I am always on the look-out for tools and tips for my Marin Real Estate clients and recently one of my service providers: Sean Morris from Moving Mountain Logistics let me know he's partnered with a green moving solution to stop using and throwing away all of those moving boxes.
So, if you are considering a move to Marin County or are just moving locally and buying and selling Marin County Real Estate and are looking for a mover, please be sure to contact Sean from Moving Mounting Logistics!
Moving is not only rated as one of the most stressful and complicated things, but its also one of the most wasteful. The average residential move uses 150 pounds of cardboard to pack all the belongings in the home. Using 150 pounds of cardboard requires one tree, 400 gallons of water, 5 gallons of oil, and 2,500 kilowatts of energy to be manufactured. Even if people reuse cardboard boxes, they have a maximum of 2 additional uses before they become too weak to be used in another move. With 46 million people moving annually in the US and the average person moving 16 times in their lifetime, we are creating a lot of waste that ultimately goes to the landfill and pollutes our planet.
There is now a green solution to pack and move without the waste. ZippGo, a San Francisco Bay Area based company, has created a reusable moving box made from 100% recycled plastic to eliminate the need for the conventional cardboard moving box used by millions. ZippGo rents these boxes for a prices less than the total cost of buying cardboard boxes and they deliver them right to your home a week before your move and then pick them up from your new home a week after you've moved in.
The deliveries are made using trucks powered by renewable biodiesel made from waste vegetable oil which is great for the environment and keeps emissions low. Each ZippGo Reusable Moving Box can be used hundred of times saving hundred of cardboard board boxes over its lifetime and preventing hundreds of pounds of waste cardboard from entering the landfill. ZippGo was created by local entrepreneur Ash Sud when he realized how much waste was being created with cardboard boxes while moving homes within San Francisco.
In order to offer clients a total green move, ZippGo has partnered with Moving Mountain Logistics, the first certified green moving company in Marin. Moving Mountain Logistics owner Sean Morris has been successfully helping people move for the last 7 years. Like Ash, Sean also saw all the waste created during the moving process, and committed himself to reducing and reusing whenever possible to preserve the Earth for future generations.Together, ZippGo and Moving Mountain Logistics provide a total green moving solution for people who want to move waste free while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
SPECIAL SAVINGS: Moving mountain logistics will even provide a 50% discount off their packing services rate if customers use ZippGo for their moving boxes.
ZippGo: www.ZippGo.com / 800-723-7017
Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc.: www.TheEasyMove.com / 415-382-8826
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Monday, October 19, 2009
Marin County Property Taxes
County of Marin Tax Reassessment
OK, this really irked me. I just received the following letter in the mail from an official looking Law Firm, I'll copy the letter at the bottom of this post. People are soliciting to help Marin Homeowners have their property tax value reassessed and will charge 40% of the amount saved!!!
This is horrible. I especially feel for elder homeowners who will fall for this horrible scheme.
Attention All Marin Homeowners: do you know that there is NO COST or FEE to have Marin County reassess your property value on which it bases your property taxes?
YES, property values have gone down and it is likely that you can have your property taxes reduced, especially if your purchased your Marin Real Estate near the height of the market (2005). You may have even received a letter from the County with a reassessment, BUT it may still be possible to have your homes value assessed even lower.
All it will take will be a few minutes to fill out the County of Marin Tax Assessors Request for review of Assessment Form
All you need is 3 home comps from homes that sold no later than March 31, 2009. I would be more than happy to pull comps for you (at no charge) so you can fill out your own form.
Here is the information you will need for the form:
1. Owners Name
2. Property address
3. Property type
4. Current assessed value
5. Homeowners opinion of current value
6. Comparables (comps) of 3 properties which support the lower valuation (email me for help with this, I'm happy to help you find 3 Marin Home Sale comps
According to the tax form, you must have this form post-marked by December 31, 2009.
Here is the link to the form on the Marin County Website so you can do this yourself for FREE:
County of Marin Tax Reassessment Request
COPY OF LETTER I RECEIVED
"Colligan & Associates
1592 Union Street, Ste 488,
SF, CA 94124
Dear Liz:
My preliminary research has uncovered a possible over-assessment by the County on the above-referenced property. I appeal tax assessments for property owners on a success-only fee. My fe is Forty (40%) percent of any savings for the coming year....
Many California property owners believe that their assessments are set by Prop 13 (true) and can't be appealed (untrue). I have successfully appealed thousands of assessments since 1987. Enclosed is my contract for you to sign if you want me to appeal your assessment. Sign it, return it in the enclosed envelope. Unless I win you a tax reduction, there is no fee of any kind.
Sincerely, Terrance M Colligan"
40%!!! My goodness. This could be hundreds or thousands of dollars that the Marin homeowners should keep, not some crafty attorney!!
Please everyone. Forward a link to this post to Marin Homeowners who might possibly get taken advantage of!
OK, this really irked me. I just received the following letter in the mail from an official looking Law Firm, I'll copy the letter at the bottom of this post. People are soliciting to help Marin Homeowners have their property tax value reassessed and will charge 40% of the amount saved!!!
This is horrible. I especially feel for elder homeowners who will fall for this horrible scheme.
Attention All Marin Homeowners: do you know that there is NO COST or FEE to have Marin County reassess your property value on which it bases your property taxes?
YES, property values have gone down and it is likely that you can have your property taxes reduced, especially if your purchased your Marin Real Estate near the height of the market (2005). You may have even received a letter from the County with a reassessment, BUT it may still be possible to have your homes value assessed even lower.
All it will take will be a few minutes to fill out the County of Marin Tax Assessors Request for review of Assessment Form
All you need is 3 home comps from homes that sold no later than March 31, 2009. I would be more than happy to pull comps for you (at no charge) so you can fill out your own form.
Here is the information you will need for the form:
1. Owners Name
2. Property address
3. Property type
4. Current assessed value
5. Homeowners opinion of current value
6. Comparables (comps) of 3 properties which support the lower valuation (email me for help with this, I'm happy to help you find 3 Marin Home Sale comps
According to the tax form, you must have this form post-marked by December 31, 2009.
Here is the link to the form on the Marin County Website so you can do this yourself for FREE:
County of Marin Tax Reassessment Request
COPY OF LETTER I RECEIVED
"Colligan & Associates
1592 Union Street, Ste 488,
SF, CA 94124
Dear Liz:
My preliminary research has uncovered a possible over-assessment by the County on the above-referenced property. I appeal tax assessments for property owners on a success-only fee. My fe is Forty (40%) percent of any savings for the coming year....
Many California property owners believe that their assessments are set by Prop 13 (true) and can't be appealed (untrue). I have successfully appealed thousands of assessments since 1987. Enclosed is my contract for you to sign if you want me to appeal your assessment. Sign it, return it in the enclosed envelope. Unless I win you a tax reduction, there is no fee of any kind.
Sincerely, Terrance M Colligan"
40%!!! My goodness. This could be hundreds or thousands of dollars that the Marin homeowners should keep, not some crafty attorney!!
Please everyone. Forward a link to this post to Marin Homeowners who might possibly get taken advantage of!
How is the Marin Real Estate Market Doing?
View the HTML Version of the October 2009 Marin Real Estate Report.
The Marin County, Single Family Home Real Estate Report this week looked at 1100 homes on the market. The median price was $1,264,493. These homes have been on the market for an average of 100 days. As far as the condos report this week, there were 287 condos on the market. The median price this week is $447,808. These condos have been on the market for an average of 140 days.
September 2009 Closed Sales Single Family Residences | |||
|
| Days on Market | List Price | Selling Price |
| Average | 107 | $1,108,397 | $1,067,263 |
| Median | 71 | $825,000 | $815,000 |
| September 2009 Closed Sales Condos | |||
|
| Days on Market | List Price | Selling Price |
| Average | 107 | $399,079 | $385,051 |
| Median | 94 | $385,000 | $389,500 |
If you would like to see how many current homes are listed in each town/zip code in Marin, what the median price is, square foot is, how many have just been listed and the average days on the market, please click on the following 2 reports:
Single Family Homes Report for Marin week of 10/11/09
Condo Report for Marin, week of 10/11/09
Below you will find a break down by city and price range of how many homes are in contract compared to how many homes are listed.
Analysis by Price Range: For the first time in almost two years years, the overall Marin is in a “Balanced Market” category, but this is a bit misleading. Even stronger than last month’s “Strong Sellers” the very low end of the market (homes priced under $500,000) is actually in a “Extreme Sellers” market, and like last month homes priced from $500,000 - $749,000 are in a Sellers Market which tips the overall averages. Homes priced from $750,000 - $1,490,000 have heated up a bit to a “Buyers Market”. Homes priced from $1.5M - $4M are in a “Strong Buyers” market.
Analysis by City: In the low-end market in Novato and some parts of San Rafael multiple offers have been the norm. (as can be seen by the fact that Novato is now considered to be in a “Strong Sellers” category). Keep in mind that these multiple offers and the sellers market is in the low end, where there have been numerous foreclosures and short sales. It’s very interesting to note that this month Corte Madera has really heated up to a Strong Sellers Market, as 50% of all available homes are currently under contract. ,Tiburon seems to be in the worst shape of all the cities, as only 8% of all available homes for sale are in contract, making it an “Extreme Buyers Market.” The Middle to high end of the Marin market is s still challenged, as there is a lot of inventory and it’s harder to get Jumbo loans.
If you are looking to sell your home, know that it MUST be well-priced and show in pristine condition! That’s where a good Sellers agent comes in, you need advice to help you get the house ready as well as stage/prepare it for showing. Let me know if I can help you devise a strategy to sell your home. My last 3 listing have all gone into contract the first week after I listed them! Yes, in this market! It is possible to sell your home!
It is interesting to note that number of expired listings have increased. Home sellers who are not seeing offers or who are seeing offers below expectations are taking their homes off the market.
| MARIN HOME (CONDO + SFR) SALES STATISTICS - BY CITY AS OF 10/14/09 | |||||
|
City |
Total |
Active | Number in Contract*** | Percent in Contract* | Type of Market* (See Key) |
| Belvedere | 42 | 37 | 5 | 12% | Strong Buyers |
| Corte Madera | 42 | 21 | 21 | 50% | Strong Sellers |
| Fairfax | 51 | 32 | 19 | 37% | Sellers |
| Greenbrae | 49 | 38 | 11 | 22% | Buyers |
| Kentfield | 42 | 31 | 11 | 26% | Buyers |
| Larkspur | 39 | 32 | 7 | 18% | Strong Buyers |
| Mill Valley | 182 | 141 | 41 | 23% | Buyers |
| Novato | 330 | 152 | 178 | 54% | Strong Sellers |
| Ross | 31 | 26 | 5 | 16% | Strong Buyers |
| San Anselmo | 102 | 70 | 32 | 31% | Balanced |
| San Rafael | 336 | 219 | 117 | 35% | Balanced |
| Sausalito | 80 | 61 | 19 | 24% | Buyers |
| Tiburon | 68 | 90 | 8 | 8% | Extreme Buyers |
| Others | 105 | 88 | 17 | 16% | Strong Buyers |
| Total Marin 10/14/09 | 1529 | 1038 | 491 | 32.11% | Balanced |
| Total Marin 8/19/09 | 1533 | 1070 | 463 | 30.2% | Buyers |
| Total Marin 7/23/09 | 1533 | 1097 | 436 | 28.44% | Buyers |
| MARIN HOME SALES STATISTICS - BY PRICE RANGE AS OF 10/14/09 | |||||
|
Price |
Total |
Active | Number in Contract*** | Percent in Contract* | Type of Market* (See Key) |
| $100,000-$499,999 | 303 | 130 | 173 | 57% | Extreme Sellers |
| $500,000-$749,999 | 360 | 199 | 161 | 45% | Sellers |
| $750,000-$999,999 | 281 | 215 | 66 | 23% | Buyers |
| $1,000,000-$1,499,999 | 234 | 185 | 49 | 21% | Buyers |
| $1,500,000-$1,999,999 | 118 | 104 | 14 | 12% | Strong Buyers |
| $2,000,000-$2,499,999 | 71 | 61 | 10 | 14% | Strong Buyers |
| $2,500,000-$2,999,999 | 52 | 44 | 8 | 15% | Strong Buyers |
| $3,000,000-$3,999,999 | 43 | 38 | 5 | 12% | Strong Buyers |
| Over $4,000,000 | 66 | 62 | 4 | 6% | Extreme Buyers |
| Total | 1528 | 1038 | 490 | 32% | Balanced |
| *Key to market type: | |
| 0% - 10% of Homes in Escrow: Extreme Buyers | 36% - 45% of Homes in Escrow: Sellers |
| 11% - 20% of Homes in Escrow: Strong Buyers | 46% - 55% of Homes in Escrow: Strong Sellers |
| 21% - 30% of Homes in Escrow: Buyers | 56% - 100% of Homes in Escrow: Extreme Sellers |
| 31% - 35% of Homes in Escrow: Balanced Market | |
**Based on information from Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. (BAREIS). Information has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change and is based on one period of time.”
***Includes all: Sale Pending & Contingent properties
The Marin real estate market is very hard to generalize. It is a market made up of many micro markets. For complete information on a particular neighborhood or for an evaluation of your home's worth, call me. If I can help you devise a strategy, call or click the buying or selling link in the menu to the top.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive this monthly newsletter or is thinking of either buying or selling a home please let me know. I’d love your referrals!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mill Valley Average Home Prices
The median single family home price in MILL VALLEY this week is $1,285,000. The 145 homes have been on the market for an average of 130 days.
This week saw relatively little price change from last week. However, prices continue demonstrate a nice up trend in general over the last several weeks.
This week saw relatively little price change from last week. However, prices continue demonstrate a nice up trend in general over the last several weeks.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Marin Towns struggle to meet housing madates
"Towns across Marin are having trouble meeting housing requirements that have been mandated by the state government and determined by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). In Marin, only Belvedere met the June 30 deadline for submitting housing element plans.....
"The reason that it's difficult in Marin is there's a shortage of land available for development," said Peter Ramsey, a member of the Fairfax Planning Commission who also works for the Marin Housing Authority.
Much of Marin County has been set aside as permanent open space where no houses can be built, and in areas where development is encouraged there is often little space left for more housing units."
Read the full article from MarinScope:
Marin low Foreclosure rate compared to state
"San Francisco logged 70 foreclosure sales in the month of June, the fewest number of sales per population of any county in California, but still a 19 percent jump over May, according to a report released today by ForeclosureRadar.
Overall San Francisco saw one foreclosure per 11,779 residents. Two other Bay Area counties posted numbers that landed them in the top five of least foreclosure sales per population: Marin County had 50 foreclosure sales, or one per 6,037 residents; and San Mateo saw 151 foreclosures, one per 4,897 residents. In the bay Area, Contra Costa suffered the highest foreclosure numbers...."
Full article From San Francisco Business Times
Overall San Francisco saw one foreclosure per 11,779 residents. Two other Bay Area counties posted numbers that landed them in the top five of least foreclosure sales per population: Marin County had 50 foreclosure sales, or one per 6,037 residents; and San Mateo saw 151 foreclosures, one per 4,897 residents. In the bay Area, Contra Costa suffered the highest foreclosure numbers...."
Full article From San Francisco Business Times
Friday, July 10, 2009
Smith and Hawkins goes out of business
So long Smith & Hawken, it was nice while it lasted: The Smith & Hawken website says it all- "Thank you for 30 wonderful years in the garden."
For those of us who knew S&H back when it was that neat little store in Mill Valley with the wonderful gardening tools, Wednesday was a sad day.
Read more:
For those of us who knew S&H back when it was that neat little store in Mill Valley with the wonderful gardening tools, Wednesday was a sad day.
Read more:
Tiburon Spy on it's residents?
Just came across this article:
The posh and picturesque town that juts into San Francisco Bay is poised to do something unprecedented: use cameras to record the license plate number of every vehicle that crosses city limits....
Situated on a peninsula, Tiburon's hillside homes and waterfront shops are accessible by only two roads, allowing police to point the special cameras known as license plate readers at every lane that leads into and out of the town of 8,800.
Here is the link to the article: Tiburon spy on license plates
The posh and picturesque town that juts into San Francisco Bay is poised to do something unprecedented: use cameras to record the license plate number of every vehicle that crosses city limits....
Situated on a peninsula, Tiburon's hillside homes and waterfront shops are accessible by only two roads, allowing police to point the special cameras known as license plate readers at every lane that leads into and out of the town of 8,800.
Here is the link to the article: Tiburon spy on license plates
What do you think?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Horrible news!!
My client's Floating Home burnt down last night!!!
After I heard the news I called Jim (my client) and he said he was going to call me to tell me "that he wanted to drop the listing price." But I had already heard the news.
My heart goes out to him. His home was crafted entirely by him, it was some of the most beautiful wood work you could imagine.
From the Marin IJ:
"Firefighters with the help of two fire boats were able to contain an explosive two-alarm blaze Thursday afternoon that gutted one houseboat and nearly destroyed another on the Sausalito waterfront.
Watch video of fire
There are more pictures of his home on my listing website:
www.48LibertyDock.com
There is going to be a benefit for Jim, my client. As soon as I know more, I'll post it here!
After I heard the news I called Jim (my client) and he said he was going to call me to tell me "that he wanted to drop the listing price." But I had already heard the news.
My heart goes out to him. His home was crafted entirely by him, it was some of the most beautiful wood work you could imagine.
From the Marin IJ:
"Firefighters with the help of two fire boats were able to contain an explosive two-alarm blaze Thursday afternoon that gutted one houseboat and nearly destroyed another on the Sausalito waterfront.
Fire crews who arrived near the end of Liberty Dock at Waldo Point Harbor at about noon found a big column of smoke rising from a two-story houseboat at 49 Liberty Dock that was fully engulfed in flames. Fire then shot over to the neighboring houseboat at 48 Liberty Dock....
News story Link w/pictures of fireWatch video of fire
There are more pictures of his home on my listing website:
www.48LibertyDock.com
There is going to be a benefit for Jim, my client. As soon as I know more, I'll post it here!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
June Marin Real Estate News
To see the entire newsletter for June on my website:
Below you will find a break down by city and price range of how many homes are in contract compared to how many homes are listed. Overall Marin is in a “Buyers Market” category, but this is a bit misleading. The very low end of the market (homes priced under $500,000) is actually in a “Strong Sellers” market, which tips the overall averages. The high end of the market (over $2,000,000) is in an Extreme Buyers market. I think if you took out the low end of the market (condo sales) the market would be in an overall “Strong Buyers” market.
In Novato multiple offers have been the norm. (as can be seen by the fact that Novato is now considered to be in a “Strong Sellers” category).
Keep in mind that these multiple offers and the sellers market is in the low end, where there have been numerous foreclosures and short sales. The Middle to high end of the Marin market is s still challenged, as there is a lot of inventory and it’s harder to get Jumbo loans. This is especially the case for homes priced over $2,000,000.
I’ve heard of some distressed sellers taking offers for as much as $500,000 off the asking price. Every sellers’ situation is different, so It’s important that your buyers agent investigate the reasons as to why the seller is selling. If I can help you devise a strategy, feel free to contact me: Liz@BayAreaREalEstateSales.com
For readers of my newsletter, I recently listed a property downtown Mill Valley. http://www.208cortemadera.com/ This home has never before been on the market. Within the first week of listing it, I received 3 offers on the house. I was very surprised to find that all 3 of the offers came in UNDER list price. We ended up countering the buyers and closed on the house just this week (a very quick escrow) for list price: $899,000. During the entire time I was in escrow I continued to receive multiple calls a week for showings and to find out how the escrow was going. This shows to me that for the right property (this was a great fixer within 2 blocks of downtown) that there is strong interest out there for homes priced under $1M.
Foreclosure activity, in the article/chart below: you’ll see that the number of Pre-foreclosures, Auction and Bank-owned property was about the same as in May overall. The number in pre-foreclosure did decrease. If you’d like to see the bank owned homes on a map, you can do a search here: Search the Map Based REO (Bank Owned) Homes in Marin Click Here
LIZ HAS BIG NEWS!!!
I’ve always felt that working for a locally owned Boutique brokerage was a benefit to my clients. In order to serve my clients even better, I have exciting news to announce! Vision Real Estate has merged with McGuire Real Estate.
This is from the recent press release: "This merger provides new opportunities for McGuire and its clients. With the addition of the Vision team, we are able to extend our presence in Southern Marin County. We waited for the right opportunity to partner with a technologically-savvy marketplace leader such as Vision," said Charles Moore, CEO of McGuire Real Estate.
This is from the recent press release: "This merger provides new opportunities for McGuire and its clients. With the addition of the Vision team, we are able to extend our presence in Southern Marin County. We waited for the right opportunity to partner with a technologically-savvy marketplace leader such as Vision," said Charles Moore, CEO of McGuire Real Estate.
LIZ McCARTHY LISTINGS
208 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley:
Mid-Century Classic just a few blocks from downtown Mill Valley. This 1950's home has never before been on the market. Update it to current mid-century modern standards or build your dream home nestled in the redwoods just around the corner from town with it's many parks, schools and quaint shops. This home has been well-loved for many years by its owners. The gardens all around the house feature many varieties of plants and flowers and are all on drip-irrigation.
This won’t last long!
Price: $899,000
SOLD $899,000 in 41 days with 3 offers!
This won’t last long!
Price: $899,000
SOLD $899,000 in 41 days with 3 offers!
27 Rutherford San Anselmo
This is what you have been waiting for - Fall in love with this sunny and bright 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom charming San Anselmo home. You'll find 1930's period details, an updated kitchen with marble counters and high-end stainless-steel appliances, hardwood floors and decorator colors. It is just up the street from one of San Anselmo's award wining elementary schools. It has a sunny deck for entertaining, a flat, grassy yard and a private drive with a locking gate. Ample storage and parking for more info and pictures. This won’t last long!!! This property is currently contingent, but we are awaiting bank approval for the short sale.
Don’t forget about Liz’s 3 other listings:
22755 S Central Ave, Sonoma
Wonderful horse/vineyard property located in convenient East Sonoma with so many amenities you have to see it in person: 5 private acres includes: Breath-taking vineyard views, an organic Chardonnay vineyard (located in prestigious Carneros Vineyard Region), gated property, custom spacious main house with 2 master bedroom suites + additional room/office (no closet), 2.5 bathrooms, granite kitchen and stainless appliances, pool, sauna and landscaped back-yard, detached guest house (1BR/1BA) with private driveway/garage, separate artist/studio/retreat, beautiful barn with 5 horse stalls, tack room, electricity and water, paddocks and turn outs, hay barn with trailer parking the property even has numerous redwood trees for peace and tranquility.
Price reduced again – Make any offer, very motivated Seller!!
Price: $1,199,000 (was originally $1,790,000!)
48 Liberty Dock
Enjoy the Waterfront lifestyle in this almost new Floating Home in Sausalito. Stunning Remodeled home with Amazing attention to detail. Custom wood-work makes this home shine. It features an open floor plan and a full-size kitchen with plenty of beautiful maple cabinets, granite counters, stainless appliances and even a hidden drawer dish-washer. Down the wood stairs are 2 bedrooms and a full-size bathroom. The granite and limestone bathroom features a gigantic soaking tub, and full size shower. The attention to detail and quality throughout this home is hard to match. Peaceful mountain and water views. Come enjoy the lifestyle of living on a Floating home! On a highly coveted dock in a premier deep water location. Only 10 minutes from SF.
WHAT DO LIZ'S CLIENT'S SAY?
"We contacted Liz McCarthy after doing much research on the agencies in the area. We were attracted by the small, boutique nature of her agency as well as the fact that she is e-Pro certified. We were gifted a home through the estate of an alumnus and needed someone who could work efficiently through electronic means. She did a superb job coordinating clean-up, advertising and negotiating in very unusual circumstances.
Liz provided timely advice, support, and communication that kept the selling process going forward. Every phone call was returned and feedback given after every showing. We were in contract within weeks of the listing and her negotiations got us top dollar. We appreciate all she has done for us and would not hesitate to refer her to anyone looking to sell their home in the Mill Valley area."
- The Ohio State University Foundation, Columbus, Ohio (June 2009)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April Marin Real Estate News
Home sales in Marin bounced off the low set in February, rising 44.3%. Year-over-year, home sales were off 14.6%. Year-to-date, home sales are down 21.3%.
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes reversed course again in March, rising 9.9% from February. Year-over-year, the median price is down 21.2%.
The following chart tracks each property sale from March and shows the percentage of the listing price the seller received compared to how many days the property was on the market.
The chart shows that properly priced homes sell quickly and for close to, if not more than, their asking pricing.
Condo sales were up 6.3% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are up 24%. The median price for condos in Marin County fell 7.8% from February, a drop of 48.2% compared to March 2008.
If you have any questions please call me at 415-250-4929 or drop me an email.
The real estate market is very hard to generalize. It is a market made up of many micro markets. For complete information on a particular neighborhood or for an evaluation of your home's worth, call me.
If I can help you devise a strategy, call or click the buyers or sellers link to the top.
The sales price to list price ratio fell 0.6 of a point to 93.3%. The number of days it took to put a home into escrow rose sixteen to 102 days in March
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes reversed course again in March, rising 9.9% from February. Year-over-year, the median price is down 21.2%.
The following chart tracks each property sale from March and shows the percentage of the listing price the seller received compared to how many days the property was on the market.
The chart shows that properly priced homes sell quickly and for close to, if not more than, their asking pricing.Condo sales were up 6.3% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are up 24%. The median price for condos in Marin County fell 7.8% from February, a drop of 48.2% compared to March 2008.
If you have any questions please call me at 415-250-4929 or drop me an email.
The real estate market is very hard to generalize. It is a market made up of many micro markets. For complete information on a particular neighborhood or for an evaluation of your home's worth, call me.
If I can help you devise a strategy, call or click the buyers or sellers link to the top.
The sales price to list price ratio fell 0.6 of a point to 93.3%. The number of days it took to put a home into escrow rose sixteen to 102 days in March
FORECLOSURES/BANK OWNED AND AUCTION PROPERTIES AS OF 4/24/09
I get asked all the time to look for deals, as buyers want to purchase a "Foreclosed Property" or are looking for homes that are 50% of their value (as many parts of the country have had dramatic price reductions). As I've mentioned, in my many newsletters, Marin is made of of many Micro areas where home values have clearly not dropped like they have in other parts of the state/country. Yes, our prices oure down. But if you are looking for a "Foreclosure deal" be prepared that so is everyone else!
Now, let’s get into the detail on these homes and others that are on the MLS. The majority of the bank owned properties are listed on the MLS as the banks hire local real estate agents to sell the properties. In addition to these 266 bank owned there are also approximately 500 additional homes on the MLS being marketed along with these bank owned. These distressed properties will pull down the sales price for any home in the neighborhood.
To see the List of Marin Foreclosures chart click here:
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Amazing Horse Property in Sonoma
This property just had a HUGE price reduction as it's entered into a short sale. What a deal now, 5 acres of land in Sonoma with 2 houses, a pool, almost an acre of Organic Chardonnay vineyards, horse barn with 5 stalls, hay barn, and an additional building for an art studio or other activities.
Original price: $1,795,000
Now: $1,295,000!
Wonderful horse/vineyard property located in convenient East Sonoma with so many amenities you have to see it in person: 5 private acres includes: Breath-taking vineyard views, an organic Chardonnay vineyard (located in prestigious Carneros Vineyard Region), gated property, custom spacious main house with 2 master bedroom suites + additional room/office (no closet), 2.5 bathrooms, granite kitchen and stainless appliances, pool, sauna and landscaped back-yard, detached guest house (1BR/1BA) with private driveway/garage, separate artist/studio/retreat, beautiful barn with 5 horse stalls, tack room, electricity and water, paddocks and turn outs, hay barn with trailer parking the property even has numerous redwood trees for peace and tranquility.
For more info go to:
If you would like to see this Property in person contact:
Liz McCarthy
Marin and Sonoma Real Estate
415-250-4929
2 New Floating Homes
I have 2 fabulous Sausalito Floating Homes that have both just been listed. Are you looking for a once in a life time opportunity to live directly on the San Francisco Bay?
No similarly priced condo could ever match the opportunity of living on the water.
Here are more details:
48 Liberty Dock
Price: $679,000
2 bedrooms
1.5 bathrooms
This Floating home is practically new. It's been remodeled from top to bottom with impeccable attention to detail.
Enjoy the Waterfront lifestyle in this almost new Floating Home in Sausalito. Stunning Remodeled home with Amazing attention to detail. Custom wood-work makes this home shine. It features an open floor plan and a full-size kitchen with plenty of beautiful maple cabinets, granite counters, stainless appliances and even a hidden drawer dish-washer. Down the wood stairs are 2 bedrooms and a full-size bathroom. The granite and limestone bathroom features a gigantic soaking tub, and full size shower. The attention to detail and quality throughout this home is hard to match. Peaceful mountain and water views. Come enjoy the lifestyle of living on a Floating home! On a highly coveted dock in a premier deep water location. Only 10 minutes from SF.
More details and pictures: http://www.48libertydock.com/
47 Liberty DockPrice $549,000
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
More info, video and pictures:
Tranquility, Sunshine, Great Neighbors, Stunning Views & only 10 minutes from San Francisco. One of Sausalito's finest internationally renowned Floating Home communities, this contemporary jewel is bright and sunny with an open floor plan and amazing views of Mt Tam and the Lagoon. On a highly coveted dock in a premier deep water corner berth. Kitchen newly updated with granite counters & new cabinets. Bathroom newly updated with custom vanity, concrete counters, bidet toilet and glass tiles. Brand new Brazilian Cherry wide plank hardwood floors throughout. A special old-fashioned neighborhood where people are happy and say hello. No similarly priced condo can match this enchanted waterfront home. Live the seaside dream.
If this isn't the Floating Home you are looking for, you can view all the listed floating homes for sale here:
Liz McCarthy, Real Estate Broker:
415-250-4929
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
October 2008 Marin Real Estate News
Sales of single-family, re-sale homes rose 36.1% year-over-year. Year-to-date, home sales are down 21.6%.
Prices dropped last month with the median price down 3.6% from August, and it was off 16.3% compared to last September. The average price lost 2.5%, a year-over-year decline of 20.7%.
Condo sales were strong last month, up 145.5% year-over-year. The median price for condos in Marin County fell 16.1% from August, a drop of 49.4% compared to September 2007.
Monthly Statistics
Complete monthly sales statistics for Marin County are below. Monthly graphs are available for each city in the county.
Read the entire newsletter here:
October 2008 Marin Real Estate News
Prices dropped last month with the median price down 3.6% from August, and it was off 16.3% compared to last September. The average price lost 2.5%, a year-over-year decline of 20.7%.
Condo sales were strong last month, up 145.5% year-over-year. The median price for condos in Marin County fell 16.1% from August, a drop of 49.4% compared to September 2007.
Monthly Statistics
Complete monthly sales statistics for Marin County are below. Monthly graphs are available for each city in the county.
Read the entire newsletter here:
October 2008 Marin Real Estate News
Saturday, December 15, 2007
December 2007 Newsletter
I hope this holiday season finds you and your family healthy and happy.
November sales of existing single-family homes in the nine-county region plummeted 39.4 percent, from 5,308 last year to 3,217 this year.
A major reason sales are sluggish despite falling prices in many regions is that it remains difficult to qualify for or afford jumbo loans, still necessary for average home shoppers in the pricey Bay Area. Since summer, when credit rules started getting stricter, fewer lenders are offering financing for more than the $417,000 conforming amount, and those that do are charging more or tightening lending standards. Buyers used jumbo loans for 44.1 percent of home purchases last month, compared with an average of 62 percent for the first seven months of the year, DataQuick said.
In Marin the story is slightly more robust than the majority of the SF Bay area, which is typical of our area which is a bit insulated from the downturn. Single Family Home sales for November in the 13 main cities that we track.
The same story this month as the last where Novato and San Rafael are the hardest hit areas relative to the rest of Marin. Condominiums in Novato have taken a 15-20 percent decline during 2007 and Single family homes about 10=12%. If you do not have to sell because of relocation or financial issues my recommendation is to hold on for the next 6 months.
I have not calculated the average days on market for this summary for one reason and one reason alone. The average days on market (DOM) per the Marin Multiple Listing Service (BAREIS) is NOT calculated correctly. It does not take into account a property that has been on the market with multiple brokers and those that have been removed for 30 days and then relisted. Once this is done it starts the days on market to ZERO. I will be doing an individual report on the actual DOM per community but it is very time intensive as the only way to accurately calculate the number is to look at the property history on each individual property. Since we have 659 single family homes on the market that will take a while. I promise to get you that information for the yearend report.
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes in Marin County was up 7.5% in November compared to last year. The average price was up 10.3%.
Home sales were flat in November at 137 units. Year-over-year, home sales were off 20.8%. Year-to-date, home sales are down 6.9%.
The median price for condos gained 6.0% to $600,000 from October, and it was up 20%, year-over-year. The average price rose 20.7% to $779,309, setting a new record high. Year-over-year, the average price was up 35.2%. Condo sales were up 16.7% from October, but were off 22.2% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are down 19.4%.
To read the entire newsletter go to: December newsletter
November sales of existing single-family homes in the nine-county region plummeted 39.4 percent, from 5,308 last year to 3,217 this year.
A major reason sales are sluggish despite falling prices in many regions is that it remains difficult to qualify for or afford jumbo loans, still necessary for average home shoppers in the pricey Bay Area. Since summer, when credit rules started getting stricter, fewer lenders are offering financing for more than the $417,000 conforming amount, and those that do are charging more or tightening lending standards. Buyers used jumbo loans for 44.1 percent of home purchases last month, compared with an average of 62 percent for the first seven months of the year, DataQuick said.
In Marin the story is slightly more robust than the majority of the SF Bay area, which is typical of our area which is a bit insulated from the downturn. Single Family Home sales for November in the 13 main cities that we track.
The same story this month as the last where Novato and San Rafael are the hardest hit areas relative to the rest of Marin. Condominiums in Novato have taken a 15-20 percent decline during 2007 and Single family homes about 10=12%. If you do not have to sell because of relocation or financial issues my recommendation is to hold on for the next 6 months.
I have not calculated the average days on market for this summary for one reason and one reason alone. The average days on market (DOM) per the Marin Multiple Listing Service (BAREIS) is NOT calculated correctly. It does not take into account a property that has been on the market with multiple brokers and those that have been removed for 30 days and then relisted. Once this is done it starts the days on market to ZERO. I will be doing an individual report on the actual DOM per community but it is very time intensive as the only way to accurately calculate the number is to look at the property history on each individual property. Since we have 659 single family homes on the market that will take a while. I promise to get you that information for the yearend report.
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes in Marin County was up 7.5% in November compared to last year. The average price was up 10.3%.
Home sales were flat in November at 137 units. Year-over-year, home sales were off 20.8%. Year-to-date, home sales are down 6.9%.
The median price for condos gained 6.0% to $600,000 from October, and it was up 20%, year-over-year. The average price rose 20.7% to $779,309, setting a new record high. Year-over-year, the average price was up 35.2%. Condo sales were up 16.7% from October, but were off 22.2% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are down 19.4%.
To read the entire newsletter go to: December newsletter
Thursday, November 15, 2007
November Marin Real Estate News
MARIN HOME SALES STATISTICS
Recent homes sales even though increasing from prior months are still dismal compared to what we have seen in the 5 previous years. There are thirteen towns in the county that we track and all of them are not showing signs of robust home sales. Sales for October in all of the 13 cities and the Total number of homes listed for sale are as follows:
The number of homes on the market in San Rafael and Novato account for 53% of the total homes actively being markets for sale. The activities in these two areas are extremely low with the percent in contract at 24% for San Rafael and 15.6% for Novato. The Novato percent in contract is one of the lowest I have seen in 5 years. This accounts for some of the turmoil in the Novato market.
On a general note in Marin County, the widening of 101 will be complete in 2008, adding four lanes from the Golden Gate Bridge to Novato. Once this is complete it will open up lots of the congestion on the freeway that is being experienced due to the construction. Many buyers might rethink buying in outlying areas such as Novato if the commute is appreciably easier. Only time will tell.
Home sales bounced back in October from a dismal September, due to the panic in the credit markets. Sales of single-family, re-sale homes rose 26.9% from the month before, but were down 32.5% year-over-year. Year-to-date, home sales are down 5.6%.
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes in Marin County rose 0.7% in October, compared to the month before, up 7.7% year-over-year. The average price fell 10.8% from the new record set in September. Year-over-year, the average price was up 14.1%.
The median price for condos lost 10.6% to $565,000, again, after setting a new record the month before, and it was up 3%, year-over-year. The average price fell 8.3% to $645,813, up 10.5% compared to October 2006. Condo sales were up 36.4% from September, and off 38.8% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are down 19.1%.
Read the entire newsletter: November Newsletter
Recent homes sales even though increasing from prior months are still dismal compared to what we have seen in the 5 previous years. There are thirteen towns in the county that we track and all of them are not showing signs of robust home sales. Sales for October in all of the 13 cities and the Total number of homes listed for sale are as follows:
The number of homes on the market in San Rafael and Novato account for 53% of the total homes actively being markets for sale. The activities in these two areas are extremely low with the percent in contract at 24% for San Rafael and 15.6% for Novato. The Novato percent in contract is one of the lowest I have seen in 5 years. This accounts for some of the turmoil in the Novato market.
On a general note in Marin County, the widening of 101 will be complete in 2008, adding four lanes from the Golden Gate Bridge to Novato. Once this is complete it will open up lots of the congestion on the freeway that is being experienced due to the construction. Many buyers might rethink buying in outlying areas such as Novato if the commute is appreciably easier. Only time will tell.
Home sales bounced back in October from a dismal September, due to the panic in the credit markets. Sales of single-family, re-sale homes rose 26.9% from the month before, but were down 32.5% year-over-year. Year-to-date, home sales are down 5.6%.
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes in Marin County rose 0.7% in October, compared to the month before, up 7.7% year-over-year. The average price fell 10.8% from the new record set in September. Year-over-year, the average price was up 14.1%.
The median price for condos lost 10.6% to $565,000, again, after setting a new record the month before, and it was up 3%, year-over-year. The average price fell 8.3% to $645,813, up 10.5% compared to October 2006. Condo sales were up 36.4% from September, and off 38.8% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are down 19.1%.
Read the entire newsletter: November Newsletter
Monday, October 15, 2007
October Marin Real Estate News
As expected, the credit crunch had a big impact on sales last month. Sales of single-family, re-sale homes fell 39.3% from the month before, and were off 33.3% year-over-year. Year-to-date, home sales are down 2.2%. We expect sales to be slow this month, then start to recover at the end of the quarter as the credit crunch is alleviated.
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes in Marin County fell 3.3% in September, compared to the month before, up 14% year-over-year. The average price rose 7.8% to set a new record, and was up 22.6% year-over-year.
The median price for condos soared 29% to $632,000, a new record, and was up 14.8%, year-over-year. The average price rose 11.2% to $704,114, up 18.4% compared to September 2006. With only 22 condos sold last month, these prices are certainly anomalous. Condo sales were down 52.2% from August, and off 60.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are off 17.1%.
Prices have not really declined here in Marin. What has declined is the number of sales as well as the percentage of homes under contract. As you can see from the numbers the average sales price has increased over the prior month as well as the prior year. The strongest segment of the market is the "luxury Market" those homes over $2 million. Buyers are still making offers on good properties.
The percentage of listed home in contract, "Pending listed ratio" is a good indication of the strength of each market. Anything between a 20%-25% ratio bodes a balanced market where we have an equal number of buyers and sellers. Anything less than 20% is pushing towards a buyer's market. As you can see from the numbers Marin is in a Buyer's market (see chart below), and has been there for at least the past 6 months. It is important to keep in mind that real estate in Marin is location specific, and you will need to drill down to each market segment before you draw a broad conclusion as some areas continue to have strength especially those towns in southern Marin with good school districts.
Buyers right now have the upper hand but if rates continue to move downward and the credit markets stabilize then the market will become more competitive for buyers. If you are pre-approved for a loan and are ready to make an offer now is as good a time as any to step in and test the waters.
Although the credit crunch is having an effect on home sales, there is money available at reasonable rates from portfolio lenders. These are lenders that loan their own money and do not bundle up the loans for re-sale on Wall Street. Some examples are ING, local credit unions, and some small local business banks. Also, Countrywide, and some of the bigger banks, are planning to keep more of their loans in-house.
The real estate market is very hard to generalize. It is a market made up of many micro markets. For complete information on a particular neighborhood or for an evaluation of your home's worth, call me.
If I can help you devise a strategy, call or click the buying or selling link in the menu to the left.
Monthly Statistics
Complete monthly sales statistics for Marin County are on my website. Monthly graphs are available for each city in the county. Just email me!
Read the entire October Marin Real Estate Newsletter October Newsletter
The median price for single-family, re-sale homes in Marin County fell 3.3% in September, compared to the month before, up 14% year-over-year. The average price rose 7.8% to set a new record, and was up 22.6% year-over-year.
The median price for condos soared 29% to $632,000, a new record, and was up 14.8%, year-over-year. The average price rose 11.2% to $704,114, up 18.4% compared to September 2006. With only 22 condos sold last month, these prices are certainly anomalous. Condo sales were down 52.2% from August, and off 60.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, condo sales are off 17.1%.
Prices have not really declined here in Marin. What has declined is the number of sales as well as the percentage of homes under contract. As you can see from the numbers the average sales price has increased over the prior month as well as the prior year. The strongest segment of the market is the "luxury Market" those homes over $2 million. Buyers are still making offers on good properties.
The percentage of listed home in contract, "Pending listed ratio" is a good indication of the strength of each market. Anything between a 20%-25% ratio bodes a balanced market where we have an equal number of buyers and sellers. Anything less than 20% is pushing towards a buyer's market. As you can see from the numbers Marin is in a Buyer's market (see chart below), and has been there for at least the past 6 months. It is important to keep in mind that real estate in Marin is location specific, and you will need to drill down to each market segment before you draw a broad conclusion as some areas continue to have strength especially those towns in southern Marin with good school districts.
Buyers right now have the upper hand but if rates continue to move downward and the credit markets stabilize then the market will become more competitive for buyers. If you are pre-approved for a loan and are ready to make an offer now is as good a time as any to step in and test the waters.
Although the credit crunch is having an effect on home sales, there is money available at reasonable rates from portfolio lenders. These are lenders that loan their own money and do not bundle up the loans for re-sale on Wall Street. Some examples are ING, local credit unions, and some small local business banks. Also, Countrywide, and some of the bigger banks, are planning to keep more of their loans in-house.
The real estate market is very hard to generalize. It is a market made up of many micro markets. For complete information on a particular neighborhood or for an evaluation of your home's worth, call me.
If I can help you devise a strategy, call or click the buying or selling link in the menu to the left.
Monthly Statistics
Complete monthly sales statistics for Marin County are on my website. Monthly graphs are available for each city in the county. Just email me!
Read the entire October Marin Real Estate Newsletter October Newsletter
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