#realtors – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

What is a Buyer’s Agent, and Why Do You Need One?

When dealing with real estate, whether you’re buying your first home or looking to invest, having a real estate pro by your side can make a significant difference.

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

A buyer’s agent is a real estate professional who helps buyers with property transactions. They know the local market well and provide valuable advice to help buyers get favourable terms.

Usually, the seller pays the buyer’s agent’s commission, so their services are valuable and cost-effective for buyers.

Reasons Why People Use Buyer’s Agents

1. Expert Knowledge and Experience

They know about the real estate market, including current trends, property value, and neighbourhood specifics. This knowledge helps buyers make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

2. Access to Exclusive Listings

Buyer’s agents often have access to exclusive listings and pre-market opportunities through their professional networks. This gives buyers an advantage in a competitive market, as popular properties sell quickly.

3. Skilled Negotiation

Negotiating the best deal takes skill and experience. A buyer’s agent negotiates for the buyer, working to get the best price and terms. They know the strategies and tactics needed to get good deals, making sure their clients get value for their money.

4. Time and Stress Management

Buying a home can take a lot of time and be stressful. Tasks like finding properties, scheduling viewings, and dealing with paperwork can be overwhelming. The agent manages these tasks, so buyers can focus on their daily lives while the agent handles the details.

5. Professional Network

They have a broad network of professionals, including mortgage brokers, home inspectors, attorneys, and contractors. These connections are essential for ensuring a smooth transaction.

6. Objective Perspective

It’s easy to get attached to a property and overlook potential issues. A buyer’s agent offers an objective perspective, helping buyers stay focused on their goals and avoid making hasty decisions based on emotion.

7. Market Insight and Analysis

Understanding market conditions is vital when buying a property. They provide a detailed market analysis, including comparable sales and market trends. This information helps buyers determine if a property is priced fairly and when to make an offer.

8. Advocacy and Protection

They ensure that buyers are protected throughout the transaction, from initial negotiations to the final closing. This advocacy includes identifying potential red flags and upholding the buyer’s rights.

NAR, Buyers of New Homes Want Real Estate Agent Representation, For buyers of new homes who did purchase in the last year, 61% used a real estate agent or broker to purchase a home because they wanted representation in the buying process.

Additionally, among the top benefits of using a real estate agent cited by buyers of new homes were: pointing out unnoticed faults and features in the property; helping to understand the buying process; improving the search areas; helping with negotiation; and shortening the search time.

Also, among buyers of new homes who used an agent to purchase the property, nine in 10 would use the agent again or recommend them to others.

How to Choose a Buyer’s Agent

Ask for Referrals: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues with positive experiences.
Research Online: Read reviews, check credentials, and assess their background and experience.
Interview Multiple Agents: Evaluate their market knowledge, communication style, and understanding of your needs.
Check Track Record: Inquire about the types of properties they’ve handled and their negotiation success rate.
Trust Your Instincts: Choose a competent agent and someone you feel comfortable working with.

When choosing a real estate agent, it’s important to consider these key points for the success of your transaction. This will help you make an informed choice and work with an agent best equipped like Heidi and me to help you achieve your goals.

Whenever we represent a buyer, our sole motivation is to help them achieve their desired outcome. Finding the right home, negotiating, and closing at the right price is how we keep the phone ringing. Feel free to give us a call!

What Credit Score Do You Need for Homeownership?

When purchasing a house, having a good credit score is vital. A credit score is a number that represents how likely you are to repay your debts and shows your creditworthiness to lenders.

A higher credit score typically results in lower interest rates and better loan terms, while a lower score may lead to higher interest rates or loan rejection.

What credit score do you need to buy a house?

The credit score needed to buy a home can differ based on the type of mortgage and the lender’s requirements.

Generally, conventional mortgages may require a minimum FICO score of 620. However, FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans may accept lower credit scores starting at 580, which is popular among first-time homebuyers.

What are the factors that affect your credit score?

It’s common for lenders to look at your FICO scores to meet loan qualifications for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, FHA, and USDA.

How FICO scores are calculated:

Your payment history: A timely credit card payment history positively impacts your credit score. Bankruptcy, liens, and collections may also affect it.
How much do you owe, and where?: If you owe a significant amount of money in multiple accounts, it may indicate that you are overextended. However, dividing debt among several accounts can help you avoid the maximum on any credit line.
Your credit history’s length: The longer an account has been open, the better.
How much new credit do you have?: New credit cards, instalment plans, or other forms of credit carry a higher risk, even if paid promptly.
Your credit mix: It’s ideal to have a mix of credit types, including instalment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage.

What is a good credit score to buy a house?

720 or higher is considered good. Borrowers with credit scores of 800 or higher are likely to qualify for the best mortgage rates and terms available.

FICO credit score range
Below 580	Poor
580-669	Fair
670-739	Good
740-799	Very good
800 and above	Exceptional

When purchasing a house with a partner

Lenders typically use the lower of the two borrowers’ middle credit scores to determine loan eligibility and interest rates.

Therefore, both partners should maintain good credit and work together to improve their credit scores before applying for a mortgage.

How to improve your credit score

Check your credit report: Download one free credit report annually at annualcreditreport.com. Review for errors and correct any discrepancies immediately.
Pay down credit card bills: Pay all your bills on time to demonstrate responsible financial behaviour.
Don’t charge your credit card to the max: Aim to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your available credit limit. Using a lot of your available credit may lower your credit score.
Don’t open new credit card accounts: Opening new credit accounts within a short period can signal financial instability to lenders, and having too much credit can lower your credit score.
Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage: You’re penalised less severely for problems after a year.
Shop for mortgage rates once: Too many credit applications can lower your score. However, multiple inquiries about your credit score from the same type of lender are counted as one if submitted over a short period.

Achieving homeownership is an exciting journey, but it’s important to understand your credit score’s role in making that dream a reality. Start taking proactive steps to improve your creditworthiness today.

Finally, we hope you found the information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more. We are always happy to provide assistance and support.

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!

Sonoma County Market Trends

Heidi and I share over 40 years of experience in both residential and commercial real estate. We are setting new standards by refining the art of residential brokerage with a practiced eye for identifying the unique value of a property. We are very well versed in current real estate trends and offer our clients exceptional expertise when positioning their homes in today’s market or evaluating and securing an upcoming purchase.

The first couple of months of the year 2022 has been tough for the world, just as recovery from the pandemic seemed within reach, the current war has affected everyone’s lives. It has been an intense year, but we are thrilled to present you with the update on the Spring Real Estate in Sonoma County.

Properties sold 67% higher than last month and 14% lower than the same 1st Quarter of 2021.

The volume of new listings is 43% lower than last month and 49% lower than the same 1st Quarter of 2021.

Average Days on Market is 3% lower than last month and 30% lower than the same 1st Quarter of 2021.

“March sales data continues to suggest strong buying interest and a solid housing market, as the effects of higher mortgage interest rates won’t be realized for a few more months,” said CAR Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine.

Rates may stabilize, rise further, or drop back down – they can change very quickly. The market is unpredictable, that’s why it is important to consult a real estate agent for a specific analysis of the neighborhood where you’re selling or buying. An informed decision goes a long way. Call us to establish a plan to achieve your personal real estate goals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The distinctive and unique character of every property we list

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

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

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

4940 Corrick Lane

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

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

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

1937 Perth Avenue

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

183 Mountain Vista Place

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

6695 Oakmont Drive

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

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

6405 Old Redwood Highway

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

6122 Old Redwood Highway

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

6119 Old Redwood Highway

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

Deja Vu

Real estate is not unlike life. We experience pockets of time full of high-energy activity, coupled with slower, more quiet periods where we can reflect and regroup, followed by time frames of equality and balance and very little drama. Real estate is no different.

Once again, we are experiencing a frenzy of activity in the real estate market. Homes are selling before making it to the MLS; bidding wars, combined with higher prices and low inventory, are making buyers and sellers tense. Randy and I have experienced this type of extreme market before and are well versed in navigating both buyers and sellers through the experience.

For many reasons, people are moving all over the country, not just Sonoma County. Some are moving to level up their lifestyle. Some are downsizing, some have experienced a divorce or significant life change, and some want to live in an area more conducive to staying home for long stretches. The pandemic caused the market to skyrocket. Real estate is booming all across the United States; Sonoma County is not alone.

Our advice to both buyers and sellers is to stay calm, be prepared, and align yourself with a professional realtor to look out for your best interest throughout your transaction.

Buyers need to be prepared to overbid and not lose heart. Have an open mind and a realistic picture of what their must-haves are in a home. Ensure you are working with a Realtor who knows the area well and is experienced working with the other local agents, and is willing to be patient and go that extra mile with you.

Even in a seller’s market, sellers need to price at fair market value and have their property show-ready. Buyers are not interested in overpriced homes that are not well maintained.

One of the biggest challenges sellers face right now is scheduling inspections- well, septic and appraisals. Professionals all over the area are booking 3-4 weeks out. We suggest sellers get most of these types of inspections completed before even going on the market if possible. We see many properties under contract before they even come on the market, making the sellers who completed their inspections and property clean-up before listing their homes much better suited to having an easy transfer of ownership.

We recommend taking a deep breath and have confidence; no matter which side of the transaction you are on, you will get through it and enjoy whatever lies on the other side for you.

Spring Has Sprung!

The birds are chirping, the grasses are growing, the flowers are blooming, and real estate is hopping! After such an intense and challenging year, we are thrilled to have a full calendar showing property and the fast-paced nature of Spring Real Estate in Sonoma County.

We have seen a lot of improvement in the Real Estate market. Properties sold 33% higher than last month and 21% higher than the same 1st Quarter of 2020.

There is an average 5% increase in price-per-square-foot to last month and a 28% increase in price-per-square-foot to 2020.

Rounding out the statistics, the average days on the market, because inventory is still low, is now 23% lower than last month, and 15% lower than last month, and 27% lower than 2020.

There is a lot to be said for the real estate market improving; people are gaining confidence in our economy and the local area. We are seeing statistics reminiscent of Springs past that demonstrate the positive momentum moving into the summer.

Hang in there, Sonoma County. We are looking to fully reopen soon and resume our lives to the fullest.

Happy Spring!

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.

Coming in March

COMING SOON

5925 Frederick Road Sebastopol, CA 95472
We are delighted to give you a glimpse of a new listing. On a quiet lane with one acre this newly remodeled, single-story, 1,659± square foot home will delight you. Easily accessible to Highway 116 and just minutes to downtown Sebastopol this house will not be on the market very long. Keep an eye on our website for more details to come.