Pacific Union International | Novato Real Estate Market Update (January 2012 Novato Home Sales Report)

December 2011, like November, exceeded all expectations in terms of Novato, CA real estate sales (we had 35). Obviously, December is traditionally a slow month (usually, December and January are terribly unexciting) for closings in Novato and all of Marin County. This year’s unseasonably warm weather and complete lack of rain kept buyers engaged well into January. As has been the case for the past quarter, buyers continue to move very quickly on well-priced and/or unique real estate opportunities. As with other Marin towns along the HWY 101 corridor, the average sales price of Novato homes has swung wildly this year from month to month. For example, the average sale price in June was $626K in October, $530K in September, and $588K in December 2012. December’s trades averaged 109 days on market, were about 2,273 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $267 sq. ft. Novato’s  absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) continues to hover in historically low territory with a shockingly low 2 months’ worth of available inventory overall (a mere 70 single family homes are actively for sale in Novato). The hottest component of the Novato real estate market (as always) is the entry and move-up levels — homes priced under $750K — where ~60% of homes are in escrow and inventory is so tight that the absorption rate is less than 2 month’s worth of inventory.

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

?54% of homes priced under $500,000;
?52% of homes between $501,000 and $750,000;
?32% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
?18% of homes between $1 million and up.

Of the 35 homes that sold in December 2011:

?17 homes were priced under $500,000;
?15 homes priced from $501,00 to $1 million; and
?3 home priced from $1 million and up.

Homes in The Landing at Hamilton Field, Breakers at Pointe Marin, Marin Country Club, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. 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 J.D., Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

The Landing at Hamilton Field — NEW CONSTRUCTION. Prices start in the mid – $700?s. With several recent closings, we only have two more new homes currently available. Please call me at            (415) 350-9440       for more information. Or visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com.