WHAT CAN YOU BUY FOR $500,000

Not long ago, a half-million dollars bought the typical Sonoma County

home. Today, most homes are selling for around $300,000, with foreclosed homes

commanding the market and driving down prices during the housing downturn.

Your money buys a lot more than it used to. Here's a sampling of homes

from across the county selling for around $500,000 that were valued in the

$650,000 to $850,000 range when home prices last peaked in late 2005.--

Michael Coit

WINDSOR

List price: $524,950

Market peak*: $825,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Interior: 2,850 sq. ft.

Lot size: 5,663 sq. ft.

Date built: 2004

The largest model in the Vintana Reserve series, the stucco home has a

two-car garage, central air conditioning, cathedral ceiling in the living

room, ceiling fans, crown molding and plantation shutters.

WEST SONOMA COUNTY

List price: $525,000

Market peak*: $900,000

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Interior: 2,268 sq. ft.

Lot size: 95,832 sq. ft.

Date built: 1987

This two-story home on two-plus acres west of Forestville features an

English cottage architectural style with an open-beam living room, two-car

garage, two bonus rooms and offices.

SONOMA

List price: $489,000

Market peak*: $675,000

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Interior: 1,869 sq. ft.

Lot size: 4,095 sq. ft.

Date built: 1999

Located west of Sonoma near the Sonoma Golf Club, the home has high

ceilings, two patios and natural light. It is in Sonoma Greens, which includes

a lake, swimming pools and tennis courts.

PETALUMA

List price: $519,000

Market peak*: $629,000

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1.5

Interior: 1,244 square feet

Lot size: 4,487 sq. ft.

Date built: 1936

Featuring an English cottage architectural style, this west Petaluma home

has a stucco exterior, knotty pine walls and ceilings, a den, breakfast room

and one-car garage.

HEALDSBURG

List price: $519,000

Market peak*: $640,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Interior: 1,926 sq. ft.

Lot size: 5,619 sq. ft.

Date built: 2001

In northeast Healdsburg, this home with vineyard views has a two-car

garage, parking for an RV or boat, cathedral ceiling in the living room,

central air conditioning, family room fireplace and patio.

EAST SANTA ROSA

List price: $499,000

Market peak*: $615,000

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Interior: 1,505 sq. ft.

Lot size: 6,186 sq. ft.

Date built: 1949

This single-level Proctor Terrace home is in walking distance to Pacific

Market and has been remodeled and has hardwood and tile floors, two gas

fireplaces, updated kitchen and baths and a two-car garage.

* estimated price in late 2005 when the county's real estate market

peaked.

Source: Sonoma County Multiple Listing Service, Press Democrat research