novato realtor: The State of Novato Real Estate Market, Now and Then - 05/29/12 01:13 AM
The buzz on the local market since the end of last year, although gingerly made, has been that we might have hit the bottom of the market, and are on our way to crawl out of that black hole.
As we held our breath while watching the market during the past five months, we became cautiously optimistic about the market – the Feds declared they plan to hold the interest rate down, the Congress is finding ways to encourage/enable underwater homeowners to stay in their homes, the banks are learning from their mistakes, streamlining short sale processes as well as not … (0 comments)

novato realtor: The Book Place - The Little Book Store that Can in Marin County - 12/18/11 10:16 PM
This was first posted at www.Novato.Patch.com.  See my Blog at Novato.Patch.com
Just when you think you know everything about Novato, that’s when you find out you missed something important.  The Book Place is a perfect example of such a gem in Novato!   
For people who think there is no book store in Novato, the Book Place is a hidden treasure yet to be discovered by many even though it has been in Novato for the past 16 years, with the last 9 on Grant Avenue near Seventh Street.        
With books in every category — fiction, nonfiction, history, science, autobiography, military, cookbooks, … (6 comments)

novato realtor: 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 realtor: Coveted Rolling Hills Area - Immaculate Custom Single Story Home, Beautifully Landscaped - 04/13/11 03:44 AM
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novato realtor: REDUCED! Bel Marin Keys! 1932sf, Updated Home, Backs to Wild Land. Bay Access. Boat Parking - 09/03/10 08:44 AM
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novato realtor: Elegant Single Story Vineyard Home and Legal Cottage on 1/2+ Acre. Pool/SPA, Gorgeous View of Novato Hills!!! - 08/24/10 06:13 AM
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novato realtor: Bel Marin Keys, Novato, Backs up to Open Space, 2 Boat Dock Parking Right - 08/06/10 03:11 PM
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novato realtor: 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 realtor: 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 realtor: Prestigious Vineyard Area Luxury Homes with Cottage. Pool, Panoramic Hill Views - 06/01/10 05:25 AM
CASUAL ELEGANT LIVING
2463 Vineyard Road, Novato, Marin County, CA
www.2463Vineyard.com
    
In the prestigious area of Vineyard Road, just West of Wild Horse Valley, finds this casual, comfortable yet elegant home for discriminating buyers.
* Fabulous property with panoramic views situated on 1/2 acre lot with pool and spa;
* Tastefully remodeled single story main house with a separate legal unit. Main house has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2790sf. The separate unit, which can be used as office, studio or in-law, has 1 bedroom and 1 bath;
* Open floor plan with gourmet kitchen, formal … (4 comments)

novato realtor: COVETED PARTRIDGE KNOLLS CUSTOM HOME WITH PANORAMIC HILL VIEW, NOVATO, MARIN COUNTY - 03/28/10 06:20 AM
www.32PARTRIDGE.com
* Custom 4 Bedrooms 2-1/2 Baths Timmer built home offers privacy and view!
* Living room has cathedral ceiling and cozy fireplace, bay window with comfortable seating area
* Spacious formal dining room
* Sunroom ideal for enjoying fabulous hill view, sunset, twinkling night lights
* Gourmet kitchen with tile counter, large pantry, built-in microwave, instant hot water dispenser, Jenn-aire stove, trash compactor, double oven; breakfast bar and breakfast area
* Adjoining family room features wood burning stove, wet bar with wine rack, china closet and comfy window seats to enjoy the view
* Master suite is located on main level and features … (0 comments)

novato realtor: Novato, Marin Real Estate Market Statistics, 09/02/2009 - 09/07/09 04:02 PM

A semi uneventful but very busy week for the office, with one wonder property on the market - a deliberally priced low REO single family home next to Novato High School, lots of unfinished, unpermitted work.  The property commanded 23 offers in a few short days with several over asking, all cash offers.  Novato realtors are buzzing about this kind of trend for REO offers (other than one extremely low priced short sale home on Leland Drive a while back, none generated as much activity as this house).  
An experienced and knowledgable local Realtor is ultra important in guiding you through this new real estate maze - Check … (0 comments)

novato realtor: Fabulous Mt. Burdell in Partridge Knolls, Novato, Marin County - 08/26/09 05:55 PM
Fabulous Mt. Burdell provides a gorgeous backdrop for City of Novato in the magnificant Marin County, San Francisco North Bay, CA.
The pictures were taken in the summer, around the very desirable Partridge Knolls neighborhood, overlooking San Marin, showing the 'golden' state. During the raining season, the hills turns fresh and than jade, provides a refreshing look throughout the county. Mt. Burdell, being one of the 'younger' hills in Marin County, has oak trees dotted in various places, provides a lively and beautiful picture of the hills.
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novato realtor: Novato, Marin Real Estate Market Overview, August 19, 2009 - 08/24/09 04:09 AM

Can't believe summer slips by so quickly!  I last posted Novato Statistics on April 1, 2009 and now is the later part of August.  Students are back in school and we are heading into fall.    
During the past four months, with housing prices dropped 20%-30% and certain condos at 50% drop (the ones with problementic HOAs), stimulus plan, attraction of the 'up to $8,000 credit back', interest rate staying low, regular sellers holding onto their properties unless they have to sell; the supply remains low and demand has heightened.  All these contribute a shift in the percentage of houses under contract, moving most price ranges into … (2 comments)

novato realtor: Novato Real Estate Market Overview. April 01, 2009 - 05/07/09 07:57 PM

 Millworks Novato (going strong with a lot of interest -check with Sylvia to see)
Novato Real Estate Market started to pick up after the gloomy winter - Yes! (by the way, is there such a thing as gloomy winter in Marin?  - we are so spoiled, when there are more than a drizzle and a little bit of wind, we complaint about the weather and then secretly congratulate ourselves for being in such a wonderful place - there is a premium there :-))
Thanks to the press, both prnt and online and yes, the Obama Stimulus plan, the buzz out there is … (4 comments)

novato realtor: California Issues New Construction Tax Credit for Qualified Homebuyers - 04/26/09 09:26 AM
In order to stimulate purchases of newly constructed homes as well as encouraging home ownership; the State of California has issued a (up to) $10,000 tax credit for homebuyers of new contruction properties.  
Here are the details of the plan:  
1)  This credit only applies to new homes that will be used as a primary residence and is limited to the first 10,000 new home purchases.  
2)  The credit is for $10,000 or 5% of the home's price, whichever is less.
3)  There is no down payment requirement to receive the $10,000 tax credit.  
4)  There are no maximum … (3 comments)

novato realtor: 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 realtor: Novato Real Estate Market Analysis, March 4, 2009 - 03/09/09 04:24 PM

A comparison of Novato Real Estate Market between March 4, 2009 and November, 2008.  A lot has happened since November, 08, and the market reflects some of that. 
Novato Real Estate Market statistics stays pretty flat with a few big gain in percent pending - under $500K starter single family homes had a gain of 10% to a strong sellers market at 51% pending; the midrange, properties between $700K and $800k enjoyed an 8% increase in pending.  The total now reach 27%, moving towards the right direction. 
The Biggest gais are the over $1,25M market - One thing to keep in mind is that due to … (0 comments)

novato realtor: ‘Commons At Mt. Burdell’ Commons Collaborative Meeting with San Marin Neighbors - 7PM, March 2nd, Novato, Marin - 02/28/09 02:29 AM
The following announcement was sent by San Marin Improvement Association, inviting residents to participate in a meeting with ‘Commons Collaborative', concerning the ‘Commons at Mt. Burdell' Project.
Time: 7pm, Monday, March 2nd
Location: All Saints Church, 2 San Marin Drive, Novato. 
Meeting Objective:    The proposed Commons at Mt. Burdell mixed-use development would eventually add approximately 750,000 square feet to an existing the 710,300 square foot Fireman's Fund site (3 four-story office buildings).   
Phase 1 of new development would convert existing surface parking on the east side of the site to a 170 room hotel with a sports club and spa, first-floor … (2 comments)

novato realtor: Immaculate Pleasant Valley Charmer, Remodeled, 3/2, Single Story, Excellent Schools - 12/06/08 04:25 PM
Convienent but quite, Treelined street in Pleasant Valley, very close to all award winning schools, O'Hair Park, Stafford Lake, Rolling Hills Club, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding facility, Rolling Hills Club,...,etc
Lovely single story home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths situated in an excellent location in Pleasant Valley.  The home has been compleletely remodeled by owner contractor  starting from the driveway, front yard, all the way to the backyard. 
Remodeled kitchen with granite slab counters and backsplash, custom cabinets, newer appliancess, tile floors, recessed and decorative lights; double pane windows, sliders; all newer lightings; living room with garden window/seating, decorative fireplace with granite facing … (0 comments)