4673 Flax Ct, Rohnert Park. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

4673 Flax Ct, Rohnert Park. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

Median home prices in Sonoma County are holding steady at rates that many still find woefully out of their budget. The latest figures hold that while the median “sold” price is $575,000, the “on the market” median home price is $749,000.

These numbers have made it difficult for potential first-time home buyers to seriously consider buying real estate, especially when rental prices have also increased.

One of the ways new buyers are circumventing these prices is by teaming up with family members to purchase a home big enough to house the relatives as well. Forget backyard cottages or small fixer-uppers, here are 5 Sonoma County homes that fall within the median “sold” price, and contain 5 or more bedrooms:

4673 Flax Ct, Rohnert Park – $549,900
**This house currently has a pending offer**
5 beds 3 baths 2,234 square feet. Year built 1978.

Exterior. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

Exterior. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

 

I can see how this home received an offer so quickly: it looks like every comfortable, safe, 1970’s home in the afterschool specials I used to watch. Heck, I wanted to make an offer when I first saw it.

Kitchen. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

Kitchen. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

 

The kitchen has plenty of room for multiple chefs. I would have issues with it only because I dislike sharing my kitchen; cooking is a solitary activity for me.

Living room. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

Living room. (Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential)

 

Who needs to go camping when you have this over-sized living room with a large fireplace to gather around on cold nights.

5333 San Luis Ave, Santa Rosa – $629,900
6 beds 3 baths 2,647 sqft Year built: 1971

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of McBride Realty)

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of McBride Realty)

 

In the pictures, this house is hiding behind the plants, but with over 2,600 square feet of interior space, I’m sure the architecture reflects the early 1970’s aesthetic.

Living room. (Photo courtesy of McBride Realty)

Living room. (Photo courtesy of McBride Realty)

 

The living room by the main entryway doesn’t strike me as an area where all inhabitants of a 6 bedroom house would sit to relax at the same time, but I’d have to visit this house in person.

Master bedroom. (Photo courtesy of McBride Realty)

Master bedroom. (Photo courtesy of McBride Realty)

 

I couldn’t find enough of the images that weren’t drabbed down by the lighting to make a clear case for this house above any of the others on the list; but if the other rooms are this generous with space, it may make up for smaller common areas.

1925 Terry Rd, Santa Rosa – $629,000
6 beds 3 baths 2,440 square feet. Year built: 1950

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Lenzi Real Estate)

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Lenzi Real Estate)

 

This 6-bedroom home was built in 1950, and you can see from this image that it’s staying true to its tract home roots. That being said, I think it’s a solid looking house.

Backyard. (Photo courtesy of Lenzi Real Estate)

Backyard. (Photo courtesy of Lenzi Real Estate)

 

Though currently bisected by lattice (child safeguard?) the backyard is undeniably huge – there’s room for many extended-family gatherings.

Bedroom. (Photo courtesy of Lenzi Real Estate)

Bedroom. (Photo courtesy of Lenzi Real Estate)

 

The sizable backyard looks like it can owe its roominess to how the interior space of the home has been lessened. There are buyers who would prefer more space outside, and others who would prefer the interior space to be maximized.

130 Fetters Ave, Sonoma – $699,000
5 beds, 2 baths, 2,064 square feet. Year built: 1927.

 

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty)

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty)

 

Of all the properties on this list, this 1927 duplex is my top pick. To begin, well-restored homes from the 1920s have a special place in my heart. Pragmatically, a duplex is a great way for an extended family to stay together – but not too closely together.

Living room in upstairs unit. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty)

Living room in upstairs unit. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty)

 

The interior in the upstairs unit is well laid out and roomy. But that begs the question; who gets upstairs and who gets downstairs?

Living room in downstairs unit. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty)

Living room in downstairs unit. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty)

 

With both units well restored and updated, the upstairs/downstairs question may be harder to solve than once thought. I vote for upstairs so I wouldn’t hear the footsteps on the ceilings…but that wooden floor on the bottom unit does look nice…

1616 Elmendorf Pl, Santa Rosa – $569,000
6 beds, 3 baths, 2,043 square feet. Year built: 1974.

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty)

Exterior of home. (Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty)

 

This is one of those Easter egg surprises that I find more often than not when searching within a strict set of parameters. It’s a nice 6-bedroom home in a quiet cul-de-sac, but as the listing states it’s a former care facility that includes a bonus-retrofit for the high-risk clientele.

Sliding doors to side yard. (Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty)

Sliding doors to side yard. (Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty)

 

Without having the time to go and take a look, I can only assume that – being a former care facility – some rooms will have separate exits and entrances. This may be something that would be welcomed in a home where you’re staying with multiple family members.

Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty)

Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Keller Williams Realty)

 

This kitchen is smaller than I would expect for a 6 bedroom house, and even more so than in one found in a care facility. However, for a family who may be so busy that take-out is on speed dial, this will work.

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