All Blog Entries by Janis Peterson 
There are currently 25 blog entries published by Janis Peterson.
Mother's Day at Cavallo Point in Sausalito
By: Janis Peterson Friday, May 11th, 2012 at 5:32pm. 130 Views, 0 Comments.
I went to Cavallo Point in Sausalito today to buy a gift certificate for a neighbor who had kindly referred a client to me. It was a gorgeous day and breathtakingly beautiful. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge off the first exit into Sausalito, Cavallo Point Lodge exudes rustic elegance in a world class setting. The original buildings at Ft. Baker have been beautifully restored and turned into a lodge, spa, conference center and restaurant.
After purchasing the gift certificate, I wandered into the gift store, the Mercantile, and on the counter found a postcard promoting local artisans selling their handcrafted items this Saturday, for Mother's Day. Featured artisans include Sarah Suloff Jewelry, Bean Up the…
Coming Soon - 105 Picnic Ave. in San Rafael
By: Janis Peterson Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 9:15pm. 127 Views, 0 Comments.
Built in 1921 by the late owner's father, this 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home oozes vintage charm from the glass door knobs, to the beautiful wainscoting and molding to the high ceilings, hardwood floors and big front porch. Although the house has been updated over the years, the vintage charm remains and the pride of ownership is evident.
There are big picture windows throughout, all dual paned. The living room has a wood burning fireplace and is adjacent to the dining room. The dining room opens to a sun room through French doors with morning sun streaming in and views of the garden and Picnic Valley. The good size eat-in kitchen is cheerful with lots of light and windows with a sliding glass door that opens to a deck…
Preventing Costly Termite Problems for Marin Homeowners
By: Janis Peterson Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 at 8:45pm. 116 Views, 0 Comments.
I had a termite inspection at my house today which made me think this is a timely topic for new and seasoned homeowners. April kicks off termite season when these winged critters emerge from existing and thriving termite colonies to fly off and establish new ones. Just because you had a termite inspection when you purchased your home, doesn't mean you never need another one.
When we bought our home 17 years ago, I was oblivious to termites and the damage they can cause until I saw them chomping through the hardwood floors in the living room. That got my attention! I was happily going along thinking they were dining on my neighbor's house, not mine. After that, I got religion. Now, every 2-3 years I have a pest inspection…
Marin Open Studios Kick Off Event - Saturday, April 28th, 5-8 p.m.
By: Janis Peterson Thursday, April 26th, 2012 at 9:50pm. 202 Views, 0 Comments.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Marin Open Studios is a community-wide event that celebrates over 260 artists who open their studios to the public for two weekends. The kick off for Open Studios starts Saturday with wine and nibbles from 5-8 p.m. at the Town Center in Corte Madera. You'll meet the artists, get to enjoy one of their works of art that will be on display and pick up an Artist Guide to plan your own Open Studio art tour.
Artist, Davis Perkins, who resides in San Rafael's West End Neighborhood, was featured recently in a Marin IJ article as a precursor to the Open Studio event. Davis lives up the hill from me and is a fantastic landscape artist and a great neighbor. As a plein-air artist, he…
Just Sold: 820 Mission Ave., #12, San Rafael, CA 94901
By: Janis Peterson Thursday, April 19th, 2012 at 10:48am. 161 Views, 0 Comments.
I'm pleased to announce the sale of the penthouse condo at 820 Mission in San Rafael. My client, the buyer of this extraordinary 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in the heart of downtown San Rafael, is minutes from the restaurants, night life, shopping, Movie Theater and central transportation hub. It is located in a building that requires an access code, has a secure parking garage and elevator to the penthouse, pool, sauna and large clubhouse. Best of all, there are no attached walls so my client can enjoy his Baby Grand Piano. It's the ideal home for Eric and a beautiful condo for the buyer who wants to be close to the action and an urban lifestyle. It sold for $415,000.
If you're looking for a single family home or a condo, let me put my…
Moviemaker George Lucas Transforms San Anselmo's Miracle Mile and Amazing Grace Music store
By: Janis Peterson Saturday, March 24th, 2012 at 10:47pm. 448 Views, 0 Comments.
Thank you George Lucas for your community spirit and generosity!
For everyone who travels the Miracle Mile every day, you can't help but admire the handsome stone building across from United Market, now home to Amazing Grace Music. George Lucas, who lives nearby, rescued Amazing Grace from their dilapidated 1936 building, purchased the property, and set in motion a major renovation of the median that separates east and west traffic on the Miracle Mile. Not only did he build a new home for Amazing Grace Music, he moved it further down on the median and completely landscaped the area using a local landscape architect, Blasen Landscape Design.
The Miracle Mile is a main thoroughfare for the residents of San Rafael, San Anselmo,…
210 Spring Grove in San Rafael 5 Beds & 3 Baths - Open Sunday, March 25th from 2:00-4:00
By: Janis Peterson Friday, March 23rd, 2012 at 3:24pm. 235 Views, 0 Comments.
Located near open space trails with no through traffic, this contemporary and spacious 5 bedroom/3 Full-Bath home features a 3-car garage and endless storage space. It also offers privacy yet easy access to downtown San Rafael and San Anselmo. A formal dining room adjacent to the living room has a wood burning fireplace and can accommodate large gatherings. Adjoining the kitchen is a family room with a beautifully updated entertainment center and gas fireplace that creates a warm and inviting place to watch TV, listen to music or launch an outdoor party.
The Master Bedroom is separate and private on the upper level and features two large walk-in closets and a balcony with sliding glass doors that open to a beautifully landscaped…
Affordable Solar House Designed by Marin Architects' Rushton-Chartock
By: Janis Peterson Monday, March 12th, 2012 at 7:54pm. 169 Views, 0 Comments.
A recent Marin IJ story, "Living Small" spotlighted a very cool prototype for a 2nd unit that is state of the art and energy efficient. It utilizes photovoltaic panels, on-demand water heater, state mandated insulation, energy efficient appliances and takes advantage of passive heating in winter months. Many communities are making it "somewhat" easier to add a second unit as a way to meet affordable housing goals. Think of all the possibilities from an in-law unit for parents, a separate home office, housing for an au-pair or for that 21 year old++ who has moved back home! Best of all, the design can be expanded to a 3 bedroom/2 bath, 1,031 sq. ft. single family home. The estimated cost is $237,000.
This design opens up so…
Just Sold! 937 Patricia Way, San Rafael
By: Janis Peterson Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at 11:36am. 151 Views, 0 Comments.
Located on one of the best streets in Terra Linda, 937 Patricia Way has some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding hills with open space trailheads at each end of the street. It is also located in the highly desirable Dixie School District. It was a pleasure to represent first time home buyers, Kerry & Megan and to find a home that not only exceeded their expectations but fit their budget. 937 Patricia Way is a 5 bedroom, 2 bath home that has been beautifully maintained over the years. It exudes a feeling of warmth and coziness yet spacious and open with room to grow.
My clients got a great value at $650,000 or $317 per sq. ft. for a beautifully maintained 5 bedroom home. The key to their success was being…
San Rafael's West End Neighborhood Beautification Project Goes Wild
By: Janis Peterson Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 at 3:30pm. 158 Views, 0 Comments.
It's a Poppy Palooza on the West End Street in San Rafael. West End Street is travelled every day by West End neighbors as they merge onto 2nd Street headed to downtown or 101 and where the Ali Akabar College of Music is located. This is also a favorite route for bike riders.
Several years ago, the median was overgrown with weeds and a real eyesore in the neighborhood. As part of our mission, the West End Neighborhood Association voted to take this on as a beautification project and enlisted neighbors and local merchants. We collected cardboard boxes from Martin & Harris Appliance for sheet mulching the area to smother the weeds. Bartlett Tree Service delivered wood chips for mulching. A neighbor built flower boxes and…