San Rafael Real Estate Market Report (February 2009 Home Sales Update)

Following Novato’s lead, San Rafael’s real estate market is gathering momentum at the low end as foreclosures and short sales drive the market. With 40% of the homes for sale under $600K currently in escrow, we are looking at a pretty strong seller’s market in this competitive price range. Homes priced between $600K and $800K are also selling at a rapid clip — 29% of these homes are in escrow. While interest rates on conforming loans are super-low (again down to 4.75% as of today), the rates for conforming jumbo loans are a bit higher and apparently not being embraced by buyers as the San Rafael housing market is flat above $1 million (see below chart). At this time it is unclear what new benefits, if any, home buyers may reap from the new Stimulus Bill (click here for my recent article on this topic ). There are currently 5 houses on the market under $500,000, and another 19 under $600,000. Overall, the number of homes on the market remains low, with 142 homes (up from 114 last month). 

18 single family homes sold in January 2009 (same as January 2009), the average days on market was 105 days. These homes averaged about 1,864 square feet and sold for an average price of about $662,000–roughly $366 per sq. ft. San Rafael’s strongest micro-climate markets in were Terra Linda, Peacock Gap, and Lucas Valley. Finally, if you know anyone interested in an Atrium Eichler on a quiet cul-de-sac, please let me know as 25 Calafia Court in Terra Linda is currently active. 

If you have any questions regarding the current real estate market in San Rafael, California, please contact Kyle Frazier, Marin Realtor & CRS, Frank Howard Allen Realtors Marin: (415) 350-9440. 

San Rafael Real Estate Market Report (January 2009 Home Sales Update)

As I noted last month, San Rafael’s home sales figures remained remarkably consistent throughout the year. Until November 2008, that is. And although 28% of San Rafael listings priced under $800,000 are in escrow (still a buyer’s market), the remaining price bands are suffering further at the hand of the financial crisis. For example, in the $800,000 to $1 million range, we see just 12% of homes in escrow. Beyond that, the market is virtually flat-lining with just one home in escrow over $1 million. We can only home that the new year and all-time low interest rates shake some buyers off the fence–it does appear that banks are beginning to open their purse strings again, albeit only for those who are minimum risk borrowers.

There are currently 19 houses on the market under $600,000, and another 21 under $750,000. Overall, the number of homes on the market remains low, with 114 units currently offered for sale. I do expect a large uptick in listings come the new year as sellers who decided to sit out this past year begin testing the market early and buyers begin to take advantage of the ever-lower interest rates, which some predict may go down as far as 4%.  

Eighteen San Rafael single family homes sold in December 2008 (19 sold in November), the average days on market was 121 days. These homes averaged about 1,888 square feet and sold for an average price of about $695,000–roughly $377 per sq. ft. San Rafael’s strongest micro-climate markets in were Terra Linda, Peacock Gap, and Lucas Valley. Finally, if you know anyone interested in an Atrium Eichler on a quiet cul-de-sac, please let me know as I have one coming on the market in the next couple of weeks.

 

 

If you have any questions regarding the current real estate market in San Rafael, California, please contact Kyle Frazier, Marin Realtor & CRS, Frank Howard Allen Realtors Marin: (415) 350-9440.