Novato Real Estate Market Update (January 2010 Home Sales Report)
January 18, 2010
“Give Yourself a Raise. Move to Novato.”
Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
- 67% of homes priced under $500,000 (74% last month);
- 66% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000 (65% last month);
- 42% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000 (53% last month);
- 33% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million (same as last month);
- 24% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (19% last month);
- 0% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
- 23 homes priced under $600,000 sold in December 2009
- 17 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million sold in December 2009
- 10 homes priced from $1 million and up sold in December 2009
The Landing at Hamilton Field, located adjacent to South Gate, is scheduled to begin pouring foundations for the model homes (there will be 3 models) in February 2010. The models are expected to open in April 2010, and the first homes will be ready for occupancy in July 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.
Novato Real Estate Market Update (October 2009 Home Sales Report)
October 15, 2009
Entering into the dormancy season for Marin County real estate, it appears that certain “hotspots” remain — Novato is one of them. In September 2009, 35 Novato homes sold, compared with 38 sales in August 2009. The Novato real estate market derives its strength from entry level home sales. The number of homes actively listed in Novato remains very low compared with the rest of Marin (and the percentage of homes in escrow is much higher than the rest of Marin) because of exceptional demand based on affordability and the ongoing fantastically low interest rates.
“Give Yourself a Raise. Move to Novato.”
While the average sales price of Novato homes rose in August to a remarkable $713,440 (based in large part to the makeup of sales), that number fell back to Earth in September — $646,389. Even so, the psychological impact on buyers waiting for bottom to hit has begun to register. Anecdotally, I can attest that many buyers are looking at the inventory of homes in Novato and acknowledging that prices in the lower price bands are level and that it is increasingly difficult to identify “turnkey” homes under $525,000 — $550,000.
- 73% of homes priced under $500,000 (down from 81% last month — due to a flood of 6 homes coming onto market in the last week);
- 66% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000 (same as last month);
- 53% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000 (up from 48%);
- 34% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million (up from 27%);
- 31% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (up from 30%);
- 0% of homes between $1.5 million and up.
- 16 homes priced under $600,000 sold in September 2009
- 15 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million sold in September 2009
Novato homes that sold in September 2009 averaged 121 days on market, were about 2,133 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $646,389 (roughly $313 per sq. ft.). Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., the number of months of inventory currently available in Novato) remains extremely low — 3.4 months of available inventory. In March 2009, we had 7.9 months worth of inventory. Generally speaking, 5-6 months of inventory reflects a balanced market and anything under 4 months, a seller’s market. The percentage of homes in escrow also points strongly to an extreme sellers market in the lower price bands.
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 International Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
Novato Real Estate Market Update (September 2009 Home Sales Report)
September 17, 2009
Continuing on a trend noted last month, the average sales price of Novato homes rose. In August 2009, the average price for a Novato home was $ 713,440. That is up from $632,078 in July and from $622,000 in June. While this large bump may be anomolous, the fact it follows a bump last month may prove significant. Certainly, the psychological impact on buyers waiting for bottom to hit may prove significant.
As a result of the above, we believe that the move-up market will continue to improve in Novato — there are clear signs of improvement in this very important market segment. As of today, here are the percentages of homes in escrow in each price band:
- 81% of homes priced under $500,000 (essentially the same as last month);
- 66% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000 (up from 61%);
- 48% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000 (up from 40%);
- 27% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million (same as last month);
- 30% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (same as last month);
- 0% of homes between $1.5 million and up (down from 6%).
- 17 homes priced under $600,000 sold in August 2009
- 16 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million sold in August 2009
As noted above, 38 Novato homes sold in August 2009. These Novato homes averaged about 83 days on market, were about 2,360 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $713,440 (roughly $305 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 |
48 |
81% |
| $500K - $600K | 38 | 66% |
|
$600K - $750K |
44 |
48% |
|
$750K - $1 mil. |
59 |
25% |
|
$1 mil. - $1.5 mil. |
33 |
30% |
|
$1.5 mil. & Up |
15 |
6% |
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.”
Novato Real Estate Market Update (August 2009 Home Sales Report)
August 12, 2009
Last month, for the first time since I began writing Novato monthly updates back in 2006, I stated that it appears that the Novato, CA. market (for single family homes) seems to be improving in two meaningful ways. Certainly, sales have risen from last year and we have several months of increasing sales (as the inventory of short sales and foreclosures is quickly snapped up by motivated buyers).
But, perhaps even more importantly from the perspective of home owners, it also appears that prices at the entry level (e.g., properties priced below $500,000) have bottomed out. As evidenced by the chart below, the 90-day rolling average of Novato home prices has been rising since May 2009. Obviously, higher asking prices do not, ipso facto, result in higher sales prices (some local real estate companies train their agents to give sellers high estimated sales prices in an effort to get any all listings — a major breach of our ethical and fiduciary obligations, in my opinion). But, experts consider this development a leading indicator that market forces are pushing prices higher. I have written in past months about the high level of competition in Novato’s entry level real estate market. This phenomenon also supports the notion that we have hit bottom.
In July 2009, Novato experienced 47 sales (up from 38 in June 2009). Of course, many of these are bargain priced homes such as REO’s or short sales. But, the inventory is rapidly being absorbed. We feel there is extraordinary pent up demand. Perhaps more significantly, the average sales price of Novato homes was $632,078 in July 2009 (up from $622,000 last month, excluding one off the market sale of a $2 million+ home). While a bump of just over 1% may not seem like much, its psychological impact on buyers waiting for bottom may prove significant.
As a result of the above, we believe that the move-up market will continue to improve in Novato — there are clear signs of improvement in this very important market segment. As of today, here are the percentages of homes in escrow in each price band:
- 82% of homes priced under $500,000 (up from 78%);
- 61% of homes between $501,000 and $600,000 (up from 57%);
- 40% of homes between $601,000 and $750,000 (down from 43%);
- 27% of homes between $751,000 and $1 million (up from 25%);
- 30% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (up from 25%);
- 6% of homes between $1.5 million and up (down from 15%).
Interestingly, and in line with recent months, the move-up price bands are selling nearly as well as the entry level properties:
- 27 homes priced under $600,000 sold in July 2009
- 16 homes priced from $601,00 to $1 million sold in July 2009
There are 138 single family homes currently for sale in Novato, CA (there were 131 in July 2009). Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., the number of months of inventory currently available in Novato) remains extremely low. In March 2009, we had 7.9 months worth of inventory. This month, our absorption rate has fallen to an unbelievable 2.99 months! Absorption rates, along with days on market averages, provide a telling insight into the overall state of the market. Generally speaking, 6 months of inventory reflects a balanced market and anything under 4 months, a seller’s market. And today’s shrinking inventory and exploding sales evidence a pent up demand and reflect the increased affordability of Novato real estate. It is rumored that more bank owned inventory will be generated in the Fall as banks continue hiring processors and moratoriums are lifted. We will see if this comes to pass and how it affects our market.
As noted above, 47 Novato homes sold in July 2009. These Novato homes averaged about 110 days on market, were about 2,107 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $632,078 (roughly $304 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 |
49 |
82% |
| $500K - $600K | 36 | 61% |
|
$600K - $750K |
47 |
40% |
|
$750K - $1 mil. |
62 |
27% |
|
$1 mil. - $1.5 mil. |
37 |
30% |
|
$1.5 mil. & Up |
18 |
6% |
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 neighborhoods, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and Member of The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, with Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
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.”
Novato CA Real Estate Market Update (June 2009 Home Sales Report)
June 12, 2009
My prediction relating to phantom buyers (I’ve been talking about this for a year now) has come true. Here it is: there are LOTS of people who sold over the past couple of years and who have waiting for prices to dip. Fortunately for these folks, interest rates, while they are up a point in the past 6 weeks, remain low by historical standards and so buyers are jumping in. Additionally, the first time home buyer credit is helping first time buyers. And finally, I think people are beginning to realize that inflation is coming (along with significantly higher mortgage interest rates). I’ll bet that this time next year, rates will be at least another point higher (somewhere around 6.5%) and seller financing will be gaining popularity.
|
Price Range |
Total Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $500K |
60 |
72% |
| $500K - $600K | 31 | 48% |
|
$600K - $750K |
52 |
52% |
|
$750K - $1 mil. |
50 |
22% |
|
$1 mil. - $1.5 mil. |
32 |
22% |
|
$1.5 mil. & Up |
22 |
9% |
For an 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. My name is Kyle Frazier, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
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 viable choice for those who had sworn it off because of the traffic. 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.”
Novato Real Estate Market Update (May 2009 Home Sales Report)
May 13, 2009
While the pipeline of new properties and overall inventory levels increases dramatically throughout most of Marin County, CA (this is the prime selling season, after all), Novato’s inventory level has remained very steady over the past 3 months. Just 151 single family homes are currently for sale. There were 152 homes for sale in April 2009 and 142 in March 2009.
Novato’s absorption rate (e.g., the number of months of inventory currently available in Novato) again dipped dramatically. In March, Novato had 7.9 months of inventory, in April there was 6 months inventory, and today there just 4.97 months of inventory. Absorption rates and the days on market averages provide a telling insight into the overall state of the market. Today’s shrinking inventory evidences pent up demand and reflects increased affordability for Novato real estate. It is also noteworthy that the absorption rate calculation does not increased “contingent” properties as sold properties. There are another 83 homes in escrow in Novato. More on this striking statistic below.
Of course, there is ample value out there in virtually all price ranges. Prices in most Novato neighborhoods are back down to what they were in 2003 (and 2002, in some neighborhoods). Novato currently has thirteen active listings priced under $400,000 (Novato is Marin’s “Valhalla of Value”). In addition, there are 26 homes priced under $500,000. Note that available inventory in these price ranges is way down and the percentages of homes in escrow is rising. For example, 63% of homes in Novato priced under $500K are in escrow; 51% of homes between $500K and $600K; 33% of homes priced between $600K and $750K; 30% of homes between $750K and $1 million; and 25% of homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million. These are some strong numbers!
My prediction relating to phantom buyers (I’ve been talking about this for a year now) is coming true. I hold open houses almost every weekend and I talk to a lot of buyers. Here is my observation: there are LOTS of people who sold over the past couple of years and who have waiting for prices to dip. Fortunately for these folks, interest rates are WAY down right now and so they are jumping in. Many of these people sold in Southern and Central Marin and see the extreme value and comfortable existence Novato provides. This past month, even the move-up price band in Novato (with homes priced between $750K and $1 million) is going great with 30% of these homes in escrow.
Twenty-five Novato homes sold in April 2009 (same as March 2009). These Novato homes averaged about 146 days on market, were about 2,120 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $589,000 (roughly $287 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 call regarding lease-options. Insofar as my listings are concerned, I had two closings last month and another scheduled for this month. From my perspective, the market seems pretty active.
Below is a breakdown of the Novato real estate market by price band:
|
Price Range |
Total Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $500K |
71 |
63% |
| $500K - $600K | 33 | 51% |
|
$600K - $750K |
49 |
33% |
|
$750K - $1 mil. |
56 |
30% |
|
$1 mil. - $1.5 mil. |
32 |
25% |
|
$1.5 mil. & Up |
17 |
12% |
Now that the the HWY 101 widening project has been completed on both north and southbound lanes, it is clear that the commute through San Rafael is very much improved. Even salty, hardened naysayers concede that the drive to work is now just a drive, not a battle–estimates range from 25-35 minutes saved each day since the completion of the project. As I have been saying for 2 years, the improved commute will certainly make Novato a viable choice for those who had sworn it off because of the traffic. 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.”
As mentioned in prior months’ market updates, it seems that buyers are hypnotized and mesmerized by foreclosures and short sales — as if these properties hold some promise of value and an assurance of happiness. But, instead many buyers of these homes would do it differently if given another chance. After all, many of these homes are in rotten condition and entail lots of work. Wise buyers focus on real value and keep attuned to the benefits of homes that display “pride of ownership.” Not that all distressed sales are problem properties, but caveat emptor for those lured by the siren call of distress. Indeed, investors and buyers who have been burned by the short sale process — it can take months if the proper process is not followed or the banks do not issue approvals — are focused mainly on well priced homes without the strings of REO properties.
Novato Real Estate Market Update (January 2009 Home Sales Report)
January 10, 2009
With just 150 active listings (there were 172 homes for sale last month), Novato, California is experiencing far lower inventory levels than we have become accustomed to over the past several years. This low inventory is giving rise to some unexpected numerical results. For example, because Novato sales figures are up from last month (we had 35 sales in December 2008). The resulting absorption rate for Novato single family homes is just over 4.25–this figure represents the number of months of inventory currently available in Novato. Anything under 4 months has traditionally been considered a SELLER’S MARKET. Now, I am not saying that Novato’s real estate environment is one that favors sellers, I am just pointing out an anomaly in the numbers.
Foreclosed homes continue eroding values in many parts of town. Of course, some neighborhoods have been hit worse than others. However, sub-par conditions and unattractive terms are deterring many buyers who are instead taking the safe road and focusing on non-distressed home sales. As of this writing, Novato boasts 13 homes on the market priced under $400,000. I call Novato the “Valhalla of Value” in Marin County. Certainly, we are seeing young and old alike flocking to Novato. The number of homes listed under $500,000 is up to 57–and an impressive 46% of these are in escrow. There are a total of 82 single family homes priced under $600,000 (with 38% in escrow). At the top end of the spectrum, Novato’s $1 million-plus luxury market has continued to lure value shoppers from Southern Marin. As I tell my clients, “Give Yourself a Raise. Move to Novato.”
Thirty-five Novato homes were sold in December 2008–up 8 from November 2008. These homes averaged about 131 days on market, were about 1,945 sq. ft., and sold for an average sales price of $594,000 (roughly $315 per sq. ft.).
Homes in Hamilton Field, 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.
|
Price Range |
Total Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $500K |
57 |
46% |
|
$500K - $600K |
25 |
20% |
|
$600K - $750K |
39 |
15% |
|
$750K - $1 mil. |
36 |
15% |
|
$1 mil. & Up |
66 |
14% |
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.
Pristine In Pointe Marin
October 16, 2008
Picture a cottage nestled among the rolling hills–welcome to Pointe Marin’s Hideaway neighborhood. Secluded, yet conveniently located within easy walking distance to today’s necessities and a 2 minute drive to HWY 101 and the highly sought-after Southern Novato commute (and within minutes of Hamilton Landing).
This immaculate Craftsman Style home with a Great Room configuration, was built in 2003 and sits on a peaceful cul-de-sac near parks, trails, shopping, restaurants, banking, transportation, and more. It possesses all the benefits of modern construction, but retains a palpable old fashioned comfort and warmth. The many unique amenities include: tasteful and expensive Hunter Douglas window coverings; a phantom (hidden) screen door to the back yard;Sun Flexx awnings; air conditioning; an efficient dual-zone climate control system; multiple built-in shelving and cabinets; all closets are built-out with shelving and bi-level hanging capabilities; upstairs Laundry Room; and unprecedented storage capability in the tandem portion of the garage.
The Master Bedroom is fitted for royalty with a large retreat and Master Bath with massive oval tub, step-in shower, walk-in closet (with built-ins); and dual vanity.
Outside, the immaculate landscaping is on a carefree automated irrigation system. The large grassy area is accented by a tasteful patio and benefits from retractable awnings providing ample shade for those wonderful al fresco dinners on summer evenings.
Poolside Paradise in Southern Novato (Pointe Marin Home For Sale)
October 16, 2008
Imagine yourself sitting by the pool with a frosty Mai Tai, a warm summer afternoon breeze fluttering the pages of that novel you’ve been waiting to read, with banana palms waving softly above you.
Pointe Marin pool homes rarely come up for sale — at this price, this gorgeous home will not be around for long.
Welcome to 80 Oak Grove Drive in Pointe Marin, located in a small community of newer homes in highly desirable Southern Novato. Secluded, yet conveniently located within easy walking distance to today’s necessities and a 2 minute drive to HWY 101 and the highly sought-after Southern Novato commute.
-
80 Oak Grove Drive, Pointe Marin, Novato (Marin County, California)
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List Price: $799,000
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80oakgrove.com —> for more pictures and details
For more information and/or a private showing, please call Kyle Frazier, Marin Realtor & CRS, at (415) 350–9440.
Pointe Marin Hideaway (Ultimate Upgrades — Amazing Price in Southern Novato)
October 13, 2008
Picture a cozy cottage nestled among the rolling hills–welcome to Pointe Marin’s Hideaway neighborhood. Secluded, yet conveniently located within easy walking distance to today’s necessities and a 2 minute drive to HWY 101 and the highly sought-after Southern Novato commute.
This immaculate Craftsman Style home with a Great Room configuration, was built in 2002 and sits on a peaceful cul-de-sac near parks (literally around the corner), trails, shopping, restaurants, banking, transportation, and more. It possesses all the benefits of modern construction, but retains a palpable old fashioned comfort and warmth. The many unique amenities include: hickory floors upstairs and down; sumptuous cherry cabinetry in the Kitchen; tasteful and expensive window coverings (including electronic blinds for the high windows in the family room); French Doors to the back yard; air conditioning and central heat; an efficient dual-zone climate control system; multiple built-in shelving and cabinets; overhead fans in all bedrooms and the office; and a convenient upstairs Laundry Room. Additionally there is a guest suite downstairs with its own bathroom. This home also features a sizable office with double doors.
Address: 65 Hollyleaf Way, Pointe Marin, Novato (3 Beds + Office, 3.5 Baths)
Listing Price: $719,000
If you have any questions about this lovely home, call Kyle Frazier, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Marin Realtor at (415) 350-9440.
