Novato Real Estate Market Update (March 2011 Novato Home Sales Report)
March 14, 2011
Febuary 2011 resulted in excellent home sales numbers for Novato (34 homes sold in February, compared with 22 trades in January). It appears that this momentum is carrying into March as buyers act quickly on well-priced and/or unique opportunities. The average sales price of Novato homes in Febuary 2011 was $534K. These homes averaged 156 days on market, were about 2,092 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $267 sq. ft. Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) is an astonishingly low 3.35 months’ worth of available inventory overall (114 single family homes are currently for sale in Novato). Of note is the fact that 44% of all Novato homes priced under $1 million are IN ESCROW!
Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
- 47% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 39% of homes between $501,000 and $750,000;
- 51% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 19% of homes between $1 million and up.
Of the homes that sold in February 2011:
- 19 homes were priced under $500,000;
- 12 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million; and
- 3 homes priced from $1 million and up.
Homes in The Landing at Hamilton Field, Breakers at Pointe Marin, Country Club, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. 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 J.D., Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
The Landing at Hamilton Field — We have just reduced prices on our favorite homes (and sold another). We also have placed our 3 model homes on the market at very attractive prices. Prices now start at $809,000. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com
Novato Real Estate Market Update (February 2011 Novato Home Sales Report)
February 11, 2011
January 2011 was another good month for Novato home sales (we had 22 trades). Typically, January sales are quite low as people focus on the Holidays during December. The average sales price of Novato homes in January 2011 was $525K. These homes averaged 100 days on market, were about 2,051 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $267 sq. ft. Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) sits at just under 5 months’ worth of available inventory overall (104 single family homes are currently for sale in Novato). This is a low number. Of note is the fact that 49% of all Novato homes priced under $1 million are IN ESCROW!
Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
- 51% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 50% of homes between $501,000 and $750,000;
- 38% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 29% of homes between $1 million and up.
Of the homes that sold in December 2010:
- 11 homes were priced under $500,000;
- 11 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million; and
- 0 homes priced from $1 million and up.
Homes in Hamilton Field, Breakers at Pointe Marin, Country Club, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. 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 J.D., Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
The Landing at Hamilton Field — We have just reduced prices on our favorite homes and placed our 3 model homes on the market. Prices now start at $809,000. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com
Novato Real Estate Market Update (January 2011 Novato Home Sales Report)
January 4, 2011
Happy New Year! As I write this real estate report, the stock market is at its highest level since the 2008 meltdown began and up 125 points on the first day of trading in 2011 and the headline on CNN Money is “A Hiring Boom in 2011. Really.” Despite historically low interest rates and overall affordability at its best levels recorded, the overall Marin market was down in terms of sales numbers in 2010. Yet, in December 2010, the Novato, California real estate market continued to show very real strength across all price bands, except for homes priced above $1.5 million. This strength was consistent with the rest of the year’s results.
December 2010 was HOT with 41 home sales. In fact, it was hotter than December 2007 (with 26 sales — Note: click HERE for article dating back to January 2008 “Novato Named “Best Affordable” Town by Business News Magazine”) and December 2008 (35 sales) and about even December 2009 (42 sales). The average sales price of Novato homes in December 2010 was $570,724. These homes averaged 111 days on market, were about 2,078sq. ft., and averaged roughly $283 sq. ft. Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) sits at 2.4 months’ worth of available inventory overall (99 single family homes are currently for sale in Novato). This is an extraordinarily low number and will rise as sellers begin putting their homes on the market in coming months.
Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
- 55% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 54% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
- 37% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
- 19% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 27% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
- 11% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
Of the homes that sold in December 2010:
- 25 homes were priced under $600,000;
- 15 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million; and
- 1 home priced from $1 million and up.
Homes in The Landing at Hamilton Field, Breakers at Pointe Marin, Country Club, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. My new home listing at 10 Audubon Way (in The Landing at Hamilton) closed escrow at the end of the month for $957K (about 3.5% above asking price). 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 J.D., Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
The Landing at Hamilton Field had its first sale last month (the sale was consumated upon completion of the home). We have another 4 homes that should be ready for occupancy by the end of January or early February 2011. Pricing starts in the mid-$800,000’s. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com
Novato Real Estate Market Update (November 2010)
November 20, 2010
Even through the suppressed months of sales experienced through most of Marin County, California (from May through October, sales were down county-wide as the stock market fell), Novato’s real estate market continues showing resilience and strength. Indeed, buyers continue questioning pricing in Southern Marin, especially at the high end. Meanwhile, many are looking North (Novato is just 16 miles North of the Golden Gate Bridge) and stepping fearlessly into the Novato homes market. They can confidently do this because Novato’s bottom has formed and pricing reflects unquestionable value.
What You Get Comparison (Novato v. Mill Valley) — Based on last month’s average sales price in Mill Valley, buyers with a $997K budget got a 2,065 square foot house (likely built 50 or 60 years ago and located in a flood zone, the hills, or a choppy neighborhood).
In Novato, buyers with a $997K budget can buy a brand new home (at The Landing, for example) with 5 Beds, 3 Baths, 3,073 square feet, in the flats (not a flood zone), with a pool and park across the street, within a 2-minute walk of YMCA and 3-minute walk to the Library, and access to the Bay Trail. All this is a mere 12 or 13 minutes up HWY 101. Take into account the time it takes to drive surface streets into Mill Valley, any time factor related to the commute into The City can be a wash.
Decision – You be the Judge. Many buyers believe that Novato provides much more bang for their hard earned buck.
We had 30 trades last month. The average sales price of Novato homes in October 2010 was up to $678,943. These homes averaged 91 days on market, were about 2,448 sq. ft., and sold for about $286 per square foot.
- 48% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 44% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
- 37% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
- 18% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 27% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
- 6% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
Of the Novato homes that sold in October 2010:
- 11 homes sold under $600,000;
- 15 homes sold between $601,00 to $1 million; and
- 3 homes sold for over $1 million.
NEW HOMES IN NOVATO: The 3 Model Homes at The Landing at Hamilton Field are open. The first homes will be ready for occupancy in December 2010. Buyers get to choose countertops (granite is standard) and flooring.
Pricing begins in the mid-$800,000’s. Interest surrounding this new Southern Novato community has been significant. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or, visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com.
If you would like to have the value of your Novato home professionally evaluated, 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 J.D., Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
Pacific Union Novato Real Estate Market Update (October 2010)
October 26, 2010
- 49% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 35% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
- 31% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
- 21% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 30% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
- 7% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
Of the Novato homes that sold in September 2010:
- 17 homes sold under $600,000;
- 12 homes sold between $601,00 to $1 million; and
- 4 homes sold for over $1 million.
NEW HOMES IN NOVATO: The 3 Model Homes at The Landing at Hamilton Field are open. The first homes will be ready for occupancy in December 2010.
Pricing begins in the mid-$800,000’s. Interest surrounding this new Southern Novato community has been significant. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or, visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com.
If you would like to have the value of your Novato home professionally evaluated, 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 J.D., Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
Pacific Union Novato Real Estate Market Update (August 2010 Novato Home Sales Report)
August 24, 2010
The Novato, California real estate market continues its solid year. We had 33 trades last month. What is impressive is the fact that average sales prices are up and average price per square foot are up. The average sales price of Novato homes in July 2010 was $692,508 (up from $644,778 the month before). These homes averaged 106 days on market, were about 2,052 sq. ft., and averaged $320 per square foot (up from $306 sq. ft. in June 2010).
Novato’s price per square foot has hovered between 3-5% of $300 for a year now — in my mind, we are seeing the gradual recomposition of the market in the era of the “New Normal.” Prices are holding steady, particularly in the entry level and move-up price bands. This is good news for buyers and sellers alike. Moreover, historically low interest rates, currently hovering around 4.5%, are giving buyers adequate impetus to make their move.
Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
- 65% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 40% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
- 26% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
- 26% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 16% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
- 20% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
Of the Novato homes that sold in July 2009:
- 17 homes sold under $600,000;
- 16 homes sold between $601,00 to $1 million (the Novato move-up market is hot); and
- 6 sold for at least $1 million.
NEW HOMES IN NOVATO: The 3 Model Homes at The Landing at Hamilton Field are open. We expect that the first homes will be ready for occupancy in October/November 2010.
Pricing begins in the mid-$800,000’s. Interest surrounding this new Southern Novato community has been significant. Please call me at (415) 350-9440 for more information. Or, visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com.
If you would like to have the value of your Novato home professionally evaluated, 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 | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
Postscript: Homes in Pointe Marin, Country Club, Hamilton Field, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month.
Novato Real Estate Market Update (June 2010 Novato Home Sales Report)
June 16, 2010
The unabated Novato, California real estate market remains firm in all price points. In May 2010, we had 38 sales (over 60% higher than April). The average sales price of Novato homes in May 2010 again rose by about 3% to to $677,105. These homes averaged 98 days on market, were about 2,277 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $308 sq. ft.
Novato’s price per square foot has hovered between 3-5% of $300 for a year now — in my mind, we are seeing the gradual recomposition of the market in the era of the “New Normal.” Prices are holding steady. This is good news for buyers and sellers alike. Moreover, historically low interest rates and added sales are giving buyers adequate impetus to make their move.
Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
- 62% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 37% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
- 38% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
- 19% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 19% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
- 23% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
Of the Novato homes that sold in May 2009:
- 9 homes were priced under $600,000;
- 22 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million (the Novato move-up market is hot); and
- 2 priced from $1 million and up.
NEW HOMES IN NOVATO: 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 in Hamilton Field, are set for completion in late July. We expect that the first homes will be ready for occupancy in September 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.
If you would like to have the value of your Novato home professionally evaluated, 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 | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
Postscript: 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 98.7% of list price in 10 days.
Marin Real Estate (May 2010)
June 10, 2010
We at Pacific Union International in Marin County, California continue to feel as though the 2010 real estate market is vastly different from that of 2009. 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 up 7%. But the number of sales of 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes with at least 1,500 square feet and priced under $1 million, are up an incredible 191% from April 2009.
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As noted in various recent articles, much of the strength in today’s home sales market stems from the red-hot entry level market segment. As would be expected, with relatively flat inventory and more sales, the absorption rate (e.g., the number of month’s worth of inventory) continues hovering at about 3 months for entry level homes. This is very low. Attractive loan terms and a pervasive sense among buyers that we have hit bottom, is resulting in sales. While in other parts of the country the first time hoe buyer credit has fueled sales, that incentive has had a minimal impact in Marin because of the relatively low income thresholds required to qualify. Below is a chart tracking escrows — roughly one-third of homes are in escrow (and this includes ALL homes in every price band).
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- Kyle Frazier, Broker Associate, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Realtor
- Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International Marin
- (415) 350-9440
- E-Mail Kyle Frazier
Novato Real Estate Market Update (May 2010 Home Sales Report)
May 14, 2010
The Novato, California real estate market continues to exhibit strength across nearly all price bands (not so for homes priced above $1.5 million). April 2010 saw 24 sales (same as February 2010). The average sales price of Novato homes in April 2010 rose over 3% to to $656,699. These homes averaged 93 days on market, were about 2,291 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $294 sq. ft.
Novato’s price per square foot has hovered between 3-5% of $300 for a year now — in my mind, we are seeing the gradual recomposition of the market in the era of the “New Normal.” Prices are holding steady. This is good news for those waiting to buy.
Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
- 56% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 46% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
- 54% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
- 34% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 16% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
- 15% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
Of the Novato homes that sold in April 2009:
- 9 homes were priced under $600,000;
- 14 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million; and
- 1 priced from $1 million and up.
NEW HOMES: 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, will be open in less than 60 days (Summer 2010). We expect that the first homes will be ready for occupancy in 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.
Again, 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.
Postscript: 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 98.7% of list price in 10 days.
Novato Real Estate Market Update (July 2009 Home Sales Report)
July 17, 2009
The Novato single family home market seems to be forming a bottom. Prices appear to be leveling out and the percentages of entry level homes in escrow are very high. I know that many foreclosure sales and short sales are getting multiple offers. I have several clients who have faced as many 9 to 20 offers in competition for a single family home. This activity bodes well for sales in the higher price bands.
Moreover, in June 2009, Novato had 38 sales (up from 32 in June 2008). Indeed, this reflects an upward trend over the past few months—May 2009 had 44 sales. Of course, many of these are bargain priced homes such as REO’s or short sales. But, nonetheless, the inventory is rapidly being absorbed as there is extraordinary pent up demand.
Perhaps more significantly, the average sales price of Novato homes jumped up to $666,124 in June 2009. This is an increase from $564,770 in May 2009. While there was one $2 million plus sale (an off market sale), which supported this increase in average sales price, even stripping that outlier sale from the equation, the revised average sales price was over $622,000—a strong bump upwards.
We believe that the move up market has begun to find its legs in Novato and that there are definite signs of improvement in this very important market segment. Interestingly, and in line with recent months, the move-up price bands are selling as well as the entry level price bands:
- 17 homes priced under $600,000 sold in June 2009
- 17 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million sold in June 2009.
As of today, here are the percentages of homes in escrow in each price band:
- 78% of homes priced under $500,000;
- 57% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
- 43% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
- 25% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
- 25% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
- 15% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
There are 131 single family homes currently for sale in Novato, CA (there were 141 in June 2009). Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., the number of months of inventory currently available in Novato) remains extremely low. In March, we had 7.9 months worth of inventory. Last month, the absorption rate fell to an unbelievable 3.04 months. Today, while up a bit to 3.45 months, it remains very low! Absorption rates, along with days on market averages, provide a telling insight into the overall state of the market. And today’s shrinking inventory and exploding sales evidence a pent up demand and reflect the increased affordability of Novato real estate. Also, note below that the 90-day rolling average of Novato home prices has jumped up — I consider this an additional leading indicator that market forces are establishing a bottom.
As noted above, thirty-eight Novato homes sold in June 2009 (down from 44 in May 2009). These Novato homes averaged about 148 days on market, were about 2,128 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $666,124 (roughly $316 per sq. ft.). Homes in Pointe Marin, Country Club, Hamilton Field, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. If you are thinking of buying, please call my office at (415) 350-9440 as I have a long list of people who would like to sell their homes, but because of market conditions are not quite ready to list their home officially. I am also receiving many calls regarding lease-options.
|
Price Range |
Total Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $500K |
54 |
78% |
| $500K – $600K | 35 | 57% |
|
$600K – $750K |
43 |
44% |
|
$750K – $1 mil. |
51 |
25% |
|
$1 mil. – $1.5 mil. |
32 |
25% |
|
$1.5 mil. & Up |
20 |
15% |
Now that the the HWY 101 widening project has been completed on both north and southbound lanes, the commute through San Rafael is very much improved. Southbound commute traffic is reduced by about 25 minutes. The improved commute will certainly make Novato a preferable choice for those who want more house for the money, yet were scared off the traffic we experienced during the highway construction period. Moreover, the first-time home buyer credit of $8,000 (this is a flat out gift from the government) certainly helps those who qualify. As I tell my clients, “Give Yourself a Raise. Move to Novato.”
