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Dear Friends,
Every summer, Mill Valley settles into a different rhythm. Schools are out, many families are traveling, traffic eases, and the pace of life becomes noticeably quieter. While the beautiful weather invites us outdoors, it also marks one of the more seasonal periods in our local real estate market.
Beyond Marin, however, an important shift continues to unfold. San Francisco's AI sector is fueling a new wave of hiring, investment, and optimism, bringing talented professionals back to the city and increasing demand for housing throughout the Bay Area. Southern Marin remains one of the primary destinations for buyers seeking exceptional schools, easy access to San Francisco, and the lifestyle that makes this community so special. I believe this trend will continue to support our market over the longer term.
In the short term, though, seasonality is playing a significant role. Buyer activity has slowed as many people focus on summer travel, and homes that would likely receive stronger interest in September are seeing fewer showings today. Rather than making unnecessary price adjustments, many sellers are choosing to temporarily withdraw their homes from the market and relaunch after Labor Day, when buyers return from vacation and the fall market traditionally gains momentum. As always, presentation, pricing, and thoughtful marketing remain the deciding factors. Well-prepared homes continue to attract strong interest, while properties that miss the mark often linger. In today's market, strategy matters more than ever.
After more than 32 years helping clients navigate Marin real estate, one thing hasn't changed: exceptional homes in exceptional communities continue to hold their value over time. Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply curious about today's market, I'm always happy to share what I'm seeing and help you make informed decisions. |
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As we move through the second half of summer, the Bay Area housing market continues to show encouraging signs of strength, though activity varies significantly by location. While headlines often focus on San Francisco, the broader market tells a more balanced story, with buyers and sellers responding differently depending on local inventory, pricing, and economic conditions.
San Francisco continues to benefit from renewed momentum in the technology sector, particularly around artificial intelligence. Strong hiring, rising consumer confidence, and renewed investment have fueled demand for housing, especially in sought-after neighborhoods. Luxury markets in Marin and the Peninsula are also seeing healthy activity, with well-prepared homes continuing to attract motivated buyers and, in some cases, multiple offers.
Across much of the Bay Area, buyers remain active but are taking a thoughtful approach. Homes that are move-in ready, competitively priced, and professionally presented continue to perform well, while properties requiring significant updates often take longer to sell. Today’s market rewards preparation and strategic pricing more than ever.
Mortgage rates remain an important factor for many buyers, and affordability continues to influence purchasing decisions. Even so, limited inventory in many desirable communities has helped support home values, creating opportunities for sellers who enter the market with a strong plan. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on market trends, understanding your local market is more important than following national headlines. If you’d like to discuss what today’s market means for your home or your real estate goals, I’d be happy to help. |
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| Should You Wait Until After the AI IPOs to Sell? |
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It's the question I've been fielding all summer from owners in Mill Valley, Tiburon, and Belvedere: with several major AI companies expected to go public, should sellers hold off and wait for the wave of new wealth that follows?
It's a fair question — Marin's luxury market has always moved with tech. But after looking at how the last few major IPOs actually played out locally, and at what's already happening in our market right now, my answer is the same one Compass Chief Economist Mike Simonsen gave a Palo Alto seller asking the exact same thing: I probably wouldn't wait.
Here's why. The buyers everyone's picturing as a "future wave" tend to act on confidence long before an IPO ever closes — and Marin's $5 million-plus segment already saw 120 transactions in 2025, holding steady even as the broader market cooled. In other words, the wealth many sellers are waiting for may already be touring homes this season.
I break down the full reasoning — including what happened around the Google, Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Uber IPOs, and why a single company going public usually matters less than people assume — in this month's blog. |
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"A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear that results from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl." |
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| | "Come Together” for the annual tribute concert and fundraiser benefiting the San Anselmo Arts Commission.
Directed by Joe Bagale and friends, this lively evening of music is sure to get you movin’ and groovin. |
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| | World Dog Surfing Championships |
| | Watch pups from around the world hang ten, then stick around for the Surf Dog Village, free and open to everyone. Come for the surfing, stay for the good cause, proceeds support local charities! |
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| San Francisco | August 7-9 |
| Three days of world-class music, food, wine, beer, and art, the festival only San Francisco could pull off. This year's a big one: tickets are already sold out, but you can still join the waitlist for a shot at getting in. See you in the park! |
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| 5 BD 3 BA 3537 SF $5,495,000 |
| Set behind a garden gate on one of Mill Valley's most established streets, this landmark 1911 Craftsman — originally built by the city's first mayor — sits on an exceptional 17,500 sq ft double lot with mature gardens previously featured on the Mill Valley Garden Tour. Beautifully preserved interiors feature box beam ceilings, rich wood paneling, and hardwood floors, thoughtfully paired with modern updates throughout. The lower level offers two bedrooms, a second kitchen, and a separate entrance — ideal for guests, extended family, or ADU potential. Bordering Staircase 17 with a direct pedestrian connection to downtown, top-rated schools, and the trails of Mt. Tam, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Mill Valley history with exceptional land, character, and flexibility. |
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Country Club Area, Mill Valley |
| | Stunning off market home offering 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms across 3,765 square feet on an 8,102 square foot lot in Mill Valley's Country Club neighborhood, sited above the golf course with sweeping views. The home is a fully redesigned Modern Farmhouse with high-end finishes throughout, including a leathered granite kitchen island, Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, wide-plank oak floors, custom cabinetry, and radiant heat across seven zones. The lower level includes a media room with a separate entrance that could serve as a fifth bedroom. |
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| | Perched above the Mendocino coastline, “Sea Piper” is a one-of-a-kind Zen retreat designed by a Japanese architect, blending old-growth redwood, antique wood accents, and striking custom details with panoramic Pacific views. Spanning nearly 10 acres across three parcels, this secluded sanctuary features a dramatic great room, chef’s kitchen, spa-like suites, detached cottage, expansive decks with ocean vistas, and native landscaping that creates a private haven for both people and wildlife. |
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| | | 3 BD 3 BA 1990 SF $1,575,000 |
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| | | | | 4 BD 3 BA 2034 SF $2,450,000 |
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| | | 4 BD 4 BA 2103 SF $2,200,000 |
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| | | | | 4 BD 5 BA 3905 SF $4,111,110 |
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| | | 5 BD 3 BA 2571 SF $4,050,000 |
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| Looking for a primary residence, second home, or investment property outside of Marin? I am connected to some of the best agents in the country and would love to help you to find the right match and make an introduction for you! |
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| | Prep Now, Pay Later
Sellers can access Compass Concierge Capital to prepare your home for sale with no interest owed (just a $750 origination fee). |
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| | | Compass Private Exclusive |
| With a Compass Private Exclusive, we spark intrigue, reach the right buyers, and turn privacy into top-dollar offers. |
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| Visit my website to see my current listings and sold homes, as well as many testimonials, my newsletters, and more! |
| | See how my client was impressed with the results! |
| | Check out Compass Luxury Curated Magazine |
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| Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 01527235, 01527365. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. |
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