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Despite a somewhat rocky road in 2007, the real estate market in Marin County just seems to keep chugging along.  Yesterday, the Novato City Council approved a proposal for a small housing development on a 34-acre ridgeline just off Shevelin Road. The new project, Oak Ridge Estates, was proposed by developers KSK Properties and Jerry Frates & Associates and will consist of only four single-family homes, ranging in size between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet.

This venture is the last in a succession of projects that have been proposed for the area.  Several larger developments, including one that called for 16 hillside homes, had failed to gain approval – primarily because of environmental concerns.  The property is in an open space and, as such, is a…

The real estate industry is encouraged by the news that the Feds increased the ceiling on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages from a $417,000 limit to $729,750.  Hopefully Thursday’s action will help boost the rather listless Marin real estate market.  Although the median price for a single-family Marin County home has appreciated, overall Marin home sales plummeted early this year, and foreclosures in Marin were at an all time high in 2007. Despite these numbers, Marin real estate has fared better than most other Bay Area communities; nevertheless, the availability of higher limits for conforming loans is very welcome.  With the new limits on conforming loans, homeowners just barely keeping their heads above water may be able to refinance and not loose…

Even with California’s down market, the real estate business remains relatively brisk in Marin County.  A comfortable climate, beautiful surroundings, great commuter options, and a wide selection of housing options all come into play; but one of the most significant factors is, quite simply, that Marin is family friendly.  There are lots of recreation opportunities, playgrounds, parks, and activities for the entire clan to enjoy.  More importantly, Marin County schools are great, and a good local school system is high on the priority list for any family looking to relocate.

One of the most exciting recent developments for Marin schools is that the Tamalpais Union High School District board of trustees has approved a proposal for Redwood High School (4…

A decommissioned Air Force base with vacant dilapidated airplane hangars is fast becoming some of the hottest commercial property in Marin County.  The Hamilton Landing office complex is what the buzz is all about.  Already corporate home to Smith & Hawken and Birkenstock USA, Hamilton Landing has picked up some heavy hitting players in the technology and entertainment industry as well, including Sony ImageWorks, Visual Concepts Entertainment, and Oracle.  And a good thing just keeps getting better…  Walt Disney Studios recently announced plans to move their ImageMovers Digital studios to Hamilton Landing, with plans to be in the new digs before Christmas.

Tenants of the renovated hangars are attracted by the airfield’s sense of history coupled with the…

Once again Marin County has been recognized for its standard of living.  Forbes Magazine recently ranked Marin as being one of the wealthiest counties in the United States based on median household income.  Unlike other quality-of-life statistics, which may factor in per-capita income, median home-price, and cost of living, this survey is based solely on the household income, and places Marin County as the 15th richest county in the country.  

Real estate in Marin County also ranks high on a somewhat related Forbes list.  Last year nineteen cities in Marin ranked on the most expensive zip codes list. Homes in Ross California led the way with the ninth highest median home sale price in the nation. 

Ironically, relatively affordable housing can still…

If you are looking for an affordable house in a good neighborhood, Novato California might be the place for you.  Recently recognized by BusinessWeek as being the best suburb in California in which to buy a reasonably priced home, Novato is the fastest growing community in Marin County, but it still manages to maintain its small town feel.

In putting together their list for the “best” affordable suburbs in the U.S., BusinessWeek.com joined forces with Bert Sperling, founder and president of Sperling’s BestPlaces, and identified one suburb in each of the 50 states that offers good value for the dollar.  Location and affordability were primary considerations, coupled with low crime rates, quality schools, average commute times, and median household…

I recently listed a 4 bedroom view home located in the hills of San Rafael, California.       The home consists of 2 separate units on a spacious 3/4 acre lot.   Panaromic water, mountain, and town views from this mid-century home located at 77 Upper Fremont in Marin County.

• The updated lower unit consists of 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom,
• the upper unit (which requires some basic finishing work) includes 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms,
• Both units have spacious decks for enjoying the outdoors,
• The property also includes a pool

Asking price is $895k.  

For additional information and pictures, check out the MLS listing details for 77 Upper Fremont in San Rafael, CA.

Listed by:

Renee Adelmann, Realtor & Certified EcoBroker

Marin…

Showcasing the best of Bay Area design, the San Francisco Winter Market:  World View is the design extravaganza of the year.  With entries from the American Institute of Architects, landscape architects, and interior designers, this is one of the top design trade events in northern California.

Small Firms, Great Projects Exhibition
One venue provides the opportunity to see the diversity of residential design and architecture available throughout San Francisco, Marin County, and the greater Bay Area.

Date:  January 14-25, 2008
Time:  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Place:  Galleria Atrium @ 101 Henry Adams Street, San Francisco

Small firms, Great Projects Opening Party
This gala, benefit for the Center for Architecture and Design, is a celebration of…