Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Mill Valley Library is a Hoot!

02-21-09

Twice this past week a wayward owl, believed by some observers to be nesting with young behind the Mill Valley Public Library, has perched amongst the stacks. Actually, it has chosen ceiling beams to peruse the isles. It is unclear how the brown owl enters the library. Not is it clear how to get it to leave for good. Certainly, library popularity has escalated since the appearance of Owliver Twist (my name for him or her).

Moreover, Owliver does not pipe down when shushed by staff and has proven to be a somewhat messy guest by leaving droppings wherever it wants. Because the bird has taken to snatching pencils from the children's room, there is some concern for its safety as it apparently was trying to build a nest with them. My suspicion is that if Owliver could speak, it would ask "Please sir, can I have another."

0 Comments

Marin County Real Estate (February 2009 Homes For Sale Market Report)

02-14-09

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

As of this writing, the Stimulus Bill and its apparently watered down home buyer tax credit is being finalized. Yet economists and consumers are grim. Ergo, the Marin County, California real estate market continues its slow and steady march into the teeth of a tireless media storm of negativity. Yes, the market overall is fairly slow, but not as slow as it may appear. Sales in Northern Marin’s Novato were up 30% January 2009 over January 2008–as I like to say, "Give Yourself a Raise–Move to Novato!"

The chart below shows a 90-day rolling average of Mill Valley’s new listings and absorbed listings (e.g., sales), comparing current numbers with those of last year. Note that the while the numbers for new listings are about the same, the number of absorbed listings is up in 2009 over 2008. Again, while the wheels of the real estate market are sticking and squeaking, they have not fallen off (although sellers are advised to wear seat belts). If you would like a similar chart for any other town or city in Marin or San Francisco, please let me know.

Real Estate Market Chart by Altos Research www.altosresearch.com

Obviously, the more stringent underwriting policies of lenders are stifling demand. In addition, I am quite aware that some home buyers are continuing to wait for the perceived bottom, despite the FACT that interest rates are as low as could be realistically expected and prices in many Marin communities and neighborhoods have receded to 2003 or 2004 price levels. As evidenced by frenzied investor activity, particularly in Novato, there is definite traction at the low end. And once prices stabilize at the low end, the rippling effect upwards will follow.

Inventory is up to 583 single family homes for sale (we had about 503 last month) in the Highway 101 corridor (this number excludes Western Marin inventory and condos). Mill Valley has an impressive (for this time of year) 10 new listings on the market. Reports of multiple offers continue–especially on foreclosure properties. I am informed that a condo on the market for 2 brief days had 14 offers last month. That frenzy continues today. Interestingly, one of the most visited pages on any of my websites is an article I wrote a while back on lease-options (a.k.a., rent-to-own properties).

Open houses over the past weekend were swamped, with 20-30 groups filing through one of my listings in Terra Linda (by the way, if you know anyone iterested in an Atrium Eichler on an amazing lot, have them call me) and another 15 groups investigating my new view condo listing in Sausalito. There is definite excitement out there.

The graph below breaks down the current number of homes for sale and price ranges in Marin County’s HWY 101 corridor (e.g., Marin’s coastal communites are not included) in January 2009, along with the price ranges for each town and/or city.

Marin Single Family Homes For Sale

Town/City	Homes for Sale (Active Listings)	Price Range
Sausalito	18	$490,000-$18 million
Belvedere	21	$1.050 million-$48 million
Tiburon	61	$1.095 million-$37 million
Mill Valley	75	$685,000-$5.7 million
Larkspur	21	$719,000-$2.75 million
Corte Madera	19	$625,000-$2.799 million
Greenbrae	8	$899,000-$12.539 million
Kentfield	18	$1.095 million-$6.95 million
Ross	10	$1.05 million-$17.5 million
San Anselmo	48	$479,000-$2.695 million
San Rafael	139	$375,000-$6.5 million
Novato	140	$313,000-$3.199 million

For a detailed executive summary providing statistics and trends relating to the Marin real estate market (or any specific zip code), please call me any time (I am Kyle Frazier, Marin Realtor & CRS) at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@NorthBayRE.com . It is always my pleasure to be of service.

0 Comments

Tiburon & Belvedere Real Estate Market Report (February 2009 Home Sales Update)

02-14-09

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

The past few weeks have been glorious on the Tiburon Peninsula and Marin County. My 4 year old daughter Scarlett and I went for a walk with our dog along the rail trail (a former railroad line that is now a bike path skirting the bay) from Blackie’s Pasture last Wednesday and it must have been 75 degrees. The sun was warm and the water azure. Even Carmen (our black lab, if you are curious) seemed content to stroll in a leisurely fashion, enjoying the afternoon. Afterwards we went over to the ice cream shop downtown, took our cones to the grassy area by the ferry terminal and ate. Actually, I tripped, dropped my ice cream, and Carmen eagerly cleaned up the mess. Nevermind that just 2 homes sold in January 2009, this was a perfect day.

Indeed, while this time of year is generally slow in the luxury market of Tiburon and Belvedere, economic considerations are impacting the desire and ability of many folks who would otherwise be inclined to make a purchase. It will be interesting to watch the year unfold. It is likely that many of the homes that were taken off the market during November and December 2008 will re-emerge with adjusted prices (35 homes were withdrawn or expired in the last 2 months of 2008).

As mentioned in my Mill Valley report, price adjusted returning inventory along with the new inventory are likely to propel the market in coming months. I note also that the only 2 homes priced under $1 million in Tiburon and/or Belvedere are currently in escrow–those kinds of deals don’t last very long.

Below is a chart with up to date figures relating to the number of homes on the market in Tiburon and Belvedere, along with the number of homes currently in escrow.

Tiburon | Belvedere

Prices, Total Homes, Percentage in Escrow

Price Range	Total Homes	In Escrow
to $2 million	26	12%
$2 - $3 million	23	9%
$3 - $5 million	22	14%
$5 - $10 million	14	7%
$10 million & up	5	0

While there were just 2 sales last month, they averaged 101 days on market, 2,768 square feet (about $870 sq./ft), and sold for an average price of $2.275 million. Increasingly, my analyses points to price sensitivity and an underlying general reluctance on the part of buyers. At the same time, most sellers in Tiburon and Belvedere do not fall into the "have to sell" category, and thus are patiently sticking to their prices hoping the real estate market turns for the positive.

If you have any questions, would like a detailed and professional market evaluation of your home, need neighborhood information, or simply a referral to a reliable local service provider, call Kyle at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail Kyle@NorthBayRE.com. I am a local realtor, broker associate with the most respected firm in Marin, and a certified residential specialist (CRS). It is always a pleasure to be of service.

0 Comments

Novato, California Price and Inventory Statistics

01-20-09

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Below is a 90-day rolling average of price and inventory.

Real Estate Market Chart by Altos Research www.altosresearch.com

As you can see, over the past 9-months median prices have dropped over $80K in Novato. Although inventory is down pursuant to the seasonal cycle, the number of homes for sale will rise quickly after the Super Bowl and through June. If you have any questions about the Novato, California real estate market or any homes for sale, please call. It is always my pleasure to be of service. -Kyle

Kyle Frazier, CRS

Broker Associate

Frank Howard Allen Realtors

Kyle@Novato101.com

(415) 350-9440

0 Comments

Hamilton Landing and Hamilton Marketplace Win Regional Recognition

12-18-08

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Projects associated with Novato's Hamilton Field continue to rack-up recognition -- Hamilton Landing (a robust business hub now occupying the former hangers (circa 1930) of the Hamilton military base) and Hamilton Marketplace (a diverse new shopping center with a mega-deluxe-Safeway (and associated gas station), Peet's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, banking, restaurants (still to come), pet supplies, and more) were named “Top Projects in the North Bay” by the North Bay Business Journal. Both feature unique architecture and green building elements. Hamilton Marketplace also incorporated solar power.

Barker Pacific Group acquired the Hamilton hangers almost a decade ago and has shepparded the renovation of the hangers to fruition. It is now a bustling business center occupied by media entities, Smith and Hawken, The Republic of Tea, and Disney's Image Movers Digital, among others. Michael Barker of Barker Pacific Group has managed to successfully retain the historic charm and character of the original design and architecture, while transforming the somewhat staid structures into highly desirable business space. Moreover, Barker Pacific acheived this feat despite being located next to the largest wetland restoration project undertaken in the western United States.

Where once stood Nave Lanes, the venerable Novato bowling venue, now stands high-end Hamilton Marketplace. Those living in Hamilton Field's several neighborhoods long sought this development (the site was pegged for a grocery store since Hamilton was transferred to Novato). While the road to completion was long, the finished product (this was an extremely well managed Grosvenor project) is a smashing success.

These awards exemplify and underscore the unique environment provided, not just for the people and families of Hamilton Field, but also for those in the surrounding communities. Congratulations to Barker Pacific Group and Grosvenor.

0 Comments

« Previous 1 2 … 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next »

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor
Christie's Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor: Real Estate Agent in Mill Valley, CA

Office: (415) 448-1118

Mobile: (415) 350-9440

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.

Photos from Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Realtor, Marin County, California - Kyle Frazier

Kyle is a CRS (Certified Reidential Specialist) and licensed real estate broker with the most respected real estate company in Marin County--Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate.

Before joining Christie's Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin, Kyle was the top grossing agent for his office in 2008 (out of about 45 agents). He has been awarded with the Founder's Award (Frank Howard Allen's community service award) and he has been recognized with the Client Service Award by Frank Howard Allen four years straight (2005-2008). Kyle is also a member of the Chairman's Circle of Excellence.

Kyle has been featured and interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The Residential Specialist, Marin Extraordinary Living, and others. He has also been featured on HGTV's House Hunters.

Before real estate, Kyle practiced law in the San Francisco offices of two top-flight law firms and also clerked with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Although Kyle maintains his memberships with the California, Marin County, and San Francisco Bar Associations, he no longer “practices” law. He spends 100% of his time and energy helping people achieve their real estate goals. Click on: http://www.northbayre.com/ for information on Marin real estate and home sales, or to conduct your own search for real estate.

Professional Memberships, Licenses, Certifications

Broker, California Department of Real Estate
CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
Member, California State Bar Association
Member, National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Member, Marin Association of Realtors
Member, Bay Area Real Estate Information Services
Member, Marin County Bar Association (MCBA)
Member, MCBA Real Estate Section
Member, MCBA Wills & Estates Section
Member, Chamber of Commerce
NAR e-Pro Certified
Residential Construction Certified
Certified New Home Specialist
Graduate, Listing University

Kyle's Mission Statement

"My goal is to change the way you feel about buying and selling real estate. My approach to real estate is straight-forward: (1) I will tell you about the good and bad aspects of every option (if I wouldn’t do it myself, I’ll tell you so); (2) I will aggressively negotiate the best possible outcome; (3) I treat each transaction as if it is my own house; and (4) after the deal is done, I will do everything I can to remain your closest and most trusted real estate advisor. I earn my reputation one relationship at a time"

Interests and Activities

Outside of work, Kyle spends his time with his wife, Joanna, and daughters, Scarlett & Sienna. They hang out at the beach, play soccer, and obey their dog, Carmen.

Community Involvement

Kyle is committed to helping improve the quality of life of others through direct donations, dedication of time and efforts, and providing free resources to local charities.

Below is a partial list of organizations that Kyle has, in some way, helped out over the past several years: American Red Cross, Homeward Bound of Marin, Ritter Center, Image for Success, Labor Day at the Lake, Humane Society, Marin County Schools, The Quest, Goodwill, Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Italian Street Festival/Youth in Arts, Glide Memorial Church, Good Soles, and Marin Legal Aid.

Marin County Real Estate Services

My broad experience includes listing and selling multi-million dollar homes, representing investors on big and small scale purchases of land, condos, single family homes, and commercial properties. My clients always come back to me because: (1) I treat them with respect; (2) I provide unrivaled services; (3) my negotiation skills are top notch; and (4) my marketing programs are unique and successful. Call me--it is my pleasure to be of service.

Serving all of Marin County, including: Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Belvedere, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Kentifield, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Nicasio, and Novato. Click on http://www.NorthBayRE.com for information about the area and home sales.

We love your referalls. Keep them coming!

Marin County Home Buyer and Seller Information

Dear Kyle:

Today I received a very positive and complimentary telephone testimonial about you. Congratulations and great job! Your dedication to our profession has continued to enhance your reputation, and that of Frank Howard Allen, throughout Marin County. We appreciate all you do to keep Frank Howard Allen in the forefront of the real estate market.

Larry Bracket (President & CEO, Frank Howard Allen)

We have owned homes in 3 states now, and you are the best realtor we've had. Kyle, your experience and knowledge are outstanding, and we only wish that we could bring you with us on future house sales and purchases in other states. You're the best!

Deb & Bill H. (V.P., Institutional Investments)

Thank you for your excellent service in marketing and selling my property in Novato. As you know, I live out of the area, so it was critical to work with someone who would help me handle all aspects of the sale remotely. Your team went above and beyond the call of duty. The photographs and text that you used to market the property online were fabulous, and I'm sure they played a major role in the sale.

Also, your help in understanding the offers was very much appreciated. Since I don't sell property everyday, it was great to have someone explain everything in a straightforward manner. Selling a property is a rather daunting task, but you made it amazingly easy! Again, thanks for everything.

Janet O. (Out-of-Area Seller)

I wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU for your assistance with my recent new home purchase. As a first time buyer, I am especially appreciative of your endless patience, your great sense of humor and your expert guidance throughout the process. On top of that, you made me feel as if I was your only client! I will definitely be referring you to all of my friends. Thanks Again!!!

Kristin K. (Account Executive)

Kyle did an amazing job marketing our unique house during a very difficult market season. He facilitated effective negotiations occurring between time zones and continents. He was very flexible and responsive while we were 15,000 miles away, completing the sale of our house on time.

Linda B. (Management Consultant)

As you know, we never again wanted to work with a realtor because of our past experiences. Well, you changed our minds about that. Thanks so much for your hard work. Also, the person you put us into contact with in Maryland is great.

Darren P. (Elec. Engineer)

Thank you so much for all your hard work. You are the best! We feel so lucky to to have had you help through this transition [buying a new home, selling the old home]. We love our new place. And we love that you made happen so smoothly! We are definitely recommending you to our family and friends.

Ron & Annie T.

I'm just writing to say thanks for all your help and patience. I love the house. I am still impressed by how you negotiated such a good deal.

Dustin C. (Marketing Director)

I can’t believe how well your team handled the sale of my home. And at the same time coordinating the purchase of our new home. Outstanding!

Lisa A. (Acct. Mgr.)

We wish to thank you for a job well done. We appreciate your professionalism and advice. We found the overall experience to be an extremely satisfying one. We will be sure to recommend your services to friends who need assistance.

Dick & Irene (Retired)

I would, have, and do, recommend you as a fantastic Realtor. You are truly a professional: candid, tireless, and thorough. Most importantly, you are a good person. We thank you.

Kevin C. (Partner, Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP)

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Pretty soon you'll have helped move my whole extended family. You really impress us with your ability to make things happen.

Clifton J. (Pres., Crown Health)

Thank you for all your trouble and hard work. You are a Godsend. I tell everyone about you.

M. Long (Retired)

Thanks Kyle! I can’t believe how easy you made things. You went WAY above and beyond.

Suzanne M. (Attorney/Property Manager)

I highly recommend [you]. The service provided was delivered in a caring and professional manner. I was impressed, as were my friends and family, with the outcome.

Eric R. (Relocation from Los Angeles)

Kyle made the sale of my parents' home a breeze, despite the fact that I live out of town and the house needed serious attention before going on the market. He took care of the smallest details while helping me stay focused on the bigger picture. His service, professionalism, timeliness, and attention to detail were far more than I expected. Throughout the process I felt like I was Kyle's only client. But, in reality, he was the top listing agent [in his office] during the time we worked together! A great job in every way.

N. Allen, Esq. (J.D., Trustee)

Kyle Frazier was very professional, clear in his communications, rapid in his replies, honest with his assessments and judgments, and instantly took action when needed. He was methodical and highly organized. His attention to detail and obvious understanding of the neighborhoods were beyond our greatest hopes for a realtor. Importantly to us, when we had difficult decisions to make he was courteous, but also to the point. The people assisting him were prompt and followed up consistently. Kyle went out of his way to work out issues with local officials in order to cut through red tape and keep things moving. We would certainly use him again.

Rita G., PhD

Photos from Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Mill Valley Library is a Hoot!

Marin County Real Estate (February 2009 Homes For Sale Market Report)

Tiburon & Belvedere Real Estate Market Report (February 2009 Home Sales Update)

Novato, California Price and Inventory Statistics

Hamilton Landing and Hamilton Marketplace Win Regional Recognition

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA RealtorChristie's Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate

Photos from Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor

Realtor, Marin County, California - Kyle Frazier

Marin County Real Estate Services

Marin County Home Buyer and Seller Information

Kyle Frazier, CRS & Marin CA Realtor
Christie's Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin Real Estate