Martin Levy Blog

Four Unexpected and Expensive Things That Can Happen to Your Home

October 27, 2011 By martinlevy 4 Comments

Remodeled House

Before you jump in and buy what looks like a dream house, you need to have it inspected. Let’s say that you bought the house in an auction as is. You still need to get it inspected and you’d better have some hefty savings. As any of you who saw the movie “The Money Pit” know, buying a fixer-upper can get more and more expensive as you go.

There are four problems that are some of the most expensive to fix. Do you know what they are?

1. Let’s start with how firm the foundation. If it isn’t firm, you can have basement walls that bow, wall and floor cracks or a tilting chimney.

What does your dream home look like?

October 24, 2011 By martinlevy Leave a Comment

Gingerbread House

Times may be tough, but thinking about a dream home is always free.

What do you love in a home? When you watch television do you look at the outsides of homes and see how things are painted and laid out on the insides? If you could have your dream home today, would it be Victoria Gingerbread or Early America? Perhaps you like the simple lines of Danish Modern and Bauer House. When you watch TV do you look at the furniture, carpets, and what is hanging on the wall? Do find yourself thinking that you have just seen the perfect kitchen, a soothing bedroom or maybe a quirky bathroom?

3 Remodel Tips That Won’t Break Your Piggy Bank

September 19, 2011 By martinlevy 2 Comments

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.

Ancient Wisdom Borrowed: The Art of Selling Your House

September 1, 2011 By martinlevy Leave a Comment

Sun Tzu

The process of selling a home here in Sonoma and Lake County during difficult economic times might seem like waging a long and arduous battle. The whole progression, from finding a knowledgeable real estate agent, courting buyers, to staging and negotiations, may feel like a war of attrition. Without the right plan for success, victory can sometimes become fleeting. If you are planning to sell your home, you may take heart with some wisdom from the ancient Chinese military general and philosopher Sun Tzu.

You may know the name Sun Tzu from a popular writings and phrases that focus on military tactics and strategies known as The Art of War. The military treatise has been used for years, not just as a battlefield guide, but also as a path to success in business and even sports. Today, we’ll adapt some a few of Sun Tzu’s philosophies to help you on the path to triumphantly selling your property.

3 House Hunting Tips in the Current Economy

August 24, 2011 By martinlevy 1 Comment

News stories about the current state of the economy can seem confusing, if not slightly worrisome. Here in the North Bay, local economics are seemingly like our weather. We have wide-ranging microclimates where in one location you need a heavy jacket and within a few minutes’ drive, you would need shorts and a t-shirt. Here in Sonoma County, while unemployment numbers remain high, the North Bay Business Journal reports that at least one economist suggests the local outlook is hopeful.

75 Fremont Drive, Sonoma, CA: Live Beautiful and Work Beautiful

August 10, 2011 By martinlevy Leave a Comment

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 House 7/31: Town and the City, the Best of Both Worlds

July 31, 2011 By martinlevy Leave a Comment

280 Champman Lane. Petaluma, CA

One of the great things about searching for a new home in Sonoma County, is the wide assortment of choices to fit almost any lifestyle. Whether you’re a country bumpkin or you tend to enjoy the hustle and bustle of cities and towns, you’ll find it here. But, sometimes we want a piece of both. And 280 Chapman Lane, in beautiful Petaluma, will give you the feeling as if you’re living in on the farm, but all your entertainment is just a short drive away.

Open Houses 7/24: Space- The Final Frontier

July 23, 2011 By martinlevy Leave a Comment

8833 Canyon Oak Drive, Windsor -$649,000

Sunday, July 24, 1-4PM

When the guest list gets a little too big, or ‘those days’ occur when your long lost cousin Jim from Florida and the entire group show up for the family event, it’s great to have lots of space. And this four bedroom, three bath, two-story jewel, located in the Foothill Meadows subdivision, is not lacking for room. In fact, the great room is so large, the kids could play indoor soccer until they run out of energy and fall asleep (although we don’t recommend it).

Wine Lovers Unite!

July 16, 2011 By martinlevy 1 Comment

Dry Creek Valley

If there were to be a new core message designed for the County of Sonoma, ‘Wine Lovers Unite!’ might just fit the bill. And even though, grapes, vineyards and everything, from a fine bottle of Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot can be found throughout the region; it seems the proverbial gods of vino chose the city of Healdsburg as a playground for wine lovers.

Located in right in the heart of three distinct geographic wine regions (Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley) perfect for appellation, (appellation meaning something akin to geography ideal for vineyards) a short drive in virtually any direction provides stunning vistas, scenic country roads and beautiful structures built for delighting the senses and palates of even the most serious wine connoisseur.

Open Houses 07/10: Take a Trip through the Wine Country Experience

July 10, 2011 By martinlevy Leave a Comment

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.