Archive for the 'Coastal Sonoma' Category
Sonoma County Luxury Real Estate Continued…
November 5th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Coastal Sonoma, Fountaingrove, Petaluma, Santa Rosa
Fountaingrove is an area of Santa Rosa that offers great views, great homes, a great lifestyle, and definitely offers Luxury Real Estate. We have written about Fountaingrove in the past, and all of their neighborhoods: Deer Meadow, Fairway Isle, Fir Ridge, LakePoint, Fountainview, Stonecreek, Miaramonte, SkyFarm, Southridge, Altruria Heights, and Bella Vista. There are many price ranges to choose from in Fountaingrove, with lot selection and view adding most of the price differences.
Fountaingrove is receiving increased attention as there was a lot of construction during 2004 – 2007. Many of the loans that were taken out on Fountaingrove Homes were Interest Only Adjustable Rate Mortgage loans, and as these loans readjust to including principal as well, there are many High End short sales and High End Foreclosures that are coming on the market NOW. These well priced homes are making a well known name is the Sonoma County Luxury Real Estate market more affordable. Do not get me wrong, even though there are foreclosures in Fountaingrove, this is a high end area, and one that should be considered if you want Sonoma County luxury homes.
Mayacama Country Club is the highest priced neighborhood in all of Sonoma County. The lifestyle here is amazing…European Style Spa, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and sweeping views from most homesites, are just the beginning. This neighborhood was designed around the laid back Tuscan lifestyle that most people only read about; however we are able to experience right here in Sonoma County. If the price tag of Mayacama is too high to purchase, they do offer a lodging club, similar to a 5 star hotel experience, with 35 night stays in intimate casitas and villas. Mayacama is a name synonymous with Sonoma County Luxury Homes…ultra luxury to be more specific.
For others, their Luxury Real Estate experience is defined by peace and serenity. We have regular inquiries regarding upscale homes with acreage. The goal for this set of buyers is to be away from it all, and have a place without the noise or disturbances of the outside world. There is a market for the secluded estate lifestyle, and there are a number of properties from which to choose. The prices have come down in this market segment, and vary greatly as the homes amenities and amount of land vary.
There is yet another set of luxury home buyers who see a Petaluma Farmhouse as their ideal home choice. The majority of the price and value here is in the large tracts of land available, and sometimes the Business of a small working farm holds considerable value as well. The rolling hills of Petaluma are certainly beautiful, and the farm lifestyle is the ultimate happiness to some.
Petaluma Victorian Homes are another example of some people’s view of Sonoma County Luxury Real Estate. These vintage gems are certainly a rare commodity, most are in a great location (walkable to fun and lively downtown Petaluma), and most are highly sought after. We have written about Petaluma Victorians in the past, and these tend to be some of the higher priced homes in Petaluma, in many cases these are the choice of many luxury home buyers. There is a niche market of buyers who want a unique vintage property, and a Petaluma Heritage Home offers a unique vintage charm that cannot be duplicated.
Sonoma County Vineyard Estates are another popular home choice of luxury buyers. We do have different types of buyers for this property; from people who want to work with their hands, to people who love agriculture, and others who see it as a Business venture. Many choose to purchase a home with an existing vineyard, as it does take time and money to set up vines, irrigation, and the time it takes to see the first fruit of the first harvest can be more than some are willing to wait for. Some do purchase raw land and build it all, but this is the exception, as the land fertility may be in question.
We also have people who have heard the call of the ocean, and want to live in Coastal Sonoma in areas such as Bodega Bay, The Sea Ranch, etc. Most choose homes with 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean. We agree that there is definitely something calming about the Ocean, and the sunsets in Western Sonoma County. Prices can easily be in the 7 figure category on the coast, however, we are finding many great opportunities starting in the $500,000 range, as the current economic conditions have changed the vacation home market.
As we stated, Sonoma County Luxury Real Estate usually means one of the above home types, however there are certainly other options from which to choose.
If you have any questions regarding Sonoma County Luxury Real Estate, please do not hesitate to ask us. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Sonoma County Luxury Real Estate
November 4th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Coastal Sonoma, Fountaingrove, Petaluma
Sonoma County Luxury Properties come in all shapes and sizes. I suppose Luxury is somewhat of a relative term, depending upon who you are talking to, and what you are talking about. Even though there may be different types of luxury, I think that people know luxury when they see it. Luxury, in my opinion, has to do with excess, and excess in style. For most people, tile countertops will work, however others need to have granite, or IceStone Countertops. Even with that, I have seen some really bad granite work (too many people trying to copy something they saw on Flip That House). I think a part of luxury is not just about materials, but also it has to incorporate quality workmanship as well.
Luxury Real Estate, as defined by Wikipedia, is a niche of Real Estate dedicated to the highest economic group of property buyers. I suppose I cannot argue with that definition, however, when I tend to think of Luxury Real Estate, I think of the durable good itself (luxury homes) and not necessarily the economic group of those who purchase it. After all, I know many people who are in the top 1% of all American wage earners who are currently buying up entry levels homes, duplexes, and fourplexes as diversified investment vehicles. They have noted that one can purchase a property, rent it out for more than the mortgage would be, and cash flow each month. Some will “get paid to wait” until prices return, sell the properties for a gain, and then buy bonds…as you know, you do not buy bonds to get rich, you buy them to stay rich. Anyway…the fact that high wage earners can by any type of properties, is the reason why I tend to think of the homes themselves when thinking of Luxury Real Estate. Going with that thought, I usually associate the term luxury with home of at least $500,000, and much higher in some areas.
Sonoma County Luxury Real Estate comes in all shapes and sizes. Whatever your view of Luxury Real Estate is, we are sure that Sonoma County offers it. Whether it is a hilltop estate in the Fountaingrove hills, a luxury golf course home at the Tuscan inspired Mayacama Country Club, a gated home, maybe a French style villa, on acreage away from neighbors, a Petaluma farmhouse with plenty of land, an estate with land for a small vineyard, or a contemporary Bodega Bay Home overlooking the Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County really does offer it all.
When buyers talk to us about Luxury Real Estate, they usually speak about one of the scenarios above, and I will talk about each in limited detail….In Tomorrow’s Article!
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Sonoma Coast Road Trip
May 14th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Coastal Sonoma
We have stopped in Guerneville taken in a blues festival, a jazz festival, and splashed around in the Russian River. We have stopped in Cazadero and taken in the tranquil beauty of this away from it all area. We are entering Coastal Sonoma, where the Pacific Ocean sets an amazing backdrop for several cities.
Many have argued that the beauty of Sonoma County is in the Wine Country…the planted rows of grapes of all varieties, the changing color of the grape leaves in fall, the mustard that grows in the early spring in the vineyards, and of course the deep red hue of a Sonoma County Cabernet or Pinot.
There is another group of people who argue that the beauty of Sonoma County is in the coastal region.
Not to waffle here, but I tend to think that both the Wine Country AND the Sonoma Coast are very different and very beautiful. Can’t we have both?
The first stop when CA 116 reaches the coast is Jenner, California. Jenner is a really small town (population around 125) located where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. The coastline is rugged and rocky with plenty of beaches. We recommend a 1 or 2 days getaway to Jenner, and make sure you make reservations for dinner and a sunset at River’s End Restaurant and Inn.
Here is a picture from Bodega Head, which is just west of Bodega Bay. Bodega Bay is a cute little town, (Population just under 1,000) with a surprising amount of things to do. From fishing, to surfing, kayaking, beaches, camping and even beaches for dogs, there are a lot of recreational outlets. Bodega Bay is also home to galleries, spas (our favorites are Osmosis Enzyme Bath Spa and The Sonoma Coast Villa Country Inn and Spa) there are also opportunities to relax and rejuvenate.
Bodega Bay also offers many great restaurants…too many to name actually. Our favorite of all of the choices is The Bay View Room at the Inn At The Tides.
Lodging in Bodega Bay is on the higher priced side. Our favorite place to stay is a tie between the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa and the Inn At The Tides.
The Sonoma Coast includes other great stops as well. To the north, the main stop is The Sea Ranch, which is just 5 or so miles north of Stewarts Point. The Sea Ranch is a great place to visit for a while or a lifetime. There is a lot to do in Sea Ranch, from surfing, fishing, horseback riding, abalone diving, bicyling/cycling, shopping, dining out, and of course golfing at The Sea Ranch Golf Links. The links at Sea Ranch have been called one of the most beautiful and challenging links courses west of Scotland. When people talk about the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast, they usually have questions about Sea Ranch.
There is so much to do along the coast, we urge you to spend a couple of days finding out what you love most. There are even areas we have yet to explore, and did not cover in this article. If you have any favorites please feel free to write back and share with us.
We hope you have enjoyed this quick tour of the Russian River and Sonoma Coast. This is a popular summer idea, and a great way to beat the summer heat here in Sonoma County California.
To learn more about the Real Estate in the areas we toured, feel free to visit the following:
Sonoma County | Bodega Real Estate | Bodega Homes | Bodega Bay Real Estate | Bodega Bay Homes | Valley Ford Real Estate | Jenner Real Estate | The Sea Ranch Real Estate | Sea Ranch Homes
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West County Roadtrip
May 11th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Coastal Sonoma, Russian River
The warm weather is officially here. Can you believe how hot it has been lately?
With the warm weather in mind, we wanted to share with you an idea for some great summer fun. A Russian River area trip that ends up on the Sonoma Coast. The hills and mountains, the shade of the Redwoods, the cool water of the Russian River, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean…Sounds great huh? Sonoma County truly offers a unique collection of activities, and this is only one idea for summer fun.
Over the next few days, we will post some articles about places you might want to stop along the way to the Sonoma Coast. I included a map that highlights areas we will discuss. Buckle Up…Let’s take a drive.
We will see you on the road!
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Santa Rosa – Best Places In Sonoma County – Volume 4
April 16th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Cities, Coastal Sonoma, Santa Rosa
I will be impressed if you guessed Santa Rosa California. ”Peanuts” was a referrence Charles Schulz, the famous cartoonist, the city where he called home later in his life.
Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County California and has a lot to offer. From numerous and varied employment opportunities to many different recreational activities Santa Rosa offers a lot of things to keep you active.
Santa Rosa also offers numerous and varied housing options, as evidenced by the many different price ranges of Santa Rosa Homes. From the upper end in the Mayacama Golf Club or the Fountaingrove area, to more affordable neighborhoods as well.
Santa Rosa California offers great dining and restaurants for any palate. From fine dining at John Ash to fun dining at Tex Wasabi’s and everything in between. Do not forget to check out Montgomery Village, where you can shop all day, and then eat at one of their many restaurants including Shogun, which offers traditional Japanese fare and sushi, or my personal favorite Monti’s Rotisserie and Bar. Also, be sure to visit the Charles Schulz Museum. Charles Schulz (Not Charles Schultz) was an American cartoonist that called Santa Rosa California home for the latter part of his life. You probably know his work…the Peanuts cartoon series featuring Charlie Brown with his trademark yellow shirt with black zigzag design, Snoopy (the worlds most famous Beagle) and Woodstock.
If you are feeling adventurous, then Santa Rosa California is a great starting point. Sonoma County is not just about wine tasting adventures in the Wine Country, but almost all of your outdoor adventures can begin here. Get equipped at the local REI, or Sonoma Outfitters and venture off to a week panning for gold in the Gold Country, canoeing at Lake Sonoma, hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, backpacking and camping on the Sonoma Coast, or mountain biking at any of the numerous local trails or beyond. There are numerous parks in Santa Rosa, and the great year round weather allows for an active lifestyle. Santa Rosa can be a very fun place to live, and offers a lot of housing options whether you are looking for affordable homes, or looking for the ultimate in luxury homes.
Santa Rosa is worth your attention if you are planning to purchase a home in Sonoma County. Make sure Santa Rosa is included in your next Sonoma County Home Search.
How did you like the article about Santa Rosa? In the next article I will be discussing another popular choice for home buyers. A little higher in price, and closer to San Francisco, this former “Cow Town” is where Harrison Ford got his silver screen start. Can you guess which city I am talking about?
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