The Landing at Hamilton | New Homes | Novato

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)

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.

Marin Luxury Report (December 2009)

The luxury home market in Marin County, California, which is vastly improved over a year ago, seems to have hit a comfortable level of activity. As reported in previous months, real buyers continue to homes in prestige locations with emphasis on views and lifestyle amenities (such as large usable yards, proximity to athletic clubs/shopping, reputable schools, and sensible scales). And they are seeking “value.” For the last 2 quarters, the Marin County luxury market has strongly favored homes priced under $3 million.

For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, click HERE. And if you would like a hyper-local report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, e-mail or call me at (415) 350-9440.

The below graph tracks asking prices for 3 popular cities in Marin — Tiburon/Belvedere (they are combined here because they use the same zip code), Mill Valley, and Kentfield.

Marin Luxury Report (November 2009)

Building on a trend noted in last month’s report, media coverage of the overall economy has improved. In particular, reporting on the housing market. Forecasters are predicting that 2010 will be the first year since 2005 for housing to contribute to the growth of the U.S. economy (based on a survey by the National Association for Business Economics). According to that organization, home prices are expected to rise 2 percent next year — over 80% of economists surveyed think the recession is over and recovery has begun. The Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Jay Brinkmann, predicts that sales of existing homes will rise 11 percent in 2010, with sales of new homes climbing 21 percent.

But, perhaps more importantly, the Dow Jones has rocketed up past 10,000 and the tone of the W-shaped recovery dialogue has moderated. It was announced today that JPMorgan Chase plans to hire 1,200 mortgage bankers in light of improved housing market and signs of stability.

Finally, we know from past experience that in down cycles, once the San Francisco housing market recovers, there is a domino effect on surrounding communities. Accordingly, in our current cycle, we believe that our best leading indicator regarding a healthy, appreciating market (particularly in Southern Marin) will be the home sales environment in San Francisco. And there can be no doubt that the San Francisco market has improved dramatically in recent months. Additionally, as the banking institutions regain their footing and again provide bonuses to their employees, we will also see a surge in luxury home sales. In fact, if bonuses are significant and broad-based, I predict a very strong luxury sales market early in 2010 as buyers snap up the many “values” out there in the luxury and ultra-luxury sectors.

As reported in previous months, real buyers have become less numerous. They are placing emphasis on prestige locations, views, lifestyle amenities (usable yards, proximity to clubs/shopping, etc.), schools, and sensible scale. And they are seeking “value.” The Marin County luxury market has favored homes priced under $3 million — although 5 homes traded over $4 million in November 2009. [For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, click HERE. And if you would like a hyper-local report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, e-mail or call me at (415) 350-9440.]

The below graph tracks asking prices for 3 “hot” locales in Marin — Tiburon/Belvedere (they are combined here because they use the same zip code), Mill Valley, and Kentfield. Interestingly, while Belvedere continues to see asking prices drop, Kentfield and Mill Valley have seen asking prices increase over the last 4 months. Of course, asking prices do not necessarily closely reflect selling prices and in Mill Valley, there are lots of homes on the market in the higher price bands, which have not sold.

[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com]

Marin Real Estate Trends (December 2009)

The Marin County, California real estate market approaches the new year with momentum. While the beginning of 2009 was terrible for sellers and the market overall, the latter half of 2009  was quite strong across many market segments, giving brokers and home owners a reason for optimism in 2010. While year over year prices are down in many price segments and locations within Marin, some areas have actually seen prices increase (albeit nominally) year over year. Indeed, I believe that many brokers feel as though absent further crisis, we are at or near the end of the downward cycle — after 3+ years.

As for bread and butter homes (e.g., priced below $1 million, at least 3 beds and 2 baths with 1,500 square feet or more), the chart below reflects the number of homes in escrow county-wide from November 2007 through November 2009 – we are up an astonishing 190%. We see increased affordability and appealing interest rates supporting this trend for the foreseeable future. 

Below is a snapshot of the current real estate market in Marin. Contact me for a detailed executive summary providing statistics and trends relating to the Marin real estate market (or any specific zip code). It is always my pleasure to be of service.

Not surprisingly, inventory dropped significantly over the past month to 471 single family homes for sale (we had over 600 last month). This includes only the Highway 101 corridor (excluding Western Marin inventory and condos).  Note to buyers: if a house is on the market during this time of year, the sellers are often quite motivated — make an offer!

By: Kyle Frazier, Broker Associate, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Realtor

Marin Real Estate (November 2009)

Marin County, California real estate enters the Winter months much the same way it entered the Summer months — with a feeling that activity will be stronger than usual for this time of year. While year over year prices are down across the board no matter how you slice it, many feel as though absent further crisis, we may be nearing the end of the downward cycle — after a full 3 years. Certainly, well priced, updated homes in great locations are selling.

As noted in my Novato update, it is apparent that the low end in Northern Marin has settled on a bottom: 

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.

[click HERE for the rest of the article] 

Not surprisingly, inventory dropped significantly over the past month to 652 single family homes for sale (we had 762 last month). Note that this includes the Highway 101 corridor (excluding Western Marin inventory and condos).  

For a detailed executive summary similar to, but much more detailed than below, providing statistics and trends relating to the Marin real estate market (or any specific zip code), contact me any time. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

 

 

Kyle Frazier, Broker Associate, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Realtor

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

• 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.