How Do I Know If A Vacation Rental Is An Option For Me?

If you are thinking of investing in a new home and making it into or keeping its vacation rental status it is important to ask yourself a couple of questions. The first and most important is do I have a primary residence? A vacation rental is a second home that is rented out when you are not visiting the Russian River. It is not used as a primary residence. The second question is am I financially stable enough to be investing in a second home? Often with vacation rentals, there is wear and tear from years of having people in and out and sometimes they need some touching up and it is important that you are financially stable enough to be able to make those repairs over time.

What Qualities Should I Look For In Homes For Sale On The Russian River That Would Make A Good Vacation Rental?

 If you have established that you are ready to invest in this area and buy a vacation rental then it is time to begin the search for the right home for you. To begin this search it is important that you first begin by taking a look at what is listed for sale on the Russian River. Next, you will need to ask yourself a few more questions. The first of which is does this home have a view? Vacation Rentals with views tend to rent at higher prices and have more interest in them. When people are looking to visit the Russian River they are coming because they want to see the raw natural beauty that this area has to offer. Views are an excellent way to draw people to your vacation rental and it is something that you and yours will be able to enjoy throughout the years as you visit as well. Homes with a view for sale on the Russian River are rare because those who get their hands on one don't usually part with them easily so if you find a home with a view I would suggest considering it as a vacation rental.

The next question you should ask yourself is does it have river access or is it riverfront? This is very important for a vacation rental as most of the people visiting this area are looking to play in the river and sunbathe on the beach. Riverfront homes for sale are in high demand and so are riverfront vacation rentals. Vacation rentals with river access are also in high demand in this area because although they may not sit directly on the river they are close enough that visitors can head down and splash around anytime they want. The next question that you should ask yourself is does it have River Charm? Don't know what that is? Well, here in the Russian River we have what the locals have deemed River Charm. River Charm often describes the rustic cabin feel with privacy, wood burning stoves, vaulted ceilings and more. Homes with River Charm are envied because they show the lifestyle of the area. They give the cozy fireplace and docks with canoe feeling which is what the Russian River is all about.

Once I have a Vacation Rental...What Are Good Tips For Managing It?

Many people are investing in a second home on the Russian River that they can rent out for income and a lot of those income properties are vacation rentals. There are really two ways that you can go about managing a vacation rental. The first is to hire a vacation rental management company in your area, and the second is to do it yourself. There are a few local vacation rental management companies that are good sources. The first one is Russian River Escapes and the second is Russian River Getaways. 

If you are considering managing it yourself then VRBO is a great place to show off your home as well as Airbnb. Both of these sites are perfect for someone who owns a vacation rental and wants to rent it themselves without having a management company rent it for them. Other good ideas include having great photographs of the property, an enticing description, competitive rates, and an organized calendar. Follow up on every lead no matter how small it seems and thank the people that do stay in your vacation rental because their review will boost your reputation.

 

3 Alarm Grill Spices Up The Guerneville Community

I met with Kerri Griffiths the manager of the 3 Alarm Grill that is Opening this Friday to spice up the Guerneville Community! She is a strong woman with an easy and happy demeanor that makes you feel comfortable the minute you meet her. As the old buildings in the area are going through renovations a feeling of excitement is sweeping through Guerneville. "Nothing but good things are happening here in Guerneville," says Kerri.

Why This?...Why Now?...Why Here?

Chuck Limbert and John Stephens are esteemed members of the San Francisco Police Department. They Invested in Guerneville Real Estate and bought a Vacation home here on the Russian River and they have been Vacationing here for the last ten years. Chuck was raised in a restaurant family and grew up knowing the trade. It was his lifelong dream to open either a B&B or a Chicago Style Sandwich Shop. He has recently decided to retire from the San Francisco Police Department and follow his dream here on the Russian River. This Friday 12/4/14 Chuck will watch as his dream comes true during the opening of the 3 Alarm Grill! I met both Chuck and John and they were very welcoming with a friendly air and a quick smile. Chuck is featured in the video above telling about the restaurant. He and his partner John as well as their manager Kerri would like to formally invite all of you to join them this Friday at the Grand Opening to celebrate their achievement and give life to Chuck's lifelong dream!

The Inside Scoop!

Chuck and John are on the Fire Board here on the Russian River and are active members of this community. In light of that, they have decided on a firehouse theme for their new restaurant. The building itself has been painted fire engine red and firehouse memorabilia laces the inside of the building giving it an exciting feel. In order to remain a family establishment, the 3 Alarm Grill has decided to sell only beer and wine. This will allow for a more welcoming environment for people looking to try one of their specialties. The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch from 11-4 and Dinner Thursday through Monday 4-9. The Russian River is primarily a vacation town. People buy vacation rentals and visit when they want then rent out their homes when they are not in use in order to generate income.Vacationers throughout the year keep the local economy prospering. With this in mind, I asked the manager Kerri why they had decided to open the restaurant in the down season when vacationers are scarce. She simply said "You can't survive in this town without the support of the locals. By opening now we have time to get feedback from the locals and get all the kinks out before the busy season hits."

3 Alarm Grill Gives Their Impression Of Russian River Living

"When I hear Russian River Living I think of experiencing adventures," says Kerri. "The Russian River is a laid-back, diverse, and welcoming community that is eclectic." Chuck agreed with her saying " the Russian River is an accepting and tolerant community." They both mentioned that Russian River Living is "all about the beautiful outdoors and the natural beauty that surrounds us. A place where hiking and kayaking are the best past time and the touch of city sophistication is what makes it feel like home."

Your Local Guerneville Real Estate Agent

My name is David R. Millar and I live and work on the Russian River. I have been selling real estate for quite some time. I have an office on Armstrong Woods road and I am an active member of this community. I would just like to say welcome to our newest arrivals. I wish you the best of luck in achieving your dreams here in Guerneville. The market is holding steady and homes are getting snatched up left and right. Inventory is low and there are a lot of people looking to buy a Russian River Vacation Rental. If you have been thinking about investing in this area, give me a call 707-217-1786. I will help you find a home where you can achieve your dreams on the Russian River. Again I am David R. Millar BRE#01354778 and I am here to find you Your Home in Paradise!

Tracking The Real Estate Trends.

Millar and Company has been tracking the changes in the local housing market between October 2013 and October 2014. The changes we've seen are subtle and due primarily to the approach of the winter season when people typically buy and sell fewer homes.

The data collected from BAERIS MLS Clarus Report indicates that the market is holding steady. In October of 2013 buyers purchased 25 single family homes. In October 2014 buyers purchased 28 single family homes which is an increase of 12% from last year. The number of single family homes for sale on the Russian River increased from 94 in October 2013 to 109 single family homes in October 2014 which is a 16% increase. This is a relatively small increase and lends to the typical fluctuation we see in this area.

According to the BAERIS MLS Clarus Report, the area's average sale price increased 24% from $335,000 in October 2013 to $415,000 in October 2014. This was an $80,000 increase in the average sales price which is a substantial increase for this area. The Russian River is showing very little change in the number of people looking to invest in real estate in this area. Inventory remained at about a two month's supply at the current pace of sales.According to local lending agencies, interest rates on home loans are in the low fours depending on the loan and the onset of additional FHA and VA programs are making it easier for buyers to find loans which are helping keep the market steady.

Finding A Local Realtor in Russian River That You Can Trust!

As a local real estate agent I have been able to see the ups and downs in the market over an extended period of time. One of the things I have learned throughout the years is that people don't buy a home on the river they buy the Russian River Lifestyle. I am an active part of this community and I have seen so many people come to visit and feel so welcomed that they decide to buy a home here. The peace and tranquility, the majesty of the Redwoods, and the short trip to the Pacific Ocean are the real reason that people invest in properties, houses and vacation homes here. The hardest part of the process is finding an agent that you can trust, that knows the area, and that has ties to the community. I believe that I don't just live on the river I am part of the river. I want to share with you the love I have for this area.

14501 Southern Avenue Is A Stunning Property!

This beautiful property for sale on the Russian River is full of modern elegance. It includes skylights that allow the sunlight to saturate the house filling in with bright warmth. The views from the deck are spectacular. This home in the center of Guerneville overlooks a stunning vineyard and what seems like never ending hills and trees! The large deck includes a hot tub and fully equipped kitchen that is great for entertaining guests and a charming sunny place on the hill that would be perfect for a garden. This is an amazing home with cathedral ceilings and a cozy fireplace that is great on chilly winters evenings. It has three bright spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms and is absolutely breathtaking.

Local Market...

The market here is full of very diverse properties for sale. Each home is unique in its own way and has its own personality and charm. Houses range in price from $200,000 to over $1,000,000 and have a variety of different elements that make them more desirable for people looking to invest in real estate in Guerneville CA. A few of the reasons why they're so popular are privacy and tranquility, Riverfront locations, spectacular views, and Russian River Charm. These are the qualities that most people are looking for when they invest here.

Your #1 Agent David R. Millar.

Finding a realtor that you can trust is not the easiest thing to do in today's market. Trulia and Zillow are all over the web telling you that they can refer you to a local Guerneville Agent when really the names you get are often agents from San Francisco that know nothing about our charming town here on the Russian River CA. David R. Millar is a local guy who not only lives here but also has a passion for this area and a presence in the community. David is well known by locals and trusted by the community. He has years of experience in real estate and has more recently begun specializing in Riverfront properties. His vivacious personality combined with his personal commitment to his clients and his meticulous attention to detail is the reason why he is your #1 agent in Guerneville! He radiates professionalism while staying true to his core beliefs and maintaining his brilliant smile. If you are thinking about investing in Guerneville, California, call David R. Millar (BRE#01354778) at 707-217-1786 Today. We can also be found on Google+, Twitter, on our Facebook.

My name is David R. Millar and I am your local Russian River Agent. I have been selling Russian River Real Estate for years and if there is anything that I have learned in that time it is that if I want to sell homes I need to take a look at why anyone would want to buy a home in this area. There are stunning homes for sale on the Russian River, however, the reason that most people move to the Russian River is because of the majestic redwoods, the peaceful serenity of the river, and the strength and acceptance that are found in this community. In order to have a smooth escrow and purchase your home without a hitch, you need a lender that you can trust who is going to do whatever they can to get you a loan.

I have known Patrick Pennington for years and he has helped countless people invest in Russian River Real Estate. I depend on him to make sure that my clients get their loan and get to the closing table with as little stress as possible.

How Patrick Will Help You Get A Loan To Invest In Russian River Real Estate.

Patrick Pennington has developed a plan to help clients obtain a loan so that they can invest in Russian River Real Estate with as little stress as possible. Typically people who are looking at homes for sale on the Russian River either don't have a lender or have an out of town lender who knows very little about this area. Those who have lenders that are not local have a hard time getting loans here because the lender will need an appraiser to appraise the home and typically those appraisers are also not local. Appraisers that are not local will often price the Home for sale on the Russian River lower because it has trees close to the home, because it is in a flood zone, or because it has a post and pier foundation. Local appraisers know that the majestic redwoods lend to the privacy and seclusion that many people are looking for when they come to this area and that actually adds value to the home. They know that homes that are closer to the river or Riverfront homes are actually in high demand and also add to the value of the home. A local lender knows that it is common to have a post and pier foundation here on the river and therefore will not reduce the value of a home based on these conditions. The appraisal of the home for sale on the Russian River is very important because it will dictate whether or not the bank is willing to lend on it.

Your Local Russian River Agent

I am a local Russian River agent and I have had the experiences here both with local lenders and with people who were not local and I have learned that whenever possible it is always better to use a local lender when investing in Russian River Real Estate. If you have been thinking about buying or selling a home on the Russian River call David R. Millar at 707-217-1786 Today . I specialize in Russian Riverfront homes for sale and Russian River Rental homes for sale.

Staging Specialist And Local Russian River Agent David R. Millar Are Here To Tell You About Staging Your Home For Sale.

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 Russian River Real Estate.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Staging Your Home For Sale On The Russian River!

 

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when you are putting your house on the Russian River Real Estate 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 this Russian River Real Estate market.

A Word From The Experts In Staging A Home For Sale On The Russian River

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 you should stage your home for sale on the Russian River! "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."

Your Local Russian River Agent

 

I am a local Russian River agent and I have sold homes both staged and not staged and what I have found is that whether or not you chose to stage your home is your choice. If you would like to set up a free consultation to have a specialist look at your home call David R. Millar BRE#01354778 at 707-217-1786 and I will put you in touch with Anthony. This is a great opportunity to find out what your home is worth and what it would cost to stage it to sell. Russian River Real Estate is a market like no other. The homes are all unique in their own way and each home for sale on the Russian River will need to be set up and marketed differently in order to attract the maximum amount of buyers and generate the best offers. If you would like to know more about staging or would like to have a Comparative Market Analysis done on your home call David R. Millar at 707-217-1786 Today.

Your Market Update for September 2014

Millar and Company has noticed a recent change in the Russian River Real Estate Market and  has decided to let you all in on some of the things that are going on in our area so if you are looking at homes for sale you have a good idea about what is happening in the Russian River Real Estate Market.

Russian River Real Estate Market Trends

The Russian River Real Estate market is steady. The data collected from BAERIS MLS Clarus Report indicates the market is alive and well in this area. In September of 2013 buyers purchased 23 single-family homes on the Russian River. In September 2014 buyers purchased 26 single-family homes which is an increase of 13% from last year. The number of single-family homes for sale on the Russian River increased from 111 houses on the market in September 2013 to 124 in September 2014 which is an increase of 12% in one year.

According to the BAERIS MLS Clarus Report the area's average sales price dropped from $334,000 in September 2013 to $330,000 in September 2014. Although there was a drop in the average sales price the amount was relatively small and the area is showing an increase in the number of people looking to invest in Russian River Real Estate. Inventory remained at about a two month's supply at the current pace of sales. That is widely considered a sign of a seller's market.

According to local lending agencies, interest rates on home loans are in the low fours depending on the loan and the onset of additional FHA and VA programs are making it easier for buyers to find loans which, combined with the low inventory, is driving the market up in this area!

Finding A Local Russian River Agent You Can Trust!

Finding a local Russian River agent that you can trust is hard and tedious. Trulia and Zillow will say local agent and give you the name of some agent in the city that doesn’t have a clue about Russian River Real Estate. David R. Millar here at Millar and Company Real Estate is a local agent who has lived in this area for years, specializes in Riverfront Homes for Sale and is a huge part of the community. He knows how frustrating finding a local Russian River Agent can be and David is here to help! His belief is that we don’t just live on the River; we are part of the River. If you have been thinking about investing in Russian River Real Estate Call David R. Millar (BRE#01354778) at 707-217-1786 Today!

A Little Bit About This Awe-Inspiring Home For Sale In Rio Nido...

David R. Millar, a local Real Estate agent just listed this spectacular home in Rio Nido within walking distance of the Russian River beneath the towering sequoias. It has a beautiful fireplace that is extra cozy on those cool winter nights. This charming storybook home has a stunning, fully equipped kitchen, french doors that open to a small back deck that overlooks the yard. The home has three rather spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as some bonus space. The home is set in a great location and has privacy and charm. The way this home is set up is really cool because all the rooms seem to lead to another room until you are back where you started giving it the feeling of being much larger than it actually is. It has a second backyard that is connected to the first backyard but divided by a fence with a separate entrance and a wood burning stove for extra warmth in the winter.

Home For Sale In Rio Nido In A GREAT LOCATION!

Ever heard people say location, location, location? Well, that seems to be one of the most amazing things about this home for sale in Rio Nido. Located within walking distance of the Rio Nido Post Office, the Rio Nido dog park, and so much more. There is a seasonal pee wee golf course within walking distance as well as a bus stop that goes both into Guerneville and to Santa Rosa. The Pegasus Dinner Theater has performers that act as well as a delicious dinner menu and is also is within walking distance of this adorable home. This is the true key to understanding Russia River Real Estate...understanding that people aren't really buying a home because they want a home. They are buying a home because they want to live their lives or spend their vacation time in that area. If there is one thing I have learned from being in Rio Nido is that if you have never eaten fried pickles at the Roadhouse on Gameday then you are missing out! The Rio Nido Roadhouse is located walking distance from Sequoia road where this awe-inspiring home for sale in Rio Nido.

All About Russian River Real Estate

Russian River Real Estate 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 Russian River Real Estate 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 for sale and enjoys kayaking to calm his mind and strengthen his spirit! He began Millar and Company Real Estate to help people discover their own passion for the Russian River and to be a local Russian River 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 fill in the box below or call 707-217-1786 Today!

 

Beautiful, Elegant Vacation Rental For Sale.

Local Russian River Agent David R. Millar listed this elegant vacation rental for sale on the Russian River. This home is breathtaking with four beautiful bedrooms that feel like home the minute you walk in. The master bedroom is drenched with sunshine throughout the day and has its own private bathroom with his and her sinks! The other 3 bedrooms are charming and the 2 other bathrooms make it easy to have multiple people in this Russian River home comfortably! The living and dining room are part of an open floor plan that allows the sun to inundate the home. This Russian River home has bamboo floors and a cozy wood burning stove that is amazing to curl up next to on a cool winter night! The roof and electrical is newer lending to the safe and secure feeling that many people get when they enter this home. There is a short path that vacationers like to go on afternoon adventures down to relax on the beach of the Russian River! Sometimes you just need to relax and let the stress melt away! This home has a flagstone patio and a hot tub for relaxing and enjoying your time on the Russian River.

Riverfront Homes

Riverfront homes are always in high demand! This area is a vacation spot for many people from San Francisco and surrounding areas. As of August 2014, there are only 34 single family homes on the market in Forestville and only 98 single family homes for sale on the Russian River. Of those homes, only a few are Vacation Rentals for sale. Many of people are looking for Riverfront lots or lots with flat usable land that they can build a home on. The problem with this idea is that there are very few lots with flat land that you can build on in the Russian River area and even less Riverfront land. Due to River and Creek protection laws, even if you find a place on the Russian River that has flat land is riverfront, permits to build are notoriously hard to find. That being said this Vacation Rental For Sale on the Russian River is a steal! It has access to the river with spectacular views and is an absolutely beautiful home.

David R. Millar Your Local Russian River Agent.

Millar and Company is here to find you a home that you love. Many people have thought about investing in riverfront homes for sale but didn't have an agent that was local that they could trust. We promise to listen and make sure that we are showing you properties that are in your price range and have your specifications to fit your individual needs. I am a local Russian River agent that will keep you updated on properties that are new on the MLS. We will make sure that you know where to find any outside professional that you will need to get a loan, get inspections done, or to get legal advice so that you feel as stress-free and relaxed as possible until we find you a home in paradise. If you are thinking about investing in Russian River Real Estate call David R. Millar (BRE#01354778) at 707-217-1786.