Predictions for ’09 Reveal There Are No Experts


So, one hell of an ugly year is coming to a close. As usual, this event cues panels of “leaders” in various fields to opine about the coming 365 days. What will become of Tom and Katie? Will Cher remove another rib? Will the Celtics top the NBA again? These days the doings of celebrities … Continue reading Predictions for ’09 Reveal There Are No Experts

Dear Realtors: Go Take A Vacation (In So Many Words)


We know we’re not alone with these types of emails, but like always, we share! Thank you so much for all your help looking at places around the city. We were so excited about both 655 5th St and 1930 Mission St, but we’ve come to realize that financially it just doesn’t make sense for … Continue reading Dear Realtors: Go Take A Vacation (In So Many Words)

The Winners! San Francisco’s Sexiest Realtor 2008


What a battle it was, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and so is the case for our little ego boosting glam event that is the one and only San Francisco’s Sexiest Realtor Contest. We have to say the turnout this year blew away that of last year, … Continue reading The Winners! San Francisco’s Sexiest Realtor 2008

Vote Now! San Francisco’s Sexiest Realtor Contest 2008 Is ON!


[Update: It is is 5:48pm PST, and we’ve received a few emails regarding the polling. Yes, the provider (PollDaddy) was down for maintenance today, and yes the voting appears to not be working (performs differently than what you might be used to), but votes are tallying. Thena Luu DiNapoli has a commanding lead at the … Continue reading Vote Now! San Francisco’s Sexiest Realtor Contest 2008 Is ON!

SF Cool Lifestyle for Sale. Condo also Included!


Condo complexes aren’t really selling condos these days. Instead, they sell a feeling, an image of the lifestyle that would too become yours if you buy in. And by “buy in” I mean in both senses, because first you’d have to buy that owning a condo at, say, the Hayes, would make you instantly urban-chic-hip; … Continue reading SF Cool Lifestyle for Sale. Condo also Included!

How Real Is The Credit Crunch? Try Getting A Loan


by Misha Weidman: I’ve been talking to lenders over the last few weeks to get a sense of the credit crunch from their side of the desk. Several were loan officers at big retail banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Others were independent loan brokers who have access to a greater range of … Continue reading How Real Is The Credit Crunch? Try Getting A Loan

Ask Us: Your Mortgage Insurance Company Drop The Ball Too?


Where readers ask and we (the community, because Lord knows we don’t know everything) try to answer: Hey there, Wondering if anyone else there has gotten wind of a problem we’ve been running into: My partner and I put in an offer on a 2 bed/1 bath condo in the Mission in mid-November. Offer price … Continue reading Ask Us: Your Mortgage Insurance Company Drop The Ball Too?

A Little Holiday Cheer To Take You Into The Weekend


So we got this little text come across our channels yesterday and we thought we’d share it with you. The Dow is going to drop to 7500 (at least) next year. It’s going to get uglier before it gets better. The hedge funds have yet to implode, and while not as damaging as the big … Continue reading A Little Holiday Cheer To Take You Into The Weekend

Real Estate Sucks And Real Estate Sucks T-Shirts Are Here


It’s been a long time coming, but theFrontSteps T-Shirts are here. You don’t have to buy one to show your support for our site (but it’d be appreciated), rather buy one to show your taste or distaste for real estate. Wear one for each mood. Buy one for a friend in foreclosure. Buy one for … Continue reading Real Estate Sucks And Real Estate Sucks T-Shirts Are Here

2009 Agency High Balance


Certain Guidelines have been presented for the 2009 Agency Expanded loan Amounts. The SF county limits and much of the surrounding turf will cap out at the following: One-Unit — $625,500 Two-Unit — $800,775 Three-Unit — $967,950 Four-Unit — cialis order $1,202,925 The first major change: Non Owner Occupied Properties and Second Homes; Loan To … Continue reading 2009 Agency High Balance

Ask Us: Can Condo Conversion Save You From Rent Control?


Where readers ask and we (the community) try to answer: This is a doozy of a question, so put your game faces on: Hi there, Being fairly new at the SF real estate/landlording game, I am still discovering the fascinating mine field of Rent Control laws through the numerous websites on the subject. At least … Continue reading Ask Us: Can Condo Conversion Save You From Rent Control?

theFrontSteps’ Sexiest Realtor In San Francisco 2008 Edition


[Update: Contest is ON! Click here to go vote.] The Holidays are upon us, we’re in a recession, and the market is staggering, so why not blow off some real estate steam (focus people) and submit your nomination for San Francisco’s Sexiest Realtor 2008. We did the same thing last year, and we crowned a … Continue reading theFrontSteps’ Sexiest Realtor In San Francisco 2008 Edition

East Bay: Old Style Meets New Tech in New Oakland Listing


By Home Girl: Fresh on the block is a substantial contemporary home at 5881 Snake Avenue Road in Montclair, which stands out for being a mix of old school and state-of the-art techie. It’s worth making a detour to see this one, because it’s certainly not run of the mill. It doesn’t fit into any … Continue reading East Bay: Old Style Meets New Tech in New Oakland Listing

The Scoop: Seven Arden Estates Have Risen from the Earth


Some time ago, I noted the construction in West Portal and asked around the Front Steps for the scoop. Those folks on the steps always know a lot, and more importantly, they like to argue. We had ideas that the construction would yield five- no, six- no, seven- no,  eight homes. They were to be made of … Continue reading The Scoop: Seven Arden Estates Have Risen from the Earth