Cocktail Friday: The French 75

For those of you planning to ring in 2013 at home, we bring to you a fun and sparkly cocktail to add to your drink menu.  This bubbly cocktail is both delicious and really easy.  So here’s a joyful way to toast the New Year with champagne, just a little gussied up with the French 75...

Photo & recipe courtesy of Nole Garey

The French 75

1 1/2 oz Gin
1/2 oz St. Germain
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1/4 oz Simple Syrup
Champagne or Sparkling Wine

Combine the Gin, St. Germain, lemon juice and syrup, shake with ice, and pour into a chilled cocktail glass or champagne coupe.  Top with the champagne – pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to get a great layered effect.

And with this, cheers to you and to the new year...here's hoping 2013 brings much love, health, and happiness to you all!

Merry Christmas...from my family to yours.

Merry Christmas from my little family to yours.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year.

CHEERS!

Jillian, Rick, and Baby Graham

Cocktail Friday: Blood Orange Brunch Cocktail

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that brunch is the greatest meal of all time. So how about a brunch cocktail? Not quite breakfast and not quite lunch but something sublimely in between, featuring a very easy and very tasty aperitif brunch cocktail.

Photo & Recipe courtesy of Nole Garey

St-Germain Blood Orange Brunch Cocktail

1 oz St. Germain
1oz Cocchi Americano
San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa Sparkling Juice

In a highball glass filled with ice, combine the St. Germain, Cocchi Americano, and San Pellegrino (we used the Aranciata Rossa or Blood Orange).

Give it a stir and enjoy.

Cheers...and Merry Christmas to all!

Just SOLD!

This cozy jewel in Southeast Visalia has just sold!  Congratulations to the lovely Sellers I had the pleasure of working with...and a big thank you to some fabulous past clients for referring them to me.  Now, wishing for a Christmas miracle to get this family into their new home in time for Christmas!

Downtown with JILLIAN BOS: A "Shop Local" Gift Guide

Still looking for that perfect last-minute gift? Join me for an exciting holiday round-up of the hottest Downtown Visalia shops and discover the gifts you never knew you just had to have.

Want more? Visit and connect with us at www.JILLIANBOS.com.

Merry Christmas to you!

Cocktail Friday: The Poinsettia

Today's cocktail is a festive one... Presenting "The Poinsettia".

Like a mimosa, but with cranberry juice.

1 part champagne (or prosecco)
1 part cranberry juice

Serve in a champagne flute, and garnish with something fun: cranberries, a mint leaf, or a fun cocktail stirrer...and enjoy!

Just Listed in Cobblestone

Spectacular, Mediterranean style home in gated Cobblestone Estates! This luxurious property in NW Visalia features designer-perfect house, and backyard complete with saltwater pool and spa. Chef's kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances. This custom built, Benart home features a fabulous, spacious floorplan. Master suite features large bedroom, atrium, and sitting area. Master bath boasts separate vanities, large shower, and jacuzzi tub. Wired for surround sound inside & out. Custom cabinetry, custom window frames, and 8 foot doors throughout. Laundry room has counter space, cabinets, utility sink & ironing board. Circular driveway with extra large 3 car garage with plenty of storage. This exquisite property is perfect for entertaining. Electrical designated specifically for Christmas lights, central vac, technologically advanced hot water circulation pumps, the list goes on and on...

4 bedrooms / 3.5 bathrooms / pool + spa / 3928 square feet

Listed for $875,000

Just Listed!

Magnificent, move-in ready home!  This fully loaded home has all the amenities. Chef's kitchen features large center island, and beautiful cabinetry. The open kitchen looks over the charming breakfast nook and opens up to a cozy family room with fireplace and French doors to patio area and sparkling pool. Formal living and dining rooms; formal living room also has a fireplace and lots of large windows. Jack 'n Jill bedrooms and an additional bedroom currently being used as a home office. Very special, luxurious carpet and custom closets throughout. Master suite features his and hers custom closets, a sitting area, lots of windows and a door to serene covered patio. Master bath features a jacuzzi tub, separate his and hers vanities, and expansive shower.  Surround sound inside and out, and crown moulding throughout. Sprawling backyard has large covered patio, perfect for entertaining.  Gorgeous heated pool with water features, and relaxing spa.

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2756 square feet

Listed for $410,000

Call to arrange your private showing today!

Luxury Market News

There is fabulous news for the luxury market...

This is long awaited news, incredible valuable for those who have been "waiting on the sidelines" for luxury homes sales to pick up again.  I'm happy to share that consistent with this infographic, luxury homes sales in our area have been and are on the rise.  I'm making it my mission to see that this trend continues!

6 Reasons Why Real Estate is the Best Investment...Again

This is some seriously rich information....too serious to pass up...from my colleague Brian Icenhower of "The Real Word".  Read up...enjoy...and let's chat!

Real estate has always been an attractive investment since it appreciates in value over time with the added benefit of positive monthly cash flow. Investors can buy low and sell high while making profit along the way.  This has never been more true than now as the global financial crisis that briefly shook the nation's confidence in housing has since yielded one of the most lucrative real estate investment climates in history.  There are six major contributing factors that can help explain why:

 

1.  Home Prices are Rising

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released its House Price Index which shows that year-over-year national home prices rose 4.7% from August 2011.  Home values have reached the same level as in June 2004 and are just 15.9% below the peak prices experienced in April 2007.



2.  Housing is More Affordable

Home ownership is becoming more affordable than renting at an increasing rate.  Historically low mortgage rates coupled with rising rents has now made it cheaper to own than rent in most markets.  Because the majority of home buyers make their buying decision based on the amount of the monthly mortgage payment, interest rates are an even larger factor than home prices.  

 

As an example, in 1992 a $1,500 mortgage payment would permit a buyer to purchase a $175,000 home. Yet at today's unprecedentedly low interest rates a $305,000 house would yield the same $1,500 monthly payment.  That's an astonishing 75% increase in buying power!

 

 

 



3.  Households are Growing

 

The formation of United States households is increasing home buyer demand at a rapid pace again. In the wake of the Great Recession from 2006 to 2011, a relatively low average of 570,000 households were added per year across the country.  But the year of 2012 is on pace to add over 1 million new households, which is more in line with the normal U.S. population growth rate of 1.2 million households per year.

 



4.  Less Distressed Sales

 

The inventory of foreclosures for sale in 2012 is down in most areas of the country.  As shown in the graphic below, RealtyTrac reports that forclosure starts are down 16% from the previous year and are are 55% lower than the peak levels reached in 2009.  Since foreclosed houses are typically sold below market value, foreclosure sales have kept comparable home prices artificially low in recent years.  Now most local markets have stabilized and have seen significant appreciation in values again.

 

 

5.  Rents are Rising

 

Purchasing a home is looking more affordable to owner-occupants and increasingly attractive to investors as rents continue to rise across the nation.  Rents rose 4.1% over the course of 2012 and will continue to rise at a rate of more than 4% per year through 2015 according to the National Association of Realtors and market researcherReis. 

 

According to Deutsche Bank housing analysts, the average cost to rent has traditionally been 10% lower than the cost of homeownership.  However, Deutsche Bank's research showed that by 2012 the national cost to rent was almost 15% higher than the cost of owning a home.

 



 



6.  Housing Inventory is Low

 

The amount of new homes for sale is at its lowest level in 50 years as home builders virtually halted construction over the past 3 years due to a poor economic climate.  Inventories of existing homes for sale are at a 10 year low, and are sharply down over the past year.  This scarcity of available homes has pushed buyer demand into competitive bidding situations and has significantly reduced foreclosure discounts.

 

 

History has seen very few years where housing demand has leaped so far ahead of supply like it has over the course of just one year.  Will we all refer to 2012 as the year we should've invested in real estate?  My opinion in one word..."Yes!"

SOLD!

This spectacular, designer-perfect dream home in Oak Meadow Estates is SOLD!  I know the new owners are going to have a very merry and bright first Christmas in their new home, and the lovely and talented Sellers are celebrating the next chapter in their lives.  To both the Buyers and Sellers, thank you for choosing me....it has been an absolute pleasure working with you.  Cheers!

Cheers from JILLIAN BOS: Celebrating Our Clients During The Candy Cane Lane Parade

A special thank you, to all my loyal clients, friends, and family who joined in on the festivities at Little Italy during the Candy Cane Lane Parade.  I am so grateful for your continued support and friendship.  Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy 2013...CHEERS!

Keep the season bright by visiting http://www.facebook.com/TheJillianBosRealEstateTeam

Cocktail Friday: Hot Buttered Rum

Read and mix what's below, and here’s what you’ll get: a drink that’s sweet and spicy, complex and rich that will warm you up like few other things can.  Just be warned: this drink is not for anyone on a low-fat or low-calorie diet...but that's ok.  That's what the happy holidays are for!

Photo & recipe courtesy of Nole Garey

Hot Buttered Rum

2 oz Dark Rum
4-6 oz Hot Water or Hot Apple Cider
1/4 – 1/2 oz Honey
1/2 Teaspoon Unsalted Butter*
Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Etc, to Taste

In a small sauce pan, combine the butter, honey, and water or cider.  Toss in some spices: a few whole cloves, some ground cinnamon, whatever tickles your fancy (it’s hard to praise enough the impact of freshly grated nutmeg on a drink like this).  Heat slowly until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.  Pour the pan’s contents and the rum in a mug, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and celebrate Friday!

Sale Pending!

This fabulous Bella Sera beauty is Sale Pending!  I knew she wouldn't last long...immaculate and priced to sell.  Looking for an investment opportunity like this?  I've got a few more up my sleeve....let me know!

Just Listed!

Wonderfully warm home, conveniently located near the Visalia Country Club.  This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath + loft home is a fantastic opportunity....call to arrange your private showing today!

Listed for $379,500

Christmas Party!

We are excited for our Christmas event at Little Italy tonight...yummy food, wine, hot toddys, and a fabulous view of the Candy Cane Lane Parade! Ooh, and some pretty sweet swag....friends of The JILLIAN BOS Real Estate Team are welcome!

Good Stuff: The Perfect Real Estate Storm

Really good stuff from my buddy Brian Icenhower of the hit real estate blog, "The Real Estate Word".  Read this...you won't regret it!

The Perfect Real Estate Storm - Better than the Housing Boom?

Residential homes haven't seen demand like this since 2002 - right before the great housing boom.  Except unlike the housing boom when interest rates fluctated between 6% and 7%, interest rates are now floating just above 3%, making monthly mortgage payments more affordable than any time in recent history according to the Wall Street Journal.  So are we on the brink of a housing industry perfect storm that so many real estate experts are now predicting?



Low Housing Supply

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that there were 22% less homes for sale by the end of October 2012 than there were at the same time the previous year.  Accordingly, the Winter of 2012 is witnessing the lowest number of homes available for sale in a decade.

Zillow.com similarly reports a year-over-year decline in national housing inventory of 19.4%.  The crew at Keeping Matters Current (KCM) used this Zillow data to create the useful info-graphic below to further illustrate the annual decrease in inventory experienced by 26 major metropolitan cities across the country.

High Buyer Demand

A fundamental economic prinicple dictates that when supply drops, demand is sure to rise.  True to form, October 2012 saw homes sell at an annual rate of 10.9% more than a year earlier according to NAR estimates.  With mortgage interest rates now hovering at historically low levels, a national buying frenzy has gradually ensued over the course of the year 2012.  According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, home loan applications in early November 2012 were 22% higher than the year prior.

   

A Perfect Storm for Home Sales

Decreased Supply + Increased Demand = Higher Prices.  So not surprisingly, NAR reported that the national median home price rose by 11.1% from October 2011 to October 2012.  In fact, October 2012 represented the 16th consecutive month of year-over-year increases in home sales, and the eighth consecutive month of increased median home prices.
All of the data indicates that the housing market trade winds changed direction in 2012.  So if you are looking to move it may be a good idea to make it ahead of the oncoming storm.

SOLD in Chardonnay!

SOLD in Chardonnay!  Congratulations to the Sellers, one of the nicest couples I've ever had the pleasure of working with.  They're off to the wintery midwest, and we send them our warmest wishes.  Cheers!

SOLD!

Just SOLD!  Thank you to the fine gentlemen who assigned me the task of selling their beloved Howard home.  It was a pleasure working with you!

SOLD in The Lakes

SOLD! 1434 N. Roeben Drive in The Lakes

Congrats to my wonderful Sellers on the sale of their beautiful home in the Lakes!

Looking to buy, sell, invest, or know someone who is?  Let me know...I would love to help you or someone you know.  A friend of yours is a friend of mine :-)

Happy Friday!

Jillian

Cocktail Friday: The Robert Frost

Celebrate Friday with...

The Robert Frost:

3/4 oz Bourbon
3/4 oz Dry Sherry (such as Amontillado)
3/4 oz White Port
1/4 oz Simple Syrup
1 dash Orange Bitters

Photo and recipe courtesy of Nole Garey

Cheers to a wonderful weekend, friends!

Top 'O The Morn Farms: A Farm Fresh Giveaway

Start your morning sunny side up with the help of Top 'O The Morn Farms, where fresh milk is bottled and delivered to your own front door.

Hurry to join in on an exclusive Thanksgiving giveaway of a bountiful basket courtesy of Jillian Bos and Top 'O The Morn Farms! Simply "Like" us on Facebook and comment on the video!

We'll be announcing the lucky winner on Monday...and the winner can anticipate a farm, fresh delivery just in time for Thanksgiving!

Stay tuned for more local buzz, Downtown events, and real estate news at JILLIANBOS.com.

This is how we say "Thank You"...

We are so excited to host our treasured clients and friends at what will be our 1st Annual celebration of the Candy Cane Lane Parade at Little Italy on Main Street in Downtown Visalia.

We will be celebrating with warm drinks and yummy food, and kicking off the holiday season in style.

Kids welcome...see you there!

RSVP: jillian@kw.com

Sale Pending!

This beautiful, designer-perfect home is Sale Pending... There are going to be hearts breaking now that this home is off the market!

Cocktail Friday: Caramel Apple Cider

This week's cocktail is really more of a "mocktail"....though anything can be turned into a true cocktail...

Caramel Apple Cider

2 cups apple cider
3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping
Whipped cream
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional)

*recipe yields 2 servings

In a small saucepan, stir together apple cider and caramel ice cream topping. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Remove from heat and pour into heat-proof mugs. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkling of cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick for garnish.  Serve hot, enjoy, and celebrate Friday!

Recipe and photo courtesy of A Pastry Affair

Shop Talk with JILLIAN BOS: Mortgage Made Easy

Trying to get mortgage? Discover how hassle-free the loan pre-approval process really can be with the latest Shop Talk with JILLIAN BOS: Mortgage Made Easy.

Sale Pending!

This charming home in Southeast Visalia is Sale Pending!  Lots of hearts breaking out there...this home was in high demand!

Downtown Buzz: Bravo Farms!

Get an inside look at the fun, food, and of course, great cheese, at Visalia's legendary Bravo Farms.  Conveniently located off the 99 freeway, Bravo makes a Traver worthwhile destination.  Fun for the whole family....restaurant, bar, wine tasting room, ice cream shoppe, tree house, shooting gallery, petting zoo, and so much more.  Check it out...you will not be disappointed!

Bravo Farms in Traver is located at 36005 California 99.

Stay tuned for more from www.JillianBos.com

Cocktail Friday: Autumn Maple Martini

Photo & recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

Serve a seasonal drink made with rye, Champagne, bitters, blood orange, and maple syrup...and celebrate Friday!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces applejack
• 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• A few dashes orange bitters
• About 2 ounces Champagne
• Blood-orange rind cut into strips for garnish

Combine applejack, whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker, and shake over ice. Strain into a 6-ounce martini glass, and top with Champagne. Garnish with orange rind, serve, and enjoy.  Cheers!

Stuff the Trolley!

On November 21, all are welcome to bring canned foods (anything non-perishable really) to stuff the Visalia Downtown Trolley!  All donations will go toward FoodLink's vision, "No Child Goes Hungry".  Trolley will be right in front of my office in Downtown Visalia, 400 E. Main Street.

November 21, 9:00-11:00

SOLD!

SOLD!  Congrats to my wonderful Sellers...you were an absolute pleasure to work with!  We are sad to see you leave Visalia...and hope to visit your in beautiful Colorado sometime :-)

Shop Talk with JILLIAN BOS: The Down Low On Escrow

Everything you wanted to know about the Escrow process!  Join in on an exclusive interview with Robin Davis of Main Street Escrow.

For more information about buying and selling real estate, life in Visalia, giveaways, and more, connect with us and stay tuned at www.jillianbos.com.

SOLD in Green Acres

This magical, mid-century estate in beautiful Green Acres is SOLD!  Cheers to the lucky new owners :-)