#luxuryrealestate Archives - Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

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.

Sonoma 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Giving Thanks

Gratitude is a powerful theme during most holiday seasons. For Randy and I, Sonoma County continually evokes a powerful sense of appreciation for its welcoming nature and fruitful land, warm and inclusive people, and breath of fresh air. We are grateful for so much, the people we love, the people we work with, the incredible landscape we enjoy year round, and the relentless “nothing can keep us down” attitude of our community.

Sonoma County’s landscape provides a master class in agriculture, food, wine, recreation, and abundance for all who live here. There is always so much to learn and experience right in our own backyard. For Randy and I, the landscape provides an incredible backdrop to our real estate business. It is not challenging to showcase the benefits of owning real estate in this community, but it remains a very competitive market. We work hard to meet our clients’ needs and goals in each transaction. Real Estate in Sonoma County remains a constant wave of emotions: competitive, satisfying, and generous. We absolutely love what we do and are humbled every day to be able to help clients achieve their dreams in this exciting real estate market.

The last few years Sonoma County has seen some challenges with the national housing crisis and on the heels of coming back from that – have faced some of the worst wildfires in California history. There is a strong sense of community spirit and personal kindness here that is like no other place we have lived. It has been rewarding to hear the stories (and there are many) of people reaching out to one another to lift each other up. This spirit is undeniable in Sonoma County.

Feeling a part of something more significant than yourself is an incredibly important aspect of being a part of a strong community. Randy and I both feel extremely grateful to be a part of this spirit of thanks, energy, and generosity. No matter what your circumstances are in life, Sonoma County has a way of bringing everyone together as a whole and making all feel welcome. Whether it is donating our time through the Redwood Empire Harley Club, leading hiking groups, working with local veterans in finding a new home or working within the real estate community, we are committed to this fantastic group of people encircled by this incredible land in Sonoma County.We are grateful, every day.

Hidden Gems in Real Estate

Zillow, Redfin, Trulia, Realtor.com, Homes.com are all easily accessible platforms for the general public to look up and shop for their new home. Often times, these sites also provide a free estimation of value for a current property. Although these platforms serve a valuable purpose, by giving people an overview of their current housing market, a Realtor’s experience in the local market still cannot be replaced.

Realtors across the United States are all trying to gain their customer’s attention, whether it be through their website, blogging, social media, mailers, advertising in print or even on the above websites on a profile page. Each agent comes to you with specific expertise in the area they service and in the particular real estate on which they focus.

Heidi and I are experts in Sonoma County. We have lived here for over 40 years. We have hiked the trails, ridden our motorcycles up and down the roads, camped in the parks, attended the festivals, shopped in the stores, and attended community meetings. Involvement in the community is our passion. Additionally, we have worked in real estate for over 30+ years, bringing our love for this place to our craft, all to help you make a home here as we have, in Northern California. We are deeply rooted in this area and extremely proud to represent Artisan Sotheby’s International Realty here.

What all the real estate platforms don’t show you are the hidden gems in a community. You may be able to see the inside of a home on the market from the privacy of your office or home but you can’t see the people in that neighborhood, the best place to get a cup of coffee to go or stay in, the best breakfast spot or the local evening hangout. Heidi and I know these details. We not only have the knowledge that comes with being a professional realtor and are extremely adept in negotiating the best terms on behalf of our clients but we also have a keen sense of neighborhoods, homes and the people we are working with. We strive to build lasting relationships with our clients’ not just sell a property.

The other thing they can’t tell you accurately is how the market is doing within a specific smaller portion of the county. For instance, you cannot search Sebastopol, CA specifically on any platform. Closest you will get is Santa Rosa, two vastly different communities in terms of real estate and lifestyle. Likewise in Santa Rosa, there are hundreds of micro-neighborhoods that these platforms cannot single out and tell you how many homes were sold in that specific area last year, two years ago or give you an educated guess as to what the home will be worth in 5-10 years from that day. Heidi and I can.

We know Sonoma County, we know real estate. Give us a call and we can help you reach your real estate goals.

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.

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.

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 everyone in this holiday season!

Heidi

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.