Human beings are suckers for newness. The untouched object carries its own halo of promise, and we’re remarkably willing to pay for it. Cars, cellphones, clothes – entire industries run on the assumption that the latest version is somehow the better one. With a house, that appeal comes with practical advantages: modern floor plans, current building standards, greater efficiency and no previous owner’s questionable handiwork waiting behind a wall. Between $2 million and $4 million, however, new construction can offer more than a clean slate. Homes at this level can combine the conveniences of the present with qualities that usually take time to acquire, like mature neighborhoods, substantial parcels, established addresses and views that no amount of new construction can manufacture.  The homes that follow occupy that unusually appealing middle ground. Here, brand-new is not the whole value proposition. It is simply one very attractive part of it.

Source: Sacrament Business Journal

The Sacramento Business Journal’s list of employers includes more than 380 businesses, nonprofits and government organizations that collectively employ more than 360,000 people locally — and millions more across the nation and world. Think of it as a census of the entities that power the workforce in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties. The online version of this ranking goes beyond what appears in print, featuring more than 300 additional organizations in our digital database, in addition to the 38 highlighted in this week’s print edition. This week's List continues a shift in our research methodology and philosophy, one that emphasizes more data and context for readers while better coordinating the resources available to us and our 40-plus sister publications under the American City Business Journals flag. This effort identified thousands of new local records — and cumulatively, tens of thousands of new businesses across ACBJ's footprint — last year alone. Information for The List was gathered through SBJ’s own research and from employer questionnaires that SBJ could not independently verify. In case of ties, organizations are ranked by total employment, then listed alphabetically if ties remain. For information about this and other SBJ Lists, contact Data Reporter Mengyuan Dong at mdong@bizjournals.com or 916-558-7876. SOURCE: Sacramento Business Journal

Women-owned businesses on this list are based in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer or Yolo counties. Information for the list was obtained through Sacramento Business Journal research or supplied by individual firms through questionnaires that SBJ could not independently verify.

Under Forbes Global Properties, GUIDE now operates seven offices and boasts over 300 agents across the state.

Home selling's maxim is location, location, location. Maureen Barker said she wants to make that a mantra for top-performing agents when they're thinking about joining a firm — specifically hers.

Two houses, a separate workshop building, five acres and six ski resorts under an hour away.

Recognized as one of the top performing brokerages in the nation by Real Trends Nation’s Best, the firm will represent the international network within the greater Sacramento area.