A survey conducted by Gallup in 26 cities and funded by The John Knight Foundation identified three factors that make people passionate and loyal to their communities.I think Sonoma County offers all three!
Aesthetics- Living in a beautiful setting that offers horse trails, hiking trails, open spaces, parks, playgrounds, river rafting, ocean vistas, miles of vineyards and orchards are just a few benefits of living in Sonoma County.We have many "micro-climates" that provide a strong environmental atmosphere that enhances a rich bounty for fruits and vegetables.Many of our towns have plazas, historic districts and interesting architecture that evokes their colorful past. These city centers beckon friendly interaction and a pride that each town brings to the county that we call home.
Social Offerings- Creating vibrant social cores fo diverse groups that interact. In Sonoma county you will encounter all kinds of people from old settlers families who have been here for generations, retirees, high tech professionals, artists and remnants of the counter culture of the 1960's and 1970's.They all contribute to the cultural richness of our community. We have at least three symphony orchestras, writers groups that meet at local coffee shops, one of the oldest community colleges in the country as well as a growing campus of the California State University system.
Openesss- A tolerant attitude toward cultural, ethnic, racial, age and gender differences. Sonoma has a large Hispanic population and a significant gay and lesbian community. Leaders in Sonoma County major institutions such as government, schools and churches seek to foster a tolerant and respectful atmosphere for families with kids, gays, lesbians, immigrants and college grads. Such tolerance and respect for others create a harmony within the community that binds people together during all kinds of economic times.
TWO MARKETS: CONFORMING AND JUMBO
What is difficult for the average buyer and seller today, and for agents as well, are the mixed messages and information that is being relayed between neighbors, the news media and the internet.
The entry level market here in Sonoma County ($250,000 - $417,000 price range) is fast and furious. Properties are being 'bid-up' and buyers are usually competing with 3 to 5 other buyers. This is so confusing because many people think this is a buyers market. Competition is especially brisk for houses in long, established neighborhoods that are in good condition. For example, yesterday I met my client to show her a house that had just come on the market the night before. We arrived at the house at 1:30 only to be told that the house had sold (2 buyers) and that it had gone considerably over the asking price. My client, who needs to be out of her current living situation in 45 days, was discouraged to say the least!
The non-conforming market ( mortgages over $417,000 to $662,500) potentially 'move-up' buyers are cherry picking these houses since the number of buyers in this price range have diminished and the banks lending practices are as stringent as ever. Since there are fewer 'move-up' buyers in this price range because thre short sale or foreclosure markets don't generate them, demand in this market segment is less than it would be otherwise.
The jumbo-market ( mortgages over $662,500) have dropped also due to stringent lending practices. Again, location plays a major part in this market. The inventory in the higher end marketplace is low in general and jumbo loans are much harder to get. Buyers are extremely cautious and are looking for 'real value'. This could mean a simpler life style with less upkeep and a smaller ecological footprint.
Lenders have classified loans in many different variations ( they receive higher rates for doing so - no surprise there) and as a result buyers are usually confused from the beginning of the buying process to the end.
However, certain factors remain the same in all markets. Location, Location, Location is still important, Price always makes a difference and condition of the property gives the emotional 'push' for buyers to fall in love. Hasn't this always been true? We've just come back to the basics.
Staging a home to sell is certainly better than presenting an empty house, but it simply fills the space without offering the full potential of a home in a way that highlights and defines its unique features and inspires imagination. That inspiration can suggest desirable living possibilities for a potential buyer. Stagers typically use homogenous, off the shelf home furniture store inventory. Staged homes all begin to look alike because stagers have an inventory of furniture and accessories that that are more or less suitable for the average or modal homes. This results in a one size fits all approach. That is not what we do. Stagers for example have a "stock" of stuff that they use in every house. We don't have a "stock" of stuff. We engage owners in the process of preparing their home with items that they have acquired and add supplementary items that are specifically aligned with a particular characteristic of the home itself...rather than just filling spaces. This provides us an opportunity to work with owners and use their unique pieces they have selected that underscore the value of a house as a home. We "design" because we assess the character of the house, its architectural style, its particular strengths and weaknesses and identify an interior design approach that will maximize its market appeal. We "style" the house by selecting items from the owner's inventory and appropriate other collections that underscore "this style". We then communicate to the other agents the lifestyle potential offered by this home so they can relay this to their own clientele. This is a much more proactive process than staging a house with conventional average furnishing which is essentially passive and less engaging in the presentation of a home.
Every Spring I look forward to the wonderful events that Sonoma County offers with glee!For those of us who love to look at historical, vintage homes and gardens (GUILTY!) Spring is a treasure trove of opportunities to indulge our love of beautiful homes and charming gardens.
It is always fascinating to me to see other people's living patterns. Their choices are only limited by their minds. Small, cramped dark spaces become wonderful work areas with proper lighting, plush carpeting and neatly stacked baskets and wired boxes organize much needed everyday work tools.I am always delighted by well organized and maintained areas.
Gardens, which I call "outside rooms' offer not only visual delight, especially as the most verdant season of the year unfolds, but a banquet for the other senses as well. The sounds of chirping birds building nests, bees buzzing from bloom to bloom, fresh cuttings from the rose garden and munching on fresh strawberries enrich and refresh our spirit.This profusion of simple pleasures make living in this special place truly a blessing!
Come...if only for a visit!
Tours Aplenty-
* Kitchens in the Vineyards - April 25th - Napa 258-5559
*Historic Healdsburg Home Tour ( one of my favorites!) May 3- 473-0313
*Down the Garden Path - May 3 Napa 253-4147
*Western Sonoma County Home and Garden Tour -May 17- 887-1647
*Sonoma County Medical Association & Alliance Foundation Garden Tour - May 15-16 578-4537
REALTORS - AMBASSADORS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
Sonoma County has recently announced a community action plan to generate discussion and education about the issues and challenges we face in dealing with the impact of global climate change. We are very proud of our county for initiating this undertaking as many "talk" about what needs to be "done" but few implement the difficult tasks necessary to change. I was happy to attend a meeting sponsored by the county to promote the involvement of Eco-Green certified real estate agents in this enterprise. This is NOT going to be an easy fix and most of us know it. What we need is leadership and direction and the real estate community can be a part of it.
Here are the main points discussed at the meeting.
1. Home Energy Rating Service (HERS).. The HERS home analysis is a national energy rating system and is one of the requirements necessary to receive an energy improvement mortgage. A signed retrofit contract is necessary before the close of escrow. Completion of the retrofit must be within three of months of closing escrow. All funds are paid by the escrow company to the contractor after HERS has given verification that the work is done correctly. There are two (2) types of EEM (energy efficient mortgages). One is for new construction and the other is for older homes in need of an energy retrofit.
2.Assembly Bill 811(AB 811). The California legislature is developing a municipal financing program the details of which are still being crafted. This will supplement federal sources of funding for energy retrofit.
3.Green building is becoming more popular as people realize that "green" living and energy costs in the future will increase significantly as effort to deal with global climate change gathers momentum. This means that contractors and builders who are on the leading edge of green building practices will be more and more in demand. Obviously realtors should keep abreast of these developments and provide guidance to their clients. Leaders in the real estate community should take the opportunity to encourage the changes in attitudes and behavior that the climate challenge requires us to make as a people.
3.A wonderful web site to answer many questions and also make you think of other aspects of green living is www.builditgreen.org.
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Homes and the people that buy them are not commodities. Every home has its own character and potential and every person has their own dreams...and my job is to match them. Vintage Home Specialist- se
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