So Close But Yet So Far: Marin Homes Falling Out of Contract

As we all know, when the status of a home turns from “active” to “contingent,” an offer has been made and the house is in contract. Just as the word actively describes this process, the completion of the transaction is contingent – on many things. Whether it’s the home inspection, the ability of the buyer to secure financing, the buyer being able to sell their current home, etc, there are many many hurdles to overcome even though the price is agreed upon.

A handful of homes this week in Marin have fallen out of contract, going from “contingent” back to “active” status. The reasons are unknown, but I would guess that one common trait is that the seller is probably very disappointed to go back to the drawing board and is very eager to get their property sold. I.e. they may be very negotiable and this may present an opportunity to take advantage.

Four homes this week that fell out of contract:

60 Marina Vista Ave, Larkspur - 3 beds, 1.5 baths – $629,000: This Larkspur home is surrounded by trees and looks to sit in the hills above Larkspur. It’s noted as a contractor’s/ owner’s special but the pics don’t point to anything apparent. Not only did this drop of our contract, the seller also dropped its price – most likely in hopes of getting this back on track again. On the market for over 100 days, it first listed in June for $799,000.

219 Monte Vista Ave, Larkspur – 2 beds, 1 bath – $849,000: Another Larkspur drop out and if I can recall correctly, this is the 2nd time it has fallen out of contract. In a great neighborhood clsoe to downtown, it’s in the vicinity of upgraded homes. Large lot of redwood trees. One note – possession is subject to tenant rights. Hmmm… maybe this is the catch.

28 Jefferson Ave, San Rafael - 3 beds, 2.5 baths – $699,000: In San Rafael by the Civic Center, this is an almost brand new home built in 2004. Vacant and looks well maintained with hardwood floors and granite countertops.

13 El Camino Dr, Corte Madera – 3 beds, 2 baths – $799,000: Off of Paradise Drive in Corte Madera, this has been on the market for 66 days. No pictures of the inside so hard to tell of the state of things here.