All Blog Entries by Cari Gennarelli

36 Villa Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 sits on the North/West end of the prestigious Dominican neighborhood in San Rafael. Amongst the multi-million dollar mansions, 36 Villa is an unassuming 3-bedroom/2 bath home set back from the street and aching for attention. Purchase for $479,000 makes this fixer a great buy.

My clients are super excited to tackle this cute 1970's property and make it a cozy home for their eldest son and his adorable girlfriend.

Father and son are going to don their tool belts and do some much-needed upgrades and repairs on this sweet house.

Dominican College founded by the Dominican sisters in 1917 gives this area of San Rafael its name. One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in San Rafael with old…

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1 Locust Avenue, San Rafael CA 94901 - Luxury Living in San Rafael!

Marin County, CA is known for it's high-end luxury properties in cities like Tiburon, Belvedere, Ross, Sausalito, Kentfield and Mill Valley but rarely do we associate San Rafael, CA with exclusive luxury properties. San Rafael is the largest city in Marin County, home to the county center and truly a melting pot of cultures and property styles.

In San Rafael from April 2011-present there were 469 home sales with 7 homes over $2m and the top 3 were $3,000,000; $3,050,000 and $5,100,000.

In Tiburon during the same time period there were 118 total home sales with 42 of them over $2m and in all of Marin there were 3 homes sold over $7m and all in Ross.…

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425 Belvedere Avenue, Belvedere CA 94920 - Luxury Living At its Finest

When a home for $45,000,000 comes on the market and is open for Brokers tour you have to go see it - right? Well, I had to and I did and it was worth it! I literally cannot stop thinking about that property! This years Marin Designer showcase property is worth a visit!

As a Realtor, one of the perks is having the opportunity to preview these unique and special properties but also, part of our job. Who doesn't want to hear about a $45,000,000 listing? It's at the least a good cocktail party conversation starter. However, properties of this size and price bring with them a certain amount of controversy as well.…

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35 Bryn Mawr Drive, San Rafael CA 94901 - Coming Soon!

Inventory in the Marin County housing market is historically low as we head into our busy spring season. Spring is a great time to list and sell a property for a few key reasons:

1. Weather - it's just more fun and convenient to house hunt when the weather is dry and warm.
2. Timing - Finding the right property in the spring means getting into contract and closing escrow by Summer, getting settled during the summer months and hit the ground running when the new school year starts.   
3. Taxes - Post tax season. Budgets in place and 2012 plans being made.
4. Renewal - Spring is just a good time for fresh starts!

35 Bryn Mawr…

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725 Pine Street, #201 San Francisco CA 94108 - JUST SOLD!

Just a few short years ago the idea of buying a property in San Francisco in any decent neighborhood for under $500,000 was unthinkable.  What you could afford for under a half of a million dollars was a garage.

Times have changed and while I understand the frustration felt by those who bought during the height of the market or those who experienced a drop in property value - the adjustment in pricing was necessary.

Real Estate values in our unique and desirable corner of the world were out of control and unattainable for most. Personally I like the idea that buyers can find a home in Marin or San Francisco for…

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Is an Investment in Real Estate Guaranteed?

Donald Trump, Robert Shiller and Warren Buffet! Three loud and distinct voices in the financial world all agree on where to invest your money now!

Real Estate!

Buy investment property, buy your first home, and just get into the market now. You do need to have good, clean credit and money for a down payment but if you had any doubts about the security of a real estate investment this may ease your concerns.

I talk to homebuyers every day and most of them are ready to buy in the next 1-12 months but there are still many who continue to sit on the fence or the sidelines waiting for that perfect time to jump off and get in the game. There is…

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First Time Home Buyer Questions: Part 2

Will I lose my deposit money?

One good thing that came out of the real estate market crash is the safeguards that were put into place to protect buyers and sellers and their money.

In a typical residential real estate transaction a buyer will put down 1-3% of the purchase price as a deposit called a "good faith deposit". The 3% represents the amount of money a buyer can lose if they default on the contract. The 3% deposit monies sit in an escrow account until the close of escrow or the transaction is complete.

In what instances would I be in default? Built into the contract are contingencies. The contingencies allow for the buyer to…

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There is something alluring about buying a brand spankin new home! No wear and tear, no lingering "energy", absolutely no trace of others what-so-ever. On a smaller scale but a similar scenario is buying a car. Even though I know it doesn't make financial sense, I like to buy new cars. I like that new car smell and prefer not to take on someone else's problems and possible negligence. You just never know what you are going to get.

Did the previous owners keep up with the maintenance? When will I have to replace the roof? Should I update the bathroom? With every resale home you take on at least one and sometimes many projects.

Even though no property is perfect, even new construction will…

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First Time Home Buyer Questions: Part 1

Anyone who maintains a blog or has ever written an article for a blog eventually faces the question - What should I write about?

The best piece of advice I received from the countless webinars I attended on blogging was - Write about the subjects you talk about, email about and discuss every day with your clients and friends. As Realtors, we entertain questions about the market, the process, the community and even our jobs every day. It's awesome and one of my favorite parts of being a Realtor - sharing information.

If you have questions, especially the ones you aren't asking because you think they are stupid - you are not alone (and your questions are not stupid). The Real…

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I recently answered a forum question about moving to San Francisco, CA vs. Marin, CA and what would be best for this family. What I know is the dad is in sales, based out of Petaluma with a territory that heads south toward San Francisco.  What I garnered from his posted question was they wanted the urban life of San Francisco, "think tattoos, Buffalo exchange and single pour coffeehouses" his words, "with the ease of family friendly walkable neighborhoods and excellent public schools".

Does this place exist in San Francisco or Marin? If it does, I want to be the mayor. When I think tattoos and single pour coffeehouses, my mind goes straight to Sacramento. Not an option for them.

After a…

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