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Agent to Watch – Casey Moll
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Congratulations to Casey Moll, an October Agent to Watch! It was love at first sight for Casey when he discovered the Real Estate industry, and since then he’s been working hard to network and build a name for himself in his community. Keep reading to learn more about Casey, his passion for selling real estate, and how on his time off you just might finding him checking DIY home projects off his list!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
One day my brother suggested it. I was working a job in customer service and ready to find a better path with more growth potential financially, so I decided to sit down and talk to someone about real estate, and now 7 years later, here we are.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
I really haven’t changed anything. I have my in-store advertisement that I have had for 6 years and I post things on social media every once in a while. My business comes from years of networking and building relationships. I would say the hardest thing about the COVID time has been not being able to host Open Houses. That is where I have the most success prospecting.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
I closed two of the most difficult transactions in my career.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Night Person.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
For my wife and I to build our dream house on the land we live on today!
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Finishing my DIY projects at my own house.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I am the current club champion at Sonoma Golf Club.
Must have purse/car item:
I feel like most people would answer this question by saying their phone, but for me, Its imperative to always have some water on hand for a car ride.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Round of Golf in the morning, drinks by poolside in the afternoon, and a barbeque with friends in the evening.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
The Red Grape or The Edge Restaurant.
Agent to Watch – Nicole Manville
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Congratulations to one of October’s Agents to Watch, Nicole Manville! Creative, passionate about Sonoma County and her community, and always up for a challenge Nicole is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Check out our blog below to learn more about Nicole!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
After an exciting career with Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Entertainment, I was looking for something that would be challenging and exciting. Since I love people, architecture, negotiating, and feel I am a natural salesperson, a career in Real Estate seemed like a great fit for me.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Fortunately, Real Estate has been busier than ever with people migrating out of densely populated urban areas to more rural areas like Sonoma County. My last two years have been my busiest ever and I’ve loved it! In order to adapt, I’ve increased my social media exposure to increase my marketability and capture more buyers and sellers.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
I received some amazing client reviews on Zillow! And I had a client tell me he enjoyed working with me so much he’d wished he met me back in High School. He felt we would have been great friends, and High School for him was 45 years ago! I love that he felt that way, I told him I wish we had met 45 years ago, imagine all the deals we could have done together!
Are you a morning or a night person?:
I don’t sleep! I love mornings, they are so peaceful. I love starting the day with my coffee and reviewing the new listings before I set out on a long run or hit the gym.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Keep traveling with my kids! We have enjoyed traveling with them since they were little and now that they are 19 and 14 I find family trips even more special. We need that time together to reconnect, I’m always trying to plan our next adventure!
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Drawing, I have always wanted to be an architect.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I am totally claustrophobic, It’s awful!
Must have purse/car item:
Water & lip gloss!!!
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
I always love picnicking at Presont Winery in Dry Creek, it’s a magic garden setting. I also love taking the dog to the river and watching her dive for rocks, between River Regional Park and the Russian River I have endless opportunities to enjoy an incredibly beautiful day! We are spoiled in Sonoma County!
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
I can’t pick just one, we are so fortunate to live here but my go-to is Campo Fino in Healdsburg, so Italian and such amazing comfort food.
Agent of the Month – Cheryl Peterson
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Congratulations to our October Agent of the Month, Cheryl Peterson! Over the course of her career, Cheryl has learned a few valuable lessons she still carries with her today: Hard work and dedication to your craft is key, and to never give your clients anything less than the best. Keep reading to learn more about Cheryl and her successful career thus far!
To what do you attribute your success?
Consistently providing every client with the highest level of customer service, integrity, market knowledge, professionalism, and endless enthusiasm.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
Having originally been licensed in 1989, my biggest mistake at such a young age was not believing in myself enough to realize my potential.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
Hands-on personal attention to my clients is my highest priority and therefore, only small portions of my business are automated.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
In addition to taking time to re-organize and streamline my systems, I have increased social media engagement, print marketing, and one-on-one engagements.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
Sonoma County is likely one of the most unique Real Estate Markets in California. With our desirable climate, world-class wine & tourist industry, scenic landscapes, and resilient economy, we are a highly desirable destination for many. I believe this consistently brings renewed property interest to our area despite our wildfire experiences.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
My adult children frequently remind me to slow down and establish work-life boundaries so that I can truly enjoy all of life’s blessings. Work-life balance is important to me and I don’t believe I have it right yet, but I am trying!
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
The best vacations I have ever had were any that have included my family. Time together with family is what I treasure most and now that we have been blessed with grandchildren, it is even more so.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
The Real Estate business has been made to look easy by those who have committed to hard work, sacrificed, and persevered when others have given up. Only if you are willing to make the commitment, will you succeed.
Agent of the Month – Aaron Brosamle
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There’s something truly special about an agent who knows who they are, their strengths and weaknesses, and can bring that strong sense of self to each and every one of their projects. Our September Agent of the Month, Aaron Brosamle, deeply understands that clients want to deal with a real, authentic person who will tell them like it is. By being himself throughout each of his transactions, he has been able to build a strong sphere and make a name for himself throughout Sonoma County and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about Aaron!
To what do you attribute your success?
Being fortunate enough to have wonderful people in my life and having trust in myself to make all of the little decisions on a daily basis that in turn affect the possibilities that come about. I do my best to constantly check in and be the type of person that I would want to be around whether business or otherwise.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
I believe the best thing that I have done for my business is to have an unwavering need to be upfront and honest in all situations and continuing to make that a priority as well as letting each situation guide the tempo of the project. Different situations command different personalities and perceptions, being flexible with who I am in a wholesome and truthful way really helps me to be present and focused for all of the different types of clients that I am blessed to work with. Conversely, I would say that when I first started in this career, my largest struggle was thinking that there was a mold or guideline for what an agent, what a Realtor had to be…how I needed to dress, where I needed to be, who I needed to make sure I impressed, all still very important things to keep in mind, but not templates for who I needed to be.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
This is a constant work in progress…I would say I am not great at automating my business, haha…I tend to say yes to everyone and make it work so that I can be personally hands on. My wife says I can’t say no to anyone, that I will just work and work and run my day into the ground…it’s just who I am.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
My business hasn’t changed all too much due to Covid. Perhaps a bit more remote work/video tours etc in the beginning…I try to keep a relative mind and certainly be patient and respectful so that safety is kept as a must, but at the same time I have a bit of an old school business mind. I grew up in a retail jewelry store that my family owned working face to face with customers and then traveling with my dad for the wholesale side of the business…I work best in face to face personal situations where I can really feel what my clients are saying and needing so the personal space restrictions were difficult at first but now getting better.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
Our greatest commodity is our community. Wonderful artistic, talented, and creative people. This in turn means that we, I believe, have some of, if not the best foods, activities, weather and surrounding nature that ties it all together. I have traveled quite a bit and no other place quite compares. There are so many reasons why our area is so special and to be honest, I strongly believe that when one spends time here the words to specifically describe what or why become difficult to grab ahold of, it becomes more of a feeling and you just find yourself thankful to be here.
If you could only do one thing differently when you first started your business what would it be?:
I would probably work a bit more on a website or some sort of marketing…I still need to focus a bit in that area. I do great with people, I love what I do and the way I have been able to succeed, I struggle getting excited about social media and marketing. I probably have at least 10 properties and more reviews that I need to post or make public for others to see, and I am sure that would go a long way for people outside of my sphere to know who I am and just how well I can do for them, obtaining higher sale prices with less time on market, or negotiate a purchase for a buyer in a difficult or unique situation, deal with difficult legal issues or trust/probate sales etc.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
I have the most amazing wife and daughters, balance is extremely important. This is likely different for each person, I can tell when I’m pushing too much in one direction or the other just by how I’m feeling inside. I go absolutely nuts when I’m not working enough and feel terrible when I’m working too much for my family so I do my best to keep an even keel here.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
The best vacation I have ever had is probably still my honeymoon. We went to Belize and were fortunate enough to spend a couple of weeks hanging out on an island, visiting Mayan pyramids, going cave tubing and exploring, feeding wild monkeys bananas and getting caught in crazy rain storms. Absolutely amazing. For me being on the ocean, with my wife, and also getting to explore an ancient civilization was it, I grew up wanting to be an Archaeologist and still have some ambitions of exploring that in the future…hopefully.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Be as content and secure with yourself as you can, people won’t be able to trust someone who doesn’t trust themselves and you won’t be able to do the best job you can unless you do. Trust that you have your own best interests in mind and work hard. Be good to everyone around you always. Be honest and remember that buying or selling a home or property is a really large emotional transaction as well as business for most and try to be mindful and considerate at all times, especially when things get difficult and they certainly will from time to time. Working through the difficult ones make a better, stronger agent if you let them!
Wildfire Season is Here – Take These Steps to Protect Your Property
Fire department helicopter flying over threatened homes.
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Wildfire season has been particularly bad over the last couple of years, with fires spreading across much of northern California. People who live in fire country can’t completely escape wildfire season without relocation, however, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your home from wildland fires.
It’s vital that you do this now rather than scrambling when there is a disaster and making things worse. Many of the things you need to do take time and planning to achieve.
When is Wildfire Season?
The timing of wildfire season varies from place to place, but typically in northern California, it lasts from May to October, although fires can now happen at almost any time of the year. Peak risk time, however, is September to October because of the Santa Ana winds and drier vegetation from the summer heat.
It tends to be shorter as you travel north, and wildfire season typically ends with the first significant autumn rainfall. Locally, wildfire season may be variable and you should always pay attention to local alerts and conditions.
Are Wildfires Increasing in Severity?
The short answer is, yes. Increased temperatures have led to more severe fires and a longer fire season. Drought also affects the severity of fire season. Management changes are being studied to help reduce fire risk. However, there is an expectation for wildfires to be worse as well as spread more rapidly.
How Can I Protect My Home from Wildfires?
The most important way to protect your property is through buffering. Cutting back vegetation around your house reduces the risk of embers setting fire to your home itself or to your landscaping. The best way to set up a buffer is to:
- Put hardscaping four feet around your home. This means things like flagstones as well as gravel. You can use this space for a patio, but don’t store firewood here and choose patio furniture that does not burn easily.
- Grow low growing, light foundation shrubs, grass, and similar for the next thirty feet out. No trees within thirty feet.
- For the next 100 feet, thin out trees as well as shrubs and remove branches close to the ground. Have wide paths that can act as firebreaks.
Keep your yard free of dead plants, dry leaves, pine needles, etc. Be particularly careful to clean this from your roof and rain gutters. When selecting landscaping, avoid:
- Eucalyptus (these trees burn like a torch), pines, junipers, hollies, as well as any other plants that have waxy or oily stems.
- Bark mulch. Use gravel, decorative rock, or bark-and-rock.
Choose foundation plantings that are somewhat fire-resistant. Azaleas, boxwoods, hydrangeas, burning bushes, and succulents are also good.
For your home itself, consider the following:
- It is vital that your roof is properly fire-rated. Consider replacing your roof. Talk to the contractor about using materials with a Class A fire rating, such as asphalt composition shingles or tile.
- Clean your gutters frequently.
- Install ember and flame resistant mesh on your home’s vents and regularly check them. If you have enough warning, cover your vents with plywood or seal them from the inside with metal tape. Many fires start when embers are blown into vents.
- Clean debris and vegetation from under your deck and around any outbuildings.
- Do not store anything combustible under your deck. Keep it clean. If repairing or replacing, use fire-retardant materials.
- If replacing windows, choose multi-pane tempered glass, which is less likely to break when heated.
- Inspect your siding regularly for gaps.
- Consider an external sprinkler system that can dampen the area around the house.
When Fire Threatens
If you know a wildfire is threatening your home, you need to:
- Follow all evacuation orders. Make sure you have an evacuation plan and that wherever you are planning on going will take any pets. Include more than one escape route, a designated meeting area, and a single point of contact. If livestock cannot be evacuated, then mark them with your phone number using animal safe spray or a sharpie on hooves, and leave them in a preselected, cleared area or turn them loose, closing the barn door so they don’t run back inside.
- Move propane tanks a distance from your home and other structures.
- Bring patio furniture inside your home.
- Make sure all doors and windows are firmly closed.
Talk to firefighters about your evacuation plan as they often have good recommendations and can help with safe evacuation routes. You should also sign up for local alerts, which will allow firefighters to notify you during an ongoing fire situation of evacuation orders, containment percentages, and smoke issues. We can’t avoid wildfire season, but there are things we can do to protect ourselves and our property.
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Agent to Watch – Andrew Saltzman
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Congratulations to Andrew Saltzman for being named a September Agent to Watch! From sunny Southern California to the stunning Wine Country region, Andrew has always had his fingers on the pulse of the Real Estate industry. So whether he’s out adventuring with his dog or sitting down to let his clients know they’ve been accepted for their dream home, you can trust that he’s always on top of his game and got your best interest’s at heart. Keep reading to learn more about Andrew!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
Growing up in a family that was all in Real Estate was all I knew. Growing up in Southern California and running up to the for sale sign to grab a flyer was what I loved to do. My grandfather was a Real Estate investor and I think I got my love and passion for Real Estate from him.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Social media has absolutely been a huge roll during covid. Being able to show clients the home or me personally going to the property to film it and send it off has been so helpful. Also having the matterport walking tours on all my listings have been so key so someone can sit at home and walk through the home and feel like they are there.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
Being able to call my clients and say YOUR OFFER has been accepted. We have been house hunting for a long time. Makes it all worth it.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Thanks to my 90lb black lab I am a morning person
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
I love to travel, and one of my bucket list items is going to Africa on a real safari.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Baking. I know it sounds funny but I always forget one ingredient every time. So the item will taste awful, or won’t rise or be burnt. It has been a problem for 33 years.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I was in a Dolly Parton & Ricky Van Shelton country music video as a kid.
Must have purse/car item:
Water. I don’t drink any soda so a nice bottle of cold water is my go-to choice to always have in the car with me.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Taking my dog on a nice walk out at the beach. Maybe stop off at one of my favorite wineries. End the day with one of my favorite restaurants.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Catellies. Best Chicken Parm west of the Mississippi!
Agent to Watch – Marisa Rosas
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Congratulations to Marisa Rosas, a September Agent to Watch! Buying a home is not an easy process, but in a world full of salespeople Marisa chooses to stay personable and to make sure that each of her clients understands that homeownership is 100% possible for them. To learn more about Marisa, keep on reading below!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I chose to pursue a career in real estate because once I lost my house in the 2017 Tubbs fire, I knew it was time to get to work. My sister is a broker owner and really took me under her wing helping me pass my real estate license in 2018.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
I have certainly adapted my marketing by really utilizing the power of social media. I don’t like being a “salesman” that’s not the way I like to do my business but more of a personal approach and letting everyone know homeownership is possible!
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
The best thing that happened to me last month was my partner and I were able to purchase our first home.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
I am definitely a morning person. Love getting up early and going to the gym.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Traveling to Bali Indonesia is on my bucket list.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
I wish I could be good at playing the piano.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
Something people may not know about me is that I use to compete in powerlifting, my max deadlift was 300lbs. Fun times!
Must have purse/car item:
My phone LOL I always have my phone on me.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
A perfect day in Sonoma County for me would be going Bodega Bay to with my partner Gustavo and our three shepskys; Mowgli, Lobo & Mia. Our dogs love the water!
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
My favorite local restaurant is Guiso Latin Fusion right next door to the Raven Theater in Healdsburg. They are an amazing family-owned restaurant that specializes in Central American and Caribbean foods. If you haven’t tried this place yet you must try!
Set the Stage – Tips & Tricks To Sell A Home Fast on The Market
Stylish Scandinavian living room interior with design sofa, furniture, tropical plants and decoration. Grey wall. Neutral concept. Template.
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If you are planning to sell your home and sell it quickly, you need to know how to properly stage your home so it looks its best. These tips and tricks can help your home stand out from the competition and compete with other houses on the market. Did you know a properly staged home will sell for 17% more than a non-staged home? And 95% of staged homes sell in 11 days or less! How do you go about staging your home?
Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. When a potential buyer drives up to your home they need to see it in the best condition possible. Here are some quick tips and tricks for boosting your homes’ curb appeal:
- Powerwash siding, windows, sidewalks, and driveway
- Freshen up mulch
- Plant blooming flowers
- Ensure there are no weeds in flower beds or the lawn
- Repaint and restain where needed
Make Your Home Shine
Before you can even think of staging your home, you need to ensure it is clean. Homeowners often overlook items like dusty baseboards, filmy windows, and those errant dust bunnies. Hire a cleaning company to come in and give your house royal treatment. If a cleaning company is not in your budget, clean your home from top to bottom. Have a friend or a neighbor come in and walk around your home and look for areas that may need some extra help.
Clear Away Clutter
Personal items may mean a lot to you, but they are just clutter for a potential buyer. Clear away all knick-knacks, personal photos, and mementos from your home. Clean and clear all surfaces. If it feels too bare, you can add a candle or two, but you want the bones of your home to attract the buyer, not your items.
Style Your Dining Room Table
A large dining room table can look bare and uninviting. You want potential buyers to envision themselves in your home. Set your table with neutral place settings. Add a neutral centerpiece to the table to finish it off. Fresh flowers are always a good bet.
Re-Arrange Your Furniture
When staging your home, you want your home to show in the best possible light. Move your furniture around so small rooms look larger. If necessary, you may need to remove some furniture from your home while you are showing it. If you have furniture pushed up against the walls, move it to make conversational areas. Add new pillows to the couches for a touch of color. Any furniture in bad shape should go into storage while your house is on the market.
Make Your Master Bedroom Inviting
Turn your master bedroom into an oasis. Purchase new covers in a neutral color and add pillows and a throw blanket. Make your bed look inviting. You want the potential home buyer to be able to picture themselves sleeping in your home. Remove any personal items from surfaces in the master bedroom. Ensure the master bedroom’s closet is clear of clutter. If you have lots of clothes packed into the closet, take half of them to storage. You want to showcase the available space.
Remove Pet Odors
Ever heard of the phrase “nose blind”? If you have pets, chances are they may leave odors in the home you don’t even notice. Use cleaning products specifically for removing pet odors on your surfaces. Ensure litter boxes are out of sight, and that pet hair and messes are cleaned up before a showing.
Staging your home doesn’t have to be difficult. Staging your home also doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple tweaks, you can have your home looking its best to potential buyers.
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Explore a Few of Sonoma County’s Family-Owned Businesses
A row of locally-owned businesses, showing a line of cars outside. Patrons walk around outside.
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Sonoma County is its own slice of paradise, nestled right in the heart of the famous Wine Country region. Some may know it best thanks to it’s award-winning Vineyards and fine dining experiences, but what truly makes Sonoma County special and sets it apart elsewhere are the family-run businesses. Whether it’s family-run tasting rooms, outdoor breweries, or quiet cafes off the beaten path, there’s truly something for everyone. In honor of July being Independent Retailer Month, we are so excited to share with you some of our favorite family-owned stops from all across Sonoma County that must be on your list!
Take a trip back in time when you step inside Volpi’s Ristorante & Bar in downtown Petaluma! First opened by husband and wife team John and Mary Lee Volpi in 1925 as a small grocery store, the family business eventually evolved to serve up delicious handmade italian fare, quickly becoming a local favorite. When you step inside it’s like being frozen in time,- When you are encouraged to surround yourself with friends, take in the cheerful sounds of John Volpi’s accordion playing emanating from the historic back bar, and indulge in a culinary experience unlike any other.
Try This: Gnocchi or the famous Clam Chowder (or both!)
We’re all about this women-owned restaurant, opened in Santa Rosa circa 2012! Owner and head chef Liza Hinman delivers her own fresh take on Sonoma County cuisine, serving up traditional American dishes to visitors. For Hinman and her family (her husband can be found serving up delicious bakery fare at The Downtown Bakery in Healdsburg) serving up one-of-a-kind cuisine for their community is a family passion, one she shares with her three children, friends, and patrons! Besides owning a critically acclaimed eatery, Liza is also the owner of the Astro Motel! Just a short walk from her restaurant, this eye-catching mid-century modern retreat is another must-see.
Try This: Baked Oysters
If you’re looking for a lively spot with front row seats to Windsor Town Green, look no further than KIN. Founders JC Adams and Brad Barmore created a space that is not only inviting for family’s but taylor-made to be the ideal gathering place. You can look forward to coming together with friends and family over delicious food and drinks, each of which was carefully crafted by JC and Brad, and truly reflects their combined years of culinary experience. From the moment you walk in you’ll be enveloped in warmth and hospitality, curated so that you know by the time you leave your table you truly are kin.
Try This: Prosciutto & Burrata Plate, paired with a Blood Orange Martini
Delicious New York-style subs meet familial roots and pride of ownership at Mac’s! Originally opened in the ’50s by Mac Nesmon, the historic cafe is now owned by Iraj and Lynn Soltani. Although the deli has changed hands a few times, the incredible food and one-of-a-kind atmosphere has never been lost. Original customers from the ’50s can still be found wandering into the deli every day, but don’t try questioning who got there first! There’s fierce competition among regulars to see who has been coming to Mac’s the longest. Now primarily run by the Soltani’s son Toraj and his wife Lisa, Mac’s has evolved with the times but has never lost what made it so special in the first place: The people.
Try This: Hot Pastrami & Swiss Cheese
If we’re talking about Sonoma County, you know we have to bring up wine sooner or later!
Sophie James winery is the very definition of a labor of love, born out of a passion for entertaining friends and family, and thoughtfully crafting one-of-a-kind experiences. Perched on top of Sonoma Mountain, these rolling vineyards quietly waited for the day when future owners husband and wife Sophie and James Gray would bring it all back to life. Opening its doors in 2017, Sophie James Wine has since established itself as the one-stop-shop for great views, great times, and sustainably sourced foods and wines that are set for generations to come. Overlooking Sonoma County and beyond, Sophie James is a mountaintop treasure waiting to welcome you in.
Try This: Rose of Pinot Noir
Treasured traditions await at VJB Cellars, owned and operated by the Belmonte family since 2003. Originally the owners of a popular restaurant, the Belmonte family founded their Cellars thanks to a desire for top-tier wines bearing their name to serve to their restaurant patrons. Since that moment VJB has continued on as a labor of family love, and today offers an eclectic menu of over 15 different varietals, as well as handmade traditional Italian fare, easily making it one of the must-see destinations in the Sonoma Valley.
Try This: Estate Montepulciano
It’s no secret that Sonoma County natives know wine better than we know ourselves, but we also have popular breweries that are absolutely worth bragging about.
The father and son team of Alan, Josh, and Adam Bosch are the creative minds behind Parliament Brewing in Rohnert Park. Built on the foundations of family, history, and community, Parliament, named after a gathering of owls (the breweries signature emblem) was specifically designed as a destination for those who wish to gather and feel part of something. The Bosch family brews their beers in small batches and works continuously using their customer’s feedback to ensure their product is consistently what their consumers want. Be sure to add this one to your list, stop by (dogs are welcome too!), and try a flight.
Try This: Sonoma Aroma
From the cellars of Wine Country came Paul Hawley and Remy Martin, long-time friends, and co-founders of Fogbelt Brewing. The two grew up in winemaking families, but it was their shared passion for craft beer and its continuous innovation that brought them together. In 2014, they launched their taproom in Santa Rosa, but their adventure had humble beginnings, where they pieced together a 7 barrel operation with salvaged equipment. Since those days, they have expanded on their brewing operation, adding a variety of beer programs to appeal to their customers and to help them keep up in the industry. But the core of it all has always stayed the same; Just two friends brewing beer.
Try This: Stardusk Juicy IPA
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Agents of the Month – Sonoma County Home Group
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There’s something unstoppable about Angela Etimos and Melissa Hill, the team behind Sonoma County Home Group and our July Agents of the Month! Since they teamed up, this dynamic duo has combined their industry experience to provide their clients with the top-tier knowledge and support that they have become well-known for. Keep reading to learn more about SCHG!
To what do you attribute your success?
The relationships we’ve built and maintained. Without the continued support and ongoing referrals from friends, family and past clients our business wouldn’t be where it is today.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
The biggest mistake we ever made was not putting organized systems into place when we first started our team. Trying to put them in place once we got busier was a lot more work!
The single best thing we’ve done for our business has been establishing a social media presence. People can get an idea of what it’s like to work with us and get a glimpse of who we are beyond just being Realtors. People usually want to do business with people they know, like & trust and social media gives future clients the opportunity to get to know us before we ever meet in person.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
Our goal isn’t to automate our business. We’re sure we could probably be more efficient if we automated things, but buying or selling can be stressful and we want our clients to know they will have our personal attention every step of the way.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
Luckily, our primary form of marketing has always been using social media and other online marketing so when COVID began it just forced us to get better at what we were already doing.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
A unique aspect is that we can be showing a $200,000 condo one day and a multi-million dollar estate the next.
If you could only do one thing differently when you first started your business what would it be?:
We would have teamed up sooner! We each started out individually 16 years ago, but with our strengths and weaknesses being so different, we knew we’d be better able to serve our clients by teaming up and working together. Not to mention we have a lot more fun working together than we did on our own.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
With each of us having young children maintaining a work-life balance is extremely important. We’ll probably never get it exactly right and there will likely always be some level of mom guilt, but since we make it a priority to be able to do school drop offs and pick ups, attend all sporting events and always make time for weekends at the lake with family, we feel like we’re doing a pretty good job at balancing things as best we can.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
Angela- Couples trips to Cabo are always a blast!
Melissa- Renting a trailer and road tripping through national parks in Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Don’t try to do all the things! Pick just a few things that you want to do to help your business grow and focus on doing those things consistently.
