Before & After: 3 Southwood Ave, Ross

Discover how Whitney Potter and Barr Haney of Own Marin helped transform and sell 3 Southwood Avenue in Ross, an architectural Robert A.M. Stern estate, for $555,000 over asking. Through strategic timing, thoughtful updates, and elevated marketing, the home went into escrow within four days, receiving three competitive offers and achieving a record result for this sought-after Ross neighborhood.

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Halloween Festivities in Marin County | Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

Celebrate fall in Marin County with the best Halloween events of 2025! From family-friendly trick-or-treating in Downtown Novato and the Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch to the Fairfax Halloween Parade and Howl-o-Ween dog costume contest in Mill Valley, Marin offers festive fun for all ages. Discover top local fall activities, pumpkin patches, parades, and spooky celebrations in Marin County this October.

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Why More San Franciscans Are Making the Move to Marin

More San Francisco residents are making the move to Marin County for its balance of space, community, and convenience. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin offers easy commuting options like the Larkspur Ferry and SMART train, top-rated schools in towns such as Mill Valley and Kentfield, and a lifestyle centered around nature, great local food, and strong community connections. Buyers find their money goes further here—with larger homes, outdoor space, and long-term real estate value—while still staying close to the city’s culture and career opportunities. If you’re thinking about moving from San Francisco to Marin, Own Marin can help you find the right home and make your transition seamless.

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Marin Real Estate Market Update: Fall in Marin County

Marin County’s real estate market continues to show resilience heading into fall 2025, with home prices up nearly 4% year over year, inventory remaining tight, and buyer activity steady despite shifting mortgage rates. In this month’s Own Marin Market Update, we break down what these trends mean for buyers and sellers, how changing rates are influencing demand, and what to expect heading into 2026. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, understanding today’s market, and having the right local expertise, is key to making your next move in Marin.

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2025 Mill Valley Film Festival Is Back 

The Mill Valley Film Festival 2025 is back, bringing world-class cinema, community, and creativity to Marin County this fall. Hosted by the California Film Institute, MVFF showcases an incredible lineup of independent films, documentaries, and international features across theaters in Mill Valley and beyond. From red carpet premieres and filmmaker Q&As to family-friendly screenings and thought-provoking discussions, it’s one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated cultural events. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the weekend, the Mill Valley Film Festival is the perfect way to celebrate storytelling, community, and Marin’s creative spirit.

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Before & After: A Fresh Take on a Kentfield Classic, 1 Rosebank Lane

Discover how a few strategic updates helped transform 1 Rosebank Lane, a legacy Kentfield home owned by the same family for over 62 years. From fresh paint and new kitchen finishes to updated landscaping, this thoughtfully refreshed property preserved its timeless charm while helping buyers envision its next chapter. Featured in The New York Times “What $3.5 Million Buys You in California.”

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Who Are the Best Real Estate Agents in Marin?

Wondering who the best real estate agents in Marin are? This blog breaks down why Own Marin continues to be the top-ranked team in the county—serving buyers, sellers, and investors with deep local knowledge, expert negotiation, and record-breaking results. With over $2.7B in sales and 540+ five-star reviews, discover what makes Own Marin different and why clients trust them to navigate Marin’s competitive market with confidence.

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Before & After: 35 Trumbull Court, Novato

After years of enjoying their Novato home, the sellers partnered with Barr Haney, Michael Milano, and Emily from Own Marin to prepare it for the market. From fresh paint and new floors to a reimagined kitchen and landscaped backyard, every update was designed to attract buyers and maximize value. The result? A seamless transformation that led to a smooth, successful sale.

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Where to Celebrate the 4th of July in Marin County

Looking for the best 4th of July events in Marin County? From the iconic Corte Madera-Larkspur parade to fireworks over the Bay in Sausalito, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re planning a morning pancake breakfast in Larkspur, a festive afternoon in Ross, or a night at the Marin County Fair, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know for a fun-filled Fourth.

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Marin County Summer Bucket List: Hidden Gems & Family-Friendly Activities

Looking for the ultimate summer adventure in Marin? Our Summer Bucket List blog reveals the top hidden gems and family-friendly activities that make Marin County shine in the warm months. From scenic hikes and breathtaking beaches to outdoor dining patios, farmers markets, and can't-miss events like the Marin County Fair, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, discover how to make the most of your summer in Marin County with our curated guide. Start exploring now!

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Before & After: 929 Vernal Ave, Mill Valley

Own Marin’s Whitney Potter and Director of Operations, Emily, led a full-scale transformation of this Mill Valley home—leaning into its original architectural charm while lightening and modernizing the space with new floors, paint, fixtures, appliances, and custom design updates. With over $94k invested through Own Marin’s concierge program, the result was a stunning, design-forward home that generated major interest and sold for over asking.

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Marin Real Estate Market Update: What May’s Numbers Tell Us About the Summer Ahead

As of May 2025, Marin’s housing market is seeing higher inventory levels, steadier mortgage rates, and a more balanced dynamic between buyers and sellers. Active listings rose 43.7% year-over-year, giving buyers more options and leverage, while pending and closed sales remained strong—up 7.7% and 5.9% respectively. Homes are taking longer to sell, and price reductions are increasing, making pricing and presentation critical for sellers. Whether you're buying or selling in Marin County this summer, understanding current trends is key to making smart, strategic decisions.

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Get Ahead of the Market: Why Preparing Your Marin Home Now Means a Stronger Sale Later

Thinking of selling your Marin home? This blog breaks down why summer is the perfect time to start prepping your property for a successful fall sale. Learn about the seasonal trends in the Marin real estate market, how early home preparation—like repairs, staging, and inspections—can give you a competitive edge, and why being among the first listings in September often attracts motivated buyers. Whether you’re a homeowner planning to sell or just curious about the best time to list, this guide will help you maximize your sale’s potential. Read more to learn how to get ahead of the market in Marin!

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Celebrate Pride Month in Marin: Events, Art Walks & Ways to Show Your Support

Celebrate Pride Month in Marin with our curated guide to the best local events, art walks, and community happenings throughout the county. From the vibrant San Rafael Pride Art Walk to live music, family-friendly activities, and ways to support local LGBTQ+ businesses, this guide has everything you need to make the most of June. Whether you're a local or visiting, discover where to celebrate, connect, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community in Marin.

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How to Find Open Houses in Marin—And Why Going Solo Might Not Be Your Best Bet

Thinking about buying a home in Marin? Open houses are a great way to explore neighborhoods and get a feel for the market—but finding the right ones (and knowing what to look for) takes more than just a quick online search. In this post, we share the best ways to find open houses in Marin, why working with a local real estate agent early on can give you a competitive edge, and how to turn casual browsing into a confident, successful home search.

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