Marin County Real Estate Market Report
October 2019
Zac in the Modpool at 31 Gold Hill Grade in San Rafael Sold in 12 Days!
Welcome to my October 2019 Marin real estate market report! Before I dive into the report, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to all of those who have been impacted by the Sonoma fires and associated blackouts. It has been a trying week for many in the bay area, and I am thankful that emergency personnel and first responders have been working 24-7 to help all of us through this. Let us hope that the winter rains come soon and help our heroic firefighters. I think most of us are looking at backup generators now!
The September numbers are in and we continue to see home inventories up and pricing slightly down versus last year. September is always a good month to watch as it kicks off the Fall “mini season” which begins just after Labor Day Each Year. This month we saw home inventories up 7.5% versus last year while median pricing was down 3.5%. Please scroll down to see all the charts and numbers if you are interested.
How is the Marin Real Estate Market?
The market is busy, however, with many buyers and sellers “jumping in.” Several clients have already contacted me about selling next spring, and I have buyers who appreciate the increased inventory versus this time last year.
Those of you who read my report last month may remember that I was just launching 31 Gold Hill Grade at that time. It launched and sold in 12 days to some very happy buyers who are moving to the area from up north. You may want to read more about the preparation and presentation of the home and watch the premiere party video here.
My listing in the prestigious Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco also sold quickly last month. I worked to get it ready for the sellers who live abroad, and am very happy with how the home turned out. Buyers loved the open floor plan and modern kitchen, both of which are rare in historic homes. Click here to see this beautiful home.
The September open houses for 11 Underhill Avenue in Mill Valley were very busy and that home also went into escrow. As I said, it was a busy month!
Coming Soon
Launching in the next week or two is 35 West Seaview Avenue in San Rafael’s coveted Country Club neighborhood. I know this home well and in fact represented it for a different seller in the past. It’s a beautiful gated estate on approximately 2 acres with gorgeous Mt. Tam views. Mostly single level, the home is a stunner and boasts privacy and solitude. Please call me if you would like to hear more about it.
It’s Never Too Early to Talk About Spring
As I mentioned above, several clients have already spoken with me about launching their homes for sale in the spring. Similarly, buyers have asked me to keep “an eye out” for homes, with target move in dates as late as July 2020. If you are considering a move next year, let’s talk soon about the best strategy.
Let’s Talk!
These monthly Marin County real estate market reports are a great place to start as you learn more about the market. Let’s continue the conversation — I am always happy to discuss the market, and the best way to approach it whether you are a buyer or a seller.
To those who read this report each month, thank you for all your support of my business. I couldn’t do it without you. Call or text me at 415-847-5584 anytime.
Marin Real Estate Market Stats: Third Quarter 2019
Marin County Real Estate Market Report
September 2019 Dashboards
Marin County Real Estate Dashboard:
Home Prices vs. Same Month Last Year
For sale prices increased by 11.2%
Average sold prices decreased by 6.4%
The median sold price decreased by 3.5%.
The average price per square foot sold decreased by 7.8%
All information courtesy of and copyright by BAREIS MLS and TrendGraphix.
Dashboard compiled by Thomas Henthorne, all rights reserved.
Marin County Real Estate Dashboard:
Inventory Compared to Same Month Last Year
Number of homes for sale increased by 7.5%
Number of homes sold decreased by 5.1%
Months of inventory increased by 12%
The average days on market increased by 14.3%
All information courtesy of and copyright by BAREIS MLS and TrendGraphix.
Dashboard compiled by Thomas Henthorne, all rights reserved.
Marin County Real Estate Market Report Charts
(click any slide to enlarge & launch slideshow)
“For Sale” vs. Sold Home Prices vs. Median Home Prices
Marin Home Prices List Price vs. Sold
Marin County Months of Inventory Based on Closed Sales
Average Price Per Square Foot
Marin County Number of Homes on the Market
What This Update Means For You
SELLERS: The sellers’ market of years past is quickly fading away, being replaced by a market that is much more balanced. Buyers are well-educated and the majority in Marin County are working with very experienced and savvy agents who know values and comparative sales (“comps”). Overpricing in a flattening to declining market can be a fatal mistake, causing your property to become stale and languish on the market. Now, more than ever, an experienced agent armed with the latest market facts and trends is critical. REMEMBER THE THREE P’S: PRICE, PRESENTATION, AND PRICE.
BUYERS: For home buyers, the market is improving as more inventory comes online. However, an increasing percentage of homes never appear on MLS as they are sold “off-market” as pocket listings or top agent referrals. Work with a well-connected agent and be prepared to move quickly. Chances are you are looking for the same things most other buyers are also seeking (see my list below.) Set up property alerts on my website so you can immediately see new homes on the market, and make sure you are pre-qualified so you present a compelling offer. (You may wish to read my article Buying a Home in Marin County for more tips and advice.) One other tip: Ask your agent to run aged inventory reports in and above your price range. Sometimes there are some real gems that the market has overlooked due to pricing or other factors. Sellers may not have caught up with the changing dynamics of the market now — and it may take more negotiation than in the past to strike a deal.
If you are a buyer looking only at online portals such as Redfin or Zillow, and not working with a well-connected agent, you’re not seeing all of the homes available in Marin County.
What Are Buyers Looking For Right Now?
In speaking with buyers, they want it all right now, with the following at the top of their lists:
- Great schools
- Single-level
- Easy commute
- Walk to restaurants and shops
- Views
- Quiet streets
- Remodeled homes in move-in condition
Smart buyers, which is almost all of them, realize they cannot have all of those attributes and buying a home in a market like Marin County is a series of tradeoffs. For example, they may choose to give up walking to restaurants to be in the hills with a view of the bay. In any event, we are seeing buyers that are more tech-savvy than ever and who have done their homework, reading market reports such as this one and spending a lot of time online looking at homes.
I hope you have found my Marin County Real Estate Market Report informative. Please feel free to add your comments, questions or suggestions in the comments section below. If I may be of any assistance in helping you attain your real estate goals, please call or text me at 415-847-5584 and I will be in touch right away.
Wondering If You Should Buy or Rent?
This handy calculator is a great place to start. Then give me a call at 415-847-5584 and let’s discuss.
Would you like to see this data for your town only?
I am also excited to announce that my website now has new real estate market reports by town with more coming soon. Please check these out:
Belvedere Real Estate Market Report
Corte Madera Real Estate Market Report
Fairfax Real Estate Market Report
Kentfield Real Estate Market Report
Larkspur Real Estate Market Report
Mill Valley Real Estate Market Report
Novato Real Estate Market Report
San Anselmo Real Estate Market Report
San Rafael Real Estate Market Report
Tiburon Real Estate Market Report
These are all accessible from the “Market Reports” menu item here on my website at any time.
What do YOU think? What would you like to see in this report going forward? Please leave your comments in the section below.
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