The benefit of being an active member of the neighborhood San Marin Improvement Association; we are always invited in the discussion of local developments.  Two important neighborhood development meetings I have attended this year are 200 San Marin Drive (Across from San Marin Plaze (South East corner of San Marin Drive and San Andrea Drive), and the new 'Commons at Mt. Burdell' development (sited at Fireman's Fund site - see BLOG Below for details)  As a follow-up to the meeting, and as development on the project advances, we are also invited to another neighborhood meeting hosted by Mr. John Chamberlain, CEO of the American Assets. Please make sure you attend the meeting to find out what progress has been made and what the future plans are for the site. See Invitation Below.     The C... 11/15/2008

June Meeting Minutes at the Commons at Mt. Burdell (Fireman's Fund site) Project Want to post this before the follow up meeing in December. Background - I attended the June 17th 'Commons at Mt. Burdell' Development Meeting for San Marin neighbors by Mr. John Chamberlain, CEO of American Assests, developer of the FFIC Site, about the proposed plan for their new project for the site.  I attended the meeting as a member of San Marin Improvement Association (SMIA) as well as a concerned Realtor who lives close to the project site and a previous Fireman's Fund employee.  I have a vast interest in the project, for me, for my neighbors, for my friends and for our local community.   I was probably the only one from SMIA, while most others were residents across from FFIC.  Since this will have ... 11/15/2008

Novato Real Estate Market statistics stays pretty flat overall with a small 4% increase in pending sales compare to a month ago on September 24.  The ratio is held steady by dwindling inventory - overall inventory dropped by another 10%, from 370 to 348; again due to more pending sales and either sellers taking properties off the market or waiting for the market to move upwards before they sell.    The highest increases in pending sales again, is the starter single family homes priced under $600K, with up to $500K at 41% and $500K to $700K at 30%; mutual to slightly sellers market - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago.  This is a great time to buy, with bargains abound, whether it's in Novato, San Rafael or Southern Marin.  Bank owned h... 11/13/2008

I happened to run some numbers for home sales in Novato the other day, comparing October, 2007 to October, 2008.  I was astonished at a number I found.  In 2007, Novato's average price for a single-family home was $790,550.  This year, that number fell to $739,359, representing a 6.5% decline.  Average days on market stayed exactly the same year-over-year at 113. But the number of homes sold really surprised me.  In October, 2007, 20 single-family homes changed hands.  This year, it was 36, or an 80% increase over last year! Of course, the lower end of the market is leading the way and more expensive homes remain a tough sell.  But clearly investors believe we're at a great time to buy and have stepped up to the plate.  While I knew sales were up, I had no idea that number was as high a... 11/13/2008

As of November 6, 2008 an encouraging 30% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of October 2008 63 homes sold (another encouraging number) for an average final selling price of $553,776. The average original asking price of these homes was $607,177. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $140.000 to a high of $1,900,000. Of the 63 homes that sold, 4 sold at their original asking price and a whopping 18 sold over their original asking price-29 were distress sales. It took these 63 homes an average of 103 days to sell. For more information about this area visit my website or contact me directly. To see everything that is currently available for sale click here. 11/06/2008

So, I have been holding Open Houses here in Marin County week in and week out for who knows how many months now - It has become my favorite pass time - One of the best ways to meet clients, neighbors, friends or just passer-bys.  Fortunate for me, due to the ads I place, online or in print; I always have a lot of visitors, never a dull moment and I have met so many wonderful people doing that!     One thing I have noticed is that being in a buyers market, I am getting a lot of very specific requirements and reasons for why one property is not Completely Perfect (is there such a thing as "completely perfect"?) for his/her/their needs - Gonna have formal living room, how about that formal dining room?  I really don't see the need of formal living room nor dining room, just a big waste of ... 10/26/2008

As of October 6, 2008 an encouraging 31% of available homes for sale in Novato are in escrow. For the month of September 2008 69 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $570,430. The average original asking price of these homes was $638,773. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $180,000 to a high of $1,350,000. It took these homes an average of 127 days to sell. Of the 69 homes that sold 5 sold at their original asking price and 9 sold over their original asking price.  All others sold for less. Of those same 69 homes a frightening 36 of them were distress sales. For more information about this area visit my website or contact me directly. To see all the homes that are currently available for sale search our MLS. 10/08/2008

Novato's Rush Creek neighborhood is undeniably one of Marin County, California's, nicest and coveted neighborhoods. There is a lot to like. These luxury homes are newer, built in the past 10 years, and sit on giant parcels (generally, at least 1/2 acre). Many of these homes have pools and elaborate landscaping. The streets are wide and there is no through traffic. Rush Creek offers privacy and prestige. Rush Creek's proximity to HWY 101 and a recently renovated downtown Novato with lots of great shopping, a farmers market, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods (set to open in the next few months), and various restaurants, is also desirable. Adjacent to the neighborhood is Rush Creek Open Space Preserve.  Homes in Novato's Rush Creek have dipped in price during 2008. So far this year, we have seen 6... 10/03/2008

  Novato is a town in the northmost part of Marin County, CA.  We are extremely proud of our musical talents/influences, educational system, talented students, dedicated teachers, caring parents and community members. As one of my friends describes Novato, this is a town with 'HUMANITY'.  Living here, I have to say that I agree wholeheartly!   Out of the extraordinaty humanity, the love of music, the care for our public schools, the local music circle started the annual 'Rock and Blues by The Lake' all day fundraising event for public schools six years ago.  The annual event is hosted at Stafford Lake, one of the most gorgeous backdrops for mucial performances.        The programs are geared towards whole family entertainment with three stages with big stage for the big bands, next to i... 09/25/2008

I just helped my Marin County home buying clients purchase this charming bungalow in Northern Marin located at 660 Sunset Parkway in Novato, California. This well maintained 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom single-family property was built in '61 and has been well preserved by its owners.     Close to schools, shopping and public transportation, this conveniently located home has an open and airy floorplan and great outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining.     Fabulous upgrade potential for this midcentury home in Novato. Sale price for 660 Sunset Pkwy was $445,000 and represents an excellent value for the area.  Please contact me at 415-342-4537 if I can assist you with the purchase or sale of your home in Novato or elsewhere in Marin County, CA. Learn more about Novato CA real estate or vi... 09/25/2008

Novato Real Estate Market statistics continues to inch upwards in overall sales percentage compare to two weeks ago on September 10, The overall inventory dropped 10%, from 410 to 370, results of more pending sales and sellers taking properties off the market unless they 'have' to sell.  Less inventory will have a positive effect on housing prices as there are less supply.  The highest increases in pending sales are the starter / investment homes - condo/townhomes and single family residences under $500K - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago.  Both categories, with more than 50% sales, are now a 'seller's' market - or shall we say a 'bank/REO sellers's market.  Some enjoy multiple offers, although not as much frenzy as when Marin was at... 09/24/2008

Novato Real Estate Market statistics stays strong since August 27, 2008; continuing the positive trend since middle of summer, 2008  - Total inventory dropped 24 (434 to 410), while # of units in escrow increased by 8 (from 121 to 129). This is reflected in the % pending - 3% increase since last reported.  Novato Market is definitely inching back - slowly, cauthiously, but surely.  Condos/Townhomes, where we see the biggest drop in prices due to many short sales and foreclosures, edged past neutral market and is holding steady on the edge of seller's market.  Slight improvement of 4% increase in SFDs priced under $500K - some REOs (Real Estate Owned - Bank Owned Properties) or Short Sales are a little rough, requires sweat equity.  As higher quality homes are priced lower and become mo... 09/13/2008

As of September 5, 2008 an encouraging 28% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of August 2008 59 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $574,829. The average original asking price of these homes was $614,095. The range of final selling prices for these homes was from a low of $229,000 to a high of $1,275,000. It took these homes an average of 96 days to sell. Of the 59 homes that sold 8 sold at their original asking price and 14 sold over their original asking price. 23 of the 59 homes that sold were distress sales, ranging in final selling prices from $229,000 to $695,000. For more information about this area visit my website or contact me directly. 09/05/2008

As a Novato Resident, surrounded by Open Space, Natural Parks, Bay front; we are proud to be the city with the highest recyclable collection and lowest solid waste rate in Marin county. The distinction can not be achieved solely by residents with good intention without the service provided by Novato Disposal Service The Novato Disposal Service provides weekly pick ups of Green (Yard) Recyclables and Blue Recyclables (plastic containers, newspaper, bottles, jars, etc), Bi-Annual (spring, fall) large items, large volume and eWaste free-collections which the neighborhoods overwhelmingly participate and look forward to.  The service utilizes plants with state of the art equipment to sort, accept and reject wastes, ensuring proper waste recycle to allow for most waste being processed.     Th... 08/31/2008

Marin county, being one of the most environmentally friendly counties in the country, is no doubt, very proud of the newly proposed Commons at Mt. Burdell project - a "Green Building on Steriods", Carbon Neutral, superceeding LEED Platinum + requirement redevelopment project on the 65-acre parcel property at the foothills of gorgeous Mt. Burdell in Novato.  The goal of the developer is to eliminate carbon emissions from buildings by incorporating passive solar design, utilizing on-site energy generation and providing extensive energy retrofitting of existing structures.  A live-work environment is proposed by adding condos, world class Hotel, health care, day care, commuity center, shops and restaurants on the campus.  The project would preseve the site's wetlands area and undeveloped h... 08/31/2008

Changes since July 23rd, 2008 for Novato Real Estate Market - Total inventory dropped by 10 while units for pending sales remains the same at 28%.  The total market at a glance stays at the lower end of being Neutral tilting towards the buyers market (defined as pending sales is less than 25%). Condos/Townhomes, where we see the biggest drop in prices due to many short sales and foreclosures, edged past neutral market and stays periosly on the sellers market. Slight drop of 5% in SFDs priced under $500K - some REOs (Real Estate Owned - Bank Owned Properties) or Short Sales are a little rough, requires sweat equity.  As higher quality homes experience price drops and become more affordable, the lowest priced home saw some impact.  Big swing in the pending is the starter single family ho... 08/30/2008

Top Reasons Yor House Isn't Selling... and FOUR Things You Can Do About It In Novato right now, it is a Buyer’s Market for those seeking a single-family home. In real estate terms, this means that less than 25% of all homes for sale are in escrow. During the week of August 13, it was 24%. Put a different way, 76% of all homes for sale are waiting for a buyer. In essence, buyers are in the driver’s seat, at least for the most part. While it is harder to get loans these days, people who are mortgage pre-approved are sitting pretty. There are scores of homes from which to choose, and buyers are in no particular hurry to write offers. Unlike during the sales frenzy of just a few years ago – when buyers were all too eager to overbid and make all kinds of concessions to sellers – buyers are ... 08/13/2008

As of August 5, 2008 26% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of July 2008 51 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $629,010. The average original asking price of these homes was $710,033. The range of final selling prices for these homes was from a low of $180,000 to a high of $1,800,000. It took these homes an average of 128 days to sell. Of the 51 homes that sold 3 sold at their original asking price and 2 sold over their original asking price.  All the others sold for less. A staggering 23 of the 51 homes that sold were distress sales. To see everything in the area that is for sale search our MLS. For more information about this area visit my website or contact me directly. 08/07/2008

The News is Out!  Renowed for Quality of Life, Marin County Towns were winnders in the 2008 Money Magazine 'Best Places To Live' "Clean Air' category. Among all the small towns ranked by the Money agazine, Novato won first place, San Rafafel Second and Salinas placed 15 in the 'Clean Air' category. Top 25 in 2008 Money Magazine Quality of Life 'Clean Air' Category And don't forget, the further North you go in Marin, the sunnier it gets - beats the city 100%    07/29/2008

Another positive trend since July 9th, 2008 statistics.  Total inventory dropped by 11 while pending sales units remained the same!  Big change in percent pending is the starter single family homes, with a drop of 8%.  My theory is that Locaton, Location, Location.  SFR in desirable location, shows nicely and priced right are moving still.  However, many starter homes that sit on the market for a while can have a few problems such as location (next to freeway, in flood zone), a big one), , unless priced extremely low, the buyers are shy away from them. '' Big gain in pending sales is in the low to median price range and people who used to not being able to purchase, are looking at such option now; hence a healthy increase in pening sales for this price range.  Check with your trusted R... 07/23/2008