It’s no secret that buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. While the process can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming at times—especially when it comes to financing. How exactly do you buy a home? Well, this is where mortgage pre-approval comes in! Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting is a critical step that can save you time, frustration, and (most importantly) money.
Pre-qualification is a quick, informal assessment of how much you may be able to borrow, based on self-reported financial information. Pre-approval is a more thorough process where the lender verifies your financial details and provides a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount.
If you’re ready to start the home-buying process, here’s what you need to do to get preapproved:
- W-2s from the last two years
- Tax returns from the last two years
- Recent pay stubs
- Current bank statements
- Investment accounts (if applicable)
Getting preapproved before you start house hunting is a smart move that can streamline the home-buying process. Not only does it give you a clear financial picture, but it also makes you a stronger buyer in a competitive market. If you’re serious about purchasing a home, take the time to get preapproved—it will be worth it in the long run.
Congratulations to a January Agent to Watch, Stephany! Stephany is a little bit newer to our W family, but she has absolutely hit the ground running! She is not shy about her passion for real estate and her determination to be a real estate success, and we think this is just the start of a great future for her. Keep reading to learn more about Stephany!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
The first thing I wrote was to get a workout in, maybe go on a run. It helps me start the day with a clear mind to focus on everything else.
What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
It’s hard to pinpoint one exact piece of advice. Throughout my life I’ve been in different stages where the best advice at the time is different than what would best fit my life now. I think as long as you lead with your heart and always have good intentions, good things will always follow.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
Probably getting to experience such sought-after property and land. Whether it’s amidst the vineyards or in my childhood neighborhood, I love being able to interact with real estate on a different level.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
A recent challenge I came upon was fear of becoming a part of the 87% of agents that fail. I was afraid of becoming this statistic that had been ingrained in my brain since I started to pursue this career. Being 24 years old I realized a lot of people would not take me seriously in this industry. The way l overcame this feeling was by reminding myself of all the strengths and qualities I have, but most importantly my passion and love for the industry. As long as I lead a career of integrity and honesty, in my eyes I have succeeded.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
Mentorship has played a big part in my confidence as a new agent. To me the most important part of being an agent is being informed and being able to stand by your knowledge. Within two weeks of becoming an agent, I had my first deal which we closed in 21 days. I was able to achieve this because of the incredible mentorship and 30 years of experience of my mentor. It’s an amazing feeling to be guided by someone who i look up to.
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
I wish more homes had distinct architecture and incorporated more lush greenery. I love it when houses feature a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
I would probably have to say Ryan Serhant off the top of my head. I’ve listened to him speak a ton over the years and I would love to get to know him on a personal level and learn from him. I love that he’s not afraid of innovative ideas and really opening doors for the younger generation.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
I love Ristorante Allegria’s freshly made pasta in downtown Napa. For a drink after dinner, I would recommend Wine Girl just a few blocks away 🙂
What’s something you're looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
I’m always looking forward to traveling each year and discovering new things about myself. I’m ready to commit to all the things that make me happy this upcoming year; running, reading, learning, and exploring but most importantly excelling in real estate.
Congratulations to a January Agent to Watch, Melissa Navarro! Melissa is one of our industry pros at W, and we think her ability to adapt to her clients' needs and make their homeownership goals a reality is something that not only helps set her apart, but are skills to admire. Keep reading below to learn more about Melissa!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Each days to-do list is different depending on the day. Today the first thing I wrote was follow up with sellers from the weekend activity.
What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
The best piece of advice I have been given was a quote. "Some people make things happen, some people watch things happen, while others wonder what just happened". I have this quote up in my home office. This can apply to all things in life....real estate included. My goal is to always be the one that makes things happen whether that is for me, my family, and my clients.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
People come from all over to vacation in our part of the world. The fact that I am able to help people sell and buy real estate in a place people come to vacation.....it's the best.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
Recently, I had an escrow where everything that could go wrong....went wrong. My seller breaking her knee the weekend we hit the market, a broken furnace, a roof leak during a huge storm, the home locked up with the keys inside.....all in one escrow! Communication and experience helped me conquer every hurdle. With a pocket of great vendors and great communication with all parties involved, escrow closed with a very happy seller and buyers.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
Mentorship has been huge in my career. I am fortunate to be in a family of realtors.....my mom, dad, and brothers. In addition to my family, I have had amazing real estate coaches over the years. The mentorship has been huge in developing skills, weekly accountability, roll play scenarios, set and achieve goals, and even some friendly competition. One of the many things I love about real estate is how each escrow can be so different. Having a mentor to discuss ideas and situations helps make my skill set that much stronger.
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
Each person has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to design features. Something I have learned over the years is to keep my mouth shut. Something I might hate...my buyers might love. And vice versa! The best home design feature is the feature the buyer loves!
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
I would want one more day, even if just a dinner with my Papa Fox....my mom's father. He was the father figure growing up I never knew I needed. No matter my age, even with having three kids of my own, I was never too old to have my Papa say "Come here honey" and I could sit with him on his lazy boy chair and tell him about my day. He was the most caring, loving, funny grandfather. I am so grateful for the relationship I had with him.
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
My husband was born and raised in Hawaii. He left because he said island fever is a real thing. We are so blessed to have so much here in Sonoma County. Drive an hour north you have the redwoods. Half an hour west...Bodega Bay. An hour south...San Francisco. And everywhere around us is vineyards and wineries. So much to do right at our fingertips. The restaurants, the scenery, wine tasting......it's so hard to suggest what to do first! I like to give a couple of options depending on the person. In our area....you can never go wrong!
What’s something you're looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
In the fall, my husband and I are going to travel abroad with my best friend and her husband. We are going to visit Athens Greece for a few days. Then set off on an eleven-day cruise around the Mediterranean. We are going to stop at 10 different locations with the cruise ending in Venice, Italy. We are so excited!

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Congratulations to our January Agent of the Month, Shelly Reed! Shelly is a new addition to our forthcoming Lake County Office, and we are so excited to have her on our team! Dedicated to hard work on behalf of her clients and a focused team member, we look forward to seeing all that she succeeds. Keep reading to learn more about Shelly!
What three words would you use to describe your approach to the real estate business?:
Hard-working, Dedicated, Focused.
What's one aspect of your business that you are looking to improve on this year? In what ways/how would like to see yourself improve?:
Staying focused on my personal goals.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
My consistent marketing, managing my data base, online presence and community involvement.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Do all the things you know you should be doing. Do it every day.
What's the one piece of advice you always give your clients first?:
Your heart will tell you when you find the perfect home.
Failure is a natural part of achieving success. How do you recoup when things don't necessarily go your way?:
Overcoming your failures is all about changing your perspective. Sometimes all you need is to move on, not every deal is a good deal. Opportunities are everywhere. Keep making connections, be available be helpful to your community.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you are getting it right?:
For me working out in the morning gets me right physically and mentally. This creates a pattern for my day and allows me to feel good about the way my day begins.
What roles have mentors played in your life and career?:
Jesus was a great example of putting others ahead of himself. He was kind and helpful. People remember how you make them feel.
What risks were you willing to take when starting out in your career and how have they benefitted you?:
The importance of setting aside money to Pay for Advertising and marketing.
If you could only ever visit one business again in Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino/SF County, what would it be and why?:
I love decorating and design. So HomeGoods!
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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 January Employee Spotlight, Annie Pisanic. Annie is our incredible Senior Accountant and Human Resources Officer, and to say we would be lost without her on our team would be the understatement of the year. Keep reading to learn more about Annie!
What does a typical day at W look like for you?:
On a typical day, I arrive at W with the intent of doing several things on my "to-do" list. However the reality is that as soon as I arrive, I am sidelined by a multitude of new or urgent projects that drag me in every possible direction.
What's your ideal day out in Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino County?:
My ideal day in Sonoma County would be to take a hike with my daughter in Sugar Loaf in the morning and watch the fog burn off of the mountains. I would follow that up with a nice breakfast/brunch at Hanks Creekside or Jeffery's Hillside café. Then, my afternoon would consist of hanging out with my husband, playing PlayStation, baking goodies and treats and napping with my cats. My evening would consist of cooking a delicious dinner for my husband and daughter and watching Jeopardy together while we shout out incorrect answers.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be?:
The ability to speak any language fluently or play any instrument.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? Or the song that always gets you out on the dancefloor?:
Abba - Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
You can only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?:
Pancakes with strawberry preserves with scrambled eggs and bacon.
If you could live anywhere new in the world for a year, where would it be?:
Most likely Italy (duh) or Switzerland but anywhere in the EU. I think I would need to be near the Alps or Dolomites.
Tell us about something you're excited about this year!:
I'm blessed to be able to travel to Italy again. This trip will be with my mom for her 80th birthday and my daughter for her 30th birthday. My mom has not been to Rome in over 50 years and has never been to southern Italy or the Amalfi Coast, so I am very excited to show her around!
What's your favorite part about working at W?:
It's the people!
Our staff is simply some of the most incredible people I have ever been blessed to work with. I've never met a group of people who work as hard as they do, but still take the time to help, support, and inspire other staff members.
Our agents are absolutely amazing and a blast to work with. They make the workday a bit more fun and always more interesting.

It’s that time of year again - We’re talking about the much-anticipated release of Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year! As you may have heard by now, this year's selection was recently announced as Mocha-Mousse. Pantone describes this color as “capturing a global mood of connection, comfort, and harmony.” Sounds like the same vibe we strive for in our homes, right? So with the release of this year’s Pantone, we got to thinking…How could we merge Mocha-Mousse with our everyday lives and homes? We kept thinking, we turned to Pinterest, and we got to writing. And now we want to share with you our quick how-to guide for incorporating Mocha-Mousse into your 2025 home decor and design!
Pantone said it themselves; Mocha-Mousse evokes comfort and harmony! This makes this color an excellent paint choice. We recommend:
You’ve started small, you’ve stared at paint swatches, and you’re officially sold on Mocha-Mousse. But you’re looking for something more. Make a splash with some bold furniture choices. We recommend:
Through Pantone’s yearly selection, we as lovers of home decor and design have the opportunity to incorporate a new, modern trend into our home and breathe some new life into our spaces. Don’t be afraid to try something new and introduce new elements of harmony, comfort, and connection into your home!

The best day of the year is almost here – National Cheese Lover’s Day! Landing on the calendar on January 20th, National Cheese Lover’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of our favorite pastimes – Creating the perfect wine + cheeseboard! Check out our guide below for some of our favorite tips and tricks to stun at your next gathering.

Curate Your Selections
A cheeseboard is nothing without the main character – We’re talking about cheese, of course! You’ll want to select a variety of crowd-pleasers that will offer a different selection of flavors and textures.
Soft Cheeses: Brie or Camembert for creamy, buttery textures, Semi-Soft: Havarti or Fontina for mild flavor, Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar or gruyere for a sharp, nutty bite, Blue Cheese: Gorgonzola or Stilton for bold, tangy tastes. Tip: Shoot for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person.

Don’t Skip Seasonal Flavors
Curate your board to the season! Don’t be afraid to loop in seasonal fruits and nuts to add variety.
Winter Fruits: Dried figs, dates, and fresh pomegranate seeds, Nuts: Toasted walnuts or candied pecans for crunch, Preserves: Cranberry chutney or spiced apple butter, Savory options: Pickled vegetables or marinated olives for contrast.

Add Textures for Variety
Cheeses have a very distinct texture, you’re going to want to find some options on the opposite end of the spectrum to balance that out.
Crackers: Include a mix of seeded, whole-grain, and buttery options, Bread: Sliced baguette or rustic sourdough for heartiness, Crunchy elements: baked crackers, breadsticks, or even veggie sticks can loop in some crunch

Don’t Forget the Wine!
What’s cheese without its best friend wine? Picking the perfect pairing makes all the difference in setting your board apart.
Some of our favorites include the Pinot Noir from Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, the Sauvignon Blanc from Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena, or a high-elevation Chardonnay from Shannon Vineyards in Lake County.
Tip: If you’re worried about finding a wine that matches everyone’s tastes, ask your guests to bring their favorites! That way you all get to share your favorites.

The Aesthetic Factor
If you’re going for the total package, don’t forget about the presentation!
Layer Colors: Alternate light and dark elements like meats or nuts and cheeses for contrast, Accents: Adding touches like rosemary sprigs for winter or dried flowers for summer, Keep it tidy: Don’t crowd your board so much that your guests are overwhelmed, sometimes less is more!

Did you know that you can take advantage of significant tax credits and deductions when you own a home? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers numerous tax breaks to incentivize homeownership. When you own a home, you’re able to write off a huge chunk of your tax liability and get thousands of dollars in tax deductions when it’s tax season.
However, there is a catch. If you’re not aware of the tax credits and deductions offered by the IRS when preparing to file your taxes, you’ll not be able to minimize your taxable income and maximize your tax benefits. That’s why it’s essential for you as a homeowner to familiarize yourself with the various tax credits and deductions you qualify for.
But don’t stress – We are here to help! Check out our blog below for a helpful guide to get you going on the road to tax breaks and deductions, and ultimately more money in YOUR pocket!
A tax deductions is a benefit that helps a taxpayer to reduce the amount of tax they owe. Once you own your home, you can take advantage of tax credits and deductions to lower your tax bill. How much money you’ll be able to save on your tax bill will be determined by whether you choose to go with a standardized tax deduction or itemize the various tax deductions you qualify for.
Basically, when applied, both types of tax deductions will save you money, it just depends on which type of deductions work best for you (and your bank account.) Knowing the two types of deductions is pretty straightforward – With a standardized deduction, the amount taken from your total taxes is fixed. In contrast, an itemized tax deduction allows you to itemize all the tax deductions you qualify for. It makes financial sense only to itemize your deductions when their sum is higher than the standard deduction.
If you are an individual taxpayer or a married couple, you can claim the interest paid on the first $750,000 of your mortgage debt. Once you receive a Form 1098 detailing the interest you paid in the previous year from your lender, you’ll deduct the amount on line 8a of the Schedule A Form 1040.
If you’re self-employed or work at home, you may qualify for the home office expense deduction. You can claim this deduction if you use part of your home regularly and exclusively as your primary place of business. Passing the test for this deduction saves you money on your tax bill since part of your insurance costs, utility bills, and other home expenses are deducted against your business income.
Making energy-efficient home improvements could reduce your tax bill. This incentive applies to alternative energy improvements made to your homes, such as installing solar panels, solar water heaters, and geothermal heat pumps. The tax credit amount received is based on when you installed the items.
The deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) allows homeowners to deduct certain taxes paid to state and local governments, including property taxes. If you itemize SALT deductions on your federal return, you’ll pay less in federal taxes by deducting the amount you spent on qualifying state and local taxes. The deductible amount is capped at $10,000 for single taxpayers and $5,000 for married couples filing separately. It is possible these deductions might be dissolved after 2025 so be sure to speak with your CPA about possibly taking advantage of these deductions while you still can.
Another tax benefit of owning a home is the ability to deduct mortgage points you paid upfront when closing on your home purchase. The mortgage points you paid to your lender in a bid to lower the interest rate on your loan are fully deductible in the year you pay them. Capitalize on these tax deductions. These deductions are also claimed on the Form 1040, Schedule A.
Look closely at the standard education allowed by the IRS. when considering the tax deductions available to you as a homeowner. If you opt for the standard deduction, you’ll agree to have a set amount of money deducted from your taxable income. With the standard deduction, you won’t itemize your deductions. This year, $14,600 is the standard deduction for singles and married taxpayers filing separately. For heads of household, the amount is $21,900, while $29,200 is the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly.
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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 December Employee Spotlight, Hailey Jean Leon. Hailey is our incredible Bicentennial Office Receptionist, and we are so grateful she's on our team. Keep reading to learn more about Hailey!
What does a typical day at W look like for you?:
I start by opening up the office, restocking snacks and coffee right away. Then I hop on my computer to see what requests I have waiting in my inbox. The rest of my day is spent handling agent support requests, processing company paperwork, ordering supplies, and helping anyone who shows up to the office.
What's your ideal day out in Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino County?:
My ideal day in Sonoma County would start with a trip to my favorite coffee shop Sunshine Roasters, followed by a long hike at Annadel, finished with dinner at Fern Bar.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be?:
Playing the piano
What’s your go-to karaoke song? Or the song that always gets you out on the dancefloor?:
Go-to karaoke song is "A Whole New World" from Aladdin lol or anything from a Disney Princess movie.
You can only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?:
BBQ chicken thighs, broccoli, and garlic bread
If you could live anywhere new in the world for a year, where would it be?:
France!
Tell us about something you're excited about this year!:
Celebrating my son's 1 year birthday in February.
What's your favorite part about working at W?:
My favorite part about working at W is the culture: Friendly, professional, and hard-working. My kind of people.
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Congratulations to a December Agent to Watch, Tina DeMartini! Tina is one of our incredible Commercial team members, and she brings to the table an admirable level of determination, a willingness to persevere through challenges on behalf of herself and her clients, and a love for Wine Country real estate. Keep reading to learn more about our team member, Tina!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Sweat! I run or xfit every morning.
What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
It's all perspective. Mindset and solutions-based thinking are key.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
My clients, our zip code, and that we are always learning in this industry.
Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
There are often challenges in Real Estate, especially these days. Grit, patience, determination, and perseverance have served me well throughout my career.
What role has mentorship played in your career?:
My mentor is also my business partner, which I'm forever grateful for! We both bring a different element to the table and leverage each other's energy and strengths. This is ideal for our clients!
What’s your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
I'm exclusive to Commercial and Investment properties. My favorite feature of any property is when it's clear the Owner has pride of Ownership via upkeep, maintenance, and improvements.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter from Suits). I'm a sucker for confidence, distinguished, handsome, well-dressed, intellect, and an athlete! Hahahahah
Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
Scribe Winery as it's simply beautiful, casual, and they have amazing food.
What’s something you're looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
I look forward full speed ahead to health, family and friend time, new heights in my career, and travel in 2025!