Abby's Real Estate News - December 2015

What Abby loves about her work!

I am fortunate to work at a job that constantly connects me to so many incredible people from all walks of life and from so many unexpected time periods in my life. I thrive on these fortuitous relationships and hope to always display my gratitude by being the best Human Being I can be...and by being the best Realtor I can be!!

Over 8 years ago while holding an open house in Novato, a young couple came in. They were renting in that complex, hoping to become first time buyers, and had seen my name on the sign. It was Christy Giambastiani and her wonderful husband Marc Gillard. When Christie was about 15 years old, she was my babysitter in our first home on Birch Way in Santa Venetia. She watched my 2 boys so I could take a break..or watched my infant Will, so I could treat Nick to some private time with Mom. With Christy, Bill and I could feel relaxed to have a date night and always came home to sleeping babies and a clean home! She was my miracle. Loved her then...love her now...!!

Fast forward 20 years.....

My journey as their Realtor did not rest on the laurels of those baby-sitting days. A few days later we met at Peet's Coffee in Novato for my interview. With notebooks and questions...began the interview. Later they called to say they had chosen me!! The rest is history as they say!! They purchased an amazing home in West Petaluma. My first REO (Bank Owned Home) experience, and a story in and of itself (Dead bat, confederate flag.....oy veh).

Marc works at Guide Dogs for the Blind and as such was the beginning of referrals to other Guide Dog employees and friends. These past 8 years of working with this truly superb group has been a highlight of my career and the friendships that I hope will be eternal!

Love my work and love these connections!!

-Abby

Abby will be donating a portion of each paycheck in 2016 to Guide Dogs for the Blind! Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and can be sent to:

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Donation Processing

P.O. Box 17068

Baltimore, MD 21297

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Things I love in... Marin, Sonoma, and Beyond!

Long time friends popped by over Thanksgiving Weekend and we had a blast! Took a leisurely drive to Solage in Calistoga for a mind-blowing brunch followed by a passionate battle of Bocci Ball. An hour from Novato and felt like we were away from the mundane and set in a movie....sublime vineyards, stone buildings, mountain views. Take a moment..or many moments to enjoy the wonders of our very own North Bay!!

-Abby

Book Solage Calistoga!

Coming Soon...

2 Oro Court,

Novato

Price: TBD ($779k arena)
Single level! On a cul-de-sac in Pleasant Valley. 4/2 with 1740 square feet on a large, flat and sunny yard of 9700 sq ft. Dual pane windows and doors! Original owner and immaculate!

Just sold...

84 Madrone, #4,

San Anselmo

Price: $434,000
Cozy and bright home in intimate complex of 22 units and so close to thriving down-town San Anselmo! Open beam vaulted ceilings, fresh paint, brand new Berber style carpet-Move-in ready! Skylights, ceilings fans and 2 outdoor balconies-this is a must see. Exterior renovations underway will give this a contemporary new look...now is the time to buy here! New dual pane windows and slider are being installed this month. A true San Anselmo Gem.

Represented Sellers.

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386 Riven Rock Cir.,

Santa Rosa

Price: $530,000
This well maintained home sits adjacent to the golf course with views of lush green grass, trees, a seasonal creek, wildlife, and the hills surrounding Oakmont. The kitchen has been updated with solid surface counters for easy maintenance. Both bathrooms feature tile counters, showers and flooring. Attractive bay window in front guest room. Vaulted ceiling and gas burning fireplace in the living/dining room. An enchanting over-55 community in the heart of the wine country!

Represented Buyers.

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213 Antoinette,

Novato

Price: $360,000
Great location/Community. This 2 story end unit is a 2BD/1BA gem situated in Cheda Acres. A few features include: in-unit laundry, carport, and a quiet creekside setting. There is a community pool and hot tub. Close to freeways and shopping.

Represented Buyers.

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480 Calle Arboleda,

Novato

Price: $788,200
Updated 3bd/2ba home in Loma Verde. Eat-in kitchen w/gas stove & stainless appliances. Large living room w/stone fireplace, built-in shelves & great views. Formal dining room w/slider leading to back yard. Master bath w/tile shower & floor. Sep. detached bldg in back approx 250 +/- sf. for office/den/play area. Landscaped front & back yards, hard wood floors, recessed lighting, dual pane windows, A/C & washer/dryer

Represented Buyers.

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78 Pizarro Ave.,

Novato

Price: $790,000
Lovely and Tranquil abode situated in the coveted Hamilton area of Novato and uniquely positioned with no homes behind- simply the natural wetlands. Discover an old fashion neighborhood feeling where people stroll and greet each other on the wide, flat and easy streets....yet escape inside to quiet and peaceful living! Cozy formal living room plus kitchen/great room concept, maple floors, luxurious master suite, AC, and 2 car garage. Immaculate!

Represented Sellers.

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Find more real estate listings >

Other News...

CB'S December Market Watch
Offshore Buyers continue to invest in Bay Area Real Estate!

Read more

CB's December Reality Check

2015 Review: Strong Demand, Low Inventory - still a Seller's market!

Read more

Abby's New and Improved Website coming soon!

Abby's new website will be unveiled January 1, 2016! Abby and John have been working hard to put together a modern, easy-to-use, mobile-friendly website to help you with all your real estate needs! Some new features include:

-New IDX search platform (easily search new listings right from Abby's website)
-Community search feature

-Mobile Friendly
-News/Events page to keep you updated on Abby and the market!

-Much more!!

Abby's Featured Colleague of the Month!

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind is more than an industry-leading guide dog school; we are a passionate community that serves the visually impaired. With exceptional client services and a robust network of trainers, puppy raisers, donors and volunteers, we prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision. All of our services are provided free of charge; we receive no government funding.GDB has two campuses: one is headquartered in San Rafael, California — 20 miles north of San Francisco, another in Boring, Oregon — 25 miles east of Portland.