Marin Real Estate (March 2009)

Although February was a short and rainy month, Marin County, CA., still experienced a good number of sales. So far in March 2009. we are seeing increasing inventory similar to “normal” years (I hesitate to call 2009 a “normal” year in light of the current economic situation). Recent gains in the stock market are a welcome change. Interest rates are down to about 5% on conforming loans right now, which is great (that is more than 1 full point lower than this time last year). So, it seems the pump is primed. We’ll see if the real estate market responds.

Obviously, the more stringent underwriting policies of lenders are stifling demand. Although word on the street is that at least one big lender has taken steps to loosen up underwriting practices. It is obvious to everybody who comes into contact with the Marin real estate market that home buyers are continuing to wait for the perceived bottom. This, despite the FACT that interest rates are as low as could be realistically expected and prices in many Marin communities and neighborhoods have receded to 2003 or 2004 price levels.

[Click here for the rest of the report, courtesy of NorthBayRE.com.]

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

Novatans are rejoicing in the completion of the southbound portion of the HWY 101 widening project. I have had occasion to drive during rush hour several times over the past ten days and it is fabulous. NO traffic! This will be a boon to Novato as more people recognize the complete transformation of the commute from horrible to good. Moreover, the tentative approval of the new and improved tax credit will also jolt some buyers into action [click here for my recent article on the proposed package]. As I tell my clients, ”Give Yourself a Raise. Move to Novato.”

Novato inventory is down to a mere 147 active single family homes for sale. There were 172 homes for sale in December 2008 and 150 homes for sale in January 2009. As discussed last month, Novato, California is experiencing far lower inventory levels than we have become accustomed to over the past several years. While the number of sales in January was lower than December 2008’s sales total, January 2009 sales were up about 30% from January 2008. Paradoxically, the absorption rate (e.g., the number of months of inventory currently available in Novato) rose to 7.3 months (it was 4.5 months just a month ago due to the large number of sales in December). If this seems schizophrenic, it is. What I take from this is that sales  are way up at the low end and while the absorption rate jumped this past month, the year over year increase in the sheer number of sales over 2008 is significant.

Foreclosures and short sales have become the de rigueur focus of buyers (especially investors–who are back in the game). Despite the inherent dangers and uncertainty related to these sales they constituted 35% of single family home sales in Novato last year. Many neighborhoods are suffering dramatic erosion of home values. Prices are back down to what they were in 2003. Novato currently offers up about 16 homes priced under $400,000 (as anyone who reads my columns knows, I call Novato Marin’s “Valhalla of Value”). 

The number of homes listed under $500,000 is up to 65–and an impressive 48% of these are in escrow. There are a total of 79 homes under $600,000 (with 43% in escrow). Significantly, and this unique to Novato right now, the percentages of homes in escrow for $1 million-plus realm are about 25%–we are not seeing such stats in Southern Marin. I think many phantom buyers (those who sold in Central and Southern Marin over the past couple of years and who have waiting for prices to dip are jumping in, resulting in very good sales stats at the higher end). 

Twenty Novato homes sold in January 2009 (up from 14 in January 2008). These homes averaged about 126 days on market, were about 2,066 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $631,000 (roughly $314 per sq. ft.). Homes in Pointe Marin, Country Club, 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 call regarding lease-options.  

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 for your neck of the woods or have any questions about Novato’s many delightful neighborhoods, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

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

This morning I cleaned out my gutters and cleared out my gardening beds of their Summer plantings–sure signs that Autumn is upon us. And while the summer crop produced in the garden is now long gone, many of the homes that came on the market this Summer remain available and ready to harvest. Although the number of homes on the market in Novato is well down off its high earlier this year–there are currently 186 active listings–there are many excellent values out there.  

Sellers who have to sell in this market have really come to understand the need for aggressive pricing because of the relatively large number of foreclosures in Novato. These foreclosures can be disastrous to neighborhood values. However, because of their generally poor condition and the stringent terms required by the banks selling the homes, many buyers refuse to engage in pursuit of foreclosed homes for sale (and just about everyone is walking away from short sales). Moreover, because the banks are using pricing schemes to lure buyers into making offers, many of these so-called foreclosure “deals” are selling way above asking price. In fact, one foreclosure in Novato’s Country Club neighborhood sold last month for over 11% above asking price in an all-cash deal. 

As I have said before and I will say again, present day Novato is the Valhalla of value in Marin. Anecdotal evidence supports me–4 of my Novato listings sold last month alone. Certainly, those who cannot afford a run at the higher priced homes of Southern and Central Marin are flocking to Novato. We are also fielding lots of investor calls. Perhaps people are selling off equities and again plunging into the more bullish realm of Marin real estate? Perhaps people feel we are at bottom? Perhaps the fact that the HWY 101 project is slated to be done soon is easing concerns over the commute to San Francisco?

About the same as in October 2008, there are 33 homes currently listed under $500,000 and 51% of these are in escrow (that’s a strong lower end). There are a total of 94 homes under $600,000 currently on the market. At the top end of the spectrum, Novato’s semi-luxury market ($1 million to $1.5 million price range) posted another 4 sales (29 of these homes have sold over the past 5 months). Also, note that 49% of condos on the market in Novato are in escrow (down from 53% last month). Yet, the most surprising market segment is the $600,000 to $750,000 price band with 37% of homes in escrow (up from 27% last month). This price band has been sluggish through much of the year, yet last month and this month we are seeing a lot more action.

Thirty-six Novato homes sold in October 2008–down by 10 from September 2008. These homes averaged about 113 days on market, were about 2,254 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $739,000 (roughly $336 per sq. ft.). Homes in Pointe Marin, Country Club, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys seemed to generate the most calls, showings, and sales. 

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 (October 2008 Home Sales Report)

We had drizzle of rain last week and today is blustery and cold. Autumn is definitely sinking in. Yet, despite the apparent problems faced by many around the country, the Novato real estate market is teetering on “hot.” Buyers are focused and seemingly undeterred (especially when it comes to writing offers below asking price–sometime significantly so).

Sellers with a need to sell are embracing aggressive pricing measures as foreclosures continue sapping equity from neighboring homes. As I have said before and I will say again, Novato is the Valhalla of value in Marin. And those whose financial situations don’t support a run at the higher priced homes of Southern and Central Marin are flocking to Novato. Although interest rates are bouncing up and down on a daily basis (literally), those who can qualify for a mortgage are moving in (literally). We are definitely seeing investors moving out of the stock market and into the bullish realm of Novato real estate.

There are 34 homes under $500,000 (down by 2 from September 2008) and 43% of these are in escrow. There are a total of 86 homes under $600,000 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 (there have been 24 such sales over the past 4 months). Overall, an astonishing 53% of Novato condos are in escrow. But, the most surprising market segment is the $600,000 to $750,000 price band with 27% of homes in escrow. This price band has been sluggish through much of the year.

Forty-six Novato homes sold in September 2008–up by 5 from August 2008. These homes averaged about 139 days on market, sold for an average sales price of $715,000 (roughly $338 per sq./ft.). Homes in Pointe Marin, Rush Creek, Bel Marin keys, and San Marin continue to get robust numbers of showings and/or interest.  

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 (September 2008 Home Sales Report)

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.

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

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.

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

As noted in this report last month, the Novato (Marin County, California) real estate market continues to show signs of increased health and vitality. While the number of active listings remains high, buyers are really beginning to get in there and write 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. Moreover, there are 4 homes under $400,000, 19 homes under $500,000 (down from 29 last month), and 54 homes under $600,000 (down from 83) currently on the market.

At the other end of the spectrum, Novato’s market ($1 million to $1.5 million price range) posted 9 sales in May 2008. Overall, roughly 23% of homes on the market in Novato are in escrow. Although sellers face stiff competition, they can lure buyers with good pricing and outstanding curb appeal. I expect that sales will continue picking up in the coming months as pent-up buyer demand takes hold. My listings are seeing plenty of activity.

Twenty-eight Novato homes sold in May 2008–a little less than April which saw 31 home sales. These homes averaged about 109 days on market, sold for an average sales price of $804,000 (roughly $379 per sq./ft.), and the average sized home was 2,165 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.