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This Healdsburg Home is Floating (Really!)
David Hargreaves
January 31, 2025
You voted for Friday as the most popular day to send this so here we are: Happy Friday! This week we share a historic Healdsburg Craftsman doing an aerial dance 4 feet above ground has the whole town talking, while our insurance market gets a surprisingly positive report card (California is not the worst!). Meanwhile, Healdsburg and Sonoma just clinched spots as two of California's most "timeless" towns!
This week:
The great Healdsburg house lift: How moving a 1910 Craftsman 5 feet created downtown's most anticipated transformation
Why Sonoma County's insurance situation isn't as dire as headlines suggest
Two fresh listings under $600k that prove wine country dreams are still within reach
Why your weekend open houses just got busier
And the most important bit…What’s Happening This Weekend
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Spoiler Alert: Next week we will be sharing a new listing that is 2 minutes from Healsburg Plaza and vacation rentable. Email us at [email protected] if you want a sneak peak before next Thursday when it is rented out for a week!
Pour yourself something local and let's dive into what's new
Table of Contents
Future Listing
Downtown Healdsburg's Most Talked-About House Lift (Literally)
Nothing gets the neighborhood buzzing like a historic home hovering 4 feet in the air. When this 1910 Craftsman bungalow was lifted off its foundation, local sidewalk superintendents had theories flying faster than Healdsburg's wine tasting reservations on a Saturday.
Plot twist: They weren't just lifting the 1,268 sq ft home - they were playing Tetris with it. The mastermind behind this architectural chess move? Local developer Jim Heid, who slid the entire structure 5 feet west and a foot south to maximize the lot's potential.
Why all the heavy lifting?
A dated foundation needed replacing (blessing in disguise)
Created space for a swanky 540 sq ft ADU above a new garage ($3,000/month potential rental income)
Unlocked prime real estate for outdoor living spaces (because Sonoma County living happens outside)
Preserved the massive 8-foot deep front porch (a non-negotiable for authentic Healdsburg living)
The original features are getting white-glove treatment: Douglas fir floors, classic millwork, and old-growth redwood siding are being meticulously restored by specialized craftspeople. This isn't your typical development project - it's architectural chess with a 113-year-old queen.
Purchased for $843,000 in 2017, this property sits in a hot pocket that's seen values jump 30% since then. When the dust settles, this might just be downtown Healdsburg's most compelling remodel sale in years. Email us at [email protected] to get updates
Want more details about the transformation? Check out our full blog post.
Real Estate News
Insurance Reality Check: How Sonoma County Actually Stacks Up
Fresh data from the Senate Budget Committee puts some surprising perspective on California's insurance exodus. While media headlines scream crisis, Sonoma County's numbers tell a more nuanced story.
The hard numbers:
Florida leads the nation's insurance exodus (1 in 33 policies dropped)
California ranks 4th worst nationally (1 in 58 policies non-renewed)
Santa Cruz tops Bay Area counties (1 in 49 homeowners dropped)
Sonoma County's position? A relatively stable 1 in 72
Napa (1 in 70) and Marin (1 in 90) round out the North Bay picture
But there's good news on the horizon: State Farm's planned return to California comes with a twist - they'll be factoring in individual home fire-hardening measures into their risk assessments. Translation? Those ember-resistant vents and that defensible space maintenance could finally pay off either helping get coverage or reducing the cost.
Pro Tip For Local Property Owners:
Document all fire-hardening improvements (insurers are starting to notice)
Keep detailed maintenance records
Start insurance renewal process early
Consider supplemental coverage options as a backup
Recent state regulation changes should make it easier for insurers to adjust rates based on actual risk - potentially bringing more carriers back to our market. Meanwhile, Sonoma County's position as one of the more stable Bay Area insurance markets is good news in an otherwise gloomy insurance landscape.
Real Estate News
Why You'll See More Faces at Sonoma County Open Houses
A recent experience with a South Bay buyer tells the story perfectly. He wanted to view one our listings but balked at signing a buyer agreement. After some back and forth, we got him to sign a single-property agreement, though he mentioned other agents hadn't asked. Here's the thing - it's not optional, it's the law. Watch the video for an explainer on the rules that came in last year
What's changed in 2024:
Private showings now require signed broker agreements
No more "testing out" different agents for showings
Open houses remain contract-free zones
Expect weekend open houses to get significantly busier
Smart moves for serious buyers:
Find and commit to a realtor you trust early
Single-property agreements exist if you're not ready for full commitment
Save time by having an agent filter properties that match your criteria
Get ahead of the open house crowds with private showings
Reality check: Open houses are great for browsing, but in Sonoma County's competitive market, serious buyers need an agent in their corner. Not only to get into properties early, but there is a lot going on with rural properties, you need an agent in your corner, not the sellers, to ask the right questions.
Bottom line: You wouldn't expect a lawyer to work without an agreement - real estate pros are no different. Either commit to an agent or stick to open houses. You shouldn’t expect private showings without paperwork.
Want to know more about how we can save you days of wasted open houses, text us at 707 238 2112
Lifestyle News
Healdsburg and Sonoma: California's Most "Timeless" Towns
Our slice of wine country just got another gold star. World Atlas recently named Healdsburg and Sonoma among California's eight most timeless towns, praising their historic charm and ability to maintain authenticity despite their growing popularity. No other county got two towns voted in!! Go Sonoma County!
What caught their eye:
Healdsburg Plaza remains the heart of wine country's most charming downtown
Sonoma's Bear Flag history and Mission San Francisco Solano
Both towns' mix of historic architecture and modern amenities
Thriving food scenes that blend tradition with innovation
Why this matters for real estate:
Historic charm continues driving property values
Both towns balance preservation with thoughtful development
Limited growth opportunities keep supply tight
Strong tourism supports local business investment
Bottom line: While Napa gets the headlines, Sonoma County's historic towns continue attracting buyers looking for authentic wine country living. Want to explore property in either of these timeless gems? Let's talk.
New Listing
5258 El Mercado Pkwy, Santa Rosa - $599k
Plot twist: What if we told you there's a home where someone else already did all the annoying renovation work? This Larkfield gem is like finding a fully organized closet - everything's exactly where it should be, and you didn't have to lift a finger.
Remodelled And Only $599k!
The good stuff:
1,040 sq ft of "wow, someone actually knew what they were doing" renovations
A kitchen that looks like it belongs in those fancy home magazines (but you can actually afford it)
Location so convenient, your GPS will get lonely from lack of use
985 Santa Cruz Way, Rohnert Park - $529k
Ever find a hidden restaurant that's so good you're torn between telling everyone and keeping it your secret? That's this spot. This 1,200 sq ft condo is the real estate equivalent of finding $20 in your jacket pocket - unexpected, delightful, and ready to make your day better.
What makes this spot different?
A fresh-built deck that's basically begging for your morning coffee ritual and weekend brunches
Double ovens in the kitchen because sometimes one just isn't enough for your culinary adventures
A gated courtyard entrance that says "goodbye world, hello peace and quiet"
Want the inside scoop? Text David or Jonathan on 707 238 2112 for a private showing before someone else snags your future happy place.
Current Listings
Coming Soon 1192 Wikiup Drive, Santa Rosa 5095 Knollwood Drive, Santa Rosa Lots |
What’s Happening?
Jazz, Jimtown and More
Michelin Throwback at The Matheson (Healdsburg, Feb. 1, 6-9 PM)
Four legendary chefs from SF’s two-Michelin-starred Aqua reunite for one night only. Expect a five-course, wine-paired extravaganza that’s part nostalgia, part culinary excellence. Tickets here
Healdsburg Jazz Winter Festival (Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, Healdsburg)
Cool jazz, cozy venues, and world-class musicians make this a must. Sip a Pinot, soak in the vibes, and pretend you're in a smoky NYC club—except here, the wine’s better. More details here
Windsor 32-Mile Bike Ride (Feb. 1, 9:30 AM, Windsor Town Green)
A scenic ride through Sonoma’s rolling hills. Get your heart rate up before you reward yourself with more wine. Never too late to sign up
Jimtown Store’s Revival (Healdsburg, Feb 8th 10am to 5pm)
A local favorite returns as Jimtown And Then Sum! New owner Michelle Wood is bringing fresh energy to this historic landmark. The food? Expect next-level delicious.
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David & Jonathan here – the guys who write about real estate but really just want to talk about our favorite taco trucks. Hit us up about anything Sonoma County (or beyond). Whether you're buying, selling, or just want to know which wineries actually welcome dogs – we've got you covered.