San Rafael CA Real Estate Market Report (June 2009 Home Sales Update)

Moving into the Summer, San Rafael CA's real estate market is increasingly fueled by foreclosures and short sales. The low end (under $600K) has been hot (64% of homes in escrow). Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band has seen a surge in activity with 38% of these homes in escrow, up from 29% in May 2009. Increased affordability, low interest rates (although not as low as they were), an increased presence of FHA loans, and a shifting mindset are all resulting in a strengthening market. Additionally, the $8K tax credit for first time home buyers is likely helping pull some buyers into the fray, despite the income limitations placed on this credit. It will be interesting to see if the government expands the credit to include ALL buyers and increases the credit amount to $15,000 - that would make a big difference for a lot of people. Overall, the number of homes on the market fell to 168 homes (from 179 last month). Meanwhile, 40 homes sold in May 2009 (up from 26 in April 2009).

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