Randy Mack | Realtor | 707.696.6272

    Heidi Faulkner | Realtor | 707.480.4098

Artisan Sotheby's International RealtyArtisan Sotheby's International Realty

For all your real estate needs - Northern California, including Sebastopol CA

  • Home
  • Featured Listings
  • Sonoma County
    • Forestville
    • Healdsburg
    • Petaluma
    • Santa Rosa
    • Sebastopol
      • Sebastapol Sold
    • Windsor
  • Search Listings
    • Listing Alerts
  • Real Estate Explained
    • Real Estate Explained For Buyers
      • Why Work With A Realtor?
      • When Choosing A Realtor
      • Understanding The Term Agency
      • How to Prepare for House Hunting
      • Prepare to Buy A Home
      • Find Your Dream Home
      • About Credit Scores
      • Improving Your Credit Score
      • Track Your Budget
      • Preparing to Finance a Home
      • Loans and Lending Terms
      • When Choosing a Lender
      • Financing a Home Creatively
      • Define Your Dream Home
      • About the Neighborhood
      • Home Finance
      • Your Home’s Value
      • Loan Analysis
      • When Considering a Condo or HOA
      • The Condo Board
      • When Choosing a Home Inspector
      • About the Home Inspection
      • About Home Hazards
      • Green Home Terms
      • About the Appraisal Process
      • About Property Tax
      • Your Mortgage Application
      • Before Making a Short Sale Offer
      • Your Short Sale Purchase Team
      • Buying in a Tight Market
      • About Homeowners Insurance
      • Lower Homeowners Insurance Costs
      • About Title Insurance
      • Track Closing Costs
      • Transaction Documents
      • Your Final Walk-Through
      • Prepare for Your Move
      • Pack Like a Pro
      • How to Move With Pets
    • Real Estate Explained For Sellers
      • 7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®
      • When Choosing a Realtor
      • Agency & Agency Relationships
      • When Considering Selling
      • Home Value
      • Home Staging Success
      • Calculate Capital Gains
      • Checklist Before Putting Your Home up for Sale
      • How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor
      • How to Hold a Successful Garage Sale
      • Add Curb Appeal
      • Clean When Your Home is For Sale
      • How to Prepare for the Photoshoot
      • How to Attract More Buyers
      • Checklist for a Better Home Showing
      • How to Use Feng Shui Concepts in Staging
      • What to Know About the Appraisal Process
      • How to Prepare for a Short Sale
      • How to Navigate a Short Sale
      • How to Improve the Odds of an Offer
      • How to Recognize a Qualified Buyer
      • Track Closing Costs
      • Transaction Documents
      • Prepare for Your Move
      • Pack Like a Pro
      • For the New Owners
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • Book of Services
    • Sebastopol By Design
    • Testimonials
  • Links
    • Disaster Prep Tips from professional organizations
      • Wildfire Preparation
      • Wildfire Preparation – FEMA
      • Power Outage Preparation
      • Earthquake Preparation
    • Wounded Warriors Partnership Project
    • Recommended Links
      • Recomended Service Providers

Deja Vu

woman standing in front of real estate brochures

Real estate is not unlike life. We experience pockets of time full of high-energy activity, coupled with slower, more quiet periods where we can reflect and regroup, followed by time frames of equality and balance and very little drama. Real estate is no different.

 

Once again, we are experiencing a frenzy of activity in the real estate market. Homes are selling before making it to the MLS; bidding wars, combined with higher prices and low inventory, are making buyers and sellers tense. Randy and I have experienced this type of extreme market before and are well versed in navigating both buyers and sellers through the experience.

 

For many reasons, people are moving all over the country, not just Sonoma County. Some are moving to level up their lifestyle. Some are downsizing, some have experienced a divorce or significant life change, and some want to live in an area more conducive to staying home for long stretches. The pandemic caused the market to skyrocket. Real estate is booming all across the United States; Sonoma County is not alone.

 

Our advice to both buyers and sellers is to stay calm, be prepared, and align yourself with a professional realtor to look out for your best interest throughout your transaction.

 

Buyers need to be prepared to overbid and not lose heart. Have an open mind and a realistic picture of what their must-haves are in a home. Ensure you are working with a Realtor who knows the area well and is experienced working with the other local agents, and is willing to be patient and go that extra mile with you.

 

Even in a seller’s market, sellers need to price at fair market value and have their property show-ready. Buyers are not interested in overpriced homes that are not well maintained.

 

One of the biggest challenges sellers face right now is scheduling inspections- well, septic and appraisals. Professionals all over the area are booking 3-4 weeks out. We suggest sellers get most of these types of inspections completed before even going on the market if possible. We see many properties under contract before they even come on the market, making the sellers who completed their inspections and property clean-up before listing their homes much better suited to having an easy transfer of ownership.

 

We recommend taking a deep breath and have confidence; no matter which side of the transaction you are on, you will get through it and enjoy whatever lies on the other side for you.

Posted in: Real Estate Trends + Stats Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #buyersagent, #forestville, #forestvillerealestate, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #petaluma, #petalumarealestate, #propertyforsale, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realestatemarket, #realtor, #realtors, #sebastopol, #sebastopolagent, #sebastopolrealesate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, #springrealestate, #windsor, #windsorrealestate

We are checking in Sonoma County!


 

Randy and I know it has been a challenging year and an incredibly troublesome fire season, but we also feel your endurance and ability to adapt and come together. We Californians have a way about us that enables adjustability and persistence in the face of adversity. Sonoma County has the incredible gift to make us all forget the hurdles with one whiff of its intoxicating sea air, a cool breeze, and warm rays from the sun.

 

Randy and I know the environmental challenges we face living in this incredible landscape. As a whole, we believe we are getting better at meeting the obstacles head-on. The First Responders, CalFire, and all the other vital organizations we need in crisis have done an incredible job identifying the threats, organizing the responses, and working towards a successful conclusion. The capacity to pivot in times of stress is an essential part of changing and lasting. 

 

https://www.mack-faulkner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/6-copy.mp4

 

While we face still more challenges ahead, think of the things that are uniquely Sonoma County. The picturesque landscapes right outside your door, long walks on a sandy beach, hiking, biking, running, canoeing, and a wide variety of other outdoor activities you can enjoy well up into December and then again as early as February. The people. A wealth of people of different origins, thought processes, and beliefs. The food, the lifestyle, the culture. Stop and remember all that is good and beautiful about our community and savor the feelings they summon. These characteristics are worth pivoting for in difficult times. New threats may creep in and remind us we are not indestructible, but we are strong enough to push through, and each time we do, we will get better at it.

 

Circle of people icons

 

Remember, we will get through this time, and we will come out more knowledgeable and committed to our state and each other. Hang in there. We are with you!

Posted in: General Tagged: #2020, #agent, #artisansothebys, #buyersagent, #forestville, #forestvillerealestate, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #santarosarealesatate, #sebastopol, #sebastopolagent, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sonomastrong, santarosa

Sonoma County Real Estate 2019 and 2020

As we do every year, we took a quick look back at the 2019 Sonoma County Real Estate Market. We reflected on what had the most profound impact on the housing market and some of the trends we are anticipating from Buyers and Sellers in 2020.

Two of the most significant pressures on the real estate market this year were the Kincaid wildfire and continued uncertainty of the Federal government.

The wildfires we have experienced over the last several years will continue to impact our housing market in multiple ways. The displacement of families, loss of property, and a shortage of rentals put stress on the real estate market. The Kincaid fire has been no exception.

As we have seen over the last few years, when there is political uncertainty globally or locally, the housing market is impacted.

Move in Ready HomeWe look closely at housing trends in the market that we witness throughout the year and try to gauge their importance in the coming year. We have seen that buyers expect that home must be move-in ready; the days of building sweat equity are almost non-existent. Sellers need to make sure their homes are clean, move-in ready, and devoid of issues that need fixing after closing.

2019 Housing Market TrendsIn general, the 2019 housing inventory increased, prices went down, and there were plenty of buyers, although they were not acting quickly.

For Sale Sold Pended 2019Looking at the data over the past year, we seem to be right back where we started the previous year. Days on the market are similar, pricing is about the same, and the absorption of our inventory remains steady. We had a spike in May, but we also had an increase in stock. Overall we had a very stable year, and we are expecting the same in 2020.

As we slowly make our way into 2020, Randy is most looking forward to the new greenhouse he built in the summer of 2019 and planting some exotic peppers (ghost), amongst other vegetables. Heidi continues to family and friends, hikes throughout Sonoma County, and long bike rides.

Artisan Sotheby's Real Estate Office2019 was our first year in the new office on McKinley Street in downtown Sebastopol. Our location is very vibrant, and we feel more a part of the Sebastopol community. Clients and friends stop by while shopping at the nearby stores, and our door is always open. We are looking forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in 2020.

Posted in: Real Estate Trends + Stats Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #buyersagent, #forestville, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #mack-faulknerrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #petaluma, #petalumarealestate, #propertyforsale, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realestatemarket, #realtor, #realtors, #sebastopol, #sebastopolagent, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, #springrealestate, #windsor, #windsorrealestate, santarosa, santarosarealestate

In All Honesty

Sonoma County Landscape
ID 77318403 © Josep Miquel Ubalde Baulo | Dreamstime.com

Randy and I talk a lot about how blessed we are to live in Sonoma County. We are. No doubt. It is a comforting feeling to go through times of crisis alongside your community and come out of it with even more hope in your heart.

Fire season exists in Sonoma County. It is an unpleasant reality, but it doesn’t deter us from digging in our heals, even more, to stay and appreciate where we live and work. There is an intense feeling of pride, love, and deep respect, for our communities, the people, the landscape, mother nature, and the unwavering spirit to endure tough times and celebrate the successes.

Sunset at Sonoma California patchwork vineyard at harvestSonoma County enjoys an ideal climate. The winters are mild, and the summers are sunny and dry. There are no limitations when it comes to being outside and enjoying the community. Walkthrough your local neighborhood with your pets, shop in the town square or hike through numerous, local, natural areas practically year-around. With easy access to the mountains, forests, and coastal locals, Sonoma County is a paradise, no matter your idea of utopia.

When asked about living in Sonoma County after the 2017 fires, we are honest. We discuss some of the possible hazards that can occur here. There will be earthquakes, wildfires, drought, and floods. But part of what makes Sonoma County so incredibly unique is not only its vast physical beauty but the people’s ability to adjust, adapt, and overcome. Sonoma County residents understand what challenges may come their way, but we prepare as best we can to weather the event and treat each other with kindness, respect, and patience.

Letterpress type wood block thankful greatful helpful blessed religious message inspiration thank you positive help concept.
ID 115691282 © David Burke | Dreamstime.com

We remain appreciative of living in such a beautiful part of the world and grateful to the fantastic group of people we share it with.

Posted in: General Tagged: #artisansothebys, #forestville, #forestvillerealestate, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #luxuryrealestate, #mack-faulknerrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #petaluma, #petalumarealestate, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realtor, #realtors, #sebastopol, #sebastopolagent, #Sebastopolrealestate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, #windsor, #windsorrealestate, santarosa, santarosarealestate

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.

Sebastopol Real Estate MarketThe 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.

Sebastopol Real Estate Market

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.

Posted in: Home Buying, Home Selling, Real Estate Trends + Stats Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #buildtosuit, #buyersagent, #familycompound, #forestville, #forestvillerealestate, #forestvillrealestate, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #landforsale, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mack-faulknerrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #petaluma, #petalumarealestate, #propertyforsale, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realestatemarket, #realtor, #realtors, #sebastopol, #sebastopolagent, #Sebastopolrealestate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, #windsor, #windsorrealestate, santarosa, santarosarealestate

Uniting Family Homes in 2019

Family Compound 3D rendering
Family Compound Vision ID 115428455 © | Dreamstime.com

Did you ever notice that trends have their way of circling back? One such trend is a family compound. Defined as a group of buildings in an enclosed area, having a shared or associated purpose, such as the houses of an extended family, a family compound is a trend more families are bringing back into popularity for a variety of practical reasons.

Property Listing: 3500 Sweetwater Springs Road, Healdsburg, California 95448
3500 Sweetwater Springs Road, Healdsburg, California 95448

Land in California is scarce, especially property in which to build new homes on. Purchasing a piece of land suitable for multiple dwellings such as our Sweetwater Springs listing in Healdsburg resolves this issue. Breathtaking views sweep through this 480± acre parcel with spectacular panoramic view options for future building sites. Gently rolling ridge top features open sunny meadows, natural springs and incredible views of the Russian River Valley, Mt St Helena and beyond. The perfect canvas awaits to create your dream estate or family compound with vineyard potential. Russian River and Sonoma Coast AVA. Includes two separate parcels with 5 certificate of compliance. This property is currently offered at $2,995,000. Give us a call to show you around and discuss the possibilities.

Rocking chairs on porch looking at view

Finding affordable housing is tough in California all across the state.  Sonoma County is no different. The lack of space to build new homes, the recent devastating fires, and an already tight housing market have all made it even more challenging to solve one of humans’ most fundamental needs, a place to live.  Creating a family compound makes sense in solving this dilemma. Building a more significant purchase together as a family and developing individual housing on the property for each member becomes a lot more affordable and helps equalize the burden of cost to each individual.

Sebastopol Apple Blossom

 Property Listing: 6484 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma, California 94952
6484 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma, California 94952

Finding the right property to create your ideal family compound can have it’s challenges too. If 480± acres is too big for you, we also have an incredible property that is ideally suited for a compound and holds multiple dwellings onsite already. Our Bodega Avenue listing is a tranquil and private 80± acres located in desirable West Petaluma.  This flag lot would make a great family compound boasting main house, guest house, and caretakers’ quarters. An ideal property for raising crops with vineyard potential. Suitable for horses includes 3 large barns, outbuildings and spring fed pond. Close to wine country, fine dining, and coast. Currently offered at $2,999,999. This property is a unique spot, give us a call to walk through it and learn more about the multiple opportunities it offers.

Multiple Generations in a family
ID 108767364 © Seijiroooooooooo | Dreamstime.com

The idea of a family compound is not a new one. In the 1900s and earlier it was commonplace to have multiple generations of families living on the same property and sometimes under one roof.  The benefits vary. When the kids are small, grandparents are nearby to help; when the grandparents are too old to be alone, they have family nearby to care for them. Sharing expenses and helping each other out. Another possible advantage is the closeness the family feels by living so close together and supporting one another through the challenges and successes we all experience in life.

Contact us today if you are interested in walking through either of the above listings. Both properties offer multiple possibilities for a family compound, potential income, and a harmonious lifestyle.

Posted in: Featured Listings, Home Buying, Renovation + Build to Suit Tagged: #acreageforsale, #agent, #artisansothebys, #buildtosuit, #equestrianproperty, #familycompound, #farmforsale, #farmtotable, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #horses, #incomeproperty, #landforsale, #luxuryrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #petaluma, #petalumarealestate, #realtor, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate

Homegrown Realtors

Randy and I are fortunate to call Sonoma County our home. We have built a strong professional foundation rooted in our love and respect for the area as well as the people who call it home. We joined Sotheby’s International Realty over ten years ago not only for the worldwide brand recognition and quality of service but because Sotheby’s has a profound respect for the people that work within the organization. This commitment ultimately benefits the people who hire a Sotheby’s agent to represent them. We are honored to serve Sonoma County residents to find their ideal home and be an ambassador for Sotheby’s International Realty brand. Give us a call today and learn more about how we can help you reach your real estate goals.

Posted in: General, Real Estate Resources Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #forestville, #forestvillrealestate, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realtor, #sebastopol, #Sebastopolrealestate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, #windsor, #windsorrealestate, santarosa, santarosarealestate

Share This Page

           

Sonoma Real Estate Blog

How to Decorate Your First Home

Sonoma County Market Trends

Adjustable-rate Mortgage

Outdoor living space

Contact Information

Randy Mack and Heidi Faulkner
Artisan Sotheby's International Realty
6984 McKinley Street
Sebastopol CA 95472
(707) 696-6272
(707) 480-4098
Fax: (707) 824-0587
Send an Email
 Logo For Randy Mack and Heidi Faulkner  Real Estate

About Us

We are proud to have aligned ourselves with Artisan Sotheby’s International Realty an inspirational brand based on heritage, tradition and expertise. We are setting new standards by refining the art of residential brokerage with a practiced eye of identifying the unique value of a property. We offer a deep commitment to excellent service and have a passion for unparalleled quality. Unique homes require skillful marketing through our local expertise and Sotheby’s International Realty interconnected global network of offices that are dedicated to the extraordinary.

Testimonials

I wish to express my satisfaction and confidence in your ability to find an ideal home for anyone that I would refer to you. My own experience in purchasing and selling a home with you allowed me to witness the fact that you are truly an expert in your field, handling all aspects of residential real estate transactions. From the beginning, your market analysis to the final stages of negotiations, your calm manner and clear explanation kept me knowing I was in the best of hands.

Mr. Mitchler
More Testimonials

Contact Us

Randy Mack - Realtor CA BRE#01252462
randy@mack-faulkner.com

(707) 696-6272
6984 McKinley Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472



Heidi Faulkner - Realtor CA BRE#01227446
Heidi@mack-faulkner.com

(707) 480-4098
6984 McKinley Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472



© 2022 · Equity Framework
© MMVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. All information herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
 

Listings Sitemap · Log in