There truly are so many great things to love about the North Bay, which encompasses Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Folks travel far and wide to visit our towns and here we are with all sorts of fun things to do right in our very own backyards. I feel so blessed and each weekend my family and I try to venture outside and enjoy the beautiful landscape that surrounds us.

On a recent weekend in January, we decided even though it was cold and foggy, that we would go for a walk/hike in Annadel. Annadel State Park is located in Sonoma County, 60 miles north of San Francisco and on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa.

Once you arrive, there are many parking options: outside parking is free and adds a nice bit of exercise to the trip, or you can pay a $6.00 fee to park inside. Because it was chilly, we chose to park by the entrance and walked round trip for about an hour in areas where the terrain was varied but not too steep. I would feel comfortable taking my kids on this nature walk – feeling that the surroundings would keep their grumbling to a minimum (plus as long as we call it a nature hike instead of a “walk” it seems more like an adventure). On this day, with the fog and the mossy green trees, it felt like a cinematic walk in the woods.

I look forward to going back on a sunny and warm day, but I am guessing the trails will be more crowded. Annadel is also very popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders, so it’s good to be careful on the trails as a pedestrian.

Want to know more about Annadel? Check out these links:

• Mountain Biking

• Hiking at Annadel

• Video of Hiking and Biking at Anndael

Posted by:Jennifer Masterson

My last post illustrated the tried and true reasons to buy real estate now. For the most part, all of those reasons were norms we’ve always known about real estate.  But today, there are different reasons to act now.  There’s a timer on some of the following reasons – some of these will disappear soon, as soon as April 30, 2010!  So tick tock.

Here we go, 5 more reasons (in no particular order) to buy real estate today:

• Home Buyer Tax Credits  -You’ve heard lots about this, but it is a good reason to get on the bandwagon and buy a home.  The tax credit applies to purchases that occur before April 30, 2010, or where a binding contract is signed before that date and the transaction is completed by June 30, 2010.  Currently, the government is offering two programs.  An $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and a $6500 Move up/Repeat home Buyer Tax Credit  –  quick overview. More FAQ’s about the Home Buyer Tax Credits can be found here.


• The Energy Efficiency Tax Credits- FEDERAL—The Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit, Tax Code Section 25C is available to homeowners and credits 30% of the cost up to a $1,500 lifetime limit are available for projects completed in 2010. 


• Local and regional funding is available for Energy Efficiency programs LOCAL– Sonoma County’s Energy Independence Program is a new opportunity for property owners to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment. These assessments will be attached to the property, not the owner and will be paid back through the property tax system over time, making the program not only energy efficient but also affordable.  I’ll bet there are lots of ways for you to capitalize on energy credits while you live in your home.  If you are still renting, it’s time.  Buy a home, get tax credits!  Check out what is available to you with a quick Google search.


• Time’s A Wastin’—Act Now.  Foreclosures, Short Sales, just ‘get me out of this house now’ sales. There are so many reasons prices are low.   The market seems to be correcting, so don’t wait.  Get approved for a loan, find a great realtor, and start shopping!  There’s tons of information out there.  Get someone to help you or just help yourself.  Go on, do it. Time’s a wastin’!


• Control over your environment– Owning your home offers other advantages as well. Not only can you change your home to meet your needs, but you also are not subject to the terms of a lease or a landlord’s whims. As a homeowner, you can experience the emotional and financial security that comes from knowing  what your housing expenses will be from year to year for the most part.  Unlike rents, which can increase annually, most mortgages have fixed or capped monthly payments. So, as a homeowner, you can have a much better idea of what proportion of your paycheck goes toward your home. Think of it as the ultimate savings plan. If you are still trying to decide if you want to rent or buy, this calculator, designed by Michael Bluejay may be the best tool I’ve found for that.  Have fun.

So there you have it.  My Top Ten For 2010.  Top Ten Reasons to Buy Real Estate Now.  Comments are welcome as always.  Email me at mohayer@fhallen.com. 

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

It’s 2010. Hard to believe that we have entered a new decade. We’ve certainly learned some valuable lessons in Real Estate during the past decade – some old, some new and, quite frankly, some we hope to never learn again. But one thing it has taught us is despite the ebbs and flows, there are many great reasons to buy real estate. So moving into 2010, here are five reasons (in no particular order) to BUY NOW! Check back later for five more. You can email me at mohayer@fhallen.com. I welcome your feedback.

• Appreciation — Historically, homes values have appreciated. Even though during the past few years we’ve experienced a cooling off and drop off in appreciation, things seem to be on the upswing. Prices across the country are at historic lows, but not for long. Here in Sonoma County, median home prices rose 9% in December 2009 according to the Press Democrat. You can check your area’s appreciation here. If the values in your area seem to be on the way up, don’t delay. I’ll bet those homes are a great deal today. Seriously.

• Mortgage Interest Deduction — Interest is the biggest part of your mortgage payment. Owning your home is a great tax shelter. Deductions for mortgage interest are still one of the best benefits of home ownership.

• Interest Rates — Rates are at an all time low. No kidding. Today’s rates may be the best we’ll see in our lifetime, but we’re already seeing upticks and most analysts believe that rates have nowhere to go but up. Eric S. Rosengren, president and chief executive of the Boston Fed, believes that interest rates will go up by Spring, 2010, which he discusses in an article here. So act now and you’ll be sure to get the best bang for your home purchase buck.

• Leveraging Your Asset — First, find your dream home. Then you can make a down payment of as little as 3.5% of the purchase price in the case of an FHA loan. Next, earn returns on the total value of the property. All the while, you get to live in your investment. Beautiful.

• Property Tax Deductions — Property taxes paid on your primary residence, as well as vacation homes, are fully deductible for income tax purposes. Specifics on deductions can be found on the IRS site.

There are so many more reasons to act now and take advantage of home ownership. So, buy NOW, seriously! Low rates, low prices, big tax deductions and leverage. Whew, what more could you ask for? Here are five reasons, and five more are to follow, so stay tuned for part two of Top Ten for Twenty Ten—reasons to buy a home now. If you have questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact me at mohayer@fhallen.com or go to my website at www.marthaohayer.com.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

Are you still teetering on the fence whether or not to purchase a home in 2010? Are home prices going to dip while interest rates rise? Is inventory going to increase, especially the REO/Foreclosure segment of the market that we have been hearing about for more than a year now? We do not know what’s in store for the housing market in 2010, however, The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, signed into law on Nov. 6, 2009, extends the first-time homebuyer tax credit and expands the credit to move-up/repeat home buyers and here’s what you need to know.

The new law states that “an eligible taxpayer must purchase, or enter into a binding contract to purchase, a principal residence and close escrow on or before April 30, 2010.” However, the tax credit will qualify if a binding purchase contract is signed by April 30, 2010 and escrow closes by June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 tax return. If the home was purchased between January 1, 2009 – November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns. If the home was purchased between November 7, 2009 – April 30, 2010, the income limits are $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns (an increase of $50,000 for single taxpayers and $75,000 for married couples).

The tax credit for first-time home buyers (the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence the past three years prior to the purchase) is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price (up to a maximum of $8,000 as the tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less). The tax credit doesn’t have to be repaid unless the home is sold or no longer used as the buyer’s principle residence within three years after the purchase.

The credit is also valid for current homeowners buying a replacement principal residence. Eligibility to claim the tax credit states that the buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the previous eight years. The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price (up to a maximum of $6,500 and the tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less). The credit is available if the home was purchased between November 7, 2009 – April 30, 2010. However, the tax credit will qualify if a binding purchase contract is signed by April 30, 2010 and escrow closes by June 30, 2010. The income limits are $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing joint tax returns. The tax credit doesn’t have to be repaid unless the home is sold or no longer used as the buyer’s principle residence within three years after the purchase.

With the tax credit deadline looming on April 30, 2010, historically low interest rates, low home prices, and low inventory, you may want to consult with a realtor, financial planner and tax consultant to determine whether or not the time for homeownership is right for you. Opportunity is knocking on your future front door, take advantage of it before it’s too late!

Posted By: Doug Hecker

Mark your calendars for this Saturday, November 28, because Santa Claus is coming to our town! At noon, prepare to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Turning Basin in Downtown Petaluma as they arrive via riverboat. We’re pretty sure his sleigh is fine, but why not arrive via one of Petaluma’s treasures—our river. Parents and kids will delight when the Claus’ disembark and stroll through downtown greeting all with Holiday wishes and candy.

Santa’s arrival is just one of the many holiday events coming up in Petaluma. The 2009 Petaluma Holiday Events calendar has been published and features a comprehensive list of upcoming holiday fun. You can pick up a copy of the calendar from any of the major sponsors and contributors in town, including Haus Fortuna, Petaluma Visitor’s Center, Petaluma Yacht Club, Vine and Barrel, as well as many others. Of course the most up-to-date information can always be found at www.visitpetaluma.com.

December is right around the corner and many holiday events are scheduled. There’s the City of Lights Driving Tour, a self-guided tour of participating homes and businesses decorated for the holidays, which can be viewed throughout the month. Stop by the Visitors’ Center for a map of homes. One of my very favorite events is the Lighted Boat Parade on December 5. The flotilla of decorated boats will be on parade up the river and arriving at the Turning Basin at approximately 6:30 PM. It’s fabulous and festive and definitely fun!

So don’t miss the holidays in historic downtown Petaluma. Stuff your stockings with local cheer! And experience the charm of small town holidays.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

Nestled between Annadel State Park and Highway 12, just south of Santa Rosa and north of Kenwood, you will find Santa Rosa’s best kept secret – Wild Oak, a gated community blended seamlessly into the hillside. Formerly part of Annadel Farms, a large privately – owned ranch carved from the Los Guilicos land grant, Wild Oak is nearly 400 acres with approximately 130 residential lots and was approved by the Santa Rosa City Council as a subdivision in 1976. It has a unique blend of country isolation, gated security, natural beauty, and city services. There is direct access into Annadel Park’s 40 miles of biking, horse and hiking trails, and in less than 15 minutes by car you can find yourself in downtown Santa Rosa. It is within the Rincon Valley School District, one of Santa Rosa’s most sought – after award-winning public school districts.  And if Sonoma County’s wine country is what you crave, Wild Oak is accessed directly from Highway 12 in the bountiful Valley of the Moon where some of Sonoma’s best known and loved wineries can be found.

For more information you can go to me, Valley of the Moon wineries, Rincon Valley schools, or Annadel State Park.

Posted by:Jen Phillips

Previous posts have centered on “how-to’s” for sellers. Well, buyers have just as many rules! For most buyers, the first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. It is imperative to know just how much home you can buy, and exactly what your monthly payment will be, before you start your home search. My “no-surprises” mantra applies to buyers as well as sellers.

When applying for a mortgage loan, there are definite do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. In general, you don’t want to make any changes to your financial picture until after you’ve moved into your new home.

Here are ten rules to keep in mind while navigating the process:

1. Do not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.
2. Do not buy a car, truck or other large purchase that requires monthly payments.
3. Do not use credit cards excessively or let your payments fall behind.
4. Do not spend money that you have set aside for closing costs or down payments.
5. If refinancing, do not stop making your current mortgage payments.
6. Do not originate any new inquiries into your credit.
7. Do not make large deposits to your checking or savings accounts without first checking with your loan officer.
8. Do not change bank accounts.
9. Do not co-sign a loan for anyone.
10. DO make sure the loan application is completed fully and accurately, and provide your loan officer with any requested information promptly.

Each of these rules has been violated by a borrower at one time or another, resulting in delays or outright denial of the loan. Don’t let this happen to you. And if you are looking for a reputable lender, contact me at 707.537.2308 or dbyrne@fhallen.com and I’ll provide you with the names of some good ones.

Posted by:Deborah Byrne

In a previous post I discussed how best to prepare your home for sale. I went through the nuts and bolts of repairing, cleaning and decluttering, and how best to show your home to the viewing public. But wait, you’re not done yet! You must keep looking through the eyes of a potential buyer.

Once your home is in escrow, there is still a lot that needs to be done. The buyer will spend 2-3 weeks doing various inspections – what we call “due diligence.” This is the last place we want surprises. Any additional repair or maintenance expenses the buyer discovers or perceives will give him or her reason to renegotiate price or terms.

For this reason, I strongly urge sellers to get a pest inspection at the time they put their home on the market. This allows maximum leverage – you can decide to do the repairs upfront , adjust the price accordingly, or simply disclose what might be needed ahead of time. Often you can do a simple repair for a couple hundred dollars, but a buyer will ask for a several – thousand – dollar credit.

For country properties, pumping the septic tank is the minimum that should be done. For maximum protection a septic inspection should be done as well. Failed systems during the rainy season that follows a sale are a major source of lawsuits. Another common inspection for country property is a well test – another way to avoid costly surprises.

A home inspection is another important tool. It gives a snapshot of the home’s main systems and allows you to proactively take care of any repairs or maintenance issues. Many repairs are very inexpensive and simple, yet a buyer will place maximum dollar value on them.

Remember: Surprises cost money… and deals!

Posted by:Deborah Byrne

‘Tis that time of the year – where everyone is hitting you up for something – local charities are in great need, food pantries are empty, kitchen lines are long, and a great number of individuals and organizations are in need of assistance and resources. Want to know the easiest way to help? Go into your closet and find those old coats and jackets that you don’t need anymore and donate them to a good cause – PPSC (Petaluma People Service Center). Frank Howard Allen Realtors will be collecting the coats and jackets as part of our Annual Warm Coat and Food Drive. And to make it even easier, if you can’t drop your donations off at the office (905 E. Washington St in Petaluma), please call us (707.762.7766) and we will arrange for the items to be picked up. The weather is getting colder, even in our mild climate, and warm clothes are needed by many. So please help – both the community and the recipients.

They say you can’t fight City Hall, but in this case you  can change it!  This past Saturday, October 24, over 200 volunteers did just that as Petaluma once again shone as the stellar community that it is. Three non-profit groups, Petaluma Bounty, Rebuilding Together Petaluma and Daily Acts teamed up with Petaluma Water Resources and various city departments to take part in a worldwide endeavor called International Day of Climate Action.

The event brought hundreds of volunteers to City Hall – not inside the chambers – but out where the grass is green – or was. The purpose of the day’s event was to transform the water intensive turf surrounding City Hall into a dynamic, water harvesting eco-scape. Yes, a water-harvesting eco-scape. Imagine, no more watering the grounds. Amazing. This catchment system will collect rainwater from the roof of City Hall to be used in watering the new community gardens, made in raised beds which were constructed and installed with native and edible plants. All told, an estimated four million gallons of water will be saved annually at Petaluma City Hall .

 

This wonderful day was covered by Petaluma 360 here and you can also read about one volunteer’s personal experience here.

So, once again, Petaluma is on the forefront of contemporary conservation measures, community service, and collaboration. See, you can fight city hall – and everyone wins!

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

As I mentioned in my previous post, Petaluma celebrates El Dia De Los Muertos in a big way and the festivities continue through this weekend. The altars are everywhere in shop windows, right on the counters next to cash registers and scattered about town. I highly recommend that you take a minute to explore Petaluma and see how families celebrate their deceased. Really, it’s a wonderful way to look at death as a part of life. Photos, favorite candy wrappers, flowers—each ‘ofrenda’—or altar is as unique as the person being celebrated.

The events culminate this weekend and a highlight for me is Friday’s candlelight procession. You can view a complete list of activities presented by the Petaluma Arts Council here. In addition, here is a list of altar locations, but you won’t really need it. Just take a walkabout in historic Downtown Petaluma and you’ll see the altars everywhere. You can also become a Facebook friend.

See you there! And if you attend, send me an e-mail at mohayer@fhallen.com. I’d love to hear about your experience.

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

Traditionally, fall brings about a change in activity in the real estate market since many homebuyers plan their transactions around the school year. With school in session, sales can tend to slow. Additionally, many sellers take their homes off the market for the holidays and wait for the more favorable spring selling climate. Pair the cyclical trend with reduced consumer spending, an increasing unemployment rate and decreasing cash flow, and this would appear to be an unfavorable time to list your home.

However, we’ve seen from experience that if priced right from the start, some homes do sell in a short time frame, no matter the season. Indeed, there are buyers out there who recognize that now is a great time to purchase a home. Fueled by low mortgage rates and government incentives, savvy buyers are looking to make a purchase. Case in point: The Duran Group’s listing at 3650 Rutherford Way in Santa Rosa. Priced at $789,900, this five bedroom, three bath home with over 3,356 sq. ft and built in 2000 drew five offers and went into contract after only nine days on the market.

Plagued by the economic crisis, the spending and saving habits of Americans are being looked at now more than ever as indicators of economic recovery.

However, maybe this is a more accurate sign of what’s to come.

Are you interested in buying in this off-peak season? Click here for some tips.

Posted by:Raina Duran

If gardens are for people then outdoor art can be for inspiration. The city of Santa Rosa takes this inspiration a step further with the Art in Public Places Program, which recognizes that art and culture in a public setting can enrich a community. Currently the art project is displaying a presentation of the finalists’ latest proposals to the selection panel, before the final award is announced for the next installation of work.

Art in Public Places is one of several Arts and Culture programs made available by the City of Santa Rosa, supporting a total of six projects, including the Civic Artwalk. Artwalk is already in its second rotation and features the most recent installations of Robert Ellison’s Renaissance, William Wareham’s Missa week, Penny Michel’s Ice Woman IV, and Karl Saliter’s Collective Impulse. These works compliment the previous group of public art pieces that make up the Artwalk. The Artwalk begins at Depot Park in Railroad Square; the full route can be found here.

In addition to being distinctive visual landmarks, the outdoor displays look to become permanent timeless icons of inspiration to our greater region of scenic vineyards in Sonoma.

Posted by:Ernie Basoco

What a wonderful way to celebrate the dead. I remember hearing of ‘All Saints Day’ as a child. I’m sure I knew lots about it as a young Catholic School child, but it didn’t stick with me. When I moved to Petaluma 9 years ago, I remember quite distinctly seeing the ‘ofrendas’ or altars set up in a few scattered spots downtown. I was curious and a bit proud that our town would embrace this lovely tradition although I admit, I knew little about it. Each year the event has grown larger, I’ve learned more and now the downtown is chock full of ofrendas and events surrounding this celebration.

Our little celebration is all grown up. Beginning October 17 and continuing through November 2, this town will be buzzing with a jam packed calendar of events surrounding El Dia de Los Muertos. This is a family event, a time for celebrating with a family reunion – the living and the dead. It is believed that the dead return to visit their families once a year and this celebration is neither somber nor macabre. Rather a time for festivities and community.

During the celebration, you can view the altars made by locals to honor their dead. Families make altars and place ‘ofrendas’ (offerings) of food, fruit, candles, yellow marigolds and photos of the deceased. Each of these is a work of art. Wonderful and unique – some quite plain, and some so incredibly elaborate you will think they’ve been working on them all year – you may be right! There will be over 50 altars in shop windows, building walkways and tucked away in unusual spots. You can find a list of the altars in numerous locations downtown or at the Petaluma Arts Council. Spend some time on the Art and Altar Walk and I assure you you’ll want to be part of this incredible event.

The Art and Altar Walk is a stroll you can do anytime during the two week period. Other events include family workshops, poetry readings, folk dancing, and the culmination on October 30th with the traditional Candlelight procession with music dancing and Giant Puppets. This candlelight procession is worth a trip to Petaluma on Friday October 30 – you will be delighted, I assure you. The event will be on the river this year and it’s always a treat for the senses. Become a facebook friend and you won’t miss a single minute.

Or just head to downtown Petaluma and take in all that this unique and wonderful event has to offer. Just another reason to love our unique and wonderful place to live – Petaluma!

Posted by:Martha O’Hayer

Real Estate is about relationships and relationships need nurturing. Over the years I have tried to be creative in choosing thoughtful gifts for my clients and I have discovered the gift that truly keeps on giving – a gift that allows me to continue to provide customer service long after the close of escrow – the Home Warranty. No matter how thorough the inspections on a property are during the escrow, one cannot see through walls or anticipate that something that currently works perfectly will continue to do so.

There are a few great reasons that I provide coverage to my clients after they have moved:

1. In today’s Real Estate world of Short Sales and REO’s (bank-owned properties), where the property has often been vacant for six months to a year or more, less and less information about a property is disclosed to the potential buyers. This can leave many questions unanswered about the home even after inspections are performed.
   
   
2. Once an escrow is closed, many Sellers disappear. If I have done my job correctly, my Buyer client does not need to contact the Seller for any problems. They have a warranty company to call.
   
   
3. Warranties are important for Sellers as well. My Seller clients love the fact that they have a cushion between themselves and the Buyers for anything that might happen after close of escrow in that first year.
   
   

This summer I sold a home in San Anselmo that was at least one-hundred-years-old and belonged to the same family that had built it. I represented the Buyers, who were expecting their first child this month. After all the inspections were done, the systems seemed to check out fine, and we came up with a game plan for minor repairs. The weather in July was very warm, escrow closed, and my clients were on their way to living happily ever after. However, just a couple of weeks later the weather turned so they decided to try out the hot tub. To their dismay, it wouldn’t heat! As this was their first home purchase, I was the first person they called. We got in touch with the home warranty company and, thankfully, not only did they have the spa repaired, but they also waived the first service fee. A few months later, the furnace thermostat died. No worries though, the warranty company took care of it in record time. Now October is here, the baby has arrived, and the couple has peace of mind, focusing on what really matters.

A home warranty does not cover everything, however it will protect against unexpected home repairs for system components and major appliances that likely are not covered by your homeowners insurance.

If you’d like more information about Home Warranties, please call me. The added sense of security when you purchase or sell a home can be an invaluable gift.

Posted by:Rebecca Celli