Issue #28 | October 2026
Real Estate News Nuggets | Mill Valley Sales | Alzheimer's Walks | Gothic Ireland | Spooky Time | By The Numbers
Hi Friends, hopefully you're surviving the heatwave as we head into our Bay Area 'Summer' season. Frankie & I recently took the opportunity to cool off in Stinson Beach, by way of Highway 1; something I haven't done in years, preferring to meander through Mt Tam over battling behind slow tourists. We were awarded with big views that I realized I have been missing out on, as captured in the pic above.
Marin real estate is in that annual stage of frenzied mania for turn-key homes and sluggish waiting for others. Of all the Mill Valley properties sold in the month of September, 9 had one offer, thus, no competition; whereas the other 12 sales had multiple offers (see my chart in the next section).
What's the takeaway? Mill Valley remains a popular choice for home buying and selling whether you're competing with other buyers, have cash or need a loan, there's still opportunity here but it will cost you. Of all the September closings, the average sales price was $2,638,000 and the median price was $2,335,000.
On to some other real estate news of note:
With mortgage rates rising and many buyers cash ready, there's some interesting data showing how competitive loan purchases remain ...up until the $6 million price tag. Check out these year-to-date facts for Marin home purchases:
I promised I would be back to discuss what is now known as Measure W - the San Rafael transfer tax measure that will make it even harder for home buyers to break into the market. Please VOTE NO ON W if you or anyone you know lives in San Rafael. Key issues with this measure include:
400% Housing Tax Increase
9th Tax Increase San Rafael Has Proposed
No Guarantee on How Funds Will be Spent
Get the facts and more info here: https://sanrafaelsaysnoonw.com
Cheers, Suzanne
MILL VALLEY HOME SALES | SEPTEMBER
This property turned out to be the darling of Mill Valley a few weeks ago. Located at 114 Lomita in the Edna Maguire/Alto Sutton neighborhood, and priced at $2,475,000 it garnered 13 offers and sold for nearly $1 million over the asking price! I represented buyers with one of those offers.
Here's a snapshot of the most popular properties that sold in Mill Valley during September. Fun fact: 9 of the 12 properties featured were financed, not cash deals.
GOOD TIMES | SUBLIME EVENTS October 17 & 24 | Bay Area Alzheimer’s Walks
INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT | IRELAND
County Cork | $1,700,000
4500 sq ft | $385/sq ft
This home is what my English-major, romantic fantasyland younger self pictures when I’m curled up devouring an historical fiction novel on a wind-swept, rainy night.
This 6 bedroom, neo-Gothic manor boasts soaring ceilings and serious, church-like windows, surrounded by two acres of stunning land. Built in the early 19th century you’ll also find a grass tennis court and formal gardens.
Beyond the epic location outside, you’ll find a grand entrance hall with ribbed vaults and massive arch windows on either end of the ground floor. The community rooms - living, dining, kitchen, mudroom and bathroom range from 13-foot ceilings and intricate cornicing to timber panel ceilings and hardwood floors beneath Gothic windows. Upstairs, a double staircase leads to two bathrooms - oddly placed - since the upper level is where you’ll find 6 bedrooms; one has a marble fireplace and impressive balcony.
A convenient guest lodge sits adjacent to the property and includes its own bathroom, bedroom, living room & kitchen.
Located in rural, southwestern Ireland, and only 20 miles from Cork and its airport, this southern coast location pulls on water enthusiasts: surfers, boaters, and the like; for those seeking culture and culinary experiences, head to Cork.
Annual taxes run about $2,075.
Listing & Photo Courtesy of Brendan Bowe, Bowe Property
SPOOKY TIME | SUBLIME EVENTS
October | San Francisco
What better time to feature Black Cats then Halloween! One is seasonal, the other evergreen.
The Black Cat Hotel: If you’ve never participated in a live, immersive stage show, you don’t know what you’re missing! They’re a lot of fun and costumes are encouraged. We’re going to one of the October 17 evening shows at The Black Cat Hotel, inside the Palace Theater…drinks are available from the ‘hotel bar’ before and after performances. This year’s event is completely reimagined with a new story, new rooms and plenty of mystery to spook you! Shows run about 60 minutes but 90 minutes provides the full experience, October 8 - Halloween.
The Black Cat: If jazz is your jam, this supper club has it all: open, late, world class music, cocktails & food - all under one roof, 5 nights a week. Founder & Creative Director, Fritz Quattlebaum was drawn to the Tenderloin location for its architecture and personality, not knowing then that a “Black Cat” jazz supper club had existed two blocks away more than a century ago. Inside, an intimate setting of grit meets glam and the stage’s proximity to the dining room immediately immerses audiences’ full senses. Fritz also formed the 501c3 nonprofit, Black Cat Jazz Incubator, that allows residencies to settle in at the Downstairs stage and expand their artistic careers, all while investing in the Tenderloin to broaden the scope and community impact for its residents.
