GREEN REALTOR NEWS | Vol. 45
Market Update | Just Sold | Join a Repair Fair | Photo Contest
While we welcome a new year and, as always, feel gratitude to live in such an amazing place, 2025 has gotten off to a rocky start. Many of us were riveted to the news of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, horrified and saddened by the loss while wondering what it could mean for both climate change and the impact on our community in the Bay Area. Not only that, a new administration in Washington, D.C. could roll back some of the progress we’ve made on energy efficient homes, vehicles, and communities. Over the next few months the green realtor community will be closely tracking these changes and keeping you updated.
Dan Frost was once again the winner of our photo contest! Many of you recognized the nautical tile mural near Gabrielson Park in Sausalito, but did you know it spells out Bank of America, Sausalito Cal in the international language of signal flags? The Bank of America building and mural were designed by William W. Wurster, noted California architect and long time dean of the UC Berkeley School of Design. After a 1972 remodel the mural was covered for 40 years. Meant to reflect Sausalito’s nautical roots and add color to the local waterfront, the mural was restored in 2014 to honor the work of Mr. Wurster. Check it out the next time you are visiting the ever popular Sausalito Jazz and Blues by the Bay, starting up again on June 6, 2025.
Scroll to the bottom to guess the location of the January photo!
Market Update - 2024 in Review
The Bay Area real estate market in 2024 reflected a mix of resilience and recovery amid broader economic challenges. High prices, limited inventory, and steady demand defined the landscape, with certain neighborhoods continuing to perform well despite a shifting economic backdrop. In some areas the tech industry’s 20% workforce reduction since 2022 had a lingering impact on housing demand, however, year-over-year data showed encouraging signs of recovery. Sales of single-family homes rose 8.4% in Marin and 14.8% in San Francisco. Median sales prices and price-per-square-foot also saw modest gains, reflecting renewed buyer activity. The luxury segment ($3M+) also experienced healthy growth, supported by strong demand. Competitive bidding remained common, especially in desirable neighborhoods, with many properties selling quickly and above asking price. Mortgage rates have edged upward over the last four weeks with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.93%. Despite higher rates, buyers appear to be re-entering the market, as pending home sales continue to rise. Projections point to a seller’s market throughout 2025 characterized by tight inventory and sustained demand—conditions likely to support high pricing. The National Association of Realtors forecasts a 2% increase in home prices nationwide, driven by stabilizing mortgage rates and improving job and income opportunities.
Just Sold
13 Morningside Drive, San Anselmo
4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2,141 sq. ft. | $1,900,000
This sweet family got a fabulous deal for a home in the picturesque Morningside neighborhood in San Anselmo. Built in 1927 and significantly remodeled and expanded in 1988, this home features large, welcoming living spaces on the main level plus a bedroom and full bath, then three large bedrooms and two additional baths on the upper level. The entire home is flooded with sunlight and features ample storage, a large, flat lot and multiple places to relax and entertain both inside and out. It’s the perfect place to create family memories for years to come.
Watch Duty
Over the past month I’ve had many conversations about preparing for wildfires. While watching the news from Los Angeles I’m sure many of you heard about Watch Duty, a non-profit and app founded by a Sonoma County resident to provide accurate, real time information on fire perimeters, evacuation routes, animal shelters, and other critical information in a disaster. The nonprofit is called Sherwood Forestry Service, named for the home of Robin Hood, the legendary English folk hero who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Read the fascinating story of the man behind it by clicking the link below. For more information about Watch Duty and how to get the app, click on the image above.
Join a Repair Fair with Zero Waste Marin
Like the idea of making our footprint smaller by reducing what we consume and reusing/recycling old things? Zero Waste Marin is working on a pilot program with non-profit Reuse Alliance to bring free Repair Fairs to Marin County.
What is a Repair Fair?
Repair Fairs are free events where community members can bring an item (lamp, bike, clothes, small appliances, etc.) for free repair. Rather than leaving and returning later to pick up their item, attendees sit with a Repair Coach who explains their approach to fixing the item. Coaches and attendees work collaboratively to try to fix the item, so that attendees learn more about fixing and hopefully feel empowered to try to fix other things. Repair Fairs keep useful items out of the landfill and spread knowledge and love of reuse and repair!
Happening at multiple locations around Marin throughout the spring and summer starting with a Repair Fair and Clothing Swap in Corte Madera on Saturday, February 8.
Photo Contest
All of the beautiful photos in our contest are provided by 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 first to Montreal, Canada and then to the Bay Area, where she has 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 with a correct guess wins a $25 gift card to 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!
