Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing your home for sale is all about creating a strong first impression, both in person and online. In a market like Sonoma County, where buyers are often drawn to lifestyle and emotional connection, thoughtful preparation can have a big impact on your results.

Start with curb appeal. The moment someone pulls up to your property, they’re forming an opinion. Trim the landscaping, clean up walkways, and add subtle touches like potted plants or a freshly painted front door to set the right tone from the start.

Inside, simplicity is key. Decluttering and depersonalizing allows buyers to see the home, not the current owner. Remove personal photos and excess furniture to create a sense of openness. A fresh coat of paint in light, neutral colors can make spaces feel brighter and more spacious.

Small repairs matter. Fix that leaky faucet, squeaky door, or cracked tile. These may seem minor, but they signal to buyers that the home has been well cared for.

Staging is another powerful tool. Whether it’s a full professional staging or a few carefully chosen updates, the goal is to highlight the flow of the home and draw attention to its best features. Sonoma County buyers often prioritize indoor-outdoor living, natural light, and calming, uncluttered design. Showcasing outdoor areas, views, or flex spaces can help your home connect on a deeper level.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into preparing your home for sale, I’ve put together a guide that covers exactly that: Home Staging Magic | 7 Professional Tips for Sellers. It walks you through how to elevate your space and tell a clear, compelling story through design and presentation.

A little preparation goes a long way. I’m here to help you make smart decisions that create momentum and lead to a successful sale.

Pricing your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In Sonoma County’s competitive market, it’s not just about the number. It’s about timing, presentation, and positioning your home to generate strong interest from serious buyers.

The process starts with a Comparative Market Analysis, which looks at recent sales, current listings, and properties that didn’t sell. I focus on homes similar in size, style, location, and condition to understand how your property fits into the market. But that’s just the foundation.

We also consider market conditions. Is inventory low? Are buyers actively competing? What are interest rates doing? These dynamics help us determine whether to lean into a more aggressive pricing strategy or take a more measured approach.

Your home’s unique features also matter. Maybe you’ve invested in energy-efficient upgrades, a designer kitchen, or outdoor living spaces that elevate the property. These details can increase perceived value and influence how we present the home to potential buyers.

It’s natural to want to reach for the highest possible price, but overpricing can slow momentum and lead to longer days on market. On the other hand, a well-calibrated price can attract attention quickly and even create competitive interest. The goal is to find the number that reflects both market reality and your home’s true appeal.

Online estimates can provide a rough starting point, but they don’t capture what makes your home special. I bring local expertise, data-backed strategy, and a clear understanding of buyer behavior to help you price with confidence and clarity.

Traditionally, the most active selling season in Sonoma County runs from early spring through late summer. Homes listed between March and August often see more showings, quicker offers, and stronger sales prices, especially if they’re well-prepared and strategically marketed.

But timing isn’t everything, and the “best” time to sell depends on more than just the calendar. Inventory levels, buyer demand, interest rates, and even lifestyle shifts can all influence market activity. For example, a thoughtfully presented home in January can stand out and sell quickly if fewer listings are competing for attention. Conversely, a crowded spring market can make it harder to capture buyer interest if pricing and presentation aren’t dialed in.

When we talk about timing, we’re really talking about positioning. My job is to help you understand not just when to list—but how to align timing with preparation, pricing, and marketing to maximize impact. The market has its cycles, but the right approach can create opportunity in any season.

You can, but it takes the right strategy and a clear understanding of the risks and rewards. In Sonoma County’s fast-moving market, timing matters. Some sellers choose to purchase first so they don’t miss out on the perfect property. That approach can work well if you have the financial flexibility to carry both homes for a period of time.

Buying first gives you control over your move. You can take time to prepare your current home for market, avoid temporary housing, and transition smoothly. But it also means potentially managing two mortgages, which can add pressure if your current home takes longer to sell than expected.

If you need to rely on the sale of your existing home to fund your purchase, you might explore options like a sale contingency or a bridge loan. A sale contingency makes your offer dependent on selling your current home. While this can protect you financially, it may weaken your offer in a competitive situation. Bridge loans, or other similar products, allow you to access your home equity before selling, giving you more flexibility.

The best approach depends on your financial position, your timeline, and the current dynamics of the market. I help clients weigh the pros and cons, explore financing solutions, and create a plan that supports both their short-term logistics and long-term goals.

If you’re considering buying before selling, let’s talk through your options. A smart strategy can help you move forward with confidence.

A sale of buyer’s property contingency means that the buyer can only move forward with purchasing your home if they successfully sell their own. In some cases, that buyer’s sale may also be contingent on yet another sale, creating a chain of transactions that all need to align. It’s not uncommon, especially in move-up markets like Sonoma County, but it does require careful management.

From a seller’s perspective, this kind of contingency introduces extra risk. You’re essentially taking your home off the market and tying your outcome to a transaction you have no control over, sometimes multiple transactions. If anything falls through upstream, your deal could unravel, and valuable time could be lost.

That said, these offers aren’t always deal-breakers. With the right structure and protections in place, they can work, especially if your timeline is flexible or if the buyer’s sale is already well along in escrow. It all comes down to how clean the contingency is, how far along the buyer’s sale is, and how well the details are managed. I’ve handled transactions where multiple sales were linked and successfully closed—but only with tight coordination, clear communication, and built-in safeguards.

In any real estate sale, what matters most is your net proceeds, what you walk away with after the transaction closes. That number depends on how the buyer’s funds are allocated per the agreement.

While people often say, “The seller pays closing costs,” that’s not quite accurate. In truth, all of the money used to complete the deal comes from the buyer. The seller brings the home; the buyer brings the funds. Once the deal closes, those funds are distributed to cover various transaction costs, and the seller receives what’s left.

In most Sonoma County sales, about 5 to 6 percent of the purchase price is allocated to cover standard seller transaction costs. That includes:

• Listing agent compensation
  Agreed to at the time of listing and paid through escrow at closing.
• Buyer’s agent compensation
  If the buyer requests that a portion of their funds be allocated toward their agent’s fee, and the seller agrees, this is reflected in the offer terms.
• County and city transfer taxes
  These are commonly allocated to the seller in our area, depending on location.
• Required disclosures and reports
  Including natural hazard disclosures and any local compliance items.
• Other negotiated terms
  Such as credits, repairs, or HOA fees, depending on what’s agreed upon in the contract.

So while the phrase “seller-paid closing costs” still floats around, the reality is more nuanced. You’re not writing checks to third parties—you’re agreeing to a purchase price and set of terms that determine how the buyer’s funds are distributed. Your net is calculated based on those allocations.

As your advisor, I’ll walk you through a detailed net sheet so you know what to expect and how each cost impacts your bottom line. No surprises—just a clear understanding of your numbers so you can plan your next move with confidence.

Yes, real estate commissions are always negotiable. There’s no fixed rate or legal standard. What you pay should reflect the level of service, expertise, and strategy your agent brings to the table.

For sellers, commission is typically negotiated with the listing agent at the time of listing. Some agents offer a bare-minimum approach: take photos, put it on the MLS, wait for offers. Others deliver a full-service experience that includes pricing strategy, property preparation, marketing, negotiation, and transaction management from start to finish. The commission you agree to should align with the scope of work and the quality of representation you’re receiving.

For buyers, the landscape has changed. Buyer agents are now required to have a written compensation agreement in place with their clients before showing homes. This puts more responsibility on buyers to understand what services they’re receiving, how their agent is paid, and how that compensation will be covered, whether by the seller, as part of negotiations, or directly by the buyer.

Whether you’re buying or selling, commission should reflect the results you’re aiming for and the value your agent brings to the process. My role is to help you navigate those decisions clearly and confidently, with a strategy tailored to your goals.

This is one of the most common, and most misunderstood, questions in real estate today. With the recent rule changes, it’s more visible than ever. But here’s what hasn’t changed: only one party brings actual money to the table, and that’s the buyer.

To help explain this, I often use a poker game analogy. I walk through it in detail in my blog, Real Estate Deals Explained: A Poker Game Analogy, but here’s the gist:

The seller brings the poker table – the home. The buyer brings all the chips – the funds to purchase the home. When a deal is made, the buyer lays their chips on the table. Those chips are then distributed: most go to the seller in exchange for the home, and some go to the professionals facilitating the deal, like agents, escrow officers, and title reps.

So who’s really paying the agents? Technically, it’s the buyer. Even if an offer includes a term asking the seller to “cover” the buyer’s agent compensation, that money is coming from the buyer’s funds. It’s not an added expense the seller pays out of pocket—it’s just a different allocation of the total offer.

This is why the idea that the seller is “paying” the buyer’s agent is a bit misleading. What’s really happening is that the seller is agreeing to how the buyer’s funds are distributed. That agreement can impact the seller’s net proceeds, which is why it’s important to review the full offer carefully and understand what each term means for your bottom line.

At the end of the day, the seller is not writing a separate check to another agent. They’re negotiating a deal that reflects both price and terms—and that includes how the buyer’s funds move through escrow. Understanding this flow gives you more clarity and control, whether you’re selling, buying, or doing both.

Want the full breakdown? Check out the blog here.

Buying a home is a major investment, financially and emotionally. It’s not just about choosing the right property. It’s about understanding what you’re really buying into, how it fits your lifestyle, and whether it supports your long-term goals.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Start with clarity, not listings.
Before we talk bedrooms and backyards, we’ll talk strategy. What can you comfortably afford, both upfront and over time? What’s driving this move, space, lifestyle, investment potential, or all of the above? Getting clear on your goals helps guide smarter, faster decisions when the right home appears.

Understand the true costs of ownership.
Beyond the purchase price, you’ll want to factor in property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA dues (if applicable), and routine maintenance. I’ll help you estimate these so there are no surprises later.

Location is more than a pin on a map.
In Sonoma County, lifestyle matters. Do you want walkability to shops and restaurants, or privacy and acreage? Are you thinking about schools, commute times, or future resale value? Every neighborhood has its own rhythm. I’ll help you find the one that fits yours.

Ask the right questions.
Why is the seller moving? How long has the property been on the market? Are there any red flags in the disclosures? These insights often shape the negotiation strategy and your comfort with moving forward.

Work with someone who sees the big picture.
This market moves fast, but that doesn’t mean you should rush. I’ll guide you through the process step by step, connect you with trusted lenders and inspectors, and help you make decisions that align with both your heart and your bottom line.

A successful home purchase starts with informed, intentional choices. I’m here to help you make them.

If you’re working with a real estate agent to buy a home, you’ll need a written agreement in place that outlines how your agent will be compensated. This is now a required step before touring homes and is meant to create clarity around the services you’re receiving and how they’re paid for.

Here’s what that actually means.

You, as the buyer, are responsible for bringing the funds to complete the transaction. That includes not only the purchase price of the home, but also any compensation owed to your agent. You may request that the seller agree to allocate a portion of those funds to cover your agent’s fee as part of the offer terms. But regardless of how the paperwork is structured, those dollars originate with you.

This structure often allows buyers to finance the cost of representation as part of their mortgage, rather than paying the fee out of pocket. That flexibility can be a huge advantage and is something we’ll plan for together when preparing your offer.

Most importantly, this shift puts you in control. You’re choosing who represents you, what services you’re receiving, and how your agent is compensated. And that’s a good thing. You deserve professional guidance, skilled negotiation, and someone looking out for your interests, not just someone opening doors.

I’ll walk you through every option, help structure your offer accordingly, and make sure you feel confident about the agreement before you ever set foot in a home.

Technically, yes, you can buy a home without using a buyer’s agent. But in most cases, it’s not in your best interest.

Buying a home is a major financial decision with a lot of moving parts: property research, market analysis, disclosure reviews, inspections, pricing strategy, negotiation, and contract management. A good buyer’s agent doesn’t just open doors, they protect your interests, help you avoid costly mistakes, and guide you through every stage of the process with confidence.

If you choose to go it alone, you’re responsible for managing all of that yourself, or relying on the listing agent, who represents the seller. That creates a conflict of interest and limits the guidance and advocacy you’ll receive.

In Sonoma County, where the market can shift quickly and properties often carry unique histories or zoning considerations, having someone in your corner who knows the terrain can be the difference between a smooth closing and a missed opportunity, or worse, a regret.

Working with a buyer’s agent also gives you the opportunity to structure your compensation thoughtfully. Buyers are now required to have a written agreement with their agent outlining how they’ll be paid. That could involve asking the seller to allocate part of your purchase funds to cover the fee, or choosing to pay it yourself, depending on the structure of your offer. Either way, you’re in control and fully informed.

Bottom line: You don’t need a buyer’s agent, but if you want experience on your side, a clearer path forward, and someone advocating solely for you, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.

Sooner than you think.

Most buyers assume they don’t need an agent until they’re ready to start touring homes, but by then, you’re already playing catch-up. The best time to connect with a real estate professional is early in the process, before you’ve fallen in love with a listing or started browsing online late at night.

Why? Because buying a home isn’t just about finding the right property. It’s about understanding the market, clarifying your priorities, setting a realistic budget, and getting your financing lined up so you can act quickly when the right home shows up.

I work with clients well before they’re ready to make an offer. We talk through goals, neighborhoods, timing, and what to expect at each stage. I’ll connect you with trusted lenders, help you prepare financially, and make sure you’re set up to make informed, confident decisions, not rushed ones.

Starting early also gives you time to understand how buyer representation works. Buyers are now required to have a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. Getting that in place early allows us to build trust, align on strategy, and hit the ground running when you’re ready to move.

Whether your timeline is three weeks or three months, starting with the right guidance makes the entire experience smoother, less stressful, and ultimately more successful.

Think of it less as a sales pitch and more as a strategy session.

The goal of our first meeting isn’t to jump into showings. It’s to get aligned. We’ll talk about your goals, your timeline, and the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. Buying a home isn’t just about square footage or finishes. It’s about how you want to live.

I’ll walk you through the homebuying process, answer your questions about financing, buyer representation, and current market conditions, and give you a clear understanding of what to expect at each stage.

If you haven’t already connected with a lender, I can recommend trusted local professionals and help you understand how pre-approval works. If you’re still early in the process, we’ll map out what steps to take, and in what order, so you can move forward with clarity.

We’ll also review how compensation works. Buyers are now required to sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. I’ll explain how that works, what it covers, and make sure you’re comfortable with everything before we go any further.

There’s no pressure to commit, and no obligation to move quickly. This first conversation is about giving you the information, insight, and confidence you need to make the right decisions on your terms.

If you choose to go it alone, you’re responsible for managing all of that yourself, or relying on the listing agent, who represents the seller. That creates a conflict of interest and limits the guidance and advocacy you’ll receive.

In Sonoma County, where the market can shift quickly and properties often carry unique histories or zoning considerations, having someone in your corner who knows the terrain can be the difference between a smooth closing and a missed opportunity, or worse, a regret.

Working with a buyer’s agent also gives you the opportunity to structure your compensation thoughtfully. Buyers are now required to have a written agreement with their agent outlining how they’ll be paid. That could involve asking the seller to allocate part of your purchase funds to cover the fee, or choosing to pay it yourself, depending on the structure of your offer. Either way, you’re in control and fully informed.

Bottom line: You don’t need a buyer’s agent, but if you want experience on your side, a clearer path forward, and someone advocating solely for you, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.

Yes, but how, and when, you can back out depends on the terms of your contract and where you are in the process.

Most real estate contracts include built-in contingencies that allow buyers to cancel the deal under specific conditions without penalty. These are your safety nets.

Here are the most common:

• Inspection Contingency
  If something serious comes up during inspections, you can renegotiate, or walk away, without losing your deposit.
• Financing Contingency
  If you’re unable to secure your loan in time, this allows you to exit the contract without penalty.
• Appraisal Contingency
  If the property appraises for less than the agreed price, you may renegotiate or cancel the deal.
• Home Sale Contingency
  If your current home doesn’t sell in time, and this clause is in place, you can cancel the purchase agreement.

If none of those contingencies apply, or if the contingencies have already been removed, backing out can come with consequences. You could lose your earnest money deposit, and in rare cases, face legal action if the seller pushes for enforcement of the contract.

The key is to know your rights under the terms of the contract, understand the deadlines, and communicate clearly.

Choosing the right agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your real estate journey. This person will guide you through a major financial and emotional decision, so it’s about more than credentials or personality, it’s about alignment, trust, and strategy.

Here’s what to look for:

• Local market expertise—not just stats, but insight into buyer behavior, pricing trends, and property nuances
• Clear communication—someone who listens first, explains clearly, and keeps you informed
• Strategic thinking—a plan tailored to your goals, not a cookie-cutter process
• Strong negotiation skills—especially important in competitive markets like Sonoma County
• Client-first mindset—they’re working for you, not just the deal

You don’t need to interview a dozen agents. Often, two or three conversations will tell you who really understands your goals, and who you trust to get you there. The right agent won’t just help you buy or sell a home. They’ll help you make informed decisions with more confidence at every step.

There’s no magic number, but in most cases, two or three conversations is enough to help you compare styles, strategies, and overall fit. It’s not about volume—it’s about alignment.

When you meet with agents, ask about their local experience, how they approach pricing or property search, and what kind of support you can expect throughout the process. You’ll quickly get a sense of who feels like the right guide for you.

The best fit will be someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and makes the process feel more manageable—not more overwhelming.

A thoughtful interview helps you move beyond surface-level rapport and understand how an agent actually works. You’re not just hiring a personality, you’re choosing a strategic partner to guide a major life decision.

Here are a few smart questions to ask:

• How well do you know this market or neighborhood?
  Local insight goes beyond recent sales. It’s about trends, buyer expectations, and how to position your home (or offer) effectively.
• What’s your approach to pricing, marketing, or writing competitive offers?
  This helps you gauge whether they’re reactive or proactive, and whether they have a clear plan tailored to today’s market.
• How do you communicate with clients, and how often?
  Look for someone who’s responsive, clear, and consistent, not just available when it’s convenient.
• What happens if we hit a snag in the process?
  Every deal has a twist. A seasoned agent will be ready with solutions, not just optimism.
• Why should I work with you over someone else?
  It’s a bold question, and a good agent won’t hesitate. Their answer should reflect experience, process, and how they tailor their service to your needs.

The best interviews feel more like conversations. You’ll know when someone’s just saying what you want to hear, and when they’re truly prepared to guide you from start to finish.