Marin County Mortgage & Market Update — Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Hey folks — Michael here. Market’s been a bit jittery this week with the Middle East situation adding some real uncertainty. Let me walk you through where we’re at today and what it might mean for your mortgage situation in Marin.

📈 Market Close — Tuesday, August 11, 2026

All three indices fell today — not drastically, but the U.S.-Iran impasse is weighing on sentiment. When geopolitical risk goes up, investors get nervous, oil prices rise, and that pressure flows downstream to mortgage rates. We’ve seen this pattern before, and it usually settles down once a deal gets done or tensions cool.

🏦 Bond Yields & Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are running between 6.64% and 6.78% depending on your credit profile, down payment, and lender. The 10-year Treasury ticked up just slightly, which tells me bond traders expect the Fed to stay put for a while longer — and that’s exactly what’s happening.

📊 Inflation & The Fed

Good news on inflation: June’s CPI came in at +3.5% year-over-year, a meaningful step down from where we were earlier this year. Core inflation (food and energy stripped out) is running at 2.6%, which is right where the Fed wants it long-term.

The Fed held rates steady at 3.5–3.75% back at the end of July — and here’s the interesting part: three regional Fed presidents dissented, wanting a rate hike. That’s the most dissent we’ve seen since September 2016. It shows the Fed itself is split on where we go from here.

What does this mean for you? Mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated until inflation truly stabilizes and the Fed gets more confidence. That said, we’re not heading toward another sharp spike. We’re in a holding pattern.

🏡 Marin County Real Estate Market

Marin’s market is cooling off, but not crashing. As of early August, there are 475 properties listed across the county with a median asking price of $1.299 million. Average days on market is running about 73 days — that’s up from where we were in spring, which makes sense. The rush has cooled.

Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground: buyers are taking more time, sellers are getting realistic about pricing, and properties that are well-maintained and in good neighborhoods still move. Properties languishing tend to be overpriced or need work. Inventory is still relatively tight, which keeps prices stable even when the market slows.

The split between North and South Marin is real. Southern Marin (Tiburon, Belvedere, Sausalito) is running higher medians ($1.799M) with 79 days on market. Central Marin (Larkspur, Kentfield, San Rafael) sits around $1.197M with 69 days on market. West Marin continues to serve a specialty market, especially our fire-zone properties.

🗺️ Marin City-by-City Snapshot

Tiburon: Waterfront demand remains solid despite broader market cooling — premium location, premium pricing.

Belvedere: Island community stays insulated — small market, loyal buyer base, limited supply keeps pressure on prices.

Mill Valley: Family-friendly market seeing realistic pricing adjustments — good schools, parks, and reasonable walk-ability keep it desirable.

Sausalito: Houseboats and bayside living still attract Bay Area transplants — waterfront premium persists.

Corte Madera: Family market stabilizing after spring activity — solid fundamentals, good schools, steady demand.

Larkspur: Gateway to North Marin — active market with reasonable days-on-market. Good entry point for first-time buyers in the North Bay.

Kentfield: High-end residential enclave — country feel with proximity to everything. Days on market ticking up as sellers get choosy.

Greenbrae: Hidden gem between Larkspur and San Rafael — quiet, tree-lined, still relatively under-the-radar but growing awareness.

San Rafael: County seat — most active market in Marin. Good mix of inventory, diverse price points, consistent buyer flow.

San Anselmo: Mid-Marin sweet spot — downtown vibe, good restaurants, walkable. Attracts downsizers and young families.

Fairfax: Village feel with artistic community — quirky, charming, tighter market than San Anselmo but loyal base.

Ross: Wooded enclave with estate homes — limited annual sales, but when they move, they move at premium pricing.

Novato: Gateway to North Bay — most affordable entry point to Marin, strong demand from commuters, growing tech presence.

Marinwood / Terra Linda: Growing neighborhoods with new construction — good for buyers looking for modern homes and room to grow.

Strawberry: Unincorporated North Bay community — quieter, rural character, growing slowly but steadily.

Stinson Beach / Bolinas: Coastal specialty market — we handle a lot of specialty lending here for fire-zone and vacation properties. Unique financing challenges, unique homes.

Point Reyes / Inverness / Nicasio: West Marin rural character — ranches, acreage, lifestyle properties. Often require specialty lending due to location and construction.

💡 What Should Marin Buyers Do Right Now?

1. Get Pre-Approved Now — Rates aren’t moving dramatically day-to-day, but uncertainty about geopolitics and Fed action means you want to lock in a rate when you find the right property. Don’t let rate anxiety slow you down; get pre-approved and be ready to move.

2. Be Realistic About Pricing — Marin sellers are slowly accepting that spring 2026 prices aren’t coming back. If you’re buying, this is your window to negotiate. Properties that are well-maintained and competitively priced are still moving, but there’s less bidding war chaos than a few months ago.

3. Location Still Matters Most — Don’t get distracted by rate anxiety. In Marin, a home in a good neighborhood with good schools and walkability will hold value regardless of where rates go. Focus on the home and the neighborhood, not trying to time the market.

4. Talk to Someone Local — If you’re thinking about specialty lending (fire-zone properties, West Marin, unique structures), don’t assume you know your options. Call me. We work with niche lenders all the time and can often find solutions that larger shops can’t.

📞 Talk to Michael Directly

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just want to understand how today’s rate environment affects your situation, I’m here to talk.

Call: (800) 239-1103 | Text: (310) 849-9124

Michael G. DiVita, Broker of Record
CA DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655

DiVita Home Finance, Inc.
CA DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700

This market brief is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or mortgage advice. Rates and market conditions are subject to change. Contact a licensed mortgage professional for current rates and loan terms.