My Green Sonoma

Just Listed! 5716 Brigadoon Way Santa Rosa, CA 95409

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:38:27 -0500

$1,069,000.00
5716 Brigadoon Way

Santa Rosa, CA 95409

Beds: 4.0	Rooms: 4
Baths: 3.00	Sq. Ft.: 0
Garage: 3.0	Built: 2005

This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Cindy Brandon
Artisan Sothebys International Realty
707.538.0100
www.finewinecountryproperty.com

Visit this listing at Here

Green Events in Our Community

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:35:49 -0500

Wednesday, September 17
Emerging Legislation that will affect Sustainable Technology Development
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Assembly member Jared Huffman will speak about sustainable technology legislation, promising emerging technology, and what incentives will be offered.
Hosted by Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster
1300 Valley House Lane, Suite 100
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
RSVP: 707-794-1240 or kariz@somobc.org

Thursday, September 18
Solar Sonoma County and Solar American Cities Kickoff
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Help launch Solar Sonoma County and learn all about the Solar American Cities grant which Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County just received from the Department of Energy.
Hosted by Solar Sonoma County
http://www.solarsonomacounty.com/events.html#anchor
For Business Membership: http://www.solarsonomacounty.com/membership.html
Sonoma Mountain Village, Rohnert Park
RSVP Required!

Thursday, November 6
Climate All-Stars Conference
This conference will inspire Bay Area leaders to implement innovative climate solutions. National and international "stars" will share their key lessons, best practices, and success stories. The Climate All-Stars conference will provide practical examples and tools with a focus on how to achieve ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets.

http://www.climateallstars.org/

830 Mcclelland Drive, Windsor, CA Offeres at $1,036,800

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:56:44 -0500

Just Listed! 830 McClelland Windsor, CA 95492 July 22nd, 2008 10:49 AM

$1,036,800.00
830 McClelland

Windsor, CA 95492

Beds: 0	Rooms: 0
Baths: 0	Sq. Ft.: 2592.00
Garage: 0	Built: 0

This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Cindy Brandon
CINDY BRANDON
707.538.0100
www.finewinecountryproperty.com

Visit this listing at Here

Sonoma county Real Estate Market Trends

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:51:51 -0500

Year to date sales volume is up in Sonoma County compared with the same period in 2007. Even though volume is up, we continue to see multiple price reductions each week, in all markets. Some feel that the increase in the number of buyers will lead to a slowing of pricing adjustments in some markets.

A recent property was introduced to the market at a price that was 5-10% below market value. Several offers were submitted and the property will likely sell for well over asking price. What does this tell us? Properties that are priced competitively are selling. It also illustrates that the buyers in today's market are savvy and they are waiting for and recognize a good value when one presents itself.

Following find Sales Volume YTD compared with the same period in 2007.

Countywide Apr-Jun 2007: 1,189 Homes with an average price of $648,294 Apr-Jun 2008 : 1,265 Homes with an average price of $513,720

Healdsburg Apr-Jun 2007: 45 Homes with an average price of $818,387 Apr-Jun 2008 : 36 Homes with an average price of $846,895

Windsor Apr-Jun 2007: 63 Homes with an average price of $625,690 Apr-Jun 2008 : 86 Homes with an average price of $425,002

East Santa Rosa Apr-Jun 2007: 272 Homes with an average price of $697,167 Apr-Jun 2008 : 268 Homes with an average price of $560,796

West Santa Rosa Apr-Jun 2007: 162 Homes with an average price of $492,206 Apr-Jun 2008 : 285 Homes with an average price of $333,155

Sebastopol Apr-Jun 2007: 71 Homes with an average price of $806,087 Apr-Jun 2008 : 66 Homes with an average price of $774,621

Sonoma Apr-Jun 2007: 113 Homes with an average price of $941,133 Apr-Jun 2008 : 97 Homes with an average price of $866,414

Buyers always ask how the market is performing and when would be the best time to buy. If only we could predict the future! We can report on current and historic market activity and trends so feel free to contact me and I'll create an analysis for you that is specific to your area. Just send an email to cindy@cindybrandon.com.

Free Virtual Tours with Picasa Web

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:07:15 -0500

I just discovered that I can successfully copy and paste the link from Google's Picasa Web into the MLS Virtual Media and create a free Virtual Tour that is run from our Picasa site. It makes a great no cost way to post virtual tours on line!

Just send yourself an invitation to view the gallery and copy and paste the embedded link for view slide show into the virtual media section of the listing information page. Here's what a prospect will see:

http://picasaweb.google.com/ArtisanSIR/9373LakewoodDriveWindsorCaliforniaOfferedAt969000/photo#s5231933728325694882

You might also consider adding your logo to the photo using Adobe Photoshop for branding and copyright purposes.

Cindy Brandon, Broker Associate Artisan Sotheby's International Realty Santa Rosa

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:40:00 -0500

Cindy Brandon is a full time professional Broker Associate with Artisan Sotheby's International Realty in Sonoma Wine Country California. She represents clients with Real Estate investments from $200k to more than $20 million. Many of Cindy's transactions are highly complex including country properties, commercial property, environmental issues, real estate portfolio disposition, and more.

Cindy has a strong background and interest in "green" real estate, helping buyers and sellers realize the hidden value of "green" features in real estate. She is a certified Green Building Professional and EcoBroker.

Cindy's first career was as a certified public accountant. She consulted with Fortune 100 companies and nationally recognized firms including General Electric, Beatrice and KPMG. She has lived in Spain and Germany and has traveled extensively worldwide. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BSC from DePaul University.

Her extensive business experience has honed her negotiating, marketing and analytical skills. Clients appreciate her financial expertise, confidentiality, thoroughness and ability to create a comfortable working relationship. They also find her internet marketing expertise invaluable.

Cindy is dedicated to staying at the top of her profession through education and holds several highly regarded designations including CRS, GRI, and e-PRO. She has been a certified mentor/trainer for new agents and past Chairman of the Northbay Association of Realtors Education Committee. Most recently Cindy was appointed to the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Council and Environmental Committee.

Cindy Brandon is a Licensed Real Estate Broker California DRE License # 01325597

Radon in your Granite Counters?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:16:46 -0500

Last week the New York Times published an article about elevated levels of radon in granite. The article says that the EPA has been receiving calls from inspectors and homeowners that have had high readings coming from their countertops.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The E.P.A. says that if radon gas levels inside a home is higher than 4 picocuries per liter of air you should take action. The Marble Institute is coming up with a way to measure levels so that consumers can be informed about the safety of their granite features.

The American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologist can provide you with a list of certified Radon testers in your area. www.arst.org

9373 Lakewood Drive, Windsor, CA

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:21:22 -0500

Completely updated leaving no stone unturned, this spectacular single story Lakewood Hills home features maple hardwood floors, chef's kitchen, solar heated pool and spa, pool house w/ kitchenette & full bath, travertine marble in all main home baths, oversized steam shower & jetted tub in master bath, oversize jetted tub & jetted shower in guest bath, custom cabinets, skylights/chimney vents, cedar lined MBR closets and ... the list goes on!

Offered at $969,000

537 Larch Drive Petaluma

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:57:25 -0500

Luxurious and Eco-Friendly

Another fabulous custom luxury home built by the Papenhausens, known for their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Step through this Grand Entry into the perfect floor plan with Master Suite, Chef's Kitchen, Great Room, Formal Living and Dining areas and Garage all on one level.

Step through this home's grand entry into a masterpiece featuring panoramic views, hardwood floors, handmade cherry cabinets, spectacular kitchen , main floor master bedroom. Downstairs features 3 bedrooms plus a large media room, second family room or guest suite.

Located in Prestigious West View Estate. This home is luxurious and "Green". This 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home was built with Forest Stewardship Council Sustainable Lumber, Low VOC paint, Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling, Water Saving Landscaping and much more.

click here to view a virtual tour of this property. http://www.obeo.com/Public/Viewer/Default.aspx?ID=452061

Wildfire Preparedness

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:49:34 -0500

Wildfires usually start unnoticed and spread rapidly. Are you prepared? If you live in high wildfire hazard zone there are some steps you can take now to protect your home and your family.

Start by clearing a 30 to 100-foot area around your house and other outbuildings. Call your local fire station and ask them for advice on how much area is recommended for your property.

Your clearing efforts should focus on the following:

•§ Leaves, dead limbs, any/all flammable vegetation.

•§ Remove leaves and rubbish from under decks and other structures and in gutters

•§ Thin a space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.

•§ Remove tree limbs that overhang roof areas.

•§ Ask PB&E to clear branches from power lines.

•§ Remove vines from the walls of the home.

•§ Keep grasses short

Have an Emergency "Go Kit" ready. This "Go Kit" will come in handy in a number of emergency situations. Some suggestions for the contents of this kit include:

•§ Water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.

•§ Change of clothing, shoes, blanket or sleeping bag.

•§ First aid kit that including a week supply of prescription medications.

•§ Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.

•§ Cell phone charger

•§ Sanitation supplies.

•§ Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

•§ Extra pair of eyeglasses.

•§ Identification, credit cards, cash

•§ Photocopies of important family documents including bank and home insurance information, photo inventory of contents of home

•§ Extra set of car and house keys

•§ Local maps

•§ N95 dust masks to help filter contaminated air

•§ Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors to shelter in place

•§ Tools: screwdrivers, waterproof matches, a fire extinguisher, flares, plastic storage containers, needle and thread, pen and paper, a compass, garbage bags, moist towelettes, and regular household bleach

•§ Confine pets to one room so that they can be located quickly. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.

•§ Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.

For more information go to http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/wf_prepare.shtm

AB 2678 Changed - Removes Point of Sale Mandate

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:05:23 -0500

AB 2678 was recently modified to exclude a point of sale requirement for energy audits and mandatory retrofits. CAR (California Association of Realtors) states that a point of sale requirement is inefficient because it requires homes to turnover before going into effect. I believe this is an accurate observation. CAR statistics show that only 22% of the properties most in need of energy efficiency retrofits will actually be sold by 2020. Therefore, a point of sale program does not go far enough to meet the GHG reduction goal. Insteady I believe we should be exploring a community wide retrofit program that offers incentives to property owners to "green up" their buildings.

Energy audits during the inspection period are already a standard of care for many residential realtors including myself. From a buyer's perspective, who wouldn't want to know how energy efficient a home is or is not?

Cost vs benefit and cash flow limitations are the two primary reasons that most homeowners aren't taking action today to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The cost of gas, food, and other everyday essentials, has reduced the consumers disposable income and the ability to purchase energy efficient appliances that will take some time to reap the payback benefits. This is why I think there is merit to exploring a community wide retrofit program that provides incentives to retrofit, better utilizes market driven forces, and targets low cost, high impact retrofits to existing buildings (e.g. Light bulbs, water heaters, HVAC, and whatever their commercial equivalents might be.)

Santa Rosa Plain Wetland Mitigation

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:15:32 -0500

In November 2007 the Fish and Wildlife department issued a new plan for preserving endangered species in the Santa Rosa Plain, primarily for the protection of wetlands that contain the California Tiger Salamander, and/or the following flowers: Burke's Goldfiled, Sonoma Sunshine, Sebastopol Meadowfoam.

Burkes Goldfield
Sebastopol Meadowfoam
Sonoma Sunshine

On my webpage www.socohomegroup.com/mitigation I'm compiling links and information resources to help you understand what this plan might mean for you. The resource page includes interactive maps, federal and state reports, mitigation bank information and more. I hope it will be a valueable resource for those interested and those impacted by this programmatic.

Good News Sonoma County, REO Inventories are on the Decline!

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:42:01 -0500

For the first time in this market, we are seeing a marked reduction in REO inventory. The number of properties available has dropped from 315 at the end of March to 273 as of May 5, 2008. In some areas, REO inventories are very low and buyers are finding that they are competing against multiple offers. I have personally experienced this with buyers in East Santa Rosa and Windsor. REO inventories have plunged in several areas including Windsor, Petaluma, and West County.

West Santa Rosa remains the hardest hit with a current REO inventory of 109 homes, and represents 40% of all REO inventory in Sonoma County ... however, its important to note that 52 of these properties have come on the market in the last 30 days.

For more information about Sonoma County REO properties visit my webpage www.socohomegroup.com/reo

Climate Protection Campaign Meeting In Healdsburg Friday, May 16

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:17:32 -0500

Here's a great opportunity to learn about what Sonoma County Government and Businesses are doing to fight Global Warming.

Climate Protection: Everybody Profits IV
Friday, May 16, 2008 8:30am to 2:00pm
Villa Chanticleer, Healdsburg

Here's a sampling of topics that will be covered.

How does our County fit into current and proposed U.S. climate initiatives?
Find out what actions our County governments has taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Learn who our climate protection community leaders are in Sonoma County.
Learn about the latest tools and solutions in energy efficiency, alternative fuels, water efficiency, and greenbuilding techniques.

For more information go to: http://www.everybodyprofitssonoma.com/

Hope to see you there!

California Proposition 8 - May enable you to temporarily lower your property taxes.

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:04:12 -0500

Proposition 8 may offer an opportunity for you to temporarily lower your property taxes.

Proposition 8, provides County Tax Assessors with the authority to temporarily lower the assessed value of real property when the valueis higher than market value as of the January 1, lien date. To lower your taxes you will need to provide evidence to the Assessor's office that the market value of your property as of January 1, 2008 is less than the assessed value.

If you live in Sonoma County California I can provide you (free of charge) with the necessary application form as well as information on comparable sales that took place from January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008. Just go to my web page www.socohomegroup.com/prop8 and fill out the request form.

Solar Sonoma County wins Solar America City Grant

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:01:32 -0500

Marty Roberts of Solar Sonoma County just emailed me with some exciting news. Santa Rosa was recently named one of 12 new "Solar America Cities," which qualifies the city to receive federal funding and technical assistance for project implementation of its Solar Sonoma County grant proposal. The objective of this proposal is a countywide solar program that accelerates and expands local solar energy production.

The foundation of Santa Rosa's proposal is the Solar Sebastopol program. The city is banding together other area cities and the county to expand the program countywide. The funds will contribute to efforts by Santa Rosa and the Solar Sonoma County partners' to increase the amount of solar installations in the County by 25 megawatts over the next three years. The goal of Solar Sonoma County is to become a public-private consortium of local governments, solar companies, businesses, and other groups and organizations.

For more information go to www.solarsonomacounty.com.

Thank you Marty, we wish you and the Solar Sonoma County team great success!

New Sonoma County Conforming Loan Limits

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:47:43 -0600

The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) announced a temporary increase to conforming loan limits for loan originations starting July 1, 2007 and ending Dec. 31, 2008.

The government also raised loan limits FHA guaranteed mortgages for loans originated between now and Dec. 31, 2008.

Here are the new limits for Sonoma County:

To view all new FHA Limits, go to: FHA Loan Limits by County

And for proposed limit changes for FNMA and FMAC go to: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Proposed Loan Limit Changes

(The above information has not been verified, is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice).

Generate More X-Sites Leads

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:13:19 -0600

Here's a lead generator you may want to try... I spoke with my local Homes and Land Magazine Representative and received permission to offer a free copy of the magazine on my website. Here's what I did to set it up on my Ala mode x-site.

Created a custom lead capture form.
Added a custom content feature (Homes and Land Logo that links to a lead in the dynamic content section on my home page.
Created a web page to capture leads
Linked the custom content logo to my lead generating web page.

Here's the link to my home page: www.socohomegroup.com

When I receive Homes and Land Magazine requests leads, I go to their website and enter the mailing address.

It took me less than an hour (probably take a pro 30 minutes).

Integrated Pest Management

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:16:40 -0600

From time to time I have buyers calling me to try and find homes that have not been treated with pesticides. Usually these people are cancer victims but more and more people are beginning to understand the impact that pesticides have on ourselves and our environment.

If you are concerned about pesticides but don't want ants and other pests you might want to consider talking to Hitmen Pest Control. I'm delighted to say that they are now offering an alternative product they call integrated pest management. Rather than spraying a pesticide barrier around the house, their specialists come out periodically and inspect around and underneath the house treating only where needed. They treat with natrual products like cloves and cinnamon.

If you'd like to learn more, you can contact them at 707-526-6055. If you don't live in Santa Rosa, try contacting your local pest control company. You can also access additional information through the following links:

http://www.recyclenow.org/less-toxic/index.html

http://cesonoma.ucdavis.edu/Integrated_Pest_Management685/

March 12, 2008 Hear Peter Barnes Speak About "How to Fight Climate Change without Soaking the Middle Class"

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:05:42 -0600

Sponsored by the Climate Protection Campaign: Take a trip to San Francisco and learn about Peter Barnes proposal to meet the scientific imperative for climate AND narrow the gap between rich and poor.

Peter Barnes, is Senior Fellow with the Tomales Bay Institute, Co-founder of Working Assets and has authored books about market based methods to resolve environmental problems. Peter is on the Climate Protection Campaign's Advisory Board.

When: Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Where: Commonwealth Club, San Francisco

How to get there: Car Pool! The Climate Protection Campagin Organization has rented a bus for 25 people and purchased a block of tickets. We'll arrange for your travel meal. First come - first serve. Passengers board in Santa Rosa at about 3:20. We'll also pick up passengers in Petaluma about 4:00. (We'll provide details to those who sign up.)

Cost: Bus trip ($35) plus ticket to event ($15) = $50 total; add $10 for travel meal (optional) = $60

To reserve your place on the bus email lora@climateprotectioncampaign.org or call 823-2665.

Reduce Junk Mail Reduces Solid Waste

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:32:05 -0600

Help keep junk mail out of our landfills. Go to Mail Preference Service www.directmail.com/junk_mail to remove your name and address from 3rd class mailing lists. Also it may not be necessary to call companies to be removed from catalog lists. I've been fairly successful sending an email request instead. Be sure to let them know the customer or key number on the back of the catalog.

If you send out bulk mail, consider a radio advertising campaign to replace some of those mailings.

Florence Lofts Green Live Work Community in Sebastopol, CA

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 11:38:08 -0600

All I can say is ... WOW! If you want to live in a green community, you need to check out this new Sebastopol based live/work community designed by Architect, Steve Sheldon.

Florence Lofts has been created with an unquestionably deep commitment to our environment. Don't miss the opportunity to check out this project which features, Leed's certified construction, use of sustainable and recycled construction materials, solar power, Graywater recycling (you have to see this, its brilliant), earthfriendly landscaping and the list goes on ... and on. Take your own personal tour of the Florence Lofts project. A perfect location for the Green oriented business owner/ homebuyer. Visit their website at http://www.ibisbuilds.com/ .

Chat with Clients through your X-Site Website

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:28:34 -0600

I just discovered a great new (beta) feature at Alamode.com, thanks to Eric Richardson's Real Estate Tech Blog and his Ala-mode website http://www.myoklahome.com/. I can now chat with visitors to my website. Its so easy to add a custom on-line chat button that appears on all of your web pages and enables you to do the following:

Be alerted when new visitors are at your site and what page they came in on,
Watch visitors move through your website.
Allow visitors to initiate a chat conversation with you...or you can initiate a conversation with them (probably best if you allow them to initiate it).

There is probably more but I just started using this feature last night. I am confident that, if used properly and politely, it will be a great tool. Already have ala-mode and want to know how to add the chat feature, just go to their help section and search for help on "chat".

Not yet an ala-mode user? In my own words, Ala-mode is a robust template based website tool for Appraisers, Lenders and Real Estate Agents. Go to www.alamode.com to check it out or go to my website at www.socohomegroup.com. Feel free to chat if I'm on-line.

Thanks Al a mode, Inc. - I'm hooked!

Boca Raton Networking Event in May? Who's going?

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 21:55:15 -0600

I'm planning on attending the Sotheby's International Networking Event in Boca Raton in May and thought it might be a good idea to do some pre-networking. Is anyone else planning on attending? I went to a West Coast regional event last fall and it was quite productive. Has anyone attended the International Event before?

Early bird registration is through April 1, 2008. Log into the sotheby's member site for more info. http://members.sothebysrealty.com/login.aspx.

1-800-GOOG-411 (FREE 411 Service)

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:52:53 -0600

I had something unusal happen the other day. My cell phone service provider called and gave me a tip for how to save some money. His tip: Rather than dial 411 on my cell phone which costs $1.79 per call, try Google's new 411 service. Its free! Just dial 1-800-GOOG-411. Thanks AT&T.

Note, I called this number and the service is for businesses only, not personal residences.