If you have been searching for a new home here in Lake or Sonoma County, it is likely that you will have dreamy thoughts of remodeling upon your move-in date. In fact, making alterations could be a determining factor in your allocation for a down payment and closing costs. I mean redesigning a kitchen, bathroom or even a backyard is part of the fun and sometimes the challenge of home ownership. Even if you have a remodel budget saved from recycling aluminum cans and your only construction expertise is building lego sets with the kids – have no fear. Sometimes the only limitation for an elegant new space in your humble abode happens to be your imagination. Here are a great few tips for new homeowners who just need a little inspiration and places to look for it.
75 Fremont Drive, Sonoma, CA: Live Beautiful and Work Beautiful
Situated in picturesque Sonoma Valley, just outside city limits, is this charming property, which literally provides a wealth of opportunities. It’s not just the gorgeous exterior and interior featuring a private garden and patios perfect for entertainment. The custom tile and wood flooring for this three bedroom and three bath single family is a work-of-art. And this estate includes 4200+/- square feet of adjoining structures that can function as showrooms, galleries, a workshop and even office space.
Open Houses 07/10: Take a Trip through the Wine Country Experience
FEATURED Open House: 1013 Westside Road, Healdsburg – Open Sun 1-4 – $995,000
What better way to describe this Westside Road gem -merely a short drive from the town plaza- than to picture a fabulous Saturday in wine country. Rising to the panoramic views of the sun lifting over the Russian River Valley, fresh brewed coffee awaits. Pouring a cup, you step outside into the cool morning air, letting the dogs roam free bounding across the grassy landscape of a big and beautiful backyard. After a hearty breakfast, you scamper across hardwood floors to shower, change and plan the day.
Get an Inspection to Avoid Buying a Lemon
You have found the home that you think is perfect. You know you are in love with it. You are so ready to close the deal.
But wait!
Before you close the deal you really need to make sure you aren’t picking a lemon. Now it’s time to get a home inspector involved. Back in the day it was not heard of in the home market to have a home inspection. If a person loved the house, like you do, he or she depended on that good feeling and what the real estate agent said. Now the process is different. Most real estate purchase contracts give you the right to order one or more professional inspections before you close.
Choosing Not to Get an Inspection
Back in the day people didn’t use home inspectors before they purchased their home. Then when they found out all the problems that hadn’t been obvious, they were stuck.
In an article by Marcie Geffner entitled “Goodbye Inspection, Hello Trouble,” dated Jan. 2, 2011 in the Official Site of the National Association of Realtors, Marcie talks about one of the strange things that happens in a hot real estate market, like in San Francisco, considered one of the nation’s hot real estate markets.
Understanding Closing Costs
Is this the first time you are buying a home of your own? Do you know that the price you agreed to on the house is not all you will have to pay to close? Here are some of the other costs that you need to factor in. Some of these you will be able to choose a vendor and lower the cost. Others are what they are.
The good news is that your lender and real estate agent will be able to give you a “good-faith estimate” of your expected settlement costs so you are not taken by surprise.
How Do You Get the Home of Your Dreams?
Drive around in any subdivision and you will see homes on sale.
They may be fixer-uppers or look great on the outside. You are interested, but you aren’t exactly sure what you want. Before you take up a realtor’s time, you and who you will be sharing the space with need to sit down and think about what you would like.
Auction of Glenelly Inn and Cottages in Glen Ellen, California on April 5th, 2011

Glenelly Inn
Did you know that Glenelly Inn and Cottages in Glen Ellen is going to be auctioned off by Martin Levy of Century 21 Alliance Thursday, April 5, 2011 at 11 a.m. at 585 Fiscal Drive Room 100 in Santa Rosa, CA 95403? Here is your chance to own a successful Bed and Breakfast with a solid reputation in the heart of California Wine Country.
The historic Glenelly Inn was established in 1916 and remodeled in 2002. It offers leisurely graciousness and a picturesque setting. The newly remodeled spacious kitchen is one a chef or caterer would delight to work in. The public guest areas include a living room and an expansive and bright dining room. There are also comfortable innkeeper quarters waiting for you.





