Phillipa Criswell - Marin real estate Golden Gate Sotheby's

Phillipa Criswell - Marin real estate Golden Gate Sotheby's Real estate is more than transactions — it’s about people and new chapters. But it's not just about transactions—it's about people.

I help Marin County buyers & sellers navigate every step with trust, strategy, and heart. With a passion for homes and a deep understanding of Marin County's diverse communities, I bring a unique perspective to real estate. My personal experiences building, buying, and selling homes in Tiburon and Belvedere have given me invaluable insights into the industry. I work closely with a dedicated team of professionals to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for my clients. From transaction coordinators to contractors, my team and I are here to support you every step of the way. Originally from New Zealand, I've called Marin County home since 1970. As a former emergency nurse and active community member, I understand the importance of finding the perfect home for your family. Whether you're buying or selling, I'm committed to providing you with exceptional service and expert guidance. Let's embark on this real estate journey together!"

Preparation before listing goes beyond how a home looks.On a recent sale where I represented the seller, we had a roof i...
09/28/2026

Preparation before listing goes beyond how a home looks.

On a recent sale where I represented the seller, we had a roof inspection and a city fire inspection of the home’s exterior completed, and the seller updated an outdated electrical panel. The inspection reports and documentation of the update were included in the disclosure package before the home came to market.

That’s the preparation I value: understanding the property’s condition, addressing concerns early, and giving buyers useful information from the start.

When I represent a buyer, insurance is one of my earliest priorities. I encourage buyers to speak with their insurance professional about coverage options and quotes early in the process.

Buying or selling in Belvedere, Tiburon, or elsewhere in Marin? Let’s talk about what to prepare before your next move.

Five homes sold in Belvedere in August. Two were reported off-market.Include those private sales, and the report calls i...
09/26/2026

Five homes sold in Belvedere in August. Two were reported off-market.

Include those private sales, and the report calls it a seller’s market. Exclude them, and it calls it neutral.

That’s why I look beyond the headline when interpreting Belvedere’s market—especially with so few sales.

For those following the local market, what are you most curious about: prices, available homes, or how long properties take to sell?

Source: BAREIS/TrendVision, August 2026.

Thinking about downsizing and not sure whether to sell first or buy first?There is no single right order in Marin. Start...
09/25/2026

Thinking about downsizing and not sure whether to sell first or buy first?

There is no single right order in Marin. Start by looking at how specific the next home is, how much prep your current home needs, how each path affects your funds and monthly costs, what backup timing could reduce pressure, and how the move fits on one calendar.

In Marin, those details usually decide the smartest sequence. If you want to talk it through early, I can map the timeline and coordinate the prep.

Beyond the view.A view can draw you to a home, but it’s worth seeing how the location works in everyday life.If you’re c...
09/24/2026

Beyond the view.

A view can draw you to a home, but it’s worth seeing how the location works in everyday life.

If you’re considering a home in Belvedere, Tiburon, Mill Valley, or Sausalito, try the commute at the times you’d actually travel. Visit at different times of day to notice sun, wind, shade, and fog. Check parking when you arrive with groceries or have guests. If school trips are part of your routine, test those too.

Spending time nearby on a weekend can tell you things a showing cannot. I’m happy to help you look at the practical details as well as the home itself.

09/11/2026

Discover the latest San Francisco Bay Area real estate trends in our comprehensive August 2026 Market Report. Explore the full report and interactive local market statistics at https://ggsir.link/market-report.

Proud to sponsor the Challenger Wildcard Clash at the Belvedere Tennis Club on Saturday, September 12.This special after...
09/10/2026

Proud to sponsor the Challenger Wildcard Clash at the Belvedere Tennis Club on Saturday, September 12.

This special afternoon will bring together players from Stanford, Cal, Saint Mary’s, and USC, with the winning team earning a wildcard entry into the TPC Challenger. It promises to be a wonderful afternoon of college tennis right here in Tiburon.

Thinking about listing and not sure which reports your home really needs?The goal is not paperwork for its own sake. It ...
09/09/2026

Thinking about listing and not sure which reports your home really needs?

The goal is not paperwork for its own sake. It is to answer the buyer questions your home is most likely to raise before it hits the market. I usually start with age, slope, water exposure, and whether the home is part of an HOA. That is why a hillside home and a condo rarely need the same prep.

If you are planning a future move, I am happy to help you sort out what is worth ordering first.

09/09/2026

One of Belvedere’s most distinctive waterfront homes recently sold for $16.921 million.

125 Belvedere Avenue is nearly 6,000 square feet and includes a private pier, boat dock and an inclined elevator connecting the street to the home below. After an auction was announced, a buyer negotiated directly with the seller before live bidding began.

Homes like this are difficult to value because there are so few true comparisons. The waterfront position, views, architecture, access and unusual amenities all matter—and each will appeal differently to individual buyers.

The auction may have created urgency, but ultimately the sale came down to finding the price at which buyer and seller agreed on the value of a truly one-of-a-kind property.

September is when many Marin sellers ask: launch this fall or wait for spring?• Count the work left. If prep will feel r...
09/07/2026

September is when many Marin sellers ask: launch this fall or wait for spring?

• Count the work left. If prep will feel rushed, waiting may protect the presentation.
• Ask when your home shows best. Some homes shine in fall light. Others benefit from spring gardens and longer days.
• Match timing to your life. Move plans, travel, and privacy matter too.
• Price for the market you are entering, not the one you hope arrives later.

In Belvedere, Tiburon, and Marin, I start here before picking a launch window. If you want a second opinion, I am happy to help.

A beautiful view can be compelling. With a hillside home, what supports that view matters too.Four things I pay attentio...
09/04/2026

A beautiful view can be compelling. With a hillside home, what supports that view matters too.

Four things I pay attention to early:

• Drainage — Where does water go during heavy rain, and how is it directed away from the home?

• Retaining walls — What is their condition, and are there signs that warrant further evaluation?

• Slope conditions — Look beyond the landscaping for visible erosion, movement or other conditions that may need investigation.

• Access and orientation — Consider driveway access, sun exposure, wind and how the hillside setting affects the way the property actually lives.

In Belvedere and Tiburon, hillside properties can vary considerably from one site to another. Knowing what to notice—and when to bring in the right professional—is an important part of evaluating the property.

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10 Beach Road
Tiburon, CA

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