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Kappel & Kappel agents receive special Short Sale designations

2010-02-04T14:54:00Z

Last month some of our agents attended a two day seminar in Concord to obtain the official designation of “Certified Distressed Property Expert.” This designation is intended to provide the agents with the information and skills to help them accomplish Short Sales. Some of them have already distinguished themselves in the short sale arena by completing numerous successful short sales and are hopeful that the designation will drive even more customers who are “upside down” in their mortgages and need help, to their service. We also have agents that are fluent in the Spanish language and are concentrating their efforts on helping those members of the Hispanic community who need the assistance of an honest, knowledgeable Re ... Continued on the blog.

Short Sale Champs!

2010-01-29T14:50:00Z

Short Sale Statistics are out and according to the MLS records, Kappel & Kappel agents were the Short Sale Champs for N. Solano County for 2009. Kappel & Kappel successfully completed more short sale transactions than any other Real Estate Company in the entire area. Kappel & Kappel attributes their Short Sale success to the fact that they have provided training and direction to their agents who have chosen to specialize in short sales and therefore help their clients avoid foreclosure. Kappel & Kappel have specialists on site to help negotiate and monitor the short sale process. They have agents with special designations such as the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert). To what can you attribute ... Continued on the blog.

Stetsons and Stilettos at the CC Yin Ranch

2009-08-24T16:08:00Z

Saturday was a peaceful day in Vacaville, a bit cooler than the usual…a bit blustery at times. It was actually my birthday, and I couldn’t think of a nicer way to spend it than participating in a huge fundraiser to fight cancer.

Stetsons and Stilettos was held at the CC Yin Ranch—and that was worth the price of admission, alone! Driving out Pleasants Valley, then into the open gates…and along a road nestled among trees and grasses, surprisingly green for this time of year. Then into the estate, past a sparkling lake—complete with fishing poles dangling in the water!

The event started outside with drinks and finger foods being served while guests browsed through the incredibl ... Continued on the blog.

The Nut Tree: A Work In Progress...

2009-07-15T00:34:00Z

I grew up in Napa, but my parents came from Reno…and as a child we drove back and forth to Reno frequently.

One of my favorite memories is that my father would drive the whole 40 minutes from our home in Napa and stop at The Nut Tree in Vacaville and let us run around and get ice cream, wander through shops, and generally wear off energy…but best of all, he told he each time we were “half way there!”

And, ironically, he’d do the same on our return trip from Reno to Napa! As a child it didn’t seem odd to me at all that it was so fast going from Napa to The Nut Tree, but so slow getting from Reno to the same half way point!

Now that I’ve raised my children he ... Continued on the blog.

Our Nation’s Birthday Is Here!

2009-06-29T20:35:00Z

The closer it gets to the 4th of July, the more excited I get! I absolutely love fireworks and get the Goosebumps when they start! I personally don’t have to go far to watch them and have sat in the same spot for 17 years – my neighbor’s driveway. I live on a double cul-de-sac and we have 13 neighbors and their families that all get together and experience this annual tradition. They typically have extended family members with them that are visiting, be it their parents, grown children or grandchildren. Everyone drags out their lawn chairs with blankets and/or sleeping bags for the kids to lay on in the street. ... Continued on the blog.

Vacaville's Finest Fresh Fruits & Vegtables

2009-06-04T16:54:00Z

Let me tell you where the finest fruit and vegetable stands are in Vacaville. Don’t get me wrong- there are more than this, but these are my top 3 right now!! Being from the Midwest, I am accustomed to fresh ingredients when I cook, plus I am particular on who I purchase my produce from. The 3 places I want to tell you about are well established vendors of Vacaville.

My first stop was to Fred’s Cherries on Elmira Road. Every morning they drive out to Lodi or Stockton to pick up the freshest, most delicious cherries. They have been doing this for 15 years, so needless to say they are doing something right. ... Continued on the blog.

Vacaville Fiesta Days

2009-05-21T16:02:00Z

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 Whisker ... Continued on the blog.

What I love about Downtown Vacaville

2009-05-19T14:01:00Z

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 a ... Continued on the blog.

Tour De Cure Bike Ride in the Country

2009-05-09T00:56:00Z

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. Th ... Continued on the blog.

Buying a NEW Home in Solano, CA

2009-05-09T00:44:00Z

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 ... Continued on the blog.

About Solano County, CA

2009-04-30T20:01:00Z

When you are searching for a good California home—one that is sublimely close to some of the best attractions of the state—look no further than Solano County, CA. Conveniently located along Interstate 80 between the two major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and Sacramento, Solano County offers a wide range of rural and suburban lifestyles with easy access to big city amenities, such as world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. The County serves as an open door to Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and the Lake Tahoe region as well, but one of the best things about life in Solano County is that it boasts its own lon ... Continued on the blog.