If you are thinking about selling this fall, you are entering a market that rewards preparation. The frantic bidding of a couple of years ago has cooled into something more patient, which is good news if your home is priced right and ready to show. Here is what the latest numbers say about Novato and Petaluma, and the handful of things worth doing before your sign goes up.
What the market looks like right now
On the Marin side, Novato holds the most affordable citywide median in the county. For the 90 days ending September 30, 2026, the median single-family closed price was about $1.2 million, essentially flat, down 0.1 percent from a year earlier, with the tightest supply at about 1.4 months in ZIP 94947. Across Marin County, the third-quarter median climbed to $1.7 million, up about 5.9 percent year over year, with homes selling in a median 19 days.
In Sonoma County, the median sale price ran near $772,000 over the three months ending in August, down about 3.4 percent year over year, with homes averaging about 42 days on market. Petaluma ran a little warmer, closer to 28 days on market, with median prices in the high-$800,000 to low-$900,000 range depending on the data source, generally flat to modestly up year over year.
Price from the data, not the last good story
Today's buyers are well informed and quick to recognize value. A home priced in line with recent closed sales in its own neighborhood tends to draw the most attention in its first two weeks on the market, when showing traffic is highest. Overpricing in a cooling market often means a price cut later, longer days on market, and less leverage. My honest, no-pressure approach starts with a data-backed conversation about what your home is realistically worth today.
A few things worth doing before listing
- Fix the obvious mechanical issues. A dripping faucet or a noisy furnace reads as neglect, even when it is small.
- Clear the clutter and deep-clean. Buyers need to picture their own life in the rooms, not your stacks.
- Refresh tired paint and trim. A weekend of touch-up paint is the cheapest return in the whole process.
- Consider a pre-listing inspection. Knowing the condition in advance lets you address surprises on your terms, not a buyer's.
What I do differently
I came to real estate from about 20 years running an automotive repair business, so I bring a mechanic's eye for the details other people walk past. I understand wells, septic, drainage, soils, and property lines on country properties, and I will give you the straight truth even when the news is not what you hoped. When we list together, I also bring video, social media, and AI-focused marketing to get your home in front of the right buyers.
Thinking about what your home is worth in this market? Call me at (415) 328-2637 or send a message and we will talk it through, no pressure. Love where you live.
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“Your honor and reputation are among the most valuable things you possess. I bring that same standard to selling your home.”
Peter Schardt
Written by
Peter Schardt
21 years in real estate, 100+ homes sold, and a lifetime in the North Bay. Sales Associate · 01702383 · California.
