#luxuryrealestate – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

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.

A New Normal. A New Home.

Heidi and I continue to see a robust real estate market in Sonoma County, particularly in Sebastopol. A noticeable lack of inventory has increased demand, and homes’ reduced time spent on the market. Overall, even under the extreme circumstances, we are all facing daily, the market is trending upward.

Sonoma County, as a whole between May 2020 and June 2020, shows the number of homes on the market to be down and an increase in sales by 128% and a 43% increase in pending transactions. Due to the mandated shelter in place, these statistics make sense. Comparing these numbers to last year gives us the idea that inventory is still an issue no matter what has happened recently. Inventory is down 22% to June 2019. Compared to last June, sales are up by 4%, and pending purchases are up by 47%.

Sebastopol is a similar picture. Compared to last month, inventory has decreased even more by 11% and by 30% to the previous year. Sebastopol is up 145% to last month and 12% to the same time last year. Pending sales are up 116% to last month and 6% to the same time last year.

Heidi and I feel the uptick in the market directly correlates to the pandemic and the global changes it has made to how people live. “Home” now conjures a different set of rules and expectations. A home is now a place that functions on all levels of life and living. Vast numbers of people are currently working from home, schooling from home, sheltering in place for long periods, and even staycations. We are seeing that most people wish to upgrade their current circumstances, and if they are able, they are doing so by moving into a dwelling that avails itself to all these additional special requirements.

An article recently published in The Press Democrat by Meg McConahey How Covid-19 is forcing homeowners to rethink design mimics what we are witnessing with buyers. What people are looking for in a home has changed. Buyers are looking for more flexibility in a house and the spaces within. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “home sanctuary.”

Does your home make you happy? Give us a call. We would love to help you find your unique sanctuary here in Sonoma County.

Virtual Tour of Gorgeous Craftsman Home in Sebastopol

Enjoy a small virtual tour of this incredible home on 3760 Harrison Grade Road in Sebastopol, Ca. Call or email us and we can schedule a zoom call and a more complete virtual tour. This is truly a one of a kind Sebastopol retreat.

This warm and inviting Craftsman home offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere while holding on to original roots providing present and future generations with all the modern comforts found in a luxurious home without compromising a relaxed lifestyle. This timeless home features a Chefs kitchen, great room with fireplace, outdoor kitchen, spa, barn, outbuildings and so much more! Retreat to an estate that is saturated with wine country roots.

Offered at $1,575,000
4 Bedroom/3 bath home
2,618± Square Feet
2± acres

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.