I've never (yet) been in a position to own a second home - I do live in CA after all, and have had 10 homes here that I've lived in - but I'm curious about other areas of the country that are considered  large 2nd home markets.  What buying criteria do your 2nd home buyers use?  Is there a relationship between what they paid for their primary home and what they are willing to pay for the 2nd one? What is an average 2nd home price? Would you consider these buyers rich? or just comfortable? What is your biggest selling point when you discuss buying in your market?  Do you find that they want to know about recreational areas, museums?  Do they have, or want to have a (smaller than their original) job?I'm also curious about buyers who have more than one home in which they live at different ... 08/16/2007

I went to a meeting yesterday about what's going on the mortgage world and how to protect our clients, and ourselves.  Here are a few of the things that I learned, in no particular order:Make sure the purchase agreement includes language that protects the buyer, and their deposit, in the event that the loan does not fund for reasons outside the buyer's control (i.e. the lender going out of business) so that the buyer can get their full deposit back.Make sure that the lender in the transaction is someone that you and your client know and trust -- whether you are the listing agent or the selling agent.Give extra time for removal of contingencies, funding and closing.  With lenders tightening up, they are scrutinizing everything more and you don't want to have to ask for an extension.  Add... 08/15/2007

So...I'm having a bit of trouble with my interconnecting technology.  So it's either "only words" - very boring - or "old photographs" - not so boring, but just don't think that's all I have to offer! We do have an upcoming event here (I know because my mail box is getting filled up every day with instructions on where to meet and what to do as a volunteer) for Labor Day weekend that I participated in last year, so I can give you a few of those photos.  This entire event is organized, coordinated and presented (with many volunteers) by the Sonoma Valley Vinters and Growers Association (those kind folks who grow our favorite beverages!)  to benefit a group of non-profits. They (the V&G) own more wine glasses that anyone you might know!  We borrowed (thank you!) 200 for another event rece... 08/08/2007

The parents and community members who were working on the new barrier free playground at the site of the Sonoma Charter School could see their efforts start to take form.  A lot of progress was made yesterday on the main structure.  This project, named the Harmony playground (for children of all abilities and ages), has been funded mostly by donations and erected by parents and volunteers from around the community.  All Sonoma Valley residents and residents from other cities will be able to enjoy the benefits of this park during non school hours.  Ribbon cutting is set to take place August 30th.  Here are some pictures of the progress.    08/06/2007

Well...I tried this a few days ago, and somehow my (very exciting) first blog was lost in the ether.  I'm trying again to share some of the wonders of Sonoma, CA with all of you.  For now, my associate,  Jane Hansen, has written about it on Active Rain and provided some great pictures.   For my part, I'm going to show you a little bit in pictures about exactly where we are in Sonoma!  First - how far are we from the Pacific?...the answer is about 50 minutes.  Here's what to expect when you rise over that last hill and see what brought so many of us to California and to the western edge of mainland America .....This next photo is what you will travel through to get from there to the town of Sonoma (headed east).  Have you seen those commercials on TV about contented California cows???  T... 08/06/2007

  Locals and tourists flocked Sonoma to enjoy a weekend of art, wine, music and food in the Sonoma Plaza this weekend.  The 22nd annual Salute to the Arts was held in the Sonoma Plaza, offering artwork from local artists, wine tastings, live music, food booths and local chefs giving cooking demonstrations.  Salue to the Arts raises money for local non-profit art and sultural organizations and funds scholarships for graduating seniors.  As a local, I always enjoy these weekends for strolling through the Plaza, running into friends and soaking up the culture of Sonoma.  Good times.  Come and join me sometime!      08/05/2007

As of August 5, 2007 15% of available listings in Sonoma are in escrow.For the month of July 2007, 39 homes sold in Sonoma for an average final selling price of $910,701.The average original asking price of these homes was $980,790.It took these homes an average of 81 days to sell.Of the 39 homes that sold, 5 sold AT their original asking price and 3 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 08/05/2007

Today my husband and I were part of the construction crew helping to erect a new "barrier free" playground going in at our daughters' school, the Sonoma Charter School.  A barrier free playground is inclusive of chidren of all abilities.  It is ramped to allow wheel chair access.  It will be a place where children in Sonoma can converge and play together,  no matter if they are running around or in a wheel chair.  One of the students at SCS who is going into first grade is so excited at the prospect of being able to play with his friends.  Last year he had to watch from the sidelines in his wheelchair while his friends ran up and down the play structure.  This year he will get to participate in all aspects of play on the playground.  Shouldn't all parks be this way?  More to come as pla... 08/04/2007

I returned today after spending 3 invigorating days in San Francisco for the Real Estate Connect Conference.  What a fabulous experience to be around so many of technology and Real Estate's forward thinkers and innovators.  Very inspiring and exciting envisioning how the new products and innovtions will affect my life as a Realtor in Sonoma.  Being in SF was like a shot of adrenaline for me, gaping up at all the thousands of shops as fashionable people bustled past.  I felt like a "playa" (player)!As I headed north across the Golden Gate Bridge, peeling layers of clothing as I emerged from the fog into the sunshine, I began to plan my evening with my family:  swimming, BBQ, ice cream cones, playing with dog.  While I was at the swimming pool conversing with other families and watching m... 08/03/2007

Sonoma's Salute to the Arts will be on the Plaza for the 22nd year.  It's really a nice way to spend the day.  Lots of food, wine, music, art and all in the beautiful town of Sonoma.You can find more information about the event by clicking here.You can find out about places to stay by clicking here.And if you fall in love with Sonoma while you're at the event and you find you want to purchase a home, you can find more information about that by clicking here. 07/27/2007

The chart below shows the average sales price and number of homes sold for residential listings in the City of Sonoma from 2001 through June 30, 2007.  Because multi-million dollar estates sell side by side with small summer cottages, the average sales price varies greatly from month to month.  The number of homes selling has picked up in recent months, but not enough to consume the ever-growing inventory.  As of the writing of this post there are 304 active residential listings in the small town of Sonoma with another 62 in escrow. For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 07/17/2007

As of July 6, 2007 16% of available listings in Sonoma are in escrow, indicating a Buyer's Market.  HELLO BUYERS!  We want YOU in SONOMA!For the month of June 2007, 45 homes sold in Sonoma for an average final selling price of $879,116.  The average original asking price of these homes was $928,296.It took these homes an average of 102 days to sell.Of the 45 homes that sold 6 sold AT their original asking price and 4 sold OVER. While the volume of 45 homes selling is a nice increase over recent months, there are still plenty of good homes to choose from.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly.  07/08/2007

As of June 6, 2007 18% of available listings in Sonoma are in escrow.For the month of May 2007, 33 homes sold in Sonoma for an average final selling price of $1,226,811.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,305,983.These homes took an average of 111 days to sell.Of the 33 homes that sold 5 sold AT their original asking price and 2 sold OVER.13 of the 32 homes sold for over $1M.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 06/11/2007

Dear Active Rain Members,I'm a newbie to Active Rain having just joined yesterday based upon a referral from a fellow Virtual Assistant. My compliments to the designer of this site - it is really a gem!As a practicing Virtual Assistant, I have more than 25 years' experience in management, supervision, and administrative support in both the private and public sectors. I was prompted to specialize my practice by providing remote administrative support services to real estate professionals because the basic nature and processes of the real estate industry truly lend themselves to partnering with a Virtual Assistant. Located in Sonoma, California in the heart of the Wine County, I am able to provide support services anywhere in the world thanks to the advances in technology. I look forward ... 06/07/2007

Well, we still have several months of inventory, but multiple offers are finally here.  If you follow my blog you know that Marin County has been seeing multiple offers for quite a while.  I have been watching and waiting to see when they would get to Sonoma and they are finally here. One example that stands out to me is one that just closed at 1220 Los Robles in the Boyes Hot Springs neighborhood, after only 11 days on the market.  (That's right, I said ELEVEN days and it was a closed, done deal.)  The original asking price was $569K and it sold for $680K!  WOW!I knew it couldn't take too long before people woke up and smelled the value in this beautiful wine country town with completely tolerable commute to San Francisco--without the highway 101 bottleneck that residents of Northern N... 06/01/2007

Sonoma Jazz + is taking over the town of Sonoma for Memorial Day Weekend, once again.The festivities start today, on Thursday, May 24, with the Roberty Cray Band at 6:30pm Leanne Rimes at 9pm.  (I know, I know, I'm a little late, but I've been busy!)Friday at 6:30pm is Michael McDonald.  Then at 9:00pm is Smokey Robinson.  (Quite a line up already!)Saturday at 6:30pm is Bonerama.  At 9:00pm is Harry Connick, Jr.  (See, Sonoma is sophistocated!)Sunday at 6:30pm is Tony Bennett.  There is no 9:00pm act.  How can you follow that?For ticket information, click here.Here are posted "Frequently Asked Questions"Where is the Field of Dreams?The Field of Dreams is located two blocks from the Sonoma Plaza at 151 First Street West.Can I bring food & drink into the concerts?No, but there will be an ... 05/24/2007

Sonoma Valley, Northern Calfornia's original Wine Country, is absolutely beautiful.  I mean it's just amazing.  The town of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley in particular.Right now there are many good homes available and interest rates are still attractive, so where are the buyers?  Well, they certainly are in Marin County, which is only a 15-20 minute drive.  Not too far away, and the prices are lower in Sonoma--a lot lower, so that should compensate for the extra few minutes each way, don'tcha think?  Plus you get a lot more usable land for your money in addition to larger, and many times better, homes.  So, where are the buyers?It really is a great place.  There is a lot to do in Sonoma.  The schools are good.  There are many excellent restaurants and even gourmet markets.  There are hiking,... 05/06/2007

As of May 4, 2007 18% of available listings are in escrow in Sonoma, CA, indicating a Buyer's Market.  So, HELLO BUYERS!  We Want YOU in Sonoma!!!While the sales volume has picked up some, it's not enough to keep up with the increasing inventory.  Prices, however, are holding pretty steady.For the month of April 2007 31 homes sold in Sonoma for an average final selling price of $758,161.The average original list price was $816,952.These homes took an average of 125 days to sell.Of the 31 homes that sold 2 sold AT their original asking price and 3 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here. 05/04/2007

Whole Foods is opening up shop in a new location in beautiful Sonoma, CA.  This is a highly anticipated event for the locals.  One of my friends, and clients, is opening the store and asked me to spread the word about the job fair coming up later this month.  Details are as follows:Whole Foods Job Fair will be held on May 16, from 10 am until 4pm at the Sonoma Community Center, which is located at 276 East Napa Street.Apparently it's a great place to work with good benefits--and good food in the takeout section too! 05/03/2007

The chart below shows average sales price and units sold for the City of Sonoma, not the County. 04/08/2007