theFrontSteps – San Francisco

This is one for the community: I love your blog. I just moved here from NYC a week ago and it’s been an invaluable resource. I just found a rental that I love, [removed]. Gorgeous views, built in 1939 or so. Problem is, a friend from SF pointed out that it’s a “downhill home.” (I’d [...]

This just came to me by way of email. Hypothetical question. Assume a house burned down and a firefighter died a few days later from his injuries. Same for a contractor falling from the roof or any other work related accident on the property. What are the consequences regarding the disclosures of a subsequent sale? [...]

[Written by "Eddy":] One thirty seven Buelah is one of those homes that just screams San Francisco charm and it has all the makings for what many families are looking for in a home here in the city (e.g., curb appeal, close to shopping, parking, etc.) It’s no wonder that this property closed escrow back [...]

A resident’s plea to keep the sidewalk clean and free of stuff (like dog stuff?) , or as the owner/tenant put it, “No gross stuff/litter, needless honking, speeding, or menus!” But wait…it gets better. Same owner/tenant and their sidewalk… …and their entryway… One has to think we might have a candidate here for A&E’s disturbing [...]

From a reader in the comments: I looked at the MLS sales volume and median sales prices year over year today, and sales volume is up about 38% for SFRs and condo/TICs, from 1354 in 2009 to 1875 in 2010. Median price is also up across just about all price tiers I looked at, which [...]

Hey guys, I’m looking for commercial property in or near SF to buy or lease. I have been working with a broker out of San Mateo for the past year. Still haven’t found the property. Immediate need is a place to park, wash, & dump bus toilets by June 1. Long term want is same [...]

From our reader: Greetings, I’m looking to enlist your support in some public shaming. You can also point-out the utility of installing a video camera system during a renovation This Grinch stole the Christmas wreath from the front door of my house early Friday morning. She looks like a fairly put-together person, why is she [...]

If we had a penny for how many times we get asked to provide sales comps for clients/readers that are hoping to lower their property taxes, and how many times we get asked for tips on how to be successful doing so, we’d be millionaires! So, the “Financial Samurai” has come to our rescue by [...]

The email: Editor- Take a look at this Cole Valley condo. Purchased in April 2005 for $800,000, relisted [11 days ago] for $749,000. No upgrades, no permit history, save for a new roof. I would prefer to remain anonymous. Thanks. Anonymous you shall remain, thankful we shall be to all of the readers, including you, [...]

My recent almost first time buyer identity was shattered by a disturbing disclosure. Or rather, by a failure to to disclose the disclosures. A Realtor, who shall remain nameless (and is in Portland, OR, anyway), had us almost in contract before I ever lay eyes on the disclosures, at which time I discovered 1. Lead [...]