Pacific Union San Rafael, CA Real Estate Update (March 2012 Real Estate Report)
March 21, 2012
San Rafael, CA’s February 2012 home sales remained fairly consistent with a total of 28 trades (as these are homes that went into escrow during December and January, this is an intriguingly large number of homes for the normally tepid Winter months). It must also be noted that there is a continuing dearth of properties for buyers to choose from and the market seems very constrained by this lack of inventory.
Averages relating to San Rafael home sales in February 2012 are as follows:
- days on market — 120
- sales price — $685K
- home size was 2,082 square feet
- $334 per sq. ft.
Properties in Lucas Valley, Gerstle Park, Peacock Gap, and Loch Lomond generated the most calls and showings this past month. If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael, CA 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 J.D., Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s International Real Estate | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market (Pacific Union November 2010 Home Sales)
November 22, 2010
San Rafael, California real estate sales in October 2010: 35 homes sold. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains strong — 30 of these homes are currently in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) remains buyer-friendly and accounts for another 22 of homes in escrow. Interestingly, the entry level market is virtually the only segment of San Rafael inventory experiencing any meaningful traction — for example, of the 35 homes which sold last month, 24 were priced under $800,000. The inventory for single family homes for sale has decreased a bit this month as inventory is absorbed and very few homes come to market this time of year. There are currently 172 homes active on the MLS.
Averages relating to the 28 homes which sold in October 2010 are as follows:
- days on market 123 days
- sales price was $645,316
- home size was 1,814 square feet
- $356 per sq. ft.
Homes in Lucas Valley, Loch Lomond, 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 | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
Pacific Union International San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (September 2010 Home Sales Update)
September 27, 2010
San Rafael, California real estate sales in August 2010: 25 sales. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains relatively strong — 29 of these homes are currently in escrow (39%). Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) remains buyer-friendly with 17% of homes in escrow. The inventory for single family homes for sale increased a bit this month as it does every year after Labor Day. There are currently 217 homes active on the MLS. Price per square foot stands at $357.
Of the 34 homes sold in June 2010, the average:
- days on market was 90 days
- sales price was $765,287
- home size was 2,151 square feet
- $357 per sq. ft.
Homes in Lucas Valley, Loch Lomond, 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 | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.
Pacific Union International San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (May 2010 Home Sales Update)
May 14, 2010
San Rafael, California real estate sales jumped again in April 2010. We had 44 trades (compared to 33 in March and 24 in February). The entry level price band (under $600K) remains very hot, with 61% of homes now in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) remains tepid with 33% of homes in escrow. The inventory for single family homes for sale sits at 170 homes (down incrementally from last month).
Of the 44 homes sold in April 2010, the average:
- days on market was 70 days
- sales price was $819,159
- home size was 2,011 square feet
- $409 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, although this past month saw the number jump by about 5%).
Homes in Lucas Valley 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 | 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.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (August 2009 Home Sales Update)
August 12, 2009
San Rafael, CA’s real estate market is increasingly fueled by foreclosures and short sales. The entry level price band (under $600K) remains extremely hot (84% of such homes are currently in escrow) and the $600K to $800K price band has seen steady activity with 35% of homes in escrow (same as last month). Increased affordability, low interest rates (rates are down from the time of last month’s report), an increased presence of FHA loans, and a shifting mindset by both buyers and sellers, are impacting these price points in a positive manner. 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 fell to 142 homes (from 159 last month).
The big news in San Rafael real estate this past month revolved around the sale of Carlos Santana’s 1.7 acre, 7,000 square foot estate, which sold for $4.185 million after a short two weeks on the market. Congratulations Carlos! Meanwhile, San Rafael listing prices experienced a brief rise earlier this Summer, but have again begun a downward shift over the past few weeks. 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-two homes sold in July 2009 (down from 38 in June 2009). The average days on market was 103 days, the average sales price was $802,352, and the average home size was 1,902 square feet — roughly $409 per sq. ft. Excluding the Santana estate mentioned above, the numbers are as follows: the average days on market was 106 days, the average sales price was $693,234, and the average home size was 1,737 square feet — roughly $403 per sq. ft.
The hottest neighborhoods: Lucas Valley, The Dominican, and Gerstle Park remain very attractive to many buyers, as do 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 | 38 | 84% |
| $600K – $800K | 79 | 35% |
| $800K – $1 mil. | 41 | 17% |
| $1 mil. – 1.5 mil. | 31 | 19% |
| $1.5 mil. – $2 mil. | 20 | 10% |
| $2 mil. & Up | 9 | 11% |
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, Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate: (415) 350-9440.
San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (May 2009 Home Sales Update)
May 14, 2009
As noted last month, San Rafael CA’s real estate market is increasingly fueled by foreclosures and short sales. The low end (under $600K) is just on fire with “fire sale” prices. We are currently experiencing an amazing 69% pending ratio for homes priced at or below $600K (up from 31% in February). San Rafael’s bread and butter homes, priced between $600K and $800K continue selling at a moderate pace with 29% of homes are in escrow. Increasing affordability, low interest rates on conforming loans, an increased presence of FHA loans, and a shifting mindset are all resulting in a strengthening market. 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.
Overall, the number of homes on the market rose slightly with 179 homes (up from 174 last month and about 135 last year at this time). What is striking is the comparison between this month in 2006 and today. See below for more on this.
Twenty-six homes sold in April 2009 (up from 19 in March 2009). The average days on market was 118 days, the average sales price was $680,000, square footage was 1,791–roughly $383 per sq. ft. By contrast, in 2006 46 homes sold for an average price of $1.1 million (about $497/sq. ft.). Moreover, the homes sold in half the time (53 days). While the times have changed, the hottest neighborhoods have not: Lucas Valley, The Dominican, and Forbes remain very attractive to many buyers, as to Terra Linda, Trestle Glen, Los Ranchitos, and Glenwood. Finally, if you know anyone interested in a very well maintained Eichler with a wonderful patio, please let me know as I have clients considering a move if the right buyer comes along.
|
Price Range |
Total Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $600K |
48 (down 4) |
69% |
|
$600K – $800K |
86 (up 21) |
29% |
|
$800K – $1 mil. |
48 (up 7) |
29% |
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil. |
47 (up 4) |
6% |
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil. |
19 (down 2) |
16% |
|
$2 mil. & Up |
11 (down 2) |
9% |
If you have any questions regarding the current real estate market in San Rafael (Marin County), California, please contact Kyle Frazier, Marin Realtor & CRS, Morgan Lane Marin: (415) 350-9440.
Marin Real Estate (March 2009)
March 24, 2009
Although February was a short and rainy month, Marin County, CA., still experienced a good number of sales. So far in March 2009. we are seeing increasing inventory similar to “normal” years (I hesitate to call 2009 a “normal” year in light of the current economic situation). Recent gains in the stock market are a welcome change. Interest rates are down to about 5% on conforming loans right now, which is great (that is more than 1 full point lower than this time last year). So, it seems the pump is primed. We’ll see if the real estate market responds.
Obviously, the more stringent underwriting policies of lenders are stifling demand. Although word on the street is that at least one big lender has taken steps to loosen up underwriting practices. It is obvious to everybody who comes into contact with the Marin real estate market that home buyers are continuing to wait for the perceived bottom. This, despite the FACT that interest rates are as low as could be realistically expected and prices in many Marin communities and neighborhoods have receded to 2003 or 2004 price levels.
[Click here for the rest of the report, courtesy of NorthBayRE.com.]
