So, I have been holding Open Houses here in Marin County week in and week out for who knows how many months now - It has become my favorite pass time - One of the best ways to meet clients, neighbors, friends or just passer-bys. Fortunate for me, due to the ads I place, online or in print; I always have a lot of visitors, never a dull moment and I have met so many wonderful people doing that!
One thing I have noticed is that being in a buyers market, I am getting a lot of very specific requirements and reasons for why one property is not Completely Perfect (is there such a thing as "completely perfect"?) for his/her/their needs -
Gonna have formal living room, how about that formal dining room? I really don't see the need of
formal living room nor dining room, just a big waste of space and furniture, great room would be wonderful, just what we need; Always want that big backyard, backs up to open space; I am tired of mawing that lawn, don't want the responsibility of maintaining all that landscape, give me a postage stamp sized yard; Ceiling is too low, feel pressured; Watch for high ceilings, too much waste of energy; Pool? No Way, Sir, never swam, never wanted to swim, never will swim; Have to have pool, wonderful exercise, my kids are on swim team. Hardwood floor is a must; but we just love the softness and warm feeling of carpet: I really wish the living room is tiled, Spanish style; Have to have the View, water, hill, close, distant; too much shade, too sunny; Single story for retirement; how about that two story for privacy? Kids next to us, or down the hallway in their own corners? on, and on, and on...
And of course, we always aim to please; so we try to sort out the puzzles and find them the absolutely perfect house with the lowest, lowest price for years to come while we do it all with a big smile!
But now, this must be a baby boomer issue. They have dispensable income, they are retired or nearing retirement, and they have those collections - they have to have a garage for their three cars collection (the ones that actually park INSIDE of the garage), the five cars collection; one has nine cars; how about RV parking? I have many requests for that. Now that we have a lot of time, RV parking is a must for that great retirement dream we always have!
Are you having fun searching for that Perfect Home for your clients?
I am. I take it as a great challenge and I love it when I find that perfect home for my clients!
It takes a lot of time and patience, but the feeling of Great Accomplishment and Satisfaction is Priceless!
Sylvia Barry
, Realtor, ePRO
Marin Realtor for Marin Luxury Real Estate
Marin, Sonoma, ,San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com
SERVING MARIN, SONOMA, S.F. BAY AREA - FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS Beveldere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon; Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa.
So everybody was excited yesterday about the Failed Bail Out plan; stock market reacted violently, sending Dow sprial down 777 points in one day - the biggest single day drop ever!
The office is buzzing with the news and what an effect it might have on the economy and, especially, real estate market. Hubby called (he's out of town) last night and asked if I heard that 'nobody is going to do the loan' anymore.
I said, "What are you saying?" He repeated. I said, "No, haven't heard, and not to worry. It'd be O.K." He asked me how many escrows I have going on right now?
Told him four. One is short sale waiting for lender approval, one is trying to close but encountered a lot of problems and is now on the 2nd week delay for COE because the lender is a small lender and comes up with all sorts of weired question, but I expect it to close soon. The other two, I told him, are with Bank of America, the big guy, and they were just pre-approved, and I
have not heard from the mortgage broker that either is in jeopardy - as a matter of fact, I was going to send the troublesome one to BofA just because they can and will close if they promised to.
Hubby is worried, thought i am going to lose all four escrows, JUST LIKE THAT, because of the mess yesterday.
I said:"STOP!""I am not going to speculate or panic. I will worry about this when I get a call from the BofA mortgage broker saying they won't fund the loans, then I wiill start worrying, but right now, I am not going to worry about it, that's just the way I work and that's that!".
I have too many other things to worry about rather than spending time worrying about something that might not be true and something I can't change, at 10:00PM at night, no less.
Hubby is still not quite sure; i suspect unhappy about my not being proactive in this case.
Well, today the stock market bounced back some 500 points, my very shaky loan is finally going to be funded (after I told them I'd yank it out and send over to BofA who promised this loan with 50+% down payment, 750+ credit score, full doc and one of the best deals in Novato can be funded in 24 hours), and the other two are going forward.
Not to mention another referral yesterday to buy a small, inexpensive 2nd home in Kentfield just for their excellent schools.
I firmly believe the only way to deal with this market is to focus, stay calm, let the storm go pass and continue to go forward.
I see a lot of activities going on in my office, agents excited, energized, determined not to let this drag us down and use it as a great time to build new grounds.
It is always the darkest before dawn and and there IS a bright side at the end of tunnel.
Sylvia Barry, Realtor, ePRO
Marin Realtor for Marin Luxury Real Estate
Marin, Sonoma, ,San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com
SERVING MARIN, SONOMA, S.F. BAY AREA - FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS Beveldere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon; Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa.
Novato is a town in the northmost part of Marin County, CA. We are extremely proud of our musical talents/influences, educational system, talented students, dedicated teachers, caring parents and community members. As one of my friends describes Novato, this is a town with 'HUMANITY'. Living here, I have to say that I agree wholeheartly!
Out of the extraordinaty humanity, the love of music, the care for our public schools, the local music circle started the annual 'Rock and Blues by The Lake' all day fundraising event for public schools six years ago. The annual event is hosted at Stafford Lake, one of the most gorgeous backdrops for mucial performances.
The programs are geared towards whole family entertainment with three stages with big stage for the big bands, next to it, is the medium stage for local high school performers. At the other end of the park is a smaller stage for younger kids, individual performers, Battle of the Band, etc.
There are also many play structures for younger kids, as well as booths from public schools with activities to introduce young kids to music, drama, theater, drawing, etc.
The event is staffed mostly by volutneers from local PTSAs and boosters, with net proceeds going to public schools. Local musicians participated and local merchants donates both service and goods. The Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, the club of Yours Truly, wiill be in charge of Parking at the site. Since inception the event has raised over $330,000 for local public schools.
This year's event is headlined by Three Eye Blind and Plain White T's; selection to endear both younger and older crowds. The event organizer expects sold out crowd.
Rock and Blues by the Lake Schedule
Hope to see you there - I will be parking cars from 9 - 12PM that day!
Past year's musicias include:
Journey
Sammy Hagar (resident of Mill Valley)
Sylvia Barry, Realtor, ePRO
Marin Realtor for Marin Luxury Real Estate
Marin, Sonoma, ,San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com
SERVING MARIN, SONOMA, S.F. BAY AREA - FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS Beveldere, Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Tiburon; Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa.
Novato Real Estate Market statistics continues to inch upwards in overall sales percentage compare to two weeks ago on September 10,
The overall inventory dropped 10%, from 410 to 370, results of more pending sales and sellers taking properties off the market unless they 'have' to sell. Less inventory will have a positive effect on housing prices as there are less supply.
The highest increases in pending sales are the starter / investment homes - condo/townhomes and single family residences under $500K - mostly fixers, REOs (bank owned), short sales, all bargains from one or two years ago.
Both categories, with more than 50% sales, are now a 'seller's' market - or shall we say a 'bank/REO sellers's market. Some enjoy multiple offers, although not as much frenzy as when Marin was at the top of the market.
First time buyers, investors, people who relocated out of areas and want to move back, and the ones who could not afford before but would love to be in Marin are all taking this great opportunity of lower (and relatively affordable) home prices and lower interest rates to test the waters here in Marin.
Higher end homes are staying stale - difficulty in getting financing, uncertainly about the market, excessive inventory from sellers who do not have to sell ('not motivated') can hold the sales down.
My office, Frank Howard Allen Realtors in Novato, is buzzing with sales activities we have not seen in a long times, walk-ins, calls, showings, offers, inspections; a lot of activities which is putting great, positive energy into the office; and hopefully bringing the energy to all our clients!
Best, and stay tuned!
Give me a call at (415) 717-0293 or email me at sylvia@SylviaSellsMarin.com for inventories on the market, whether REO, Trust Sale, start home, luxury homes.. I will be very happy to find the best house / investment property for you!
It will be a pleasure to serve you!
|
category |
Total Units/ In Escrow |
% Active |
% Pending |
% +/- since 09/10/08 | |||
|
All SFD's and CID's |
|
370/123 |
|
67% |
|
33% (N) |
+2% |
|
SFD's |
|
269/65 |
|
76% |
|
24% (B) |
-2% |
|
CID's |
|
101/58 |
|
43% |
|
57% (S) |
+12% |
|
$0 -$500K SFD |
|
59/30 |
|
49% |
|
51% (S) |
+9% |
|
$500,001-$600K |
|
31/6 |
|
81% |
|
19% (B) |
-9% |
|
$600,001 - $700K |
|
36/11 |
|
70% |
|
30% (N) |
-6% |
|
$700,001 - $800K |
|
32/6 |
|
81% |
|
19% (B) |
-10% |
|
$800,001 - $999,999 |
|
36/6 |
|
84% |
|
16% (B) |
-8% |
|
$1M - $1.25M |
|
27/2 |
|
93% |
|
7% (B) |
-7% |
|
$1.25M - $1.5M |
|
18/1 |
|
95% |
|
5% (B) |
-12% |
|
$1.5M+ |
|
30/3 |
|
90% |
|
10% (B) |
+7% |
Sylvia Barry
Marin, Sonoma Realtor
San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com
Novato Real Estate Market statistics stays strong since August 27, 2008; continuing the positive trend since middle of summer, 2008 - Total inventory dropped 24 (434 to 410), while # of units in escrow increased by 8 (from 121 to 129). This is reflected in the % pending - 3% increase since last reported.
Novato Market is definitely inching back - slowly, cauthiously, but surely.
Condos/Townhomes, where we see the biggest drop in prices due to many short sales and foreclosures, edged past neutral market and is holding steady on the edge of seller's market.
Slight improvement of 4% increase in SFDs priced under $500K - some REOs (Real Estate Owned - Bank Owned Properties) or Short Sales are a little rough, requires sweat equity. As higher quality homes are priced lower and become more affordable, I start to get phone calls for young couples, empty nesters, relocations. What a GREAT benefit!
A huge increase in the percent Pending is the starter single family homes priced between $500K and $600K, with an increase of 13% (to 28%) of pending sales - almost neutral. The next price range of $600K to $700K SFDs, see a drop of 8% compared to the August. Nice homes priced over $700Ks start to move again, enjoyed a 9% increase in pending sales.
Homes priced over $700K stays went up 10% in pending sales. $800K to just under $1M, enjoyed 5% increaes in pending sales, while all homes over $1M, stay flat for % of pending sales. Those Jumbo loans are just so difficult to get!
Do note that a small change in a small sample makes relatively large statement expressed in percentage.
Give me a call at (415) 717-0293 or email me at sylvia@SylviaSellsMarin.com for details, inventory on the market and what's the best house / investment property for you!
It will be a pleasure to serve you!
|
category |
Total Units/ In Escrow |
% Active |
% Pending |
% +/- since July 23, 08 | |||
|
All SFD's and CID's |
|
410/129 |
|
69% |
|
31% (N) |
+3% |
|
SFD's |
|
298/78 |
|
74% |
|
26% (B) |
+4% |
|
CID's |
|
112/51 |
|
55% |
|
45% (S) |
+1% |
|
$0 -$500K SFD |
|
62/26 |
|
58% |
|
42% (N) |
+6% |
|
$500,001-$600K |
|
32/9 |
|
72% |
|
28% (B) |
+13% |
|
$600,001 - $700K |
|
39/14 |
|
64% |
|
36% (S) |
-8% |
|
$700,001 - $800K |
|
38/11 |
|
71% |
|
29% (B) |
+9% |
|
$800,001 - $999,999 |
|
46/11 |
|
76% |
|
24% (B) |
+5% |
|
$1M - $1.25M |
|
29/4 |
|
86% |
|
14% (B) |
+0% |
|
$1.25M - $1.5M |
|
20/2 |
|
83% |
|
17% (B) |
+0% |
|
$1.5M+ |
|
32/1 |
|
97% |
|
3% (B) |
+0% |
Sylvia Barry
Marin, Sonoma Realtor
San Francisco North Bay
Frankk Howard Allen Realtors
website: www.SylviaSellsMarin.com
Blog: www.AllAboutMarinHomes.com
 |
|
|
Sylvia Barry & Associates provide winning real estate service in Marin, Sonoma through leading edge internet technology, experience, knowledge, competence, skills, CARE & old fashioned hard work!
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, PROVEN RESULTS
Marin County and South Sonoma Realtor
A Top Producing Agent and multi-year recipient of Frank Howard Allen (#1 Real.Estate. Company in Marin) Client Service Award, Sylvia provides exceptional real estate service through experience, knowledge, competence, skills and old fashioned hard work.
Sylvia brings with her 20+ years of professional experience to real estate; specializing in marketing, negotiation, tax, finance, management and internet technology. Sylvia's clients love her hands on' approach and benefit greatly from their close working relationship and full range of services provided by her team of experts.
Sylvia's clients appreciate her compassion, integrity, knowledge, experience, dedication, thoroughness, and technical background; affording them the best results both as sellers and buyers in this unprecedent economical times; and especially critical in the dynamic, global real estate market!
Frank Howard Allen Realtors One of the major advantages of working with a Realtor associated with Frank Howard Allen Realtors, the number one real estate company in Marin and Sonoma, is that you are guaranteed to receive all the care, knowledge and resource when working with the leading- edge real estate team.
#1 Marin and Sonoma Real Estate Resource
Sellling distressed homes? - Short Sale, Foreclosure, Bank Owned, REO, I handle them all. Buying a first time home, Investment property, 1031 Exchange, moving to great school districts, finding luxury property for your life style change, owning a home with distinct architecture details, located next to open space, million dollar views, plenty of acreage for prized horses; or to make wise investments in the best real estate corridor in the country - you are in god hands!
For a no obligation, free Market Analysis or complete marketing plan for your house, please email me or call me at (415) 717-0293.
Sylvia Barry provides professional Real Estate Consulting Serviice for Marin Real Estate, Novato Real Estate, San Rafael Real Estate, Corte Madera Real Estate, Kentfield Real Estate, Mill Valley Real Estate, Ross Real Estate, Belvedere Real Estate, Tiburon Real Estate, Greenbrae Real Estate, Larkspur Real Estate, Marinwood Real Estate, Nicasio Real Estate, San Anselmo Real Estate, Sonoma Real Estate, Petaluma Real Estate, Rohnert Park Real Estate, Cotati Real Estate, Marin County Real Estate, Marin County Homes, Marin County Home, Marin County Houses, Marin County House, REO, Bank Owned, Foreclosure, Short Sales.
Frank Howard Allen Client Service Award Recipient For Consistently Living Up to The Highest Standards of Service
We wanted to say congrats on all your recent listing activity. You are doing a great job in a difficult real estate year. We appreciate your team player attitude and feel fortunate to have your work ethic on our team. Fondly, Kathleen Hilken, (General Manager), Larry Brackett (CEO), Noreen Smith (CFO) - Frank Howard Allen
You have been working so hard and have a great attitude considering the challenges in the market. So proud of you that you fought and sold 6 Anthony Court. You will do well in the coming years and each challenging transaction will make you a better agent. Spiro is really in your court and very proud of your accomplishments. Keep up the good work. Fondly, Joe and I would like to thank you so much for your help this past year. We sincerely appreciate all that you did to complete the short sale of our Novato condo. As we look back on 2008, we are so thankful that we contacted you to help us. With everything that is happening in the real estate market these days, we felt extremely fortunate and lucky to have been able to sell our condo and avoid foreclosure. I know many other people have not been as fortunate. Your willingness to help us navigate the short sale process and take on this challenging situation is a tribute to you and your commitment to clients. You gave us great confidence (and relief) as you took control and worked directly with our lenders to get our petition for the short sale accepted. Then, through your diligent efforts, successfully put our condo on the market during a difficult time. You were always there to answer questions and we appreciated your sincere concern and advocacy for us with the lenders (and buyers). I know it took a lot of work and time on your part and we really appreciated it. We would gladly recommend you to any of our family or friends. We sincerely believe that without your efforts, we could have not been able to successfully complete the short sale. As in the purchase of our condo in two years earlier, your help was invaluable. Thank you again for your help and your commitment to us. We wish you a very successful 2009.
Sylvia,
Sylvia,
Larry Brackett (CEO/Owner), Noreen Smith (CFO), Kathleen Hilkin (GM) - Frank Howard Allen Realtors
Dear Sylvia,
Sylvia - Much thanks for your expert real estate advice. You helped us close the escrow as well as moral support. Frank Howard Allen is lucky to have You!
Warm regards - Suzanne and Bruce
Langston Harris
My wife, Cindy, and I have recently contracted with Sylvia Barry as a representative for the sale of our home at 49 Dowitcher Way in San Rafael, California.
Sylvia worked diligently to market and to complete the sale. We have been extremely satisfied with the results of her efforts. She was instrumental in obtaining a great price (more than we expected) and very quickly, as well. Additionally, we found her to be very easy to work with and formed a close association during the time we spent together.
We highly recommend Sylvia as a realtor who truly cares about providing good service to her clients
Kim Stephen Braun
I first met Sylvia Barry when I interviewed her for a Project Manager position at the Insurance Company I worked for. We worked together for several years afterwards until we went separate ways. When I decided to sell my house and move to Arizona, Sylvia told me that she had become a Realtor and would love to represent me.
She brought the same skills I had admired when she was a project manager to the job of real estate sale person. Thoroughness, attention to detail and follow through, making sure everyone did their jobs correctly and on time. There is an incredible amount of contractual requirements and paper work involved in selling a house. She made sure all the forms were prepared correctly and signed by all the necessary people. She also added the here-to-fore unknown to me skills of a home decorator, making suggestions as to how we could make our home more attractive to prospective buyers.
All in all, the home selling process was made much less stressful by Sylvia's skill and competence. When we got eight offers, seven over asking price, she suggested we take the best two, and ask one of them to be a backup offer. This turned out to be very foresightful, when our first offer fell through. We had already made an offer on our dream house in Arizona, and would have lost it if Sylvia hadn't been prepared.
I would highly recommend Sylvia as your Real Estate Agent. She is honest, hardworking and very competent, the best I've worked with.
Tom and Pauline Tong
We met Sylvia Barry during our first open house when we tried to sell our property in Novato by ourselves. Many realtors came out to meet us, but Sylvia stood out in the crowd. She was pleasant, straightforward and unassuming.
After we realized that we needed professional help to sell our property, we hired Sylvia to represent us.
Sylvia sold our house within two weeks. Through her hard work and persistence, we received multiple offers for our house. Sylvia guided us through the paperwork with patience and she was thorough. While the loan application and house appraisal was processed, Sylvia made numerous contacts with the buyer's agent and loan officer on our behalf. She displayed honesty and integrity. She never pressured us into any deal with which we were not completely comfortable. In the end, we were completely satisfied with the process of selling our house.
We have no hesitation to recommend Sylvia to you and are looking forward to have her represent us again in the future.
* We had to get the house appraised again so I can re-finance. It is now $779K. Thank you for helping me find this house. By the way, my mother's neighbor is planning to sell their house; I told them that they should use you. I am going over this weekend and I will tell them about you again.
* Sylvia: I really appreciate your ownership, professionalism and customer-oriented approach towards this. Sorry that you have to deal with pressures from both sides. I am planning to not just reimburse your expenses, but as I mentioned, give you a very well deserved commission and more.
* I want to said thank you very much for providing so much information. I'm deeply appreciated. I'll keep you in mind for my friends who are interesting in buying or sale real estate in Marin. I think you are very knowledgeable and resourceful about the real estate business.
* I will say that I have had several experiences with real estate agents and you are our favorite. We appreciate the information, communication, and quick responses...... We need an agent as diligent as your are in this area. I hope you can help.
* I just wanted to thank you one last time for helping us get our wonderful house. We are loving it so much and it means so much to be there this holiday season....
* So I mentioned that I have a great agent if she ever needs one...... I also had two showers, one for baby and one for bridal. All these occasions are best to rave about you. I even gave two of your cards away.
* Sylvia did a great job finding a tenant in such a short time and in a slow season..... Special thanks to Sylvia. On Saturday, She drove one hour from her home to the property to clean up the dust left from floor finishing guy. She spent 4 hours here..... Thank you, Sylvia, you've done a great job.
* You, I trust completely. In any business dealings we have had, you have never done anything that you thought was not in my best interest.
* Photos look awesome. Love the 1st MLS one with the leaves framing the entry. Sylvia, thank you so much for putting as much of your time in on our rental as you would a multimillion dollar house sale.
* Sylvia, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your helping me out. I know you are going way beyond what you would normally do for your clients. And we've only met once. We don't even have a history. Thank you again. I feel relieved that I can put the house on the back burner and concentrate on the trip and know that I won't have to worry while we are gone.
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