GREEN REALTOR NEWS | Vol. 32
Market Update | Sleeper Opportunities | Marin Green Homes Tour | Photo Contest
We had many correct guesses for our October photo but Peter Jarit got to me first! This photo is of one of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts. Like the elephants at Viña del Mar Park in Sausalito that were featured in our August photo, the Palace of Fine Arts was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It’s been a set piece in a number of films and allegedly it was George Lucas’ inspiration for the design of Queen Amidala’s royal residence in Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. (Who knew?)
Scroll to the bottom to see if you can identify the location of our November photo. The first person to email me the correct location of the photo (hint: it’s always in either San Francisco or Marin) wins a $25 gift card to local green business Sports Basement!
Market Update
San Francisco Market Statistics Marin Market Statistics
Despite global conflict, declining stock markets, and a 23-year high in interest rates, October achieved the highest monthly absorption level in San Francisco since June 2022, driven by a significant uptick in sales of single-family homes. In Marin, October had the highest monthly median sales price since May. Following the typical market seasonality, active listings jumped in September and are currently experiencing weekly declines, a trend we anticipate will persist into December. As November unfolded, declining treasury yields prompted the Federal Reserve to pause its benchmark rate increase. In response, the stock market swiftly surged, and the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage experienced a notable quarter-percent drop, marking the most significant one-week decrease since the previous November. Even amid the holiday slowdown, well-prepared sellers and engaged buyers can leverage mid-winter’s diminished competition to facilitate swift sales and favorable negotiations.
Sleeper Opportunity?
21 Brompton Avenue, San Francisco | Listed for $3,195,000
This lovely home listed by Edward Deleski and Jean-Paul Samaha of Vanguard Properties has been on the market for 41 days. The listing calls it a “fantastic renovation in an A+ location” and I have to agree! It’s right across the street from my first house in San Francisco at 40 Brompton Avenue which I sold back in 2006. This house didn’t look like this back then! Now with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths in 2,620 square feet, the main level features an updated, open concept with three bedrooms together on the upper level, including a primary suite and stairs up to a large roof terrace. The bottom floor has a separate entrance, living area, and additional bedroom and bath. Want to take a look?
Sleeper Opportunity?
40 Locust Avenue, #5, Larkspur | Listed for $1,350,000
This fully renovated 3 bedroom/1.5 bath condo is listed by Lotte Moore and Sarah Kowalczyk of Compass. It’s in a prime location just a block away from the historic downtown area - a vibrant community of restaurants, shops, and my personal favorite, the Italian pastry, cafe and wine shop Emporio Rulli. The condo features new flooring, an updated kitchen, three spacious bedrooms and a private outdoor area. It’s been on the market for 20 days and it’s open this weekend.
Marin Green Home Tour
Success!
The final report from the Marin Green Home Tour is in and overall it was considered a huge success. 80 attendees provided feedback on the post-event survey and 84% of those surveyed said that they are more likely to pursue green home upgrades after attending. Here are some of their comments:
“This show is a tremendous gift to our community - showing real people in real homes making a positive impact.”
“This was a really, really well-organized event. So impressed how you involve the community, private company providers, NGOs.”
“Really appreciated the different perspectives, introduction to various programs and rebates, and encouragement to take the first step.”
Want to see it for yourself? Click the button below to see my blog post about the homes on the tour and watch the recorded presentation.
Photo Contest
All of the gorgeous local photos in our contest are provided by the Green Realtor News Artist-in-Residence, Esther Vermeer. Esther is a Mill Valley resident with a background in branding and graphic design. Originally from the Netherlands, she moved with her family to Montreal, Canada for a while, and came to the Bay Area 14 years ago, where she has since established herself in the world of interior design. She loves to journey around California and discover the lush natural beauty the state has to offer. You can reach her at esther@prevalentprojects.com.
If you know the location email me at lucinda@lucindaotto.com. The first person to to send me a correct guess wins a $25 gift card to local green business Sports Basement!
I hope you enjoyed the Green Realtor News! If you know anyone buying or selling, or if you are curious to hear more about the market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you or your friends make moves. As one of my happy clients loves to say:
Everyone Needs A Lucinda!
