FAQ

What is your commission rate?
6% of the sales price at the time of the closing. Sonoma County properties with unique demands or properties previously listed by an outside firm may incur a negotiated marketing fee.

What is the fee for buyer representation?
Usually zero. In our area 90% of the time the fee is paid by the seller. All of Jeromey’s buying-side clients benefit from a buyers brokerage agreement that deals with that and the other 10% of the time.

What is a Buyers brokerage contract?
It is an agreement for representation and compensation between a buyer and Jeromey Clifford, an agent for Sotheby’s International Realty. It is a value for you because it allows Jeromey to dedicate significant time to learn your desires and then explore for the right property. With high-end wine country properties in Sonoma this can require an immense amount of networking and digging with other brokers and property owners in addition to knowing what is already on the Sonoma County market, or soon to come. (see a sample contract)

How does Jeromey ascertain the value of a property?
Experience. One could go on and on regarding this topic. Appraisers have a very hard job because they need to justify the values to financial institutions. Yet, often the very best properties are challenging to appraise because they are unique and near impossible to compare. The wild card is “desirability” and Jeromey has the experience and taste to steer his clients clear of over priced properties while recognizing the fundamental value in others.

Is Jeromey’s practice a green business?
It is our opinion that no business that relies on as much driving as we must do can ever be truly “Green”. But every effort is made to consider our impact on the environment. Often, Clients tour properties in Jeromey’s HYBRID Lexus 400h, we use electronic / scanned documents as mush as possible to reduce printing and we recycle everything. Recently, we have decided to go solar! We are huge supporters of the green movement in Sonoma County!

What is a septic system, should I be worried about them?
The easy answer is NO… Septic systems are pretty simple… usually. It is our experience that on the properties as significant as the ones we work with there is rarely an issue and almost never an issue that would block a sale or change one’s decision on whether to purchase or not. Either way, the inspection we recommend will usually expose the truth of the system’s condition. (see “a home owners guide to septic systems ”

What should I know about water wells?
Water is key! Unlike other issues that may have an easy repair, water is one of the items that require special care and attention. If a property lies in a water scarce area and the well is weak, red flags need to be immediately raised! The Sonoma wine country has many areas with differing levels of water availability and quality. One must also take into mind the potential uses for the property and their water demands. Luckily, Jeromey is an experienced guide in such matters and he also knows who to turn to for informed expert advice.

What city is it in?
None. This is a topic that comes up a lot around here. 95+ percent of the time Sonoma’s country estates are just that- Sonoma County. They lay outside the subdivided cities and provide for their own water and sewage disposal right on site. Often times a property is closer to a town other than what is stated on its mailing address. The fact is that in rural Sonoma County, city addresses are made up by and for the convenience of the post master.

My friend just got a real estate license. Can he do the same thing Jeromey does?
Maybe…but, probably not. Jeromey did not start out his career working exclusively with Sonoma finest country properties; he took special care to learn from the ground up. Although one may have passed a real estate license test, years of preparation and experience are required (or at least should be) before working on complex, high-value country properties.

Why would I need anyone else for Real Estate?
If you’re looking to purchase or transfer a timeless wine country property, then Jeromey is a “must have” on your team. Even if you’re not quite there yet, Jeromey will be happy to connect you with the most qualified agent to suit your needs.