July 2012
2 posts
1 tag
A soaking tub to die for
Today out on tour I spotted this bathtub unlike any I had seen before. It’s simple and looks comfortable, with the faucet controls on the wall so they don’t get in the way, with a convenient shelf to put your bubble bath and glass of wine. I thought it was a beautifully designed home spa.
What do you think? If you could remodel your bathroom and put in a tub, what look do you prefer....
6 tags
The Value of a Job Card
If you’re remodeling your home, or doing any construction that requires a permit from the San Francisco Building Department (just about everything except paint and wallpaper requires a permit), then you will be issued what is called a ‘Job Card’ (I capitalize it to emphasize its importance). This card, pictured below, is a record of inspections of the work by the building...
June 2012
1 post
4 tags
Question about who sees the appraisal report
One of my buyers asked a question recently, “if we get the condo appraised and the value of the condo is higher than what we agree to, can the seller pull out and ask for a higher price? Or does it only work in our favor?”
This was a good question, especially since appraisals can be a point of failure for many escrows. First of all, the seller does not see the appraisal unless the...
May 2012
2 posts
8 tags
NEW LISTING! Open Sat & Sun 2-4 83 29th St San...
Welcome to 83 29th St, located at the crossroads of 4 great San Francisco neighborhoods: Glen Park, Bernal Heights, Noe Valley, and the Mission. Literally step out your front door and have all the amenities you desire at your fingertips: coffee, restaurants, groceries, shopping, parks, schools, bookstores, entertainment, and more. If the ability to “walk to everything” is on your...
6 tags
If you're into recycling, you'll love these two...
For someone like me who would recycle dryer lint if I could, these two new programs may appeal to your inner green as much as they did mine.
USED BART TICKETS
BART has a program called Tiny Tickets that collects tickets with small amounts remaining on them. They are then added up and given to local charities. Another way to recycle those cards is to tape them to the blue recycling containers...
April 2012
2 posts
7 tags
A client talks about his experience buying and...
Ned York has been a long-time client, having sold and bought 3 times with me. Here are his thoughts and advice to home buyers and sellers in San Francisco.
4 tags
Free days at the California Academy of Sciences
Did you know that the wonderful exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences are free to neighborhoods on specific dates during the year? Check out the schedule below or click on the link above. The hours are 9:30-5pm. It’s a great way to spend the day with the entire family!
2012 California Academy of Sciences Neighborhood Free Days
Free admission is available for San Francisco...
March 2012
4 posts
5 tags
Can you time the San Francisco real estate market?
“You can’t time the market”- How many times have you heard that? The reason this adage is so enduring is because it is so true. Every time there is a change in the real estate market it seems to take buyers, sellers and even REALTORS® by surprise. It seems we all assume that the market will be the same tomorrow as it is today, yet we all know that’s just not how things work. There are few better...
4 tags
San Francisco data at your fingertips
San Francisco has placed its publicly available data on a website, all in one place, to make it easy to search for just about anything. Like the all-in-one 311 call center that eliminated the need to keep a list of the different city departments, this website allows you to search for crime statistics on a map, look at the neighborhood boundaries, find film locations, and much more.
Check out the...
1 tag
Creative re-use of old sliverware
I previewed 1566 Sanchez Street last week, a home “designed to achieve the pinnacle of green recognition, the LEED Platinum certification” according to the marketing remarks in the MLS. One of the light fixtures caught my eye for its creative re-use of old sliver ware. When even the light fixtures use previously owned components, you know you’re in a home bent on recyling. Dinner...
6 tags
The charm of old buildings
I must pass this building hundreds of times a year because it’s a few blocks from my house. Walking by it the other day, I was able to appreciate just what a wonderful building it is. Designed by renowned architect William Curlett in 1879, the historic Mill Building at 720 York Street is a classic brick and timber building converted to lofts in 1999. I love that the owners have retained...
February 2012
18 posts
4 tags
Zephyr Real Estate in the news
I’m proud to work for this company, for many reasons, this being one of them:
San Francisco, CA – February 28, 2012 – Zephyr has once again achieved the top spot in real estate branding in San Francisco. Nearly one out of nine real estate transactions last year involved a Zephyr agent, representing either the buyer or the seller. This equates to over 11 percent of the single-family homes,...
4 tags
San Francisco Market Report – January Results +...
Below is the San Francisco Association’s Market Focus report for January 2012
Pockets of Movement in the San Francisco Housing Market, Despite Lessening Inventory
The nice spring-like weather we have been experiencing has had some positive effects on the home buying public, as it has brought more buyers into the market. And with interest rates continuing to stand at a 60-year low, this has made...
4 tags
San Francisco Sunday Street Closures Announced
Every year since 2008, San Francisco has closed streets on Sunday to provide car-free activities between March and October. Here’s the schedule for 2012
Sunday Streets 2012 Season Schedule (subject to change): ·     March 11: Embarcadero- Season kick off ·     April 15: Great Highway/Golden Gate park- new route through the park ·     May 6: Mission ·    ...
5 tags
Should San Francisco Rent Control Be Changed or...
This article by the Bay Citizen journalist, Scott James, brings up some interesting points about rent control laws in San Francisco. When rent increases are limited each year to below the inflation factor, yet the costs to the landlords to maintain the building rise at a steeper climb than the rents, it makes it difficult for small-building landlords to pay the taxes and keep the buildings in good...
7 tags
Stop a propsed property tax increase in San...
The San Francisco Association of Realtors has started a petition to prevent an increase in the property tax paid when home owners sell their property.
Policy makers, including Mayor Ed Lee, are proposing an increase in the rate of a tax home owners pay whenever they sell real property. The tax is called the real property transfer tax and it is collected on the total sale price of any property...
3 tags
Do you know where this San Francisco stature is?
On a recent visit to a San Francisco museum, I took this picture of El Cid, the Spanish military leader. Do you know on the grounds of which museum El Cid resides?
Let me know if you need a hint!
5 tags
Buy your sweetheart a sweetheart of a home!
Happy Valentine’s Day! What better way to express your affection and respect for your loved one than to buy her the home of her dreams. Surprise him with this gorgeous 1890s Victorian in the Mission Dolores neighborhood that has been updated to today’s standards. Come see it today from 12-1:30 or Sunday from 2-4pm. Also easy to show by appointment.
Check out this website for pictures...
6 tags
San Francisco New Construction Opening April 2012
Some new homes will be opening up in the coming months in the Mission and Dog Patch areas of San Francisco and in Redwood City. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll give you the insider scoop.
COMING IN APRIL 2012
299 Valencia @ 14th St
36 Homes
Jr. One, One & Two Bedroom Homes
Prices most likely from $400s to $700s
You can register @ www.299valencia.com
COMING IN...
3 tags
Fisherman's Wharf's main street getting a makeover
Just in time for the 2013 America’s Cup, Fisherman’s Wharf’s Jefferson Street will get a makeover, turning it into a more pedestrian friendly street by widening the sidewalks and narrowing the street. The heart of the tourist area includes the 5 blocks between Powell and Hyde streets. The work is slated to start in October with the two blocks from Jones to Hyde at Aquatic Park....
6 tags
NEW LISTING! 232 Clinton Park, San Francisco
I’m super excited about my new listing in the Mission Dolores neighborhood of San Francisco! 232 Clinton Park is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath fully detached 1890s Victorian with lovely period details and modern touches buyers are looking for: remodeled chef’s kitchen, remodeled baths, luxuriously sized master suite, low-maintenance yard, 2 car parking. And talk about location, location,...
5 tags
Revised plant-hardiness map
As a gardener, I’ve always relied on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which plants will work best in my sunny Mission garden. The map, which was last updated in 1990, has now been updated to accommodate the warmer climate. There are 26 zones divided up into 5 degree temperature increments. Of the 34 cities mentioned in the key, 18 of them are now in warmer zones due to the...
7 tags
Low interest rates expected through 2014
Although the economy is doing moderately well, unemployment remains high and housing in most of the country is still doing poorly. The Fed has announced that it will not raise interest rates until the end of 2014. When I started in the business 10 years ago, interest rates were high and housing costs were high. For the past 3 -4 years, interest rates have been dropping along with home prices....
8 tags
Getting a loan - step 7 - Closing
Yes! Your loan for your new home has been approved, the loan documents have been drawn and sent to the title company for you to sign. Once you’ve signed all the documents, the next and final step is the closing.
Closing - Once all parties have signed the loan documents, they are returned to the lender, and the package is reviewed. If all the forms have been properly executed, the lender...
8 tags
Getting a loan – step 6 – Documents are drawn
You’ve made an offer that has been accepted by the seller, your mortgage broker has sent in your loan package and the lender has not only approved you but the home you’re buying. They’ve agreed to give you the money!
What’s next?
Documents are Drawn - Within one to three days after loan approval, the lender prepares your loan documents (including the note and deed of...
5 tags
Coming Soon - Gorgeous Misison Dolores Victorian 3...
I’m excited about my new listing coming on the market in the next week. It’s a beautiful Mission Dolores Victorian with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths plus parking for 2 cars, storage, and a smartly landscaped backyard. Stay tuned for more information and pictures.
6 tags
Getting a loan - step 5 - Loan Approval
Your offer on your dream home has been accepted and the loan application is in process. Now you’re waiting for the final loan approval.
Loan approval, or underwriting, generally takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, and it can take slightly longer if mortgage insurance is required. “Mortgage insurance underwriting” occurs when the borrower has less than 20 percent of the loan amount to put...
6 tags
Getting a loan - step 4 - Loan Submission
Your loan for your dream home is in process: you’ve submitted all your paperwork, the mortgage broker has ordered your credit report and the preliminary title report on the property, as well as an appraisal. The next step is for your mortgage broker to submit all of this documentation to the lender.
Loan Submission - Once all the necessary documentation is in, the loan processor puts the...
4 tags
Groundhog Day
Have you seen the movie, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray? I remember it being very funny. Here’s the storyline on IMDb
A weather man is reluctantly sent to cover a story about a weather forecasting “rat” (as he calls it). This is his fourth year on the story, and he makes no effort to hide his frustration. On awaking the ‘following’ day he discovers that it’s...
January 2012
19 posts
5 tags
Find out what it takes to get a loan these days
Before you even start your house hunting, you need a license! I liken the pre-approval letter from a qualified mortgage broker to a license to go house hunting. Without that piece of paper, you may think you know how much you can afford to pay for a home, but the banks may have a different idea of what you can qualify for. I will help you find a qualified mortgage adviser that is familiar with San...
4 tags
San Francisco Market Report - December Results +...
Below is the San Francisco Association’s Market Focus report for January 2012.
The end of 2011 brought a decline in the number of homes for sale throughout the city, setting up a seller’s market with prices trending up. Stronger affordability conditions, a lower cost of owning versus renting, and declining foreclosures, continue to steer the San Francisco housing market in a positive direction.
...
7 tags
Andi Index: a simple way to understand the...
Recently, when shopping in my neighborhood Whole Foods’ produce department, I saw this wall chart, bottom left. It’s a way of measuring the phytochemical content of foods. The higher the score, the more nutrients there are in relation to the calories consumed. In other words, the foods that contain the most nutrients per calorie are ranked the highest. Phytochemicals, such as...
5 tags
Open Sunday Jan 22 1-3pm Central Sunset Fixer...
NEW LISTING in the Central Sunset for $550,000. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large eat-in kitchen, living room with fireplace, and super-large backyard with lemon trees. Perfectly located with public transportation and a thriving commerce a block away, it’s the ideal urban setting. The home needs work so is ripe for a contractor or a buyer who wants a project! Open Saturday 1-4 & Sunday...
5 tags
I may never cook again
Our house is just 1/2 block away from Flour + Water’s newest project, Salumeria (3000 20th St), which will sell prepared meals and retail products. I’ve been watching the large pink building on the corner of 20th & Florida street for well over a year, maybe longer, with great anticipation, wondering when it will open. News is that it’s headed for an end-of-February...
5 tags
buying a home – the successful way – step 10:...
You’ve had your inspections and the loan has been approved. Now it’s a countdown to the close and our final step, Close of Escrow.
Step 10: Close Escrow - When all of the conditions of the purchase agreement have been met, you will sign your loan documents and closing papers. You will deposit the balance of your down payment and closing costs to escrow and your lender will deposit...
5 tags
A great way to conserve water - route your laundry...
Occasionally I read the inserts that come with my utility bills. Last month my water bill included information on a pilot program that uses ‘graywater’ from your washing machine to irrigate your garden. I filled out the application and found out today that I met the requirements and have been approved. My gardener and I, Manuel Franco, of Franco Landscaping, will attend a workshop at...
3 tags
SF MLS has added Sutter-Yuba County to our Network
The San Francisco Assoc of Realtors has added another county to the network of MLSs we’re able to use. Realtors now have full access to the Sutter-Yuba MLS. We are able to search for properties and add listings to 23 counties in California: Alameda, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo,...
5 tags
buying a home – the successful way – step 8: Open...
Yes! Your offer for your dream home has been accepted by the seller and now it’s time to start the escrow process.
Step 8: Open Your Escrow - When the purchase agreement is accepted and signed by all parties, I will open escrow for you and your 3% earnest money will be deposited with the title company. The escrow or title company is a neutral third party that will receive, hold, and...
5 tags
buying a home - the successful way - step 7...
You’ve found your dream home and have submitted what you hope is a winning offer to the seller. The seller has three options – to accept your offer as is, reject it outright, or counter the price or any of the terms, such as length of contingencies. The next step is to respond to the seller’s reply.
Step 7 - Respond to the Seller - When the seller’s response comes back, usually...
5 tags
SF Rent Board Announces Annual Rent Increase
Every year, the SF Rent Board calculates the amount landlords can increase rent on rent-controlled properties. Effective March 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013, the allowable annual increase amount is 1.9 percent.
To calculate the dollar amount of the 1.9 percent annual rent increase, multiply the tenant’s base rent by .019. For example, if the tenant’s base rent is $1,250.00, the...
3 tags
San Francisco MLS Has New Status Definitions
At long last, the San Francisco MLS (SFARMLS) has expanded the status definitions of listings. Many of the MLSs around us have used these statuses, which more closely reflect the actual status of the listing. So if you see any of these statuses on other websites, refer to this list for a better understanding of what’s going on with that property. Below are the statuses and what they mean....
4 tags
buying a home - the successful way - step 6
Everyone wants a successful, stress-free home-buying purchase, one you can tell your family and friends about with a smile. Following the previous 5 steps and the next 4 steps will help ensure you meet your goal.
You’ve found your dream home and have written what you hope to be a winning offer. The next step is to present it to the listing agent.
Step 6 - Presenting Your Offer - I will...
5 tags
buying a home - the successful way - step 5
After the Initial Consultation and Loan Consultation, after you’ve provided a list of documents to a lender and obtained a pre-approval letter, after you’ve learned about the market in the neighborhoods you’re interested in, and found your dream home, we will write that winning offer.
Step 5 - How to Structure an Effective Offer - Once you have found the home you wish to...
5 tags
buying a home - the successful way - step 4
Here we are to Step 4 - Buying a Home the Successful Way! In Step 1, we talked about the importance of the Initial Consulation. Step 2 we discussed the Loan Consultation. In Step 3, we provided a check list of what you will need to apply for a loan.
Step 4 -Market Education, View Properties and Select a Property - I will research available properties, and show you homes based on the criteria that...
5 tags
buying a home - the successful way - step 3
There are 9 simple steps to ensure success when you embark on your New Year’s resolution to finally buy a home of your own. Step 1, the Initial Consultation, talked about the importance of our first meeting to evaluate your needs and your resources. Step 2 we talked about the Loan Consultation.
Step 3 - The Loan Application Checklist. Today, we talk about what you will need to apply for a...
3 tags
Calling all San Francisco sellers - NOW is the...
At our sales meeting this week, we were asked to raise our hands if we had listings coming on in the next few weeks. Not too many agents raised their hands. Then we were asked to raise our hands if we had buyers who were actively looking but could not find the right property. Just about everyone raised their hands (there were probably 100 agents at this meeting).
If you’re a seller and are...
8 tags
buying a home - the successful way - step 2
Yesterday we talked about the first step in buying a home: the Initial Consultation. Today we talk about the best way to go about getting qualified for a loan.
Step 2 - Loan Consultation - I will provide you with guidance in finding a financial institution, recommend a qualified local mortgage adviser versed on the types of loans you might need (TIC, FHA, VA, etc, there’s a whole alphabet...
4 tags
9 steps to successfully buying a home
Happy New Year! If you’ve made a new year’s resolution to stop paying rent and buy yourself a home, here are 9 simple steps to success. We will start with Step 1 and continue with a step a day for the next 9 days.
Step 1 - The Initial Consultation - Evaluate Your Needs and Your Resources - I will meet with you to discuss your specific needs in a home and analyze your resources. ...
December 2011
1 post
4 tags
San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker season in full...
For the past 9+ years, I’ve volunteered for the San Francisco Ballet by working in The Ballet Shop on the mezzanine level. During Nutcracker, which usually starts early December and goes through New Year’s, the shop carries wooden nutcrackers of every size, color, and style, and hundreds of different ornaments. I worked the Sunday matinee performance yesterday and we sold tens of...
November 2011
4 posts
3 tags
Rincon Hill gets a new dog park
Slowly but surely the area now known as Rincon Hill is developing a residential community, mostly built around the high-rises that went up in the last 5-7 years, like One Rincon Hill and the Infinity Tower buildings. One sure sign of the turn from commercial to residential is the installation of a dog park for its 4-legged residents.
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