california: Novato Home Sales (Market Report) - 07/22/07 05:41 AM
Novato home sales and real estate values-have they hit slack tide? That's a tough question. While much of the rest of Marin continues to experience meaningful appreciation and, yes, even multiple offers. Novato home sales are a different story. Of course, Novato homes that are PRICED FOR TODAY'S MARKET, are nicely maintained, updated, and/or located in the most desirable neighborhoods continue to sell (especially those priced under $700,000). Once prices get up above $700,000, however, the percentage of homes in escrow (a good barometer of market strength) dips to about 20% until you get to the $1.5 million price range (at about 13%). These numbers clearly indicate … (0 comments)

california: Forbes Calls Marin County, California "Best Schools for the Money" - 07/15/07 05:38 AM
There are lots of reasons people love Marin County, California-the proximity to San Francisco, the easy commute, the weather, the dedicated open space, the beaches, the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the lack of crime, and the list goes on. But, for many, the biggest reason is the schools. It is well known that Marin schools are outstanding and have tremendous parental involvement.
As reported by the Marin Independent Journal, Forbes Magazine recently identified Marin County as providing the best education relative to per capita spending.  As noted by Forbes, "[m]ore spending doesn't necessarily buy you better schools." 
Forbes looked at property taxes across the country, per-pupil spending in public … (0 comments)

california: San Rafael, Marin, California Real Estate Market Update (July 2007 Home Sales Report) - 07/15/07 05:35 AM
The real estate market in Marin's County Seat, San Rafael, has been strong on the whole. Inventory has risen as families intent on moving during the Summer months began putting their homes on the market-there are 183 home on the market. 
 Home sales continue performing admirably relative to the rest of California and the country, especially the bread and butter homes of San Rafael (those priced between $750,000 and $900,000). These homes continue to sell quickly (although the definition of "fairly quickly" has been extended over the past couple of years). Fourteen of these homes sold last month, making this market segment the leader in homes sold (there were a total of 43 homes sold last … (0 comments)

california: Mill Valley, Marin, California Home Sales and Real Estate Report - 07/11/07 09:24 AM
Mill Valley home sales and real estate values continue to show resilience in the face of increasing interest rates and negative media coverage. The ease of the commute to San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge, along with pleasant weather, keeps prices and sales strong. Mill Valley continues to be the place people in San Francisco, California, generally start with when they decide to move to the Marin County.
The bread and butter homes of Mill Valley are priced between $1 million and $1.5 million and sell fast so long as they are nicely maintained, updated, and/or located in the most desirable neighborhoods-15 of these homes sold in June 2007 (down … (0 comments)

california: Marin County Dining & Restaurants - 07/09/07 03:30 AM
Boca Steak & Seafood340 Ignacio Blvd.Novato, CA 94945 (415) 883-0901  http://www.bocasteak.com/ Buckeye Roadhouse15 Shoreline HighwayMill Valley, CA 94941(415) 331-2600  http://www.buckeyeroadhouse.com/ Cacti Grill1200 Grant AvenueNovato, CA 94948  (415) 898-2234  http://www.cactigrill.com/  
California Grill & Rotisserie1531 S Novato Blvd # ANovato, CA 94947(415) 893-1540  http://www.califgrill.com/ The Caprice2000 Paradise DriveTiburon, CA 94920  (415) 435-3400  http://www.thecaprice.com/ The Cheesecake FactoryThe Village at Corte MaderaCorte Madera, CA 94925(415) 945-0777 Christophe Restaurant Francais1919 BridgewaySausalito, CA 94965 (415) 332-9244 Coast Cafe46 Wharf RoadBolinas, CA 94924(415) 868-2298  http://www.coastcafe.biz/ Comforts335 San Anselmo AveSan Anselmo, CA 94960 (415) 454-9840  http://www.comfortscafe.com/ Cowgirl CreameryP.O. Box 594Point Reyes Station, CA 94956  415-663-9335  http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/ Deer Park Villa367 Bolinas RdFairfax, CA 94930(415) 456-8084  http://www.deerparkvilla.com/ Gourmet Garden Togo419 Miller AvenueMill Valley, CA 94941    (415) 381-4267   The Hilltop Cafe850 Lamont AveNovato, CA 94948-1215  (415) 892-2222  http://www.htnet.com/ Insalata's120 Sir Francis Drake BoulevardSan … (0 comments)

california: Marin County, California Real Estate Market Update -- Home Prices and Inventory - 07/09/07 03:26 AM
The number of homes for sale (inventory) in Marin County, California continues marching upwards. There are 701 active listings (up from 647 active listings this time last month). We are likely at or near the high water mark (in terms of the sheer number of homes for sale). While the number of homes for sale has gone up, it is still fairly low historically.  
The graph below breaks down the current number of homes for sale in Marin County, California, as of July 1, 2007, along with the price ranges for each town/city. Also included is a note indicating whether inventory is up or down … (0 comments)

california: Marin County, California (Luxury Portfolio Homes) - 06/30/07 04:00 AM
Marketing luxury homes requires attention to detail and unique resources and talents. Frank Howard Allen Realtors' inclusion in the Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection's stable of extraordinary property purveyors underscores the esteemed regard of Frank Howard Allen Realtors in the real estate community, and more importantly, provides tangible and unique benefits to sellers and buyers of Marin's finest homes.
The luxury properties featured in this esteemed network are among the most exclusive in the world and include fine homes ranging from traditional homes here in Marin, to sweeping estates, to exotic retreats, to country manors, and urban pied-a-terres. Of the 1,000 most … (0 comments)

california: San Rafael Real Estate Market Update (June 2007 Home Sales Report) - 06/15/07 02:42 PM
Like most of Marin County's real estate markets, the San Rafael market is performing admirably. The bread and butter homes of San Rafael are priced between $750,000 and $900,000. These homes continue to sell fairly quickly (although the definition of "fairly quickly" has been extended over the past couple of years). In fact, 30 of these homes sold last month, comprising a vast majority of the total of homes sold (there were a total of 48 homes sold last month in San Rafael). San Rafael homes priced in the $1 million - $1.5 million range continue selling at a respectable pace (33% are in escrow-down from 47% last month). As always, homes that are nicely maintained, … (0 comments)

california: Mill Valley Real Estate Update (June 2007 Home Sales Report) - 06/15/07 02:39 PM
Mill Valley home sales and real estate values continue their strong run. The ease of the commute to San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge, along with pleasant weather, keeps prices and sales strong. Mill Valley continues to be the place people in San Francisco generally start with when they decide to move to the Marin County.
The bread and butter homes of Mill Valley are priced between $1 million and $1.5 million and sell fast so long as they are nicely maintained, updated, and/or located in the most desirable neighborhoods-there were 17 of these homes sold in May 2007. As with the rest of Marin, homes priced aggressively may … (0 comments)

california: Marin County Real Estate Update (Homes For Sale & Price Ranges) - 06/08/07 11:46 AM
The number of homes for sale (inventory) continues its upward trend-countywide, there are 719 active listings (up from 647 active listings this time last month). The high point (in terms of the sheer number of homes for sale in Marin County) will likely be next month. While the number of homes for sale has gone up, it is still very low historically (especially in Greenbrae, which has only 8 active listings). 
The graph below breaks down the current number of homes for sale in Marin County, California, as of May 1, 2007, along with the price ranges for each town/city. Also included is an arrow noting … (0 comments)

california: Marin County Absorption Rates (Homes For Sale) - 03/01/07 06:23 AM
Marin County, California, sits just north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, straddling Highway 101, and boasts some of the most valuable real estate in the Bay Area.  Homes in Marin (cities and towns include: Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, Belvedere, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael and Novato) have, by and large, maintained their value over the past 18 months.  There are a number of neighborhoods that have continued to see prices appreciate (albeit, moderately) and other isolated neighborhoods where prices have dropped.  Many condominiums, in particular, have experienced such declines in value-especially those located in Novato.  … (0 comments)

california: San Rafael Market Overview (Home Sales Report) - 02/16/07 08:18 AM
The San Rafael market is fairly strong for this time of year (as of the writing of this report), especially in the under $700K range.  It is worth noting that these homes tend to be smaller and/or in poor condition, in less desirable neighborhoods, and/or located on a steep hill, etc. 
The bread and butter homes of San Rafael are priced between $700K and $900,000-these often sell quickly if they are nicely maintained, updated, and/or located in desirable neighborhoods.  Currently, 25% of these homes are in escrow, reflecting a very balanced market.  Those that are priced correctly may or may not get … (0 comments)

california: Ross, Marin County, California - 02/16/07 02:20 AM
Ross is an exclusive area boasting some of Marin's finest homes.  It is tucked in between San Anselmo and Kentfield in the middle of Central Marin's Ross Valley. The town takes its name from James Ross, a Scotsman who came to California during the Gold Rush, made a fortune selling wine in San Francisco, and bought the tract of land where the town now stands in 1857. Among the prominent institutions in town is the Marin Art and Garden Center, a hub for a variety of nonprofit groups.
The small downtown, bordering the soccer fields of Ross School, has a grocery store, … (0 comments)

california: San Anselmo, Marin County, California - 02/16/07 02:11 AM
San Anselmo, once the county's railroad hub, is larger than many of its neighbors, but retains a small-town charm. The self-proclaimed "Antiques Capital of Northern California,'' San Anselmo has about 130 antique dealers, as well as bookstores, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants along San Anselmo Avenue next to Creek Park. The downtown area is a delightful place to eat, visit, and spend an afternoon.
Homes are older and smaller than those in nearby Ross. Larger lots grace some hill areas. Five roads converge through The Hub, with Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and The Miracle Mile jamming from traffic during the rush hours. … (0 comments)

california: Corte Madera, Marin County, California - 02/16/07 02:06 AM
Corte Madera is best known for the two shopping malls right off of Highway 101. But the town, translated as "cut wood" in Spanish, has a lot going for it. Besides boasting a 22-acre park with tennis courts, two playgrounds, and recreation equipment, the town also has an historic village square and numerous biking paths.
The amenities as well as the area's central location, moderate home prices and taxes, friendly neighborhoods, and a good commute all help make Corte Madera a popular place to live. East Corte Madera is a flat, mostly ranch-style home area, including some properties that back up on the … (0 comments)

california: Mill Valley Market Overview (Home Sales Report as of 2/14/07) - 02/14/07 10:16 AM
The Mill Valley market is somewhat fractured at present with no homes in escrow (as of the writing of this report) in the $900K to $1 million range.  This is simply an anomaly, however, as many of these homes are likely to sell in the near future and as we all know, the real estate market is always fluid.  It is also worth noting that there are no homes in Mill Valley under $700K and that the homes under $900K tend to be smaller, in poorer condition, in less desirable neighborhoods, and/or located on a steep hill, etc. 
The bread and … (1 comments)

california: Novato Home Sales Market Overview - 02/13/07 01:51 AM
Overall, the market in Novato seems fairly typical, especially in the bread and butter price ranges (e.g., up to $800,000).  Nicely maintained and updated homes located in affordable neighborhoods with good schools (and which are priced correctly) are seeing multiple offers.  But, even with multiple offers, many times the winning bid (which is not always the highest bid) is for asking price or just above.  And if a home comes on the market at a price that does not represent good value to buyers, that home will likely face an extended marketing period.  Buyers are still in the driver's seat for … (0 comments)

california: Sausalito's 8 Neighborhoods - 02/13/07 01:47 AM
Sausalito has eight neighborhoods: Old Town/Hurricane Gulch, Wolfback Ridge, The Hill, New Town, Monte Mar Vista/Toyon Terrace, Spring Street Valley, The Marinship and Nevada Street Valley.
Old Town/Hurricane GulchOld Town/Hurricane Gulch extends from the southern City limits to North Street and Cable Roadway to the north. It is the oldest part of the City and is characterized by a mix of single family, duplex and multiple family units, with many small dwellings and rental units. Newer, larger units are located on steeper slopes. Easiest commute to San Francisco. 
Wolfback RidgeThe Wolfback Ridge area is a very low density hillside and ridgeline residential neighborhood, … (1 comments)

california: Kyle Frazier’s Best Home Pick For Marin County, California (2/9/07) - 02/09/07 05:02 AM
Each week I select one home that was on brokers' tour in Marin County, California, which I feel really stands out (e.g., winning criteria may include value, unique location, desirable or unusual architectural properties, views, or some other striking feature).  These are NOT my listings, but rather ones that I truly and objectively think have something very unique to offer. 
This week's pick:
47 Stonetree Lane, Novato 
This delightful home is priced at $2,270,000 and has 4 beds and 3.5 baths, with about 3,500 sq. ft.  It is my pick of the week because it is the only one-level home in Renaissance. … (0 comments)

california: Sausalito, Marin County, California - 02/09/07 04:33 AM
Sausalito, named by a Spanish explorer for the little willows, or saucelitos, growing along its shores, always has been a vibrant area. In the 1800s, the area was known as Whaler's Harbor, and sailors and whalers flocked to the port for its safe harbor, saloons, bordellos and gaming houses. After its incorporation in 1893, the town became a major ferry and railway center, and then a shipyard during World War II.
Through the 1960s, Sausalito carved an enduring reputation as the bohemian haunt of artists, writers, actors, poets, and others who spent their time on waterfront houseboats. Today, Sausalito is a … (0 comments)

 
Kyle Frazier, Kyle Frazier , CRS & Marin CA Realtor (Christie's Great Estates | Pacific Union International)

Kyle Frazier

Kyle Frazier , CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Mill Valley, CA

More about me…

Christie's Great Estates | Pacific Union International

Office: (415) 448-1118

Mobile: (415) 350-9440

Real Estate information about Marin County, California--Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, Belvedere, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, and Novato. Community descriptions, sales information, and more.


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