All Blog Entries by Jonathan Jacobs

I just helped my client purchase a nice 3-unit property in San Rafael. Homes rarely come onto the market in this location where you can walk to town. Not only does it provide an investment that covers some of the cost, but it provides an easy commute to work, as well as plenty of sunny days to enjoy throughout the year.

Set in the lower hills of desirable Sun Valley neighborhood just off of Forbes Avenue, this mid-century modern triplex has a rare side-by-side orientation that offers privacy. Each unit has been well-maintained and has two bedrooms and one bathroom, a fireplace, a laundry area, a garage, as well as plenty of storage. You can also enjoy outdoor-living from the deck that each unit offers, with the principal unit…

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October is often seen as the beginning of the slow period in real estate. Not so in Marin County. Single-family home sales were up in October 2011. There were 157 homes sold this year as compared to 152 in October of 2010 according to the Marin IJ. Prices of Marin single-family homes were also up October 2011 versus October 2010. The median price for single-family homes sold during this period rose from $740,000 to $749,000.

Condo sales also increased in October from 39 sold last year to 49 closed in 2011, which is a 25.6% increase. However, the median price for condos sold in October 2011 fell from $350,000 to $325,000 or a 7.14% decrease. This can be attributed to the number of distressed condos in Marin County.…

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The old Niven Nursery property in Larkspur, also referred to as the Rose Garden site, has been sold to a new developer.  The 16.8 acre property is located in a prime location near downtown Larkspur. It sits between Doherty Drive and Ward Street, next to Hall Middle School, Redwood High School. It was an agricultural site when the Niven family acquired it in 1937. They turned it into a wholesale nursery that sold roses and orchids. About 14 years ago the family began the long process of getting the property rezoned, after indicating that they couldn't run the nursery as a viable business any more.

The purchase included the rights to the plans that were previously approved. The previous developer spent around $5 million doing…

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I was able to negotiate a sizeable reduction in price on a Marin REO, with multiple offers, for my clients. As a result, they were able to purchase their Sausalito dream home.

Located in a desirable neighborhood, this 3 bedroom/2 bathroom Sausalito home exudes the California lifestyle. An open floor plan, with large living room, boasts unobstructed bay views from a wall of windows. Dramatic vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, built-in bookcases, window bench and gas fireplace finish off the heart of the house. The kitchen opens to the dining room with a bar for seating, granite tile counters, and gas range. The house also features wrap-around decks, separate office, two jetted tubs and central vacuum.

The property is located within…

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Students of Marin County Schools scored well in the recent results released regarding the annual Standardized Testing and Reporting exams (STAR). In fact, they outperformed state averages by a significant margin. The tests measure second through seventh grade students' proficiency in math and English.  

According to the Marin IJ, 73.4% of Marin students were proficient in English, whereas 54% of all California students in those grades were proficient in English. Marin Students also averaged better in math than the state, coming in at 66.1% compared to 50%. "The significant and sustained improvements we've seen for nine consecutive years prove how hard teachers, school employees, administrators and parents are working to…

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Residents of Corte Madera and Larkspur alike are looking to add Corte Madera to the name of the school district that it shares with Larkspur as a two-school district. Neil Cummins Elementary School is in Corte Madera and Hall Middle School is in Larkspur. The new (old) name would be the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District.

Corte Madera is currently home to 814 of the students in the district as opposed to 469 students living in Larkspur, according to the Marin IJ. The district is also hoping to add a third school in Corte Madera. However, it would require some building expansion to the existing site, as well as retrofitting. The district's superintendent recently approached the Corte Madera Community Foundation to discuss a…

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I assisted my clients from Corte Madera to attain their goal of taking money off the table as original owners, while being able to stay in their house, by negotiating a deal to simultaneously sell their Corte Madera house and implement a lease.

From the moment you drive down the enchanted road to Madera Del Presidio, you know you're entering a special neighborhood. Built for functionality, this large 4 bedroom /3.5 bathroom contemporary home features an open floor plan and high ceilings. With plenty of room to spread out, it's a perfect house for entertaining. It's a light and bright home, with a dramatic vaulted ceiling in the living room and stately fireplace. You can enjoy meals in the formal dining room or the eat-in chef's kitchen…

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I'm so excited for my client, Pat Kuleto. I just sold his home he calls Lilypad, located at 2350 Marinship Way #3, Sausalito. While I was able to generate unparalleled media and online coverage, it was a challenging property to sell because it required an all cash buyer, who was willing to take on some deferred maintenance and a month-to-month berth lease. Ultimately, it sold for $10,000 above the appraised value for $320,000, making for another happy client.

This three-level, 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom home designed by Pat, incorporates his legendary charm, and has views of Angel Island, Sausalito Harbor and hills, Mt. Tamalpais and San Francisco Bay. Property features include Koa wood wainscoting and finishes throughout,…

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Buying an investment property in Marin can make sense with the decline in home prices and the rise in rents. Prices are down to 2003 levels in some cases, reducing the downside risk of where home values will go from here. The number of folks who have to sell their homes who want to rent is going up, creating more demand for rentals. Another factor is the public school system in Marin County. Families who can no longer afford private schools or weren't able to get into private schools look to Marin public schools as a good alternative, given the quality of the schools (often distinguished), and high API scores.

Prandi Properties, a local rental agency, provided the following sampling of Marin properties they rented in February…

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Before it hits the market, I want to let my friends and clients know about my listing in the highly desirable Madera del Presidio neighborhood of Corte Madera, where properties don't come up for sale very often. Built for functionality, this large 4 bedroom /3.5 bathroom contemporary home features an open floor plan and high ceilings. With plenty of room to spread out, it's a perfect house for entertaining.

Enter this light and bright home, and you'll immediately appreciate the living room with a dramatic vaulted ceiling and stately fireplace. Enjoy meals in the formal dining room or the eat-in chef's kitchen with a breakfast nook. The kitchen opens to the family room as well as a level backyard, creating a wonderful central place for family and friends…

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