San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (December 2009 Home Sales Update)

[Click HERE for the entire article, courtesy of www.SanRafael101.com]

San Rafael, California real estate sales were brisk in November 2009, with 48 trades, up from 31 in September 2009. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains at hot, with 58% of home now in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) has also seen a rise in the percentage of homes in escrow — 53%.

It is no secret that our current real estate environment in San Rafael favors buyers, not only because of the state of the market, but also because of superior interest rates, FHA loan availability (allowing purchase loans up to $729,000 with 3.5% down), and a shifting mindset by both buyers (who are ready to pull the trigger) and sellers (who are ready to do what it takes to sell). Meanwhile, housing inventory for single family homes fell to 78 homes (from 135 last month).

As reported this Summer, San Rafael listing prices experienced a brief rise from March to June, but that trend has reversed and resumed its downward trajectory. By comparison, asking prices in Novato have been rising for several months, leading many to believe that the bottom has formed in Novato. It does not appear this transition has fully settled in San Rafael.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.SanRafael101.com]