#homebuyer – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

Navigating the Closing Process: A Guide for Homebuyers

The closing process is the final step in a real estate transaction. Although this process seems overwhelming, it can be a smooth experience with proper planning.

If you plan to purchase a property, we are here to provide insights about this process.

Closing Process Timeline

You may expect to close 30 to 45 days after the contract is signed. However, this timeframe can vary depending on different circumstances, such as mortgage approval and the complexity of the transaction.

The Escrow Process

You are officially in escrow once both parties have signed the purchase agreement. Escrow refers to a financial arrangement in which a third party, the escrow agent, holds the deposited earnest money.

The escrow process typically involves the following:

Opening the escrow account
Completing the inspection and repair requests
Mortgage application and underwriting
Appraisal
Acquiring homeowners insurance and title insurance
Loan approval
Final walk-through
Closing appointment

Is Earnest Money Refundable?

NAR, Earnest Money & Escrow Real Estate: There are several scenarios when a buyer could face forfeiting their earnest money. If a buyer waives contingencies, ignores timelines, or gets cold feet, it could mean losing the earnest money deposit.

When it comes to real estate, a case of buyer’s remorse could be even more painful than a lost deposit. To avoid both, ensure the home you’re bidding on is “the one.”

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Zillow: Buyer closing costs are usually between 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. For example, if the home costs $300,000, you might pay between $6,000 and $15,000 in closing costs.

A lot of factors impact how much you’ll pay in closing costs. For buyers, it depends on your loan program, the size of the loan, and individual lender practices. For sellers, it comes down to what you’ve negotiated in terms of concessions and agent commission.

Track Your Closing Costs

Be prepared and know who’s responsible for the fees and expenses at the closing table. We have prepared a worksheet to help you track your closing costs.

Homeowners Insurance

A homeowners insurance policy will protect you against certain losses and damage to your new home and is generally required by lenders before closing.

Moreover, some lenders will collect the money you owe for homeowners insurance as part of your monthly mortgage payment and place it in an escrow account, paying the insurer on your behalf when the bill is due.

Title Insurance

Title insurance protects your ownership right to your home; from fraudulent claims against your ownership and mistakes made in earlier sales.

Additionally, in some states, it is customary for the seller to purchase the policy on your behalf.

Final Walk-Through

Conduct a final walk-through of the property before closing. To guarantee that the house is in the same or better condition if you negotiated repairs after the home inspection.

Here’s a detailed list of what to check on your final walk-through.

Transfer of Ownership

Once all the documents are signed, funds are transferred, and the closing is complete, property ownership officially transfers to you.

Congratulations! At this point, you will receive the keys to your new home.

In Conclusion,

Preparation is vital; from gathering all necessary documentation to conducting a thorough home inspection.

Also, staying in close communication with your real estate agent and other parties involved will keep you updated on the progress.

Furthermore, we understand that the closing process can be daunting, and we are here to help you fill the gaps in your home-buying knowledge. Call us, and we will establish a plan to achieve your personal real estate goals.

Finally, best of luck on your journey, and may your new home bring you years of happiness and fulfillment!

Prepare for the Spring Real Estate Market 2023

As the flowers start to bloom, the real estate market is getting ready for one of the most active real estate seasons: spring. The spring real estate market can be very competitive, with more buyers and sellers entering the market. If you plan to buy or sell a home this season, it is important to be prepared.

Start preparing for the Spring Real Estate Market

Here are some tips to put you in the best position this season. Whether you are buying or selling a home, the spring market can be a great opportunity to achieve your real estate goals.

Start planning early: The earlier you start planning, the better prepared you will be. If you are planning to sell your home, start decluttering and cleaning out your home. If you are planning to buy a home, start researching neighborhoods and determining your budget.
Find a reputable real estate agent: A good real estate agent can help you navigate the competitive spring market. Look for agents like Randy and Heidi who are experienced, have a good track record of success in the local market, and know the local sales trends. Read more on About Us to get to know us.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage: If you plan to buy a home, get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting. This will give you an advantage in a competitive market and show sellers that you are a serious buyer.
Price your home correctly: If you are planning to sell your home, make sure you price it correctly. A real estate agent can help you determine the appropriate price based on comparable homes in your area and current market conditions.
Make necessary repairs and improvements: If your home needs repairs or improvements, make them before listing your home. This can help your home sell faster and for a higher price.
Stage your home: Staging your home can help it sell faster and for a higher price. Hire a professional or use online resources to stage your home and make it more appealing to buyers. Check out Home Staging Success for staging tips and tricks.

Homebuying Forecast

Michael Hyman, NAR Research Data Specialist, Housing Affordability Conditions Improved in January 2023 for the Third Consecutive Month, at the national level, housing affordability rose in January compared to the previous month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index. Compared to the prior month, the monthly mortgage payment decreased by 3.3% while the median price of single-family homes declined by 2.4%, making home buying more affordable in January. The monthly mortgage payment decreased by $62 from last month.

Sonoma County Housing Market

Redfin: In February 2023, Sonoma County home prices were down 4.9% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $745K. On average, homes in Sonoma County sell after 48 days on the market compared to 29 days last year. There were 226 homes sold in February this year, down from 332 last year.

Work with experienced real estate agents

The real estate market is busy during the spring season as many houses are put up for sale. Unique homes require skillful marketing, and we can help you make your home stand out and be marketed effectively. If you are planning to enter the real estate market this season, give us a call!

Discovering The Communities in Sonoma County

Sonoma County is known for its natural beauty, diverse communities, and thriving real estate market. One of its highlights is its wine industry, with over 400 wineries producing world-class wines.

Aside from wine, it is also home to several charming cities and towns, each with its unique character. If you are looking to buy a home in Sonoma County, there are many great communities to choose from:

Petaluma

Nestled on the side of Sonoma Mountain, Petaluma is a small town with a historic downtown. With a history in the Gold Rush and many historic ties to a rich agricultural heritage, Petaluma is a town with the ranch’s work ethic and the artist’s culture.

It is now a hub for technology and innovation. Petaluma is where history, culture, and innovation find confluence and was also ranked No. 1 in Niche as the best place to live in Sonoma County.

Click here for active Petaluma listings.

Data Dive

Key Facts	Petaluma
Population	59,776
Median household income	$100,379
Median home value	$697,700
Median rent	$2,144
Avg. commute (mins.)	31.3

Source: American Community Survey data. Medians are weighted based on the number of owner-occupied housing units, 2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles.

Sebastopol

Located only 52± miles north of urban San Francisco, Sebastopol has a small-town feel with culture beautifully mixed in. Only a 20± minute drive to the Pacific Ocean, this charming town is influenced by the natural scenery surrounding it and the artistic and agricultural endeavors throughout the area.

Furthermore, the rural areas directly outside Sebastopol are covered in luscious vineyards and productive orchards. Crops are celebrated through annual festivals such as the Apple Blossom Festival and the Gravenstein Apple Fair.

Sebastopol is a popular destination for those who value a slower pace of life.

Click here for active Sebastopol listings.

Data Dive

Key Facts	Sebastopol
Population	7,521
Median household income	$89,679
Median home value	$696,500
Median rent	$1,555
Avg. commute (mins.)	25.9

Source: American Community Survey data. Medians are weighted based on the number of owner-occupied housing units, 2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles.

Healdsburg

Photo by John Burgess / The Press Democrat

Healdsburg is situated amidst the country’s three most important wine regions, giving this town accolades including a continuous award as one of the “Top 10 Smallest Towns in America.”

With the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley in the surrounding area, Healdsburg is yet another charming gateway to wine country.

Moreover, with its central plaza, from the 19th century, Healdsburg has an impeccable charm that is only rivaled by its mild climate and a strong sense of community.

Click here for active Healdsburg listings.

Data Dive

Key Facts	Healdsburg
Population	11,340
Median household income	$94,375
Median home value	$824,300
Median rent	$1,942
Avg. commute (mins.)	21.3

Source: American Community Survey data. Medians are weighted based on the number of owner-occupied housing units, 2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles.

Santa Rosa

Being the largest city along the Northern California coast, Santa Rosa attracts the standard American amenities and artisan businesses that make Northern California unique. Located 55± miles north of San Francisco, this small city is the perfect gateway to Sonoma wine country.

The Mediterranean climate allows for the luxurious indoor-outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by residents and visitors and is also perfect weather for all the grapes grown in the area.

For all these reasons and more, the horticulturist Luther Burbank said of his home, “I firmly believe, from what I have seen, that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned.”

Click here for active Santa Rosa listings.

Data Dive

Key Facts	Santa Rosa
Population	178,127
Median household income	$84,823
Median home value	$598,700
Median rent	$1,837
Avg. commute (mins.)	23.2

Source: American Community Survey data. Medians are weighted based on the number of owner-occupied housing units, 2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles.

Forestville

Photo by Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat

Nestled 60± miles north of San Francisco, this small town has a long history of cultural richness. With the redwood forests to the west and the rolling hills speckled with prolific vineyards to the south, the natural beauty helps create the artistic energy emanating from Forestville.

With the town’s unofficial motto being “Forestville, The Good Life”, this idyllic local lives and breathes its self-adopted mantra.

In addition, with events such as the Forestville Youth Park Parade, eateries like the Russian River Pub, and innumerable outdoor opportunities, the sense of place and pride of the community in Forestville is felt by residents and day-trippers alike.

Click here for active Forestville listings.

Windsor

Photo by Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat

Windsor is a vibrant community that attracts visitors and residents alike. It offers visitors and residents a unique blend of outdoor recreation, cultural events, and fine wine.

The Foothill Regional Park, located just south of Windsor, features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and swimming.

Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, relax with a glass of wine, or immerse yourself in the local arts scene, Windsor is the place to be.

Click here for active Windsor listings.

In conclusion,

These are just a few of the many communities that Sonoma County has to offer. Whether you’re a wine lover, foodie, nature enthusiast, or history buff, there’s plenty to enjoy. Consider these communities when searching for your dream home in this beautiful part of California.

Heidi and I are experts in Sonoma County as lifelong residents. We have hiked the trails, ridden our motorcycles up and down the roads, camped in the parks, attended festivals, shopped in the stores, and attended community meetings. Involvement in the community is our passion.

Additionally, we have worked in real estate for 45 years combined, bringing our love for this place to our craft to help you make a home here as we have in Northern California.

Learn more about what it is like living in a wine country.

We know Sonoma County; we know real estate. Call us, and we can help you reach your real estate goals.

Sonoma County First-time Home Buyer Loans in 2023

Purchasing a home can seem like a completely overwhelming endeavor. After all, it is one of the most significant investments you can make, with numerous steps and requirements.

However, various types of loans are available to Sonoma County first-time home buyers who require assistance.

First-time home buyer loans:

The average down payment for a house in California is between 15% and 20% of the purchase price. If you can afford this price, you can get a conventional loan with a low-interest rate.

However, there is some first-time home buyer who doesn’t have this much money saved for a down payment. Fortunately, there are mortgage plans that have a low-down payment:

VA loan: Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Loans are open to veterans, reservists, active-duty personnel, and surviving spouses and are one of the only options available for zero down payment loans.

FHA loan: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are open to anyone, and while they require a down payment, they can be as low as 3.5 percent. Drawbacks include a slower loan process and the need to pay mortgage insurance for FHA loans.

USDA loan: Organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of its Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan program. USDA offers financing with no down payment, lenient requirements, and competitive mortgage rates.

Conventional 97: With Fannie Mae, you may qualify to borrow up to 97% of the value of your home, leaving you with only 3% to cover your down payment. This type of loan requires a credit score of 620 and higher, and at least one of the borrowers must qualify as a first-time home buyer.

If you’re not sure which type of loan to get when buying your first home, your lender or realtor can help you find the right fit based on your finances, and your realtor can also guide you by discussing alternatives and developing a plan of action to achieve your personal real estate goals.

How to choose your realtor on your first home-buying:

When choosing a realtor, it’s essential to know how long they have been in residential real estate. Like most professions, experience is no guarantee of skill. However, a large portion of real estate is learned on the job. Randy and I bring 45 years of industry experience in residential, commercial, and land sales.

We are here to help you fill the gaps in your home-buying knowledge. The more familiar you are with the procedure, the less overwhelming it will be.

If you are considering becoming a homeowner in Sonoma County, we hope you’ll give us a call. There is never any obligation, of course—and the old saying is true in this case: it can’t hurt to ask!

Home Design Trends You Need to Know in 2023

The new year is upon us, signifying a time of change and new beginnings. Home design trends come in waves and now feels like the perfect time for a change.

If you are looking to buy a new home or make changes to your current one, you are probably curious about the design trends that will be popular in 2023.

Color of the year

According to The Psychology of Color in Spaces by Stoneside, color psychology focuses on color to create a specific atmosphere and mood. Hues are carefully chosen to invoke a certain emotional response in people and set a particular mood.

Furthermore, research into color theory has ascribed defined emotions to each hue, and it also takes into account various factors such as tint, saturation, and tone.

Moreover, if you have been thinking of repainting your walls, colors that bring warmth and coziness to the room are relevant in the year 2023.

However, this does not mean that you should avoid the darker hues entirely, as they will help you create a sleek and sophisticated space, so keep this in mind when designing your interior.

Warm White

This color is neutral and has always been the safest pick. As a result, it allows you to use richer, brighter furniture or even go with the classic beige, which is the most versatile tone to create that warmth and calming effect.

Desert Carnation

If you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, use earth-tone colors because they promote a nature-friendly atmosphere that creates a sense of tranquility.

Blue Arrow

“A shade that promotes balance within the home, merging cool tones of blue with a warm undertone.”

– Sue Kim, Valspar®

Dark Countertops

Dark countertops add character to your kitchen, giving it a dramatic look and strong appeal. This design can result in a refreshing, luxurious, and moody appearance.

Organized Space

Gena Kirk, Design expert in KB Home Design Studio says, “we’re seeing a lot less desire for open shelving—a very big trend for a long time—and glass front doors. We’re seeing customers who want to close things up and organize them well.”

Additionally, if you want to keep clutter at bay, invest in some furniture with hidden compartments to help you store your belongings without taking up any additional space in a room.

Minimalism

Minimalism has been a thing for some time and is here to stay. This interior design creates a simple and clean space that usually uses a monochromatic color scheme.

Kristin Hohenadel, Interior Design Expert, says that “minimalist design is about prioritizing the essentials. A minimalist building, object, or interior design is stripped to its core function, realized using limited materials, neutral colors, simple forms, and avoiding excess ornamentation to achieve a pure form of elegance.

Additionally, while the final expression of a minimalist design might appear effortlessly simple, as spare as a poem, and as clear as a bell, achieving this kind of powerful simplicity is anything but easy.”

In line with this, the overall takeaway from what design experts anticipate will emerge in 2023 is a functional, inviting, natural, and comfortable space.

If you are looking for ideas for a new kitchen, bedroom, living room, or other home space to remodel, this will hopefully help.

Finally, we wish you a happy new year! May it be filled with new adventures and good fortunes. We look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in 2023. Give us a call!

Renting vs. Buying a Home: Which is Better?

Which is better? Should you rent or buy a home? Because it requires less capital, renting is frequently perceived as less expensive than purchasing a home. Buying a home, on the other hand, is an investment that increases your equity. Aside from these obvious factors, there are others to consider. To assist you in deciding whether to rent or buy, we have listed the pros and cons of each option in this article.

Deciding between renting or buying a home depends on your lifestyle and financial situation. Do you intend to temporarily live in the area, maintain flexibility and mobility, or save money for a down payment? Renting might be the ideal decision for you. At least for the time being.

Alternatively, if you want to build investment equity over time while also having the stability and freedom to change your living space, now is the best time to buy a home.

Furthermore, in most cases, purchasing a home may save you money. Because the interest on your home mortgage is tax deductible, you will save money on taxes. If you rent, your landlord gets the break. Also, the sooner you buy a home, the sooner you can begin building equity in an investment that you can use for retirement or other investment plans. Why pay the landlord’s mortgage when you can pay your own?

Finally, you would want to evaluate the real estate market. Heidi and I are very knowledgeable about current real estate trends and offer our clients exceptional expertise in assessing and securing an upcoming purchase in the current market. If you have a dream home that you can’t wait to build or are still not sure whether renting or buying is the best option for you, contact us and let us help you with our professional advice.

“The answer may not be at the beach but shouldn’t we at least check?”

Are you seeking sunshine, listening to the ocean waves, or vacation property of your own? Our newest listing in Dillon Beach is an extraordinary opportunity to purchase the best of all beach worlds. Take a sneak peek…

Bask in the elements and enjoy unparalleled relaxation from this private Dillon Beach contemporary home.

Sited with perfection on a premium oversized view lot, marvel at panoramic Pacific Ocean and coastline views encompassing Dillon Beach, Tomales Point, Tomales Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain Peak. In addition to the sights, this home is surrounded by large native Cypress trees that provide a high degree of privacy. Together, the views and privacy create a feeling of sheer contentment.

This four-bedroom, three-bath home on Oceana Drive offers more than 2,700± square feet of indoor and outdoor living. Each bedroom provides a spacious layout, with a sumptuous owner’s suite. All bathrooms have high-efficiency Toto toilets.

This home has several decks: one with a propane fire pit and an enclosed patio with a Jacuzzi® hot tub off the main living area and a second off the owner’s suite for outdoor living. The home is heated by propane and a newer Bryant® furnace. There is also a CLIPPERCREEK charger for your electric car and an additional 30amp outlet.

On the main level, you will find a newer kitchen accented with a wall of mini glass subway tiles in Tahoe Blue. Appliances are all high-end, and the red Aga Range 6 gas burner is the room’s centerpiece. The vent hood is made by BEST® and has a commercial-grade blower attached. There is a Liebherr® refrigerator/freezer in stainless steel and an island that seats 4, housing a Franke® stainless steel double bowl deep sink with a Grohe® faucet. The countertops, including the island, are made of Silestone quartz.

The great room, complete with vaulted ceilings, is currently used for casual dining and entertaining. This room is equipped with a thermostat-controlled propane burning gas fireplace made by Morsøs® for those cold winter nights. The white-washed pine, wide plank floors add warmth and understated elegance to the living areas.

From the great room, wander into a bedroom (currently used as a media room) or up the extra wide staircase to the remaining bedrooms while catching a fantastic view of Tamales Point on the way up. The upstairs hallway/balcony is the perfect spot to showcase art or collectibles, and hay-colored Sisal® carpeting compliments the California coastal atmosphere.

With the owner’s suite on the first level, privacy is plentiful, with views of the coast and an outdoor deck. The en-suite bathroom with shower and soaking tub offer respite from the world.

A trap door in one of the closets allows access to a lower crawl space ideal for long-term storage. Additionally, the main level features laundry facilities with a Miele washer and dryer and the utility room housing the hot water heater and Bryant® furnace. There is also a ClipperCreek® charger for your electric car and an additional 30amp outlet.

Give us a call today for a private showing before this truly remarkable private coastal escape in Dillon Beach hits the market.

The distinctive and unique character of every property we list

Every property we list has a distinctive, unique character. It is our job to find the right buyer who appreciates all its individual qualities.

Heidi and I share over 40 years of experience in both residential and commercial real estate. We offer a deep commitment to providing our clients with exceptional service. Our focus is to listen and understand what you are looking for in a property. We offer our professional guidance by discussing options and alternatives and then establishing a plan to achieve your personal real estate goals.

Take a tour of a few of our current listings in Sonoma County. Reach out to schedule a private showing, or if you are in the market for a new home or real estate investment, you would like to discuss.

4940 Corrick Lane

Nestled high in the Mayacamas mountains at the doorsteps of the Valley of the Moon, this wine country estate takes in sweeping panoramic views from the San Francisco Bay, North, to the vineyards of the Russian River Valley. Combining the effortless sophistication of Hampton’s sensibility with the luxurious grandeur of a European Winery Estate, this is truly a one-of-a-kind residence where East Coast meets the West. Dramatic yet accessible, the thoughtful design enhances the changing atmosphere in each room as one moves throughout the home.

Unparalleled craftsmanship that entailed multiple years of intricately detailed work has come together to inspire columns, beams, and staircases that showcase exceptional residence.

This remarkable 35± acre gated estate offers a lifestyle of privacy overlooking the world-famous Sonoma Valley wine country, gateway to world-renowned wineries, a cyclists’ paradise, and the heart of California gastronomy, all within easy reach of the Pacific Ocean. Above the fog and below the weather, this property enjoys a unique micro-climate that is perfect year-round.

1937 Perth Avenue

Perched on a serene and private hillside in Highland Estates, this warm and inviting single-level home is the ideal country retreat while only minutes to every necessity. Enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings of redwoods, oaks, and a seasonal stream. This home features a great room concept with tons of natural light, gleaming hardwood floors, and updated baths boasting granite countertops and tile flooring. Entertaining is a breeze with easy access to an expansive deck and hot tub underneath the gazebo. The primary suite has a tranquil deck to enjoy your morning coffee while listening to the sounds of nature all around you. The property includes an attached two-car garage and a detached outbuilding ideal as an office, artist studio, or possible guest house. Truly a place to call home.

183 Mountain Vista Place

Welcome to Northern California’s most exciting and vibrant adult community (55+) – Oakmont Village. This dynamic community offers an abundance of outdoor activities for your enjoyment, including golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and a spa. Located in a peaceful cul-de-sac on a sizeable low-maintenance lot, this well-maintained Oakwood Model is light and airy with a great room concept, tile flooring throughout for easy cleaning and mobility. The living room boasts high-beamed ceilings, a fireplace, and large picture windows with views of Annadel State Park. The eat-in kitchen features rich maple cabinets and views of the backyard. The property includes updated baths and an attached two-car garage. Move into this home and play in the heart of the Valley of the Moon and Sonoma County Wine Country.

6695 Oakmont Drive

Take a tour of this well-maintained two-bedroom home conveniently located near the Berger Recreation Center and community activities. Enjoy all the Oakmont Community ( for 55 year-olds and over) has to offer, such as movies, seminars, a swimming pool, community concerts, bocce ball, and other gatherings. Also close to restaurants, tennis, and golf. This home is ready for a fresh look and upgrades.

We also have several commercial listings that might pique your investor interest. Both are multi-unit subdivisions ready for your vision.

6405 Old Redwood Highway

Creekwalk is a proposed 24 unit subdivision which was ready to submit for tentative map in 2016 by BKF Engineering.

6122 Old Redwood Highway

The Oaks is a proposed 36 unit subdivision consisting of three contiguous parcels located on the northeast corner of Merner and Old Redwood Hwy in Windsor.

6119 Old Redwood Highway

Fully leased investment with development potential located in a mixed area of residential and commercial. Two parcels totaling approximately 1.42 acres zoned CC.

Deja Vu

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.

Level Up Your Home

Home decorating and remodeling trends are alluring to us all. Residential improvement fills our minds with enticing projects and grandiose ideas of what we can do ourselves in our spare lockdown time! Luckily the start of a new year is one of the most popular times for every magazine and news outlet to share what’s trending! Here is a summary of what we found this month.

Front porch with chairs — Photo 167204043 © Evgeny Lashchenov | Dreamstime.com

Social Front Yards
Social Distance catch-ups are much more pleasant if an “In an effort to maximize your property and feel more connected to neighbors, social front yards will continue to be a priority,” Tilly Design’s forecast notes. Look out for porch swings, more oversized porches, and bistro-style seating in your neighbors front yard!

Outdoor kitchen and entertaining space — Photo 100963029 © Danny Raustadt | Dreamstime.com

Amped-up Indoor-Outdoor living spaces.
Highlighting a more natural flow between inside and outside living continues to trend high on homeowners’ wish lists. Large sliding or folding glass doors, drop-down screens on the porch, outdoor heating lamps, and outdoor fire pits are all likely must have’s in 2021.

Intensifying seasonal views.
There is nothing like looking outside, only to see a few leaves on a tree. Homeowners are improving their views year-round by adding outside focal points that combine evergreens, perennials, and ornamental grasses to showcase greenery all year round.

Residential raised garden beds — Photo 73365904 © Irina88w | Dreamstime.com

Gardening spots.
Similar to the wave of sourdough starters during the pandemic, many people are returning to the simple life and growing gardens for enjoyment and food production. “Even in small areas, vertical outdoor gardens can not only serve as a great hobby but also as a statement piece, Tilly Design’s report notes. Veggies, fruit, and herb gardens are in high demand.”

Prefabricated flex sheds
The “she shed” on tilt. Once used to store garden tools and boxes of memorabilia, sheds are now utilized as accessory dwelling units for returning grown children, renters, or quiet work-from-home quarters.

Family zoom on TV — Photo 46361881 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com

Video conferencing living rooms.
Modern times have created the need for dedicated zoom space! With so many meetings, classes, weddings, showers, and even funerals happening virtually, seeing and hearing everyone on a small screen is challenging. Homeowners are now adjusting their home entertainment centers to double as a home video conferencing hub.

Warmer color palettes.
We always like to keep up-to-date on the latest paint colors; 2021 is no different! Homeowners are moving away from grays to a warmer, cleaner palette such as Sherwin-Williams’ “Shoji White,” “Sea Salt,” “Breathless,” or “Unfussy Beige.”

Finishing up our trendy home tour, you must check out the latest in custom appliance trends and high-end finishes making their way into 2021 homes. These can be found in Barbara Ballinger from Realtor Magazine’s latest article, A Myriad of Home Trends to Gain Momentum in 2021.

Closing Process Timeline

The Escrow Process

Is Earnest Money Refundable?

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Track Your Closing Costs

Homeowners Insurance

Title Insurance

Final Walk-Through

Transfer of Ownership

In Conclusion,

Start preparing for the Spring Real Estate Market

Homebuying Forecast

Sonoma County Housing Market

Work with experienced real estate agents

Petaluma

Data Dive

Sebastopol

Data Dive

Healdsburg

Data Dive

Santa Rosa

Data Dive

Forestville

Windsor

In conclusion,

First-time home buyer loans:

How to choose your realtor on your first home-buying:

Color of the year

Dark Countertops

Organized Space

Minimalism

About Us

Testimonials

Contact Us