Home Selling – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

Some Sage Advice Shared by Buyer’s and Seller’s Agents

The dual nature of Sebastopol real estate agents is unlike most other professions. A medical doctor who is a family physician in the morning doesn’t switch hats and become a surgeon in the afternoon—any more than a lawyer who pleads in court for a defendant can decide to become a prosecuting attorney that afternoon.

On the other hand, Sebastopol Realtors^® may begin any single day in negotiations representing a seller, then spend the afternoon escorting a buyer client through a series of Sebastopol home showings. I’m happy to say this isn’t evidence of a split personality disorder. It’s perfectly normal: the California real estate agent’s license I carry specifically permits me to perform as either a buyer’s or a seller’s agent. That’s noteworthy because each of the agencies carries distinct professional obligations.

The subject of the duality of being a real estate agent came to mind this week when I happened across an article on the topic of the 3 things you shouldn’t talk about with a seller’s agent. The author listed the 3 things: how much you like (or dislike) a house; the size of your budget; and (well, the last one wasn’t specifically what not to talk about)—just the advice to buyers to “let your agent do the talking.”

I can vouch for all three, but go it one further: the same real estate agent advice works for sellers, too. Your agent is there to expertly gather and dispense relevant information, at the same time preventing the divulging of any and everything that might weaken your side of the coming bargain. Doing so while maintaining a positive, upbeat tenor is an art—one that sharpens with practice. For sure it’s one place where there is no substitute for experience.

Whether your next Sebastopol real estate role will be as buyer or seller, Heidi and I can be there to serve as your voice—as well to offer our experience, guidance, and advice you can count on. Call us!

Sebastopol Real Estate At A Glance

Our new office in the heart of downtown Sebastopol gives us a unique perspective on the overall activity in our thriving town. We watch the consistent pedestrian traffic of shoppers, workers, and tourists, coming in and out of various places of business; children playing on the plaza square, and bicyclists riding along our newly dedicated bike lane. There is a gentle hum of activity throughout the day that is pleasant to witness and be a part of. Our real estate market mimics this buzz of activity.

The Sebastopol real estate market has always been competitive and seems to hover around a slight Seller advantage. The current market is no different. While the Market Action Index shows some strengthening in the last few weeks. Even though average prices have settled into a bit of a plateau, we anticipate things to start increasing shortly due to being in a Seller’s market. When the advantage is to the seller, however slight, prices are likely to resume their climb. Current trends show the median list price for a Sebastopol home is $960,000 with a price per square foot of $529.

By measuring the rate of sales versus the inventory we can see there is a slight Seller’s advantage. With the Market Action Index (real estate supply and demand) at 34, it is showing an increase over last week of 32, indicating an increase in market activity.

There are a variety of homes, land, and business opportunities on the market right now. Currently, Heidi and I have listed an amazing wine country property on Harrison Grade Road in Sebastopol. Situated on a quintessential Sebastopol road of gentle curves and picturesque landscapes of vineyards, apple orchards, and homes, this listing does not disappoint.

We have a number of exciting listings in Sebastopol. Cotati, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Willow Creek, and Camp Meeker as well. From a fabulous retreat style home, an equestrian property, a 400+ acre property, to a commercial development opportunity and a legal/permitted cannabis grow site, there is never a shortage of unique and inspiring real estate in Sonoma County.

It is exciting to see the growth in our community from year to year. We can always count on this market to keep things lively. We welcome all your questions about the market. We also offer a no strings attached, free estimate on any property’s value. It is always interesting to see where your property might fall in our diverse and growing market. Give us a call or email us directly by clicking here.

Renovated Estate Genuinely Rooted in Sonoma Wine Country

Randy and I have been very fortunate over the years to represent some pretty amazing homes and estates throughout Sonoma county. Some have been filled with history, or architecturally significant. Some have been sprawling wonders of luxury, and some just made us feel good upon entering. Our newest listing on Harrison Grade Road in Sebastopol is one of those homes that evokes a warm and inviting atmosphere, along with a tie to an old wine country family and offers many modern luxuries buyers have come to expect in a home.

This Craftsman home offers a comfortable and relaxed environment while holding on to its original roots established by an esteemed wine family from the 1920s. The four-bedroom, three-bath home provides present, and future generations with all the modern comforts found in a luxurious home without compromising its history.

Built to last and encapsulate the cherished memories of all its inhabitants this timeless home features hardwood plank floors, large picture windows that bring the natural light inside and beautiful views in every room. Renovations to the original house were designed up by the current homeowners alongside Sebastopol architect, Lars Langberg. Hand-hewn redwood logs span its circumference as part of the foundation, ensuring the roots of this home are healthy.

Entertaining is a breeze in the chef’s kitchen featuring granite and quartz countertops, a 6 burner Electrolux gas range, stainless steel appliances, pantry, wine and beverage refrigerator and easy access to the outdoor spaces. The great room with open floor plan and wood burning fireplace offers cozy comfort for many or just one.

Awaken to cheerful sunlight in the master suite. Ample storage space and a spa-like ensuite celebrate the modern amenities we all enjoy. You will find views from every room in the home to enjoy until your heart’s content, and mind is at ease.

“We bought this house to free ourselves from the city. We wanted to raise our family in the country.” Both family and house received a full restoration.

“We will miss the moonlight through the palm tree, grand skyscapes ever-changing, geese flying by, foxes trotting along our footpaths, the occasional coyote chorus and echoing owls. Juicy peaches from the two spindly trees, the cool fog that rolls in after a hot day and how surprisingly good the water tastes. We will remember the outdoor kitchen, the gardens, the fireplace, and bocci ball. The sound of 100 frogs in our pond every spring, the masses of Robins and Starlings gathered high atop the redwood trees and how free our children lived here and how they grew into adults. Our local Occidental community has also provided us with so much nourishment over the years, like Howards for breakfast, coffee at the Union Hotel, and drinks at Joe’s Bar. We take with us a lifetime of happy memories, full bellies, and light hearts.”

The best way to see the home is through the eyes of those that have lived here before. They can suggest the best parts that you cannot see or feel on your first tour. Things like: the southwest corner of the kitchen is the best window to read the morning paper in the sunshine or to watch the birds drinking from the fountain.

Retreat to an estate that is saturated with wine country roots.
Come and see for yourself where your true wine country lifestyle fits right in.

The Trends and Homes for Sale in Sebastopol

The current housing market in Sebastopol California is on par with overall California trends that we’ve seen over the last few years. This last week’s report showed that Sebastopol has an average or median list price of $1,049,000 (ranging from $519K to $12.9M), and an average of $577 per square foot. The slight increase that we saw in the days on market, has held steady throughout this time. At a hundred and forty days this trend is concurrent with what we’re seeing in homes with price decreases, landing a little above 50%. One promising figure is that we’ve had 0% relisted in the last few weeks. Meaning that although we are still seeing a higher than average days on the market number, homes are still selling. This may help since our inventory is little higher than average, and the rental market is on the upswing averaging about $4,400 per month.

We have a few examples of homes that are selling right now in Sebastopol, CA. These homes are quintessential Northern California and they fully facilitate the lifestyle that keeps people moving and living in this fabulous part of the country.

9736 Green Valley Road Sebastopol, Ca 95472

The first home we would like to showcase this month is on Green Valley Road. This particular property was inspired by all of the glorious architecture from the shores of Martha’s Vineyard and is a prime example of the luxury real estate in Sonoma County. This two-story home is the essence of privacy and tranquility, located at the end of a private lane, creating a cozy backdrop to your indoor|outdoor lifestyle. The show-stopper of this property is in the landscaping and beautiful views of adjacent mountain ranges allowing you to feel private yet inspired.

Everything about this home is created to take-in that beautiful landscape. Its open airy feel is highlighted with large windows and bright light that beckons you to grab a warm cup of tea and a book, and just be in the space. Even though this home seems to be created just for the residents’ pure enjoyment and relaxation, bringing friends and family into your curated life is easy with large french doors off the living room into a grand open entertaining space complete with fenced courtyard perfect for family gatherings. From the covered porch where you can gaze upon your own hobby Pinot Noir vineyard to plantation shutters, this Northern California modern cottage house has been fully realized.

The second home we would like to share with you is on Cherry Ridge Road. There is much to enjoy about this modern French inspired farmhouse, located minutes to downtown Sebastopol. Just like the first, this home is nestled at the end of a quiet lane offering plenty of privacy and tranquility. Enjoy the quintessential northern California lifestyle in the home’s spacious open floor plan. The light-filled master suite embraces the outdoor views and creates is a relaxing retreat. Even the bathrooms are designed in a way to add to the clean and calm feel of the space.

The fashionable indoor/outdoor living is made seamless with a deck and patio area with expansive views of the beautiful west county landscape. Enjoy the peaceful walking paths through lush landscaping and vibrant gardens on this gently rolling parcel and escape to the country and tranquility with each step.

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!

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!

The Best Sebastopol Real Estate Agent’s Top 5 Qualities

If you are just about to commit to buying or selling a home in Sebastopol, the first important task before you comes with identifying the best Realtor^® to assist your effort. That comes first because although you might begin by combing through the current Sebastopol listings or driving through the neighborhood to spot what’s going on, there is always a possibility that acting without delay will be important. If that happens to be the case, zeroing in on the best Sebastopol agent takes first priority.

How you ultimately select that best real estate agent for you involves a selection process that’s a lot like any business person’s procedure—except that it’s easier to identify the candidates. You won’t have to post “help wanted” ads since the candidates (us included) are all actively looking for you! We are the prominent Sebastopol brokers and agents whose names you see on the web and on our “FOR SALE” signs. They’re all over the place.

The true lion’s share of the work of identifying your best “hire” will come in the conversations you have with the leading candidates. Whether you call them up or drop in on them at their office (or run into them at an open house), it’s important to bear in mind that these conversations, whether casual or not, are actually employment interviews. You’re the boss; the agents are applicants—and the hiring decision is a very important one. During these interactions, if you can determine that the agent you’re speaking with is strong in these five qualities, you’ve found your agent:

1. Accessible. The best Sebastopol real estate agent for you is easy to talk to—the kind of person you connect with automatically; who puts you at ease. The best agent will be someone who is engaging and enjoyable to talk with.

2. Professional. At the same time (it onlyseems to conflict with the above), the best agent is a professional at all times. After all, some of the most durable friendships wind up being with people we’ve “been through the wars with” in business!

3. Sympathetic. A lot of the business at hand will consist of pinpointing your personal tastes and leanings and prioritizing them correctly. The best Sebastopol real estate agent for you will be keenly aware of your preferences—which won’t be the same as everybody else’s.

4. Authoritative. That best agent knows Sebastopol inside and out; is personally familiar with the current crop of area listings; is known and widely respected by her or his Sebastopol real estate colleagues.

5. Dedicated. Your best partner in the upcoming campaign will be committed to the real estate profession—not just for this week or for this transaction, but for the long haul. The best Sebastopol real estate agent will be there for you the next time, too!

Needless to say, when you are narrowing the field for who you want to become your own best Sebastopol agent, we hope you’ll call us for a chat!

A “Kitchen Mirage” Could Speed Sebastopol Home Sales

When we see a feature with a title like X Ways to Make Your Kitchen Feel Bigger, we are unlikely to pass it up. Making any Sebastopol kitchen feel bigger would be a definite plus for any Sebastopol home sale. On the scale of honorable pursuits, it would be right there next to cleanliness.

Increasingly, today’s Sebastopol homebuyers think of the kitchen as a (and possibly the) center of family entertaining—the center of gravity where everyone hangs out more than anywhere else. It’s true that if another room features a giant TV entertainment center, that might be serious competition for the family’s attention. But although it might be a place that will occupy goodly chunks of everyone’s time, it’s in the kitchen where family members wind up interacting the most and which gets the most scrutiny when it comes to a home sale.

There’s no debate that in today’s Sebastopol market, a claustrophobic kitchen can retard an otherwise appealing home’s sale. Yet actually hiring an architect, contractor, pulling permits, etc. to physically expand a kitchen is a major undertaking that runs the risk of costing more than it returns. So finding ways to make your Sebastopol kitchen feel bigger without blowing out walls and tearing up the property for months on end, well—that’s definitely worth looking into.

To cut to the chase, most of the Feel Bigger Ways aren’t magical: they turn out to be design ideas that maximize storage efficiency. To achieve positive Sebastopol home sale results, the idea is to systematically substitute suffocating kitchen clutter with eye-pleasing open space.

One clear tactic is to make the most of any existing kitchen island. The space beneath is ideal for “smart” storage solutions. Googling smart storage yields 1,000,000+ results (not to mention the ads), comprising a ready-made resource for maxing out the cubic feet that are ready to use right there in the center of the kitchen.

On the opposing side of the “feel bigger” agenda is the suggestion to abandon one of Sebastopol most popular design ideas of bygone eras: the overhead cupboard. In most layouts, those utilitarian storage solutions assail kitchen occupants’ sightlines exactly where it will do the most harm. When you remove those overheads, a whole lot of claustrophobia goes with them. Unfortunately, a good deal of storage space goes with them.

That brings up two other tried-and-true alternatives. First, placing shelving on unused wall space can solve some of the storage dilemma—most pleasingly, when it’s some variety of open shelving. Kitchen design publications are filled with examples of appealing open and glass-windowed shelving.

Second is what could be the most useful, least expensive, and easily adopted insight for making your Sebastopol kitchen fell bigger: just get rid of excess kitchen stuff! It’s simple but true. Removing unused utensils, pots & pans and kitchenware can work miracles. For the gourmet-pleasing cooks who can’t get by without a lot of exotic cookery aids, the solution is an off-site storage solution in the garage or dedicated closet. The minor inconvenience will be worth it if a quicker home sale results—besides, the extra going back and forth is healthy exercise, right?

If you are planning to list your Sebastopol home, a good place to start is with a no-obligation consultation about your home and today’s Sebastopol real estate market. Call us!

Sebastopol Real Estate Agents: Positives and Negatives

There are a couple of ways to look at the difference between the way you approach a typical Sebastopol home sale and the way your real estate agent does. One is positive, the other, less so—but considering both reveals something about the value we Realtors^® add to the process.

Most Sebastopol homeowners do decide to enlist the services of an experienced Sebastopol real estate agent, but sometimes it’s only after trying to avoid it. The reason is nearly always because, although the percentage of the standard agent commission is only 5% or 6% when the sale amount is hundreds of thousands of dollars, it can seem like an awful lot of money for hardly any work at all.

The reality is otherwise—and in fact, since it’s a competitive business, those commissions would certainly be lowered here and there if it were commercially feasible to do so. But supporting the ongoing office and networks involved make that unrealistic. And then there is the other factor, which is to make all that background noise as invisible as possible. Part of a good agent’s accomplishment is to quietly assume most of the tedious tasks of the buying and selling process so that the client can concentrate on only those issues necessarily theirs to perform. Good agents don’t burden their clients with all those details—and certainly, don’t complain about them! An unfortunate but unavoidable consequence is that the job seems far simpler than it actually is.

And in fact, the principal reason that most buyers and sellers do rely on Sebastopol real estate agents is because it’s the nearly universally accepted common practice. For a transaction as important as buying and selling a home, most people safely assume that it’s not prudent to make it a DIY project. Too, since teaming with a Realtor was probably the path chosen by their parents (and most of their neighbors and friends), there is little impetus to change the method that has succeeded for everyone in the past.

There is another good reason people count on their Sebastopol real estate agent, as well: it has to do with the perspective we add. When a client is house hunting, the overriding goal is to find the Sebastopol home that offers the most pleasing combination of features that fits their budget. When an experienced agent is part of the scouting team, another dimension is present: a sounding board for how properties stack up against the wider Sebastopol market in terms of competitive value. If a home is a perfect fit with a client’s gotta-have-it features list—but is nonetheless overpriced—an experienced agent is there to supply that perspective. When the later time comes to sell and reclaim value, that input can prove to have been all-important.

Whether selling or buying, staying abreast of the Sebastopol market is a key part of making discerning choices. Call us anytime to discuss what’s new!

Sebastopol Home Sellers Get Schooled on Clutter

Sebastopol home sellers are sure to hear one piece of advice again and again: “declutter.”

It’s the simplest of concepts; not in the least controversial. Nobody could convincingly argue that Sebastopol homes whose rooms are populated with bric-a-brac are more likely to attract buyers than are those without. That’s just common sense.

Which raises its own issue. If the de-clutter admonition is so self-evident, how come it needs to be made at all? The answer (and this is now the subject of an entire book!) is because, regardless of how good an idea decluttering may be, when put into practice, it encounters a lot of resistance.

Before delving into this any further, it’s only fair to give credit where credit is due: the book in question is Christy Diane Farr’s first effort titled “Is Home Your Happy Place?”—and is fully deserving of its unanimous five stars on Amazon.

The resistance that many of us feel when called upon to get rid of “stuff” is a common phenomenon. You don’t have to be a pack rat, hoarder, or shopaholic to recognize within yourself an irrational streak that resists letting go of some object or another. Even if it’s one that is of no earthly value now (or ever).

Although “Happy Place” is half-humorous, it’s really a self-help book. The author admits to offering information about “how to change your life.” Clearing rooms to prepare for your Sebastopol open house doesn’t require a whole lot of life-changing, but it can impinge on a related thread. The whole moving from one home to a new one is, after all, one of life’s major events.

So the author is on firm ground when she takes the subject of clutter seriously—and the galaxy of things that, left unchecked, wind up filling people’s living spaces. Her classifications include everything from the inexplicable (“Stuff that’s broken,” “Stuff that’s expired”) to the personally problematical (“Stuff that makes you hang onto an unpleasant past”).

Our personal favorite is “Stuff that used to be a good idea.” Especially when you find yourself tossing an object that you thought would come in handy (but which never did), let’s face it: that’s admitting defeat! More difficult can be clearing away and letting go of objects that we connect with other people and places from our past. Author Farr is expert at humorously coaxing readers into disconnecting the emotional ties to things.

When all is said and done, decluttering Sebastopol homes when they go up for sale winds up being well worth the work. More than one client has been pleasantly surprised by how much better they feel when there’s no longer the usual daily disarray to contend with. That’s not surprising if you believe that the better your home feels, the better you will feel—not to mention how much faster it will sell.

Another way to speed a sale even further: give us a call!