San Rafael — November 2009 Home Sales Update

San Rafael, California real estate sales were brisk in October 2009. We experienced 44 trades, up from 31 in September 2009. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains at hot, with 70% of home now in escrow, up from 64% last month. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) remains nearly the identical to last month (36% of these homes are in escrow).

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 135 homes (from 154 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.

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