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Notes from the North Bay

Honest advice on buying and selling, plus dispatches from the towns I know best: Novato, Petaluma, and everything between them.

A well-kept gray-blue single-family home with a tidy front lawn and porch on a clear fall afternoon in the North Bay

2026-09-11 · 5 min read

Selling Your Home This Fall in Novato and Petaluma: Pricing and Prep

Fresh fall numbers for Novato, Petaluma, and Marin and Sonoma counties, plus the preparation that actually matters before you put up the sign.

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Autumn street festival market with pumpkins, market stalls with apples and gourds, and glowing string lights in a small-town downtown

2026-09-09 · 4 min read

Fall 2026 Events in Novato and Petaluma: What Is on the Calendar

Antique faires, flea markets, craft beer at the riverfront, a Halloween magic show, Dia de los Muertos, and more. Peter rounds up this fall's events in both towns with dates fresh from each city's own calendar.

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A craftsman home on a Novato street in warm late-September light with autumn clouds gathering on the horizon

2026-09-07 · 5 min read

Fall Home Prep in the North Bay: A September Checklist Before the Rain

Gutters, roofs, drainage, and one very good earthquake drill. Peter's September checklist for getting Novato and Petaluma homes ready before the wet months arrive.

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Aerial view of the North Bay with rolling hills and the bay in soft morning light

2026-09-04 · 5 min read

North Bay Market Update: What Fall Looks Like in Novato and Petaluma

Stable prices, low inventory, and two towns moving at different speeds. Peter breaks down the recent numbers in Novato and Petaluma and what they mean for buyers and sellers this fall.

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A white farmhouse with a red barn and oak-lined gravel driveway at golden hour

2026-09-02 · 4 min read

5 Questions to Ask Before You Make an Offer on a Home

Before you put your offer in writing, ask these five questions with your agent. They separate the confident offer from the costly one.

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Historic downtown Petaluma storefronts at late afternoon light

2026-09-02 · 4 min read

Butter & Egg Days and Beyond: Petaluma's Best Annual Events

From the Butter & Egg Days Parade to Cruisin' the Boulevard, Petaluma keeps its heritage alive all year. A local's calendar of the town's signature annual gatherings.

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A classic craftsman home on a tree-lined North Bay street at golden hour

2026-09-02 · 6 min read

What Happens During a Home Inspection? A Novato Agent's View

Inspections are where buyers get stuck. With a mechanic's eye honed over 20 years in auto repair, Peter explains what a home inspection covers, what it does not, and how to read the report.

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Golden hills above Novato with scattered oak trees at late afternoon light

2026-09-02 · 5 min read

Novato vs. Petaluma: Which North Bay Town Fits You?

Two hometowns, one easy comparison. Peter has lived in both Novato and Petaluma, and breaks down what each North Bay town does best for buyers deciding between Marin and Sonoma.

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