Coastal Real Estate and Lifestyles

Lower El Granada’s real estate market appears to be shifting in the last month.  Lots of buyers have been watching beautiful lower El Granada because there has been so much inventory.  There is still good inventory if you’re in the market, but these properties are under the microscope.  Sales Under Contract (those getting accepted offers and going into one of the MLS “pending” statuses) has risen 50% in the month of June 2009, the highest of any month in the last six months, since January 2009. 

Sales Under  Contract per MLS: 

Jan 09 - 3
Feb 09 - 0
March 09 - 3
April 09 - 4
May 09 - 4
June 09 - 8

One reason for this is that sellers now realize that our current economic situation is not a quick fix and the solution to getting on with their lives is to understand their goals - as a first step.  Once they understand their goals, if one of the action items includes selling a property, they are doing what it takes to sell it – preparing it, pricing it properly, and presenting it as best they can.  Buyers, too, are realizing that even in a declining market, the best and most unique properties will not last.  We’re moving to a phase where buyers and sellers are coming to the table more prepared, resulting in more sales going into contract.  Even though Lower El Granada is a small market, this activity is consistent with other markets in which I’m working now.

In my opinion, the most notable new listings within the last month in lower El Granada are:
179 West Point - a waterfront home in the Princeton Harbor area.
*523 Francisco St - a lot of house for the money plus tons of charm and character.
(*full disclosure:  this is my listing)
779 Palma St - a cute small house on a large lot with potential. 

What makes Lower El Granada so special?  Location. Location. Location.  Half way between Half Moon Bay and Montara on the mid-coast in the heart of Daniel H. Burnham’s unique design in the early 20th century.  Also located in the local “coastal sunbelt”.  Quaint neighborhoods and streets with mature trees and some ocean views.  Close proximity to the beach, Princeton, Pillar Point Harbor (where many people drive for miles to pick up fresh crab), close proximity to Cafe Classique, and great restaurants and the new Harbor Village, close proximity to the Coastal Trail, and much more.