofas.

Think Stylish and Functional: These Apothecary jars add a nice touch to any bathroom. Plus, they can be used to store cotton balls, Q-tips, and dental floss.

Organize Your Cupboards and Drawers: Make use of your bathroom cupboards by organizing items in small storage baskets or sliding basketsunder the sink.

Boost Your Bedroom with These Organizing Hacks:

Transform any messy bedroom into a personal retreat by incorporating some of these organizational and de-cluttering tips.

Reimagine Your Nightstand: If you have a smaller bedroom it’s time to think vertical. Using a bookshelf nightstand instead of the traditional pillow-height nightstand can help you keep more items nearby. Don’t have enough bedtime items to fill a nightstand? Opt for a floating bedside shelf nightstand!

What’s Under the Bed?: Utilize your under-bed storage space with these rolling storage containers, which can store books, seasonal clothing, extra bedsheets, and more!

Small Closet Problems: No room in the closet? Free up space with an over-the-door or floating shoe organizer.

Out with the Old, In with the New: It’s time to do a closet sweep and donate any clothing, shoes, or items that you no longer wish to keep. These closet organizers and racks will help create additional space in your closet.

Avoid Disastrous Drawers: These closet drawer organizers make staying organized a breeze and help you find items in a hurry.

Don’t Leave Your Belts and Purses Hanging: Keep your belts and purses all in one place with this hanging organizer.

New Year, New Garage:

Between the bikes, golf clubs, and all of the tools, there’s usually not much room left in the garage for actual cars. But a few smart space tricks are all you need to help you regain some extra square footage. Get organized in no time with these garage storage hacks.

Bring on the Bins: One of the easiest ways to gain extra space is to have a storage system in place. Think lockers, a rolling workbench, or these plastic bins.

Organize Your Power Tools: Not sure where to store all of those power tools? This tool organizer saves you space (just mount it to your wall) and keeps everything all in one place.

Make the Most of Your Wall Space: Install tracks that can turn any wall into an extra storage opportunity!

Mount Your Bikes: Leaning them against a wall just won’t cut it (even with a kickstand). This steel rack, which comes in sizes big enough for a family, installs in minutes.

Don’t Neglect Your Outerwear: Keep your jackets, coats, and hats more organized by installing a heavy-duty metal coat rack.

Invest in a Tool Tower: Invest in this tool tower to keep shovels, brooms, and rakes upright and out of the way.

Think Onwards and Upwards: No floor space? No problem. Hang storage bins overhead and never trip over your stuff again.

Store Your Sports Gear: Balls and sports equipment can take up a lot of space…This sports gear organizer keeps all your balls, rackets, and jackets in one place.

The last three years in the housing market have been a whirlwind with fluctuating mortgage rates, inventory, and more. So what does the housing market have in store for us this year? Here are five expert predictions for the 2023 housing market, according to Money.

Be sure to check back next month for a local market update. 

GHOSTS AND GOBLINS BEWARE – October is officially here – and this month, Sacramento has plenty of treats in store for residents and visitors alike! This newsletter uncovers some of the most fang-tastic Halloween-inspired activities and events taking place all month long in the Greater Sacramento area. Want to be the ghostess with the mostest? We have a few tricks under our sleeve to help you host the ultimate Halloween bash that guests will remember for all of eternity…Last, but certainly not least, we take a closer look at the upcoming fall real estate market and some of the major changes that we are starting to see. Read on…if you dare!

Sacramento has some spooktaclar Halloween events and activities taking place now through the end of October!

1. October 8: Fall Festival Spooktacular at Esther’s Park
2. October 8: Paint Night: The Haunted Mansion at Streets in Sacramento
3. October 8-9; 15-16; 22-23; 29-30: Track or Treat Train Rides @ The Railroad Museum
4. October 13, 20 & 27: Movies Under the Stars in Old Sac (Halloween Edition)
5. October 15: Spirits, Brews & Bites in Old Folsom
6. October 15, 22 & 29: Go on a Sacramento Ghost Tour
7. October 16, 23 & 30: Fall Concerts Series in Old Folsom
8. October 15-16, 22-23: Safe & Super Halloween at Fairytale Town
9. October 22: Sacramento SPCA Presents: Whiskers in Wonderland Fall Gala
10. October 23: Spirits, Brews & Bites in Historic Folsom
11. October 24 & 3: Fall Concert Series at Historic Folsom Amphitheater
12. October 29: Trick or Treat FestiFall in Old Folsom
13. October 29: Kids Halloween Costume Contest in Old Folsom
14. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
15. Enter a Haunted House (if you dare!)
16. Visit Apple Hill

The best part about Halloween? Transforming your home into a fun and spooky setting during this magical month… And it doesn’t have to be time-consuming! Try out these scary stylish ideas that you can incorporate into your home to stop your guests dead in their tracks.

Enter if you dare – be the envy of the neighborhood (and impress trick-or-treaters) with these haunted porch decorations:

Light Up Stacked Pumpkins

Life-Size Skeleton

Trick-or-Treater Ghost

Led Ghost Yard Stakes

Black Illuminated Pumpkins

Reversible Halloween Sign

Halloween Witch Stakes Figurines

Hanging LED Pumpkins

LED Hanging Halloween Ghosts 
Witches Cauldron & Lights

Want to make your kitchen boo-tiful without adding more clutter? Consider adding some of these hauntingly gorgeous kitchen accessories and serving pieces to your Halloween collection:

Halloween Tiered Decoration Tray

Four Piece Stacked Mugs with Wire Rack

Skeleton Skull Glass Punch Bowl

Hocus Pocus Serving Cauldron

Witches Brew Cocktail Mix

Endless Chalice

Skull Serving Tray

Spoon Rest Holder

The Dead Don’t Stir Spoon Rest
Ghost Stoneware Mugs

Halloween Cheese Spreader 4-Piece Set

Black Matte Copper Set

Decorative Black & Gold Pumpkins

Skeleton Oven Mitt

Pumpkin Cups 

Halloween Charcuterie Board

Create a dinner table to die for with a fabulous centerpiece or festive dining set:

Assorted Floral Centerpiece

Crystal Ball Centerpiece

Tree Hand Candle Holder

Halloween Potion Table Decor

Apothecary Jar Set

Halloween Luncheon China Plates

Stemless Skeleton Wine Glasses

Ghost Serving Platter

Skeleton Hand Highball Glass

Skull Silverware

Tap into the spirit(s) of the season with enchanting living room decor:

Pose-n-Stay Puppy Skeleton

Hocus Pocus Spellbook

Fall Throw Blanket in Orange

Luminary Pumpkin Candle

Spiced Cider Glass Jar Candle

Halloween-Inspired Throw Pillows

White Glass Pumpkin String Lights

Black Dripping Wax Flameless Candle

Personalized Halloween Wall Decor

Forest Witch Hat Decor

Gold Snake Decor

Need some spooky jams to entertain your guests? Let the ghoul times roll by turning on one of the below playlists…

Spotify’s Halloween Party Hits 2022

Pandora Halloween Playlist

Apple Music Halloween Party Playlist

YouTube Halloween Hits from the 80’s

Disney’s Halloween Playlist (Kid Friendly)

Dying to watch a scary movie? Grab the popcorn, and cozy blankets, and find a Halloween flick that matches your mood on one of the below streaming services!

Netflix Line-Up

Hulu Haunts

Amazon Picks

Disney Plus Magic

TV Classics

Want to whip up some boos for your guests? Create your very own menu with delicious concoctions (and fun mocktails) that will get everyone into the holiday spirit! Pick your poison below…
“Boos-y” Cocktails –

The Witches Heart Cocktail

Smashing Pumpkin Cocktail

Maleficent Halloween Cocktail

Bloody Eye Ball Martini

The Vampire Cocktail

Smoke, Mirrors & Colors Cocktail

Black Sangria

Mr. Hyde Potion

Vampire Kiss Jello Shots

Bleeding Heart Martini

Monster Smash Cocktail

Shrunken Heads in Cider

Hornitos Black Cauldron Cocktail

 

Hold the “Boos” Mocktails –

Hocus Pocus Punch 

Smoking Halloween Cocktails

Bloody Shirley Temple

Purple People Eater Mocktail

Sparkling Pumpkin Pie Mocktail

Slow Cooker Vampire Punch

Wondering what to brew up in the kitchen? See below for some serious food inspo that will have your guests calling you the ghostess with the mostest!

Starters – 

Smokey Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Spooky Spinach Dip in Bread Bowl Cauldron 

Halloween Charcuteriee Board

Pumpkin Soup in Pumpkin Bowls

Halloween Chex Mix 

Hot Dog Mummies

Stuffed Eyeballs

Spider Web Nacho Spread

Mains – 

Spaghetti & Eyeballs 

Graveyard Chicken Enchiladas 

Chicken Pot Pie with Crawling Hands

Sausage & Fennel Pasta

Sweet Potato Chili with Turkey & Black Beans

Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Peppers

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Herbed White Wine Sauce 

Kale Salad with Persimmons, Chickpeas and Crispy Shallots

Pumpkin Crust Pizza

Macaroni & Cheese in Acorn Squash Bowls

It’s all treats and no tricks here! Leave your guests screaming for seconds with these bewitching desserts.

Strawberry Ghosts

Boo Boo Bark

Halloween Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

“Poison” Toffee Apples

Garveyard Pudding

Cake Pop Eye Balls

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Dracula Dentures

Spider Web Cake

Hocus Pocus Inspired Smore Pops

Haunted Halloween Brownies

Jack O’ Lantern Bowls

Blood Drip Cupcakes

Mummy Apple Pie

Witch’s Hat Cupcakes

Wondering where financial giants expect U.S. home prices to head next? According to a recent Newsbreak article, there is a building consensus on Wall Street that we’ve entered into a period of falling home prices, but there’s also a consensus it will be the second-sharpest home price decline since the Great Depression.

Last week, Morgan Stanley finally joined the housing bear crowd. Heading forward, the investment bank now expects U.S. home prices to fall 7% by the end of 2023. On one hand, that’s far smaller than the 27% peak-to-trough decline the country experienced between 2006 and 2012. On the other hand, it’s twice as large as the 3.1% peak-to-trough decline posted in the early ’90s.
The culprit? Spiking mortgage rates, coupled with unprecedented home price growth, has put affordability into the upper bounds of history.

So what does this mean for buyers and sellers? Active buyers will start to see more home options on the market, and with rising price reductions, there will be an opportunity to jump on some good deals.

For sellers, the importance lies in finding an experienced, knowledgeable agent to help them understand how to sell in a declining market. According to the latest stats from the Sacramento Association of Realtors, our local market appears to be reflecting these predictions. Last month, the total number of sales dropped again from a May high (down 25.1% from last year) and price reductions are on the rise. Of the 1,182 sales this month, 71.1% (840) were on the market for 30 days or less and 92.1% (1,088) were on the market for 60 days or less.

School is back in session…and this month, we’re offering a crash course on all things Sacramento. Get ready to fill up your social calendar for the rest of August with an exciting lineup of concerts, festivals, River Cats games, and more! We also take a look at the shifting real estate market and some of the recent changes that will affect buyers and sellers in the coming months. Last but certainly not least, we look ahead to this year’s top fall decor trends that you can incorporate into your home to create a cozy space and earn some extra points with family, friends, and peers. Read on for the full scoop!

Click on the below links to see what local events and activities are taking place now through the end of August!

 

Sacramento:

1. River Cats Schedule
2. Sac Republic FC Schedule
3. Now-August 28th (Every Weekend): Live Music at Crawdads on the River
4. Now-August 28th (Select Days): Alegria by Cirque Du Soleil
5. Now-August 31st: Front Street Water Carousel & Waterfront Wheel in Old Sacramento
6. Now-August 31st (Select Days): Old Sacramento Underground Tours
7. Now-End of Year: Van Gogh Exhibit in West Sacramento: The Immersive Experience
8. August 9th-14th: The Secret Garden Broadway At Music Circus
9. August 10th: BarnFlix at Drake’s the Barn: The Breakfast Club
10. August 12th: Trucks & Such at Land Park Amphitheatre
11. August 13th: Celebrate Oak Park
12. August 13th: Festival Del Mole
13. August 14th: Sacramento Antique Faire
14. August 14th: Second Sunday Brunch Market
15. August 16th: Sunset Yoga Sessions at Drake’s The Barn
16. August 18th: Summer Soiree Series at California Museum
17. August 18th: 2022 Best of Sacramento Party
18. August 18th: Daddy Yankee at Golden 1
19. August 19th-21st: FoodieLand Night Market at Cal Expo
20. August 19th: Back to School BBQ at McClatchy Park
21. August 20th-21st: 11th Annual Banana Festival at William Land Park
22. August 20th: Art on the Spectrum at The Crocker
23. August 20th: Legendary Sacramento Mile @ Cal Expo
24. August 23rd-28th: The Color Purple at Broadway Music Circus
25. August 24th: BarnFlix at Drake’s The Barn: Madagascar
26. August 25th: Latin & Funk Night at Drake’s The Barn
27. August 28th: 23rd Annual Race for the Arts 5K, Kids Fun Run & Arts Fest
28. August 30th: Kendrick Lamar at Golden 1

 

Carmichael:

1. Every Sunday: Carmichael Farmers’ Market
2. August 13th, 20th & 27th: Concerts in the Park

 

Fair Oaks:

1. August 25th: Concerts in the Park
2. August 26th: Comedy Under the Stars

 

Rancho Cordova/Gold River:

1. August 12th (Every Friday): Friday Night Concerts
2. August 13th (Every Saturday): Sunrise Light Rail Station Farmers Market
3. August 12th (And Select Days): Nunsense Musical Comedy at the MACC
4. August 19th: Beatles & Brew

 

Folsom:

1. Every Saturday: Farmers Market on the Plaza
2. Now-October: Palladio Presents Free Yoga in the Piazza
3. August 11th, 18th & 25th: Twilight Concert Series in Historic Folsom
4. August 27th: Cars and Coffee Show at Folsom Palladio
5. August 19th: Folsom Americana Fest

 

El Dorado Hills:

1. Every Saturday: Deer Creek Hills Preserve Saturdays
2. Every Sunday: El Dorado Hills Certified Farmers’ Market
3. Every Thursday: Live on the Boulevard at El Dorado Hills Town Center
4. Every 1st & 2nd Saturday: Cars & Coffee at El Dorado Hills Town Center

 

Elk Grove:

1. Every Thursday: Neighborhood Market
2. Every Saturday: Farmers Market
3. August 16th: Mini MOO Family Night
4. August 27th: Multi-Cultural Festival

 

Roseville:

1. August 11th: Food Truck Mania
2. August 13th: Fitness in the Park
3. August 19th: Friday Night Flicks: Spiderman – No Way Home
4. August 20th: Concerts on the Square at Vernon Street in Roseville

 

Rocklin:

1. August 19th, 20th & 27th: Concerts at the Quarry
2. August 26th: FREE Farmers Markets at Johnson-Springview Park

 

Things are starting to look up for buyers. According to a recent Redfin report, the city of Sacramento’s housing market is cooling at the second fastest rate in the nation, just behind the Bay Area. This marks a reversal from the height of the pandemic when it attracted scores of remote workers moving in from the Bay Area and other expensive parts of the country.
The latest housing statistics available from the Sacramento Association of Realtors also reveal that most of the Sacramento Region saw price drops in June. The median sales price decreased 2.6% from $575,000 to $560,000. This figure is up 7.7% from June 2021 ($520,000). The active listing inventory increased 21.6% from May to June, from 1,840 units to 2,237 units. Compared with June 2021 (1,297), inventory is up 72.5%. Moreover, the months of inventory increased from 1.4 months to 1.7 months. Median days on market increased from 7 to 8 and average days on market increased from 13 to 14.
So what’s causing this cooldown? For starters, mortgage rates have played an instrumental role — they nearly doubled in the first half of the year, reaching almost 6% in June. That caused the monthly mortgage payment for a typical homebuyer to surge 45% year-over-year to $2,459 in June and priced many buyers out of the market — therefore, increasing inventory and days on market.
However, we are now seeing mortgage rates fall close to 5%. The recent drop in mortgage rates from the June peak cuts about $400 a month from the monthly mortgage payment of a homebuyer looking at purchasing the median-priced home of $417,000. This opens the door for millions of homebuyers who were once priced out when mortgage rates soared in the first months of the year and are now able to get back into the game.
This recent drop in rates, coupled with increased inventory and a spike in average days on market should give buyers more leverage in the home buying process. 

 

Fall may seem a long ways away, but with the kids back to school, September 22nd will be here before we know it! If you’re thinking about doing a bit of re-decorating to get your home ready for the new season, now is a great time to find on-trend items that will create a comforting space and help you fall for your home all over again. Here are some of this year’s most anticipated fall decor trends.

Earth Tones: Earth tones are making a big comeback this year and for good reason. “The ‘color of the year’ selections correlate with where we are as a society,” Ginger Curtis, owner and principal designer at Urbanology Designs, says. “People need healing spaces that are restorative and calming.” She expects these earthy greens to be paired with other nature-inspired colors—like sky blues, warm browns, and soft grays.

 

The great thing about this trend is that earth tones pair well with almost every style of decor. If your home already has warmer hues and neutrals, you can easily add a touch of fall by layering in some richer accent colors like this warm-toned pillow arrangement or these amber glass vases from Crate & Barrel. You can also create a cozier space in your living room or bedroom by adding these cotton waffle throws that are now on sale at West Elm.

Natural Wood: Incorporating natural wood and warm wood tones is another great way to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for fall — and experts agree. “Manufacturers have developed a happy medium between ultra-dark furniture and super washed-out gray tones,” Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal designer at Bartone Interiors says. Warm, medium-tone woods are already popular in flooring, but she says we should see more “lightly stained wood oak” furniture and décor in the coming year. And Mary Beth Christopher, principal designer at MBC Interior Design, agrees. “I’m very ready to say goodbye to overly bleached-out wood,” she says. “We are nesting right now. We need comfort, coziness, and warmth.”
However, don’t panic if you have gray-toned wood flooring or other elements in your home. You can still easily incorporate warmer wood tones through furniture like this reclaimed coffee table from West Elm, or these gorgeous dining room chairs from Wayfair. Free-floating storage shelves are another budget-friendly way to instantly add warmth to your kitchen or living room.

Cozy Textures: Bring on the cozy textures – think chunky cotton, wool throws, and luscious velvet accents to instantly elevate your space and add an element of warmth. “If it’s not comfortable, forget it,” Caroline Brackett, owner and principal designer at Caroline Brackett Studio of Design, says. “For textures, that means anything furry, nubby, or cozy.” And Kim Gordon, principal designer at Kim Gordon Designs, agrees. “We’re going to see a huge wave of shapely, soft upholstered pieces that are slung lower to the ground,” she says. “This is all about letting your home envelop you.”

 

Not sure where to start? Make your home irresistibly cozy with these faux fur throws or these gorgeous knit pillows.

Candles: While they aren’t technically a trend, nothing screams fall like candles. Not only will a candle bring that warm and inviting feeling into your home – but it also serves as a signature fall staple piece that instantly infuses the home with comforting scents. Place these gorgeous votives on the fireplace, entryway, table, or outdoor patio to illuminate your home and add a touch of elegance. On a budget? You can stock up on signature fall scents here.

Mix Vintage & Modern: Traditional touches and antique accents are coming back in a big way — and Mary Beth Christopher, principal designer at MBC Interior Design, agrees.  “Here in California, the T-word (traditional) has been banished. But, traditional design is coming out of the woodwork in a new way.” She also notes that people are gravitating toward “pieces that have richness and history”— like ornate mirrors, velvet chairs, and fringe-lined couches. But that doesn’t mean getting rid of your modern pieces. “Mixing and matching current furniture pieces with family heirlooms or antiques helps to keep the room feeling timeless,” adds Mary Maloney, owner and interior designer at Bee’s Knees Interior Design.

 

If you’d like to add a few vintage pieces to your home, start with a vintage rug, velvet chair, or timeless mirror.