Marin Modern Real Estate Blog

Many homebuyers seek to move to Mill Valley for the family friendly community, highly rated public schools, low crime and great commute location to San Francisco. Mill Valley has a small town feel with over 25 neighborhoods.  So why would buyers discriminate buying a home from neighborhood to neighborhood? Could they be splitting hairs? It’s Mill Valley!! What more could you want in a place to call home.

It’s expensive enough to get into the real estate market in Mill Valley, why would anyone discriminate between neighborhoods? Buyers discriminate for various reasons when looking for a home; status, vibe in the neighborhood, micro-climate, access to amenities and commute. Should they really be so picky? I can see why someone would...

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Understanding Home Loans is something that has been a bit confusing for many.  It is something you "should" know about but you might not know.  Well, we all started somewhere didn't we?  Here is a brief synopsis of Home Loans which I hope will help you as you progress thru your search for a Marin home.

There are Conforming, Non-Conforming and Government loans.  The Conforming loans are supported by Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC), and this means that banks can find a ready “buyer” for the loan once it is made to you. This gives banks greater flexibility to approve loans and offer more competitive rates to the consumer. 

Conforming loans will primarily be fixed rate or variable rate loans, so you will have some options. ...

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  Continued from Part One...      So if you have the trust thing down with an Architect and have started to weigh options, what should you expect in terms of construction budgets?  The first thing is to know the difference between a "budget price" and a "bid".  I'm constantly asking clients not to use the term "bid" unless they know that it is a fixed cost and the scope for that cost is well defined and agreed upon.  Unless you have a completely finished set of plans and details, including every single light fixture, cabinet handle, tile spec, paint color, door hardware list, written QC specifications that outline reference standards of care, procedures, and general conditions, along with a planning and building permit, asbestos...

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     Long before they've hired me for a remodel project, my clients have heard horror stories about construction.  Projects go over-budget or over-schedule.  General Contractors flake out and have to be replaced once, maybe twice, or, as I unfortunately saw on a project years ago, three times!  Sub-contractors whom the Owner hasn't even met aren't paid and file liens.  Material suppliers deliver something that looks completely different than what was specified.  Shall I go on or have I already scared you off?  Why the abundance of these stories?  Are there so many lackluster individuals and companies in the field?  As I've heard clients say to me at an interview, "I'm going to do this right and avoid all of that!"  I just smile.    ...

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I'm pleased to announce that one of my buyer clients in San Francisco just closed on 110 College Avenue in San Francisco, California.

Located in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood, this vintage 5 room 2 level Victorian single family home was held by its owner for many years with many of the original details still intact.   The property featured a huge full basement, rear yard with established fruit trees, and a garage.    

This was a probate sale which required court confirmation and I assisted my buyers in securing the home as the first overbid.   The final sale price was $630,500.

I enjoyed working with my buyers on the purchase of this home in San Francisco and would welcome the opportunity to work with you!   Contact me...

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