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Cabin Stays perfect for a Fall or Winter getaway

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Looking for a relaxing time away for you and your family this holiday season? Then consider trying a cabin stay! It’s a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The following cabin stays are available on Airbnb and are near Fresno. They’re sure to provide you with a unique getaway without a long trip! Random side note: Did you know your little one can become a Junior Ranger at your favorite National Park? <- super cool!

Beetlebark Bungalow – Inside Yosemite

Freshly renovated BeetleBark Bungalow, located INSIDE Yosemite! Cozy, lovable, and charming, this little studio bungalow (420 sq ft.) will give you a fun and fantastic little place to rest your body and soul as you explore Yosemite National Park. – Fully and freshly remodeled in late 2020. Jacuzzi, Wifi, BBQ grill, EV Charger, Fully stocked and functional kitchen and a trail that leads straight down to the creek

Cozy Yosemite Cabin in the Pines

Cozy & Classy cabin in The Pines 2 mi from the entrance of Yosemite National Park. Nestled among baby Sequoia trees and towering pines, a perfect Yosemite retreat for couples looking for a romantic getaway, small groups, or families.

A loft bedroom, spacious main living area & dining nook, and a modern fully-equipped kitchen. Large screen tv w/ home theater system. Outside is a 4-person hot tub, large patio, and garden area for relaxation & outdoor dining after a day exploring Yosemite.

Hafkey Cabin Escape near Yosemite National Park

A family cabin located in the small historic town of Raymond, CA, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountain foothills

This newly built cabin features modern conveniences with a rustic feel.  Experience breathtaking views, beautiful sunsets, hiking, a seasonal creek, an abundance of wildlife, and incredible rock formations to explore.  Horses and up to two dogs are welcome. The Hafkey Cabin Escape is modern and private except for the abundance of wildlife you are likely to see, such as flocks of turkeys, deer, hawks, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, and even some free grazing cows during the green season. This tranquil cabin is situated on 40 acres of rolling foothills and is surrounded by hundreds more. The cabin is small but features three queen beds in the following three separate rooms: a private bedroom, a living room, and an open loft.

Evergreen Peaks – Darling A Frame, Shaver Lake

This Evergreen Peaks cabin is located in the very popular east village. A prime location, walking distance from stores, restaurants, and just a 1/4 mile to the lake. Shaver Lake is the perfect place to vacation. The climate is ideal with cool summers and mild winters. The list of activities is long and includes, hiking, fishing, skiing, sledding, boating, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and more!

This darling 1578 square feet A-frame, 3 bedroom, 3 bath is outfitted to suit the needs of a modern vacationer. Beautiful decor throughout! A fully equipped kitchen provides a user-friendly space to cook a meal. A washer and dryer in the cabin are perfect for soggy ski clothes. Entertainment options like flat-screen TVs mean you can cozy up with a good movie next to the fireplace! Large deck with table and chairs in the summertime, with a good cup of joe in hand (complimentary selection of coffee and hot cocoa are offered, of course).

Things You Need to Know About Fresno

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Before You Move Here

If you’re looking to move to Fresno, you should take a few things into account before taking the plunge and buying a home.

The Cost of Living is Affordable

Though Fresno’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it’s far cheaper than other metropolitan areas in California. With everything the city has to offer, it’s surprising to see it’s still one of the cheaper cities in the state.

The average salary in Fresno is around $70,000 a year, while the average rent is around $1,400 a month. This—paired with Fresno’s booming economy—means the average Fresnan is easily able to make their rent. With a median monthly mortgage payment of $2,282, you’re also more likely to afford your dream home than you think! Curious what’s out there? Follow this link to see what homes are for sale in Fresno with pools.

Agriculture is Huge

Over and over again, Fresno’s been called the agricultural capital of the United States. Farmland covers over half the city, and you can find everything from almonds and pistachios to grapes and dairy fresh from the farm.

You’ll find no shortage of farmer’s markets and farm-to-table dining in Fresno county, and you’ll be able to treat yourself to all sorts of local produce. In fact, this booming agricultural scene is part of what makes Fresno a foodie’s paradise. Part of Fresno’s success as an agricultural center stems from its diverse selection of crops, so—no matter the growing season—you’ll have no shortage of options!

The Natural Beauty is Everywhere

Not only is Fresno full of farms, but it also boasts no shortage of natural beauty. With the ocean a short drive to the west, the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the east, and the San Joaquin River flowing through, you’ll never be far from a natural wonder.

If you want to take in beautiful flora and fauna, but would rather do so in a more controlled environment, you can always head to one of Fresno’s numerous parks. You can also explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens or Fresno’s Blossom Trail at Simonian Farms. If you’re looking for something to do with the family or want something more exotic, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is open seven days a week.

Whether you prefer hiking, building sandcastles, or just enjoying beautiful weather, there’s something for every nature enthusiast in Fresno!

There’s Culture Everywhere

Whether you want to catch a play, discover a new indie artist, or learn something new, you can find it all in Fresno. Fresno’s bustling arts scene boasts regular art galleries, multiple film festivals, and regular musical and theatrical performances.

You can also learn about other cultures through Fresno’s numerous multicultural events. From traditional ceremonies at the Shin Zen Japanese Gardens to Grape Blessings with the Armenian community, there’s more than enough to learn about all the cultures that call Fresno home.

All this cultural diversity lends itself to a city of open and accepting people, and so Fresno has garnered a reputation for friendliness. If you’re looking for a community or a tight-knit neighborhood, Fresno is the place to be!

The City is for Everyone

Whether you’re trying to start a family, enjoying the single life, or getting ready for retirement, Fresno is a city for everyone. Not only does the city boast cultural diversity, but it also offers something for every walk of life.

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly neighborhood or urban nightlife, Fresno’s got you covered. The city also boasts everything from a bustling foodie culture to a nice selection of golf courses. Fresno’s got convenient downtown apartments and houses on multiple acres. Fresno’s got top-rated schools and a bustling urban center.

Whatever you need, you can find it in Fresno!

The History Of Fresno State Basketball

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A Century Of Basketball

image courtesy of Fresno State Athletics

It’s November 26th and the Fresno State Bulldogs Men’s basketball team is 5-0.  We couldn’t be more excited to see another awesome season of great games from our Fresno State’s Bulldogs. Fresno State has some great basketball players and both the men’s and women’s teams have earned their places in NCAA history for their outstanding playing. 

Fresno State has been around since 1911, and the basketball program came hardly a decade later, starting with their inaugural year in 1921—making this season the hundred-year anniversary. The Bulldogs’ first basketball coach was Arthur W. Jones who coached until 1929 after taking over for Emory Ratcliffe, who was a pivotal figure in the athletics programs of Fresno State. Their first season, the Bulldogs played as an independent team, but they soon joined the California Coast Conference, which would last until 1928, though the Bulldogs only remained members until 1924. 

In 1971, the women’s basketball team under the guidance of coach Donna Pickel, another pivotal figure in Fresno’s State’s athletics, pulled ten wins to only four losses in their first season. They went on to win nine games the next season for only five losses, putting them in a strong start. 

Since the 1920s, the teams have evolved along with the sport, and the bulldogs have participated as members of numerous conferences and associations, all the way up to today, as we prepare for the 2021-22 season! 

Notable Seasons

The Bulldogs have had several very notable seasons since their inception in the ‘20s and both the men’s and women’s teams have earned a place in NCAA history as very formidable teams. The men’s team first showed up in NCAA tournaments in 1981, and the women’s team first competed in the NCAA tournaments in 2008. 


The women’s team then went on to compete in the tournament for seven years in a row. In the 2009-10 season, the women’s team didn’t face a single loss until the NCAA tournament, posting a whopping sixteen conference wins that season.

The men’s team has also competed in ten National Invitation Tournaments, beginning in 1983, as well as the 2014 College Basketball Invitational. The Bulldogs men’s team won the Pacific Coast Athletic Association Tournament in 1981, 1983, and 1984, and won the Mountain West Conference Tournament in 2016.

Traditions Carry Strong

Blue and Red

We’re familiar with the cardinal red wave of Fresno State fans, but what about the blue? The Bulldogs are known for their distinctive and eye-catching blue and red colors. The adoption of blue came from a minor dispute between students from Fresno Normal School and Fresno Junior College. Women from Fresno Normal School wanted to adopt a blue and white color combination as a counterpart to the men’s red and white colors, while men from Fresno Junior College insisted on red. In the end, a compromise was reached, and the Bulldogs still sport the blue and red colors today.

Bulldogs – Pride of the Valley

You might have noticed that the bulldog jerseys are adorned with a small green V near the shoulder—what’s that about? Aren’t the colors blue and red? They are, but Fresno State has been for decades and continues to be one of the biggest agricultural schools in the San Joaquin Valley, and Bulldogs carry the green V as a respectful reminder of the agricultural heritage of the valley.

A Century Later

A century after the first Bulldogs teams, we’re getting ready for yet another season of red wave magic! This season, the women’s team, coached by Jaime White began competing starting on November 4th, and the men’s team, coached by Justin Hutson, kicked off the season on November 3rd. We couldn’t be more proud of a century of basketball as we gear up for another great season from both teams! 

Outdoor Activities On Thanksgiving Day

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Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and this year’s forecast calls for beautiful weather! With the recent lockdowns and travel restrictions lifted, we’re expecting a big Thanksgiving this year—with many seeing family members they haven’t seen in a while, and many more having their first communal gathering in quite some time. 

No matter what your Thanksgiving get-together will look like, this year will be a great year for outdoor activities in Fresno! We’ve put together a list of some outdoor activities for kids and family this Thanksgiving.

Have a Pumpkin Hunt

Everyone loves Easter egg hunts, and this is a Fall take on the classic searching game. There are a lot of fun ways to put together a pumpkin hunt, but the basic premise is this: pumpkins are hidden around the area, and participants search for them. Whoever finds the most pumpkins is the winner. 

There are a ton of extra optional ways you can customize your game too. You can use mini pumpkins, or even just paper bags with pumpkins drawn on them, filled with candy. You can count each pumpkin found as a voucher for receiving candy or other treats at the end of the game, and you can even paint the pumpkins first, and hold a contest at the end for the best-painted pumpkin. However you choose to do it, pumpkin hunts are a fun time for the whole family, including the little ones. 

Fresno Turkey Trot

Fresno’s annual Turkey Trot is a great way to spend some family bonding time, get some fresh air, exercise, and do something with your local community. Held in Woodward park and benefitting the Fresno Food Bank, the Turkey Trot takes place early in the morning, so you can take the whole family, get some air for a great cause, and still make it back in time for Thanksgiving dinner! Parking is at the Mt. View parking area, and participants are encouraged to arrive by 7 AM.

Play Cornhole

Playing cornhole is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have some laid-back fun, throwing bean bags around the lawn. With a mild learning curve, the game is fairly simple and not physically demanding, so even first-time players are sure to have a blast. Cornhole can be played by even young children and elderly family members.

Take A Hike

Even if the Turkey Trot isn’t your scene, or if that just wasn’t enough walking for one day, there are a ton of great areas to take a short hike around Fresno on Thanksgiving! Some of our favorite trails to hit are the Fresno Clovis trails that intersect Old Town Clovis—perfect for a morning family outing, River West Access, and Lost Lake Park. 

Merced River Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.A. Beautiful Yosemite Valley Scenery with Merced River. Summer in Yosemite Valley. Nature Photography Collection.

Getting some fresh air, and taking in all nature has to offer is a great way to preface Thanksgiving dinner, and even work up an appetite for all the wonderful foods you’ll be enjoying with the family. 

Have A Turkey Bowl

An ages-old tradition of Thanksgiving celebrations, playing a friendly game of tag or tough football is a great way to start a new family tradition or hold on to an old one! Having an annual Turkey Bowl is a great way to bridge generational gaps, work up a hearty appetite and have fun enjoying the outdoors while everyone excitedly awaits Thanksgiving Dinner. 

Play Turkey Tag

While having a Turkey Bowl is a great way to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors, some of the little ones might not be big enough yet, or maybe some members of the family simply aren’t interested in football. Whatever the case may be, they’ll probably enjoy Turkey Tag as well! 
The game is simple. Turkey tags can be made out of wooden clothespins and craft feathers, or even construction paper. Then, during the celebration, players are encouraged to stealthily stick tags on as many people without being noticed. If you’re tagged, your goal is to remove the tag and stick it on someone else without their noticing.

Turkey Tag can also be made into a chase-style tag game, wherein players are all clipped with a certain amount of tags—two or three—and can chase one another around removing tags. Whoever collects the most tags wins!

Whatever you choose to do…

Thanksgiving is an exciting time of year and a time to spend with family, friends, and loved ones—and perhaps most importantly, eat good food together. This year, the weather is going to be great, and there are few better ways to enjoy it than together with the family while reflecting on the things we’re most grateful for in our lives—like each other and canned cranberry sauce. Enjoy the outdoors and the company of your loved ones this year with these fun outdoor Thanksgiving activities for kids and family!  

Are you hosting Thanksgiving?

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7 Ways to host a Holiday with Less Stress

(So you can actually enjoy the holiday, too!)

I have hosted my family’s Thanksgiving dinner for the better part of the last 12 years. I don’t claim to be Martha Stewart. I don’t make themed place card holders or pilgrim hats for the youngest attendees (my kiddo is the only child who comes to dinner in the immediate family and he’s 14 now and I probably would have to pay him to wear a paper hat), but I have had people tell me they’ve enjoyed themselves, loved the food served and felt relaxed and comfortable in our home, which is exactly what I aim for.

7 Steps to Hosting a Stress-Free Holiday 

1. Make sure you have seating, tablespace, silverware, cups/glasses, and plates for everyone attending. One year, I ran out of forks, and a few adults ended up using plastic toddler forks. It worked, but it wasn’t ideal. My mom was kind enough to pick up some inexpensive extra sets of forks for us, and they’ve come in handy on many occasions. You don’t have to own folding tables, but be sure to plan to borrow some or rent them. This time of year, they are frequently on sale at Target, Walmart, and Costco. If your home is on the smaller side, be open to creating seating areas in rooms other than the kitchen/dining area to give everyone ample elbow room. Feeling comfortable during the meal is important for guests. After the meal, you can collapse or move tables and enjoy your living spaces as they’re intended once again.

2. Decide what dishes you’d like to prepare, then ask others to fill in the rest. Most families enjoy a good potluck meal, and most guests are happy to show off a favorite dish. If you want to cook the entire meal yourself, go for it! However, in our family, it’s always worked well to have the host make the main dish and a few sides and maybe a dessert and request favorite recipes from others.

Everyone likes to know that you enjoy eating something they make — ask them to bring your favorite from their repertoire. My mother-in-law makes a delicious salad with crisp apples in it, my mom makes the best-candied yams. My sister makes the greatest gingersnaps and my aunts always know how to make a good cranberry sauce. Everyone loves these dishes, so when I’m hosting, I just request them (with plenty of polite, advance notice). By requesting specific dishes, you’ll know which meal elements are still needed too.

Another thing to consider: How many dishes will require simultaneous baking/cooking? If you’ve got four stove burners and one oven, you may want to dole out a number of the baked dishes (and request your guests bring them serve-ready if possible) to avoid an oven traffic jam. Or, consider buying a stacking oven rack*, such as this one: Oven rack ($17) *Please note, while a tiered oven rack will increase your oven’s capacity, it may slow cooking time some, due to the number of dishes baking — prepare to add a few additional minutes to all baking times.

3. Make a list of all dishes for the meal, then create a shopping list of the items you need for your contributions. Shop a few days in advance of the holiday, not the day before. Everything will still be fresh but you bypass the crowds and picked over aisles. Here’s a helpful guide, by Good Housekeeping that provides information on quantity needs based on the number of people you’re serving.

Thanksgiving Dinner
When everyone cooks and contributes variety, our taste buds are the winners!

4. Prep everything you can the night before the holiday. Chop vegetables, prep casseroles to the final step before baking, cover, and keep in the fridge. Make cookie doughs, prepare pies to the point just before baking — do anything you can do, the day before. This is absolutely key to enjoying a relaxing holiday. Be sure to read the defrosting directions on the turkey if you’re roasting one that’s been frozen. Some will take days or almost a week in the refrigerator — you need to prepare for this — or you will end up with a turkey that does not cook fully in the center. (Hard lessons learned from my very first Thanksgiving. Benefit from my mistake!)

Bacon Wrapped Turkey
Last Thanksgiving’s Bacon Wrapped Turkey

5. Use recipes you know are winners. If you’re making anything for the first time, be sure you read the recipe all the way through to account for any unexpected issues (do you need hours to allow the dough to rise? overnight refrigeration? a rare ingredient or kitchen tool?) and if you’re using a recipe from the internet, read the comments and reviews first to be sure you’re working with a winner and not a dud. No one wants to serve failed food to guests.

My favorite Thanksgiving recipes (that have been requested by repeat guests):

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey

This is the recipe I use:

(was from Humble Gourmand, has since been taken down)

  1. Remove bags of “stuff” from inside bird. Rinse the turkey and pat dry.
  2. Place 1 apple (quartered), 1 onion (quarted) 2-3 stalks of celery and 1 cinnamon stick in 2 cups of water and heat in the microwave for 4 minutes (or until boiling)
  3. Add the entire mixture to the turkey cavity along with a few sprigs of rosemary and sage
  4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper (kosher salt is preferred)
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat.
  6. Cover the entire turkey with bacon. (I weaved the bacon into a big rectangle on a cookie sheet, then plopped it on top of the turkey and used toothpicks to secure. I then used additional strips to wrap the legs and wings.
  7. In a very preheated oven, cook the turkey at 500 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon starts to crisp, then, without opening the door, reduce the oven temperature to 325 for the remaining cooking time.
  8. No need to baste, the bacon grease will take care of it for you!

Fancy Macaroni from The Pioneer Woman

Traditional Green Bean Casserole

David Lieberman’s Sourdough Stuffing 

Creamy Mashed Potatoes from The Pioneer Woman

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies from Tollhouse Recipes

Monkey Bread from The Pioneer Woman

6. Plan ahead for space in the fridge, on counters, and for desserts. For me, clutter = chaos and stress. Having a bunch of pies shoved in my relatively tight kitchen prep space makes me twitch a little bit. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the pies, because really, truly I do — but, I really don’t want to risk dripping turkey juices on one, ya know? If you plan ahead places you’d like people to place desserts, emptied serving dishes, and other items, as well as space in your fridge for storing leftovers after the meal, everything will simply go smoother.

7. Adjust your post-meal space to be conducive to the rest of the evening’s activities. Eating typically requires more space and more room on tables than post-meal relaxing. Once everyone’s done eating, assess the continued need for all folding tables and such, and eliminate anything blocking the flow of rooms and post-meal couch lounging and football viewing or Xbox playing. (Or whatever it is your family enjoys post-giant feast.) Leave a stack of board games and cards out, set up a dessert buffet, and use thermal carafes to keep coffee warm so you can leave the kitchen and spend time with your guests.

Wishing you a low-stress and comforting holiday meal and time spent with loved ones!

Don’t want to cook this Thanksgiving? We got you!

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Our list of where to pick up the best locally crafted Thanksgiving meals

Thanksgiving is an exciting time, but planning the perfect Thanksgiving get-together can be a bit of a challenge—especially when it comes to feeding everyone. Making a Thanksgiving feast involves a lot of prepping, cooking, storing, cleaning, and organizing, but what if you just want to avoid all of that this year? Luckily, Fresno is home to some great eateries, stores, restaurants, and catering services. This is our list of where to pick up the best, locally crafted, Thanksgiving meals. 

The Market Fresno

The Market is offering meals to serve six, individual meals, and individual sides that can be added to either one. The dinner for six starts at $129.99 and includes a choice of the whole turkey, boneless turkey breast, or a boneless glazed ham, as well as cornbread or sausage stuffing, green bean casserole or roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes and gravy, butter flake, or wheat dinner rolls, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie, or pumpkin bread pudding. Additional sides can be ordered to suit larger parties.

Orders must be placed by November 17th, and picked up by November 24th, by 6 PM. Orders can be made by phone at 559-432-3306. Be sure to ask for the deli. The Market is located at 7088 N. West Ave. Fresno, CA 93711.

Westwood BBQ & Spice Co

Westwood is offering a Thanksgiving feast that serves six. The Harvest package is available for $195 and includes sliced turkey breast, honey-cured ham, cornbread sausage stuffing, mac & cheese, golden mashers, WW green beans, gravy, cranberry-orange sauce, dinner rolls, honey butter, apple blue salad, and pecan pie. 

Orders must be placed by November 14th, and substitutions will not be accepted. Orders can be made by phone, at 559-449-9227. Westwood BBQ & Spice Co. is located at 8042 N Blackstone Ave Fresno, CA 93720.

Campagnia

Campagnia is offering two-holiday dinners this year, created by Chef Floro. The complete turkey dinner is available for $184, and includes herb-marinated turkey, while the complete rib roast dinner is available for $289 and includes a full herb-roasted rib roast. Both meals also include sausage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, orange-cranberry relish, green beans almondine, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie. Extra entrees or sides can be added, à la carte, to accommodate larger groups. 

Orders must be made by November 19th and a limited amount of dinners will be sold. Orders can be placed by calling 559-433-3300. Campagnia is located at  1185 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93720.

Elbow Room Bar and Grill

Elbow Room is offering a to-go feast that serves six to eight people. You can choose between a turkey feast, including a whole roasted turkey, and a ham feast that includes a dijon-brown sugar glazed ham, either for $175. Both meals also include green beans, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, sweet yams, cranberry chutney, dinner rolls, mustard, and a whole pumpkin pie. 

Orders can be made online here, and can be picked up on November 24th between 9 am and 7 pm. The Elbow Room is located at 731 W San Jose Ave, Fresno, CA 93704.

Southern Hospitality Company

Southern Hospitality Company is offering à la carte Thanksgiving dishes so you can create your own optimal dinner. Offerings include a traditional herb-roasted whole turkey, for $69.99, and honey baked spiral ham for $74.99, as well as sides like butter chive mashed potatoes, Vegetarian Southern Cornbread Stuffing, citrus and mint cranberry sauce, parmesan asparagus, rosemary cheddar biscuits, green bean casserole, and whole pumpkin pies. 
Orders must be placed by November 21st, and pickups and deliveries will be on November 25th. Orders can be made online here, and require a $100 minimum. You can get in touch by calling 559-213-8202. Pickups will be made at the Culvis Culinary Center, located at 3185 Willow Ave, Clovis, CA 93612.

Riley’s Brew Pub

Riley’s Brew Pub is offering Thanksgiving to-go, with a meal that serves 8 for $160. The meal includes sliced boneless turkey breast and honey-baked ham, as well as traditional sides. 

Pick-up is on November 24th between 11 am and 6 pm and orders can be made by phone at 559-862-2925. Riley’s Brew Pub will also be open for Thanksgiving dinner, by reservation, and is located at 2674 Owens Mountain Pkwy, Clovis, CA 93611.

Thanksgiving dinner…

Thanksgiving dinner is a wonderful time to spend with family and loved ones and eat great food. It can be a challenge to create a feast for everyone to enjoy together, but luckily, in Fresno, there are so many great places to pick up a Thanksgiving dinner and skip the mess, so you can focus on the important things, like those around you. These are some of our favorite places to pick up locally crafted Thanksgiving dinners this year.

Why wait till the New Year?! Get Fit today!

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So many people wait till the new year to decide to get fit and in shape. Get a head start on them by starting today. There are many affordable options today in and around Fresno. Here is a list of some for your consideration:

Fresno Athletic Performance

Affordable boot camp-style workouts in a state-of-the-art gym. Seriously this place is huge and full of new, clean equipment. The programs are run by a longtime local trainer and the owner Andre’ Lagrange. Located at 4774 N. Blackstone. – Check out their Facebook site today for more info.

CrossFit Fresno

CrossFit became a worldwide fitness sensation several years back.  A  few different CrossFit places have come and gone since then but this gym has survived and thrived. All of the classes are adaptable to different levels of fitness. More information is available here 

The Iron Office Gym

Are you a powerlifter interested in bringing your game up to the next level? The Iron Office Gym may be the perfect place for you. This veteran-owned business offers personal training and it’s open 24 hours a day for members so that you can fit a workout into even the busiest schedule. Get the deets here 

Four Corners Yoga

If you’re looking for a large yoga studio with something specific for people from all levels of skill, Four Corners Yoga is a great place for you. Four Corners Yoga has twelve different yoga instructors on staff, all of whom have different specialties. What’s more, the classes are all offered at different heat levels, as different people have different preferences in terms of yoga temperature. 

Whoever you are and whatever your fitness level is, there is a gym for you in Fresno!

Why hire a Realtor?

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for the same reason, I would never again install my own new toilet!

Once upon a time, in the first home, I had ever purchased the toilet broke and I found myself thinking it would be easy enough to replace it myself. Several hundreds of dollars later on top of multiple trips to Home Depot, I finally did the job. Hooray me! Until a month or two later when I learned I hadn’t sealed it down properly on the wax ring. The moral of the story, had I just hired a professional from day one I would have saved myself a lot of money and a whole lot of time. Plumbers get licensed and get training on these things for a reason, so do real estate agents.

Why is it important to work with a real estate professional?

Real estate agents have continuing education requirements that include many topics including real estate law, fair housing, and much more about buying and selling homes. Both formal education and hands-on experience are necessary to maintain their professional standing and license. They know what to say and do to get the results you want because they’ve had plenty of experience to learn from. They specialize in buying and selling homes without letting the process get disorganized and chaotic.

The Expertise

Most real estate agents have spent years studying market trends and can quickly familiarize themselves with a client’s desired neighborhood. Additionally, they also have more tools and resources at their disposal than you would by yourself.  Take the MLS (Multiple Listings Service) as an example. The MLS allows real estate professionals to input a client’s specified wants and needs to find which suitable properties are currently on the market. It also provides crucial sales data, meaning that they can price the homes they’re selling far more accurately. 

The Marketing

When you’re selling anything—especially something as significant as a house or other property—the skill with various advertising and marketing techniques is essential. Unfortunately, most people who haven’t worked in the marketing industry lack this skill. This reality can lead to over or under-pricing a home for sale, which is why it’s always a good idea to call in a professional. 

You can always post a listing online and hope potential buyers stumble upon it, but wouldn’t it make more sense to bring the sale to them? Even if they happened to stumble upon it, most people don’t trust a listing that doesn’t say anything about a real estate agent. 

In addition, you probably don’t have the same training and knowledge about how to set up a listing that a professional real estate agent would. They’re taught how to take your property’s best photos, videos, and documentation to draw in your ideal buyers. They also help coordinate the marketing teams, meet-ups, and more to ensure your sale or purchase goes as smoothly as possible. 

Real estate professionals are also skilled in the art of negotiation, honing in their people skills over the years so that you get the best deal possible on your real estate transaction.

The Finances

Despite what many people think, cutting out an agent—whether it’s on the lister’s or the buyer’s end—usually doesn’t save anyone any money. Whether the buyer, seller, or both pays to have a real estate agent, the experience, knowledge, and other benefits that come with this investment far outweigh the costs. This benefit is especially true if a real estate agent has the listing. The buyer would be at a disadvantage when working alone, resulting in them paying far more than they should, and the price of a real estate agent pales in comparison. 

Time is money when it comes to buying and selling properties, and the entire process is faster, easier, and more direct when a real estate agent is involved. The process could be completed by two untrained, unprofessional, inexperienced individuals, but it will cost more for both parties and take longer than normal. That means less time for either party to do anything else, which is why it’s best left to professionals. 

The negotiating step of the real estate journey is often the longest, hardest, and most stressful step. Luckily, well-trained real estate agents do more than just speed the process along. They could also snag you a deal that you didn’t even know was possible. 

Other Benefits

During peak times for selling and buying real estate, things can get messy. That makes high-quality inspectors and contractors hard to find. When the buyer or sellers are working around a schedule, it can be nearly impossible. Even when things aren’t in full swing, it’s often hard to know which contractors, inspectors, and so on to trust. 

Real estate agents who have been in the industry for a while have one more thing their clients don’t: a strong network. They’ve had time to build up large databases of home inspectors, contractors, stagers, and more that can give them insider assistance that can make all the difference. 

When it comes to hiring a professional real estate agent, the final cherry on top is that they often handle the vast majority of the paperwork themselves. Even if they don’t take care of all of it, it’s rare to find one that doesn’t help at all. Nobody likes doing paperwork, so after the long, stressful process of buying or selling a home, it’s nice to have someone to take care of it for you. 

Check out FresYes for everything you need to know!