Randy Mack | Realtor | 707.696.6272

    Heidi Faulkner | Realtor | 707.480.4098

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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.

Suzanne Tucker Quote

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.

 

Multi-Seasonal View

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.”

 

She Shed
Photo 190675424 © Brinja Schmidt | Dreamstime.com

 

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.

Posted in: Blog, Gardening,HomeBuying,SebastopolProperty,SonomaCounty,WeekendHome, Home, Home Maintenance, Home Trends, Renovation Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mack-faulknerrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realestatemarket, #realtor, #sebastopolagent, #sebastopolrealesate, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate

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 Real Estate June 2020

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 Real Estate Market June 2020

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.


Posted in: Blog Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #buyersagent, #forestvillerealestate, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mack-faulknerrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #petalumarealestate, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realestatemarket, #realtor, #realtors, #sebastopol, #sebastopolagent, #sebastopolrealesate, #Sebastopolrealestate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, #windsorrealestate, santarosarealestate

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: General 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

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: Blog, HomeBuying,ListingYourHome,SebastopolProperty,SellingYourHome,SonomaCounty 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

Sebastopol Borrowers See Slight Fall in Mortgage Interest Rates

It was fairly clear that the table had been set for the last Federal Reserve meeting to result in a minimal rise in mortgage interest rates. Their Fed Funds rate directly influences the mortgage interest rates that banks observe. Since Sebastopol real estate activity can be spurred or dampened by the monthly payment amounts Sebastopol mortgage lenders offer applicants, this national story has meaningful local repercussions.

It wound up as a non-event that nonetheless spawned action—albeit in a minor way. In May, Chair Yellen had said that a rate increase would be “appropriate” over the summer months. In the lead-up to last month's meeting, other Fed governors had strongly implied that it was now time for a slight Fed Funds bump.

Still, most commentators kept their prognostications vague; they had been vociferously anticipating a move for many cycles, only to hear serial postponements from the Fed. In addition to having been burnt before by Fed head fakes, there was also another reason why a no-go might happen this time around. Regardless of what the jawboning had been, economic and employment growth was still stuck in first gear—and a rate hike could retard improvement.

The commentators weren’t wrong to hold fire. Once again, the Fed did nothing (except make even more noise about an interest rate hike…later).

Yet, even so, the market forces that nudge mortgage interest rates one way or the other did seem to react. After the non-announcement, rates barely budged at first—but then continued steadily lower (the lowest in weeks, in fact). By week’s end, the Mortgage News Daily announced that the string of moves had brought mortgage interest rates into a “post-Brexit range”—similar to the conditions “that sent rates plunging toward all-time lows.”

The reasons last month were less than certain, although frustration with the Fed’s lack of coherence was fairly unanimous. CNBC interviewed big time investment manager Bill Gross, who said that investors were left “very confused” by the meeting’s outcome. He pointed to the likely rate raise that Yellen had emphasized at last month’s Jackson Hole speech, as well as to Fed Vice Chair Stan Fischer’s earlier assurance that there would be two hikes this year.

All this left Sebastopol mortgage interest rate watchers to make their own assessments about what to expect for future conditions—most importantly, whether current favorable low-interest rates could be counted on for long. There had been at least one indicator that optimists could welcome. Almost unnoticed was a footnote to the Fed’s announcement. Back in June, the Fed had predicted the lending rate to end 2016 at .9 percent. It now said the likely number would be .6%. That would result in Sebastopol mortgage interest rates still comfortably in the historically low range—hardly a flashing red light for would-be borrowers.

Wherever the Fed heads eventually, it’s indisputable that right now Sebastopol mortgage interest rates remain fetchingly low—creating rare opportunities for buyers and sellers both. Why not give us a call to explore how you can take advantage today?

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Posted in: Mortgage Tagged: #interestrates, #mortgage, #realestatemarket, #Sebastopolrealestate

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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
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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
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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



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© 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.
 

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