Marin County, California, Luxury Homes Report (September 2009–Sales and Inventory Analysis)

Earlier this month marked the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the equities market meltdown, which profoundly impacted Marin County, California’s luxury real estate market. In our New Economy, real buyers have become less numerous and have placed increased emphasis on prestige locations, views, lifestyle amenities (usable yards, proximity to clubs/shopping, etc.), schools, and sensible scale.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com.]

Marin County, CA. Real Estate Update — September 2009 (Homes For Sale & Price Ranges)

Marin County, California real estate held steady, for the most part, through Summer 2009. While year over year prices are down across the board no matter how you slice it, many feel as though absent further crisis, we may be nearing the end of the downward cycle — after a full 3 years. Certainly, well priced, updated homes in great locations are selling promptly.

In Northern Marin (a.k.a Novato), 81% of homes priced under $500,000 are in escrow (that’s 39 out of 48 homes!). In San Rafael, 64% of homes priced at or below $600,000 are in escrow. These astonishing sales numbers are propelled by value / affordability, the $8,000 tax credit, and the increased FHA loan limits which went into effect in April 2009.

Meanwhile, the higher price bands look a little different. As noted last month, some sellers still suffer from pricing strategies that prevent them from realistically engaging with qualified buyers. Nonetheless, we have well over a dozen $2 million and up properties in escrow and have seen a few BIG sales over the Summer. Should the stock market recover further in coming months, I predict more Winter sales as affluent buyers step into the market with renewed confidence. Social proof is a powerful force.

The chart below shows a 90-day rolling average of Mill Valley’s new listings and absorbed listings (e.g., sales), comparing current numbers with those of last year. Note that the while the numbers for new listings are about the same, the number of absorbed listings is about equal to 2008. If you would like to review a similar chart for any other town or city in Marin or San Francisco, please let me know. 

Inventory has dipped to 762 single family homes for sale (we had about 772 last month) in the Highway 101 corridor (this number excludes Western Marin inventory and condos). There is definitely a sense that with a little positive media and some further anecdotal evidence (and actual closings) that buyers are jumping because they believe the bottom is here or near.

The following graph breaks down the current number of homes for sale and price ranges in Marin County’s HWY 101 corridor (e.g., Marin’s coastal communites are not included) in March 2009, along with the price ranges for each town and/or city.

For a detailed executive summary similar to, but much more detailed than below, providing statistics and trends relating to the Marin real estate market (or any specific zip code), contact me any time. I am Kyle Frazier, Marin Realtor & CRS, Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate at (415) 350-9440, [email protected]. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

 

Tiburon & Belvedere CA Real Estate Market Report (September 2009 Home Sales Update)

Tiburon and Belvedere, California real estate is some of the most valuable in the Bay Area — Belvedere had a closing at $5.1 million in August 2009. Perhaps because of this, sales and activity remain choppy, despite the favorable market environment for buyers. In fact, even the "anti-real estate" Wall Street Journal recently noted that the real estate market "has rarely looked better" click HERE for article.

There are currently 113 active listings in the 94920 zip code, which covers Tiburon and Belvedere (up by about 10 properties from last month). Twenty of these properties are priced over $5 million. While last month’s report noted increasing activity, it appears we are back to baseline experienced in the first quarter of 2009. There were just 8 sales in August 2009 and 6 of these were under $1 million. There are currently 29 active properties listed for sale under $2 million in Tiburon and Belvedere — 7 additional homes are in escrow.  

One interesting observation based on the below graph: not until March of this year did the median asking price for homes in Belvedere dip below that of 2008. Belvedere was the last Marin city to experience that shift (a full 6 months after Tiburon). Over the past several months however, that shift has become more exaggerated as prices begin reflecting market realities. In contrast, Tiburon’s asking prices have actually increased — of course, these are asking prices, not sales prices. 

Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Report (September 2009 Home Sales)

 The Mill Valley, CA. real estate market fulfilled low expectations in August 2009 with 22 sales — same as in July 2009. It has become apparent over the past several months that asking prices have largely halted their downward spiral. As is evident in the graph below, which tracks the median price per square foot (down from $740 to $612), in Mid-June prices flattened out in Mill Valley and have more or less remained stable. It will be interesting to see whether this flattening out carries over into the sales prices of homes trading this Fall and Winter.

San Rafael CA Real Estate Report (September 2009 Home Sales)

San Rafael, CA’s real estate market is increasingly fueled by foreclosures and short sales. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains extremely hot (84% of such homes are currently in escrow) and the $600K to $800K price band has seen steady activity with 35% of homes in escrow (same as last month). Increased affordability, low interest rates (rates are down from the time of last month’s report), an increased presence of FHA loans, and a shifting mindset by both buyers and sellers, are impacting these price points in a positive manner. Additionally, the $8K tax credit for first time home buyers is likely helping pull some buyers into the fray, despite the income limitations placed on this credit. It will be interesting to see if the government expands the credit to include ALL buyers and increases the credit amount to $15,000 — that would make a big difference for a lot of people. Overall, the number of homes on the market fell to 142 homes (from 159 last month).

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.Sanafael101.com].

Novato Real Estate Market Update (September 2009 Home Sales Report)

I have written in past months about the high level of competition in Novato, California’s entry level real estate market. This trend continues into Q3 2009. In August 2009, 38 Novato homes sold. This is down from 47 sales in July and the same as in June. Many of these sold properties were bargain basement homes that were in some of distress. But, the inventory continues its rapid absorption as pent up demand, historically low interest rates, the First Time Homebuyer Credit, and increased affordability carry the day.

Continuing on a trend noted last month, the average sales price of Novato homes rose. In August 2009, the average price for a Novato home was $ 713,440. That is up from $632,078 in July  and from $622,000 in June. While this large bump may be anomolous, the fact it follows a bump last month may prove significant. Certainly, the psychological impact on buyers waiting for bottom to hit may prove significant.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.Novato101.com].