Sausalito Real Estate
Eclectic waterside charm surrounded by hills
Sausalito is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a bit of luxury and relaxation. A beautiful, serene waterfront sits just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city of San Francisco. The presence of the waterfront combined with the rolling hills makes the city of Sausalito an iconic and scenic waterside town. The town was originally an outpost for timber and coal, but now it is home to some of the most prestigious homes in California with amazing views, with fun restaurants, art galleries, thriving boardwalk and a tight community. To me, there is something magical about Sausalito.
Luxury homes with fun accents and stunning views of the water from every corner are highlights of the area. The housing market offers a variety of options when it comes to the aesthetic of homes. You can find everything from colorful waterside builds to classic single-family homes and hillside mansions with massive windows. Fun architectural attributes, inclined yards, and beautiful lush gardens push the homes here to look magical and unique, as such for Sausalito. Similar to the real estate scene, the community is equally spunky and unique. Professionals, families, artists, and travelers enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the area throughout the year.
Market Trends & Statistics - Year End 2023
Sausalito’s real estate market showed a notable change this past year with decreases of homes and condo sales, peaking in 2021.
In 2023 there was an overall decrease in total housing inventory for sale for residential homes and condos. New listings dropping by 11.9% compared to 2022, with only 118 new listings for 2023, compared to 134 the year before.
The average $/SqFt sold price also decreased as well, 1,000 $/SqFt in 2023, as opposed to 1,114 in 2022, a 10.2% drop from last year.
The market has demonstrated a level of softening during this unprecedented time of interest rate hikes, with a median sales price of $1,600,000, an 11.7% decrease from the previous year, and an average sales price of $1,741,000 down 16.4%.
Buyer and Seller Dynamics
Along with a decrease in overall sales, the Sausalito’s real estate market is trying to recover from the interest rate hikes of 2023 and the FED pivot that started in March 2022, evidenced by an increase in median days on the market at 36 days, and increase of 44% from this point last year.
Economic Factors
Sausalito's real estate market is buoyed by a thriving job market of San Francisco, known as a financial center and for its booming tech sector. I believe the next generation of AI technology companies will be created in San Francisco. Helping to increase demand for housing will inevitably lead to Marin.
During the pandemic, many people relocated out of San Francisco, however I believe that trend has normalized. That the greatest impacts of the Sausalito real estate market of this past year have been primarily based on accelerated interest rate hikes and economic predictions of what may or may not materialize.
Predictions
Moving forward, I believe corporations will slowly do away with the work from home philosophy, making it a requirement for people to get back into the office, leading to greater interest in moving back to the city. Thus, creating a more traditional demand to accommodate growing families in Marin County.
Additionally, Marin's fantastic communities, rich cultural scene, outdoor lifestyle, our educational institutions, and family-friendly environment will always be in demand.
Marin’s real estate market in 2023 was marked by market forces that impacted everyone. However, our local Marin real estate market will always be a resilient combination of economic growth and higher quality of life. That does come with a price, but it’s worth it.
What to Love
- Interesting and eclectic citywide attractions
- Beautiful natural surroundings and picturesque views
- Proximity to large cities
- Walking on the Boardwalk and house boats
Sausalito Lifestyle
Sausalito is a small city in Northern California with an estimated population of about 16,000, located on the west end of San Francisco Bay. The waterfront location gives an elevated luxury feel, and the residents portray this in their daily lives and activities. You’ll find folks lounging outdoors by the water, spending time in their perfectly maintained yards, or heading to the busier parts of town to enjoy one of the local hangouts. Socializing is a dream in Sausalito, as it’s a hub for vacationers, so meeting new people is a breeze. Local festivals and events combined with calm evenings make the area consistently possess a vibe that can be either action-packed or always serene, depending on what you’d prefer.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The entertainment and good eats are all around you from the moment you step foot in this idyllic city. Munchies of Sausalito and Lappert's Ice Cream Shop are local favorites for enjoying sweet treats like ice cream and quality, handmade candy. Munchies of Sausalito is a family-owned candy shop that has been around for over three decades, continuously wow-ing those that live in Sausalito or come to visit. Lappert’s focuses on freshly crafted ice cream with a flavor to please even the most seasoned ice cream connoisseurs.
More substantial meals can be had at favorites such as Fish and Sushi Ran, two charming restaurants focusing on serving fresh fish dishes in different types of cuisine.
Not unlike any area that tourists love, there are various shops, such as the Sausalito Ferry Co., that focus on novelty buys that can be kept as incredible memories of the new city you call home.
Things to Do in Sausalito
Sausalito is packed with activities, many of which can transcend different ages and interests. Creatives and art collectors patron the Sausalito Art Festival annually to engage and enjoy art by local artists and creators. Automotive aficionados frequent the Sausalito Cars and Coffee meet-up to chat about unique builds over artisan coffee blends.
A waterside city wouldn’t be complete without an array of ways to enjoy the water. Locals recommend the Sausalito Yacht Club, a way to enjoy time with friends out on the water or meet owners of interesting water toys like floating houseboats.
Sausalito Schools
Expert Sausalito Real Estate Agent
Jeff Marples is a notable real estate expert in Sausalito. Buy or sell your Sausalito home with Jeff today!
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