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 (April 2010 Home Sales Report)

April 19, 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). March 2010 saw 43 sales (a huge increase from February’s 24 sales and one higher than the very high December 2009 total). The average sales price of Novato homes in March 2010 rose (again) to $653,072. These homes averaged 91 days on market, were about 2,293 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $298 sq. ft.

Novato’s price per square foot has hovered around $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 have stabilized and are holding steady (at least at the entry level). I read that one bank has announced a 95% loan to value ratio for California last week — a product that has been almost entirely absent from the market for nearly 2 years.

Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) shifted downwards into historically low levels for this time of year) — 3.05 months worth of available inventory overall (131 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:

  • 66% of homes priced under $500,000 (74% last month);
  • 48% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000 (54% last month);
  • 48% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000 (39% last month);
  • 32% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million (28% last month);
  • 16% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (23% last month);
  • 0% of homes between $1.5 million and up.

Amazingly, out of 39 homes on the market under $500,000, only 13 are not in escrow (and several of these hit the market less than a week ago) — this is simply amazing!

Of the homes that sold in March 2009:

  • 19 homes were priced under $600,000;
  • 21 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million; and
  • 3 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 98.7% 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.

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, are expected to be completed in June 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.

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

March 14, 2010

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!

Of the homes that sold in February 2009:
  • 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.

The Landing at Hamilton | New Homes | Novato

January 24, 2010

Hamilton Field, Novato’s final residential development, is a secluded enclave of luxurious homes reflecting timeless style and contemporary conveniences. These thoughtfully designed homes focus on sophistication, beauty, and community. Residents will enjoy spacious and refined interior spaces, along with the peace of mind associated with living in such a charming neighborhood adjacent to a rich wildlife sanctuary.

The Landing at Hamilton | Plan One (Spanish Elevation)

The Landing at Hamilton | Plan One (Spanish Elevation)

An unrivaled passion for excellence and detail is exhibited in each home. The Landing at Hamilton benefits from easy access to recreation, dining, shopping, schools, transportation, and the myriad benefits of living at Hamilton Field in Novato. Pricing begins at approximately $840,000 for the smallest homes and ranges up to approximately $900,000 for the larger homes. There will be four models in up to three elevations, ranging from ~2,432 square feet to ~3,000 square feet.

Click HERE for more.

Novato Real Estate Market Update (December 2009 Home Sales Report)

December 15, 2009

The strong Novato, California real estate market continues on its journey into recovery. The average sales price of Novato homes in November 2009 was $620,851. These homes averaged 79 days on market, were about 2,103 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $316 per sq. ft. Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) has dipped to historically low levels — a scant 2.69 months worth of available inventory overall (95 single family homes are currently for sale in Novato) . A quick look at the supply and demand curve over the past 2 years is striking — supply is down by 35% and sales are up 42%. No wonder my Novato colleagues agree that it appears our 3+ year bear market in local real estate is coming to an end.

The broad based appearance of solidity in the marketplace is anchored by the low end of the market, but is also reflected in the higher end and by zip code. The chart below reflects the number of months’ inventory in the $800,000 to $900,000 price band. In this “move-up” price band, there is about 3 months’ supply of homes on the market. Generally speaking, 5-6 months of inventory reflects a balanced market and anything under 4 months, a seller’s market.

Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:

  • 74% of homes priced under $500,000 (78% last month);
  • 65% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000 (60% last month);
  • 53% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000 (same as last month);
  • 33% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million (31% last month);
  • 19% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (down from 23%);
  • 0% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
Importantly, and in line with recent months, the move-up price bands are exhibiting strength:
  • 22 homes priced under $600,000 sold in November 2009
  • 12 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million sold in November 2009
  • 3 homes priced from $1 million to $1.5 million sold in November 2009
Homes in Pointe Marin, Country Club, South Gate at Hamilton Field, 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 Broker, 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.

“Give Yourself a Raise. Move to Novato.”

Best Location in South Gate, Hamilton Field (Novato CA)

April 27, 2009

This is a special home with immutable qualities not found in other South Gate at Hamilton Field offerings. Most signifricantly, this gorgeous home is on the levee and has no immediate neighbor to the south — very rare.

Unique opportunity to live in Hamilton Field’s coveted South Gate neighborhood in the most sought after location — on the levee. Few South Gate homes on the levee have come to market in the past 3 years. The last one that did sold within a couple of weeks. This is your chance!

Great Room configuration. Kitchen with granite tile counters, dual-zone wine refrigerator, upgraded appliances, breakfast bar, and work station. Four spacious bedrooms (all upstairs) and 2.5 Baths. Dining Room, Living Room, Laundry Room, and more. Luxurious Master Suite with views across the Bayside open space and watershed. This home is absolutely move-in ready

Facts, Features, and Amenities:

  • Mediterranean home on the levee
  • No rear or immediate southerly nieghbors
  • 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2 car garage
  • Master Bedroom with his-and-hers walk in closet and large master bath with views
  • Living Room with vaulted ceiling opens to Great Room
  • Formal Dining Room
  • Chef’s kitchen with island, pantry and black Corian countertops
  • Dual-Zone wine refrigerator (36 bottle capacity)
  • Utility Room
  • Fabulous views toward The Bay
  • Gorgeous garden with front and back tile patios
  • Wood burning / gas fireplace
  • Media unit in Family Room with surround sound wiring
  • Internet, cable, and phone throughout house
  • Distressed oak flooring downstairs
  • Amazing landscaping includes hand crafted rock wall and large grassy area
  • Window coverings included
  • Pre-wired for alarm and Cat-5 wiring installed
  • Pre-cast mantle with raised hearth and media niche with library shelves
  • Art niches upstairs and down
  • Fire suppression sprinklers throughout home
  • Automated landscape and lawn irrigation system
  • Backs to open space with direct access to the Bay Trail
  • Walking distance to all Hamilton amenities: Southgate Park, Pool, YMCA, Public Library, Art Museum, Café, Hangars, Little League, Soccer Fields, Racquetball Courts, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts and Gymnasium
  • Nearby shopping and dining include the newly opened Hamilton Plaza including Safeway, Pete’s Coffee, Sonoma Latina Grill and Toast
  • Enjoy a 30-minute morning commute to SF with HWY 101 widening project approaching completion (southbond and northbound carpool lanes have both opened within the past two months)

  • Property Address: 89 Moore Road, Novato, CA 94949
  • Listing Price: $765,000

If you would like to learn more about this lovely South Gate home on the levee or set up an appointment to see it, please call Kyle Frazier, the listing agent, at (415) 350-9440. 

Kyle Frazier, CRS
Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate

Novato Real Estate Market Update (September 2008 Home Sales Report)

September 13, 2008

While the past few evenings have brought a chill to the air, the Northern Marin (e.g., Novato) real estate market continues to show some heat. Buyers are focused and seemingly undeterred when it comes to writing offers below asking price–sometime significantly so. Sellers with a need to sell are embracing aggressive pricing. As I have said before, Novato is the land of opportunity for those priced out of Southern and Central Marin–indeed, with interest down under 6% again, those who can qualify for a mortgage are jumping in, along with increasing numbers of investors way of the stock market and bullish on Marin real estate.
 
There are 36 homes under $500,000 (down by 9 from August 2008), and 60 homes under $600,000 (down by 7) currently on the market. At the other end of the spectrum, Novato’s resurgent semi-luxury market ($1 million to $1.5 million price range) posted another 6 sales (there have been 19 such sales over the past 3 months). Overall, 31% of homes and condos on the market in Novato are in escrow. The hottest market segment is the under $500,000 price range, although all price bands under $1 million are performing well.

Forty-one Novato homes sold in August 2008–up by 7 from July 2008. These homes averaged about 94 days on market, sold for an average sales price of $681,000 (roughly $356 per sq./ft.). Homes in Pointe Marin, Rush Creek, Indian Valley, and Stonetree continue to get robust numbers of showings and/or interest. In fact several of my Pointe Marin listings have sold in the past month, or so.

Price Range

Total Homes

Pending Listings

Up to $600K

88

43%

$600K - $750K

 63

33%

$750K - $1 mil.

74

26%

$1 mil. - $1.5 mil.

50

12%

$1.5 mil. & Up

31

3%

 
For a brief explanation of the importance of the statistic addressing the percentage of “Pending” listings, click HERE. If you would like me to run the exact numbers on your neighborhood, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

Novato Real Estate Market Update (July 2008 Home Sales Report)

July 16, 2008

As I have noted in this report for the last couple months, the Northern Marin (e.g., Novato) real estate market is chugging along and exhibiting strong signals in certain price bands. Active listings are abundant. Buyers are focussed and writing offers in the hopes of tapping into the aggressive pricing embraced by sellers. 
 
Indeed, there are several newer homes, under 10 years old, under $800,000 in Hamilton Field. New business arivals at Hamilton Landing are fueling many of these purchases. Moreover, there are 30 homes under $500,000 (up from 22 last month), and 55 homes under $600,000 (up by 1) currently on the market. At the other end of the spectrum, Novato’s resurgent semi-luxury market ($1 million to $1.5 million price range) posted another 5 sales in June 2008 and 3 of Novato’s high-end homes (priced over $1.5 million) sold in June 2008. Overall, roughly 22% of homes on the market in Novato are in escrow. I expect that sales will continue even during the traditionally slower Summer months as pent-up buyer demand and investor activity prop up sales. My listings are seeing plenty of activity.

Thirty-two Novato homes sold in June 2008–up by 4 from May 2008, which saw 28 home sales. These homes averaged about 104 days on market, sold for an average sales price of $819,000 (roughly $363 per sq./ft.), and the average sized home was 2,307 square feet. Homes in Hamilton Field (particularly South Gate and Newport), Rush Creek, Indian Valley, and San Marin continue to get robust numbers of showings and/or interest.

Price Range

Total Homes

Pending Listings

Up to $600K

110

50%

$600K - $750K

 74

31%

$750K - $1 mil.

77

14%

$1 mil. - $1.5 mil.

57

12%

$1.5 mil. & Up

34

5%

For a brief explanation of the importance of the statistic addressing the percentage of “Pending” listings, click HERE. If you would like me to run the exact numbers on your neighborhood, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. It is my pleasure to be of service.

Marin Luxury Homes (July 2008)

July 13, 2008

The number of homes for sale in the $2 million to $4 million luxury home market in Marin County, California dipped slightly this month with 121 active listings, compared to 127 homes in June 2008. This reduction in inventory was accompanied by another solid month of sales–26 homes sold (one more than in May 2008). As noted last month, and this bears repeating, while the number of homes sold in the non-luxury market this year compared to last year is down by about 25%-30% (depending on where you look), the luxury market has NOT experienced a similar decline. This is great news for owners of luxury homes in Marin!

Mill Valley and Kentfield led the way with the most luxury home sales (each with 5 homes sold). Belvedere, Larkspur, and San Rafael had 3 sales each. Ross, San Anselmo, and Sausalito had 1 sale. The average days on market for homes that sold was a mere 59 days (8 days less than last month) and the average sales price was just under $2.5 million (roughly $772/per sq. ft.), with an average of 3,353 square feet.

The inventory level in Marin County’s ultra-luxury market (homes priced in the $4 million and up range) rose to 54 active listings, compared with 46 last month. Tiburon, as usual, boasts the largest number of such homes with 19.

[ ... click here for the complete report courtesy of NorthBayRE.com].

Marin Luxury Homes (June 2008)

June 11, 2008

Marin County’s $2 million to $4 million luxury home market saw a slight rise in the number of homes for sale this past month with 127 active listings, compared to 124 homes last month. This mild rise in inventory was accompanied by a strong month of sales–25 homes sold (the same number of luxury homes closed in April 2008). Worth noting here is the fact that although the number of non-luxury homes sold this year compared to last year is down significantly (e.g., about 20%), the luxury market has NOT experienced a similar decline. Great news for owners of luxury homes in Marin.

Mill Valley accounted for the greatest number of luxury home sales with 6. Sausalito, Tiburon, Kentfield, and Ross had 3 sales each, Belvedere and Larkspur had 2, and Corte Madera, Greenbrae, and San Anselmo had a 1 sale each. The average days on market for homes that sold was a mere 67 days and the average sales price was just over $2.8 million (roughly $821/per sq. ft.), with an average of 3,461 square feet.

The inventory level in Marin County’s ultra-luxury market (homes priced in the $4 million and up range) also rose–to 46 active listings, compared with 44 last month. 

[ ... click here for the complete report courtesy of NorthBayRE.com].