Nestled under Oak trees in the hills of this historic section of Sausalito by the Bay, craftsman meets contemporary in this beautifully designed four bedroom, two and one half bath home. This home was rebuilt from the studs and finished in 2003. Everything is done with impeccable taste, from the distressed walnut floors throughout, mosaic tile work in the entryway and kitchen, to the large picture windows overlooking the Bay.

Brick steps take you up to the picturesque brown shingled home. As you enter through the glass door, you first notice the mosaic flower tile work on the floor. The delightful half-bath just off the hall has a rose-colored marble sink and crystal light fixture. Windows abound as you walk into the combination living/dining room. The large picture windows catch your eye as you watch ships move past on the Bay. A colorful Italian Murano crystal chandelier hangs over the dining room table. French doors lead out to the slate balcony, overlooking the water. A Rumford wood-burning fireplace, modeled after Jefferson’s fireplace in Monticello, complements the living area. Custom-built cabinets with glass doors frame the wall between the living/dining room and the kitchen.

The chef’s kitchen is designed exquisitely with an abundance of custom cabinetry, a pistachio quartzite stone counter, Subzero refrigerator, Thermador double oven and gas range with grill, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid trash compacter. Italian Calcutta tile graces a wall in a floral mosaic. Aside the kitchen is a more casual dining area with windows out to the garden. Off of this dining area is a den with a flat screen television and stereo system. While music can be heard and volume controlled throughout the home, the den has surround sound. Built-in bookshelves frame the flat screen television. Off the kitchen is a colorful garden with flowering ground cover with purple, pink and red flowers as well as tropical fern and a fountain.

At the top of the stairs is a child’s play area, painted muted yellow, which could also double as an office. Custom-designed closets abound throughout the upstairs and the rest of the home. The Master bedroom is olive green and filled with windows that have hill and bay views, and there is a large walk-in closet. A full bath is located across from the master and is meticulously designed with a soaking tub, walk-in marble shower with a rain showerhead, and a toilet and pedestal sink separated by a pocket door. The floor is marble with an intricate basket weave design.

A child’s room in light blue mirrors the blue of the water seen from its windows looking directly out on the Bay. Two long closets on either side of the room with double doors allow for plenty of storage. One of the long closets has a mural painted inside and could be a perfect playhouse for an imaginative child.

The downstairs has two more bedrooms, perfect for guests or an au pair. The full bath down has another shower with a rain showerhead and more marble throughout. There is a tiled wine cellar with two concrete walls, keeping the room naturally cool for the storage of favorite wines. There is a laundry room with a Maytag washer and dryer. Beyond this area is a family or media room with another Rumford fireplace and French doors that go out to a front garden with white roses. (The family room is currently being used as an office.) Although this home is totally integrated, it is classified as a two-unit residence and the area with the family room, bedroom and bath can also serve as a separate unit if so desired.

There is radiant heating throughout. Custom window treatments of linen and of cotton complement most of the double-paned windows throughout the home. The home has HD DirecTV and future-proof wiring as well as recessed lighting throughout. There is a spacious two-car garage. The garage, which was completed in 2008, contains a workbench, storage cabinets and a Stor-all wall system. Just a few blocks down the hill are the charming shops and restaurants of Sausalito. This home allows for plenty of privacy up on the hill yet is close to town.

For more information, visit www.219WestStreet.com. Or, call Kyle at (415) 350-9440.

 Pacific Union International is the leading broker for Marin County luxury homes.

As reported in previous months, “real buyers” continue to snap up homes in prestige locations such as Mill Valley, Belvedere, Ross, Kentfield, etc., along with “value” properties with locational upside, views of San Francisco, southern exposures, knolltop properties. Without question, Marin’s luxury home market is showing signs of increased velocity and buyer optimism. In the $2 million to $4 million price band, May 2010 sales eclipsed last year’s total, inventory is down from last year, and the number of homes with accepted offers (in escrow) is high. This combination of factors looks promising for continued improvement. And we are not alone — click HERE for a detailed snapshot of current national trends from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. The below chart shows the dramatic increase in the number of luxury homes sold in Marin County, as compared with last year.

$2 Million to $4 Million Luxury Homes

True to last month’s prediction, sales were again up significantly in this luxury segment (with 20 sales, Marin County more than doubled last year’s total for the month). Incredibly, we have another 27 homes currently in escrow (more than last month). Pending sales is a good leading indicator of increased sales next month.Certainly, buyers are feeling some urge to buy as it appears that the overall economic and housing environments are improving and pricing in the marketplace suggests “value.” Inventory remains relatively low at just 137 homes actively on the market.

[Click here for the rest of the report courtesy of www.ImagineMarin.com]

By: Kyle Frazier, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Broker Associate, Realtor | Christie’s Great Estates — Pacific Union International. Call Kyle Frazier at 415/350-9440 for more luxury home market information in San Francisco and Marin Counties.

Year over year prices seem to have leveled in many price segments and locations within Marin — some areas have even seen prices increase (albeit nominally). Countywide supply and demand figures suggest an improving real estate environment. Supply is up 12% from last year and sales of entry level (3 bedroom, 2 bath homes with at least 1,500 square feet and priced under $1 million) are up a modest 10% from May 2009. Recent news reports in the local media have noted increased median prices, but that reflects the fact that luxury homes are selling once again after a lackluster 2009. I do not believe prices overall are increasing yet.   

As noted in various recent articles, much of the strength in today’s home sales market stems from the red-hot entry level market segment. As would be expected, with relatively flat inventory and more sales, the absorption rate (e.g., the number of month’s worth of inventory) continues hovering just above 3 months for entry level homes. This is very low. Attractive loan terms and a pervasive sense among buyers that we have hit bottom, are resulting in sales. While the first time buyer tax credit has been extended for those already in escrow, that incentive has had a minimal impact in Marin because of the relatively low income thresholds required to qualify.

Below is a chart tracking escrows — roughly 27% of Marin County homes are in escrow (this includes ALL homes in every price band).

Sales increased again in May 2010, building on April’s impressive sales numbers. In the 94920 zip code, which covers Tiburon and Belvedere, CA. – we had 16 trades.

Importantly, as evidenced by the chart below, several indicators point to an improving market — the number of homes for sale is down 12% and the number of homes sold is up 129%. Of course, keep in mind that last year (our basis for comparison) was the slowest in memory. Nonetheless, I think it is fair to say that the majority of real estate practitioners would agree that the field has tilted back to neutral position in most price bands.

Below are the percentages of homes in escrow in each of the major price bands:

Similar to May 2010, the number of homes sold in the Mill Valley, California real estate market rose and Mill Valley’s touchstone price band ($1 million to $2 million) posted another solid month. Buyers are again speaking confidently about the market as prices have tumbled, interest rates are extraordinary, jobs numbers have improved, and media coverage concerning real estate has turned positive. I have a strong sense that many feel a tailwind.

The number of homes for sale in Mill Valley is up marginally to 147. Summer is upon us, school is out, and the primary selling season has wrapped up. Mill Valley’s entry level price bands (under $1,000,000) are as strong as we have seen them over the past couple of years. Moreover, the luxury price band of $2 mil. to $4 mil. is HOT — 32% of these homes are in escrow) several with multiple offers — of course, the ones that are selling are priced extremely well). The chart below show that median sales prices have equalized for 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes under $1 million compared with last year. 

[Click HERE for the rest of the report, courtesy of www.MillValley101.com]

 Get It Now (Entry Level Mill Valley Home For Sale):

617 Springfield Way in Tam Valley is now on the market. Priced at $865,000, this private home (with a new roof in June 2010) sits on ~1/3 acre at the end of  a serene cul de sac in a magnificent setting. It features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs, along with a large unit downstairs which would be perfect au pair quarters or income — it has rented out recently for ~$1,000/mo.

San Rafael, California real estate sales remained strong in May 2010. We had 41 trades (compared to 44 in April). The entry level price band (under $600K) remains very hot — over half of these homes are currently in escrow. Meanwhile, the $600K to $800K price band (a mix of entry level and move-up homes) remains tepid with 27% of homes in escrow. The inventory for single family homes for sale increased this month to 189 homes. Increased supply is typical this time of year as many of the overpriced homes from early in the year remain on the market and new listings are added.

Of the 41 homes sold in May 2010, the average:

• days on market was 62 days
• sales price was $803,949
• home size was 2,042 square feet
• $395 per sq. ft.

Homes in Lucas Valley and The Dominican generated the most calls and showings this past month. If you would like me to run the exact numbers for your San Rafael neighborhood or if you have any questions about our many delightful communities, just give me a call at (415) 350-9440. My name is Kyle Frazier. I am a Broker, Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), with Christie’s Great Estates | Pacific Union International. It is always my pleasure to be of service.  This report is provided courtesy of www.SanRafael101.com.