Archive for the 'Cotati' Category
Get Your Docs In A Row
November 11th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Cotati, Fountaingrove, Mortgage Rates, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa
You have decided to start a Real Estate search for the Sonoma County Home of your dreams. You have not decided on a particular location, and you are considering the family atmostphere and numerous parks of Rohnert Park, the walkable and active downtown of Petaluma, the quaint small town feel of Cotati and the gorgeous views of Fountaingrove in Santa Rosa. There are some many great places to choose from in Sonoma County that it can be a little overwhelming. So what should you do in the meantime? You should Get Your Docs In A Row so your mortgage broker / lender can help you decide your price range, based on your budget, down payment amount, potential interest rates, etc.
Get Your Docs In A Row? What does that mean? Don’t you mean get my DUCKS in a row? I do not even have a pond, so how is that possible? Get your DOCS in a row silly…have all of your financial documents ready to share with your mortgage broker.
Getting Your Docs In A Row reminds me a little of Jerry Maguire. Remember when Jerry is telling Row Tidwell to lose the chip on his shoulder and be more a team player…pleading with him..”Help Me Help You…Help Me Help You!” Well even if you do not remember, it all comes down to helping your mortgage broker or lender help you. Once they have all of your necessary paperwork, they can tell you how much you qualify for, what rate you qualify for, and this information coupled with your income, down payment, credit score, anticipated closing costs, etc. will tell you how much you can spend on your new home.
The items your mortgage broker / lender will likely need are as follows:
- Pay Stubs – w-2’s, 1099’s, anything that proves your income
- Tax Returns – Your LAST 2 YEARS of tax returns
- Any Other Loan Or Credit Line Information – lender information, loan numbers, balances, monthly amounts owed, interest rates, payoff information)
- Bank Account Statements – The most recent statements showing available funds (this will prove your ability to make a down payment and pay for closing costs)
So if you have recently started your Sonoma County Home Search, or are already looking and have not yet spoken to a Mortgage Broker / Lender…what is your next order of Business? Get Your Docs In A Row and speak to a lending professional to find out how they can help you. The lending professional will help you find out what price range you should focus on, and help you figure out when is the best time to lock in a mortgage rate.
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SMART Train | Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit
November 2nd, 2009 categories: Cotati, Green, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit – The SMART Train, as it has come to be known has had a long and winding history. Since 101 (AKA Redwood Highway, and AKA “The 101″ for those who have ever lived in Southern California) is the major north and south thoroughfare from San Francisco to Sonoma County and beyond.
The SMART Train initiative was legally set in motion on January 1, 2003 when California State Assembly Bill 2224, gave a new regional transportation district (rail district) the ownership of 70 miles of railroad Right Of Way (ROW), which is estimated to be worth $1 billion.
OK, so now that we know a few of the facts about how it came to be, what actually is the SMART Train? The SMART Train, is a proposed Rail Line that will run from Larskpur to Cloverdale, about 70 miles. The line will feature 14 stops, allow for north and south travel (via “passing sidings” a small section of track where 2 sets of tracks run side by side, to allow one train to pass another), and also feature an adjacent paved bicycle path, AKA a Greenway. This Greenway will likely see 7,000 – 10,000 bikers, joggers, and walkers daily, and will be a recreational centerpiece of Marin and Sonoma County.
The SMART Train is the backbone of a North Bay transportation system that is a vision at this point. Eventually, it is planned to be a part of a system that incorporates, bikes, trolleys, buses, shuttles, ride share parking lots, and commuter parking lots. SMART Train riders will be able to bring bicycles on the train, and the train will be equipped with wireless Internet, coffee and snack bars, and state of the art design.
To learn even more about the SMART Train, I called their main office, and was referred to their community outreach manager. I asked several questions, and we covered a lot of facts I could not find anywhere else. The average fare is expected to be $4.50 (each direction), which seems pretty low cost to me. The total time from Cloverdale to Larkspur is expected to be 90 minutes (70 miles), with stops, which implies an average speed of 46.67 MPH. There will be a total of 14 trains that run north per day and 14 trains that run south. The times these trains will run are not yet determined, but I am told it will be during morning and evening commute hours, and also at least 1 train will run during mid day in each direction. The trains themselves have yet to be chosen, so the numbers of anticipated riders is not yet known.
So where will the SMART Train have stops and stations? The SMART Train will have stops and stations in the following cities: (From South to North): Marin County: Larskspur, Downtown San Rafael, Marin Civic Center, Novato South, Novato North, Sonoma County: Downtown Petaluma, Corona Road, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa Railroad Square, Jennings Avenue, Windsor, Healdsburg, and Cloverdale.
The SMART Train project is expected to cost about $540 Million. The majority of the funding will come from Sonoma County and Marin County residents through a 1/4 percent sales tax increase that was approved by voters in the November 2008 election. The tax increase was approved in a measure known as Measure Q. The tax is planned to be a 20 year tax, and started in April 2009, sunsetting in March of 2029…wow, that seems so far in the future.
So when will the SMART Train be here? A project of this magnitude does not just happen overnight, and the SMART Train project is no exception. Actual construction and earth movement will begin in 2011, with the inaugural train ride set for sometime in 2014.
We have heard so many things about the SMART Train over the past few years, long enough for us to form opinions of the project. We think that the SMART Train will only benefit Marin County and Sonoma County homeowners. With a modest 1/4 percent tax increase, there will be a mass transit option from Cloverdale to Larkspur. From Larkspur, you can ride the Golden Gate Ferry into San Francisco. Not only is the a Green alternative to driving a car, but the SMART Train will allow for more Sonoma County residents to earn the higher salaries in San Francisco, with a reliable transportation alternative. This extra income will help Sonoma County Businesses, as the extra income will likely be spent here.
Last and certainly not least, the SMART Train is also more environmentally friendly than any other alternative. The SMART Train is more GREEN, per passenger, than the passenger cars that flow along 101, is more GREEN and cost effective than buses that travel that 101, and will be equipped with clean diesel technology that will provide an extremely clean mass transit option.
If you have any questions regarding the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART Train), please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to find out.
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Sonoma County Foreclosure Lists FOR FREE
October 20th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Cotati, Foreclosures, Fountaingrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Short Sales, Sonoma
“FREE Sonoma County Foreclosure Lists? Are you kidding me?” That is a typical response we receive when people ask us the best way to find new Sonoma County Foreclosures and Short Sales and we tell them we offer that service for free. Even after we explain to them that we can provide lists of ALL currently listed Foreclosures and Short Sales, many of our clients are amazed.
FREE Sonoma County Foreclosure Lists are a great asset for all buyers, included the investment monded buyer. Many of our clients had paid for this same exact service from other sources, and realize how much money they would have saved just by talking to us. Even better is the fact that we can customize your list to show you exactly what you want to see, not every single foreclosure or short sale…if you want to see all of the properties…great, we can provide that, or we can save you time with a customized list.
Many people look at foreclosures as the best way to buy the best priced Sonoma County Real Estate. We like to think a great Real Estate agent on your side is also essential.
We Offer Free Lists Of:
- Bank Owned Homes
- Bank Owned Luxury Homes
- Bank Owned Condos
- Bank Owned Townhomes
- Bank Owned Investment Properties
- Bank Owned Commercial Properties
- Bank Owned Land
We offer free foreclosure and short sale lists for Sonoma County, Napa County, Marin County, Solano County, and Lake County as well. If you need these lists beyond those areas, be sure to ask for a list of our contacts in other areas…we have a trusted network of Real Estate professionals in many areas.
Foreclosures and short sales are not just limited to low priced properties. There are many foreclosures in all price ranges, from properties under $100,000 to well over $1 million dollars, and include areas such as Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Fountaingrove, Petaluma, Cotati, Penngrove, Sonoma, etc. Contact us via this website (contact info at top right of this page) or at WineCountryMoves.com to sign up.
So once you have the free list of Sonoma County Foreclosures and Short Sales, what do you do when you have found a house? Call us to set up a showing of the home and discuss details of writing any offers. We have years of experience helping people buy and sell foreclosures and short sales and we can help you navigate the process with ease. We will give you an objective view of the market, keep you up to date all all relevant items, and advise you of offers that will give you the best chance at saving money and getting the home of your dreams.
Visit Foreclosure Buying Tips to learn more about buying foreclosures. Should you have any questions regarding Sonoma County Foreclosures or Sonoma County Short Sales feel free to contact us; we look forward to hearing from you and helping you save money.
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No Truth To Cotati Rumor
October 7th, 2009 categories: Cotati, Personal Notes
For the past 18 months, I have heard a rumor.
A rumor that came from many different sources.
Sources that, in my estimation, SHOULD be the people who would have advance information on news of this type.
The rumor, I will admit, actually excited me.
So what was this rumor? The rumor stated that Peets Coffee will open a new location in Cotati.
Peets Cotati was to be located on Old Redwood Highway in Cotati, where Foster Freeze is currently located. I have not seen any type of buildout, changes to the facade, changes to the structure, public notices, etc. What was actually going on?
I was cruising around Peets.com and was searching for Cotati store information. The only mention I could find of Cotati was a job openng for a Cotati Store Manager position…was this a clue that there would be a Cotati store opening soon? It sure seemed like it. I actually got excited that I would not have to go to Starbucks when I did not have the time to leave the Rohnert Park - Cotati area.
I called Peets Corporate to see if they could shed some light on the situation. They did. Cotati, at least for the time being, is NOT going to happen. This may change, but for right now, there are no plans for a Peets located between Petaluma and Santa Rosa.
For now, the closest Peets to Cotati and Rohnert Park will be in Petaluma and Santa Rosa. The 2 closes locations are below.
Petaluma
5 Petaluma Boulevard South, Suite A
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 782-0401
7.17 miles away
Monday-Thursday 5:30 AM-9:00 PM
Friday 5:30 AM-10:00 PM
Saturday 6:00 AM-10:00 PM
Sunday 6:00 AM-9:00 PM
Santa Rosa
650 Fourth Street, Suite 100
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 545-5757
7.95 miles away
Monday-Friday 5:30 AM-9:00 PM
Saturday 6:00 AM-9:00 PM
Sunday 6:00 AM-7:00 PM
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Cotati Accordion Festival 2009
August 5th, 2009 categories: Cotati, Entertainment
Cotati is gearing up for the annual Cotati Accordion Festival. This years installment will be held on August 22nd and 23rd, in Downtown Cotati at La Plaza Park. The Cotati Accordion Festival is a Sonoma County tradition.
La Plaza Park is location in Downtown Cotati right off of Old Redwood Highway and West Sierra…just listen for all of the polka music and look for all the people and the bronze Jim Boggio statue.
The Cotati Accordion Festival is a non profit event that raises money and support for local youth organizations…what is better than giving back?
There will lots of great live music…featuring such bands as The Mad Maggies, Gabby La La, Nueva Luna, Those Darn Accordions, Jason Webley, and Flaco Jimenez.
Gates open daily at 9:30 AM and the music starts at 9:45 AM each day!
Ticket Information:
- Children Under 15 Years Of Age: FREE
- Adults 1 Day: $17 ($15 In Advance)
- Adults 2 Day: $25
LET’S POLKA!!!
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Lease Options…Great Idea Or Great Illusion?
June 28th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Cotati, Foreclosures, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol
Lease Options may be a great way to purchase a home. You can give yourself the option to buy a property at a predetermined time in the future at a predetermined price.
Lease Options sound great right?
Lease Options are unilateral contracts, meaning one party has the ability to make the other perform…these are sometimes also called one-sided agreements. In this case, the optionee (one who receives the option to purchase in the future) usually pays the optionor a fee (consideration) in return for the right to buy in the future.
However, we find these to be somewhat of a great illusion as well. I have only seen a few of these deal come to a successful close. We find that it is extremely difficult for people to agree on a monthly lease amount, how much of that, if any, will be credited towards the purchase price, the up front price to be charged for the option, and the ultimate future price of the home..lots of moving parts.
Lease options can be used by buyers when the market prices are expected to increase, or go down. If prices increase, you have the option to buy at a predetermined price, and can easily figure out if there is equity. If prices decline, you have the option to walk away from the deal. Depending upon how much the option cost, this could be a very wise decision.
Sonoma County home prices have been declining since late 2006 or thereabouts, and it is unclear when the slide will end. There are a lot of mixed signals currently. Inventory is lower now than we have seen in the the recent past…a good thing. Prices are also down, also a good thing. Unemployment is increasing, which may cause more short sales, defaults and foreclosures…a bad thing. Homebuyer Tax Credits are also available to give buyers incentive to purchase. Currently, there are a lot of wheels in motion to help the Real Estate situation. Time will tell if these are the right wheels to be in motion, and when they will gain traction.
A well priced option can be a great thing to find, however it may be akin to a needle in a haystack. There are not many lease purchase options available, and finding one that fits what you are looking for is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.
I do seem to find more Lease Options in Santa Rosa than I do in cities like Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma or Sebastopol. I cannot say why this is, other than my feeling that these are usually offered by investors who are looking to get some type of cash flow and will consider all buyer types.
Currently, we are seeing Sonoma County Home Prices that allow for a mortgage payment to be similar to a lease payment. We are seeing some amazingly low prices on Sonoma County Foreclosures, which will probably never be listed as Lease Purchase Options. This is a great scenario for home buyers, one that has nto been seen for about 20 – 25 years. We think that based on this fact alone, this may be a great time to purchase a home, whether it is through a lease option or a traditional purchase.
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Conclusion Best Places In Sonoma County – Volume 8
April 20th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Cities, Cotati, Fountaingrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Sonoma
OK OK…so that last hint was a trick! Of course I am speaking about ALL of Sonoma County.
So…when people ask me where is the best place in Sonoma County California…I will answer with a resounding YES! Not to be flip, but maybe the best place in Sonoma County is ALL of Sonoma County itself, and each person and family will find their own favorite place. There are a lot of great things to do in Sonoma County, a lot of great people to meet, many great places to eat, numerous great wines to sample, great things to see, and great memories to be made.
Maybe you like the small downtown feel of Cotati, or the fact that the future SMART Train will stop right there potentially increasing Real Estate values. Maybe you like all the parks and recreation in the bedroom community of Rohnert Park. Maybe you like the lively and vibrant Sonoma Square. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of downtown Petaluma is more your style, or maybe it is the many Petaluma Victorian Homes to choose from, or maybe it is the fact that Petaluma is Eggcentric. Maybe the affordability of parts of Santa Rosa are to your liking, or maybe it is the big views from luxurious areas such as Fountaingrove or Mayacama Country Club. Who would not like to live in a community first area such as Sebastopol. Whichever area is more your style, we are happy to live in an area that offers so many different choices. Maybe you will make your own way to a part of Sonoma County that is not as visited as the others we have written about. In any event, we know that Sonoma County has something for everyone.
We really hope you have enjoyed reading this 8 part mini series about our view of Sonoma County California. Sonoma County truly is unique in many ways, and is a world class destination all its own. When you get here you will certainly fall in love with the scenic beauty, the great food, the world class wines, and the laid back lifestyle that Sonoma County has to offer.
We hope to see you soon. If you feel we left out an area, please bring it to our attention. Also, if you think we left out some important information regarding any city that was discussed, please let us know. There is so much going on in each city, that we had to pare things down somewhat, and may have felt one thing was more important than another. We would love to get regular feedback from all of our readers.
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Cotati – Best Places In Sonoma County – Volume 6
April 18th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Cities, Cotati
If you guessed Cotati, then you really know your Sonoma County trivia!
Cotati California is a tiny enclave that should be on the list of any serious Sonoma County home buyers. Cotati is located along the 101, which allows quick access either north or south. Cotati is located just south of Rohnert Park, and just north of Petaluma, and could be missed if you do not know what you are looking for. Cotati has a cute little downtown, and is known for its annual accordion festival, in honor of Jim Boggio. Cotati is laid out in a hexagonal pattern, one of only two hexagonal cities in the United States; Detroit Michigan being the other.
Although Cotati is small, there are many housing options in this tiny Sonoma County enclave. From condos, to townhomes, to single family homes, to raw land where you can custom build, there is a good mix of established neighborhoods and new construction.
Downtown Cotati is small, and is also fun and very friendly, making it hard not to run into someone you know when you are there. Even though Cotati is small, it should be on your list of places to look when purchasing a home in Sonoma County. Our clients generally agree that Cotati has a lot of great housing options, and it is usually included in their home searches.
Once a year, accordion players from around the world come to Cotati California to play some Polka music and listen to some squeezebox stylings. The Cotati Accordion Festival honors the late great Jim Boggio, and is a local festival not to be missed.
Even though Cotati is “On The Map” it is about to be on another map. Which map you ask? The SMART Map. The SMART Map has nothing to do with MENSA or intelligence, but have a lot to do with future convenience. The SMART Train (Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit) is planned to have a stop right in Cotati, that will make commuting to Marin, and then San Francisco a breeze. The stop will use the existing tracks near the 1000 block of East Cotati Avenue. We are still about 4 – 5 years away, but can you imagine jumping on a train with WiFi access, logging in to your computer, taking care of some emails on the way to work? It should would beat a drive into the city, even if you have a iPhone or Blackberry. The Cotati SMART station will allow you to earn the big city dollars while having the slower paced Sonoma County lifestyle…it is a grand vision, one that is turning into reality and one that will only help the residents of Cotati and the rest of Sonoma County.
We hope you liked the article and got to learn more about Cotati. In the next article I will be discussing another popular choice for home buyers. The next area puts the “fun” in funky and anchors what is known as “West County“. A community first attitude is a signature of this “Nuclear Free Zone.” OK, one more hint…this city’s name rhymes with….ummmm…ummmm…well I cannot think of a word that it rhymes with. Can you guess which city I am talking about?
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