RealWise with Stephanie Johnson

If you own a cosmetic fixer with good bones, or you are getting ready to sell in Sonoma County right now, this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of second guessing. Sonoma County real estate agent Stephanie Johnson walks through five improvements she sees consistently help homes sell faster and for more money, and none of them require a gut renovation. She covers why paint is the single...

The Bay Area real estate market in 2026 is producing numbers that would have seemed impossible a few years ago. A San Francisco fixer closing at $3.5 million. A Berkeley home going $1.3 million over asking. If you own a Bay Area home right now, you are sitting on serious equity. The question is what to do with it. In this episode, Sonoma County real estate agent Stephanie Johnson runs two real sce...

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 t...

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 i...

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 disti...

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 v...

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...

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 abo...

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...

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....

Thinking about buying a country property in Sonoma County? It’s easy to picture quiet mornings, charming farmhouses, vineyard views, and a slower, more peaceful lifestyle. But the reality of country living is often very different from what buyers expect. In this episode, I break down some of the most common myths about country property — and what it’s actually like to live on acreage. We talk abou...

In this episode of the RealWise Podcast, we explore the world of architectural design and the art of transforming properties into stunning spaces. Join us as we sit down with Federico Engel, the seasoned Managing Principal of Butler Armsden Architects, who shares his architectural journey and the secrets behind identifying design challenges and maximizing a property's hidden potential. Tune in for...

On this week's episode of The RealWise Podcast, host Stephanie Johnson sits down with lending pro Barbara McDonough to discuss navigating real estate in a changing mortgage environment. They cover soaring interest rates, declining inventory, shifting buyer budgets, and more. Barbara shares advice on choosing the right lending partners, building a collaborative team, and strategies to educate and s...

In this week's episode of The RealWise Podcast, host Stephanie Johnson is joined by Cathy Sommerville Scharetg, VP of Operations at Intero in SF and current Director with CAR and SFAR. They discuss building an intentional career in real estate, with limitless possibilities, by adhering to the Realtor Code of Ethics. She shares her real estate journey with us, touches on recent controversies within...

Leaning Into Your True Value to Grow Your Business. In this episode, we speak with Kevin Koerner, co-founder of Flocademy, a coaching program designed to help new and seasoned real estate agents build successful sales businesses through accountability and community. Kevin shares his insights on the importance of maintaining relationships, integrating your personal and business lives, knowing your...

In this episode, Erin Kate Whitcomb, author of "Good Work: How Gen X and Millennials are the Dream Team for Doing Good When Collaborating Well,” talks with Stephanie Johnson about emotional intelligence, productivity & humor. Whether you're a real estate agent, entrepreneur, or team leader, Erin Kate shares her insights on how to be more productive and intentional with your time, the power of...