novato homes: 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 homes: Carbon Monoxide Act will Save Lives - 09/03/11 06:08 AM
According to the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.  The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that carbon monoxide – the “silent killer” – kills approximately 500 people each year and injures another 20,000 people nationwide.
Carbon monoxide is emitted in small amounts from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other appliances, but, if working improperly, those appliances can slowly and subtly produce toxic amounts. 
Depending on the exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning can have either short term or long term effect and can include mild acute poisoning such as lightheadedness, confusion, headaches, vertigo, … (4 comments)

novato homes: 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 homes: Christmas House, a great tradition for locals and vistors alike in Marin County - 12/11/10 11:58 AM
Tis the season to be jolly, and what more fun than go out and search for amazing Christmas lights in the neighborhood to celebrate the season; an event enjoyed by people with all faiths; kids and adults alike!
Moving to Novato, Marin, CA 11 years ago; with kids then in elementary schools; we were immediately introduced to the 'Christmas House' in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. 
Eveybody asked:"Have you seen the Christmast House?", "You can't miss that". "Can you believe that they do this every year?"    If one does not go, one has not lived here in Novato!
We went, and the Christmas … (2 comments)

novato homes: Novato, Marin Real Estate Market Overview as of August 30, 2010 - 09/06/10 08:03 AM
 
I have to admit that I was slow in updating the market statistics, and for that matter, blogging as a whole.  Last time I updated the statistics was end of May.  This summer has been hectic serving sellers and buyers; not to mention my young son's graduation from high school and starting college at Cal.  An exciting adventure and bright future in front of him :-)
Back to business - Novato real estate market stayed soft during the summer, with July being one of the slowest months in recent history even with record low interest rates from Conforming, Super Conforming through Jumbo loans.   
Some speculations are … (4 comments)

novato homes: 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 homes: Single Story Home on 0.30+/- Acre. Huge Corner Lot, Great Potential - 08/22/10 04:09 AM
1285 Yukon Way, Novato, CA
Diamond in the Rough!  Single story, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1790sf on 0.30+/- acre,home on oversized corner lot in a tranquil, centrally located neighborhood has huge upside potential!
 Living room with brick fireplace opens to dining area.  Oversized windows and sliders bring sunshine in.   Huge den with exposed beam ceiling, wood paneling, oversized sliders and built in shelves has a lot of charm and opens to back patio.  Hardwood floors in living/dining, hallway and three bedrooms. 
Ceiling Fans.  Double pane windows and oversized sliders.  Huge brick fireplace and forced Air Heating.  
One car garage converted to … (0 comments)

novato homes: 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 homes: 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 homes: 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 homes: 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 homes: Marn County Bank Owned / REO / Foreclosed Homes as of 07/16/09 - 07/18/09 05:38 AM
MARIN COUNTY BANK OWNED / REO / FORECLOSED HOMES
UPDATED 07/16/09 (last updated 06/06/09)
By Popular Demand ... Thanks for emailing... Here is the updated report as requested!
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 Wisdom 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 … (0 comments)

novato homes: 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 homes: 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 homes: How to have a Successful 2009 in Real Estate - or Anything Else! - 12/29/08 03:16 PM
Just received the Rotarian's Magazine for 01/2009.  As usual, a lot of great articles, but a few caught my attention, 
One of those is 'How to Get Things Done' with just a few clear pointers. as this is time to set business goals, I thought they can be borrowed to help us succeed in 2009 at our Real Estate career.  They are all based on common sense, but oh, so much sense!
1).  Prepare before you begin a project - Make an effort to organize your physical environment.  Take a few moments to write a list a the start of each day.  Set realistic … (6 comments)

novato homes: 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)

novato homes: REDUCED! Fabulous Creekside Property in Coveted Vineyard - Pleasant Valley - 12/06/08 12:09 PM
Come Home to The Fabulous Retreat
Listed at $949,000
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 … (0 comments)

novato homes: 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 homes: 6th Annual Rock and Blues by the Lake Benefits Marin County Public Schools - 09/25/08 09:13 AM
 

Novato is a town in the northmost part of Marin County, CA.  We are extremely proud of our musical talents/influences, educational system, talented students, dedicated teachers, caring parents and community members. As one of my friends describes Novato, this is a town with 'HUMANITY'.  Living here, I have to say that I agree wholeheartly!  
Out of the extraordinaty humanity, the love of music, the care for our public schools, the local music circle started the annual 'Rock and Blues by The Lake' all day fundraising event for public schools six years ago.  The annual event is hosted at Stafford Lake, one of the most gorgeous backdrops for mucial … (4 comments)

novato homes: Novato Real Estate Market Biweekly Overview, September 24, 2008 - 09/24/08 07:13 PM

Novato Real Estate Market statistics continues to inch upwards in overall sales percentage compare to two weeks ago on September 10,
The overall inventory dropped 10%, from 410 to 370, results of more pending sales and sellers taking properties off the market unless they 'have' to sell.  Less inventory will have a positive effect on housing prices as there are less supply. 
The highest increases in pending sales are the starter / investment homes - condo/townhomes and single family residences under $500K - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago. 
Both categories, with more than 50% sales, are … (0 comments)