Pacific Union International | Marin Luxury Homes Report (May 2010)

Pacific Union International is the leading broker for Marin County luxury homes.

As with many of Marin County’s micro-markets, Marin’s luxury home market is showing signs of increased velocity and buyer optimism. As reported in previous months, “real buyers” continue to snap up homes in prestige locations such as Mill Valley, Belvedere, Ross, Kentfield, etc., along with “value” properties with locational upside, views of San Francisco, southern exposures, knolltop properties. In the $2 million to $4 million price band, sales have eclipsed last year’s low numbers, inventory is down significantly and the number of homes with accepted offers (in escrow) is very high. This combination of factors looks promising for continued improvement. And we are not alone — click HERE for a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. The below chart shows the dramatic increase in the number of luxury homes sold in Marin County, as compared with last year.

$2 Million to $4 Million Luxury Homes

True to last month’s prediction, sales were up significantly in this luxury segment (with 17 sales, we more than doubled last year’s total for the month). Incredibly, we have another 26 homes currently in escrow. Again, this is a leading indicator of increased sales next month. Certainly, buyers are feeling some urge to buy as it appears that the overall economic and housing environments are improving and pricing in the marketplace suggests “value.” Inventory remains relatively low at just 136 homes on the market last month.

Cities recording April 2010 sales in this price band included: Belvedere (2), Tiburon (4), Mill Valley (6), Larkspur (1), Ross (1), San Rafael (1), and Kentfield (2). These homes averaged 92 days on market. Their average sales price was just over $2.6 million (roughly $749 per square foot), with an average of 3,585 square feet. The absorption rate for Marin homes in this price band dipped dramatically and is down to approximately 4 months.

$4 Million & Up Ultra-Luxury Homes

The low inventory level of Marin County’s ultra-luxury market (homes priced in the $4 million and up range) bumped upwards this month — we now have 63 homes for buyers to choose from. 

Note: As a member of the Marin Platinum Group, I have access to a database with several dozen luxury homes not currently offered on the MLS, but available for sale. Please contact me regarding your specific desires.

The highest concentrations of homes in this price band are Tiburon and Belvedere. Marin County experienced two such sales last month in this price band with an average sales price of $7.3 million (these homes averaged 9,290 square feet). As with sales in the lower luxury price band, we expect sales to pick up in the coming months as we head into the traditional selling season. We currently have six such homes in escrow (compared to zero this time last year). I look forward to coming months as this important segment of the Marin real estate market continues to improve.

By: Kyle Frazier, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Broker Associate, Realtor | Christie’s Great Estates — Pacific Union International. Call Kyle Frazier at 415/350-9440 for more luxury home market information in San Francisco and Marin Counties.

 

Pacific Union International | Marin Real Estate Update | May 2010

We at Pacific Union International in Marin County, California continue to feel as though the 2010 real estate market is vastly different from that of 2009. Year over year prices seem to have leveled in most price segments and locations within Marin — some areas have even seen prices increase (albeit nominally). Countywide supply and demand figures suggest an improving real estate environment. Supply is up 7%. But the number of sales of 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes with at least 1,500 square feet and priced under $1 million,  are up an incredible 191% from April 2009.   

As noted in various recent articles, much of the strength in today’s home sales market stems from the red-hot entry level market segment. As would be expected, with relatively flat inventory and more sales, the absorption rate (e.g., the number of month’s worth of inventory) continues hovering at about 3 months for entry level homes. This is very low. Attractive loan terms and a pervasive sense among buyers that we have hit bottom, is resulting in sales. While in other parts of the country the first time hoe buyer credit has fueled sales, that incentive has had a minimal impact in Marin because of the relatively low income thresholds required to qualify. Below is a chart tracking escrows — roughly one-third of homes are in escrow (and this includes ALL homes in every price band).

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Union International Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Market (May 2010 Home Sales Update)

The number of homes sold in the Mill Valley, California real estate market rose again in April 2010 and Mill Valley’s touchstone price band ($1 million to $2 million) has posted another great month. As stated last month, it has been more than three years since buyers have spoken confidently about the market, but they are now. Low interest rates, improved jobs numbers, a string of positive local and regional real estate news stories, and a stronger stock market environment has buyers again feeling secure in the fact that they are buying with a tailwind.

The number of homes for sale in Mill Valley is tapering as we move through the Spring selling season  — we now have 135 homes on the market. Mill Valley’s entry level price bands (under $1,000,000) are as strong as we have seen them over the past couple of years. Perhaps most telling is the fact that the median sales price in Mill Valley for 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes is up 31% from last year.

Mill Valley’s 25 sales in April 2010 gave rise to the following averages: an average price of $1,392,360; and about 2,398 sq. ft. (or about $575 per sq. ft.). Note that the price per square foot number is prone to wild swings from month to month. For example, last month, the price per square foot was $640 in Mill Valley. This is because the composition of sales varies dramatically from month to month — at best, price per square foot is a blunt instrument. Homes in Tam Valley, Scott Valley, Sycamore Park, and Country Club generated the most calls this month.

 

617 Springfield Way in Tam Valley is now on the market. Priced at $865,000, this private home sits on ~1/3 acre at the end of  a serene cul de sac in a magnificent setting. It features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs, along with a large unit downstairs which would be perfect au pair quarters or income — it has rented out recently for ~$1,000/mo.

If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at [email protected]

p.s. I currently have several clients who want to be sellers, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. I am also a member of the Marin Platinum Group with access to dozens of homes not “officially” on the market but available for sale. If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, call or e-mail me: (415) 350-9440 | [email protected] It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International.

Pacific Union International San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (May 2010 Home Sales Update)

San Rafael, California real estate sales jumped again in April 2010. We had 44 trades (compared to 33 in March and 24 in February). The entry level price band (under $600K) remains very hot, with 61% of homes now in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) remains tepid with 33% of homes in escrow. The inventory for single family homes for sale sits at 170 homes (down incrementally from last month).

Of the 44 homes sold in April 2010, the average:

• days on market was 70 days
• sales price was $819,159
• home size was 2,011 square feet
• $409 per sq. ft. (the average price per square foot has  been trending downwards at an average of about $5 per month for the past few months, although this past month saw the number jump by about 5%).

Homes in Lucas Valley and Peacock Gap generated the most calls and showings this past month. If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael neighborhood or if you have any questions about our many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

Pacific Union International Novato Real Estate Market (May 2010 Home Sales Report)

The Novato, California real estate market continues to exhibit strength across nearly all price bands (not so for homes priced above $1.5 million). April 2010 saw 24 sales (same as February 2010). The average sales price of Novato homes in April 2010 rose over 3% to to $656,699. These homes averaged 93 days on market, were about 2,291 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $294 sq. ft.

Novato’s price per square foot has hovered between 3-5% of $300 for a year now — in my mind, we are seeing the gradual recomposition of the market in the era of the “New Normal.” Prices are holding steady. This is good news for those waiting to buy.

Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:

• 56% of homes priced under $500,000;
• 46% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
• 54% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
• 34% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
• 16% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
• 15% of homes between $1.5 million and up.

Of the Novato homes that sold in April 2009:

• 9 homes were priced under $600,000;
• 14 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million; and
• 1 priced from $1 million and up.

NEW HOMES: The 3 Model Homes being built at The Landing at Hamilton Field (I am the exclusive marketing agent for this project), located adjacent to South Gate, will be open in less than 60 days (Summer 2010). We expect that the first homes will be ready for occupancy in August 2010. Pricing will begin in the mid-$800,000’s. Interest surrounding this new luxury community has been significant. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com.

Again, if you would like me to run the exact numbers for your Novato neighborhood or if you have any questions about Novato’s many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate (Pacific Union International). It is always my pleasure to be of service.

Postscript: Homes in Pointe Marin, Country Club, Hamilton Field, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. My listing at 94 Maybeck Street, Novato (South Gate at Hamilton Field) sold for 98.7% of list price in 10 days.

Pacific Union International Tiburon & Belvedere CA Real Estate Market Report (May 2010 Home Sales Update

Sales doubled in April 2010 in the 94920 zip code, which covers Tiburon and Belvedere, CA. – we had 14 trades. Importantly, as evidenced by the chart below, median sales prices are up 15%. Moreover, the number of escrows is up 42% over last year. We are seeing increased all cash activity as last month saw at least two sales over $3 million were funded in cash. I think it is fair to say that the majority of real estate practitioners would agree that the field has tilted back to neutral position in most price bands.

Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of the major price bands: