But two weeks ago this perk-less-ness changed. Together with several other writers from across the country, I was flown to Tahoe for an all-expenses-paid tour of/experience with Northstar’s new Home Run. Aptly named, the development is a system of homes built mid-mountain, far above the (pleasurable, but at times, overly popular) melee of the Village. No waiting in line for the lift, folks. The ski run awaits just a few steps from your back deck. Wake up, ski out. Sweet!

Still, sometimes when I see construction in the middle of a forest, no matter how spectacular that construction, I feel uncomfortable. You know this feeling?  Human guilt? But at least here, as with all Mountain Residences projects, East West developers aim for LEED certification for each home- and we were introduced to many trees (including my favorite, old “Grandpa”)  and rock formations that had to be protected, built around rather than pulled from the earth.

Construction with a conscience means I was better able to relax, take in my surroundings, which that day were sparkly- a cold blue sky setting the freshly falling snow ablaze, everything studded with tiny diamonds on fire. Between each of the Home Run residences lie trails, tunnels, and bridges- everything inter-connected.  It’s very exclusive-village-in-the-Alps:  charming architecture, soaring vistas, the hush of a thick blanket of snow.

Our group toured one model home, mostly complete, which you see pictured here. The view alone made me want to hide in the (huge! Sexy!) bathroom until everyone left so I could stay forever. So what if the water wasn’t hooked up yet? I had miles of it, frozen and pristine, for my private use right outside.

But we had plenty to look forward to, including a meal at the Ritz Carlton which also rests mid-mountain. Over course after course of carefully paired wine and cuisine (developed under San Francisco’s own, chef Traci Des Jardins), we learned that two of the custom home lots have already been purchased, one by a young “Silicon Valley tech” family (for some reason, I thought Zynga. Unconfirmed). We also learned what Northstar is doing to change its more “vintage” easy-going (read “affordable to the middle-class”) ski area image. Purchased by Vail (of Vail, Colorado), Northstar is in full luxury market upgrade mode, adding high –end shops, linking new developments with exclusive rights to the Ritz and Schaffer’s Camp, and planning to cut ski runs on Sawtooth Mountain whose verticality will do away, finally, with the “Flat Star” label.  Meanwhile, the wine and food kept coming. I was drunk on luxury.

The almost surreal opulence of it all was capped off by the gondola ride back down to the Village at Northstar, a full moon casting blue light over the snowy expanse.

Back home now, I offer you this story, and the skinny on Home Run, because if I had the money, I would buy in immediately. I can see Christmas up there with my parents and maybe the kids I’ll have one day. I can see a week there, just me and my man, in our hot tub sunk deep in the snow. I see summers on my bike, hiking with my dog, and many, many gondola rides to the Ritz.  And remember, I am just a real estate writer and teacher: not only can I actually not afford to buy one, I receive nothing if anyone else can and does, even if that person does so because s/he saw my story. And yes, East West wined and dined the writers. But that was two weeks ago. The wine’s worn off. The food’s digested. I can hardly be asked to give it back should I chose not to write about Mountain Residences.  But why would I choose that, when I can’t stop thinking about how cool they are?

3-4 bedroom, 1,900-3,200 square-foot, Home Run townhomes are priced from $1.6-$2.3 million. East West Partners anticipates Home Run move-ins to begin spring 2012, so that means right now. If you’re lucky enough to be in the market for your own private ski-in/ski out chalet just a short drive from the Bay Area, you should grab Alex, grab your skis, and head to Northstar.

Say hi to Grandpa as you ski by.

[Guest Post By Anna Marie Hibble...THANKS ANNA!]

This property is located at the end (or beginning) of 18th Ave in San Francisco. It can be yours for $3,995,000, and I’d be happy to get you a tour.

-5 beds, 3.75 baths, 5700 square feet, $3,995,000 [MLS]

Are you, or any of your friends, looking for a single family home in Noe or Cole Valleys (or anywhere in San Francisco for that matter)? Are you getting beat out by multiple offers in the over million dollar price range ($1.5M+), and showing up late to the party? Is your Realtor telling you they’re doing all they can (simply checking MLS everyday, which you can do too), but really not delivering? If so, you’re not alone, and I can help.

Within the past couple of months my buyers and readers have known about dozens of properties prior to them going to MLS. To think I share all of them online with everyone is simply silly. For example, my circle of clients knew about 707 Cole, 1027 Cole, 313 Parnassus, 785 Cole, 1340 Cole, 121 Beulah, 471 Duncan, 2975 Lake, and many more. There are also a dozen or so homes that never even made it to MLS and were shown without a hint of market activity, such as a mid-century home in Noe Valley, a grand, modern home on Sanchez, an AIA tour home in Golden Gate Heights, a penthouse stunner in SOMA, and a few others that I can’t recall the address off the top of my head.

Today, I present to you two more opportunities in Cole Valley, one in Nob Hill, and another on Lake Street not on MLS. Nowhere near MLS in fact. Not on PocketListings.net, not in my pocket, and not even on anybody’s radar. They are all single family homes, and they are all at least 2 bedrooms, and close to or over $1,500,000. They are not fixers, they are done, done, done…or turnkey as we like to say.

If you are interested, or know somebody that might be, you gotta contact me directly (alexclark@gmail.com), you gotta be unrepresented, and I’m going to ask you to work with me going forward and sign a written agreement confirming exactly that. No co-agents, no “I’ll work with you if you find me the property”, no “let’s try it out on this deal”…none of that. You either marry me as your agent or you don’t. Not sure if you should? Have a look at some recent testimonials I’ve been gathering and come take the plunge.

Like I’ve said, working with and finding a Realtor you like is like dating. If it’s not working out with one, you are free to leave to find another.

I’m also beginning to dabble in Lake Tahoe real estate, so if you’re interested in a second home, ski pad, lake front property, my finger is finding the pulse of that market too (and I know where all the good powder is).

So feel free to give me a shout, and let’s work on getting you ahead of the pack and into the home of your dreams. I’m also happy to help any of you sellers out there sitting on the fence in these markets. It’s a good time to sell in certain areas and certain price-points. I am at your service and available for consultation.

-Prior off market opportunities I presented [theFrontSteps]
-Testimonials
-Lake Tahoe Ski Cabin [theFrontSteps]

In other news to take us to the weekend, Mark Pincus, co-founder of Zynga, has sold his home at 3855 Washington. It just closed escrow for a mere $8,200,000 (originally asking $8,900,000).

Real estate haters will be quick to point out it spent a “long” time on the market (126 days), and was sold under asking, but I’d like to remind people that might be getting a little bit jaded…we’re talking eight million two hundred thousand dollars here folks! You think they’re trading that kind of property in Kansas!

Happy Aloha Friday. Enjoy the weekend. I’m out…and playing “Words With Friends”.

p.s. The buyer of this home, just like 2701 Broadway, came from a Zephyr Real Estate agent. Just sayin’….

Break out the bubbly, and call it all cash (pocket change really), some new billionaires are moving to Broadway’s Billionaire Row.

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To the gentleman that said to me when visiting this home at 3577 Pacific (before it came on the market) “Zephyr Real Estate doesn’t have clients for this…” You’re right, Zephyr has clients for this instead. Congratulations to Anna and Dennis of Zephyr Real Estate for bringing the buyer to 2701 Broadway.

Just need that invitation to the housewarming party, and we’ll bring the Cazadores for fresh lime margaritas on the deck overlooking San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the beautiful Bay!

-2701 Broadway, 7 bed, 7 bath, 16,400 sqft, asking $28,500,000 [MLS]
-Kirk Hammett Finds Buyer For His Pacific Heights Monster Den [theFrontSteps]

This is big news. According to SFLuxe, the Penthouse I reported on back in July that occupies roughly 20,000 square feet of the Luxury St. Regis Hotel in downtown San Francisco has found a buyer.

How’s that for a Merry Christmas!

The San Francisco Association of Realtors Market Focus Report begins now:

Although these fall months are not typically known for high real estate activity, this year has proven otherwise, with strong pockets of movement occurring throughout the city, keeping the market active during these shorter days. Families have been rushing to purchase and settle into their new homes to prepare for the holiday season and upcoming year.

Single-Family Homes

As the number of homes for sale fell throughout the city by 27.3 percent compared to November 2010, the number of homes under contract this past month rose by 21.1 percent, while the number of homes sold rose by a substantial 22.3 percent. For properties that were priced below $700,000, the months of supply inventory dropped by 67.8 percent to 1.3 months. For properties priced between $700,000 and $1.2 million, the months of supply inventory fell by 12.1 percent to 2.8 months. Readings between one and four months typically indicate a seller’s market, where sellers have more negotiating power over home buyers.

One part of the city which continues to experience healthy sales activity is the central district that provides ample shelter from San Francisco’s famous fog and is one of the city’s sunnier regions. Since November 2010, the number of homes sold has risen considerably by 60 percent to a total of 40 properties. From the colorful neighborhoods of Haight Asbury and the Castro, to the more contemporary and family-friendly Noe Valley, to the posh and upscale Clarendon Heights, this part of the city offers a diverse array of housing opportunities for just about any home buyer.

Another area of the city which saw heightened sales activity is the southern part of the city that stretches from San Francisco City College to beyond Candlestick Park. Compared to this time last year, the number of homes under contract in this district has risen by a whopping 80 percent, while the number of homes sold has increased by 58.3 percent to a total of 57 properties. Some of the neighborhoods in the area, such as the Excelsior and Mission Terrace, offer a suburban feel, easy access to public transportation, and some of the best prices in the city, which makes them great locations for first-time home buyers.

Condominium Sales

Although the number of condominiums for sale fell throughout the city by 37.2 percent compared to November 2010, the number of condominiums under contract rose by 17.7 percent and the number of condominiums sold increased by 23.1 percent. For condominiums that were priced between $500,000 and $900,000, the months of supply inventory contracted by 61.4 percent to a reading of 2.2 months. For luxury condominiums priced above $900,000, the months of supply inventory decreased, by 49.8 percent to 2.6 months.

One part of the city which experienced a robust increase in condominium sales activity is the central-eastern part of town, whose landscape continues to evolve from its former warehouse and factory occupied streets. Since November of last year, the number of condominiums sold has jumped by 56.4 percent, from 39 units to a total of 61. The central-eastern district includes such neighborhoods as up-and-coming South Beach, home to AT&T Park and some of the most stylish condominiums in the city, as well as SOMA (South of Market) and Yerba Buena, which has seen an infusion of moderately priced condominiums in recent years.

Outlook

The Conference Board reports that consumer confidence surged in November to its highest level since July, a sign that Americans may be more willing to spend. The Conference Board said that its consumer confidence index climbed by 15 points in November to 56 points, the highest it has been since a reading of 59.2 this past summer. Although still well below a reading of 90, which indicates an economy on solid footing, the confidence numbers are encouraging.

According to the State Employment Development Department, the statewide and local job outlook continues to improve as California’s unemployment rate dropped for the second straight month in October to 11.7 percent. Bay Area counties were all below the State average, including San Francisco, which dropped to 8.1 percent from 8.3 percent the prior month.

As the cost of renting in the city continues to rise, and with the average rent currently at $2,572, more and more people should be considering owning a home. There are a variety of rent vs. buy calculators available online and anyone of them can be used to help with a decision as to whether to rent or buy.

As local tech companies like Zynga and Yelp prepare for initial public offerings, more and more of their employees are looking towards owning a home in San Francisco. Reuters reports that recent competitive bidding in some neighborhoods has pushed home prices up more than 15 percent from last year in some areas such as Noe Valley, SOMA and Potrero Hill.

With the improving economy and surge in pending sales, 2012 is likely to see a stronger San Francisco real estate market than what buyers and sellers have been accustomed to since 2008.

-San Francisco Association of Realtors Market Focus Report

I mentioned this one a bit ago, and you can’t deny it “sounds” wonderful. But we never had a look inside the home, let alone inside the gates. That is until now.

Have a look at Villa De Montaña in St. Helena an let your imagination soar!

Currently not marketed on MLS, this home is on 20+ acres and surrounded by 1,000 acres of the Mayacama Mountains. Asking $16,950,000, it is a 32 room estate with 2 master suites, 4 guest suites, 3 offices, 10 bathrooms, a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, breakfast room, sun room, wine cellar, exercise studio, library, and the list goes on and on.

Although not decorated to my standards, the home is quite lovely indeed, especially this killer patio…

I’d love to come visit you on occasion and (insert British accent here) sip a lovely glass of Napa Valley wine on your lovely estate, and marvel at the exquisitely manicured grounds, enjoy delicious meals from your private chef, and form extraordinary friendships with your undoubtedly, absolutely delightful friends. Cheers…

For more details, visit Villa De Montaña, St. Helena, $16,950,000 on PocketListings.net.

-More Wanderlust [theFrontSteps]

Moving on down the roads a bit toward the city center, we stumble across this little home recently listed on MLS at 2020 Jackson asking $20,000,000.

“The distinguished & historical Hellman Mansion is located in a prominent Pac Hts location, nr Lafayette Park. The Classical Revival estate, designed circa 1902 by Julius Krafft, was thoughtfully restored maintaining the architect’s original masterpiece, a harmonious blend of grand design, elegant appointments, modern comfort and impeccable renovation. On four impressive levels, accessible by elevator, this 8BR/7+BA home is a rare jewel. Magnificently proportioned living & dining rooms, grand terraces, sumptuous master suite wing, double winding stair, 7 frplcs, au pair suite, main and catering kitchens, media room, family room, family dining, wine cellar, salon and library. Solar. Stunning north & east bay views w/Alcatraz, Angel Is & Marin.”

That’s a lot of 20′s no matter how you slice it, but I gotta wonder if their vision is 20/20 on this one. Last sold 2004 for $15,000,000, it will be interesting to see if this magnificent slice of prime San Francisco real estate on Jackson will see one million Jacksons or one million Hamiltons alongside another million Lincolns.

Speaking of price reductions and a lesson in (price) history…remember 2845 Broadway?

“A legend in the making…a Gold Coast Masterpiece. Clad in French limestone an exquisite Neoclassical style villa with stunning Golden Gate and Bay views, garden and a guest house with 19th Century Italian tile roof comprise this unique compound spanning two lots from Broadway to Pacific. One of the world’s finest residential addresses. Currently under construction, this property presents a unique opportunity to complete an architectural masterpiece in one of the City’s most prestigious locations.”

(Previously) under construction indeed, and originally listed on the MLS in March of 2006 for $65,000,000, we see that history is telling us there really isn’t any property in San Francisco selling for that kind of cash. A+ location or not, we’re talking an unfinished multi-million dollar mansion…and you don’t even get a pool! Maybe a MASSIVE diving board on the patio could afford several mile high flips into the bay. Just wear a helmet.

Finally, moving ever so much closer to downtown, we come to 2323 Hyde on the corner of Hyde and Lombard right at the crest…you know where all the tourists stand in the street, take photos, play Frogger, hop on and off the cable car, and generally get in the way? Yeah, it’s right there.

“This beautiful home was commissioned by Fanny Osborn-Stevenson, the widow of author Robert Louis Stevenson. It is a Willis Polk design and it was built in 1900. It has been meticulously renovated. Complete with mature Landscaped Garden, Roof Terrace & Patio. 4 Car Parking and Elevator to all floors. A true San Francisco Masterpiece.”

Look beyond the (fill in the blank) interior decorations and focus on the property. It’s a beauty in a great location, and it’s also been recently reduced in price from $15,000,000 to a much more reasonable and potentially bidding war price of $14,900,000. Hurry! It’s only been on the market 345 days!

Happy multi million dollar and Metal Monday! I wonder if Axl would want one of these…

-2500 Broadway [MLS]
-2020 Jackson [MLS]
-2845 Broadway [MLS]
-2323 Hyde [MLS]
-Multi-Million Dollar Properties Of Note
-St. Regis Penthouse Was $70,000,000 Now $35,000,000 [theFrontSteps]

Two Hundred Brannan #328 is on the MLS asking $2,495,000. Is that a fair price you ask? Well, considering a very similar unit directly above hit the market about one year ago at $2,800,000, and found itself in contract shortly after and closed for $2,700,000, I’d have to say yes, and I’d love to come to your house warming party.

As always, if you’d like more information about this or any San Francisco property, you know what to do.

-As soon as it hits MLS, I’ll put the link right here. Deal? Poof! Here it is.