Galt, California: History, Real Estate & Fun Facts

Located just 15 miles south of Elk Grove California lies the city of Galt. A growing agricultural town with a long history dating back to it’s inception in 1869. At the time when Galt was formed it had a population of around 100 people. At the time Galt's trading industries consisted of Post office and access to a train. 

The next 20 years of Galt’s development consisted of churches being founded. By 1908 Galt had a population of about 1,000 people and roads had began to replace dirt roads. By 1911 Galt High school was established and by 1912 Galt’s chamber of commerce has been created. As of 2020 Galt boast a population of 25,527 people and that number is set grow exponentially with many housing subdivision being built (Galt Chamber of Commerce). 

I personally have family who have recently purchased a New Construction home in the city of Galt. The city of Galt has nine subdivision being created in the year 2023 alone! Subdivision such as residential homes, condominiums and townhomes. 

Galt’s housing market (median sales price) has increased month over month from $477,743 to $550,000. The city seen a 15% increase month over month with 18 sales total. Although there’s been a 15% in median sales price, the appreciation does not mean every home in every neighborhood appreciated that much. This time last year Galt’s median sales price was $635,539. Year over year the median sales price is down 13% for the city of Galt (Sacramento Association of Realtors). 

Galt is a growing economy that offers eateries such as Brewster's Bar & Grill, El Rodeo and Velvet Grill & Creamery. The city of Galt also has a Brewery that I've yet to check out! The name of this place is called River Rock Brewery. 

Since the inception of Galt high school in 1912, they've added 2 more high schools and an adult school. As far as elementary schools there's seven to choose from (Lake canyon, Marengo Ranch, River Oaks, etc).

If your looking to have some fun in Galt you can look forward to a Saturday market from March-November from 9am-2pm (located at 4th street I’m Downtown Galt). The city also has activities such Movies in the park (Veterans Field) and Concerts (Veterans Field).

Until next time! 

How can Women increase their chances of living to 100?

Hey, if your a Women and your looking to improve your health and increase your chances of living to 100 years old this blog is for you!

The good news for women is that they are and have been living longer than their counter parts (men) by by about 5 years according to the Center of Disease Control. Women in other mammal besides humans are also out living their counter parts. For example, a study was done amongst lioness who have been found to out live male lions by 50% (Zlatic Hoke,VOA). Some believe this to be because male lions spend more time and resources towards sexual reproduction which may lead to a trade off a shorter life span. Other factor point to biological differences. Males have higher testosterone which can increase the likely hood of smoking, excessive drinking and life ending acts. Enough about MEN!

Women didn't out live men prior to the 19th century, now across the world women do. One of the reason women have increased their living standards is because of medical innovations. According to an article written "Our World Data", women suffered heavily prior to the 19th century from infectious diseases. On a biological level women tend to have more "Subcutaneous Fat" in comparison to men who have more "Viceral Fat", which is fat surrounding organs. Fat surrounding organ is often correlated with cardiovascular disease (Our World Data, 2020). 

So lady's here's some tips for you to continue to thrive and may your habits positively affect us all :)

1. Balanced and Nutritious Diet: A well-rounded diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is crucial. It provides essential nutrients, antioxidants, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Include a variety of foods to ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients.
2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity has numerous benefits. It helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, boosts mood, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises.
3. Stress Management: Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on health. Find healthy ways to manage stress such as practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation, yoga), engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or seeking professional help if needed.
4. Sufficient Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, maintain a comfortable sleep environment, and prioritize sleep as an important part of your daily routine.
5. Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your healthcare provider for check-ups, screenings, and preventive care. This includes screenings for breast and cervical cancer, bone density assessments, cholesterol checks, blood pressure monitoring, and vaccinations.
6. Avoidance of Harmful Habits: Limit or avoid harmful habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use. These habits can significantly increase the risk of various health problems and decrease life expectancy.
7. Social Connections: Maintain strong social connections and cultivate positive relationships with family, friends, and the community. Strong social support has been linked to better mental health, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being.
8. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Pay attention to your mental and emotional health. Practice self-care, engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, seek therapy or counseling if needed, and prioritize your overall well-being.
9. Sun Protection: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats. Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
10. Positive Mindset and Gratitude: Cultivate a positive mindset, practice gratitude, and focus on the present moment. Positive thinking and gratitude have been associated with better mental and physical health outcomes.

How can men INCREASE their chances to living to 100?

Wouldn't it be great to be able to live until your 90? Or maybe even to 100 years old? How about 110? Over time humans have increased their life expectancy through innovation and learning about what fuels our body. One of my favorite books the Rational Optimist speaks about how life as we know has continued to become progressive human beings. According to the CDC the average male lives to about 73 years old, trailing women who have a longer life expectancy by about 5%. Below lies a few action steps for men to live longer and healthier lives.

There are several lifestyle factors that can potentially contribute to increased life expectancy in men. While individual circumstances and genetics play a role, here are some general tips that may help improve overall health and longevity:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Follow a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Men should be consuming over 30-38 grams fiber. Increasing fiber is a major key to keeping things moving regularly. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of salt and saturated fats. Did you know that individuals with higher income consume less processed foods, and have a healthier diet?

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Incorporate strength training exercises to improve muscle strength and bone density. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance overall well-being. I believe our bodies function best when regularly put in motion.

3. Don't Smoke or Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for numerous health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems. Quitting smoking or avoiding it altogether can have a positive impact on health and potentially increase life expectancy.

4. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, and certain cancers. It is advised to limit alcohol intake and drink in moderation, if at all.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Strive to maintain a healthy body weight by balancing calorie intake with physical activity. Excess weight, especially around the waistline, increases the risk of various health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

6. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can have negative effects on health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or seeking professional help if needed. Yoga is a activity that helps me manage my stress while allowing me to engage in physical activity.

7. Get Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health and address any potential concerns or risk factors. Early detection and treatment of health conditions can significantly impact longevity. Scheduling regular check up have been amazing for me. I've been able to compare changes in my HDL levels which is good cholesterol vs. LDL level which is the bad type of cholesterol. Definitely get your blood drawn to notice any red flags with your health.

8. Practice Safe Behaviors: Use protective measures to reduce the risk of accidents, such as wearing seatbelts in vehicles, using protective gear during sports activities, and practicing safe sex to minimize the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

9. Prioritize Mental Health: Pay attention to your mental well-being and seek support if needed. Addressing mental health concerns, practicing self-care, and maintaining social connections can positively influence overall health and longevity.

I hope you've found these suggestion helpful. Please consult with you doctor or health professional to reach your desired goal. Thank you!

Feel free to comment your thoughts below.

NEW HVAC SYSTEM: Facts and Four tips to consider when upgrading your Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Yes! or Most likely?

HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Homeowners who plan to sell their home often consider if they should replace their old AC unit to increase their property value. On average a new AC unit will increase a homes appreciation by $2,500-$3,000. The cost of installing a new air conditioning system can be up to $10,000. So, one can estimate about a 20-30% ROI from upgrading their system. The location of the property matters. Summers in Sacramento are hot! I'm sure the demand for well operating Air conditoners are essential to a homeowners overall comfort.

Installing a new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system can potentially increase a home's value, but to what degree can vary depending on several factors. 

Here are a few considerations:

1. Buyer Appeal: A new HVAC system can enhance the overall appeal of a home to potential buyers (as a Realtor an old Air conditioner screams less maintained) . Upgraded heating and cooling systems are often seen as desirable features, especially if they are energy-efficient and offer improved comfort and indoor air quality. This can make the home more attractive and potentially increase its market value.

 2. Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient HVAC systems can contribute to lower utility bills and reduced energy consumption. Buyers may be willing to pay a premium for a home with a newer, energy-efficient system due to the long-term cost savings associated with lower energy bills. Energy-efficient systems may also be more environmentally friendly, which can be an added selling point.

 3. Condition and Maintenance: Older HVAC systems may be less reliable and require more frequent repairs and maintenance. By installing a new system, you eliminate potential buyer concerns about the age and condition of the HVAC system. This can provide peace of mind to buyers and potentially increase the perceived value of the home.

4. Local Market Factors: The impact of a new HVAC system on home value can also depend on the specific real estate market. In some areas, buyers may consider a functional HVAC system as a basic expectation rather than a significant selling point. In other markets where climate control is particularly important, a new system may be more influential in the home's value.

It's important to note that the return on investment (ROI) for a new HVAC system may not always be a dollar-for-dollar increase in home value. The exact value added will depend on factors such as the cost of the system, the local market conditions, and the preferences of potential buyers in the area. To assess the potential impact on home value, it may be beneficial to consult with local real estate professionals who have knowledge of the market dynamics in your specific area.