There’s nothing new to report when it comes to housing in Sonoma County, and in a way, that can be seen as a good thing. The $639,000 median price hasn’t gotten any lower; but it also hasn’t gotten any higher. For a new homebuyer determined to find house in this area who may be just able to afford it, this could give them hope that they won’t find the house of their dreams only to have prices rise, again, taking them out of the market completely.
Instead of getting into the whole discussion (again) about median prices – especially since they change so often – it was time to choose a solid number and go with it. $500,000 is a good halfway point, and since there are still plenty of homes listed at that price, I wanted to see what we could find for that price – or less.
That being said, scroll through the gallery to view 8 of the houses on the market now in Sonoma County that are priced lower than $500,000…
What you get for $500K or less in Sonoma County right now
69 Arlington Dr, Petaluma - $499,000
3 beds, 2 baths, 1,144 square feet. Year built: 1955.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of Bradley Real Estate)
Here's a cute 1955 Ranch style home that just barely makes the list at $499,000. It's professionally landscaped and boasts an updated and thoroughly modern interior. Click through to see what I mean...
Living room. (Photo courtesy of Bradley Real Estate)
The whole house has been updated - from floor to ceiling. The angle of the ceiling and the open floor plan keep the dark stain on the ceiling from making it feel closed in. The price is pushing it close to the 500k mark, but comparatively, it's a great find. Scroll for the next property on the list...
8255 Tyrone Rd, Monte Rio - $429,000
1 beds, 1 bath, 864 square feet. Year built: 2002.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of Vanguard Properties)
Custom built in 2002, this Monte Rio retreat can be either a small vacation cabin, or a full time residence for anyone who doesn't need a whole lot of interior space. Taking that into consideration, click through to see the interior...
Interior. (Photo courtesy of Vanguard Properties)
Sure, 864 square feet is pushing this home towards a tiny house claim, but this clean, open interior would make even the most claustrophobic homebuyer breathe a sigh of relief. It helps that everything looks well maintained, or brand new. Scroll to take a trip to Guerneville...
15180 Willow Rd, Guerneville - $399,000
2 beds, 1 bath, 888 square feet. Year built: 1982.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty)
This Guerneville home had been used as a vacation rental, but its ready now or full-time owners. it's another house that's less than 900 square feet, but it does have 2 bedrooms along with a custom spiral staircase that helps it feel roomy. Click to check out the living area...
Living area. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty)
Just from taking a quick look at the living area, you can tell it's even set up like a tiny home, with the sleeping area being in a loft, and the kitchen being pushed off to the side. The rock front or the gas insert fireplace is my favorite part of the interior. Scroll for the next property...
1004 Wren Dr, Petaluma - $479,000
2 beds, 2 baths, 920 square feet. Year built: 1980.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of Gaetani Real Estate, Inc.)
Another Petaluma property, this one having been built in 1980 - so 30 years younger than the 1950's house we looked at earlier. All things considered though, it may be $11,000 less, but it's not as charming as the earlier ranch style home. Click to see the living room...
Living room. (Photo courtesy of Gaetani Real Estate, Inc.)
The claim to upgrade fame are the 'Brazilian cherry floors in living room & hall.' They do look nice, but somehow the home still feels dated. They did put new appliances in the kitchen, so I think it's all a matter of your stylistic preferences. Scroll to head up to Cloverdale...
579 School St, Cloverdale - $499,000
3 beds, 2 baths, 1,223 square feet. Year built: 1975.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of W Real Estate)
This interesting house is described as having Craftsman architecture, but I'm not completely convinced. It does make a lot more sense when you look at the backyard - click through to see what I mean...
Backyard. (Photo courtesy of W Real Estate)
This backyard is spacious, with trees surrounding it to keep everyone cool during the summer heat. And it's Cloverdale, so yes, the heat is real. Scroll to see what's happening in Sonoma...
18945 Lomita Ave, Sonoma - $499,000
3 beds, 1 bath, 1,027 square feet. Year built: 1949.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty)
Downtown Sonoma has a lot going for it; Sonoma Plaza is a weekend destination for shopping, wine tasting, and food. This 1949 house is close to downtown, so though it needs a little bit of work, friends will most certainly be dropping by more often. Click to see the inside...
Interior. (Photo courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty)
The interior looks...unkempt. I can't say from pictures alone if anything major - wiring, plumbing, or heating - would need work, but a scrub brush and oil soap would be a good first start. Not feeling the fixer-upper? Scroll to see if the Sea Ranch has something more presentable...
37162 Schooner Dr, The Sea Ranch - $495,000
1 bed, 1 bath, 400 square feet. Year built: 2007.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of The Coastal Real Estate Company)
This cottage in the Sea Ranch is tiny, though the second story gives it the feeling of being spacious. I have to admit to being partial to these one-off creations, and though the living space is really just a single room, it works well. Click to see if you agree...
Interior space. (Photo courtesy of The Coastal Real Estate Company)
The living space is functional, well maintained, and would make for a great weekend getaway. For a full-time living space, though, I think even two people would be pushing it in terms of comfort. Need more space? Scroll to see a 5 bedroom in Rohnert Park...
393 Bonnie Ave, Rohnert Park - $489,000
5 beds, 2 baths, 1,604 square feet. Year built: 2007.
Exterior. (Photo courtesy of Praxis Realty, Inc)
Let's talk about this house. You don't want this 1960s home because you're looking for pretty, you want it because it has 5 bedrooms, 1,604 square feet, and a garage. For under $500,000, here it is. Click to see the amount of space you'll get in the backyard...
Backyard. (Photo courtesy of Praxis Realty, Inc)
The backyard isn't landscaped, but the upshot is you have a lot of room to make it your own. If you have a family that you need five rooms to accomodate, this yard is more than likely something you'll need, too - especially if you have kids/do a lot of entertaining.
