Leaves are starting to hit the ground as the days grow shorter. But, Novato’s hot market shows no signs of cooling down. In October 2009, 50 Novato, California homes sold, compared with 35 sales in September 2009. Suffice it to say, the Novato real estate market is hot. Entry level home sales have shown sustained strength for the past 6 months. The number of homes actively listed in Novato remains very low compared with the rest of Marin (and the percentage of homes in escrow remains much higher than the rest of Marin). This exceptional demand is based on stunning affordability (homes are selling now for prices nobody could have dreamed of 3 short years ago) and the fantastically low interest rates. While the average sales price of Novato homes rose in August to a remarkable $713,440 (based in large part on the makeup of sales), that number fell back to Earth in September — $646,389. Last month, the average sales price rose to $667,788. Certain zip codes are performing exceptionally well. For example, in 94949 (Southern Novato) the percentage of homes in escrow is up 38% from last October and the average days on market is down 70%. This is simple supply and demand. Savvy buyers waiting for “the bottom to hit” recognize that we may be there and that any further price erosion will be outweighed by increased interest rates which are likely around the bend. Surely, home buyers in Novato are finding that it is increasingly difficult to identify “turnkey” homes under $550,000. In the 94949 zip code, median prices year over year dipped a mere 3%. I think many casual observers would be surprised. Local agents are all talking about a “bounce” in prices over the past several months. Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of Novato’s major price bands:
Importantly, and in line with recent months, the move-up price bands are selling as well as the entry level properties:
In fact, more homes sold in October 2009 in the $1 million to $1.5 million price band in Novato than sold in Mill Valley in that same price band. I have regularly noted that the Novato luxury market is likely to gain momentum and we are seeing tangible sales figures support my observations.
There are lots of reasons to love condominiums ("condos"). People at both ends of the home buying cycle often find condos are perfect for their needs. Young, first-time buyers often buy condos (I am including townhomes and lofts for the sake of simplicity) because condos are generally more affordable than single family homes at the entry level.
At the other end of the spectrum, are those folks who have raised their families and are ready to embrace the concept of "easy living," leaving the hassles of home maintenance to somebody else. Indeed, the maintenance-free lifestyle also appeals to just about everybody who is too busy working long hours and spending their spare time socializing, etc., no matter what stage of life.
But, it is sometimes hard to know what your temperment and preferences are as they relate to condo living. The following is a quick and easy set of unscientifically designed questions, quite possibly errant in their presumptions and conclusions, to help you determine if a condo is right for you.
Tennis courts and pools are:
____ an absolute must.
____ nice, but no big deal.
____ exercise and sun are not my thing.
Urban living is
____ excellent, exciting ... I love it!
____ ho hum....traffic and parking tickets are a real bummer.
____ for the birds.
My living environment should be:
____ whatever ... I don't care.
____ I like to have some things a certain way.
____ exactly as I say (people tell me I am a control freak).
Privacy, to me, is:
____ not a big deal (I don't even plan on buying curtains).
____ somewhat important.
____ HUGE! Look away, please.
Home resale value is important because:
____ I'm gonna move again in a couple years.
____ Over time I would like to see my equity grow.
____ Whoever inherits my property may need the money.
Meeting people and having frequent interactions is:
____ Great! I love people!
____ OK. So long as they smell good.
____ I really hate people and their boring chit chat.
My willingness to do annual maintenance chores is:
____ Maintenance? Huh?
____ I do my Spring cleaning the next Fall, as necessary.
____ My yearly maintenance routine is on the calendar.
If someone asked you, "Do you like to mow the lawn and pull weeds?", your likely response is:
____ No.
____ I don't mind.
____ LOVE it! And I want fruit trees too!
Now, for each question, give yourself one point for each first answer, two points for each second answer, and three points for each third answer. Add them up.
8 to 12 points: Go out and buy a condo immediately--you will soon be on the Board of the HOA.
13-21 points: You will be happy in a condo.
22-24 points: Maybe you should think about buying a house.
Somebody e-mailed the below to me. It seems like good stuff, so I am passing it on....
Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms
Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100 F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot, but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
An aging public pool at Hamilton Field, Novato is almost ready for a grand debut after a $5 million renovation. The pool is located across from Hamilton Field's "The Landing at Hamilton" new home development (which is set to break ground in coming months) and the existing neighborhood of South Gate.
The renovation was approved unanimously by the Novato City Council in November 2007 and final plans were approved in March 2008. The leaky old pool was not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and access to its bathhouse was restricted by the Marin County health department. The revamped facility at 206 El Bonito Road includes a main pool of 185,000 gallons and a shallow pool of 12,000 gallons. There is new decking, piping, lighting and landscaping plus bathhouses. Solar power and water leaks that have been fixed will lead to considerable savings compared with costs of the old pool, but the city will have to pay the water bill that was previously paid by the U.S. Coast Guard. Traditionally, Hamilton Pool has been open Memorial Day through the end of September. If a private operator is signed to a contract, it could be open year-round, Shinault said. ______________________________________ The above information was derived from an article in the Marin Independent Journal, 10/30/09. If you have any questions relating to Novato real estate, call Kyle Frazier at (415) 350-9440. Kyle Frazier, CRS (Christies's Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate | Pacific Union International)
DOG PARKS IN MARIN - Bayfront Park, Sycamore Avenue east of Camino Alto, Mill Valley. - Canine Commons, Doherty Drive east of Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur. - Field of Dogs, Civic Center Drive - O'Hair Park, Novato Boulevard just west of San Marin Drive, Novato. - Red Hill Community Park, between Shaw Drive and Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo (pending completion). - Remington Park, Ebbtide Avenue at Bridgeway in Sausalito.
at Armory Drive and the lagoon, San Rafael.
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Marin County, Ca. sits just north of San Francisco and features some of the best cities in the Bay Area. Call on me with any of your real estate needs. It is my pleasure to be of service.
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