Memorial Day Weekend! Boy, it’s arrived early this year, making the “where’s the year going” affect even more intense. At my age the saying “time flies” applies more than ever before and, unlike the other part of the saying, it’s flying whether or not a good time is involved All kidding aside, have a fun, relaxed and safe Memorial Day weekend.

In the market to buy a condominium? It’s certainly something to think about if you’re a renter or an investor. The demand for rentals is increasing and rents are going up. With condo prices decreasing there are some great deals to be had. Typically when a real estate market is in decline condominiums are the first to lose value, and as you can see from the information below, almost every town has seen a decrease in the average price per square foot:

                                $/sq. ft.                   $/sq. ft.
Town                       2007                  2008 (thru 5/22)      % Change

Corte Madera         $474.75                         $405.52                       - 14.5
Greenbrae               497.71                           472.97                       -   5.0
Larkspur                  513.54                           587.21                       - 12.6
Mill Valley                592.26                           604.25                       +  2.0
Novato                    359.08                           295.17                       - 17.8
San Rafael               422.18                           343.35                       - 18.7
Sausalito                  553.07                           570.11                      +  3.1
Tiburon                    725.80                           693.07                       -  4.5

The 2008 square foot prices listed above very closely reflect 2003-2004 values. These “rolled-back” values coupled with the still incredibly low mortgage interest rates make condominiums a very appealing purchase.

The Marin Associates of Realtors strongly opposes the proposed spraying for the apple moth. If you are opposed to the spraying please participate and make your voice heard.