My Green Sonoma

Perched atop a knoll in an old oak grove, the home of San Remo Ranch is a modern masterpiece offering 360 degree views of the famed Russian River Valley and the distant Mayacamas Mountains. 

			The architecturally stunning home designed by LaMont Langworthy in Graton, CA and built by John Caletti Construction in Mill Valley, CA offersthe best in Smart House technology allowing total control of the home at the touch of a finger. The central command room operates all components of the house including the 11 zone heating and cooling, sound and lighting systems, as well as communication and security.
The 20 acre property, located in the heart of the Russian River Appellation, boasts 5+ acres of biodynamic Pinot Noir vineyard. Biodynamic farming offers a holistic approach that encompasses all the forces of nature that affect the vine including lunar cycles, pest control through soil management and prey/predator practices and elimination of chemical use. The vineyard is currently under contract with Benziger Winery in Glen Ellyn, Sonoma County and has already produced three consecutive years of vineyard designated San Remo Pinot Noir. This is an excellent opportunity to own a vineyard designate label in Sonoma County which is synonymous with great wines. Vineyard expansion is of interest to the winery and available at this site.
			Privacy and expansiveness define the property. A double gated entrance opens to a paved drive and winds through oak groves to the 2004 contemporary home. The stucco residence boasts Chinese slate roof tiles, copper gutters and clear heart redwood trim. The angular entrance sweeps in to the Zen-inspired art gallery featuring soaring ceilings and radiant heated bamboo flooring throughout.
The design of the home included a light study resulting in passive solar attributes such as striking architectural flying fascias situated to draw in the sun and eves to reduce light where needed and floor to ceiling windows that glide open to create indoor/outdoor living spaces with sweeping panoramic views. Built to entertain, just off of the entrance is the living/dining areas featuring a modern, slate fireplace, panoramic views through the floor to ceiling windows and three wet bars with ample wine storage. The private library offers abundant cherry shelving and a secret room. The spacious media room will easily accommodate a 96” screen and billiard table. The chef’s kitchen features top quality amenities such as a Thermador six burner and grill cook top, double ovens and warming drawer, Fisher Paykel two drawer dishwasher and GE Monogram side by side refrigerator/freezer. The butler’s pantry offers additional refrigeration, warming drawers, ice maker, dishwasher and a dumbwaiter from the wine cellar. Below the kitchen is 1,000 case capacity wine room chilled by a 3 ton Sanyo system. A dumb waiter connects the kitchen and wine cellar.
A private guest or child’s wing with three bedrooms, each with their own bath and balcony offering views of the valley, are situated on the north side of the house. The wing also offers a laundry/kitchenette area and a private entrance. The master suite commands the south side of the home presenting spectacular views through floor to ceiling windows and direct access to the terrace pool area. A large fireplace, spacious dual custom closets, a peaceful bath with large soaking tub and a private office, which can easily be converted to a nursery, complete the tranquil retreat.
		A meditation garden and a bocce court overlook the vineyard. The rear terrace includes expansive views of Mount Saint Helena and Geyser Peak as well as a massive stained concrete deck that incorporates a large pool, spa and koi pond. An oversized four car garage lined with storage cabinets, mud room and workshop, a prewired elevator shaft from the garage to the main floor, a central vacuum system and lighted landscaping round out this unique, well-appointed and much desired Sonoma County property. This exquisite home is being offered for sale by The Atkin Brandon Group at Artisan Sotheby’s International Realty. For more information please visit www.sanremoranch.com .

A couple of my clients recently received notice from their lender, that their home was now in a flood zone based on new flood mapping.  The bank was going requiring mandatory flood insurance at an added cost to the homeowners.  It seems that the bank hired a private map company to re zone for floods. 

To resolve the problem Dennis went to his City Hall first and they verified that the home was not in a flood zone. Then he contacted FEMA and they said that they override any other map company. He relayed what city officials said. Third he went back to the bank and shared all of this with them and they agreed within 24 hours that they were wrong and that the home was not in a flood zone and that they were no longer going to require  mandatory flood insurance.

Has this or something similar happened to you?  Send me an email.  I'd love to hear about it. 

Solar Sonoma County and Solar America Cities Grand Kickoff Thursday, September 18, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m Program: 5:00 - 6:00, Networking before and after Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park

Help Solar Sonoma County have a fantastic kickoff.  With an initiative to promote solar energy countywide who wouldn't want to learn more? Here's an opportunity to find out about the "Solar America Cities program and how it is positioning Sonoma County to be a solar leader nationwide".  You will also have the opportunity to "meet solar leaders in Sonoma County, visit booths and displays with everything solar and learn how to Go Solar on your home or business" For more information go to www.solarsonomacounty.org ?

Free admission but RSVP required to MartyR@sonic.net

Wednesday, September 17
Emerging Legislation that will affect Sustainable Technology Development
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Assembly member Jared Huffman will speak about sustainable technology legislation, promising emerging technology, and what incentives will be offered. 
Hosted by Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster
1300 Valley House Lane, Suite 100
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
RSVP: 707-794-1240 or kariz@somobc.org

Thursday, September 18
Solar Sonoma County and Solar American Cities Kickoff
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Help launch Solar Sonoma County and learn all about the Solar American Cities grant which Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County just received from the Department of Energy. 
Hosted by Solar Sonoma County
http://www.solarsonomacounty.com/events.html#anchor
For Business Membership: http://www.solarsonomacounty.com/membership.html
Sonoma Mountain Village, Rohnert Park
RSVP Required!

Thursday, November 6
Climate All-Stars Conference
This conference will inspire Bay Area leaders to implement innovative climate solutions. National and international “stars” will share their key lessons, best practices, and success stories. The Climate All-Stars conference will provide practical examples and tools with a focus on how to achieve ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets.

http://www.climateallstars.org/

Year to date sales volume is up in Sonoma County compared with the same period in 2007.  Even though volume is up, we continue to see multiple price reductions each week, in all markets. Some feel that the increase in the number of buyers will lead to a slowing of pricing adjustments in some markets. 

A recent property was introduced to the market at a price that was 5-10% below market value. Several offers were submitted and the property will likely sell for well over asking price. What does this tell us? Properties that are priced competitively are selling. It also illustrates that the buyers in today's market are savvy and they are waiting for and recognize a good value when one presents itself.

Following find Sales Volume YTD compared with the same period in 2007.    

Countywide Apr-Jun 2007:  1,189 Homes with an average price of $648,294 Apr-Jun 2008 : 1,265 Homes with an average price of $513,720  

Healdsburg Apr-Jun 2007:  45 Homes with an average price of $818,387 Apr-Jun 2008 : 36 Homes with an average price of $846,895  

Windsor Apr-Jun 2007:  63 Homes with an average price of $625,690 Apr-Jun 2008 : 86 Homes with an average price of $425,002  

East Santa Rosa Apr-Jun 2007:  272 Homes with an average price of $697,167 Apr-Jun 2008 : 268 Homes with an average price of $560,796  

West Santa Rosa Apr-Jun 2007:  162 Homes with an average price of $492,206 Apr-Jun 2008 : 285 Homes with an average price of $333,155  

Sebastopol Apr-Jun 2007:  71 Homes with an average price of $806,087 Apr-Jun 2008 : 66 Homes with an average price of $774,621  

Sonoma Apr-Jun 2007:  113 Homes with an average price of $941,133 Apr-Jun 2008 : 97 Homes with an average price of $866,414

Buyers always ask how the market is performing and when would be the best time to buy. If only we could predict the future!  We can report on current and historic market activity and trends so feel free to contact me and I'll create an analysis for you that is specific to your area.  Just send an email to cindy@cindybrandon.com.  

Wildfires usually start unnoticed and spread rapidly.  Are you prepared? If you live in high wildfire hazard zone there are some steps you can take now to protect your home and your family.

Start by clearing a 30 to 100-foot area around your house and other outbuildings.   Call your local fire station and ask them for advice on how much area is recommended for your property.

Your clearing efforts should focus on the following:

•§         Leaves, dead limbs, any/all flammable vegetation.

•§         Remove leaves and rubbish from under decks and other structures and in gutters

•§         Thin a space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.

•§         Remove tree limbs that overhang roof areas.

•§         Ask PB&E to clear branches from power lines.

•§         Remove vines from the walls of the home.

•§         Keep grasses short

Have an Emergency "Go Kit" ready.  This "Go Kit" will come in handy in a number of emergency situations.  Some suggestions for the contents of this kit include:

•§         Water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.

•§        Change of clothing, shoes, blanket or sleeping bag.

•§         First aid kit that including a week supply of prescription medications.

•§         Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.

•§         Cell phone charger

•§         Sanitation supplies.

•§         Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

•§         Extra pair of eyeglasses.

•§         Identification, credit cards, cash

•§         Photocopies of important family documents including bank and home insurance information, photo inventory of contents of home

•§         Extra set of car and house keys

•§         Local maps

•§         N95 dust masks to help filter contaminated air

•§         Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors to shelter in place

•§         Tools: screwdrivers, waterproof matches, a fire extinguisher, flares, plastic storage containers, needle and thread, pen and paper, a compass, garbage bags, moist towelettes, and regular household bleach

•§         Confine pets to one room so that they can be located quickly. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.

•§         Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.

For more information go to http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/wf_prepare.shtm

AB 2678 was recently modified to exclude a point of sale requirement for energy audits and mandatory retrofits.  CAR (California Association of Realtors) states that a point of sale requirement is inefficient because it requires homes to turnover before going into effect.  I believe this is an accurate observation.  CAR statistics show that only 22% of the properties most in need of energy efficiency retrofits will actually be sold by 2020.  Therefore, a point of sale program does not go far enough to meet the GHG reduction goal.  Insteady I believe we should be exploring a community wide retrofit program that offers incentives to property owners to "green up" their buildings.

Energy audits during the inspection period are already a standard of care for many residential realtors including myself.  From a buyer's perspective, who wouldn't want to know how energy efficient a home is or is not? 

Cost vs benefit and cash flow limitations are the two primary reasons that most homeowners aren't taking action today to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.  The cost of gas, food, and other everyday essentials, has reduced the consumers disposable income and the ability to purchase energy efficient appliances that will take some time to reap the payback benefits. This is why I think there is merit to exploring a community wide retrofit program that provides incentives to retrofit, better utilizes market driven forces, and targets low cost, high impact retrofits to existing buildings (e.g. Light bulbs, water heaters, HVAC, and whatever their commercial equivalents might be.)  

In November 2007 the Fish and Wildlife department issued a new plan for preserving endangered species in the Santa Rosa Plain, primarily for the protection of wetlands that contain the California Tiger Salamander, and/or the following flowers:  Burkes Goldfiled, Sonoma Sunshine, Sebastopol Meadowfoam.

Burkes Goldfield Sebastopol Meadowfoam Sonoma Sunshine

On my webpage www.socohomegroup.com/mitigation I'm compiling links and information resources to help you understand what this plan might mean for you.  

 For the first time in this recent market, we are seeing a marked reduction in REO inventory.  The number of properties available has dropped from 315 at the end of March to 273 as of May 5, 2008.   In some areas, REO inventories are very low and buyers are finding that they are competing against multiple offers.  I have personally experienced this with buyers in East Santa Rosa and Windsor.  REO inventories have plunged in several areas including Windsor, Petaluma, and West County. 

West Santa Rosa remains the hardest hit with a current REO inventory of 109 homes, and represents 40% of all REO inventory in Sonoma County ... however, its important to note that 52 of these properties have come on the market in the last 30 days.

For more information about Sonoma County REO properties visit my webpage www.socohomegroup.com/reo

Here's a great opportunity to learn about what Sonoma County Government and Businesses are doing to fight Global Warming.

Climate Protection: Everybody Profits IV
Friday, May 16, 2008 8:30am to 2:00pm
Villa Chanticleer, Healdsburg


Here's a sampling of topics that will be covered.

• How does our County fit into current and proposed U.S. climate initiatives?
• Find out what actions our County governments has taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
• Learn who our climate protection community leaders are in  Sonoma County.
• Learn about the latest tools and solutions in energy efficiency, alternative fuels, water efficiency, and greenbuilding techniques.

For more information go to:  http://www.everybodyprofitssonoma.com/

Hope to see you there!

You may be eligible for a temporary reduction in the assessed value of your property.

Proposition 8, California State Revenue and Taxation Code, Section 51 authorizes County Tax Assessors to temporarily lower the assessed value of any real property when it is greater than the market value as of the January 1, lien date. To lower your taxes you will need to provide evidence to the Assessor's office that the market value of your property as of January 1, 2008 is less than the assessed value.

Go to my website www.socohomegroup.com/prop8  and fill out the required information requested and I will provide you (free of charge) with the necessary application form as well as information on comparable sales that took place from January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008.  If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 707.538.0100.

The foundation of Santa Rosa's proposal is the Solar Sebastopol program.  The city is banding together other area cities and the county to expand the program countywide. The funds will contribute to efforts by Santa Rosa and the Solar Sonoma County partners' to increase the amount of solar installations in the County by 25 megawatts over the next three years. The goal of  Solar Sonoma County is to become a public-private consortium of local governments, solar companies, businesses, and other groups and organizations.

For more information go to www.solarsonomacounty.com.

Thank you Marty, we wish you and the Solar Sonoma County team great success!

From time to time I have buyers calling me to try and find homes that have not been treated with pesticides.  Usually these people are cancer victims but more and more people are beginning to understand the impact that pesticides have on ourselves and our environment.

If you are concerned about pesticides but don't want ants and other pests you might want to consider talking to Hitmen Pest Control.  I'm delighted to say that they are now offering an alternative product they call integrated pest management.  Rather than spraying a pesticide barrier around the house, their specialists come out periodically and inspect around and underneath the house treating only where needed.  They treat with natrual products like cloves and cinnamon.

If you'd like to learn more, you can contact them at 707-526-6055.  If you don't live in Santa Rosa, try contacting your local pest control company.  You can also access additional information through the following links:

http://www.recyclenow.org/less-toxic/index.html

http://cesonoma.ucdavis.edu/Integrated_Pest_Management685/

Help keep junk mail out of our landfills.  Go to Mail Preference Service www.directmail.com/junk_mail  to remove your name and address from 3rd class mailing lists.

It may not be necessary to call companies to be removed from catalog mailing lists.  I've been fairly successful sending email requests instead.  Be sure to let them know the customer or key number on the back of the catalog.

If you send out bulk mail, consider a radio advertising campaign to replace some of those mailings.

From Companies that run trucks on bio-diesel to green packaging the moving industry has entered the green movement.  Here's some companies to check out:

Earth friendly moving http://earthfriendlymoving.com/ "a buck a box a week".  This company rents heavy duty stackable moving containers from recycled materials delivered to your door in trucks running on biodiesel. When you are done with them they'll pick them up.

Go Green Moving www.gogreenmoving.com runs its moving vans on biodiesel.

www.Boxquest.com  Find and Buy recycled and used boxes, packing material and more.  When last checked there were more than 125,000 recycled boxes for sale in California including 75 in Napa and 200 in Vacaville.

I was at the Annual Santa Rosa Chamber meeting the other day and picked up a flyer on a Santa Rosa company called The Computer Recycling Center.  You can donate your computer and more.  They also take electric appliances ("everything with a battery or a plug except large appliances"). 

They have a drop off location in Santa Rosa at 3227 Santa Rosa Avenue, 95407.  They will also pick up larger donations.  If you have large quantities to drop off or something unusual that you are not sure they will take in, give them a call at 707.570.1600 or 1-888-8usedpc or check out their website at www.crc.org.

They also have locations in Sunnyvale and San Francisco.

We need more places like this!

Whatever you do, don't wash those medications down the drain!  Those medicines may be good for you but they are very bad for our water.

Water treatment facilities do not have the ability to remove toxins.  They are better off in a landfill than in our waterways...but now there is another option.  Take your old medications (including expired, over the counter medicine) to a participating pharmacy. 

A pilot campaign to keep medications out of our waterways has started in Sonoma County. Participating area pharmacies in Cotati, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Rohnert Park include Longs Drugs, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Tuttles.  Not every location will have the program to begin with so call before you make the trip.  

Want to know more?  Visit www.srcity.org/safemed.  Also check out http://www.recyclenow.org/ ... you'll be surprised at what can be recycled these days.

PG&E is helping consumers save money AND reduce green house gas production by sending out Smart Home Rebate booklets upon request. 

Rebates include:

• $75 for High Efficiency Clothes Washer
• $50 for High Efficiency Dryer
• $100 for qualifying swimming pool pump, motor and controller
• $30 for an energy efficent storage water heater
• $375 for Atic and Wall insulation
• $300 for Cool Roof
• $600 for AC system ductwork sealing
• $300 for 94 AFUE Furnace, $200 for 92 AFUE
• $50 for an Energy Star Room Air Conditioner
• $35 to recylce your old refrigerator

They also offer a free Energy Star New Homebuyers Kit and a Free Smart Energy Plan.  For more details visit www.pge.com/smartenergy .

Want to know more about how you can bring about positive changes for the environment?  At their website you'll also find a carbon calculator so you can determine your carbon footprint, paperless billing so that you can precycle, not recycle, and sign up for their Climate Smart program.  http://pge.com/myhome/environment/whatyoucando/climatesmart/ 

PG&E is helping consumers save money AND reduce green house gas production by sending out Smart Home Rebate booklets upon request. 

Rebates include:

• $75 for High Efficiency Clothes Washer
• $50 for High Efficiency Dryer
• $100 for qualifying swimming pool pump, motor and controller
• $30 for an energy efficent storage water heater
• $375 for Atic and Wall insulation
• $300 for Cool Roof
• $600 for AC system ductwork sealing
• $300 for 94 AFUE Furnace, $200 for 92 AFUE
• $50 for an Energy Star Room Air Conditioner
• $35 to recylce your old refrigerator

They also offer a free Energy Star New Homebuyers Kit and a Free Smart Energy Plan.  For more details visit www.pge.com/smartenergy .

Want to know more about how you can bring about positive changes for the environment?  At their website you'll also find a carbon calculator so you can determine your carbon footprint, paperless billing so that you can precycle, not recycle, and sign up for their Climate Smart program.  http://pge.com/myhome/environment/whatyoucando/climatesmart/ 

Want to learn and stay informed about what our local government is doing to support energy conservation?  I'm pleased that even in the current economic climate, progress continues to be made.

Sonoma County has a number of Energy Conservation Projects and Programs in the works.  Summaries can be found at  http://www.scwa.ca.gov/environment/sustainability/energy.php.

Also check out Santa Rosa's Environmental Stewardship programs:   http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/environmental_stewardship/Energy/Pages/default.aspx

And of course, the City of Sebastopols Climate Protection Campaign:  http://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/climateprotection.shtml

Its time for an update on Natural Gas Vehicles.   I purchased a Honda NGV (compressed natural gas)  http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-gx/ in June 2007 in order to lower my carbon footprint.  As a Realtor I usually average 1200 to 1500 miles of driving per month.   I now have PHIL, home refueling unit, installed in my garage.

I've discovered  this car is very economical to operate. The convenience of being able to refuel at home combined with the cost savings makes this car well worth the investment. 

Using PHIL http://www.myphill.com/, which fills the tank at a higher compression than the local Natural Gas Utility filling station, the car goes for 220+ miles (instead of 140 miles) before the refueling light goes on. This has eliminated a great deal of the anxiety that I used to have about running out of gas. 

On longer trips where refueling remotely is needed, its important to plan and know the location of more than one accessible refueling station ... just in case.  I have found that refueling equipment at stations in other parts of the state are not standardized and operating them is not always straightforward.  Also some refueling stations don't take standard credit cards, or even cash. 

I was skeptical that the cost savings would pan out, but my actual fuel costs are running more than 50% less than the cost of my previous vehicle.

The biggest drawbacks to this vehicle are the trunk size and traction on dirt/gravel roads, but, like using alternative energy, I've learned to live with it.  This is truly a clean, convenient, and cost effective car for short to moderate length trips. 

CLEAN SOLUTIONS of Sonoma, CA offers a healthy chemical-free choice in selecting Green Cleaning products and services for both home and business.  Their product offerings include HydrOxi Pro, Green Logic floor care products, Stone Logix, Degreaser, and a variety of Microfiber cleaning cloths in terry, suede and waffle weave choices.

VP of Products, Cynthia McDougle says "By integrating new environmentally friendly green cleaning methods and a full line of products, we produce the highest quality cleaning results and cost savings for our customers. Our purpose is to bring positive change to the cleaning industry by enhancing a healthier environment for our clients."

In addition to being healthier and safer these products will most likely have a less damaging impact on our water systems.  People with septic systems and waste water treatment facilities take heed.  If we all do just a little bit, we'll live a healthier life stye and maybe the salmon will want to start swimming upstream again.

For more info go to www.cleansolutions.biz

Three Cheers to Clean Solutions of Sonoma, CA!

Here's yet another reason for Sonoma County Residents to be proud of our Sonoma County governmental leaders who are now paving the way for more alternative energy resources.  Called Solar Sonoma County they have announced joint plans to triple solar-generated electricity in the next three years.

These objective of this initiative is to make it easier for Sonoma County Residents to embrace solar energy and become proactive in helping achieve our climate protection objectives. 

It appears that incentives may include a streamlined permit process and bank loans that encourage conversion.  These incentives, combined with the fact that the cost of solar installations is projected to decrease, are making it easier for citizens to make and justify a cost/benefit case for installing solar systems.

Way to go SoCo!

The Environmental Technology Center (ETC) at the Sonoma State University incorporates a wide range of sustainable building techniques and design features that minimize energy use, consuming less than 50% of the energy allowed by state code for similar buildings. The “Green Building” features include: passive solar heating and cooling, daylighting, advanced window systems, “smart building” control technologies, photovoltaics, and energy and water-efficient landscaping.

The University offers Guided Tours of approximately 60 minutes by appointment during the week, as their schedule permits, or on weekends for larger groups, over 20. They request a donation of $5.00 per person.   Contact:  armando.navarro@sonoma.edu