For the comedically challenged and humor impaired this post is not recommended. But for those of you a little more daring... here we go with a little real estate humor:
* Sign next to FSBO (For Sale By Owner): We shoot every third agent, and the 2nd one just left!
* This house has every new convienence, except low payments!
* By the time you pay for a house in the suburbs, it isn't.
* If you think no one cares that you're alive, try missing a couple of mortgage payments!
* I just listed a maintenence free house, in the last 25 years there hasn't been any maintenence!
* I never understood why my Realtor was always smiling?  I didn't think anybody could have that many teeth without being a barracuda!

OK folks, this is strictly for fun ...click on the link then click inside the video box:

The Next President of the United States

     A couple of days ago I received a phone call from the San Francisco Business Times. The San Francisco Business Times is preparing an article that will come out on September 5th regarding some of the high end neighborhoods in the Bay Area, and how those neighborhoods have been affected by the current real estate market.  The San Francisco Business Times also wanted to know why people move to Tiburon and Belvedere?
     I shared that I believed that there are certain mico-communities in the Bay Area that have actually appeciated during the downturn in today's real estate market. And, Tiburon and Belvedere are just such markets.
     Homes here in Tiburon and Belvedere continue to appreciate because of macro economic factors unique to this area such as high desirability, natural geographical beauty, climate, lifestyle, lack of available land for new building, proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley (that are experiencing strong job markets), a stellar school system supported by the tax base, and being one of the most gorgeous waterfront communities in the world! 

Belvedere	Year	Average Sales Price	Tiburon	Year	Average Sales Price006
	2004	$1.669,561		2004	$2,702,455
	2005	$1.990,514		2005	$2,806,076
	2006	$1,976,550		2006	$3,082,290
	2007	$2,207,819		2007	$3,880,903

                                                              For a second year Community Action Marin, a San Rafael-based nonprofit, is offering a raffle to help fund its programs for the poor by offering raffle ticket buyers the chance to win a San Rafael "dream home" priced at $2 million.  Last year's winner chose the cash over the house that was priced at $2.1 million.  At the bottom of this post is all the information you'll need to participate in this event.

   Community Action Marin - which operates 15 programs that focus on mental health services, early childhood development, HIV/AIDS, food programs, the homeless and more. "The fact that the local anti-poverty agency is raffling off a $2.1 million house is a little ironic," said Gail Theller, the agency's exective director.  But cuts in funding by the Marin Community Foundation, the federal government and the state government left Community Action Marin with little choice, Theller said. 
   The nonprofit lost about $200,000 a year in funding from the Marin Community Foundation recently when the foundation's trustees decided to take money away from ongoing programs so they could finance new initiatives. In addition, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger eliminated funding for a homeless program that served the mentally ill when he sliced $703 million in health spending from the budget. That move cut $500,000 a year from Community Action Marin's budget, Theller said. 

   Stacy Swor, a Mill Valley lawyer who has been on the agency's board for 18 years, said, "The truth of the matter is we're being bled to death. Believe me, we've tried everything. Bake sales and car washes just don't do it these days.    "People are willing to support a charity if they can see something for their money," Swor said. "What we're faced with is ongoing operational expenses, and those are expenses that are just about to get contributions for."

   Although last year was the first time that a nonprofit in Northern California has used such a raffle to generate revenue, the practice has gained popularity in Southern California, where it has been used by St. Jude Medical Center, school districts and cultural organizations, Theller said. A law passed by the California Legislature in 2001 made it legal for nonprofits to conduct such raffles. 
   Still, the agency took no chances, Theller said. It checked with the state attorney general's office and the Marin County district attorney before proceeding with the raffle. 
   Last year Community Action Marin hired Neal Martin, a former high school school teacher who oversaw a similar raffle for a college prepatory school in Watsonville, to manage the raffle. Mount Madonna School sold 19,000 raffle tickets costing $150 each and raised about $1 million for the school while paying out a grand prize of about $1 million, Martin said. Community Action Marin expects to do better than that.
   "We are convinced we are going to net $2.2 million," Theller said last year.  This year, the same house, is offered in the raffle. (Last year the winner chose the cash option)


   Because Community Action Marin is also charging $150 per raffle ticket, it needs to sell 35,000 tickets to meet their goals. The prizes will be paid for with proceeds from ticket sales. If fewer tickets are sold than expected, Community Action Marin has reserved the right to reduce the size of the grand prize - to an even split of the raffle's total profits. The grand prize winner also has the option of a $1.6 million cash prize in lieu of the "dream house." 

   Theller said she found the house at 204 Southern Heights Blvd. in San Rafael by mailing letters to 100 people who were trying to sell homes in Marin. If the grand prize winner does opt for the cash, the owner of the house will be paid for holding the house out of the market for six months, Theller said. She declined to say how much. 
   Theller said she thought it would be difficult finding a homeowner willing to take their house off the market for so long, but half of the people contacted expressed interest. The owner of the San Rafael house had priced the home at $2 million, and will be paid that amount if the prize winner chooses the house. 

   People who buy the raffle tickets will know that they're giving to a worthy cause, Martin said.    "It's not a mystery - unlike the state lottery where the funds from the state lottery are going to end up being budgeted in the next fiscal year," Martin said. 
   Nevertheless, raffle winners will get no special treatment from the Internal Revenue Service. Like any raffle or lottery, prizes over $5,000 are subject to a 25 percent government tax, Martin said.
(Some of the information for this post was taken from an article by Richard Halstead, and was posted on the Marin Independent Journals web site: 9/6/2007)
For the most recent article by the Marin IJ click:   Marin IJ Article - Round Two for Dream Home Raffle
And, if you have a moment, check out my blog with the Marin Independent Journal at: Marin History

COMMUNITY ACTION MARIN'S 'DREAM HOME' RAFFLE ADDRESS: 204 Southern Heights Blvd., San Rafael
SIZE: 4,400 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms; quarter-acre lot
DESCRIPTION: Bay views, chef's kitchen, lush landscaping, library suite, all-new appliances, infinity pool, gated entry
COST OF RAFFLE TICKET: $150
HOW TO ENTER: By phone, 800-431-5166; by mail, CAM Dream House Raffle, 29 Mary St., San Rafael, CA 91949; or by fax at 415-738-7664.  For More information click:    Marin County Dream House Raffle

* Stop reading now if you are even remotely humor impaired or comedically challenged!

          Yesterday's man or woman used to think, "if I need to find someone this way, I'm already lost!" But today, someone might say, " I don't have enough time to drive around and look at all the open houses/a potential homebuyer's version of "speed dating", so maybe I can use this service!"

        We've all seen those ads for E-Harmony -  where this scary looking guy comes out and tells us how great his dating service is,  and then tries to convince us that it's all scientific, and that people are matched on 92 points of compatibility! Yeah, right ...

       E-Harmony people are just regular folks like yourself,  not circus freaks, drooling sexual perverts, or couch humping Scientologists.  (Perish the thought) The product of your union wil be an "Everlasting Love!", not some head revolving, vomit spewing, bed wetting, priest cursing, ungrateful devil child, that you'll have to support till you're 18. (okay, maybe I have some issues) But ... if you're still a hopeless romantic, a word of advice ... look beyond the curb appeal!

        Speaking of which ... matchmaking and the promise of finding that perfect property is also here today!

        No doubt every prospective buyer, seller, and real estate agent has heard of the Multiple Listing Service. The real estate agent's "on the make" equivalent of a dating service.  Real estate agents even have their own codes to help inform potential suitors.  Possibly E-Harmony might want to implement this kind of methodology, as you'll soon see, into their 92 reasons to run for the hills! (The following is gender specific ... feel free to substitute whatever gender makes this PC for you ... or not!)

*New: A new listing!  The competition will be lining up for the first dance!  A new listing has that "special glow!" ... for now.

*Active: Active listing.  This gals has been danced around, but so far, no one wants to marry her.

*DOM: Days on the Market.  Everyone watches this number,  like the date on a milk carton. It is an indication of freshness.  The longer she sits on the shelf, the less desirable she becomes.

*CC: Contingent, but continue to show.  She says she's engaged, but there's no ring on her finger - the "due diligence period."   The wedding may still be called off,  especially if the finances don't measure up!

*BOM: Back on the market.  ewww...something could be wrong here.  Definitely not a first choice.  But if it's 2a.m., and you're drunk out of your skull and getting desperate, she might look pretty good.  Of course, you may have to overlook that little hump, the lazy eye, and her spooky resemblence to Karl Malden.

*TW: Temporarily withdrawn.   She's not pretty, and she knows it.  She realizes that if she wants more interest, she's gonna have to get a face lift, fix herself up, start going to the gym, and maybe buy a wonder bra.

*EXPIRED: Listed, but never sells.  She thinks she's Paris Hilton, but she looks more like Yoda after a night of heavy drinking.

*PENDING: Okay, she's bought the dress, had the rehearsal dinner, picked out the china pattern, and the wedding march has started.  Potentially the groom can still back out and run screaming up the aisle.  (Of course, such things usually only happen in the movies ... still, there's always the chance.)

*SOLD:  They're married!  Happily?  Who cares!?  It's re-harmony! (Cue music) " This will be an everlasting love ..."

That is, till he discovers that she has a raging case of dry rot in her basement, terminal fung sway, and a sagging back porch.  Oh well ...



Sausalito Tugboats with the Sleeping Maiden's full figure in the backdrop
(Mount Tamalpais)
Marin County Real Estate Blog
2008

     This is only my opinion, but in today's real estate market it's critical for anyone selling their property to know the difference between a prequalification letter and a preapproval letter when considering an offer from a prospective buyer.  Without either, unless it's an "all cash" offer, the seller should NOT consider the offer. Let me
explain:
                                 

      A few years back, lenders were happy to issue prequalification letters without the propspective buyer having submited a loan application or doing a credit check. When the real estate market became much stronger, and multiple offers were being made on a properties, prequalification letters carried little weight.  Experienced realtors knew that many of these prequalification letters were from prospective buyers whose finances and credit had not been formally verified. Hence, the introduction of the "Preapproval" letter.
     The preapproval letter led you to believe that the buyer had not only provided the lender all the financials the lender would need. It also suggested that the prospective buyer had submitted a complete loan application, that the buyer's credit worthiness had been verified, and the only consideration left would be that the property appraise at the price the buyer had offered.  It's not that simple anymore...       
     The mortgage industry seems to be re-inventing itself every day.  Lending parameters have changed since the go go days of real estate.  Loans that used to be "slam dunks" are difficult to fund in today's market. A Seller here in Marin County, that received an offer with a "Preapproval Letter" that should have closed Escrow weeks ago, is still waiting to see if the buyer will be able to get funding?  This is only my opinion, but I believe Sellers need to be more cautious then ever when accepting an offer these days.  My advice is that Sellers, and realtors representing sellers, need to review the actual loan application and the buyer's credit report, as you would if you were accepting a lease from a tenant.
                                                         
    The California Association of Realtors provides a Residential Purchase Agreement that most realtors here in Marin County use.  You need to aware are of Item 2 Financial  Terms, and Item G: Loan Applications.  It is my opinion that you only consider an offer that has 0 days for acceptance where it states the "buyer shall provide Seller a letter from lender or mortgage loan broker stating that, based on review of buyer's application and credit report, buyer is pre-qualified or pre-approved for the NEW loan specified in 2C above."  
     I believe this is a good start but may not be enough.  I recommend  that you ask to review the actual loan applicaton and credit report, and you need to specify that the buyer provide a pre-approval letter - NOT a pre-qualification letter in your response to an offer. It is also my recommendation, that if you are unclear with any aspects of an offer, you probably should consult with an attorney.

For the full story that appeared August 20, 2008 click here: Marin Median Home Price Slips

Check out my Marin History web site with the Marin Independent Journal: Marin History

     In 1990 the real estate market here in Marin County took a downturn.  One of the first things that resulted from the market shifting to a buyer's market from a seller's market was the disapearance of discount brokers and discount real estate companies.  Seller's learned then that the marketing process had become more complicated than paying a flat fee to have your home listed on the local Multiple Listing Service.  Recently, the Help-U-Sell Real Estate franchise company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings after a group of regional operators filed an involuntary petition for bankruptcy.  Sign of the times?                              
  
     Ashton Asensio, the consulting and operating officer for Help-U-Sell said that," the brand itself will survive this bankruptcy, and that the franchisees should not impacted by corporate issues"  The company went through a similar bankruptcy proceeding during the last major downturn in the mid 1990s.  The company was founded in 1976.  Asensio also said, "as everyone is aware, the market is not the best and revenues generated by the franchisees were not adequate to sustain them at the level they were currently operating at." 
     In today's real estate market it's become even more critical for sellers and buyers to associate themselves with competent, and reputable real estate professionals.  The mortgage industry seems to be re-inventing itself almost daily. Navigating the maze of details required to purchase or sell a property these days has never been more challenging.
     If you have any questions in this regard, please feel free to email me at: MarinCountyRealEstate@gmail.com or call me at: 415-789-7777
*Some of the content for this post came from Glen Roberts Jr. of Inman News

     On August 9, 2008 the Associated Press reported: Fannie Mae Cutbacks Chill Mortgage Market!  Right now Fannie Mae is making bold cutbacks that according to the Associated Press will send shock waves through the mortgage market, especially after posting a quarterly loss Friday that was three times larger than Wall Street expected.
     To slow it's financial decline, Fannie Mae slashed its dividend to 5 cents a share from 35 cents a share and said it will eliminate loans for borrowers with solid credit scores, but little proof of income - or small or no down payments.  Fannie Mae is also raising fees that will passed along to borrowers as higher interest rates or closing points.
     The fear is that mortgage rates will keep climbing, making it harder for people to afford a mortgage or refinance their homes, and spur more foreclosures.  

      So, has any of this affected Marin County? On August 8, 2008 the Marin Independent Journal reported that Redwood Trust of Mill Valley shares slide 14 percent amid report of $46 million dollar loss in the second quarter.  Martin Hughes, Redwood's founder and chief financial officer said, "I can tell you we're not in a panic here.  We're sitting with a lot of cash.  We just put a bunch of money to work this quarter." 
Redwood Trust Article From the Marin Independent Journal
     Today the Marin Independent Journal reported that three banking institutions here in Marin County see stellar earnings this year  - for the whole story:  Marin's Banks Strong Despite National Slump
     Joan Thayer, the Marin County Assessor-Recorder noted that, "Marin, so far, has remained relatively, but not totally, unaffected by the housing crisis.  The reason for Marin's comparative good fortune is the lack of new development projects, limited new construction, and its continuing allure as one of the most desirable areas in the country in which to live.  Demand is high and the supply is limited.  Nevertheless, there are indicators the economic downturn has impacted this county and will continue to do so in the months ahead.   Since January 2007, we have experienced a significant slowdown in the number of real property sales in all categories: single family residences, multi-family, and commerical properties."
     Recently on the evening news a video clip of President Bush caught off camera talking about the economy after a news conference had the President accusing Wall Street of "getting drunk" and then asked, "when are they going to sober up?"  Did someone forget to tell the President he was the bartender?  Oh well...
     If you have a moment check out my Marin History web site with the Marin Independent Journal at: Marin History

2008 Home Sales

Town or City	Average	Median	Total Sales	Days on Market
All Marin	$1,357,580	$1,050,000	771	77
Belvedere	$3,447,538	$2,821,250	12	125
Corte Madera	$1,295,108	$1,100,000	34	38
Fairfax	$773,000	$729,000	23	72
Greenbrae	$1,593,183	$1,317,500	12	50

Kentfield	$2,582,857	$2,000,000	28	79
Larkspur	$1,768,428	$1,650,000	21	56
Mill Valley	$1,528,211	$1,350,000	102	60
Novato	$768,903	$710,000	159	102
Ross	$3,494,722	$2,225,000	18	54
San Anselmo	$1,311,714	$1,025,000	66	63

San Rafael	$1,011,073	$853,500	190	73
Sausalito	$1,735,367	$1,390,000	23	65
Tiburon	$2,606,677	$2,192,500	42	79

The Difference Between "Average Price" and "Median Price"

Average price and median price are terms used in the real estate industry that refer to the price of homes Sold during any given period of time.

The "Median Price" means that half of the homes sold during a given time were less expensive than the median price, and half of the homes sold during the same period of time were more expensive.

The "Average Price" combines the total price of all the homes Sold during a given period of time that are then divided by the number of homes Sold.

Source BARIES MLS single family homes sold. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
All data subject to errors,omissions,and revisions.

Old Glory on Beach Road in Belvedere, California

Check out the numbers ... from July 15^th thru to July 31st there were 92 new listings of single family residences.  90 listings went into contract, 104 Sold, and 70 listings were withdrawn from the market . As of July 31, 2008

Condominiums had an good week too. Continuing their recent popularity, 19 units sold during this period, while only 18 were listed. 40 listings went under contract.. Market inventory was reduced from 401 to 391 units.

The price of gas began to drop, the weather warmed up, and suddenly people felt a bit better, while the stock market struggled to get back into profitable territory, showing renewed signs of life in spite of many challenges and continued adverse economic news. DataQuick, the La Jolla based source of real estate statistics continued its string of pessimistic reports while allowing that San Francisco and Marin Counties were better off than most other Bay Area markets.

So, what’s happening in Marin County Real Estate? Lots of activity here with buyers getting tremendous value, especially in Novato and San Rafael, and particularly in Condominiums which languished for too long and are now enjoying renewed popularity courtesy of their relative affordability--- a great opportunity for first-time buyers or downsizing sellers. Let's see what happens next! Our market typically enjoys increased activity in the fall. Buyers who have been waiting may recognize the opportunity they have been waiting for is here now. Experienced local real estate professionals can help mine the gold in this market - they know values, and are an important resource for buyers and sellers alike.

 (Special thanks to Fred Anaylan for some of the information for this post)

Click Here To Read Article

And, if you have a moment ,check out my Marin History Web Site with the Marin Independent Journal by clicking on the link below:

Marin Independent Journal's Marin History Web Site

     On July 14, 2008 Jeannine Aversa/Associated Press reported that the Federal Reserve and the Treasury will take steps to shore up mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, whose shares have plunged as loses from their mortgage holdings threaten their financial survival.
     The steps are also being taken to send a signal to nervous investors worldwide that the government is prepared to take whatever necessary steps to prevent the credit market crisis troubles that started last year from engulfing financial markets and further weakening the economy and housing markets.
     The Feds said that, "this should help companies ability to promote the availability of home mortgage credit during periods of stress in financial markets." 

Lisa Benson/ Washington Post Writer's Group 7/25/2008

  Quick quiz?  Which mortgage company CEO took 140 million home in compensation while the company he founded lost 704 million dollars?  For Marcie Geffners article from Inman News click on the following link:
Countrywide's CEO Angelo Mozilo

     Last post I ran a headline that said, "Ignore the Headlines!"  Well, that might have been a little premature. Last Monday Indymac Bank, in an attempt to reassure depositors that the company is not near collapse, issued a response to letters to Federal Bank regulators from Senator Charles Schumer that "Indymac Bank's financial deterioration posed a significant risk to both taxpayers and borrowers."
     On Friday and Saturday depositers withdrew about 100 million dollars.
     The Center for Responsible Lending issued a report Monday claiming that interviews with former employees and lawsuits in 10 states showed Indymac pushed through loans based on bogus appraisals, worked closely with mortgage brokers who mislead borrowers about their rates and fees, and often treated elderly and minority consumers unfairly.
     While Schumer claimed Indymac Bank used brokered deposits to "finance rapid and irresponsible growth," Indymac said those deposits,"lowered the risk for Indymac Bank and improved our safety and soundness during this turbulent period."

     Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reiterated Friday that the companies are adequately capitalized and that a government bailout is not imminent, but stockholders in the government chartered, publicly traded companies were not entirely reassured.
     Continuing a monthlong slide that intesified last Monday, Fannie Mae's shares fell 22 percent on Friday and Freddie Mac was off more than 3 percent.  Investors are worried loses at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could force those companies to issue more common stock to raise additional capital.  And, if the companies are unable to raise capital, and the government steps in to place the companies in a conservatorship, their shares would be worthless.

     

     When prices are falling few people have the discipline to buy stocks, a house, gold, art or any other asset.  But, for those who do "pull the trigger" excel in the long run.  As John D. Rockefeller famously said,"The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets."
     In Marin County there are some areas where the streets are stained crimson (Novato). Consider this, the stock market is being pummeled, oil per barrel prices are going through the roof, and there's panic that we're in a recession.  The Fed rate cuts will lift the economy eventually, and the stock market wil typically starts responding just as the headlines get their gloomiest.  Sure, the market could fall again before recovering, but the "Recession" may be half over already - or we may avoid one all together. You just never know.
    But, let's say you're emotionally ready to be a homeowner.  You have good credit, plan to stay put for the next five years and have been waiting for the perfect entry point. Well, it may be time to get serious - before an inevitable rise in interest rates wipes out your advantage.  "The thing that will make home prices stop falling is the same thing that will push mortgage rates higher," says Lending Trees chief economist Jim Syinth.  So,anything you gain by a further drop in prices might be offset by rising financial costs.
    It's more complicated if you must sell before you can buy.  But, that logjam won't persist forever - and if it appears you'll be trapped for a few years, try to refinance at today's lower rates.  Risk always seem most acute when the headlines give you ulcers.  But that's exactly when you should think long term - and get off your thumbs.
    Ignore the headlines!

                                                              
     Independence Day is a heartbeat away and one of the beauties of life in the North Bay is the variety of fun events that our charming communities organize at this time of year. Read on to learn of the many unique ways to observe this all-American holiday. Happy Fourth!
 
Corte Madera-Larkspur
43rd Annual Corte Madera/Larkspur Chambers of Commerce 4th of July Parade - Elaborate floats, precision drill teams, classic cars and the Corte Madera Town Band.
Parade Time: 10:30 am
Route: From Redwood High in Larkspur, it moves down Magnolia into Corte Madera and continues down Tamalpais Ave to the Town Center.
Post-parade: Check out the festivities at Corte Madera's Town Park: arts and crafts, food and drink, carnival games, children's activities and live entertainment.
Info: (415) 924-0441.

Novato
16th Annual 4th of July Parade - Come see over 100 parade entries ranging from classic cars and vehicles from a military museum to Irish bagpipers and a Chinese drum and bell corps.
Parade Time: 10 am
Route: Downtown Novato, starting at the corner of Grant and Railroad Avenues 
Along the parade route, you will also find food and refreshment booths, and souvenir t-shirts.
Info: (415) 899-8900.

The 55th Annual Buckaroo Breakfast
Location: Redwood Credit Union parking lot: 1010 Grant Ave, downtown Novato
Time: Breakfast served from 7-10 am
Organizer: The event is presented by the Presbyterian Church of Novato.
Fee: There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for kids. Proceeds will be donated to the Marin Community mission project.

First Annual Novato 4th of July Race
Tamalpa, a Marin running club, presents a "4 on the 4th" four-mile road race and a "Mayor's Mile" one-mile family walk/jog.
Starting time/place: 7:20 am at 7th and Grant, downtown Novato
Entry fee: $15, which includes a race mug and post-race goodies
To register, go to the Tamalpa website.
 
Ross
Annual Ross Commons Picnic - Pack your own lunch, or you can order from Eddie's. The picnic begins at noon and will take place at the Grove area of the Common.
Info: (415) 453-1453, ext. 176
 
San Rafael
Marin County Fair and Fireworks
The Marin County Fair (at Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Drive) offers Marin County's official fireworks display. The July 4th concert features the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans.
Fair admission: $12 to $14, and includes free carnival rides, exhibits, and music
Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm
Info: (415) 499-6400 or  www.marinfair.org
  
Sausalito
4th of July Parade and Fireworks - This year's parade will include the Cal Alumni Marching Band, floats of all shapes and sizes, and the Sausalito Fire Department.
Parade Time: 10 am
Route: Starting at South Bridgeway, it will move through downtown Sausalito to Caledonia St and into Dunphy Park.
Post Parade: A town picnic in the park with food, entertainment, raffles, tug-of-war, and an egg toss. Fireworks: 9:15 pm
For a complete schedule of the day's events, go to www.ci.sausalito.ca.us
 
 
Tiburon
Fireworks Cruise - One of the best ways to see the San Francisco fireworks display is from the Bay! The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Co. will offer a 4th of July fireworks cruise.
Boarding Time: 7:30 pm and departs at 8 pm
Place: The Tiburon ferry dock off Main Street
Fee: $40 for adults; $20 for children
Info:  (415) 435-2131.

Woodacre
4th of July Parade and Pancake Breakfast
Breakfast Time & Place: 8-11 am at the Woodacre Fire Station, 33 Castle Rock Rd.
Cost: $7 for adults; $3 for children
Parade Time: Noon
Route: Starting at the Woodacre Improvement Club (1 Garden Way), it follows Railroad Ave to the Dickson Ranch.
Post-Parade: A good old-fashioned celebration at Dickson Ranch - A family affair with games, face painting for the kids, competitions (including the men's ugly leg contest), horse rides, plenty of music, barbecue, bingo, and everyone's favorite, the flea market.

    Countrywide's takeover by Bank of America is approved while California and Illinois sue over misleading borrowers.  Officials in both California and Illinois have filed lawsuits claiming Countrywide misled borrowers into taking risky home loans.  For the complete story click on the link below:
Alex Veiga's Associated Press Article

     On June 19, 2008 the Marin Independent Journal newspaper reported that in May of 2008 home sales were up from the previous month , but that the volume of sales are down in comparison to this time last year.  287 homes sold in May of 2007 where this year in May only 178 homes sold.   As home sales continue to plunge across the Bay Area Marin remains an anomaly as the only county where the median price increased from $925,000 this time last year to $1,102,000.
     Corrina Rollins, senior real estate instructor at College of Marin for more than 20 years was not surprised by the price jump.  Corrina says, "Marin had only the lowest end of the market involved in sub-prime mortgage sales, and most of the homes that were selling were outside of that range." Corrina also says,"the typical seller in Marin, they can wait." Suggesting that  some sellers might wait out this marketplace before offering their home for sale.
     None the less, Novato has been hit harder than the rest of the county to the point where some companies have closed or curbed their operations.  In fact, Coldwell Banker has closed it's Novato office as has Avalar Real Estate.  Coldwell Banker's response was, "that with the sophistication of electronic communications, agents do not need much office support as they once did." 
      At this time Pacific Union has moved into a smaller office space in Novato.  Levi Swift of Pacific Union and current President of the Marin Association of Realtors says,"the real estate market is going through a cycle that has been exacerbated by the national economy."
      Larry Brackett, CEO for Frank Howard Allen, acknowledges that the Novato market has hit the city harder than elsewhere but thinks it has a bright future - especially when work on Highway 101 is finished and commuting becomes easier.  "Trader Joe's and Whole Foods think Novato is upwardly mobile," Brackett said of the two retail chains that are opening outlets downtown. "There are a number of very positive signs regarding the Novato market."
     In fact, Brackett said,"I've been recruiting  agents from Coldwell Banker offices in Greenbrae, San Rafael, and Novato.  I do not understand Coldwell Banker's business decision, but then I'm not running a national company."

And, if you have a moment, check out my Marin History web site at:
Marin Independent Journal's Marin History Web Site

     Realty educator Corina Rollins of Greenbrae says that if Marin's real estate market hasn't bottomed out yet, it's very close. "You are starting to see people move into the market, attracted by the low prices," said Rollins, senior real estate instructor at the College of Marin for more than 20 years. "We are as close to a buyer's market as we are likely to be," she said. Marin home sales remain lower than last year, though sales are picking up a bit after several months of record lows.

      The median price of a single-family home in Marin last month was $935,000, down from $1,010,000 a year earlier, and just 165 single-family homes were sold - down from 254 in April 2007, DataQuick Information Systems of La Jolla reported Tuesday. In March, the median single-family home price in Marin was $862,500, and 110 single-family homes were sold. April statistics included total sales of 216 single-family homes and condominiums, down from 313 in April 2007 - but up from 148 sales in March.

     DataQuick analyst John Karevoll said Marin remains a "unique market that doesn't seem to be too concerned with the ups and downs of mainstream meat and potatoes real estate in the state of California." "The issues that seem to concern Marin homeowners are not the issues that concern 97 percent of homeowners," he said. Describing last month's median price for a resale home in Marin as "stratospheric," Karevoll noted Marin was the first county in the state to exceed a million-dollar median price one year ago. "And Marin is going to be the first to re-cross it," he said.

     Levi Swift, president of the Marin Association of Realtors, said the statistics indicate "Marin County and San Francisco County are the ones holding up the best. É Realtors on the ground are seeing lots of traffic and if a house is properly priced, it sells and it sells pretty quickly." Across the Bay Area, 6,310 homes and condos sold. That was up 29 percent from 4,898 in March but down 15 percent from 7,447 in April 2007. The month-to-month jump was the strongest for any March-to-April in DataQuick's statistics, which go back to 1988. From last September through March, each month was the slowest on record.

     The median price for a Bay Area home was $518,000 last month, down 3.4 percent from $536,000 in March, and down 21.4 percent from $659,000 in April last year. Rollins said the combination of low prices and affordable rates may lead condo dwellers and those living in small homes to consider bigger homes. "But I don't think it's going to happen rapidly," said Rollins, a residential appraiser in addition to her teaching duties.

     The Marin market - especially among condos where the median price jumped to $508,000 in April from $477,500 in March - should benefit from a federal move to increase the conforming loan rate to as much as $729,750. The move cuts interest premiums.      Foreclosure property resales accounted for 26 percent of last month's Bay Area market. Foreclosure properties accounted for 9 percent of Marin's market. Appraising a home in foreclosure in a Petaluma subdivision, Rollins found 8 of the 9 homes for sale in the area were in some stage of foreclosure.

This article appeared in the May 20th, 2008 issue of the Marin Independent Journal.
For the full article and statistical graphs from DataQuick CLICK HERE
And, if you'd like to see my online journal with the Marin Independent Journal click -> Marin History

     Putting your house on the market?  A good real estate agent isn't all you need.  Sometimes staging your house can be the difference between its sitting or selling.  Staging can be as small as tweaks with paint, furniture placement, and accessories that make your house look as desirable as possible.  Or, hiring a professional stager to come in and dramatically transform your home into a showplace.  Either way a recent survey by Coldwell Banker found that staged homes spent half the time on the market and sold for more than the asking price.
     Here are some simple staging tips to help you turn lookers into buyers at your next open house:
Scrub till it sparkles!  It sounds obvious, but experts say sellers often overlook the easy fix.  Vacumn behind the couches and under the bed.  Scrub out stains in the carpet and wash all of the windows inside and out.  Scour ceiling fans and polish door knobs.  When things sparkle, houses sell.
     Open windows to let in the fresh air.  Have a friend perform the white glove - and sniff - tests.  You may be so used to your cat's litter box that you don't even notice it's smell.
Clobber the Clutter:  Go room by room and purge.  The less stuff you have, the bigger the house will seem. Get rid of anything personal: Kids trophies, wedding pictures, and college banners make buyers feel like intruders. " You want people to feel like they're walking into a house that could be theirs according to Memme.
Pay Attention to Details: Go through your entire to-do list, then do and redo. This means patching any holes in the walls, fixing leaky faucets, and replacing burned out light bulbs.  Buy fresh towels and put all the toilet lids down. Hide wastebaskets.  Play soft music throughout the house. Play up the zones in your garage. Designate one area for garden tools and another for sports related equipment.  "Organization helps sell a home."
Camouflage with Paint: Paint not only makes a house look better, it also helps with odors.  Pick nuetrals.  Nuetral doesn't mean white. Try warm tans, honeys, taupes, and sage.
Entice Buyers to Enter: Go across the street and get a good look.  Your eyes should be drawn to the front door, not the grass that needs mowing, the overgrown weeds, or that old rain gutter that's been sittting in your driveway since 2006.  If people don't like what they see on the outside, they may not want to come in. Doors are the one exception to the neutral-color rule.  Rich colors say "Welcome" and "Come Inside." And, create an inviting entry with colorful flowers.
Define each Room: Don't force buyer's to guess a room's purpose.  Figure out it's true intent and then furnish accordingly.  If your living room doubles as an office, take out the desk.
Use Furniture Wisely: And sparingly, see if you can pare down a quarter to half of the furniture in every room. Take a picture of each room to gain perspective.
Highlight Key Architectural Elements: Direct the eye with drama. Use contrast colors on crown moldings or use valances to showcase tall windows. Don't push furniture up against a wall as it will create odd empty space in the middle of the room.  Instead, float it off the wall to help buyers circulate around the room.
Let there be Light!: Turn on every light in the house - even in the daytime.  And, unless a window looks onto a garbage dump, keep drapery open.  Remember: Once you put the For Sale sign up, you have to emotionally detach from your house.  It's not about how you live or what your taste are, it's about appealing to a wide range of tastes.
(Some of the information for this post was taken from an article written by Leslie Pepper)
    

CBS 5's Video - Novato, the Most Affordable Suburb in California!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  if you're driving down Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, check out the sculpture in front of Ross's Town Hall, and have a wonderful and safe Mother's Day! 

Special thanks to Alberto Pinto for providing this photo of downtown Sausalito in 1864.  Off to the left of the man standing in the foreground is a sign that reads, "Walk Your Horses."  A special platform was created to load horses onto the ferry to San Francisco.  The street you see above was called Water Street that is now named Bridgeway in honor of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

If you'd like to see more amazing historical photos, and stories of Marin County from "days gone by" check out my web site with the Marin Independent Journal at: Marin History

     Marin Count's population increased by almost 1% in 2007 , Marin's largest jump in four years reported the State Department  of Finance. The Counties population increased from 255,080 to 257,406.
    
Here are the State's California Department of Finance's population of Marin's Towns as of January 1, 2008:

Belvedere          2,161
Corte Madera     9,512
Fairfax              7,412
Larkspur          12,204
Mill Valley        13,925
Novato            52,737
Ross                 2,393
San Anselmo     12,601
San Rafael        58,235
Sausalito            7,503
Tiburon              8,917
Unincorparted    69,806 
TOTAL MARIN   257,406

     Of the Counties cities, Novato has the most single detached homes at 12,196 and the largest number of mobile homes at 718.  San Rafael has the largest number of multi-unit apartments at 2,070.  Ross has the largest number of people per household with 2.97, while Sausalito has the smallest with 1.74.
     Mill Valley experienced the greatest percentage growth in 2007, increasing by 154 residents, or 1.1% while San Rafael had the smallest percentage of growth adding 392 residents or 0.7 percent.  California is now home to one in eight Americans.

      Right now everything Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke does only drives our economy deeper into a recession while making the dollar weaker, stock market  lower, and oil prices higher. Why?
      What happened?  After September 11th, then Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, adopted an ultra easy money policy that drove mortgage rates to record lows. and got the real estate bubble blowing. At about the same time China joined the World Trade Organization and used "currency manipulation" to boost  its United States exports to keep it's currency undervalued and it's exports artificially cheap.  China recycled more than a trillion dollars back into the United State's bond market. This currency manipulation fueled the growing real estate bubble by artificially depressing mortgage rates - all the while laying waste to America's manufacturing base and ability to create jobs.
     As investors entered the real estate market buying properties and flipping them the Mortgage industry began offering risky mortgages that allowed people with no money to buy into homes with highly risky adjustable rate "subprime mortgages."  The stage was set... as Wall Street began to package these subprime mortgages into complex "mortgage back securities." Speculators jumped in and like a deadly virus, these mortgage back securities spread out to infect portfolios all over the world.
     In 2006 when home prices stretched far beyond their true valuations some speculators pulled the plug by foreclosing. Meanwhile, those "exploding adjustable rate mortgages" began to do just that. As homeowners could not make their monthly payments home prices dropped and pushed foreclosures to record highs.
     The downstream consequences for world credit market have been severe. As foreclosures have risen the value of mortgage back securities has plummeted. Until our economic leaders refocus on what made the American economy so great: sound money, fiscal responsibility, and a vibrant manufacturing base - a recommitment to those principles would do more to restore order in the global financial system and economy than more rate cuts and mulit-billion dollar bailouts!
     Right now everything Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke does only drives our economy deeper into a recession while making the dollar weaker, stock market  lower, and oil prices higher.  Ben Bernanke needs to focus on sound business principles if there's any hope of restoring faith nationally, and globally in our economy.  Till then, it's anybody's guess what's going to happen...

On April 18th, 2008 the Marin Independent Journal rolled out these headlines:



To read the whole article click:  Marin Independent Journal Article

Malaise: "General sense of depression or unease", "Lack of well being"

If you click on the link above you'll find a fairly interesting poll ,that as of April 20, 2008, readers responded to the question: "Do you think the housing market has hit bottom?" to which 21.53% replied YES and 78.46% replied NO!

     Frank Howard Allen is the North Bay market share leader once again, according to both dollar volume and units sold for 2007. Frank Howard Allen led the local market with 17.4% of the total dollar volume and 16.1% of total units sold in Marin and Sonoma Counties combined. For Marin County, Frank Howard Allen Realtors is also on top with 21.6% of total dollar volume and 23.3% of total units sold.  

     "I have to say, it's no surprise to me that our agents performed so well despite the very challenging market they faced last year. I know every agent has worked hard to stay on top and maintain a positive outlook. Clearly it's what makes the difference," says Noreen Smith of Frank Howard Allen administration. 
     In another key accomplishment, FHAllen has again ranked as one of the North Bay's Top 500 Businesses. At position 94, we are the only real estate company in the top 100 and the only privately-owned real estate company in the top 300.  
     "The energy and spirit of Frank Howard Allen is truly unique. As we approach our 100th anniversary, the amazing record of our company is one we can be proud of." says Becky Gould the General Manager.
THE NUMBER ONE REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN MARIN COUNTY!
 

420 Fawn Drive is truly an enchanted property. Located on almost a full acre in the Sleepy Hollow subdivision in San Anselmo, California.  This wonderful eclectic artist's home that you see in the photo above is complimented by a huge two story garage/workshop that includes a loft,a room upstairs, and an unfinished full bath.  There is also a barn that's in excellant condition, that possibly could serve as stables for horses.

The three  bedroom (including upstairs master suite with loft and office) two bath house is situated in a quiet private setting.  This property you have to see to believe!  It's amazing! 

Open Sunday from 1 to 4pm  (April 27th, 2008)

420 Fawn Drive Video

As of March 30, 2008:
1307 homes (SFD & Condo/Townhomes) are on the market
  948 homes are currently "Active"
  259 homes are "Pending" (in Escrow)
  123 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)
Homes Under $1,000,000
  378 homes are on the market
  212 homes are currently "Active"
  166 homes are "Pending"
    80 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)
Homes Over  $1,000,000
   450 homes are on the market
   356 homes are currently "Active"
     94 homes are "Pending"
     43 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)
Homes Over  $2,000,000
    165 homes are on the market
    134 homes are currently "Active"
      31 homes are "Pending"
      12 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)

174  AVENIDA MIRAFLORES IN TIBURON, CALIFORNIA



Elegant Tiburon property with truly breathtaking views from every room!  This exceptional home offers four bedrooms including Master suite and three and one half baths. Off the kitchen/family room step outside into your own private oasis.  An aquatic paradise awaits you.  A lushly landscaped patio area surrounds the pool,spa, and covered dining area. Other features include a gated driveway, two car attached garage, and the highly sought after Reed School District.  Offered at: $2,895,000  email: MarinRealEstate@gmail.com for more information.
OPEN SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2008 FROM 1 TO 4PM

Belvedere Tiburon Landmarks Web Site

Marin Independent Journal's online Marin History Web Site

The Tiburon International Film Festival comes to the Tiburon Playhouse and Corinthian Yacht Club from March 13, 2008 through March 21, 2008. 
For more information please go to:  Tiburon Film Festival 
Or call: 415-381-4123


Understanding the World through Film!

     The Government just announced that it will temporarily increase limits on conforming loans from $417,000 to as high as $729,000. Marin County and thirteen other counties in California qualified. This will affect only those loans originated between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008.  The Government is expected to be working out new underwriting standards and plans to offer these new loans soon.
     This is part of the Governments economic stimulus package approved earlier this year calling for temporary increases on loan limits to allow troubled borrowers to refinance out of sub-prime loans and make it easier for many new buyers to qualify for mortgages in high cost areas, particularly in Marin County where home prices remain among the highest in the nation. 
      This may also prove to be a window of opportunity for many buyers as the new home season begins. If your thinking of buying and selling, now may be the time to take advantage of an opportunity that will not be available after December 31, 2008.

      I've been flooded with emails wondering who won the Dream House raffle in San Rafael, California.  Here is the link to the Marin Independent Journals article listing the winners.  The man from Washington State that won the 2.1 million dollar dream house opted to take cash instead.  Here the link: Winners Marin County Dream House
     And, even thought this home is located in Santa Cruz, here is the link for another
 Dream House Raffle: 1.4 Millio