Sonoma, CA

Here's a list of 10 "Must Have" Home Features cited in a recent survey of home builders and I think it's a big heads up for sellers. Do these recession-weary tradespeople have an agenda in sharing this list? Sure, they want you to hire them to do the remodeling. That's obvious. But if you read through this "short list" you'll see things that make sense from a buyer's perspective. Many relate to today's more frugal, built-for-the-long-term, and stay-at-home lifestyle.

1. Large kitchen with an island
2. Energy efficient appliances, insulation, and windows
3. Home office / study
4. Main-floor master suite
5. Outdoor living room
6. Ceiling fans
7. Master suite soaker tubs
8. Stone and brick exteriors
9. Community landscaping, including walking paths & playgrounds
10. Two-car garages

If you want to read the entire article just click here: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108701/the-10-must-have-features-in-todays-new-homes.html

Spring is coming and if you're going to be selling this year my advice is make home improvements so your place is as attractive as possible. Today's buyers are value-driven but they most likely will be living in their "investment" for a long time, too, so make your home irresistible.

Life is good for dogs in Sonoma. This is a super dog-friendly town. I've been gathering stuff for a blog about Sonoma's lucky dogs and the local amenities and services that cater only to our four-legged best friends. For that info, please stay tuned. In the meantime, take a few seconds and check out the video below. It's time-sensitive and sweet. The subtitles tell the story of "Dumpling's" tale of woe and his second chance at life.

My friend Dona volunteers at Pets Lifeline and she's just told me....as of 12:50PM Pacific Standard Time that Dumpling still is available to a loving home. So, if you, or anyone you know, can scoop up this scrumtious little survivor please call Pets Lifeline in Sonoma right now at 707.996.9982. Life is good for dogs in Sonoma and Dumpling deserves a good life, too.

Sonoma Valley Stars Loved in The Valley of the Moon

Not a lot of people know that Sonoma Valley stars get plenty of love and attention here. Yes, right here in the Valley of the Moon. It's a little known fact that we have a terrific observatory about fifteen minutes from the town of Sonoma, in the hills overlooking the community of Kenwood. The Robert Ferguson Observatory is a cool place for star-gazing and you can find out all about it right here. Don't skip over this link. You have to check it out...lots of amazing pictures from outer space and other cool stuff, including events and classes.

The moon takes center stage here because it looks bigger in Sonoma Valley than in other places. Author Jack London nicknamed Sonoma Valley "The Valley of the Moon." I've often wondered if London thought it was bigger here, too. I've been told our perspective on this is skewed because Sonoma Valleyis so narrow. Oh, well. One more thing for my To Do List: check with the folks at Robert Furguson Observatory. They'll have the answer, no doubt.

This I DO know: Sonoma Valley stars are brilliant even in bright lunar light. This is an intoxicating place...the Valley of the Moon.

One of my favorite hang-outs is Sonoma's Sunflower Caffe, a popular Sonoma restaurant for locals and visitors alike. That's because it's typical laid-back Sonoma scene --- very low-key. The Sunflower offers great lattes, mochas, teas, and a menu featuring healthy breakfast items, sandwiches, and some seriously good salads for brunch or lunch. Mid-to-late afternoons is happy hour with special deals on wine and beer.

The Sunflower is a great place to hook up with old friends and clients which I did yesterday. Another patron took this picture and you can tell by looking at it that she'd had (steady now) waaaaaaay too much of their tempting coffee.

I've got a special place in my heart for the Sunflower which goes back to the days before its time. In the '70's there was a gift shop in this spot called the Landmark. I remember selling all sorts of things back then...including Takahashi mugs and ash trays. But back to today. Check out the Sunflower's website and get the lowdown from people who've been there and posted their reviews on Yelp. You'll see it's definitely worth a visit. Hope we meet up there!

Sonoma County Economic Indicators - Some Good News for Real Estate!

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board has just released a 16 page report looking ahead at our local economy and, among other things, it cites good news about housing affordability.

The report says declining Sonoma County real estate values have helped broaden home buying opportunities fhere. It also says the per-capita income here has exceeded the national average and that new business creation in Sonoma County actually went up in 2009!

It's a quick read and definitely worth your time if you are interested in economic news --- and who isn't today? Click here to read the full report.

It's important to point out the county-wide report does not take into account Sonoma real estate micro-markets. If you want detailed information on the real estate market in Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Petaluma or other towns and areas give me a call...or email me. I've got the data and can break it down for you.