The Ten Least Expensive Homes Sold in Marin County in 2018
A Cottage With an Ocean View Makes Our Top 10 Least Expensive Homes Sold in Marin List This Year
As a companion piece to my annual list of the most expensive homes sold in Marin County in 2018, I decided this year it might be interesting to also publish a list of the top 10 least expensive homes sold in Marin. Housing affordability has long been an issue in the San Francisco Bay Area, and has progressively become more challenging. Like many others, I could not afford to buy my dream home when I moved here in 1998, so instead I chose to buy “fixer uppers” and slowly remodel them into my vision. In fact, I have spent the majority of my time living in Marin with a port-a-potty and/or a debris box in my driveway! (Thankfully, the most recent remodel ended a couple of years ago.)
If you’ve asked the question “What does $400,000 buy in Marin County real estate?” this is the list for you. The top 10 are in Fairfax, Forest Knolls, San Anselmo, Novato, Dillon Beach, and even Greenbrae. There are some cute cottages, as well as tear-downs and fixers. One even has an ocean view — I wasn’t expecting that.
I was surprised to see that San Rafael’s up and coming Santa Venetia and Bret Harte neighborhoods did not make the list. Prices in those two neighborhoods have really gone up in the last three years, but there are still some great values there.
I truly enjoy working with clients at this end of the price range — whether it is families just starting out or remodelers who plan to “flip and sell,” I find it very rewarding to help buyers see the potential in properties, as well as to enter purchases with “eyes wide open” with thorough inspections and discussions about pros and cons of potential purchases. In some cases I have worked with property developers to identify properties, pick out finishes, and make important re-sale decisions before and during remodels.
For the purposes of this article, I excluded condominiums and focused my search on single-family homes that were either sold via the Multiple Listing System or sold off market then entered by their agent into the MLS. I hope you enjoy this list, and please call me at 415.847.5584 if I may help make your real estate dreams come true. I offer “luxury service at all price points” and would be delighted to speak with you.
#10
The Tenth Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
43 Greenbrae Boardwalk in Greenbrae Sold for $550,000
#10 – The tenth least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 43 Greenbrae Boardwalk in Greenbrae, which sold for $550,000 on 6/14/2018 after just a month on the market. It appears from the MLS records that this home went into escrow within 5 days of market launch. According to MLS records, it’s a 3 BR / 3 BA with about 1150 square feet. The property description reads: “Rare opportunity to own two legal non-conforming cottages on one lot on the historic Greenbrae boardwalk! Vacation at home everyday in this wonderful waterfront community while living only minutes from the SF scene. Enjoy kayaking & paddle boarding from your own 2 private docks. Walk or bike to the Larkspur ferry, bus or Trader Joe’s. Easy commute to San Francisco, North & East Bay.” Listed by Elizabeth Ray and Bruce Berlinger of Engel & Voelkers.
#9
The Ninth Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
1619 Novato Boulevard in Novato Sold for $529,000
#9 – The ninth least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 1619 Novato Boulevard in Novato, which off the Multiple Listing System on 5/23/2018 for $529,000. According to the MLS records, this home has 2 bedrooms and one bathroom, and is approximately 896 square feet. Represented by Bill Johnson of Coldwell Banker.
#8
The Eighth Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
26 Summer Street in Dillon Beach Sold for $520,000
#8 – The eight least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 26 Summer Street in Dillon Beach, which sold off MLS in April for $520,000 v. a listing price of $545,000. According to MLS records, the 672 square foot cottage was built in 1929 and has one bedroom and one bathroom. It also appears from the photos that there is a partial ocean view. The property was represented by Colleen Madden of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty.
#7
The Seventh Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
1291 7th Street in Novato Sold for $515,000
#7 – The seventh least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 1291 7th Street in Novato which was marketed as a tear down and sold for $515,000 on 10/30/2018. The listing description reads: “Perfect for a builder/contractor since this four-acre property already includes one house (a teardown) and can accommodate an accessory dwelling unit. A private location at the end of 7th Street in Novato, it is a 10-minute walk to town. The real prize is the 180 degree views of the North Bay. This is a piece of land waiting for someone to make a home or estate, offering a long driveway lined with trees and both privacy and accessibility. Rare Find” This home was listed by Gerritt Herbst of Bradley Real Estate.
#6
The Sixth Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
6 Illes Court in Novato Sold for $502,074
#6 – The sixth least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 6 Illes Court in Novato which sold for $502,074. This was a BMR (below market rate) home with deed restrictions mandating maximum annual income of owner occupants. The listing description reads: “Stroll to downtown. Stylish certified GREEN home! 40-yr roof, 50-yr siding, tankless water heater. Laminate floors, bedroom & full bath on main floor, new carpet in bedrooms, stainless appliances, recessed lighting & attached 1-car garage. It’s quite, quite charming. Per recorded deed restrictions, gross annual income cannot exceed $82,200 for 1 per household; $93,950–2; $105,700–3; $117,400–4; $126,800–5. Must be owner-occupied.” Listed by Sandy Mahoney of The Madison.
#5
The Fifth Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
160 Montezuma Avenue in Forest Knolls Sold for $490,000
#5 – The fifth least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 160 Montezuma Avenue in Forest Knolls, which sold on 9/25/2018 for $490,000 versus the original asking price of $499,000. The listing description reads: “Very cute 1 BR, 1 BA cottage, remodeled about 8 years ago. Near Sir Francis Drake and shops, flat front yard, one level home with lots of appeal. Newer kitchen and bath with granite counter tops. Charming sunny garden. Not on the market since the 1970’s. Side yard carport. Well priced!” This home was listed by Jean Mastagni of Coldwell Banker.
#4
The Fourth Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
4 Savannah Avenue in San Anselmo Sold for $475,000
#4 – The fourth least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 4 Savannah Avenue in San Anselmo, which sold on 9/19/2018 for $475,000 with an original asking price of $599,000. According to MLS records, it is a one bedroom / one bathroom home with 510 square feet. The property description reads: “Price Reduction! Bring your vision and your tool belt! This fixer upper is in need of some TLC. Built in 1938 this home seeks a new owner with vision and imagination who can embrace the endless opportunities this home has to offer. Tremendous upside potential for first-time buyers, investors, or contractors. Fabulous hillside views and parking for up to 5. “
#3
The Third Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
79 Wood Lane in Fairfax Sold for $450,000
#3 – The third least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 79 Wood Lane in Fairfax Sold for $450,000 which sold on May 2, 2018 for $450,000 versus an original listing price of $350,000. According to MLS, the home has one bedroom and one bathroom and is 713 square feet. The property description from MLS reads: “Deer Park flats, moments from downtown, this approx. 1/2 acre property offers many possibilities. Come build your dream here! Grape arbor and fruit trees are part of this beautiful, relaxing setting. Friendly neighborhood. Easy walk to shops, restrnts, music, farmer’s mkt, & much more. Seemingly endless hiking & biking trails are right out your gate. Historic Marin Stables at end of street. LOVE!” This home was listed by Nathalie Knobe-Kemp and Julie Kennedy of Zephyr Realty.
#2
The Second Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
75 Pine Drive in Fairfax Sold for $435,000
#2 – The second least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 75 Pine Drive in Fairfax which sold on April 10, 2018 for $435,000 versus an original listing price of $329,000. According to records from MLS, it is a three bedroom / one bathroom home with 1224 square feet. The property description from MLS reads: “Fixer opportunity! Here is your chance to make your home just the way you want it. Beautiful views and space for plenty of parking. Bring your vision and your tool belt.” This home was listed by Jennifer Bowes of Compass.
#1
The Least Expensive Home Sold in Marin County in 2018:
6563 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Forest Knolls Sold for $380,000
#1 – The least expensive home sold in Marin County in 2018 was 6563 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Forest Knolls which sold on October 15, 2018 for $380,000 versus an original listing price of $449,000. According to MLS records, it is a two bedroom / one bathroom home with 1405 square feet. The property description from MLS reads: “Fantastic home set on a 1.45 acre lot gives complete privacy as well as a LONG set back from the street. Rebuild the front fence for privacy & make the extra-large yard your personal retreat. 2-3 Blocks to the schools, the Community Center & the local market. Set in a blossoming community, San Geronimo Valley is close-knit & lively. ” This home was listed by Nick Svenson of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty.
All photos above are courtesy of the agents who represented the properties and of BAREIS MLS Service, all rights reserved.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing the top 10 least expensive homes that were sold here in Marin County in 2018. Congratulations to the buyers and sellers of these homes for having the vision (and in some cases, courage) to buy these properties.
I love helping buyers and sellers make their real estate dreams come true. Please click here if you would like to see some of the properties I have sold. If I may be of any assistance with your Marin / San Francisco real estate needs, please call me at +1.415.847.5584.
Photo by John Swain
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