Marin Modern Real Estate Blog

The Marin real estate market continues to be active, which is always encouraging. But what is really interesting is the contrast in the data. More homes sold in January 2010 than January 2009. 113 single family residences sold, as opposed to 82 the year before. That's almost 39% more homes sold this January. Conversely, the median price of homes in January 2010 is down to $640,000, compared to $750,000 in January 2009. That's a decline of nearly 15% from last year, as reported in the Marin Independent Journal. While this surprised some people, these results suggest that folks are focused on homes under $1 million, where financing is more readily available, and more people have the ability to qualify for loans. Plus, homebuyers are...

Read More »

127 Views, 0 Comments.

Whether buying a new property or refinancing an existing loan, it is essential to get a professionally constructed and detailed appraisal report. Since every property is unique, with marketability determined not only by set amenities like the number of bedrooms and square footage, but also by more nuanced factors such as the view, a seasoned, local appraiser is crucial.  This is especially so in non-conforming areas such as Marin where architectural styles vary and geographic features distinguish small pocket neighborhoods, impacting values. Unfortunately, the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) adopted by most lenders in May 2009 has made contracting a good appraiser a more tenuous prospect. HVCC requires appraisals to be ordered...

Read More »

80 Views, 0 Comments.

Working primarily with buyers, I preview many properties each week throughout Marin County across all price points.  I also spend a good deal of time showing my buyers properties by appointment.  In these particularly challenging times to be selling a home, I thought it would be helpful to hear the perspective of a Buyer's Agent when it comes to a seller's level of motivation in wanting to have their home stand out among the steep competition and making their home show well.

I usually start by making an appointment with a seller to show their home to a client on a particular day and time.  I call and sometimes leave a messge and in those cases I often get a quick call back. Sellers who need to sell their home are generally very...

Read More »

89 Views, 0 Comments.

One question that is on most of our minds regarding real estate is...are we at the bottom yet?? Though no one has a crystal ball there are indicators that are saying that there is a good chance we are.  If you have been standing on the side lines wondering when to jump in, this may be your opportunity.  To give you an example, Novato in 2000 the median price for single-family home was nearly $479,000 and in 2009 that same house is $541,000, an increase of $62,000 in ten years.  During this 10 year period this house spiked to $830,000 then down again to $541,000.  However, in areas like Sausalito in 2000 a median home was $1.03M, skyrocketed to $1.45M in 2007 and now is at $1.1M. In San Rafael in 2009 the median price of a home was...

Read More »

67 Views, 0 Comments.

I wanted to let our  friends and website visitors know that I have 4 different mid-century modern listings coming up in Marin within the next several weeks in case you, or someone you know, might  be interested. My upcoming listings include:

1 Double-A Frame, Atrium Model Eichler Home in Upper Lucas  Valley (5 bedrooms) - $885k 1 Courtyard style Eichler Home in Upper Lucas Valley (4 bedrooms) - $800k Remodeled Eichler Home in Terra Linda North (3 bedrooms) - $669,900 1 mid-century modern Alliance Home in Terra Linda North (3 bedrooms) - $685,000

These listings will be priced from $685,000 - $885,000 and I anticipate a lot of interest since this has been a hot price range for Marin Eichlers over the past few...

Read More »

67 Views, 0 Comments.