Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

Another reason to love Marin!

Schools Rule Marin is helping our already well-regarded schools even better!

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Every student in Marin County's public schools stands to benefit from this coalition of over 20 public school foundations working in partnership with the Marin County Office of Education.  Their goal is to bridge the gap between state funding and what it actually costs to educate our children.  They realize that every aspect of life here in Marin (which is pretty spectacular!) improves when our public schools do their job.

So, how does this relate to real estate??  Property values!
Better schools lead to stonger and more desirable communities...

6970 Lucas Valley Rd., Nicasio JUST SOLD! Relocating is sweet

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I am excited to announce that another buyer client of mine now owns an updated and remodeled custom-built craftsman style house in Nicasio.  This property, consisting of two parcels set on over four acres, sits above the redwoods and creek on a sunny level area and feels like a vacation destination! With decks off the dining room, living room, bedrooms and kitchen, the opportunity to be one with nature abounds.

My clients, relocating from out of the country, knew that they wanted a private wooded yet sunny setting and fell in love with the Nicasio area. However, with very little on the market...

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Marin residents need to know...

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Attention Marin residents. An important safety law, Senate Bill 183 (installation of carbon monoxide detectors),takes effect July 1, 2011 in California. Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, is a byproduct of incomplete fossil fuel combustion. The law states that any "dwelling unit intended for human occupancy" that burns any form of fossil fuel needs to have a working carbon monoxide detector installed. Because you cannot see it, smell it or taste it you have to have a detector installed to warn you of its presence. Tragically, hundreds of people in the United States die each year because they had no warning. Below is the basic information you need with links to more details and resources.

What are Carbon Monoxide detectors:...

48 Coronet Avenue, Mill Valley - Just Sold!

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Wow!  We've finally closed this transaction.  Negotiations were taking place up until the close of escrow today. I negotiated a price of $1,573,500 for this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Mill Valley's most coveted neighborhood near downtown.  The home features south facing views, sunny large backyard, open living/dining room concept, decks, a family room and a two car garage. 

My clients wanted to live within a couple of blocks from downtown Mill Valley, and I was able to secure this home for them within 4 days of the listing coming on the MLS.  Two other offers came in right after we ratified the contract. Overall inspections went well,and we were able to negotiate some credits. 

Mill Valley property is certainly unique - not only in age and design - but also property varies in value from neighborhood to neighborhood. I've lived in Mill Valley for 8 years and during this time have helped many...

110 San Rafael Avenue, San Rafael - Just Sold!

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My clients are so excited to have purchased this wonderful home in the Gerstle Park neigbhorhood of San Rafael. This bungalow style single story home was built in the early 1920's. It exudes so much charm. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen that opens to a family room, a large lush sunny backyard and hardwood floors.  In addition to being in the heart of Gerstle Park, my clients will be able to walk to downtown or hop on a trail within minutes.

The home was listed for $699,000 and I negotiated a purchase price of $656,800.  Many homes in this area range from the mid-$500,000's for a fixer upper to $1,000,000 for a large vintage remodeled home. 

If you are curious about this neighborhood or are interested in learning more about the Marin real estate market, please call me. I would be happy to answer your questions or assist you in finding a place to call home.

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Kentfield Mid-Century Modern - Wall Street Journal's House of the Day

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Mid-century modern enthusiasts around the world who read The Wall Street Journal found a fabulous surprise today - my new listing in Kentfield (Hall House, 405 Goodhill Road) was featured as the Wall Street Journal's House of the Day!

As the largest daily newspaper in the United States with an average print and digital circulation of 2.11 million, I was excited that the Wall Street Journal provided its readership with an opportunity to preview this fabulous piece of architectural history in Marin County.    You can view the feature on the Wall Street Journal online site right now at  WSJ - House of the Day.

Contact me if you'd like additional information regarding 405 Goodhill Road, the Wall Street Journal's House of the Day in Marin County, or if I can assist you with the purchase...

Navigating the FHA's Streamlined 203(k) Limited Repair Program

I recently assisted clients of Erika Davitoin purchasing their first home with financing secured through the FHA's Streamlined 203(k) Limited Repair "Rehab" Program. This loan program is a great resource for some buyers, blending together purchase and construction financing into one loan. But the process is definitely far more involved than with conventional or even regular FHA loans and there is greater potential for fall out. It's therefore important to be aware of potential...