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June 12, 2007
Are Marin County sales heating up again? Sales figures looked strong this week, though price reductions were and still are numerous. Belvedere/Tiberon, the area that traditionally holds the highest price title, came in with the second highest priced Marin County sale when a house in Corte Madera sold at a whopping $3,600,000. The lowest price unsold home in the county is a 100-year-old one-bedroom fixer in San Rafael for $469,000. That’s $56,000 under the second lowest price home, yet it is still unsold. Fiercely loyal to their hometowns, I predict that the typically affluent Marin County home buyer will wake up this summer with a gnawing in the pit of their stomachs, fearing that the feeding frenzy of summer’s past could repeat while they sleep. Many with families will be making their moves this summer, understanding that it might be now or never for those good deals that everyone’s been buzzing on and on about. For those who swear they will never leave Marin, those 90 days on the market markdowns will be tempting. Current unsold inventory in Marin County: 1236
Highest price sold: 5 Verona Place, Corte Madera (single family home) $3,600,000
Lowest price sold: 84 Madrone Ave., San Anselmo (condo) $370,000
Currently unsold lowest price single family home: $469,000
20 Roberts Ave. San Rafael, 1 bedroom, 1 bath 844 sq ft
Agent’s Remarks: Price Reduced!! Lowest Priced Single Family Home in Marin by $56,000! Fixer with a Future!!! Some Water & Hill Views. 1905 Picnic Valley Vintage Cottage. Two attic rooms on upper level. Centrally located and close to shopping and public transportation. Parking space in front may not be full legal width. This funky fixer beats the heck out of paying condo dues!! Vince Sheehan Real Estate
May 12, 2007
The $500,000 house has become as rare as the buffalo nickel. So unless you were born in the 1950s or earlier you probably have never bought or spent either one.
Since today (Sunday) is Mother’s Day, and families need and appreciate affordable housing options, here’s an open house list with houses that can be had in Sonoma County for five hundred thousand smackers or less. This can be good or bad news, depending on whether you find this list inspiringly long or depressingly short (like pregnancy, house hunting is known to produce a mixed bag of emotions). Sorry, I did not find a single house in Sebastopol, Healdsburg, or Bodega Bay in this price range that was open. Not to say that you won’t. If you do find one, I suggest you snap it up (leaning, sagging, termites and all) because with an address in those areas, you do stand a chance to build sweat equity, even in this stalled market. But let’s not talk about labor today. Happy Mother’s Day to all! Hoping that all your housing dreams come true!
Believe in the power of five, but get there before 4! All homes open 1 to 4.
Petaluma Sunday Open Houses under $500,000
4087 Petaluma Blvd No. 2/1 $399,000
1166 Ramona Lane 3/2 $479,000
37 Acorn Circle 2/2.5 $455,000
1716 Zinfandel Drive 3/2.5 $487,500
39 W. Napa Drive 3/2 $285,000
5 Payran Street 2/1 $439,950
Santa Rosa Sunday Open Houses under $500,000
1417 Miras Lane 3/2.5 $426,900
2339 Moringside Circle 3/2.5 $489,000
636 Powderhorn Ave. 3/2.5 $499,950
181 Westgate Circle 2/2 $215,000
1857 Jennings Ave. 3/2 $489,500
2203 Meteorite Lane 3/2 $479,000
400-418 Flower Ave. 2/2.5 $354,000
925 Quieto Calle 3/2 $479,000
2007 Tokay St 3/2 $454,500
2237 Meteorite 3/2 $478,900
1211/13 Fair Oaks Ave. 2/2 $425,000
419 Rosedale Ave. 2/1 $449,000
3720 Mayette Ave. 4/2 $499,000
1462 Townview Ave. 2/2 $329,900
225 Burt St. 2/2 $289,950
177 Willow St. 2/1 $429,000
505 Palm St. 2/1 $444,000
1460 Townview 2/1.5 $329,500
3106 Lucero Court 2/1.5 $385,000
160 Hazelnut Lane 4/2.5 $399,000
2146 Crystal Hill Dr. 3/2 $479,900
1965 Knolls Dr. 3/2 $379,500
1672 Guerneville Rd. 3/1 $369,000
2723 Claremont Dr. 2/1 $439,000
2005 Shelbourne 3/2.5 $483,000
2300 Maria Luz Ct. East 3/2 $489,500
973 Kingwood Street 2/1.5 $365,000
222 Broadmoor St. 3/2 $469,950
1382 Velma 4/2.5 $499,950
2730 Morgan Creek 3/2 $494,950
Cotati Sunday Open Houses under $500,000
160 West Cotati Oaks 3/2 $489,000
22 Pine Tree Circle 2/1.5 $324,500
7838 Revard Court 3/2.5 $469,000
7601 Eckmeyer Court 3/2.5 $459,000
Guerneville Sunday Open Houses under $500,000
14460 Old Cazadero Rd. 2/1 $425,000
Rohnert Park Sunday Open Houses under $500,000
839 Lilac Way 3/2 $440,000
676 Racquet Club 3/1.5 $327,000
445 Enterprise Drive 2/2 $259,900
Sonoma Sunday Open Houses under $500,000
104 W. Agua Caliente 2/1 $325,000 (all weekend until 2)
Windsor Sunday Open Houses under $500,000
220 Windsor River Rd. 2/1.5 $449,000
May 10, 2007
This home at 10180 Old River Road in Forestville is on the Russian River. As investments go, its address has a bit more cache than similar properties in nearby Guerneville. Images of residents fleeing Guerneville in canoes with newscasters in wet hair and yellow slickers announcing, “We’re here in GuerNEEEville, site of a 100 year flood” are hard to forget. The Russian River rose to its highest level ever recorded during the flood of 1986, then topped that level 91 years early in 1995. All that water coming down put communities in Forestville, Rio Nido, the coast, and even Petaluma and Sebastopol in peril. But Guerneville (pronounced Gern-Vill), with its picturesque Hacienda Bridge under water, became the fall guy for all of our flood paranoia. This gorgeous area has residents who swear by all it does offer and say they’ll never leave, “Come Hell or high water!”.
If you buy in Forestville you are not out of the woods of another soaking unless you buy high above the woods. This property is close to the River yet it looks to be dry. Soak up the sun on a large deck and enjoy the lovely vaulted ceilings that make it feel more spacious. Since the home is hooked to public water, you won’t run out (even in a 100 year drought). Septic systems are common to older West Sonoma County homes, but the connection is in the street now, so the cost of a hook-up might be a good thing to ask for with your offer. This place has lots of stairs, but once you’re in, everything is on one level. It’s charming with knotty pine walls and wood floors. The smaller deck off the living room is covered with a continuation of the vaulted ceiling from inside. Call it your sweet spot alfresco and banish your smoking visitors and/or their shedding dogs to it without apology. I’d use that deck to serve sandwiches and the fine Russian River Pinot Noir you’ll find at Berry’s Market, an excellent little local favorite that’s just a short walk away.
10180 Old River Road
Forestville, CA 95436
mls# 20713839
2 bedrooms, 1 bath, .14 acre
$299,000
May 9, 2007
Interested in green building, sustainable energy and streamlined aesthetics? Jonesing for a healthy dose of legal, old-fashioned voyeurism? Place the Sunday paper in the recycling bin (to read later, of course), load up the heirloom MBZ, top it off with a full tank of biodiesel and get an early jump on your day. You’ll need drive time a-plenty to cover the 15 houses in two counties that will be open for your viewing pleasure on Sunday, May 20th. Build it Green is a well organized org with a website that’s a great resource for anybody considering building anything, anywhere in the Bay Area. The houses on this tour will bring out your I-gotta-have-it-now-green-monster, but hey, if you ARE building it green, then you DO deserve that solar-powered hot tub/jacuzzi/entertainment system… right?
Build It Green Home Tour
Marin & Sonoma Counties
Sunday, May 20th, 2007, 10 to 5
Tour Overview:
Don’t miss the second Build It Green Home Tour in Marin and Sonoma Counties, where 15 green-built and remodeled homes will showcase innovative techniques and products.
This innovative self-guided tour will feature homes in the following areas:
Marin County:
1 home in Mill Valley
2 homes in San Rafael
1 home in San Geronimo
1 home in Novato
1 home in Stinson Beach
1 home in Bolinas
Sonoma County:
2 homes in Sonoma
3 homes in Santa Rosa
2 homes in Kenwood
1 home in Sebastopol
Tour Admission: $15/per person
The Tour Guidebook is your admission ticket to each home and costs $15/per person. Each person needs a Guidebook to go on the Tour and will be asked to show it upon entering each home. Note: ‘Admit Two’ stickers will be available (as supplies last) at local retailers for $30, if two people would like to share one guidebook.
May 3, 2007
I love to wonder about the last occupant of a place. This charming house at 250 Driftwood in Bodega Bay is nicely situated on its lot (in the same area as mls# 20640829) and the exterior and interior are in good shape (though the decor of pinch-pleat valances and drapes, and varnished oak kitchen is dated). This house has gorgeous vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors and does not need much ripping and shredding to improve it. (I must be reading too many shelter magazines, because practically every house I looked at this week made me want to break out the Makita fun box.)
If you are so inclined, you could find yourself in a very comfortable and inspiring place. The bones of this house are very good, except for one thing. The front door is all the way around at the back of the house, hidden in the rear courtyard. If you want extreme privacy that’s free of annoying drop-ins and/or you enjoy the sadistic thrill of confusing your invited guests, this could be a good feature. Speculating here, but I think there might have once been a breezeway that once divided the now attached garage from the house and led to this courtyard. The living room has one high, wide, narrow and dare I say ugly window that’s practically begging to become a real front entrance. Replacing that window with a set of glass double doors would give this house solar gain with a southwest facing entrance, and would not set you back too much. The other strange enclosure was of the original brick fireplace. The demilune-shaped brick hearth has morphed into a bench seat with pillows. I have a feeling that the owner was trying to cut out drafts which can be significant here in the spring. I’m sure an enterprising new homeowner will want to open the fireplace back up, but it’s imperative to ask if it was ever a fully functioning fireplace before you light your Duralog. The landscaping is already very well thought out, with low maintenance azalea and other drought resistant coastal specimens. Smartly, it features more rock and brick than the typical rotting wood. Why anyone would use high maintenance and expensive wood in their landscaping is beyond merot happens! The house next door is an eclectic ’70s three story and it looms like a giant over the low slung, wide profile of this house. However I think the price is right, especially since it includes two adjacent lots which add a nice buffer of open space facing the coast.
250 Driftwood Rd.
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
agent: Melissa Freeman
Bodega Harbor Realty, Bodega Bay
mls# 20702244
2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1209 sq. ft. (+/-)
2 car garage with dark room
property includes 2 adjacent parcels for a total of .40 (+/-) acres.
$799,000
May 2, 2007
The Bodega Bay Post Office is where lots of gossip gets exchanged. Last week I ran into George Capone, one of the most animated and forthright agents out here. He was so excited about this new listing of his. Being that it was under $600,000 and in swanky Bodega Harbour, he was convinced that it would sell fast. His excitement was contagious, and I couldn¹t wait to see it myself. This odd yet strangely appealing house was designed by renowned coastal architect J. Carson Bowler and was featured in Sunset Magazine (probably photo styled with young hair farmers and their enamel fondue pot). Built by the original developers of Bodega Harbour, its minimum square foot floorplan was meant to inspire others to think of this berg as the ideal locale for an inexpensive second home. George describes this as “a classic beach cottage with a history.” Come on George, when I think of classic, I picture fishing village cottage with shutters and shingles like the kind of places our parents vacationed in back East. Though this house has shingles, it’s an outdated modern in need of repair. Fixed up, its style is almost too unique for the typical Harbour buyer, yet it’s charming in a My Body, Myself, My Treehouse sort of way. Without an ocean view and homeowners association dues of $250 a month, it might be a tougher sale than George thinks. But if you want an entry level price for Harbour amenities (golf discount, pool, tennis, clubhouse…) this could be your modified A-frame.
1845 Sea Way, Bodega Harbour North
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
agent: George Capone
Scott Adams Realty
mls# 20712634
1 bedroom, 2 baths, 1224 square feet
$899,000
May 2, 2007
Mystery listing of the year. O.K., I realize that coastal property is all the rage, but THIS house and this location for almost a mil? The listing claims one acre…don’t know how much of that acre is under water during the high tide, since the property sits at just about sea level. “Wildlife abounds.” Yeah, no kidding. There all all types of swimming, crawling, flying things this close to the water’s edge. Rarely do I find so little good to say about a property, but I just don’t understand the pricing here. It’s not 2004 anymore; though I think the price would have been outrageous even during the hottest market ever. Oh, yeah, just in case you want to duplicate this bad deal, the house next door can be had from the same owner and agent for the same price. (Though, bonus! The next house looks to be in slightly better condition.) Agent says, bring your tools and imagination. The driveway down is so steep that by entering it, you’ll risk getting stuck at the bottom. Not good for getting work trucks in and out. Call me a pessimist but I don’t believe that tools and/or imagination will cut the mustard on this pile of timber, and it is doubtful that the county will permit your valiant efforts to improve what is too far gone. The exterior pictures are cursory at best; I’m guessing that the place scared off even the MLS photographer. Really I hate to say this, but Peggy Sue’s gonna sit this one out.
509 So Hwy One
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
agent: Kara Hatcher
Leading Edge Properties
mls# 20710754
2 bedrooms, 1 bath
square footage unknown
1.01 acres
$950,000
May 1, 2007
A former stage coach stop, this historic property (circa 1868!) at 255 McChristian Avenue in Bodega Bay has wonderful views of Salmon Creek Beach from its lovely, lush lot. Restored with a modernized kitchen and attached 1,500-square-foot conservatory, it is one of the most interesting houses for sale here on the Sonoma Coast. It has been for sale too long, and it is not hard to guess at the reasons why. This old neighborhood is known to have issues with septic systems and though sewer hook-up is now available (to this house and others at a price), most struggle along with their overtaxed systems as-is. The neighborhood is made up of artists and fishermen who live in vintage houses, cabins, and cottages that served as escapes from inland heat. None of these abodes come close to being as grand as this one is. At twice the average price for the neighborhood, it’s a hard sell, even if what you are getting for that 1.5 mil here is more than twice the size of the others. Coastal properties large and small take a beating, so the new owner will have to continue the diligent maintenance required to preserve the lovely interior and exterior of this landmark home. When you buy history, you buy obligation, and this house delivers on both counts. It is gorgeous though, and tastefully decorated, and if I had the money and could count on making lots more, I’d consider it.
255 McChristian Ave
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
agent: Steve Hecht
Coldwell Banker Coast
mls# 20705320
4 bedrooms, 3 baths
square footage unknown
.83 acres
$1,575,000
May 1, 2007
Hessel is a substantial neighborhood a few miles south of Sebastopol near the border of Petaluma. For decades Hessel, also known as Cunningham, with its fortune tellers, pig farmers, funky junk stores, and a great barbeque joint was not considered to be the best part of town. But now that Sebastopol has become such a coveted part of Sonoma County, unincorporated Hessel, with its close proximity to the 101 for southbound commuters, is in demand. It’s a bit foggier than town, which makes it a great place for growing pinot noir or chilling out while the rest of the county broils. It’s also a great place to raise kids. Neighbors here are neighborly, the school bus makes special stops, and the local elementary, sweetly named Gravenstein for the local apple crop, is a California distinguished school. Hessel is tight knit, and pets are numerous, yet the houses maintain a nice distance apart. So the braying of sheep and horses and the barking of dogs or crowing of roosters is rarely a problem. Lots here average an acre or three. I raised my kids on Hessel in a big farmhouse right up the hill from this sweet fixer. My former husband still owns that farmhouse; he and I have fond memories of picking up a chicken from Pack Jack on the way home. Sadly, Pack Jack burned down, but Donny and Marie (it IS their names) have plans to rebuild. This nearly original house, worn by 84 years of providing shelter, has just about everything a small family could want (except a 2nd bathroom). The price, view (especially from the rear upstairs bedroom), big yard and garage are there. Vintage 1923 charm with decent value for the entry level buyer.
4021 Hessel Rd.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
agent: Jim Paschal
Remax Central
mls# 20712827
3 bedrooms, 1 bath
1536 square feet
.65 acre
$532,500
April 30, 2007
Coleman Valley Road is one of the most beautiful roads in Sonoma County. Leaving Occidental, it winds up through a forest then opens to rolling pasture. Cruise along on one lane, over bone-rattling cattle grates, eyeing the precariously steep drops and eventually the road will end at Highway One on the coast between Jenner and Bodega Bay. This time of year you’ll see many young lambs frolicking on the verdant hills of Coleman Valley Rd. A happy lamb leaping in spring is a sight to behold. If this joyful vision of white fur against green foliage makes you hungry, then you’re a lucky brute. Occidental can’t be beat when it comes to big plate vittles. One of my favorites is the Union Hotel, the oldest family owned Italian restaurant in Sonoma County (and a great community meeting place since the mid 1800s). The whole historic logging-turned-tourist town features one good eating and drinking opportunity after another: Pignoli’s, Bistro des Copains, Howard’s Station, and Negri’s (as the 2nd oldest Italian place, it offers yet another op to get your Italian on).
Let’s salivate over this delicious, not-so-little bungalow. You could find this house on foot, because it’s right above town. But the steep and narrow road from town to green painted stoop is too challenging to navigate on foot after a plate of ravioli. Rebuilt, redecorated, and given a snappy red and white color scheme, this home is charming and yet modernized just enough. It’s also vacant with a redo that screams flip. But if this is a flip, the flippers deserve to squeeze a profit out of all that elbow grease. Solid features (like central heat, new cabinetry and butcher block wood countertops in the completely rebuilt kitchen) were added.
There is no garage, but a new little barn adds needed storage. The circa 1947 windows and handsome hardwood floors were given TLC. Old single pane windows could be a pain in the winter, but since I’m all for authenticity, I’d choose them over some cheap pop-in vinyl replacements every time. btw, insulated panels do cut the chill and now come in some hip, natural fibers and earthy colors.
The girl in the garden was taught by a teacher from a wonderful program designed to bring gardening into our schools; it is also on Coleman Valley Rd.
149050 Coleman Valley Rd., Occidental
mls# 20709159
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
1156 square feet
.13 acre
$449,000
