Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | November 13, 2008

Novato Real Estate Market Biweekly Overview, October 22, 2008

Stafford Lake County Park, Novato, CA

Novato Real Estate Market statistics stays pretty flat overall with a small 4% increase in pending sales compare to a month ago on September 24. 

The ratio is held steady by dwindling inventory - overall inventory dropped by another 10%, from 370 to 348; again due to more pending sales and either sellers taking properties off the market or waiting for the market to move upwards before they sell.   

The highest increases in pending sales again, is the starter single family homes priced under $600K, with up to $500K at 41% and $500K to $700K at 30%; mutual to slightly sellers market - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago. 

This is a great time to buy, with bargains abound, whether it’s in Novato, San Rafael or Southern Marin.  Bank owned homes or sellers with plenty of equity are pricing homes low to attract multiple offers. 

One house in Kentfield, priced lower than normal, generated 12 offers.  Think about the other 11 who did not get accepted that are circling for well priced (or bargain basement priced) homes, ready to pounce when they finally find one. 

Higher end homes are staying stale - many move-up buyers need to sell their homes in order to buy are relunctant until their house is sold in this market.  

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

 

348/102

 

71%

 

29% (N)

-4%

SFD’s

 

256/59

 

77%

 

23% (B)

-1%

CID’s

 

92/43

 

53%

 

47% (S)

-10%

$0 -$500K SFD

 

66/27

 

59%

 

41% (S)

-10%

$500,001-$600K

 

27/8

 

70%

 

30% (B)

+11%

$600,001 - $700K

 

27/8

 

70%

 

30% (N)

+0%

$700,001 - $800K

 

36/7

 

81%

 

19% (B)

+0%

$800,001 - $999,999

 

31/3

 

90%

 

10% (B)

-6%

$1M - $1.25M

 

24/4

 

83%

 

17% (B)

+10%

$1.25M - $1.5M

 

24/0

 

100%

 

0% (B)

-5%

$1.5M+

 

21/2

 

91%

 

9% (B)

-1%
  • Buyer’s Market  < 25%
  • Neutral                25% - 40%
  • Seller’s Market   > 40%
 

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Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | September 25, 2008

Novato Real Estate Market Overview, September 24, 2008

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%

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Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | September 13, 2008

Novato Real Estate Market Overview, September 10, 2008

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 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!  

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%
 

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Posted in All Blogs, Marin County, Marin Homes, Marin Market Trend | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | September 8, 2008

How to Achieve Highest Recyclable Collection Rate in Marin County

As a Novato Resident, surrounded by Open Space, Natural Parks, Bay front; we are proud to be the city with the highest recyclable collection and lowest solid waste rate in Marin county.

The distinction can not be achieved solely by residents with good intention without the service provided by Novato Disposal Service

The Novato Disposal Service provides weekly pick ups of Green (Yard) Recyclables and Blue Recyclables (plastic containers, newspaper, bottles, jars, etc), Bi-Annual (spring, fall) large items, large volume and eWaste free-collections which the neighborhoods overwhelmingly participate and look forward to. 

The service utilizes plants with state of the art equipment to sort, accept and reject wastes, ensuring proper waste recycle to allow for most waste being processed.    

Their website provides timely guidance on recyclable plastics, cans, paper products; safely dispose of cooking oil, fluorescent lights, how to pack for lunches to produce the least solid waste; and where to dispose of hazard waste; etc.   

The Novato Disposal team also participates in chamber and school green activities; and Novato July 4th Parade, putting on a great waste collection routine to promote their recycle program.  

The latest improvement for Novato Disposal Service is the new Garbage Trucks they purchased, allowing for picking up both green and blue wastes on the same route; eliminating double pick ups and providing savings on resources (manpower, gas consumption, ozone depletion).

 

Not only is Novato Disposal Service mindful of local recycling programs, they also participate and donate generously to local schools.  They are the annual supporter for the local high school Safe and Sober Grad Night fundraising effort; where the high school helps residents in recycling their Christmas trees in exchange of a small donation to the worthy cause.  For a week after Christmans, the Novato Disposal donates huge derbris boxes and the drivers to transport and dispose of the Christmas trees.

 

For the ECO minded readers, I encourage you to go to their website to learn more about how to properly recycle and save the environment. 

 

Novato Recycling and Reuse Directories

 

Marin Hazardous and Solid Waste Guide

 

 

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Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | August 30, 2008

Novato Real Estate Market Overview, as of August 27, 2008

Changes since July 23rd, 2008 for Novato Real Estate Market - Total inventory dropped by 10 while units for pending sales remains the same at 28%.  The total market at a glance stays at the lower end of being Neutral tilting towards the buyers market (defined as pending sales is less than 25%).

Condos/Townhomes, where we see the biggest drop in prices due to many short sales and foreclosures, edged past neutral market and stays periosly on the sellers market.

Slight drop of 5% 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 experience price drops and become more affordable, the lowest priced home saw some impact. 

Big swing in the pending is the starter single family homes priced between $500K and $600K, with a drop of 12% on pending sales while the next price range up of $600K to $700K SFDs, has a gain of 10% compare to the July report.  Due to the softening market, nice homes priced over $700Ks dropped below $700K and becomes a great buy.     

Homes priced over $700K stays within +/- 5% variance from a month ago, other than $1.25M to $1.5M which saw a 9% increase - for units out of 23 units went into escrow.  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!  

Give me a call (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!  

Sylvia Barry, Realtor, ePRO
Marin, Sonoma Realtor
www.SylviaSellsMarin.com

category

  

Total Units/ In Escrow

  

% Active

  

% Pending

 % +/- since July 23, 08

All SFD’s and CID’s

 

434/121

 

72%

 

28% (N)

+0%

SFD’s

 

315/69

 

78%

 

22% (B)

-2%

CID’s

 

119/52

 

56%

 

44% (S)

+5%

$0 -$500K SFD

 

70/25

 

64%

 

36% (N)

-5%

$500,001-$600K

 

33/5

 

85%

 

15% (B)

-12%

$600,001 - $700K

 

39/17

 

56%

 

44% (S)

+10%

$700,001 - $800K

 

37/3

 

92%

 

18% (B)

-4.5%

$800,001 - $999,999

 

52/10

 

81%

 

19% (B)

+2%

$1M - $1.25M

 

29/4

 

86%

 

14% (B)

-3%

$1.25M - $1.5M

 

23/4

 

83%

 

17% (B)

+9%

$1.5M+

 

31/1

 

97%

 

3% (B)

-3%
  • Buyer’s Market  < 25%
  • Neutral                25% - 40%
  • Seller’s Market   > 40%

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Posted in Marin County, Marin Homes, Marin Market Trend, Marketing | Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | August 9, 2008

Is Your Marin County Home Wildfire Ready?

 

During the high Fire season, it is nice to see the article from S.F. Chronicle highlighing what builders in he Oakland Hills did while rebuilding homes after the 1991 Oakland Fire.  The Oakland Fire ”ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. The 1,520 acres (6.2 km²) destroyed included 2,843 single-family dwellings and 437 apartment and condominium units. The economic loss has been estimated at $1.5 billion.”

Along with the article, S.F. Chronicle included a partial list of checklist developed by (of all the places) Travis County, Texas about what how to prepare for a fire: 

I am following suit and quoting below:

Wildfire Preparedness Check List

The more “yes” answers you have, the more prepared you are in the event of a wildfire threat.

The House

  • Fire-resistant roof i.e. metal, tile, composition?
  • Non-flammable siding materials?
  • Home is located down-slope?
  • Wooden deck facing or overhanging level ground?
  • Large glass windows, facing level ground?
  • Deck, porch, vents or house screened to keep sparks out?
  • Chimney extending above the roofline?
  • Chimney spark arrester in place?
  • Roof and gutters clean of debris?

Around the House

  • A fire defensible space (D-space) zone of 30 – 100 ft?
  • Adequate clearance of weeds, tall grasses and brush?
  • Leaves raked?
  • Trees pruned 10 ft up from base of trunk?
  • Debris cleared from beneath trees and near structures?
  • Tree limbs pruned at least 10 ft from roof or within 15 ft laterally from chimney?
  • House location or address clearly marked (3 inch letters)?
  • Small amounts of mulch used near wooden structures?
  • Firewood and other burnable items stored at least 30 ft from the house?

Access

  • Easy access to home by emergency vehicles?
  • Road grade less than 15% (not steep)?
  • Road wide and accommodating to two-way traffic?
  • Road straight with wide turns?
  • Large areas for vehicles to turn around?
  • Short driveway from main road?
  • Home area level and easily plowed or raked for fire line?
  • Multiple roads into and out of developed area for safe and easy access and evacuation?

Water Supply

  • Pressurized hydrants available?
  • Non-pressurized or dry hydrants available?
  • Water sources such as ponds or streams accessible?
  • Power lines buried and not susceptible to fire?
  • Well pumps maintained with uninterrupted electricity?

Ten Quick and Easy Steps to Prepare for a Wildfire

1. Cut grass and weeds, rake leaves and pine needles and remove yard debris and branches.

2. Relocate woodpile and left over building materials at least 30’ from house.
NOTE: It is best to not locate the woodpile directly uphill or downhill of any structure.

3. Signs, address and access are well marked, and visible both night and day. Reflective numbering/lettering that is 3” or larger is recommended.

4. Prune dead and low-hanging tree limbs 6 to 10 feet from the ground around house. Remove all dead vegetation in brush and shrubbery.

5. Store all gas, oil and other chemicals away from the house. This includes propane tanks on BBQ pits.

6. Keep roof and gutters free from leaves and needles.

7. Enclose spaces under porches, decks, foundations and overhangs, and roof/attic vent openings with 1/8” metal screening.

8. Have garden hoses connected on all sides of your house.

9. Place tools (such as ladders, shovels, rakes and hoes) for easy access to fire fighters.

10. Check driveway for adequate clearance for emergency vehicles. (Both height and width).

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Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | August 4, 2008

Marin Real Estate Home Sales 2008 Mid Year Report

p align=”left”>My clients or many Realtors on the National Forum have been asking me about how the market is in general and in Marin county.

My answer is always - Real Estate is LOCAL

No matter how much the media dramatizes the market condition, Marin County House Prices still hold steady. This is especially true for great houses in desirable locations in Southern Marin (such as Belvedere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Ross, San Anselmo, Sausalito and Tiburon), or for that matter, all of Marin.

One of the recent news (will follow up with another blog) is the fact that Marin Land Trust just purchased right to another agricultural zoned land at a prime location so that the owners can stay at the property but any future use, including sale of the land will have a restriction of keeping the land for agricultural purposes.

This helps keeping the Marin developable land to a minimum, future housing supply lower, and the Marin environment healthy and green as our pride and joy.

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Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | July 31, 2008

Cleanest Air in the Country - Novato, Marin County, CA

The News is Out! Renowed for Quality of Life, Marin County Towns were winnders in the 2008 Money Magazine ‘Best Places To Live’ “Clean Air’ category.

Among all the small towns ranked by the Money agazine, Novato won first place, San Rafafel Second and Salinas placed 15 in the ‘Clean Air’ category.

Top 25 in 2008 Money Magazine Quality of Life ‘Clean Air’ Category

And don’t forget, the further North you go in Marin, the sunnier it gets - beats the city 100%

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Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | July 23, 2008

200 San Marin Dr. Novato, Pre Construction Meeting

200 San Marin Drive Drawing by Catlin Properties

As a San Marin Improvement Association’s member, I went to the preconstruction meeting for 200 San Marin Drive Project today. 

200 San Marin Drive is now a the vacant lot situated at the south east corner of San Marin Drive and San Andreas Drive.  Designated as a gas station, it will now be a single story, 6,700sf. medical building planned for four medical or dental offices serving local community.

Others present were two San Andreas HOA members, Chip Fuller, Vice President of Catlin Properties, owner of 200 San Marin Drive and Aton Seikowitz of Selkowitz & CO., Inc. General Contractors.  

The plan is to start construction as soon as possible, either the week of July 28th or August 4th.  The entire project is expected to be around 7 months long, with the first phase having the most impact on the neighborhood.  The crew will be working between 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.   

The first phase, which is expected to last 6-8 weeks, can produce the most noise and dust.  This phase includes building a six foot fence at the rear, leveling the field (where the entire ground will be at midpoint of the current elevation), digging and laying pipes for water and sewage, drainage filtration system, paving the road ,…,etc. 

Dust control is a major concern, and the crew will be keeping the ground wet and dust to the minimum.  The crew will also be trimming some of the trees which overhang the site, where permission will be obtained from the county (for the Oak tree) and the neighboring owners.

A temporary chain link type of fence will be erected to protect the premises and pedestrians.

The rest of the project will be of less impact to the neighborhood, where they will be working on the building itself.  The owner would like to have the lot surface prepared and paved before raining season so as to minimize soil run off to the street.

The last two months is expected to be all internal work with minimum distruption to the neighborhood.

Anton and Chip provided us with their contact information and encouraged neighbors to contact them shall there be any concern during the construction phase.

The above is my understanding after the meeting today.  I welcome comments and corrections. 

Green Building Components:

Per Catlin Website.  200 San Marin Drive will incorporate the following “Green Building” Components:

- Plumbing for solar panels,and reuse of gray water
- Filterra storm water treatment systems
- Satellite weather controlled drip irrigation
- Native and drought tolerant landscaping
- High efficiency HVAC systems
- Low VOC paints, adhesives and sealants
- No added-urea formaldehyde for all composite wood products
- CRI Green Label Plus carpets
- Fluorescent lighting
- Occupancy sensors in rest rooms
- Dual flush and low flow fixtures
- LED exit signs
- Waste management system, recycling
- Energy modeling and analysis reporting system

References

200 San Marin Drive Project by Catlin Properties

Novato Planning Commission Meeting Agenda March 17, 2008

200 San Marin Drive Medical Office Documents for Panning Commission 03/17/08 meeting

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Posted by: Sylvia Barry, Marin Realtor | July 23, 2008

Novato Real Estate Market Overview, July 23rd, 2008

Another positive trend since July 9th, 2008 statistics.  Total inventory dropped by 11 while pending sales units remained the same! 

Big change in percent pending is the starter single family homes, with a drop of 8%.  My theory is that Locaton, Location, Location.  SFR in desirable location, shows nicely and priced right are moving still.  However, many starter homes that sit on the market for a while can have a few problems such as location (next to freeway, in flood zone), a big one), , unless priced extremely low, the buyers are shy away from them. ”

Big gain in pending sales is in the low to median price range and people who used to not being able to purchase, are looking at such option now; hence a healthy increase in pening sales for this price range. 

Check with your trusted Realtor about inventory on the market and what’s the best house for your needs and wants!  

category

  

Total Units/ In Escrow

  

% Active

  

% Pending

 % +/- since 5/28

All SFD’s and CID’s

 

444/124

 

72%

 

28%

+1%

SFD’s

 

335/81

 

76%

 

24%

+0%

CID’s

 

109/43

 

61%

 

39%

+3%

$0 -$500K SFD

 

56/23

 

59%

 

41%

-8%

$500,001-$600K

 

33/9

 

73%

 

27%

-2%

$600,001 - $700K

 

61/21

 

66%

 

34%

+8%

$700,001 - $800K

 

40/9

 

77.5%

 

22.5%

+2.5%

$800,001 - $999,999

 

52/9

 

83%

 

17%

+3%

$1M - $1.25M

 

35/6

 

83%

 

17%

-1%

$1.25M - $1.5M

 

24/2

 

92%

 

8%

-4%

$1.5M+

 

34/2

 

94%

 

6%

-5%
  • Buyer’s Market  < 25%
  • Neutral                25% - 40%
  • Seller’s Market   > 40%

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