Mill Valley Real Estate Report (March 2012 Home Sales Update) | Pacific Union International
March 24, 2012
February 2012 home sales in Mill Valley dipped to a mere 14 trades. These properties sold for an average price of $1.051 million and averaged 2,405 sq. ft. (or about $460 per sq. ft.). Pricing remains the key ingredient determining buyer interest levels and salability. Buyers continue to insist on readily apparent and undeniable value. If they don’t see it in a property, they are willing to wait it out. The number of listings actively on the market in the MLS has decreased to the point of scarcity. There is extraordinarily low inventory; buyers and agents alike are clamoring for sellers to get their homes to market.
Listings in Strawberry, Middle Ridge, Sycamore Park, and Tam Valley generated the most calls this month. Well-priced homes continue to generate multiple offers. If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com. I currently have several clients who want to sell, but are waiting in the wings for Spring 2012. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. I am also a member of the Top Agent Network and Marin Platinum Group with access to dozens of homes not “officially” on the market but available for sale.
If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, e-mail me. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s International Real Estate | Pacific Union International Mill Valley, CA.
Mill Valley Real Estate Report (January 2012 Home Sales Update) | Pacific Union International
January 30, 2012
December 2011 home sales in Mill Valley dipped to just 18 trades. These properties sold for an average price of $1.196 million and averaged 2,202 sq. ft. (or about $496 per sq. ft.). Pricing remains the key ingredient determining buyer interest levels and salability. Buyers continue to insist on readily apparent and undeniable value. If they don’t see it in a property, they are willing to wait it out. The number of listings actively on the market in the MLS has decreased to the point of virtual . This is extraordinarily low inventory even for this time of year.
Listings in Strawberry, Middle Ridge, Sycamore Park, and Tam Valley generated the most calls this month. Well-priced homes continue to generate multiple offers. If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com. I currently have several clients who want to sell, but are waiting in the wings for Spring 2012. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. I am also a member of the Top Agent Network and Marin Platinum Group with access to dozens of homes not “officially” on the market but available for sale.
If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, e-mail me. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s International Real Estate | Pacific Union International Mill Valley, CA.
Mill Valley Real Estate Report (October 2011 Home Sales Update) | Pacific Union International
November 11, 2011
September 2011 home sales in Mill Valley dipped to just 21 trades (this is reflective of the traditional slowdown related to Summer — e.g., because few homes go into escrow in August, there are few closings in September). These properties sold for an average price of $1.246 million and averaged 2,344 sq. ft. (or about $539 per sq. ft.). Pricing remains the key ingredient determining buyer interest levels and salability. Buyers continue to insist on readily apparent and undeniable value. If they don’t see it in a property, they are willing to wait it out. The number of listings actively on the market in the MLS has decreased to 83 homes. This is extraordinarily low inventory even for this time of year.
The percentage of homes in escrow are:
- Under $800,ooo — 48%
- $800,000 to $1 million — 19%
- $1 million to $1.5 million — 25%
- $1.5 million to $2 million — 13%
- Above $2 million — 14%
Listings in Sycamore Park, Boyle Park, and Tam Valley generated the most calls this month. Well-priced homes continue to generate multiple offers.
If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com. I currently have several clients who want to sell, but are waiting in the wings for Spring 2012. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. I am also a member of the Top Agent Network and Marin Platinum Group with access to dozens of homes not “officially” on the market but available for sale.
If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, e-mail me. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s International Real Estate | Pacific Union International Mill Valley, CA.
Mill Valley Real Estate Report (Pacific Union November 2010 Home Sales Update)
November 23, 2010
October 2010 home sales in Mill Valley totaled 20. These trades sold for an average price of $997, 159 (this figure is much lower than normal as last month’s sales were nearly all under $1.5 million, which is somewhat unusual — September sales averaged $1,307,026) and the homes averaged 2,065 sq. ft. (or about $501 per sq. ft.). It seems September 2010′s sales reflected extreme buyer caution as 19 of the 20 sales were under $1.5 million — on any given month we would expect about 1/2 the sales to be over $1.5 million. Certainly the 13 sales under $1 million helped to clear out some lingering inventory in this entry level price band. The number of listings actively market on the MLS is on the low side (103) as many sellers have decided to take their homes off the market as Winter sets in.
The percentage of homes in escrow:
- Under $800,ooo — 46%
- $800,000 to $1 million — 21%
- $1 million to $1.5 million — 33%
- $1.5 million to $2 million — 27%
- Above $2 million — 0%
Listings in Strawberry and Sycamore Park generated the most calls this month.
If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com. I currently have several clients who want to sell, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. I am also a member of the Marin Platinum Group with access to dozens of homes not “officially” on the market but available for sale.
If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com.It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International.
Pacific Union Real Estate Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Report (July 2010 Home Sales Update)
July 24, 2010
The number of homes sold in the Mill Valley, California real estate market rose and Mill Valley’s touchstone price band ($1 million to $2 million) posted another solid month. In contrast to the previous three years, buyers now speak confidently about our market, recognizing that prices have tumbled significantly, interest rates are extraordinary, jobs numbers have improved, and media coverage concerning real estate has turned positive. Moreover, we are seeing an improved marketplace in San Francisco which is the bellweather for Mill Valley and Marin.
The number of homes for sale in Mill Valley is down incrementally to 143. After the brief slow period in the Summer we can expect increasing inventory after Labor Day. Mill Valley’s entry level price bands (under $1,000,000) are as strong as we have seen them over the past couple of years. Moreover, bread and butter homes of $1.5 mil. and up remain strong and that market segment exhibits undeniable leading indicators of a strengthening market. The chart below tracks prices of “for sale” and “sold” homes at or above $1.5 million compared with last year. Indeed, asking prices are down 6% and sales prices are up 17%. This trend is not evident in every price band.

Mill Valley’s 24 sales in June 2010 gave rise to the following averages: an average price of $1,239,025; and about 2,273 sq. ft. (or about $597 per sq. ft.). Note that the price per square foot number is prone to wild swings from month to month. For example, three months ago, the price per square foot was $640 in Mill Valley. This is because the composition of sales varies dramatically from month to month — at best, price per square foot is a blunt instrument. Homes in Tam Valley, Scott Valley, Sycamore Park, and Country Club generated the most calls this month.
If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com.
p.s. I currently have several clients who want to sell, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. I am also a member of the Marin Platinum Group with access to dozens of homes not “officially” on the market but available for sale. If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, call or e-mail me: (415) 350-9440 | Kyle@MillValley101.com.It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International.
Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Market Report (March 2010 Home Sales Update)
March 15, 2010
The number of home sales in the Mill Valley, California real estate market held exactly even in February – 16 trades (February usually has lower sales totals because it is a short month with two legal holidays and bcause January tends to have weather which limits buyer activity). Based on last month’s total sales, we currently have an overall inventory of homes sufficient to last 5.1 months (absorption rate). This number is higher than last month because of the large number of homes that came on the market very recently. As discussed below, however, our touchstone price band is performing very well.

Insofar as the sales and apsorption rate of Mill Valley’s touchstone price band ($1 million to $ 2million) are concerned, the market appears to be striding towards normalcy. As indicated above, compared with the past 2 years’ February totals, sales are up 50% over 2008 and double that of 2009. Meanwhile, the chart below shows a market with a serious increase in sales velocity — there is barely 3 months’ inventory for homes priced in the touchstone price band. This is a big reduction from the absorption rate from May 2009, which stood at well over 8 months.

Indeed, although we are at the precipice of the traditional selling season, the number of homes for sale in Mill Valley remains low at 82. We still believe that many “real buyers” stand poised to act on the right property. Certainly, the media’s negative feedback loop seems to have reversed itself as most mainstream economy-related articles seem to be more positive in nature as consumer spending has increased. Certainly, investors are “flipping” homes again! Mill Valley’s entry level price band (under $800,000) is as strong as it has been in recent history — with 54% of homes currently in escrow. Below is a table detailing the number of homes in escrow in each price band:
|
Price Range |
Total Active Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $800K |
11 |
54% |
|
$800K – $1 mil. |
20 |
23% |
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil. |
20 |
31% |
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil. |
13 |
35% |
|
$2 mil. & Up |
18 |
10% |
Mill Valley’s 16 sales in February 2010 gave rise to the following averages: 102 days on the market; an average price of $1,552,422; and about 2,886 sq. ft. (or about $545 per sq. ft.).
Homes in Tam Valley, Scott Valley, Sycamore Park, and Country Club generated the most calls this month. If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com.
p.s. I currently have several clients who want to be sellers, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, call or e-mail me: (415) 350-9440 | Kyle@MillValley101.com. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin | Pacific Union International.
Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Market Report (January 2010 Home Sales Update)
January 19, 2010
The number of home sales in the Mill Valley, California real estate market rose again in December 2009 — 27 listings sold, compared with 24 in November. Based on last month’s total, we currently have an overall inventory of homes sufficient to last 1.96 months! This is a HUGE reduction from the absorption rate from May 2009, which stood at well over 8 months. Indeed, the number of homes for sale in Mill Valley is an extraordinarily low 53. Meanwhile, asking prices have held steady over the past quarter and stand now at about $610 per square foot. It remains to be seen whether this rise will translate into higher sales prices.
We still beleive that there are many “real buyers” out there who have been waiting for “a sign” to buy. Certainly, the negative feedback loop supplied by the media has turned the corner — indeed, investors are “flipping” homes again! Mill Valley’s low end market (under $800,000) is competitive with 33% of homes in escrow and that fact bodes well. Below is a table detailing the number of homes in escrow in each price band:
|
Price Range |
Total Active Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $800K |
10 (no change) |
33% |
|
$800K – $1 mil. |
11 (down 2) |
21% |
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil. |
15 (down 6) |
29% |
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil. |
14 (up 1) |
23% |
|
$2 mil. & Up |
13 (down 4) |
7% |
Mill Valley’s 27 sales in December 2009 gave rise to the following averages: 131 days on the market; an average price of $1,019,843; and about 1,952 sq. ft. (or about $528 per sq. ft.).
Homes in Tam Valley, Strawberry, Sycamore Park, and Country Club generated the most calls this month. If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com.
p.s. I currently have several clients who want to be sellers, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, call or e-mail me: (415) 350-9440 | Kyle@MillValley101.com. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin | Pacific Union International.
Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Market Report (December 2009 Home Sales Update)
December 17, 2009
The number of home sales in the Mill Valley, California real estate market rose 20% in November 2009 — that is a total of 24 listings sold. Based on last month’s total, we currently have an overall inventory of homes sufficient to last 3.1 months (significantly lower than last month) — this is called the absorption rate. This is a HUGE reduction from the absorption rate from May 2009, which stood at well over 8 months. Indeed, the number of homes for sale in Mill Valley is a very low 75, typical for this time of year. Meanwhile, asking prices have seemed to stiffen over the past quarter. The graph below tracks asking prices; the average price per square foot for homes currently on the market is rising — approximately $622 per square foot. It remains to be seen whether this rise will translate into higher sales prices.
While the number of homes in escrow is down from last month, that is typical this time of year as buyers and sellers alike are focused on surviving the holiday season. We still think there are many real buyers out there who have been waiting for “a sign” to buy — we don’t know what that sign will be (there are likely to be many “signs”), but we feel it will likely come soon. Numerous newspaper articles have run recently, pointing to the exceptional opportunities out there right now for buyers — indeed, we are starting to hear investors talk about “flipping” homes again!
In fact, the percentage of homes in escrow remains strong at 44% in the lowest price band (under $800,000). This indicates that Mill Valley’s low end market is competitive and that fact bodes well. In Novato, for example, we believe the bottom began to form in April and May 2009 when the low end market began to see escrow ratios over 50% (Novato’s entry level price band has since reached over 80% of homes in escrow in what has become a very tight market). Since then, Novato’s overall market has become increasingly hotter across all price bands. I believe if Mill Valley follows suit, we will see a marked increase in sales over the next few months, particularly if San Francisco firms begin providing bonuses again in the New Year (Click HERE). Remember, last year, there were no bonuses and as a result (at least in part), we had a flat-lining market for the first 5 months of the year.
Below is a graph detailing the number of homes in escrow in each price band:
|
Price Range |
Total Active Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $800K |
10 (down 5) |
44% |
|
$800K – $1 mil. |
13 (no change) |
35% |
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil. |
20 (down 11) |
20% |
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil. |
13 (down 6) |
19% |
|
$2 mil. & Up |
17 (down 11) |
6% |
Mill Valley’s 24 sales in November 2009 gave rise to the following averages: 104 days on the market; an average price of $1,252,958; and about 2,205 sq. ft. (or about $553 per sq. ft.).
Homes in Tam Valley, Strawberry, Sycamore Park, and Country Club generated the most calls this month. If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com.
p.s. I currently have several clients who want to be sellers, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, call or e-mail me: (415) 350-9440 | Kyle@MillValley101.com. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin | Pacific Union International.
Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Market Report (October 2009 Home Sales Update)
October 16, 2009
The good new is that it seems the media has turned a corner on its reporting of the U.S. and worldwide economies, as well as the housing market. Positive press coverage has permeated all forms of media and is certain to change the tide, although it will take time. Significantly, San Francisco agents are reporting a significant surge in sales and prices. We know from past experience, that once San Francisco recovers, surrounding communities recover in a geo-concentrically expanding fashion.
Yet, the Mill Valley, CA. real estate market continues to limp along, offering hope of recovery, but not fully reaching the plateau (or nadir, as it were). Pardon the inevitable mixed metaphors, but it seems the real estate market is like an elite athlete with an ankle sprain, constantly at risk of further injury or re-aggravation. Our low expectations for September were fulfilled as we had just 21 home sales — same as in July and August 2009.
While is seemed that prices had gathered traction after a slippery first half of the year, last month’s price per square foot of homes sold dipped to $529 — note that the graph below tracks asking prices and the average price per square foot for homes on the market is holding steady at about $615. We have been waiting to see whether this flattening out of asking prices would carry over into the sales prices of homes trading this Fall and Winter and it appears the answer in “no.”
Based on last month’s sales total of 21, we currently have an overall inventory of homes sufficient to last a bit more than 5.67 months (virtually the same as August 2009) — this is called the absorption rate. This is still a HUGE reduction from the absorption rate from May 2009, which stood at well over 8 months. The number of homes in escrow is also virtually the same as last month. We think there are many real buyers out there who have been waiting for “a sign” to buy — we don’t know what that sign will be (there are likely to be many “signs”), but we feel it will likely come soon.
As with Marin overall, the most active segment is the sub $1 million price bands, which can be characterized as neutral markets, favoring neither buyers nor sellers. Well over half of last month’s sales were under $1 million. The number of “bread and butter” homes (those priced between $1 million to $2 million) currently in escrow is up from last month to about 20%. Meanwhile, the luxury market in Mill Valley (homes from $2 million and up) saw strong activity last month (5 sales) — and another 9 such homes are in escrow.
|
Price Range |
Total Active Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $800K |
17 (same) |
48% |
|
$800K – $1 mil. |
19 (up 1) |
21% |
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil. |
35 (down 5) |
19% |
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil. |
19 (up 1) |
17% |
|
$2 mil. – $4 mil. |
30 (same) |
14% |
|
$4 mil. & Up |
5 (up 1) |
0% |
Mill Valley’s 21 sales from September 2009 gave rise to the following averages: 66 days on the market; an average price of $1,156,667; and about 2,165 sq. ft. (or about $529 per sq. ft.).
Homes in Tam Valley, Scott Valley, Sycamore Park, and Country Club generated the most calls this month. If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com.
p.s. I currently have several clients who want to be sellers, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, call or e-mail me: (415) 350-9440 | Kyle@MillValley101.com. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin and Pacific Union International.
Mill Valley CA. Real Estate Market Report (September 2009 Home Sales Update)
September 18, 2009
The Mill Valley, CA. real estate market fulfilled low expectations in August 2009 with 22 sales — same as in July 2009. It has become apparent over the past several months that asking prices have largely halted their downward spiral. As is evident in the graph below, which tracks the median price per square foot (down from $740 to $612), in Mid-June prices flattened out in Mill Valley and have more or less remained stable. It will be interesting to see whether this flattening out carries over into the sales prices of homes trading this Fall and Winter.
As with Marin overall, the most active segment is the sub $1 million price bands, which can be characterized as neutral markets, favoring neither buyers nor sellers. Well over half of last month’s sales were under $1 million. The number of “bread and butter” homes (those priced between $1 million to $2 million) currently in escrow is up from 12% last month to about 18% this month. Meanwhile, the luxury market in Mill Valley (homes from $2 million and up) saw very limited activity last month (just 1 sale) — but there are 7 such homes in escrow.
|
Price Range |
Total Active Homes |
Pending Listings |
|
Up to $800K |
17 (same) |
48% |
|
$800K – $1 mil. |
19 (up 1) |
21% |
|
$1 mil. – 1.5 mil. |
35 (down 5) |
19% |
|
$1.5 mil. – $2 mil. |
19 (up 1) |
17% |
|
$2 mil. – $4 mil. |
30 (same) |
14% |
|
$4 mil. & Up |
5 (up 1) |
0% |
Mill Valley’s 22 sales from August 2009 gave rise to the following averages: 111 days on the market; an average price of $911,857; and about 2,109 sq. ft. (or about $449 per sq. ft.). Homes in Tam Valley, Scott Valley, Sycamore Park, and Country Club generated the most calls this month. If you would like more information about neighborhoods, sales, schools, or local Mill Valley services references, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440 or e-mail me at Kyle@MillValley101.com.
Readers of my monthly reports on Mill Valley, CA. are well aware of my love for Mill Valley. And what’s not to like? For starters: (1) A quick and easy commute to San Francisco, (2) often spectacular views of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge (a short 5-10 minutes down HWY 101), and Mt. Tam, (3) excellent schools, (4) pleasant weather, (5) a mellow, laid back ambiance, (6) a town square unlike any other in Marin (you have to go to the town of Sonoma for anything like it), (7) diverse social events (think Mill Valley Film Festival & The Dipsea Race), (8) lots of good restaurants, and (9) excellent shopping choices, including non-gentrified, family-owned boutiques and shops of all kinds.
p.s. I currently have several clients who want to be sellers, but are waiting in the wings. Please contact me to determine if any of these opportunities fit your needs. If you would like my Mill Valley Hot List, call or e-mail me: (415) 350-9440 | Kyle@MillValley101.com. It is always my pleasure to be of service. Christie’s Great Estates | Morgan Lane Marin and Pacific Union International.
