The spring real estate market is about to launch and by all indications it is going to be a very strong season. January is normally a sleepy time of year in the market, but not this January. We saw sales up 7.3% vs. January 2019 and homes in pending sale status up a whopping 10.5% versus the same period last year. Median pricing held about flat, down 0.5% versus January 2019 while inventories declined 25%. 

What Is Driving This Market?

You may have heard there’s a Presidential election later this year, and that brings with it a certain degree of uncertainty. Markets hate uncertainty. I have had more than one seller tell me they think this is the top of the market this year and they want to sell before the anticipated fall doldrums set in that are often associated with elections. Buyers are feeling confident in their employment situation and ready to plan for the future.

In addition, the stock market continues its record march upward, reaching new heights on what seems like a daily basis. There is a direct correlation between the stock market and the Marin real estate market, partly because down payments are often derived from stock holdings. 

It’s a Great Time to Be a Buyer or Seller in Marin

The current market is still technically classified as a “sellers market” but frankly it is a good time to be either a seller or a buyer right now. Buyers will benefit from all the spring inventory that is coming online now — there will be plenty of homes to choose from at all price points. Pricing has flattened out for the most part and while multiple-bid situations do still exist, they are much less common than a few years ago. 

Sellers are still in a position to realize healthy gains if they have held their home for a few years since purchase.

In My World  | Coming Soon

1408 Douglass Street in San Francisco (pictured above)  went into pending status in just one week without ever going on the market. That was made possible through my extensive network of luxury home agents in Marin and San Francisco. Once it closes I will announce the final sales price and other details.

60 Rowan Way, a beautiful home in Mill Valley, will be launching next week. Coming in March are a gorgeous mid-century modern in Fairhills and a new construction jaw-dropper in the Dominican neighborhood of San Rafael. Please feel free to call me at 415-847-5584 if any of these pique your interest. 

I also launched 195 San Francisco Blvd in San Anselmo, a beautifully remodeled Craftsman that has had a lot of interest even before going on the market.The home features a large, level, fenced back yard, and an open floor plan with true indoor / outdoor living. I don’t expect it to last long on the market.

Let’s Talk About the Marin Real Estate Market!

These monthly Marin County real estate market reports are a great place to start to learn more about the market. Let’s continue the conversation — I am always happy to discuss the market, and the best way to approach it whether you are a buyer or a seller.

To those who read this report each month, thank you for all your support of my business. I couldn’t do it without you. Call or text me at 415-847-5584 anytime.