The Ultimate Guide to Buying in Ross, California
Buying a home in Ross is as much about lifestyle as it is about the property. Known for its quiet streets, privacy, and small-town charm, Ross is one of Marin County’s most exclusive communities—and many of its best homes never make it online. A significant portion of Ross real estate is sold off-market, shared privately between top local agents and their networks.
If you’re looking to buy in Ross, it’s essential to work with an experienced agent who has access to these private listings and a deep understanding of the neighborhoods, schools, and microclimates that make Ross unique. Keep reading to learn what makes Ross such a sought-after place to live, and how partnering with the best agents in Ross can help you find your ideal home.
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Kentfield vs. Larkspur: Which Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Choosing the right neighborhood in Marin County is about more than square footage or features—it’s lifestyle, schools, community, amenities, and long-term value. Two of Marin’s most sought-after areas, Kentfield and Larkspur, offer exceptional quality of life but in distinct ways. Here’s how they compare, and how Own Marin helps buyers make the right choice.
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San Anselmo Real Estate Market: One of Marin’s Most Sought-After Communities
Known for its charm, character, and strong sense of community, San Anselmo has long been one of Marin County’s most desirable places to call home. With top-rated schools, a walkable downtown, and easy access to open space, it offers the quintessential Marin lifestyle — relaxed, connected, and ideal for a wide range of living situations.
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Living in Mill Valley: A Local Realtor’s Perspective
Mill Valley is more than just a town, it’s a lifestyle. As local Marin realtors, we’ve guided hundreds of buyers and sellers through this picturesque, sought-after community, and we’ve seen firsthand why people fall in love with its charm, outdoor access, and vibrant culture.
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How AI + Zillow Are Changing Real Estate
Artificial intelligence is transforming real estate, and the integration of ChatGPT with Zillow is changing the way buyers search for homes and sellers showcase their properties. Buyers can describe exactly what they want, and AI instantly pulls matching listings, while sellers benefit from strategic, story-driven descriptions that make their homes stand out. While AI enhances the home search process, it’s not perfect—listings and data can be incomplete, making a knowledgeable real estate agent essential for both buyers and sellers.
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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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Navigating Off-Market Listings in Marin: What Buyers Need to Know
Thinking about buying a home in Marin County? Learn why 1 in 5 homes sell off-market—and how working with the #1 Real Estate Team in Marin gives you exclusive access to hidden listings you won’t find on Zillow or Redfin.
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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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The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Home Buyers in Marin County
Thinking about buying your first home in Marin County? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know—from understanding Marin’s competitive housing market to getting financially prepared, defining your home priorities, and working with a local expert. Learn how to navigate high demand, limited inventory, and fast-moving deals with confidence. At Own Marin, we specialize in helping first-time buyers find the right home while making the process as smooth and informed as possible.
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If the FED cut rates, why are mortgage rates still rising?
If you’re wondering why mortgage rates are climbing even after the recent Federal Reserve rate cut, you’re not alone. It can feel counterintuitive, but here’s a straightforward look at what’s happening and what it means for your buying or refinancing plans.
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Navigating the New Era of Real Estate Compensation and Representation
Get up to speed with the latest changes in real estate compensation and representation. Here’s a clear breakdown of what has changed, the new rules, and how these updates may impact your budget and strategy. We're here to guide you through the process and ensure you stay ahead in the game to reach your real estate goals in Marin.
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Why do so many homes trade off-market in Marin County?
An off-market home for sale, also known as a pocket listing, is a home available for sale privately that never goes on the public multiple listing service (MLS). Therefor, you’ll never find the property on Zillow, Trulia or any other real estate website. In Marin County, 1-in-5 homes are trading off-market without ever going public. That’s 20% of the market you could be missing if you’re not working with a realtor who’s well connected in the area.
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How to Buy a Home in Marin's Competitive Real Estate Market
Competition to buy a home in Marin is fierce. Prices are high and inventory is low, resulting in most homes receiving multiple offers and selling 5%-20% over the list price. But don’t lose hope just yet, there are some steps you can take to give yourself a chance at winning the home you love and it takes strategy, planning, and creativity. We’ve rounded up tips from the team to plan ahead, budget, and make a winning offer so you can successfully buy a home in Marin.
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