Marin Real Estate (March 2010)

The Marin County, California real estate market continues evidencing traction. Year over year prices seem to have leveled in most price segments and locations within Marin — some areas have even seen prices increase (albeit nominally). Countywide supply and demand figures suggest an improving real estate environment. Supply is down 26% and sales of 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes with at least 1,500 square feet and priced under $1 million,  are up an incredible 75% from February 2009. Nearly all recent statistics point to an improved sales environment in 2010.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.NorthBayRE.com.]

Marin Real Estate (February 2010)

The Marin County, California real estate market, which entered the new year with momentum, seems to have achieved traction. While year over year prices are down in many price segments and locations within Marin, some areas have actually seen prices increase (albeit nominally). Indeed, countywide supply and demand figures suggest an improving real estate environment as supply is down 24% and sales are up 29%, compared with last year (the numbers are for homes with at least 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,500 square feet, and priced under $1 million).

Much of the apparent strength evident today stems from the red-hot Novato market.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.NorthBayRE.com.]

Marin Real Estate (January 2010)

Marin Luxury Report (March 2010)

Marin County, California’s luxury home market continues to recover from the wasteland of late 2008 and early 2009 when it seemed as though the luxury home market would never recover. Yet, as reported in previous months, real buyers continue to snap up homes in prestige locations such as Belvedere, Ross, Kent Woodlands, etc., along with “value” properties with undeniable upside. In the $2 million to $4 million price band, sales are up 300% over last year and inventory is down 25% — this combination of factors looks promising for continued improvement. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, click HERE.

$2 Million to $4 Million Luxury Homes

The $2 million to $4 million price band  remains volatile with prices down 17% over the past 2 years. Despite this obvious and well-noted trend, many sellers have not adjusted their asking prices to reflect market realities. As noted in my columns over the past two years, a seller’s refusal to price correctly at the outset of the listing period is the single greatest mistake possible. Often, listing agents are willing accomplices however because they will “say anything” to obtain the listing. However, bottom line costs to sellers is very significant. I have developed a chart that show exactly just how bad it gets over time when Marin County sellers and their agents) overprice their homes — please call or e-mail me for a copy.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com.]

Marin Luxury Report (February 2010)

Marin County, California’s luxury home market continues to recover from the proverbial wasteland of late 2008 and early 2009 when it seemed as though the luxury home market would never recover. Yet, as reported in previous months, real buyers continue to snap up homes in prestige locations such as Belvedere, Ross, Kent Woodlands, etc. Indeed, “value” properties are gobbled up quickly. Despite this apparent thirst for luxury digs, inventory levels remain 40% higher than two years ago. This trend is not unique to Marin, but prevails nationwide. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, click HERE.

The below chart reflects the number of homes in the $2 million to $4 million luxury price band which are in escrow (compared against the past 2 years). Note that the number of homes with accepted offers (not closed sales), is up 50% from 2 years ago and 450% from last year. This is a promising trend.

Another statistic that may not be readily apparent to casual observers is the fact that prices in the $2 million to $4 million price band are stabilizing as median sales prices countywide are down just 6% over the past 2 years. Of course, the impact of the downturn varies greatly by neighborhood and even within neighborhoods based on amenities.

[Click here for the rest of the article, courtesy of ImagineMarin.com.]

Marin Luxury Report (January 2010)

Marin County, California’s luxury home market continues to recover from the wasteland of late 2008 and early 2009 when it seemed as though the luxury home market would never recover. Yet, as reported in previous months, real buyers continue to snap up homes in prestige locations such as Belvedere, Ross, Kent Woodlands, etc., along with “value” properties with undeniable upside. In the $2 million to $4 million price band, sales are up 300% over last year and inventory is down 25% — this combination of factors looks promising for continued improvement. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, click HERE.

$2 Million to $4 Million Luxury Homes

The $2 million to $4 million price band  remains volatile with prices down 17% over the past 2 years. Despite this obvious and well-noted trend, many sellers have not adjusted their asking prices to reflect market realities. As noted in my columns over the past two years, a seller’s refusal to price correctly at the outset of the listing period is the single greatest mistake possible. Often, listing agents are willing accomplices however because they will “say anything” to obtain the listing. However, bottom line costs to sellers is very significant. I have developed a chart that show exactly just how bad it gets over time when Marin County sellers and their agents) overprice their homes — please call or e-mail me for a copy.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com.]

Novato Real Estate Market Update (March 2010 Home Sales Report)

The Novato, California real estate market continues to show significant strength across all price bands, except for homes priced above $1.5 million. February 2010 resulted in 24 sales. While down from December 2009’s 42 sales, this is an impressive number because of the short month, two holidays, and weather challenges presented in January and early February (after all, if people cannot go out and look at homes, they are not likely to buy one). The average sales price of Novato homes in February 2010 catapulted upwards by over 20% from January 2010 to $630,938. These homes averaged 147 days on market, were about 2,291 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $293 sq. ft. Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) bumped upwards slightly as a large number of homes have entered the market over the past two weeks (although we are still hovering at historically low levels for this time of year) — 4.79 months worth of available inventory overall (115 single family homes are currently for sale in Novato). Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:

• 74% of homes priced under $500,000 (67% last month);
• 55% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000 (66% last month);
• 39% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000 (42% last month);
• 28% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million (33% last month);
• 23% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (24% last month);
• 0% of homes between $1.5 million and up.

Amazingly, out of 38 homes on the market under $500,000, only 10 are not in escrow (and several of these hit the market less than a week ago) — this is simply amazing!

• 14 homes were priced under $600,000;
• 8 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million; and
• 2 homes priced from $1 million and up.

Homes in Pointe Marin, Country Club, Hamilton Field, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. My listing at 94 Maybeck Street, Novato (South Gate at Hamilton Field) sold for 88.7% of list price in 10 days. If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your Novato neighborhood or if you have any questions about Novato’s many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate (Pacific Union International). It is always my pleasure to be of service.

The 3 Model Homes being built at The Landing at Hamilton Field (I am the exclusive marketing agent for this project), located adjacent to South Gate, are expected to be completed in June 2010. We expect that the first homes will be ready for occupancy in July or August 2010. Pricing will begin in the mid-$800,000’s. Interest surrounding this new luxury community has been significant. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com.