After meetings and errands, I stopped in Mill Valley at Mill Valley Market for some groceries.  I don't know how often you go into Mill Valley, but a few years ago they decided to put the utility lines underground on Blithedale Avenue down into Throckmorton Avenue.  I'm all for underground utilities, but it snarled an already crowded artery (Blithedale Avenue) as well as surrounding streets, neighborhoods and downtown.Anyway, today, I noticed that the construction crews were nowhere to be found and the improvements were well worth the hassle.  Some of the poles, sans wires, were still around but it looks and feels so much better.Now, not all the utilities are underground, but I hope that they put us through some more misery so that they will be.      So, you tell me, which do you prefer... 02/20/2007

The Mill Valley market is somewhat fractured at present with no homes in escrow (as of the writing of this report) in the $900K to $1 million range.  This is simply an anomaly, however, as many of these homes are likely to sell in the near future and as we all know, the real estate market is always fluid.  It is also worth noting that there are no homes in Mill Valley under $700K and that the homes under $900K tend to be smaller, in poorer condition, in less desirable neighborhoods, and/or located on a steep hill, etc.  The bread and butter homes of Mill Valley are priced between $1 million and $1.25 million-these sell quickly if they are nicely maintained, updated, and/or located in desirable neighborhoods.  Those that are priced correctly are again seeing multiple offers.  Although ma... 02/14/2007

During the month of January 2007, 15 homes sold in Mill Valley after an average of 108 days on the market.  The average original list price of these homes was $1,538,733 with an average final selling price of $1,393,928.  One of these homes sold over their original list price.  All others sold for less.As of February 5, 2007, 34% of the available listings are in escrow indicating a neutral balanced market.  02/06/2007

Mill Valley sits in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais and has a charm all its own. Besides the quaint downtown, home to antique stores, bookstores, a theater, nightclub, art gallery, coffee shops, and the Depot Bookstore cafe, Mill Valley offers hiking and biking trails, a dog run, a nine-hole public golf course, and the annual Dipsea foot race. For those with an artistic bent, there's a noted film festival every fall, as well as an outdoor arts fair, festival of wine and Memorial Day crafts festival in Bayfront Park.Housing and EducationPrices in Mill Valley tend toward the high side, but condominiums and townhouses are available for more moderate prices. Real estate sales (click here to see what is currently for sale) have been steady over the last two years, although the number of new ho... 02/06/2007

Mill Valley is a small town in Southern Marin County, which is just North of Sausalito and at the foot of Mount Tamalpais.  (Sausalito is at the opposite end of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.)  Mill Valley got its name from back in the day when a saw mill was established in the center of downtown, which is now Old Mill Park.  Mill Valley was a natural place for this since it is abundant with redwood trees, including Muir Woods National Monument.Mill Valley is home the Mill Valley Film Festival every October, and many celebrities on a daily basis (Sammy Hagar, Bonnie Raitt, Danny Glover, Peter Coyote).  If you're comin' to Mill Valley, you better have your sunglasses.  With all the stars here, your eyes'll be burnin'.Mill Valley's hills and downtown are covered with eclectic ... 02/01/2007

Mill Valley sits just north of the Golden Gate bridge.  Because of this location and easy commute, it is widely considered one of the most desirable towns to live in for those who work and play in San Francisco.  And there is lots to love.  Of course, the schools are great and there is very little crime.  In addition, it is home to a lovely downtown area with lots of shops, restaurants, services, and an old cinema sits right across the street from where I got married.  Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais' hiking trails, and beaches are just minutes away, as is one the most gorgeous vistas of San Francisco.  Many of the homes in Mill Valley have views of water or mountains and sell generally between $800,000 to $2,000,000 (with exceptions on both sides).    If you would like more information abo... 01/20/2007