Marin Real Estate Blog

 

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 report, and…

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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.
 
     It's…

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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 and let me…

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This week I will be listing an impeccably maintained Eichler home in Upper Lucas Valley which has one of the most sought after and highly desirable floor plans for Eichler home buyers.  

Located at 6 Mt Tioga Ct in San Rafael, this property is a wonderful 5 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom, double-A-frame atrium model Eichler home.     This unique 1,942 sq ft floorplan (per tax records) combines the best of indoor / outdoor living and provides ample indoor and outdoor space  for living, working and entertaining.  

The property is located on a quiet cul de sac and offers view of the surrounding hills and excellent proximity to the Lucas Valley Community Center, Swimming Pool, and Tennis Courts.   Walk to Dixie School!  6 Mt Tioga property features include an…

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“What’s the lowest rate?” This is generally the first question I get asked by prospective buyers or clients looking to refinance. As savvy borrowers know, the true answer depends on a number of factors such as credit scores, the eventual loan-to-value ratio, and the feasibility of closing within a designated lock period. Unless these and other factors have been fully evaluated, any quoted rate is essentially meaningless. (To have your credentials properly assessed and to receive timely quotes based on your specific requirements see my Customized Rate Watch below.)

The more relevant question is “how do I get the best rate?” With added delays brought on by newly mandated disclosures and HVCC-driven appraisals, your odds of getting a low rate are…

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Earlier today one of my buyer clients closed escrow on 761 Montecillo Road, an Eichler home located in San Rafael which featured original detailing throughout.  The property was originally listed for sale at $720,00 and I was pleased to work hard for my buyer clients who purchased the home for $650,000.

This 4 Bedroom Eichler home was located in the Terra Linda North neighborhood of San Rafael where the average sale price of Eichler homes in this particular neighborhood was $672,679 in 2009.     The home was original in style including mahogany walls, globe lighting, and an original kitchen  and bathrooms.   Upgrades included a newer foam roof, new 2-in-1 boiler / hot water heater, and dual pane windows.

I was excited to work with my buyer clients…

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I wanted to let friends, clients and  visitors to the Marin Modern Real Estate website know that I have an upcoming Eichler listing in Marin County that will be hitting the market within the next few weeks.   

Located at 794 Las Colindas in San Rafael's popular Terra Linda neighborhood, this well-maintained and move-in ready Eichler home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an updated kitchen, and mature, well-maintained landscaping.   2-car garage parking.

The location of the home provides excellent proximity to top-rated schools (both pre-schools and Dixie School District grade schools),  grocery &  specialty food stores (Scotty's Market, Three Twins Ice Cream, Panchitos, Weezy's Grass Fed Shed, Lo Coco's Pizzeria, Sushi Roll ), and the…

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I just listed a classic mid-century modern Alliance home in San Rafael and wanted to share news of this new listing with our clients and visitors before the property hits the market!

Located at 405 Hibiscus Way in San Rafael, this 3 BR / 2 BA Alliance Home is located on a quiet street in the Terra Linda neighborhood of San Rafael.   This Alliance home features classic post-and-beam construction and is reminiscent in design to Eichler homes found throughout San Rafael.    Property features include an open floorplan, high beam ceilings, newer eco-friendly flooring (bamboo), in floor radiant heat, wonderful landscaped yard for relaxing and entertaining, and 2 car garage parking.    Located in San Rafael's Dixie School District.

The property will be…

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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 looking for discounts…

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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 through Appraisal…

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