September 2016 Novato Real Estate Market Update | Pacific Union International Home Sales Report

kylefrazier3,224 CommentsMarin Market Updates, Novato Real Estate

September 2016 Novato Home Sales Report | Pacific Union International | Novato Real Estate Market Update. With the real estate market clearly in transition and the Summer lull in full effect, Novato home sales numbers in August 2016 were stronger than anticipated with a total of 42 sales (exactly the same number of home to sell last year in August 2015). August has never been considered a particularly strong month for sale closings as people are on vacation and seemingly have better things to do than buy and/or sell properties. As with most realtors in Marin County (generally) and Novato (in particular), I feel there is a clear softening in the market over and above what we might expect due to Summer. Many industry observers have commented on “The Shift” and its presence can certainly be felt in all but the new home and entry level markets (both of these market segments continue see buyer demand outstrip inventory).

Overall, in Novato, the 42 trades sold at an average price per foot of $430 (almost exactly the same as last August). Likewise, the presence of Novato’s upper tier / luxury home market (homes over $1 million) has grown considerably over the past year — in fact, I have added a new price band to my analysis focussing on homes priced over $1.5 million. Certainly, more and more buyers feel the “bang for the buck” in driving an extra 10 minutes from Sir Francis Drake is worth it. We are also seeing large numbers of longtime Marin residents selling their multimillion dollar homes in Southern Marin and transferring their tax base to new / newer homes in Novato. We also continue to find that numerous sales are conducted privately, outside of the MLS, via netorking groups such as the Top Agent Network (TAN — Top 10% of agents) and the Marin Platinum Group (MPG — Top 100 agents). Approximately 10-15% of homes are sold without ever hitting the market. Indeed, I sold several homes privately in 2016 at the request of sellers who value privacy and discretion.

Rudnick Estates at Cherry Hill, Novato | Click HERE to see Marin County’s most exciting new home community.

The average sale price for Novato homes in August 2016 was just under $875K . Novato (especially Southern Novato) has unquestionably been one of Marin County’s hottest markets this year due to the good weather, easy commute and bang-for-your-buck.

Overall, Novato real estate sales in August 2016 averaged 50 days on market, were about 2,036 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $437 per sq. ft. Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., the number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) is currently just under 2 months. This reflects a very tight market —  balanced markets have 6 months of inventory.

Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands (note that due to increasing sales prices, I have eliminated the “under $500,000″ price band as few homes are sold for less than that amount and added the “over $1.5 million” price band):
■ 52% of homes priced under $750,000;
■ 40% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
■ 21% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;

■ 27% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Of the 42 Novato, CA homes that sold in August 2016:
■ 16 homes sold under $750,000;
■ 17 homes sold from $751,00 to $1 million; and
■ 8 homes sold for $1 million and up.

Single family homes in Rudnick Estates (a brand new home development), Pointe Marin, Marin Country Club Estates, Rush Creek, Hamilton Field, and Bel Marin Keys elicited the highest numbers of 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 schools or 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), Top Agent (member), Marin Platinum Group (member) with Christie’s International | Pacific Union International Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

Note: I specialize in off-market sales of luxury homes in Marin County . If you appreciate discretion and want the BEST result, call me to discuss your situation.