#realtor – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

Choosing the right realtor: questions to ask before you hire

A knowledgeable and experienced realtor can make a significant difference in your overall experience. To ensure you find the best fit for your real estate needs, here are some questions to ask potential realtors before hiring one.

1. What’s your experience in the local market?

Ask about their years in the business and how many transactions they’ve completed, especially in your target neighborhood.

Experience in your specific market can be a valuable asset.

2. What’s your business philosophy?

While there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals match yours.

3. Are you a full-time realtor?

Some realtors work part-time or have other commitments.

While this doesn’t necessarily disqualify them, you would want to know how accessible and dedicated they will be during your real estate transaction.

4. What’s your marketing strategy for sellers?

Ask about how they plan to market your property, including online listings, open houses, and any unique tactics they may use to attract potential buyers.

5. How will you help me find the right property as a buyer?

For buyers, know how the realtor plans to help you find the right property.

Ask about their approach to searching for homes, scheduling viewings, and negotiating offers on your behalf.

6. Can you explain the process step-by-step?

A good realtor should be able to explain the buying or selling process in detail.

They should walk you through each step, from the initial consultation to closing, and answer any questions.

7. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction?

The best answer here is a question. A realtor who pays close attention to the way you prefer to communicate and responds accordingly will make for the smoothest transaction.

8. What’s your approach to negotiation?

Negotiation skills are essential in real estate. Inquire about the realtor’s approach to negotiation and their track record in securing favorable deals for their clients.

9. Do you have any designations or certifications?

Real estate professionals have to undergo additional specialized training to obtain these distinctions.

Designations and certifications help define the skills that an agent can apply to your particular real estate needs.

10. What sets you apart from other realtors?

This question can help you understand the realtor’s unique strengths and value proposition.

Look for qualities and services that align with your specific needs.

In conclusion,

Choosing the right realtor is a significant decision that can impact the success of your real estate transaction.

By asking these questions, you can make an informed choice and work with a realtor who is best equipped, like Randy and me, to help you achieve your goals.

Artisan Sotheby's Real Estate Office — 6984 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Additionally, we not only have the knowledge that comes with being a professional realtor and are highly adept at 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.

Also, unique homes require skillful marketing, through our local expertise and Sotheby’s International Realty’s interconnected global network of offices that are dedicated to the extraordinary.

Finally, we strive to provide the highest level of service and build lasting relationships with our clients. Randy and I can be there by your side, protecting the interests that you trust. Call us!

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!

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!

Sonoma Holiday

We are approaching the holiday season this year filled with joy and gratitude. Since the pandemic, many of us didn’t get to celebrate the holidays in close contact with our friends and families.

Fortunately, we can now celebrate the holidays similarly to pre-pandemic times for the first time in years, as most restrictions have been lifted.

The American can-do spirit has stood tall against the challenges we have endured these past few years. Every year, Sonoma County demonstrates this by gathering as a unified community.

Additionally, Sonoma County has a way of bringing everyone together and making them feel welcome.

Moreover, the holiday season is always hectic. To help with your planning for what to do this time of year and to experience the best that Northern California has to offer, we have prepared a list of some of the most exciting and fun-filled events and activities in our area.

Sonoma Holiday Events and Activities:

Winter Art Market– Over 50 artists will participate, including everything from classes to ceramics, clothing to cartoons. Enjoy a festive shopping experience, music, wine, and fun.

Merry Healdsburg Weekend – Celebrate the holidays on the Plaza with the second annual Merry Healdsburg Tree Lighting. Enjoy a winter wonderland downtown with carriage rides, live holiday music, and more.

The Festival of Christmas – A free festival filled with live music performed by the Casa Grande Concert Choir, Kenilworth Junior High Jazz Band, and Christmas carolers.

Winter Lights Rink – Skating on the Square – Winter Lights is Santa Rosa’s destination for season-long holiday fun with Skating on the Square, the annual tree lighting celebration, live performances, and holiday shopping and dining opportunities.

However, these are only a few of the many things to do in Sonoma County this holiday season. There are more activities and events to attend within your specific range of interest. You may find all of the event dates and information here.

Finally, the last few years have been hard on everyone. While the pandemic represented a communal challenge, the resilience of the Sonoma County community provided inspiration that kept everyone moving forward. We feel grateful to be a part of this community. We hope that you can be a part of it too. Amidst the holidays, we are still here and always willing to support you in any way we can; give us a call!

We conclude with this final quote from Agnes M. Pharo and wish you all happy holidays!

Selling Your Home During Winter Season

As most of us believe, selling a home in Sonoma County during the winter months can be challenging. After all, it is widely known that spring and summer tend to be the most active real estate seasons. The fall and winter seasons are when the number of sellers drops off, resulting in fewer total sales. Is that enough of a reason not to list your home right now?

There are some advantages to selling a home during the winter season that is often overlooked. Sellers can benefit from the fact that there are fewer listings on the market at this time of year, meaning buyers have a limited supply and less competition. Furthermore, with the upcoming holidays, both sellers and buyers will have more leave from work, resulting in more opportunities for showings and open houses.

Additionally, sellers get motivated buyers. Those who start looking for a house at this time of year are more likely to be determined to find one. With this in mind, here are a few strategies to help you sell your home during the winter.

Check the price: Ask your agent to perform a comparative market analysis and look through the current listings and the recently sold properties; it is beneficial to compare your prices. Your real estate agent can assist you in determining the appropriate price for your home.

Improve your online listing: Many home buyers have opted to look for a home online before visiting. It is essential to showcase your home with professional pictures that are well-lit, clean, and staged. This will help you emphasize your home’s best features. Keep in mind that your online listing should contain all of the information they require about the house, the neighborhood, and the market.

Hire the right agent: Make sure you have a knowledgeable real estate agent like Randy and Heidi on your side. Because real estate is a local business, it is important to speak with an experienced real estate agent in your area who is familiar with local sales trends.

As lifelong Sonoma County residents, we are pleased to provide you with neighborhood-specific sales data so you can make an informed decision about when to list your home. Our focus is to listen and understand the goals you want to accomplish, offer our professional guidance by discussing alternatives, and establish a plan of action to achieve your personal real estate goals.

If you plan on listing your home during this winter season in Sonoma County, or would still want to wait for the spring and summer season, no matter how you decide, when you are ready to sell. Give us a call!

Living in Wine Country: Sonoma County, California

Travelers currently visiting or about to return from a wine country trip often wonder, “what is it like to live here?”. In this article, learn more about what the California Wine Country offers.

Sonoma County provides diverse cultural and recreational opportunities with its breathtaking and vibrant natural scenery, lush vineyards, and warm weather. California has the perfect climate. The winters are mild, and the summers are sunny and dry; you may appreciate the attractions all year round.

Randy and I love being outside and taking advantage of the perks of living in wine country. We still enjoy the calming scenery more often than not, considering that we have lived here for over 30 years.

Moreover, Sonoma County is also home to world-class wineries and local restaurants with the famous farm-to-table movement and Michelin-starred restaurants. These restaurants focus on growing or sourcing their produce and meats locally.

Additionally, due to the many different ethnic influences present, Sonoma County is known for its diverse culinary style.

Food — Photo by © Mariah Harkey | sonomacounty.com

Furthermore, Sonoma County is the place to be if you enjoy exploring the outdoors, with over 50 regional parks and trails with spectacular views and many outdoor activities like golfing, camping, biking, walking, swimming, hiking, and many more.

With this in mind, Sonoma County is also famed for its luxury hotels and resorts, historic architecture, and culture. With easy access to the mountains, forests, and coastal locals, Northern California is a paradise, no matter your idea of utopia.

Sonoma County Beach — Photo by © Spencer Spellman | sonomacounty.com

In all honesty, Randy and I consider ourselves blessed to live in Sonoma County. It has been our home for years, and we would not have it any other way. As a result, we remain appreciative of living in such a beautiful part of the world and grateful to the community with which we share it.

Nonetheless, living in a Wine Country is like living in a dream, and if you want to make that dream a reality, reach out and let us help you achieve your Sonoma County real estate goal.

Kitchen Trends

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, homeowners have been eager to spruce up their living spaces. According to the 2022 U.S. Houzz and Home Study, the kitchen is the most popular space that many homeowners choose to renovate. Trends in kitchen design continue to evolve, with upgraded technology in fixtures and appliances, creating more storage, and using earth-tone accents. Making each space multifunctional to maximize what the house is capable of offering.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops are inexpensive, warm, inviting, and add character to your kitchen. Wood’s functionality and beauty add a rustic, authentic feel to a kitchen.

Green Shades

The green shade is a very soothing color that has a subtle tone but a strong appeal. That will give your kitchen a relaxing look.

Double Islands

A double kitchen island typically serves two distinct functions. They are typically parallel, but they can also be side by side or configured in any way that you would like. Double kitchen islands separate prep and dining/work areas, breaking up the monotony of the layout and adding much-needed interest in a large open plan space. They’re also one of those kitchen ideas that can work in smaller spaces.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can be used in any room of the house. It is a magnificent option for kitchen countertops. Marble kitchen countertops give the room a striking and sophisticated appearance. In any room, they look fantastic and luxurious. They can also increase the value of your home.

If you’re looking for inspiration for a new kitchen remodel, hopefully, this may have given you a few ideas.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you can make. There are numerous factors to consider, it is important to know all of the facts first before making a decision. The overall housing situation is undoubtedly difficult, so there is no reason not to be cautious and thoughtful when approaching this topic. Before deciding on one to call your own, consider asking yourself these questions to make your future home-buying experience go more smoothly.

1. How much money have I set aside for a down payment?

The average down payment for a house in California is between 15% and 20% of the purchase price, but this can vary depending on your mortgage lender and financial situation.

Lenders will lend you hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars when you buy a house. Buyers, in turn, contribute a portion of the purchase price to gain initial equity in the property. Each mortgage option, however, is distinct, and homebuyers must determine which financing options are best for them. More money put down at closing results in lower monthly mortgage payments and interest.

As a result, California residents thinking about buying real estate should create a budget and start saving for a down payment well in advance of making a decision.

2. Is my credit score high enough?

If buying a home is one of your financial goals, think about the role a good credit history plays in the process. Most mortgage loans require a minimum credit score, and some lenders may have stricter requirements for certain borrowers.

3. Do I have a steady income?

A stable job, consistent income, and a good credit score are the best indicators of readiness. Your family situation must also be taken into account.

4. What kind of home do I like?

Before purchasing, ensure that the property offers everything that you look for in a home. It is vital to consider learning about its neighborhood and have it thoroughly inspected as it is critical to understand what repairs the house may require.

5. Can I trust my agent?

The right real estate agent can make or break your home-buying experience, so find one that you can truly rely on. Your agent should be able to give you an honest assessment of a home’s value, as well as the pros and cons of its size, location, and condition.

In conclusion, purchasing a home can be overwhelming in a competitive market and stressful during the best of times. Although, understanding what you are getting into, knowing what is required of you, and finding the right real estate agent will help you reach your goal smoothly.

Do you think you’re ready to become a homeowner? Heidi and I bring a combined 45 years of industry experience in residential, commercial, and land sales. We strive to provide the highest level of service in all phases of the buying and selling process. If you’re looking for your next Sebastopol real estate investment, Heidi and I can be there to serve as your voice—as well as to offer our experience, guidance, and advice you can count on. Call us!