BLOG - Marin Real Estate

Novato is a town in the northmost part of Marin County, CA.  We are extremely proud of our musical talents/influences, educational system, talented students, dedicated teachers, caring parents and community members. As one of my friends describes Novato, this is a town with 'HUMANITY'.  Living here, I have to say that I agree wholeheartly!  

Out of the extraordinaty humanity, the love of music, the care for our public schools, the local music circle started the annual 'Rock and Blues by The Lake' all day fundraising event for public schools six years ago.  The annual event is hosted at Stafford Lake, one of the most gorgeous backdrops for mucial performances.       

The programs are geared towards whole family entertainment with three stages with big stage for the big bands, next to it, is the medium stage for local high school performers.  At the other end of the park is a smaller stage for younger kids, individual performers, Battle of the Band, etc. 

There are also many play structures for  younger kids, as well as booths from public schools with activities to introduce young kids to music, drama, theater, drawing, etc.

The event is staffed mostly by volutneers from local PTSAs and boosters, with net proceeds going to public schools.  Local musicians participated and local merchants donates both service and goods.  The Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, the club of Yours Truly, wiill be in charge of Parking at the site.  Since inception the event has raised over $330,000 for local public schools.  

This year's event is headlined by Three Eye Blind and Plain White T's; selection to endear both younger and older crowds.  The event organizer expects sold out crowd.

Rock and Blues by the Lake Schedule

Hope to see you there - I will be parking cars from 9 - 12PM that day!   

Past year's musicias include: 

Journey

Sammy Hagar (resident of Mill Valley)

Jefferson Starship

Novato Real Estate Market statistics continues to inch upwards in overall sales percentage compare to two weeks ago on September 10,

The overall inventory dropped 10%, from 410 to 370, results of more pending sales and sellers taking properties off the market unless they 'have' to sell.  Less inventory will have a positive effect on housing prices as there are less supply. 

The highest increases in pending sales are the starter / investment homes - condo/townhomes and single family residences under $500K - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago. 

Both categories, with more than 50% sales, are now a 'seller's' market - or shall we say a 'bank/REO sellers's market.  Some enjoy multiple offers, although not as much frenzy as when Marin was at the top of the market.

First time buyers, investors, people who relocated out of areas and want to move back, and the ones who could not afford before but would love to be in Marin are all taking this great opportunity of lower (and relatively affordable) home prices and lower interest rates to test the waters here in Marin.  

Higher end homes are staying stale - difficulty in getting financing, uncertainly about the market, excessive inventory from sellers who do not have to sell ('not motivated') can hold the sales down.

My office, Frank Howard Allen Realtors in Novato, is buzzing with sales activities we have not seen in a long times, walk-ins, calls, showings, offers, inspections; a lot of activities which is putting great, positive energy into the office; and hopefully bringing the energy to all our clients!

Best, and stay tuned!

Give me a call at (415) 717-0293 or email me at sylvia@SylviaSellsMarin.com for inventories on the market, whether REO, Trust Sale, start home, luxury homes.. I will be very happy to find the best house / investment property for you! 

It will be a pleasure to serve you!  

• Buyer’s Market  < 25%
• Neutral                25% - 40%
• Seller’s Market   > 40%

Novato Real Estate Market statistics stays strong since August 27, 2008; continuing the positive trend since middle of summer, 2008  - Total inventory dropped 24 (434 to 410), while # of units in escrow increased by 8 (from 121 to 129). This is reflected in the % pending - 3% increase since last reported.  Novato Market is definitely inching back - slowly, cauthiously, but surely. 

Condos/Townhomes, where we see the biggest drop in prices due to many short sales and foreclosures, edged past neutral market and is holding steady on the edge of seller's market. 

Slight improvement of 4% increase in SFDs priced under $500K - some REOs (Real Estate Owned - Bank Owned Properties) or Short Sales are a little rough, requires sweat equity.  As higher quality homes are priced lower and become more affordable, I start to get phone calls for young couples, empty nesters, relocations.  What a GREAT benefit!  

A huge increase in the percent Pending is the starter single family homes priced between $500K and $600K, with an increase of 13% (to 28%) of pending sales - almost neutral.  The next price range of $600K to $700K SFDs, see a drop of 8% compared to the August.  Nice homes priced over $700Ks start to move again, enjoyed a 9% increase in pending sales.

Homes priced over $700K stays went up 10% in pending sales.  $800K to just under $1M, enjoyed 5% increaes in pending sales, while all homes over $1M, stay flat for % of pending sales.  Those Jumbo loans are just so difficult to get!

Do note that a small change in a small sample makes relatively large statement expressed in percentage.   

Give me a call at (415) 717-0293 or email me at sylvia@SylviaSellsMarin.com if you for details, inventory on the market and what's the best house / investment property for you! 

It will be a pleasure to serve you!  

• Buyer’s Market  < 25%
• Neutral                25% - 40%
• Seller’s Market   > 40%

This is my entry to ActiveRain, Real Estate Community ECO-ALL STAR~GREEN group about local GREEN efforts.

Marin county, being one of the most environmentally friendly counties in the country, is no doubt, very proud of the newly proposed Commons at Mt. Burdell project - a "Green Building on Steriods", Carbon Neutral, superceeding LEED Platinum + requirement redevelopment project on the 65-acre parcel property at the foothills of gorgeous Mt. Burdell in Novato. 

The goal of the developer is to eliminate carbon emissions from buildings by incorporating passive solar design, utilizing on-site energy generation and providing extensive energy retrofitting of existing structures.  A live-work environment is proposed by adding condos, world class Hotel, health care, day care, commuity center, shops and restaurants on the campus. 

The project would preseve the site's wetlands area and undeveloped hill sides while expanding open space by 15 percent. 

To qualify for LEED Platinum status, the projct emphasize the use of local and sustainable materials, foods and transportation; incorporate passive solar design in new structures, on-site energy generation (solar, biomass, biogas, and ground-source heat pumps), and an extensive enerty-retrofit of existing structures.  

Commons at Mt. Burdell also seeks to achieve zero carbon emission, beating California's stringent Title 24 Energy code by 80%; it also calls for complete reuse and rainwater catchment; as well as minimizing waste to less than 2% to landfill by 2020.    

The plan has been submitted to City of Novato, and neighborhood meetings are held for feedback.  

I will come back and report as project goes on.