When a home like 140 Upper Terrace Terrace sells for a million dollars over the asking price, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what just happened. The property was listed at $3,995,000 and closed just six days later for $4,995,000 in an all-cash deal. A sale like this isn’t an accident; it’s the result of a special property meeting a buyer who was ready to make a decisive move.  

First, you have to look at the house itself. It’s a 1913 Edwardian, and being fully detached is a significant point of value in a city of attached homes. It has the kind of classic layout people love, but the feature that really sets it apart is the private elevator servicing every level. For a multi-story home on a hillside, an elevator completely changes the equation. It opens the door to a wider group of potential buyers, from those planning to stay in their home for the long haul to multi-generational families. It’s a practical feature that makes a historic home accessible, and in a market where certain properties are hard to come by, anything that expands the buyer pool has a big impact. Of course, you can’t talk about this property without mentioning the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, which are simply irreplaceable.  

Then there’s the neighborhood, Buena Vista/Ashbury Heights. It’s one of those spots that perfectly balances being a quiet residential area with being just a stone’s throw from the energy of Haight-Ashbury and Cole Valley. The streets are quiet, and you have Buena Vista Park right there, which feels like a huge, shared backyard for the whole community. It’s this combination of tranquility and access that people are constantly searching for in the city. A great house is one thing, but a great house in a neighborhood that offers this kind of lifestyle is what takes it to another level. The all-cash, quick-close offer wasn’t just a strong bid; it was a strategic move to take a prized asset off the market before anyone else had a chance. It’s a perfect case study of how a unique property, a sought-after neighborhood, and an assertive buyer can come together to produce a truly remarkable sale.  

A sale like this is a great reminder of what’s possible in the San Francisco market. If you’re thinking about your own next move, whether buying or selling, I’d be happy to talk through a strategy that works for you. Feel free to reach out.