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Novato, Marin Real Estate Market Overview as of August 30, 2010

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Previews International (#1 Marin_Sonoma_San Francisco_North_Bay) DRE# 01415544

 

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 that there was a surge of purchases right before April 30th to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit so there is less buyers now; buyers are waiting for new Federal Tax Credit to be announced (which will not happen from recently developed news); uncertainty about the real estate market and economy; many that you have read in the paper or heard in the news.  

The numbers showed that the lower price ranged homes (under $500K) is the only one that's a Sellers Market.  First time homebuyers or investors are out shopping, hoping to find bargains where they may finally able to buy, flip or rent with positive cash flow.  Buyers are caucious when it comes to over $500K and then purchases really tapered off when the prices go over $800K; the higher end homes in Novato.  A few luxury homes had drastic price cut (two Olive Court went to $799K for quick sale for cash with the remainings at market rate) and a few luxury homes in Pointe Marin, stonetree, were also priced agressive due to homes under water.   

There are now a nice selection of luxury homes on market and I am seeing buyers from all over the Bay Area, hoping to move to Marin, looking for homes in Novato.  I have received inquiries about my listngs from various Southern Marin, S.F. and other Bay Area locations with a couple from out of town; very encouraging news for my sellers.

Buyers - Don't sit on the fence - time to serious looking into buying before the interest rate goes up! 

Sellers - The market is very competitive.  Adhere to your Realtor's advise to get the best value for your home! 

Give me a call and I can sit down with you to figure out the stragegy for your home - whether buying or selling (whether regular sale or when your house is under water).   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Novato Market Overview

 

Week of August 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

# of Total Units

% of Total

Market

 

# Total Units

# In Escrow

 

% Active

% In Escrow

Type

SFDs

262

94

64%

36%

N

CIDs

90

30

67%

33%

N

All SFDs and CIDs

352

124

65%

35%

N

 

 

 

 

 

SFD by Price Range

$0-$500K

62

40

35%

65%

S

$500,001-$600K

32

12

63%

38%

N

$600,001-$700K

43

14

67%

33%

N

$700,001-$800K

33

11

67%

33%

N

$800,001-$999,999

38

7

82%

18%

B

$1M - $1.25M

26

5

81%

19%

B

$1.25M - $1.5M

12

2

85%

15%

B

$1.5M+

15

3

80%

20%

B

TOTAL SFDs

262

94

64%

36%

N

 

 

 

 

 

% in Contract

Type of Market

Less than 25%

Buyers Market

 

 

25% to 40%

Neutral Market

 

 

Greater than 40%

Sellers Market

 

Comments (4)

Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good advice for buyers and sellers. Congratulations and good luck to your son.

Sep 06, 2010 08:13 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Hi Sylvia .. it looks like the entire country had a slow down after the end of the tax credit and it seems to make perfect sense.  Buyers who would have bought later in the spring/summer market wanted to beat the tax credit deadline... Now, the next 3 months will be very telling.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Sep 08, 2010 05:51 PM
Sylvia Barry
Coldwell Banker Previews International (#1 Marin_Sonoma_San Francisco_North_Bay) - San Rafael, CA
Marin and Sonoma Real Estate Leading Expert

Thanks, Gita, and yes, my son loves Cal :-) 

Sep 08, 2010 07:06 PM
Sylvia Barry
Coldwell Banker Previews International (#1 Marin_Sonoma_San Francisco_North_Bay) - San Rafael, CA
Marin and Sonoma Real Estate Leading Expert

Hi Joan - I and all my sellers also.  Although truth be told, the tax credit, in the scheme of things, especially in Marin county, is not that much percentage wise looking at the price.  The buyers could have saved more if they just get a good deal on a house.  Yes, only time will tell. 

Sep 08, 2010 07:08 PM