Homepage
Portfolio
About Neil
Home Search
Home Valuation
Neighborhoods
Let's Connect
Client Login
Every October, haunted houses are not the only things giving locals a fright. Across Sonoma County, from Santa Rosa to Healdsburg to Petaluma, real estate myths continue to haunt buyers and sellers. They spread like ghost stories at open houses and dinner parties, causing hesitation and missed opportunities.
It is time to shine some light on what is actually true about the market here at home.
Truth: That is one of the oldest housing myths still haunting first-time buyers. In Sonoma County, where home prices vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, there are many ways to buy with less.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the median down payment for first-time buyers in 2024 was only 9 percent. Some buyers here have purchased with as little as 3 percent down through conventional loans, or even zero down through USDA or VA programs. The real horror story is waiting too long because of bad information.
Truth: Serious buyers do not take the season off. Fall can be one of the best times to list in Sonoma County.
After summer, there are fewer homes on the market, which means less competition for your property. The golden light of harvest season makes homes look beautiful, especially in areas like Bennett Valley, Healdsburg, and Sebastopol. Buyers who are shopping now are motivated to close before the holidays or before the new year begins.
Truth: Overpricing can kill your listing faster than any haunted house rumor.
When you list too high, you lose the first two weeks of critical momentum. Sonoma County buyers are informed and know the local data. Homes priced correctly from the start tend to sell faster and for more money, while those priced too high sit on the market and grow stale.
Truth: Rates have not been that low in years, and no expert expects them to return there soon.
If you are renting in Santa Rosa or Windsor, waiting for the “perfect” rate could cost you the perfect home. Focus instead on finding a property that fits your lifestyle and budget. You can refinance later if rates fall, but you cannot go back and buy at today’s prices.
Truth: It may be harder, but it is not impossible.
Some buyers I have worked with in Rohnert Park and Cotati have qualified with credit scores in the low 600s. Local lenders understand how to work with credit challenges and can create plans that help you qualify sooner than you think. The key is to get preapproved early and understand what steps to take to strengthen your application.
Truth: Not in a market as diverse as Sonoma County.
An algorithm cannot tell the difference between a quiet cul-de-sac in Larkfield and a busy street in Roseland. It cannot see your upgrades, views, or how well you have maintained your home. Online estimates are fine as a starting point, but they often miss the nuances that make this market unique. A local agent can provide a pricing strategy based on data, buyer demand, and neighborhood trends.
Truth: It depends on your goals, but long-term wealth still favors homeownership.
Renting can make sense short-term, but owning builds stability and equity over time. The average homeowner’s net worth is about forty times higher than that of renters. Even with current prices, homeownership remains one of the best long-term investments in Sonoma County.
Truth: The fine print matters more than the number.
A slightly lower rate can come with higher fees or less flexibility. Always compare the full annual percentage rate and total cost over time. Local lenders understand our unique property types, from historic homes in Petaluma to rural estates in Sebastopol, and can often structure a loan that saves more in the long run.
Truth: The data tells a very different story.
Back then, easy lending and oversupply caused the crash. Today, lending is strict, inventory is low, and many Sonoma County homeowners have significant equity. Prices have adjusted slightly but remain stable because demand continues to outweigh supply.
Truth: They are very different, and sellers know it.
A prequalification is a quick estimate based on basic information. A preapproval means your lender has verified your income, assets, and credit. In competitive areas like Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, and Petaluma, a preapproval letter can make your offer stand out and may even be required before touring a home.
Truth: Student debt affects your ratios but does not automatically disqualify you.
Many local buyers with student loans have purchased homes after understanding how their payments fit into qualification. The key is working with a lender early and adjusting other debts if needed.
Truth: Even experienced buyers and sellers benefit from guidance.
From pricing and negotiations to legal disclosures, a skilled agent helps you protect your investment. Think of your agent as your compass through the twists and turns of the Sonoma County housing market, guiding you to a successful outcome.
Real estate myths make good stories, but they do not create results. If you have been waiting to make a move because of something you heard online or through a friend, it may be time to get the real facts.
Whether you want to understand your home’s current value, explore financing options, or plan a move before the new year, I am here to help. The Sonoma County market is full of opportunity for those who act on information, not fear.
Browse active listings in the area or contact us for off-market listings.
Have an expert help you find out what your home is really worth.