Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

In a report dated June 14, La Jolla, CA-based DataQuick, a real estate news service, noted that May, 2012 Bay Area real estate sales "were the highest for a May since 2006". A chart in the article showed Marin County home sales up 41% from May of 2011.

Inventory of homes for sale continues to decrease, with only 712 Single Family Residences (3.1 month supply) and 118 Condo's (1.8 month supply) available for sale on May 31. Last year at the same time, there was a 6.5 month supply of inventory (MSI) for Single Family Residences, and 10.2 MSI for condo's. The inventory shortage has Buyers scrambling and competing with each other for available homes --- in many cases, resulting in quick sales with multiple offers, and over asking price. On average, in May, SFR's were selling at 99.2% of asking price, and condo's at 100%.

Only 309...

I've worked with some great clients on very satisfying sales processes in my relatively short career as a Realtor(R).  But I think the gratification I feel from the successful closing for my clients on 35 Rolling Hills will stand out for a very long time to come.

I'll just come right out and say that this was a tricky transaction!  First, my buyers were conducting their search from across the country in an area that was unfamiliar to them; inherently, a long-distance search introduces a challenge to seeing homes and getting to know an area.  Furthermore, inventory was tight, pickings were slim and, for some properties, competition was high.  We scoured the MLS and off-market options, and I made direct inquiries to homeowners of interesting properties to see if they might be interested in selling;...

When buying a house, is it more economical to buy a fixer at a low price or to buy a home that is more expensive that has all the work done and is in move in condition? Often clients say they want a fixer because they think that is the cheapest way to purchase a home. Sometimes it is and many times it is not.  There are many degrees of "fixers" out there.  Some only need simple cosmetic upgrades: paint, carpet, landscaping and new appliances.  Others need to be completely gutted and structurally reworked.

1:  First--look at is financing.  How are you paying for the home purchase-cash or loan?  If a loan, what type? Some loans,...

I’m pleased to announce the recent sale of 34 Smith Ranch Court in San Rafael.

This property is one of ten homes nestled in a small community of homes off of Smith Ranch Road, where houses don’t very frequently come on the market. The property, which had been in the same family since it was built, had been well-maintained and did not have a lot of deferred maintenance.

I represented the sellers - three brothers. To prepare the property for sale, we did some touch-up painting, updated some fixtures throughout, refinished the hardware floors and staged the property - I believe all of this made a difference. The feedback I heard from prospective buyers and agents alike who walked...

33 North, San Rafael CA 94903 - Investors Save a Failed Project

33 North, San Rafael an 82 Unit Luxury Condo complex, was built with the intention of selling off the units. Located just off the North San Pedro exit, conveniently located for SF commuters, has just been purchased by investors who will offer the units for rent.

Marin needs more rentals.  I currently have several clients relocating to Marin and looking for 6-12 month rental while they search...

This is always a fun event that I look forward to yearly.  Friends come from all over the bay area to hang out in the heart of Mill Valley.  With over 65 premium wineries, 15 craft breweries, 30 specialty food purveyors, 10 local restaurants and chefs featured this year - plus entertainment, it will be a fun way to spend this Sunday afternoon, 6/24 from 1pm-4pm. For more information, directions and ticket information, go to Mill Valley's web site. 

If you are curious about the value of real estate in Mill Valley, check out this weekend's sampling of open homes.  This will give you a flavor for the neighborhoods, values and vibe of the community.   

Bodega Bay, California - Weekend Getaway

Bodega Bay, California on the Sonoma Coast is about 27 miles West up Highway 1 from Marin's Tamales Bay. Both Bays are worthy of a weekend visit but for now, lets venture past Tamales, past Dillon Beach and onto Bodega Bay.

According to my paper placemat from the Tides Wharf restaurant, "Bodega Bay was discovered by Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra while exploring the coast in 1775 on the Schooner Senora".

The early days in Bodega served as storage for grain and agricultural products shipped in to the Bay Area and the home to the first commercial fishing boats. A seafood restaurant was established on the Tides property in the 1920's and in 1963 the infamous Alfred...

Situated in a quiet neighborhood, this contemporary 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home features a new modern kitchen, pergo floors, vaulted ceilings, double paned windows, large front and back yards, wood burning fire place and a 2 car garage.

The home is located within minutes to Miwok and Pioneer Parks, shopping, transit and schools. It is also located in the coveted Pleasant Valley School District.

The home will be open for viewing during the Broker Tour Wednesday between 9:30am-12:30pm and on Sunday, June 24th between 1pm-4pm.  Don't miss it!  This one won't last long.

For more information, feel free to call me at 415-531-4945 or email me at Erika@MarinModern.com