Issue #6 | Oct 10, 2024
Greetings | Buzzworthy Sales | Good Times | Good Givin’ | By The Numbers The Tool Shed
Hi Friends.
By now you're either grateful for the warm weather or cursing it! I thought this picture was apropos since it is a reminder for me of one of the reasons I chose to spend my life in Northern California, when leaving my hometown, Los Angeles, 22 years ago.
I recently enjoyed a gorgeous, sunset Bay cruise from Angel Island Ferry company, hosted by the Southern Marin Chambers of Commerce. I loved coming together and making new friends with local business owners and artisans across so many industries that touch our lives in Marin, contributing to its eclectic and creative vibe.
In addition to the perfect weather, good eats and drinks, I met some warm and engaging community members including Eileen Grady, Exec. Director & Artistic Producer of the 101-year running(!) The Mountain Play; Jode from the Marin SBDC - a nonprofit, business advising organization based in San Rafael, and Mimi Towle from our county's namesake, Marin Magazine.
I hope you too get a chance to enjoy these last days of summer in autumn!
Cheers, Suzanne
A snapshot of California's Movers & Shakers
Buzzworthy Home Sales
(September 29 - October 6)
Middle Ridge | Mill Valley
List Price | $2,900,000
Sales Price | $3,900,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1359
Days on Market | 4
1 Offer
3 Bed 2 Bath
Listing Courtesy of: Rick Trono MLS: 324073550
Bolinas
List Price | $699,000
Sales Price | $1,200,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $809
Days on Market | 18
4 Offers
3 Beds 2 Baths
Listing Courtesy of: Nadine Donalds | MLS: 324071272
Good Times | Sublime Events
BIKETOBERFEST! | OCTOBER 12
Bikes & Beer?? Yes, they can exist together; just be sure you're sober when biking home after this fun event! Enjoy over 30 beers from 13 of the best local brewers while jamming through the day with some live music:
Good Karma: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (Featuring JAMBAR owner Jennifer Maxwell’s band)
Panoramic Highway: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Catfight: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
This is more than just a festival; it’s a fundraising event dedicated to supporting the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) & Access4Bikes. Your participation and generosity help expand Marin County’s network of trails and maintain existing ones, ensuring a vibrant future for cycling in the birthplace of mountain biking.
Bonus: Leave the car at home! Bike Valet is offered for a suggested donation of $5.
Interesting stats...Even though none of Marin's communities is listed as a top 10, these stats are interesting.
Below is the year-to-date Marin average list to sales price % that I pulled together.
Good Givin' | A Worthy Cause
I've always wondered what goes on at downtown San Rafael's Autistry Studios. I knew it blended the Arts with Autism but little did I know how expansive their mission truly is. My friend Zphyna recently filled me in: Founders Janet Lawson and Daniel Swearingen are the parents of Ian, a young autistic man. Looking ahead for their son and what his life would be like after high school they were very unhappy with the lack of appropriate services, work choices, and living situations available for people like him. Over time, they started working to fill this gap in services.
Today, Autistry programs provide college support, vocational training, and workplace-socialspace skill building through several core programs:
*Autistry Core Workshop Program: a therapeutic Maker/STEAM program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other social or communication challenges
*Autistry Comprehensive Adult Program: a 5-day/week program that addresses the specific and individual needs of neurodivergent transition age youth and adult Individuals
*ASAP program: targeted training to young adults transitioning from high school, post-high school programs, or individuals seeking support to become more independent
*Autistry Studios and Tamalpais Union High School District: a comprehensive transition program for post-secondary certificate track students.
Insider Tip: You can support their innovative programs by shopping for artistic, whimsical pieces made by members in the Makers Market retail shop AND enjoy a scoop of SF's Double Rainbow ice cream in the adjacent coffee shop.
MARIN REAL ESTATE REPORT
Weekly Stats Ending October 6
THE TOOL SHED | IS ADU 4 U?
By Michael Twing (Contractor's License #891692)
Hi readers! We're moving on to Demolition.
This is where the boots really hit the ground. In fact, we only wear boots in this activity. We’ve protected the surfaces, opened a wall to access the yard - hopefully with the debris box or trailer on the other side - waiting to receive the discarded wallboard, wood, electrical, plumbing, packaging material, and insulation. Or if we're lucky and building out a 500 sq ft unfinished garage, not much demo at all. Just the same, there’s always a debris pile or bin. Some jobs take a trip of two to the dumps; some take a 40 yard debris box! All in all, it’s a line item that will always exist and require estimating and budgeting.
Equally important is discussing up front how to handle existing infrastructure: cabinets, appliances, old redwood siding, etc. Unless the owner specifies a desire to retain something the contractor can do what they please with the “debris.” I try to stick to the: recycle, reuse, repurpose model. This can include personal sales; I’ve sold many items, including a perfectly functional Meile dishwasher and vintage Wolf range from a kitchen remodel. And yes, I’ve also been known to pull out miles of wiring and turn it in for beer money. My point is this: if you want it, tag it.
Lastly, don’t be surprised to find a line item for PPE (personal protection equipment) under Demo. Depending on the state of the project, these items could represent a chunk of change: gloves, eye protection, dust protection, sound protection, tyvek suits, hardhats, and the like.
Though the demolition activity can be vague, it is necessary to move the project along. As we progress on these estimating costs, I promise there will be others that are easier to estimate. We’ll explore them when we continue to outline: is an ADU for you?
Next up: Rough Framing & Materials You got this!
Photo: Getty Images