Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

5 reasons to move to Marin County, CA

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5 reasons to move to Marin (or come home to Marin)

The current market is like a rare convergence of stars! A perfect alignment that creates unique and special opportunities. According to a local astronomer, my only son was born under such a rare convergence and while I might be a little biased he truly is a unique and special person with traits typically not seen in a human boy! My point is, the market is ripe and while inventory is down great homes are hitting the market daily.

Interest rates are low, prices are down and the job market in Marin and SF continues to rebound with tech companies expanding and opening offices in SF.

Here are my top 5 reasons why you should consider relocating to Marin or for...

Transformation of SF Industrial Waterfront Halfway Funded

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If you've ever driven down 3rd St where it hugs the coast of the bay down through the Dogpatch and Bayview neighborhoods you will notice many old Industrial warehouses that look like they haven't been used since before color TV. It even looks as if it is a black and white reality lacking any vibrant colors of green parks or effervescent sculptures that is the standard of San Francisco. It's a shame to have so much beautiful coastline being taken up by abandoned warehouses, which is why in 2006 the ...

FHA Lender Credits are a Cost-Effective Bargain

Federal Housing Authority (FHA) financing is a great option for many buyers, particularly those unable to meet the more stringent down payment and higher credit score requirements of conventional financing. FHA loans offer competitive, low 30-year fixed rates and allow for supporting income from a family member to qualify. But FHA loans carry significantly higher closing costs. One way to offset the increased costs is to take a lender credit in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate. While choosing a higher rate may seem counter intuitive, some borrowers may need help to cover closing costs and even those who don't may consider the exchange a bargain.

FHA loans fall into two categories: conforming loans up to $417,000, and FHA jumbo loans that range as high as $729,750, depending on a given county's set limit. Down payments as low as just 3.5% are accepted on both and the reason challenged borrowers get the best terms is because FHA loans carry mortgage...

Oakland Restaurant Week 2013


Considering moving to Oakland? Now is your chance to sample some of Oakland's stellar and innovative restaurants. 

The annual Oakland Restaurant Week kicked off Friday, January 18, 2013 for its 3rd year, celebrating the booming culinary scene happening in Oakland.  All of the restaurants are offering special $20, $30, or $40 prix fixe menus, some including wine pairings, through January 27, 2013.

The list has grown to over 45 participating restaurants this year and includes staples like Chop Bar and Bocanova in Jack London and District, Flora and newcomer, Miss Ollie's in the Old Town/Uptown areas.

To get started with your home search, check out or Buyer's Guide to the East Bay, and sign up to receive notifications...

25 Locke Lane, Mill Valley - Just Sold!

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I am pleased to announce that I assisted my buyers in closing escrow yesterday on 25 Locke Lane in Mill Valley.

This lovely Sycamore Park home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large beautiful lot with plenty of space for gardening and entertaining.

The property was originally listed for $1,200,000 and sold for $1,010,000.

If you are interested in real estate in Marin, Napa or Sonoma County please feel free to contact me.

Lea Kuehnhackl - Realtor 415-381-9394 or Lea@MarinModern.com

Tudor Revival in San Rafael's West End Neighborhood

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Walk up Spring Grove and you will find a West End architectural jewel with a history.  It is an elegant Tudor Revival home built in the mid-1930's by Thomas & Mina Feeley of San Francisco on almost 3 acres of undeveloped forest.  Today, what was once a hunting lodge seems out of place among the newer wood sided homes built in the 1980's.

In 1940 the Motzer family, who owned a chain of bakeries in San Francisco, purchased the home from the Feeley's as a hunting lodge and for entertaining. Fred Motzer had elaborate brick ovens built which are still standing today.  He...

619 E Street, San Rafael: Sold!

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 I am pleased to announce the sale of this Grestle Park, vintage bungalow for $545,700.  From dark wood wainscoting, high coved ceiling, period windows and original hardwood floors, this home is a real charmer with 2 large bedrooms and 1 bath.  Sit on the spacious front porch lounge in the lovely, level backyard or journey to downtown San Rafael for coffee...the options are many.  A gardener's paradise backyard is just steps from the back sunroom. 

Our Marin inventory is still low, but being a full time real estate agent with many years of experience, I have the advantage of hearing about properties before they hit the market.  Let's meet to see if I can assist you. 

Rebecca Perl - 415-446-8017 - RPerl@MarinModern.com

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7 Corte Saratoga, San Rafael : Just Sold

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With great pleasure I announce the sale of this fabulous San Rafael Park 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in the Dixie School District for $820,000.  Location!  location! location!  Located off Las Gallinas an a quiet cul-de-sac with easy access to shopping, schools and Hwy 101.  A Boise Cascade built home boasting a gorgeous gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite counters with a large breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, Jenn-Air gas cooktop and oversized pantry.  An entertainers paradise...private flat yard backing to undeveloped land with a large flagstone patio directly off the kitchen and family room.  Hardwood floors, travertine entry, dual-paned window, recessed lighting, crown-molding are just a few of the many upgrades featured in this home. 

I have sold many homes in the San Rafael Park and Mont Marin areas.  Not to mention,...

99 Corte Mesa, San Rafael, CA 94901 - JUST SOLD!

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I had the pleasure of representing the buyer, a past client and business colleague, with the purchase of a 3 bedroom, 2 ½ half bath stylish townhome in central San Rafael.  Delightfully bright and cheerful with vaulted ceilings and lots of space, 99 Corte Mesa is located in a small complex in the outer Dominican area of San Rafael, close to downtown, shopping and 101.  It features a remodeled kitchen, updated bathrooms, wood burning fireplace, views, a master suite on the lower level and two  bedrooms on the upper level, one an open loft that is ideal for an office.

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2013 VA Loan Limits for Marin and the Bay Area