About Novato's Pointe Marin

If you are looking to buy newer construction in Marin County, Pointe Marin is an excellent place to consider. It's located in southern Novato in the Ignacio area on the west side if Highway 101.

Pointe Marin is made up of about 250 single-family homes, all built within the last seven years (since 2003). Pointe Marin's newer construction makes it a rare subdivision in Marin County, where there's a zero-growth policy.

Pointe Marin also has condos for people age 55 and over, along Entrada Drive.

The Pointe Marin neighborhood used to look a lot different, and it had a different name, too. Formerly called Rafael Village, these 100 acres along Ignacio Blvd. were the site of surplus military family housing for Hamilton Air Force Base (which was primarily located across the freeway at what is now a newer housing subdivision called Hamilton). The base was decommissioned in 1974, but some military personnel continued to use the housing until 1996.

Today, Pointe Marin is characterized by wide streets, mature trees, and beautiful homes - some of which sit on quarter-acre and larger lots. Points of interest nearby include the Marin Country Club, with its newly refurbished 18-hole golf course, and Pacheco Plaza, a shopping center undergoing a total transformation. Across the freeway, there is the newly-opened Hamilton Marketplace, which has the largest Safeway market in Marin County, plus popular restaurants Toast and Sonoma Latina Grill.

Single-family homes in Pointe Marin range from about 1,800 square feet to more than 4,400 square feet, with prices today (2009) ranging between about $685,000 and $1,100,000. Recently (first half of 2009), there have been several foreclosures and short sales in Pointe Marin that have brought down prices. So, if you were priced out of Pointe Marin in the past, it is a good time to take another look.

Are there drawbacks to living in Pointe Marin? Perhaps. A trade-off for newer construction is often smaller lot sizes. Some of the homes do have that "neighbor looking in the window" feel, with a 2-story home on three sides. However, some homes back to open space and have more privacy.

I'm Kevin McGinnis and I'm an expert in Marin County real estate and Pointe Marin homes. You can reach me at (415) 725-1911 or kmcginnis@fhallen.com

Search the MLS on www.BestHomesMarin.com

Pointe Marin, Novato, California (Homes & Real Estate)

Pointe Marin is a newer housing development in desirable Southern Novato, Marin County (which is about 20 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge and the varied offerings of San Francisco, California). It is favored by families and retireess alike and is undoubtedly one of Novato’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

This Novato neighborhood is quiet and relaxed, with wide streets and lots of cul-de-sacs. Many of Pointe Marin’s homes back up to open space and all are within close proximity to shopping, transportation, HWY 10, hiking trails, water, sports field, parks, and schools.

Pointe Marin is also close to prestigeous Marin Country Club, Stonetree Golf Course, the Indian Valley Campus of Marin Community College, and several other sporting and recreation highlights. In addition, the recent completion of the Hamilton Marketplace with an upscale Safeway, Peets, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, two restaurants, a gas station, banking, and more, brings lots of vitality and convenience. Trader Joes, Whole Foods (scheduled for completion in 2009), Boca, and downtown Novato are all just minutes away.

Commute times to San Francisco vary, but generally it takes about 35 to 45 minutes during peak traffic hours (work is currently being finalized, expanding HWY 101–when completed in December 2008, it is estimated that commute times will be reduced by 15-18 minutes).

Many Pointe Marin residents work at Hamilton Landing or in the Bel Marin Keys business park. In addition, Southern Marin residents have embraced Pointe Marin as an excellent option when it comes time to sell their larger and more expensive Southern Marin homes and downsize (thereby allowing them to carryover their tax base under Prop. 60).

My name is Kyle Frazier and I am an expert on Pointe Marin and have sold many homes here since it was built–indeed, I know of no other agent more active in Pointe Marin. I am a broker and certified residential specialist with Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate, the most respected real estate firm in Marin County. Please CLICK HERE or call me at (415) 350-9440 if you would like to discuss Pointe Marin or Novato, in general. It is always my pleasure to be of service.

Pointe Marin is a newer housing development in very desirable Southern Novato. It is located to the west of HWY 101 at the Ignacio exit. Commute times to San Francisco vary, but you can expect a 40-50 minute commute (note that the HWY 101 widening project is set for completion in December 2008).

This neighborhood is quiet, with wide streets and lots of open space. Indeed, many of the homes in Pointe Marin back up to open space and all homes are in close proximity to endless trails, lots of parks, shopping, and transportation. It is also close to the prestigious Marin Country Club, Stonetree Golf Club, and the Indian Valley campus of the College of Marin.

Pointe Marin is one of Novato's finest neighborhoods. There are many families and retirees. Indeed, Novato and Pointe Marin have seen a large influx of former Southern Marin residents moving into newer homes (not just in Pointe Marin, but also Hamilton Field), which are easy to care for.

The other beneift for those downsizing and/or relocating from Southern Marin is the fact that, if eligible, you can transfer your tax base from your old home to your new home -- a huge benefit to those who are selling their $2 million homes and moving into something more modestly priced in Novato.

Indeed, now that Novato has the new Hamilton Marketplace, Traders Joe's, Whole Foods, Farmer's Market, and lots of new restaurants (including Boca on Ignacio Avenue), there is lots to like about Pointe Marin and Novato in general.

If you have any questions about Pointe Marin or if you would like a tour of its different areas (including its fantastic Hillside Park), please let me know.

My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a broker and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Frank Howard Allen Realtors (the biggest and best firm in Marin County). And it is always my pleasure to be of service. I can be reached at (415) 350-9440.