San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (February 2010 Home Sales Update)
February 13, 2010
San Rafael, California real estate sales slowed in January 2010, with 25 trades, down about 20% from December. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains active, with 59% of homes now in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) has risen to about 36% of homes in escrow. The inventory for single family homes for sale has risen significantly to 111 homes (we had 79 active listings last month). It is expected that this Spring will see a large number of homes hitting the market as sellers who have stayed out of the market for the past 2 years will feel more confident in the real estate market this year.
Of the 22 homes sold in January 2010, the average:
- days on market was 94 days
- sales price was $871,625
- home size was 2,230 square feet
- $390 per sq. ft. (the average price per square foot has been trending downwards at an average of about $5 per month for the past few months).
Homes in Lucas Valley, The Dominican, Terra Linda North, and Peacock Gap generated the most calls and showings this past month. If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael neighborhood or if you have any questions about our many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate (Pacific Union International). It is always my pleasure to be of service.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (January 2010 Home Sales Update)
January 19, 2010
San Rafael, California real estate sales slowed in December 2009, with 32 trades, down 33% from November. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains active, with 38% of homes now in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) has dipped to just 29% of homes in escrow. The inventory for single family homes for sale remains steady at 78 homes. It is expected that this Spring will see a large number of homes hitting the market as sellers who have stayed out of the market for the past 2 years will feel more confident in the real estate market this year.
Of the 32 homes sold in December 2009, the average days on market was 94 days, the average sales price was $871,625, and the average home size was 2,230 square feet — roughly $395 per sq. ft. (the average price per square foot has remained virtually unchanged for several months). Homes in Lucas Valley, The Dominican, Terra Linda North, and Peacock Gap generated the most calls and showings this past month. If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael neighborhood or if you have any questions about our many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440.
Kyle Frazier, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Realtors | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (December 2009 Home Sales Update)
December 16, 2009
San Rafael, California real estate sales were brisk in November 2009, with 48 trades, up from 31 in September 2009. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains at hot, with 58% of home now in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) has also seen a rise in the percentage of homes in escrow — 53%.
It is no secret that our current real estate environment in San Rafael favors buyers, not only because of the state of the market, but also because of superior interest rates, FHA loan availability (allowing purchase loans up to $729,000 with 3.5% down), and a shifting mindset by both buyers (who are ready to pull the trigger) and sellers (who are ready to do what it takes to sell). Meanwhile, housing inventory for single family homes fell to 78 homes (from 135 last month).
As reported this Summer, San Rafael listing prices experienced a brief rise from March to June, but that trend has reversed and resumed its downward trajectory. By comparison, asking prices in Novato have been rising for several months, leading many to believe that the bottom has formed in Novato. It does not appear this transition has fully settled in San Rafael.
Of the 48 homes sold in November 2009, the average days on market was 110 days, the average sales price was $771,582, and the average home size was 1,933 square feet — roughly $402 per sq. ft. (the average price per square foot has remained virtually unchanged for several months). Homes in Lucas Valley, The Dominican, Terra Linda North, and Peacock Gap generated the most calls and showings this past month.
| Price Range | Total Homes | Percent Pending |
| Up to $600K | 38 | 58% |
| $600K - $800K | 32 | 53% |
| $800K - $1 mil. | 32 | 38% |
| $1 mil. - 1.5 mil. | 22 | 27% |
| $1.5 mil. - $2 mil. | 9 | 22% |
| $2 mil. & Up | 4 | 0% |
If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael neighborhood or if you have any questions about our many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440.
Kyle Frazier, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Realtors | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (November 2009 Home Sales Update)
November 9, 2009
San Rafael, California real estate sales were brisk in October 2009. We experienced 44 trades, up from 31 in September 2009. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains at hot, with 70% of home now in escrow, up from 64% last month. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) remains nearly the identical to last month (36% of these homes are in escrow).
It is no secret that our current real estate environment in San Rafael favors buyers, not only because of the state of the market, but also because of superior interest rates, FHA loan availability (allowing purchase loans up to $729,000 with 3.5% down), and a shifting mindset by both buyers (who are ready to pull the trigger) and sellers (who are ready to do what it takes to sell). Meanwhile, housing inventory for single family homes fell to 135 homes (from 154 last month).
As reported this Summer, San Rafael listing prices experienced a brief rise from March to June, but that trend has reversed and resumed its downward trajectory. By comparison, asking prices in Novato have been rising for several months, leading many to believe that the bottom has formed in Novato. It does not appear this transition has fully settled in San Rafael.
Of the 44 homes sold in September 2009, the average days on market was 87 days, the average sales price was $839,518, and the average home size was 2,082 square feet — roughly $404 per sq. ft. (the average price per square foot has remained virtually unchanged for several months). Homes in Lucas Valley, The Dominican, Terra Linda North, and Peacock Gap generated the most calls and showings this past month.
| Price Range | Total Homes | Percent Pending |
| Up to $600K | 44 | 70% |
| $600K - $800K | 70 | 36% |
| $800K - $1 mil. | 46 | 17% |
| $1 mil. - 1.5 mil. | 31 | 23% |
| $1.5 mil. - $2 mil. | 11 | 20% |
| $2 mil. & Up | 8 | 25% |
If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael neighborhood or if you have any questions about our many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440.
My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Realtors | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (October 2009 Home Sales Update)
October 15, 2009
San Rafael, California’s real estate market continues leaning heavily on foreclosures and short sales for volume. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains at a slow boil with 64% of home are now in escrow, same as last month. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) rose to 38% of homes in escrow from 31% in September 2009).
It is no secret that our current real estate environment favors buyers, not only because of the state of the market (e.g., prices back down to 2003 levels in many cases), but also because of superior interest rates, FHA loan availability (allowing purchase loans up to $729,000 with 3.5% down), and a shifting mindset by both buyers (who are ready to pull the trigger) and sellers (who are ready to do what it takes to sell).
Housing inventory for single family homes in San Rafael fell to 154 homes (from 169 last month). It is interesting to note that while San Rafael’s inventory has risen and its percentage of homes in escrow has dropped, Novato (the next city north) has experienced the opposite. In fact, in the move up market, Novato sales rates eclipse San Rafael’s by a long-shot.
As reported this Summer, San Rafael listing prices experienced a brief rise, but that trend has reversed and resumed its downward trajectory. By comparison, asking prices in Novato have been rising for several months, leading many to believe that the bottom has formed in Novato. It does not appear this phenomenon is being replicated in San Rafael.
Thirty-one homes sold in September 2009. The average days on market was 109 days, the average sales price was $710,946 (down from $846,194 last month) and the average home size was 1,822 square feet — roughly $402 per sq. ft. (despite the dip average sales price, the price per square foot remained virtually unchanged). Homes in Lucas Valley, The Dominican, Terra Linda North, and Peacock Gap generated the most calls and showings this past month.
| Price Range | Total Homes | Percent Pending |
| Up to $600K | 45 | 64% |
| $600K - $800K | 89 | 38% |
| $800K - $1 mil. | 50 | 20% |
| $1 mil. - 1.5 mil. | 34 | 24% |
| $1.5 mil. - $2 mil. | 10 | 0% |
| $2 mil. & Up | 10 | 40% |
If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael neighborhood or if you have any questions about our many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane International Real Estate. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (September 2009 Home Sales Update)
September 18, 2009
San Rafael, California’s real estate market continues its reliance on foreclosures and short sales for momentum. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains hot, although, not as hot — 64% of home are now in escrow, compared with 84% last month. The $600K to $800K price band is steady with with 32% of homes in escrow (down 3% from August 2009).
The buying environment is very favorable as increased affordability, low interest rates, an increased presence of FHA loans, and a shifting mindset by both buyers and sellers, are all positively impacting lower price points. Additionally, the $8K tax credit for first time home buyers is likely helping pull some buyers into the fray, despite the income limitations placed on this credit. It will be interesting to see if the government expands the credit to include ALL buyers and increases the credit amount to $15,000 — that would make a big difference for a lot of people. Overall, the number of homes on the market rose to 169 homes (from 142 last month). It is interesting to note that while San Rafael’s inventory has risen and its percentage of homes in escrow has dropped, Novato (the next city north) has experienced the opposite.
San Rafael listing prices experienced a brief rise earlier this Summer, but have resumed their downward trajectory. By comparison, asking prices in Novato have been rising for several months, leading many to beleive that the bottom has formed in Novato. It does not appear this phenomenon is being replicated in San Rafael.
Thirty-nine homes sold in August 2009, which is comparable to the 38 sold June 2009 — these are pretty good numbers in our “new market”. The average days on market was 87 days, the average sales price was $802,352 (up from $802K in August 2009), and the average home size was 2,145 square feet — roughly $397 per sq. ft.
The hottest neighborhoods: Lucas Valley, The Dominican, Terra Linda and Peacock Gap. Finally, if you know anyone interested in a very well maintained Eichler with a wonderful outdoor living area, please let me know as I have clients considering a move if the right buyer comes along.
| Price Range | Total Homes | Percent Pending |
| Up to $600K | 42 | 64% |
| $600K - $800K | 92 | 32% |
| $800K - $1 mil. | 48 | 17% |
| $1 mil. - 1.5 mil. | 35 | 17% |
| $1.5 mil. - $2 mil. | 14 | 0% |
| $2 mil. & Up | 8 | 0% |
If you have any questions regarding the current real estate market in San Rafael (Marin County, CA), California, please contact Kyle Frazier, Marin Realtor, CRS, Member Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, Cristie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International dba Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate: (415) 350-9440.
Marin Luxury Real Estate (August 2009)
September 10, 2009
Marin County, CA’s luxury real estate market segment continues to take shape in the aftermath of the equities meltdown of Fall 2008. In our New Economy, buyers are placing emphasis on prestige locations, sweeping views, grand appointments, compelling “estate history,” and impressive scale. The luxury market in Marin remains weighted towards homes priced under $4 million, although we did have 3 sales of homes priced over $4 million in July 2009. The number of sales in July 2009 is off by 74% from July 2008. The news is not all negative, however, as we had several significant properties trade last month and another 30 luxury homes are currently in escrow. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing dated August 2, 2009, click here. Note, if you would like a local report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, call me at (415) 350-9440.
Buyers remain dubious of price stability for good reason (see chart below reflecting year over year median asking prices in Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Kentfield). But, increased conforming loan limits and a pronounced level of increased affordability across the board should help sales moving forward into the Fall as buyers with 25% down will obtain top-shelf financing for purchases of $1.6 million. While not necessarily “Luxury” territory here in Marin (although declining prices are putting some very nice homes into the sub-$2 million price bands), a sizable segment of buyers of luxury homes must sell their current homes first (80% of buyers are sellers). The chart below indicates that across the trend in Marin’s luxury segment is for lower prices — 10-25% lower than last year in Mill Valley, Belvedere, and Kentfield.
The year over year inventory levels in Mill Valley have hovered at around 20% since May 2009 (much improved from a nearly 60% inventory increase in February 2009). Meanwhile, inventory in Kentfield has rocketed nearly 90% higher this year compared with last year. In combination, Tiburon and Belvedere inventory levels are about 70% higher than last year. Prediction: Kentfield and Tiburon / Belvedere prices will continue to recede through Q4 2009. Indeed, we can see that trend has set in dramatically in the above chart which tracks asking prices of homes currently for sale.
[For the rest of this report, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com, click HERE.]
Marin Luxury Real Estate (July 2009)
September 10, 2009
Marin County, CA’s luxury real estate market segment is slow and remains weighted towards homes priced under $4 million — just one home priced over $4 million sold in June 2009 and it was an off-the-market sale. The number of sales in June 2009 is off by over 40% from June 2008, yet the average price of sold homes is down just 3% from last year. In Marin, only the homes with special locations, views, or features seem to be getting significant attention. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing dated July 19, 2009,click here. Note, if you would like a local report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, call me at (415) 350-9440. Yet, the news relating to home starts and permit applications is again improved this month. As earnings reports come in for Q2 and the stock market has found some hope in the numbers, it does not appear that such developments consitute the siren call buyers seek.
As noted last month, buyers remain dubious of price stability for good reason. But, increased conforming loan limits and a pronounced level of increased affordability across the board should help sales moving forward into the Summer as buyers with 25% down will obtain top-shelf financing for purchases of $1.6 million. While not “Luxury” territory here in Marin, a sizable segment of buyers of luxury homes must sell their current homes first (80% of buyers are sellers). The chart below indicates that across the trend in Marin’s luxury segment is for lower prices — 10% to 28% lower than last year in Mill Valley, Belvedere, and Kentfield.
The year over year inventory levels in Mill Valley have hovered at around 20% for the past couple of months. Meanwhile, inventory in Kentfield has rocketed to 60% higher than last year. Belvedere is 75% higher than last year. Prediction: Kentfield and Belvedere prices will continue to recede markedly through Q4 2009. Indeed, we can see that trend has set in dramatically in the above chart.
[For the rest of this report, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com, click HERE.]
Marin Luxury Real Estate (June 2009)
September 10, 2009
As noted in prior reports this year, Marin County, CA’s luxury segment is slow and currently weighted towards homes priced under $4 million. In fact, not a single home priced over $4 million sold in May 2009 and just 2 are currently in escrow (although that could change in a moment as the domino effect is very real in home sales). Of course, the luxury home slump exists throughout the country as affluent buyers wait for a signal to buy. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing dated June 14, 2009, click here. Yet, the news relating to home starts and permit applications is improved again this month. And while the stock market closed in the black for the year last week, this week has brought a correction. So, it appears we will continue to wait for the buying signal. Note, if you would like a local report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, call me at (415) 350-9440.
Buyers are dubious of price stability for good reason (see chart below reflecting year over year median prices in Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Kentfield). But, increased conforming loan limits and a pronounced level of increased affordability across the board should help sales moving forward into the Summer er as buyers with 25% down will obtain top-shelf financing for purchases of $1.6 million. While not “Luxury” territory here in Marin, many buyers of luxury homes must sell their current homes first (80% of buyers are sellers).
[Click HERE for the rest of the article, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com.]
Marin Luxury Real Estate (May 2009)
September 10, 2009
Real estate sales in Marin County’s luxury segment are currently weighted towards homes priced under $4 million. In fact, not a single home priced above $4 million is in escrow (although that could change in a moment as the domino effect is very real in home sales). But, as it stands, the ultra-luxury home sales segment is flat-lining in Marin County, CA. For a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, click here (May 17, 2009 Report). Note, if you would like a local report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, call me at (415) 350-9440.
Yet, the news relating to home starts and permit applications is improving: the West experienced a 42.5% jump in housing starts; the National Association of Homebuilders reported increased confidence (as high as it has been in 9 months); and construction and permits both rose last month (these are considered leading indicators on the macro level relating to housing stability). Nonetheless, the inertia of caution remains firm.
Buyers are dubious of price stability for good reason (see chart below reflecting year over year prices in Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Kentfield). But, increased conforming loan limits and a pronounced level of increased affordability across the board should help sales moving forward into the Summer as buyers with 25% down will obtain top-shelf financing for purchases of $1.6 million. While not “Luxury” territory here in Marin, many buyers of luxury homes must sell their current homes first (80% of buyers are sellers).
[Click HERE for the rest of the report, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com.]
