We're all looking for positive signs in the housing market, so I'm happy to report a double dose of good news: Both Novato home prices and home sales are up year over year. Prices of single-family homes rose 5% in the second quarter of 2010 (April 1-June 30) when compared to the same period last year. Sales were up a strong 25%. As you can see in the bottom chart, the average Novato single-family home sold for $535,942 in Q2 of 2010. In Marin County as a whole, prices were up 11% over the second quarter of 2009 and sales were up an impressive 59%. In Q2 of 2010, the average sale price in Marin County was $950,859; the median price was $725,000. What's happening with sales in your neighborhood? Contact us for a free market analysis. Team Kevin & Spiro Kevin McGinnis 415.725.1911 Spiro St... 08/01/2010

$1,099,000 7 W Barberry Place in Novato's Pointe Marin neighborhood 2nd public open house: Sunday August 1, 1-4 p.m. TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR Immaculate! Rich, high-end finishes, ready to move in. Four-bedroom home + loft & study w/ 4.5 bathrooms. Tax records show 3,853 sq ft. of living space; .217 acres lot size. Premium cul-de-sac location w/ spacious, level backyard and views of the hills. Dramatic foyer with 2-story entrance and tumbled travertine floors. Ideal floor plan for today's buyer: Downstairs there is a bedroom and study, formal living room and dining room and a large, open floor plan family room/kitchen/breakfast area opening to backyard. Huge kitchen island with seating too. Other features include: Butler's pantry 3 car tandem garage; level-in to house for ultimate convenience... 07/31/2010

The Novato, California real estate market continues its torrid year with 49 sales in June — up from 38 sales in May 2010. The average sales price of Novato homes in June 2010 was $644,778. These homes averaged 98 days on market, were about 2,162 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $306 sq. ft. 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 and added sales are giving buyers adequate impetus to make their move. Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:... 07/23/2010

As of July 6, 2010 34% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of June 2010 a whopping 64 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $556,910. The average original asking price of these homes was $582,601. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $120,000 to $1,400,000.  Of the 64 homes that sold (22 of which were distress sales) 4 sold at their original asking price and a whopping 18 sold over their original asking price. It took these homes an average of 97 days to sell. To see everything that is currently available for sale through our MLS click here. To learn more about this area search more around this blog, visit my website or feel free to contact me directly. 07/06/2010

Novato Open House - July 11 If you are looking for a Marin County Horse Property one of the best buys will be available for viewing July 11 from 1 to 4 PM.  The wooded back yard with the flowing creek has been described at Park Like and the pool is really nice on Hot Summer Days. The owner has told me to bring all offers. With the weather getting nice this pool home with a back yard that feels like a Park will sell. Get your offer in first. This Marin County Horse Property is in Novato's Wild Horse Valley featuring a horse community and many riding trails. Although this Marin County Horse Property has not been used for horses in many years it still can be. And at an amazing price of $770,000.00 you can easily put in your own stables or stable your horses up the street. You get so much m... 07/05/2010

Novato, California, the north-most town of Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, celebrates July the 4th with, among other activities, a July 4th parade through old town Novato.  The parade has steadily gained fan and momentum over the years; with the town growth and community involvement, has become a local attraction when celebrating July 4th.  This year, being the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Novato, anticipation is even higher :-)   Between 8-11AM, the local Presbyterian Churchoffers their infamous Buckaroo Breakfast (2010 will be their 57th year doing this) with proceeds benefiting a Novato community mission project, such as Homeward Bound, Novato Human Needs, or Marin Food Bank.  A place to gather, get some comfort, yummy breakfast; and say Hi... 07/02/2010

We closed 19 Olive Court today, yahoo!  This was our model home and we have since moved to 27 Olive Court, 2 doors down.  This home sold for $875,000. 19 Olive Court is a 5 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath home with 3,444 square feet of living space, according to the builder.  It features hardwood floors, granite countertops, 9-foot ceilings throughout and gorgeous crown moulding.  This beautiful home is set on a 9,369 square foot, level lot. Only five homes remain in this development, and we expect them to sell quickly!  We're open every weekend, from 1 pm until 4 pm, so please come by and see this wonderful development. Learn more at OliveCourtHomes.com Presented by Kevin & Spiro Kevin McGinnis 415.725.1911 Spiro Stratigos 415.225.6412 Frank Howard Allen Realtors|Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Col... 06/30/2010

Marin County Horse Property open this weekend. If you are looking for a Marin County Horse Property one of the best buys will be available for viewing June 27 from 1 to 4 PM. The owner has told me to bring all offers. With the weather getting nice this pool home with a back yard that feels like a Park will sell. Get your offer in first. This Marin County Horse Property is in Novato's Wild Horse Valley featuring a horse community and many riding trails. Although this Marin County Horse Property has not been used for horses in many years it still can be. And at an amazing price of $770,000.00 you can easily put in your own stables or stable your horses up the street. You get so much more than a Horse Property with this home. There is a swimming pool, gourmet kitchen, five bedrooms, decks,... 06/22/2010

The unabated Novato, California real estate market remains firm in all price points. In May 2010, we had 38 sales (over 60% higher than April). The average sales price of Novato homes in May 2010 again rose by about 3% to to $677,105. These homes averaged 98 days on market, were about 2,277 sq. ft., and averaged roughly $308 sq. ft. 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. This is good news for buyers and sellers alike. Moreover, historically low interest rates and added sales are giving buyers adequate impetus to make their move. Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands: 62% of hom... 06/16/2010

Only 5 Homes Left at Olive Court in Novato! Open Sunday June 131-4 pm Come by today, become our fan on Facebook and enter to win a $100 Trader Joe's gift card! Cool off at 27 Olive Court (pictured here). It is completed and ready for move-in. 5 bedrooms/4 baths, 3444 sq ft (approx) on a large 9000+ sq ft lot. Three-car garage too! Four other homes are under construction and ready for you to pick your finishes. Take advantage of the state's $10,000 tax credit for new construction purchases! You do not have to be a first-time buyer. http://olivecourthomes.com Directions for today - to avoid street closure associated with downtown festival: San Marin Dr. Ave exit, go west, Left on Redwood Blvd, Left on Olive Ave, Left at Olive Ct 06/13/2010

The summer session of salsa and ballroom dance classes begin onThursday, June 10 at the Hamilton Community Center Dance Studio. Allthree classes are taught by Annica Menicutch, and run for 6 weeks, $79residents / $89 nonresidents. Youth/Teen Ballroom & Latin Dance (ages 9-18) 5:30-6:30Beginning Salsa (18 & up) 6:30-7:30Intermediate Salsa & Cha-Cha (18 & up) 7:30-8:30Also in the HCC Dance Studio this summer, beginning June 21 andrunning for 9 weeks. Classes will be taught by Megan Titus and Laney Price,and include creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop forstudents ages 3-12.NEW class this summer: Contemporary Modern Dance for teens, ages 12-18,Mondays at 5:30.Novato School of Dance is also presenting summer dance camps forstudents ages 3-8, but some already have waiting lists!... 06/10/2010

As of June 7, 2010 37% of available listings in Novato are in escrow. For the month of May 2010 60 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $524,658. The average original asking price of these homes was $556,454. The range of final selling prices was from a low of $125,000 to a high of $1,295,000. Of the 60 homes that sold (24 of which were distress sales) 7 sold at their original asking price and 12 sold over.  All others sold for less. It took these homes an average of 94 days to sell. To see everything that is currently for sale through our MLS click here. To learn more about the area in general search more around this blog, visit my website or contact me directly. 06/08/2010

San Marin Improvement Association (SMIA - www.SanMarin.org ), a north Novato neighborhood of 1,700+ homes just north and south of San Marin Drive in Novato, hosted it's 4th annual Classic Car Exposition on May 22, 2010. SMIA is a neighborhood association formed to safeguard San Marin neighborhood and to build community relationships through social event. Some of the SMIA's accomplishments are:   Purchase and protect Mt. Burdell, which is now a designated Open Space in Marin County Fend off building plans / zonings that do not agree with the neighborhood (recent accomplishment - the redeisn of the lot on the corner of San Marin Drive and San Andreas Drive SMIA also conucts annual social events to foster neighborhood spirit: San Marin Neighborhood Social Easter Egg Hunt & Community Picnic... 06/07/2010

Marin County Horse Property The owner just called me and told me to Lower the Price and get it sold Now! Let's see what we got: Marin County Horse Property Pool Hot Tub (There may be a Law in Marin requiring these.) Flowing Creek Gourment Kitchen Fireplace Plenty of Space Large Lawns Decks And so much more! This Marin County Horse Property is now Priced at an Amazing $770,000.00.  You could FHA Finance this home with 3.5% down in Marin County. For more information go to www.2424Vineyard.com. Did I mention we are open this Sunday (June 6th 2010) from 1 to 4 PM.  Come by 2424 Vineyard Road in Novato. If you cannot make it Sunday give me a call for an appointment to view at 800-200-1305. This Marin County Horse Property will not last long.     06/02/2010

Marin County Horse Property open this weekend. If you are looking for a Marin County Horse Property one of the best buys will be available for viewing June 6 from 1 to 4 PM. The owner has told me to bring all offers.  With the weather getting nice this pool home with a back yard that feels like a Park will sell.  Get your offer in first. This Marin County Horse Property is in Novato's Wild Horse Valley featuring a horse community and many riding trails. Although this Marin County Horse Property has not been used for horses in many years it still can be. And at an amazing price of $780,000.00 you can easily put in your own stables or stable your horses up the street. You get so much more than a Horse Property with this home. There is a swimming pool, gourmet kitchen, five bedrooms, decks... 05/31/2010

It's been quite sometime since I published a Novato Markret Overview.  As I have told interested parties - the market is hopping for homes that are entry level homes, attractive to both first time home buyers and investos; but can be quite challenging for high-end or move-up homes. Vey clear drop in % in escrow happens between $700K and $800K, with a steep drop from sellers market to buyers market; this might have something to do with the Jumbo Conforming loan cut off point of $729K. However, homes are very competitively priced and in great conditon can go into escrow quickly, no matter where the price point is.                 Novato Market   Week of  05/27/2010             # of Total Units % of Total Market   # Total Units # In Escrow   % Active % In Escrow Type SFDs 255 98 62% 38% N ... 05/30/2010

Novato’s new $4.5 million Hamilton Pool will open Saturday through Monday, Memorial Day, with the following schedule: public swim from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; activity pool from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; lap swim from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The new pool has what city officials say is “an exciting new water play structure with a slide and lots of water spray.” A shallow pool that gradually reaches a depth of 18 inches was built for tots and children and is equipped with “a fun spray tunnel that even a toddler can enjoy,” said a city statement. For further information, call 485-3344. The pool is located right across the street from The Landing at Hamilton The Landing at Hamilton is Hamilton Field, Novato’s final large-scale residential development. It is a secluded enclave of luxurious homes reflecting ti... 05/26/2010

While still in the planning stages, the SMART train rail system will allow residents of Hamilton Field, Novato the option of riding the train to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal for the commute to San Francisco. This is in addition to Golden Gate Transit busses. Preliminary designs and some artist's renderings of the commute rail stations have been posted on the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit agency Internet site. The SMART website is www.sonomamarintrain.org. The Hamilton Station Concept  is presented on the site, in a PDF document, on slides 36 through 43.  Those slides include maps and artist's renderings for the Hamilton SMART station. For those familiar with Hamilton Field, you can orient yourself by identifying Hamilton Parkway, Marblehead, and Chapel Hill.Here is the text included in... 05/25/2010

The long-awaited reopening of Hamilton Pool is almost here! The city announced today that the fully renovated pool will open Saturday, May 29th. It will be open through Labor Day, and possibly beyond the typical summer season. Here is the schedule for Memorial Day weekend (May 29th-May 31st): Public Swim 11am - 7pm Activity Pool 10am - 7pm Lap Swim 8am - 11am Hamilton Pool is located on El Bonito Drive in Novato, at the former Hamilton Air Field. Today, Hamilton is largely a residential community. For further pool program and rental information please call the San Rafael Community Services Department at 485-3344. Earlier this month, the Novato City Council unanimously approved a partnership with the City of San Rafael for Aquatic Program Services for the Hamilton Pool. San Rafael will m... 05/20/2010

May 2010 -- Novato schools have something new to be proud of -- almost across the board improvements in their state test scores. California just released its annual spring report that shows how schools measure up against the state's Academic Performance Index, or API.  All Novato Elementary schools and high schools achieved higher API scores in 2009 compared to 2008. That's every single public elementary school and high school - 11 schools in all! The scores are based on tests students took in spring 2009. Every year, school administrators hope to improve both their base Academic Performance Index score - which is a composite of student test scores - and their ranking. Schools are ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 the highest. The rankings are meant to help educators determine which... 05/17/2010