"Do I have to clean up my Front Yard???.....  Won't my House sell anyway???" As Home Stager's there have been times when we were called in to Stage a Home that the minute we drove up to the House we knew the first thing that needed to be done!!!  The FRONT YARD needed a makeover if any potenital buyers where going to walk through the front door!!!  Buyers only know what they see... not the way it's suppose to be. You might ask where do I begin?  Here is a checklist from HomeGain.  Each year HomeGain does an indepentant study to show Homeowner's the top 10 D-I-Y Home Improvements projects.   Landscaping came is as #4 on the 2011 Top 10 Home Improvements that resulted in the greatest (ROI) return on investment. Landscaping Average Investment                 $540.00 Home Price Increase    ... 02/14/2011

As of February 12, 2011 an encouraging 42% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of January 2011 37 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $410,539. The average original asking price of these homes was $438,472. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $125,000 to a high of $960,000. Of the 37 homes that sold (21 of which were distress sales) 6 sold at their original asking price and 4 sold over their original asking price. It took these homes an average of 111 days to sell. To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS click here. To learn more about this area, including some of the many fun things to do around here, search more around this blog, visit my website or contact me directly. Marin Country Club Go... 02/13/2011

January 2011 was another good month for Novato home sales (we had 22 trades). Typically, January sales are quite low as people focus on the Holidays during December. The average sales price of Novato homes in January 2011 was $525K. These homes averaged 100 days on market, were about 2,051 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $267 sq. ft. Novato's  absorption rate (e.g., number of months' inventory of homes for sale based on last month's sales totals) sits at just under 5 months' worth of available inventory overall (104 single family homes are currently for sale in Novato). This is a low number. Of note is the fact that 49% of all Novato homes priced under $1 million are IN ESCROW! Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato's major price bands: 51% of homes priced under $5... 02/11/2011

As of January 5, 2011 39% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of December 2010 53 homes sold (30 of which were distress sales) in Novato for an average final selling price of $497,247. The average original asking price of these homes was $527,247. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $131,000 to a high of $1,020,000. Of the 53 homes that sold, 1 sold at the original asking price, 5 sold over the original asking price and the remaining 47 homes sold for less than the original asking price. It took these homes an average of 102 days to sell. To see all the homes that are available for sale through our MLS click here. To see some of the fun things to do in our neck of the woods click here. To learn more about this area in general search more around t... 01/06/2011

Novato, CA real estate/housing market update Single-family home sales in Novato were down about 6 percent in 2010, when compared to 2009 sales. As for home prices, it all depends on how you slice the data. The average home price stayed fairly flat; the median went up about 5 percent, and the average price per square foot fell about 2 percent. Here is a breakdown of the 2010 data for Novato single-family home sales: Total sales: 404 Average price: $632,682 Median price: $605,000 Average size: 2,182 sq ft Price per sq ft: $290 Days on market: 95 Let's compare this data to 2009: Total sales: 428 Average price: $635,484 Median price: $575,000 Average size: 2,145 sq ft Price per sq ft: $296 Days on market: 103 Also worth noting: The number of foreclosures was way down in 2010. In 2009, there... 01/01/2011

Tis the season to be jolly, and what more fun than go out and search for amazing Christmas lights in the neighborhood to celebrate the season; an event enjoyed by people with all faiths; kids and adults alike! Moving to Novato, Marin, CA 11 years ago; with kids then in elementary schools; we were immediately introduced to the 'Christmas House' in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood.  Eveybody asked:"Have you seen the Christmast House?", "You can't miss that". "Can you believe that they do this every year?"    If one does not go, one has not lived here in Novato! We went, and the Christmas House does not disappoint.  Decorated to the 9s, inside and out; in the yard, on the rooftop; and how about the Jones?  The neighbors are semi-up to the challenge, and good-heartedly participate ---- can'... 12/11/2010

Novato, CA real estate/housing market update Total Novato homes sold in November 2010: 20 (Single-family homes. This is down from 27 sales in October. This is also down from 38 sales in the same period last year.) Based on November's sales, here's a snapshot of the average single-family home sale in Novato: Price: $547,650    Size: 1,986 sq ft   Price per sq ft: $276  (almost unchanged since October)  Days on market: 109   This week in Novato real estate: The entry-level price range (under $500K) remains the strongest - 56% of these homes are currently in escrow, up from 47% one month ago. Meanwhile, the $500K-$600K price range is also active, with 61% of homes in escrow, up from 44% a month ago. The $600K-$800K range represents a mix of entry-level and move-up homes, and it is technica... 12/05/2010

  South Gate Home Sales & Activity -- 2010 (November 20, 2010) Presidio Drive Address / Plan Active Date Contingent Date Sold Date Current (Last) Price / Original Price Sold Price Notes No Activity Maybeck Street Address / Plan Active Date Contingent Date Sold Date Current (Last) Price / Original Price Sold Price Notes 30 Maybeck / Plan 4 4/4/10 4/21/09 6/25/10 698,000 / same 740,000 2,791 sf; multiple offers 94 Maybeck / Plan 3 1/4/10 1/15/10 3/5/10 $842,000 $830,000 2,970 sf; Accepted K in 11 days Emerson Avenue Address / Plan Active Date Contingent Date Sold Date Current (Last) Price / Original Price Sold Price Notes 146 Emerson / Plan 3 3/24/10 4/15/10  5/26/10 799,000 / same $799,000 2,578 sf; 3 Beds Moore Road Address / Plan Active Date Contingent Date Sold Date Current (Last) Pri... 11/20/2010

As of November 11, 2010 35% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of October 2010 38 homes sold in Novato (15 of which were distress sales) for an average final selling price of $596,063. The average original asking price of these homes was $646,992. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $153,000 to a high of $1,300,000. Of the 38 homes that sold 6 sold at their original asking prices and 1 sold over its original asking price.  The remaining 31 homes sold for less than their original asking price. It took these homes an average of 96 days to sell. To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS, click here. To see some of the many fun things do around here (another reason why this is such great place to live) click here. To lea... 11/12/2010

Novato, CA real estate/housing market update Total Novato homes sold in October 2010: 27 (Single-family homes. This is down from 33 sales in September.) One of those sales was our listing at 14 Balboa Court in Hamilton's Bayside neighborhood, pictured here. We got the home into escrow in 8 days and sold it for full price, $619,000. This was $322/square foot, which was higher than October's average in Novato. Based on October's sales, here's a snapshot of the average single-family home sale in Novato: Price: $649,302 Size: 2,344 sq ft Price per sq ft: $277 Days on market: 89 This week in Novato real estate: The entry-level price range (under $500K) remains the strongest - 47% of these homes are currently in escrow. Meanwhile, the $500K-$600K price range is also active, with 44% of homes ... 11/01/2010

As we settle into Autumn, Novato's real estate market remains the model of consistency. While buyers continue to question pricing in Southern Marin and cite uncertainty as their primary concern, many are shifting their focus and stepping forward into the Novato market, confident that prices have leveled. For example, in the primary move up market (consisting of homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million, with at least 2,500 square feet and 4 beds and 3 baths) prices are UP 3% over last year. Moreover, Novato's price per square foot has hovered within 3% of $310 for several months now. Also, prices are also holding steady in several of Novato's higher-end neighborhoods. In comparison with the rest of Marin, this stability engenders confidence. This is good news for buyers and sellers a... 10/27/2010

As of October 6, 2010 an encouraging 33% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of September 2010 40 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $588,265. The average original asking price of these homes was $643,730. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $174,000 to a high of $1,650,000. Of the 40 homes that sold (12 of which were distress sales) 2 sold at their original asking price and 5 sold over their original asking price.  All others sold for less. It took these homes an average of 104 days to sell. To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS click here. To see some of the fun things to do in our neck of the woods click here. To learn more about this area in general search more around this blog, visit m... 10/08/2010

Despite record low temperatures in Marin the Summer, the Novato, California real estate market has not cooled. We again had 33 trades last month and average sales prices and average price per square foot figures remained nearly unchanged from the past three months. The average sales price of Novato homes in July 2010 was $686,519. These homes averaged 105 days on market, were about 2,315 sq. ft., and averaged $312 per square foot. Homes in The Landing at Hamilton, Pointe Marin, Country Club, Rush Creek, and Bel Marin Keys generated the most calls and showings this past month. Novato’s price per square foot has hovered within 3% of $310 for several months now — in my mind, we have seen the market’s botom at the entry level. Prices are also holding steady in several neighborhoods at the ... 09/27/2010

Novato Schools Post Big Gains in 2010 State Test Scores Sept. 14, 2010 -- The California Department of Education just released the much-anticipated 2010 Growth Academic Performance Index (API) results. Many Novato parents have eagerly awaited these test results to see how much their neighborhood school's academic achievement levels have changed since 2009. The 2010 Growth API results show if a school met, exceeded or fell short of its performance goal in 2010. Every year California calculates a specific improvement target for each school based on the previous year's test scores and how the school's performance compares to state standards. Below are the results for all Novato schools. In summary, more than half of the schools posted gains, some huge! Here are some highlights: Olive Eleme... 09/14/2010

As of September 7, 2010 34% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of August 2010 46 homes sold in Novato, for an average final selling price of $604,839. The average original asking price of these homes was $656,203. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $164,500 to a high of $1,300,000. Of the 46 homes that sold (17 of which were distress sales) 6 sold at their original asking price and 6 sold over.  All others sold for less. It took these homes an average of 105 days to sell. To see all the homes that are currently available for sale through our MLS click here. To see some of the fun things to do in the area, click here. To learn more about this area search more around this blog, visit my website or contact me directly. 09/07/2010

  I have to admit that I was slow in updating the market statistics, and for that matter, blogging as a whole.  Last time I updated the statistics was end of May.  This summer has been hectic serving sellers and buyers; not to mention my young son's graduation from high school and starting college at Cal.  An exciting adventure and bright future in front of him :-) Back to business - Novato real estate market stayed soft during the summer, with July being one of the slowest months in recent history even with record low interest rates from Conforming, Super Conforming through Jumbo loans.    Some speculations are that there was a surge of purchases right before April 30th to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit so there is less buyers now; buyers are waiting for new Federal Tax Credi... 09/06/2010

The Landing at Hamilton | New Homes Community | Southern Novato, California -- we are excited to announce that our model homes are open. Sales Office Hours: Friday 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. * Call (415) 350-9440 for Holiday hours or private appointment Below are numerous pictures and a virtual tour of the models. The view up Audubon Court, Novato. These are the three model homes. Hamilton Field, Novato's final residential development, is a secluded enclave of luxurious homes reflecting timeless style and contemporary conveniences. These thoughtfully designed homes focus on sophistication, beauty, and community. Residents will enjoy spacious and refined interior spaces, along with the peace of mind associated with living in such a charming neighborh... 08/31/2010

LinksThe Landing at Hamilton Field WebsitePhoto GalleryParcel 11 (Bottom Middle)DescriptionModels Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fabulous new home with extraordinary Master Suite (incorporating large Retreat with fireplace), Bed and Bath down, Great Room configuration, and approximately $35K in upgrades included in price. October move-in (act now - choose your finishes). The Landing at Hamilton is a premier community of 27 high-quality new homes adjacent to open space and an easy walk to parks, trails, pool, and more. Model homes open now.FeaturesBedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 3Parking Spaces: 2Year Built: 2010Subdivision: The Landing at HamiltonLot Size: 5773Garage Size: 2-Car AttachedSchool District: NovatoSquare Footage: 3073A... 08/29/2010

The Novato, California real estate market continues its solid year. We had 33 trades last month. What is impressive is the fact that average sales prices are up and average price per square foot are up. The average sales price of Novato homes in July 2010 was $692,508 (up from $644,778 the month before). These homes averaged 106 days on market, were about 2,052 sq. ft., and averaged $320 per square foot (up from $306 sq. ft. in June 2010). Novato's price per square foot has hovered between 3-5% of $300 for a year now - in my mind, we are seeing the gradual recomposition of the market in the era of the "New Normal." Prices are holding steady, particularly in the entry level and move-up price bands. This is good news for buyers and sellers alike. Moreover, historically low interest rates,... 08/24/2010

  THE LANDING AT HAMILTON OPENS SALES OFFICE 27 Exclusive Homes Attract Very Strong Interest as Final Neighborhood of Novato's Prestigious Residential Development Nears Completion NOVATO, Calif. (August 19, 2010) – Pacific Union International (PUI) announced today the opening of the sales office for The Landing at Hamilton on August 22.  With one home sold and very strong interest in the first phase of five homes, which are nearing completion, The Landing at Hamilton is Novato’s newest luxury single-family community and the final residential community to be built in Hamilton Field. The Landing  is being developed by Barker Pacific Group and sold exclusively by Kyle Frazier, Broker Associate at Pacific Union. The first phase of five homes will be ready for occupancy in Fall 2010. "There ... 08/19/2010