The greater Sacramento area’s real estate market continues to improve in 2013, according to a recent survey by DataQuick, home prices are up and inventory is near its lowest point in more than five years. Taylor Morrison plans to help provide home shoppers more choices by launching two new communities in Elk Grove and Newcastle.

Barcelos at Madeira is Taylor Morrison’s newest Elk Grove community. Barcelos offers an all-new collection of single and two-story home designs ranging in size from 2,426 to 3,600 square feet with three to five bedrooms and up to 3.5 baths. Each Barcelos home boasts a gourmet kitchen with center island overlooking the adjoining family room and may include a bonus room or loft. The homes also offer three-car garages, optional guest suites and even Casitas. Barcelos is expected to Grand Open in early June, but is currently selling from Taylor Morrison’s Mirabela sales office and currently offering special pre-model pricing from the high $300,000s.

Not only do trees beautify your home and neighborhood, they can help to dramatically reduce cooling costs during the hot summer months. Sacramento County residents are eligible for up to 10 free trees through the Sacramento Shade tree program, a partnership between Sacramento Tree Foundations and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Businesses, parks and schools in the SMUD service area are also eligible for free SMUD shade trees.

Sacramento Shade customers can choose from over 30 deciduous trees (deciduous trees shed their leaves in the fall to allow the warm winter sun into your home).

ELK GROVE - A community meeting will be held tonight, Tuesday, May 3, to discuss concerns with activities at Strikes Bowling Alley and their effect in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Laguna West Neighborhood office at 9101 Laguna Main Street, Suite 180.

Representatives from the Elk Grove City Council, Elk Grove Police Department, Strikes management, and local neighbors will participate.