We’re one week past Labor Day and Marin is back into full swing. Kids are back in school, most vacations are over, and traffic is jamming again. Just this week 107 new homes have been put on the market, increasing inventory to just over 1600. That dropped our homes in escrow by 2% from a month ago to 23%. The good news is that in the last 3 months, 705 homes have sold at an average price of $925k. If you deduct the 200 condos that sold, the average price of a single family was $1,040,000.

So where do we go from here? The lowest interest rates we have ever seen and the tax breaks are a huge factor in buying activity, but yet there is something else. The New York Times just featured an article  “A Dream House After All” in which they say that…

11 Forrest Ave., San Anselmo

$999,950

Light and airy contemporary home in pristine condition. Private setting, high ceilings and an inviting open floor plan. The interior architecture incorporates angles to provide a sense of openness. Multiple windows draw the eye to the hillside views and fill the rooms with direct and indirect sunlight. Outside, exquisite landscaping, decks, patio and privacy.

A home of quality, located in the flats of San Anselmo, in a central and convenient location, near playground, high school and downtown San Anselmo and Fairfax. It is rare for a home with such a combination of feaures to come on the market.

• Three Bedrooms, Two And One Half Baths
• Approx. 2065 Square Feet
• Open Floor Plan Living Room, Dining Room and…

As we evaluate the Marin real estate market and notice the results in the recent and current activity all signs point to "YES". There are currently approximately 1630 homes on the market of which 24% are in escrow. That is an improvement over the January numbers and indication that buyers are indeed taking advantage of this buyer's market. 700 homes have sold since May 1st and what is interesting is that they have sold at an average of 10% of the original list price with an average time on market of 80 days. From the sellers standpoint pricing has never been more critical and an honest opinion from an experienced agent is one of the most important marketing tools a seller can get. Every day we see an almost equal number of price reductions as we do new…

As predicted, real estate has slowed in July as residents head out on vacations and grab some time off from a stressful first six months. There are 1675 properties on the market of which 25% are in escrow which is a drop of 5% from July. None of this is surprising except that we usually see the big slowdown in August, but schools are starting earlier this year, the weather is inviting, and the travel deals are abundant. Although the higher end sales over $1.5 million have diminished, we are seeing many all cash transactions. One of the interesting side effects of a slowdown is the frustration from anxious sellers and thus more price reductions than we have seen in the past few months. When we advise a seller about the importance of accurate pricing, we…

Currently there are 13 homes on the market in the Hollow of which 4 are in escrow. Since the    beginning of the year 15 homes have sold, and we have sold 5 of those ourselves. The average price of sold homes so far this year is $1.049 million and the average price of the homes on the market currently is $1.4 million. One of the encouraging indicators is that we are seeing more buyers who have been looking in the Kentfield and Larkspur areas are now searching in the Hollow where they can find more value. The trade off for them is the commute, but when we have them weigh it against the quality of life they can get in the Hollow, homes here become very attractive. When we sell a home in the Hollow, we sell the neighborhood as much as the house itself and…

Here we are after six months of record rainfall and a roller coaster economy, and guess what ...the real estate market in Marin is on the rebound! We never expected it to happen overnight and we still see a slow and sometimes bumpy road to full recovery but we are encouraged by what we do see.  Currently there are approximately 1670 properties on the market of which 496 are in escrow. That 30% is about 10% more than this time last year. In the first six months of this year a total of 860 properties sold of which 670 were single family homes. In the first six months of last year, 661 homes sold of which 483 were single family homes. Sales are up about 25% from this time last year and inventory is up by approximately 800 homes from the first of the year!

…

25 Hunter Creek, Fairfax
$1,895,000

4BD/3.5BA
Approx 3821 sq feet
Lot size approx 1.45
Surrounded by Open Space
Craftsman with Great Detail

A shingled Craftsman with amazing woodwork has an open floor plan with large rooms that are open to scenery on all sides. The natural setting creates a unique sanctuary-as you listen to the rhythm of environment.

A rare opportunity to own a country estate Nestled in a canyon setting on approx. 1.45 acres surrounded by open space, natural springs, waterfalls, and trails.  Live in Baywood Canyon with salt water pool, pool house, hot tub, and equestrian center.

230 Los Cerros
Greenbrae
$1,125,000
4Bd/3BA
Remodeled Throughout!

Wonderful spaces and tastefully remodeled home in the heart of Greenbrae with gleaming hardwood floors and lovely architectural touches like arched doorways and an open stairwell to the lower level.  Delectable and charming, a lovely home with a flexible floor plan.  Great layout with three bedrooms and two remodeled baths on the main floor and a family room/ bathroom or additional guest suite on the lower level.

There is a large patio off the kitchen and a wonderful deck for viewing the surrounding hills and for dining al fresco. The lawn area and built in play structure is easily accessible off the patio and the lower level. 2 car garage with lots of additional storage and an open laundry…

80 Garden Rock Rd.
$899,000
3BD/2BA
Approx 1360 sq ft
Lot size approx .43 acres
Plans available for Expansion

An easy house to live in-all on one level in an exceptional location with three bedrooms, two baths in the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Recently built with all the newer systems, this home sits on an exceptional lot. Very private setting with nature and a beautiful hillside at your back door.

The home sits up off the road with a large level yard and patio. It has a large open floor plan with wood floors and remodeled baths in warm colors and large windows that let the natural light and the views in from every room.

The peacefulness of this setting is amazing. The owners bought this home because it was in excellent condition, and they have expansion…

43 Elizabeth Cir, Greenbrae
$1,045,000
4BD/2.5BA
Open Sunday 3/28/10
1-4 pm

A rare four bedroom in Cape Marin. Dramatic vaulted ceilings, southwest exposure with a level yard that backs up to the park and walking paths.  Open on one side with great natural light. The dining room has been converted to a family room and it could also be used as a first floor bedroom.

Gorgeous wood floors, newly redone kitchen cabinets and fresh paint add to the clean lines of this contemporary home. Upstairs are four large bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and a huger master bath. Add to this the convenience of a Greenbrae location close to transportation, shopping and water sports.

Call Peter Narodny with more questions 415-925-3287.