The information permeates the newspapers, TV news, topics at social gatherings, even simple conversation in line at Woodlands Market. Home inventories are up, sales are down, rates are low and it’s a great time to steal a home. The best of the best in Belvedere, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Greenbrae, Ross, Kentfield – where ever in Marin – is now obtainable, and priced well under market! But it’s rarely easy.

I work at an open house every Sunday. I’m very particular about what home I’ll work. The price point, the ambiance, the flow, location and setting, just to start. It’s like being a buyer, just not as personal. Every Sunday the question comes: “Why can’t I find a great home that’s a steal?”

A simple analogy: How often do you walk through city streets and find a dollar bill? Once a year? Once every 3 years? It’s extremely rare. Finding a steal of a home is like that elusive dollar. Simply finding “the” home is difficult enough in Marin, and you want to do so at 20% under current market with the best of rates? Best of luck.

It’s true, there are some really great buys to be had, but you need patience, due diligence and a really good agent working in your behalf. At the end of the day, a “steal” needs to be defined and understood in a very personal sense, framed by specific market and personally relevant information. Ultimately it is much more than just finding a dollar.

Image provided by mwilkie