Sign of the Times

As if we need more signs of the stagnating real estate market in Marin county, the Marin IJ has published two articles recently that bring the point home.

First, as we reported earlier in our latest monthly report a couple of weeks ago, average selling prices continue to fall.

Second, yet another mortgage broker has called it quits. First Security Loan in San Rafael will close up shop -- just the latest in a series of firms to do so. Not only does this highlight how few real estate transactions there are, it also adds to the unemployment rolls and reduces the sources available for home loans. You see the same signs in the halls of previously bustling escrow/title offices and, of course, some real estate brokerage offices -- empty desks, few people, and phones not ringing.