Marin Luxury Homes (January 2009)

While many bankers, lawyers, and executives received annual bonuses this year, many others did not. It can be expected that the resulting impact on the luxury market will be felt. Last month I noted a sluggish high end for Marin County real estate and nothing much has changed. In fact, sales and escrows slowed further. National number reflect a similar trend. Click here to view the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Housing Report dated 1/4/09. If you would like a similar report relating to any town or zip code in Marin or San Francisco, e-mail me and I will send you a pdf of the report.

[Click HERE for the rest of the report, courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com.] 

Marin Luxury Homes (October 2008)

Nationwide, a chill has fallen on the luxury market as the financial debacle unfolds. Historically, many of the luxury homes and ultra-luxury homes sold in Marin County went to buyers who earned their livings in the financial sector. It appears that those buyers have stepped back from the market for the time being. Meanwhile, the number of such homes has increased, placing pressure on pricing. Indeed, even portfolio buyers have taken a wait and see approach…. Mill Valley again experienced the most luxury home sales (with 6).

[ ... click here for the complete report courtesy of NorthBayRE.com].

Mill Valley, California (Private Schools)

Mill Valley (Marin County), California has several private schools offering top-notch educational programs. Each of these educational programs offer something unique and noteworthy. I encourage you to investigate their websites and contact the schools directly for supplemental information and briefings. 

Greenwood School
17 Buena Vista Avenue, Mill Valley
415/388-0495
Grades: K – 8

Marin Horizon School
305 Montford Avenue, Mill Valley
415/388-8408
Grades: PK – 8
School Info: Montessori school

Mount Tamalpais School
100 Harvard Avenue, Mill Valley
415/383-9434
Grades: K – 8

Ring Mountain Day School
70 Lomita Drive, Mill Valley
215 A Blackfield Drive, Tiburon (preschool campus)
415/381-8183
Grades: PK - 8

Homestead Valley (Mill Valley Neighborhoods Description)

Roughly stated, Homestead Valley sits between Sycamore Parkand Tam Valley–think “across from Whole Foods.” George Lucas lived here, above Tamalpais High School, way back when.

It is an unincoprated area with about 1,100 homes. Homes here vary in stature and price. There are fine estates with super views and cabin-sized dwellings in need of love.

Stolte Grove is a delightful park in HV, bisected by Reed Creek. It has picnic tables, barbecues, and a stage on which my girls have been known to provide impromptu performances of varying qualities and lengths. There is also garden area nearby. You can find both of these parks at Montford and LaVerne Avenues on the the loop. The Marin Horizon School is in Homestead Valley (pre-school through eighth grade).

Blithedale Canyon (Mill Valley Neighborhoods Descriptions)

Blithedale Canyon is easy to find. Just head west on E. Blithedale until you pass the Art Club (where I got married) and head into the trees. This area is fabulous and is home to many of Mill Valley’s celebrities and elite. It boasts tall redwoods, lots of trails, parkland, and prototypically narrow Mill Valley streets.

Many homes are just a short walk to downtown. Many other homes are way up in the hills–the ultimate in privacy. At bottom, the canyon is dominated by the gentle flow of Corte Madera Creek–it’s a quiet, redwooded haven for crafstman-style cottages, cabins, blackberry bushes, deer, old stone walls, foggy mornings, and even some hidden staircases. Above all, it’s a fine place for a relaxing stroll. 

Many hikers start their days at the Old Railroad Grade trailhead.

Cascade Canyon (Mill Valley Neighborhoods Description)

Heading west from Downtown Mill Valley on Throckmorton you will come across Old Mill Park on the left (Old Mill School is on the right). Head into the park and you will then run into Cascade Drive, which winds its way through the trees and along the creek way up into the hills.

This is delightful Cascade Canyon. It is supremely picturesque and a hot area for real estate. Tall redwoods, lots of trails, parkland, and the prototypically narrow Mill Valley streets are all present here.

Many homes are just a short walk to downtown. Many other homes are way up in the hills–the ultimate in privacy.

Middle Ridge (Mill Valley Neighborhoods Description)

Location. Location. Location. Middle Ridge (the community inhabiting the ridge between Blithdale and Cascade Canyons) is considered by many locals to be one of Mill Valley, California’s most desirable neighborhoods. It is known for being warm and sunny, with some outstanding views of the Bay and of San Francisco. It is just a few short blocks from downtown and many of Mill Valley’s finest homes are situated here.

Community Service Groups

There are scores of community service groups and clubs for various activities in Mill Valley and Marin. Below is a list of many of these groups, along with contact information and websites (if available). Marin County is what is because of the hard work and involvement of local people just like you. If you have ideas for any additions to this list, please let Kyle know.

Mill Valley Homes & Real Estate (August 2008)

Predictably and in line with June 2008, 53% of homes priced under $800,000 and 18% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million are in escrow. Mill Valley’s inventory of single family homes for sale is about 102 homes currently on the market (there were 107 in July 2008). Mill Valley homes that sold during the past month averaged 56 days on the market and sold for an average price of about $1.726 million (about $724 per square foot), and averaged about 2,348 square feet.  

Mill Valley Homes & Real Estate (July 2008)

As Marin experiences its seasonal slowdown this time of year (a.k.a. the Summer selling season), Mill Valley’s sales numbers continue skirting the stratosphere. This is not news to anyone who follows my monthly reports. Mill Valley is simply one of the most desirable communities in Marin and its sales reflect that fact–and for good reason.  

Predictably and in line with May 2008, 57% of homes priced under $800,000 and 26% of homes between $1 million and $1.5 million are in escrow. I have noted in past months that Agents were exhibiting ”a sense of purpose” and the numbers reflect that. Mill Valley’s inventory of single family homes for sale is about 107 homes currently on the market (there were 110 in June 2008). Mill Valley homes that sold during the past month averaged 65 days on the market and sold for an average price of about $1.284 million (about $654 per square foot), and averaged about 2,031 square feet.  

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