Blog - Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

Better than Apple Pie

If Sebastopol California is known for anything, it is the Gravenstein Apple. This tart fruit is synonymous with late summer in Northern California. We are a community that is connected to the land, the bounty it provides, and the tasty treasures that are produced. The history of Sebastopol and the culture are so connected to this palm-sized gem!

The Gravenstein Apple is a tart apple that is yellow-green with some red lines. Due to some characteristics of the tree itself and of the flowers, Gravenstein apples are particularly difficult to harvest and sell. But those same characteristics make for a variable ripening season, solidifying the historic importance of this apple due to the fact that sometimes you can get the apples over a very long period of time.

These beautiful fruits are grown in many places around the world. In Austria, brandy is created from the juice of this fruit. In Australia, this apple is particularly special because the apple season only lasts for a few weeks. In Canada, although grown on both West and East Coasts, it is primarily a backyard fruit and not heavily produced for commercial uses. The Gravenstein was proclaimed the national Apple of Denmark in 2005, and is also grown in countries such as Norway and New Zealand, but not too a large commercial degree. In the United States, the Gravenstein is found primarily on the West Coast. As we in Northern California know, this apple is particularly found in Sonoma County.

In the early 19th century, the Gravenstein Apple was brought to Northern America and has a history of being used as applesauce or dried apples during World War II.

Here in Northern California, the Gravenstein can be harvested in August, yet is often gone by Labor Day. Gravenstein apples are often used as a baking fruit due to their tart and juicy nature. Although these apples ripen and can be harvested earlier than most, they do not travel as well as some of the more well-known apples we see in far-off supermarkets. Although this makes for difficult transcontinental sales, it does provide a beautiful niche here in Nothern California in the slow food movement. Restaurants such as Chez Panisse in Berkeley try and incorporate this fruit into their seasonal menu. For reasons including its ability to grow in Sebastopol’s mild climate, the early harvest, and the tart flesh, Northern California has created this perfect bubble for this beautiful fruit to thrive.

Gravenstein Apple Fair is held in Sebastopol’s Ragle Park on August 11th and 12th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. This year marks of 45th Gravenstein Apple Fair put on by Sonoma County Farm Trails. Known as “the sweetest little fair in Sonoma County“, this charming festival is held under shaded oak trees in a beautiful neighborhood park. The family-friendly feel, the smell of apples in the air, and the quaint setting, all help to create a true hometown feel and showcase a little bit of everything we love about small-town life in Sonoma County. As Northern California continues to gain notoriety for fine wines, the apple industry faces new challenges, finding a reason to take a moment this August and celebrate the Gravenstein in Sebastopol, California.

House Design May Change Due to a Single Word

There’s news in the world of house design—for a change!

Those who keep in touch with the house design innovations that Sebastopol buyers are currently favoring know one thing is for certain: they don’t change overnight. True innovations are rare.

Fads occasionally come and go (remember “industrial décor” and barn door sliders?)—but by definition, fads don’t wind up making much of a dent in how most Sebastopol homes are built or remodeled. That’s a good thing: overexuberant style-chasing can be expensive to correct once a clever style has come and gone.

We bring this up because it looks as if there are a couple of interconnected house design ideas that look like they might be durable—and if so, Sebastopol home buyers and sellers will want to be aware of them.

First is a house design feature that’s gradually been working its way up in popularity: the ground floor master bedroom. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal pointed to the demographics that make this a house design winner. They call it “main-floor master bedroom”—but whatever you call it, the logic is irrefutable. As the number of America’s seniors grows, the practicality of easy access grows with it, gradually shifting from convenience to necessity.

The associated and more consequential design news is summed up in one word: flex. A flex room or area is one that has no designated purpose, but which can be configured and later re-configured to accommodate changing needs and lifestyles. Flex rooms are usually sited off the entry hall, near the main living space, generally close to a bathroom (“so they can easily morph into bedrooms”). They have ample electric wiring so they can become home offices or media centers. Or anything else, not yet anticipated.

Flex rooms used to be called “bonus rooms”—but that might be selling the innovative element short. To us, the term “bonus room” has always seemed like a luxury afterthought; a non-necessity. “Flex room” sounds active and dynamic—and valuable. In fact, the essence of the idea may be more of a marketing insight than design innovation. Whichever it is, it’s something Sebastpol sellers can appreciate for its practicality: potential buyers will tend to project their own needs into the space. As a house planner put it to the Journal, “When you name it ‘dining room,’ buyers will never get that out of their mind.”

In a wider sense, the “flex” idea is a reflection of 21^st-century reality. At this point, we all understand that change is the most predictable element of our future. Having built-in flexibility in a home’s design is one way to assure that it stays in style—and also a way to ensure its lasting resale value. Maximizing that is our specialty—so be sure to keep our number handy!

Life in Style: California Living

Life is what happens between the beginning and the end. It is the actions, thoughts, feelings, and relationships that make up the minutes, days, and years, of our lives. Style is how you wave together those events and beliefs within the time that passes.

In California, we create an environment within our own lives that is curated in order to live each moment to the fullest. We manifest the lifestyle of which we dream. Even more so, we understand that the California lifestyle is definable. It must be a tangible way of living in order for us each to strive and eventually realize that vision for our own lives.

California has the perfect climate to realize your dreams. The winters are mild and the summers are sunny and dry. There are no limitations when it comes to being outside and enjoying your community. Walking through your local neighborhood with your pets, shopping in the town square, or hiking throughout your local natural areas can practically occur year-around. With an easy access to the mountains and forests as to coastal locals, Northern California is a paradise, no matter your idea of utopia.

The prolific farm-to-table movement and the renowned wine scene, Northern California is not only a foodie’s paradise but also a perfect place to sit back and just enjoy the tastes and smells for those of us who just like to simply enjoy the vines and vittles. Northern California is known for their agriculture, producing fresh apples, tomatoes, avocados, and many other fruits and vegetables is all local bounty we can enjoy firsthand. The boutique varieties of well-known crops are integrated into the mixed culinary style of California since it is an axiom of Asian, American and Hispanic influences.

In the home, lifestyle is as varied as individual tastes and ideals. In California, lifestyle usually incorporates a little of everything into one’s home to create that life that includes all things California. From the things we eat (and how they came to our table) to the art we hang (and the local artist that dreamt them up), and to the California landscape (and how we live and breath this outdoor paradise) which we welcome into our homes, to make this place a perfect mixture of all the beauty found and created.

Hustle and Bustle

Our recent Apple Blossom celebrations make it official – spring has sprung in Sebastopol! The air feels fresh, relaxing foggy mornings give way to warm and invigorating afternoons filled with activity. As children are gearing up to finish the school year, warm weather, busy parks, and blooming flowers remind us all how fortunate we are to call Sebastopol home.

The Real Estate market is warming up too! Spring is bustling time for real estate agents and brokers as clients seek to sell or acquire new property and homes. The number of homes listed in Sonoma County in March increased 11.4% over February, and the number of homes sold increased by 19.7%. In Sebastopol, the number of homes listed increased by 26% over the same period last year, and the number of home sold increased by 20% compared to a year ago. As we expect the warm up to continue, now is a great time to achieve your real estate goals.

11630 Barnett Valley Road, Sebastopol, CA

We currently have several properties on the market with more coming soon. Our latest listing on Barnett Valley Road is an ideal home for those looking for a bit of land, sun, peace, and privacy. Just over 6 acres of sun-drenched meadows and redwood forests, this single level well-maintained home is nestled at the end of a private country lane. It’s just waiting for your vision and designer touches. Enjoy stellar views, relax on the deck and listen to birds chirping and the soft summer breezes rustling through the trees. Barnett Valley is a perfect wine country retreat.

If you are looking for something even larger, or maybe establishing a family compound, our Sweetwater Springs listing is just the property for you. Breathtaking views sweep through this 480± acre parcel with options for future building sites that share in the sights! Gently rolling ridge top features open sunny meadows, natural springs and incredible views of the Russian River Valley, Mt. Saint Helena and beyond. The perfect canvas awaits to create your dream estate with vineyard potential.

For those that are looking to live more of a country life, our Bodega Avenue listings will set you up nicely. An ideal property for raising crops or horses, this property occupies 80± gently rolling acres in a serene setting with gorgeous views with the potential for quality wine grape production. The offering includes the main house, original farmhouse, caretakers home, three large barns, and half acre spring-fed pond.

We welcome the springtime weather and renewed energy. We are gearing up for some even more exciting news we will be sharing with you soon – stay tuned! Until then, there really is no better place to enjoy the busiest time of year than here in Sonoma County, so rich in its warm and familiar ways. As new blessings bloom everywhere, we are opening doors all across Sonoma County, helping you reach your real estate goals this Spring. Be sure to give us a call, we would be honored to assist you with all your real estate needs.

The Biography of a Buyer

Buying a house can seem like a completely overwhelming endeavor. We want to make it less intimidating for you, and break it down into easy steps, creating an exciting journey that ends in finding a great home.

Start by deciding how much you can spend on a house. Figuring out how much home is affordable involves many factors. Look at our webpage on loan programs and think about which one would be the best fit for your circumstances. Talk to your bank, and see if a pre-approved mortgage is a possibility; this allows more freedom while viewing houses.

A substantial factor in getting a loan is your credit score. Make decisions that strengthen credit scores, and ensure that number is correct. Especially focus on reducing credit card debt, since some debt such as student loans affect credit scores less.

Now imagine what your ideal home and location might be. Before you buy a home make sure to have a clear image of what you want. Discover what typical prices are for the area and with the knowledge of how much you can spend, determine the type of living situation that will be “home sweet home”. Finally, make sure to choose the house that speaks to you, and doesn’t be afraid to keep looking for the ideal space to call your own.

This is one of our favorite ways to be of service to our clients. We have over 40+ collective years of real estate experience to rely on and we truly enjoy helping buyers find their ideal home. Our door is always open for questions about the local real estate market, your individual situation, or just to start thinking about purchasing a home someday in the future. Give us a call!

Future Sebastopol Home Sales May Defy Assumptions

Many Sebastopol homeowners will be planning to list their properties this spring because it’s when future home sales would be expected to peak. Historically, at least, spring is when a sudden crush of prospects usually arrive on the scene. But this year, the upward drift in mortgage interest rates might have would-be sellers worried. After all, it’s common sense that any rise in home loan rates would put a damper on buyers’ enthusiasm.

Sometimes common sense and reality don’t go hand in hand. When we try to estimate the strength of Sebastopol’s future home sales, it could be a case in point.

That’s one way to look at the conclusions drawn by a pair of studies released last week. Both were focused on examining how rising interest rates are likely to affect future home sales. If you assume that higher mortgage rates automatically dampen home buying activity, that in itself could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. For Sebastopol homeowners currently deciding whether the prospects for future home sales are on the decline, that could be a factor in their decision about whether to list their own properties.

John Burns Real Estate Consulting examined the “common sense” idea about the dampening effect of rising mortgage interest rates—and found historical evidence that put the kibosh on it. They looked at ten separate periods since 1975 during which rates rose by 1% or more, and found little or no impact on sales if the underlying economy was strong. Apparently, the public optimism that accompanies a roaring economy offsets the effect of higher monthly mortgage payments.

Another study by market research journalist Greg McCarriston summarized a late-2017 Redfin-commissioned survey. More than 4,000 people were polled in late 2017 about their own homebuying plans. Surprisingly, only 6% of those quizzed said they would cancel their own homebuying plans if mortgage rates passed 5%. A surprising 46% said that would either have no effect on their plans—or that it would actually increase their urgency to buy since rates might rise further.

Common sense or not, if both studies prove out, the strength of recent economic news could energize this spring’s Sebastopol future home sales activity—despite a creeping rise in interest rates. That will be good news for homeowners who decide to sell, and for buyers who are planning on the traditional spring flood of new properties entering the market. If you are thinking about joining either group, we hope you’ll give us a call!

Empty Home, Full of Possibilities

4041 Bones Road, Sebastopol, California 95472

I’m sure it has happened to you in your home search, you meet one of us to walk you through a home that interests you, as you enter, you notice right away that the home is staged or may even be completely empty. When buying a home, there can be many reasons why a seller may have already moved on, some may be positive for your buying process.

Several positives to buying a vacant home can range from the obvious to the surprising. When a home is empty, the true details of the home can be seen and absorbed. All of the charm and intricacies of the property are plainly seen. This can help to reduce any surprises at the inspection and closing. The closing period of these homes tend to be simpler as well. When waiting for a family to vacate the property, closing periods can run into complications or setbacks. With vacant homes, these unforeseen personal incidences can be reduced.

Our Bones Road property in Sebastopol is currently vacant and holds a number of positive and exciting attributes that you should come and see.

Bones Road offers not only the privacy and seclusion with views of vineyards, mountains, and redwoods tucked into the West County Hills; it offers a clean slate to its new owner. This Spanish-inspired single story home features old world charm with wood beam ceilings, paver tile flooring, and dramatic archways. The ideal floor plan makes for easy entertaining in a spacious kitchen, dining, family and living areas. Included in the sale of the home are 7.5± beautiful acres of land suitable for horses, gardens, and agriculture.

There are many reasons why homes may become vacant at the point of a sale. Life circumstances such and marriage, divorce, or the passing of an elderly family member, or even a change in financial stability can cause a homeowner to sell a home after it has been emptied. These circumstances, although unfortunate, can translate to gained value to a buyer. Often times, the owners of vacant homes are motivated to sell and may have already severed emotional ties to the property, making for a faster process for you!

If you are interested in discussing these concerns and opportunities further, whether you are buying or selling a vacant home, please reach out and ask. We are here to share our expertise to help you make the best decision for your family.

Rooted in Sonoma County

Dear Sonoma County,

I have called you home for most of my life. I have learned so much from you and the people who call you home. As we look back at the past year and think of all that has happened, I cannot help but be grateful that your strength and the deep roots we have growth will be the support for a future of recovery and growth.

My family roots lie in Sonoma County. The love I have for this place began in my childhood. So much of who I am is because of the areas in and around Sebastopol. In 1890 my great-grandparents came from Italy and built the famous Union Hotel, located in the quaint village of Occidental near Bodega Bay. My family were settlers, who saw something special in Northern California. They were the first land developers in the area, so you could say real estate runs in my blood. Somehow they knew, this place would one day be the spectacular place it is now.

Every single day, I am driven by my joy in sharing the beauty of Northern California to people who have been here and those who are just arriving. The dreams and desires of this place mirror my own. Historically, Northern California was a place of hope and dreams of prosperity. It was, and still is a place where those who sow their seeds, have a desire to reap the harvest and share it with their community. That is what drives me every day, that the hard work I put into every endeavor, and the knowledge and love I have of this special place, will reap rewards that will infiltrate every corner or our community.

Best wishes to each and every one in this holiday season!

Heidi

Believe It—Winter Weather is Heading for Sebastopol

Officially, it may not be winter in Sebastopol yet, but the end of November is more than a signal to turn to the last page in 2017’s calendar. It’s definitely time for Sebastopol residents to secure their domiciles against the mercury drops Mother Nature will be providing sooner or later.

Even in places where a November heat wave makes it hard to focus on the inevitable onslaught of chilly weather, there are some household winter preparation tips that apply equally to all areas of the country. Here are four tips to benefit just about every Sebastopol household:

Tune up the heating system. Instead of hoping that the heat pump or furnace will make it through another year on its own, a preventive tune-up will result in lower fuel bills all winter—not to mention saving you from becoming 15^th in the repair line when it fails on the coldest night of the year (when else would that happen?).
Check the “overhead” (that is, the roof, gutters, vents, and chimney). Clearing leaves, pine needles or anything else up there can reveal spots vulnerable to leaks—or breaks in flashing seals. Water damage is much more costly to correct than are small-area roofing fixes.
Mow any remaining leaves. If your yard still has leaves, mow rather than rake them. University studies have proved that leaves cut into dime-sized pieces (which takes several passes) will settle among the grass blades, nourishing them throughout the winter.
Eliminate drafts. Every winter, Sebastopol homeowners lose truly astonishing amounts of heat due to air leaks. In addition to testing windows for rattles and door jams for gaps, the Department of Energy recommends an exterior walk-around to inspect all areas where two different building materials meet. With a caulk gun handy, also check cable and phone line entrances and where dryer vents pass through walls.

Based on a prediction for low sunspot activity, this year’s Farmers Almanac calls for a chilly winter—while NOAA concentrates on the 70% chance for a La Nina (which might bring normal precipitation except in the drier South).

In other words, Sebastopol’s winter weather outlook is anybody’s guess.

The foolproof solution is, as always, to be well prepared. In addition to anxiety relief, a side benefit of a consistently well-maintained home becomes evident when you put it up for sale—which is also when you should give us a call!

Finding Home

As we discover more about ourselves, our family, and our community, through trials and tribulations, recoveries and triumphs, we understand more fully our needs and how to live our most full life. As Maya Angelou said, “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place we can go as we are and not be questioned.” In this blog, we highlight a few properties that we are proudly representing that are ready for you and yours, to start building your life, here in Sonoma County.

If you are looking for a sturdy family home, with room to grow, the home at Bones Road may suit your family perfectly. With 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, there is enough room for the whole family and their privacy. With acreage this property has room for horses, gardens or agriculture and almost 3,000 square feet of living space, all residents can spread out to their ultimate comfort. The wood beam ceilings and super spacious shared living areas, give this home the space the family needs even in times of togetherness. This home is ready for you and your imagination. Bones Road is a vacant property and a clean slate. It is ready for your final touches with a solid concrete foundation, giving it the structural support to hold your dream home. The home has been well-maintained and all it needs is your vision.

Everything about this home is grand and spacious. Nestled in the hills of West County, the architecture is designed to capture the breathtaking views from each room, spanning the property’s 7 acres. The home is spacious, modern and move-in ready. There is a bath for each bedroom, giving the 3 bedrooms privacy and individuality. There is a spacious bonus room with vaulted ceilings and warm, wooden beams, giving this home over 4,000 square feet and creating an open feel for life and entertaining.

There is room for the whole family at this exceptional property. This is the ideal property for raising crops or horses boasting 80± gently rolling acres in a serene setting with gorgeous views. There does exist the potential for quality wine grape production. The property includes five different living spaces. These structures include the main house, the original farmhouse, a caretaker home, three large barns and half acre spring fed pond. The possibilities are endless at this family compound, full of potential for the whole family, including the horse, of course.

The properties that we are highlighting today are designed for life. They are built for families, and friends to be in and share time with those we care about. These homes are all ready for you and yours to call home. Let us know if you have any questions about how these homes could suit you, or if there are any other properties you would like to see.