A+ Real Estate Facts
Some Highlights:
- Hiring a Real Estate Professional to buy your dream home, or sell your current house is one of the most ‘educated’ decisions you can make!
- A Real Estate Professional has the experience needed to help you through the entire process.
- Make sure that you hire someone who knows current market conditions & can simply & effectively explain them to you & your family!
ART on Tap @ RAM
The Riverside Art Museum (RAM) is hosting a creative and exciting fundraiser next Saturday, August 8th at the museum. Art on Tap: Late Night Arts Bash for Arts Education is an evening of beer tasting and art sampling where you’ll be able to view and/or participate in demonstrations from numerous artists and enjoy fun brews, food, and music. More importantly though, this event helps to raise funds for RAM’s extensive mission to “engage, inspire, and build community through the arts”.
As we face more and more cuts to arts programs in our schools, supplemental programs have an even greater importance in getting art into the lives of our youth. The RAM Art Education program reaches over 10,000 youths through school and museum based programs. These include programs such as First Sundays, Art-To-Go, Museum Tours, and Art Education Classes & Workshops. The programs do not happen for free, art supplies are not falling from the sky. The museum needs funds for the programs to continue and to grow. It is important because exposure to art is important. To quote the museum’s website,
“Exposure to art can have profound influence on a young person’s life. Beyond what art teaches, like respect for diverse viewpoints, courage to experiment, and problem-solving skills, some of the greatest rewards come from the intrinsic value of art and the personal joy one experiences through the creative process.”
Join the Ransom-McKenzie Team, (the Artists Disguised as Realtors), as we support arts education and enjoy some late night art fun too! The event is on Saturday, August 8th from 9pm – 1am… (We know it’s late, but it will be fun!) All three floors of RAM will be filled with interactive and collaborative art stations, music, food, and beer from breweries like Hangar 24 and Wicks Brewing Co.
Paint with Greg Adamson, doodle or color with Rina Gonzales, try art journaling or printmaking with Laura Ryan, get creative with some fun Weathered Feather projects with Jill Rowden, relax with some creative doodling/coloring for adults with Rina Gonzales, get a henna tattoo by Jenny Montenegro, learn about nuno felting with Charlotte Ransom McKenzie, and more! Yes, you read that correctly, Charlotte will be one of the artists demonstrating the art at this event. We hope you’ll come see what we’re up to and support arts education at RAM. Tickets are only $20, and that includes a free brew! Click here to get your tickets today! Then come visit Charlotte as she felts the night away.
High Foot Traffic = Hot Home Sales
Getting traffic through your home when it is for sale is always a key component to getting the home sold. Foot Traffic is also an indicator used to predict the strength of the real estate market. Guess what? This summer is proving to be a hot real estate season.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) publishes a monthly “Foot Traffic Report“, (yes, there is such a thing), which tracks traffic through homes on the market. This tracking is done through the electronic locks that Realtors use to access keys to show homes. It represents the number of homes that have been shown by a realtor. Looking at the graph below it is apparent that there is a strong uptick in the number of showings just in the last 2-3 months.
People always talk about the “spring buying season” when they talk real estate. However, this year it appears as though the summer real estate market will be just as hot. NAR’s most recent “Foot Traffic Report” revealed that there are more buyers out looking at homes right now than at any other time in the last two years including the past two springs (in orange below). Remember, this is just Relator showings, it does not include other traffic such as open houses, which have also been very busy as well recently.
The Foot Traffic Report is compiled from data on the number of properties shown by Realtors. NAR further explains:
“Foot traffic has a strong correlation with future contracts and home sales, so it can be viewed as a peek ahead at sales trends two to three months into the future.”
We can see that the number of prospective purchasers out looking at homes has been greater each month this year compared to the same month in 2014. And, though foot traffic fell off last June as compared to May, this year it has increased nicely.
The bottom line is that the housing market will remain strong throughout the summer and into the fall, making for one of the best years in real estate over the last decade. If you’re on the fence as to whether or not you want to list your home, give the Ransom-McKenzie Team a call. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss the market in Riverside and assist you with your Real Estate needs.
Home Inventory Logic
If you are one of the many homeowners out there who are debating putting their house on the market this year, don’t miss out on the great opportunity you have right now!
The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR), reveals that the inventory of homes for sale has dropped to a 5.1-month supply. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a ‘normal’ market, as explained below:
There are more buyers that are ready, willing and able to buy now, than there has been in years! The supply of homes for sale is not keeping up with the demand of these buyers. We are experiencing this shortage of inventory in Riverside as well. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, the most recent numbers available show that solid sales gains are being seen for May 2015 figures. However, he also noted that:
“Overall supply still remains tight, homes are selling fast and price growth in many markets continues to teeter at or near double-digit appreciation. Without solid gains in new home construction, prices will likely stay elevated — even with higher mortgage rates above 4 percent.”
With the average number of days on the market at less than a month, right now is an excellent time to list your home. Our inventory in Riverside is below the 5 month mark so we are most definitely in a seller’s market. Listing your home now will give you the most exposure to buyers who will be competing against each other to buy your home.
Call the Ransom-McKenzie Team today to help you navigate through the process of selling or buying your home. We have the experience you’ll need to make the process as stress free as possible.
Save the Date Riverside!
As we look at more sustainable ways of living, the idea of solar energy becomes more enticing every day. But, solar technology is changing rapidly. How do we know what is the best option for us in our homes, or for our businesses?
One way to learn more is to attend UCR’s second conference on solar energy. Opportunities for Solar: Ways Forward for Inland Southern California on September 30, 2015.
This conference is a collaborative effort put together by the Center for Environmental Research & Technology: CE-CERT EVENTS, Bourns College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research and Technology, the Center for Sustainable Suburban Development, and the Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy.
This conference is designed to inform attendees of the importance of solar energy and to discuss the latest technology, public policy & regulations, economic impacts, and opportunities for incorporating solar energy into our daily lives in the Inland Southern California region. The Directors of CE-CERT state in a letter on the conference website that,
We believe solar energy can play a significant role in the region’s future, not only because of the abundance of sunlight afforded to the region and its potential as another source of efficient and cost effective energy, but as an integral contributor to Inland Southern California’s employment base.
The Inland Empire, and specifically the City of Riverside, is home to a number of solar industry leaders and innovators who will be participating in this conference. Registration for the conference starts soon. Early bird registrants will pay $50 to attend the all day conference. For more information regarding registration, speakers & sponsors, or to participate in the conference, visit the CE-CERT webpage.
Summer Explorations: SART
In the Inland Empire we are fortunate to have one of the best kept secrets flowing right through our entire region. The Santa Anna River Trail (SART).
The Santa Ana River starts in the San Bernardino Mountains and runs for 100 miles all the way to the coast at Huntington 
Beach. Trails along the river which merge together to create the SART system meander down through Redlands, Riverside, Corona and multiple locations in Orange County as it heads out to the Pacific Ocean.
The trails feature bikeways, paths for walking and equestrian riding. There are places to stop and 
enjoy nature, views, and even a few local historic sites all along the trail and bikeway. Some of the parks that you’ll pass as you travel the trail include Riverside’s Fairmount Park, Carlson Dog Park, and Martha McLean/Anza Narrows park. You’ll also pass right by the Hidden Valley Wildlife area where you can stop and catch spectacular views looking out over the river bottom towards Mount Baldy. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see a few red shoulder hawks riding the thermals above the river.
Thanks to the recent efforts of the SART Trust, awareness of this urban oasis has been increasing. The Trust just recently turned the reigns over to the Santa Ana River Conservancy. The conservancy brings together entities from 3 counties, 17 cities, and multiple special jurisdictions through which this contiguous trail system 
travels. Having this green, forested artery travel through and along our urban sprawl adds value to our region.
Studies have shown that open space and trails increase property values and quality of life. A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 57% of those polled would choose a home close to parks and open space over one that was not. Bottom line, green, open spaces make us healthier and happier so let’s get out and enjoy this hidden gem.
Open House Today!
We’re holding an open house at our new listing at 2940 Floral Avenue in Riverside. Join us from 1-4pm TODAY, Sunday, June 14th to see this beautiful home.
This home is located in a secluded neighborhood surrounded by nature & Box Springs Mountains views and yet you’re close to UCR, shopping, freeways, downtown and more. As you enter the home you’ll notice the warm hardwood flooring in the living and dining rooms. The open feel of the floor plan allows for great entertainment options.
This view of the entry from the dining room shows the open floor plan.
In the tiled-floor kitchen/great room area you can appreciate the views of the landscaped back yard & mountains beyond. The south wing of the home is part of the original floor plan featuring a bedroom large enough for two full size beds, a hallway bathroom, and the master suite (expanded and updated in the 90’s). The master bedroom has sliding door to the back deck, perfect for nightcaps under the stars before bed. The master bath has been updated with a lovely tile shower.
This is the view from the master bedroom sliding doors.
The North wing, beyond the spacious family room, has two more bedrooms (one being used as office) & the second bath. These rooms are part of the 1991addition and upgrade. They feature hardwood floors & vaulted ceilings.
The kitchen eating area opens out to the lovely back yard.
Vaulted Ceilings & recessed lighting
Energy efficient features of the home include dual pane windows, a whole house fan, & newer A/C units. The yard has abundant fruit trees, flowering plants attracting birds & butterflies, & views of the mountains.
The spacious back yard deck
The back yard rose garden. There are also multiple citrus & fruit trees.
The large cactus garden has numerous, mature specimen plants. A rose garden & wildflower garden add color. Close to UCR & the trails of the mountains for hiking. Easy access to freeways and shopping.
Top by today to see this home, or check out our listing online for more information at http://mrmlsmatrix.com/matrix/shared/J4bnKx8SYsFd/2940FLORALAvenue
Riverside REP’s Pirates of Penzance
Riverside Repertory Theater continues its reputation of producing new and innovative approa
ches to musical theater with the hilarious tale of pirates, policemen, a major-general and his daughters. Gilbert and Sullivan’s hopeful farce, Pirates of Penzance, plays weekends until June 14th at the Box Theater in the Fox Entertainment Plaza, in downtown Riverside.
Every show that we have been to see this season with Riverside REP has been an incredibly fabulous production. They truly are meeting their goal of bringing “daring, innovative and high quality professional musicals that entertain, educate and enrich” to Riverside. This final production of the 2014-15 season will not disappoint.
When Connie was at Reed College, (years ago!) the theater group there would perform a Gilbert & Sullivan musical every year. She always loved participating in these fun, comedic productions. We can’t wait to see what original twist Riverside Repertory Theater will put on this production. Charlotte & Connie are going tonight- we can’t wait to see this show! If you’re not familiar with Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, here is a synopsis of the plot with some information from the Riverside Repertory’s press release:
Pirates of Penzance follows young Frederic, an orphan who has mistakenly been apprenticed to an ineffectual but raucous band of pirates. He disavows the pirates’ way of life and falls for the beautiful Mabel. When the Pirate King discovers Mabel’s father, General Stanley, has lied about being an orphan to keep the pirates from carrying off his bevy of beautiful daughters, an “ingenious paradox” may prevent the budding romance and lead to the death of “The very model of a modern Major-General.” In a fresh new staging by Riverside Rep, director John Blondell highlights the wonderful music of Sir Arthur Sullivan, the quixotic book and lyrics of W. S. Gilbert, and the intoxicating performance abilities of a multi-talented cast. “Audiences were thrilled with the Rep’s 2014 innovative approach to Fiddler on the Roof and this production will add a similar ground-breaking slant on the classic musical, ” says Rep Artistic Director Matt Neves.
The talented ensemble cast is led by Rep veterans Nicholas Sloan, as Frederic, who was last seen as Riff in the acclaimed production of West Side Story, and Michaelia Wade, as Mabel, who performed in the Rep’s La Cage Aux Folles and Fiddler on the Roof. Matt Dallal (Action in WSS) will portray the Pirate King and Travis Rhett Wilson plays the police sergeant, following up his award winning performance in the Rep’s Assassins. New to the Rep, Inland Empire locals, Jamie Snyder and Sarah Horn, will bring to life Major-General Stanley and Ruth, respectively.
Pirates of Penzance performs until June 14th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
Tickets can be purchased at www.riversiderep.org
or by calling 909-228-0046
Student rush tickets are available for $20 at the door.
Open House Saturday
Join us Saturday, June 6th for our Open House from Noon till 2:00 pm at 1260 San Cristobal Drive where you’ll experience tasteful updates and incredible views.
The many updates include state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, refinished kitchen cabinetry with new hardware, recessed lighting, granite counters, tile flooring, upgraded window coverings, renovated bathrooms, and newer HVAC systems.
Updated kitchen
This Hicks Bedreaun built family home features a unique, open floor plan where one of the first things you will notice are the stunning views from nearly every room facing the back side of the lot. The entry is at ground level & leads to a downstairs bed/bath suite as well as the open family room with sliding doors going to the back yard.
The Family Room Looks Up to Kitchen Area
The next level includes the living room, dining room, and kitchen, with access to the yard from both the kitchen and the living room. Also in the living room is the fireplace and wonderful vaulted ceilings where you can view the upper floors.
The Living Room & Fireplace
Upstairs are four more bedrooms, including the large master suite. The upstairs “hallway” is more like a balcony looking down over the living & dining rooms. In the master bedrooms there is also a sliding door that goes to the front balcony. Add to all of this a three car garage with plenty of storage & indoor laundry and you’ve got your dream home.
Beautiful Back Yard Deck & Patio
On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday. If you can’t make it on Saturday, give us a call for a private showing. For more pictures and details click here.
If You’re Thinking of Selling, Now’s the Time
If you thought about selling your house this year, now may be the time to do it. The inventory of homes for sale is well below historic norms and buyer demand is skyrocketing.
Your Dream Home Awaits
We were still in high school when we learned the concept of supply and demand: the best time to sell something is when supply of that item is low and demand for that item is high. That defines today’s real estate market. Jonathan Smoke, the chief economist of realtor.com, in a recent article revealed:
“Our preliminary review of April activity on realtor.com shows that traffic, searches, and listing views are up more than 35% over last year. With 3 million jobs created and close to 1.5 million new households formed in the past 12 months, many more people want a new home of their own, and they want it bad. Their patience will be tested with tight supply—indeed, the No. 1 impediment of active shoppers in April was not being able to find a home that meets their needs.”
In this type of market, a seller may hold a major negotiating advantage when it comes to price and other aspects of the real estate transaction including the inspection, appraisal and financing contingencies.
Bottom Line
As a potential seller, you are in the driver’s seat right now. It might be time to hit the gas.
The Ransom-McKenzie Team 