Bites, Beats & Beautiful Homes 🍎

An increasing number of lawmakers are expressing concern over private equity and investment firms acquiring large numbers of homes in California. New figures show the rate of investor owned homes is at 19%. Some analysts predict that institutional investors could own as much as 40% of single-family homes by 2030, which would make the available homes for sale even scarcer. In response to this concern, Assembly Member Alex Lee has introduced Bill 1240, which aims to limit private investment firms to owning a maximum of 1,000 homes for rent or lease. In July the bill passed the Assembly and has moved to the Judiciary Committee.

Stumptown Beer Revival &
BBQ Cook-Off
Guerneville – August 16
Cool Vibes, good brews, fun music and an afternoon on the river. Vote for your favorite BBQ Team and enjoy some fun in the sun.

This could possibly be the best pie crust recipe ever! Passed down from our friend Chef Jim, known for his culinary chops. A secret recipe acquired from Jim’s friend’s grandmother’s aunt’s sister… or something like that. Ha! Ha!

This is an easy recipe and takes about 15 minutes to bring together before it’s chilled. 

I use a food processor for efficiency but it can also be done by hand. The secret is to handle the dough as little as possible.

1 cup all purpose flour 

Pinch of salt

Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

1/2 cup chilled butter, diced 

1/2 tsp cider vinegar (for a more tender and flaky crust)

3 Ice cubes

1/2 cup Water

Plastic wrap

Put flour, salt in processor then add butter and pulse to a course meal (do not overdo)

Combine vinegar, ice cubes and water in small bowl and mix. Put about 3 tablespoons of water in processor and pulse until mix starts to lump up.  If too dry add more water by drops. Pour out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a disk, handling as little as possible using the corners of the wrap if needed to form the disc. Pull the wrap around the dough to seal and chill for about an hour.

Roll out when ready and fit into a 9 inch pie dish. 

You can use your favorite fillings and if desired top with an additional crust as for apple or stone fruit pies.  

PS: also freezing works

In Sonoma County, home sales climbed 17.3% from the previous month to 386, while active listings grew 4.5% to 1,170. Homes are selling faster too, with days on market dropping 13.2% to 46 days. The median sales price edged down 0.8% from last month but remains 3.0% higher than this time last year, now at $853,000.

Gorgeous Views
318 Sparkes Road, Sebastopol
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1515 SF | 1 Acre
Offered at $925,000

Location! Opportunity! and Gorgeous Views sweetened with country lane quiet, immediate proximity to town, old gnarled apple trees and acres of organic farming just next door. This property is a nod to Sebastopol’s past on a usable acre promising sweat equity return with cosmetic improvements of your own. New interior paint, new flooring. Natural Gas, high speed internet. Plant your garden, Build a workshop, bring your animals, there’s plenty of room for all, and, with a view!

Rustic & Romantic
15895 Coleman Valley Road, Occidental
2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1490 SF | 8.5 Acres
Offered at $1,111,000 – In Contract

Timber Top rests among a rural and peaceful privacy and storybook nostalgia. It’s 8.5 acres wraps in solitude and nature’s tranquility, far from noise and congestion, but its location is no more than 2 minutes to Occidental’s charm & conveniences. This cozy cottage is classic with rows of clear glass windows and warm pine panelling. A featured detached barn with its artistic flavoring has been home to makers, artists and maybe even a wild Barn dance or two! This property is delightfully not new & needs work, but its enduring essence is love at first sight!

555 Snow Road, Sebastopol
4 Beds | 3.5 Baths |  4667 SF | 14.08 Acres
Sold for $5,000,000 – Buyer Represented

Off Market Success!
2331 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma
3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2236 SF | 6.54 Acres
Sold for $1,200,000 Buyer Represented

Coming Soon!
12675 Fiori Lane, Sebastopol
Have a friend looking to establish West County roots? This could be the place! Call us for details.