Pacific Union International | Marin Luxury Homes Report (June 2010)
Pacific Union International is the leading broker for Marin County luxury homes.
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. Without question, Marin’s luxury home market is showing signs of increased velocity and buyer optimism. In the $2 million to $4 million price band, May 2010 sales eclipsed last year’s total, inventory is down from last year, and the number of homes with accepted offers (in escrow) is 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 again up significantly in this luxury segment (with 20 sales, Marin County more than doubled last year’s total for the month). Incredibly, we have another 27 homes currently in escrow (more than last month). Pending sales is a good 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 137 homes actively on the market.
Cities recording May 2010 sales in this price band included: Belvedere (4), Tiburon (5), Mill Valley (1), Sausalito (1), Larkspur (1), Ross (1), San Rafael (1), and Kentfield (6). These homes averaged 86 days on market. Their average sales price was just over $2.7 million (roughly $882 per square foot), with an average of 3,963 square feet. The absorption rate for Marin homes in this price band has fallen 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 69 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 (one Kentfield and one in Ross) in this price band with an average sales price of $4.875 million (these homes averaged 4,694 square feet). We currently have two additional 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.