Fulton Crossing Open House

Stop by the Fulton Crossing Gallery the 3rd Friday of each month for an open house

Originally the California Poultry Processing Plant, the building that processed live chickens into grocery store quality breasts and wings is now one of Sonoma County's largest art galleries and studios.  

Fulton Crossing consists of 2 warehouses, and 23 artist studios.  The largest warehouse is the gallery, and on the 3rd Friday of every month, it opens its doors to the public, offering wine, snacks, and a chance to meet the artists.  

You'll find a variety of art and styles.  Glass, furniture, fabric, and lots of paintings.  Fulton Crossing Gallery is the largest gallery in Sonoma County.

Open House Details:

• Cost: Free
• Where: 1200 River Rd Fulton, Ca
• When: 3rd Friday of each month 5pm - 8pm
• Jun 21
• Jul 19
• Aug 16
• Sept 20
• Oct 18
• Nov 15
• Dec 20

For more information visit: Fulton Crossing

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

Thursday Night Concerts Under the Stars

Montgomery Village has a great free Thursday night concert lineup for 2019

Super Diamond

Head out after dinner for a little shopping and some of Sonoma County's most popular bands.

Concerts begin at 5:30 and run to 8pm.  Beer and wine are available for purchase.  Shopping center stores are open late, and restaurants are close-by. 

Details:

Every other Thursday evening beginning May 30th - Oct 10th
Time: 5 - 8:30
Where: Montgomery Village Shops
             911 Village Court
             Santa Rosa
More Info: Concert

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

Friday Night Live at the Plaza in Cloverdale

Why drive to Cloverdale when there are so many other things to do in Santa Rosa on a Friday night???

The bands!

Cloverdale is not the only city in Sonoma County to have bands on Friday nights in the summer but it does have the BEST bands.

You can read all my blog posts about things to do and bands in Sonoma County, and nowhere else where you see me saying that "... has the best bands".  That's because the best bands are in Cloverdale.  Everywhere else, Sonoma County shares the same 15 +/- bands but Cloverdale consistently gets bands from out of the area that you may not see again.  2 of my favorites came from Louisiana, Shiny Ribs, and Johny Sansone.  

2019 lineup 

The bands start 6:30pm so you have time to drive there if you live in central Sonoma County.  There are plenty of food trucks, beer, and wine for sale, and a farmer's market.  Some people get there early and set up chairs in the plaza, but the times I've been, I show up at 7pm and just stand amongst the crowd up front by the stage.  

The Cloverdale evenings are pleasantly warm and the event has a nice America small town feel to it. 

Here are the details:

The street market starts at 6pm

The band starts at 6:30

Cloverdale Plaza (112 Broad St Cloverdale)

No:

outside alcohol

Dates: 

Friday evenings 
May 31st - August 30th

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

965 Baird - SOLD !

Sold in 2 days for $667,000 (multiple offers)

965 Baird in Rincon Valley

Details:

Selling brokerage:  Saint Francis Properties

Bedrooms: 4

Baths 3

Garage converted into bonus room w/attached bathroom

Fireplace

2 hot water heaters 

SqFt: 2043

Lot: .30 ac

Large level lot

Water: well

Sewer: City

2 outbuildings

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

Dealing with Multiple Offers

6 of the 8 offers we recieved on 5386 Gold Dr

Every home seller's dream is to receive multiple offers when they put their home on the market.  But be careful what you ask for.  2 or 3 offers can be a blessing but when you get above 5 it can get tricky deciding which one is really the best.

At first blush, the easy answer might be "pick the highest price", but there is more to selling your home than just the price.  The California Association of Realtor's purchase agreement is 10 pages long.  Here are  a few of the variables a seller needs to consider in any offer:

• Price

• Length of escrow

• Is dual agency a factor

• Is the buyer moving in or is this an investment

• Amount of the deposit

• Are the buyers asking you to agree to Liquidated Damages?

• What type of loan are they getting

• Are they preapproved

• Is there proof of sufficient funds to close escrow?

• Does the home need to appraise?

• How long is the inspection contingency period

• Is the buyer asking for appliances and other personal items?

If you have 5 offers, you can't make them all equal to each other with a simple counter offer.  Some buyers may be getting a VA loan which requires all Sec I pest work to be completed at the seller's expense.  Some buyers might be all cash but the cash is coming from a home they need to sell first.

My experience has been that typically there is at least 1 offer that is obviously superior.  Some buyers don't like looking a gift horse in the mouth, and will just choose to accept the best offer submitted.  But  if there are several offers that are a close second, the superior offer can be used as the offer you'll use to judge and negotiate the others.

My experience has been that there are always a few offers that are so poorly written, that you can discard them right away.  In the past, offers that my buyers have discarded were because the buyer had not even seen the home yet.  The buyers had no evidence of pre-approval or they had a home to sell which hadn't even been listed yet.

My most recent sale on Gold Drive had 8 offers.  The easiest thing to do was to create an Excel spreadsheet then break each contract down into the negotiable parts.

Excel spreadsheet used to compare multiple offers

We threw  4 away right off the bat.  We then compared the remaining 4. The question I asked my client with each individual offer was: What would make you want to take this offer?  Better price? Faster Escrow? Take the home "As-is"? Bigger Deposit?  With each offer, I took notes on what my client would want in order to accept it.  Then, when we were done, I prepared counter offers specific to each offer we'd discussed.  

After the counter-offers were sent out, we were left with 2 remaining offers.  Ultimately an extra $5000 was what it took for the prevailing offer to succeed in the multiple offer scenario.  

If you'd like more information on how to deal with multiple offers, or the best stratagy for obtaining multiple offers contact me.

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

Wednesday Night Market

The 2019 Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market has kicked off

 Santa Rosa's Wednesday Night Market turns 30 this year!  The Wednesday Night Market began in May and will continue until August 28th.  This is a great event for getting out of the house, checking out some fun and some unusual vendors, buying fresh produce, and grabbing an easy meal from any number of local food trucks.  Music and games entertain both kids and adults at Courthouse Square.  Beer and wine garden on the square.

Local bands performing in 2019

May 29th:

Rockin' Down the Highway

June 5th:

The Funky Dozen 

June 12th:

Levi Lloyd & The 501 Band 

June 19th:

Boys of Summer

June 26th:

LuvPlanet

July 3rd:

Joose

July 10th:

The Raveups 

July 17th:

Journey Revisited

July 24th:

Aly Rose Trio

July 31st:

Lost Dog Found 

August 7th:

Tom Rigney & Flambeau

August 14th:

The Pat Jordan Band

August 21st:

Born on the Bayou

August 28th 

Wonderbread 5

When:  Wednesday evenings 5:30 - 8:30pm

Where: Courthouse Square

Cost: Free

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

Rincon Valley investment property for sale

Rincon Valley Investment Property for Sale

5197 Firestone Pl Santa Rosa ~ Rincon Valley

Price: $485,000
Type: Townhome
Sqft: 1524
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.5
Stories: 2
Garage type: 2 car attached
Laundry: Washer & Dryer hookups in garage
Utilities: All electric
HOA: Saint Francis Wood HOA
Dues: $280 mo.
Amenities: Pool & Tennis courts

Current rent: $2550.
Rental agreement: Month-month

This home is owned by the broker of Saint Francis Properties.  It has been a rental for approx. 10 years with a chain of 3 tenants.  The current tenants pay rent by direct deposit and have never been served a late notice.  Broker's intention is to sell the property with the tenants remaining in possession.  Showings will only be scheduled for buyers who have cash or pre-approved financing.

HOA dues cover common area and the painting of the buildings only.  The homeowner is responsible for all interior and exterior maintenance.  This is not a condominium.  The homeowner owns the land, building and air space.

For more information contact:
Jim Cheney, Broker
Saint Francis Properties
707.494.1055
JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com

Kitchen with breakfast bar

Dining area with French doors leading to patio

Livingroom with pellet stove

Sliding glass doors lead to a balcony

Views of Annadel State Park

Community pool

Community Tennis courts

2019 Blessing of the Animals at St Francis Vineyard

Bring your pet to St Francis Winery for the 19th annual blessing of the animals October 2019 (TBA)

Clergy blessing 2 incorrigible beagles

This is such a fun event and benefits the Sonoma County Humane Society.  This year's goal: $10,000.

Enjoy a glass of wine, and food on the lawn with other pet owners.  Some of the 2018 events included:

• Clergy available for a personal blessing of your animal
• Food for purchase
• Wine for purchase
• Animal products and vendors
• Winery dog competition ($10 entry)
• Silent auction
• Pet psychic
• Kissing booth
• Raffle prizes  ($5 per tix)

When: Sunday, October 2019  (specific date to be announced)

Cost: admission is free

Where: St Francis Winery 100 Pythian Dr (at Hwy 12) Santa Rosa

More info: Blessing of the animals

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

Sugarloaf State Park

Sugarloaf State Park

Just minutes east of Rincon Valley

Park entrance on Adobe Canyon Rd in Kenwood

Sugarloaf park is 4020 acres with over 24 miles of trails.  Located 15 east of Santa Rosa on Hwy 12, it is really close, yet feels so remote.  It is located in the Mayacama Mountain range which are the mountains that separate the Napa Valley from the Sonoma Valley.

Individual campsites border this meadow

The main campground has 45+ family campsites plus a group campground.   Handicap accessible showers are available along with a private chemical toilet for the group site.  The camping sites form a circle around a meadow in the valley.  Some of the campsites back to the Sonoma Creek headwaters, and some of the campsites back to a steep, rocky, tree-covered mountainside.  Each site has a fire ring and picnic table.






Some of the activities available at the park are:

• Docent-led hikes
• Plant walk
• Waterfall hike
• Hike to the top of Bald Mountian
• Visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory
• Mountain biking
• Take the Sugar Shuttle between Sugarloaf and Hood Mt Regional Pk then hike back

I visit the park weekly, and some of my favorite things to do are:

Hike to the top of Bald Mountain.  This is a 5 mile (+/-) out and back hike that climbs from the 1600' (elevation)  valley floor to the 2400 sq ft summit.  From the summit, you can see (on a clear day) the Sierras to the Golden Gate Bridge.  You can see the Napa Valley to the north, and the Sonoma Valley to the south.

The Robert Ferguson Observatory has star parties monthly.  The non-profit observatory has a 40" telescope open to the public.  Amateur astronomers come out and set up their personal telescopes and allow others to see what the stargazer has located.

Robert Ferguson Observatory

The Planet Walk is a great way to demonstrate the empty spaces in our solar system.  The Sun is located in the parking lot of the Robert Ferguson Observatory.  The other planets in our solar system are spread out proportionally along the trail.

The Planet Walk is a great way to demonstrate the vastness of space

The Waterfall Hike is one of my annual favorites.  Most spectacular after heavy rain, it can be enjoyed winter into the spring.  It's a short 1+ mile hike from either the trailhead or from the visitor center.

Gwen hiking the Goodspeed Trail to Hood Mountain Park

Important Information:

Campsite: $35

Additional vehicle: $10

Day parking $10.

No dogs on trails (except service dogs)
Day use: 6am - 8 pm
More info:  Sugarloaf

Location:

Sugarloaf State Park
2605 Adobe Canyon
Kenwood, CA
707.833.5712





I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633

Garagiste Festival

Garagiste

Small Production wine festival

This is an annual event I never miss.  It is an opportunity to taste small production commercial wines that can be difficult to impossible to find in stores or bottle shops.  All participants produce less than 1500 cases annually.  The pourers of the wine samples are the owners/winemakers.

Discovery!

Silent auction

When: April 13, 2019  2pm - 5pm
Cost: $75 at the door
Where: Sonoma Veterans Hall 126 First St Sonoma
Why: Meet winemakers and taste small production wines you won't find elsewhere

More info: Garariste

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• JimCheneyRealtor@gmail.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633