BLOG - Marin Real Estate

NEED TO MOVE INTO A MARIN HOME BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS?

The Marin Country schools starts in three weeks,  Do you need to move into the county by then? 

Don't panic, you still have time and I can help you to do just that! Give me a call at (415) 717-0293 and we will work together to get you settled in before then.  

Here is what we will do together (abbreviated version);

1). Buyers Interview - I like to talk to my buyers first about their needs and wants.  Most of these come from the understanding of some of your personal information - you family, your jobs and office location - how long a commute you are willing to take, your hobby, your likes and dislikes, your financial situation, how long do you plan to stay in the house, .. etc. This sets a background for me when I look for the right house for you.  

2).  Get Pre-Approved.  Even through there is a lot of houses on the market, until you know how much mortgage you can comfortably afford, we will not be able to know the kind of homes you will be able to buy.  Without the pre-approval letter, the sellers will not have the comfortable level needed to close your purchase quickly. 

I have a team of mortgage brokers I work with and we can get you pre-approved very quickly if you have al the required information together.

3). Find the Right House.  Now we have the financial perimeter and your needs and wants,  we will set out and find the right house for you and your family.  As there are many houses on the market, you will need a realtor who knows about the area, the schools, communities and the surrounding areas to point you to the right direction.  

4). Make a Successful Offer.  Since I know the local real estate market inside and out, you will be able to make a winning offer when you find the right house - I will advise you on the sale price of comparable properties so you are confident that you have made the right offer.

5).  Working through the Escrow.  Once we are in escrow, I will make sure that you meet all contractual obligation for the escrow process. I will help you set up timely inspections with reputable inspectors, evaluate the inspection reports and title report produced, and assist you in negotiating for any repairs or credit back for the house.  You will be the loan set up for close of escrow.

6). Close of Escrow.  With due diligence, we will be able to close escrow within 14 days or even shorter if needed.  This will allow you ample time to move into the house you like.

This, of course, is an abbreviated version of the whole process, but don't get discouraged or intimidated.  Give me a call and let's get started so you can move into your new home before school starts!!!

By Working Together, We Can Make It Happen!

    A glance at the Novato Real Estate Housing Market Statistics as of July 25, 2007

From the statistics below, we can see that we are in a Buyer's market other than the bread and butter price range of $600K to $700K - the starter homes in Novato.  For houses close to $1M and slightly higher than $1M, it's amost a Balance market.  We will continue to post the statistics for your information.

Category	# of Units	% Active	% Pending
All SFD's	247	82%	18%
CID's	116	90%	10%
$0-$500K SFD	4	100%	0%
$500,001 - $600K	16	94%	6%
$600,001 - $700K	31	67%	33%
$700,001 - $800K	44	84%	16%
$800,001 - $999,999	65	78%	22%
$1M - $1.25M	36	89%	11%
$1.25M - $1.5M	26	77%	23%
$1.5M+	25	88%	12%

• Less than 15% in Contract = Strong Buyer's Market
• 15-25% in Contract = Buyer's Market
• 25% - 35% in Contract = BALANCED MARKET
• 35-45  % in Contract = Seller's Market
• 45%+ in Contract = Strong Seller's Market

Money magazine just came out with their 25 top-earning towns in the U.S.  None of the Marin County Towns made the list, surprizingly!  Here are the top earning cities in the U.S. according to Money:     

	Town	Population	Median Income	Median Home Price	Vacation $ /Year
1	Hillsborough,CA	10,500	$263,456	$2,606,764	$11,023
2	Scarsdale,NY	18,100	$219,317	$1,522,918	$10,404
3	Los Altos Hills,CA	7,700	$199,370	$2,371,601	$10,928
4	Winnetka,Il	12,200	$195,879	$1,216,052	$10,119
5	Chappaqua,NY	9,500	$189,741	$1,048,354	$10,303
6	Glencoe,IL	8,800	$187,043	$1,148,241	$10,250
7	Blackhak-Camino ssajara,CA	11,700	$185,354	$1,324,762	$10,899
8	Great Falls,VA	8,900	$181,318	$1,419,278	$10,221
9	Weston,MA	11,700	$180,549	$1,384,268	$10,315
10	Travilah,MD	8,300	$177,477	$1,456,430	$10,783
11	Highland Park,TX	8,900	$174,538	$1,603,608	$9,609
12	Paradise Valley,AZ	15,200	$171,847	$2,075,930	$10,125
13	Weston,Conn	10,300	$171,581	$1,096,777	$10,422
14	Darien,Conn	20,200	$168,272	$1,464,129	$10,037
15	New Canaan,Conn	19,800	$165,861	$1,634,922	$9,882
16	Wilton,Conn	18,200	$163,271	$1,006,017	$9,992
17	Saratogo,CA	29,600	$162,625	$1,421,383	$10,017
18	Wolf Trap,VA	14,600	$161,353	$894,122	$10,099
19	Briarcliff Manor,NY	8,100	$157,880	$911,300	$10,143
20	Lake Forest,Il	21,000	$155,938	$1,186,521	$9,981
21	Piedmont,CA	10,700	$155,808	$1,437,928	$10,079
22	Franklin Lakes,CA	10,800	$155,439	$1,335,877	$10,639
23	Alamo,CA	16,700	$154,754	$1,499,795	$9,992
24	Long Grove,Il	8,300	$153,922	$726,198	$9,758
25	Southlake,Tx	27,700	$152,991	$545,999	$9,448

MARIN MARKET WATCH           as of July 16, 2007

Time to take a market pulse.  This is Mid-July, a bit difficult to predict movement of the consumers.  With schools out, some families put things on hold and go on vacation, others start looking at homes with a goal of moving into their new house or relocate before school starts.  Some decide summer might is a great season to buy or sell while others think they should avoid the rush and wait until the 'quiet' season.  

While others, like us, take a snapshot and look at the numbers in Marin to find out what is really happening here.  What we find, not surprisingly, is heavily leaning towards a buyers market.    

Corte Madera, at 40% pending is the only town that is still in 'seller's market', with Fairfax, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur, Mill Valley and San Anselmo in so called 'Balanced Market' with house pending rate between 25% and 35%.  note that they are all Sourthern Marin homes where typically, home prices are higher.  The rest of the towns, Belvedere at 24%, one short of 25%, puts it just in the Buyer's market.  Novato, Ross, and san Rafael are officially in the Buyer's market. 

Note that the numbers include both Single Family Homes and Townhomes, and townhoomes are traditionally the ones that appreciate quickly in a hot market and depreciate faster as well as stay on market much longer during a down cycle.  

Call Sylvia with any questions and concerns.

	Total	Active	Pending	%Pending
Marin-Total	1542	1258	284	23%
Belvedere	26	21	5	24%
Corte Madera	49	35	14	40%
Fairfax	27	21	6	29%
Greenbrae	24	18	6	33%
Kentfield	51	39	12	31%
Larkspur	39	29	10	34%
Mill Valley	179	134	45	34%
Novato	418	355	63	18%
Ross	29	25	4	16%
San Anselmo	60	60	20	33%
San Rafael	336	283	53	19%
Sausalito	67	54	13	24%
Tiburon	101	82	19	23%
Marin 1-2Million	444	349	95	27%
Marin > 2 Million	234	203	31	15%
Marin 0-999,999	864	706	158	22%

1. Less than 15% in Contract = Strong Buyer's Market
2. 15-25% in Contract = Buyer's Market
3. 25% - 35% in Contract = BALANCED MARKET
4. 35-45  % in Contract = Seller's Market
5. 45%+ in Contract = Strong Seller's Market

National Association of Realtors will soon release its 2007 'Profile of Buyers Home Feature Preferences'.  Central air conditioning, walk-in closets, hardwood floors, high-end kitchen appliances, oversized garages and patios were among the features buyers said they would pay more for in a home, 

Due out in early August, the report looks what buyers want, what they pay more for and what they end up with when the transaction is all said and done.  Call Sylvia (415) 717-0293 or email Sylvia to reserve a copy of the report. 

This also coincides with the Chronicle Real Estate Section article talking about the 'Y' Generation's home purchase habits.  Quite an interesting article to read as my young and talented niece and her fiance just purchased a home in Fremont. 

Living in Marin and wondering what you are getting for your money other than the gorgeous settings, open space, beautiful views, mild weather, quaint towns, green environment, easy commute and many other enviable qualities which make Marin county one of the best places to live in the country?

You are getting one of the best schools for your money in the country!

Forbes Magazine started with a pool of 775 counties across the U.S. that have high property taxes and population greater than 65,000 and rated Marin County Schools the best school district for the money in the country in their July, 2007 issue. “Winners in this rating system are counties whose schools deliver high performance at low cost. With property taxes rising accross the coutry, Forbes looked at per-pupile spending in public schools and weighted it against student performance – college entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT, depending on which is more common in the state), exam participation rates and graduation rates.

In 2004, Marin county spent an average of $9,356 ($6,579 adjusted for the cost of living relative to other metro areas in the U.S.) per pupil, among the lowest education expenditures in the country. But in return, Marin has 968% of its seniors graudated, 60.4% seniors took SAT, and scored a mean 1133 out 1600.

Other California counties in the Forbes study, Santa Clara placed 17th, San Mateo county came in at 21 and Napa county rated 28.

Links:  Marin County Schools,  Marin County Schoosl API Index, Marin County Towns

North Marin Water District Ordered Water Conservation

Just in case you missed the news while out of town, North Marin Water District (which serves City of Novato and several small improvement districts in the West Marin areaw naer the coast, including Point Reyes Station, Olema, Bear Valley, Inverness Park, Paradise Ranch Estates) announced the Water Conservation Ordinance, effective 07/01/2007 thru 10/28/2007. 

The ordinance prohibits water waste and non-essential use of:

• Gutter flooding (i.e. irrigation overspray or irrigation run-off onto pavement);
• Failure to repair a controllable water leak within a reasonable time (72 hours);
• Using water for non-recycling decorative fountains;
• Washing exterior paved areas (except public agencies may do so for public safety);
• Refilling a swimming pool drained after July 1, 2007 or initial filling of a swimming pool for which a building permit was issued after July 1, 2007;
• Washing privately-owned motor vehicles, trailers and boats except from a bucket and hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle;
• Landscape watering outside the hours of 10:00 PM through 6:00 AM of the next day except that hand watering from a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or a container, or a drip system is allowed;
• Use of water from a fire hydrant except for fighting fires, human consumption, essential construction needs or use in connection with animals;
• Pools and hot tubs must be covered when not in use.

Violations

1. If the District becomes aware of a violation of the prohibitions listed above, a verbal warning will be given;
2. If the violation continues or is repeated, a written notice will be given;
3. If the violation continues or is repeated after a verbal and written notice, the District may disconnect service.
4. a.  First disconnection shall result in a $50 fee for re-connection.
5. b.  Second disconnection shall result in a $75 fee for re-connection
6. c.  Third disconnection shall result in a $100 fee for re-connection and the District will install a flow restricting device on the service. 

Questions or Comments

Please direct all questions and comments regarding the Emergency Water Conservation ordinance should be referred to the Water Conservation Coordinator (415) 897-4133 ext. 8421.

For a full copy of the Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance, please click the link below.

   FIRE SAFE - HOW TO CREATE SAFE SPACE AROUND YOUR HOME

I came upon a good article about how to create a safe space around your Marin home during the fire season, or just any other season.  Without re-inventing the wheels, here it is:

The following is from FireSafe Marin, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing wildland fire hazard and improve fire-safety awareness in Marin. 

Please go to their Firesafe Marin Website for more information.

The key here is "at least." Your local fire department may ask for greater clearance. Contact them for requirements in your area.

Defensible space and a fire safe landscape does not mean a ring of bare dirt around your home. When establishing your landscape, keep trees furthest from your house, shrubs can be closer, and bedding plants and lawns are nearest the house.

Your home may be the biggest investment you ever make. Protect that investment by following the steps in this brochure to create a fire safe landscape.

Planning

• Assess your fire risk. Is your home on a hill? Are you near highly flammable native vegetation or drought-damaged ornamental plants? If your answer is yes, your fire risk is greater than average.
• Contact your local fire department for fire hazard ratings in your neighborhood.
• Plan your landscape to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation nearest your home. Establish defensible space.
• Consider consulting your local nursery or a landscape contractor to help plan your landscape.

  Spacing

• Eliminate the "fire ladder." Fire needs fuel to burn. You can sap its strength by robbing it of the continuous sequence of vegetation that can carry flames from your landscape to your house.
• Group plants of similar height and water requirements to create a "landscape mosaic" that can slow the spread of fire and use water most efficiently.
• Space trees at least 10 feet apart, and keep branches trimmed at least 10 feet from your roof. For trees taller than 18 feet, prune lower branches within six feet of the ground.
• Install fire resistant, drought-tolerant plants that have a high moisture content. Use plants that do not accumulate dead leaves or twigs.
• Use masonry or stone walls to separate plant groups and add variety to your landscape.

  Watering

• Choose the right irrigation system. While all plants will eventually burn, healthy plants burn less quickly. Your plant selection and water availability will determine the right system for you.
• Consider drip irrigation for watering most of your landscape. It's effective and conserves water because it targets where the water goes and how much gets there.
• Use sprinklers for lawns or turf landscaping. Drip irrigation does not work well on lawns. Sprinklers on timers ensure your lawn is getting the right amount of water to keep it healthy and fire resistant.

  Maintenance

• Keep your landscape healthy and clean. On a regular basis, remove dead branches, leaves and pine needles from your yard. These can serve as added fuel to a fire.
• Prune and thin shrubs, trees and other plants to minimize the fuel load.
• Be diligent about cleaning up, especially during fire season. Remove dead leaves from under the plants as well.
• Involve your gardener. If a gardener cares for your property, ask him or her to include these regular maintenance steps as part of the routine service.
• Recycle/compost plant materials. Participate in your community's green waste recycling program. You can also compost plant litter and create a money-saving alternative to store-bought soil and mulch. Grass cycling is another time and money saving way to make your green waste work for you.

Find out more about Fire Safe!

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), a department of the Resources Agency of California, provides leadership and services to protect and encourage sound land management of the forest, brush and grass-covered lands in California.

Fire Safe Landscaping is part of a series of fire safety informational materials. Contact your nearest CDF fire station or one of the administrative offices below for "Fire Safe Inside and Out," a homeowners' guide to fire safety inside the home and out.

• -It’s the law 4291
• -Homeowners Survival Guide
• -Monthly Fire planning guide

I am now at my Open House at 6 Anthony Court and meeting all the wonderful people, just want to write a little something in between visitors to thank all the new friends I made today ..

July the 4th is around the corner.  For the coming week, don't forget to check out the Marin Country Fair, the many fireworks around the Bay Area , Pier 39 Celebrations,  the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival, the Marin County Farmers market for your fresh produces for that big gathering you might have, the Avon Breast Cancer Walk that's being held across the Goldend Gate Bridge this coming Saturday and Sunday (07/07  and 07/08). 

If you are driving to visit friends and families, make sure you buckle up and drive safely.  

Gonna run now, but will be back for more blog...  Sylvia