Legal insights and practical guides for Sonoma County real estate buyers, written by an attorney who is also your broker.
Market Analysis & Pricing
Sonoma County is full of listings priced far above what the market will pay — and many eventually sell at a steep discount. Four recent luxury sales closed 47% to 72% below their original asking price. Learn why this happens, and how buyers can build a valuation case that persuades a seller to accept a realistic offer.
Buyer Representation & Agreements
California's AB 2992 requires buyer's agents to sign a written BRBC with their clients — but does it apply to open houses or seller-agent showings? The answer is no. Learn what the law actually says, and why buyers should not be pressured into signing a BRBC before touring a home.
Buyer Representation & Agreements
The standard California buyer-broker agreement (Form BRBC) was drafted to protect brokers, not buyers. Learn the five critical modifications every Sonoma County buyer must make before signing — and why the NAR settlement makes this more urgent than ever.
Rural Land & Agricultural Property
If you're buying rural land, a vineyard, or agricultural property in Sonoma County, there's a local ordinance most buyers — and even many agents — don't fully understand until it's too late. The Public Trust Review Area (PTRA) can be the difference between a productive property and one with severely constrained water rights.
Estate Planning & Tax Strategy
California's community property laws give married couples a powerful tax advantage that buyers in most other states don't have — the Double Step-Up in Basis. Understanding it before you close could save your family hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most buyers learn about it too late.
Rural Property & Due Diligence
Private roads may look charming, but they can create hidden liabilities for buyers, including maintenance disputes, access litigation, financing issues, and insurance concerns. Learn what to review before you buy.