May 2026 Newsletter

audrey krafft

sonoma & Napa real estate

Hello! I hope you've been enjoying the wonderful weather we've been having...minus the windstorm that totally mutilated my foxgloves. But that's nature! I'm grateful for the time I had to enjoy their whimsy, and there's a chance I'll get a second bloom this year.

It's Memorial Day weekend, and while it's often seen as the "summer kickoff" or "BottleRock weekend," it's also an important holiday for our country. Here's a little bit of history...

"Memorial Day originally began on May 30, 1868, as 'Decoration Day.' Established by Union veteran leader General John A. Logan, it was a time for the nation to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers with spring flowers." (PBS)

"After World War I, the holiday expanded to honor all American service members who have died in any war. Congress officially declared it a national federal holiday in 1971 and set its observance to the last Monday in May." (Wikipedia)

However you choose to spend the weekend, I hope you make time for something fun, whatever that looks like for you. And take at least just a moment to give thanks to those who gave their lives so we can live freely and do what we love.

If you're looking for a way to honor the day in our community, the 68th Annual Sonoma Valley Joint Memorial Day Observance is at 11am on Monday at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park.

Have a really special weekend 🇺🇸☀️

– Audrey

“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

— James A. Garfield, May 30, 1868, Arlington National Cemetery

Here's a little snapshot of what's going on in the real estate market:

💰 The current 30-year fixed rate mortgage average in the U.S. is 6.51%, up 0.15% from last week and down 0.35% from this time last year. (Freddie Mac, 5/22/2026)

💰 In Sonoma Valley, the number of active listings in April was 215, up 5% from April 2025. The SFR median sales price was $1.29M, down 8% from April 2025. The number of sold listings in April was 52, up 136% from April 2025. (BAREIS)

💰 In Napa County, the number of active listings in April was 497, down 2% from April 2025. The SFR median sales price was $915K, down 3% from April 2025. The number of sold listings in April was 68, up 13% from April 2025. (BAREIS)

💰 The California FAIR Plan — the state’s high-cost, bare-bones fire insurance of last resort — is raising rates 29%, on average, starting mid-October. The California Department of Insurance approved that increase just last month. (ABC 10)

The good news is that the state’s recent insurance reform is bringing insurance companies back to California. (C.A.R.)

Now is a good time to call your insurance agent because you might have more options now.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about navigating the current real estate market. I'm here for you!

Audrey Krafft, Sonoma & Napa Real Estate

REALTOR®, DRE 02208035

707-853-4563 | audrey.krafft@compass.com

KrafftyFarms Update

May Employee of the Month: Cuckoo. Where do we even begin with this little lady? Originally a greenhouse chicken, she couldn’t resist the allure of the garden, so she was moved to the main flock. We found her back in the garden a couple more times, she laid an egg next to a borage plant and then she was over it. She now goes wherever she wants – minus the garden, thank goodness – across the street, in the pond area, outside of the chicken run. She’s a lone hen with a kooky personality and a crazed look in her eye.

It’s mud pit season! Pig 1 and Pig 2 have settled into their new home and are just figuring out the joys of a mud bath. Now that the weather is heating up, they're enjoying wading and blowing bubbles. Do you know why pigs lay in mud (aka “wallow”)? They have very few sweat glands and can’t “cool off,” mud is a natural sunscreen, bug repellent and can lower their body temperature. Very cool!

Caterpillars and dragonflies and honeybees - oh my! While working in the garden, I love seeing the variety of critters using plants to establish a home, rest and relax and pollinate. While we have a garden to feed ourselves, working around and witnessing the fauna is a nervous system regulator, too!

Happy Birthday to Negan (3 in May) and Bozeman (1 in June)! These two are attached at the hip...well, Bozeman is attached to Negan. They are inseparable and love to play in the mornings. If you walk by early enough to get your eggs, you may see a fun game of tag between these two. Annie and Katrin like to join in, too!

Meet the cast of KrafftyFarms in this Cheers inspired video. I couldn't feature every single critter because we currently have five dogs, three cats, two hogs, two alpaca, seven goats and 84 chickens. Whew...

Always fun at KrafftyFarms!

Spring Egg Stand Hours: Friday-Monday (cash only)

Audrey Krafft

Sonoma & Napa Real Estate

707-853-4563 | audrey.krafft@compass.com

135 W Napa St Ste 200, Sonoma, CA 95476

My Website

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 01527235, 01527365. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.