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Ten million Americans lost their jobs over the last two weeks. The next announced unemployment rate on May 8th is expected to be in the double digits. Because the health crisis brought the economy to a screeching halt, many are feeling a personal financial crisis. James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, explained that the government is trying to find ways to assist those who have lost their jobs and the companies which were forced to close (think: your neighborhood restaurant). In a recent interview he said: “This is a planned, organized partial shutdown of the…

The last few weeks and months have caused a major health crisis throughout the world, leading to a pause in the U.S. economy as businesses and consumers work to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The rapid spread of the virus has been compared to prior pandemics and outbreaks not seen in many years. It also has consumers remembering the economic slowdown of 2008 that was caused by a housing crash. This economic slowdown, however, is very different from 2008. One thing the experts are saying is that while we’ll see a swift decline in economic activity in the second…

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home. We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that…

The angst caused by the coronavirus has most people on edge regarding both their health and financial situations. It’s at times like these when we want exact information about anything we’re doing – even the correct protocol for grocery shopping. That information brings knowledge, and this gives us a sense of relief and comfort. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home today, the same need for information is very real. But, because it’s such a big step in our lives, that desire for clear information is even greater in the home buying or selling process. Given the current…

Some Highlights: Don’t put your homeownership plans on hold just because you’re stuck inside. There are several things you can do right now to keep your home search moving forward. Connect with an agent, learn about resource programs for things like down payments, and get pre-approved today. Chrysti TovaniChrysti Tovani is a REALTOR® based in Fair Oaks, CA, serving the greater Sacramento area—including Orangevale, Carmichael, and nearby neighborhoods. She’s also a multimedia journalist and founder of I Love Fair Oaks, a local media platform spotlighting the people, places, and businesses that make Fair Oaks feel like home. With a background…

With the housing crash of 2006-2008 still visible in the rear-view mirror, many are concerned the current correction in the stock market is a sign that home values are also about to tumble. What’s taking place today, however, is nothing like what happened the last time. The S&P 500 did fall by over fifty percent from October 2007 to March 2009, and home values did depreciate in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – but that was because that economic slowdown was mainly caused by a collapsing real estate market and a meltdown in the mortgage market. This time, the stock market…

When you put your home up for sale, one of the best ways to determine the asking price is to look at comparable sales. There’s rarely a perfect apples-to-apples comparison, so a pricing decision often relies on comparisons to several recent sales in the area. Here are five criteria to look for in a sales comparison. Location: Homes in the same neighborhood typically follow the same market trends. Comparing your home to another in the same neighborhood is a good start, but comparing it to homes on the same street or block is even better. Date of sale: It varies…

Have a great holiday! Chrysti TovaniChrysti Tovani is a REALTOR® based in Fair Oaks, CA, serving the greater Sacramento area—including Orangevale, Carmichael, and nearby neighborhoods. She’s also a multimedia journalist and founder of I Love Fair Oaks, a local media platform spotlighting the people, places, and businesses that make Fair Oaks feel like home. With a background in real estate, mortgages, and marketing, Chrysti helps clients move through life’s transitions with strategy, empathy, and confidence. Serving Fair Oaks, Sacramento, Placer & El Dorado Counties 916-320-2663 | c@chrystitovani.com DRE# 01118449 | Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International Realty Seller’s Playbook: https://stan.store/chrystitovani/ Schedule a…

I love love love taking portaits of people. I have some beautiful images of people I don’t know. It’s sad to have captured moments that I know they would enjoy. I wish I could hand a business card to everyone I take a photo of on the street or at events. They would probably think I’m a weirdo. Just like the image above, there were two girls celebrating the lighting of the Christmas tree in Fair Oaks Village a few years ago. The lighting was gorgeous! There was confetti or fake snow in the air. I was in the middle…

Have you ever cruised on the Sacramento River at night? It’s a different experience seeing the lights on the water than viewing them from the dock. When you’re in the middle of the water, it’s brighter and more prominent. Magnificent! My friend, Julie Gallaher, invited us to join her on a private river cruise aboard the Rivercity Queen. I brought my son, Michael, as my plus one. I love an opportunity to spend quality time and make memories with him. We started at the golden hour. That’s the time before sunset when the lighting is perfect for taking portraits. There…

Just because your kids grow up doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them on Halloween. After they get beyond the early adult stage and into their twenties, they enjoy spending time with you again.  I had tickets for the Sacramento Rivertrain Ghosts and Ghouls Beer and Wine Bash for Friday night and invited my son to join me. There were young and older adults attending. Most in costumes for the Halloween theme. Who doesn’t like tasting beer and wine? We took a Lyft to and from so that we could indulge safely. When we arrived, there was an envelope…