GREEN REALTOR NEWS | Vol. 49
Market Update | Featured Listing | Clean Energy News | Photo Contest
Ryszard Dziadur was the lucky winner of our April photo contest! Many of you recognized the distinctive chandeliers and dramatic lighting of The Fillmore in San Francisco. Known by most as the venue that launched psychedelic music and 1960s counterculture, and also widely recognized as the first integrated dance hall on the west coast, under the management of Charles Sullivan in 1954. Managed by Live Nation since 2007, attempts to replicate it exist across the United States but we locals know that the true magic only vibrates from the walls of the San Francisco original. Photo cred to our guest artist, Peter Jarit.
Due to the retirement of our long time artist-in-residence, Esther Vermeer, the Green Realtor News is seeking photo contest submissions. Send in your surprise location in either San Francisco or Marin and it might be featured in an upcoming issue!
Market Update
San Francisco’s real estate market showed impressive strength in April, with single family homes posting standout gains across every key metric compared to April of last year. The median sales price jumped more than 11%, days on market dropped from 13 to 12, price per square foot climbed nearly 7%, and the number of closed sales surged by 33%. Nearly 80% of single family homes sold above asking, and on average sellers received 114% of their list price. Condominiums also showed positive pricing momentum. Year over year, the median sales price rose 6.6%, median days on market improved from 31 to 28, and price per square foot increased 3.2%. However, total condo sales were down 11%, pointing to more selective buyer activity. Boutique, well-renovated units in older buildings continue to draw the most interest, while newer and larger developments remain slower to move.
Marin’s market also showed strong signs of growth and buyer enthusiasm in April. The median sales price rose 3.9% compared to last April, while homes continued to move quickly. While the price per square foot dipped slightly by 1.4%, buyer demand surged. The number of listings that went into contract climbed 21.4%, and closed sales jumped 24.7%, signaling a highly active spring market. Inventory also increased significantly, with the number of homes for sale up 45.5% year over year. This boost in supply is helping to fuel activity, offering buyers more choice while still delivering strong results for sellers. As we head into our typical summer slowdown, the increased inventory may lead to some excellent buyer opportunities. If you are considering a Marin purchase, it’s worth taking a look in the coming weeks.
Featured Listing
9451 Mill Creek Road, Healdsburg
I don’t normally work in Sonoma County but this gorgeous property and incredible opportunity is owned by some dear friends and past clients of mine so I wanted you lucky people to have the chance to check it out. 9451 Mill Creek Road is a stunning, over 40 acre property located just 25 minutes from the Healdsburg Plaza. Reimagined after a 2020 fire, this private getaway features a well engineered network of interior roads, several flat building pads, extensive water systems including 33,000 gallons of stored water, and a well-tended, manicured forest. Envision the possibilities as you gaze over expansive forest and vineyard valley views from this sunny hilltop. Terraced gardens feature fruit trees and berry bushes. A large agriculture barn with an attached deck provides storage space. Over 100,000 board feet of certifiable redwood lumber milled from trees on the property is available for bringing your vision to life. I can personally attest to the beauty and quality of what has been created here. It’s the perfect canvas for letting your imagination free. Price recently reduced to just $898,000. Listed by David Hunt of the Sonoma Realty Group.
Clean Energy News
As we all know, we live in interesting times and right now things are not looking good on the federal level for clean energy tax credits. If the version of the “Big Beautiful Bill” recently passed by the House becomes law, the clean energy tax credits that were intended to last through 2032 will end as of December 31, 2025. This eliminates tax credits for both new and used electric cars, EV charging stations, energy efficient home improvements and the residential clean energy credit for solar, wind and battery storage. The bill does contain some benefits for homeowners, such raising the cap on how much homeowners can deduct on their federal taxes to offset local and state taxes from $10,000 to $40,000 and preserving the mortgage interest deduction. Eliminating incentives for clean energy does not negate the need to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change or the broad public support for such initiatives. Former Vice President Al Gore, speaking last month at the nation’s largest climate summit, San Francisco Climate Week, encouraged the crowd to speak up and not lose hope, reminding us that “political will itself is a renewable resource.”
During the 100th Birthday Project (my family’s effort to achieve Green Certification for our San Rafael home before its 100th birthday in 2024) we used all of these incentives and more. While state and local incentives are likely to remain in place, if you are considering energy efficient upgrades this may be your year. If you are wondering how energy efficiency can improve your life and increase the value of your home, give me a call. I’m happy to consult with you about your plans.
Photo Contest
If you know the location (hint: it’s always in Marin or San Francisco) email me at lucinda@lucindaotto.com. The first person with a correct guess wins a $25 gift card to Sports Basement.
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!
