Overview

The Napa Valley has much to offer as a world-class destination to visit and as a wonderful place to live. Although known mainly for its world-famous wines, there are also world-famous restaurants, attractions and other benefits to living in the area. Located approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco and 50 miles west of Sacramento, Napa is able to retain its small-town charm while still being close to metropolitan areas.

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The Napa Real Estate Market

When the real estate market is hot, home prices in Napa tend to increase at the same rate or higher than other parts of the state. Although the recession has affected much of California, real estate prices in Napa have not fallen as much as other parts of the state because of the desirability of living in the area.

How Many Napa Homes for Sale?

As of July 2010, there were approximately 600 homes for sale. The median home cost for a 3 BD/2BA is $596,000 with the range $190,000 -$1,000,000+. There are many smaller and fixer-upper homes in the range of $200,000 -$250,000 with many fully remodeled three-bedroom homes available in the $300,000 and up range. Housing prices tend to be lower in the city of Napa and in the Southern end of the Napa Valley and higher in the smaller communities that are found north of the city of Napa.

Buying Property in Napa

There are very few for sale by owner (FSBO) properties in the valley. The vast majority of real estate in Napa is bought and sold through professional real estate brokers. If you are interested in buying real estate or selling real estate in Napa, it’s important that you find a qualified agent. A local agent will be familiar with the area and will be able to provide you with the best advice in deciding where in the valley you want to live, what you can afford, and how to get the best deal. Most agents have access to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in the area and they will be able to offer the widest selection of Napa homes for sale.