Bay Area California Real Estate Blog and News

New conforming loan limits for single to 4-unit properties

Beginning October 1, 2011, new limits will be implemented for conforming and FHA loan sizes. These changes will apply to single and multi-family properties (1 to 4-units) and will result in sizeable loan reductions for many counties. Loans above these limits are referred to as "non-conforming" and will still be widely available. Non-conforming loans, however, generally carry higher rates and are somewhat more demanding with respect to qualifying requirements.

The new maximum conforming limit, often referred to as "high balance" or "super" conforming, will be reduced from $729,750 to $625,500 for single family units in high cost areas. Eleven California counties qualify for this maximum conforming loan amount, including six of the Bay Area's nine counties. Alameda, Contra...

Just Sold! 400 Beale St. #1505 South Beach 1BD/1BA Condominium

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I'm pleased to announce another closed sale - a one bedroom, one bathroom condominium unit at The Bridgeview at 400 Beale St., in the South Beach neighbornood of SF for $450,000! The South Beach area of San Francisco is considered one of the most desirable areas of the City due to its proximity to downtown & the Embarcadero, not to mention the ease of commuting both east & south.

My buyer client got an amazing deal on this high-rise unit on the 15th floor.  Over 800 square feet, with an modern open floor plan & peek-a-boo views of the City & Bay Bridge towers, this unit has a step-out balcony off the master bedroom, in-unit laundry, deeded parking & extra storage. 

Originally listed at...

Marin County Homes for Sale with Land - 66 Grove Hill Avenue South, San Anselmo, CA 94960

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Marin County Homes for Sale with Land - 66 Grove Hill South, San Anselmo, CA 94960

Land, land, land...a premium commodity, especially in Marin County, CA. A tear down or vacant lot in Tiburon can run you $1,000,000. The location, views, prestige of Tiburon demands the high price tag.

I seem to get more and more requests from clients and prospective clients for property with .5 acres or more of land or to purchase raw land in Marin. The reasons vary from wanting privacy and space between neighbors to simply seeing the value in owning a bigger piece of Marin County, and...

Embrace Yoga - A Modern Yoga Studio Opening Soon in San Rafael!

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Embrace Yoga will be celebrating its opening weekend September 17th and 18th 2011 from 2pm-6pm with free mini-classes and promotions. The studio, designed by 38 Spatial, was created with modern in mind.

With some of the best Marin yoga instructors, led by founder Amanda Mount, Embrace Yoga will offer Vinyasa, Anusara, Iyengar, levels 1-3, as well as prenatal and mom + baby, restorative and workshops.

Located near Scotty's Market in the Terra Linda neighborhood in San Rafael, the studio is surrounded by mid-century modern Eichler homes and lots of rolling hills, so...

826 Greenberry Lane, San Rafael - Coming next week!

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I wanted to let our clients and friends know that I have a fabulous new Eichler listing in Marin which will be hitting the market next week.

Located at 826 Greenberry Ln, San Rafael, this contemporary and light-filled 4 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Eichler home is nestled amongst rolling hills in Lucas Valley.    Updates include a remodeled kitchen with new appliances, remodeled bathrooms, numerous skylights, new electrical panel, custom closet systems, and more.  1,581 sq ft (per tax records).

The home features a large and private yard with over $100,000 in landscaping / hardscaping upgrades.   Ample room for relaxing & entertaining....

Sustainable Marin! EcoFair Marin this Sunday, 9/4/11

This weekend EcoFair Marin is being held on Sunday, September 4th from 10am-7pm at the Marin County Fairgrounds.

Exhibitors include everything from green housing, conservation, urban farming and living a greener lifestyle.

Sampling of demonstration topics:

  • Learn how to save water inside and outside your home
  • How to build and maintain a School Garden
  • Sustainable farming
  • Social Media for social good
  • Marin Agricultural Land Trust
  • How to raise chickens
  • Sustainable cooking
  • Green home products

And much much more...

There are so many amazing speakers at this event. Check...

30 Madrone Park Circle, Mill Valley - Lot For Sale

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Build your dream home in the heart of Homestead Valley.  With plenty of room to build, this sunny .35 acre upslope lot offers stunning views of the bay and hills beyond, trail access to open space adjacent to the lot, close proximity to Homestead Valley Community Center and Swimming Pool, close to shopping and public transportation.  The lot is located in Unincorporated Mill Valley.  Estimated street frontage of 80 feet with utilities on the street. Survey, geo-tech report & house plans included.  

Attractively priced at $350,000, this building...