Marin Modern Real Estate Blog

Although it’s common knowledge that the major banks have been criticized for denying millions of loans, there is a false assumption that one’s own credentials are necessarily stronger than those who’ve been declined. While many borrowers are rejected for low income, poor credit scores, lack of equity, etc, strongly credentialed candidates are also routinely denied mortgage financing. Many reasons explain why solid loan files get rejected, including shoddy underwriting, today’s compromised appraisal process, or minor anomalies within a borrower’s loan package. Some lenders may reject certain properties while others not. Keep in mind that the loan process is inherently chaotic –even in a good housing market –as its goal is to commodify...

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I just helped my clients close escrow on a house in Novato in a great location. We were competing with multiple buyers and after three weeks of back and forth, finally negotiated a deal for $635,000 with the bank that owned it! The house is a large 5 bedroom/3 bathroom beauty set on almost an acre in the sought after Country Club neighborhood,  It has a huge brick patio in the back yard, remodeled chef’s kitchen and bathrooms, separate family room plus wood floors throughout. It's close to shopping, public transportation and The Marin Country Club. I would be happy to help you with all of your real estate needs as well. Contact me whether you are looking for a Novato entry-level home, a luxary Novato home or a home in Southern...

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I wanted to provide our friends and visitors with a quick look back at how the real estate market faired for mid-century modern Eichler homes in Marin County throughout 2009. 

In 2009, a total of 43 Eichler homes were sold in Marin County and I was excited to once again finish the year as the #1 Agent in Marin County for closed Eichler home sales.  In addition to being the top agent for Eichlers, I worked hard this past year to get my sellers the most money for their home in the shortest amount of time.    In 2009, my Eichler listings on average sold for 99% of their original asking price in less than 35 days on market!

Taking a closer look at 2009 Eichler sale activity,  the majority (41) of sales occurred in San Rafael where...

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Many of our clients and friends in Marin County travel extensively for both work and play so I wanted to make our readers aware of a new, not-for-profit travel social club that is just getting started in Marin County.

The purpose of the Marin International Travel Club is to share travel experiences, learn about special travel opportunities and meet on a quarterly basis with professional travel speakers.     The ITC-Marin is not a travel agency and there is no fee involved to become a member.

Similar travel clubs have been extremely popular in other areas of the country and now Marin residents have an opportunity to join the newly formed Marin ITC!    The group will be hosting an informal get...

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I’m often asked by clients to explain whether it makes sense for them to pay “points” or “no points” on their proposed mortgage. My automatic response is, “How long do you intend to keep your new mortgage or remain in your home?” Once this question is answered, the decision is easily determined by simple mathematics and how willing or able a borrower is to cover the increased closing costs or refinance into a slightly larger loan. A “point,” also referred to as a “discount point,” is industry jargon for paying 1% of the loan amount to buy down the rate on a proposed loan. This cost is on top of the standard closing costs involved in the loan process, such as the lender’s processing and underwriting fees, title and escrow fees, etc....

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