Agent to Watch August 17, 2021

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!

 

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Real Estate 101 July 19, 2021

Set the Stage – Tips & Tricks To Sell A Home Fast on The Market

 

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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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Community July 16, 2021

Explore a Few of Sonoma County’s Family-Owned Businesses

 

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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!

 

Volpi’s 

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!) 

 

The Spinster Sisters

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 

 

KIN

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

 

Mac’s Deli & Cafe

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 Wine

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 

 

VJB Cellars

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. 

 

Parliament Brewing Company 

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

 

Fogbelt Brewing Company 

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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Agent of the Month July 7, 2021

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.

 

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Agent to Watch July 7, 2021

Agent to Watch – Dan Barlow

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Congratulations to Dan Barlow, a July Agent to Watch! Dan grew up in the real estate business, frequently visiting homes for sale with his parents and learning what it meant to be a dedicated real estate agent. Since then, Dan has never lost his passion and enjoyment for real estate, and instead has turned it into a lifelong passion. Keep reading to learn more about Dan, and how you just might catch him down at Sol Food on a day off!

 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?

Growing up, my parents and I moved around a lot for my father’s work. I think we lived in 5 different homes before I was 11 years old. My parents would always bring me along to showings, and I always had a great time. I think I enjoy it today as much as I did when I was 10!

 

How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

I’ve kept it mostly the same. COVID has played a large role in pushing the current real estate market to where it is. The adaptations I have made have been made with the goal of handling a larger volume of business while continuing to maintain the same quality of care for each client, as well as providing some time for myself.

 

What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:

This month I had the opportunity to help two of my closest friends close on their first homes in Santa Rosa!

 

Are you a morning or a night person?:

I’m 100% a night owl.

 

What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:

Someday I would love to travel to Santorini, Greece.

 

What is something you wish you could be good at?:

I wish I could be a good mechanic, and good at cooking. I’m terrible at both, which is funny, because some of my closest friends are well known chefs and race car builders! I get picked on often.

 

What is something most people would never guess about you?:

I love punk rock. Catch me jamming out to Fall Out Boy/Green Day/My Chemical Romance before showings/listing appointments.

 

Must have purse/car item:

Business cards!

 

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:

Waking up late, heading to brunch at Cousteaux in Healdsburg, followed by a hike in Armstrong Woods. Drive down the coast until you reach Nick’s Cove in Marshall and have some oysters. Drive up to the east peak of Mount Tamalpais to watch the sunset over the bay while the fog rolls in. Head back down to Copita in Sausalito, or Sol Food in San Rafael. You can’t design a better northern California day.

 

What’s your favorite local restaurant?:

Sol Food in San Rafael, hands down. I’ll drive to Marin with the sole purpose of the trip to get takeout. It’s THAT good.

 

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Agent to Watch July 7, 2021

Agent to Watch – Alison Weese

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Congratulations to Alison Weese, one of July’s Agents to Watch! For Alison real estate is a proud family tradition, and you can bet that she approaches each transaction with the same focus, determination, and dedication that she would give if it were her own family searching for their dream home. Keep reading to learn more about Alison!

 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?

Pursuing Real Estate isn’t just a career path – for me it’s honestly more like an obsession, and it runs 5-generations deep! My great-great-grandfather built homes in The Haight around the turn of the century; my great-grandfather bought and sold industrial properties in the ’30s; and my grandpa, Papou, had one of the largest brokerages in San Francisco in the ’60s. He’s the one who started pushing me to explore real estate while I was still in college. My mom is a top-producing agent on the Peninsula, my uncle is in commercial real estate in The City and the list of cousins goes on! I should have listened to Papou and started this endeavor years ago, but here I am, now with more life-experience, and fully thankful for the opportunity to pursue what I really want to do with my professional path.

 

How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Thankfully, Real Estate has provided a vehicle for keeping connected with all my favorite people and has encouraged me to lean-in to other creative areas that I’ve set aside for so long. While I find it fairly easy to just be home, real estate has pushed me to stay present and show people that through thick or thin – we’re all in this together! I’ve also reconnected with good old fashioned snail mail, something that flew out the window when the babies came along. It feels good to take a minute to say hello, thank you, and hope you’re well again.

 

What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:

I closed my first listings!! To celebrate, my husband and I took our two boys to the beach for a picnic. We flew kites, had a dance party and fully soaked up the moment to just be silly together!

 

Are you a morning or a night person?:

100% night owl… Have been fighting it my whole life.

 

What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:

My bucket list is full of travel – at the top is a whirlwind Heritage Tour: Greece, Italy, Ireland. Ooh! And, I’m dying to see the Northern Lights!!!

 

What is something you wish you could be good at?:

Camping.

Everyone loves it – I want to love it – so badly.

 

What is something most people would never guess about you?:

If I could go skiing or sky-diving every day – I would be such a happy camper! Apparently, I love a little thrill!

 

Must have purse/car item:

A wine key and a measuring tape. They always help you to come out a hero!

 

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:

To soak up a full day of schedule-free Sonoma County exploration at a lollygag pace sounds beyond amazing to me! A morning walk, window shopping, lunch al fresco, and a little wine tasting whimsy. …Dare I push it with dinner out? There is so much to do, see, eat and taste here – the opportunity for local neighborhood discovery is always such a treat!

 

What’s your favorite local restaurant?:

If given the opportunity, walking to Sweet T’s or popping in for dinner at the bar at Valette are my absolute local favorites. Plus, they both make a mean “Distiller’s Wife”!!

 

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Real Estate 101 June 16, 2021

June is National Homeownership Month – Let’s Talk About The Benefits of Owning A Home

 

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Are you thinking about buying a home? While renting offers certain advantages (such as mobility, and reduced costs for home repair), owning a home also comes with several benefits. Let’s discuss the difference between renting and owning, why you may want to own your own home, and the key benefits of homeownership.

What’s the Difference Between Renting and Owning?

When you rent a home, you’re not the owner, which means you’re not the one primarily responsible for property maintenance and repairs. That’s a good thing (usually). You also have a lot more freedom in terms of moving whenever and wherever you want. On the other hand, it’s almost inevitable your rent will increase each year — which isn’t so good. Even more concerning, your landlord may sell the property, or leave it to relatives upon death, and the new owners may decide to turn you out. Of course, when you own a house, it’s all yours — the benefits and the responsibilities alike. You’ll have to keep up with home maintenance, pay property taxes, and typically live in the same residence until you sell it (which may take a while). Bottom line? Renting and owning are two completely different ball games.

Why Would You Decide to Buy a Home?

There may be a number of reasons why you decide it’s time to join the ranks of homeowners. Here are a few of the most common ones:

  • Your family is expanding. If you have a new child on the way, or an elderly relative needs to move in, then you may need more living space. Sometimes, buying a home is the only viable option to get the space you need.
  • Housing prices are within your budget. One recent study found that housing ownership is 38% less expensive on average than renting. From a purely financial perspective, it may make sense to invest in homeownership rather than deal with rising rental costs.
  • You want to invest in the future. You may want to “put roots down” in one place, and build your wealth at the same time. If so, then buying a home makes the most sense for you.

What Are the Benefits of Owning a Home?

It wouldn’t be possible to list all of the potential benefits that come with owning a home in one article. That being said, here are 3 big ones to consider:

1. Homeowners Get Major Tax Breaks.

If you’re a homeowner, then you’ll be able to take several tax deductions on your yearly return. These deductions may include:

  • Mortgage interest
  • Property taxes
  • Mortgage insurance
  • Profit received from a home sale

Sure, itemizing your deductions as a homeowner may take some time and effort. However, you could earn hundreds, even thousands of dollars in tax savings if you do!

2. Homeownership Builds Equity

Equity is basically the cash value of your home that belongs to you. In other words, the difference between the total value of your home and what you still owe on your home loan. Equity is something only homeownership can build since renters don’t own the property on which they live. As your equity grows, you’ll be able to borrow against it in the future, either for home improvements or other financial needs. Think of it as a way to really raise your line of credit.

3. Homeowners Enjoy More Stable Expenses

With homeownership, you won’t have to worry about your rent going up again next month. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy a fixed monthly payment for many years — which is a great help when it comes to developing a workable budget.

Since this is National Homeownership Month, now is a great time to educate yourself on the pros and cons of buying your own place. You can explore this rent vs. buy calculator from NerdWallet as a starting point!

 

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Agent of the Month June 9, 2021

Agent of the Month – Filippo Viola

 

 

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If you’re looking for an expert in all things Mendocino County, then look no further than June Agent of the Month, Filippo Viola! Whether it’s hiking hills to find your property line, or searching out that hard-to-find well, he prides himself on going the extra mile to connect with his clients. Read on to learn more about stellar W agent, Filippo!

 

To what do you attribute your success?

I attribute my success to networking and frequently connecting with clients.

 

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:

The best thing I’ve ever done for my business was becoming a Zillow premier agent, which introduced me to clients that didn’t come from my personal networking.

 

How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:

I value giving personal attention to clients over automation.

 

How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:

I have adapted my marketing by wearing a mask while networking in person!

 

What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:

A unique aspect of Mendocino county, which I specialize in is that it is a large and spread out rural county. It often takes an hour and a half of driving in between appointments. Also, the rural nature of the properties means that my hiking boots get way more mileage than my dress shoes. I’m often climbing up and down mountains to find property corners or a spring.

If you could only do one thing differently when you first started your business what would it be?:

Left the team format sooner to work on my own.

 

What was the best vacation you ever had?:

10-day Indonesian surfing boat charter on a 110’ sailboat.

 

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:

Start on a team that will give you leads and trains you well on how to handle them. You will get many transactions under your belt. Just leave before you feel taken advantage of.

 

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Agent to Watch June 9, 2021

Agent to Watch – Mary Curran

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Congratulations to Mary Curran, one of June’s Agents to Watch! Mary has always been someone who cares deeply about those around her, and that compassion and attention are woven into each and every one of her client interactions. Keep on reading to learn more about Mary, her love of real estate, and her passion for conquering crosswords!

 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?

It sounds corny but I really love helping people reach their goals, I love houses and the whole process of finding homes and making them beautiful. Real Estate lets me be part of that with buyers (and I can also admire what sellers have done to their homes). I was a patient advocate in the dental field for 15 years and feel client advocacy is the key to a great real estate agent. The phrase “take care” means a lot to me, I always want to be the agent that cares.

I also really love the fluid schedule and the fact that no two days are the same!

 

How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Keeping clients and coworkers safe has been my main concern. As long as that happens then I try to keep things as normal as possible.

 

What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:

Wow! So many good things… I will get to see family soon, my husband is getting to do the work he loves and I get to live in the beautiful town of Healdsburg. For work, I got to close a deal with Amy Chiurco, who I think is amazing. We had worked on it for a long time so it was satisfying. Also my dear friend Andrew Cooper became an agent!

 

Are you a morning or a night person?:

I think I am an afternoon person… like right after lunch is my best time.

 

What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:

I would like to travel around the world with my husband Ross, with month-long stops in Bruges, Paris, and New Zealand. 

 

What is something you wish you could be good at?:

I am not patient… like at all.

 

What is something most people would never guess about you?:

My first concert was Elvis Presley, I was 10.

I am a crossword fanatic.

I know way too much about teeth lol!

I’ve remodeled many homes and am pretty good at mudding drywall.

Almost every outfit anyone sees me in is from a thrift store.

 

Must have purse/car item:

Lip balm, water, and a snack that if you eat it in your car the calories don’t count. And my phone… I would die without my phone with an audiobook playing of course.

 

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:

Sleep a little late, coffee and a crossword, walk to the farmers market, back to the house to bake a cake then go Hike Fitch Mountain, Then have friends over to hang out in the backyard.

Oh and go to the goodwill.

 

What’s your favorite local restaurant?:

Campo Fina and Dry Creek Kitchen.

 

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Agent to Watch June 9, 2021

Agent to Watch – Renee Bradbury

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Congratulations to a June Agent to Watch, Renee Bradbury! Every day Renee strives to exceed her client’s expectations and smash the goals she sets for herself. But when she isn’t doing that, you can find her taking in a relaxing day outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, and finding a new restaurant to give a try. Read on to learn more about Renee!

 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?

I think my career in real estate was a natural draw for me because of the love for the land and architecture. There is a real sense of accomplishment to help clients find a home that excites them and gives them joy. Helping people reach their goals financially or emotionally.

 

How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

I used to really enjoy doing open houses, showing off the home for sale, meeting people, and hearing what they are looking for in a home. So of course that is not possible at this time. Marketing is all email, Instagram, Facebook, and postcards. This past year it seemed that everything was done just a little bit different but to be in real estate you must be flexible that is what makes this job interesting nothing ever seems to be the same.

 

What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:

I reached a lot of my client’s goals by finding or selling their homes.

 

Are you a morning or a night person?:

I love sitting out on my covered deck early in the morning drinking coffee and watching the day awaken in any type of weather. With a heater and a blanket if it is cold my dog and I enjoy the mornings.

 

What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:

Travel. I would travel anywhere anytime if I could.

 

What is something you wish you could be good at?:

Singing or just carrying a tune. I am the worst and I have accepted this will not happen at least in this lifetime.

 

What is something most people would never guess about you?:

That I am a true country girl. Raised in the country with all the farm and wild animals. I am very happy just standing out in the middle of a field.

 

Must have purse/car item:

My phone is always with me. No real estate agent can live without their phone.

 

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:

A perfect day for me is all about being outdoors and wonderful food that is why living in Sonoma is so perfect for me, it just doesn’t get any better.

 

What’s your favorite local restaurant?:

I have two favorite local restaurants one is EDK on the Sonoma Plaza. They offer locally sourced food with a creative menu and a lovely atmosphere. The other is Hog Island Oyster Bar.

 

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