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Marin County real estate has long been known for its progressive architecture. Almost every community has notable examples of mid-century modern design, including several Eichler neighborhoods. You’ll also find many homes and public buildings by world caliber architects including Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei. It is because of this architectural tradition that winners of the 2007 San Rafael Design Awards can be especially proud. They stand in excellent company. I want to offer my congratu... Read Full Post

Many of our clients are eco-conscious home buyers in Marin County however the headlines in today's local Marin Independent Journal newspaper would indicate that these "green" buyers would like to extend their green purchasing power above and beyond residential real estate. The article presents data from a recent consumer survey conducted by Forrester Research Group which indicates that more than 12% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for everyday products (i.e. television sets, laptop ... Read Full Post

It seems that California’s fire season just won’t end. This morning I woke up to the news that the Santa Ana winds are blowing again and there is another fire in Malibu. This happens every year, and there is always a great deal of discussion over the fact that people choose to live in fire prone areas, that we need Defensible Space around homes and buildings, and that the various state and federal agencies need to “do something”. The discussion goes on, then the rains come, and people... Read Full Post

The face of Sausalito real estate will be taking on a decidedly different look if proponents of the Sausalito Harbor Project have their way. The $25 million proposal suggests building a 20-foot wide walkable quay to create a harbor area. The harbor will provide access for boaters and a potential for commercial services such as water taxis, pick-up points for recreational fishermen, and water related sightseeing excursions. Advocates see the harbor as a boost to the city’s economy. The quay ... Read Full Post

If you live in Marin County California and have been thinking about putting in a solar-powered electric system, now just might be the time to do it. Novato based SPG Solar Inc. will install solar systems at a discounted rate for residents of Marin County through February 2008. The discount was arranged by GoSolarMarin, which is a group of Marin residents organized by San Rafael resident Lisa Max. In an effort to gain some consumer clout with the philosophy of strength in numbers, GoSolarMarin... Read Full Post

In recent years lenders have become very creative in their strategies to sell mortgages. You can find jumbo loans, hybrids, pledged asset mortgages, and a variety of other complicated schemes, including shared appreciation, wraparound, and simple interest plans. I find that even the most savvy of my clients who are looking for real estate in Marin County are often confused by all the options available. Not understanding the implications of the different lending strategies and having unrealist... Read Full Post

I’m a firm believer that real estate is a good investment, but I still want to maximize my dollars as they travel from my pocket to the bank’s balance sheet. Earlier this month I wrote about some credit card programs that offer rebates and award incentives that are pretty darn attractive to the disciplined consumer – and I know we’re all looking for all the help we can get. Everyone wants to get in the game, regardless of their mortgage balance, but there is also the fact that the lar... Read Full Post

Within the last several weeks, Marin County property owners have received their annual Secured Tax Statement outlining the taxes due on their real property in Marin County, California. In Marin County, these property taxes represent 1% of the homes assessed value plus any special bonds, fees or other miscellaneous charges. Each year, the increase in the property tax rate is capped at 2%. Traditionally, the value of a home is assessed when there is a change of ownership. What this means is tha... Read Full Post

In looking at ways to make the most of your mortgage I got to thinking about people who have a small balance left on their mortgage but are stuck with a large interest rate. Often, in this case, it just doesn’t make sense to refinance; the cost could outweigh the benefits. An alternative to consider might be paying off the mortgage with a credit card. At first it seemed like a crazy idea, but as I thought about it I started wondering if it might have some merit. Whether it is truly a good i... Read Full Post

This Saturday residents all over the Bay Area are encouraged to join in the Lights Out San Francisco program, a first of its kind effort that is set to demonstrate just how much energy can be saved in one hour if people just work together and make one small change. On October 20 lights on the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridges, San Francisco’s two signature bridges, will be dimmed from 8 to 9 p.m. Although the savings will be minimal dollar wise, promoting energy awareness is the point of the ... Read Full Post