May Agent of the Month is the latest distinction bestowed upon Tracy McLaughin, one of the top brokers in the country and the fearless leader of The Agency’s Marin office. Not only has she sold more than $1 billion in real estate throughout her career, Tracy has ranked as the highest producing agent in Marin County since 2005—a national record for any county in the country. Most recently, she added accomplished author to her impressive resume with the publishing of her book Real Estate Rescue with Tracy McLaughlin – How Not to Leave Money on the Table in the Sale and Purchase of Your Home.
We caught up with Tracy to get her thoughts on the Marin County market—from the latest buying trends to what we can expect in the year ahead—and to get her take on a picture perfect day in Marin County.
What do you think is attracting buyers right now to the residential market in Marin?
Having a home substantially renovated and pricing it “exactly right”—these are the attributes attracting buyers right now.
What can sellers do to help ensure their listing stands apart from the crowd?
Price their homes right and prepare them for the market with the appropriate capital improvements.
What are some current design trends you’re noticing in Marin?
“Contemporary farmhouse” design is very in right now. Buyers love the combination of traditional architecture with more rustic and contemporary finishes.
What would be your forecast for market conditions over the next year in Marin?
I feel that the market will still be strong for the homes located in premier areas of Marin (flats of Ross, flats of Mill Valley, flats of Belvedere, flats of Kentfield, flats of Greenbrae). With most buyers wanting to be in or near the flats, I do think that the market will be slightly softer for homes in the hills of Marin.
What are some of the personalized services you offer your clients?
I focus on pre-listing renovations for all of my listings to add substantial value prior to listing the home. This is a very “proven” formula that also served as the basis of a book I just wrote called Real Estate Rescue with Tracy McLaughlin.
How do you think your clients would describe you?
Honest; personal; smart; and very hard working.
What is your motto?
Always do the right thing for your clients.
Paint us a picture of a perfect day in Marin County:
Coffee: My own Nespresso machine inside my office! If my machine isn’t working, I go to Equator Coffees across the street in Larkspur.
Sunday Brunch: The San Francisco Yacht Club in Belvedere. The views are amazing!
Exercise: Yoga every day at Susan Hauser’s NOW Power Yoga studio.
Shopping: I love Malia Mills in Marin Country Mart.
Power Lunch: On the rare occasions that I go to lunch, Buckeye Roadhouse.
Fun in the sun: Stinson Beach when the days are clear and warm.
Relaxation: An in-office massage with Ruth Glavin.
Cocktails: Playa in Mill Valley.
Dinner: Back to Buckeye Roadhouse in Mill Valley.
Late Night: Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley for live music.
