What began as a mission to find my buyers their dream home, over just a short period of time, evolved into something more. Being a realtor has not only allowed me to help my clients find the perfect place to call home, it’s also allowed me to help them envision that dream before the home even exists.
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REAL ESTATE & HOME BUILDING
BRIDGING TWO WORLDS:
My passion for bridging the worlds of real estate, luxury home building and design comes from understanding how closely these decisions are connected. I want my clients to have a clearer picture of the investment they're making, not just in the property they're purchasing, but in the home they're ultimately working toward.
While no one can predict every challenge that may arise during construction, we can approach the land purchase with greater awareness of the factors that influence feasibility, cost, and preparation. As we tour properties, I help buyers consider the bigger picture, identify questions that need further investigation, and connect with trusted builders, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and local tradespeople when appropriate.
My goal as your realtor is simple: to help you make the most informed decisions possible while purchasing your land, so you can mitigate surprises in your building costs in the future.
I've always been curious about how things are put together. As a young girl, I used to love building little homes with my grandfather using Lincoln Logs. We'd create tiny cabins for our imaginary characters, sometimes even our little Lion King figurines. I found so much joy in watching everything come together: the walls fitting just right, the windows sitting perfectly, and the roof resting level.
Of course, my little cabins were a lot simpler than building a real home. They didn't require a foundation, a well or septic system, rough plumbing, HVAC, or any of the functional (and admittedly less glamorous) elements that make a house a home. But somewhere along the way, that childhood curiosity developed into something much bigger: an appreciation for understanding how things work beneath the surface. My passion for bridging the worlds of real estate and custom home building comes from something deeper, much closer to home.
After watching my parents attempt to build a custom home when I was in high school, I saw first-hand what can happen when two people truly aren’t on the same page and things start to fall apart. I’ve seen what happens when projects get stalled, or in some cases, never get completed. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s my mission to help others have a different ending to their home-building story than my parents did. And that's where I approach real estate a little differently.
MY PERSONAL ‘WHY’ IN THIS NICHE
KIND WORDS FROM CLIENTS
“We moved to Santa Rosa last year, and had the absolute pleasure of working with Kimberle as our realtor to help us find our forever home. We couldn’t be happier with our experience with her! From the very first day we met her, she went above and beyond to help us find our perfect home. Kimberle’s dedication, tireless efforts, and unwavering support made all the difference throughout the process.
She took the time to understand what we were looking for and worked relentlessly to find homes that met our needs. Her deep knowledge of the area, combined with her strong ties to the community, proved invaluable. Whether it was recommending trusted local professionals, providing insights into neighborhood trends, or answering countless questions,
Kimberle was always there to guide us with patience and expertise. Even after we closed on our new home, Kimberle continued to provide support, ensuring we were well prepared for the process of renovating our new home. Her commitment to her clients truly sets her apart, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication.
We would highly recommend Kimberle to anyone looking to buy or sell a home. Her hard work, genuine care, and extensive local connections make her an exceptional realtor. We could truly not have done this without her, and we are so thankful for her help in making our dream home a reality!”
— Brent J. & Molly S.
Buying Land: Before the Dream Home Comes the Right Foundation
For buyers dreaming of building a custom home, purchasing the land is one of the most consequential decisions in the entire process. It's easy to fall in love with a beautiful piece of property. A rolling hillside, a secluded setting, or a breath-taking view can make it feel like you've found the perfect place to build your dream home. But before falling in love with the possibilities, it's important to understand the realities.
When helping clients purchase land for a future build, I look beyond the property itself and consider five important areas.
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How far is the property from town, your preferred builder, local suppliers, and the tradespeople who will be involved in the project? Distance can influence transportation, delivery logistics, labor, and overall project costs.
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What can you actually build on the property? Understanding zoning, permitted uses, development restrictions, and the feasibility of your intended plans is essential before moving forward.
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How accessible is the property for construction crews, equipment, material deliveries, and installations? What additional infrastructure might be required to make the build possible? The more preparation and infrastructure required, the more those costs can affect your overall investment.
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Are water, electricity, septic, and other essential utilities already available? If not, what will it take to bring them to the property? And are those installations feasible given the land and its existing conditions?
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Where on the property will the home actually sit? Is the building area relatively level, or will it require extensive grading, excavation, drainage work, or vegetation removal? These pre-construction expenses can significantly affect your budget before you ever break ground. The distinction matters. A beautiful piece of land isn't necessarily an affordable piece of land to develop.
5 Key Considerations When Buying Land
Real Estate Is More Than a Transaction
There are many moving pieces in buying, selling, building, and renovating a home. Construction costs, material prices, permitting fees, professional services, property taxes, land maintenance, and the cost of carrying a mortgage or rent during construction are just a few of the considerations that can influence the overall investment.
Whether you're purchasing land for a custom build, searching for a home with renovation potential, or preparing your current property for the market, I believe the best real estate decisions begin with understanding what you're investing in and why. My role is to help you look at the bigger picture. I bring together my understanding of the local real estate market, my love for the home building process and passion for design, to help clients see beyond the immediate transaction. Because a home is rarely just a home. It's an investment, a long-term decision, and often the beginning of something you've spent years imagining.
Sometimes the right home isn't the one that's already finished. It's the one with the right foundation for everything you envision creating. And I'd love to help you build that next chapter on the right foundation.
FOR SALE
IN SOCO
Your dream of owning a home here in
Sonoma County begins with a simple search, and the right support to see you through every phase of the process. When you’re ready to move, I’m here to help.
*This link will take you directly to the Luxe Places official website
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