If you enjoy art, history, culture and wildlife you can get your fill of it when twenty-four (24) museums in the greater Sacramento area offer free admission on Saturday, February 4, 2006.  Sacramento's Eighth Annual Sacramento Museum Day is presented by the Sacramento Association of Museums and includes the Sacramento Zoo as well.  This event is supported by Starbucks Coffee Company, Sacramento & Company on News 10, Capitol Public Radio and KVIE Public Television.

Sacramento Museum Day takes place this coming Saturday, February 4, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (all participating museums close at 5 p.m.). Free shuttle buses will serve many of the participating museums (all routes begin/end/transfer at the California Museum of History, Women & the Arts, which can be accessed via Regional Transit Light Rail – Archives Plaza station).

Detailed information about participating museums, suggested parking, maps and shuttle routes is available online at sacmuseums.org, or by contacting the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau at (916) 808-7777.

This is a great opportunity to see many of the wonderful museums that Sacramento has to offer. 

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles there are currently over 2.5 million California drivers over the age of 70 and 5.5 million over the age of 55.  To put that in perspective there are more senior drivers in CA than there are residents in Oregon and Nevada combined!  

Now the good news.  Because our friends at the California DMV want to help seniors maintain their independence and safety as long as possible they now offer many of their services online and have created a special web page just for senior drivers.  Check out the details at DMV Seniors.

We all know how important it is to "plan for retirement."  Unfortunately planning alone won't do any good.  Those of us with 20-30 or more years of work ahead of us need to work the plan to get the results we want.

Each year when I begin preparing my tax information I do a thorough review and assess how my plan is coming along.  This past year has been fairly good...previous years not always so.

Our friends in the federal government have some tips on retirement planning.  Heck, you and I have paid for this "free" advice by way of our federal income taxes so we might as well take advantage of it. 

While I was surfing the web I found great information just for Seniors at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) web page.  Check out the recent article entitled FDIC Financial Education for Senior Citizens at FDIC: Money Smart News.  They even have a special packet available that includes tips on how to make your money last!  

In addition, the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) provides many FREE publications.  Check out some terrific information specifically for Seniors at their website FCIC.  Articles includes articles such as: Senior Savvy Health Kit, Financial Fitness for Older Americans, and much more.

So, how is your plan coming along?  Are you working your retirement plan?

Can you tell in this photo if the sun is rising or setting on the new home industry?  Well, this is certainly no big surprise for anyone watching the economy and the housing market but the market is throttling back just a bit.  The California Building Industry Association recently sent out a news release indicating a projected slowing of new home construction in 2006. 

While the outlook is far from bleak, the reality is the CBIA is projecting 185,000 to 205,000 new home starts in 2006 which is down approximately 5% to 10% from the record numbers of homes constructed during 2004 and 2005.  All in all, I would say the sun isn't setting on the robust new home market.  In fact, the sun may be shining even more brightly on buyers because they may find builders willing to negotiate great deals to keep their inventory moving.

What are your thoughts?  What would you be looking for in a newly constructed home?  Please share your comments by clicking below. 

Coach Don Haskins played by Josh Lucas      

                      Team at the NCAA Championships

I have never been paid to report on movies, entertainment or anything for that matter.  I do, as those who know me, watch films critically.  Last night I saw Glory Road and was moved by the film.  Why would a vertically challenged middle-aged guy like me enjoy a film about basketball players.  The answer is simple - this film is about much more than sport.  It is about character.

I look for films with great stories and with characters who exhibit passion.  For me, Glory Road is one of those.  This film is about life or more accurately life in a turbulent racial time in our nation's history.  A time when it was it was unthinkable to take risks as Coach Don Haskins did in bringing young black youths from the northen inner cities to play in the then segregrated south. Giving young men - black and white - a chance to work, live and learn together from one another. 

This film demonstrates the trials they endured on and off the courts.  It is fast paced and doesn't dribble along.  Most possibly due to being a Jerry Bruckheimer production.  Not only does Mr. Bruckheimer seem to have the Midas touch with entertainment his films are always action oriented.  What makes this different is the action in the games is a complementary analogy of the action taking place at that time in history in the Courts, in Congress and across the south.   

Whether in reality Coach Haskins was a great socially enlightened individual or like many throughout history was just at the right place at the right time and took advantage of his great fortune is left to those who know the man and his players.  His motives matter little to me because even if his motive was simply just to "win" I believe he illuminated the true path to racial equality.  Success begets success.  Learning how to win requires learning how to be a winner. 

Coach Haskins taught his players how to be winners and each player went on to make a difference in their community. To me that is the sign of a winner.  Now, if the NCAA could bottle that and sell it they could afford to educate every young person in America. 

As a moviegoer and REALTOR® I give this film - SOLD  SOLD  SOLD  SOLD out of 4 sold signs!

Check out what others think about GLORY ROAD and feel free to share your comments.

With the price of energy these days I thought we could all use some reminders of how we can save some money AND help the environment at the same time.  So here's a few thoughts on how you can control your energy costs this winter. 

Thanks to the great folks at the Flex Your Power web-site for some low cost and good investment tips below to save energy.

1. Install a programmable thermostat. On cold days, set the thermostat to 68°F when you are home (health permitting) and turn it off when you are away. Lowering the temperature 3-5°F can save you 10-20% on your heating bill.
2. Install low-flow showerheads to conserve water and save 5-10% on water heating costs. Showers can account for up to 50% of your hot water usage.
3. Replace the 4 lights you use most often with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and save up to $35 a year in energy costs. 

Say, Did You Know?

• A typical California home is spending more on electricity than necessary.
• The average household could cut a third or even half of its current energy bill by switching to energy-efficient appliances, equipment and lighting, which use less energy than standard products.
• An energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) uses at least 66% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs for the same lighting level!  In the Sacramento area CFL lamps (bulbs) are available at a reduced rate at many retailers thanks to a program with SMUD.

Do your part to conserve and be sure to check out the Flex Your Power web-site for plenty of energy saving ideas and incentives and rebates for your home or business.

Californian's first mined gold in the foothills during the 18th century and are now today's Californian's are poised to mine the gold in the sky during the 21st century.  California is leading the way for cleaner, smarter, sustainable power with the newly created California Solar Initiative which was designed to create environmentally friendly electricity.  The California Solar Initiative will decrease the cost of environmentally friendly electricity.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is addressed in this ambition 10-year, $2.9 billion program was recently designed by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to promote solar development.  The initiative plans to install one million solar systems or an equivalent of 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity by the year 2017.

In a recent release by the California Public Utilities Commission, the PUC stated the California Solar Initiative is the largest solar program in the nation and will encourage builders to include solar installations in new housing developments. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on testing the performance and output of the solar systems installed, as well as program funding for affordable housing installations. 

Be sure to click on the California Solar Initiative link above for the complete news release.  For more information on the PUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

This week I have begun preparing my year end information to get ready for April 15th.  How about you?  One thing I've learned - either because of, or inspite of, my prior years of profound procrastination I am bound and determined this year to get my 1099s, mileage, retirement plan contributions, charitable, business and any other potential deductions together to be ready!  I am pleased to report that so far, so good. Progress is being made. 

Since I am still feeling in a giving mood I thought I'd share a few tax filing tips:

1. FILE EARLY and you'll get the grinding process over sooner and receive a quicker refund.
2. Get your records together BEFORE you start the filling out the forms.  Get all your W-2s and 1099s and make certain to save copies for your own records.
3. Get the RIGHT forms.  They are FREE at the IRS web-site.
4. Don't rush when you are a doing your taxes.  Be careful. Doing your taxes in a flash can cost you some cash. 
5. Double-check your math and be sure to double-check all Social Security numbers too.  These are two of the most common errors made by taxpayers and can slow down or cause even worse problems.  Getting them correct can improve chances of avoiding a fearful looking form letter while simultaneously improving your opportunity for a quicker refun.
6. Get the fastest refund by having it direct deposited.  Don't wait for a check in the mail.
7. File online and again save time.  Not only will you save time but online filing helps reduce match problems.  And again, it provides confirmation you have filed and helps speed up your refund.  68.5 million people E-filed in 2005 so get with the program and E-File!
8. Don't pull the paper bag over your face when you begin to hyperventilate with anxiety.  Instead, try the IRS web-site or calling the friendly folks at the Internal Revenue Service on their clever toll-free number 1-800-829-1040  to get the help you need.

Well, I've successfully procrastinated for about fifteen minutes now so I think I'd better get back to finding those darn receipts and making sure my mileage log is up to date.  Good luck to you!

Yesterday a group of six northern California MLSs (Metrolist Services) who announced their plan to consolidate into a single 46,000 member MLS has named the new organization the Northern California Real Estate Exchange, or NCREX for short.  The new real estate exchange is expected to facilitate the sale of over $100 billion dollars of real estate annually. NCREX also released further details regarding its near-term consolidation plan. 

"The 12 person regionalization task force chose the term 'real estate exchange' because the term 'MLS' is somewhat outmoded and means different things to different people; plus it also has historical baggage attached to it." said Gregg Larson, CEO of Clareity Consulting. "We are trying to create a brand new real estate information exchange for the next 20 years, and we wanted to start with a blank sheet of paper to design it properly." Larson added, "A fresh name helps free up people's thinking, which opens the possibility to do something truly remarkable in northern California."  

NCREX has begun its search for brokerage owners and brokerage senior executives to fill 12 of its 15 director seats. The three remaining seats are reserved for the organization's future CEO and two outside directors.  NCREX is searching for broker candidates who are business oriented, successful, and well respected industry leaders. To best represent its participants and subscribers, the directors will come from a mix of small, medium, and large size companies. "NCREX is being designed to serve its brokers, agents and other subscribers, not to be a profit center. Our goal is to create a technically competent information management and service delivery organization that is financially stable and designed to meet the challenges of tomorrow's business world. NCREX is not being designed to enrich anyone or any organization in the process." said Larson, the NCREX spokesperson.

To better serve the current and future needs of real estate professionals in northern California, the MLS participants have agreed to standardize on a single set of business rules and regulations and a common database structure. The organization will begin mapping the multiple databases into one common database format in late January. NCREX expects to have the standardized and consolidated database completed and populated by mid 2006 and available to brokers and their authorized IDX providers by Q3 2006. The multiple MLS organizations will consolidate operations and convert to the new NCREX system throughout 2007.

It is believed the regional MLS will create efficiencies for real estate brokers and agents by eliminating the need to belong to and navigate multiple MLSs and conform to multiple sets of rules and regulations.  These changes will allow brokers and agents to better serve consumers. The organizations founding NCREX are REInfolink, Contra Costa MLS, Bay East MLS, East Bay Regional Data, Central Valley MLS and the San Francisco Association of Realtors MLS. Other Northern California MLSs are invited to join NCREX. 

The idea of a state-wide MLS has been percolating recently.  This is a natural first step in that direction. However, to date the MLS associations involved are in the greater San Francisco Bay Region.  It remains to be seen if other REALTOR association located throughout Northern California - notably Sacramento, Sutter-Yuba and some of the other fastest growing areas will join with NCREX to make it a truly Northern California MLS or if it remains primarily a tool for Bay Area users. 

They say that people don't plan to fail they just fail to plan.  Well, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, or SACOG, cannot be accused of not planning.  SACOG is moving forward with the 2007 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP 2030) process.  This process will only work with robust community involvement.  Community residents are encouraged to get involved in the process by registering (follow the link here) to attend a local community MTP Workshop. 

Do your part to insure the process is well thought out and addresses the important issues for a sustainable transportation future.  Our region's future transportation needs require real, substantive alternative transportation modes.  Do your part to let the policy makers know your thoughts.  Working together with a regional plan we can develop smart growth patterns and mitigate as much future traffic congestion and its attendant pollution as possible.

Get involved!  Make a difference in our community!

The past five years the nation's real estate market has been red hot for sellers and their agents.  But just as when we overeat and don't exercise during the holidays when they are over we realize we need to regain balance in our lives.  So too, we need balance in the housing market.  Well, have no fear 2006 is here and the key word for the housing market in 2006 is balance.  

According to David Lareah, the chief economist of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, "A modest slowdown in home sales, coupled with improvements in housing inventory, means the market is in the process of normalization. That will help to bring balance between home buyers and sellers, yet sales will remain historically strong.

While REALTORS® have enjoyed the overheated market we also know the housing industry cannot sustain double-digit price increases year after year.  A cooling trend certainly will help to settle down prices and increase affordabililty.  In turn, this will benefit first-time home buyers as well as our economy by creating more homeowners. 

Home sales for 2005 are projected to finish the year at an amazing 7.1 million units.  Sales of existing-home are forecast for 2006 to slow by 4.4 percent to 6.79 million this year making it the second highest on record.  A modest slowdown from the past five years which saw consecutive annual record sales.  Similarly, new homes sales which are estimated to be a record 1.29 million in 2005 are projected to dip only slightly to 1.21 million.

Economics 101 - Supply and Demand.  Great news for home buyers.  Buyers are no longer going to be fighting over a limited supply of homes in 2006.   Bidding wars we saw in recent years are going to only fond memories for home sellers and their REALTORS®.  That means home prices generally will appreciate slower and closer to the long-term norms which is the overall rate of inflation plus one or two percentage points. Again, good new to buyers because lower price appreciation provides greater opportunities for first-time buyers yet maintains the investment advantages of home ownership for sellers.

More good news for buyers and sellers is that anticipated loan rates will increase nominally and are not projected to go above 6.7% during 2006.  Stabilizing the supply of homes, capital and demand by home buyers will return balance to the housing market and maintain affordability.  All good things for REALTORS® and all Americans. 

Prediction for 2006:  I am going out on a limb here but I believe 2006 will be another great year (near record sales) for homeownership!