GreenerMarin

Mortgage Protection Program helps unemployed in CA

2009-04-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

In April of this year, the California Association of Realtors' non-profit organization called the Housing Authority Fund launched what they call their C.A.R. H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program.

In short, this new program was created to provide some relief for new homeowners who loose their job.

Here are the basics:
1.) You must be a 1st time homebuyer in the state of California
2.) You must open escrow on 4/2/09 or later and close escrow before the end of 2009.
3.) You must use a California Realtor(R)
4.) You must be a w-2 employee (cannot be self employed)

If you'd like to know more, please check out the details at the CAR website: http://www.car.org/aboutus/hafmainpage/carhafmortgageprotection/

Mitch Todd/Realtor

415-259-7082

Marin County single family home sales average $1.125M in March 2009

2009-04-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Marin County stats - updated 04/08/09 for sales through March 31, 2009 according to data recorded in BAREIS (local Mulitple Listing Service).

+Single Family homes sold = 87 homes. Year to date, there have been 217 Single Family homes sold in Marin County, that's a 22% reduction as compared to the same period in 2008.
+Average price of sold Single Family homes in March 2009 = $1,124,922. That's a 40% increase over February 2009, and a 6% decrease compared to March 2008.
+Average time sold Single Family homes remained on the market = 103 days

Quick: what is the cheapest and quickest way to reduce your home's carbon footprint?

2009-03-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

New windows? Solar panels? New instant-on hot water heater? Not at all-it's the simple caulk gun. Homes in the US are amazingly inefficient. Studies show they waste 30% of the energy they consume. About a third of the energy lost could be saved by plugging up holes.

Take a gander at this article in the Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123629700922046051.html#video%3D06EB46ED-E130-4DD1-BD3F-32CCBCCA2B60%26articleTabs%3Darticle

And go get some caulk!

Heads-up for TIC investors

2009-02-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

In January 2009, Anne Kruaskopf, Senior Special Counsel of the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), indicated in a 'no-action' letter (found at http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/cf-noaction/2009/omni011409.htm) that a proposed offer and sale of undivided tenant in common (TIC) interests might fall under the Securities Act of 1933.

While this letter is in response to a very specific set of circumstances and stops short of a definitive ruling, it serves as a warning to TIC investors to carefully consider each and every offering presented to them.

Mitch Todd/Realtor

Associate Broker, MBA and Owner of Tam Realty

415-259-7082

KQED's upcoming special on SPAWN's efforts to help the Coho Samon

2009-02-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

KQED filmed in the San Geronimo Valley last Friday for their upcoming special on the plight of the Coho Salmon in the San Geronimo Valley. Their film crew followed Chris Pincetich, SPAWN's Watershed Biologist from the headwaters of the Lagunitas Creek through SPAWN's creek restoration sites downstream to Tomales Bay. They also spent some time at the Native Plant Nursery in our backyard. They filmed the volunteers who staff the nursery every Friday. The 1000's of native plants grown here are used in the creek restoration efforts.

We look forward to seeing KQED's program and hope that it will bring attention to the Coho's struggle to survive despite encroachment on their habitat, trash in their ocean and devastating storms in recent years.

Fairfield REO statistics: January 2009

2009-01-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

1/15/09:

Here's a snapshot of the REO market in Fairfield as of the beginning of January 2009.

Items of note:
1.) Asking price and Selling price are merging: indicates that buyers and sellers both agree on price. This predicts the bottom of the market (for this segment in this market) as there is no downward pressure from buyers.
2.) Sales prices have adjusted downward dramatically over the last 6 months.
3.) Volume of REO activity has exploded - now dominating the market.

Questions or Comments? Call or email me....

Mitch Todd/Realtor

owner, Tam Realty
415-259-7082

Recovery: Marin Condo/Townhomes

2009-01-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

Are we nearing the bottom for condos and townhomes in Marin County?

One sector of our real estate market here in Marin has begun to stand out, condominiums and townhomes.

In my previous blogs, I have presented the raw statistics of units sold and price changes over the last year or two. Now I've taken that analysis to the next step - and below you will find sales data for the last 15 years. You can clearly see the market correction over the last couple of years. More than that, though, I've plotted a baseline 5% appreciation line as a comparison (see notes below for sources).

You can see that the chart below reflects a sales volume in line with "pre-boom" figures. It also predicts a sales price (average sales price, in this case) nearing that of historical appreciation rates (see notes below). Furthermore, many analysts and economists have targeted a 35%-37% drop in nationwide sales prices to mark the bottom of the market. For Marin County condos/townhomes, that means that we are quickly nearing the target bottom. Now, keep in mind that the concept of an actual bottom of the market is fuzzy at best (will we know when we reach it), and that each market nationwide will certainly perform independently.

Enough said - check out the chart and contact me with questions and comments!

Mitch Todd/Realtor at Tam Realty

415-259-7082

NOTES:

---I selected an average rate of appreciation of 5% after researching several sources. First, nationwide appreciation before the real estate boom (1975 - 1998) averages just over 4%. California appreciation for the same timeframe averaged an astounding 7.9% (source: Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight). Inflation (excluding the high inflation period of the '70s) has run around 3.5% (source: Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight). So, I've settled on 5%. You may consider another rate - feel free!

---Another note: I have selected average sales price for my data - honestly, it's easier for gather than median. That said, average sales price can be skewed by 'out of the ordinary' sales, high or low. As a rule of thumb, in Marin County, average sales prices exceed median sales prices due to a few select 'luxury' products skewing the data. For condos/townhomes, sales on DeSilva Island are an example of this. For reference, Dec. '08 average sales price for a condo/townhome in Marin was around $474K, while the median price was around $405K.

Marin County housing market statistics: Dec 2008

2009-01-08T11:37:00.001-08:00

2008 is in the books - and I have compiled Marin County's stats below.

Overall, our Multiple Listing Service, BAREIS, reported 1,839 transactions in the County of Marin in 2008. This figure includes single family homes, condo/townhomes, business opportunities, farms and vacant land. The total 1,839 transactions represent a 20% decrease from the total figure of 2,717 reported in 2007.

1,543 single family (detached) homes were reported sold in 2008. That figure is down 18% from the 2007 figure of 1,998 homes. While average sales prices held strong for the first quarter of 2008, by the end of the year the average sales price had dropped 24% to $1,055K.

499 condo/townhomes sold in Marin County in 2008. This is about even with the 501 units sold in 2007. The average sales price fell 30% to $365K.

For more information, please feel free to contact me.
Mitch Todd/Realtor(R)
owner, Tam Realty
415-259-7082

Raingarden Complete!

2008-11-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

After 4 hours of 15+ people working, we have a very large raingarden and beautiful raingarden in the backyard. The workshop was very successful, as each of the participants went home with hands-on knowledge of how to build their own raingarden. We learned how to calculate the size of your shallow depression, depending on the size of your roof (or other runoff source). We learned the best deep-rooted native plants that will improve the permeable quality of the ground. We installed a large galvanized bucket at the base of the downspout to slow and disperse the runoff. Take a closer look at the pictures on our Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32887567@N04/sets/72157610546875608/

Raingarden building in Lagunitas

2008-11-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

SPAWN is hosting a Raingarden Workshop in Lagunitas on Saturday, November 29.

We will be working through all design elements to build a Rain Garden (in our case, a garden designed to capture and retain stormwater from a roof) at the site of a recently decommissioned residential lawn.
Our Rain Garden workshop will demonstrate how to turn storm-water into a valuable resource serving to both beautify a backyard landscape while also protecting local streams from erosion and flooding by disconnecting impervious surfaces from the storm-drain system.
Reservations required! Space is limited.WHEN: Saturday, Nov 29. 10AM - 3PM.WHERE: Directions provided upon reservation.COST: $35 non-members, $25 members (all proceeds benefit more Rain Gardens!)
To sign up email Paola@tirn.net or call 415-663-8590 x111

**We will also showcase a cistern project that taps into roof-water runoff.

To learn more about the environmental benefits of harvesting rainwater, follow this link:
http://spawnusa.org/cgi-files/0/pdfs/1141687139_Brocks_Article.pdf

Here is another resource for homeowners interested in designing their own raingarden:
http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/home.rgmanual.pdf

1st Time Homebuyer's Seminar: 12/09/08

2008-11-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

The current buyers' market has produced some amazing home values in the Bay Area. If you are considering taking advantage of this buyers' market, or if you'd just like to know what to expect when buying a home, join us for this informal, interactive discussion on the home buying process. We will focus on qualifying for a loan, finding the right home, negotiating the purchase and taking title to your new home.

When: Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 7:00-8:30pm

Where: Old Republic Title Co.

545 Fourth Street

San Rafael, CA 94901

Who: Tam Realty: Sallee Taaffe & Mitch Todd/Realtors

Residential Pacific Mortgage: Nancy Marion/Senior Mortgage Consultant

Old Republic Title Co: Maryanne Cooper/Senior Escrow Officer

All are welcome, but please RSVP as space is limited (and we need to plan for drinks and treats).

Mitch Todd/Realtor

owner, Tam Realty

founder, GreenerMarin

415-259-7082

Mitch@TamRealty.com

It's snowing again in San Rafael, CA

2008-11-28T09:26:00.001-08:00

..yup... snow, right outside Tam Realty's office in San Rafael, CA.

The fun for the kids is open Friday, 11/28/08 'till 8:00pm and Saturday, 11/29/08 from 9:00am 'till 2:00pm.
The 29th annual parade of lights starts at 5:30pm on Friday 11/28/08.

More details can be found at the Parade of Lights website.

Mitch Todd/Realtor
owner, Tam Realty
founder, GreenerMarin
415-259-7082
Mitch@TamRealty.com
Mitch@GreenerMarin.com

Lowest priced vacant land currently listing in Marin County!

2008-11-26T14:41:00.000-08:00

11/26/08:
Lowest priced land in Marin County! NOW $25,000!!!

Wooded, undeveloped parcel on paved road in the heart of the wonderful San Geronimo Valley (about an hour from San Francisco, and 20 minutes to San Rafael). Buy and hold for future opportunities!

For private showings, please contact me.
Mitch Todd/Realtor
owner, Tam Realty & founder, GreenerMarin
415-259-7082
Mitch@TamRealty.com

Marin County housing market stats: Oct 2008

2008-11-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

The media is bombarding us with economic information these days. We see it on the television, read it in the newspapers (does anyone still read newspapers?), hear it on the radio and...find it online!
The thing is, most of the information we receive is macroeconomic in nature. So, for those of us interested in the local Marin County housing markets, I'll will continue to produce relevant sales data and, on occasion, even some predictions - as I have for the last several years.
Following are a few charts which help tell the story of the Marin County housing market through October 2008.

Single Family Home sales in Marin County:
* Year-to-date units sold 22% lower than 2007.
* Average sales price in 2008 5% lower than 2007.

Condo/Townhome sales in Marin County:
* Year-to-date units sold 3% lower than 2007 (and on fire in the 3rd-4th quarter).
* Average sales price in 2008 19% lower than 2007.

TOTAL property sales in Marin County:
* Year-to-date units sold 30% lower than 2007.

Predictions for Q4/08 and Q1/09:
* Condo/Townhome sales will continue to outpace the market as the foreclosed and short inventory continues to be snatched up by 1st time homebuyers and investors. Look for approx. 55 units sold per month through Dec. 08 in Marin. Depending upon the Fed's move to slow the foreclosure rate, we may see a leveling off in this market's unit sales in early 2009. Prices to continue to fall until this leveling off occurs.
* Single Family Home sales will remain weak through the end of 2008. In 2009, expect something of a bump in activity in homes under $1M as 1st time home buyers move in to take advantage of the weakened market. This bump will be in volume, not pricetag. Higher priced homes which have maintained their value better than average, may see a weakening in 2009 as demand is stymied by the activities on Wall Street and the banking industries.

If you want to know what your home is worth in this market, or if you are considering taking advantage of some pretty well priced homes on the market today, please contact me.
Mitch Todd/Realtor
owner, Tam Realty
founder, GreenerMarin
415-259-7082
mitch@TamRealty.com

Sudden Oak Expense

2008-10-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

So the full mineral wash treatment for our oak tree was quoted at $1,100. Good grief. Do we love the tree that much? No. We can do the treatment ourselves and save a lot of money. The first step is to power wash the moss and lichen from the trunks, and excavate the soil around the base of the tree to expose more trunk. Then we'll treat the trunk with the limewash mixtures that we can purchase from Dr. Lee Klinger for $65 a bucket. Next, we'll spread the Azomite soil sweetener around the base of the tree. (Thanks to Paola at S.P.A.W.N., we already have 3 bags available) We'll re-treat according to Dr. Klinger's recommendations. We're saving quite a bit of money by doing it ourselves, but it's a lot of work! Here are pictures of Mitch enjoying the power wash step: It took over four hours to spray off moss and lichen from the first 6 feet of the trunk.

We could have done more, but the powerwasher was rented and needed to go back. Stay tuned for photos of the next steps!

Sudden Oak Life

2008-10-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

(Originally blogged 8/27/07)

Monday we had a visit from Dr. Lee Klinger, PhD, who is a tree specialist from Big Sur. He came to take a look at our tree that is stricken with Sudden Oak Death (SOD) and develop a treatment plan. His treatment plan is different from what more conventional tree service companies use to combat SOD (Agri-Fos & Pentra-bark).

Lee’s theory (that can be read on his website www.SuddenOakLife.org) states that our forest land no longer has the benefit of the periodic forest fire that used to clear the area. The fires replenished the soil of the minerals which the trees need. The fires also cleared millions of young trees and underbrush, allowing the larger, surviving trees to take advantage of the existing minerals.

Our tree has a thick layer of moss and lichen on the entire trunk and most branches. This thick layer has degraded the bark, compromising the tree’s defense against beetles and disease. This moss and lichen also produce acid, further acidifying the soil.

Lee’s suggested treatment plan for our sick tree is to first remove the heavy moss and lichen cover by pressure washing the trunks, up to a height of 10 or more feet. Brush cover and surrounding small trees should be removed, and the root collar is cleared of dirt and debris. He then suggests amending the soil around the tree with soil mineral fertilizers and painting the trunk of the tree with a lime wash. The lime wash and soil mineral fertilizers are alkaline-rich minerals that help the tree fight off the diseases and pests that are attacking them.

This approach is controversial and as of yet ‘unproven’ according to many specialists who study and work with SOD.

Interesting footnote: Lee approximated the age of our tree at about 350-400 years old, and described it as an oak that was cultivated by Native Americans for acorns. The 4 main trunks are evidence of the Native American cultivation.

Environmentally friendly way to wash your car

2008-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

(Originally blogged 7/6/07)

Washing your car at a professional car wash, and not into the street and stormdrains, is the environmentally friendly thing to do. Carwash facilities in Marin County are designed to process and treat toxic grime (metals etc that accumulate on our cars) and cleaning fluids, helping us keep our creeks and bays free of these pollutants. Additionally, over 85 percent of California's car washes recycle their water, helping conserve precious water resources too.

Pasted below is the link to a good article on the topic published in "CA Wild" the magazine of the CA Academy of Sciences. The article can be read online at: http://www.calacademy.org/calwild/2004spring/stories/habitats.htmlEvery little bit we do to keep our creeks and bays clean makes a difference!

What is g oing on in our Backyard?

2008-10-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

S.P.A.W.N (Salmon Protection and Watershed Network) is a local conservationist organization that works to improve the conditions for the coho salmon that spawn in our local creeks.
Since their listing as endangered in 1997, wild coho salmon have begun a slow but steady comeback to their native Central California streams. The largest remaining run of Central California coho is found in the Bay Area, in Marin County's Lagunitas watershed. Here, stream habitats critical to the well-being of this endangered fish species are being restored by local environmental groups with the enthusiastic support of the surrounding communities.

Back to the original question-what is going on in our backyard- SPAWN volunteers cultivate native plants that they then use to restore creek banks.

This is where it all starts: seedlings, sprouts and shoots. SPAWN volunteers nurture hundreds of native plants to be planted along the creeks in the watershed. Inside the shade house-dogwood, redwood, valley oak, scrub oaks, and native grasses. The greenhouse protects the more vulnerable seedlings.

Read more about what the SPAWN volunteers have done and how their work has benefited coho salmon, visit http://www.spawnusa.org/index.html .

Don't Need a lot of Green to go Green

2008-10-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

(Originally blogged 7/13/07)

How often do we hear, “becoming green is so expensive-I just can’t afford it!” Yes, the manufacturers and retailers of the new, ‘green’ products would have us think that buying their particular green item is the only way to save this green earth for future generations. Without their low VOC paint or hemp shirts we are certainly contributing to the melting of the polar icecaps and those poor polar bears’ loss of habitat. Rubbish! There are so many ways to go 'green' without spending a lot of money. Put down your Nature Conservancy VISA card and let’s talk a minute about what non-consumerist ways there are to go green.

You have heard these things over and over in the past couple of years; as the eco/green movement has hit the mainstream media with the force of a million cow farts. Let’s reiterate them for the people who have been napping: reduce the number and length your own car trips; reduce the number/amount of products (in general) that you buy; look for products that use less packaging; re-use the packaging if you can; recycle packaging at mailing centers; turn your thermostat down; wash in cold water; only run the dishwasher when it's full; make sure your irrigation system isn't wasting water; replace high maintenance lawns with more natural or native plants; eliminate the use of pesticides in your home and garden; etc.How about these less comfortable or appealing approaches?

1. Shun plastic bags altogether. For that matter, forego the paper, also. Bring your own. Or carry a big purse and stuff the little things in there and have the kids carry the bulkier items. Who needs bags at all? Sure people stare at me when I walk out of Longs with an armload and purse-full of un-bagged merchandise. I walk with my head high knowing that I am saving the world by shunning that extra layer of packaging.

2. Instead of buying new, stroll the aisles at Salvation Army, Goodwill and Good Stuff Resale Shop. Furniture, household goods, books, toys-why not? You may need to adjust your mindset a little-but for those who love a good deal-you’ll get goosebumps when you see these price tags. The Dominican Sisters in San Rafael have a new, completely green-built residence hall. Completed in 2005, it incorporates solar, FSC-rated lumber, high fly-ash concrete….all the buzzwords. The look is modern, airy, gorgeous. The furniture? Well, let’s call it retro-grannie. These nuns didn’t go for the bamboo/recyclable/reclaimed furniture that is all the rage right now. They frequented Salvation Army and Craigslist. The ultimate green furniture: zero packaging, minimal transportation costs, zero manufacturing waste, zero slick magazine advertising. These retro-grannie nuns are my idols.

3. Support your locally owned bookshop, but even better, check it out at the library. The ultimate eco/community/free resource: right under our noses! Ride your bike there for extra points!

4. Instead of buying new, don’t buy anything at all. Huh? What did she say? That’s right, I said take a break from shopping, just to see what it feels like. It might even be a relief not to have to run to Target to see what’s new. Less clutter, less to sneak in when the spouse isn’t looking, fewer charges on that credit card! Really-try it for a week. Buy only what you need to feed the family. Not including that George Foreman Grill! See just how refreshing it is. And with all that extra time you have that you would normally spend looking for that perfect parking spot at the mall, plant an organic garden!

One last note:
The new, brightly colored re-usable grocery bags at Trader Joe’s are gorgeous, awesome and cheap! Run, don’t walk to get yours today! They’re so bright you won’t forget them at home and so beautiful you’ll be the envy of all your friends. No excuses-when they ask “plastic or paper?” your answers is “I brought my own!”

So let’s hear it for reducing your impact (or footprint) on the earth without spending a lot of green!

Free Energy Savings, brought to you by Bay Area Youth!

2008-10-29T11:07:00.001-07:00

(Originally Blogged 7/25/07)

FREE ENERGY SAVINGS!

Help Yourself, Youth and the Environment
This summer, Bay Area youth are lighting the way to a more sustainable future one bulb at a time through a non-profit program called California Youth Energy Services, or CYES. These enthusiastic Energy Specialists, age 15-22, aim to install energy, water and money-saving products in 1600 Marin homes this summer – at no cost to residents. Every home counts!

CYES' FREE services include: - replacing incandescent light bulbs with free compact fluorescent light bulbs (no limit)- installing, if needed, free, efficient flow kitchen and bathroom sink aerators, and showerheads, if needed - replacing any energy hogging, fire-causing halogen lamps for brand new modern fluorescent torchieres- installing a rust-proof, retractable clothes line for homes with a dryer- providing residents with easy, inexpensive energy saving tips

All services and products are free and the visit only takes about one to two hours. CYES is conducting audits on Mondays-Thursdays now through August 15. Most of the funding for the program comes from the California Public Utilities Commission from a small tax on PG&E bills.

CYES is a popular and rapidly-growing program of the Berkeley-based non-profit organization Rising Sun Energy Center. This year 9 teams are serving residents in Marin, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Rising Sun Energy Center strives to create a community where people use energy and water responsibly and equitably through education, conservation and training.

It's easy to make an appointment! General information about the program and an on-line sign up form are at www.risingsunenergy.org/cyes.htm.

One Week Later

2008-10-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

(Originally blogged 6/16/07)

It has been only 8 days since I wrote the first blog entry about our oak tree. This morning we discovered sawdust on and around the trunk of the tree. Sawdust means the beetles has started boring their holes in the trunk. The Sudden Oak Death fungus isn't what kills the tree-it's the beetles. So now we have to make a decision about what to do next-spray pesticides? I pride myself on avoiding pesticides completely. It has been a gradual change. With my first garden, I bought the bottles with the promises of a healthy garden. As I started my garden in West Marin and learned more about sustainable gardening, I turned from bottled products to compost, worm castings and choosing hardier plants. My garden is still a work in progress, so I cannot claim to have won the battle.

But now our 125 year-old oak is dying. What to do? Here are some pictures so you can get a visual of what S.O.D. looks like.

Diary of a Dying Coast Live Oak

2008-10-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

(Originally blogged 6/16/07)

We have a 125-year old coast live oak tree that nicely shades our parking area. It has Sudden Oak Death, an affliction that has killed many trees in Marin and Sonoma and other coastal counties in California. Our oak had not been treated or checked out in the last 10 or so years, but we were fairly certain that it was healthy, from our casual monitoring. Just to be sure, though, we invited a tree specialist to come out and take a look early this spring. He gave us the bad news: it is in the early stages of sudden oak death.

The treatment consists of a spray that kills the fungus that is attacking the bark. It is applied every 3-6 months for a year or two, with results uncertain until the end of the treatment period. We have applied the treatment, and now we wait.

I’m watching the tree very closely, hoping for a smooth recovery. It is a huge tree with a fantastic spread that protects the front of the house from the hot afternoon sun. It also gives the cats a place to escape the dogs and hide from us. We don’t climb it or swing from it, as that just wouldn’t seem respectful.

We have several other oaks on our property, one of which recently succumbed to sudden oak death. It was a small tree-about 4’ in diameter. I understand now why they call it Sudden oak death: it died very suddenly. The leaves went brown and the tree tumbled over seemingly overnight. I don’t worry as much about the smaller trees dying-I guess because they are easier to replace. The younger trees are the next generation – I guess I’ll keep an eye on them, too.
Stay tuned for oak health updates.