Buying a Home In Marin – Broker’s on Tour
Buying a Home In Marin – Broker’s on Tour
Thursday in central Marin County between 10:30-2 the streets are filled with Realtor cars rushing around to see all the new listed homes for sale. The concept of Broker’s Tour is brilliant. I have seen agents tour a home in 30 seconds and fit in 20+ homes in 7 cities in the 3 hour window. Buyers approach the home viewing process completely different. They need to spend time in the home. Will I be comfortable here? Will my couch fit? Where will I put my big screen TV and wonder, Will my clothes will fit in the closet.
Brokers tour on the other hand is a whirlwind. With only 3-31/2 hours we try to see as many homes as possible. Fly through as the checklist of our clients needs get ticked off in our heads and grabbing plates of Comforts Chinese Chicken Salad and bottles of water as we run out the door.
Today in San Rafael alone there were 53 homes on tour. We saw 3 in San Rafael – 135 H Street, San Rafael CA 94901; 109 Trellis, San Rafael, CA 94901 and a super secret not-yet-on-the-market listing.
Looking for a remodeled home with old world charm and character? H Street, previously on the market and sold in November of 2010 for $620,000, is a great find. The buyer took a Spanish style 1937 home in pretty original condition and brilliantly updated it without completing ruining the character of the home.
H Street Kitchen - Before
Above, the before kitchen. Closed off from the rest of the house and dated. Kitchen was opened up with additional cabinets, beautiful glass tiles, recessed lighting and stainless appliances.
- 135 H Street, San Rafael CA 94901 – After
The lower level of the home was never finished. Just a big creepy basement. The owner did an amazing job of finishing it and adding a den/playroom and a Master Bedroom Suite.
135 H Street, San Rafael CA 94901 - Before
135 H Street, San Rafael CA 94901 - After
Another home 109 Trellis, San Rafael, CA 94903 was masterfully transformed. With an awkward pool, filled in with materials from the reconstruction, high end appliances and well chosen paint colors. This home probably won’t last long.
109 Trellis Drive, San Rafael Ca 94903
109 Trellis, San Rafael CA 94903
We also saw my friend Nicole Klionsky’s listing on 13 Enterprise Drive, Corte Madera CA 94925. Yet another complete and tasteful remodel as well as a few others.
13 Enterprise Drive, Corte Madera CA 94925
The sellers are definitely giving the buyers what they want. Turn key properties. With life getting crazier and schedules too busy to keep up with, today’s buyer is typically not looking for a project. They want to move in and get on with their lives. Sellers – Thanks for listening and paying attention!