After spending six years in the arid climate of Palm Springs, a retired couple sought a fresh start in Northern California, specifically in Sonoma County. Susan Quillin and Jean Nelsen and their small rescue dog Poppy embarked on a home search with a budget of around $950,000.
Previously, the couple had lived in several locations around the San Francisco Bay Area before their desert sojourn. Now, with their sights set on returning to familiar territory, they were ready to navigate the competitive Bay Area real estate market again.
Their Background
Susan Quillin, 71, and Jean Nelsen, 77, met in 1986 while working on Gay Games II, an event that marked a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ sports history. Since then, they’ve lived in various locations, including a six-year stint in Palm Springs, where temperatures soared to 122 degrees on their moving day.
Their decisive nature has always been a strength. Upon their retirement in 2017, they bought their Palm Springs home after just one visit. As they returned to Northern California last year, they were prepared to act quickly in their home search.
Paula Gold-Nocella of Vanguard Properties, recommended by mutual friends, was tasked with finding the perfect home for them. Gold-Nocella appreciated the couple’s clarity and efficiency, stating, “I wish I had a hundred clients like them.”
Their Preferences
The couple sought a newly constructed home to minimize upkeep and enjoy modern amenities. They wanted a neighborhood with families, a small yard for Poppy, and a property with a view—something they had always cherished.
Their budget was capped at $1 million, and they initially focused on Petaluma, a charming city with a quaint downtown and proximity to San Francisco. However, they remained open to other possibilities.
The Options
- New Riverside Development
Location: Petaluma
Details: A three-bedroom, three-bath house with 2,450 square feet, located in a new development near the Petaluma River. The home featured an upstairs layout with a den that could serve as a fourth bedroom, a balcony with partial views, an attached garage, and a small backyard. The community planned to add a riverwalk with paved trails leading to downtown Petaluma.
Price: $984,294
HOA Fees: $175 per month
- Cul-de-Sac in Santa Rosa
Location: Santa Rosa
Details: A 2021-built home with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, situated at the end of a cul-de-sac. The property included 2,338 square feet of living space and a lot with ample yard space (though it featured artificial turf). The home had an open kitchen with an oversized island and dark cabinetry, backed onto protected land with no rear neighbors. A public park was nearby.
Price: $949,000
HOA Fees: $61 per month
- Modern Design With a View
Location: Petaluma
Details: A new three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home with 1,904 square feet on a hillside. The design featured an upstairs living area with sweeping views of the Sonoma Valley, though views might be affected by incomplete homes across the street. The property lacked a significant yard.
Price: $979,000
HOA Fees: $145 per month
Find out which option the couple chose and which home they ended up buying:
New Riverside Development
Cul-de-Sac in Santa Rosa
Modern Design With a View
Leave feedback about this