Pacific Union International | Novato Real Estate Market Update (January 2012 Novato Home Sales Report)

December 2011, like November, exceeded all expectations in terms of Novato, CA real estate sales (we had 35). Obviously, December is traditionally a slow month (usually, December and January are terribly unexciting) for closings in Novato and all of Marin County. This year’s unseasonably warm weather and complete lack of rain kept buyers engaged well into January. As has been the case for the past quarter, buyers continue to move very quickly on well-priced and/or unique real estate opportunities. As with other Marin towns along the HWY 101 corridor, the average sales price of Novato homes has swung wildly this year from month to month. For example, the average sale price in June was $626K in October, $530K in September, and $588K in December 2012. December’s trades averaged 109 days on market, were about 2,273 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) continues to hover in historically low territory with a shockingly low 2 months’ worth of available inventory overall (a mere 70 single family homes are actively for sale in Novato). The hottest component of the Novato real estate market (as always) is the entry and move-up levels — homes priced under $750K — where ~60% of homes are in escrow and inventory is so tight that the absorption rate is less than 2 month’s worth of inventory.

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

■54% of homes priced under $500,000;
■52% of homes between $501,000 and $750,000;
■32% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
■18% of homes between $1 million and up.

Of the 35 homes that sold in December 2011:

■17 homes were priced under $500,000;
■15 homes priced from $501,00 to $1 million; and
■3 home priced from $1 million and up.

Homes in The Landing at Hamilton Field, Breakers at Pointe Marin, 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 — NEW CONSTRUCTION. Prices start in the mid – $700′s. With several recent closings, we only have two more new homes currently available. Please call me at            (415) 350-9440       for more information. Or visit our website at www.TheLandingNovato.com.

Pacific Union International | Novato Real Estate Market Update (October 2011 Novato Home Sales Report)

Much like August 2011, Novato, CA home sales continued to surpass expectations in September 2011, which is traditionally a very slow month for closings in Marin County. Indeed, buyers continue to move very quickly on well-priced and/or unique real estate opportunities. The average sales price of Novato homes has swung wildly this year from month to month. For example, the average sale price in June was $626K. In September it was $530K. September’s trades averaged 117 days on market, were about 1,870 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $258 sq. ft. Novato’s  absorption rate (e.g., number of months’ inventory of homes for sale based on last month’s sales totals) continues to hover in historically low territory with just 3.39 months’ worth of available inventory overall (112 single family homes are actively for sale in Novato). The hottest component of the Novato real estate market is the entry level — homes priced under $500K — where 61% of homes are in escrow and inventory is so tight that the absorption rate is less than 2 month’s worth of inventory.

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

■61% of homes priced under $500,000;
■43% of homes between $501,000 and $750,000;
■19% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
■15% of homes between $1 million and up.

Of the 33 homes that sold in September 2011:

■16 homes were priced under $500,000;
■13 homes priced from $501,00 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. 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 — NEW CONSTRUCTION. Prices start in the mid – $700′s. With several recent closings, we only have two more currently available. 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)

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)

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

Pacific Union Novato Real Estate Market Update (October 2010)

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 (September 2010 Novato Home Sales Report)

Despite record low temperatures in Marin the Summer, the Novato, California real estate market has not cooled. We again had 33 trades last month and average sales prices and average price per square foot figures remained nearly unchanged from the past three months. The average sales price of Novato homes in July 2010 was $686,519. These homes averaged 105 days on market, were about 2,315 sq. ft., and averaged $312 per square foot. Homes in The Landing at Hamilton, Pointe Marin, Country Club, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month.

Novato’s price per square foot has hovered within 3% of $310 for several months now — in my mind, we have seen the market’s botom at the entry level. Prices are also holding steady in several neighborhoods at the move-up price bands and $1 million plus homes are selling in . 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:

• 46% of homes priced under $500,000;
• 29% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000;
• 42% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000;
• 23% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million;
• 23% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million;
• 13% of homes between $1.5 million and up.

Of the Novato homes that sold in July 2009:

• 12 homes sold under $600,000;
• 19 homes sold between $601,00 to $1 million (the Novato move-up market is hot); and
• 3 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 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 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.

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

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)

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.

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).

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

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 (November 2009 Home Sales Report)

Leaves are starting to hit the ground as the days grow shorter. But, Novato’s hot market shows no signs of cooling down. In October 2009, 50 Novato, California homes sold, compared with 35 sales in September 2009. Suffice it to say, the Novato real estate market is hot. Entry level home sales have shown sustained strength for the past 6 months. The number of homes actively listed in Novato remains very low compared with the rest of Marin (and the percentage of homes in escrow remains much higher than the rest of Marin). This exceptional demand is based on stunning affordability (homes are selling now for prices nobody could have dreamed of 3 short years ago) and the fantastically low interest rates.

While the average sales price of Novato homes rose in August to a remarkable $713,440 (based in large part on the makeup of sales), that number fell back to Earth in September — $646,389. Last month, the average sales price rose to $667,788.

Certain zip codes are performing exceptionally well. For example, in 94949 (Southern Novato) the percentage of homes in escrow is up 38% from last October and the average days on market is down 70%. This is simple supply and demand. Savvy buyers waiting for “the bottom to hit” recognize that we may be there and that any further price erosion will be outweighed by increased interest rates which are likely around the bend. Surely, home buyers in Novato are finding that it is increasingly difficult to identify “turnkey” homes under $550,000. In the 94949 zip code, median prices year over year dipped a mere 3%. I think many observers would be surprised. Local agents are all talking about a “bounce” in prices over the past several months.

Novato homes that sold in October 2009 averaged 100 days on market, were about 2,267 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $667,788 (roughly $310 per sq. ft.). Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., the number of months of inventory currently available in Novato) has dipped to historically low levels — just 2.3 months worth of available inventory overall.

The chart below reflects activity in the $800,000 to $900,000 price band. In this “move-up” price band, there is less than 2 month’s inventory. Lower price bands are even more constrained. Generally speaking, 5-6 months of inventory reflects a balanced market and anything under 4 months, a seller’s market.

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 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.”

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