GREEN REALTOR NEWS | Vol. 26
Market Update | News | Photo Contest
We seem to have stumped you with the April photo! A few of you guessed West Marin, which is correct, but no one correctly identified the photo of Cheda's Garage in Point Reyes Station. This Point Reyes institution has helped many a stranded traveler in West Marin, besides being a beloved local institution. The current owner, Hilary, is a fourth generation Cheda, spanning almost 100 years of business in Point Reyes.
Scroll to the bottom to see if you can identify the location of the May photo. As always, the winner receives a $25 gift card to a local green business, Good Earth Natural Foods.
Market Update
As we move through our typically busy spring season, it is evident that buyer demand is recovering from its lowest point in late 2022. Not surprisingly, given today’s high interest rates, new mortgage applications lag significantly behind previous years. However, many prospective buyers have come to terms with higher interest rates as the new normal and have decided to take advantage of the reduced pricing that has come with the downturn in the market. At the same time, the number of new listings has declined, most likely due to homeowners with exceptionally low, long-term, fixed-rate mortgages being hesitant to sell their properties and purchase new ones at the higher rates. Eager buyers combined with a shortage of inventory is putting pressure on prices despite the reduction in overall activity in the market. Click the button below for more details.
Price Drop!
631 O’Farrell, #1511 - now just $359,000
This warm and bright studio condo is now an incredible deal at just $359,000. While some may find the Tenderloin location less than ideal, inside the building is serene, beautiful, and features 24 hour security. There are two generous shared outdoor spaces, one a fountain courtyard and the other a huge roof deck with almost 360 degree views of the city, plus a beautiful lobby with grand piano, fireplace and shared seating areas. The unit feels spacious with a sleeping alcove big enough for a queen size bed, separate kitchen and separate closet/dressing area. The best part is the fantastic views of both the city and the bay. There is a waiting list for parking in the building, but valet parking is available a half block away for $300/mo. Rental income is estimated to be up to $2,200 per month. Rentals have to be at least 30 days but are otherwise not restricted. This unit could be a great way to get a foot into the San Francisco housing market, a place for a student to live, an investment property, pied a terre, or cozy home right in the heart of San Francisco. Seller is motivated! Give me a call for more details or to schedule a visit.
Sleeper Alert! - 105 F Street, San Rafael
One of the oldest homes in San Rafael, built in in 1893, this sweet little house is literally steps from downtown San Rafael and the thriving neighborhood of the West End. A comfortable front porch, lawn, picket fence, 3 generous bedrooms, updated kitchen and bath, large backyard, laundry room, office - all within a 2 minute walk to Johnny Donuts! What is not to love? This end of Fourth Street closes to traffic every Thursday and Friday night for Dining Under the Lights and a musical block party. A one block stroll in the other direction takes you to the leafy Forbes neighborhood, filled with tall trees, beautiful gardens, and stately older homes. This adorable home has been on the market for 27 days. The price dropped today from $1,045,000 to $985,000. I'd love to find the new owner of this fun spot. Interested? Know anyone who might be? Give me a shout! Listed by Helen Luttemo of Coldwell Banker.
East Bay Green Home Tour 2023
The fine folks behind the East Bay Green Home Tour hosted another successful virtual event on Saturday, May 20. Six homes were featured on the tour, interspersed with discussions about finding rebates and incentives for home electrification projects, whether or not home solar is still worth it under the new NEM 3.0 rules, and how East Bay residents enjoy cooking culturally specific dishes on their induction hobs, cooktops and ranges. So many great tips and projects here. In the next several months I'm planning to reach out to these homeowners and others from the Marin Green Home Tour to explore how these changes not only make homes healthier, more comfortable, and sustainable, but add value too. Stay tuned for that. If you know anyone who might want a free home valuation, please have them reach out to me. Click the button below to read my article and connect to short videos of the tours.
The 100th Birthday Project
The fire safety/walkway beautification project is now complete. I love the roses I found at West End Nursery. They've been in the neighborhood since 1909 and specialize in plants that are known to thrive in our area. These are climbers that will grow along the fence filling it with lush greenery and pretty blossoms. The color is perfect. Thanks to all of you who voted on blush pink over yellow - you were right! Now that I've read a little deeper into the new research regarding gas stoves and indoor air quality, I've decided that our next project will be replacing our gas range with induction. I've been using a portable induction hob for months and I love how it works. The next step will be to have an electrician come to give us a bid for installing the proper electrical circuits to connect it. Curious about induction cooking? I have an extra one you can borrow if you want to try it out. Give me a call!
May Photo Contest
All of the gorgeous local photos in our photo contest are provided by the Green Realtor News Artist-in-Residence, Esther Vermeer. Esther is a Mill Valley resident with a background in branding and graphic design. Originally from the Netherlands, she moved with her family to Montreal, Canada for a while, and came to the Bay Area 14 years ago, where she has since established herself in the world of interior design. She loves to journey around California and discover the lush natural beauty the state has to offer. You can reach her at esther@prevalentprojects.com.
If you know the location email me at lucinda@lucindaotto.com. The first person with a correct guess wins a $25 gift card to Good Earth Natural Foods!
I hope you enjoyed the Green Realtor News! If you know anyone buying or selling, or if you are curious to hear more about the market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you or your friends make moves. As one of my happy clients loves to say:
Everyone Needs A Lucinda!
