There are no Speakeasy SF spoilers in this post. Saturday night, I took the "Little Lady" out to a Speakeasy in San Francisco. A few months ago we'd heard about this Speakeasy club where you were required to wear period 1920's era clothing, and no modern conveniences like cell phones, cameras, or credit cards were allowed. We made our rather pricey reservations ($300 for the both of us total) and were told via email that at an appropriate time we'd "hear" from The Speakeasy with directions to the club. All I knew was that it was somewhere in the North Beach/Chinatown part of San Francisco. On Friday night I got a text stating to go to a specific alley in SF and that at a very specific time I was supposed to walk down the alley and look for somebody wearing a specific outfit. Of course, ... 03/13/2017

Sold on Chanate Court Santa Rosa $505,000Built: 19742 bedrooms 2 bathsSingle story 1392 sq ftHardwood pecan floorsCustom maple countersCustom CabinetsRecessed lightingNew dishwasherCustom colorsWood burning fireplaceUpdated guest bathroomMaster suite with private bathIndoor laundry room2 car attached garageCentral gas heat and  A/CLot:6861 sq ftCompletely fenced for privacy and securityLarge flat yard ready for plantingLong driveway, off street parking for 6 carsRV parkingQuiet cut de sac location Location:1 block to Hidden Valley SchoolClose to KaiserClose to Sonoma County Center2 blocks to Hidden Valley Park[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1WukYnZNhlqyme0qF8xRWKmf1obs&w=640&h=480][youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeYkgL3j1Yk&w=853&h=480] For more information:... 03/11/2017

There's a new brewhouse, I mean, bike shop in Rincon ValleyThe Trailhouse opened a few months ago in Rincon Valley. It's hard to say exactly what it is but I'd say it is a combination of restaurant, brewery, and bike shop.The owners, Shane Bresnyan, and Glenn Fant both come from a bike sales background. Shane owns 2 bike shops elsewhere in Santa Rosa, and Glenn was a bike shop manager. Together, they wanted to open a business near one of Sonoma County's premier state parks for hiking, running, and mountain biking, Annadel State Park. They thought that having a place where people can meet before a ride or run, or be able to sit down after a ride and enjoy a beer and slice of pizza and relax would be a good fit for this part of town.It is open and airy, with plenty of places to sit and ta... 03/10/2017

Wine's Night Out is a monthly event at the Flamingo Hotel in Rincon Valley.  It is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, but the last evening is tonight!   These are totally fun events where 4 or 5 wineries show up, each with 4-6 varieties of wine to taste. Learn about the wine, talk to the winemaker and have a good relaxing time.   It is from 6 - 8 and costs $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.  Appetizer are available to purchase.  This is a super fun, easy midweek event. Tonight's wines will showcase wines from Francis Ford Coppola, Gloria Ferrer, Meadowcroft, and Moondance Cellars. For more information, go to: ValleyOfTheWine.com I'll see you there! Location:Flamingo Resort Hotel2777 Fourth Street Santa Rosa,  California  95405 03/08/2017

You would never believe California was in a drought for the past 5 years based on all the rain we have been getting this winter.  I've heard some people complaining that all this weather is keeping them inside, and that they are going stir crazy.   Here's a great winter day idea.  Go check out the waterfall at Sugarloaf State Park in Kenwood.  This little creek is generally just a trickle, and is dry in the summer.  It's a 15 minute drive from Santa Rosa, and a 1/4 mile hike on the "Waterfall Trail"   03/06/2017

On Monday my son told me that he needed 6 hours of community service before Friday.  “How long have you known about this?”  “Oh, about 4 weeks now…”  Luckily, we were able to schedule two 3 hour volunteer sessions at the Redwood Food Bank before Friday.  To be honest, it was really fun.  We bagged apples with some other kids who were also doing community service.  We’ve agreed that we’ll do one 3 hours shift a month from now on.  If you’d like to volunteer a few hours, you can find a schedule of available hours at the Redwood Empire Food Bank website:  Volunteer  Volunteering can actually be a lot of fun.   Evening hours are available.  This would be a great activity for families looking to do something different, scouting, school service hours, leadership and more.  You can also call K... 03/05/2017

Thinking about getting a puppy or dog for yourself, or the family? Consider getting a Beagle from Northbay Beagle Rescue. I know the founder, and she accepts beagles from around the country. Lots come from the south (Mississippi, Alabama etc). She gets them in batches of 2-8 weekly. I have 2 beagles of my own so I volunteer to foster them at my house if Pam runs out of room. They range in age from puppy to senior. Seems the majority are 3yrs – 7 yrs. Take my word that beagles are the sweetest, kindest dogs. They love to be held and touched. Generally, they are great walkers (on leash) and love socializing at the local dog park. In my opinion, the only downside is that they are ruled by their noses. That means it’s hard to keep them out of the trash, off the counter, and if they get out,... 03/04/2017

February market report for homes sold in Rincon Valley Address:                  Bed/bath       Building         Lot SqFt          Sold6637 Montecito         3/1                 1298               condo            430,000524 Drake Dr  3/2      3/2                 1224               5663              480,000516 Middle Rincon    3/2                 1180              12301             516,0004250 Flat Rock           3/2                 1150               3833              518,000512 Calistoga             4/3                 2155               6098               560,0005333 San Luis            6/1                 2647               8250               590,0001433 Carlos Ct           4/3                 1919               8712               680,0005625 Yerba Buena     4/2                 2518... 03/04/2017

Is it possible that the City of Santa Rosa is actually taking steps to remove one of Rincon Valley's biggest eye sores?   02/24/2017

November 2016 Photo Challenge - Travel Pictures California Below are pictures I took on our most recent trip to California plus  a similar trip we took last year in November to attend the same special wine event. I decided to use these pictures as an entry into the ActiveRain Travel Photo Challenge which was put together by Dick Greenberg. I already submitted an entry into the Real Estate section of the Challenge.  There are so many great scenes to capture when traveling in California. This trip below are pictures taken in the Sonoma area ( Russian River) and Napa Valley.        November 2016 Photo Challenge - Travel Pictures California  11/13/2016

Incredible location adjacent to the prestigious Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club. Situated on the 18th tee, this exquisitely designed custom home has it all. On 2 acres this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3700 +- home is perfect for entertaining. Amenities include new custom wine room, granite counters, expansive split floor plan, solar system, golf cart shed, guest room and a gentlemen's vineyard. Check it out at www.sonomahomefinder.com  07/12/2016

I'll be manning a booth a the Santa Rosa Home Show at 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA if you get a chance stop by and see us. We are there to respond to your questions about renovation loans, FHA 203k, HomeStyle Renovation, and other products including the Title I loans. Investors and home buyers, homeowners, etc are all invited to join us. 3/21/2016Thanks to all who stopped by this past weeked in Santa Rosa, glad to see you. The show was interesting, lots of contractors there, two remodel associations were represented. I've been asked to speak at one of their upcomming meetings to show them how they may participate in the 203k and HomeStyle products to enhance their businesses.  03/19/2016

   While you know that you need to present your Santa Rosa  home at its finest when you want to sell, it can hurt your feelings just a little to spend money on improvements for someone else to enjoy.  Here are 8 ways you can make your home look more appealing to potential buyers - with purchases you can take along to your next home:  1.    Redecorate the bathrooms with new towels, bath rugs, and shower curtains. 2.    Add throw pillows to brighten up the living room. 3.    Put down a new welcome mat. 4.    Add one or two bright colored kitchen accessories – such as a cookie jar, canisters, or a coffee maker. 5.    Purchase a silk "tree" for that vacant corner. 6.    Choose new lamps for the living room or bedrooms. 7.    Add colorful potted plants to greet visitors as they approach your... 01/17/2016

Social Etiquette in Real Estate—“Would the Seller mind if I used the bathroom?”   This happened to me showing property one time. The Buyer’s teenage girl absolutely needed to use the bathroom. The buyer asked if this was o.k. and I said sure, go ahead. Remember that commercial where the "date" is at the guy's house and goes to use the bathroom. Curious, she opens the medicine cabinet to see what's in there and the shelves come crashing down! Ooops! Yes, the teenage girl got “curious” and down came the shelves. It was a mess. We spent the next 15 minutes replacing the shelves and the contents. I had to call the selling agent and explain to her the incident. She was a good sport and smoothed over the accident.    Over my 35+ years as a Realtor exclusively in Sonoma County, California, "Th... 07/10/2015

Whether you're buying new appliances for the Santa Rosa  home you just purchased or buying to update your home before putting it on the market, heed this advice: Measure your space before you leave for the store.   Then take both the measurements and the tape measure with you to the store. Measure the width between the cabinet sides, and measure the space between the counter-tops.   If you're buying a kitchen range, look behind it. Is the electrical outlet recessed or does it stick out from the wall?   As my neighbor learned not long ago, when it comes to kitchen ranges, 30" isn't always 30". The actual space needed between counter tops can vary depending upon the style of the stove. In addition, while most kitchen ranges allow space in back for the electrical outlet, not all do. He ha... 03/11/2015

The one you ve been waiting for! OverviewMapsPhotosOpen HouseMarket Stats $537,500 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1,699 sqftLot: 5,663 sqft Location 367 Rosemary LaneSanta Rosa, CA 95403USA Romy Campbell Keller Williams Realty(707) 481-6492romycampbell@gmail.comhttp://www.isellsonomacounty.com          Listed by: Keller Williams Realty Our recent listings The one you've been waiting for!Desirable Mark West!Fabulous Vintana!Rincon Valley Delight! Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale 09/05/2014

What's My Santa Rosa Home Worth? July 2014 Single Family Residences:215 - Number of SFR's sold in July58 - Average Days on Market$563,452 - Average sales price1798 - Average square footage$313 - Average price per square footCondominiums:44 - Number of Condos sold in July67 - Average Days on Market$266,067 - Average sales price1184 - Average square footage$224 - Average price per square foot   Santa Rosa, like the rest of the Cities in Sonoma County, has experienced a low amount of inventory which has driven Single Family Home and Condominium prices up 40% and 36% respectively from 24 months ago. As of this writing, the absorption rate is 1.8 (months), meaning if no new listings were introduced to the market, there would be no homes left for sale within 53 days. The absorption rate, whic... 08/22/2014

VA Home Loan With Zero Down Up To $520,950 Purchase Price In Santa Rosa CA Santa Rosa CA - Did you know that qualified veterans can obtain a VA home loan in Santa Rosa CA with zero money down up to a sales price of $520,950?  This limit is for VA home loans closed in Santa Rosa CA from February 28, 2014 through December 31, 2014. In late December of 2013, the VA announced the new VA Zero Down loan limits for 2014 for Santa Rosa CA.  At that time, the VA Zero Down Loan Limit was going to be $500,000 which was an increase from the 2013 VA Zero Down Loan Limit of $448,750.  However, the VA Zero Down Loan Limits for Santa Rosa CA were REVISED and there was a slight increase from $500,000 to $520,950. Does this mean that the maximum VA loan in Santa Rosa CA is only $520,950?  Absolutely not.... 05/18/2014

News reporters may be trying to bring you accurate news about the housing market, but unless they're reporting facts and figures for real estate sales in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, what they're saying could be completely inaccurate regarding our market.   Even if they're quoting agents in your general vicinity, they could be wrong.   For instance, I recently reviewed four real estate articles written about the market in cities within about a 200 mile radius. Three articles said the market was booming, with only 2 months' worth of inventory. The fourth article talked about the slump in sales and the number of vacant homes still unsold.   The real estate market is always local, so while it may flow along following national or regional trends, it may not. It depends a great deal upon t... 04/16/2014

A year ago I was advising Sonoma County home buyers to move fast. Prices were rising and inventory was in short supply. The only update needed for that post in 2014 is to say that prices are still rising, but they're starting a lot higher than they were a year ago and that fewer homes are available. I don't have a specific person lined up for an "I told you so!", but there is no doubt in my mind that many of the buyers I meet today are kicking themselves for not jumping into the market a year ago. One of my favorite demonstrations of market forces at work is to pull up a hotsheet of all the new listings in the last 30 days. I show an image of a 30 Day Hotsheet for Santa Rosa on the right. What will be immediately apparent to experienced agents is how many listings are already snapped up... 02/03/2014