by Alexander Clark via YouTube and Humboldt State University School of Economics Amongst the sea of utterly useless bits of crappy real estate videos on YouTube, I was able to find this very informational piece that made me wish I was back in Santa Barbara attending a lecture. (Okay, maybe it was the carefree lifestyle … Continue reading Real Estate Bubbles and California’s Economic Growth, Part 1
Category: General Info
The first step to remodeling
by Rik Goodell: Before calling contractors for a remodel project or an addition, do your homework so you’re ready when they get there. Talk it over with your partner (husband, wife, lover, live-in, significant other…these things were easier to write when I still thought “PC” meant personal computer). Make a list of what each of … Continue reading The first step to remodeling
“A new way to tap equity without going into debt”
If ever there was a headline that caught our attention, this was it, “A new way to tap equity without going into debt”. On Friday, Carolyn Said of the SF Chronicle did an article about a new company, Rex & Co. that “bills itself as the first company offering a way to make home equity … Continue reading “A new way to tap equity without going into debt”
Re-run: NYTimes Interactive Graph, rent vs. buy
It seems we have many, many new readers who may or may not have seen our original post as to whether it is better to rent or buy. In some of your comments regarding the “California Real Estate Crisis” , the topic has come up again, so we thought we’d give you another shot at playing … Continue reading Re-run: NYTimes Interactive Graph, rent vs. buy
What a buzz-kill, but does it apply to San Francisco?
Thanks to our Reader DL for sending this in. We we were not going to post it, because we really don’t feel it has any bearing on the current San Francisco market (things could always change), but it is another point of reference for you. What do you think? “California’s Real Estate Crisis Will Be … Continue reading What a buzz-kill, but does it apply to San Francisco?
Learning Something about BMRs for Infinity and 888 Seventh
Recently, we reported about the brisk selling of the BMR (Below Market Rate) units at 888 Seventh Street, and how they were snatched up in a matter of seconds. Thanks to a reader’s inquiry in the comments of that post, we dug a little deeper and learned that of those 170 BMR units, only 27 … Continue reading Learning Something about BMRs for Infinity and 888 Seventh
A Very Simple Explanation of the Complex 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange
We recently received a few questions about 1031 Exchanges, and the short answer…they’re pretty simple, but also complicated. ;-) How’s that for a politician’s answer? Joking aside, we thought this brief description from The Money Alert was pretty good. “Established for real estate barons and tycoons, 1031 exchanges have been around since the 1920s. Named for … Continue reading A Very Simple Explanation of the Complex 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange
The Potrero: Developer’s Specials
Our friends at The Potrero, Potrero Hill’s newest development with prices starting at $404,880 for a studio, and working their way up from there for one and two bedroom condos, and two and three bedroom townhomes, have decided to release a few “developer’s specials”, and you’re hearing it here first. [Update: they just hit MLS.] … Continue reading The Potrero: Developer’s Specials
Ask an Expert (Elaine Larkin), Comparing Condo to SFR in NOPA
“My wife and I live in NOPA and I look forward to hearing your take on the area in your Tour de SF. One question – when comps are listed for condos v. single family homes, do you think it’s fair to ascribe additional value to condos that are housed in a former single family … Continue reading Ask an Expert (Elaine Larkin), Comparing Condo to SFR in NOPA
Ask an Expert (Alexander Clark), Investment Property in Mission Bay?
“Can I ask what your opinion is about buying an investment property down at the mission bay area now? You know, the ones like on King or Berry street. Do you think those prices are coming down and do you think they will come down? I saw on your last “sold” list, they were all … Continue reading Ask an Expert (Alexander Clark), Investment Property in Mission Bay?
Rent vs. Buy…the old debate…in an interactive graph
A few readers sent us this totally cool link, and so we must post for it you. Is It Better to Buy or Rent? Compare the costs of renting and buying equivalent homes. Click CALCULATE each time you change an entry. We had some fun with this for a while. Make sure to tweak the sliders. … Continue reading Rent vs. Buy…the old debate…in an interactive graph
Public School Assignments are in
So you move to San Francisco, you get out-bid on your first home, then again on your second, and finally you get the home of your dreams, a TIC that just won the condo conversion lottery. You’re excited about the neighborhood, you’ve seen the school down the street, and Wham! Reality hits. Your child might … Continue reading Public School Assignments are in
Ask an Expert, to rent or not (this is a doozy)
“I recently purchased a building consisting of two flats. I did a quick refurbishment of the interior and currently need to find tenants. HOWEVER, I may end up doing something vastly different with the property in the near future. As such, I can’t offically rent out the units under a contract because I may need … Continue reading Ask an Expert, to rent or not (this is a doozy)
“California has a lot of strengths, but even so, we’re seeing more of our young people relocate out of state,”
Very concerning quote indeed. BizJournals Article, but look at the alternatives…Wichita, Kansas? No thanks. 10 Most Affordable Markets-You won’t find us in any of those places. 10 Least Affordable Markets-Guess which city is on top? Damn! How’d you know. [All articles taken from http://www.bizjournals.com…a highly recommended publication!] No they didn’t pay us for that.
Annual Allowable Rent Increase Announced
“Rent Board Adjusts Annual Allowable Rent Increase and Interest Payable on Security Deposits The annual allowable rent increase for the period March 1, 2007, through February 29, 2008, has been announced by the city’s Rent Board. The allowable rent increase is 1.5 percent. The amount is based on 60 percent of the increase in the … Continue reading Annual Allowable Rent Increase Announced
Getting back your investment on “non-bling system upgrades”
The following information is provided to you by Rik Goodell of Goodell Structural Services. Maybe you’ve got a contractor’s heart. How to tell? Okay, here’s a sure sign: If you are the type who has upgraded (read: spent thousands $$$ on) your home but you can’t tell by looking at it, then the bucks have … Continue reading Getting back your investment on “non-bling system upgrades”