Novato, CA

As of October 9, 2009 an impressive 52% of available listings in Novato are in escrow.

For the month of September 2009 57 homes sold in Novato for an average final selling price of $514,896.

The average original asking price of these homes was $543,678.

The range of final selling prices was from a low of $103,500 to a high of $1,225,000.

Of the 57 homes that sold (28 of which were distress sales) 4 sold at the original asking price and 17 sold for over the original asking price. All others sold for less.

It took these homes an average of 120 days to sell.

To see everything that is currently for available for sale on our MLS, click here.

For more information about this area visit my website or feel free to contact me directly.

Novato Open House 10-11-09 Price Reduced on Luxury Horse Property

This Stunning Property has been reduced and is open this Sunday from 1 to 4 PM. Gourmet Kitchen, Pool, Decks, Hot Tub, Room for Horses, Expansive Lawns, Prk Like Setting, Creek Runs Through Property.

There is more here than I can tell you about in this exciting Novato Home with first rate schools.

• Come by 2424 Vineyard Road in Novato this Sunday from 1 to 4 PM.
  
• Or you can call 800-950-6159 ext 1002 for Recorded Information and to arrange a Private Showing.
  
• See the Web Site at www.2424Vineyard.com
  
• See My Post on this Home.

Wow, it's a neighborhood! Check out the new homes at Olive Court and learn about a special opportunity for the homeowners' association...

www.OliveCourtHomes.com

Kevin McGinnis

Frank Howard Allen Realtors

(415) 725-1911

Pre-sales are underway! This is the last week to take advantage of the low introductory prices (starting at $799,000) on the last 6 homes being built - the ones you can customize now! Nowhere else in Marin can you buy a brand new home, semi-customized, for less than $900,000.

Check out these new pictures of the construction progress!

Olive Court is a brand new community of nine eco-friendly homes in Novato, just 25 miles north of San Francisco in lovely Marin County. Most back to open space!

http://OliveCourtHomes.com

Select your own finishes on these homes:
7 Olive Ct: Now $899,000 (5 bedrooms/4 baths, 3,163 sf, Lot: 12,559 sf) 3 fireplaces!
10 Olive Ct: Now $899,000 (5 bedrooms/4 baths, 3,163 sf, Lot: 9,240 sf)
11 Olive Ct: Now $899,000 (5 bedrooms/4 baths, 3,444 sf, Lot: 9,742 sf )
15 Olive Ct: Now $899,000 (5 bedrooms/4baths, 3,163sf, Lot: 11,749 sf)
23 Olive Ct: Now $899,000 (5 bedrooms/4baths, 3,163sf, Lot: 9,833sf)
31 Olive Ct: Now $799,000 (Single story 3 bd+ office/2.5 baths, 2,840sf, Lot: 13,899 sf) Huge lot! Room for pool. See photos

Completed Homes
19 Olive Ct: $899,000 (5 bedrooms/4 baths, 3444 sf approx.)
27 Olive Ct: $899,000 (5 bedrooms/4 baths, 3444 sf approx.)
3 Olive Ct: $799,000 (3 bd+ office/2.5 baths, 2840 sf approx.)

Location: Olive Court is located off Olive Avenue, halfway between Redwood Boulevard and Atherton Avenue

Contact Kevin McGinnis of Frank Howard Allen Realtors for a tour or more info. (415) 725-1911
http://OliveCourtHomes.com

Heading into the High Fire Season in Marin County, this seems to be a good time to reintroduce the guideline on how to mow the grass in Marin County, especially the properties that are next to Open Space.

The guideline was established by the the Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space.

This letter is especially critical at this time of year when fire risk is increasing; especially since Marin county is agian, facing a very dry summer season.

The information below can be found on Marin County website Wildfire Safety Information as well.

Excerpt from Marin County Open Space District:

GUIDELINES FOR MOWING GRASS ON MARIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE DISTRICT LAND ADJACENT TO YOUR HOME

It is extremely important that your clearance work does not start a fire and that you follow the guidelines below:

Confirm that the property you want to mow is owned by the Marin County Open Space District, not your neighbor or another agency. Information on lot lines and property ownership is available at the County Assessor-Recorder's Office (499-7215, or go to http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/AR/main/index.cfm) and the County Community Development Agency (499-6269, or go to http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/index.cfm).

• Mow only grass. If you wish to cut brush or trees on Open Space District lands, you will need a permit; please call the District field office at 415-507-2816.
• Never mow under high fire hazard RED FLAG conditions; call 415-499-7191 for current conditions.
• In the heat of summer, mow early in the morning or during the evening when it is cooler and less likely that you could start a fire. Use extra caution with power mowers or other spark-producing tools.
• Keep a 5-pound "ABC" fire extinguisher AND a fully charged garden hose at the work site while mowing or other work is taking place.
• Do not use metal mowing heads on power scythes (weed whips) as they can spark from contact with rocks.
• Make sure spark arrestors are in place and functioning.
• Do not lay power tools in dry grass where hot metals may ignite flammable vegetation.
• Re-fuel tools away from vegetation -- on paved surfaces or cleared areas. Store gasoline away from site.
• If possible, have someone spot you (keep a close watch) while you are working to watch for problems.
• Watch for hikers and other open space visitors; cease work until they are clear from the work area.

Information on the Open Space District is available on the internet at: http://www.marinopenspace.org.

For guidelines on fire protection, call your local fire agency or check the internet:

• Fire Safe Marin
  http://www.firesafemarin.org/
• Marin County Fire Prevention Officers
  http://www.marinfirechiefs.org/prevention
• FireWise
  http://www.firewise.org
• Marin County Fire Services
  http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/FR/main/fire/services.cfm#vmp
• City of Novato Fire Services
  http://www.novatofire.org/default.aspx
• FEMA - Wildfire brochure
  http://www.fema/gov/pdf/hazards/wfie.pdf