Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Home in Sonoma County

Heather Thurber is an experienced realtor in Sonoma County and a member of the California.com Recommended Business Program, which highlights only the best businesses in the Golden State. To be featured, each business must be highly regarded, have a unique California story, and make a positive impact in their community. 

There are many questions to ask when viewing a house in California and the most important factor to consider when purchasing a home in Sonoma County is what kind of lifestyle you’re after. Sonoma County has opportunities for many different styles of living, and you want to be clear on what you want your day-to-day life to be like before choosing a home. 

Lifestyle: What kind of lifestyle are you looking for? 

Will you be working full time? 

If you’re working full time, you’ll want to consider convenience. While Sonoma County does not have as much traffic as other Bay Area counties, travel time can impact your quality of life if you’re regularly driving during the busiest commute times. Consider homes close to or conveniently located.

Are you retiring? 

What amenities are you looking for close to home? There are many wonderful retirement communities in Sonoma County including Del Webb, Oakmont, and Spring Lake Village. These and other communities offer a range of activities and support, depending on what you are looking for. 

Are you looking for a vacation home? 

Will you be visiting regularly and want to buy in a resort area or are you looking somewhere that will be a retreat, away from others? Do you want to be by the beach, lake, or river? How about near wineries, fine dining establishments, or other places?

Will you have a car? 

Do you want or need to be within walking distance to grocery stores and other conveniences? Do you enjoy walking from your home to have dinner or enjoy live music? There are many neighborhoods close to shopping and restaurants.

Do you have kids who will be attending local schools? 

Sonoma County has many fantastic public, private, and charter schools. Do you appreciate public schools with high rankings, religious schools, or are you looking for something more alternative such as Waldorf or Montessori? You will find a lot of variety in Sonoma County. I recommend looking into where you would like your children to go to school and factor that into your neighborhood choice. 

Do you have a very active lifestyle? 

There are many homes close to hiking trails, mountain biking, and other activities. Do you want to be close to bike paths or water areas?

Do you want a view? 

Should you locate close to the ocean for a view of crashing waves? There are many neighborhoods where homes are located on hillsides and you may have a view of a city or mountains. 

Are you looking for privacy? 

Do you want to come home at the end of the day and feel like you are alone in the world?

Homesteading 

Are you looking for a place to sink your hands into the soil, tend a garden, and raise some chickens? Sonoma County has gorgeous areas that work well for this. You’ll want to consider temperature, fog, and sun when choosing a home for this. 

Local Lender 

Sonoma County has many diverse areas. You will find that you can be most successful using a local lender for your purchase. It is helpful to have a lender that knows the area and can help get the job done.

What is calling you to Sonoma County? Give some thought to what you’d like your life to look like. I can help you find the home of your dreams in Sonoma County.