Issue #7 | Nov 13, 2024
Greetings | Buzzworthy Sales | Good Times x 2 | Good Givin’ | By The Numbers The Tool Shed
Hi Friends.
It's that time again...Twinkle! Michael and the crew are already installing this year's Night Lights at Piper Park in Larkspur, spreading pixie dust and joy. Fundraising is still underway to add more trees to the design; if you're interested donate HERE.
You'll see the Twinklers throughout Tiburon in early November; keep an eye out for new surprises at a few iconic landmarks in town and the grand lighting ceremony in early December. We still have limited availability for residential and commercial projects if you're looking for that holiday spirit! Contact us at TwinkleLighting.com.
Meanwhile, there seems to be a bit of a lull in the Marin real estate market; perhaps it is due to the upcoming election. If you're a buyer sitting on the fence this means it's a great time to make a move. In fact, data shows that multiple offers on residential properties have plummeted from a high of nearly 72% in first quarter 2024 to 37% as of October 27.
I'm here to inform and assist you all the way with stats like these - please reach out if there is anything I can do to help you with your real estate needs!
Cheers, Suzanne
I'm taking a fascinating virtual workshop at Pepperdine University - Local Government & Community: Partnering for Success. This stat debunks some of the myths surround-ing California's property tax rate, ranking us 34th in property taxes paid as % of owner-occupied housing value.
Top spot goes to New Jersey.
Buzzworthy Home Sales
(October 20 - October 27)
Greenbrae
List Price | $3,695,000
Sales Price | $3,400,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1223
Days on Market | 31
1 Offer
5 Bed 3 Bath
Listing Courtesy of: Susan Coleman | MLS: 324068013
Sycamore Park | Mill Valley
List Price | $5,395,000
Sales Price | $4,800,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1470
Days on Market | 27
1 Offer
5 Beds 5 Baths
Listing Courtesy of: Beth Brody | MLS: 324067158
Good Times | BONUS Event
BESPOKE 'GRAZIE' | NOVEMBER 8, 7:00PM
Get the babysitter booked and leave the kids at home for this one! I know your daily routine could use an enchanting evening filled with sexy entertainment, big band beats, and a cocktail blend of magic and mischief!
Come share some bubbly with Michael & I; grab your tickets now!
Here's the deets:
Where: Verdi Club, San Francisco | 2424 Mariposa St, 94110
When: Friday, Nov. 8 | 7:00PM - 11:00PM
Who: Music & Dancing by Alpha Rhythm Kings; Performances by Burlesque Queens & Master Magician
Good Times | Sublime Events
HALLOWEEN SAUSALITO | OCTOBER 31
If you want a one-stop-experience that just might please everyone this Halloween, here is the event for you! Lots going on at the annual Sausalito Parks & Rec-produced event, and new this year: the pre-carved pumpkin contest.
Here's the 411 on how to have your candy and eat it too:
5:00PM - 5:30PM: Drop off your Carved Pumpkin at Robin Sweeny Park
5:45PM: Line up for the Parade at Station 1 Firehouse (corner of Johnson & Caledonia streets)
6:15PM: Trick or Treat Lane (the end of the Parade) at Robin Sweeny Park Basketball Courts
6:30PM: Howl’O’Ween Dog Costume Contest at Litho & Caledonia Streets. Free to enter and prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Best Little Dog (under 35 lbs.) in costume, Best Big Dog (over 35 lbs.) in costume, and Best Couple (human and dog).
Good Givin' | A Worthy Cause
When I was regularly delivering leftover food for Marin non-profit, Extra Food, I often found myself at the doorstep of a little yellow house in downtown San Rafael. Founded by a group of compassionate Marin residents over 44 years ago, Ritter Center has been a steadfast advocate for Marin County's most vulnerable. Their mission to prevent and end homelessness, and to improve the health and well-being of those experiencing poverty is widely known.
What you may not know is the literal ground-breaking work currently underway on the Center's gorgeous, new location - 800 A Street. This state-of-the-art facility will cost $14.5M - of which $9.1M has already been raised - but the capital campaign clearly needs more support!
If you need more convincing to make a donation, here is a list of the core programs Ritter Center provides:
*Food Pantry: Welcomes over 375 individuals and families each week; open year-round Mon, Tues, Wed, and Fri.
*Seasonal Efforts: Back-to-School Backpack Campaign; Thanksgiving Meal Kits; Holiday Gift Cards for client families; and Holiday Dinner for people experiencing homelessness.
*Housing Efforts: Rental Assistance; Case Manage-ment; Housing First, to help secure permanent supportive housing; and Benefits Enrollment
*Health Efforts: providing Medical, Dental & Behavioral Health; Vaccines; and the Medical Outreach Team
MARIN REAL ESTATE REPORT
Weekly Stats Ending October 27
THE TOOL SHED | IS ADU 4 U?
By Michael Twing (Contractor's License #891692)
Hi readers! We're moving on to Framing.
Now that the worksite is set up with porta-potty in place, remaining finishes protected, walls and floors opened as needed, and a clean worksite with organized tools…it’s time to build. Keep in mind that we spent pretty close to a month or three getting to the point of picking up a hammer.
Framing generally consists of building a new wall or partition, openings for new windows and doors - maybe a nook for a shower. Speaking of which, this is the time to focus on the finishes. The framing must be thought out completely when tile finishes are considered; there’s no worse detail than a sliver of tile that could have been avoided. We also verify: straight, level, plumb and square. In some older homes, it’s hard to avoid; however, if the site allows, make sure the corners are square. The wallboard/sheetrock will follow the framing. If the framing is off, all the finishes that follow will be off.
We always do our best in this stage to make it easier on everyone that will come in once we’re finished - like a plumber, for instance! It’s beneficial to have a “plumbing wall” that might be shared between the kitchen and bathroom. This wall is best framed with 2x6 material to allow enough room for waste and supply lines.
Other framing activities may include decorative applications like a dormer or gable over an old garage side door entry; essentially, something to break up the look about its prior life. The framing category is generally budget-friendly as there aren't any expensive finishes at this stage. Don’t quote me though, as we have seen considerable price increases in framing lumber: the days of rough materials coming in at a third of the cost, labor two thirds of the cost and a large scrap pile, is over. Material and Labor costs are evenly split now with every stick accounted for to minimize waste.
Again, our ADU focus is based on an existing space as an example; and in this case, an attached garage measuring 25’x25’ with a concrete slab floor, given its previous life was to park vehicles in. In most cases there will be a little more demo from the plumber to cut and open the slab for waste lines to the bath and kitchen - something not to be taken lightly. In many cases, getting the proper flow and tying into the existing system may make or break a project.
We’re still making a mess and will continue through this “rough” phase.
Next up: we get into some of the finish costs that start to add up. Don’t forget: You got this!