I recently closed escrow on a three bedroom home in San Rafael for $599,000.  At the peak of the market in 2005 this home would have sold for well over $700,000.  In 2005 loans were too easy to obtain and buyers, with 100% financing were playing with funny money and many were more concerned with monthly payment than amount paid.  This resulted in some buyers paying the absolute top dollar for a home and we are seeing some of those homes selling for much less today, often as a short sale or REO.

The truth is, regardless of what the numbers are showing, prices are down especially for the lower price range and less than the most premium locations.  On the other hand, homes over two million seem to be holding up well. 

These numbers are from Marin MLS (B.A.R.I.E.S) and are current as of July 14, 2008.

                January 1 to July 1, 2008                Jan1 to July 1, 2007

Marin Overall:                 

Number of Sales                981                         1,405

Median Price                     $875,000              $900,000

Average Price                    $1,194,230           $1,210,350

Single Family Homes:                   

Number of Sales                786                         1,111

Median Price                     $1,050,000           $1,065,000

Average Price                    $1,352,877           $1,363,208

Condominiums:                              

Number of Sales                194                         291

Median Price                     $469,500              $628,926

Average Price                    $542,416              $560,000