We have some great wineries in Rincon Valley.  A number of them advertise that they are "dog-friendly".  Gwen and I took the dogs out to test just how "dog-friendly"  they were.  Here's what we found.                                                                                                                                     Road Trip!  St. Francis Winery100 Pythian Rd Santa Rosa Website  Bagel & Jerry posing with St Francis AssisiGreat red and white wines.  We were told the dogs were welcome, but we were asked to sit outside in the garden with them.  The staff was curious and gave them some attention.  There were bowls of water around for them to drink from.  The staff came outside to serve us wine and a cheese pairing.  There were a few other dogs present Bottom line: Tasting ... 07/05/2017

    We are so lucky in Rincon Valley to have so many options for places to go to celebrate the Fourth of July and to see professional fireworks displays.  Last night I enjoyed a cold but professional display in Sebastopol, Ca.  Tonight Rincon Valley residents can to the following celebrations (in order from closest to farthest away)Santa Rosa, "Red, White, and Boom" Live music by Wonder Bread 5 preceding the fireworks makes this one of my favorite events of the year! Wonder Bread 5 does a 2 hour set of 70's, and 80's cover hits.  50 - 100 up front by the stage dancing and having a good time while another few thousand sit in lawn chairs enjoying good food and beverages available on site for purchase.  It's a great time to relax, see people you know, and enjoy the best fireworks display i... 07/04/2017

Buckthorn Court is a wonderful townhouse development located in Rincon Valley.  It consists of 28 single story units that are all the same floor plan and size.  The homes are 1246 sq ft, and the lots are 1700 sq ft. All are only 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.  They were built in 1984, and have a cottage look.  The exterior siding is shake shingle.   All units have an unattached garage a short distance from the home.The development is very peaceful.  There is no pool, play structures, or tennis court.  The landscape is thick, mature, and well maintained.  Walking paths meander through the neighborhood, passing under giant eucalyptus, and past sprawling lawns.The development is partially on Indian Creek Drive, and partially on Buckthorn Court.  It is off Hwy 12 (Sonoma Highway) in between Middle... 06/30/2017

Saint Francis Woods (aka: Schoolhouse Creek) is an intimate Rincon Valley townhouse community.  I say intimate because there are only 37 units. The development is NOT a condominium complex.  It is individual homes attached to other units.  The owners own the land, building, and air rights.  They have much more value than condominiums found in other parts of Rincon Valley. Many real estate agents get these fact confused and some seller mistakenly advertise their homes as being "condos" which have less value.Schoolhouse Creek homes are all 2 story and have 2 car attached garages.  Most have laundry in the garage, but many owners (or previous owners) have installed laundry inside the residence.  All bedrooms are upstairs.  The units are all electric, to include radiant heat.  There are 2 m... 06/28/2017

Come out to Dry Creek Valley and enjoy some of the best Zinfandel and Primativo wines available in California Saturday July 1st 11am - 4 pm.    The following wineries and pouring wine, and paring red wines with Barbecue: Kokomo Winery - pulled port Mozzocco Winery - Skirt Steak Rued - BBQ chicken Wilson - sausage The Dry Creek Valley is known for their delicious red wines with it's hot weather and long dry growing season produces rich fruit flavor with subtle acids and tannins.Advance tickets are $60 each and can be bought at: Wine event  I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better north bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.    J... 06/27/2017

Streamside is a popular townhouse complex on the west side of Rincon Valley, the gateway to the Valley of the Moon.  The units either 2 or 3 stories, so there is a lot of living space with a small footprint.  The garages are in the rear, leaving the front doorways to open to a park like green belt. It is very unusual but pleasant.Streamside was built in 2007 as an affordable community. There are approx 56 units.  Nothing has sold in Streamside since 2012!  Here is the last sales activity: The units are all 3/3 or 4/3 and range is size from 1500 sq ft to 1780 sq ft and are attached on the sides to adjoining units.  The is a children's playground, and a city park/pathway that runs along Santa Rosa Creek.  Streamside has a homeowner's association that is professionally managed.  In 2012, H... 06/26/2017

Redwood Village is a great condominium development in Rincon Valley that is more affordable than other developments in Santa Rosa.   It consists of approx. 72 units ranging in size from as small as a 1 bedroom 1 bath 768 sq ft, to a large 3/2 1200 sq ft.   It was built in 1975 and is in a central Rincon Valley location right across the street from the Montecito Shopping Center, home to Oliver's Market, Round Table Pizza, and TruValue Hardware.The development is 12 groups of building, each containing 6 units.  Some of the individual units are 2 stories, but none of the units are stacked on top of each other.  In other words, no matter where you live nobody is above or below you.   In 2016, the following units sold:  Homeowners are subject to the rules and CC & R's of the Redwood Village ... 06/25/2017

Rincon Valley had 6 homes sales during the week beginning June 11th.Here are the details. Address:                            List Price:    Sold Price:      Days on Market:539 Blackstone Ct            $565,000     $585,000          655512 Dupont Dr               $599,000     $602,000          16152 Middle Rincon          $675,000     $700,000          421446 Great Heron            $899,950     $880,000          61124 Mountain Vista Cir  $539,000     $534,000        1046527 Meadowridge Dr    $559,000    $570,000          20                     Average:       $639,491     $645,166          51 Currently there are 53 homes for sale in Rincon ValleyHighest price: 7,750,000   Lowest price: 269,000  Median price: 799,000Average Sq Ft:  2342 Call me for more information on these homes, or if y... 06/24/2017

Yes it Roller Derby time in Rincon Valley!  Get into the action at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, and watch the North Bay Bruisers and the Wine Country Wreckers take on the Hanford Hooligans and the Resurrection Roller Girls  Saturday June 24th.  If you can't make this event here is a list of the following bouts:September 2November 18th Come enjoy some old fashioned skating fun.   Where: Grace Pavilion Sonoma County FairgroundJune 24th, Sept 2, November 18th 4pmCost: $5, $10, and $20 (VIP) For more information on this great local event, go to : Roller Derby I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better north bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley ... 06/23/2017

Hey Rincon Valley, did you know you can hang out in a beautiful historic area close to home, eat great food, and drink adult beverages all while listening to the best live bands?  Yes, at Hood Mansion on Pythian Rd.  There are a number of fun events in Sonoma County on Friday nights, but I try to hit this once or twice a month during the summer. The Tri Tip Trolly begins serving food at 5:30 and local beer and wines are available for purchase. Bring a low back chair or blanket and enjoy the 2018 summer lineup (to be announced):    Where: Hwy 12 to Pythian Dr to Los Guillicos Center & follow the signs to Hood Mansion.Cost: $10 to park (Free for Sonoma County Regional Parks members)           $10 to enter the venueWhen: Friday evenings June 23rd – Sept 1st   7pm to 9pmWhy: It's a benefit ... 06/22/2017

I have clients who do not understand why they need title insurance and do not understand what title insurance does. Chain of TitleLet's start off by saying that most homes that are bought, were previously owned by somebody. Even a new home sits on land that was owned by somebody before you bought it. You can track this ownership in California by going to the county recorders office and doing a title search of your property. This chain of ownership is called the "Chain of Title". In California, some properties can be traced back to Mexican land grants in the 1800's. Does anybody have an interest in your property that you might not know about?You, and the people before you, have certain rights when land is owned. Owners can sell it, give it away, keep it, develop it, promise it to somebod... 06/21/2017

Clients ask me all the time what they should and should not do when a buyer's agent shows up to view their home. 1) Each day when you get up just assume somebody is going to come over and look at your house. Make the beds Clean the kitchen and put the dishes out of sight Straighten and fluff the pillows Clear the clutter of all horizontal spaces (desk tops, coffee tables, kitchen cabinets etc) Make sure your valuables are somewhere secure  2) 15 minutes before an agent comes over, turn all your interior lights on . Bathrooms Bedrooms Hallways Walk-in closets Even the exhaust hood above the stove   If it's cold, turn on the heat, and if it's hot, turn on the A/C Open all the curtains and blinds to let as much light in as possible 3) Before the agent arrives, leave for a walk or go to the... 06/18/2017

Brush Creek Villas, located in the western part of Rincon Valley, is one of my favorite townhouse complexes.  It was built in the 1970's which means the landscape is mature and beautiful.  It is tucked against the Monticeto Hills, and boasts tall redwoods, oaks, along with olive and maples. Development:The development consists of approx. 100 units.  The style is Southwest or Early Californian, with stucco walls, tile roofs and heavy wood trim.  Generally speaking, the homes are grouped so that 4 - 6 homes share a circular driveway.  The homes share a common wall attached at the garage.  Not only is the Brush Creek Villas a wonderfully landscaped development but there is a community pool, tennis courts, club house, and bocce ball courts. Generally speaking the homes share the following a... 06/09/2017

The Spring Lake lagoon is now open for public swimming. This lifeguard protected swimming lagoon is the perfect place to spend a hot Rincon Valley day.The lagoon is surrounded by 360° of sandy beach. There is plenty of room for kids to play, with additional room for lap swimming in the center of the lake. The beachside café & boat rentals make this an easy place to spend the day.Last year an inflatable “playground” was added and has been the hit of the lagoon. The playground consists of a network of linked slides, bridges, climbing walls, balance beams and a trampoline all floating in the lagoon.When: 11 am – 6 pm Memorial Day – Labor DayWhere: Spring Lake swimming lagoon 393 Violetti Rd Santa RosaCost: $7 parking fee. Walk-ins freeInflatable playground $10 per hourMore info: Sonoma Cou... 06/03/2017

Sonoma County Regional Parks turns 50 years old this year. We are so lucky to have 3 of the 50 parks right here in Rincon Valley! Santa Rosa Creek Trail Hood Mountain Spring Lake Regional Parks is offering up this challenge to park users (and would-be park users): Hike, run or bike 5 trails between June & Sept 30th, log your experience and get a free parks t-shirt. The challenge is designed to get more people using/exploring our parks and to promote newly added parks and trails. Here's how you do it: Log into the Regional Parks website, and download the Trail Challenge Guide Pick your hikes Once you've completed your hikes log your experience on the Trails Log and upload any pictures you've taken. It is that simple! There are other challenges and giveaways too such as a free annual park... 06/03/2017

We are so lucky to live in Rincon Valley, and to be able to enjoy such things as free concerts at Montgomery Village. This Thursday evening Pride and Joy kick off the summer concert series "Concerts Under the Stars" at Montgomery Village Shopping Center 5:30 - 8pm.  Food and beverages are available for purchase, with proceeds going to a different non-profit which is designated before each concert.  This is a fun event where neighbors and friends come together to dance, eat, drink, and have a good time.Where:  Montgomery Village Shopping Center 911 Village Court Santa RosaWhen: Every Thursday evening  5:30 - 8pm Memorial Day - Cost: Free, Food and beverages available for purchaseMore info: MVshops.com  05/31/2017

  Attention fellow dogs! Jerry here...        Come to the Rincon Valley dog park tonight with your favorite human.  Every Friday night, Spring thru Fall, 6pm – sunset, we meet and play while our humans sit around and socialize with light snacks and beverages they bring to share among themselves.  It’s a great opportunity for us to play off leash while they stand around and eat and talk.  When:  Friday nights 6pm – duskWhere: Rincon Valley Community Park 5108 Badger RdWhat to do: Have your human bring a light snack or beverage to share   05/26/2017

The Rincon Valley Firefighters Assosciation is hosting their 69th annual Mother's Day pancake breakfast on Sunday May 14.   Come be apart of this historic Rincon Valley event from 8am - noon at the Mark West Elementary School located at: 4600 Lavell Road (cross st Old Redwood Hwy in Larkfield). Adults: $8Children: $5Under 5 years old: Free 05/12/2017

Ever wonder what you'd do if you were enjoying a Rincon Valley Park, and you or a friend were bit by a Rattlesnake, stung by a bee, or broke your ankle deep inside Annadel State Park?   Come get trained in Wilderness First Aid May 15th & 16th at Rincon Valley's Sugarloaf State Park. Classes are 8am - 5pm, and cost $120.This is a great way to ensure you are safe while enjoying all our wonderful parks in Rincon Valley. For more information contact:Tony Passantino996-0712Buy Tickets at BrownPaperTickets.com and search "Sugarloaf" 05/11/2017

Like most other agents, I take my own Rincon Valley listing photographs.  I use a Canon DSLR camera with a tripod.   Once I am done taking my pictures,   I run all the photographs through Apple's Photo Editor, which came pre-installed in my MacBook Pro.  If I am not using my own computer, I sometimes use Google Photos online app to do the same thing.   Using either program, I can edit the lighting, and crop the photos.  Both have an "automatic" lighting adjustment.  With the Apple version, I can also erase flaws.  When taking my pictures I always take a broader shot than I know I am going to need.  I do this because I plan on manually cropping the photo from my computer. In the photos below are examples of the common edits I make.  The picture on the left is the original.  The picture o... 05/10/2017