Welcome to the Russian River Real Estate Blog by DAVID R MILLAR, local Russian River real estate agent serving Guerneville, Monte Rio, Forestville, and Cazadero.

May 22, 2015

Fabulous Waterfront Properties On The Market Now!


If you have been looking for a home in West County that is waterfront today is the day for you! There are recently listed Riverfront and Creek Front properties on the market in this area as well as a home that is Oceanfront. If your dream is to be close to the water and experience the peace and serenity of owning your own waterfront home then check out these great listings in West Sonoma County.

17412 Orchard Guerneville, CA 95446

Orchard

All day long I hear people telling me they are looking for a Riverfront home on the Russian River! Well for all of you out there that have been looking for this, the wait is over! This adorable new Riverfront home on Orchard is just dripping with river charm.

Orchard2

There are two cute bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a loft room that could be used at a third bedroom or an office. There is a spacious kitchen with an island and a dining area that opens to the back porch. This would be a great place to sit and watch the stars twinkle over the Russian River on warm summer evenings!  This home has a yard for summer entertaining or perhaps pets or children to play in. The yard abuts the Russian River which offers direct access and summer dams make splashing around so much more fun! There is a one bedroom in-law unit on the property which is legal non-conforming. This home has fantastic Vacation Rental potential!

2360 Cazadero Road Cazadero, CA 95421

Cazadero

Perhaps living on the Russian River is not your dream...perhaps your dream is to live on a peaceful little creek in the middle of the redwood forest and wake up every morning to birds playing in the crystal clear water. If that is true then this is the perfect home for you!

IMG_5366

This sweet little home on Austin Creek has two charming bedrooms and two baths. It has an open floor plan throughout the home which allows it to feel much bigger than the actual size. An impressive main room features soaring exposed beam ceilings and a  a beautiful wood burning stove surrounded with stone. Glass doors in the main room open to a beautiful deck area surrounded by redwoods and overlooking the tranquil Austin Creek.

20090 Oyster Catcher Bodega Bay, CA 94923

Oyster Catcher

If what you are looking for liens more toward sitting on your porch and looking out over Bodega Bay and smelling the crisp ocean air, then Oyster Catcher is the place for you!

Oyster

This home features panoramic views of rolling hills and crashing waves. There are three spacious bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The living room is spacious as well with a cozy fireplace for warding off the chill of the ocean breeze. There is an enchanting little kitchen and dining area that allow for lots of space for entertaining guests year round.

If none of these homes are quite what you were looking for call or text 707-217-1786 and lets have a chat so I can find you a home that better fits with what you envision for yourself here on the Russian River!

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Posted in
May 8, 2015

Brand New Listings On The Russian River!

Search Homes For Sale On The Russian River!

If you are thinking about buying a home on the Russian River, you have probably been looking online at sites like Trulia and Zillow. These sites are good tools to use to get a basic idea of what you want and what price range you can afford to look in. They give you a good understanding of the market here on the river and what homes are being listed at and sold for. Once you have gathered this information, the next step is to go out and take a look at some properties for yourself. Many agents will hire photographers to take pictures of their listing for the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) but when you see the home in person it doesn't look at all like the pictures! This is one of the reasons that you should find an agent that you trust, that can take you out to look at properties and let you get a feel for the properties that are listed on the Russian River. To get you started I have highlighted some of the most recent properties on the market for you below. If you would like to schedule an appointment to go out and take a look at these homes or any other listing call or text 707-217-1786!

19387 Redwood Monte Rio, CA 95462

19387 Redwood Drive Monte Rio CA 95462

This home is located in the Northwood subdivision in Monte Rio along the Russian River. It has a beautiful view of the golf course and the Russian River. The home itself has a spacious kitchen that opens to the deck and high cathedral style ceilings that lend to its appeal.

Koi Pond in monte rio

It has three bedrooms that are absolutely breathtaking and three elegantly styled bathrooms.It has a cozy living room with a wood burning stove that is makes you feel at home the minute you walk in. The large deck includes a private hot tub that is great for relaxing year round!It has a unique atrium entry with stunning landscape and an adorable koi pond with a fountain. This home is listed at only $785,000 and in this market it is not going to last long so if you want to see this home for yourself call or text 707-217-1786.

Listing Courtesy Of Zephyr Real Estate

8029 Corso Forestville, CA 95436

8029 Corso Forestville CA 954369

Tucked away in the small town of Forestville just 15 minutes from Sebastopol is this cute three bedroom, one bathroom home. With open skies and beautiful landscaping this home's gardens are sun kissed and beautiful. Inside there is a cozy stone fireplace that is great for curling up next to on chilly evenings and an office or maybe reading room with french doors that open to the patio.

8029 Corso Forestville CA 95436

This house has an open kitchen and dining area and the bathroom features an adorable claw foot bathtub. The patio is surrounded by beautiful plants that lend privacy and an aire of peace and there is a hot tub for relaxing all year round. The parcel is fully fenced with a garage, carport, and a detached room that has endless possibilities. This home is close to beaches, wineries, shopping and dining and would work great as a vacation rental or a year round home!

Listing Courtesy Of Arisan Sotheby's International Realty

 1605 Austin Creek Cazadero, CA 95421

1605 Austin Creek Cazadero CA 95421

This Cazadero home is a stylistic creek front getaway with creative touches. You will have a chance to experience your own slice of the serenity of Austin Creek with indoor outdoor living, and feel the peace of the creek through your wall of glass. Let the tranquility of Austin Creek saturate your home and fill your life with the wonders of the forest.

Austin Creek Cazadero

The bathroom is elegantly designed with tile and a large spa like tub for soaking in. The bedroom has a sliding glass door and large windows so you can see the creek from the comfort of your bed. There is a loft above the living room that has a great view of the creek as well and is a peaceful place to read or watch TV. You can take a walk and enjoy the crystal clear waters of Austin Creek, the Ikebana wood art that decorates the home, and the towering redwoods that grace the area!

Listing Courtesy Of Arisan Sotheby's International Realty

If none of these homes are quite what you were looking for call or text 707-217-1786 and lets have a chat so I can find you a home that better fits with what you envision for yourself here on the Russian River!

Posted in
May 8, 2015

Awesome Listings On The Russian River!

I can blah blah blah about real estate all day but what you are really looking for are homes listed for sale on the Russian River! You don't want to hear that I have sold over 300 homes since I have been in real estate...you want to know what schools are nearby and what the lifestyle is here on the Russian River! I am here to help with all of your real estate needs and to begin that process here are some awesome listings on the Russian River. If you would like to take a private tour of any one of these homes CALL OR TEXT 707-217-1786 TODAY!

5850 Anderson Forestville, CA 95436

5850 Anderson

This is a magical Spanish/Mediterranean style home located in Forestville. It has three elegant bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well  as a 40 ft salt water, solar heated swimming pool, beautiful landscaping and gorgeous views! It is located at the end of a quiet country road and embodies the best of wine country with a 3000 bottle wine cellar!

5850 Anderson forestville

There is a 360 sq/ft studio on the property which is great if you are having house guests and would like them to have their own space, a 440 sq/ft office space for some peace and quiet on the job, and 1518 sq/ft barn perfect for horses or livestock. It has a cozy fireplace that is wonderful during those chilly winter evenings to curl up next to and a spacious kitchen with lots of room for family gatherings. The home has 6 available acres that have rich soil ready for you to plant your own private vineyard! To view more details about this stunning home click the address link above! This listing courtesy of Bergman Euro-National

22138 Highway 1 Jenner, CA 95450

22138 Highway 1 Jenner

This is a stunning oceanfront property that was listed recently in Jenner! It is custom built but has a craftsman style to it with large glass windows perfect for taking in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean as well as redwood lumber to remind you that you are not far from Armstrong Grove!

22138 Highway 1 Jenner 95450

It has a spacious kitchen with a cool island and three fireplaces to ward off that chilly ocean breeze. It has a sauna and a hot tub great for relaxing in and wine storage for those who like the finer things in life. The home has two master suites and five bathrooms. It has direct access to abalone diving in the cove via a private stairway and a spacious patio with an outdoor kitchen! This home has everything and it's on the ocean! This listing is courtesy of Caldwell Banker

 

24951 Hwy 116 Duncans Mills, CA 95430

24951 Hwy 116.95430

This is a charming Victorian style home located in Duncans Mills near both the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. The home was built circa 1880 and was designated a Sonoma County Historic Landmark although since then it has had extensive remodeling. It has five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room that makes you feel like you just walked into that old movie Gone With The Wind. 

24951 Hwy 116

It has four cute little fireplaces and is located on an upslope looking out over lush, green landscape. It has a spacious garage that can fit five cars and it is located just 5 miles from Jenner and is within walking distance of the adorable little shops located in Duncans Mills. This listing is courtesy of Caldwell Banker

See More Homes For Sale On The Russian River

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Based on information from Bay Area Real Estate Information Service (BAREIS).
Photos courtesy of Bay Area Real Estate Information Service (BAREIS)

Posted in
March 26, 2015

Everything You Should Know About Flood Insurance

Many people hear flood and automatically tense up, but floods are not something to be feared, they are something to be aware of and prepared for, and it is a small price to pay for getting to live in a stunning waterfront home. When you are properly prepared, and aware of all of the elements involved, you will be ready if your home does flood. Floods can occur for a number of different reasons including heavy continuous rainfall, hurricanes, over-topped levees, rapid rise of a body of water such as a river or lake near the home, and outdated or clogged drainage systems. It is important that we first look at ways of preventing flooding whenever possible so that we can eliminate any preventable damage to your home or loved ones. Once that is taken care of the next step would be to make sure that you are prepared in the event that your home does flood and to have a plan of action so that you and your family will know what to do thus limiting the panic and keeping everyone safe and damage to your home and belongings to a minimum. The last step is to make sure that you know what to do after a flood to clean up and restore your home to its former glory. How often you will be threatened by the chance of flooding will depend on where you live and how close you are to a flood zone, however with the right prevention and preparation it does NOT have to be a deal breaker if you are looking at investing in waterfront property.

Keep WaterOut!

Flood Prevention

There are a few things that you can do to protect your home from flooding BEFORE it floods to minimize and in some cases prevent damage to your home and personal belongings.

If your home is on sewer make sure that you install backflow valves or standpipes to prevent sewer lines from backing up and make sure that all street drains and gutters are clear of all dirt and debris so that the water is directed away from your home and the streets do not flood due to clogged drains. Another good thing to do is to make sure that you elevate as many items as possible; move personal belongings upstairs, to the attic, or onto tables and shelves so that they will not be damaged if water gets inside your home. Use stacked pallets to elevate your washer, dryer, water heater, oil tank, refrigerator, stove, and any other major appliances. Try to do your landscaping in plants and vegetation that can help with the water runoff in the event of heavy rainfall by planting in narrow strips that direct the water away from your home. Check with FEMA and find out if your home is in a flood zone, if it has ever flooded before, and if it was raised due to a flood. If your home has been raised you should obtain a copy of the Elevation Certificate and keep it in a safe place.

Flood Preparation

Make sure you are adequately prepared for a flood before it hits to minimize your discomfort and make sure you and your family are safe. Begin by making sure that you have stored clean water in jugs throughout your home so that if the water gets contaminated or turned off you will still have drinking water. Also if you live in a rural location and you have a well, there is a good chance that the electricity will go out during a flood and there will be nothing to power your pump. Make sure you have dry sandbags that you can place near the entrances of your home so that the water doesn't seep through space under the door. Make sure you have flashlights and candles so if the electricity goes out, you will still be able to see. If you have a propane tank that is above ground make sure it is anchored; if your propane tank is underground, be sure to make sure that it has been recently filled to avoid it coming up through the soil during the flood. Close the valves on your propane tank as the water begins to rise so they don't become fire hazards if they are ripped off the foundation and pipes break off. Check local flood zoning and evacuation plans. If you are in a location where the flood may hit hard, then you want to make sure that you have an escape plan that is safe and easy to follow to avoid getting trapped. Pack a bag with essentials and keep it in an easy to grab place that is above any water level so that you can take it with you in a hurry. Use the checklist at the end of this article to make sure you have everything you may need.

I Think We Waited

Waiting Out The Rain

If it is safe to remain in your home and wait out the flood then there are some steps that you will want to take to make sure that everything is secure. As the water begins to pool and rise you will need to turn off the utilities at the main power switch to avoid electrical shock. Move all valuable items, important papers, and keepsakes up high to avoid damage. Sanitize your bathtub and sinks and fill them with fresh, clean water in case you are cut off from your water source. Make ready candles and flashlights and make sure you have books, board games, cards, or something else that you can do by candlelight to keep you entertained and to keep your mind from coming up with worse case scenarios. Fear is the worst part of a flood...if you remain calm then the flood will not seem so bad.

Preparing To Move To Higher Ground

If the water has begun to rise at a rate that begins to threaten your safety it is time to put your escape plan into action. Take your carryout bag or box and head to higher ground. If the water is more than 6 inches deep do not attempt to drive, just 6 inches can cause a loss of control of your vehicle. Beware of people who have panicked and are driving too fast in order to get out. Make sure that your route is clear and drive slowly to avoid an accident. If you are walking stay clear of downed power lines and beware of falling tree branches. Locate your nearest emergency shelter or contact a friend or family member and let them know that you are on your way and get yourself and your family to safety.

 

Rejoicing Man

Going Home

When you return home after a flood, make sure that you check the outside of the home for structural damage before going inside and if it is dark use a flashlight instead of a candle, matches, or lighter in case there is a gas leak. If you know that your water source was contaminated, make sure you check with the local water company to see if there is any report on whether it is safe to drink again. You will need to contact your flood insurance company and file any claims to an insurance agent as soon as possible. Take pictures of the damage to submit to the insurance company. Separate all of the damaged and undamaged items in your home and make sure to disinfect anything that got wet to prevent mold in your home. Remember that you have made it through this flood intact...your family is safe and everything is going to be okay and know that if another flood threatens your area, you will know just how to handle it. Give yourself your due credit for the courage and tranquility you have maintained throughout the flood that allowed you to get through it safely with as little damage as possible!

Carry Out Bag Or Box Checklist

  • Laptop and Power CordSurvival Pack
  • Cell Phone
  • Photo Albums
  • Wallet/Purse
  • Glasses
  • Prescription drugs
  • Flashlight
  • Toiletries
  • Pillow
  • Blankets
  • Clean Clothes (Both Warm And Water Resistant)
  • Non-Perishable Food
  • Bottled Water
  • Pet Food, Leash, Pet Medication, Small Bowl For Water
  • Important Documents (Shot records, Birth Certificate, Insurance Paperwork, Etc.)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Towels
  • Baby Food, Diapers, Clean Bottles, Formula, Clean Clothes, Baby Wipes, Pacifiers, favorite Toy, Snacks, Water, Coloring Book/Crayons, Security Blanket.

 

Posted in
March 12, 2015

Why You Should Stage Your Home

As a local Russian River agent I often get asked by sellers if there is anything to be said for staging their home in order to sell it. My answer usually consists of a number of questions that they should ask themselves when they are selling their property. See my video below.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Staging Your Home!

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when you are putting your house on the market is do I really need to stage my home?The problem with this question is that many people don’t understand why you would need to stage a home because a home is a personal place and to them it reflects their likes and dislikes: However when you have a home for sale on the Russian River your attempt is to appeal to the likes and dislikes of the potential buyers of your home. A staging company is experienced at setting up your home so that it will appeal to a wide range of people giving you an advantage in the market.

Staging

A Word From The Experts

Anthony of Woodland Styles directed me to their website for more information about staging and I found this quote which just about sums up why anyone should stage their home! “When a potential buyer sees a home, you have one chance for a great first impression. Missing that moment can miss the sale. A staged home can lift the sales price by 6-20 percent, and 91 percent of staged homes sell within one month. Simply put, staged homes emphasize strengths, disguise flaws and create an emotional connection to buyers.”

Thank You To My Clients For Trusting Me As Your Local Russian River Agent!

As a Russian River Real Estate agent this is my favorite part of the job. I list a home and market it like crazy. I hold an open house to generate more interest in the home. Then I find a buyer and write the offer. When escrow is opened it is rather exciting and we begin the process of negotiation between the buyer and seller. However on the closing day when the keys switch hands and everything falls neatly into place the sense of accomplishment and gratitude for being able to be a part of that is overwhelming.

River

All About The Russian River

The Russian River market is heating up and buyers are bidding up riverfronts higher than I ever predicted they would sell for. If you have been thinking about selling a riverfront property in this area now is the ideal time to get it on the market before the rain starts and the buyers disappear back into the woodwork! One riverfront just sold for $150,000 over asking near Rising Star! It is amazing how much these homes are selling for!

Investing in realty here can be a harrowing experience and at times overwhelming! It is important that you have a local Russian River agent that you can trust to help you find your perfect home on the Russian River. David R. Millar has been working in Real Estate for over 25 years and has invested his heart in the Russian River Area. He specializes in riverfront homes and enjoys kayaking to calm his mind and strengthen his spirit!

David began Millar and Company to help people discover their own passion for the Russian River and to be a local agent that people can trust and depend on.

Our Mission here at Millar and Company is to sell your home to someone who will love it as much as you, while providing positive solutions in an optimistic atmosphere. We love helping people accomplish their dreams and building relationships. We strive to help people reach beyond today and achieve their higher vision of the future. David Millar is a local Russian River Agent that you can trust!

To find out what your home is worth call 707-217-1786 Today!

Posted in
March 6, 2015

Glossary of Real Estate Terms

 

When Buying or Selling your Russian River there are many Real Estate terms that may make the process seem a little overwhelming. Here is a glossary of Real Estate terms to make your home buying or selling experience a little easier.

Appraisal: An appraiser will estimate the value of the property based on the condition, market conditions, amenities, location, and other influential markers.

Annual Percentage Rate: The Annual Percentage Rate is often called the APR. Per the Federal Truth in Lending Law, lenders must provide to potential borrowers an APR or annual cost of the mortgage. It should accurately reflect the cost of getting and holding a mortgage for a year. This is a great tool for borrows so that they can select a mortgage that provides the lowest annual cost that they qualify for.

Clear Title: A Clear Title is a title for which a search has been done and no other owners have been found for the property and no unexplained liens or legal issues are present.

Closing Costs: Closing Costs are paid during the finalization of the purchase of real estate. Typically the closing costs will include fees like the origination fee, recording fees, document fees, points, attorney fees(if applicable), survey fees, the fee for title insurance for the property and the payment or real estate taxes. These are subject to the individual transactions and should be discussed with your escrow officer.

Cloud On A Title: An irregularity, possible claim, lien or encumbrance that if valid would affect or impair the title. For instance, if John Doe gets a new roof but doesn't pay the roofers and they file for a mechanics lien then the lien would become a cloud on the title.

Deed: A legal document that indicates ownership of a piece of real estate. It transfers title of a property that is passed from one owner to another.

Disclosures: These are a series of documents provided during escrow that outline any and all information known by the Seller, Listing Agent and Selling Agent to the buyer so that they know as much as possible about the home they are purchasing.

Dual Agency: In the case of a Dual Agency a single agent is representing both the buyer and the seller as both the listing agent and the selling agent.

Earnest Money Deposit: Money is deposited by a buyer after an offer has been accepted and a residential purchase agreement has been signed within three business days (or number of days designated on the RPA) to escrow. This money is to be held in escrow for the duration of escrow is open.

Equity: The equity of a property refers to the difference between the current market value of a property and the total amount borrowed on that property.

Escrow: A neutral third party company (in our area it is typically a title company) will open an escrow and act as an agent for both the buyer and seller or lender and borrower. They will carry out instructions of both and disburse documents and funds. Escrow closes when the property transfers or a document is completed fulfilling certain conditions.

Fannie Mae: Fannie Mae is a nickname that is used to describe the Federal National Mortgage Association which is a large supplier of mortgages for the entire nation.

FHA: FHA is an acronym used to describe the Fair Housing Administration which is an agency of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development otherwise known as HUD. It guarantees certain loans obtained by qualified buyers.

Foreclosure: A Foreclosure will occur will occur when a borrower can no longer meet their monthly mortgage payments. The lender typically sells the property so that he can get a return on his investment.

Inspection Contingency: An Inspection Contingency is exactly how it sounds. The sale is contingent on nothing coming up on the inspection that would cause the buyer to back out. This time frame is provided for buyers to do any and all inspections that they deem necessary. Once all Contingencies have been released the buyer is still able to withdraw from a transaction however their Earnest Money Deposit is forfeited to the seller. If a buyer withdraws before contingencies have been released their Earnest Money Deposit will be returned to them.

Inspections: Inspections are done by professionals specializing in a specific area. A report will be issued by the inspector that outlines what they found when they inspected the property. The most common inspections done in the Russian River area are Home inspection, Pest Inspection, Septic Inspection, and Well Inspection. However, Millar and Company recommend that you do any and all inspections that you deem necessary so that you feel comfortable in your investment.

Lender: A lender is the individual, bank, or company that is offering the mortgage loan to the borrower.

Lien: A claim that one party has against another as security for a debt. The claim is held against the property and must be repaid when the home is sold or destroyed.

Listing Agent: The real estate agent who has a listing agreement for a property and is representing the Seller.

Loan Contingency: The Residential Purchase Agreement will grant the buyer a time frame in which to obtain a loan unless the offer is an all-cash offer. The transaction will be contingent on the buyer getting the loan. If the buyer is able to get the loan then they can release loan contingencies and the transaction can close. However, if the buyer is not able to get the loan they can withdraw from the transaction within the time frame and get their Earnest Money Deposit back.

Mortgage: This is a binding financial agreement between the mortgagee and the mortgagor as a loan from one party to another; typically for a piece of real estate.

Points: Points are percents of a loan. Typically a lender will charge a certain amount of points on a loan. For instance, they may charge one point on a $300,000 loan. They would be charging 1%  of $300,000 or $3,000 dollars to provide that loan. A borrower can negotiate points and pay the lender more points in order to gain a lower interest rate on the loan. Essentially the borrower would be paying more up front but have a lower interest rate over the years and potentially pay less in the long run.

Pre-Approval: An evaluation of a potential borrower by a lender that determines whether the borrower qualifies for a loan from the lender, and the maximum amount that the lender would be willing to lend.

Preliminary Title Report: A property report and title search performed by the title company before issuing title insurance, which shows the recorded condition of the property in question.

Property Taxes: Taxes that are imposed by local and state governments based on the value of the home. Homeowners pay these taxes annually.

Residential Purchase Agreement: The Residential Purchase Agreement is commonly referred to by agents as the RPA. It is a transaction agreement between a buyer and seller. This document is also signed by the buying and selling agent and a section filled out by the company holding escrow.

Selling Agent: This is the agent representing the buyer in a transaction.

Title: A title is a legal document that indicates an individual’s ownership of a specific piece of real estate.

 

Posted in
March 6, 2015

Writing An Offer On A Home For Sale In Guerneville


So the process has begun. You have found yourself an excellent local Russian River Real Estate agent and you have ventured out to tour homes for sale in Guerneville. Now you have found the perfect home and you are ready to write an offer. First Millar and Company would like to say congratulations on finding Your Home In Paradise. It is a tedious process sifting through the homes that aren't quite right in order to find the one that you can see your future in however, you did it! Now its time to get the ball rolling and make sure that you end up with the keys to that gorgeous home in your hands.

Writing An Offer

When you are ready to put on offer on a home there are a few questions that are going to pop into your head. It is important that you address these questions as soon as possible with your agent so that you can work out what you need to know before you put an offer on a home.

The first question you will want to ask is how much should I offer for this home? To begin with, you should search homes for sale in Guerneville. Go out and look at lots of properties so when you find the home that you want you can compare what other homes are worth to what the asking price is on the home you have chosen to place an offer on. A good idea is to ask your agent about homes that have recently sold in Guerneville on the street where your prospective home is located. Find out how much they sold for, what the asking price was, and if possible how many offers were received on those homes. This will help you to determine how much you will need to offer in order to get the attention of the seller.

The next question you should ask is under what circumstances should I offer an amount that is over asking price? This is a hard question to answer but what it really comes down to is trusting your agent. Sometimes a home will be underpriced in order to create demand from buyers. If you are going to obtain a loan you will need to ask if there are any cash offers on the property because loan offers will need to offer more than a cash offer. You will need to talk to your agent and find out if the home in their opinion is an appropriate price. Allow them to draw on their experience and knowledge of the local Guerneville Real Estate market to help you decide what range your offer should be in. If your agent tells you that you should offer over asking price due to the home being underpriced then the decision will fall into your lap. You will need to decide what this home is worth to you? What price are you willing to pay to secure this home for your future.

What else influences sellers when they are looking at offers?

Now that you have established an amount that is comfortable for you, you're going to need to consider a few additional things that will influence a seller's decision about which offer to accept. The first thing that you will need to think about is whether your offer is cash or loan. If you have the cash to place a cash offer then you will not need a loan contingency and therefore you will be able to place on offer without a loan contingencies. If you do not plan on doing inspections and are willing to take the home as it is then you will not need an inspection contingency time period either. Offers without contingencies are more likely to be accepted over ones with contingencies if the prices are close because it offers a sooner closing date. Having said that it is important that you do any and all inspections that you deem necessary and your agent will be able to let you know more about the Inspections as well. Contingencies need to be considered very seriously because as soon as you release your contingencies you will not be able to get your Earnest Money Deposit back.  In the long run, the best thing for you to do is to work closely with your local Russian River Real Estate agent to make sure your offer is as appealing as possible while still protecting you against any potential issues.

Getting It Done!

Now that you have decided on an amount, closing time frame, and contingencies it is time to present your offer to the seller. This can be an anxious time for buyers as their local Guerneville Real Estate agent communicates with the listing agent and the listing agent consults the seller. The seller may decide to counter and you will have the chance to respond to the counter. The negotiations are handled through the agents which takes the stress off of your shoulders because you know you have someone who only has your best interests in mind. Once your offer gets accepted then escrow opened and Earnest Money is due within three business days or an amount specified in the Residential Purchase Agreement.

Posted in
March 6, 2015

Understanding The Escrow Process


Escrow is a process that is associated with the transfer of real property. The process begins when a buyer and a seller have agreed upon a price and the conditions of a sale. Once the Residential Purchase Agreement has been signed, the buyer's agent will contact the buyers preferred title company and open escrow. The title company is a neutral third party who will act as Switzerland during the escrow process. They handle all deposits, investigate the title, prepare a preliminary title report, arrange to have all closing and loan documents signed by the buyer and seller, and record the title with the county at the close of escrow. Since they are not part of the sale they are not biased to either the buyer or the seller.

 

rp_Guerneville-Homes-For-Sale-219x300.jpg

Earnest Money Deposit

Once escrow has been opened, your escrow agent will contact you to arrange for the Earnest Money Deposit, commonly referred to as the EMD, to be delivered to escrow. An EMD is a down payment made by the buyer of real property as evidence of good faith. The EMD will be held in escrow throughout the transaction. Before Contingencies have been released a buyer can cancel a transaction and get their money back from escrow. However, if the Contingencies have been released, then a buyer may still cancel the transaction but the seller may be able to keep the earnest money.

 

Bank Appraisal

If you are in escrow you have, hopefully, already been pre-approved for a loan. If you are not pre-approved, it is important to talk to your lender immediately. Also, if you have an all-cash transaction, not requiring a loan, then you will coast right past this part of the transaction. A bank or lender will typically require an appraisal be done on the property to ensure that the property value will cover the loan amount. The Guerneville home buyer will typically pay for this, and if the sale cannot be financed then escrow is canceled and the EMD is returned to the buyer.

 

Good Faith Estimate

Once you have secured a loan and all financing has been approved, escrow will send out a good faith estimate that outlines all of the finances that are associated with your sale. This will include your interest rates, closing costs, inspection fees, etc and will allow you to have a better understanding of the financial layout of the transaction.

 

Guerneville Real Estate Inspections

Obtain Inspections

There are many inspections that can be performed on a home, such as structural, electrical, plumbing, foundation, mold, roof and more. It is up to the buyer to decide which inspections to schedule on the property that they are purchasing. A home is one of the biggest investments that a person will make in a lifetime, so it is important for the buyer to schedule any and all inspections that they deem necessary. There are a few inspections that are more common in Guerneville because it is a rural area and so there are issues that arise here that may not arise in the city.
A home inspection will enlighten you to anything that seems out of the ordinary and may be cause for a more thorough inspection. It will also give the buyer a good understanding of any issues that may be present in the home, such as improper building practices, fire and safety issues, and items requiring extensive repair. If there is a septic tank on the property, it is important that the buyer have a septic inspection performed to make sure that the system is in good working order because if it is not, it can be costly to repair or replace. Also if there is a well present on the property the buyer should consider having a well inspection done to make sure that the water is safe to drink and the well's water production is sufficient. Since Guerneville is located in a forest, the chance of wood destroying pests being present in the home increases. A Pest inspection will let the buyer know if there are wood-destroying pests in the home and what actions should be taken to remove them. Another concern for anyone buying a home in Guerneville is property boundaries. Guerneville homes for sale tend to sit on property lines or have the neighbor's house sitting on their property line. A professional survey will allow a buyer to see where on the property the house sits and where the edges of the property are located.

 

Properties In Guerneville CA Homeowners Insurance

Acquire Homeowner's Insurance

Homeowner's insurance is very important because it is designed to protect the home against damages to the house itself, as well as the possessions inside the home. Homeowners insurance also provides liability coverage against accidents that may occur in the home or on the property. If the buyer is purchasing the home from a bank, homeowners insurance may be required by the lender as a condition of the mortgage, but whether or not it is required, it is a good idea to have the coverage as security. Typically the lender will suggest a company, however, the buyer is not required to use that company, they should shop around and make sure they are getting the best deal and coverage.

 

Title Report and Title Insurance

When an agent opens escrow, the title company begins researching the title of the property to see what types of liens, judgments, encumbrances, etc may be a cloud on the title. Then the title company will submit a Preliminary Title Report that outlines what they found, and what title insurance policy you are eligible for. This will also tell you if there are any easements for anything, or any easements giving someone the right to be on your property. Here on the Russian River, we see a lot of easements for things like roads, and the neighbor's deck that extends a foot onto the property, as well as easements for the water company to maintenance pipes and access roads to landlocked properties. It is important to check out any and all easements, as well as liens, judgments, and encumbrances so you know exactly what is coming with the house. Typically if there is a lien on the property, such as a loan that hasn't been paid off or outstanding property taxes, they will be paid out of escrow at closing so they will no longer be a cloud on the title.

 

Release Contingencies and Review Your HUD-1

Once you have completed all of the aforementioned tasks it is time for you to release your contingencies. If you are paying cash for your home then you will be able to release any and all contingencies and get ready to close. If you are obtaining a loan on the property, you will need to get approval from the bank or lender to make sure that your loan is in place before you release contingencies. Once your contingencies have been released you are getting close to closing time. The last thing you will need to do is review your HUD-1 report. A HUD-1 is often referred to as a settlement statement and is a final detailed report of all costs associated with the transaction. Check it closely to make sure there are no mistakes and that nothing has accidentally been added or subtracted.

 

Cabin in the redwoods The Closing Process

Closing

Congratulations! You are now ready to close escrow! This is the last step in the process. Title will contact you and set up an appointment to sign docs. This can take some time, so be prepared to spend the better half of a day signing your name and reviewing documents. Your escrow officer will help walk you through the final process to make sure that all of your questions are answered. As soon as both the buyer and seller have signed all of the closing documents, title will send them to the bank, unless the transaction is all cash in which case this step would be omitted. Once the bank has the documents, they will review them and then send the money to escrow. Now that the transaction has been funded it is time for escrow to pay the seller. Once the seller has been paid, title will take the documents and record the title in the new owners name with the county. Once the title has been recorded your agent will hand you the keys to your new home!

 

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March 6, 2015

Personal Property and Negotiations

Buying Guerneville Real Estate?

The two most fundamental questions to ask yourself are what exactly is going to be included in the transaction when I purchase Guerneville Real Estate, and what Millar and Company is going to do to make sure that you are getting the best deal possible! To begin, I would first like to say thank you for your interest in Millar and Company and for giving us a chance to dazzle you. We know you had a choice in what company you went to and we would like you to know that your support is priceless to us!  If We Fail To Answer Any Of Your Questions Call Or Text Us At 707-217-1786 Today! Now let's answer those questions and put your mind at ease.

Personal Property VS Real Property

Most people believe that if the house is being shown everything in it will be included in the sale. This is a common misconception. Disputes often arise when buyers and sellers go into the transaction with different understandings about what the sale will include. Many sellers will choose to stage their home, and the props and furniture used by the staging company are not included in the sale of real property. The first thing I would like to tell you about is appliances. The general rule is that permanently attached appliances usually are included in the sale, while freestanding appliances are not. Permanently attached appliances include things like a cabinet mounted microwave, dishwasher, central or ductless air conditioning systems. Freestanding appliances include refrigerators, washers and dryers, and window mounted air conditioning units. If you are impressed with something in the home, make sure that it is included in the sale before you place an offer. Also if there is something that you plan to get rid of, have it's removal included in the sale instead of having to do it yourself later.

Light fixtures are a gray area in Real Estate because they seem like they should be included but they can be removed quickly. This is also true with ceiling fans, chandeliers, and window coverings such as blinds, curtains and curtain rods. It is important for you to specify that they be included in the sale of Russian River property if you want them. Similarly decorations, furniture, electronics, mirrors, bookshelves and mounted art are almost never included in a sale no matter how well they fit the space. If there is something that you want included that you think might not get included, make sure to ask the seller.

How Does Your Agent Negotiate Your Deal

Hello there! I am David R. Millar, a local Guerneville Real Estate Agent. So you have decided to buy a house? That is great, congratulations!  Right about now I bet you are asking yourself "If I let this guy manage my real estate transaction for me, what exactly is he going to do?" Well...having a local Guerneville Real Estate Agent that knows the local laws, terrain, and community comes in handy. For instance, if you have an agent from the city who is representing you, and something is wrong with the septic system in the house that you are trying to purchase, he may not have a clue what to do, since septic systems are rare in the city. That is just one example of the many issues I resolve on a daily basis in my line of work. When you choose Millar and Company you are choosing a local agent that knows the area and will represent your best interests, while finding solutions and keeping an optimistic attitude.

One thing that I will do for you, that is probably one of the most important things that any agent could do, is that I am going to listen to you! Buying a home can be stressful as you are making one of the biggest investments that you will ever make. People tend to have lots of questions, and often times real estate agents will brush them off or fail to return their phone calls and emails. This is not the case here at Millar and Company. We will make sure to return your phone calls and emails, and to make sure that all of your questions are being answered. We will double check all disclosures, Preliminary Title Report, and notes from the seller, as well as inspection reports. Then we will send a list of questions about anything unusual through the appropriate channels so that we can deliver you the answers that you are looking for.

When you choose Millar and Company, you are choosing an agent who will follow up with the Title company, Inspectors, your lender, and contractors (if work is being done on the property) to make sure that everything is running smoothly. We will schedule any and all inspections that you want to have done on the property so that you do not have to worry about it, and we will make sure that the inspections are done with care and are thorough. Also, we will check that all reports have been delivered to you and clarified by each of these parties so that you can feel secure with your purchase.

We will coordinate with the listing agent to make sure that you are paying a reasonable price for the home. We will ask for clarification on any issues, a price reduction if need be, negotiating the terms of the contract, etc. to make sure that you are being treated fairly, and that you are not paying an arm and a leg for a property that has a bunch of hidden disasters. Convinced? Call Or Text 707-217-1786 Today and let Millar and Company find you Your Home In Paradise!

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March 6, 2015

Staging Tips For Selling A Home During The Holidays!

Staging A Russian River Home

This time of year is often not the real estate season, however, this year the market is remaining strong despite the arrival of Holiday decor and good cheer! Here are some helpful staging tips for those who are planning to list their home this holiday season!

Local Guerneville Real Estate Agent

Remove Clutter, Clean and Stage!

Begin by removing as much of your personal belongings from the home as possible, then give your home a nice deep cleaning. Make sure to get the carpets cleaned and the windows washed. This may not seem like that big of a deal but in truth, we live on the Russian River in the forest and dirt cakes everything whether we like it or not! Giving your home a nice bath and possibly staging it will give it a clean homey feel.

Complement Your Palette and Create Festivity!

If your home is painted a soft ocean blue inside probably hanging red and green clashing colors is a disaster waiting to happen. Choose instead light blue and silver or some white snowflakes that will compliment your home. Also, hang a wreath on the door and make sure to have some holiday cider boiling during the open house to create festivity in your home.

Go Light, Treeless, and Equal Opportunistic!

Go easy on the lights and decorations...you don't want to overwhelm buyers. Also, We live in the forest, having a tree is okay but not necessary...if you do decide to have one make sure the size fits the house. The most important thing is keep the religious decorations to a minimum. This will give everyone an equal opportunity to love your home!

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