Dani Fox Real Estate Team

Christmas in Central California

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‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. This year it seems everyone has been eager and ready for the holidays earlier than ever. We asked our agents to tell us a bit about some of their holiday traditions as well as fun things to do here in the Central Valley and along the central coast. Let’s dig in to what they had to say: 

Must See Lights:

  • Everyone that has lived in the Central Valley for at least a year has certainly heard about Christmas Tree Lane – a Fresno Tradition since 1920. This is at the top of our “must see” list for Christmas light lovers. This year’s event is a drive-thru event only. Click here to get all of the details. 
  • Check out Fresno Chaffee Zoo Lights with live entertainment, and miles of lights to enjoy along with the animals of course
  • Holiday Fantasy of Lights Show at the Big Fresno Fair with special walking nights December 4th & 15th. Get full details here.
  • At Robbins Ranch in Exeter, there is a free drive-through light display that we can recommend taking a trip for. 
  • Davis Family Christmas light display in Fresno is musically animated and so much fun!
  • Check out these neighborhood light displays we think are worth checking out:
    • Neighborhood off of Court St. just north of Caldwell.   Blain Park
    • Eastoak Estates on Comstock and Houston and the surrounding area
    • Candy Cane Lane at Peach & Alluvial in Clovis

Must Do Events:

  • Vossler Farms is having their first ever Christmas Season at the farm with ice skating, lights, holiday hayrides, and more. 
  • Winter Wonderland in Downtown Hanford – another opportunity for ice skating! And more festive cheer to keep you in the holiday spirit! 
  • Ford Farms Country Christmas complete with photos of Santa and the Grinch, tractor rides, petting zoo, food vendors and crafts. Plan a trip for DEcember 4th, 11th, or 18th.
  • Merced’s Santa’s Workshop on 12/15
  • Mrs. Claus and You at the The Enchanted Corner in Selma
  • Doesn’t a horse drawn carriage ride sound ridiculously festive and Hallmark Movie-esque? Check it out  in Old Town Clovis on weekends in December
  • The Cambria Christmas Market is running now thru 12/23 and is such a fun and festive way to get some holiday shopping in with local vendors. 
  • The Columbia State Historic Park has A Miner’s Christmas running December 18th and 19th that looks like it will be a fun historic look back at Christmas during the gold rush days. 
  • Take a quick trip to the coast to Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton for their Holiday Lights Train
  • Jesus is the reason for the season and the best way to celebrate Jesus is to visit The Living Nativity in Riverdale December 22nd-25th

We also asked our agents about what they like to do year after year for the holidays. They told us a few ideas we think sound fun and encourage you to try out or incorporate into your holidays this year:

Fun traditions

  • Try making a new ornament for the tree and make sure to add the year to the back so it will be like a time capsule to un-earth every year
  • Lana, our Office Manager, tells us that every year the children in her family choose gifts to donate to other children.  She said that is warms her heart to see how happy it makes them when they are choosing a gift for another child
  • Raise your hand if you are on the matching Christmas Jammies train! We are and we love seeing everyone’s photos in matching family pjs
  • Have you ever had a Secret Santa? Such a fun thing to incorporate at the office or with siblings, friends, neighbors, etc…  
  • What about the classic White Elephant gift exchange? Can be so fun to see the wacky gifts people bring and then have to take home. 
  • Like the snow? Make a trip up to Shaver Lake and have that quintessential winter magic moment with a snow angel or snowman building.

The last thing we asked our DBRE family to weigh in with was some practical tips or advice to have a joyful holiday season… read through them – we think you will notice a theme:

Tips/Advice to enjoy the season

  • Take an hour or a day to catch up with family – no phones!
  • Turn on the Christmas music on your car radio ASAP
  • Spend as much time as possible with each other around the dining table eating, in the kitchen cooking, and in the living room fellowshipping. Don’t forget to give lots of hugs!!!! 
  • Slow down and enjoy your friends and family!
  • Always dress comfy, there’s always too much good food to pass, so wear those stretchy pants 😋😋
  • Enjoy the moments with your family, be present and Jesus loves you
  • Focus on people- NOT gifts, be present
  • Hurry up and get to the closest Dutch Bros to order Darian’s fav drink from their  holiday menu. He has some expert tips to make this the best drink of your life – he says you will thank him later 😉 
    • The Caramel Pumpkin Brule
      • You’ll want to add sweetener 
      • Lite pumpkin around the cup
      • And ask them to add  4 ounces of soft top

There you have it folks… lights to see, events to attend, traditions to implement and some reminders to make this the best holiday season ever. Did we miss anything? If you have a favorite neighborhood to visit for lights, or an event that you feel like everyone needs to do – let us know! 

Kevin Blain Memorial Scholarship 2021 Recipients

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Giving back to the communities we serve and live in, is at the core of what we do and how we operate Dani Blain Real Estate. If you have been reading our blog or following along with our social media channels, you know that we work with a number of local nonprofits and charitable groups throughout the year to deliver on this mission to give. One of our most favorite opportunities for giving is with the Kevin Blain Memorial Scholarship program, where we award deserving graduating seniors scholarship monies to pursue further education or trade school. 

This year, we were excited to have expanded our scholarship program to encompass all Tulare and Visalia high schools and are excited to award students that are looking to pursue careers in the mental health field, in addition to the previous criteria of those who are well deserving based on their character, leadership, volunteerism, demonstrated heart for others, and faith in Christ. 

Kevin Blain was born and raised in Tulare. As he became an adult and worked toward a successful career, here in the Central Valley, he wanted to give back to the community that supported him during his youth. In his honor, Dani Blain Real Estate has continued his legacy of giving by working with local high schools to provide this scholarship opportunity. 

This year we had an incredible crop of young adults apply for the scholarship and our committee had a very hard time deciding who to award these nine $500 scholarships. In the end, the decisions were made and we were able to bless our recipients prior to their graduation and we could not be happier to tell you all a little bit about each of them. Without further ado, please meet this year’s Kevin Blain Scholarship recipients: 

Alekhya Rajasekaran graduated from El Diamante high school with a 4.47 GPA and has plans for a double major in Biology and Economics with the hopes of becoming a physician. Not only was Alekhya an incredibly involved student in clubs and volunteer work, she is also the CEO of her own company, Kalifornia Kisses.

Ella Reitsma graduated from Visalia Charter Independent Study High School with a 4.26 GPA and has made plans for a Optometry career and will be majoring in Biology. Ella is a true survivor and has overcome many difficulties in her life. She chose to turn them around, help others through volunteering and help take care of her younger siblings. 

Giana Hollingsworth graduated from Mount Whitney Highschool with a 4.39 GPA and is headed to a state university to study Animal Science/Livestock to pursue a career as a veterinarian. In addition to participating in numerous clubs, she was also on the  basketball and tennis teams as well as a member of the concert choir. 

Isabella Caso graduated from Mission Oaks High School with a 3.67 GPA. She is very involved with her community volunteering and serving others through school clubs, her church and United Way of Tulare County. She dreams of pursuing a career teaching music in her home county of Tulare upon graduation from California State University at Fresno where she will start in the Fall. 

Jacqueline Canchola-Martinez attended Redwood High School and graduated with a 4.54 GPA. Not only was she very active in clubs, the marching band and the soccer team, but she also founded  Students for Climate Action and was an active member in VUSD’s Equity Task Force & Civic engagement Project. She plans on studying Environmental and Political Science to go into Environmental Law and Policy. 

Jessica Amber Lytle graduated from Tulare Union High School with a 4.0 GPA with her sights set on a Liberal Arts degree to be a Speech Pathologist. She has overcome some very difficult times in her family and stayed busy throughout highschool with volunteering, clubs and sports – she was on the golf, dive, and soccer teams. 

Lilly Sear graduated from Visalia Early Technical College with a 4.14 GPA. She will be attending Humboldt State University in the fall and will study Zoology to become a Zoologist. Upon graduation she is heading to college with 42 college credits as she was dually enrolled at College of the Sequoias while she was in high school. 

Sydney Noell attended Golden West High School and 4.37 GPA and has aspirations of becoming a Chemistry teacher. She was very involved in FFA, multiple clubs, as well as a member of the swim and dive team, and the tennis team. Additionally she was an avid volunteer serving as a worship leader and Younglife Leader. 

Ty Benas graduated from Tulare Western high school with a 3.7 GPA. He plans to attend the College of Western Idaho to study Fire Science to become a firefighter/EMT. Ty actually knew Kevin through his mom, which makes receiving this scholarship extra special. He was on the swim and water polo teams and has already completed the EMT academy. 

These nine recent grads make us feel excited for the future – as they are all such impressive young people. It has been an honor to be able to bless more students this year than ever. We want to make sure that all of our readers know that our scholarship fund would not be possible without our wonderful clients that trust us with all of their Real Estate needs. Thank you for helping us keep Kevin’s legacy alive with this Memorial Scholarship Fund and helping us contribute to our future’s greatest asset – our youth. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or of course for any of your Real Estate matters. 

Summer in the Central Valley and Coast… A Little Something for Everyone

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One of the reasons Dani Blain Real Estate loves to serve the Central Valley and the Central Coast is because we have the best of California right at our fingertips. Whether you travel north, south, east or west there is truly something for everyone. Get out and explore this summer… let us help you make a plan depending on your personality or your mood.

For Families

For a day full of hands-on learning and fun, you must check out the Fresno Discovery Center. There is a great grassy park area that begs for a picnic, and you can’t miss the incredible Deutsch Cactus Garden with over 250 succulents and cacti. If you are looking for some additional indoor family fun, go visit Never Bored for so many awesome family friendly ideas of things to keep busy in the Central Valley this summer.

For the Outdoor Enthusiasts

Camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and a beautiful pine tree forest – right here in our backyard. The Sequoia National Forest is home to Shaver Lake and is an outdoor lover’s dream! You can camp, stay at a nearby AirBnB, or just day trip in for quick fun in the sun-escape. 

For the Night Owls

Head on out to Fresno – after making reservations at Quail State, Fresno’s first and only rooftop bar. Open Wednesday – Sunday serving craft cocktails, farm to fork cuisine, and some of the best ambiance around. 

Speaking of rooftop bars and restaurants, The Elderwood at The Darling Hotel in Visalia does not disappoint! Five stories above town you are sure to see a gorgeous sunset and will enjoy local, seasonal bites, specialty cocktails and more. Make your reservation first!

For the Beach Lovers

The Central Coast has some of the best beaches in the Golden State – we may be biased… but they are incredible! You can stop at any beach from Pismo to Monterey and have a great day, however; Avila Beach is our go to recommendation. It’s half mile shoreline is family friendly and the nearby shopping, restaurants  and pier round it out as a perfect overall beach experience.

For the History Buffs

In the early 1900s Balsassare Forestiere settled in Fresno with dreams of becoming a citrus farmer. He spent 40 years of his life excavating and planting over 10 acres of citrus trees all underground. This summer be sure to make a reservation for a guided tour to see this incredible historic landmark.

For the Seriously Adventurous

About an hour north of Visalia you can be among the ultimate thrill seekers and add skydiving to your summer bucket list. Check out Skydive Madera to make a reservation for either a more traditional tandem jump, or you can even take a six hour class to jump solo – an Accelerated Free Fall. 

For Water Lovers

It’s no secret that the Valley gets HOT. What’s the best way to cool off? A day trip to the water park! Island Water Park in Fresno is a great option with a wave pool, lazy river, tube slides, body slides, and a huge kid area there is plenty to keep everyone busy and wet all day. 

Or try another favorite Ravine Water Park in Paso Robles. You can make it there and back for a solid day trip! New this year is the Jungle Treasure Mini Golf Adventure area. There is something for everyone!

Just a bit north of us, in Manteca, the Great Wolf Lodge officially opened this summer. It makes a great weekend getaway with the on property rooms and packages to get the full experience. 

Have a Great Summer

We hope summer of 2021 brings you lots of fun, laughs and memories. Whether you have lived here forever or are thinking of making the move here, summer time is a great time to explore all the Valley has to offer. It’ll be hot… just like the housing market around here! Speaking of… We are here for all of your real estate needs and hope you reach out to our team if you want to buy or list – we have got you covered. 

Central Valley Summer Harvest… Pick While the Picking is Good

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If you live here in the central valley or you are planning to relocate here, you probably already know that our agricultural land is abounding. We have a Mediterranean climate – warm-hot summers and cool, dry winters which makes our mountains remarkable and our ag lands more productive than almost any on earth. Late spring and summer harvests bring some of our favorite seasonal fruits and veggies. Let’s get into what our local farmers will be harvesting soon and see where we can get in on the action to make some memorable experiences and come home with the literal fruits of your labor!

Right now, we are at the tail end of cherry season and our central valley growers are producing cherries that are distributed around the world. Did you know that California is the second largest cherry producing state, only behind Washington? Cherries are not only delicious, but they are also chock-full of good-for-you vitamins and minerals, making them a brilliant addition to a healthy diet.

Be sure not to let cherry season pass you by – get them while they are still here!
Cherries
Check out:
Genesis Organic Farms, right here in Hanford. You can give them a call and set up an appointment for some fun you-pick cherry opportunities. A bit further north, you can check out:
Blooms in Lodi – their season wraps this week… book a spot to get out there before it’s too late.

If you miss cherries, then be sure to plan ahead to get in on the apricot and nectarine season!
Apricots and Nectarines
You can head on out to:
~ Little Brothers Farm (897 West Lincoln Avenue, Fresno, CA 93706. Phone: (559) 260-0224. Email: littlebroapricots@yahoo.com)  for some farm fresh apricots. Nectarines more your thing?
~ Rancho Notso Grande (5051 12th. Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230. Phone: 559-269-1152. Fax: 559-589-0420. Email: ranchonotsogrande@gmail.com) has nectarines as well as all types of berries, flowers and walnuts. 

Speaking of berry picking… Who doesn’t love some amazing summer time berries? You can get them all over during the summer, but they always taste better when they are hand picked by you!
Berries
Check out:
~ Mountain Brook Ranch (17971 Auberry Road, Clovis, CA 93612. Phone: 559-299-8141. Email: bhook45@hotmail.com) for berries, veggies and apricots.
~ Naylor Organics (38918 Road 64, Dinuba, CA 93618. Phone: (559) 824-0811. Alternate Phone: (559) 824-3780. Email: naylor.organics@gmail.com) has a little bit of everything, from berries to peaches and nectarines and even plums, this certified organic farm will not disappoint!

You can see  a full list of other U-Pick farms and ranches here at Pick Your Own.

Living in the central valley and laying in the middle of California – halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, we have a little something for everyone, be it big city or rural community. Come visit the valley and you will not be disappointed. Live here and enjoy the fruits and vegetables harvested right from your own backyard! To learn a little more about the counties we specialize in, please contact us.We are here for any of your real estate needs… we look forward to connecting with you.

Summertime is for Backyard Living

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The days are getting longer, sunny days and warm evenings are upon us, and summer is just around the corner. Let’s get your backyard dialed in to create an environment no one will want to leave. Expanding your living space to your backyard is something that we Californians have the luxury of doing for the better part of the year, so make sure that you create a space that you can’t wait to spend your time in… a backyard sanctuary, if you will. 

Comfy Cozy

Having backyard furniture is paramount in creating your backyard living space… the more comfortable and cozy your space is, the more time you will spend out there. While this will be an investment, it is one we recommend making since it really will be like an extension of your living room. This past year that all of us have spent more time at home than ever, we have learned that being intentional with your space is the best way to ensure no square inch is wasted – including your backyard! 

While you can of course try to snag up some deals on Wayfair, or Amazon – shopping for furniture without sitting in it first is quite a commitment – not to mention the hassle of returning it if you don’t end up liking it. We recommend stopping by our favorite local furniture store, Janeen’s Furniture in Visalia. They are family owned and operated and have high quality options as well as great sales. The staff at Janeen’s will make sure you find what you are looking for. 

Bites and Nibbles 

Once you have a place to sit and enjoy your space, next up is having some summer time snacks! One of the best things about living here in the Valley is being at the epicenter of the farm to fork movement. There are TONS of local growers and farmers that make having a farm to fork spread, pretty easy to accomplish. We recommend a trip to the Visalia Farmer’s Market, they are open every Saturday from 8-11:30a and they have something for everyone. Be sure to check out their Instagram page and their highlights (especially if you have an EBT card, they have a really great program so you can stretch your money!)

No one likes cooking over the stove on a hot summer day, right? Sometimes we don’t even feel like eating a hot meal. A cold salad, or little nibbles are quintessentially summer and always seem to hit the spot. One of our favorite things (all year long) is a nice charcuterie board to graze from. Making a visually appealing charcuterie board is quite the artform. If you haven’t quite mastered it yet, you can order one from At the Graze and Alycia will create a masterpiece for you that’s almost too pretty to eat… but just almost! We can tell you that it will be enjoyed and go quickly! Follow her on Instagram to see how mouthwateringly gorgeous her boards and boxes are. 

Make it FUN

Adding a mix of cute little decor touches and adding in some nice potted plants is a great way to make your backyard fun. Some bistro lights or twinkle fairy lights are a great, easy way to add ambiance. There are tons of great solar powered options too so you don’t even have to turn them on – the sun will set and they switch on for you… Brilliant! We love the mason jars filled with fairy lights that can hang in your trees that look amazing during the day and night.

Adding bird feeders, plant stakes, candles, and wind chimes will personalize your space. Eighty4Metal Works is a local maker who creates all kinds of amazing art with horseshoes, including horseshoe wind chimes. If you want to be sure to not only add to the good vibes in the backyard, but also keep the bugs away, Candles by Deseree has you covered. She is an independent distributor of the Tulare based candle company, Scent-Sational Candles. They have all kinds of candles, including citronella. 

We have a few other Instagram accounts we think you should check out too for some local vendor goodness that will really level up your backyard game. For the cutest potted succulents, you must check out SugarSuccs in Visalia, they have something for every style. We love Letter and Grain and all of the modern decor options they have for both in your home and out. If you’ve never been to Luis’ Nursery in Visalia – drop everything and head there now! Or at the very least, follow them on Instagram for some solid inspo. Don’t skimp on adding some activities to your space… DBH makes amazing custom cornhole sets that will provide hours of fun and great memories for years to come. 

If the Budget Allows

Looking to invest with your stimulus money? Or even pull some equity out of your home to take your backyard to a whole new stratosphere of “ahhhh-some”? Then we have a couple of professionals you can look into. If you head over to Mezquite Garden’s Instagram to see the amazing landscape designs they have created here in the Central Valley, you will be swooning in no time. They are located in Strathmore and have a second location in Visalia and are a one stop shop for creating a dreamy backyard. From irrigation to design and lighting, they are the full package and will put together a free design quote for you. 

We all know too well that the Valley is HOT… the best way to make your backyard a true oasis is to add a swimming pool. Brad Wilson over at Island Pools Inc. out of Fresno will put you at ease through the whole process. From pool design to custom patios and decking, they do it all and can truly transform your backyard into a vacation dream space. 

The Whole Shabang?

Maybe… just maybe you are looking for a home that is already equipped with the perfect backyard? Well, if that’s the case, then of course you know we have got you covered! We know you have heard this for the better part of the last year, but it is still very true — we have a LOW inventory of houses on the market. If you are ready to sell and take the gains from that sale and upgrade to another home, we have agents standing by to help you with buying and selling. 

If you are anxious about selling and then being in a position that you are in huge competition for your next home, let us settle those worries. Head over to one of our previous blog posts where we explain why sellers that become buyers are in a great position, especially with our agents who have been wading in this market’s waters ever since the real estate market tides began to change. We have got you covered. Please reach out if you would like to explore some options – we are here to connect with people, one property at a time. 

Central Valley Housing Market in the New Year

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As the longest and most difficult year for a lot of us comes to an end, we want to spend a bit of time looking ahead. With a new year comes a fresh start, a new leaf, the next chapter. Many view it as a time to make goals and resolutions and map out the year ahead. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we can’t predict everything that lies ahead.  No one could have imagined what 2020 would have in store for us, so we won’t pretend that we have a crystal ball for what 2021 will look like. But, in terms of what we can expect in the Central Valley Real Estate market, we do have a few predictions we can share with you to help you plan for the year ahead.

Inventory Will Remain Tight

All signs are pointing to 2021 looking pretty similar to last year in a few respects, with low inventory being on the list. It has been nearly impossible to keep up with the buyer demand, resulting in slim pickings for buyers. 

If you are looking to buy a home in the Central Valley in 2021, we have a team of agents that are ready to serve you and help you find your next home. It may require extra patience and level setting expectations, but we are sure the perfect-for-you home is within reach for you. You can check out a couple of our previous blog posts of what the market currently looks like for both buyers and sellers. 

Home Prices Will Stay on the Rise

Which is great for sellers and a little tougher of a pill to swallow for buyers. With inventory low and eager buyers – 2021 will continue the trend we saw beginning last spring. If you spent last year saving and cleaning up your credit report, then 2021 is your year to take the leap into home ownership. If you still have some work to do in that department, commit to buckling down the first half of the year so that you can meet your goals sooner than later. Check out some tips from Dave Ramsey on how you can save for a down payment while renting.

Sellers can stay hopeful about getting a nice return on their investment and if you are working with an experienced agent, you will have plenty of offers headed your way. It will be important to have a plan for your next move, as the inventory will be slim. Practice patience and negotiate an offer that will give you the flexibility you may need.  

The Real Estate Market Looks Stable

Most of us can remember the Real Estate Market Crash of 2008 and there are leery buyers and sellers wondering if we are in the midst of a bubble that could soon burst. Thankfully, all signs point to stability. The housing market has been leading the charge in our country’s economic recovery throughout the Coronavirus Crisis. Experts do not see an impending crash. We are in a completely different place than we were in 2008 and there is no reason to believe that the positive trends we saw in 2020 will be leaving us high and dry in 2021. 

The Bottom Line

Real Estate in California has long been a safe investment and it will remain as such this year. Even if you aren’t planning on buying or selling in 2021 and you are currently a homeowner, you can expect to see your home value rise in this current market. If you aren’t sure what your goals are for this year, maybe investing in Real Estate can be added to your list? 

2021 looks promising for Real Estate in the Central Valley, as many companies are adopting the work from home model and people are fleeing big cities and looking to plant roots in a place that is affordable and still close to big cities. With the Central Valley being positioned smack in the middle of Los Angeles and San Francisco, we fit the bill for a lot of eager buyers. 

Our agents had incredible success in 2020 and are looking to continue it in 2021. There was a great deal of learning to be done in this new market, and they did so quickly and swiftly creating loads of sales and happy clients. We hope that you will trust us to serve you in the new year and we send you warm wishes of prosperity for 2021. 

Get in touch with us today to learn more about buying or selling in the Central Valley and we will match you with one of our hard-working agents. 

Gratitude and Giving

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The season of giving and gratitude is upon us! At Dani Blain Real Estate (DBRE), we have a heart for the specific needs in our community and we believe we are blessed so that we can bless others. This is something that Dani and her late husband Kevin started doing together before DBRE – so now that this Brokerage has grown, so has our giving. We are very pleased and proud to be able to serve our community every month and we are hoping with the holidays just around the corner, you will join us in our upcoming endeavors. 

We are better together! 

One of our most favorite giving opportunities has been our annual pumpkin pie giveaway. Well, this year it is expanding because we are partnering with V1st Church, Grocery Outlet, The Blake Shawn Team, Justin Hite Real Estate Team, Home Warranty of America, and Spirit 88.9 to feed 250 families this Thanksgiving. 

We feel very strongly that everyone deserves a family meal on Thanksgiving. Our very own Justin Hite Real Estate Team is providing all the turkeys, our partner team and volunteers have covered the sides, and as always we will have our pumpkin pies to make a full dinner! If you or someone you know could use a good, wholesome meal this Thanksgiving, please follow this link to receive one, click here.

#FeedOurFamilies 

You can help us feed our families in our Central Valley community with FoodLink of Tulare County  who is working hard to ensure everyone in need of a warm meal throughout the holiday season, receives one. We are very excited to kick off this local effort with $1,000 – where $1 provides 4 meals! To learn more about this or to donate, please click here. Anything you can do to help our local families would make a huge difference – you can help through December 31st. 

Coats & Cookies

This holiday season we are partnering with the Lighthouse Rescue Mission to provide new or gently used coats to those in need. Our plan is to make things a bit more sweet for those receiving the coats, so when we deliver them there will be plenty of delicious cookies to ring in the holidays. Will you join us in helping accomplish our goal of collecting as many women’s, men’s, teens and kids coats as we can? You can drop off coat donations at the Dani Blain Real Estate Office in Visalia now through December 17th. 

We find great joy in not only serving and giving back to our community, but to also raise awareness about the local needs in our community while highlighting the non-profits that serve them. This allows for more individuals and businesses to come together and help. This has been an especially difficult year for a great deal of Americans, and some of our own Central Valley families. We are hopeful that by spreading awareness, expressing some specific needs, and actionable items that some of the people in our network can help. If you are someone that is able, please consider helping us make someone’s holiday season a little brighter. Thank you and may God bless you and yours this season of giving. 

The Short List: Service Provider Recommendations

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Sometimes finding a good service provider can be like finding a needle in a haystack. There are so many ways research businesses online, on sites like Yelp or Angie’s List, but sometimes you wish someone would narrow things down even further for you. Well, all of us at Dani Blain Real Estate are happy to do just that for you. We have spent decades in the Central Valley sourcing and vetting the best of the best for all of your home servicing needs. We are so happy to have this short list of providers to refer you to and know that you will love them as much as we do. 


Contractor/Construction Services

Payton Construction Inc. is our go to for anyone in need of a solid Contractor. Be sure to check out their Facebook Page to see all of the amazing work they are doing right here in the Central Valley.
Phone: 559-280-4066

Flooring:

We love our pal Greg Gibson at Flooring Liquidators in Tulare. You can email him or give him a call at 559-804-1004 to take care of all of your flooring needs.

Handyman:

Give Adrian Jimmez Mata a call at 559-331-5491 and he will be able to fix or repair anything for you in the Central Valley. 

House & Carpet Cleaning:

Service Master by Beneveto is your one stop shop for all of your cleaning demands. From emergency and biohazard cleaning, tile and grout service to upholstery cleaning and even mold and odor remediation servicing – Service Master by Beneveto has you covered. 
Phone: 559-266-4357
Facebook Page 

Locksmith:

Doyel Pope at Key Evidence Lock and Safe in Visalia can help with more than just a lockout – they do it all for both residential and commercial services including security and camera systems. 
Phone: 559-805-5110
Email: dpope@keyevidence.com

Painter:

Joey Ochoa in Tulare is the last painter you will ever need – we know you will love him like all of our shared clients always do. Give him a call at 559-759-2076 for more information. 

Roofing: 

Call Daniel at Stoic Roofing 559-483-0258 – he is kind, professional and beats most other rates! He will not disappoint. 

3R Construction is a full service construction company – and another of our go-to roofers, Tim is a great guy!
Phone: 559-303-0587 
Email: three.r.construction@hotmail.com
Facebook Page 


We hope this list of our Dani Blain Real Estate approved service providers helps you on your next home project. We know how important it is to have someone you can trust and rely on – and we also know that no one has time to sort through all of the options out there. It is truly our pleasure to be able to recommend these top notch service providers to you and we hope that you reach out to them and tell them your friends at Dani Blain Real Estate sent you! 

Supporting local conservation and Creek Fire relief

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Every month Dani Blain Real Estate gives back to the community. We feel strongly that creating a community of unity and connection starts with blessing others as we are blessed. This month our giving is growing in a new direction toward local land conservation and for the immediate relief of those affected by the Creek Fire.

Our community is part its people and part its natural resources. The Central Valley is home to wonderful people who steward the land and help it grow our food and fiber and also nurture our natural places where we find respite among the rivers, trails and trees. El Rio Reyes Conservation Trust, a local non-profit land trust based in Reedley (Fresno County), works with landowners to protect these vital lands and resources that are an integral part of the fabric of our community. Their mission is to safeguard the Kings River and its lands for future generations. This month during their annual fundraising event they will be donating funds to support the Creek Fire that’s devastating our mountain forest lands, ranch lands, and burning our neighbors homes.

During the entire month of October, El Rio Reyes is hosting their annual Bob Frisch Memorial Ride & Walk ‘virtually’ and everyone can join in to help them reach their fundraising goal of $10,000. It’s easy – find them on Facebook and plan to get out with your family and friends on a trail, through an orchard, or along the river – on foot, horseback, or floating and donate to them for every mile you go! Your gift amount is your choice – so track your miles or not, but please post about it on their page and encourage more people to get out and enjoy what El Rio Reyes ensures we can all enjoy now and for future generations – local food from local farms and healthy, thriving lands.

We hope you will join us this month in supporting El Rio Reyes Conservation Trust and their mission to ensure local landowners stay on the land managing it for our benefit and to help those affected by the Creek Fire – animals and people alike.

To donate with us, visit: DONATE NOW

To learn more about El Rio Reyes, visit: their Website

5 Reasons the Central Valley is the BEST Place to buy a home

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If you are at a stage in your life where you are looking to buy a home, then listen up! You already know California is a great place to live, but determining where you purchase your first home or your next home is a big decision. There are so many options and so many things to consider before you even begin to look at home listings, it can feel daunting right out of the gate. We’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you… go ahead cross everything off the list, except the Central Valley. With the beautiful Pacific Coast to the west, the Sierras to the east, the Cascade Range to our north and the Tehachapi Mountains to the south, the Central Valley is a 450 mile stretch of flat land right up the middle of our great state and should be where you call home, sweet home. 

5 Reasons the Central Valley is the BEST Place to Buy a Home

1. Location, Location, Location

Being centered between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Valley is a quick drive to the beach, the mountains, or the big city. Living in the Central Valley affords quick access to the postcard-esque backdrops of Yosemite, Mammoth, Kings Canyon, the beautiful beaches along the Pacific Coast, and the Sequoia National Forest. While it is a nature-lovers dream, being close to the epicenter of entertainment in the south and the home of big tech to our north – the close proximity to essentially everything, has got to be the number one selling point of this incredible little slice of California.

2. Laid Back Pace

Without the hustle and bustle of a big city, we are able to have a slower pace of life that really sets us apart from the rest of the state. Sandwiched right in between the fast paced lifestyles of LA and the Bay Area, we see that kind of pace to come along with more stress, less time at home, and you guessed it… more traffic. When we make the trek to our southern and northern counterparts, we are reminded yet again why we love our valley home. We have the perk of having quick access to big city appeal, without having to live there and only having to endure that traffic when we travel outside of the valley.

3. Eat Local Everyday

Our warm summer days, coupled with the cool, dry winters gives us the perfect Mediterrean climate that makes the Central Valley’s ag lands more productive than almost any on Earth. With agriculture being one of the main industries in this area, we are blessed with the literal fruits of our farmers labor. The farm-to-fork movement in California is abundantly clear in the Central Valley. On your drive home from work you can stop at any local roadside farm stand and have a side dish on your plate for dinner that was picked the same day. Producing more than half of the fruit, nuts, and vegetables in the United States, the Central Valley is the crown jewel of our nation’s agriculture. This climate can leave us boiling hot in the summers, but that’s what air-conditioning is for, right?

4. Small Town Feel and Sense of Community

From Kern to Fresno, there is a perfect little neighborhood with a house just for you, waiting to make it home. The Valley consists of many small towns that have incredible residents that not only show up and root for the hometown football team, but will also greet you by name when they run into you at the grocery store. We see our hard working, salt of the Earth locals, as being the real backbone of our communities. The sense of strong core values and a warm community-first feel, is evident all across this region and it is one of the things we love most. 

5. More “Bang for Your Buck”

The Golden State is one of the most sought after places to live in the country and along with it comes a hefty price tag. Your dollar will stretch further across the Central Valley, in the counties we specialize in, compared to other parts of the state. Purchasing a home is typically a low-risk investment, purchasing a home in California has proven to be an even lower risk investment. With its affordability, the Valley can make home ownership a reality for many families who may have never thought possible and is one of the main reasons we can tell you that this is the right place to plant your roots. 

The Central Valley is home to Dani Blain Real Estate, our entire team lives right here, in the heartland of California and directly to the west on our central coast. We specialize in selling homes in the counties of Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Kern and San Luis Obispo. Our agents are ready to connect with you and walk you through the next steps and the entire process of purchasing the perfect home. We know that you will love the Central Valley and all it has to offer. If you are still on the fence or want to know more about what each county or town may be like to live in, we are here for you and can tell you more. Stay tuned to our blog where we will continue to highlight the counties and towns we specialize in, or you can reach out to us directly. At Dani Blain Real Estate, we are proud to buy and sell properties and serve the communities we work in… we are on a mission to grow our clients one property at a time and look forward to working with you soon.