Can you feel that chill in the air, Napa County? Autumn is on its way, and you know what that means. It's officially pumpkin patch season! To help get you in a spooky, autumnal mood, check out our list below of pumpkin patches in Napa County that deserve a spot on your must-visit list!
Can you feel that chill in the air, Lake and Mendocino County? Autumn is on its way, and you know what that means. It's officially pumpkin patch season! To help get you in a spooky, autumnal mood, check out our list below of pumpkin patches in Lake and Mendocino County that deserve a spot on your must-visit list!
Can you feel that chill in the air, Sonoma County? Autumn is on its way, and you know what that means. It's officially pumpkin patch season! To help get you in a spooky, autumnal mood, check out our list below of pumpkin patches in Sonoma County that deserve a spot on your must-visit list!
We can't believe we're saying this, but Fall is almost here in Lake and Mendocino County! As the leaves change and temperatures drop, we can't help but think this is the best time to get outside and embrace the changing seasons inland and along the coast. To help fill your activities calendar, we've put together a few of our favorite Fall Events, coming up soon in Lake and Mendocino County!
We can't believe we're saying this, but Fall is almost here in Napa County! As the leaves change and temperatures drop, we can't help but think this is the best time to get outside and embrace the changing seasons in Wine Country. To help fill your activities calendar, we've put together a few of our favorite Fall Events, coming up soon in Napa County!
We can't believe we're saying this, but Fall is almost here in Sonoma County! As the leaves change and temperatures drop, we can't help but think this is the best time to get outside and embrace the changing seasons in Wine Country. To help fill your activities calendar, we've put together a few of our favorite Fall Events, coming up soon in Sonoma County!
When it comes to real estate, spring is often crowned the king of buying and selling seasons, but fall might just be the best-kept secret for savvy homeowners and house hunters. While the back-to-school season brings a return to routines, it also opens up unique opportunities for those considering a move. Whether you're buying your first home or prepping to list, here's why fall is a smart, strategic time to make your move.
Less Competition, More Serious Buyers
In spring and early summer, the market tends to flood with listings and casual browsers. By fall, many of those buyers and sellers have either closed or dropped out. What’s left? Motivated buyers and serious sellers; The kind of people who are ready to act, not just window shop.
If you're selling, this means fewer homes competing for attention. If you're buying, you're less likely to get caught in a bidding war and more likely to negotiate favorable terms.
Buyers Are Focused (Even During Back-to-School Season)
While it’s true that families with school-age children often avoid moving once the school year begins, that doesn't mean fall is off-limits, especially for empty nesters, first-time buyers, young professionals, and retirees. These groups make up a large portion of fall market activity, and they're often more flexible on timing.
Homes Show Beautifully in Fall
Golden light, cozy staging, and cooler temperatures make fall a fantastic time to showcase a home. Buyers walking through your property won’t be sweating under the summer sun or battling spring rain. Plus, homes feel warm and welcoming with seasonal décor and autumn curb appeal.
If you’re selling, use fall to your advantage with tasteful seasonal touches like mums on the porch, fresh mulch, or a crackling fire during open houses.
Year-End Tax Incentives for Buyers
Buying a home before the end of the year can offer some financial advantages. Mortgage interest, property taxes, and points paid at closing may be tax-deductible, depending on your situation. That’s a compelling reason for many buyers to close before December 31st.
Faster Closings and More Focused Professionals
Because fall is a slower season compared to spring and summer, lenders, inspectors, movers, and contractors typically have more availability. This can lead to smoother transactions, quicker closings, and better service all around.
Bottom Line: Fall Is Underrated, But Powerful
Don’t let the “spring market” hype fool you. Fall offers unique advantages for buyers and sellers who are focused, prepared, and ready to act. Whether you're looking to upgrade, downsize, or make your first move, fall might just be your season.
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We wouldn't be us if it weren't for all the hardworking staff behind the scenes who keep us running as a company. We do our best to celebrate these incredible individuals each day, and now we want to celebrate them with you too! We'd like to introduce you to our July Employee Spotlight, Jenna Berlin. Jenna is our incredible Senior Designer, and she is responsible for creating some of the incredible WRE marketing materials you see out in the wild. She plays a huge role in our marketing department, and we are so excited for you to get to know her. Keep reading to learn more about Jenna!
What does a typical day at W look like for you?:
I am a remote employee (based out of San Diego), so it's a good day for me if I change into normal clothes before starting work. I work on many different projects at a time, from custom brochures, signage, and larger-scale projects like homebuyer's guides, as well as website building and design. Between W Real Estate, W Commercial, and various new home communities for W Marketing, there is never a lack of anything to do.
What's your ideal day out in Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino County?:
I haven't spent a ton of time in the area, but I have had the luxury to do some wine tasting in Sonoma. The vineyards are so dreamy that even though I'm more of a tequila drinker, I think I would make wine tasting my whole personality if I lived closer.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be?:
I would love to be a better cook. My meals consist of 5 ingredients or less, or I give up completely and hit up the nearest burrito shop.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? Or the song that always gets you out on the dancefloor?:
No one wants to hear me sing, I promise. Give me a good girl anthem (TSWIFT) or some angsty Alanis Morissette music, and you'll get it out of me.
You can only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?:
I could no doubt eat a burrito for every meal for the rest of my life (Mexican food in general). I honestly don't know if any other types of cuisine exist.
If you could live anywhere new in the world for a year, where would it be?:
I could live my best life in Italy for a year. Pizza and pasta and wine are a close second to tequila and burritos for me.
Tell us about something you're excited about this year!:
I'm big into college football. I'm from Nebraska originally, so it's in my blood (Go Huskers). Football season is like Christmas to me. The countdown has been going strong for months now until it returns.
What's your favorite part about working at W?:
The people are absolutely the best part. Everyone is so kind and hardworking and amazing what they do, it's an inspiring group of people to be around.
Congratulations to one of our July Agents to Watch, Brian Zuckerman! Brian brings to the table a diversified business approach, built on experience, passion for the real estate industry, and a desire to get his clients into their new homes. Keep reading to learn more about Brian!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Check in on clients who just moved into their new home.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?:
Don’t do that.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
There’s a reason people say they’re from Sonoma County. You’re not just living in one particular town. A collection of small towns, each unique, each within a short distance, makes up a larger region that represents the best possible lifestyle one can imagine.
Sonoma County is just a thing, sometimes hard to define, but for me, a day doesn’t pass that I don’t viscerally appreciate the good fortune of being here with my family.
The weather, the bounty of agriculture, the never-ending views, and varied landscape just add up to something magical. There’s what I call the Sonoma Glow that I see on people’s faces. It’s a look of peace, of contentment, like they are living a discovered secret and wouldn’t be anywhere else. I’ve never lived in a place where I’ve experienced such a thing.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
I have a diversified practice and a fair share of clients who invest in multi-family and short-term rentals (STR’s). STR’s fit the classic risk/reward profile. Returns can be outsized but it’s a tricky business. The challenges include an ever-changing ordinance and zoning landscape, market saturation, etc.
I happen to manage a few destination properties in both Joshua Tree and Healdsburg. It’s inevitable that some of these will underperform, and the asset either needs to be utilized differently or sold. I have several of these at the moment. One can’t bend reality, so discovering a solution that preserves as much equity as possible is the challenge. This may include converting to a mid-term rental, long-term rental, or taking a short-term hit, selling, and doing a 1031 into something more promising.
The hardest part of this isn't the mechanics but the psychological. Helping clients understand that not everything can be a home run, that base hits add up over time, is key.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
I have an early experience with this that is imprinted in my mind. More observational mentorship. And it's not exactly related to my career, but in some ways it probably translates.
I was 8 years old and was the youngest member of a swimming relay event that featured one member from each age group. Eric Yacheshev was the oldest and a local legend. He was dominant and never took his foot off the gas. His physicality matched his performance. Outsized. Something about witnessing that just stuck.
The moment his mentorship was revealed was during that relay. He was the first leg (backstroke), I was the 3rd leg (butterfly). My job was to maintain the sizable lead he created. I did that. As I hit the wall, he bent down his giant frame, grabbed me by the wrist, and shot me out of the pool onto dry land. It was a flicker of a moment that demonstrated his approval and excitement over my performance, and that he was in good company and that I was perhaps worthy of following in his footsteps.
The feeling I had in that moment has never left me. Small things matter.
What's your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
Outdoor shower and Scullery/2nd Kitchen. Sorry, that’s two.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
Terry Kath (founding member and lead guitarist of Chicago). Jimmy Hendrix was in awe of him. Soulful, a master of his craft and a huge talent. I’d dig into this and ask some questions.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
Drive down Sonoma Valley and visit Jack London State Park, followed by dinner at Glen Ellen Star, then circle back up through Bennett Valley. This road less travelled is quite beautiful and meant to be fawned over. A great prelude to the rest of Sonoma County.
What's something you're looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
I have a few clients doing remodel projects on properties they purchased with me. I am overseeing the redevelopment. Helping to curate the experience of a destination property, then delivering the completed project. This is the sweet spot for me. Fueling the business of real estate with creative vision in a collaborative journey that culminates in something extraordinary. These are dreams crafted into reality.
Congratulations to July Agent to Watch, Trista Fossa! Trista is a pillar in our new Lake County office, and we are thrilled to have her on our team! She brings with her a depth of knowledge and an enthusiasm for our industry that is contagious. Keep reading to get to know Trista!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Walk or Yoga, coffee, client follow-ups 😅☕📞. Real estate days move fast, so I always start by grounding myself and checking in on the people who count on me, especially on Monday!!
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?:
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
This advice has guided me in both teaching and real estate. Building trust and showing genuine care always comes before the paperwork or the sale.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
My favorite part about working in real estate here is the deep sense of community and connection to the land. As a Navy veteran, I value integrity and service, and as a teacher, I love educating and empowering people through major life transitions. This area—Cobb Mountain (my home), Lake County, and beyond—offers something truly special: peaceful living, natural beauty, and room to grow. Helping people find their place here feels like more than a career—it feels like giving back.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
Balancing multiple roles can be a challenge, especially when people assume that teaching or community work means I’m not fully focused on real estate. The truth is, real estate is my main priority and passion. I’ve built my business to be responsive, strategic, and client-centered—no matter what else is on my calendar. My work in schools and with exchange students just deepens my connection to the community I serve.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
Mentorship has played a huge role in my career. Early on, I had the privilege of working under Corinne Hays, an incredible Escrow Officer who taught me the ins and outs of title and escrow. Her guidance gave me a deep understanding of the closing process—something many agents don’t get firsthand experience with. That foundation has absolutely set me apart in this field. I’m able to anticipate issues, communicate clearly with all parties, and help my clients navigate the process with confidence. I’m so grateful for what she taught me—it’s shaped how I show up as both a professional and a resource for my clients.
What's your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
A laundry room you don’t dread walking into. Give me space, light, and somewhere to hide the unmatched socks!
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Barbara Corcoran. Her journey in real estate is inspiring—she built her business from the ground up with confidence, creativity, and grit. I’d love to hear her thoughts on staying bold in a competitive industry while still leading with heart. As someone who also works with students from around the world through exchange programs, I think we’d have a great conversation about connection, resilience, and trusting your gut—no matter the odds.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
Start in Lake County! It’s often overlooked, but that’s part of what makes it special. Clear Lake is stunning, the hiking is peaceful, and you’ll experience the kind of small-town hospitality that’s rare these days. Then take the scenic route out to Mendocino’s coast or Sonoma wine country—it’s all within reach.
What's something you're looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
I’m beyond excited for our upcoming trip to Italy (we leave tomorrow)—it’s our first time visiting Europe! We’ll be spending two weeks exploring the country, and our daughter Laney is already there, having an amazing time with Simona, the exchange student we hosted this past school year. We’ll be meeting up with them soon, and in Venice, another one of our former exchange students, Morgane from France, will be joining us. I truly can’t wait—it’s going to be such a special reunion and an unforgettable adventure!
