Click Here To Read Article

And, if you have a moment ,check out my Marin History Web Site with the Marin Independent Journal by clicking on the link below:

Marin Independent Journal's Marin History Web Site

     On July 14, 2008 Jeannine Aversa/Associated Press reported that the Federal Reserve and the Treasury will take steps to shore up mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, whose shares have plunged as loses from their mortgage holdings threaten their financial survival.
     The steps are also being taken to send a signal to nervous investors worldwide that the government is prepared to take whatever necessary steps to prevent the credit market crisis troubles that started last year from engulfing financial markets and further weakening the economy and housing markets.
     The Feds said that, "this should help companies ability to promote the availability of home mortgage credit during periods of stress in financial markets." 

  Quick quiz?  Which mortgage company CEO took 140 million home in compensation while the company he founded lost 704 million dollars?  For Marcie Geffners article from Inman News click on the following link:
Countrywide's CEO Angelo Mozilo

     Last post I ran a headline that said, "Ignore the Headlines!"  Well, that might have been a little premature. Last Monday Indymac Bank, in an attempt to reassure depositors that the company is not near collapse, issued a response to letters to Federal Bank regulators from Senator Charles Schumer that "Indymac Bank's financial deterioration posed a significant risk to both taxpayers and borrowers."
     On Friday and Saturday depositers withdrew about 100 million dollars.
     The Center for Responsible Lending issued a report Monday claiming that interviews with former employees and lawsuits in 10 states showed Indymac pushed through loans based on bogus appraisals, worked closely with mortgage brokers who mislead borrowers about their rates and fees, and often treated elderly and minority consumers unfairly.
     While Schumer claimed Indymac Bank used brokered deposits to "finance rapid and irresponsible growth," Indymac said those deposits,"lowered the risk for Indymac Bank and improved our safety and soundness during this turbulent period."

     Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reiterated Friday that the companies are adequately capitalized and that a government bailout is not imminent, but stockholders in the government chartered, publicly traded companies were not entirely reassured.
     Continuing a monthlong slide that intesified last Monday, Fannie Mae's shares fell 22 percent on Friday and Freddie Mac was off more than 3 percent.  Investors are worried loses at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could force those companies to issue more common stock to raise additional capital.  And, if the companies are unable to raise capital, and the government steps in to place the companies in a conservatorship, their shares would be worthless.

     

     When prices are falling few people have the discipline to buy stocks, a house, gold, art or any other asset.  But, for those who do "pull the trigger" excel in the long run.  As John D. Rockefeller famously said,"The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets."
     In Marin County there are some areas where the streets are stained crimson (Novato). Consider this, the stock market is being pummeled, oil per barrel prices are going through the roof, and there's panic that we're in a recession.  The Fed rate cuts will lift the economy eventually, and the stock market wil typically starts responding just as the headlines get their gloomiest.  Sure, the market could fall again before recovering, but the "Recession" may be half over already - or we may avoid one all together. You just never know.
    But, let's say you're emotionally ready to be a homeowner.  You have good credit, plan to stay put for the next five years and have been waiting for the perfect entry point. Well, it may be time to get serious - before an inevitable rise in interest rates wipes out your advantage.  "The thing that will make home prices stop falling is the same thing that will push mortgage rates higher," says Lending Trees chief economist Jim Syinth.  So,anything you gain by a further drop in prices might be offset by rising financial costs.
    It's more complicated if you must sell before you can buy.  But, that logjam won't persist forever - and if it appears you'll be trapped for a few years, try to refinance at today's lower rates.  Risk always seem most acute when the headlines give you ulcers.  But that's exactly when you should think long term - and get off your thumbs.
    Ignore the headlines!

                                                              
     Independence Day is a heartbeat away and one of the beauties of life in the North Bay is the variety of fun events that our charming communities organize at this time of year. Read on to learn of the many unique ways to observe this all-American holiday. Happy Fourth!
 
Corte Madera-Larkspur
43rd Annual Corte Madera/Larkspur Chambers of Commerce 4th of July Parade - Elaborate floats, precision drill teams, classic cars and the Corte Madera Town Band.
Parade Time: 10:30 am
Route: From Redwood High in Larkspur, it moves down Magnolia into Corte Madera and continues down Tamalpais Ave to the Town Center.
Post-parade: Check out the festivities at Corte Madera's Town Park: arts and crafts, food and drink, carnival games, children's activities and live entertainment.
Info: (415) 924-0441.

Novato
16th Annual 4th of July Parade - Come see over 100 parade entries ranging from classic cars and vehicles from a military museum to Irish bagpipers and a Chinese drum and bell corps.
Parade Time: 10 am
Route: Downtown Novato, starting at the corner of Grant and Railroad Avenues 
Along the parade route, you will also find food and refreshment booths, and souvenir t-shirts.
Info: (415) 899-8900.

The 55th Annual Buckaroo Breakfast
Location: Redwood Credit Union parking lot: 1010 Grant Ave, downtown Novato
Time: Breakfast served from 7-10 am
Organizer: The event is presented by the Presbyterian Church of Novato.
Fee: There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for kids. Proceeds will be donated to the Marin Community mission project.

First Annual Novato 4th of July Race
Tamalpa, a Marin running club, presents a "4 on the 4th" four-mile road race and a "Mayor's Mile" one-mile family walk/jog.
Starting time/place: 7:20 am at 7th and Grant, downtown Novato
Entry fee: $15, which includes a race mug and post-race goodies
To register, go to the Tamalpa website.
 
Ross
Annual Ross Commons Picnic - Pack your own lunch, or you can order from Eddie's. The picnic begins at noon and will take place at the Grove area of the Common.
Info: (415) 453-1453, ext. 176
 
San Rafael
Marin County Fair and Fireworks
The Marin County Fair (at Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Drive) offers Marin County's official fireworks display. The July 4th concert features the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans.
Fair admission: $12 to $14, and includes free carnival rides, exhibits, and music
Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm
Info: (415) 499-6400 or  www.marinfair.org
  
Sausalito
4th of July Parade and Fireworks - This year's parade will include the Cal Alumni Marching Band, floats of all shapes and sizes, and the Sausalito Fire Department.
Parade Time: 10 am
Route: Starting at South Bridgeway, it will move through downtown Sausalito to Caledonia St and into Dunphy Park.
Post Parade: A town picnic in the park with food, entertainment, raffles, tug-of-war, and an egg toss. Fireworks: 9:15 pm
For a complete schedule of the day's events, go to www.ci.sausalito.ca.us
 
 
Tiburon
Fireworks Cruise - One of the best ways to see the San Francisco fireworks display is from the Bay! The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Co. will offer a 4th of July fireworks cruise.
Boarding Time: 7:30 pm and departs at 8 pm
Place: The Tiburon ferry dock off Main Street
Fee: $40 for adults; $20 for children
Info:  (415) 435-2131.

Woodacre
4th of July Parade and Pancake Breakfast
Breakfast Time & Place: 8-11 am at the Woodacre Fire Station, 33 Castle Rock Rd.
Cost: $7 for adults; $3 for children
Parade Time: Noon
Route: Starting at the Woodacre Improvement Club (1 Garden Way), it follows Railroad Ave to the Dickson Ranch.
Post-Parade: A good old-fashioned celebration at Dickson Ranch - A family affair with games, face painting for the kids, competitions (including the men's ugly leg contest), horse rides, plenty of music, barbecue, bingo, and everyone's favorite, the flea market.

    Countrywide's takeover by Bank of America is approved while California and Illinois sue over misleading borrowers.  Officials in both California and Illinois have filed lawsuits claiming Countrywide misled borrowers into taking risky home loans.  For the complete story click on the link below:
Alex Veiga's Associated Press Article

     On June 19, 2008 the Marin Independent Journal newspaper reported that in May of 2008 home sales were up from the previous month , but that the volume of sales are down in comparison to this time last year.  287 homes sold in May of 2007 where this year in May only 178 homes sold.   As home sales continue to plunge across the Bay Area Marin remains an anomaly as the only county where the median price increased from $925,000 this time last year to $1,102,000.
     Corrina Rollins, senior real estate instructor at College of Marin for more than 20 years was not surprised by the price jump.  Corrina says, "Marin had only the lowest end of the market involved in sub-prime mortgage sales, and most of the homes that were selling were outside of that range." Corrina also says,"the typical seller in Marin, they can wait." Suggesting that  some sellers might wait out this marketplace before offering their home for sale.
     None the less, Novato has been hit harder than the rest of the county to the point where some companies have closed or curbed their operations.  In fact, Coldwell Banker has closed it's Novato office as has Avalar Real Estate.  Coldwell Banker's response was, "that with the sophistication of electronic communications, agents do not need much office support as they once did." 
      At this time Pacific Union has moved into a smaller office space in Novato.  Levi Swift of Pacific Union and current President of the Marin Association of Realtors says,"the real estate market is going through a cycle that has been exacerbated by the national economy."
      Larry Brackett, CEO for Frank Howard Allen, acknowledges that the Novato market has hit the city harder than elsewhere but thinks it has a bright future - especially when work on Highway 101 is finished and commuting becomes easier.  "Trader Joe's and Whole Foods think Novato is upwardly mobile," Brackett said of the two retail chains that are opening outlets downtown. "There are a number of very positive signs regarding the Novato market."
     In fact, Brackett said,"I've been recruiting  agents from Coldwell Banker offices in Greenbrae, San Rafael, and Novato.  I do not understand Coldwell Banker's business decision, but then I'm not running a national company."

And, if you have a moment, check out my Marin History web site at:
Marin Independent Journal's Marin History Web Site

     Realty educator Corina Rollins of Greenbrae says that if Marin's real estate market hasn't bottomed out yet, it's very close. "You are starting to see people move into the market, attracted by the low prices," said Rollins, senior real estate instructor at the College of Marin for more than 20 years. "We are as close to a buyer's market as we are likely to be," she said. Marin home sales remain lower than last year, though sales are picking up a bit after several months of record lows.

      The median price of a single-family home in Marin last month was $935,000, down from $1,010,000 a year earlier, and just 165 single-family homes were sold - down from 254 in April 2007, DataQuick Information Systems of La Jolla reported Tuesday. In March, the median single-family home price in Marin was $862,500, and 110 single-family homes were sold. April statistics included total sales of 216 single-family homes and condominiums, down from 313 in April 2007 - but up from 148 sales in March.

     DataQuick analyst John Karevoll said Marin remains a "unique market that doesn't seem to be too concerned with the ups and downs of mainstream meat and potatoes real estate in the state of California." "The issues that seem to concern Marin homeowners are not the issues that concern 97 percent of homeowners," he said. Describing last month's median price for a resale home in Marin as "stratospheric," Karevoll noted Marin was the first county in the state to exceed a million-dollar median price one year ago. "And Marin is going to be the first to re-cross it," he said.

     Levi Swift, president of the Marin Association of Realtors, said the statistics indicate "Marin County and San Francisco County are the ones holding up the best. É Realtors on the ground are seeing lots of traffic and if a house is properly priced, it sells and it sells pretty quickly." Across the Bay Area, 6,310 homes and condos sold. That was up 29 percent from 4,898 in March but down 15 percent from 7,447 in April 2007. The month-to-month jump was the strongest for any March-to-April in DataQuick's statistics, which go back to 1988. From last September through March, each month was the slowest on record.

     The median price for a Bay Area home was $518,000 last month, down 3.4 percent from $536,000 in March, and down 21.4 percent from $659,000 in April last year. Rollins said the combination of low prices and affordable rates may lead condo dwellers and those living in small homes to consider bigger homes. "But I don't think it's going to happen rapidly," said Rollins, a residential appraiser in addition to her teaching duties.

     The Marin market - especially among condos where the median price jumped to $508,000 in April from $477,500 in March - should benefit from a federal move to increase the conforming loan rate to as much as $729,750. The move cuts interest premiums.      Foreclosure property resales accounted for 26 percent of last month's Bay Area market. Foreclosure properties accounted for 9 percent of Marin's market. Appraising a home in foreclosure in a Petaluma subdivision, Rollins found 8 of the 9 homes for sale in the area were in some stage of foreclosure.

This article appeared in the May 20th, 2008 issue of the Marin Independent Journal.
For the full article and statistical graphs from DataQuick CLICK HERE
And, if you'd like to see my online journal with the Marin Independent Journal click -> Marin History

     Putting your house on the market?  A good real estate agent isn't all you need.  Sometimes staging your house can be the difference between its sitting or selling.  Staging can be as small as tweaks with paint, furniture placement, and accessories that make your house look as desirable as possible.  Or, hiring a professional stager to come in and dramatically transform your home into a showplace.  Either way a recent survey by Coldwell Banker found that staged homes spent half the time on the market and sold for more than the asking price.
     Here are some simple staging tips to help you turn lookers into buyers at your next open house:
Scrub till it sparkles!  It sounds obvious, but experts say sellers often overlook the easy fix.  Vacumn behind the couches and under the bed.  Scrub out stains in the carpet and wash all of the windows inside and out.  Scour ceiling fans and polish door knobs.  When things sparkle, houses sell.
     Open windows to let in the fresh air.  Have a friend perform the white glove - and sniff - tests.  You may be so used to your cat's litter box that you don't even notice it's smell.
Clobber the Clutter:  Go room by room and purge.  The less stuff you have, the bigger the house will seem. Get rid of anything personal: Kids trophies, wedding pictures, and college banners make buyers feel like intruders. " You want people to feel like they're walking into a house that could be theirs according to Memme.
Pay Attention to Details: Go through your entire to-do list, then do and redo. This means patching any holes in the walls, fixing leaky faucets, and replacing burned out light bulbs.  Buy fresh towels and put all the toilet lids down. Hide wastebaskets.  Play soft music throughout the house. Play up the zones in your garage. Designate one area for garden tools and another for sports related equipment.  "Organization helps sell a home."
Camouflage with Paint: Paint not only makes a house look better, it also helps with odors.  Pick nuetrals.  Nuetral doesn't mean white. Try warm tans, honeys, taupes, and sage.
Entice Buyers to Enter: Go across the street and get a good look.  Your eyes should be drawn to the front door, not the grass that needs mowing, the overgrown weeds, or that old rain gutter that's been sittting in your driveway since 2006.  If people don't like what they see on the outside, they may not want to come in. Doors are the one exception to the neutral-color rule.  Rich colors say "Welcome" and "Come Inside." And, create an inviting entry with colorful flowers.
Define each Room: Don't force buyer's to guess a room's purpose.  Figure out it's true intent and then furnish accordingly.  If your living room doubles as an office, take out the desk.
Use Furniture Wisely: And sparingly, see if you can pare down a quarter to half of the furniture in every room. Take a picture of each room to gain perspective.
Highlight Key Architectural Elements: Direct the eye with drama. Use contrast colors on crown moldings or use valances to showcase tall windows. Don't push furniture up against a wall as it will create odd empty space in the middle of the room.  Instead, float it off the wall to help buyers circulate around the room.
Let there be Light!: Turn on every light in the house - even in the daytime.  And, unless a window looks onto a garbage dump, keep drapery open.  Remember: Once you put the For Sale sign up, you have to emotionally detach from your house.  It's not about how you live or what your taste are, it's about appealing to a wide range of tastes.
(Some of the information for this post was taken from an article written by Leslie Pepper)
    

CBS 5's Video - Novato, the Most Affordable Suburb in California!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  if you're driving down Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, check out the sculpture in front of Ross's Town Hall, and have a wonderful and safe Mother's Day! 

Special thanks to Alberto Pinto for providing this photo of downtown Sausalito in 1864.  Off to the left of the man standing in the foreground is a sign that reads, "Walk Your Horses."  A special platform was created to load horses onto the ferry to San Francisco.  The street you see above was called Water Street that is now named Bridgeway in honor of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

If you'd like to see more amazing historical photos, and stories of Marin County from "days gone by" check out my web site with the Marin Independent Journal at: Marin History

     Marin Count's population increased by almost 1% in 2007 , Marin's largest jump in four years reported the State Department  of Finance. The Counties population increased from 255,080 to 257,406.
    
Here are the State's California Department of Finance's population of Marin's Towns as of January 1, 2008:

Belvedere          2,161
Corte Madera     9,512
Fairfax              7,412
Larkspur          12,204
Mill Valley        13,925
Novato            52,737
Ross                 2,393
San Anselmo     12,601
San Rafael        58,235
Sausalito            7,503
Tiburon              8,917
Unincorparted    69,806 
TOTAL MARIN   257,406

     Of the Counties cities, Novato has the most single detached homes at 12,196 and the largest number of mobile homes at 718.  San Rafael has the largest number of multi-unit apartments at 2,070.  Ross has the largest number of people per household with 2.97, while Sausalito has the smallest with 1.74.
     Mill Valley experienced the greatest percentage growth in 2007, increasing by 154 residents, or 1.1% while San Rafael had the smallest percentage of growth adding 392 residents or 0.7 percent.  California is now home to one in eight Americans.

      Right now everything Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke does only drives our economy deeper into a recession while making the dollar weaker, stock market  lower, and oil prices higher. Why?
      What happened?  After September 11th, then Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, adopted an ultra easy money policy that drove mortgage rates to record lows. and got the real estate bubble blowing. At about the same time China joined the World Trade Organization and used "currency manipulation" to boost  its United States exports to keep it's currency undervalued and it's exports artificially cheap.  China recycled more than a trillion dollars back into the United State's bond market. This currency manipulation fueled the growing real estate bubble by artificially depressing mortgage rates - all the while laying waste to America's manufacturing base and ability to create jobs.
     As investors entered the real estate market buying properties and flipping them the Mortgage industry began offering risky mortgages that allowed people with no money to buy into homes with highly risky adjustable rate "subprime mortgages."  The stage was set... as Wall Street began to package these subprime mortgages into complex "mortgage back securities." Speculators jumped in and like a deadly virus, these mortgage back securities spread out to infect portfolios all over the world.
     In 2006 when home prices stretched far beyond their true valuations some speculators pulled the plug by foreclosing. Meanwhile, those "exploding adjustable rate mortgages" began to do just that. As homeowners could not make their monthly payments home prices dropped and pushed foreclosures to record highs.
     The downstream consequences for world credit market have been severe. As foreclosures have risen the value of mortgage back securities has plummeted. Until our economic leaders refocus on what made the American economy so great: sound money, fiscal responsibility, and a vibrant manufacturing base - a recommitment to those principles would do more to restore order in the global financial system and economy than more rate cuts and mulit-billion dollar bailouts!
     Right now everything Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke does only drives our economy deeper into a recession while making the dollar weaker, stock market  lower, and oil prices higher.  Ben Bernanke needs to focus on sound business principles if there's any hope of restoring faith nationally, and globally in our economy.  Till then, it's anybody's guess what's going to happen...

On April 18th, 2008 the Marin Independent Journal rolled out these headlines:



To read the whole article click:  Marin Independent Journal Article

Malaise: "General sense of depression or unease", "Lack of well being"

If you click on the link above you'll find a fairly interesting poll ,that as of April 20, 2008, readers responded to the question: "Do you think the housing market has hit bottom?" to which 21.53% replied YES and 78.46% replied NO!

     Frank Howard Allen is the North Bay market share leader once again, according to both dollar volume and units sold for 2007. Frank Howard Allen led the local market with 17.4% of the total dollar volume and 16.1% of total units sold in Marin and Sonoma Counties combined. For Marin County, Frank Howard Allen Realtors is also on top with 21.6% of total dollar volume and 23.3% of total units sold.  

     "I have to say, it's no surprise to me that our agents performed so well despite the very challenging market they faced last year. I know every agent has worked hard to stay on top and maintain a positive outlook. Clearly it's what makes the difference," says Noreen Smith of Frank Howard Allen administration. 
     In another key accomplishment, FHAllen has again ranked as one of the North Bay's Top 500 Businesses. At position 94, we are the only real estate company in the top 100 and the only privately-owned real estate company in the top 300.  
     "The energy and spirit of Frank Howard Allen is truly unique. As we approach our 100th anniversary, the amazing record of our company is one we can be proud of." says Becky Gould the General Manager.
THE NUMBER ONE REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN MARIN COUNTY!
 

420 Fawn Drive is truly an enchanted property. Located on almost a full acre in the Sleepy Hollow subdivision in San Anselmo, California.  This wonderful eclectic artist's home that you see in the photo above is complimented by a huge two story garage/workshop that includes a loft,a room upstairs, and an unfinished full bath.  There is also a barn that's in excellant condition, that possibly could serve as stables for horses.

The three  bedroom (including upstairs master suite with loft and office) two bath house is situated in a quiet private setting.  This property you have to see to believe!  It's amazing! 

Open Sunday from 1 to 4pm  (April 27th, 2008)

420 Fawn Drive Video

As of March 30, 2008:
1307 homes (SFD & Condo/Townhomes) are on the market
  948 homes are currently "Active"
  259 homes are "Pending" (in Escrow)
  123 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)
Homes Under $1,000,000
  378 homes are on the market
  212 homes are currently "Active"
  166 homes are "Pending"
    80 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)
Homes Over  $1,000,000
   450 homes are on the market
   356 homes are currently "Active"
     94 homes are "Pending"
     43 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)
Homes Over  $2,000,000
    165 homes are on the market
    134 homes are currently "Active"
      31 homes are "Pending"
      12 homes "Sold" in March (as of 3/30/2008)

174  AVENIDA MIRAFLORES IN TIBURON, CALIFORNIA



Elegant Tiburon property with truly breathtaking views from every room!  This exceptional home offers four bedrooms including Master suite and three and one half baths. Off the kitchen/family room step outside into your own private oasis.  An aquatic paradise awaits you.  A lushly landscaped patio area surrounds the pool,spa, and covered dining area. Other features include a gated driveway, two car attached garage, and the highly sought after Reed School District.  Offered at: $2,895,000  email: MarinRealEstate@gmail.com for more information.
OPEN SUNDAY APRIL 27, 2008 FROM 1 TO 4PM

Belvedere Tiburon Landmarks Web Site

Marin Independent Journal's online Marin History Web Site

The Tiburon International Film Festival comes to the Tiburon Playhouse and Corinthian Yacht Club from March 13, 2008 through March 21, 2008. 
For more information please go to:  Tiburon Film Festival 
Or call: 415-381-4123


Understanding the World through Film!

     The Government just announced that it will temporarily increase limits on conforming loans from $417,000 to as high as $729,000. Marin County and thirteen other counties in California qualified. This will affect only those loans originated between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008.  The Government is expected to be working out new underwriting standards and plans to offer these new loans soon.
     This is part of the Governments economic stimulus package approved earlier this year calling for temporary increases on loan limits to allow troubled borrowers to refinance out of sub-prime loans and make it easier for many new buyers to qualify for mortgages in high cost areas, particularly in Marin County where home prices remain among the highest in the nation. 
      This may also prove to be a window of opportunity for many buyers as the new home season begins. If your thinking of buying and selling, now may be the time to take advantage of an opportunity that will not be available after December 31, 2008.

      I've been flooded with emails wondering who won the Dream House raffle in San Rafael, California.  Here is the link to the Marin Independent Journals article listing the winners.  The man from Washington State that won the 2.1 million dollar dream house opted to take cash instead.  Here the link: Winners Marin County Dream House
     And, even thought this home is located in Santa Cruz, here is the link for another
 Dream House Raffle: 1.4 Million Dollar Santa Cruz Dream House   Thanks to one and all for your inquires and support of this web site.  Truly, thank you!

      Is the Marin Association of Realtors in a state of crisis?   Many members think so. What do you think?
      About 10 years ago the Marin County Association of Realtors maintained the Multiple Listing Service (MLS/property information) database for Realtors in Marin County.  This was prior to the internet becoming such an intricate part of our lives and businesses.  At that time the Marin Association of Realtors was worried that Microsoft might attempt to make inroads into our profession, and we relinquished the data we owned and controlled to third parties (which is now Bay Area Real Estate Information Services/BARIES.)  I was on the Board of Directors at that time, and protested this action. I felt we were allowing our fears to define us.
      When the Marin Association of Realtors (MAR) controlled the MLS the "Code of Ethics" and "Professional Standards" were respected.  Why? Because if you conducted your business in an unethical or in a non professional manner you could have your MLS privileges suspended.  Now that the MLS is operated by a third party, it appears that there are no mechanisms in place to enforce unethical conduct and unprofessional behavior.
       Over the last 10 years we've seen realtors, real estate companies, and VOWs (virtual office websites aka virtual offices without walls) marketing other realtor's listings as if they were the listing broker.  Misleading?  Confusing? That's just the tip of the iceberg! 
       In the last ten years we've begun seeing what Steven Colbert on The Colbert Report calls "truthiness" being practiced in Marin County Real Estate advertising.  It's not the truth, but some variation that has nothing to do with the truth. You think at first that it might be true, but when you examine it, it has nothing to do with the truth.
      How can there be two number one real estate companies in Marin County? How can there be multiple agents claiming to have been the number one agent in Marin.  How can  local newspapers, and other local publications print conflicting ads depicting two different companies claiming the mantel of being number one, oftentimes in the same publication? Not only is this a disservice to the company that truly is number one, but what kind of disservice is this to the public? You might think that the Real Estate profession would have established clear criteria and standards in this regard...wouldn't you?! 
       What happened to the Code of Ethics? 
       If there is a real estate agent, broker, or company in Marin County that is disingenuous, devious, deceptive, and dishonest in their advertising, does it matter?  Does this kind of behavior affect other real estate professional's ability to practice real estate fairly in the same environment ? Has "truthiness" become the new professional standard? 
       Is the Marin Association of Realtors in crisis?  As long as these kinds of concerns plague the membership many members believe there's a cancer eating away at the integrity of MAR.  It appears  that the organization has become ineffective and powerless.  The Marin Association of Realtors Board of Directors needs to take a long look at where it's been and where it want's to go. Or continue doing what they're doing and run the risk of becoming an unnecessary entity.

       This post was originally emailed to the current President of MAR, last year's President and now a member of the Board of Directors at MAR, and Ed Segal Cheif Operating Officer of MAR on 2/26/2008.  On 2/28/2008 the Board of Directors had a meeting. Afterwords, Ed Segal, said the Board would be taking actions to enforce the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.

       The Tiburon Film Festival's program for 2008's back cover has an Ad from a new real estate office in Tiburon claiming to be the Number One Listing Office in Tiburon.  The problem is they don't have any listings in Tiburon?  Not one listing?  I've asked  an agent in that office if they could explain this to me on February 28, 2008.  They said they could not.  One agent said they did have a listing but it's been withdrawn so the owner could refinance.   She was visibly upset when I asked her if she could explain the ad.  Can anyone explain to me how this company is the Number One Listing Office in Tiburon, and does not have any listings in Tiburon?
    

Recently someone alerted me that a web site, Real Estate Guidance, had reviewed this web site. Here's what they had to say," If you're looking forward to investing in property you have to be armed with information regarding the real estate business.  Investments are interesting if a property looks lucrative to you.  It may appear to be liquid cash for your future.  So, awareness is the word before you invest in property.

What do you know about Marin County Real Estate statistics? Being a unique part of California, Marin County has many amazing secrets to unfold. Mark Danforth Lomas is a successful realtor from Marin, and has been practicing real estate in Marin for over 20 years.  The real estate worth of Marin, each nook and corner is known to Lomas.

Check out his web site: www.TheRealEstateScene.com and the many informative articles such as "Neighbors from Hell!" or "Reasons Why You Need A Realtor To Sell Your House!"  If you havn't already, it is high time that you learn about Marin County, so that before you take the leap, you are informed properly enough to help make yourself the best deal!

Real Estate Guidance Review of The Real Estate Scene in Marin County

     What real estate slump?

     The Bay Area's rich are still snapping up high-end properties for record sums. On Friday, a mystery shopper agreed to buy the unfinished penthouse at the Millennium Tower for $11 million. That's $2,288.81 for each of the San Francisco property's 4,800 square feet, a range rarely exceeded even when the space is built out - that is to say, when it actually includes walls and finishes.The buyer, who wasn't identified per the building owner's policy, put down $1 million to begin the escrow process.

     The deal is further evidence that people are willing to pay ever higher prices for luxury Bay Area real estate, particularly downtown San Francisco condominiums, even as thousands of average homeowners are wrestling with plummeting prices and fighting off the specter of foreclosure. High-end homes operate in their own universe because the availability is limited and the very wealthy are largely immune to the main factors dragging down the broader market.
    
     "On the upper end, it has definitely gone up," said Alan Mark of the Mark Co., a marketing and research firm for the condominium industry. "There's a deep market for large, high-end condominium residences that have great views."

     New York-based Millennium Partners is developing the $500 million, 60-story glass structure at 301 Mission St., which is scheduled to open in spring 2009. Sales began in November and despite an average price tag of $2.5 million, the company is well ahead of its goals, said Richard Baumert, managing director with Millennium.

    "The momentum has been pretty strong since the day we opened," he said.

    And not just at the Millennium.

    During the fourth quarter of last year, 40 condos and single-family homes traded hands in San Francisco for more than $3 million - adding up to a total of $213.8 million in real estate sales, according to Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate. That's up from 22 sales for $119.4 million a year earlier.

   The trend has continued into the new year:

-- A six-bedroom, five-bath home listed for $6.45 million in Ross went into escrow in January.

-- A three-bedroom, two-bath property on 113 acres in Calistoga sold for $6 million on Feb. 7.

-- An eight-bedroom, 9 1/2-bath house in Hillsborough traded hands for $11 million. It went on the market Jan. 28, sold on Jan. 29 and closed on Feb. 5.

-- Units that sold at the St. Regis Hotel and Residences in San Francisco two years ago are trading for 50 percent more today.

     These deals are occurring even as the broader market tumbles, with resale homes in the nine-county Bay Area falling 43.7 percent in January and median prices dropping nearly 9 percent from a year earlier, according to DataQuick Information Systems.

     The high-end market is experiencing the opposite trend primarily because things like tight credit, prices that outpace incomes and subprime mortgages aren't of particular concern to the wealthy, who can often pay all cash, said Avram Goldman, chief executive officer of Pacific Union.

     And while there is a glut of inventory in markets hammered by foreclosures, the supply of very high-end homes is extremely tight across the region. A five-year wait for a premium property in a tony San Francisco neighborhood is not uncommon, said Malin Giddings, who specializes in upscale San Francisco real estate for TRI Coldwell Banker.

     "We have so many more buyers who have money than we have inventory," she said. "I don't care how much money you have, I cannot make people move."

     On top of that, more people are becoming wealthy, as the rich are getting richer - creating additional demand that pushes prices higher.

     The top 1 percent of California's taxpayers saw their income jump 107.7 percent from 1995 to 2005, after adjusting for inflation, according to a California Budget Project report last year. Similarly, Forbes reported late last year that the collective net worth of the individuals on its 400 richest list grew $290 billion from the prior year to $1.54 trillion.

    "The affluence in the U.S. is the greatest it has ever been," said Richard Welty, president of Welty Capital Management in Lafayette. "They're taking (money) out of investments and buying that dream house."

This article appeared on page C - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle  2/16/2008

     On January 22, 2008 the Marin Independent Journal reported that, "If you're searching expensive U.S. metropolitan areas for a "best affordable" town, look no further than Novato, say the editors at Business Week magazine."
     The national magazine named Novato one of the best towns in suburbia based on a median home price of $750,000, reasonable by Marin and Bay Area standards, but also on it's high quality schools, low crime, and unemployment rates, reasonable commutes and access to shopping and entertainment.
     For the full story check out:   Marin IJ Novato Article

                TEN REASONS WHY YOU NEED A REALTOR TO SELL YOUR HOUSE

1. The 2 most important considerations when selling a home is Price and Exposure. If your home has been on the market and has not sold it’s one of 2 things. It wasn’t priced right, or didn’t receive the right kind of exposure/marketing.

    For a house that has already been on the market, in a relatively strong real estate market (the Marin Real Estate market peaked in July and August of 2005 and is still strong in some areas of Southern Marin) to bring it back on in a declining market as a For Sale By Owner for many is seen as an act of desperation.

    These sellers, even with a price reduction don’t seem to understand why they seem to only attract bottom feeders and predatory buyers looking for a steal ... or realtors, that only chase listings that have expired and For Sale By Owners that they hope they can convert into a client.

2. If your house is not listed that means there is no assurances to the professional realtor that if they show your property, that their buyer might go around them and try and cut a deal with you. And, why not? It happens all the time. Some buyers, if they think they can save some money, will try anything.

    Without a listing agreement, there’s no guarantee that the buyer’s agent will be compensated. Even if the FSBO offers to pay the buyer’s side of the commission, most agents won’t want to go through a transaction with a self-represented seller across the table.

    This means the pool of potential buyers for FSBO homes is limited primarily to unrepresented and probably unqualified prospects.

3. For Sale By Owners is an attractive concept in a Seller’s market. However, when the market starts to turn cold history has shown that people tend to use Realtors.

4. In fact, a 2002 study on Home Sellers reports that the median sales price of an agent assisted home was 27% higher than ones sold By Owner.

5. For Sale By Owners are also locked out of many home search engines and Web sites including Realtor.com the number one site for buyers looking for homes for sale.

6. Buyers will feel intimidated. Potential buyers will spend less time in a FSBO home especially if the homeowner is present during the showing, and they’ll be shy about discussing it’s pluses and minuses with their own agent if the owner is within earshot.

7. Buyers will also be less inclined to make an offer if they know that they’ll be negotiating directly with the seller.

8. Having an agent on each side of the transaction creates an effective emotional buffer between the seller and buyer.

9. These are unusual times, the stock market and economic markets around the world are in a tailspin. Mortgage options are limited from what they had been, and the super jumbo loan rates have gone up significantly. This is not a good time to "test" the market.

10. And lastly, Buyers are worried about potential legal problems with For Sale By Owner sellers. As we all know real estate transactions are fraught with potential liability, particularly in California where there are extensive disclosure requirements. A For Sale By Owner who overlooks even one required form or legally mandated disclosure could face a protracted and expensive buyer lawsuit after the transaction closes.

 

 

 

 

      Pockets?  If you're a buyer in today's Bay Area Real Estate market then you know exactly what pockets are. While most of the country is experiencing a declining Real Estate market, some neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area are defying that trend.  There are certain "pockets"  that are still "en fuego", and in some instances homes for sale in these neighborhoods/pockets are receiving "multiple offers!"
      Nationally, experts like Robert Shiller of the Case-Shiller Home Price Index Case-Shiller Home Price Index  continue to issue predictions that 2008 will be another year of grim reaping.  One would think this kind of information would elate would be home buyers.  Unfortunately, this spectre of the real estate boom's death isn't helping anyone focused on certain neighborhoods/pockets in San Francisco and Marin County, where interest is still running high.
     Recently, a new not too pricey home in San Francisco came on the market, and before most buyers could even preview the home, the owners had received nine offers.  At the same time there are homes on the market in northern Marin County that appear to be priced competitively, yet they continue to sit on the market?  
     What does this mean to buyers and sellers in today's market?  For buyers and sellers they need to align with a reputable professional realtor that knows what areas are hot, and which are not.  Most buyers that have been out looking already know where the hot pockets are.   And, for Sellers that are serious about selling their homes and want to get the highest price possible with the best terms and conditions, this information is critical.

By Pat Ryan...Artista Extrodinaire!

     A huge storm hit Marin County today with hurricane winds up to 83 miles an hour.  In Tiburon, around 9:30am, a Sausalito man was in critical condition after being rescued in choppy waters off of Belvedere and the Tiburon Bike Path.  Attempting to secure a 60 foot tug boat one of the rescuers fell into the freezing waters with waves up to eight feet on the bay.  Ed Lynch, from the Tiburon Fire Department, said it took rescuers about 45 minutes to locate the victim among 6 to 8 foot waves (whipped up by 60-70 mph winds).  The 25  person rescue  effort included rescue swimmers, an inflatable vessel, a US Coast Guard Helipcopter, and a County deployed rescue team.
The Marin Independent Journal Storm Coverage

U.S.Coast Guard Helicopter begins rescue  (9:25am 1/4/2008)


Tiburon Police Car on Bike Path (this picture was taken 9:35am January 4, 2008)
Four Tiburon Police cars and two Belvedere Police cars help rescue teams from
shore locate man who fell into bay.

40 Foot Boat breaks loose from Sausalito and lands on Tiburon shores

Happy New Year!    All the best in 2008!     Mark Danforth Lomas 

                        415-789-7777     MDLomas@gmail.com

Members of the Coast Miwok Indian Tribe will join an historic celebration Saturday marking the 190th Anniversary of the founding of Mission San Rafael Arcangel.  Tribal dignitaries will take part in what many consider a long overdue coming together of the church and the Miwoks, which had often been treated inhumanely by the Mission's fathers.
                (Mission Museum) 
     The Celebration will include showing of Miwok crafts, a Mass featuring recitation of the Lord's prayer in the Miwok language, and a reception hosted in part by tribal leader Terri Brunner, curator of the Mission Museum, welcomes the celebration, "a reconnection between the Coast Miwoks and the larger community."
(Mission Museum)
"When the Spanish came here, they were homeless and strangers: they made us homeless and strangers in our own homeland." Greg Sarris, Sonoma State Professor and current head of the Miwok Tribal Council.
           

If you go: 
Saturday's Celebration will begin at 4pm at St.Rafael's Church at 1104 Fifth Avenuen.  Indian artifacts from the Marin Museum of the American Indian will be on display, including duck decoys, clapper sticks, whistles, and reproductions of tule boats, some of them made by Indians.
At 5pm, Mass will be in the main church, Joanne Campbell, an Indian will recite the Lord's prayer in Miwok, and the Reverand Francis Quinn will officiate.
At 6pm, when the Mass is concluded, people will gather in the recreation hall of St.Raphael school for refreshments
and conversation and a talk by Greg Sarris, head of the Miwok tribal council.

Beth Ashley's Mission San Rafael Arcangel Celebrates 190th Anniversary Marin IJ Article