Bennett Valley is a lovely neighborhood of Santa Rosa. When my husband and I moved here 11 years ago we had no local contacts, no one to help ease us into Sonoma County life. We were lucky that my husband Don had built our home in 1983 (think 18% interest) and he wound up renting it out for many years. We figured we could just sell in a couple of years if we weren't happy, but clearly, we've stayed because we love it here!
Bennett Valley is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Annadel State Park and a small ridge of hills that extends along Bennett Valley Rd and southward. It is a terrifc area for commuting as you can be on Highway 101 in 5 to 10 minutes. Bennett Valley also has all the amenitites you could want: great schools, excellent and convenient shopping, fine dining and more.
I'll be talking about the "more" in my next post!
It has been my privilege to assist many homeowners over the last several years in Sonoma County successfully achieve an approved short sale. About three years ago I had my first client that needed to sell, but faced negative equity.
The phrase "short sale" was just starting to get around. Having been a broker for many years I knew I needed to get more education about the process, so I found a fabulous attorney who was an expert in the are of foreclosures and bankruptcy who provided a very expensive, but excellent 5 day program. It was a fantastic experience. I then felt much more capable of helping my clients through the short sale process. The process has changed somewhat over the last several years and the process is unique to each short sale lender.
This year I have achieved short sale approval for 13 of my clients. Let me be the first to say that 2 of those clients chose not to accept that approval and I completely supported them in that decision. They made the decision because my clients have an attorney help them interpret and review the approval letters and if they feel the terms of the short sale are not appropriate for them, then we do not proceed with the sale. My clients are happy because they have control over their situation and know that their agent supports them in finding a solution that is in their best interest.
Overall, I am very happy to provide assistance to my clients who desire to pursue a short sale. The process has it's ups and downs and it is certainly not without it's complications. But, in looking over the successes this year, so far, I feel more positive than erver that short sales are helping lenders, sellers and buyers achieve their goals.
Housing inventories are dwindling down! Multiple offers are back! The $8,000 tax credit for 1st time homebuyers is rapidly coming to an end! Fed. Chief, Ben Bernanke, says we may have seen the worst of the recession. It all seems like good news. So, why are so many buyers still feeling confused? Could buyers be worried about those unemployment numbers? Could buyers be wary that the recent surge in the stock market will be followed by a downturn? Might they keep hearing the rumors and whisperings that banks are holding huge numbers of foreclosed and pre-foreclosures off the market? And, in Sonoma County, could it also be that buyers are just not satisfied with what you get for your money? Absolutely! I work with many first time home buyers, those moving up and investors and when you really think about what you're getting for our Median home price, it is scary compared to what you can buy in other parts of the country.
But, this isn't other parts of the country. This is Sonoma County. We love our wine-country lifestyle! We love the diversity of employment, proximity to San Francisco, access to incredible food, clean air and natural, free air conditioning. Did I mention that we really love the weather? People love to live here.
Building in Sonoma County is tough. Supply will never meet demand. Never. So, all you first time home buyers who are paying rent, it's time to put all those "scary" factors into their place, refine your financial goals so you know what your maximum purchase price is and get out there and buy a home. Do it on your terms and just do it.
1260 N. Dutton, Suite 185 Santa Rosa, CA 95401
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