1280 Saint Francis Dr

1280 Saint Francis Dr. Petaluma. (Image via Pacific Union International Inc.)

When going through recent listings, Petaluma always manages to sneak under my radar. According to this latest study, I need to pay closer attention to the trends. Petaluma now ranks #6 out of 10 nationally ranked zip codes that contain the hottest housing markets. Here are the main factors fueling this trend;

  • Many popular North Bay companies are based in Petaluma: Calix, CamelBak, Clover Stornetta Farms, Lagunitas Brewing Company, and Athleta Inc.

 

  • Buyers between 35 and 44 years old make up 27 percent of mortgages in the area, and millennials are not far behind with a mortgage share of 25 percent.

 

  • The area has experienced two percent job growth, plus 4,000 jobs, over last year and currently has an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent and is trending lower.

Here’s  a closer look at what homebuyers are looking at on the market for the median price range of 595K. Here are six single family residences on the market right now;

623 Ursa Major Ct, Petaluma – $539,000
3 beds, 3 baths, 1,467 square feet.

(Image via Wine Country Group by BHG)

Front of home. (Image via Wine Country Group by BHG)

I try to go see most of the houses in person before writing about them, but I didn’t get the chance to drive past this particular home. I can’t tell from any of the listing images, but it looks suspiciously like a duplex.

(Image via Wine Country Group by BHG)

Living room and kitchen. (Image via Wine Country Group by BHG)

Built in 1983, this home appears well-maintained and spacious. Located in the Morningstar subdivision, the HOA fees are a reasonable $65/month.

(Image via Wine Country Group by BHG)

Backyard. (Image via Wine Country Group by BHG)

There’s plenty of yard to work with. A homebuyer can easily jump in and start gardening, or leave it as is and use the backyard for relaxing or entertaining.

125 East Ct, Petaluma – $415,000
3 beds 1 bath 1,040 square feet.

125 East Ct.

(Image via CENTURY 21 Classic Properties)

This home was built in 1996, and I think it has a lot of potential to be a forever-home if someone wanted to invest the time into rehabbing the exterior. The iron fence mounted on bricks out front are hiding how clean and contemporary looking the home really is.

125 East Court.

Living room. (Image via CENTURY 21 Classic Properties)

The interior is spacious, and I’ve always been a fan of arched entries.

125 East Ct.

Backyard. (Image via CENTURY 21 Classic Properties)

The backyard is small, but as with the previous home, I always see neglected yards as more of a blank slate: there’s more of an opportunity to create a space that’s more personal without the bother of undoing somebody else’s work.

1305 Evergreen Ln, Petaluma – $539,000
3 beds, 2 baths, 1,443 square feet.

1305 Evergreen Ln.

Front of home. (Image via Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate)

However, a nicely designed front yard can make all the difference in making a good first impression. I think this little home is put together nicely, and for a home built in 1971 has been well looked after and maintained.

1305 Evergreen Ln, Petaluma

Living room. (Image via Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate)

When entering the living room, the 1970’s aesthetic is apparent, but in a cozy, comfortable way.

1305 Evergreen Ln, Petaluma

Backyard. (Image via Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate)

The backyard is jut as well maintained as the front, and while I usually don’t use the phrase turn-key, it fits this home. I couldn’t see a single large or expensive issue with it; a new owner could move right in.

170 Edith St, Petaluma – $574,900
3 beds 2 baths 1,269 square feet.

170 Edith St.

Front of home. (Image via Westgate Realty)

This home was off-putting at first, and I wasn’t able to understand the price at first glance. However, it’s a 2 unit home – with the detached guest house in the back, so, even though it needs work – it’s really two homes.

170 Edith St.

Kitchen. (Image via Westgate Realty)

It looks as though the kitchen has been recently re-done, which is a plus because the rest of the interior will need some attention paid to it.

170 Edith St.

Yard. (Image via Westgate Realty)

…as will the yard. There is potential here, but the homebuyer has to be willing to roll up their sleeves.

718 North Mcdowell Boulevard Petaluma – $589,000
3 beds 1 bath, 1,142 square feet.

 

718 North Mcdowell Boulevard .

Front of home. (Image via Hugh Futrell Corporation)

Of course, I’m a sucker for historic homes, so I jumped on the chance to check out this 1907 beauty that appears to be undergoing major renovations. For a home that’s 109 years old, upgrades are part of the package…

718 McDowell

Inside of home. (Image via Hugh Futrell Corporation)

I’m just going to stop talking about this home right here.

1280 Saint Francis Dr, Petaluma – $549,000
4 beds, 2 baths, 1,164 square feet.

1280 Saint Francis Dr.

Front of home. (Image via Pacific Union International Inc.)

Of all the homes on this list so far, this is the one that I find to be the best deal for the size, location, and upkeep that it’s had. Built in 1970, it’s clearly well cared for, has drought tolerant landscaping, and an extensively updated interior.

1280 Saint Francis Dr.

Living room. (Image via Pacific Union International Inc.)

The interior layout allows for a lot of natural light, and appears roomy and relaxed.

1280 Saint Francis Dr.

Backyard. (Image via Pacific Union International Inc.)

As a mom with two very, very energetic young boys, this backyard is the selling point. I’m all for blank slates, but I wouldn’t change a thing that’s been done here.