February 2012 
There are 17 blog entries for February 2012.
First Time Home Buyer Questions #2: Will I Lose My Deposit Money?
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 8:38pm. 482 Views, 0 Comments.
First Time Home Buyer Questions: Part 2
Will I lose my deposit money?
One good thing that came out of the real estate market crash is the safeguards that were put into place to protect buyers and sellers and their money.
In a typical residential real estate transaction a buyer will put down 1-3% of the purchase price as a deposit called a "good faith deposit". The 3% represents the amount of money a buyer can lose if they default on the contract. The 3% deposit monies sit in an escrow account until the close of escrow or the transaction is complete.
In what instances would I be in default? Built into the contract are contingencies. The contingencies allow for the buyer to…
Marin Ace Hardware: Terra Linda gets a much needed store!
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 6:00pm. 944 Views, 1 Comments.
Who knew a hardware store could make me so happy. Well it can and did. All of us up in the northern part of San Rafael 94903 (Terra Linda, Santa Venetia, Marinwood, Lucas Valley etc.) have been without an easy to get to hardware store ever since Pacific Lumber & Hardware closed a few years ago. Recently I was getting some repairs done in my house and the handyman needed a special light switch. I had about 15 minutes to get it otherwise he was going to have to come back. Luckily Marin Ace Hardware had just opened its doors. My problem was solved quick and easy, as they are located conveniently off the 101 freeway at 180 Merrydale (formerly The Sizzler at 3725 Redwood Highway).
I have been in there now a few more times and the service is…
Just Sold! 1378 Florida St. SF- a Modern Condo with Views
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 1:55pm. 566 Views, 0 Comments.
I am pleased to announce another closed sale at 1378 Florida St. in San Francisco. This is a newly built upper floor condominium located in the hot Inner Mission neighborhood. The property's classic Victorian Italianate facade has been lovingly restored and recently redeveloped. The architectural design is stunning, with expansive interior spaces, oversized windows and spectacular vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms. Custom finishes include designer porcelain tile throughout, sustainable bamboo floors, kitchen by Bosch and more. The home has two levels with three bedrooms, 2 baths, and two large decks with views.
I represented the buyers of this amazing property; a few weeks ago, we viewed it during the very first public Sunday Open House.…
Marin Real Estate Market Comparative Snapshot: Year To Year January 2011 to January 2012
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 10:51am. 333 Views, 0 Comments.
Recognizing that a majority of people tune out information that is delivered with a lot of statistics and charts, I wanted to share with you some very significant statistics related to the Marin real estate market in an "easy to read and digest" format. These statistics were presented at a monthly “market update” meeting held for the benefit of the Marin real estate community.
- Comparing January 2011 to January 2012 listings (defined as properties new to the market for sale) were 40% lower in January 2012 when compared to one year ago.
- The number of properties under contract to sell (pending properties) in January 2012 in a year to year comparison was up 54% over January 2011.
- Number of months of unsold inventory was down…
Some fun restaurants for families in Central Marin
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 10:44am. 527 Views, 0 Comments.
One of the most common questions I get when folks are looking to buy real estate in Marin County is where do I go out for dinner with the kids? I live in the Ross Valley area and become and expert in the local family friendly restaurants that are a 10 minute drive from my house. You know, the ones with the crayons and kids menus? In Larkspur I love The Yankee Pier. Great sustainable seafood, a great wine list and a great kids menu with kids favorites like fish and chips. In Greenbrae I like the Wipeout Bar and Grill. There is outdoor seating, 3 (off the top of my head) large (and I mean large) screen TVs, a full bar and a simple inexpensive menu suitable for kids and adults. Lastly, my all time favorite family friendly restaurant…
Why Residents of Marin County Love Living Here (Part 2)
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 11:40am. 499 Views, 0 Comments.
As an east coast transplant, I love meeting new people and hearing why they love living in Marin County. I was able to catch up with a few more Marin residents, here's what they had to say:
I chose to live in Larkspur because of the convenience to the freeway. The town itself is filled with natural beauty and great trails for hiking. Larkspur is centrally located and has the best downtown area for shopping and eating at great restaurants. The weather is absolutely amazing and I can get to the East Bay to visit my family very easily. - Jocelyn, Larkspur
I love living in San Rafael, specifically the Dominican neighborhood because of the location to the college. It's a beautiful setting; I have Redwood trees in my backyard. I'm a 5 minute walk into…
5 Verbena Ct., San Rafael: JUST SOLD!
Monday, February 27th, 2012 at 9:12pm. 437 Views, 0 Comments.
Set in one of my favorite places, Lucas Valley, this gorgeous single level resort style home will be taking on new owners! I am pleased to have helped another wonderful couple relocate from San Francisco to Marin. Even though the house is in immaculate condition, I was able to negotiate a great selling price and even more credit at closing. I know my buyer clients will enjoy the perks of the property-pool, spa, and garden. Not to mention the beauty of the area-endless rolling hills of open space, amazing sunsets and wide open sky. My clients found that when they expanded their search area, they were able to get everything on their wish list... proving once again, keep an open mind and be willing to look in areas you might not have!
If you want an…
Is this a seller's market in Marin?
Monday, February 27th, 2012 at 8:06pm. 349 Views, 0 Comments.
Well by statistical data, the months of inventory of housing in Marin would indicate that it is a STRONG seller's market in Marin. The number of months it would take for Realtors to sell all of the inventory currently available for sale in Marin is 1.8 months. 4.5 months would be considered a balanced market. Above 4.5 months, the market signs indicate the negotiation power is in the buyer's favor.
With inventory being at an all time low for the last decade, interest rates at historic lows, consumer spending up, global economies trying to correct themselves, technology companies booming, jobless rate decreasing and home sales increasing, buyers are determining this is the time to get into the real estate market. The bottom of the market has…
Marin Home Prices (& Sales) trend upward
Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at 7:47am. 372 Views, 0 Comments.
Earlier this week the Marin Independent Journal ran an article which highlighted a trend we've noticed the last few months. Specifically, a trend towards increased buyer competition for select properties as more buyers enter the market and have less inventory to choose from, driving prices upward.
As indicated in the article, January 2012 saw:
- an 8% increase in the median single family home price in Marin year-to-year, and
- a 15% increase in the total number of sales.
Strong demand and low inventory have increased competition for real estate estate in Marin; furthermore there are fewer Marin foreclosures for sale which is another trend we've witnessed over the past few months.
If you are thinking of selling a home in Marin County, please…
Just Sold! 774 33rd Ave. San Francisco
Saturday, February 25th, 2012 at 1:15pm. 418 Views, 0 Comments.
Rebecca & Hilary Just Sold This Listing For $26K Over Asking with Multiple Offers! I am pleased to announce that the sale of this 2+bedroom/1 bathroom house in the Outer Richmond neighborhood closed escrow yesterday for the amazing price of $625K after receiving multiple offers. I listed the property along with Hilary Davis, my Marin Modern associate, and we worked together to clean, prepare & stage the house for our seller clients. It took a few weeks, but we arranged a full interior paint job, refinishing of the hardwood floors, re-installation of new carpet, landscaping & other miscellaneous preparations and by the time we were ready, the house really sparkeled! We held one very busy Open House and one Broker's Tour and received five…