As of December 6, 2007 15% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow.For the month of November 2007 38 homes sold in San Rafael, for an average final selling price of $1,000,838.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,122,053.It took these homes an average of 83 days to sell.Of the 38 homes that sold, 3 sold AT their original asking price and 2 sold OVER.  All others sold for less.For more information on this area, visit my website, or feel free to contact me directly. 12/09/2007

San Rafael California is not a place one would expect to find snow, even though its late November.     With the weather a sunny and cloud free, 65 degrees you may ask "how can this be"?When you see snow in downtown San Rafael California (a town just north of San Francisco), you quickly realize that it can mean only one thing: The San Rafael Winter Wonderland & Parade of Lights has begun!Each year, the city of San Rafael sponsors a community event which celebrates the joy of the holiday season.      This event usually starts the day after Thanksgiving and features a variety of family activities including:Free Snow Sledding in downtown San Rafael.    Yes you read it correctly!   A street (which is located between 4th and 5th Street) in downtown San Rafael is closed down and covered with m... 11/23/2007

As of November 3, 2007 18% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow, indicating a Buyer's Market.For the month of October 2007 37 homes sold in San Rafael, for an average final selling price of $931,095.The average original asking price of these homes was $983,373.It took these homes an average of 70 days to sell.Of the 37 homes that sold, 6 sold AT their original asking price and 2 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 11/04/2007

With all the newspapers, TV News and stories on the internet in regards to what's going on in mortgage industry, sometime it might be a little scary to even think about getting a loan.  Loan programs have changed or have been entirely discontinued, everyone has heard about the sub-prime problems, in fact you may have a sub-prime loan right now as you're reading this. Mortgage companies all across the US have closed their doors. Actually, things are not as bad as they seem. There are still plenty of loan programs available to current homeowners, investors and first-time buyers. Despite what the news reports have been implying, there are actual senior loan officer's across the US, including myself,  who are reputable and are willing to take the time to talk to their clients and help them ... 10/21/2007

Calling all art, food, and wine enthusiasts!  Get ready for an evening of fun and feasting in San Rafael.  The Artisans Art Gallery and Art Works Downtown present San Rafael A La Carte. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 24, this sophisticated event is slated to be a strolling affair right in the heart of downtown San Rafael.  Saunter down Fourth Street and enjoy samplings of signature dishes from many of the area’s finest restaurants, sip wines from regional wineries, and view exciting contemporary artwork by local artists.  Visit with friends and browse in galleries and boutiques.  This public event will launch a new monthly San Rafael event called Second Fridays A La Carte, an exciting monthly celebration that will feature artist receptions, open studios, light refreshments, and specia... 10/18/2007

As of October 4, 2007, 15% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow.For the month of September 2007, 29 homes sold in San Rafael for an average final selling price of $931,910.The average original asking price of these homes was $972,207.It took these homes an average of 71 days to sell.Of the 29 homes that sold, 4 sold AT their original asking price and 5 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 10/07/2007

Sustainable, green living is a credo for many San Francisco Bay Area homeowners.     For environmentally concious homeowners in Marin County, Wells Fargo & Company is working in conjunction with Solar Depot to host a series of Solar Energy Workshops in Marin to help educate local residents on the myriad of options, benefits, costs and financing options related to solar energy for the home.Whether you are looking for an eco-friendly home in Marin County or if you are already a homeowner looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient, you should try to attend one of these free workshops.    Discussion items will include:Rationale for Going SolarCost-Benefit Discussion for Solar Power with case studies featuring local Bay Area homeownersAvailable Financial Incentives and Rebates ... 09/12/2007

As of September 7, 2007, 17% of available listings in the City of San Rafael are in escrow.For the month of August 2007, 41 homes sold in San Rafael for an average final selling price of $905,098.The average original asking price was $940,434.It took these homes an average of 80 days to sell.Of the 41 homes that sold, 5 sold AT their original asking price and 9 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 09/10/2007

As of August 5, 2007 22% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow.For the month of July 2007, 47 homes sold in San Rafael for an average final selling price of $841,309.The average original asking price of these homes was $884,149.It took these homes an average of 67 days to sell.Of the 47 homes that sold, 3 sold AT their original asking price and 6 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 08/05/2007

The real estate market in Marin's County Seat, San Rafael, has been strong on the whole. Inventory has risen as families intent on moving during the Summer months began putting their homes on the market-there are 183 home on the market.  Home sales continue performing admirably relative to the rest of California and the country, especially the bread and butter homes of San Rafael (those priced between $750,000 and $900,000). These homes continue to sell quickly (although the definition of "fairly quickly" has been extended over the past couple of years). Fourteen of these homes sold last month, making this market segment the leader in homes sold (there were a total of 43 homes sold last month in San Rafael). Following close behind, however, was the $1 million to $1.5 million price range... 07/15/2007

As of July 6, 2007 21% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow, which some sources would say indicates a Buyer's Market.For the month of June 2007, 64 homes sold in San Rafael for an average final selling price of $909,137.The average original asking price of these homes was $934,677.It took these homes an average of 56 days to sell.Of the 64 homes that sold, 10 sold AT their original asking price and 12 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 07/08/2007

Like most of Marin County's real estate markets, the San Rafael market is performing admirably. The bread and butter homes of San Rafael are priced between $750,000 and $900,000. These homes continue to sell fairly quickly (although the definition of "fairly quickly" has been extended over the past couple of years). In fact, 30 of these homes sold last month, comprising a vast majority of the total of homes sold (there were a total of 48 homes sold last month in San Rafael). San Rafael homes priced in the $1 million - $1.5 million range continue selling at a respectable pace (33% are in escrow-down from 47% last month). As always, homes that are nicely maintained, updated, and/or located in the most desirable neighborhoods continue to sell briskly. Homes that sold during the past month ... 06/15/2007

As of June 6, 2007 22% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow.For the month of May 2007, 69 homes sold in San Rafael for an average final selling price of $819,220.The average original list price of these homes was $829,811.These homes took an average of 51 days to sell.Of the 69 homes that sold, 8 sold AT their original asking price and a whopping 23 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 06/11/2007

I was born at Marin General Hospital and have spent my entire life here.  My childhood was spent growing up in Central San Rafael, in the Gerstle Park neighborhood.  I went to Davidson Middle School and San Rafael High School.  And I walked to and from school every day.  Back then, parents didn't drive their kids everywhere.  I think it's better for the kids to get fresh air and exercise and see their surroundings.  I think parents smother their kids too much these days.  After all, it's not like this isn't the safest place on Earth.  It is.  Sure there are crimes, but there is a certain percentage of the population--no matter where you are--that are just bad people.  Anyway, I digress...My very first job was in the neighborhood at Panama Hotel Restaurant and Inn.  Of course it was a ve... 06/01/2007

On May 19, May Madness will be on Fourth Street in downtown San Rafael.  Entry is FREE and it's suitable for all ages, starting at noon and going on until 9:00pm.  There will be live music, dancing, food, and a classic car parade.  (It is $40 if you want to enter your car.)The price is right and the weather should be perfect.  05/14/2007

As of May 4, 2007 24% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow, which some sources would say indicates a Buyer's Market.  I, however, am calling it a seller's market.  I've been having to compete in multiple offer situations, and in fact, am waiting to hear back if my clients prevailed in the bidding war we competed in yesterday.For the month of April 2007 59 homes sold in Marin County's Seat for an average final selling price of $942,136.The average original list price of these homes was $965,313.These homes took an average of 64 days to sell.Of the 59 homes that sold, 11 sold AT their original asking price and another 11 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 05/06/2007

Marin County Neighborhoods -- Terra Linda and Marinwood, San RafaelAt the northern portion of San Rafael, sit two neighborhoods worth a long look for both young families and those thinking of downsizing--Terra Linda and Marinwood.  These neighborhoods are established communities with history.  There are still original owners who tell stories about how Joseph Eichler would tour the neighborhood offering opinions to homeowners regarding their landscaping, home maintenance decisions, and other musings.  Meanwhile, there has been lots of turnover over the past few years as many long-time residents cashed out and a younger demographic began making its presence felt.  Terra Linda and Marinwood remain very desireable for both young families and those downsizing for similar reasons:Lots of sing... 04/22/2007

San Rafael Real Estate Market Overview (Home Sales Market Report 4/5/07) Despite some of the numbers in the snapshot graph below, San Rafael homes continue to sell across the board. The bread and butter homes of San Rafael are priced between $700K and $900K and sell fast so long as they are nicely maintained, updated, and/or located in desirable neighborhoods.  Indeed, the percentage of those in escrow rose again this past month-44% of these homes are in escrow indicating a pretty balanced market. As with the rest of Marin, homes priced correctly may or may not get multiple offers-note: the winning bid (which is not always the highest bid) is likely to be at asking price or just above (unlike the frenzied market of several years ago when overbids were in the stratosphere).  Generally sp... 04/12/2007

As of April 6, 2007 28% of available listings in San Rafael are in escrow, which some sources would say indicates a Buyer's Market.For the month of March 2007 59 homes sold in San Rafael for an average final selling price of $912,341.The average original list prices of these homes was $944,017.Of the 59 homes that sold, 11 sold AT their original list price and 11 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here.  Or feel free to contact me directly. 04/06/2007

For the month of February 2007 32 homes sold in San Rafael.The average original list price was $865,312.The average final selling price was $823,656.It took an average of 88 days for these homes to sell.Of the 32 homes that sold, 3 sold AT their original asking price and 4 sold OVER.As of March 4, 2007 30% of all available listings in San Rafael are in escrow. 03/06/2007