Buying and Selling Guide to Real Estate in Novato

As a top-producing local real estate team, we’re committed to giving you excellent, personalized service. This guide offers a timely analysis of the housing market in Novato, California, that will answer your questions and help you develop winning buying and selling strategies.

As we write this guide, interest rates are volatile, recently reaching a 23-year high in October 2023. The Fed started raising rates in March 2023 to combat inflation, which brought mortgage rates from the record low levels in 2020 and 2021 to the highest in modern history in less than a year. In 2020 and 2021, record low financing incentivized buying, which drove down inventory and raised prices across the country. Low rates also caused a refinancing boom from mid-2020 to mid-2022. The spike in rates slowed the market considerably as buyers were priced out of the market, and potential sellers abstained from entering the market in order to keep their hyper-low mortgage rates.

While the fundamentals of developing a winning buying and selling strategy remain the same, you should also consider current local housing market indicators. To give you an overview of the Novato market, this guide will cover the following topics:

• Housing Market Behavior in an Elevated Rate Environment and Low Inventory

• Supply and Demand Trends for Single-Family Homes and Condos in Novato

• Key Housing Market Indicators for Novato

• The Importance of Listing a Home at the Right Price

Housing Market Behavior in an Elevated Rate Environment and Low Inventory

The single-family home market experienced incredibly high demand from June 2020 to June 2022 due to the record low mortgage rates, which priced more buyers into the market. As rates began to rise in the spring of 2022, prices understandably contracted as the cost of financing rose rapidly. From the price peak in June 2022 to January 2023, prices declined 24%. However, as buyers and sellers got used to higher mortgage rates, they returned to the market in 2023, and prices rebounded, increasing 6% since January in terms of median price and 11% in terms of price per square foot. Similarly, median condo price contracted 43% from May 2022 to January 2023 but rose 30% from January to December 2023.

Year over year, the median single-family home price in Novato was 2% higher in December 2023 than 2022, while condo prices rose 10%. 

Supply and demand and mortgage rates have significantly driven prices over the past year. The National Association of Realtors, for instance, reported a 7% year-over-year decrease in existing home sales nationwide. Locally, Novato experienced a 14% drop in homes sold year over year, which isn’t surprising given the 31% decrease in inventory. The Federal Reserve’s continued effort to fight inflation by raising rates ended the era of super-low-rate financing experienced in 2021 and dampened demand as potential buyers were priced out of the market. However, inflation is in the range of acceptable levels and the Fed will likely start cutting rates soon, which will bring more buyers and sellers back to the market.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States has more than doubled since December 2021, increasing by about 3.7 percentage points, negatively affecting affordability. For example, increasing a homeowner’s interest rate by just 1% would cost them about $500 per month on a $1,000,000, 30-year mortgage. Because rates were expected to rise in 2022, short-term demand increased, lifting prices higher in the first half of 2022 before contracting in the second half of the year. Even with sustained higher mortgage rates, low inventory boosted prices in 2023.

Supply and Demand Trends for Single-Family Homes and Condos in Novato

Sales and new listings increased in the first half of 2023 for both single-family homes and condos, but at a significantly depressed level. Single-family home inventory was notably low in 2023, but condo inventory continued to rise through October, hitting a two-year high. Inventory dropped significantly in November and December, which is normal for Novato. In 2022, buyers and sellers rushed to the market in the first four months of the year to lock in their mortgage rate once it became clear that rates were going to move much higher. Demand softened, as well as supply, and inventory fell. The market has become much slower, with far fewer new listings in 2023, and the market needs new listings to have more sales. Comparing total new listings and sales, the number of sales was 19% lower than in 2022, while new listings decreased 24%.

Months of Supply Inventory (MSI) — the measure of how many months it would take for all current homes for sale on the market to sell at the current rate of sales — is typically low in the area. In California, the long-term average MSI is around three months, which implies a balanced market that doesn’t favor buyers or sellers. Novato is almost always in a sellers’ market for single-family homes due to the low supply relative to demand, while condo MSI tends to vary more month to month. MSI currently indicates a strong sellers’ market for both single-family homes and condos.

Key Housing Market Indicators for Novato

In this section, we analyze the single-family home and condo markets across several key indicators to provide the necessary information for you to refine your winning buying and/or selling strategy. As market conditions change, we can look at the data in real time to make the best decisions. 

In December 2023, single-family home prices increased year over year in terms of median price and price per square foot. Because few condos sell in a given month, average price per square foot, which is down 1% year over year, is a more accurate metric than median price. Single-family home sales increased despite a significant decline in inventory, highlighting the high demand in Novato.

The current housing market favors sellers in Novato.

MSI was low in December for single-family homes and condos, which implies that the market favors sellers. Because the environment favors sellers, we might see more inventory come to market. However, generally, fewer new listings come to market in the fall and winter months. We expect fewer new listings and sales than normal, and for inventory to hit a record low this winter.

The Days on Market (DOM) implies that sellers should expect offers to be accepted in about 50 days for single-family homes and 58 days for condos. If it takes longer to receive offers, sellers should consider reducing their prices. Buyers should proceed with caution and consult with an experienced agent before making an offer on a home that has been on the market for longer than the average DOM because the price may be too high, or something may be wrong with the property.

Sale-to-list-price ratio — a measure of the difference between the original list price of the home and the final sale price — reflects the negotiation power of homebuyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The average single-family home sold for 95% of its original list price while, on average, condos sold for 96%, which means buyers and sellers should expect to negotiate offers below list price. However, we will see in the next section that properly pricing a home can make a huge difference in the percentage of list price the seller receives.

The Importance of Listing a Home at the Right Price

We can split homes sold into two categories: homes sold without price reductions and homes sold with one or more price reductions. Price reductions may indicate problems that need to be fixed, poor marketing, and/or bad showings. More often, however, price reductions occur because the home was overpriced and misaligned with market data from the time it was first listed.

Overpricing a home can create a negative feedback loop. Initial offers fail to materialize because the home is overpriced, the Days on Market surpasses the average, and new potential buyers assume there’s something wrong with the property. More price reductions and low offers might follow as the home sits on the market, causing the final selling price to come in below what the property could have garnered had it been priced correctly in the first place.

For an example of such a scenario, we can look at the December 2023 single-family home data.

A total of 14 homes sold without price changes, recording an average of 99% of their original list prices and spending 34 days on the market. In contrast, the seven homes that sold with one or more price reductions recorded only 87% of their original list prices (on average) and spent over twice as long (81 days) on the market. These numbers underscore the importance of a well-informed pricing strategy. 

Conclusion

In the first quarter of 2024, we anticipate fewer new listings and sales due to normal seasonality and the current economic environment. Even though mortgage rates fell significantly in November and December 2023, the cost to finance a home is still more than enough to price buyers out of the market. Higher mortgage rates also impact sellers, since they are often buying in conjunction with selling their homes. All that said, demand for homes in the area will likely outpace the homes on the market, creating price support. Overall, the housing market has shown its resilience through both the pandemic and this new chapter of rising mortgage rates and high inflation, remaining one of the most valuable asset classes. The data show that housing has remained consistently strong through this period. 

Buying and Selling Guide to Real Estate in San Rafael

As a top-producing local real estate team, we’re committed to giving you excellent, personalized service. This guide offers a timely analysis of the housing market in San Rafael, California, that will answer your questions and help you develop winning buying and selling strategies.

As we write this guide, interest rates are volatile, recently reaching a 23-year high in October 2023. The Fed started raising rates in March 2023 to combat inflation, which brought mortgage rates from the record low levels in 2020 and 2021 to the highest in modern history in less than a year. In 2020 and 2021, record low financing incentivized buying, which drove down inventory and raised prices across the country. Low rates also caused a refinancing boom from mid-2020 to mid-2022. The spike in rates slowed the market considerably as buyers were priced out of the market, and potential sellers abstained from entering the market in order to keep their hyper-low mortgage rates.

While the fundamentals of developing a winning buying and selling strategy remain the same, you should also consider current local housing market indicators. To give you an overview of the San Rafael market, this guide will cover the following topics:

• Housing Market Behavior in an Elevated Rate Environment and Low Inventory

• Supply and Demand Trends for Single-Family Homes and Condos in San Rafael

• Key Housing Market Indicators for San Rafael

• The Importance of Listing a Home at the Right Price

Housing Market Behavior in an Elevated Rate Environment and Low Inventory

The single-family home market experienced incredibly high demand from June 2020 to June 2022 due to the record low mortgage rates, which priced more buyers into the market. As rates began to rise in the spring of 2022, prices understandably contracted as the cost of financing rose rapidly. From the price peak in June 2022 to February 2023, prices declined 29%. However, as buyers and sellers got used to higher mortgage rates, they returned to the market in 2023, and prices rebounded, increasing 20% from February to December 2023. Median condo prices have trended more horizontally over the past two years, up 4% since December 2021.

Year over year, the median single-family home price in San Rafael was 8% higher in December 2023 than 2022. Even though the median condo price in December 2023 was 4% higher than in 2021, it remained 21% lower than in December 2022.

Supply and demand and mortgage rates have significantly driven prices over the past year. The National Association of Realtors, for instance, reported a 7% year-over-year decrease in existing home sales nationwide. Locally, San Rafael experienced a 9% increase in homes sold year over year, which, given the 8% decline in inventory, highlights the high demand in the area. The Federal Reserve’s continued effort to fight inflation by raising rates ended the era of super-low-rate financing experienced in 2021 and dampened demand as potential buyers were priced out of the market. However, inflation is in the range of acceptable levels and the Fed will likely start cutting rates soon, which will bring more buyers and sellers back to the market.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States has more than doubled since December 2021, increasing by about 3.7 percentage points, negatively affecting affordability. For example, increasing a homeowner’s interest rate by just 1% would cost them about $500 per month on a $1,000,000, 30-year mortgage. Because rates were expected to rise in 2022, short-term demand increased, lifting prices higher in the first half of 2022 before contracting in the second half of the year. Even with sustained higher mortgage rates, low inventory boosted prices in 2023.

Supply and Demand Trends for Single-Family Homes and Condos in San Rafael

Sales and new listings increased in the first half of 2023 for both single-family homes and condos, but at a significantly depressed level. Single-family home inventory throughout 2023 looked fairly normal, because sales declined proportionally more than new listings, so inventory rose in the first half of the year and fell in the second half. Condo inventory levels have been flatter over the past two years, not exhibiting the summer peaks and winter troughs. 

In 2022, buyers and sellers rushed to the market in the first four months of the year to lock in their mortgage rate once it became clear that rates were going to move much higher. Demand softened, as well as supply, and inventory fell. The market has become much slower, with far fewer new listings in 2023, and the market needs new listings to have more sales. Comparing total new listings and sales, the number of sales was 23% lower than in 2022, while new listings decreased 19%.

Months of Supply Inventory (MSI) — the measure of how many months it would take for all current homes for sale on the market to sell at the current rate of sales — is typically low in the area. In California, the long-term average MSI is around three months, which implies a balanced market that doesn’t favor buyers or sellers. San Rafael is almost always in a sellers’ market for single-family homes due to the low supply relative to demand, while condo MSI tends to slightly favor buyers. MSI currently indicates a strong sellers’ market for single-family homes and a buyers’ market for condos. However, in the case of San Rafael’s condo market, other factors indicate the market actually favors sellers.

Key Housing Market Indicators for San Rafael

In this section, we analyze the single-family home and condo markets across several key indicators to provide the necessary information for you to refine your winning buying and/or selling strategy. As market conditions change, we can look at the data in real time to make the best decisions. 

In December 2023, single-family home prices increased year over year in terms of median price, but price per square foot declined. Because few condos sell in a given month, average price per square foot, which is up 6% year over year, is a more accurate metric than median price. Notably, condo sales rose 100% year over year, highlighting demand. 

The current housing market favors sellers in San Rafael.

MSI was low in December for single-family homes, which implies that the market favors sellers. Even though condo MSI indicates a buyers’ market, sales are twice as high as last December and condos are selling quickly. Because the environment favors sellers, we might see more inventory come to market. However, generally, fewer new listings come to market in the fall and winter months. We expect fewer new listings and sales than normal, and for inventory to possibly hit a record low this winter.

The Days on Market (DOM) implies that sellers should expect offers to be accepted in about 62 days for single-family homes and 30 days for condos. If it takes longer to receive offers, sellers should consider reducing their prices. Buyers should proceed with caution and consult with an experienced agent before making an offer on a home that has been on the market for longer than the average DOM because the price may be too high, or something may be wrong with the property.

Sale-to-list-price ratio — a measure of the difference between the original list price of the home and the final sale price — reflects the negotiation power of homebuyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The average single-family home sold for 92% of its original list price while, on average, condos sold for 97%, which means buyers and sellers should expect to negotiate offers below list price. However, we will see in the next section that properly pricing a home can make a huge difference in the percentage of list price the seller receives.

The Importance of Listing a Home at the Right Price

We can split homes sold into two categories: homes sold without price reductions and homes sold with one or more price reductions. Price reductions may indicate problems that need to be fixed, poor marketing, and/or bad showings. More often, however, price reductions occur because the home was overpriced and misaligned with market data from the time it was first listed.

Overpricing a home can create a negative feedback loop. Initial offers fail to materialize because the home is overpriced, the Days on Market surpasses the average, and new potential buyers assume there’s something wrong with the property. More price reductions and low offers might follow as the home sits on the market, causing the final selling price to come in below what the property could have garnered had it been priced correctly in the first place.

For an example of such a scenario, we can look at the December 2023 single-family home data.

A total of eight homes sold without price changes, recording an average of 103% of their original list prices and spending 24 days on the market. In contrast, the 21 homes that sold with one or more price reductions recorded only 89% of their original list prices (on average) and spent over three times as long (76 days) on the market. These numbers underscore the importance of a well-informed pricing strategy. 

Conclusion

In the first quarter of 2024, we anticipate fewer new listings and sales due to normal seasonality and the current economic environment. Even though mortgage rates fell significantly in November and December 2023, the cost to finance a home is still more than enough to price buyers out of the market. Higher mortgage rates also impact sellers, since they are often buying in conjunction with selling their homes. All that said, demand for homes in the area will likely outpace the homes on the market, creating price support. Overall, the housing market has shown its resilience through both the pandemic and this new chapter of rising mortgage rates and high inflation, remaining one of the most valuable asset classes. The data show that housing has remained consistently strong through this period. 

Buying and Selling Guide to Real Estate in San Anselmo

As a top-producing local real estate team, we’re committed to giving you excellent, personalized service. This guide offers a timely analysis of the housing market in San Anselmo, California, that will answer your questions and help you develop winning buying and selling strategies.

As we write this guide, interest rates are volatile, recently reaching a 23-year high in October 2023. The Fed started raising rates in March 2023 to combat inflation, which brought mortgage rates from the record low levels in 2020 and 2021 to the highest in modern history in less than a year. In 2020 and 2021, record low financing incentivized buying, which drove down inventory and raised prices across the country. Low rates also caused a refinancing boom from mid-2020 to mid-2022. The spike in rates slowed the market considerably as buyers were priced out of the market, and potential sellers abstained from entering the market in order to keep their hyper-low mortgage rates.

While the fundamentals of developing a winning buying and selling strategy remain the same, you should also consider current local housing market indicators. To give you an overview of the San Anselmo market, this guide will cover the following topics:

• Housing Market Behavior in an Elevated Rate Environment and Low Inventory

• Supply and Demand Trends for Single-Family Homes in San Anselmo

• Key Housing Market Indicators for San Anselmo

• The Importance of Listing a Home at the Right Price

Housing Market Behavior in an Elevated Rate Environment and Low Inventory

The single-family home market experienced incredibly high demand from June 2020 to June 2022 due to the record low mortgage rates, which priced more buyers into the market. As rates began to rise in the spring of 2022, prices understandably contracted as the cost of financing rose rapidly. From the price peak in January 2022 to December 2022, prices declined 54%. However, as buyers and sellers got used to higher mortgage rates, they returned to the market in 2023, and prices rebounded, increasing 82% from January 2023 to July before contracting significantly in the second half of 2023.

Year over year, the median single-family home price in San Anselmo was 4% higher in December 2023 than in 2022. 

Supply and demand and mortgage rates have significantly driven prices over the past year. The National Association of Realtors, for instance, reported a 7% year-over-year decrease in existing home sales nationwide. Locally, San Anselmo experienced a 40% increase in homes sold year over year, which highlights the high demand in the area. The Federal Reserve’s continued effort to fight inflation by raising rates ended the era of super-low-rate financing experienced in 2021 and dampened demand as potential buyers were priced out of the market. However, inflation is in the range of acceptable levels and the Fed will likely start cutting rates soon, which will bring more buyers and sellers back to the market.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States has more than doubled since December 2021, increasing by about 3.7 percentage points, negatively affecting affordability. For example, increasing a homeowner’s interest rate by just 1% would cost them about $500 per month on a $1,000,000, 30-year mortgage. Because rates were expected to rise in 2022, short-term demand increased, lifting prices higher in the first half of 2022 before contracting in the second half of the year. Even with sustained higher mortgage rates, low inventory boosted prices in 2023.

Supply and Demand Trends for Single-Family Homes in San Anselmo

Single-family home inventory trended higher into the fall of 2023, which is far from the seasonal norm. Typically, inventory peaks in July or August and declines through December or January. As sales and new listings declined, single-family home inventory fell in November and December. New listings have been exceptionally low, so inventory growth from June to October was driven by fewer sales. 

In 2022, buyers and sellers rushed to the market in the first five months of the year to lock in their mortgage rate once it became clear that rates were going to move much higher. Demand softened, as well as supply, and inventory fell. The market has become much slower, with far fewer new listings in 2023, and the market needs new listings to have more sales. Comparing total new listings and sales, the number of sales was 30% lower than in 2022, while new listings decreased 20%.

Months of Supply Inventory (MSI) — the measure of how many months it would take for all current homes for sale on the market to sell at the current rate of sales — is typically low in the area. In California, the long-term average MSI is around three months, which implies a balanced market that doesn’t favor buyers or sellers. San Anselmo is almost always in a sellers’ market for single-family homes due to the low supply relative to demand. MSI currently indicates a strong sellers’ market.

Key Housing Market Indicators for San Anselmo

In this section, we analyze the single-family home market across several key indicators to provide the necessary information for you to refine your winning buying and/or selling strategy. As market conditions change, we can look at the data in real time to make the best decisions. 

In December 2023, single-family home prices increased year over year in terms of median price and price per square foot. Single-family home sales increased despite low inventory, highlighting the high demand in San Anselmo.

The current housing market favors sellers in San Anselmo.

MSI was low in December for single-family homes, which implies that the market favors sellers. Because the environment favors sellers, we might see more inventory come to market. However, generally, fewer new listings come to market in the fall and winter months. We expect fewer new listings and sales than normal, and for inventory to possibly hit a record low this winter.

The Days on Market (DOM) implies that sellers should expect offers to be accepted in about 39 days for single-family homes. If it takes longer to receive offers, sellers should consider reducing their prices. Buyers should proceed with caution and consult with an experienced agent before making an offer on a home that has been on the market for longer than the average DOM because the price may be too high, or something may be wrong with the property.

Sale-to-list-price ratio — a measure of the difference between the original list price of the home and the final sale price — reflects the negotiation power of homebuyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The average single-family home sold for 97% of its original list price, which means buyers and sellers should expect to negotiate offers below list price. However, we will see in the next section that properly pricing a home can make a huge difference in the percentage of list price the seller receives.

The Importance of Listing a Home at the Right Price

We can split homes sold into two categories: homes sold without price reductions and homes sold with one or more price reductions. Price reductions may indicate problems that need to be fixed, poor marketing, and/or bad showings. More often, however, price reductions occur because the home was overpriced and misaligned with market data from the time it was first listed.

Overpricing a home can create a negative feedback loop. Initial offers fail to materialize because the home is overpriced, the Days on Market surpasses the average, and new potential buyers assume there’s something wrong with the property. More price reductions and low offers might follow as the home sits on the market, causing the final selling price to come in below what the property could have garnered had it been priced correctly in the first place.

For an example of such a scenario, we can look at the December 2023 single-family home data.

A total of three homes sold without price changes, recording an average of 102% of their original list prices and spending 20 days on the market. In contrast, the four homes that sold with one or more price reductions recorded only 90% of their original list prices (on average) and spent over twice as long (53 days) on the market. These numbers underscore the importance of a well-informed pricing strategy. 

Conclusion

In the coming months, we anticipate fewer new listings and sales due to normal seasonality and the current economic environment. The cost to finance a home is near a 23-year high, which buyers must navigate. Higher mortgage rates also impact sellers, since they are often buying in conjunction with selling their homes. All that said, demand for homes in the area will likely outpace the homes on the market, creating price support. Overall, the housing market has shown its resilience through both the pandemic and this new chapter of rising mortgage rates and high inflation, remaining one of the most valuable asset classes. The data show that housing has remained consistently strong through this period. 

New Year’s Celebrations in Marin and San Francisco

As the New Year approaches, the Bay Area is preparing for its annual celebrations. 

Here’s our guide to the best music, parties and -of course- fireworks to ring in 2024.

MARIN 

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Bungalow Kitchen

Say goodbye to 2023 at one of Tiburon’s most revered restaurants. With DJs, an open bar and light bites throughout the night, the Bungalow Kitchen will kick your year off to the right start.

Tickets start at $215 per person, but there are also group packages available so you can ensure you and your friends can celebrate together in style. Bungalow Kitchen are also offering a prix fixe menu for a sophisticated NYE dinner.

Noon Year’s Eve at the Bay Area DIscovery Museum

This event is perfect for younger kids who might struggle to stay awake for the midnight ball drop. It features a dance party with a fun countdown at noon. Beat the bedtime blues this New Year’s!

Tickets are available here.

NYE Stand-Up Comedy Showcase @ Angelico Hall, San Rafael

Laugh away the past year’s tears at The Other Café’s 13th Annual Comedy Showcase. This show will be benefiting the amazing work of nonprofit ExtraFood.

Tickets start at $38.50 and with the show wrapping up by 10.30pm you still have the chance to catch the countdown at nearby bars like the Pint Size Lounge.

SAN FRANCISCO

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display

The list wouldn’t be complete without the famous SF fireworks. Exploding above the water between the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge, there are plenty of viewing points. You also have the option of enjoying the dazzling show from a boat sailing across the Bay.

Kicking off at 11.59pm, the show should last 15 minutes in total. This is the perfect cheap and cheerful option for the kids.

LCD Soundsystem at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 

If you feel like exploring some of the many musical acts playing around the city on NYE, look no further than the classic melodies of LCD Soundsystem. 

Holiday Splendor in Marin

This season, holiday cheer, sensational music, and a wealth of fa-la-la-la fun for all await you in Marin County. Here are some of our favorite activities:

SAN RAFAEL

Marin Symphony Holiday Choral Concert by Candlelight

Church of San Rafael

1104 Fifth Ave

San Rafael, CA 94901 

The Marin Symphony inspires a glowing traditional Christmas with its concert series, kicking off with a Holiday Choral Concert by Candlelight on Saturday, December 4 at 7:30 pm, with a second performance Sunday, December 5 at 4 pm. Featuring a brass octet, percussion, organ, and piano. The Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus sings with surprise guests. Come early and light a candle inside the Church of Saint Raphael.

90 mins. with a stretch break.

Open seating. Get tickets online or at the door. Subscriber: $37

General Admission: $37 Youth: $20 

marinsymphony.org/tickets-events/2023-24-season/hcc-2023/

***

Marin Ballet “The Nutcracker”

Marin County Civic Center

3501 Civic Center Dr

San Rafael, CA 94903

Saturday, December 4 through Sunday, December 12 at various times. Tickets are available online starting at $53 for adults and $31 for youths and seniors.

Tchaikovsky’s beloved “The Nutcracker,” a classic two-act ballet featuring choreography by Julia Adam. It’s a Christmas tradition not to be missed.

www.eventbrite.com/e/marin-ballet-nutcracker-sunday-5pm-2023-tickets-706961860957

***

MILL VALLEY

Holiday Craft Fair

10am – 4pm 

Mill Valley Recreation, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA, 94941

Plenty of parking

A Mill Valley tradition, this free, delightful, festive event brings originality to holiday shopping, with new and returning artists selling their handmade items, which may include ceramics, decorations, fiber arts, glass work, jewelry, knitwear, and woodwork. There are also seasonal plants for sale.

www.millvalleyrecreation.org/850/Holiday-Craft-Fair

***

NOVATO

Downtown Novato’s Not So Silent Night

Saturday, December 9, starts at 4pm

This is a late shopper’s delight! Treat yourself to an extended-hours shopping spree as downtown Novato amps up the scene with live music. In the mix, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms to quench your thirst and delight your palate.

Marin County Thanksgiving: A Local’s Guide to the Best Eateries

Thanksgiving dinner is a tradition shared by many, a time to be grateful for good food and even better company. 

Marin County has a wide variety of restaurants and eateries offering prixe fixe menus to mark the special occasion. Ranging from high end, to cozy family spots not unlike your living room, these eateries bring the joy of a shared meal with none of the stress.

Compiled below is a list of our personal favorite restaurants in Marin County offering unique culinary experiences this Thanksgiving.

Insalata’s

Voted one of Marin County’s Best Restaurants by the Chronicle, Insalata’s has been bringing its signature Mediterranean taste to San Anselmo for nearly 30 years. Their 4-course $78 Thanksgiving menu offers modern fare such as a fruit speckled treviso salad and a baklava cheesecake, as well as familiar favorites. Insalata’s promises to bring fusion and variation to the typical holiday spread, including vegan and children’s options on the day.

Insalata’s is also offering Thanksgiving take out to be picked up by November 22nd. 

Buckeye Roadhouse

With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, Buckeye Roadhouse elevates fine dining to suit contemporary Californian tastes. The picturesque Marin County spot guarantees the utmost quality in their $95 Prixe fixe Thanksgiving menu. You can choose to soak in surrounding views from their patio seating, or get cozy in their welcoming dining room. 

Le Garage

This Sausalito waterfront haunt, also commended by SF Chronicle, offers the most budget-friendly Thanksgiving menu on our list. The 3-courses at $55 per person includes some rich french bistro flavors added to classics such as turkey and salmon. Le Garage is extremely accessible, being only a twenty minute walk from the ferry.

Paseo Bistro

After 75 years in Mill Valley, this Californian bistro has mastered the culinary arts. Their Thanksgiving menu is a straightforward 3-course affair encompassing the typical fall vegetables, all locally sourced. At $90, this is one of the pricier options in Marin County, but considering the emphasis placed on artisanal ingredients, it is guaranteed to be a luxurious experience.

Left Bank

Finally, there is Left Bank’s Larkspur location. This is a hub for Southern French cuisine, emulating the creativity and vibrancy of Parisian dining. This year’s 4-course menu utilizes seasonal fruit and vegetables, with a highlight being their sweet but savory vegetarian Panisse. There is also a 2-course option for kids 12 years and younger for a budget-friendly $15.00.

San Domenico, a Top Marin County School

Considering moving to the San Anselmo area? Learn about one of the Bay Area’s most distinguished schools, nestled away in this picturesque town.

Every parent knows choosing the right school is integral to your child’s happiness. It is especially important to consider nearby education options when moving homes. In sunny San Anselmo, located in the heart of Marin County, is San Domenico, a prestigious school noted for its athletic, artistic and academic achievements. 

Founded in 1850, San Domenico is the oldest independent school in California. Over its 173 years of operations, the school has modernized in line with changing times, including becoming coed in 2014, and becoming non-religious in 2017. The school’s willingness to adapt is evident in its ever-evolving curriculum offering everything from global education to digital media programs. The school also invests heavily in both sports and artistic facilities, allowing multiple sports teams and theater productions to operate throughout the year.

More recent developments include the implementation of a Green Ribbon awarded sustainability program, being the first school in Marin County to receive such an award. As part of this initiative, the school built the Garden of Hope, a one-acre garden tended to by students. The school has even expanded 14 bus routes to have over 90 stops in the Bay Area, giving busy families more transportation options.

Nurturing students' passions and knowledge has shown fantastic results in post-graduation life. Over 90% of 2020 students were offered one of their top choice schools. Countless San Domenico alumni have proceeded to have fruitful careers in STEM, arts, and humanitarian sectors. 

Tips On Visiting The Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Are you a nature lover at heart? The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) offers a variety of family-friendly activities. These 82,000-acre parklands are home to over 3,000 plant and animal species. There are plenty of fascinating cultural resources as well.

Read on for our recommended must-do activities in this historic location.

Take A Nature Walk

Fort Funston — the largest dune field in the San Francisco peninsula, is famous for its spring wildflowers. Be on the lookout for sand swallows in March through August. 

Feeling adventurous? Mori Point Trail offers phenomenal views of Point Reyes and Pedro Point. Thanks to local conservation efforts, you might also be lucky enough to view the elusive California red-legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake.

For whale enthusiasts, look no further than Muir Beach Overlook. In the autumn, the area is filled with thousands of migrating monarch butterflies. Look for their distinctive orange and black wings.

History Buffs Welcome

In addition to stunning wildlife, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers views of how life was decades and even hundreds of years ago.

Tour the Nike Missle Site for a glimpse of the Cold War. View seaside fortifications from the Civil War to the 20th century on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. At Land's End, you'll find the last remains of the grand Sutro Baths and the Cliff House.

Guided tours more your style? Sign up for a session with a friendly park ranger or docent at The Presidio of San Francisco. Get a primer on West Coast Civil War history at Fort Point; learn about the ghosts of Alcatraz Island; and discover the secrets of the Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Dog Lovers Unite

GGNRA offers furry friends a place to roam. Enjoy foggy mornings and sunny afternoons within designated areas for walking your pet or service animal off-leash and within sight. And remember to bring plenty of treats!

Visit Virtually

The Free National Park Service App is available for planning your next Golden Gate journey. Download to explore the parklands using an interactive map or your topic of choice. The app also features need-to-know details on where to stay, eat, and find services during your next trip.

We hope you enjoyed this article on things to do in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. If you're looking for your next dream home nearby or looking to sell your home, please reach out to our friendly realtors serving Marin, San Francisco, and Sonoma.

As Bay Area natives and long-term residents, we are excited to help first-time and seasoned homebuyers with the resources to make the most of their next investment.

Some of Attain's Favorite Restaurants in San Rafael!



Il Davide 

901 A St., San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 454-8080

www.ildavide.net/

“When you think Italian, you think us,” says Il Davide Chef/owner David Haydon. Whether it’s the gamberi – fresh prawns enveloped in pancetta and served on a bed of lentils, or the crunchy chicken parmesan – a fried organic chicken breast seasoned with toasted pumpkin seeds, panko, and cayenne served with kale, basil, mozzarella, and torchio pasta, or the nutty-tasting porcini mushrooms – you’re sure to love the consistently delicious offerings at San Rafael’s long-running Italian restaurant. Like the enduring DaVinci statue of David in Florence, Il Davide has stood the test of time (in business since 1995). Haydon takes pride in the restaurant’s Tuscan vibe and in playing with traditional dishes while remaining true to his favorite classics.

Wines at Il Davide are American and Italian, and the restaurant has received and maintains a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Vin Antico Restaurant and Bar 

881 4th Street

San Rafael, CA 94901 

(415) 721-0600

Vinantico.com

A diner once described Vin Antico as “Italian with a Latino twist.” The cioppino is infused with cilantro instead of parsley and uses sliced jalapeños, adding a bit more spice and zest than the traditional version. Chef Luis Martinez at this quiet, cozy storefront eatery melds California seasonality with Mediterranean flair, gathering many ingredients from local farmers markets. Sustainably sourced fish from Aloha Seafood, Mary’s Free Range chicken, and grass-fed beef are standards. Fregola (a Sardinian pasta) with prawns, bay scallops, and Hog Island manila clams are pasta favorites. Served on a Bordenave’s bun, the mouth-watering cheeseburger features thick bacon and melted cheddar, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and truffle aioli. House truffle fries with that, anyone? 

General Manager Kelly Phu, a San Rafael native, presents a speakeasy feel at this tucked-in corner of 4th Street. There are comfortable stools at the bar and a TV for sports fans. Vin Antico serves wines from small California producers and Italian makers. During Happy Hour (4:30 to 6:30pm daily) accompany your cocktail or mocktail with light fare such as deviled eggs with crispy pancetta and Calabrian chili oil, blue cheese polenta cakes, and crispy fried chicken wings with honey, lemon, and parmesan.

State Room Brewery Bar Kitchen

1132 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 295-7929

Info@stateroombrewery.com

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy,” said Ben Franklin (or at least according to the State Room website). A fun, date-night cool restaurant and brewery at the Flatiron Building, State Room is one of the most popular gastropubs around. In addition to beers brewed onsite, the mixologists’ rapture includes:

Savvy One: Tanteo jalapeño tequila, blanco tequila, blood orange, cilantro, jalapeño, firewater bitters, and sweet ’n sour

La Guera: tequila, lime, agave, coconut milk, served in a salted rim glass

La Machetita: mezcal, tamarind, lemon, agave, tajin salt, and ?owers

Fox & The Hound: Absolut pink grapefruit vodka, agave, grapefruit, and elder?ower.

Pair any of the these brews or cocktails with State Room’s expansive array of organic small plates, ranging from Tomales Bay oysters; stuffed eggs with pancetta and leeks; Vietnamese-style sticky port ribs; handmade pork and spinach dumplings in fermented chili paste, savory oil, and vinegar; goldfish cracker-encrusted mac ’n three cheeses; lomi lomi salmon served with wakame salad, sushi rice, cherry tomatoes, red onions, avocado, sesame, wasabi cream, and furikake; bang bang calamari; or General Tso’s hot wings …and you’ve got an international palate-expanding experience!

Main courses include Creekstone Angus ground burger served on a brioche bun with State Room’s special sauce, a vast array of wood-fired pizzas, Korean-style bowls, including bibimbap with spicy pork and poke with wonton crisps. Dine in or stay in: you can order online.