June 2012 
There are 16 blog entries for June 2012.
35 Rolling Hills in Tiburon - Just Sold!
Friday, June 29th, 2012 at 8:20am. 370 Views, 0 Comments.
I've worked with some great clients on very satisfying sales processes in my relatively short career as a Realtor(R). But I think the gratification I feel from the successful closing for my clients on 35 Rolling Hills will stand out for a very long time to come.
I'll just come right out and say that this was a tricky transaction! First, my buyers were conducting their search from across the country in an area that was unfamiliar to them; inherently, a long-distance search introduces a challenge to seeing homes and getting to know an area. Furthermore, inventory was tight, pickings were slim and, for some properties, competition was high. We scoured the MLS and off-market options, and I made direct inquiries to homeowners of…
Fixer vs. Turnkey: Which is a better investment?
Friday, June 29th, 2012 at 7:56am. 335 Views, 0 Comments.
When buying a house, is it more economical to buy a fixer at a low price or to buy a home that is more expensive that has all the work done and is in move in condition? Often clients say they want a fixer because they think that is the cheapest way to purchase a home. Sometimes it is and many times it is not. There are many degrees of "fixers" out there. Some only need simple cosmetic upgrades: paint, carpet, landscaping and new appliances. Others need to be completely gutted and structurally reworked.
1: First--look at is financing. How are you paying for the home purchase-cash or loan? If a loan, what type? Some loans, like FHA, require the home to be in a certain condition without needed repairs. Note-there are options to getting…
Using an Equity Line of Credit with a Purchase Mortgage for Improved Financing
Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 at 11:11pm. 516 Views, 0 Comments.
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are typically adjustable rate mortgages in subordinate position behind first mortgages. Because their secondary lien position holds disproportionate risk (they are the last to get paid back in the event of a foreclosure) the standing of the first mortgage is enhanced, thereby improving one’s overall financing.
A once common tool, HELOCs largely vanished from the marketplace in the midst of the housing crisis. Of the limited pool of HELOCs offered over the past few years, most have been limited to covering just 60 to 70 percent of a property’s value. Since favorable first mortgages are routinely offered to 80 percent consideration, these equity lines have been of limited utility.…
34 Smith Ranch Court in San Rafael - Just Sold!
Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 at 10:04pm. 406 Views, 0 Comments.
I’m pleased to announce the recent sale of 34 Smith Ranch Court in San Rafael.
This property is one of ten homes nestled in a small community of homes off of Smith Ranch Road, where houses don’t very frequently come on the market. The property, which had been in the same family since it was built, had been well-maintained and did not have a lot of deferred maintenance.
I represented the sellers - three brothers. To prepare the property for sale, we did some touch-up painting, updated some fixtures throughout, refinished the hardware floors and staged the property - I believe all of this made a difference. The feedback I heard from prospective buyers and agents alike who walked through the property was about how well the property showed and how…
33 North, San Rafael CA 94903 - Investors Save a Failed Project
Saturday, June 23rd, 2012 at 10:04am. 593 Views, 0 Comments.
33 North, San Rafael CA 94903 - Investors Save a Failed Project
33 North, San Rafael an 82 Unit Luxury Condo complex, was built with the intention of selling off the units. Located just off the North San Pedro exit, conveniently located for SF commuters, has just been purchased by investors who will offer the units for rent.
Marin needs more rentals. I currently have several clients relocating to Marin and looking for 6-12 month rental while they search for a property to buy.
Several months ago, while on tour, I received a call from a real estate investor about this project. He was calling local realtors to gather information about the resale and rental market to see if the…
Mill Valley Wine and Gourmet Food Tasting
Friday, June 22nd, 2012 at 2:00pm. 325 Views, 0 Comments.
This is always a fun event that I look forward to yearly. Friends come from all over the bay area to hang out in the heart of Mill Valley. With over 65 premium wineries, 15 craft breweries, 30 specialty food purveyors, 10 local restaurants and chefs featured this year - plus entertainment, it will be a fun way to spend this Sunday afternoon, 6/24 from 1pm-4pm. For more information, directions and ticket information, go to Mill Valley's web site.
If you are curious about the value of real estate in Mill Valley, check out this weekend's sampling of open homes. This will give you a flavor for the neighborhoods, values and vibe of the community.
Bodega Bay, California - Weekend Getaway
Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 at 5:36pm. 546 Views, 0 Comments.
Bodega Bay, California - Weekend Getaway
Bodega Bay, California on the Sonoma Coast is about 27 miles West up Highway 1 from Marin's Tamales Bay. Both Bays are worthy of a weekend visit but for now, lets venture past Tamales, past Dillon Beach and onto Bodega Bay.
According to my paper placemat from the Tides Wharf restaurant, "Bodega Bay was discovered by Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra while exploring the coast in 1775 on the Schooner Senora".
The early days in Bodega served as storage for grain and agricultural products shipped in to the Bay Area and the home to the first commercial fishing boats. A seafood restaurant was established on the Tides property in the 1920's…
35 Sierra Vis, Novato - Coming Soon!
Monday, June 18th, 2012 at 5:30pm. 303 Views, 0 Comments.
Situated in a quiet neighborhood, this contemporary 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home features a new modern kitchen, pergo floors, vaulted ceilings, double paned windows, large front and back yards, wood burning fire place and a 2 car garage.
The home is located within minutes to Miwok and Pioneer Parks, shopping, transit and schools. It is also located in the coveted Pleasant Valley School District.
The home will be open for viewing during the Broker Tour Wednesday between 9:30am-12:30pm and on Sunday, June 24th between 1pm-4pm. Don't miss it! This one won't last long.
For more information, feel free to call me at 415-531-4945 or email me at Erika@MarinModern.com
100 Sunny Oaks Dr, San Rafael - Just Listed!
Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at 8:10pm. 523 Views, 0 Comments.
Are you tired of the same boring houses with no soul? If so then I have one special architectural and private property for you!
I would like to let you know that I just listed a super unique mid-century modern home (built in 1951) which is located at 100 Sunny Oaks Drive in San Rafael. This home is extremely unique both in terms of architectural design as well as location. This new listing on Sunny Oaks is located at the top of a quiet street on a flat level lot and has expansive views of Marin which include Mount Tamalpais, wetlands, rolling hills and meadows. There is no other property like this currently on the market.
100 Sunny Oaks Drive has both a main house (959 square feet according to tax records) and a detached…
A Tribute to David Faw - City of San Rafael Resale Inspector
Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 at 11:11pm. 558 Views, 2 Comments.
Today I attended a celebration to honor the life of David Faw, who passed away on May 24th. David is well-known to realtors who sell property in San Rafael because he's been the go-to guy for resale inspections for many years. Being the "resale inspector" was a very small slice of who David was and why he was so well liked. He was a people person who liked to jaw bone with realtors, see homes and keep his finger on the pulse of the market. He liked real estate.
Not one to retire, he contracted with the City of San Rafael for many years to do resale inspections. At one time the City decided to tighten their belt and have a City employee take over the inspections. They quickly discovered contracting with David was much more…