novato home: Refinance while Underwater? HARP Expanded to Reach More Borrowers
- 10/31/11 04:00 AM
A ray of hope has just been offered to some homeowners with properties that are seriously upside down, according to the California Association of Realtors. In order to help a broader range of distressed homeowners and offer relief to the housing market, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on Oct. 24 that the mortgage relief program HARP — the Home Affordable Refinance Program — has just been expanded. Per FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have helped approximately 9 million families refinance into a lower cost or more sustainable mortgage product, approximately 10 percent of those via HARP. HARP is unique … (1 comments)
novato home: 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 home: Marin County Property Tax Deadline is Friday, December 10th
- 12/05/10 11:01 AM
Are you like most of the other property owners who like to wait until the last day to pay your property tax? The deadline for payment of the first installment of the 2010-11 county property tax bill is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Payments must be postmarked by Friday or delivered to the tax collector's office at the Civic Center no later than 5 p.m. that day to avoid a 10-percent penalty. Property taxes may be paid online at www.co.marin.ca.us/paytax or by phone at 800-985-7277 with either a credit card or electronic funds transfer. The second tax payment is due April 10. For more … (2 comments)
novato home: Living Green? Small Space? Consider these Highly Efficient Furniture
- 07/29/10 12:12 PM
According to Kentfield, Marin county Architect, Sarah Robinson, an Alumni of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture; that Being Green is not just to tear down and build from scratch but it's about "Seeing the untapped potential that already exists." "Green Living" is not limited to only use 'Green' products such as energy efficient appliances, water saving faucets, shower heads, toilets, bamboo flooring, recycled water, drought resistant plants, solar energy, double/triple paned windows, reuse building material, no VOC paint, and such. Today, a friend of my shared a video of space saving furniture, which I thought would fit in nicely with green minded, … (11 comments)
novato home: 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 home: Novato, Marin Real Estate Market Overview as of May 27, 2010
- 05/30/10 04:21 AM
It's been quite sometime since I published a Novato Markret Overview. As I have told interested parties - the market is hopping for homes that are entry level homes, attractive to both first time home buyers and investos; but can be quite challenging for high-end or move-up homes. Vey clear drop in % in escrow happens between $700K and $800K, with a steep drop from sellers market to buyers market; this might have something to do with the Jumbo Conforming loan cut off point of $729K. However, homes are very competitively priced and in great conditon can go into escrow quickly, no … (0 comments)
novato home: Five Cars Garage, RV Parking, I am Here To Serve You!!!
- 10/26/08 03:48 AM
So, I have been holding Open Houses here in Marin County week in and week out for who knows how many months now - It has become my favorite pass time - One of the best ways to meet clients, neighbors, friends or just passer-bys. Fortunate for me, due to the ads I place, online or in print; I always have a lot of visitors, never a dull moment and I have met so many wonderful people doing that! One thing I have noticed is that being in a buyers market, I am getting a lot of very specific requirements and reasons for why one property … (10 comments)
novato home: Is Your (Marin County) Home Wildfire Ready?
- 08/09/08 12:13 PM
During the high Fire season, it is nice to see the article from S.F. Chronicle highlighing what builders in he Oakland Hills did while rebuilding homes after the 1991 Oakland Fire. The Oakland Fire "ultimately killed 25 people and injured 150 others. The 1,520 acres (6.2 km²) destroyed included 2,843 single-family dwellings and 437 apartment and condominium units. The economic loss has been estimated at $1.5 billion." Along with the article, S.F. Chronicle included a partial list of checklist developed by (of all the places) Travis County, Texas about what how to prepare for a fire: I am following suit and quoting below: Wildfire … (4 comments)
novato home: Novato Real Estate Market Overview as of July 23, 2008
- 07/23/08 07:34 PM
Another positive trend since July 9th, 2008 statistics. Total inventory dropped by 11 while pending sales units remained the same! Big change in percent pending is the starter single family homes, with a drop of 8%. My theory is that Locaton, Location, Location. SFR in desirable location, shows nicely and priced right are moving still. However, many starter homes that sit on the market for a while can have a few problems such as location (next to freeway, in flood zone), a big one), , unless priced extremely low, the buyers are shy away from them. '' Big gain in pending sales is in … (0 comments)
novato home: Novato Real Estate Market Overview as of July 9, 2008
- 07/13/08 06:19 AM
Another positive trend since June 25th, 2008 weekly statistics. Total inventory actually dropped by 1 while pending increased by 7. From a price range point, starter condos/townhomes as well as starter single family homes up to $800K, while $800K and up homes suffered slightly. With Fannie Mae tightening guidelines for people who are thinking about using their current home as a 2nd home or investment property, this might be the time to lock down that loan and purchase your dream home. Check with your mortgage broker for the details and how that affect the specific lenders they work with. Check with your trusted Realtor about inventory on … (1 comments)
novato home: 2197 Vineyard Road, Novato, CA
- 07/10/08 05:13 PM
Come Home to The Fabulous Retreat Listed at $1,049,000 For more details and pictures, please go to www.2197Vineyard.com Upscale, lovely expanded and remodeled architect's home sits on over 1/3 level acre lot. Creekside setting with freeform swimming pool and hot tub, deck, patio and gazebo under giant shady trees. A wonderful home for year round relaxing retreat and entertainment! The seemily humble ranch style home is designed to take full advantage of the premium creekside lot and is packed with surprises! Walk through the beautiful front door, you are immediately greeted by an inviting, open living / dining room with gorgeous view of greenery from the floor to ceiling windows and sliders. Decorative … (1 comments)
novato home: 12 Hamphire Way, Novato, CA
- 07/07/08 12:26 PM
Rarely on Market Executive Home with Panoramic Hill View Backs to Open Space on Private Street Listed at $949,000 For more information, check www.12HampshireWay.com This wonderful 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, close to 3,000 sf home takes advantage of the gorgeous view to provide a wonderful place for entertainment and gatherings. Walking into the home, you will find formal living room with fireplace and formal dining; both with vaulted ceiling and view of greenery. On the right, an office with view and adjacent full bath. The office suite can serve as a guest retreat. Be amazed by the incredible view from … (6 comments)
A ray of hope has just been offered to some homeowners with properties that are seriously upside down, according to the California Association of Realtors. 
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