The Sartori Team

Having grown up in the "Pothole Capital of the World" (Petaluma) I have been left with a kind of stigma surrounding road construction. I get that it's supposed to help out but just like everyone else I don't like the fact that it gets in my way. The Highway 101 freeway widening project through Sonoma County seems to take the "It's gonna get worse before it gets better" mentality. I drive through the construction everyday during both morning and afternoon drive times. The traffice is worse now than it was before the construction started.

This is why I needed to know when it was going to end. I found out all the information I need to know about the project on the Sonoma Country Transportation Authority. You can find their write up about the Hwy 101 freeway wideinging project here.

As a real estate agent this is very much information that any buyer and/or seller should know. Not only can freeway construction affect a buyers preferences such as lengthing their commute time from their new home it can affect the value of a house your trying to sell depending on how close it is to the freeway.

Here's a quick rundown of timelines for the different phases on the Sonoma County widening project:

Wilfred (Rohnert Park Expressway to Santa Rosa Ave.) - Scheduled to be completed in 2012

Central (Old Redwood Highway in Petaluma to Rohnert Park Expressway) - Phase 1 to be completed by end of 2012, Phase 2 has already started construction and Phase 3 is scheduled to start later this year.

Marin/Sonoma Narrows (Hwy 37 in Novato to Old Redwood Highway in Petaluma) - Phases to start construction in 2011 and be completed by 2014.

In this episode of the Sonoma County Business Spotlight we feature a great downtown Petaluma restaurant, Taps. I talk with the owner, Eric, about what sets his restaurant apart from others in downtown and I give you a quick tour of the inside including the keg room. With 35+ beers on tap including hard cider you'll definitely be able to find something to soothe those thirsty taste buds at Taps Restaurant and Tasting Room in Petaluma.

In episode 2 of The Sartori Team's Sonoma County Business Spotlight we help you kick start your day with some morning java at Two Chicks Coffee Co. in north Petaluma. This full service coffee stand owned by two Sonoma County natives serves breakfast and lunch and you can even hire them for your next special event.

In episode 1 of The Sartori Team's Sonoma County Business Spotlight we learn more about the Evermay Garden Center in downtown Petaluma. This full service nursery can help you with all of your garden needs from purchasing a few potted plants to landscaping consultation.

Tim Sartori is a Buyer Specialist with The Sartori Team of Keller Williams Realty. Phone: 707-583-7007 Email: tim@thesartoriteam.com

Just caught wind of a great opportunity for homeowners in Sonoma County facing financial difficulties to get free help. The conference, which will include HUD-certified counselors and experts to discuss debt, budgeting and public resources, will happen Saturday, October 2nd. It will be located at San Antonio High School in Petaluma @ 500 Vallejo Street from 11AM-3PM.

The event is being sponsored by COTS, Petaluma People Services Center and the Petaluma Adult School. To set up an appointment with one of the HUD counselors follow the instructions on the home page of the COTS website. See the link above.

If you are facing any sort of financial difficulty with your home please do not be bashful. This is the time to get any sort of help you can. Besides food will be provided and who doesn’t like free food.

Thanks!