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.
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.
Built in 1983, this home appears well-maintained and spacious. Located in the Morningstar subdivision, the HOA fees are a reasonable $65/month.
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.
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.
The interior is spacious, and I’ve always been a fan of arched entries.
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.
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.
When entering the living room, the 1970’s aesthetic is apparent, but in a cozy, comfortable way.
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.
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.
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.
…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.
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…
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.
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.
The interior layout allows for a lot of natural light, and appears roomy and relaxed.
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.