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Blog by the bay

Home loveMarin County, people, places, culture and real-estate

Heat Wave!

Posted on May 7, 2007 by Ginger Wilcox

Eating Ice Cream in Marin CountyEverywhere you go today, people are talking about the heat. Aren’t you hot? It’s a good day for an ice cream..let’s meet at the pool!

I feel so spoiled living in a place where 89 degree weather is considered record breaking. I was born and raised in Arizona, so 89 degrees was fall and spring weather. With summer temperatures regularly above 110 degrees, the weather was opressive. You don’t even go to the pool in 110 degree weather- the pool is too hot!

Forecasters predict Marin County daytime temperatures will drop back down into the seventies later this week- just in time for Mother’s Day. Fabulous- the perfect temperature for a spoiled Marin resident like myself.

Why do people live in a community where a starter home can cost more than a million dollars? Weather. 70 degree weather through a good portion of the year. 89 degree temperatures considered record breaking. That is my reason for living here! Mild temperatures allow outdoor activities all year round. Ok, it might also be for the breathtaking views. And also the proximity to water, mountains, rivers, wineries, sking, boating, kayaking, wind surfing.

Oh yeah, and the easy commute to San Francisco and all that it has to offer- culture, restaurants, the San Francisco Giants. And don’t forget the schools.

Even for a transplant from Arizona, this 89 degree weather is too hot. I guess it is time to head to the pool.

Market Monday Report-Marin Real Estate Market Update

Posted on by Ginger Wilcox

The marin real estate market continues to be brisk. In the last week, activity for Marin County Single Family Homes (no condos) was as follows:

  • New listings- 97
  • Price Reductions- 75
  • Contingent (in contract with contigencies)- 66
  • Pending (contingencies removed)- 54
  • Sold-57
  • Expired/In -Active -24

For Sold properties , 15 were above asking, 12 were at asking, 30 were below asking. The average days on the market for homes closing escrow last week was 57.

Marin Homes Average Days on Market

Properties are still receiving multiple offers when they are priced at or below market but in general, buyers are more cautious with their offers.

Should I stay or should I go? (Move or Remodel Part 1)

Posted on May 4, 2007 by Ginger Wilcox

I am often asked the question- Should I move or should I remodel?

This question is a very personal one, and should not be answered quickly or without research. There are a number of questions that need to be answered to determine if you should move or remodel.

  • Do you like your neighborhood?
  • Are you comfortable with the schools/amenities in your neighborhood?
  • Are you willing to move out during a remodel or live through construction?
  • Do you like your view/yard?
  • Is your home one of the smaller homes in the neighborhood?
  • Will remodeling improve the value of your home?
  • If you remodeled, would you be comfortable staying in your home for a long period of time or would you still want to move?
  • How much time are you personally willing and able to devote to the remodeling project? Even when you hire contractors and designers, remodeling takes a tremendous amount of time for the homeowner- from interviewing your contractor/designer to picking out materials.
  • Will you be able to achieve your desired results within the rules of your local neighborhood/municipality (Zoning rules for setbacks, floor area ratio, etc)?

The answers to these questions will help guide you in your decision. Need help determining if you should move or remodel in Marin? Call me for a consultation!

Marin Real Estate Market Off Again, On Again

Posted on April 28, 2007 by Ginger Wilcox

A few weeks ago, everything my buyers wrote on was multiple offers. Mill Valley 2 offers, Tiburon 7 offers, Kentfield 3 offers. What was happening? Low inventory through the winter months and pent up demand for quality houses in Marin County caused anxious Marin buyers. With more inventory coming on the market, those same buyers are losing their anxiety, and sometimes getting cold feet on properties they might have bid up. The result- deals falling out of escrow!! I am surprised how many I have seen this week. Buyers and sellers both have to be fair and reasonable in their negotiations to keep deals together. Perhaps that leveling of the market is happening again?

Farewell to a Realtor, an Inspiration

Posted on April 27, 2007 by Ginger Wilcox

I am a third generation real estate agent. The first generation, my grandfather, Elwood Dudley lost his battle with cancer on April 5, 2007. I was very close to my grandfather. He was a teacher, a friend, and the best grandpa there is. He was kind to everyone, adopting those less fortunate into the family. Over the last few weeks, I have heard countless stories from people whom my grandfather helped. He was very generous of his time, resources and energy. He made a significant impact on so many people .

My grandfather was very successful. He was one of the very first subdividers in Prescott Valley, Arizona. His developed, Lynx Lake Estates and Northridge Park Estates. He was a fantastic business man and salesman. He worked very hard to support his family but I believe his success is due in large part to his generosity to others. He was ethical, honest and kind.

I am a truly believer that by giving, you get back more. I know I learned this from my grandfather. I will miss my grandfather very much, but I am very fortunate to have known him. Although he is no longer physically here, I am still learning from the examples he set and from the stories I continue to hear about him.

Thanks Grandpa for all of the memories and all of the knowledge you have passed on to me! I know I can’t fill his shoes, but I can sure try to follow in his footsteps.

Marin Real Estate Market Hot!

Posted on March 21, 2007 by Ginger Wilcox

The Marin Real Estate Market is hot again, especially in Southern Marin. Multiple offers abound and we are seeing many new listings sell before they hit the multiple listing service. Now is definitely the time for sellers to put their properties on the market. Buyers are prepared to pay more than asking price for reasonably priced homes that show well. Overpriced homes prevent buyers from coming through the front door. Sellers are often surprised that buyers don’t just make an offer on these homes.

Considering buying a home? Patience and the ability to jump rapidly on new listings is the key in the current fast paced market. Buyers must be preapproved for their loan and be able to close quickly.