Six New Sonoma Listings on Broker Tour January 6, 2011 Only half a dozen new Sonoma listings were offered up on broker tour today---our first broker open of the new year.  We are very light on Sonoma residential property. Two of the six most recent listings are short sales.  Both were built in the early '90s and they are larger homes...by Sonoma standards.  Priced at $650,000 and $525,000 they are a 4bed/3bath with 3000+/- square feet and a 3bed/2bath with 2200+/- square feet respectively. The four non-distressed listings range in price from $289,000 to $1,597,000.  The lowest priced property is a 1973 ranch in Temelec, an "adult" 55+ community, and the highest priced is a contemporary home on 4+/-acres in the gated community of The Ranch.  There's also a home sold November 10, 2010 as ... 01/06/2011

As of January 5, 2011 30% of available listings are in the beautiful wine country town of Sonoma are in escrow. For the month of December 2010 29 homes sold (14 of which were distress sales) for an average final selling price of $541,207. The average original asking price of these homes was $594,117. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $110,000 to a high of $3,100,000. Of the 29 homes that sold, 4 sold over their original asking price and all others sold for less. It took these homes an average of 117 days to sell. To see all the homes that are available for sale through our MLS click here. To learn more about this area in general search more around this blog, visit my website or contact me directly. Sonoma Home, by Kelley Eling, Marin County Realtor 01/05/2011

Sonoma Fitness - Sonoma Gyms -  Sonoma Health Clubs. The New Year encourages us to take a fresh look at ourselves.  It also forces many of us to realize that we are obviously showing the excesses of the just-passed Holiday Season.  Our jeans don't fit right, our faces have filled out, our bellys are bigger.  The solution is simple---moderate food intake and exercise! One of the many blessings of living in Sonoma is weather that allows us year 'round outdoor access.  It may rain a lot during the winter months...but rain is not prohibitive when it comes to walking, hiking, running, or biking.  It can be messy, yes.  But it sure beats trying to get fit at 10-below...or in blowing snow.  I know.  I lived in Minnesota for 15 years and I gained a lot of weight during those years.  I love to h... 01/04/2011

Sonoma Residential Listings January 2, 2011 We are starting the new year in Sonoma Valley with pretty light inventory of residential listings....a total of 158 Sonoma homes for sale in our market area.  The breakdown statistically looks like this: Our distressed real estate inventory is still considerably less than you will find in other San Francisco Bay Area  markets.  Here's a quick look at how the numbers break down: We are coming off the holidays when many homes are temporarily taken off the market and it will be interesting to see how the inventory make-up evolves from here.  It's important for both buyers and sellers to understand that Sonoma real estate remains somewhat insulated from the dramatic downturn in other markets due to our desirability as a retirement destination, clo... 01/02/2011

Feathers are the Focus in Sonoma The annual Sonoma Bird Count is scheduled for Thursday December 30th and the weather is looking better than many thought it might.  Rainy days have been the norm lately in these parts but our weather forecast shows the chance of rain for the count is now about 30%.    The day's activities are spelled out at SonomaBirding.org.  I've volunteered for the count in previous years but can't this time because I have a family commitment.  It's a terrific opportunity to learn about the many species of birds we have here in Sonoma Valley.  The last time I participated it was pouring rain...but even soaking wet I enjoyed the hours spent focused on our fine feathered friends.  They so out-number us and yet we rarely notice their presence.   I hope a lot of people tu... 12/29/2010

I missed my market reports for November 2010 but couldn't go without at least providing the charts.  As  you can see for the month of November the average price was down but the volume was up!  Lower prices are what interest buyers.  People are always asking, "What is a buyer looking for these days?" and the answer is "A good deal."  They don't care about granite counter tops.  The want VALUE.  Imagine that.  :) Sonoma Home Sales Charts from 2001 through November 2010, by Kelley Eling, Marin County Realtor   To learn more about this area search more around this blog, visit my website or contact me directly. 12/22/2010

As you can see in the charts below, as per usual, the average sales price of homes in the beautiful wine country town of Sonoma vary widely from month to month--as does the volume.  You can see that there was a real slow down for the month of October 2010.  Let's hope this is not a permanent trend. Sonoma Home Sales Charts from 2001 through October 2010, by Kelley Eling, Marin County Realtor To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS, click here. To see some of the many fun things do around here (another reason why this is such great place to live) click here. To learn more about this area in general visit my website, search more around this blog or contact me directly. 11/15/2010

As of November 11, 2010 30% of available listings in Sonoma are in escrow.  (That means that 70% of them are not in escrow and still available for purchase!) For the month of October 2010 30 homes sold (9 of which were distress sales) in the beautiful wine country town of Sonoma for the average final selling price of $845,013. The average original asking price of these homes was $1,029,743. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $93,500 to a high of $2,369,000. Of the 30 homes that sold 1 sold at the original asking price and 5 sold over the original asking price. It took these homes an average of 125 days to sell.  To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS, click here. To see some of the many fun things do around here (another reason why this i... 11/11/2010

Sonoma County Real Estate Sales - October 2010 Sonoma county real estate sales are down...that's the headline this time.   The chart below provided by folks at the The Real Estate Report shows overall October home sales in Sonoma County were off by about 25% compared to October 2009 even though sales volume was up in Cotati, Guerneville, Penngrove, Sebastopol, and Glen Ellen. I've placed two yellow arrows to show that Sonoma home prices are up...and significantly so.   The number of sales of Sonoma homes was off by close to 40% compared to October 2009.  So, we sold more expensive Sonoma properties here last month....but fewer homes overall.  It appears Sonoma real estate market is reflecting the current distribution of wealth in our country. 11/10/2010

  Behold the Bold Toyon (aka Christmas Berries & California Holly) Native to the wooded areas of Sonoma Valley, this cluster of berries dazzled and distracted me today as I worked from home.  Oh woe is me...NOT. 11/10/2010

Why It's Smart to be Selling a Home During the Holidays    It's unconventional to be selling a home during the holidays.  Because it's such a hectic time, the logistics can be challenging but there are some very good reasons to do it.  Our Sonoma real estate inventory drops by about 50% as Sonoma sellers, like everybody else,  gear up for social gatherings, shopping, cooking, and entertaining family and friends.  If your Sonoma home is for sale during November and December, that reduced inventory of homes also means less competition for precious buyers.  You'll get more visibility by selling a home during the holidays than at any other time of the year.   Lots of people visit Sonoma Valley during the holiday season.  It's not just family and friends who show up here.  The holiday season... 11/09/2010

Sometimes we stop to smell the roses...at other times we marvel at the Marigolds. 11/07/2010

Music, Marines, & FREE Wine Tasting in Sonoma Valley   With splashes of blazing fall color as a backdrop, Sonoma Valley events this weekend include music, Marines, and a FREE wine tasting opportunity.   In the spirit of full disclosure, the free wine tastings are offered by a select group of wineries to guests who stay at Sonoma Valley Bed and Breakfast inns.  The Sonoma B&B Association's website has the details.  Allow me to provide a little advice here.  For reservations you need to check with each individual B&B because the association's reservation calendar is NOT up to date. Friday November 5, 2010 is the 25th Annual Wine Country Marine's Birthday Ball at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards.  Tickets are $125.  Attire for men is "black tie or best uniform" and ladies attire should "match" (no... 11/02/2010

Wordless Wednesday in Kenwood So what are you thinking? So much wine---so little time?   10/27/2010

Wordless Wednesday - Sonoma Wine on the Vine The Sonoma Valley harvest and crush are still underway and as Jack London once wrote, "the air is wine." Contact me for information about Sonoma real estate! 10/20/2010

As you can see in the charts below, for the beautiful wine country town of Sonoma, the average sales price and number of homes that sell each month can vary widely from month to month.  For the past few months there has been a positive trend in terms of both home values and the number of homes selling.  It will be interesting to see what the next few months hold in store for us. To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS click here. To see some of the fun things to do in our neck of the woods click here. To learn more about this area in general search more around this blog, visit my website or feel free to contact me directly. 10/08/2010

As of October 6, 2010 29% of available listings in the beautiful wine country town of Sonoma are in escrow. For the month of September 2010 45 homes sold in Sonoma for an average final selling price of $791,933. The average original asking price of these homes was $879,564. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $195,000 to a high of $6,000,000. Of the 45 homes that sold (13 of which were distress sales) 4 sold at their original asking price and 5 sold over. It took these homes an average of 98 days to sell. To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS click here. To see some of the fun things to do in our neck of the woods click here. To learn more about this area in general search more around this blog, visit my website or feel free to contact me... 10/06/2010

Sonoma Real Estate Market Report   Sonoma County real estate sales of single family homes jumped in August---up a hefty 10.6% from July.  The expiration of the federal tax credit took a big toll on sales in July as was the case elsewhere across the nation.    Turns out, according to the Sonoma County Real Estate Report, countywide sales are up 4.3% year over year.  The August statistics vary quite a bit town by town...as you can see in the chart below:     It's nice to see that Sonoma real estate sales have picked up.  I think a "heads up!" is in order for those buyers who've been sitting on the fence.  Prices for Glen Ellen real estate are still depressed but in Sonoma both prices and sales activity are on an upward trend. 09/21/2010

  Sleek and Sensual - Sonoma Valley Contemporary Home Sonoma Valley homes come in all styles, shapes, and sizes and they run the gamut from simple condos to elaborate estates.  Homes in Glen Ellen offer a wide array of living spaces, too, though many are often older structures with what's described as a country....sometimes traditional Mediterranean....feel.  It's rare to find a contemporary home that complements a pristine natural setting.  What a pleasure to see this one on a country lane just outside my hometown of Glen Ellen.  It's NOT my listing but it's so impressive I took pictures during a broker tour to share here on ActiveRain.  Priced at $6.8 Million it's way beyond the reach of most Wine Country buyers but here folks can check it out for free:       The property, on about 40... 09/20/2010

As you can see, in the town of Sonoma, that while the home prices have historically fluctuated month to month, for 2010 we are still averaging sales prices comparable to 2004--which is still pretty high compared to the rest of the country. I had someone ask me yesterday if I could find them a home in Sonoma between $20-50K.  I asked if they forgot a zero...  You cannot find a home in Sonoma in that price range.  Maybe a mobile home... If you take a look at the volume, the number of homes selling, Sonoma has improved slightly in that respect over the past few years.  A good sign, for sure. To see all the homes that are currently available for sale through our MLS click here. To see some of the fun things to do in the area, click here. To learn more about this area search more around this... 09/11/2010