Just to quote part of what the presiden of the Marin Association of Realtor's comment on the statistical reports MAR jus unveiled:

"Swift said that “too much of what people think they know about Marin real estate is based on wrong assumptions, unfounded rumors, or irrelevant information. All real estate is local, and this report provides an important reality check to home buyers and sellers about the recent history of home sales.

“In many cases, I think people will be pleasantly surprised to learn how strong and healthy our local micro housing markets really are, especially when compared to other parts of the state or country.”

For part of San Rafael, the report created by Sunshine Marketing cited:" “In 2007, the median price was $811,000, the median dwelling size was a four-bedroom, and two baths with 1792 square feet and the days on market was 43. The median sales price reached its peak in 2006 at $829,000 from which 2007 was down 2 percent.”

And then, Sunshine Marketing's opinion on the appraisals: "It is important to keep in mind that an appraiser will normally compare a specific home to several of the most appropriate and representative recent sales and current listings in the area.

This report should not be construed as an appraisal but rather the opinions of price increases and decreases of similar homes in similar price ranges and areas.”

I thought those are interesting remarks to share.

Sylvia

Sun Feb 17 2008, 09:19

I will go with that.

We are seeing a lot of activities in my office this month; sales on the board, multiple offers on properties that are priced low, interest rate is stable / lower; properties that are stale are moving; people testing market took property off the market; new buyers out shopping.

The gorgeous weather helped also. Very positive time. The paper can say what it will say about data from a couple of months back. I only report what I see now.

Sylvia

Thu Feb 14 2008, 22:24

My interpretation is that we have finally hit rock bottom. As in there is now where to go but up. --

To continue the "we fell into a well" metaphor:

We will be climbing up steep slippery wet algae covered rock walls, or climb into the leaky bucket that is being pulled up by arthritic old Uncle Sam. The bucket is attached to a frayed rope and a rusty pulley.
But guldarn it - we are getting out of this hole we fell into. We sure aren't going to fall any further, and there is no where to go but up.

Thu Feb 14 2008, 19:42