Calistoga Real Estate--Eight Eco-Friendly Home Tips Make Going Green Easy Incorporating eco-friendly measures in homes has moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents - going green is giving home sellers a competitive advantage. With home builders incorporating energy saving features into new homes, it's no wonder real estate professionals say more and more home buyers are asking about "green homes." In the end, small changes to a home can help the environment and help a property stand out among the competition.  "It makes sense on a number of levels to incorporate green principles into a home and many consumers are surprised at just how easy it is to do so," said Nicole Monary, REALTOR® for Coldwell Banker Solan... 03/23/2011

ANGWIN REAL ESTATE-HOMES FOR SALE--SIX INEXPENSIVE RENOVATIONS THAT CAN INCREASE A HOME'S VALUE AND APPEAL TO BUYERS Home value is top of mind for many homeowners.  Renovations and remodeling can play a critical role in both increasing the value of a home and ensuring that it stands out to potential buyers.  At a time when most consumers are looking to do more with less, few homeowners may be ready to commit the thousands of dollars it can take to fully redo even a single room.  I suggest the following six affordable home improvements for potentially increasing the overall value of a home: Reface Kitchen Cabinets. Kitchen updates are among the smartest remodeling projects when it comes to "upping" the resale value of a home. But homeowners do not need to spring for an entire new cabinet... 03/20/2011

CALISTOGA REAL ESTATE-HOMES FOR SALE--SIX INEXPENSIVE RENOVATIONS THAT CAN INCREASE A HOME'S VALUE AND APPEAL TO BUYERS Home value is top of mind for many homeowners.  Renovations and remodeling can play a critical role in both increasing the value of a home and ensuring that it stands out to potential buyers.  At a time when most consumers are looking to do more with less, few homeowners may be ready to commit the thousands of dollars it can take to fully redo even a single room.  I suggest the following six affordable home improvements for potentially increasing the overall value of a home: Reface Kitchen Cabinets. Kitchen updates are among the smartest remodeling projects when it comes to "upping" the resale value of a home. But homeowners do not need to spring for an entire new cabi... 03/19/2011

Calistoga Real Estate--The Value of a Pre-Approval If you're thinking about buying a home, a pre-approval is a fast and simple way to make your home buying experience easier from start to finish. Pre-approval means you get an approval for a mortgage loan before you make an offer on a home or even find a home you want. (This is in contrast to pre-qualification - a preliminary evaluation of your financial status that does not include a commitment to giving you a loan.) We even put our commitment to the loan in writing, in a pre-approval letter. That means you'll have the benefit of knowing how much home you can afford. In fact, many real estate agents will ask you to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting so they can show you homes that suit your budget. Get an edge over other bu... 02/28/2011

CALISTOGA REAL ESTATE-WHAT ARE CLOSING COSTS? Closing on the purchase of your new home, also known as "settlement," involves a good deal of coordination. Costs and fees are paid at closing to cover many of the elements that accompany the purchase. All closing costs are outlined in the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) you receive - a written list of the approximate closing costs associated with your transaction, including charges from us, the local closing agent and other third parties. Closing costs may be added to the amount of your mortgage loan, and a seller may sometimes cover closing costs you would usually pay. Ask us for details. All closing costs can be divided into two basic groups: •·         State and local government charges and fees - These include city, county and state transfer ... 02/22/2011

Calistoga Homes for Sale--I want to move up to a better home. What can I afford? Each buyer is unique - and we'll help you find out just what you can afford. You already know that monthly income and financial obligations are most important in determining your price range. It's simple to make an estimate: just run the numbers for yourself using our Affordability Calculator. I'm buying a second home. Is it a different process? No. Whether you need to be near the water or in the mountains, a vacation home offers an opportunity for fun and relaxation - and we make it just as easy to obtain a mortgage. But keep in mind you'll need to identify sources for your down payment, since you're not selling your current house and using the proceeds, and you'll need to expect a larger monthly obligatio... 02/14/2011

CALISTOGA HOMES FOR SALE--DO I NEED MY OWN AGENT WHEN BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION? A common misconception when purchasing new construction is that you don't need an agent. •·          That friendly and helpful salesperson works for and represents the builder's interest and the builder's interest only. Shouldn't you have independent representation?   •·          An agent can give you objective professional advice and insight during all phases of the process, such as contract, construction, walkthrough, and closing.   •·          An agent is your exclusive advocate and will help you understand your contract and obligations including when to schedule construction inspections.   •·          While the sale representative will always give the appearance that sales prices are non-negotiable, and e... 02/13/2011

 CALISTOGA HOMES FOR SALE--10 Reasons why nurses make great Realtors®? Nurses are pretty amazing. Great nurses aren't just compassionate and kind - they have all the medical smarts of a doctor too!   But why should you hire a nurse to be your Realtor®? 1.       We care about you.  Nursing is all about caring.  We want to make you comfortable, take away your pain and make everything feel better.  Buying a home is a big deal.  It can be stressful.  Don't you want a Realtor® who is trained to make pain go away?  2.      We have great communication skills.  As nurses we have to deal with a lot of people and communicate a lot of critical information to ensure the best outcome for our patients.  A great nurse has excellent communication skills, especially when it comes to speaking and listeni... 01/24/2011

Day 3 of our trip was spent exploring several wineries in the Napa region. It had occurred to me as we were driving in the evening of our arrival that it would be impossible to decide where to go - I don't know how many there are along the main road but it has to be 50 or so. Having never visited, we wanted to see the area as well as check out a few wineries. We had some recommendations but also had a few favorites and hoped to see perhaps 3 for the day. Rutherford Hill is a favorite wine from years past at a restaurant we loved in Boston, EVOO (if you ever get to Somerville, next to Cambridge, EVOO is well worth your visit - just a few minutes from Harvard Square - owners Colleen and Peter McCarthy are a delight). After our massage (a perfect way to start the day I might add), we heade... 08/01/2010

Come enjoy our family video tour of this 12th century, Tuscan castle-winery located in Calistoga, CA.  After decades of researching and studying medieval castles throughout Italy and Europe, Dario Sattui began his marathon building project in 1993, spanning 15 years until completion.  The Castello includes 121,000 square feet, 107 rooms (no two alike), 8000 tons of hand-squared stones, 8 levels (4 below ground), 900 feet of caves, a completely frescoed great hall with a 500 year old fireplace, a drawbridge, a dungeon and torture chamber, stables, a medieveal church, a lake, and much more!  There's definitely more to see than this video shows! This Napa Valley winery produces hand-crafted Italian style wines and have received international acclaim!  Tours and Tastings are conducted daily... 04/01/2009