May 21, 2009

Vacaville Fiesta Days

Posted to Events & Activities, Lifestyle, Pam Marshall

Memorial Day is almost here and with that starts Vacaville’s Fiesta Days!

I am sure if you are not local – you are wondering, just like I did when first arriving in Vacaville, what are Fiesta Days? I checked out the meaning in the dictionary and the word is derived from Spanish meaning a saint’s day celebrated in Spain and Latin America with processions and dances.

Fiesta Days was originally created in July 1957, first named Western Fiesta. It was a week that was more tuned into cowboy roundups and rodeos along with lots of square dancing. This was the year that most of the events such as the Parade and Queen contest started. They had a grand barbeque in Andrew’s Park and on Sunday the first Whiskerino Contest started. A challenge was given to all the men in Vacaville to grow a beard! If you were beardless you were made a “jailbird”.

Fiesta Days has progressed significantly since 1957. It is now a week long celebration starting on Monday going all the way through Sunday. It begins with opening ceremonies and then a kick-off barbeque. The Grand Marshall is then introduced. This year’s 2009 Grand Marshall is Garland Porter.

As the week progresses there are numerous pageantries including Little Miss Vacaville, Mr. Fiesta King, Miss Vacaville, Mrs. Vacaville, Mrs Solano County and Miss Teen Vacaville.

Thursday starts the golf tournament at Green Tree Golf Club. This is the day the kids really get excited about since the Carnival opens. There are lots of rides, games, live bands and of course great food. Oh, and don’t forget about the arts and crafts.

Saturday, May 23rd at 10AM starts the big parade! Watch for Kappel & Kappel agents and their children or grandchildren. They will have visors and fans to give away.

The activities continue through Sunday. I have just highlighted on some of the activities but check it out on www.fiestadays.com to get all the times and details.

Posted by:Pam Marshall



May 19, 2009

What I love about Downtown Vacaville

Posted to Area Attractions, Pam Marshall

I came to work at Kappel & Kappel Realtors in Vacaville on February 1st, 2008 as the new Relocation and Client Services Director, after Sandy Jenkins decided to try her hand at retirement after 28 years. Since I live in Contra Costa County, I was a little concerned about working in a smaller town. You know how people say the unknown is always a little scary?. Well, as my husband says, “let’s not worry about the sun not coming up tomorrow.” I hate it when he’s right.

This is one of the most delightful towns ever. We have a quaint downtown area where people actually speak to you - yes, even strangers. The shopkeepers get to know you by name. There is a small bakery/sandwich shop on Main Street right across from my office, named Pure Grain Bakery. I had called in the same Panini sandwich order several times and after I gave them the information for the sandwich, they said, “Is this Pam?” Wow, I was flabbergasted!

The City of Vacaville has built a town square in the middle of downtown right on Main Street. While visiting Poland, Vacaville Mayor, Len Augustine was impressed with the European style of the town squares where people gather to get information and socialize. Plans were soon started for the one we have right here in Vacaville.

Vacaville’s town square hosts live music from local musicians from 5/13 – 9/30 every Wed starting at 11:30 AM- 1PM. Check out the downtown activity for other fun events such as Friday nights Creek Walk concert series. The website is www.downtownvacaille.com.

Look for my next blog on the 2nd Annual International Chili Society Cook-off to be held downtown August 15th. Where? In the town square – where else?

If you know anyone that needs help relocating anywhere in the world, call us here at 1-800-459-7356. Due to Kappel & Kappel’s affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World with over 700 firms and 5,000 offices we can help your family and friends not only locally but also globally.

Posted By: Pam Marshall



May 09, 2009

Tour De Cure Bike Ride in the Country

Posted to Events & Activities

Tour de Cure is a great event! If you enjoy bike riding you would love this ride that benefits the American Diabetes Association! Tour de Cure is a series of fund raising cycling events held in 40 states. (The next one is in Palo Alta on June 14th) It’s a ride not a race and you can pick a route from 10-100 miles. For more information go to www.tour.diabetes.org.

I just finished riding the 25 mile tour on Sunday, May 3 in the beautiful Yountville area. It was spectacular, even in the rain! I rode with Team Gold’s Gym Vacaville and it was a really fun day. The scenery was amazing! (Reminds me of the Vacaville countryside). I live in the country in Vacaville and spent most of my outdoor practice time riding along beautiful Gibson Canyon, Timm Road, Peaceful Glen and English Hills. It is really peaceful out there and Vacaville is such a nice place to live and raise a family. I couldn’t help noticing the “for sale” signs on some beautiful properties. So I decided to look them up to pass along to you - enjoy the pictures!



If you have ever considered leaving the hustle & bustle of a city lifestyle, now is a great time. Properties in the country are very affordable. Give me a call (707)365-8242, or check out my website. I would love to answer your questions about Vacaville or buying a home in the country!

Posted By: Dawn Wagner



May 09, 2009

Buying a NEW Home in Solano, CA

Posted to

Homes are like people…all different sizes, shapes, ages and colors. And buyers? Much the same. But one thing I generally find in all buyers at one time or another weigh whether to buy a new home or a resale home.

What’s the appeal of a new home? I think for me it’s always been owning something that no one else ever lived in, never having to correct their mistakes, or adjust it to my own style. Like a fresh piece of canvas to paint.

What’s the reality of a new home? For many it’s the fulfillment of that dream. But for those who don’t know what to expect it can be the opposite.

I tell my potential new home buyers that we need to weigh the differences between new and resale, then make the decision. Here are some of the things I tell them to consider:

  • ALWAYS take your Realtor with you on your first visit to a new subdivision. I typically really like the sales agents at the new homes, but I always remember that they do NOT represent the buyers…ever!


  • Walk through the model homes with your Realtor. I point out the good, the bad, and the UPGRADES! What you see is not necessarily what you get! Sometimes it takes a trained eye to go through and point that out. Doors are removed in most models…and wow, does that make the room look huge! Beds are shortened, or are double or twin sized. No headboards. Minimum furniture. Most of us do not live like that; you need to picture the room with your own furniture.


  • Anticipate the cost of upgrades to the property. What do I suggest? First and foremost, upgrade your carpet and your pad! Then move on to the other, more cosmetic items. My last new home was a dream for me…truly an empty canvas! I added granite slabs, 16X16 floor tiles, and much, much more. But I paid for every bit of it upfront, knowing that if I did not do it prior to the move it would never get done. But I have a contractor neighbor who paid for NO upgrades, and simply redid the house at his own cost and labor. And he saved a bundle!


  • Check out the lot your home will be built upon. Walk it! Ask what will be next door, behind, anywhere your lot is visible from! You may find that your beautiful single story may be bordered by 4-5 two story homes with tons of windows looking down on you. If that isn’t your desire, then don’t buy it! I was shocked one time to find that the lot I bought was graded after I bought it, and we ended up with a huge berm in the backyard. Boy, did that change my landscaping plans!


  • What additional fees are there? Can you negotiate price? Your Realtor is the right person to ask. I’ve negotiated prices that benefited my clients tremendously—and they were going to offer the “list” price! Is there an HOA? Common areas? Are there special assessments such as Mello-Roos or Community Facility Districts? If so, get the figures up front!


  • Remember the things that you may take for granted with a resale home: window coverings and landscaping. In a new home you are literally starting from scratch. In Vacaville we’re lucky enough to have a City requiring that the developer put in front yard landscaping and a minimum of 1 tree. But your back yard is typically graded and perhaps drainage is in, but that is it. The confines of your fencing is definitely an area you need to consider…especially if you have kids or pets! The winter mud may be more than you bargained for!


  • Are you okay with living in an area of immature landscaping and an unknown mix of neighbors? With resale you are pretty well able to take a look ahead of time. With new homes you’re sailing into uncharted territory. In Vacaville I rarely see huge problems, but it truly is something to consider.

A new home can be everything you dream of…or everything you fear. The key is going in with your eyes wide open, your Realtor at your side, and looking at everything! You wouldn’t buy a new car impulsively, don’t make that mistake with your home!

And if you’re looking for a new home—or a resale home!—in Solano County, check out my website at KathleenRamos.com! I’m ready to help!

Posted By: Kathleen Ramos