RealWise Sonoma County: a Real Estate Podcast with Stephanie Johnson

Stephanie Johnson - RealWise Properties - eXp Realty
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Thinking about moving to Sonoma County? This podcast is for you. I'm Stephanie Johnson — I left San Francisco for Sonoma County in 2021 & now I help relocating buyers do the same. Each week: real estate, relocation & lifestyle for buyers from SF, Marin, Oakland, the Peninsula and beyond. What your money buys in Petaluma, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, the Sonoma Coast and the Russian River. What changes when wine country becomes home. Real numbers, real tradeoffs, real stories — from a top-producing Bay Area to Sonoma real estate agent who made the move herself. DRE# 01496050

  1. What No One Told Me Before I Left San Francisco for Sonoma County

    3d ago

    What No One Told Me Before I Left San Francisco for Sonoma County

    Stephanie Johnson spent close to 25 years in San Francisco. She built a career there, raised two boys there as a single mom, and ran a real estate business there. And then she left. In this episode, Stephanie is not talking to you as your agent. She is talking to you as someone who made the exact move you might be considering: leaving the Bay Area for Sonoma County and changing her whole life in the process. She breaks down the three biggest fears people have about leaving San Francisco or Oakland or another urban environment for wine country, including the commute question, the boredom question, and the fear of missing out on everything the city offers. And she gives you the honest, unfiltered truth about each one from someone who has been on both sides. She also talks about what the move did for her kids, the nearly half a million dollars in private school tuition her family will not spend because of this decision, what city life actually cost her in terms of community and connection, and what she wishes she had done differently before buying her first house in Sonoma County. If you are a Bay Area professional researching a move to Sonoma County, whether you are thinking about Sebastopol, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Sonoma or anywhere in between, this episode is one of the most honest and practical conversations you will find on what this transition actually looks like. -------- I'm Stephanie Johnson, a Sonoma County real estate agent helping buyers make the move to wine country. If you're seriously considering relocating from the Bay Area or beyond to Sonoma County, I'd love to help you explore what that could look like. Let's talk about your goals — reach out anytime. If you're researching a move to Sonoma County, subscribe to this channel for weekly videos on real estate, neighborhoods, and the Sonoma County relocation process. You can also watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgYIfCImaMU Host: Stephanie Johnson, RealWise Properties RealWiseProperties.com 707-234-8788

    17 min

  2. Jun 17

    $2M in Sonoma County: 3 Homes, 3 Lifestyles

    If you've been wondering what $2 million actually gets you in Sonoma County, this episode is your inside look. I walk you through three homes I recently toured — one in northern Sebastopol, one in Healdsburg's Alexander Valley, and one in the Fountaingrove neighborhood of Santa Rosa — and break down what each lifestyle really feels like. You'll hear about the Sebastopol property with its botanical garden, pool, and creative outbuildings on a private, cooler-climate lot. Then we head to Alexander Valley, where vineyards line the road and the home is smaller, but the setting is pure wine country. Finally, we land in Fountaingrove, a hilltop neighborhood rebuilt after the Tubbs fire, where $2M buys you a nearly 3,200 sq ft modern home with a resort-style pool. I also talk through the real trade-offs: fire risk, summer heat, walkability, square footage vs. land, and which buyer each home truly suits. If you're considering moving from the Bay Area to wine country, or just starting to research living in Sonoma County, I'd love to help you think it through. Reach out anytime to book a call — let's talk about what lifestyle fits you best. -------- I'm Stephanie Johnson, a Sonoma County real estate agent helping buyers make the move to wine country. If you're seriously considering relocating from the Bay Area or beyond to Sonoma County, I'd love to help you explore what that could look like. Let's talk about your goals — reach out anytime. If you're researching a move to Sonoma County, subscribe to this channel for weekly videos on real estate, neighborhoods, and the Sonoma County relocation process. You can also watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OAoCfu27XM&t=9s Host: Stephanie Johnson, RealWise Properties RealWiseProperties.com 707-234-8788 Team@RealWiseProperties.com Schedule a Zoom Call with Stephanie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠realwisesurvey.realwiseproperties.com/main⁠

    11 min

  3. Jun 10

    Sonoma County's Split Market: Fast Sales vs. Sitting Homes

    If you're thinking about buying a home in Sonoma County, this episode is essential listening. I break down real market data from the last 60 days and reveal something surprising: we're in a split market where 52% of homes sell in under 30 days (often above asking), while 10% sit for 120+ days and eventually sell for just 91% of list price. In this episode, you'll hear: • The four distinct seller experiences happening right now in Sonoma County — and what each one means for you as a buyer • Why homes that have been sitting 90+ days are real opportunities for smart, well-prepared buyers • How to recognize a well-prepared home worth competing for vs. one where there's room to negotiate aggressively • The real monthly carrying costs sellers face while their home sits — and why that gives you leverage • How to approach offers differently depending on a home's days on market Whether you're relocating from the Bay Area, considering a move to wine country, or exploring living in Sonoma County for the first time, the strategies I share will help you move with confidence. -------- I'm Stephanie Johnson, a Sonoma County real estate agent helping buyers make the move to wine country. If you're seriously considering relocating from the Bay Area or beyond to Sonoma County, I'd love to help you explore what that could look like. Let's talk about your goals — reach out anytime. If you're researching a move to Sonoma County, subscribe to this channel for weekly videos on real estate, neighborhoods, and the Sonoma County relocation process. You can also watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvEakZBmDd8 Host: Stephanie Johnson, RealWise Properties RealWiseProperties.com 707-234-8788 Team@RealWiseProperties.com Schedule a Zoom Call with Stephanie: ⁠⁠⁠realwisesurvey.realwiseproperties.com/main⁠

    13 min

  4. Jun 3

    What $1M, $2M, and $3M Actually Buy You in Healdsburg

    If you've ever wondered what your budget actually gets you in Healdsburg, this episode walks you through three real homes at three very different price points — and what each one tells you about the market. Stephanie tours a $1M downtown cottage on Center Street that needs a full renovation but comes with approved expansion plans, a $2M home on 5+ acres in the Dry Creek Valley with panoramic vineyard views and a private gated drive, and a $3.2M four-bedroom in town with a pool, koi pond, and luxury finishes near Recreation Park. Along the way, you'll hear honest takes on the tradeoffs: walkability vs. land, fixer vs. move-in ready, in-town energy vs. wine country serenity. If you're thinking about relocating to Healdsburg or buying a second home in wine country, this episode will help you understand where you realistically fit in the real estate landscape — and what to expect at each tier.Ready to talk through your own goals? Reach out to Stephanie to book a one-on-one call and start mapping your path to Sonoma County. --------Listing Broker Credit: Property 1: Center Street - Jake Romanow, Luxe Places International Realty Property 2: Chiquita Road - Craig & Hunter Sikes, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty Property 3: Tee Court - John Dayton, Dayton & Tremont Real Estate -------- I'm Stephanie Johnson, a Sonoma County real estate agent helping buyers make the move to wine country. If you're seriously considering relocating from the Bay Area or beyond to Sonoma County, I'd love to help you explore what that could look like. Let's talk about your goals — reach out anytime. If you're researching a move to Sonoma County, subscribe to this channel for weekly videos on real estate, neighborhoods, and the Sonoma County relocation process. You can also watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6yJ4arjXa8&t=3s Host: Stephanie Johnson, RealWise Properties RealWiseProperties.com 707-234-8788 Team@RealWiseProperties.com Schedule a Zoom Call with Stephanie: ⁠⁠realwisesurvey.realwiseproperties.com/main⁠

    8 min
  5. Welcome to RealWise Sonoma County: a Real Estate Podcast with Stephanie Johnson

    Trailer

    Welcome to RealWise Sonoma County: a Real Estate Podcast with Stephanie Johnson

    Are you dreaming about more space, a slower lifestyle, and more value for your money? You've been eyeing Sonoma County — the wine country escape that's closer than you think and more attainable than you realize. Welcome to RealWise Sonoma County, the podcast built people relocating from San Francisco, Marin, East Bay, the Peninsula and beyond who are serious about making the move to Sonoma County — whether that's a primary home, a second home, or a smart investment in one of California's most desirable markets. Every week, Sonoma County real estate agent Stephanie Johnson breaks down the local market, explores neighborhoods from Petaluma to Sebastopol to Healdsburg and beyond, and gives you the honest, specific information you need to make your move with confidence. This isn't a show for maybe someday. It's for buyers who are ready to trade traffic and tiny square footage for vineyards, open space, and a life that actually fits. Subscribe now and start your Sonoma County journey. Topics covered: Sonoma County real estate market, moving from the San Francisco Bay Area to Sonoma County, wine country relocation, Petaluma homes, Healdsburg real estate, Sebastopol neighborhoods, Santa Rosa housing market, second homes in Sonoma County, Marin to Sonoma County move, East Bay families relocating north, wine country lifestyle, California real estate 2026. #SonomaCountyRealEstate #BayAreaRealEstate #WineCountryLiving #MovingToSonomaCounty #SonomaCounty #CaliforniaRealEstate #RelocatingToBayArea #PetalumaRealEstate #HealdsburgRealEstate #SebastopolHomes #BayAreaToWineCountry #SonomaCountyHomes #MovingFromSanFrancisco #WineCountryRealEstate #SonomaCountyLiving

    1 min

  6. May 27

    Healdsburg Beyond the Plaza: A Local's Map Tour

    Most people who visit Healdsburg never leave the plaza — but if you're thinking about actually living here, the real story starts outside the tourist area. In this episode, Sonoma County agent Stephanie Johnson takes you on a guided tour of Healdsburg, California, mapping out the neighborhoods, lifestyle, and price points that define this small but mighty wine country town. You'll hear about Old Town Healdsburg's grand period homes (and why entry-level walkable houses now start around $1.2M), the more affordable Fitch Mountain riverfront pocket where homes can still be found under a million, and the Dry Creek Valley, where vineyard estates range from $1.8M to $7M and up. Stephanie also breaks down the three wine AVAs surrounding town — Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, and Russian River — plus local favorites like Single Thread, Quail & Condor, Lake Sonoma, and Armstrong Redwoods. If you're weighing Healdsburg against other Sonoma County towns, this episode will help you understand the trade-offs — warmer summers, a longer Bay Area commute, but unmatched wine country amenities. Ready to dig deeper into your own move? Reach out to Stephanie to talk through your goals. Note: This episode is a guided map tour so watching the video will help you gain the most insight from this content. -------- I'm Stephanie Johnson, a Sonoma County real estate agent helping buyers make the move to wine country. If you're seriously considering relocating from the Bay Area or beyond to Sonoma County, I'd love to help you explore what that could look like. Let's talk about your goals — reach out anytime. If you're researching a move to Sonoma County, subscribe to this channel for weekly videos on real estate, neighborhoods, and the Sonoma County relocation process. You can also watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xMx_gxE77c&t=62s Host: Stephanie Johnson, RealWise Properties RealWiseProperties.com 707-234-8788 Team@RealWiseProperties.com Schedule a Zoom Call with Stephanie: ⁠realwisesurvey.realwiseproperties.com/main

    23 min

  7. May 20

    Healdsburg CA: Living in Wine Country + Home Prices 2026

    Thinking about moving to Sonoma County? Healdsburg is one of the most sought-after wine country town for buyers looking to relocate from the Bay Area and beyond — but what's it really like to live here, and how much does it cost? In this video, I'm giving you a complete tour of Healdsburg, California — from the iconic downtown plaza to historic neighborhoods, Dry Creek Valley estates, and Fitch Mountain riverside living. Whether you're considering a move to wine country, looking for a second home in Sonoma County, or just researching what life looks like outside the city, this is your insider's guide. I'll walk you through: • What it's like to live near Healdsburg Plaza • Home prices by neighborhood — from under $1M fixer opportunities to $5M+ wine country estates • The best restaurants, tasting rooms, and lifestyle amenities that make Healdsburg special • Dry Creek Valley real estate and what you get at different price points • Why some families and second-home buyers choose Healdsburg over other wine country towns Healdsburg real estate offers something for almost every budget, from cozy homes near the river to sprawling vineyard properties with world-class views. If you've been researching a move from San Francisco, Marin, the East Bay or beyond to Sonoma County wine country, Healdsburg should absolutely be on your list. I'm Stephanie Johnson, a Sonoma County real estate agent helping buyers make the move to wine country. If you're seriously considering relocating from the Bay Area or beyond to Sonoma County, I'd love to help you explore what that could look like. Let's talk about your goals — reach out anytime. If you're researching a move to Sonoma County, subscribe to this channel for weekly videos on real estate, neighborhoods, and the relocation process. You can also watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmHUMYMKqfs&t=199s Host: Stephanie Johnson, RealWise Properties RealWiseProperties.com 707-234-8788 Team@RealWiseProperties.com Schedule a Zoom Call with Stephanie: realwisesurvey.realwiseproperties.com/main

    8 min

  8. May 13

    Healdsburg CA: Pros & Cons | Bay Area to Wine Country Move

    Thinking about moving from the Bay Area to Healdsburg? This charming Sonoma County wine country town offers world-class dining, walkable downtown living, and incredible wineries—but it's not for everyone. In this video, I break down the real pros and cons of living in Healdsburg, California to help you decide if this is the right place for your move from San Francisco, Marin, or the East Bay. I'm Stephanie Johnson, a Sonoma County real estate agent who made the move from the Bay Area in 2021. Now I help professionals and families from the Bay Area and beyond navigate their relocation to wine country. Whether you're looking for a primary home or a second home in Sonoma County, I'll give you the local insight you need to make an informed decision. What I Cover: Healdsburg's walkable downtown and town squareMichelin-star restaurants and world-class wineriesAccess to three premium wine AVAs (Alexander Valley, Russian River, Dry Creek)The tourism trade-offsCost of living and median home pricesSummer heat and fire risk considerationsJob market realities If you're researching a move to Sonoma County, subscribe to this channel for weekly videos on real estate, neighborhoods, and the relocation process. You can also watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr_ADnGY5W4&t=1s Host: Stephanie Johnson, RealWise Properties RealWiseProperties.com 707-234-8788 Team@RealWiseProperties.com Schedule a Zoom Call with Stephanie: realwisesurvey.realwiseproperties.com/main

    16 min
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Thinking about moving to Sonoma County? This podcast is for you. I'm Stephanie Johnson — I left San Francisco for Sonoma County in 2021 & now I help relocating buyers do the same. Each week: real estate, relocation & lifestyle for buyers from SF, Marin, Oakland, the Peninsula and beyond. What your money buys in Petaluma, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, the Sonoma Coast and the Russian River. What changes when wine country becomes home. Real numbers, real tradeoffs, real stories — from a top-producing Bay Area to Sonoma real estate agent who made the move herself. DRE# 01496050

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