Panorama Drive, Santa Rosa
Finding a Dream Home Where Few Existed

Overview

  • Property: 3 BD / 3 BA, ~2,500 sq ft, 1.1 acres
  • Location: Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA
  • Highlights: Sizable land with expansive western sunset views

The Challenge

New to the area, my clients fell in love with a small hillside neighborhood just outside the city limits, valued for its semi-rural feel, custom homes, and views. But inventory in this area was historically scarce. They had specific requirements for their dream home and were willing to be patient. But after nearly a year touring on-market options, and even considering other areas, nothing met enough of their must-haves. With limited turnover and no on-market options, securing a home in this neighborhood appeared out of reach.

The Strategy

  • Expand Beyond the MLS – Recognizing the neighborhood’s limited turnover, I broadened the search to include off-market and pre-market opportunities rather than waiting for a listing to appear.
  • Leverage Relationships – I tapped into trusted agent connections and my broader network, repeatedly inquiring about possible listings and potential sellers in the neighborhood.
  • Target the Non-Negotiables – I kept the focus tight on homes that met the clients’ core vision so no effort was wasted on near misses.

The Execution

  • Identify the Opportunity – Through persistent outreach, I uncovered a property about to come available that aligned almost exactly with the clients’ vision.
  • Move with Speed – I immediately notified my clients and positioned them to act before the home reached the market.
  • Craft a Compelling Offer – By structuring a clean, attractive offer, I was able to negotiate successfully and secure the property without competition.

The Results

  • Dream Location Secured – My clients purchased in the exact neighborhood they thought might be out of reach.
  • Vision Realized – The home aligning precisely with their original must-haves.
  • Competitive Market Avoided – By acting off-market, they sidestepped bidding wars and secured favorable terms.

Key Takeaways

In neighborhoods where inventory is scarce, the right home often never reaches the open market. By going beyond the MLS, leveraging relationships, and staying focused on core priorities, my clients secured an opportunity that checked every box, delivering the dream home they thought might not exist.

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