Marin Real Estate sales have seen a brief increase from the dismal Marin statistics that I have been sending in the past months.

Homes priced under $850,000 are selling with at times multiple offers. Homes above the $2,500,000 range are also selling in selected markets. The mid-market in Marin is not moving. Marin Real Estate has intrinsic value in down markets but since we have had price declines in some areas of 20% and more it is hard to imagine that recession conscious buyers will jump in all at once until there is evidence that prices have stabilized. Buyers who think the bottom in Marin real estate prices have come and gone are plunging in but the majority of mid-range buyers are taking their time.

In speaking with many Marin County mortgage brokers and other Marin real estate agents getting a loan is not an easy task. The approval guidelines have been strengthened in the benefit of the banks and 20-25% cash down is almost the norm.

The most important advice I can give you is to look at all of the statistics on my website and speak with the most knowledgeable Marin real estate broker you can find. If you want specific data on homes in your neighborhood please feel free to call me at 415-297-9000 or email me at rparks@visionrealtors.com.

Click here to see a comparison of first quarter 2008 and 2009 Marin County sales (pdf).