The "Real" State of Real Estate: A FREE Seminar detailing what you need to know about the Novato Real Estate market in 2009   Date: Saturday January 31, 2009Time: 11:00-12:30Location: Optimal Learning Ceenter120 Landing Ct. Novato (off Redwood Bl.) Good time to buy? Low rates enticing buyers? How will the Hwy 101 project affect home sales? The headlines are full of mixed messages, generalizations and even bad information. We'll cut through the noise to bring you market realities, including why this is a unique time in history for Novato real estate.  Learn how the market affects you, whether you own, rent or may buy or sell in the future. PLUS: 5 ways to sell your house for more money in 2009. Presented by Kevin McGinnis and Associates of Frank Howard Allen Realtors. Featured speakers ... 01/17/2009

As of January 13, 2009 an encouraging 26% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of December 2008 47 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $513,828. The average original asking price was not available as one of the listings that should have been loaded at an asking price of $439,000 was loaded at $43,900,000.  Worth noting, this particular listing sold for $467,000. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $161,500 to a high of $1,300,000. Of the 47 homes that sold, 6 sold at their original asking price and another 6 sold over their original asking price. 27 of the 47 homes were distress sales. It took these homes an average of 126 days to sell. To see everything that is currently available for sale, click here. To learn more about t... 01/14/2009

Kevin McGinnis and Associates of Frank Howard Allen just sold another Novato home. This time it was 712 Del Mar Avenue, a custom-built Cape Cod-style home on a beautifully landscaped lot. It featured four bedrooms, two baths and a gourmet kitchen with oversized island. As part of his outstanding Novato real estate service, Kevin had the home professionally staged by Picture it SOLD! Home Staging so it would stand out among its competitors in this "crowded" marketplace. He also provided professional, wide angle photographs of the property, which are so critical in the successful marketing of a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, 87% of buyers begin their home search online. So, having quality photos - and lots of them - is more important than ever in attracting poten... 01/12/2009

As is the tradition of the San Marin High School in Novato, Marin County (famous for eCO friendly and environmental mind); the San Marin SafeGrad committee is running the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program while rasiing money for our 2009 Graduates. For two weeks after Christmas, San Marin High community members; consists of students, parents, other community supports; and the Novato Disposal Inc. joined force once again to recycle Christmas Trees for local residents.  This has become an annual event for many locals and my company, Frank Howard Allen, has become the third partner in this endeavor since 2007, I am pleased to say! Novato Disposal provides giant dumpsters through those two weeks and the San Marin SafeGrad committee provide labor for Novatons to either drop off or pick... 01/01/2009

Projects associated with Novato's Hamilton Field continue to rack-up recognition -- Hamilton Landing (a robust business hub now occupying the former hangers (circa 1930) of the Hamilton military base) and Hamilton Marketplace (a diverse new shopping center with a mega-deluxe-Safeway (and associated gas station), Peet's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, banking, restaurants (still to come), pet supplies, and more) were named “Top Projects in the North Bay” by the North Bay Business Journal. Both feature unique architecture and green building elements. Hamilton Marketplace also incorporated solar power.  Barker Pacific Group acquired the Hamilton hangers almost a decade ago and has shepparded the renovation of the hangers to fruition. It is now a bustling business center occupied by media entitie... 12/18/2008

Dogbone Meadows Dog Park in Novato, Marin County, located en route to Stafford Lake and West Marin, is probably the best dog park in Marin County, or maybe even California.  Dogs often bring their people when they are on the way to the beaches. Built by dog loving people (or shall we say, slaves of dogs), the property is around 1 acre, with tracks for dogs and human alike, and toys for dogs only.  The backdrop is Open Space, part of O'Hare Park, great hiking, horseback riding trails. This is a morning with unusual heavy fog from West Marin, a beautiful background for the dog park.  Duke (black, rescued from 2nd Chance Rescue) and Hunter (Golden) love to come here in the morning - Duke, after dropping his brother off at local high school, and Hunter, after dragging his mom for his daily ... 12/17/2008

As of December 6, 2008 an encouraging 30% of available listings are in escrow. For the month of November 2008 42 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $494,750. The average original asking price of these homes was $540,632. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $145,000 to a high of $959,000. It took these homes an average of 109 days to sell. Of the 42 homes that sold, 7 sold at their original asking price, 10 sold over their original asking price and all others sold for less.  25 of the 42 homes were distress sales. For more information about this area visit my website or contact me directly.     12/06/2008

This is Duke (adopted from Second Chance Rescue six years ago) running around in the Open Space (Marin County term - meaning land reserved by local government, groups, individuals, etc where nobody can build on) on Mount Burdell behind Partidge Knolls neighborhood in Novato, CA He goes nuts when he is out there having the time of his life everytime :-)   12/03/2008

There are so much talent in Novato, the north most part of Marin County, San Francisco North Bay area.  Drama, Music, Theater, Band, Choral, Dance, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, and much, much more.. One of the driving force in fostering the interest and young talent is the years-in years-out devotion of the teachers at San Marin High School Music Department; especially the dedicated Mrs. Emily Gates, who was the long term music director at San Marin High, and has recently cut down on her service, but is still the major force, beloved teacher and guidance at the music department. One of the events Mrs Gates started and has become an annaul tradition and one of the most anticipated events is the Madrigal Feast in December and this year is no exception..... Following is the Press Release... 11/21/2008

The benefit of being an active member of the neighborhood San Marin Improvement Association; we are always invited in the discussion of local developments.  Two important neighborhood development meetings I have attended this year are 200 San Marin Drive (Across from San Marin Plaze (South East corner of San Marin Drive and San Andrea Drive), and the new 'Commons at Mt. Burdell' development (sited at Fireman's Fund site - see BLOG Below for details)  As a follow-up to the meeting, and as development on the project advances, we are also invited to another neighborhood meeting hosted by Mr. John Chamberlain, CEO of the American Assets. Please make sure you attend the meeting to find out what progress has been made and what the future plans are for the site. See Invitation Below.     The C... 11/15/2008

June Meeting Minutes at the Commons at Mt. Burdell (Fireman's Fund site) Project Want to post this before the follow up meeing in December. Background - I attended the June 17th 'Commons at Mt. Burdell' Development Meeting for San Marin neighbors by Mr. John Chamberlain, CEO of American Assests, developer of the FFIC Site, about the proposed plan for their new project for the site.  I attended the meeting as a member of San Marin Improvement Association (SMIA) as well as a concerned Realtor who lives close to the project site and a previous Fireman's Fund employee.  I have a vast interest in the project, for me, for my neighbors, for my friends and for our local community.   I was probably the only one from SMIA, while most others were residents across from FFIC.  Since this will have ... 11/15/2008

Novato Real Estate Market statistics stays pretty flat overall with a small 4% increase in pending sales compare to a month ago on September 24.  The ratio is held steady by dwindling inventory - overall inventory dropped by another 10%, from 370 to 348; again due to more pending sales and either sellers taking properties off the market or waiting for the market to move upwards before they sell.    The highest increases in pending sales again, is the starter single family homes priced under $600K, with up to $500K at 41% and $500K to $700K at 30%; mutual to slightly sellers market - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago.  This is a great time to buy, with bargains abound, whether it's in Novato, San Rafael or Southern Marin.  Bank owned h... 11/13/2008

I happened to run some numbers for home sales in Novato the other day, comparing October, 2007 to October, 2008.  I was astonished at a number I found.  In 2007, Novato's average price for a single-family home was $790,550.  This year, that number fell to $739,359, representing a 6.5% decline.  Average days on market stayed exactly the same year-over-year at 113. But the number of homes sold really surprised me.  In October, 2007, 20 single-family homes changed hands.  This year, it was 36, or an 80% increase over last year! Of course, the lower end of the market is leading the way and more expensive homes remain a tough sell.  But clearly investors believe we're at a great time to buy and have stepped up to the plate.  While I knew sales were up, I had no idea that number was as high a... 11/13/2008

As of November 6, 2008 an encouraging 30% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of October 2008 63 homes sold (another encouraging number) for an average final selling price of $553,776. The average original asking price of these homes was $607,177. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $140.000 to a high of $1,900,000. Of the 63 homes that sold, 4 sold at their original asking price and a whopping 18 sold over their original asking price-29 were distress sales. It took these 63 homes an average of 103 days to sell. For more information about this area visit my website or contact me directly. To see everything that is currently available for sale click here. 11/06/2008

So, I have been holding Open Houses here in Marin County week in and week out for who knows how many months now - It has become my favorite pass time - One of the best ways to meet clients, neighbors, friends or just passer-bys.  Fortunate for me, due to the ads I place, online or in print; I always have a lot of visitors, never a dull moment and I have met so many wonderful people doing that!     One thing I have noticed is that being in a buyers market, I am getting a lot of very specific requirements and reasons for why one property is not Completely Perfect (is there such a thing as "completely perfect"?) for his/her/their needs - Gonna have formal living room, how about that formal dining room?  I really don't see the need of formal living room nor dining room, just a big waste of ... 10/26/2008

As of October 6, 2008 an encouraging 31% of available homes for sale in Novato are in escrow. For the month of September 2008 69 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $570,430. The average original asking price of these homes was $638,773. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $180,000 to a high of $1,350,000. It took these homes an average of 127 days to sell. Of the 69 homes that sold 5 sold at their original asking price and 9 sold over their original asking price.  All others sold for less. Of those same 69 homes a frightening 36 of them were distress sales. For more information about this area visit my website or contact me directly. To see all the homes that are currently available for sale search our MLS. 10/08/2008

Novato's Rush Creek neighborhood is undeniably one of Marin County, California's, nicest and coveted neighborhoods. There is a lot to like. These luxury homes are newer, built in the past 10 years, and sit on giant parcels (generally, at least 1/2 acre). Many of these homes have pools and elaborate landscaping. The streets are wide and there is no through traffic. Rush Creek offers privacy and prestige. Rush Creek's proximity to HWY 101 and a recently renovated downtown Novato with lots of great shopping, a farmers market, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods (set to open in the next few months), and various restaurants, is also desirable. Adjacent to the neighborhood is Rush Creek Open Space Preserve.  Homes in Novato's Rush Creek have dipped in price during 2008. So far this year, we have seen 6... 10/03/2008

  Novato is a town in the northmost part of Marin County, CA.  We are extremely proud of our musical talents/influences, educational system, talented students, dedicated teachers, caring parents and community members. As one of my friends describes Novato, this is a town with 'HUMANITY'.  Living here, I have to say that I agree wholeheartly!   Out of the extraordinaty humanity, the love of music, the care for our public schools, the local music circle started the annual 'Rock and Blues by The Lake' all day fundraising event for public schools six years ago.  The annual event is hosted at Stafford Lake, one of the most gorgeous backdrops for mucial performances.        The programs are geared towards whole family entertainment with three stages with big stage for the big bands, next to i... 09/25/2008

I just helped my Marin County home buying clients purchase this charming bungalow in Northern Marin located at 660 Sunset Parkway in Novato, California. This well maintained 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom single-family property was built in '61 and has been well preserved by its owners.     Close to schools, shopping and public transportation, this conveniently located home has an open and airy floorplan and great outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining.     Fabulous upgrade potential for this midcentury home in Novato. Sale price for 660 Sunset Pkwy was $445,000 and represents an excellent value for the area.  Please contact me at 415-342-4537 if I can assist you with the purchase or sale of your home in Novato or elsewhere in Marin County, CA. Learn more about Novato CA real estate or vi... 09/25/2008

Novato Real Estate Market statistics continues to inch upwards in overall sales percentage compare to two weeks ago on September 10, The overall inventory dropped 10%, from 410 to 370, results of more pending sales and sellers taking properties off the market unless they 'have' to sell.  Less inventory will have a positive effect on housing prices as there are less supply.  The highest increases in pending sales are the starter / investment homes - condo/townhomes and single family residences under $500K - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago.  Both categories, with more than 50% sales, are now a 'seller's' market - or shall we say a 'bank/REO sellers's market.  Some enjoy multiple offers, although not as much frenzy as when Marin was at... 09/24/2008