How to Relocate to Sonoma or Marin in 2026 (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)
Every year, we help families relocate to Sonoma and Marin Counties from the Bay Area, Southern California, and out of state.
And almost every single one starts with the same questions:
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Which towns fit our lifestyle?
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What schools make sense for our kids?
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How do we time this correctly?
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What should we realistically budget for this market?
Relocating here isn’t hard — if you have a clear plan.
Here’s exactly what that process looks like when you work with us.
Step One: Start With our Neighborhood Guides
Before we ever look at homes, we want you to understand the areas.
Petaluma feels very different from Novato.
Sebastopol is different from Windsor.
Sonoma is different from all of them.
Getting familiar with the towns first helps you avoid wasting time looking at homes in places that won’t feel right for your family.
Step Two: Jump on a Planning Call
Next, we hop on a call to talk through:
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Your timeline
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Your budget
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Your goals
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What matters most to your family
This is where the clarity happens. Once we understand what you’re truly looking for, the process becomes much more focused and efficient.
Step Three: Your Custom Home Search Begins
Now that we know what fits, you’ll start receiving homes that actually match your criteria the moment they hit the market.
No generic searches. No wasted time. Just homes that make sense for you.
Step Four: Tour Areas Together
Most relocating families spend 1–3 days here touring homes, neighborhoods, and local spots so they can feel confident about where they’re landing.
This is where this incredible area really starts to feel like home.
Step Five: Follow-Up and Next Steps
After touring, we send a recap of:
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The homes you loved
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The areas that felt right
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A clear plan for what to do next
You’ll leave with clarity and direction, not overwhelm.
Step Six: Submit an Offer and Go Under Contract
When you find the right home, we handle everything from there — contracts, inspections, timelines, negotiations, and closing.
You’ll know exactly what’s happening at every step.
Thinking About Relocating to Sonoma or Marin?
If you’ve been considering a move, we’d love to help you map out a clear plan for your relocation.
Reach out anytime and we can talk through your timeline, goals, and which areas might be the best fit for your family.
Contact us today to start planning your relocation.
Thinking about a move? Let’s talk.
Amanda Kent Sandoval + Margaret Kent | Compass
DRE #: 01968969 + 00580890
We’re realtors, moms, locals, and dog lovers serving Sonoma County and Marin County, who love sharing everything about where we live and the neighborhoods we explore. Follow along by signing up for our weekly newsletter with local favorites and the latest in real estate.
