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.
Marin Luxury Report (June 2009)
July 10, 2009
As noted in prior reports this year, Marin County, CA’s luxury segment is slow and currently weighted towards homes priced under $4 million. In fact, not a single home priced over $4 million sold in May 2009 and just 2 are currently in escrow (although that could change in a moment as the domino effect is very real in home sales). Of course, the luxury home slump exists throughout the country as affluent buyers wait for a signal to buy. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing dated June 14, 2009, click here. Yet, the news relating to home starts and permit applications is improved again this month. And while the stock market closed in the black for the year last week, this week has brought a correction. So, it appears we will continue to wait for the buying signal. Note, if you would like a local report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, call me at (415) 350-9440.
Buyers are dubious of price stability for good reason (see chart below reflecting year over year median prices in Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Kentfield). But, increased conforming loan limits and a pronounced level of increased affordability across the board should help sales moving forward into the Summer er as buyers with 25% down will obtain top-shelf financing for purchases of $1.6 million. While not “Luxury” territory here in Marin, many buyers of luxury homes must sell their current homes first (80% of buyers are sellers).
[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com.]
