marin county: Marin Property Owners should Apply for Property Tax Re-Assessment Prior to November 01, 2010 - 10/13/10 07:32 PM
Thinking that maybe you are paying more than your share of Property Tax? 
Marin county property owners can apply for re-assessment of their property tax annually for a slight relief.  
The filing period is July 2 through November 1, 2010.
This is to request an informal review of the assessment of your property if you feel that the market value of your home is less than the assessed value as of January 1, 2010.  If approved by the county, your property tax for the coming year will be lower based on the lower assessed property value - note that this will be a temporary reduction.
You … (2 comments)

marin county: Fleet Week Coming to San Francisco - 10/09/10 07:13 PM
Fleet Week always draws thousands of people to come and watch one of the most precise, incredible and awe inspiring performances with one of the most amazing background, San Francisco and the Bay, in the workd.  They are never disappointed!    
The Marines, the Navy and the Coast Guard joined force to offer another show of prowess with a postcard perfect background of the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and the pictorials city rising from the blue water  on yet another perfect weekend!
Other than the naval fleet, one of the most anticipated and watched display is the Blue Angels with their perfect, precise, seemingly … (0 comments)

marin county: Fabulous Creekside Vineyard Home on 0.43 Acres For Active, Fun Loving Marin County Homeowners - 07/19/10 07:40 PM
This fabulous Vineyard property, sited on 0.43 acres corner lot with a creek running through, is perfect for relaxation and entertainment, and made for an active, fun loving homeowners to enjoy the beautiful outdoor environment Marin County has to offer. 
The 3180sf, 5 bedrooms (or 4 bedrooms plus office) and 2 ½ baths home has all major living areas on street level for easy access.  Formal living, dining combo has an impressive fireplace with granite stonework, beautiful wood mantel as focal point. 
Professional grade chef's gourmet kitchen has slab granite counters, Hickory cabinets, six 15,000 BTU burner Thermador Cooktop, Deluxe Kitchen Aid … (2 comments)

marin county: The Town that Celebrates Fourth of July Together - Novato, Marin, CA July 4th Parade - 07/02/10 05:11 PM
Novato, California, the north-most town of Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, celebrates July the 4th with, among other activities, a July 4th parade through old town Novato. 
The parade has steadily gained fan and momentum over the years; with the town growth and community involvement, has become a local attraction when celebrating July 4th.  This year, being the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Novato, anticipation is even higher :-)  
Between 8-11AM, the local Presbyterian Churchoffers their infamous Buckaroo Breakfast (2010 will be their 57th year doing this) with proceeds benefiting a Novato community mission project, such as Homeward Bound, … (7 comments)

marin county: Loan Modification Success Story - Finally! - 03/02/10 05:41 PM
Today I saw a friend whom I haven't see for three months and with whom we last discussed his dismal mortgage situation and trying for loan modification. And today, he said:"Guess Who's Got His Loan Modified!?"
I could not be happier when he told me yes, he got his loan modified!!! And with Bank of America no less!
This is a very nice young man who bought his house at the top of the market two years ago, got a 100% interest only loan and his interest adjusted to 7+ and 8+% respectively. Due to the decreaes in equity, he was … (2 comments)

marin county: Leisure Stroll on Mt. Burdell, Marin Open Space, Novato, CA - 02/14/10 03:29 PM
A leisurely stroll on Mt. Burdell, Marin Open Space, on a very fine, early spring day.
Sunny, warm, clear, air fresh, quiet, except for birds chirpping, grasses are green; shining with dew,flowers are budding and tiny leaves peeking out.  Water was flowing and Duke happily splashed in the stream.
We can see miles ahead all the way to the bay......
A picture perfect day!     
This is from the trailhead in Partridge Knolls .... there are many trailheads for Mt. Burdell in San Marin area, Novato, CA.
 
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marin county: Santa's Little Helper at Rotary Club XMAS Tree Lot - 12/15/09 04:07 PM
A gorgeous day at the Christmas Tree lot today at Saint Vincent's Boy's School in Marinwood, San Rafael, Marin County, CA.  This is one of my Rotary Club's (Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise) annual fundraiser. 
This year we have little helper, sure makes things go faster!
Missy (at time, according to proud papa, Rik Godell (a reputable inspector), mischieve, misbehave), turns five months old tomorrow, and shs is just a bundle of energy, super sweet, and very, very smart, well behaved puppy.
The foreground is a field owned by a farmer.  We get to see cows grazing and wondering back for dinner; the background … (0 comments)

marin county: Novato July 4th Parade - 07/05/09 10:05 AM
I have never be 'IN' the Novato July 4th parade before.  A few times I was there, I was a bystander, watching for my then young sons marching down Old Town Grant Avenue as part of Novato Summer Music Institute Marching Band.  It was fun watching them, but I had never be IN one before.
Yesterday, I got the taste of actually being in the Parade while riding the truck with the Penguin Empire Robotics Team (San Marin High School Robotics Club).  I have to say that it was a lot of fun riding with the students, pretending that I was … (0 comments)

marin county: Marin Weekend Events - Italian Street Painting Festival, Novato Art, Wine and Music Festival - 06/12/09 11:45 AM
As if planned to celebrate the beginning of the summer vacation and a brand new chapter for our youth in Marin (yes, this is graduation weekend), Marin county is the proud host of two fun, entertaining and educational events.  
Both events celebrate the rich heritage and artistical talents of Marin county communities.
Being a community minded real estate company, my company, Frank Howard Allen Realtors is a proud supporter of two wonderful community events happening this weekend, June 13 and 14,
Make sure you click on the link for the entertainment lineups for both events.  Many performing groups are homegrown, our local Marin … (0 comments)

marin county: Marin County Bank Owned / REO / Foreclosed Homes as of 06/06/09 - 06/06/09 12:45 PM
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marin county: Gorgeous Vineyard Area - Upscale Remodeled Home on 1/3 Creekside Lot - Open Sunday 1-4PM - 01/10/09 01:18 PM
Sylvia Barry, Realtor, ePROMarin Realtor for Marin Real Estate Marin, San Francisco North BayFrankk Howard Allen Realtors website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com
MARIN, SONOMA, S.F. BAY AREA REAL ESTATE - Beveldere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon; Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa.   Starter Home to Luxury Property.  REO (Bank Owned), Short Sale, View Homes, Architecural Distictive Homes. Investment, 1031 Exchange. 
 Make Dreams Real - Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise Youth Services
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marin county: An Eco-Friendly Way to Dispose of Christmas Tree and Fundraise for Marin County Teens - 01/01/09 09:42 AM
As is the tradition of the San Marin High School in Novato, Marin County (famous for eCO friendly and environmental mind); the San Marin SafeGrad committee is running the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program while rasiing money for our 2009 Graduates.
For two weeks after Christmas, San Marin High community members; consists of students, parents, other community supports; and the Novato Disposal Inc. joined force once again to recycle Christmas Trees for local residents.  This has become an annual event for many locals and my company, Frank Howard Allen, has become the third partner in this endeavor since 2007, I am pleased to say!
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marin county: Take Advantage of Marin County Bank Owned (REO) Properties Now! - 12/28/08 09:53 AM
This is one of the very rare times in history where there are bank owned homes in Marin county, coupled with low interest rate, this is a great time for buyers to take advantage of the current buyers market. 
I have many clients who asked me about Bank Owned (REO - Real Estate Owned) properties in Marin county, although Rare in comparison to other counties in California, we are seeing more bank owned properties in Marin county with the majority in Novato, then San Rafael, and trickle down to Southern Marin county.
Several of my clients have taken the opportunity and bought bank owned homes, a couple … (0 comments)

marin county: Marin County 2nd Unit Amnesty Program - Apply Before 12/31/2008 - 12/26/08 12:58 PM
REMINDER for Marin County property owners who have illegal second units should consider taking advantage of the 'Marin County Second Unit Amnesty' Program before it expires on 12/31/2008.  The goal of the Amnesty program is to ensure the safe and habitable dwelling conditions for the 2nd units with incentive of reduction of up to 50% all permit fees for units that fit the requirements.    
The following are required along with the application:
Completed ‘Zoning/Development Application' The 2nd unit was in existence prior to June 2003 Owner needs to complete a Uniform Housing Code Inspection Five sets of plans, including Site plan … (0 comments)

marin county: Dogbone Meadows Dog Park, Novato, Marin County, CA - 12/17/08 02:56 PM
Dogbone Meadows Dog Park in Novato, Marin County, located en route to Stafford Lake and West Marin, is probably the best dog park in Marin County, or maybe even California.  Dogs often bring their people when they are on the way to the beaches.
Built by dog loving people (or shall we say, slaves of dogs), the property is around 1 acre, with tracks for dogs and human alike, and toys for dogs only.  The backdrop is Open Space, part of O'Hare Park, great hiking, horseback riding trails.
This is a morning with unusual heavy fog from West Marin, a beautiful background for the dog park. 
Duke (black, … (5 comments)

marin county: Marin County July the 4th Event - For the Patriotic You! - 07/02/08 06:28 PM
ndependence Day is a heartbeat away and one of the beauties of life in the North Bay is the variety of fun events that our charming communities organize at this time of year. Read on to learn of the many unique ways to observe this all-American holiday. Happy Fourth! Corte Madera-Larkspur 43rd Annual Corte Madera/Larkspur Chambers of Commerce 4th of July Parade - Elaborate floats, precision drill teams, classic cars and the Corte Madera Town Band.Parade Time: 10:30 am Route: From Redwood High in Larkspur, it moves down Magnolia into Corte Madera and continues down Tamalpais Ave to the Town Center.Post-parade: Check … (3 comments)

marin county: Scorching Hot Days - Marin County Summer Cooling Centers Come to Rescue!!! - 06/30/08 05:03 PM
The following information is provided by the Novato Chamber of Commerce. This information can be quite handy for the very few, but could be quite uncomfortable scorching hot days in Marin. This is very important for Seniors who will need to be especially careful when weather conditions change drastically!----------------------
The following facilities have graciously agreed to open their doors as Cooling Centers (to those of any age) in Marin County in times of need.
Hours of operation as a Cooling Center are informally offered and may change when necessary.
Each site is air-conditioned, has water for drinking, a restroom and seating.
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marin county: WildFire Alert - Guidelines For Mowing Grass on Marin County Open Space District - 05/29/08 05:58 PM
Today, I received the ANNUAL FIRE LETTER from the Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space.
This letter is especially critical at this time of year when fire risk is increasing; particularly with the fact that we are already facing a very dry summer season.
Here is the information on the letter, which can be found on the county website Wildfire Safety Information as well.





Excerpt from Marin County Open Space District:
GUIDELINES FOR MOWING GRASS ON MARIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE DISTRICT LAND ADJACENT TO YOUR HOME
It is extremely important that your … (2 comments)

marin county: Marin County Farmers Market Up and Running - 05/17/08 05:37 PM
MARIN COUNTY FARMERS MARKET UP AND RUNNING 
May marks the opening of most Marin County Farmers Markets, other than the newly approved Ross Farmers Market which received the authorization from the Ross Town Council on  4/10/08.
The Ross Farmers Market will run from 4 to 8PM, Thursday nights from June through September.  The market will begin after Ross School goes on summer break, to avoid traffic issues downtown. 
The following is the list of market and respective schedule as reported by local Marin paper, Marin IJ. www.MarinIJ.com
Corte Madera Farmers Market, Town Center courtyard in Corte Madera noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays year-round.. Call … (4 comments)

marin county: Marin County Real Estate Two Month Closed Sales Comparison Report, February, 2008 - 05/11/08 12:56 PM
Statistics from BAREIS MLS® March 12, 2008. Information herein believed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright @ 2008 by Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. All rights reserved.Adjusted average does not include the high and low sale data.
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