Spring Real Estate, NAR & Sonoma County Fun!
There’s a lot to cover with you this week! Let’s dive right in…
I first want to address the elephant in the room: The National Association of Realtors (NAR).
You’ve probably seen the headlines or maybe watched a video circulating on social media about the $418 million dollar lawsuit settlement this month.
Everyone is talking about it, and I have a few thoughts (and opinions) too.
Here is my take on the NAR settlement…
There are so many ideas about how this will affect the housing market, but we need time to sort them out. In California we have handled agency disclosures and commissions in a transparent way for years, mitigating some of the impact of this settlement.
What will it mean for real estate agents, sellers, and buyers?
The truth is change is on the horizon, but only time will answer these questions. My advice? Stay focused, stay grounded, avoid sensationalism, and reach out to me to explore ways to adapt if you’re planning on buying or selling later this year (changes will likely not go into effect until mid-July).
Ok, now that we’ve covered that, let’s jump into some fun spring updates!
A popular saying is, “Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
It’s when many of us dust the cobwebs off our patio furniture, tackle new home improvement projects, plan summer trips, and decide to list our home.
If you’re ready for a new home, adventure, or project – keep reading for some helpful tips and inspiration!
Sonoma County Home Prices Up +7.8%
In February, the Sonoma County real estate market continued to exhibit robust activity, with well-prepped and correctly priced listings attracting significant attention from buyers. The data underscores a trend where meticulous preparation and accurate pricing are crucial factors for sellers. Notably, 34% of properties in the county sold above their list price, reflecting the competitive nature of our market. Additionally, 44% of listings received multiple offers, further indicating the high demand for desirable properties in the region.
The average sales price for homes in Sonoma County reached $845,000 in February, marking a noteworthy 7.8% increase compared to the same period last year. I have seen projections of a similar increase in 2024. As the spring season sets in, all indications suggest that Sonoma County will remain a vibrant and sought-after destination for real estate investment and homeownership.
If you want to consider your choices, receive a tailored market analysis for your home, or devise a plan for your home search, let’s connect.
6 Serene Gardens in Sonoma County
Our gardens will soon be in full bloom again! If you are seeking a peaceful sanctuary in nature, a beautiful spot for a picnic, or simply a place where you can unwind and relax, here is a list of some of my favorite gardens:
- Sonoma Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen
- Hidden Forest Nursery near Sebastopol
- Russian River Rose Company’s garden in Healdsburg
- Western Hills Garden in Occidental
- Monte-Bellaria di California in Sebastopol (Opens April 27th)
- Garden Valley Ranch in Petaluma
2024 is “The Year of the Eclectic Yard”
As we approach patio season, design experts anticipate this year to be “The Year of the Eclectic Yard” with outdoor living trends that embrace eclecticism, exploration, and connection inspired by the natural world.
This desire for outdoor spaces that are a form of personal expression and exuberance, stands in contrast to a global moment of wars the loneliness crisis and corporate burnout. If you’re looking for ideas on how to incorporate more personalized touches into your outdoor space read this article for inspiration!
Baseball Season is Back! ⚾
Opening Day for the Giants vs the Padres
April 5th 2024 @1:35 pm pst: Get Tickets Here.
Opening Day for the Healdsburg Prune Packers vs the San Francisco Seals
June 5th, 2024 @6 pm pst: Get Tickets Here.
Tip of the Month!
If you LOVE your home, it might make sense to renovate it. But in many cases, it can be more cost-effective to move into a home that’s a better fit for your lifestyle. If you’re thinking of investing in your current home, here is a list of popular renovations and their estimated costs.
