Marin Modern Real Estate Blog

I generally avoid writing about interest rates as they tend to be even more transitory than the constantly shifting lending guidelines we’re forced to deal with. Whereas investor guidelines may change on a weekly basis, mortgage interest rates can make dramatic shifts on any given day. My focus when building a file is therefore directed toward the more tangible elements that support a loan – qualifying income, credit scores, likely loan-to-value ratios, and matching the borrower to the best-suited lender. While there is no sure way to guess when and where the lowest rate will be found, especially with a purchase transaction’s compressed timeline, careful positioning of a loan package is the best way to insure a favorable...

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With the first 6 months of 2010 behind us, I wanted to provide our clients, friends and  visitors with a mid-year Eichler real estate update for Marin County.

From January 1 - June 30th, a total of 25 Eichler homes have sold in Marin County. In the second quarter of this year, 12 Eichler homes were sold and I’m proud to say that I was personally responsible for more than 40% of all Eichler Home Sales in Marin during the second quarter of 2010 (representing either sellers or buyers).    Additionally, my Eichler listings sold for more than 99% of their original list price in just 32 days on average whereas Eichler homes that were not listed by me took more than twice as long to sell (80 days on average) and only sold for 96.1% of their...

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Looking at the entire county's performance, we saw the sharpest decline in home values over the last 5 years from 2008-2009.  With the new Obama administration taking the helm, banks going under, job losses, short sales and foreclosures at abundant levels, and global market concerns, consumers pulled back from the market and the values took a sharp decline. The average sales price of a home in Marin in 2008 was $1,075,509 and in 2009 the average sales price dropped to $853,390. 

With values declining by 21%, interest rates hovering at an all time low and government incentives for first time home buyers, consumers were starting to feel like we were close to hitting the bottom of the market. Because of these events, we are starting to...

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A unique mortgage type that came to the U.S. market just a few years ago is gaining popularity and can offer significant advantages for borrowers with good cash flow and savings. Sometimes referred to as an “offset account” it operates as a first lien, equity line of credit that is joined to a full service checking account. Variations of this loan have been some of the more popular home financing options in the UK and Australia for many years, so it has a proven track record. However, don’t expect major U.S. banks to follow suit anytime soon as it would cut into their profits. For now, they offer offset loans only to their largest depositors. This mortgage, marketed by just a few banks (including CMG as the Homeowner Accelerator or...

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I just completed assisting buyer clients with the purchase of a lovely home located in Sausalito with outstanding views.  Boasting elevation in the hills of Sausalito, 70 Monte Mar Drive just closed escrow today and the purchase price was $1,750,000. 

This home boasts unsurpassed views of the Bay, Sausalito Harbor, Angel Island and beyond.  Offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with significant and luxurious remodeling, this home features multiple outdoor decks and living areas, beautiful landscaping, solar lap pool, wine cellar and an open gourmet kitchen.

I brought a creative and tireless approach to securing this home for my clients who were extremely pleased with the outcome.  I work hard for my clients and enjoy the satisfaction of...

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