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San Rafael Average Price for Sale and Sold

San Rafel Sale vs Solds

Mill Valley

Over the last 20 years home prices in Mill Valley and previously was considered unaffordable but now with the economic downturn and more properties creeping on the market it has now become an “affordable” move-up market.  In July 2005, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Mill Valley 10th in ti’s list of “100 Best Places to Live in the United States” this year Frobes ranked Mill Valley as the 18th most richest counties in the United States. 

As of this posting there are 96 homes listed on the MLS with listing prices ranging from $339K to $6.5M. To say the least Mill Valley is an area where you can still build wealth.  Investors are flipping properties for a profit. If you are looking for the long term hold then buying and holding for the long term gain is doable now in an area that was once considered unreachable for most people.

There is a property in the Altos section of Mill Valley (just off of E. Blythedale near “Horse Hill”) that was recently flipped. 4bd/2ba, chefs kitchen, 2,651 sqare feet. The home was purchased in January of 2009 for $590K and is being flipped for $1,899M. Astounding profit.

Mill Valley average price for sale and sold

Mill Valley average sale vs sold

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Larkspur Average Price for Sale and Sold

Larkspur Sale vs Sold

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Town of Larkspur

As of writing this post there are 23 listings in Belvedere on the market. Listings range from $1.795M to $28.85M.  The bargain in Belvedere is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom 2,881 square foot home that has been on the market for 139 days. It was initially listed for $3.795M and is now reduced to $1.95M. This property has an artist’s studio, boat dock and ramp. It is situated on the waterfront and has beautiful unobstructed views of Richardson Bay and Mt. Tam. This is a 2-story classic 2-story beauty that has a leasehold but the land can be purchased if negotiated. Wonderful opportunity and a “bargain” in Belvedere.

Belvedere Sales vs Solds

Belvedere avg price for Sale and Sold

I sat with the other parents who were all talking about what was going on out in front. It was late as I dashed back to the car to get my camera. I was so taken aback I had to take a pic so I wouldn’t think it was a figment of my imagination. Back in the East Bay we were confronted with hate from the Protection of Marriage Prop 8 folks. It was a mean spirited and an ugly protest with violence. Albeit the protest by the LaRouche protesters was calm and in fact could be called civilized but it obstructed the sensibilities.

I am all for freedom of speech and live and let live but to have those huge posters thrown in our faces at the doors of the Community Center, with the American flags flying all over the place, just hit me the wrong way. To compare Obama to Hitler disgusted me. To have it thrown in my face pissed me off.

I took my pics for the blog, asked for literature and then was accosted by one of the protesters. I tried to have a real conversation simply to find out more about the campaign and Summer Shields but it was for naught. I was talked over and my questions went unanswered.

What I know about LaRouche is that he was an economist , formed the labor party, adopted a far-right neo-Nazi, conspiracy theorist stance. His ideas are racist, anti Semitic and homophobic.  He’s had the Obama/Hitler posters/protesters around for quite a while but what a surprise to see it in Mill Valley.  What was even more surprising to me were the 2 African American protesters that were holding the American flags and the backing of Summer Shields who’s running for congress. Would it be okay to have a picture of Obama in a white cap next to noose hanging from a tree? Same thing, its appalling and inciting.

Although Mill Valley is a bit sheltered it’s nevertheless sad to see this. Made me want to run out and get my picket sign or perhaps get on the bull and shout “Not in our town!” Yet I didn’t. I went back to the baseball game. Sat on the bleechers giving what little time I had to sit there, cheer on and watch my son make his mark at first base.

Homes previewed were

3 Britton Ave, Belvedere Island
2223 Centro East, Tiburon
582 Virginia Drive, Tiburon
7 HillCrest Road, Tiburon
338 Laurel Way, Mill Valley

The following week I previewed 40 Great Circle, Mill Valley. Overall it was a great tour. I mean come on traveling through areas with one lovely home next to the other. What more could you ask for?

On this particular tour the home that did stand out was 3 Britton. OHMYGAWD! The entrance, the kitchen living area open floor plan that leads out to the most fantastic view of Belvedere-Tiburon…I don’t know who would not be happy there. Standing out on the deck overlooking the pool and the bay?

Great place for a couple, single professional that entertains and families big and small. Simply fantastic and it could be yours for a mere $5,050,000.

7 Hillcrest Road in Tiburon was very nice, very big and you feel like you are in a Dynasty house (remember that television series?), grand foyer with half circular staircase. Good views from one side of the house. Downside was on the street side you’re looking at power lines and roof tops. For $2,995,000 I’d personally want unobstructed views however this house is a deal/steal for the right person. The history on this place is it was listed at $4.295M in May of ‘09, decreased to $3.395M 6 months later, ultimately dropped to $2.295M. No movement. A new real estate agent was called in and final list price was $2.295M. Its pending now. The first agent had it on the market 393 days! 2nd agent in after 30 days has it pending. Pricing…its everything.

338 Laurel Way, Mill Valley is located in “Canadian” Mill Valley. Some folks who snub their noses and are ALL about location call this area “Canadian” Mill Valley because they don’t consider the area to be true Mill Valley. Load of crock if you ask me.

If you call Mill Valley home call yourself lucky! Marin County according to Forbes list of wealthiest counties ranked Marin at #18 of the richest counties in the US. I’d say that’s pretty damn good. It’s all good especially when you are looking at a house like 338 Laurel Way. It’s modern European meets Mill Valley. Previously purchased in 1999 for the high $400s (it was on the market for 720 days!),  then rebuilt in 2005.  A big house at 3,084 sq ft. 4 beds, 3 baths, media room, sits on a 1/3 of an acre and has an outdoor spa. What I loved the most is that bedrooms, outside of the master, had sinks and mirrors in each room. Reminded me of when I was a child growing up in Europe. 17 Days on the market and already in “Contingent” status.

The dudd of the week, unfortunately was 40 Great Circle out at Strawberry Point, Mill Valley. I expected a lot from this waterfront craftsmand but I’m sorry I was disappointed. It was choppy and had an odd layout and was outdated.

Loved the fact that it was right on the water and had a small dock but for $5.5M I think its overpriced. If I bought it, I’d gut it and start over. This house could be a beauty with the right vision.

14 Albert Lane
21 Hilarita Ave
25 Presido Ave
34 Cornelia Ave
544 Ethel Ave
550 Ethel Ave
328 Montford Ave

My absolute favorite was 34 Cornelia Ave (see pics below). What an outstanding home. Built in 2003 and 2455 sq ft. All of 3-5 minutes walk to the Depot (town center). The loction was perfect. Meticulously maintained. The detailing throughout the home was simply fantastic. Open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, warp around porch, sauna, office, open living room - dining room - kitchen floor plan, hand crafted cherry hardwood floors. Beautiful and serene. History on this property: listed in 2007 for $2.395M, then $2.295M.  Currently listed for $2.095M.  I’d buy this home in a hot minute.

Next on the list ws 21 Hilarita Ave. What a darling house in the middle of Sycamore/Tamalpais Park border. Charming in fact. Its 2bd/1ba and has a sunroom in the entry. There’s an open living room - dining room. floor plan. Updated and managable kitchen. The bonus to this home is the lovely 1bd/1ba cottage in the back as well as a resident black and white chicken that roams the backyard. Perfect location, close to schools, parks and shops. Listed at $995K.

The over priced pick of the week was 544 Ethel Ave. The lot is great at 9,500 sq ft, all level and with fruit trees but the home would either need to be gutted or torn down. Old, outdated and needs a complete overhaul. Location is nice (a few blocks from the Whole Foods on Miller Ave) but priced at $849K this is not a great buy unless you are prepared to throw in a lot of money into the home or you can talk you way to a steal of a deal.