My favorie place to eat and relax outside as weather permits is two doors away from where I work at Healdsburg Sotheby’s International Realty at 709 Healdsburg Avenue.

Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar is everyone’s favorite and is located at on the corner of Healdsburg Avenue and North Streetat 403 Healdsburg Avenue. It recently expanded into the adjacent empty space which provides more indoor dining with another bar as well. This restaurant reminds me of Spain’s tapa bars that you find in San Sebastian along the northern coast of Spain. The size of the entrees are smaller so you can enjoy lots of diversified, exciting dishes.

For Reservations call 707 433-9191

Next is another favorite for both locals and tourists and it is called Bistro Ralph. It is conveniently located on the north side of the square in Healdsburg at 109 Plaza Street. One of my friends especially loves the Chicken Livers which is very tasty and many locals go there especially for his favorite. Be sure and not miss the location since during the winter there are curtains to keep out the cold.

Bistro Ralph’s telephone number is 707 433-1380. Call for reservatioms.

Costeaux French Bakery has a great Bakery, a huge Cafe and an Expresso Bar. It is located three doors to the right of Sotheby’s International Realtyat at 417 Healdsburg Avenue.

It is a Healdsburg tradition since 1923 and is know for its excellent staff and service. I often have a salad for lunch and I have learned to enjoy the friendly sevice and excellent food. The staff takes care of me like family and they make it a holiday for me to see my friends who work there. It is only open for breakfast and lunch and it also has a covered area with heaters so that you can sit outside as well. It usually closes at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Costeaux French Bakery ‘s telephone number is 707 433-1913where you make a reservation or you can order one of their fabulous cakes.

When I look  at REO’s in Sonoma County, I look for possible damage that has been quickly covered up to help sell the property. Also the agents who perform the repairs to the property often have very little information regarding the property. After all the goal of the listing agents is to sell the properties as quickly as possible and the agents  choose not to find out anything regarding the  history of the properties..

Therefore, it is the responsiblity of the buyer and his or her agent to make sure that the property has been permitted for the structures currently on the property. Looking closely at an unusal cement walkway leading to nowhere is a clue that maybe a pool was there and the second home on the property was really just zoned for a pool house. Obviously, the listing agent does not research these conditions and prefers to remain in the dark. The buyer’s agent must insist that the buyer  researches  the property at the proper City or County agencies to ascertain whether the REO is really what it appears to be. I happen to really enjoy the challenge of determining the value of these  properties. When I graduated from U.C.L.A. I went to work as an Administrative Assistant for the City of Los Angeles. I am very comfortable researching with my clients at the Sonoma County Permit and Resources office all the available information regarding the properties.

I have been very successful in finding REO’s for my clients in Sonoma County that have required very few repairs.  One property that was listed originally for over two million the buyers were able to buy it as an REO for just over a million .

Nevertheless, I highly recommend for investors and for clients who plan in living in the property to look closely at the REO’s that are now available. There are many diamonds in the rough that can make great investments. Especially now is the time to buy. The economy is obviously turning around and there are many buyers currently looking to buy. Don’t wait too long since I believe this is the bottom of the decline in home prices in Sonoma County and now is the time to take the leap into home ownership. Call me  at 707 495-4356 to discuss your concerns about home ownership or investment properties. The rental market is fantastic and will continue to support higher rents;  plus the cost of purchase money is at historic lows. ACT NOW.

When I moved to Sonoma County thirty seven years ago from Palos Verdes, California, all my friends from U.C.L.A. thought that I had moved to Siberia. Now, in hindsight, my life long friends have told me how lucky I was to move to a slower, more relaxed area with little crime and abundant parks where my children could run freely on their bicycles. It looks like Healdsburg in particular has been “Discovered”.

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Pending home sales reflect the activity in the market that hasn’t been tabulated until the homes are sold. Pending home sales, which are based on signed contracts but not closed, rose 2.0 percent higher in January from December and were 8.0 percent higher than January 2011. The Natonal Assication of Realtors reported. The January index is the highest since April 2010 when homebuyers were rushing to take advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun says the uptick in pending home sales is a hopeful indicator going into the spring home-buying season. However, he states that the headwinds of tight credit still exist.  Mr. Yun named the favorable changes in the economy to be the job gains, high affordability and rising rents which are pushing the market into what appears to be a sustained housing recovery.

Already, the good news is reflected in the recovery of the large home builders rise in stock prices since October, 2011 as well. The inventory for new homes is at a record low.

Some good news regarding changes to Short Sales in California

On July 15, 2011, California Legislature enacted a new law protecting homeowners and investors against deficiency liability after a short sale in California. This law only applies to single family homes and 1-4 units. This change applies to every California upside-down homeowner who refinanced since they purchased their home, and every upside-down investor that purchased or refinanced a home or 1-4 units.

Previous to this new law, if the owner refinanced his home or the property was an investment(1-4 units), the owners were on the hook to pay the deficiency if the lender decided to sue them for it. The term deficiency means the difference between what is owed on the loan(s) and what the lender(s) receive(s) as payoff.

The only caveat regarding this new law is if you happen to have a second on the property.  In that case the Seller must get in writing that the second lender agrees to not pursue a deficiency judgement against the Seller before closing the transaction. It is highly recommended that you consult your C.P.A. or a real estate lawyer to determine whether this works for each Seller.

In addition, the lenders benefit greatly by keeping the owners in the property while it is being sold as a Short Sale. The owners’ credit will be effected for a shorter period if they choose to sell their property as a Short Sale as opposed to having a foreclosure on their record. See the following page for up-to-date comparisons of waiting periods for Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and Short Sales. Also, it is best to consult with your C.P.A. to confirm the impact of choosing to go ahead with a Short Sale.

Kelp below crowds the small inlet inside Russian Gulch

Russian Gulch, one of California’s  most spectacular State Parks, is located just  two miles further north of the town of Mendocino. When I was younger, my family stayed only at Van Damm State Park. Only in the last ten years have I discovered the hidden cove known as  Russian Gulch which goes unnoticed when I had traveled on Highway 1 so many times without seeing the fascinating scenery below the gorgeous bridge. I had  never noticed the cove below. I happened to stay with a  friend who lives nearby on the bluffs just north of the park when I first discovered the beauty of this park. This weekend I once again experienced the surprises of the grandeur of this hidden treasure of a cove with water the color of  green to light blue only rarely seen this side of Hawaii.

I walked down the winding road down to the creek and to the shallow cove which appears so peaceful with its crescent shaped beach protected from the wind of the Pacific Ocean. Both sides of the cove have strikingly beautiful cliffs and assortment of statuesque trees which perch precariously on the edge of the meadows above.The stunning weather this past July 4th weekend of  cloudless skies warmed the sand and even the tide pools on the rocks were warm. The meadow above the cove has a sink hole where on rushing water from the majestic Pacific Ocean rushes in through a cave to this strange sunken treasure.

Californians are blessed with so many of these exceptional state parks. I just hope that we can find a way to fund our proudest possessions that makes California, and Sonoma County the best place to live, at least for me, in the  world.  I hope that the proposal to fund the state parks with an added $15 fee to our car registrations will be passed and will save our beautiful parks for all the world to enjoy.

Stunning Bridge which spans the inlet below

Beautiful single story view property located on its own knoll in the exquisite  town of Healdsburg. The new owner will enjoy all the benefits of design and elegance that was created in 2001 with a professionally designed kitchen, gorgeous landscaping, a  small vineyard of Merlot grapes, and exceptional views of Alexander Valley and the hills beyond. When you walk into the home, a private entry foyer greets you. Next  you enter the great room which features a gas fireplace surrounded by custom built-ins and  10 foot high ceilings add to the feeling of  spaciousness and a wall of windows floods  the interior with light . You are greeted with the sunny southern exposure of the gorgeous backyard  which was professionally landscaped  and includes a large patio as well as a covered deck  where you can enjoy the view. A high hedge defines the boundary of the backyard and provides privacy to enjoy a glass of wine with your evening meal throughout the year.

The home is designed with two separate master suites on opposite ends of the home which truly is helpful since you can expect to have lots of visitors coming to enjoy the exceptional quality of life of Sonoma County and especially the town of Healdsburg.  From my own personal experience over the past 36 years I have seen Healdsburg change from a sleepy agricultural town to a world renowned hamlet featured in articles throughout the world. We boast the finest restaurants including Cyrus where I have enjoyed the highest quality of food and service. Besides Cyrus there is Ravenous on North Street,  Willi’s Seafood Food Raw Bar on Healdsburg Avenue, Bistro Ralph on the Plaza, just to name a few of the highest quality restaurants in Sonoma County and perhaps the world.

This exceptional .7 acre property is located just a few miles from Healdsburg’s famous square. One can walk from your new home to downtown and enjoy your morning coffee at the Flying Goat Coffee on Center Street where the locals gather every morning to enjoy conversations with each other. Another favorite  Mexican restaurant is El Sombrero on Center Street where I have enjoyed the best the town has to offer in Mexican cuisine without the fuss of a fancy place.

Another benefit of this home is the exceptional professionally designed kitchen with a center island featuring a huge slab of  light yellow Zodiac . The highest quality of appliances are featured along with a gorgeous  limestone tile floor. The highest quality of flooring is featured throughout the home as well as the 10 foot ceiling which adds to the feeling of spaciousness. The office is separated from the living area by a wall of gorgeous glass that serves to reduce any noise from the great room. The home is furnished with exceptionally beautiful furniture which one could purchase separately so that the property may be bought as a “turn key”.

This property is proudly offered at $1,139,000.

OWNERS LIKED PROPERTY SO MUCH THEY CHOSE TO KEEP IT AND MOVE BACK INTO THE REDWOOD COVERED PROPERTY

Once every fifty years or so, an opportunity comes along to own your own Heavenly fifteen acres in West  Sebastopol filled with its own Redwood forest, two year round streams, a  meadow,  an apple orchard and two ponds. The property  was built in the 50′s in the style of a main lodge and several cottages  and is named Willowbrook. This exquisite property boasts a lodge home with redwood logs decorating its exterior and interior along with three additional  one  bedroom cottages  in  a similar style.  A paved road leads to this serene setting just one mile north of Bodega Highway on Furlong Road. The quiet is punctured only by the sounds of the two streams, the rustling of the trees and the diverse wildlife of native birds whistling in the trees. The property boasts a sun drenched swimming pool with its own huge flagstone patio with steps leading down to another patio next to the bubbling year round stream. From the deck off the pool cabana, one can enjoy the view of the Redwood forest, stream and huge ferns growing in its own grotto like setting.

The fifteen acres are gifted with both the warming sun in the meadow, the ponds, and the pool area as well as the apple orchard on the other side of one of the streams. The lodge is kissed by the sun, while behind the main home  a redwood grove grows with its cool  shadows creating a cool area to relax.  A trail leads around the lodge through the forest to the beautiful pool area which enjoys the warming rays of the sun.

Priced at $1,175,000.00

Please call Realtor Sheila Giovan at 707 495-4356 for a private showing. All showings must be arranged through the selling agent.

Stunning West Dry Creek Valley 40 acre Estate Bulding site with spectacular views of vineyards and Dry Creek Valley below.  Cleared and ready for the most discriminating buyer who is looking forward to building in the most gorgeous area of the wine country in Healdsburg.  The property is located on the bench line on the western side of  West Dry Valley directly behind the award winning Raymond Burr’s winery.  All trails and roads have been improved so that you can tranverse the entire property.  The southern part of the property boasts a possible building site already leveled and with an additional extraordinary view. No matter what you goals are, this property is a rare find of a buildable site,  existing 12000 gallon cement water tank, existing new well drilled in November  2009 as well as other water sources, and a new septic system has been designed and permitted by the County  and is ready to be installed.  Electricity is on the property attached to the antique home  which can be used to live in while you are building your dream home. A seasonal stream and beautiful trees add to the serenity of the parcel.

In addition, this property enjoys ideal Healdsburg weather  conditions where the sun rises over the eastern part of Dry Creek Valley and lights this property so you can have your morning coffee in the sunlight. The views  from the older antique home are spectacular of the well manicured  valley below.

If you are thinking of building in the wine country,  this is the property that you must see and bring a glass of wine to stop and enjoy the views.

The price is $1,350,000.

Please contact Sheila Giovan at 707 495-4356 for a private showing.

Beautiful view from knoll overlooking the Russsian River Valley

SOLD, TOO LATE TO BUY THIS FABULOUS VIEW PROPERTY

10.33 acre estate parcel has remarkable panoramic views of the Russian River Valley with vineyards in every direction. Features include 3 bd/2 bath ranch style home, huge renovated barn with cement floor and office. The barn can easily hold 10 cars. Additional amenities include tennis court, smallcottage, large covered patio surrounded by adult shade trees and garden. Six acres are planted with award winning Pinot Noir grapes which are leased and provide great views and income ($10,000) per year. In addition, 3 ½ acres+- are ready to be planted by the new owners with the added bonus of free tertiary water on site. The property is totally private , located on a hilltop with exceptional views and yet not visible from the main road. A Must See!

VisualTour of this listing.

Offered at $998,500.