Marin Real Estate Blog

 

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

Sylvia Barry, Realtor, ePRO
Marin Realtor for Marin Luxury Real Estate 
Marin, Sonoma, ,San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors 
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com

SERVING MARIN, SONOMA, S.F. BAY AREA - FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS Beveldere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon; Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa.

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!  

category		Total Units/ In Escrow		% Active		% Pending	% +/- since 09/10/08
All SFD's and CID's		370/123		67%		33% (N)	+2%
SFD's		269/65		76%		24% (B)	-2%
CID's		101/58		43%		57% (S)	+12%
$0 -$500K SFD		59/30		49%		51% (S)	+9%
$500,001-$600K		31/6		81%		19% (B)	-9%
$600,001 - $700K		36/11		70%		30% (N)	-6%
$700,001 - $800K		32/6		81%		19% (B)	-10%
$800,001 - $999,999		36/6		84%		16% (B)	-8%
$1M - $1.25M		27/2		93%		7% (B)	-7%
$1.25M - $1.5M		18/1		95%		5% (B)	-12%
$1.5M+		30/3		90%		10% (B)	+7%

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

Sylvia Barry
Marin, Sonoma Realtor
San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com

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  for details, inventory on the market and what's the best house / investment property for you! 

It will be a pleasure to serve you!  

category		Total Units/ In Escrow		% Active		% Pending	% +/- since July 23, 08
All SFD's and CID's		410/129		69%		31% (N)	+3%
SFD's		298/78		74%		26% (B)	+4%
CID's		112/51		55%		45% (S)	+1%
$0 -$500K SFD		62/26		58%		42% (N)	+6%
$500,001-$600K		32/9		72%		28% (B)	+13%
$600,001 - $700K		39/14		64%		36% (S)	-8%
$700,001 - $800K		38/11		71%		29% (B)	+9%
$800,001 - $999,999		46/11		76%		24% (B)	+5%
$1M - $1.25M		29/4		86%		14% (B)	+0%
$1.25M - $1.5M		20/2		83%		17% (B)	+0%
$1.5M+		32/1		97%		3% (B)	+0%

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

Sylvia Barry
Marin, Sonoma Realtor
San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com

A friend of mine wanted me to know where Matt has been in the last 14 months - 42 countries and thousands of friends later.......

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo

Where have you been in this tough market?

Are you home brooding, worrying, finding different reasons "excuses" why the business is not going as well?

OR
Are you out there dancing, farming, meeting people, volunteering, exploring different territories, bringing and spreading good news to cultivate new or future clients?

Be Out There, Do Your Best to Make a Difference; then The Business Will Come!

ENJOY!

Sylvia Barry
Marin, Sonoma Realtor
San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
www.SylviaSellsMarin.com