Historically, California Real Estate Has Been aStrong, Long-Term Investment  Okay, so the word is out: It's not a great time for flipping houses. While just two years ago it made great TV and even better headlines as many homeowners realized a lot of money on the sale of their property, the market has certainly changed and people looking to make a fast, quick buck in real estate may have to look harder, longer and closer at their choices. But for people who view real estate as the foundation for a long range financial plan, there may be no time like the present to buy.Just the FactsWhile year-to-year fluctuations are normal, historically real estate has remained one of the best performing and consistent long-term investments. Real estate, like all investments, is cyclical in nature; mar... 04/07/2008

As of April 5, 2008 only 20% of available listings in Larkspur, CA are in escrow.For the month of March 2008 only 4 homes sold in Larkspur, at an average final selling price of $1,330,906.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,400,750.It took these homes an average of 71 days to sell.Of the 4 homes that sold, all sold for less than their original asking price.For more information about this area, visit my website, or feel free to contact me directly. 04/05/2008

As of March 8, 2008 20% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.For the month of February 2008, 4 homes sold in Larkspur for an average final selling price of $970,250.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,043,750.It took these homes an average of 89 days to sell.Of the 4 homes that sold, all sold for less than their original asking price.For more information about this area, visit my website, or feel free to contact me directly. 03/08/2008

 Come join Larkspur celebrate 100 years!The festivities will begin at Larkspur City Hall at 1:30pm and then moves on to Hall Middle School Gym for music, food, antique cars and more.There are more events throughout the year, so this is just the start.  For more information, go to the Centennial Celebration website. 02/26/2008

Once again the Lark Theater, in downtown Larkspur, is hosting their annual Academy Awards Party.  Doors open at 4:00pm with an official start time of 5:00pm.The cost is $55 for general admission, which includes food and beverage (wine too!).If you want special reserved seats, then the cost is $75.All this benefits the Lark Theater, and it's great to have a theater downtown, so check it out. 02/22/2008

On March 1 the Marin town of Larkspur will celebrate its 100th birthday with a gala party. The party will be followed by an entire year of special centennial festivities, culminated by the return of the Rose Bowl Dance, which was, once upon a time, the romantic destination for the entire Bay Area.The big birthday bash will be Saturday afternoon, March 1.  Beginning at City Hall, the MacIntosh Pipe Band will lead a parade through town, ending at the Hall Middle School gymnasium where birthday cake, root beer floats and other turn of the century goodies will be served, accompanied by bluegrass music, historic displays, and fun for the kids.Once a self-proclaimed hard-drinking little working town with a sometimes-shady history, Larkspur CA has evolved into a charming small city, full of st... 02/22/2008

As of February 2, 2008 12% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.For the month of January 2008 only 4 homes sold in Larkspur, for an average final selling price of $1,417,625.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,463,500.It took these homes an average of 59 days to sell.Of the 4 homes that sold, 1 sold at the original asking price and all others sold for less.To learn more about this area, visit my website, or feel free to contact me directly. 02/02/2008

As of January 5, 2008 17% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.For the month of December 2007 3 homes sold in Larkspur for an average final selling price of $1,206,667.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,261,333.It took these homes an average of 114 days to sell.Of the 3 homes that sold, 1 sold OVER the asking price and the other two sold for less.For more information about this area, visit my website, or feel free to contact me directly. 01/05/2008

As of December 6, 2007 21% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.  This quaint little town is bucking all the trends -- and I can see why.  I love this town!For the month of November 2007 5 homes sold in Larkspur, for an average final selling price of $1,504,600.The average original asking price of these homes was less, at $1,460,000.It took these homes an average of 31 days to sell.Of the 5 homes that sold, 4 sold OVER their original asking price!For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 12/08/2007

Who would think that a 16.8-acre former nursery site could be the source of controversy?  That is exactly what the city of Larkspur California has on its hands.  Larkspur is embroiled in a contentious residential housing project proposed for the site of the former Niven Nursery.  This project has already endured 8 years of discussion to get to this point.  Two nights of public hearings this month, with more slated for December, has left residents and the city council frustrated, but still hopeful that resolution can be reached.The residential project under discussion would include a minimum of 40 single-family and cottage-style homes, 36 senior housing units, a community center, and a public park.  The proposal, however, isn't to everyone's liking.  Homes in Larkspur tend to be eclectic... 11/25/2007

As of November 3, 2007 20% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow, indicating a Buyer's Market.For the month of October 2007 only 8 homes sold in Larkspur, for an average final selling price of $1,114,250.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,185,000.It took these homes an average of 65 days to sell.Of the 8 homes that sold, 2 sold OVER the original asking price and the others sold for less.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 11/03/2007

As of October 4, 2007, 12% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.For the month of September 2007 only 2 homes sold in Larkspur, for an average final selling price of $817,500.The average original asking price of these homes was $880,000.These homes took an average of 33 days to sell.Of the 2 homes that sold, 1 sold OVER the original asking price and the other one sold for less.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 10/04/2007

As of September 7, 2007, 6% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.For the month of August 2007 only 3 homes sold in Larkspur, fetching an average final selling price of $978,000.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,001,000.It took these homes an average of 57 days to sell.Of the 3 homes that sold, 1 sold OVER the original asking price and the other 2 sold for less.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 09/08/2007

As of August 5, 2007 18 % of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.For the month of July 2007, 9 homes sold in Larkspur for an average final selling price of $930,222.The average original asking price of these homes was $963,994.It took these homes an average of 41 days to sell.Of the 9 homes that sold, 1 sold AT their original asking price and 1 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 08/05/2007

As of July 6, 2007 21% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.  Some sources say that is an indicator of a Buyer's Market.  However, that is not the only indicator.For the month of June 2007, 8 homes sold in Larkspur for an average final selling price of $1,,529,700.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,544,563.It took these homes an average of 79 days to sell.Of the 8 homes that sold 1 sold AT their original asking price and 3 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 07/06/2007

As of June 6, 2007 18% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow.  Some sources would say that this indicates a Buyer's Market, but I disagree.  Read on:For the month of May 2007 8 homes sold in Larkspur for an average final selling price of $1,501,750.The average original asking price of these homes was $1,536,500.These homes took an average of 54 days to sell.Of the 8 homes that sold, 1 sold AT their original asking price and 2 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here, or feel free to contact me directly. 06/06/2007

As of May 3, 2007 32% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow which some sources would say indicates a Neutral Market.  However....For the month of April 2007 7 homes sold in the small and highly desirable town of Larkspur, for an average final selling price of $1,276,429.The average original list price was $1,263,143.These homes took an average of only 16 days to sell.Of the 7 homes that sold, 3 sold AT the original asking price and 3 sold OVER.  Only one home sold for slightly less than asking.For more information on this area, click here. 05/03/2007

    I'll bet you've heard the old chestnut that mirrors should always be used in small spaces ("...they make it look so much more spacious!").  But not all mirrors are created equal, and this '80s-era condo still had the builder's wall of mirrors in the small dining room (all together, girls...UGH!).  Not only did the kitchen have inadequate storage space -- note the stunning laminate cabinet masquerading as a pantry -- but the mirrored wall multiplied every bit of clutter and visual chaos in viewing range.  YIKES!          What was done to Stage this room? Wall mirrors were removed (thankfully much easier than expected, in this case) Cherry-veneered plywood cabinets were built for storage, solving storage issues Extra furniture, clutter and electrical wiring were removed The sisal are... 04/30/2007

As my first posting on Active Rain, I thought it was appropriate to open the door to this community with comments about home staging entry doors!  This condo project by Leslie Olson Interiors was targeted to the progressive home-buyer interested in a small home surrounded by trees in a quiet residential neighborhood.  Unfortunately the front entry is tucked along the side of the woods-facing condo, and isn't visible from the street.  The condo hadn't been modified since it was built almost 25 years ago, and the cracked and faded Victorian-style front door and tired light fixtures just weren't doing the job.   The front door was replaced with a standard design 4-panel glass entry door that allows natural light into the home.  Privacy and style were both addressed by having the interior ... 04/27/2007

As of April 8, 2007 44% of available listings in Larkspur are in escrow indicating a Seller's Market.For the month of March 2007 6 properties sold in the small, charming town of Larkspur for an average final selling price of $1,609,000.The average original list price of these homes was $1,644,714.These homes took an average of 47 days to sell.Of the 7 properties that sold 2 sold AT their original asking price and 2 sold OVER.For more information about this area, click here.  Or feel free to contact me directly. 04/08/2007