novato: Thank You for believinig In and Standing Up for Novato Students - 06/26/11 04:59 PM
This was originally posted on May 21, 2011 Novato.Patch.com
While dramas are playing out on different stages, and emotions run high in Novato causing much debate and anguish among Novatans on issues related to safety, schools and the city, a handful of volunteers quietly ran one of the most successful fundraisers for Novato schools.
With 257 registered riders from 16 public schools and 2344 donors; the Tour of Novato and FunFair fundraiser, held on one glorious April day, raised over $93,000 for Novato public schools!
It was quite an amazing sight witnessing the excitement going on around the registration table.  Riders … (6 comments)

novato: Coveted Rolling Hills Area - Immaculate Custom Single Story Home, Beautifully Landscaped - 04/13/11 03:44 AM
… (2 comments)

novato: 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)

novato: 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)

novato: San Marin 2010 Classic Car Exposition, Novato, Marin - 06/07/10 08:24 PM
San Marin Improvement Association (SMIA - www.SanMarin.org ), a north Novato neighborhood of 1,700+ homes just north and south of San Marin Drive in Novato, hosted it's 4th annual Classic Car Exposition on May 22, 2010.
SMIA is a neighborhood association formed to safeguard San Marin neighborhood and to build community relationships through social event.
Some of the SMIA's accomplishments are:  
Purchase and protect Mt. Burdell, which is now a designated Open Space in Marin County Fend off building plans / zonings that do not agree with the neighborhood (recent accomplishment - the redeisn of the lot on the corner of San Marin Drive … (1 comments)

novato: 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.
 
… (1 comments)

novato: 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)

novato: 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)

novato: Millworks Novato Grand Opening Brings a New Dimension to Town! - 04/26/09 07:19 AM
A controversial project due to the sheer size, the location and what it is and what it is not (a bit vague?  Ask me!), Millworks Novato had it's grand opening today (April 25th).  What a pleasant surprise the development is!
As a Novato resident and a Realtor; although I missed the design, approval phases of the project; I, as many Novatans,  have watched with great interest and concerns in the progress of the building.   Today, I got to tour Millworks with my friend, Barbara.  We came away quite impressed!
Millworks - According to the developer, Millworks Novato is "Nestled among the North Bay's rolling hills landscape, charming Old Town Novato is the home … (0 comments)

novato: Marin County Bank Owned (REO) Homes - Townhomes, Condos - Updated 02/20/09 - 02/20/09 09:20 AM
Due to strong demand from my past and current clients and the interest from the prospective clients, I am providing you with list of current Bank Owned (REO - Real Estate Owned, and Foreclosed) homes.  The list will be updated freqeuently depending on relevant activities.  
(Word of Advise from your Realtor -  In addition to REO (Bank Owned) properties, there are GREAT Deals out there if you look hard enough.  I will be able to help you to find the best deal and best house in Marin and Sonoma county for you, Bank Owned or Not!) 
The towns included in this list are Marin County towns South Marin, Central … (0 comments)

novato: Marin County Bank Owned (REO) Homes, Farms, Ranches- Updated 02/20/09 - 02/20/09 08:39 AM
Due to strong demand from my past and current clients and the interest from the prospective clients, I am providing you with list of current Bank Owned (REO - Real Estate Owned, and Foreclosed) homes.  The list will be updated freqeuently depending on relevant activities.  
(Word of Advise from your Realtor -  In addition to REO (Bank Owned) properties, there are GREAT Deals out there if you look hard enough.  I will be able to help you to find the best deal and best house in Marin and Sonoma county for you, Bank Owned or Not!) 
The towns included in this list are Marin County towns South Marin, Central … (0 comments)

novato: 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
… (0 comments)

novato: 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!
… (2 comments)

novato: 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)

novato: Wordlelss WedNESday - 12/03/08 01:50 PM

This is Duke (adopted from Second Chance Rescue six years ago) running around in the Open Space (Marin County term - meaning land reserved by local government, groups, individuals, etc where nobody can build on) on Mount Burdell behind Partidge Knolls neighborhood in Novato, CA
He goes nuts when he is out there having the time of his life everytime :-)  
… (4 comments)

novato: Madrigal Feast, Novato, Marin - Come and Celebrate the Holidays! - 11/21/08 11:00 AM
There are so much talent in Novato, the north most part of Marin County, San Francisco North Bay area.  Drama, Music, Theater, Band, Choral, Dance, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, and much, much more..
One of the driving force in fostering the interest and young talent is the years-in years-out devotion of the teachers at San Marin High School Music Department; especially the dedicated Mrs. Emily Gates, who was the long term music director at San Marin High, and has recently cut down on her service, but is still the major force, beloved teacher and guidance at the music department.
One of the events Mrs Gates started and has become an … (0 comments)

novato: The Commons at Mt. Burdell Development Update Meeting for San Marin Neighbors - 11/15/08 04:48 PM
The benefit of being an active member of the neighborhood San Marin Improvement Association; we are always invited in the discussion of local developments. 
Two important neighborhood development meetings I have attended this year are 200 San Marin Drive (Across from San Marin Plaze (South East corner of San Marin Drive and San Andrea Drive), and the new 'Commons at Mt. Burdell' development (sited at Fireman's Fund site - see BLOG Below for details) 
As a follow-up to the meeting, and as development on the project advances, we are also invited to another neighborhood meeting hosted by Mr. John Chamberlain, CEO of the American Assets.
Please … (0 comments)

novato: Marin Real Estate Home Sales 2008 Mid Year Report - 07/30/08 06:01 AM
My clients or many Realtors on the National Forum have been asking me about how the market is in general and in Marin county.
My answer is always - Real Estate is LOCAL 
No matter how much the media dramatizes the market condition, Marin County House Prices still hold steady.  This is especially true for great houses in desirable locations in Southern Marin (such as Belvedere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Ross, San Anselmo, Sausalito and Tiburon), or for that matter, all of Marin.
One of the recent news (will follow up with another blog) is the fact that Marin Land … (0 comments)

novato: Marin County July the 4th Event - For the Patriotic You! - 07/02/08 06:22 PM
Independence 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!  Also, be watchful of the local fireworks in this extremely DRY season!  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 … (4 comments)

novato: Novato Real Estate, Marin County Market Overview - June 25th - 06/28/08 04:25 AM
                                                                  
Novato Real Estate Market Trend, June 25, 2008
As can see from the list below, the entry level Novato homes are enjoying a high percentage of pending sale than two weeks.  With the starting home price drops in Novato, and the avaiability of Short Sales and Bank Owned (REO) properties on the market, the first time homeowners and investors are out looking and actually buying. 
Several nicely priced mid range and higher end homes ($800K and up) are quickly claimed by ready buyers at the beginning of the summer housing season; a great time to shop and move. 
One reason of seeing increasing … (0 comments)