“What are my options to sell my property right now?” – During Shelter in Place


I’m getting this question a lot these days. The answer is simple. Right now and until the Shelter in Place is lifted, you have one option: 1. Sell it virtually. See my post on that, including important details and updates specific to San Francisco County. It’s not easy, and it’s not ideal for you, the … Continue reading “What are my options to sell my property right now?” – During Shelter in Place

San Francisco / Bay Area Latest Earthquakes, Liquefaction, Landslide, and Soft Story Round Up


The ground has been shaking a little bit lately (Did you feel that one?) in the San Francisco / Bay Area, so we thought it pertinent to dial in your Earthquake and Liquefaction Zone knowledge by way of some great Bay Area Liquefaction maps we have shared in the past. It’s a common question among … Continue reading San Francisco / Bay Area Latest Earthquakes, Liquefaction, Landslide, and Soft Story Round Up

Housing Affordability and Market Corrections


A look at San Francisco Bay Area housing affordability trends over time and how they intersect with real estate market corrections: The 2008 San Francisco Bay Area real estate crash was not caused just by a local affordability crisis: It was triggered by macro-economic events in financial markets which affected real estate markets across the … Continue reading Housing Affordability and Market Corrections

Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 2: Get New Listings Fed To You Automatically


Yesterday, we educated you on the first and most important step in the San Francisco home buying process, so today we’re moving on… Step 2 – Get New Listings Fed To You Automatically (via Email or Text) Our market moves fast, and so must you. You might have thought the next step would be to … Continue reading Buying A Home In San Francisco – Step 2: Get New Listings Fed To You Automatically

Stump The Stammtisch, Where Readers Ask, Experts Answer: “If A Shooting Occurred Where The Victim Died…”


I used to do a thing a long time ago called “Stump the Stammtisch“, where readers could write in and my (then) panel of experts would share their answers in the comments below (Think Trulia Voices, before Trulia existed). I changed it up to “Ask Us“, and received considerable response to many a question. But … Continue reading Stump The Stammtisch, Where Readers Ask, Experts Answer: “If A Shooting Occurred Where The Victim Died…”

When San Francisco Shakes, People Search For Bedrock And Landfill


Check out the top search terms for theFrontSteps since this second Berkeley quake hit about one hour ago. It appears there is a bit of concern out there given the recent one on top of the other quakes over there near Berkeley. I believe this is the post y’all are looking for: San Francisco Neighborhoods … Continue reading When San Francisco Shakes, People Search For Bedrock And Landfill

Ask: I Want To Rent A Home Built On “Those Stilt Kind Of Things”…


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 … Continue reading Ask: I Want To Rent A Home Built On “Those Stilt Kind Of Things”…

Ask Us: Death “On” Property Or Not? Should You Disclose?


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? … Continue reading Ask Us: Death “On” Property Or Not? Should You Disclose?

About That $8000 Tax Credit, What If I Foreclose Before 3 Years Occupancy?


Remember that fun little $8000 tax credit the government was handing out to boost our economy? Well, what if you can’t stay in your home long enough to avoid paying it back? If you were a first time homeowner in California, and received the $8,000 credit. To keep from having to pay it back, one … Continue reading About That $8000 Tax Credit, What If I Foreclose Before 3 Years Occupancy?

Ask Us: My Property’s Value Decreased, How Can I Lower My Property Taxes?


I’ve been asked (variations of) this question countless times: I am pretty sure the value of my home has reduced however the property taxes have not reduced. Can you help me with this process and if so what is your typical fee for this service. My home is in San Francisco. My reply: Hello, Thank … Continue reading Ask Us: My Property’s Value Decreased, How Can I Lower My Property Taxes?

Can I Buy A Sub $400,000 Home In San Francisco? Suprisingly…Yes!


Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer… I found your blog while researching San Francisco. My husband and I presently live in Texas, but want to move to San Francisco. We have two dogs (bulldog, and Labradoodle). We would love to have a fireplace, great view, outside balcony, and a place for … Continue reading Can I Buy A Sub $400,000 Home In San Francisco? Suprisingly…Yes!

Sutro Tower “Radiation” & “Not On MLS” Opportunity On Palo Alto Ave


Being a Realtor here at Zephyr Real Estate, we are constantly hit up with questions from colleagues trying to find answers for their clients. (Funny how we’re expected to know everything and have all the answers outside of what a quick Google, Yahoo!, or Bing search might turn up for you (just sayin’)). Since we … Continue reading Sutro Tower “Radiation” & “Not On MLS” Opportunity On Palo Alto Ave

Ask Us/Poll: Should I Put Music “On” A Property Website


We just got this question moments ago and a link to a couple different sites…all the same really, just playing different cheezy music. The question: I’m signing up a listing for a new property you’ll want to take a look at. The photos turned out great, and the property is awesome! My question is do … Continue reading Ask Us/Poll: Should I Put Music “On” A Property Website

Ask Us: Type Of License Needed To Be A Property Manager In California?


Where readers ask, and we (the community) try to answer: To folks reading this blog: In California, do you need a real estate broker’s license in order to be property manager? Or just a real estate agent’s license? Or no license needed? Thanks. David David, As far as we know, and you’ll want to consult … Continue reading Ask Us: Type Of License Needed To Be A Property Manager In California?

Can I Get Some Comps To Support My Fight To Lower My Assessed Value (& Property Taxes)


The pennies keep piling up for reader requests to us for help on reducing property taxes and providing comps to support such claims, so we’ll go ahead and print a couple of the latest and the new boiler plate reply we’ll be sending along: Hi – I was wondering you could point me in the … Continue reading Can I Get Some Comps To Support My Fight To Lower My Assessed Value (& Property Taxes)