For information detailing your specific neighborhood or town of interest, please feel free to call on any of Frank Howard Allen Realtors’ amazing agents. We are supplied with the best tools. Given the best training. And are fortified with the experience and judgment you need. It is always our pleasure to be of service.
For more information about the Bay Area’s North Bay (Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino Counties), feel free to call or e-mail me (see contact information below). If I can’t help you directly, I can put you in touch with someone who can … and will.
About Frank Howard Allen Realtors
Rarely available view condo in one of Sausalito’s finest communities. This top-floor, end-unit, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom condo is the “Best of Show.” Stunning views of Richardson Bay, the Tiburon Peninsula, and across to Angel Island. This is an immaculate space with tastefully remodeled Kitchen, dining area, Family Room, patios in the front and rear. Two Master Suites (one with amazing views and the other with its own private patio). Loads of extra parking for guests.
The complex is nicely maintained with a pool and pool house. Close to the best Sausalito has to offer: restaurants, shopping, parks, biking, and the waterfront.
- Address: 136 Lower Anchorage Road, Sausalito, CA. 94965
- Price: $525,000
Questions / Private Showing — call Kyle Frazier, CRS (Broker Associate with Frank Howard Allen Realtors) at (415) 350–9440.
The number of homes for sale in the $2 million to $4 million luxury home market in Marin County, California dipped slightly this month with 121 active listings, compared to 127 homes in June 2008. This reduction in inventory was accompanied by another solid month of sales–26 homes sold (one more than in May 2008). As noted last month, and this bears repeating, while the number of homes sold in the non-luxury market this year compared to last year is down by about 25%-30% (depending on where you look), the luxury market has NOT experienced a similar decline. This is great news for owners of luxury homes in Marin!
Mill Valley and Kentfield led the way with the most luxury home sales (each with 5 homes sold). Belvedere, Larkspur, and San Rafael had 3 sales each. Ross, San Anselmo, and Sausalito had 1 sale. The average days on market for homes that sold was a mere 59 days (8 days less than last month) and the average sales price was just under $2.5 million (roughly $772/per sq. ft.), with an average of 3,353 square feet.
The inventory level in Marin County’s ultra-luxury market (homes priced in the $4 million and up range) rose to 54 active listings, compared with 46 last month. Tiburon, as usual, boasts the largest number of such homes with 19. It is followed by Belvedere with 12. Other cities / towns with homes in this price bracket are Kentfield, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Ross, and San Rafael. We had 3 sales last month (compared with 5 in May 2008) and just 2 of these homes are currently in escrow. Ultra-luxury homes that sold last month averaged a lengthy 237 days on the market, sold for an average of $4.95 million (about $930/sq. ft.), and were 5,411 square feet.
Every once in a while I feel compelled to re-emphasize
the importance of pricing a home correctly. Although I know that sellers recognize this on some level, this past month provides a startling example of how pricing impacts sales price. Both homes that sold in Tiburon last month were on the market for a long time (one sat for 187 days and the other for well over a year). These homes each ended up selling for less than 75% of their list price. Meanwhile, the home that sold in Kentfield was on the market for about 90 days and sold for over 90% of list price. Indeed, experience teaches that the longer a house sits on the market the less it will sell for. Thus, sellers must resist the Siren call for a higher list price (we all have a vague recollection of how Odysseus was restrained in
The Odyssey). Price it right and you will make more money and live happier. For other recent thoughts on pricing, click
HERE.
|
Marin Cities & Towns
|
$2 Million — $4 Million
|
$4 Million & Up
|
|
Active
|
Pending
|
Active
|
Pending
|
|
Sausalito
|
7
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
|
Belvedere
|
8
|
2
|
12
|
1
|
|
Tiburon
|
25
|
6
|
19
|
1
|
|
Mill Valley
|
21
|
7
|
3
|
0
|
|
Larkspur
|
4
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
|
Corte Madera
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
Kentfield
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
|
Greenbrae
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Ross
|
3
|
2
|
5
|
0
|
|
San Anselmo
|
19
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
San Rafael
|
16
|
0
|
3
|
0
|
|
Novato
|
6
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
The above graph identifies the numbers of active listings and homes in contract in the Marin County luxury and ultra-luxury home market segments. Note that all homes in contract are included in the category “Pending” even though some are technically “Contingent” properties (e.g., the buyers have not removed all contingencies). This information is limited to Marin County’s Highway 101 corridor towns and cities that consistently maintain a monthly inventory of luxury and ultra-luxury homes (Western Marin coastal homes are not included). Call Kyle Frazier, CRS, Broker Associate, Frank Howard Allen Realtors of Marin, at 415/350-9440 with any questions about a particular neighborhood or your situation. You can also e-mail Kyle at [email protected].
Whatever wrenches, potholes, u-turns, and other impediments to a prosperous 2008 real estate market recovery we encounter in local (and especially national) media, the engine keeps on running in Marin County, California, where we continue our annual journey onwards and upwards — with some notable exceptions. We just don’t see the wild down-swings in pricing like other parts of the country (click HERE for my recent article on Fundy Markets). I know many of us feel blessed for the good fortune of finding our way here … and we should (click HERE for last week’s Forbes article discussing Marin Schools ).
As reported last month, Marin was the ONLY county in the entire Bay Area to have a year-over-year increase in median price last month (prices were up 5.8%) according to DataQuick which surveys all recorded sales. The numbers for the HWY 101 corridor covered by this update are also pretty amazing–the average asking price for single family homes sold is $2.125 million (excluding Novato) and even in Novato that number is $958,000.
We currently have 781 active listings (down from 821 in June 2008). While the Summer is our slow season, buyers continue visiting open houses en mass. Reports of multiple offers continue. And even though the number of homes sold has decreased, sellers are holding fast to their prices (particularly in Southern Marin). While interest rates are generally creeping upwards (they did come down a bit last week after the government stepped in to calm nerves following the Fanny Mae, Freddie Mac, and Indy Mac scares), they remain at historically low levels making it fantastic buying atmosphere (especially in Novato and San Rafael where prices are still in a general downward trend)–if you are interested in up-to-the-minute rates, contact me.
The graph below breaks down the current number of homes (not including condos) for sale in Marin County, California, in July 2008, along with the price ranges for each town/city.
Marin Single Family Homes For Sale
|
Town/City
|
Homes for Sale
(Active Listings)
|
Price Range
|
|
Sausalito
|
24
|
$285,000-$18 million
|
|
Belvedere
|
20
|
$2.295 million-$9.95 million
|
|
Tiburon
|
57
|
$799,000-$22.6 million
|
|
Mill Valley
|
107
|
$689,000-$10.25 million
|
|
Larkspur
|
23
|
$605,000-$1.95 million
|
|
Corte Madera
|
23
|
$750,000-$2.275 million
|
|
Greenbrae
|
21
|
$819,000-$3.5 million
|
|
Kentfield
|
17
|
$775,000-$15.95 million
|
|
Ross
|
12
|
$729,000-$22 million
|
|
San Anselmo
|
62
|
$650,000-$4.495 million
|
|
San Rafael
|
163
|
$439,000-$6.5 million
|
|
Novato
|
252
|
$409,000-$3.499 million
|
Some observations: Belvedere requires nearly $2.3 million at the entry level. Tiburon boasts five homes in the $10 million and up range, along with Marin’s most expensive home at $22.9 million. At the other end of the spectrum, Novato has over 50 homes under $600,000. Investors are active (again, amazing rates right now) and all signs point to a healthy market in Marin County in coming months. If you desire a list of Marin County’s best deals or more specific analysis of your neighborhood, please give me a call at (415) 350-9440.
As Marin experiences its seasonal slowdown this time of year (a.k.a. the Summer selling season), Mill Valley’s sales numbers continue skirting the stratosphere. This is not news to anyone who follows my monthly reports. Mill Valley is simply one of the most desirable communities in Marin and its sales reflect that fact–and for good reason (click HERE for 8 Reasons We Love Mill Valley).
Predictably and in line with May 2008, 57% of homes priced under $800,000 and 26% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million are in escrow. I have noted in past months that Agents were exhibiting ”a sense of purpose” and the numbers reflect that. Mill Valley’s inventory of single family homes for sale is about 107 homes currently on the market (there were 110 in June 2008). Mill Valley homes that sold during the past month averaged 65 days on the market and sold for an average price of about $1.284 million (about $654 per square foot), and averaged about 2,031 square feet.
|
Price Range
|
Total Active Homes
|
Pending Listings
|
|
Up to $800K
|
6 (down 3)
|
57%
|
|
$800K – $1 mil.
|
15 (down 2)
|
26%
|
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil.
|
43 (up 12)
|
9%
|
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil.
|
19 (down 7)
|
24%
|
|
$2 mil. – $4 mil.
|
21 (down 7)
|
25%
|
|
$4 mil. & Up
|
3 (up 1)
|
0%
|
Homes in Sycamore Park, Sunnyside, Kite Hill, Boyle Park, and Cascade Canyon continue to be in low supply and high demand. If you would like me to run the exact numbers on your neighborhood, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at [email protected].
For months now San Rafael real estate has shown impressive strength, although the market cooled this past month. As Summer goes forward, I expect that the market will remain in a holding pattern. Stricter underwriting policies (making it harder to borrow money) are forcing many buyers to focus on the low end–and there is plenty of inventory to accommodate this demand with 19 homes for sale under $600,000 and 36 homes under $750,000 (this number is down by 21 from last month).
Sellers still need to focus their efforts on presenting their homes in the best possible light and (even more importantly) pricing their homes to sell. Buyers know value when they see it (and they expect to see some sizzle from motivated sellers). Of the 46 homes that sold in June 2008 (44 sold in May), the average days on market was 80 days. These homes sold for an average price of about $1,024,000 (about $505/square foot) and the average size was approximately 2,002 square feet). San Rafael’s strongest micro-climate markets during the past month included Glenwood, Terra Linda, Marinwood, Peacock Gap, and Lucas Valley Estates. Aficionados of renovated Eichler homes continue to snap up these mid-century modern, architecturally distinctive homes quickly and decisively.
|
Price Range
|
Total Homes
|
Pending Listings
|
|
Up to $800K
|
56 (down 43)
|
18%
|
|
$800K – $1 mil.
|
36 (down 20)
|
17%
|
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil.
|
35 (down 7)
|
17%
|
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil.
|
22 (down 4)
|
18%
|
|
$2 mil. & Up
|
18 (up 1)
|
0%
|
Contact Kyle Frazier, CRS, Frank Howard Allen Realtors with any questions: (415) 350-9440.
As I have noted in this report for the last couple months, the Northern Marin (e.g., Novato) real estate market is chugging along and exhibiting strong signals in certain price bands. Active listings are abundant. Buyers are focussed and writing offers in the hopes of tapping into the aggressive pricing embraced by sellers.
Indeed, there are several newer homes, under 10 years old, under $800,000 in Hamilton Field. New business arrivals at Hamilton Landing are fueling many of these purchases. Moreover, there are 30 homes under $500,000 (up from 22 last month), and 55 homes under $600,000 (up by 1) currently on the market. At the other end of the spectrum, Novato’s resurgent semi-luxury market ($1 million to $1.5 million price range) posted another 5 sales in June 2008 and 3 of Novato’s high-end homes (priced over $1.5 million) sold in June 2008. Overall, roughly 22% of homes on the market in Novato are in escrow. I expect that sales will continue even during the traditionally slower Summer months as pent-up buyer demand and investor activity prop up sales. My listings are seeing plenty of activity.
Thirty-two Novato homes sold in June 2008–up by 4 from May 2008, which saw 28 home sales. These homes averaged about 104 days on market, sold for an average sales price of $819,000 (roughly $363 per sq./ft.), and the average sized home was 2,307 square feet. Homes in Hamilton Field (particularly South Gate and Newport), Rush Creek, Indian Valley, and San Marin continue to get robust numbers of showings and/or interest.
For a brief explanation of the importance of the statistic addressing the percentage of “Pending” listings, click HERE. If you would like me to run the exact numbers on your neighborhood, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. It is my pleasure to be of service.
Tags: novato,+marin,+marin+county,+homes+for+sale,+real+estate,+market+report,+statistics,+stats,+update,+july+2008,+may+2008,+homes,+sold,+hamilton+field,+hamilton+landing,+rush+creek,+indian+valley,+san+marin,+newport,+south+gate,+southgate,+kyle+frazier,+crs,+frank+howard+allen,+realtors
Picture a cottage nestled among the rolling hills–welcome to Pointe Marin’s Hideaway neighborhood. Secluded, yet conveniently located within easy walking distance to today’s necessities and a 2 minute drive to HWY 101 and the highly sought-after Southern Novato commute (and within minutes of Hamilton Landing).
This immaculate Craftsman Style home with a Great Room configuration, was built in 2003 and sits on a peaceful cul-de-sac near parks, trails, shopping, restaurants, banking, transportation, and more. It possesses all the benefits of modern construction, but retains a palpable old fashioned comfort and warmth. The many unique amenities include: tasteful and expensive Hunter Douglas window coverings; a phantom (hidden) screen door to the back yard;Sun Flexx awnings; air conditioning; an efficient dual-zone climate control system; multiple built-in shelving and cabinets; all closets are built-out with shelving and bi-level hanging capabilities; upstairs Laundry Room; and unprecedented storage capability in the tandem portion of the garage.
The Master Bedroom is fitted for royalty with a large retreat and Master Bath with massive oval tub, step-in shower, walk-in closet (with built-ins); and dual vanity.
Outside, the immaculate landscaping is on a carefree automated irrigation system. The large grassy area is accented by a tasteful patio and benefits from retractable awnings providing ample shade for those wonderful al fresco dinners on summer evenings.
Forbes Magazine’s assessment of Marin County as a place to raise children follows: “If money were no object, Marin would be tops on our list.”
And the article goes on to state that “[Marin] offers the best education in the country, with a 97% graduation rate and a list-topping SAT score of 1,133.” Of course, with a median home price of $901,900, Marin is also the highest priced County on the list.
Nonetheless, I think that Forbes got it half-right. I say that despite the relatively high homes prices, Marin is hands-down America’s Best Place To Raise A Family!
Lets Review Forbes’ Accolades For Marin During The Past Year
Earlier this year Marin County was also identified as one of America’s Richest Counties by Forbes. In addition, Belvedere and Ross were named by Forbes as Top Suburbs to Live Well (for San Francisco). And while we are talking about Ross, it was also named as one of the Most Expensive Zip Codes by Forbes.
And finally, as readers of my articles will recall, last July Forbes announced that Marin County, California has one of “The Best School Districts For The Buck” in the entire country.
Call Kyle Frazier, CRS / Realtor, Frank Howard Allen (415) 350–9440 for more information.
Independence Day is a heartbeat away and one of the beauties of life in the North Bay is the variety of fun events that our charming communities organize at this time of year. Read on to learn of the many unique ways to observe this all-American holiday. Happy Fourth!
Corte Madera-Larkspur
43rd Annual Corte Madera/Larkspur Chambers of Commerce 4th of July Parade – Elaborate floats, precision drill teams, classic cars and the Corte Madera Town Band.
Parade Time: 10:30 am
Route: From Redwood High in Larkspur, it moves down Magnolia into Corte Madera and continues down Tamalpais Ave to the Town Center.
Post-parade: Check out the festivities at Corte Madera’s Town Park: arts and crafts, food and drink, carnival games, children’s activities and live entertainment.
Info: (415) 924-0441.
Novato
16th Annual 4th of July Parade – Come see over 100 parade entries ranging from classic cars and vehicles from a military museum to Irish bagpipes and a Chinese drum and bell corps.
Parade Time: 10 am
Route: Downtown Novato, starting at the corner of Grant and Railroad Avenues
Along the parade route, you will also find food and refreshment booths, and souvenir t-shirts.
Info: (415) 899-8900.
The 55th Annual Buckaroo Breakfast
Location: Redwood Credit Union parking lot: 1010 Grant Ave, downtown Novato
Time: Breakfast served from 7-10 am
Organizer: The event is presented by the Presbyterian Church of Novato.
Fee: There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for kids. Proceeds will be donated to the Marin Community mission project.
First Annual Novato 4th of July Race
Tamalpa, a Marin running club, presents a “4 on the 4th” four-mile road race and a “Mayor’s Mile” one-mile family walk/jog.
Starting time/place: 7:20 am at 7th and Grant, downtown Novato
Entry fee: $15, which includes a race mug and post-race goodies
Petaluma
SesquiFest – This year, Petaluma is observing its 150th anniversary, and they’re making a joint celebration to go along with Independence Day. The day starts off with a 10K run at Putnam Park, then the celebration moves over to the Marin-Sonoma Fairgrounds for live music, fun for kids, food and fireworks display.
Location: The Sonoma-Marin (Petaluma) Fairgrounds, entry on E. Washington & Ellis Streets
Fee: $5 admission, free for kids under 13
Time: Gates open at 3pm; fireworks after dark
Ross
Annual Ross Commons Picnic – Pack your own lunch, or you can order from Eddie’s. The picnic begins at noon and will take place at the Grove area of the Common.
Info: (415) 453-1453, ext. 176
San Rafael
Marin County Fair and Fireworks
The Marin County Fair (at Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Drive) offers Marin County’s official fireworks display. The July 4th concert features the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans.
Fair admission: $12 to $14, and includes free carnival rides, exhibits, and music
Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm
Info: (415) 499-6400
Santa Rosa
5th Annual Bicycle Santa Rosa - 4th Of July Festival And Bike Ride
The celebration begins with a bike ride with elected officials and candidates. The festival will feature live music and vendors, a bike decorating contest and parade for kids, a slow bike race, a flat tire changing contest, water balloon toss, a jump house, various art activities, drawings for prizes and more. SCBC will provide free valet bike parking.
Bike Ride Time & Place: 9am at Julliard Park, returning around 11 am
Festival: 11 am-3 pm
Info: (707) 545-0153
Sausalito
4th of July Parade and Fireworks – This year’s parade will include the Cal Alumni Marching Band, floats of all shapes and sizes, and the Sausalito Fire Department.
Parade Time: 10 am
Route: Starting at South Bridgeway, it will move through downtown Sausalito to Caledonia St and into Dunphy Park.
Post Parade: A town picnic in the park with food, entertainment, raffles, tug-of-war, and an egg toss. Fireworks: 9:15 pm
For a complete schedule of the day’s events, go to www.ci.sausalito.ca.us
Sonoma
4th of July Parade & Old Fashioned Celebration – Complete with booths, food, art show, games, music by the Hometown Band, Crossfire and Carlos Herrera. After dark there are fireworks at the field by General Vallejo’s house (east of the plaza).
Location: Sonoma Plaza
Tiburon
Fireworks Cruise – One of the best ways to see the San Francisco fireworks display is from the Bay! The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Co. will offer a 4th of July fireworks cruise.
Boarding Time: 7:30 pm and departs at 8 pm
Place: The Tiburon ferry dock off Main Street
Fee: $40 for adults; $20 for children
Info: (415) 435-2131.Woodacre
4th of July Parade and Pancake Breakfast
Breakfast Time & Place: 8-11 am at the Woodacre Fire Station, 33 Castle Rock Rd.
Cost: $7 for adults; $3 for children
Parade Time: Noon
Route: Starting at the Woodacre Improvement Club (1 Garden Way), it follows Railroad Ave to the Dickson Ranch.
Post-Parade: A good old-fashioned celebration at Dickson Ranch – A family affair with games, face painting for the kids, competitions (including the men’s ugly leg contest), horse rides, plenty of music, barbecue, bingo, and everyone’s favorite, the flea market.
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