Jen Birmingham

Petaluma, CA: Real Estate Market Action Report for November 2011

The median sales price in Petaluma, CA has dropped since this time last year and the combination of dramatically low interest rates and comparatively reduced housing prices has a lot of buyers now choosing to make the leap into homeownership. There have been many cases of multiple offers in all price ranges.

Sales

November Property sales were 44, down -6.4% from 47 in November of 2010 and -27.9% lower than the 61 sales last month. November 2011 sales were at a mid level compared to November of 2010 and 2009. November YTD sales of 503 are running 2.7% ahead of last year's year-to-date sales of 490.

Price

The Median Sales Price in November was $335,000, down -26.9% from $458,500 in November of 2010 and down -8.5% from $366,000 last month. The Average Sales Price in November was $380,732, down -26.1% from $515,177 in November of 2010 and down -4.9% from$400,529 last month. November 2011 ASP was at the lowest level compared to November of 2010 and 2009.

Because the Petaluma housing market typically slows heading into the holidays, there is less inventory available, as many sellers choose to wait until the new year to put their home on the market. And because there are a lot of serious buyers out there ready to buy the perfect home, the good ones sell quickly. So, the reality is that now is a fabulous time to sell and buy real estate. The slim inventory creates less competition for sellers and the buyers are ready to snatch up a well turned-out home for the right price.

Please feel free to call or email me with any questions you might have

Petaluma, CA: Downtown Holiday Events Schedule 2011

Each year, the holiday season in Petaluma builds through a series of events which are an annual tradition in this wonderful town.

The 2011 season is officially kicked off by Santa's Riverboat Arrival on Saturday, November 26th at the Golden Eagle Shopping Center at 2-80 E. Washington Street, Petaluma. Bring the kids to meet Mr & Mrs. Claus. Festivities will begin at 11:00 AM.

On Friday, December 2nd at 7:00 PM, the 25th Annual Light Up A Life tree lighting ceremony is held at Center Park in front of McNear's, 23 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. Hosted by Hospice of Petaluma, each light symbolizes the life of a loved one. For a $10 donation, a light can be dedicated in their memory.

On Saturday, December 3rd, from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM, is the Petaluma Downtown Holiday Merchant's Open House. The Theater District comes alive with Holiday merriment. Bring the family down for this free holiday event.

Another fabulous and free family event on Saturday, December 3rd, is Holiday Lighted Boat Parade sponsored by the Petaluma Downtown Association. Festivities begin at 5:30, when the flotilla of beautifully lit boats begin their journey from the Marina to the turning basin downtown where they remain docked on display for the remainder of this festive evening.

The holiday season in is quickly approaching, and I am proud to say that Petaluma, CA puts on quite a show and sets the mood wonderfully with these and other celebrations.

Petaluma, CA: A wonderful place to call home.

10 years ago, I never would have guessed I'd be living in Petaluma, CA today. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1998, I had settled in the lovely bay-side town of Sausalito--at the North end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Petaluma WAS on my radar at the time. It was the Outlet Mall town. Every few months, I'd drive 30 minutes North on Hwy 101 and take the Petaluma Boulevard North exit, shop at my favorite outlet stores, jump back on the freeway and head home. Not once did I drive through Petaluma's lovely downtown. I didn't even know it existed.

7 years ago, I had been dating my now-husband, Jim for a while and when he informed me that he was buying a house in Petaluma, he invited me to move in with him. I didn't really get it. I didn't understand why Petaluma was the place. Just before he closed escrow, he took me for a ride to visit our soon-to-be new home. We drove up the 101 and we took the Petaluma Boulevard South exit.

This road took us alongside a river inlet from the bay and around a bend. Up ahead of us, the beautiful historically rich town of Petaluma, CA was revealed to me. Old farm houses, ornate Victorians and antique shops lined the streets as we approached the delightful downtown area. My jaw dropped. I had no clue that Petaluma was like this. At the center of town, he turned left onto another street. Just seven blocks up, he pulled his truck into the driveway of a darling 1920s craftsman bungalow. I was speechless.

This is the house we have called our home ever since, in the town that we will call home for the rest of our lives. How lucky am I to have the opportunity to share the secrets of Petaluma with others. When I meet people from out of town at open houses, I almost have to stop myself from gushing about what a great place this is.

Living very close to downtown, a big luxury is taking a leisurely stroll to our favorite restaurants such as Graziano's, Hiro's or Mi Pueblo. Listening to live music at The Mystic Theater is one of our favorite date night activities.

On the weekends throughout the year, the downtown is bustling with different festivals and events. The Wednesday and Saturday Farmers' Markets bring the town back in touch with its strong agricultural history and give friends a chance to bump into eachother and catch up.

3 years ago, our daughter was born. Her birth was the biggest catalyst which cemented Petaluma in my heart as the town for me. I joined the Petaluma Mothers' Club shortly after her birth. I found a playgroup for her. What I didn't realize at the time was that this playgroup was really for me.

That first day, I met a group of women with children born around the same time as my daughter. I didn't know at the time that that a few of these women would soon become some of my closest friends. Every Friday for over two-and a half years now, my daughter and I have met up with these moms and their children. We have shared victories and hardships, big and small. We schedule kid-free Moms' Nights Out together. Our husbands even have their own Dads' Nights and we get together as familes regularly.

I couldn't imagine what my life would be like here without this wonderful sense of connectedness and community which was spawned by my joining a moms' group. Who knew?

Who knew 10 years ago that I would be in love with this little town? The "Outlet Mall town" I visited but understood nothing about. It is funny how life works. I wouldn't change a thing. Every day, I learn more about this town I call home. It never ceases to impress and amaze me. Thank you Petaluma.

Petaluma, CA: Graziano's Ristorante is one of the best Italian restaurants in town.

Located in the heart of Petaluma's downtown and set in the historic Wickersham Building at 170 Petaluma Blvd. North, Graziano's Ristorante has a welcoming feel from the moment you walk through the front door. With its large full bar and separate spacious dining area, it is a fabulous place for happy hour snacking or a leisurely elegant meal.

My husband and I moved to Petaluma, CA six years ago and Graziano's was one of the first restaurants we tried. I fell in love with their lasagna immediately and he was very excited to find Pollo Dorato (breast of chicken in a light egg batter with lemon butter and white wine) on their menu.

Graziano's was the first restaurant we took our daughter to at three weeks old. Now, at two and a half, she feels as if it is her special place with the warm welcome she always receives when we arrive.

One of the main factors which has kept us returning year after year is Grazianos' wonderful staff. The quality of service has always been impeccable. We regularly request to be seated in Jeff's section. He has an easy-going demeanor and follows our queues to establish the pace of our meal (which always begins with their wonderful bruschetta and a plate of the tuna carpaccio al tartuf). Their wine list is filled with a diverse selection of wines and includes many local delights.

A recent addition to the Graziano's experience is their 28°, temperature controlled Vodika Lounge. It was the first of its kind in Northern California and offers a selection of over 70 premium vodkas from all over the world. The restaurant provides faux fur coats to keep you warm inside the refrigerated space and offers food pairings to compliment the tasting experience.

Of the many Italian restaurants in Petaluma, Graziano's is definitely worth checking out. A friendly yet scrumptious dining experience awaits you. Though they will do their best to accommodate walk-ins, I definitely recommend making a reservation.

9501 Essex Court, Windsor, CA 95492 has just sold! It sits nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Deer Creek neighborhood of Windsor, CA.

Selling for $408,000, this 4 BR/3 BA home was beautifully remodeled this year with high-end finishes throughout. It includes an elegant double-door entry with Travertine tile and sweeping staircase to the second floor. The granite tile kitchen with stainless steel appliances opens to an inviting family room with gas fireplace. The spacious Master suite offers an elegant retreat with a large window seat and indulgent bathroom with dual vanity sinks, a separate soaking tub and shower.

Sonoma County, CA offers luxury and affordability. Set in the heart of wine country, and a short drive from beaches, San Francisco, and world class skiing, it is difficult to find another area offering this quality of life.

If you have any questions about Sonoma County real estate, let me know. Your dream is within reach.