Archive for the ‘Novato’ Category
After last week’s rain, it finally feels like summertime with warm weather and the return of sunshine. One of my favorite parts of summer is fresh produce and of course, the community atmosphere of farmers’ markets.
The Novato Farmer’s Market kicks off this Tuesday. The downtown farmer’s market will be open on Tuesday evenings from 4 to 8 pm. The market runs from May through September in historic downtown Novato on Grant Avenue between Machin and Reichert.
The Novato’s farmer’s market is a true community market with local Novato merchants like Flourchylde Bakery, Mediterranean Delight, J & T Jams, Kettle Thai, and the Ultimate Souvlaki.
Local residents come out to enjoy great fresh produce, dinner from downtown merchants and live local music. It is a great weekly event for adults and children.
Farmer’s Markets are a great way to get fresh produce locally grown. Marin County is fortunate to have a number of great farmer’s markets on all different days. These are often great outings as many of them offer live music, games for kids, and a fun social atmosphere in additional to lots of fabulous locally grown produce! Each farmer’s market has its own special flare, so try out more than one. My personal favorite is the Thursday night event in downtown San Rafael.
Corte Madera Farmer’s Market
- When: Wednesdays, 12 noon-5pm, year-round
- Where: Corte Madera Town Center, Hway 101 & Tamalpais
- More info: shoptowncenter.com
Fairfax Farmer’s Market
- When: Wednesdays, 4pm-8pm, May-September
- Where: Bolinas Avenue Park
- More info: marinfarmersmarket.org
Larkspur Landing Farmer’s Market
- When: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, May-October
- Where: Larkspur Landing, off Sir Francis Drake near the Larkspur Ferry terminal
Novato Farmer’s Market
- When: Tuesdays, 4pm-8pm, May-September
- Where: Historic downtown Novato, Grant & Sherman
- More info: marinfarmersmarket.org
San Rafael Farmer’s Market- Civic Center
- When: Thursdays & Sundays, 8am-1pm, Year-round
- Where: Marin Civic Center, Hway 1010 & San Pedro East
- More info: marinfarmersmarket.org
San Rafael Farmer’s Market- Downtown
- When: Thursdays, 6pm-9pm, April-September
- Where: Downtown San Rafael, 4th Street between Lincoln & B Street
- More info: marinfarmersmarket.org
Sausalito Farmer’s Market
- When: Fridays, 4pm-8pm, May-October
- Where: Sausalito Ferry Landing at Bridgeway
- More info: Sausalito.org
Single Family homes under contract in Marin County July 2008 compared to Marin homes under contract in July 2007 (more…)
Single Family homes under contract in Marin County
April 2008 vs. April 2007
| Belvedere | +200% |
| Corte Madera | +8% |
| Fairfax | -38% |
| Greenbrae | +25% |
| Kentfield | +40% |
| Larkspur | -75% |
| Mill Valley | -36% |
| Novato | -20% |
| Ross | -50% |
| San Anselmo | -12% |
| San Rafael | +7% |
| Sausalito | +17% |
| Tiburon | +85% |
Countywide, the number of Marin homes for sale was up almost 16% from last April. The number of homes under contract was down about 13% while the number of units sold is down about 31%.
While the number of homes sold in April 2008 vs April 2007 is dismal, the glimmer of hope is in the units under contract. We have gradually seen this number get closer to 2007 numbers for many Marin cities, indicating next month’s sold number may be even better.
You might have seen an article in your latest water bill from the Marin Municipal Water District about Bay-Friendly Landscaping. To make it easier for Marin Municipal Water District customers to adopt bay friendly gardening practices, the district is introducing a new rebate program on efficient irrigation equipment and supplies.
If you’re planning an irrigation project this spring (or even if you’ve done one since March 1, 2007), you probably can claim a rebate of up to $350!
If you live in Novato, they have a different program available
Happy Landscaping!
Many cities and towns in Marin County require mandatory re-sale inspections before a seller transfers home ownership to a buyer.
Marin Cities that require resale inspections
- Belvedere
- Corte Madera
- Fairfax
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Novato
- San Anselmo
- San Rafael
- Tiburon
Fees range widely from about $100 to close to $300 in Novato. Ouch! In addition, what is inspected during these inspections vary widely. Most check to make sure permits for any property improvements have been pulled. The cities also note issues that may not be compliant with current building codes, check on zoning, property usage, etc. Re-sale inspections in Marin county do not cover property condition, quality of construction, general defects with the property, termites, etc. Look for a general home inspection and a termite inspection to cover these items.
Marin sellers are strongly encouraged to perform the city/town re-sale inspections prior to going on their market. Your Marin real estate agent should help you arrange this. Some Marin cities and towns take an extended period of time to schedule inspections and also to return the inspection report. If you do not get the report in time, you could end up delaying close of escrow.
If you have not pulled permits, you may be fined, asked to pull those permits retroactively and in some instances, sellers have been asked to remove unpermitted improvements.
I have seen many deals fall apart after the reports are returned on a city/town resale inspection. Buyers don’t like surprises at the last minute. It is much better to know any issues relating to the city inspection before you find a buyer!
Marin home buyers: Never sign off on your resale inspection unless you have seen the report in your hands. Even if you attend the inspection, the city inspector may add mandatory items that you aren’t expecting. View the actual report. Some Marin cities and towns (such as Tiburon)do a re-inspection of required items (with an additional fee). If you fail to make corrections within your allotted time period, you may get fined per day. At last check, Tiburon fines racked up fines at a cool $103 a day. Now that can add up quickly!
The median home sale price in Novato was $637,000 in January 2008. The number of Novato homes on the market increased just over 21% from one year ago. The number of homes going in to contract increased 8%, a positive sign for Novato. The number of homes sold decreased by 6 units or 33.33%.
The average days on the market in Novato was 92, up slightly from 88 days in January 2007.
| Novato Homes |
Jan 2007 | Jan 2008 |
∆ |
% ∆ |
| For Sale | 193 | 234 | 41 | 21.24 |
| Under Contract | 25 | 27 | 2 | 8.00 |
| Sold | 18 | 12 | -6 | -33.33 |
*Single family homes only
The city of Novato was named the the “Best Affordable Suburb in California” by Sperling’s BestPlaces. Novato is definitely the most affordable spot in Marin. In addition, Sperling ranks it high because of factors like low crime and good schools. If you are thinking about moving to Novato, this 3.5 minute video is worth a look.
