Issue #18 | Sept 3, 2025
Greetings | Buzzworthy Sales | Good Givin' | Community Corner | Good Times | International Spotlight | By The Numbers
Hi Friends,
I'm often asked by friends and clients about the state of real estate commissions in this post-DRE/DOJ settlement climate, and I get why—it's confusing.
The new rules were mandated to "help" buyers through greater transparency, which is a good intention. However, the system is only as good as the agent representing you. Under the new law, we can't even show you a property (unless it's our own listing) until we have a formal buyer-broker agreement signed. Amongst other things, this form clearly establishes the commission you, the buyer, are responsible for paying, regardless of whether the seller agrees to contribute.
The issue is that many agents aren't following this rule, perhaps fearing the commission conversation and the need to explain their value, or maybe just resisting change. Secondly, scraping together the funds for a median-priced home—averaging $1.5 to $2 million in Marin—is already a huge hurdle. Now, add the buyer's agent commission of a standard 2.5%, and you can see how this new arrangement doesn't necessarily "help" buyers.
Commissions have always been negotiable. What’s changed is the conversation around who pays them. This varies greatly by region. In the South Bay, for example, it's become common for buyers to pay their broker's commission directly. Here in Marin, for now, we still see sellers paying both their agent and the buyer's agent. Bottom line - if a buyer's dream home awaits and the seller refuses to pay the buyer's agent's commission, the buyer's are on the hook to pay it themselves, and that delta might be the difference between homeownership and walking away from a home.
Lastly, we'll be skipping the October newsletter as Michael and I are headed to Croatia for a long, overdue respite. Cheers to a wonderful month and we'll be back in your inbox come November.
Cheers, Suzanne
BUZZWORTHY HOME SALES | AUGUST
Enchanted Knolls | Mill Valley
List Price | $1,795,000
Sales Price | $2,001,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1134
Days on Market | 10
2 Offers (Cash)
3 Bed 2 Bath
Courtesy of: Lauren Turnauer | MLS: 325072520
Boyle Park | Mill Valley
List Price | $2,495,000
Sales Price | $2,270,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1241
Days on Market | 17
2 Offers
4 Bed 2 Bath
Courtesy of: Michael Lane | MLS: 325066151
Sausalito
List Price | $1,195,000
Sales Price | $1,325,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $895
Days on Market | 14
11 Offers
3 Bed 2 Bath
Courtesy of: Nadine & Camara Team | MLS: 325059944
Scott Valley | Mill Valley
List Price | $3,995,000
Sales Price | $4,100,000
Price Per Sq Ft | $1390
Days on Market | 18
3 Offers (Cash)
5 Bed 3 Bath
Courtesy of: Randi Deutsch | MLS: 325067660
GOOD GIVIN’ | A WORTHY CAUSE September 9 | Tiburon Town Hall
I recently learned about this wonderful organization and am excited to evangelize on their behalf. Many pieces of original art in our home come from the talented artists at Creativity Explored in the Mission. Cedars of Marin is a similar non-profit and one that provides so much for both recipient and donor.
I encourage you to support these organizations now more than ever, as we have found that building and maintaining community through non-profits is a key component of living a rich and fulfilling life.
The Town of Tiburon is hosting the free opening reception event of a Cedars of Marin fine art studios exhibit featuring artists Reed Feshbach and P.J. Randolph. Their work spans bold, handwritten pieces to those created with digital tools.
Cedars of Marin's mission is to foster independence, defend dignity, and realize each person’s full potential. They offer a wide range of residential and day program opportunities including Community Connections, Fine Art Studios, Residential Programs, Textile Arts Collaborative for nearly 200 adults with developmental disabilities that connect individuals with the best expression of themselves.
GOOD TIMES | SUBLIME EVENTS
Sept 20 | Friends of MV Library Book Sale
Mark your calendars for the next quarterly in-store book sale at the Friends’ bookstore! Shopping with a purpose makes shopping that much more fun - 100% of proceeds raised go towards enhancing the Library's literary, educational, technological, and cultural services beyond its regular budget.
And, while you're there, consider joining our fllock…become a Friend if you aren't already.
We are neighbors, friends, and book lovers who believe in the power of our library. As a 100% volunteer organization, every dollar and every hour goes directly to supporting the Mill Valley Public Library.
How do we do it, you may be wondering:
🛒 Online Book & Merchandise Store – Shop 24/7!
📚 Quarterly Book Sales – Donate your books!
🤲 Membership Levels – Join us!
⭐ Community Volunteering – Get involved!
As a community, help us ensure our library remains a cherished, accessible resource for generations to come.
Pro Tip: Members receive 10% of all merchandise. Keep an eye out for new merch landing just in time for the holidays. Follow us on Instagram @friendsmvlibrary and bookmark our website via the link below (Details).
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT | SCOTLAND
Innerleithen | $1,200,000
4157 sq ft | $289/sq ft
When I picture traipsing through Scotland, this is the quintessential estate that appears. Couple that with the country’s easy purchase process: there are virtually no restrictions for most foreign purchases and all buyers pay a Transaction Tax with a max of 12% purchase price, and you have yourself a holiday home! Lawyers need to complete the purchase, that runs under $1500.
If a good story piques your interest, this estate delivers: First converted by candlemaker, Thomas Bell, in 1805, it’s listed as a property of special interest by Scotland’s national heritage agency. This former 18th c. farmhouse, complete with several outbuildings (4 sheds, 2 garages, an EV charger and a boiler room) across five rolling acres, is located in the Tweed Valley.
With 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, the real draw is the proximity to the 3800-acre, Glentress Forest, home to world-famous cycling trails. It’s 30 miles to Edinburgh and 60 to Glasgow. For the romantics amongst us, the 14th c Neidpath Castle, featured in its own poem! (“The Maid of Neidpath” by Sir Walter Scott) is a short 8 miles away.
Council taxes (our property taxes) run $6,530 annually.
Listing Courtesy of Rettie
