Holiday Fun in Sonoma County
The holiday season is here in Sonoma County, and with it, the expected quieting of real estate activity as the focus shifts to holiday gatherings, seeing friends and family, and warm celebrations.
Buying or selling a property may not be top of mind for you with all the other festivities this month, but there is something to be said for listing your home during the quiet of winter: there’s less competition on the market, and buyers who are still actively looking are serious buyers.
Homes that go into contract during the second half of December typically wouldn’t close escrow until sometime in January—what a way to kick off 2024! Food for thought, along with all the other holiday delicacies.
Should You “Wait & See”? 📉
Autumn is upon us and we’re in the midst of the post-Labor Day / pre-holidays bump in the real estate market – a window of time that’s coming to a close soon!
One of the questions I’ve been getting a lot lately is, “Should I wait and see what interest rates do next year or jump in the market now?”
A valid question for both buyers and sellers.
Before sharing my perspective, I think it’s wise to look at what’s happening in the market.
🍂 Fresh Eggs, Wine Walks & Fall Fun!
It’s October in Sonoma County, and I’m ready for all things fall! 🍂
From cooling temps and changing leaves, to cozy sweaters and decorating for the holidays —I can’t wait! Can you?
Fall is the world’s way of embracing change and often prompts us to reconsider our own routine and home life. Maybe that means adopting a new healthy habit, getting up earlier to make the most of shorter days, or even a change of address.
July Sonoma County Market Stats, Happy Hour & End-Of Summer Fun!
Where did summer go?
We’re officially in that in-between season of summer fun and fall productivity. I don’t know about you, but I’d personally like a few more days of beach, pool and sunshine! But alas, the season is changing, and so is the Sonoma County housing market!
This year, real estate has seen some crazy twists and turns. From roller coaster interest rates, inventory shortages to fluctuating pricing, and a two-week MLS outage, what have we not seen?
Summer Fun & Things To Do This July in Sonoma County
Welcome to July! Can you believe we’re already in the thick of summer in Sonoma County? I’m loving the blue skies and a healthy dose of sunshine, however the summer months can be a busy time.
Our calendars fill up fast with vacation plans, a plethora of new outdoor events to attend and additional time spent working on the house and in the garden.
It’s important to remember to slow down and literally “smell the roses.” Enjoy the longer days, savor a glass of wine and carve out time to reflect on our goals for the year.
How are we progressing? How do we feel? What’s working and what’s not?
If real estate is a goal that’s on your mind, you’re not alone! This year has been a change of pace for both buyers and sellers. Many have put their plans on hold as they wait out the interest rate hikes and rising home prices.
Keep reading below for more on how our housing market is performing and a list of ways to enjoy summer in Sonoma County!
FREE Live Music around Sonoma County!
Who doesn’t love FREE entertainment! One of the best things about summer in Sonoma County is the plethora of weekly options available to music lovers! If you enjoy getting out to see local Live Music, take a look at what is happening around Sonoma County this summer! Healdsburg In The Plaza Tuesdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm 2022 Tuesdays in the Plaza June 14 – Jesus Diaz y su Qba (Afro-Cuban Ensemble) June 21 – The Carolyn Sills Combo (Spaghetti Western Swing) June 28 – The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra ft. Terrie Odabi (Blues/Soul) July 5 – The Coffis Brothers (Folk Rock) July 12 – Marshall House Project (Electric Soul/Funk) July 19 – Los Pinguos (Latin Rhythm/World) July 26 – Soul Horizon (Reggae) August 2 – Luce (Rock/Alternative) August 9 – Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys (Rockabilly/Western Swing) August 16 – Sal’s Greenhouse (Funk/Soul) August 23 – Boot Juice (Bluegrass/Folk) August 30 – The Rubinoos (Power Pop/Pop Rock) Montgomery Village - Sounds Summer Concert Series Santa Rosa Sundays 3:00pm - 6:00pm Village Sound Summer Concert Series June 12 – Pop-Rocks June 26 – Stax City July 10 – Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers July 24 – Mercy and the Heartbeats August 7 – Wonderbread 5 August 21 – Pop Fiction KRUSH Backyard Concerts 3565 Standish Ave, Santa Rosa Thursdays 6:00pm Backyard Concerts 2022 June 16 – Kid Andersen June 30 – Achilles Wheel / Dgiin July 14 – Wreckless Strangers / Amy McCarley July 28 – Janiva Magness / Alex Jordan August 11 – Taylor Rae / Dream Farmers August 25 – Blues Defenders & Soul Fuse September 8 – Full Moonalice / THUGZ Acoustic September 22 – Sonoma County Super Jam Live at Juilliard Park 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa Sundays 5:00pm - 7:00pm Live at Juilliard July 17 – Paul Steward July 24 – Lee Vandeveer Band July 31 – Aki Kumar August 7 - Batacha August 14 - Down Dirty Shake August 21 - Caitlin Jemma & The Goodness Wilson Artisan Wineries Summer Music Series Healdsburg Fridays 6:00 – 8:30pm Summer Music Series June 10 – St. Anne’s Crossing, Sonoma Shakers – Rock & Roll, Blues | Wine Country Artisan Pizza June 17 – Mazzocco, The Funky Dozen – Funk, Party | Fa Nino’s June 24 – Jaxon Keys, Solid Air – Americana, Rock & Roll | Wilson Artisan Grilling Team July 1 – Delorimier, The Hots – Rock, Pop | Wine Country Artisan Pizza July 8 – Soda Rock, The Poyntlyss Sistars – R&B, Dance | Dino’s Greek July 15 – St. Anne’s Crossing, Humdingers – Rock & Soul, Jazz | Chad’s Soup Shack July 22 – Mazzocco, The Harvest Band – Motown Soul | Dino’s Greek July 29 – Coyote Sonoma, Nicole Marden Band – Country | Coyote Sonoma August 5 – Soda...
Happy 4th of July – Where to Enjoy Fireworks this Year in Sonoma County
I'm happy to hear that 4th of July Fireworks celebrations are happening across Sonoma County, after several years of cancellations due to the pandemic and wildfire danger. Here's a list of dates and locations for Fourth of July Fireworks planned in Sonoma County. We will keep the event list updated as well with the most current information, so be sure to keep checking back. And hey--you may be able to see some of these from the comfort of your own home, or at a friend's home. From my house I can see Sebastopol and Windsor on July 3rd, and downtown Santa Rosa (though this year it seems they won't be held July 4th). In years past I have gone to the beach on the Russian River in Guerneville--super great place to watch, but it appears those are not happening this year. The event at the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park will feature the Santa Rosa Symphony and Transcendence Theatre Company. [embed]https://youtu.be/8eh9cobS8dU[/embed] There are lots of great options to choose from this year! Visit the Press Democrat article on Where to celebrate July 4th around Sonoma County for even more on what's happening around the county. Be sure to check Facebook and Press Democrat for the most up to date information as well. Whatever you do, stay safe and enjoy a Happy 4th of July! Sonoma Monday, July 4 - Dusk Sonoma Fireworks General Vallejo's Field Petaluma's Laser Light Display Monday, July 4 - 9:30pm Petaluma Light Show Viewable from Downtown Area to Sonoma Mountain Rohnert Park Monday, July 4 - 7:30m-11pm Rohnert Park Fireworks Green Music Center Sebastopol Sunday, July 3 - 6:15pm-10pm Sebastopol Fireworks Analy High School Windsor Sunday, July 3 - Starts at 7:30pm Windsor Fireworks Keiser Park Healdsburg Monday, July 4 - 9pm-11pm Healdsburg Fireworks Healdsburg High School Cloverdale Monday, July 4 - 9pm Cloverdale Fireworks Cloverdale High School ...
What’s new in the wine country this month!
With summer winding down, the call of the outdoors still beckons. This month we're celebrating the opening of a new Healdsburg hidden gem and one of our new restaurants in Sebastopol by the Michelin Guide. Outdoor Activities (Besides Wine Tasting) to Try in Sonoma County: Yes, Sonoma County is a world-class wine and food destination, but we have so much more to offer than the sum of our wineries and restaurants. The natural largesse of the land provides stellar outdoor recreational opportunities in the air, on land and at sea. So get out there. Burn some calories, get the heart pumping and stimulate the senses by exploring the Sonoma you may not know. Forager, a Modern Mercantile Store Opens in Healdsburg: Congrats to our clients and friends who recently opened their new store, Forager, located on the historic Healdsburg Plaza. We stopped by to check out their eclectic mix of objects for the home that elevate practical, everyday living and picked up a few great pieces! Merchandise includes curated, artisanal products that are not seen everywhere else, alongside thoughtfully chosen vintage home goods and decor. To learn more, click here. Sebastopol Restaurant Honored by Michelin: Inspired by the “resilience and creativity of chefs” during the pandemic, Michelin inspectors have named Sebastopol’s Khom Loi as one of 10 notable new San Francisco and Wine Country restaurants in its online guide. [caption id="attachment_21320" align="alignleft" width="839"] (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)[/caption] ...
Sonoma County Summer Fun ☀️
Summer in the wine country brings with it scenes of lush vineyards, blooming meadows of lavender, and long, warm sunny days perfect for a beach day, outdoor wine tasting, or dining al fresco. Below discover more of what’s new this summer in Sonoma County! Live Music Returns to the Wine Country: In yet another welcome sign of a slow return to normalcy, the music is back, more intimately yet just as exuberantly, at these tuneful Sonoma County wineries. Reservations are required and physical distancing is factored into concert setups. Camp in Style this Summer: Let’s face it: Camping it a lot of work. It’s also a lot of fun. If you’d like to maximize the latter and minimize the former, consider booking one of these six “glamping” destinations in Sonoma County in which the shiny Airstreams, towering treehouses, and luxury canvas tents are awaiting—no assembly required....
Sonoma Wine Month 🍇
Happy Wine Month! As vineyards bud and come to life, April is the perfect time to showcase the world’s most sustainable and diverse wine region. All month long, wineries will be offering special in-person and virtual experiences as well as shipping promotions. Learn more here. Making headlines, Sonoma was recently named among the top 10 towns in the Golden State by Travel + Leisure magazine, adding to its recognition as a world-class destination. And on a lighter note, now that Sonoma County has moved into the less restrictive Orange Tier, we are seeing more local businesses open their doors and expand their offerings for the spring/summer season. Below we've shared a list of local happenings and things to do to celebrate the season. Given the beautiful, expansive, and outdoor setting, wine tasting has become arguably a more popular and important pastime than ever during the pandemic. The SF Chronicle’s top wine critic just dropped this timely and useful list of the best 25 local wineries to visit. With many wineries releasing new vintages in spring, it's a great time to visit one of these local spots. Click here to visit: The Bay's Top Vino-Sipping Destinations Sunny weather and ample outdoor space make Sonoma County an ideal destination for those seeking to ditch the fog (and their light sweaters) for wine, snacks, and vineyard views. Here are some of the most interesting restaurant openings in Napa and Sonoma over the last six months, as well as a few to watch out for in the coming year. Click here to visit: Notable Newcomers - The Wine Country's Food Scene...