Sometimes life throws curves your way. It can put you into situations you never intended—which may be hard to explain. That’s how it is with me and the tax collector.As we recently experienced, there’s nothing like Tax Day to bring home the reality of just how many dollars are diverted into government coffers. Instead of quietly resting in our Marin bank accounts where they belong, great bunches of our dollars are dispatched to the tax collector, thinning the ranks of their fellows in the bank. They’ll be left to face the future alone. I’d be tempted to paint a picture of our remaining cash left shivering in the dark—but that might be overly dramatic. Let’s just say there would be a lot more of it were it not for April 15.As usual, this past April 15 again forced us to put it all on pap... 05/02/2016

Selling your Marin County home is the kind of major undertaking that has so many facets just deciding where to start can delay liftoff. Since there is no actual “right” place to begin, like other mammoth projects, just digging in anywhere will do. The happy truth is that when you’re selling a home, once momentum gets going, the rest of the pieces tend to fall into place.To get the ball rolling, here is a pre-sale checklist of major activities that selling your Marin County home will entail. To get started, pick any one:         Nagging problem elimination. Very few of us attend to every home maintenance problem as they gradually develop. If there were a reliable poll on the subject, I’d guess that 95% of Marin homeowners have at least a two or three areas that we’ve learned to live with... 04/25/2016

A few weeks ago, two pieces of incoming information crossed my screen—items that related to the possible direction in which Novato home loan interest rates might be heading. The first came from a big national listing aggregator. It seems that once this outfit gets the idea that you are interested in homes in Novato, they conclude that it’s your wish to establish an ongoing relationship. They then display all the energy and persistence a large corporation can muster to share their meditations about this and that. They will continue to email you with regularity until you call a halt.Along with other communications, they sometimes send attention-grabbing questions to everybody on their list—then share the answers from the “community” (that is, everyone who hasn’t begged off yet). Last week... 04/19/2016

Not since Johnny Depp put his French countryside village up for sale have Novato real estate investors had an out-of-town real estate opportunity like the one that grabbed national headlines last week. As markdowns go, it was remarkable. But there were…issues…This deal was described by Fortune magazine as “a 640-acre desert town that comes with a casino, a 10-room motel, restaurant, post office, and an airstrip.” Fortune apparently missed the mobile home park and convenience store that CNN Money noticed. Originally put up for sale in 2010 for $17 million, Marin investors should appreciate that its newly marked down asking price is just $8 million. Although some potential buyers’ enthusiasm might be dampened by the Google Maps satellite view of the township which shows it to be pretty mu... 04/18/2016

They’re aimed at the Frustrating Five: spring cleaning tasks that Novato homeowners tend to put off and/or ignore more than the others. Since spring is the most agreeable time of year to tackle household maintenance (even the vexing ones), here’s a list to contemplate—along with some widely accepted strategies for taking them head-on:          Kitchen cabinets gradually build up grease—and getting rid of it is one of those jobs we don’t tend to tackle on a regular basis. The first of the top 5 spring cleaning tips is the easiest: that grease is no challenge if you remember to keep a single-purpose product on hand. Marin hardware stores and supermarkets stock them: just look for the household cleaning bottles that have “Dirt and Grease” somewhere on the label.            Dirty windows ar... 04/18/2016

By now, our Novato long-time house flipping veterans have seen it all: raging real estate bubble, over-the-cliff market freefall, energetic bounce-back, and now, the current, more rational market’s steady appreciation.House flipping experts prosper when they succeed in improving an undervalued Marin property quickly and inexpensively, and then “flip” it expeditiously. The key is to add value that is appreciated by the buying public. The Marin County’s long-term house flipping successes are the opposite of those who opt for skin-deep, purely cosmetic changes. Except in the most extreme sellers’market conditions, buyers are too perceptive to reward cover-up tactics. Novato house flippers with staying power are usually the veterans who can spot quality beneath neglect. They also tend to ha... 04/18/2016

Modern life is said to have gotten immeasurably richer as labor-saving devices have empowered households and workplaces from one end of Novato to the other.Richer, yes; simpler, surely not!Today’s Marin County householder’s typical day likely involves juggling multiple destinations: shop for dinner, get kids to lessons or practices, drop off packages and pick up dry cleaning—or several hundred other possibilities that modern mobile Americans integrate into their daily lives. We don’t give it a thought.Not to mention what happens when your profession isn’t tied to one location.When it comes to buying and selling Marin homes, the freedom brought by 21st century mobility makes selective house hunting much more efficient. But all the accompanying lifestyle changes have introduced complicati... 04/18/2016

Renaissance at Stonetree Bay Club,  Not listed on MLS please call for private showing48 Stonetree Lane, Novato, CA, 94945 Gorgeous, Gated Golf Course Home Offered at $1,888,888 4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms 4,773 square feet (per public record- not verified) Neighborhood dues of $185 monthly include the use of the hilltop pool Find peace of mind in the exclusive gated community of Renaissance at Stonetree Bay Club. Gracious rooms showcase views, high ceilings, French doors, fans, fireplaces and natural light.  The heart of the home welcomes with a breakfast nook, two islands, and miles of granite. Formal dining room, living room, family room and half bath finish the main level.  Premium features include mahogany floors, maple master closet built-ins, AC, water filtration, three fireplaces,... 01/28/2016

How Long Is My Pre-Approval Good For?  If you're like me, you probably find that there are some recurring instances in your day-to-day interactions that make you realize what is obvious to you may not be so obvious to those you serve.  A question I get frequently from those shopping for a home and going through the process of mortgage pre-approval is, "How long is my pre-approval good for?"   And yes, even in 2015, where the CFPB has held our industry's feet to the fire in an attempt to shoehorn inherently complex transactions into consumer experiences that are simple, black and white and devoid of any twists and turns (and thus completely the material of fantasy), I must submit that the answer to the question still is, "It depends."  But even if there are going to be different answers ... 11/07/2015

As we get closer to the end of the year I'm beginning....  to see what an exciting yet challenging year this has been. In January 2016 I will have been in the Home Staging business for 10 YEARS!   On this 9th year I have had so many FIRSTS happen to me.  Prior to this year everything in my business had run so smooth....  I just thought being in business for myself was a piece of cake.  Everything just came my way and I rarely had to face any challenges...  at least not difficult ones.   Well this year 2015...  changed all that.  This year I've been climbing a mountain that just seems to get higher and steeper as this year is passing by.   Some of the challenges have turned out to be quite exciting and have certainly taught me a lesson or two which has resulted in many changes to my "Let... 10/10/2015

The North Marin Water Distrcit sent out a notice today that they are offering a cash incentive (up to $400 per single family dwelling) to removed regularly maintained and automatically irrigated lawn areas to then replace with low water use plantings on drip irrigation or with synthetic turf.Also offered for "Do It Yourselfers" is a "sheet mulching" program.  They deliver free compost, cardboard and mulch for eligible projects.Go to www.nmwd.com for rules and application.  Call 415-761-8944 to schedule an appointment.  This is a sign of the times.  If you are thinking of selling your house, curb appeal will speak volumes to buyers.  A thirsty or dying lawn may not be as attractive as one of the options offered here. 04/13/2015

58 Arnold Drive,  Novato                   Fresh off the pages of Architectural Digest! Very chic townhome in the heart of Hamilton offers all the wish list amenities. This stylish end unit is flooded with light and its corner lot is one of the largest. Anchored by a stately palm the patio and lawn provide rare privacy. The first impressions are of the high ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors and open floorplan. The remodeled kitchen is artfully designed and accented with custom glass tiles and granite counter tops.  The magnificent master offers French doors to a balcony and the walk in is so large you could tuck in a nursery or office.  2 bedrooms both ensuite, 2.5 baths, 1428 living area, built in 1998 per public records.   Offered at $599,900.                                        ... 11/03/2014

I love ActiveRain referrals... #2 con't This is my second referral with Realtor Sylvia Barry from ActiveRain.  It's very exciting to work with her... she's very nice and does a wonderful job marketing her listings.  She gets dynamic results... which works great for the Homeowner and is awesome for my statistics too. This vacant house I staged is a gorgeous home in Novato, CA located in Marin County, CA and went into contract the first week on the market.  Here are some photos of this beautiful home as staged by With Divine Style.  Thank you Sylvia Barry and thanks ActiveRain!                                     Can Potential Buyers See Themselves Living In Your Home? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You never get a second chance...  to make a Great First Impression!" Linda D... 07/01/2014

I love ActiveRain referrals... #2! This is my second referral with Realtor Sylvia Barry from ActiveRain.  It's very exciting to work with her... she's very nice and does a wonderful job marketing her listings.  She gets dynamic results... which works great for the Homeowner and is awesome for my statistics too. The house I staged was a gorgeous home in Marin County, CA and went into contract the first week.  Here is a photo of the front of the house... I'll have more photos to follow.  Thank you Sylvia Barry and thanks ActiveRain!   Can Potential Buyers See Themselves Living In Your Home? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You never get a second chance...  to make a Great First Impression!"   Linda D. Pufford, ASPM With Divine Style Real Estate/Home Staging ~ I... 07/01/2014

RENTED during first day of showings! Large 5bd/4.5ba view home in East Novato. $4500/month for 1 year. 05/18/2014

Rented @$1525 for 1 year. Great 1bd/1ba Condo in Captains Landing complex Novato. 05/18/2014

The buzz on the local market since the end of last year, although gingerly made, has been that we might have hit the bottom of the market, and are on our way to crawl out of that black hole. As we held our breath while watching the market during the past five months, we became cautiously optimistic about the market – the Feds declared they plan to hold the interest rate down, the Congress is finding ways to encourage/enable underwater homeowners to stay in their homes, the banks are learning from their mistakes, streamlining short sale processes as well as not flooding the market with bank owned homes, inventory is also low due to homeowners being more careful and are staying put instead of trading up or down without any fear as it was during the boom time. .   Being in the Bay Area, w... 05/09/2014

Mortgages for Canyon Green, Novato, CA   You don't see it too often in Marin County, CA --- new construction, that is.  So the other day while I was driving in Novato, I allowed myself the innocent distraction of following the signs to the new development of Canyon Green, located roughly off of the DeLong/Diablo exit and close to the Grant St. downtown area.     There are 6 floor plans available and prices will start from mid-$700's.  This means that RPM can finance many of these properties with as little as 10% down (80/10/10 financing).     For months both real estate agents and buyers alike have been lamenting about the lack of inventory, and especially stock of desirable homes.  And here we'll have 25 new units to add to a vibrant community, close to open space and all that is great... 02/18/2014

Halloween is less than a week away, and it's fun to see so many Novato homes decked out for the holiday. My kids love to be on the lookout for creepy displays. It all adds to a nice feeling of community here. We've seen lots of pumpkins, spooky spiders, clever headstones and bright inflatables. There are a handful of Novato houses that you might consider "destination" Halloween houses. Meaning, if you and your kids are in town, it may be worth a drive this week to check them out. I'm highlighting a few houses that I've seen - I'm sure there are more! Novato is a very spread-out place. Know of another? Add it to the comments below.   Eerie Cemetery This house at the corner of Cambridge Street and Sunset Parkway (94947) goes all-out. Below the cobwebs and flying ghosts is a graveyard with... 10/25/2013

Novato real estate update on the brand new homes at Canyon Green, October 25, 2013: There is significant construction progess every day at Canyon Green, the new home development in central Novato. Yesterday I saw the windows being installed on several of the homes, and more are rising from their foundations and taking shape. Already, 4 Canyon Green homes and homesites have been reserved by buyers in the development's first release, which started a couple of weeks ago. In all, Canyon Green will have 25 well-appointed homes that surround The Green -- a large centerpiece community park with lawn areas for play and walking paths. I talked all about the Canyon Green home models and floor plans in another post. But to recap, these are 3 to 5 bedroom homes, ranging in size from approximately 1... 10/25/2013