Sebastopol Agents

According to Bankrate, U.S. home insurance premiums are up an average of 23% in 2024. 😧 ⁣
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But, you can still save on rates if you’re strategic. Here are a few of my top tips: ⁣
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🛍️ Shop Around: I recommend that you review at least three estimates while taking into account any differences in the policy terms. ⁣
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💸 Increase Your Deductible: According to Nerdwallet, raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500, for example, could save you an average of 11% each year. ⁣
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🔨 Make Strategic Home Improvements: Some projects—like updating your electrical system—can reduce your rates by making your home safer or less prone to damage. ⁣
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Check out my article for even more ways to save on home insurance! ⁣
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🔗 http://www.farwestsonoma.com/6-strategies-to-save-on-home-insurance-premiums

With gratitude, warm wishes to you and yours during this festive time of year!

Buying a home is a major financial decision—so it’s not surprising that overspending is one of the top homebuyer regrets.

Avoid this common mistake with these 3 tips:

💸Get preapproved for a mortgage. Complete the process before you begin your search so you know what’s within reach.

💸Shop around for a lender. Getting a few different rate quotes can save you thousands over the long run.

💸Think through your budget. Be sure to consider maintenance and repair costs in addition to your mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance.

Check out our latest blog post to learn how to steer clear of other common homebuyer regrets!

🔗 https://www.farwestsonoma.com/2023/08/03/7-common-homebuyer-regrets-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Most homebuyers are happy with their purchase—but that doesn’t mean they have zero regrets.

Here are some of the common missteps that can lead to buyer’s remorse:

💰 Spending more than necessary
🗓️ Rushing into a purchase�💸 Miscalculating the costs of homeownership
⏲️ Underestimating the time required for maintenance
🔍 Skipping a home inspection
🏠 Choosing a home that doesn’t fit your lifestyle
🧑 Buying without professional help

Read our latest blog post to learn why buyers make these mistakes and how you can avoid them.

🔗 https://www.farwestsonoma.com/2023/08/03/7-common-homebuyer-regrets-and-how-to-avoid-them/

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Did you know that keeping an eye on DOM trends can tell you a lot about your local market?

If the average DOM in an area is low, it typically means that demand is high, with more potential buyers than properties for sale. Buyers should be prepared to act fast and homes are likely to sell at or above asking price.

On the other hand, if the average DOM is high—think many weeks or even months— then inventory is greater than demand. Sellers in this type of market may need to compromise on price or offer buyer incentives.

Do you want to know the average DOM in your area? Contact me to find out!

📲415-518-5286
📧 [email protected]

Sometimes two agents are better than one to get the job done. Although they maintain separate businesses, Doug and Lou's cooperating efforts in real estate have produced nine deals, and 14 sides representing $27,346,030 in sales volume, in just a few short years!

Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own This summer, Sotheby’s is honoured to present Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the private realm of a global icon.

May this day bring you peace, joy, and new opportunities to grow and learn.

The economy is still exhibiting resilience despite slower growth in recent weeks. Although consumers’ view on their present situation took a step back, improvement on their outlook continued to edge higher. The strong labor market has much to do with it, as it continues to push real wages higher and keep the economy from falling behind. That said, real spending is losing steam and it may not be too long before demand begins to pull back, sending the economy into correction mode. Meanwhile, as mortgage rates dip, applications to purchase or refinance continue to increase. The spring buying season, however, may not be as strong as prior years, as housing supply is expected to be tight in coming months due to lock-in effect.

If you’re preparing to sell or purchase a home, I can advise you on whether or not a termite inspection is required or warranted. Contact me today!
📧 [email protected]

March is the peak of termite swarming season. 🐛

They may not be fun to think about, but termites can seriously damage your home’s integrity. Here are some pro-sourced tips to prevent an infestation:

1️⃣ Don’t let wood touch the soil. Keep wooden siding and door frames above the ground.
2️⃣ Keep your foundation dry. Check for leaks, and make sure your downspouts are directed away from the foundation.
3️⃣ Avoid feeding the termites. Don’t stack firewood against your house; clear vines, stumps, and roots away from your foundation.
4️⃣ Garden strategically. Keep a safe distance between shrubs and walls, keep grass cut short, and replace mulch near your home with stone or gravel.
5️⃣ Seal cracks and crevices. Close off any exterior entry points with caulk or foam sealant.

If you’re preparing to sell or purchase a home, I can advise you on whether or not a termite inspection is required or warranted. Contact me today!

📲 415-518-5286
📧 [email protected]

Wondering how the roller coaster ride of the real estate market has affected the value of your home?

Don’t get too excited (or worried) about your home’s Zestimate or the value you find on another online calculator. While these tools can give you a sense of whether prices in your area are trending up or down, when it comes to individual homes, they can miss the mark.

No matter how much data these calculators crunch, they can’t take into account the intangibles of your property: the condition of your space, the updates and upgrades you’ve made, or the features that are (or aren’t) popular in your area.

That’s where real estate agents come in. We’re experts on the local market and know what buyers are willing to pay for a home like yours.

Curious about what your house is worth right now? Reach out for a free value assessment!

📲 415-518-5286
📧 [email protected]

If you’re preparing to purchase but don’t yet have a mortgage broker or lender, don’t panic! Reach out for a referral to one of our trusted partners.
[email protected]

Are you thinking about buying a home in the near future? If so, it’s time to get your finances in order. Here are the top questions to ask your mortgage lender.

If you’re preparing to purchase but don’t yet have a mortgage broker or lender, don’t panic! Reach out for a referral to one of my trusted partners.

📲 415-518-5286
📧 [email protected]

🚨 Is the real estate market heading for a crash? 🚨

Experts say no.

Talk of recession has led some Americans to fear a housing crash like we saw in 2008. But many economists say that outcome is unlikely.

In 2023, housing inventory remains low compared to demand, unlike in 2008 when we had a housing surplus. Plus, lending reform has significantly reduced the likelihood of defaults.

While market uncertainty is always nerve-wracking, real estate remains a solid long-term investment—and slower markets are often the best time to get a good deal on a home.

Want to know more about where the U.S. real estate market is headed in 2023? Check out my latest blog post!

🔗 https://www.farwestsonoma.com/2023/01/01/2023-real-estate-market-outlook-and-what-it-means-for-you/

How are you keeping your utility bills down this winter? Here are a few ideas:

⚡ Upgrade old appliances. When you shop, look for the Energy Star rating to ensure your new washing machine, dishwasher, or oven are as efficient as possible.

⚡ Switch to LED lightbulbs. These use just 8 watts to produce the same brightness as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, and today’s LEDs come in all shades and levels of warmth.

⚡ Keep an eye on the thermostat. Be sure to turn down the temperature when you’re out or invest in a programmable smart version.

⚡ Check the seals on doors and windows. Try weatherstripping or caulk as a short-term fix, or consider bringing in a professional to assess trouble areas.

⚡ Wash clothes in warm or cool water. You’ll slash the energy used for each load while prolonging the life of your clothes.

Wondering which energy-saving home improvements will have the biggest impact on your home’s value? Reach out for a free consultation.

📧 [email protected]

What will 2023 hold for the real estate market? We’ve rounded up economists’ predictions.
https://www.farwestsonoma.com/2023/01/01/2023-real-estate-market-outlook-and-what-it-means-for-you/

After a wild 2022, a new year is here. But what will it hold for the real estate market? I’ve rounded up economists’ predictions for 2023:

💸 Mortgage rates will fluctuate less
🏘️ Sales volume will fall and inventory will rise
💰 Home prices will remain relatively stable
📈 Rent prices will continue to climb

Wondering what these trends mean for homebuyers, sellers, and renters in 2023? Check out my latest article!

🔗 https://www.farwestsonoma.com/2023/01/01/2023-real-estate-market-outlook-and-what-it-means-for-you/

Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home - Far West Sonoma What's the better choice for you? There’s a lot to consider when it comes to buying versus renting. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out...

Views showcased from this very spacious contemporary Bodega Harbour home are of the Estero Americano Coast Preserve, the Pacific, and the bay. The clubhouse of this oceanfront community offers amenities that include a restaurant and bar, gymnasium, sauna, heated pool, tennis, bocce, basketball, playground, and beach access. Known as The Boat House, this well-maintained and comfortable abode enjoys convenient access to the scenic Short Tail Gulch beach trail.

Available | 20290 Osprey Drive, Bodega Bay California Views showcased from this very spacious contemporary Bodega Harbour home are of the Estero Americano Coast Preserve, the Pacific, and the bay. The split-leve...

22318 Moscow Road, Monte Rio - Unbranded 22318 Moscow Road is an exceptional Monte Rio home. Learn more at Moscow-Riverfront.com. 22318 Moscow Road, Monte Rio, CA, 95462 ©2022 Open Homes Photography…

Originally built in 1909, the Bella Luna Bed and Breakfast Inn has been masterfully updated and expanded to three structures including the original Craftsman style home, a one bedroom guest house, and a one bedroom second residence with full kitchen, clustered around a swimming pool and gardens. The location provides privacy and yet just blocks from the famed amenities of Healdsburg Plaza including galleries, world-class dining and wine tasting.

530 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg - Presented by Doug Bohling 530 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 95448, Presented by Doug Bohling Sotheby's International Realty

Inflation has risen worldwide.And while there are many ways to mitigate the financial challenges of inflation (stocks, bonds, commodities), we believe the BEST option is… Real estate. Why? Real estate prices tend to rise along with, and often faster than, inflation. In other words, instead of losing money, you start making money! Find out how ...
https://www.farwestsonoma.com/2022/03/02/hedge-against-inflation-with-these-3-real-estate-investment-types/

恭喜发财

Last year, home prices soared nationwide by a record 19.9%! 😲 As we embark on a new year, you may be wondering… what’s in store for the U.S. housing market in 2022? Here’s what industry experts are predicting:

🏠 Mortgage rates will increase
⚖️ The market will become more balanced
💰 Home prices will continue to increase, but at a slower pace
📈 Rents will continue to rise

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2022, check out our latest article to learn more about where the real estate market is headed this year.

A Return to ‘Normal’? The State of Real Estate in 2022 - Far West Sonoma Last year was one for the real estate history books. The pandemic helped usher in a buying frenzy that caused home prices to soar nationwide by a record...