Randy Mack | Realtor | 707.696.6272

    Heidi Faulkner | Realtor | 707.480.4098

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How to Stage Your Home for a Successful Sale

One of the most effective ways to attract potential buyers and secure a successful sale is through home staging. So if you plan to sell your home, here are some tips and tricks of the trade that will help you make your home look and feel its best.

Why You Should Stage Your Home

Staging a home before selling is a strategy used to enhance its visual appeal. This can also help potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

 

National Association of Realtors®, Nearly half of the seller’s agents (48%) reported that staging a home decreased its time on the market, according to a new report by the National Association of Realtors®.

For both buyers’ and sellers’ agents, one in five (20%) said home staging increased the offer price by between 1% and 5% compared to similar homes on the market that weren’t staged.

Staging Tips and Tricks

Clear out the clutter:

Seeing your collectibles and storage will prevent buyers from imagining themselves in your space.

Hence, leave only the necessary furniture, keeping in mind that you want the space to look clean and spacious.

Freshen up the style:

Aim for a style that most buyers will like. Furnishings that seem homey and comforting.

Also, neutral colors work best: creams, light greys, and white.

Small furniture equals big space:

Downsize your furnishings to upsize the room. If the room looks tight to you, it likely will to potential buyers as well.

With this in mind, take some of the furniture out to create a more visual space.

Play with texture:

Wallpaper, pillows, rugs, blankets, baskets, and other tactile accessories can add texture to the look of any room.

Don’t forget the details:

Set the table. It’s easy to do and makes a significant impact. Buyers walk in and instantly feel welcome as if they’re coming over for dinner.

Moreover, light non-scented candles and place plush towels and fancy soap in the bathrooms.

Also, set out a breakfast tray on the bed or a pretty book on the coffee table with fresh flowers in the living room.

Smart accessories:

Clear the kitchen counter of appliances, spice racks, towels, and cooking utensils.

So leave only a few things, like a cookbook, a shiny teakettle, and a bowl of lemons.

Create vignettes:

Set up small “scenes” that help buyers visualize their potential life in this home.

This can be a quiet reading space with a comfy chair in the bedroom or a lounge chair under a tree in the backyard.

Doing so gives buyers some thoughtful ideas as they walk the property.

Don’t forget the outdoor areas:

Those spaces add as much interest for the buyer as the interior rooms. Add an outdoor rug, a small table and bistro chairs, and a few plants to your backyard. Remove all dead plants and trim all overgrowth.

Moreover, we have free seller reports that offer a unique insight into the selling experience. Click here for home-selling guides.

In conclusion,

Staging your home for a successful sale is a combination of art and strategy. Remember that the goal is to make your home as appealing and neutral as possible.

Additionally, having a professional real estate agent like Randy and Heidi by your side, guiding you, negotiating on your behalf, and protecting the interests that you trust, will make the process of selling a home easier.

Finally, as your real estate agent, we are happy to further extend our services by offering our list of local, trusted service providers to you. Call us about your particular needs, and we can give you a personalized recommendation of a qualified service provider in our area to assist you.

Posted in: Home Selling Tagged: #artisansothebys, #homeownership, #homestaging, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mackfaulkner, #openhouse, #realestate, #realestateagent, #sellersagent, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, HeidiFaulkner, Homeselling, RandyMack, Sellingyourhome

The Best Outdoor Living Ideas for Your Backyard

As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, this is the best time to start thinking about outdoor living. Your backyard can be more than just a patch of grass and a few trees.

With the right outdoor living ideas, it can become a beautiful extension of your home. This article discusses some of the best outdoor living ideas that turn outdoor space into an oasis.

 

Create an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen

Cooking and eating outside is a great way to enjoy the warm weather. When designing your outdoor kitchen, consider the size of your space, the layout, and the features you want to include, such as a grill, sink, refrigerator, and storage. 

Also, choose durable and weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, stone, or tile.

Furthermore, these Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas will help you create an outdoor kitchen for your family and friends to gather and enjoy delicious food in style.

 

Build a Fire Pit 

Fire Pit
WRJ Design

A fire pit is a popular feature for backyard living as it provides an inviting space to engage in activities such as roasting marshmallows, telling stories, or just enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire.

You may build with different materials, such as brick, stone, or metal.

In addition, a firepit can also enhance the overall aesthetic of a backyard. And it can create a focal point and add a rustic or natural element to the landscape design.

 

Install a Water Feature

Outdoor Water Feature

A water feature can add a peaceful and soothing element to your backyard. It can be a simple fountain, a pond, or a cascading waterfall.

John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer explains that water feature ideas must work aesthetically and have a purpose within the rest of your garden design. The design does not need to be complex; sometimes, the simplest will have the most impact.

Build a Pergola

PeragolaA pergola is a great way to create a shaded area in your backyard. Plant some vines or climbing flowers to create a natural canopy.

Pergolas come in various materials, like wood, vinyl, and aluminum. And can be designed to fit any style or aesthetic.

Moreover, pergolas can also increase the value of a home. They are an in-demand feature in landscaping and can make a home more attractive to potential buyers.

 

 

 

Plant a Garden

Garden

Planting a garden is not only a great way to add color to your backyard, but it’s also a way to grow food.

Start with a few raised beds or containers and see where it takes you.

Besides, having a garden in your backyard can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create a Cozy Seating Area

Outdoor Seating Area
Fantastic Frank

Creating a cozy seating area is about making your space comfortable, inviting, and relaxing. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect seating area:

  • Start with the seating option. Whether you prefer a plush sofa, a set of armchairs, or a loveseat, ensure it is comfortable enough to lounge in for hours.
  • Add soft textures such as fluffy pillows, throws, and plush rugs.
  • Incorporate ambient lighting. Consider adding ambient lighting, such as table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights.
  • Add personal touches to your seating area by incorporating decorations that reflect your style and personality.

Read more on Outdoor Living Space for your design needs.

Outdoor Features’ Benefits

Remodeling outdoor features can financially benefit homeowners who plan to sell their property. NAR, Most REALTORS® Recommend Improving Curb Appeal, and Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features, NAR-NALP Report Finds: Most REALTORS® (92%) suggest that sellers improve the curb appeal of their home before listing it for sale.

Also, the largest share of REALTORS® recommended owners complete landscaping-related features before putting a home on the market.

Those were among the top projects for which landscape professionals saw increased demand over the last year.

Check out the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features examines why homeowners complete outdoor remodeling projects, the value of undertaking these enhancements, and homeowners’ increased happiness after completing an upgrade.

In conclusion,

Creating an outdoor living space in your backyard can bring new enjoyment to your home. There are countless ways to transform your backyard into a functional outdoor living space.

If you decide to have the remodeling done, here is a guide from us on How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor.

Lastly, we hope these ideas inspire you to make the most of your backyard in the summer. We depart with this quote from Nick Kelsh: The world of your photography is limitless—just like your backyard.

Posted in: Renovation + Build to Suit Tagged: #backyard, #exteriordesign, #homeownership, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #outdoorfeatures, #outdoorkitchen, #outdoorlivingroom, #outdoorlivingspace, #realestate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, Sellingyourhome

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!

Posted in: General, Home Buying, Home Selling, Real Estate Resources, Real Estate Trends + Stats Tagged: #artisansothebys, #buyersagent, #forestville, #forestvillerealestate, #healdsburg, #healdsburgrealestate, #homebuyer, #homeownership, #interestrates, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mack-faulknerrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #mackfaulkner, #mortgagerates, #petaluma, #petalumarealestate, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realestatemarket, #realtor, #sebastopol, #sebastopolrealesate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #sothebysrealestate, #windsor, #windsorrealestate, HeidiFaulkner, RandyMack, santarosa, santarosarealestate, Sellingyourhome

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!

Posted in: General, Home Selling, Real Estate Trends + Stats Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #mack-faulknerrealestate, #mackandfaulkner, #propertyforsale, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realestatemarket, #realtor, #sellersagent, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, #winterseason, Sellingyourhome

Sebastopol Home Décor Tweaks are a Springtime Phenomenon

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© Marie-claire Lander | Dreamstime.com – Spring has sprung

 There is something about spring that gets everybody at least thinking about fixing up the house, and it’s that time of year again. Throughout the length and breadth of Sebastopol, home décor decisions are being pondered. Ambitious landscaping and fix-up plans are being laid, budgets drawn, and troops assembled (the troops will be armed with paint brushes and rollers, hedge clippers and rakes).

Perhaps it’s the weather; perhaps the angle of the sun—or maybe even this month’s clock-adjusting exercise—for whatever the reason, this time of year is when we look around the house and decide changes will be made!!

© Goodluz | Dreamstime.com – Decorating home

It’s also the time of year when occasional disagreements between Sebastopol’s husbands and wives have been known to crop up. The Home Improvement section of the realtor® web site just ran a feature titled “When Couples Disagree About Home Décor,” which promised to tell who the winner is in such arguments. It pointed out that women have different priorities than men (women: “leather makes those embarrassing noises each time you sit or stand” vs. men: “but you’re going to freak out each time someone sits on [the linen cushions] with a drink”). The woman who wrote the article says that she won the argument—but admits that now she freaks out every time someone sits on her sofa with a drink (it’s already freckled with water marks). So maybe the man won in the long run…

If your home décor efforts are getting special attention this season because you plan to add your home to the Sebastopol listings, “what’s hot” might suddenly be more of a consideration. But a different home décor impasse can come about when the fashion zeitgeist points in one direction while your personal taste pulls in another. Even worse, you may find that the fashion world is arguing amongst themselves!

© Tuthelens | Dreamstime.com – Vintage interior design

The Realty Skinny says, for instance, that gray is about to overtake white in popularity (simultaneously also “pushing out the beige era”). That’s not a problem for The Washington Post, which agrees that “gray makes all your possessions pop out” (except, I have to believe, the gray ones). On the other hand, the Pantone Color Institute, which practically wrote the book on color, couldn’t disagree more. They think that pinkish Rose Quartz (“warm, embracing”) and faintly bluish Serenity (“calm-inducing”) are what’s happening right now. In fact, it/they are its Color[/s] of the Year. That is because “the pairing…brings a feeling of calm and relaxation into the home environment.” That would be welcome—especially when you’re freaked out about the water marks on the sofa.

You don’t have to be selling your home for home décor tweaks and garden renewal to occupy your thoughts, but if you do, I hope you will give us a call. Our free, no-obligation consultation will let you in on the latest Sebastopol market information. We think you’ll agree that knowing exactly what’s happening has a definite serenity-producing effect!

© Marie-claire Lander | Dreamstime.com – Spring has sprung

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Posted in: General Tagged: #homedecorating, #Sebastopolrealestate, #springhassprung, Sellingyourhome

Sebastopol Real Estate Market Watch

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Sebastopol is a unique and wonderful town. There are many that joke about it’s residents being organic, free range, sustainable, yoginis, such as in a recent article in the press democrat http://www.pressdemocrat.com/gallery/4412428-181/they-might-be-from-sebastopol but it is taken in stride.  The quiet, unassuming, slow lifestyle that West County supports draws many to this area every year and creates a unique real estate market.

October 2015 has shown the Sebastopol Real Estate Market to be in line with much of the country, increase in value with signs a slight time of year slow down.  Increased home values, August 2014 the median home price was $628,00 and October 2015 we ended at  $747,000 for a 19% increase. Demand remains high and inventory on the lower side, although we are seeing a normalizing of this phenomena in October. Inventory in August was only 1.9 months vs. September and October it has increased to 2.5 months on inventory.  The average balanced market tends to be a 3-month supply of inventory.

Sebastopol mirrors San Francisco’s real estate market pretty closely and according to Realtor.com San Francisco is one of the top 20 hottest markets in the country right now. http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/the-hottest-housing-markets-of-august-2015/

That being said, there are so many contributing factors involved in deciphering value in a Sebastopol area home such as:

Multiple micro neighborhoods. There at least a dozen different smaller neighborhoods within the larger Sebastopol Community. There are more agriculturally driven neighborhoods, suburban, and live and work.

Challenging to provide a “competitive” value to homes due to several contributing factors. Some examples of this are: proximity to downtown, amount of acreage on the property, is there plantable land fro grapes or apples? What is the water accessibility, septic or well, private well or community well? What is the zoning on the property, agricultural? Multi-use?

We are often asked if we think now is a good time to purchase or sell a home.  Our answer will always be the same.  Let’s get together and talk about your specific property. We are well versed in the many intricacies of this market and happy to give you a free evaluation of either your home value in today’s market or assessment of the best values in the current inventory.

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Posted in: Home Selling, Real Estate Resources Tagged: #realestateagent, #Sebastopolrealestate, #sonomacounty, #sonomacountyrealestate, Sellingyourhome

Know the Emotional Element in Selling Your Sebastopol Home

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When you read up on the dos and don’ts for selling your home, there is one piece of advice that’s universal when it comes to negotiating a successful deal: don’t let emotions get in the way. It does seem peculiar that something that is so obvious about any negotiation would have to be stated at all—much less repeated so often. You have to conclude that it happens a lot.

It does, and there are deep-seated reasons. Although selling your area home is primarily a business venture, it’s one with some of the emotional overtones usually associated with creative endeavors. When an artist or sculptor, jewelry designer or photographer—any creative professional—decides to offer works for sale to the public, it’s nearly impossible for him or her to remain completely objective about how it is received. Or to avoid forming feelings about those who accept or reject the creation.

Selling your Sebastopol home only seems to be all business. True, it’s a single-transaction enterprise. It begins with preparing the property, and concludes with negotiating to close the deal. Every step of the process may seem to be all business. But in reality, it’s almost unavoidable for emotional cross currents to seep in from the very first step.

Consider preparing the property. If there were such a thing as a perfect home, this would be a cut-and-dried affair: all it would involve would be to eliminate every flaw. But since perfection exists only in some alternate universe, deciding which of a home’s features need to be enhanced, replaced, or done away with altogether involves making subjective judgments. Some of these can require paying significant amounts of money; others, significant amounts of elbow grease.

When the work is done and the results are first put on display, it’s like Opening Night. It is only human to feel personally connected with how prospective buyers react. Not only is the ‘product’ that’s being evaluated one that reflects your tastes and efforts—it’s also where you live! Your home, for goodness’ sake! It deserves to be appreciated at the very least…

Especially when it comes to the negotiations phase of selling your area home, this is one business venture wherein it’s nearly impossible to avoid the personal element. Acknowledging it is simple. And knowledge is power—if you expect that you might experience an emotional reaction at some point, you’ll recognize it for what it is. If it’s an overreaction, you will be much more likely to be able to simply take a deep breath, put it into perspective—and come up with an appropriate response.  “A lot of times buyers and sellers will argue tooth and nail over things that aren’t really that important,” New York City closing attorney Sandor Krauss blogged recently; “and sometimes it blows deals.”

One of the great advantages to having a local agent by your side when selling your Sebastopol home is to have an experienced intermediary working on your behalf. It can put you at a professional distance from the direct negotiations with buyers—and their emotions! If you will be selling your home in Sebastopol this winter or spring, I hope you will call us!

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Posted in: Home Selling Tagged: #agent, #realestate, #realestateagent, #sebastopol, Sellingyourhome, Sonomacountyrealesate

Tips for Selling Your Sebastopol House this Fall

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It’s October; a time of year that has a lot to recommend it. In many parts of the country, it’s the season when Mother Nature goes full throttle with the Technicolor. Sunsets can be outrageous. In some parts of the country, leaves can bid adieu with displays that put rainbows to shame. Fall weather turns the air a bit crisper. All in all, to a lot of folks, fall is the favorite time of the year.

Selling your Sebastopol house in the autumn, on the other hand, can present some special challenges. Selling your house in the springtime, for instance, doesn’t include clearing the garden of the remnants of summer growth (that is, unless you let it go the previous year!). The plusses and minuses of selling your house after the peak spring-summer real estate rush is over can be debated at length. What isn’t debatable is that to take full advantage of selling your house this time of year, you should be aware of a few specifics:

  • •    Keep up with the season 

… leaf fall for yards with deciduous plants can require almost daily attention during some periods. You’re the best judge of when the debris crosses the line from pleasantly natural into downright unsightly—but in any case, it’s a good idea to make a quick inspection part of your daily routine.

  • •    Keep up with the weather 

… leaf fall is one thing, but windy fall storms can turn a well-kept garden inside-out in a few hours. After a storm passes, be prepared to hose off the traces of muddy puddles and do some organized sweeping. It can make a big difference when you approach a house with a clear walkway (vs. one that looks like a typhoon just passed!).

  • •    Pet areas

…they can be more difficult to manage in autumn and winter when Mother Nature can keep them indoors for longer periods or make their favorite hangouts less accessible. Being more flexible and attentive to their needs than in summertime is often necessary.

  • •    Prepare the mechanicals

…if sudden chills descend, knowing that your heating setup is ready to go into action assures a welcoming environment for prospective buyers. If it hasn’t been in use since last spring, a system may produce some unpleasant side effects the first time it’s fired up. If yours one that needs a yearly checkup by the utility company, better not wait!

  • •    Anticipate success!

Selling your Sebastopol home in fall and winter may take a little extra vigilance when the weather acts up, but buyers at this time of year can be more eager to close on their new home. Be organized for success, which can mean everything from having a year’s worth of utility bills ready to show, to scoping out where you’re headed next.

Selling your Sebastopol home efficiently takes some organization and planning. A good first step is to get in touch with a Sebastopol real estate professional who will pitch in and help every step of the way. In other words—call us!

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Posted in: Home Selling Tagged: #realestate, #sebastopol, Fall, Sellingyourhome

Increasing the Value of Your Sebastopol Property in Four Steps

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As soon as you decide that you will be putting your Sebastopol property up for sale—whether soon or at some point in the foreseeable future—it’s also time to get strategic about growing your property’s value—starting with a generous dollop of objectivity.

The difficulty stems from a truth about how everybody perceives much of their property’s value. We escape from hurly-burly of daily living by retreating to the comfortable confines of our home—our place. A good part of its value to us and to our family is its sheer familiarity—the “hominess” that makes it our personal haven. But some of the very things that make it so comfortable to us will be off-putting to outsiders—and they are the prospective buyers.

Our great leather easy chair (the dark brown one that’s gotten a few shades lighter where we sit, and a little off-color where the spills happened) may look a bit peaked to the untrained eye, but it’s been that way for years: who cares? The back door needs to be bolted to stay shut…we do that without even thinking about it—hardly an issue! The sofa may sag, but it sags exactly right (for us)! The bathroom window that’s sort of stuck (okay, maybe it’s painted shut)…etc. etc. etc.

Professionals are of one voice about the real value you add to a property when you go to the trouble of systematically depersonalizing it. It helps to approach doing that seriously and deliberately—to tackle it in an organized manner. There are any number of ways to go about that, but here is one way that will pay off:

Step 1

Make a list. Starting from one end of your home, note with pencil and paper every nit-picky detail that is other than what you would expect to find if it were a brand new home. This is not as easy as most people assume, because there will be such a great number of details, that a.) will be very tempting to start skipping some of the minor ones, and  b) you will find it hard to resist the urge to start fixing the easy ones as you go along (don’t do it: you’ll derail the list-making!)

Step 2

After a decent interval, sit down with the list and re-classify each item into an Easy Self-Fix List and a Professional-Attention-Needed List.

Step 3 Get bids from the appropriate Sebastopol professional tradespeople, calculate which fit your budget, then schedule the work.

Step 4 Get started on your own endeavors to address the Easy Self-Fix List. You’ll be able to organize your own efforts to finish up about two weeks after the last of the tradespeople are scheduled to finish their projects (a two week grace period is realistic: you are aiming to finish everything about the same time).

Following these four steps will put you well on your way to increasing the value of your Sebastopol home. And at any point in the process—from before Step 1 to the satisfying moment that closes Step 4—give us a call to discuss how to convert all that increased value into a profitable home sale!

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Posted in: Real Estate Resources Tagged: #sonomacounty, SebastopolProperty, Sellingyourhome

Market of Opportunity

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Sonoma County attracts thousands of people every year. Situated just minutes from the Pacific Ocean and ancient redwood forest, home to award-winning winemakers and chefs, the juicy and versatile Gravenstein apple, and it’s friendly inhabitants, it is no wonder why Sonoma County turns many visitors into permanent residents each year. We welcome all new members of our community and encourage even more to find out what makes Sonoma County such a great place to live!  For both newcomers and old-timers, the Real Estate Market in Sonoma County continues to see the affects of low inventory and high demand creating a significant sellers’ advantage.

According to the 2014 Sonoma County Indicators Economy, Environment, Health, Society, Tourism, Workforce Abridged Edition report there has been a 6% increase of tourists visiting Sonoma County. The quality of life in our area, accessibility to outdoor pursuits and even air quality drives visitors and permanent residents here by the thousands each year. This does not surprise us and we are encouraged by the upswing as it serves as a benefit to our communities all across the County. Tourism, as well as new residents, can only bring increased revenue that benefit our local shops, restaurants, wineries, apples orchards, markets, hotels, schools, residents and community supported foundations.

Another result of the increased interest in making Sonoma County home is in our local real estate market.  Over the last year we have watched the Sonoma County housing market and, in particular, Sebastopol develop into what’s known as a seller’s market.  The high demand for housing, coupled with a low inventory of homes to sell, creates an advantage to anyone selling their home. Our daily conversations with our clients are increasingly more about multiple offer situations, shorter times on market, and a greater sense of urgency in moving forward quickly.

The number of new listings in all Sonoma County January 2015 decreased by 32% from last year, and in Sebastopol alone that number decreased by 81% with a 20% decrease in the number of days the properties spent on the market.  

If you have been considering selling your home to downsize, upgrade, or finally find the perfect panoramic view to build your dream home, now could be an advantageous time to do it.

There has been much discussion in Real Estate circles about the Federal Reserve increasing the standard mortgage rates soon. As of this blog post the rates for a 30-year fixed loan is 3.96%. Couple these low loan rates with the growing need for homes in our area; it is not likely that our current seller’s market will change soon.

It is gratifying to see our community continue to bounce back from the housing crisis of 2006/2007.  As local housing continues to increase in value and people are able to gain some stronger footing in their homes, we remain cautiously optimistic that this high demand for new housing, and low interest rates will provide communities all over Sonoma County with a richer diversity of people and strong financial growth.

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Posted in: Real Estate Trends + Stats Tagged: #mortgagerates, #realestate, #sebastopol, #sonomacounty, Sellingyourhome

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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
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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.

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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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