GREEN REALTOR NEWS | Vol. 50
Market Update | In Contract | Library of Things | Photo Contest
I wasn’t sure if anyone was going to guess the location of our May photo but Michelle Buckles is our lucky contest winner! This photo is one of two murals recently commissioned by the Mill Valley Arts Commission and sponsored by the Mill Valley Little League. They are on the non-field facing sides of the Little League dugouts at Boyle Park. The artist is none other than our dear family friend, Nicole Leary, who grew up across the street from Boyle Park and competed on a gymnastics team with my daughter, Sonja, in middle and high school. We are so proud of Nicole and thrilled that she won the chance to help beautify Mill Valley! Make sure to stop by Boyle Park to see the other mural and read her artist statement.
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
The San Francisco real estate market continues to hum along. The median sales price for single family homes rose 6.5% year over year with the median days on market down to just 13. The overall number of homes sold was up 10.5% over last year while inventory remains tight, with just 268 homes on the market. Condos, which have lagged single family homes significantly in the past few years are also gaining strength. Prices are up 10% while the average days on market dropped by 7 days to 21. While single family homes are still in higher demand, active listings for condos have declined to 71, indicating buyer demand and tighter conditions.
The Marin market is moving along as well, though perhaps at a bit slower pace than San Francisco. The median price increased 3% and the average days on market is 15. The big story in Marin is a significant increase in inventory. As of last week there were 459 homes on the market, up 43.7% from last year. It’s a refreshing change for buyers who finally have a range of choices and some negotiability. With interest rates holding steady as we head into our typically slower summer months the higher inventory could present some good buyer opportunities.
In Contract
1821 Bautista Way, Petaluma
$1,150,000
Settled in a vibrant neighborhood on the bank of the Petaluma River, this lovely home blends modern amenities with timeless charm. Featuring a chef's kitchen, flowing floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,750 square feet, and smart energy-efficient systems. Numerous upgrades add style and comfort. With walking/cycling paths to vibrant downtown Petaluma, the community offers a diverse & active neighborhood with nightlife, shops and restaurants minutes away. My buyers are thrilled with their new home and excited to explore the community.
Library of Things
This week I attended a fascinating green home tour in San Anselmo, hosted by a member of the San Anselmo Climate Action Commission. While discussing the many benefits of better indoor air quality, lower utility costs, and consistent, comfortable temperatures throughout the home she mentioned a great resource that is free to anyone in Marin who holds a library card. The San Anselmo public library loans out a thermal camera that you can use to find hot or cold spots in your home. Great for finding where you can improve your insulation and probably a fun summer activity for kids too. Every Marin library branch also has a portable induction cooktop you can check out for a week to see if induction cooking might be for you.
Aside from home efficiency items, the Marin County Free Library of Things has a wealth of resources. Want to borrow a ukelele? Pickle ball set? Hiking backpack with maps, binoculars and trekking poles? Orion StarBlast Telescope? Portable solar panels? It’s amazing what is available for free from the library. You can even check out works by local artists to hang on your wall. Both Marin and San Francisco libraries have California State Parks passes and free and discounted tickets for museums, zoos, science centers, theaters, and much more. Visit your local library for details.
The image to the right is titled Golden Hour at Rodeo Beach by artist Steve Disenhof. Currently available at the Point Reyes Library. Click the image to see the full gallery of available artworks.
Photo Contest
Our guest artist this month is Jane Cook. 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!
