Looking at activity in the first half of January our optimism about the coming months is confirmed as we look at the increasing sales figures and the general attitude of the buying and selling public. Here are some interesting facts about 2009 taken from the Marin Association of Realtors:

• The average home price in Marin at the end of 2009 was 17.9% greater than at the start of the decade. The DOW was down 3.3% during that same time period.
• The 4th quarter for 2009 was much improved in many areas from 2008.
• Homes sales were up 44.1% in the 4th quarter and Kentfield, Larkspur, Novato, San Rafael, and Tiburon had median and average price sales increases during this time period.
• For the full year of 2009, more homes sold in Marin than in 2008.
• The…

Breaking news from Wells Fargo:

The median price of a home in California experienced its first year-to-year gain in over two years during the month of November, as the California housing market continued recent trends in terms of prices, supply, and sales. The monthly median price crossed the $300,000 threshold in November with a median of $304,520, up 2.4 percent from the October median price of $297,500 and up 5.8 percent from $287,880 a year earlier. The situation has improved greatly from a year ago during the worst of the financial crisis, when the median price had registered 41.3 percent year-to-year decline.

After a 59 percent peak-to-trough decline, the California median price has increased 24.1 percent from a trough of $245,170 that occurred in…

We are optimistic about the coming year in Marin real estate. From a seller's standpoint the next few months are going to be very active. Because  inventory is down and we expect a 35% jump in the spring, acting sooner rather than later would be advisable and the three factors that will affect you the most as a seller are timing, pricing and marketing. Keep in mind that the more choices a buyer has, the less your home will be worth and if you have something good to offer, make sure the world knows about it.
From a buyer's standpoint, 2010 is the year to buy a home for the reasons outlined below. U.S. News and World Report  just came out with an article on why they think that this the year to buy but be careful about procrastinating, because that will hurt…